February 9, 2010
Cardboard? Have another look – it is! When I see innovative design like this it reminds me that I can either focus on what I don’t have – or instead, focus on what is attainable and available, and put it to good use! Found via Orange Pop Design.
~Posted by: Amy
January 30, 2010
Hope you’re having a wonderful weekend! If it’s snowing where you live, here are some images to remind you that summer really isn’t so far off. When Mina commented on Handmade Evolution earlier this week – I took a peek at her lovely work and knew I had to feature it… Her current collection is a blast of sunshine – and I wish I could put myself right into one of her wonderful photos. See them all for yourself right here.
~Posted by: Amy
January 28, 2010
When I was new to decorating, I thought there was either Ikea, or the gorgeous furniture stores that required a second mortgage to get a new bedroom set. So glad I’ve been educated now by seeing all the wonderful items available on Etsy and at local vintage shops. Some fresh paint, the right accessories, refinished furniture, craigslist, and you can do a lot with a room without breaking the bank. In the long run it’s also an opportunity to do some good for the planet too – vintage is wonderfully eco-friendly and when you purchase from local artisans or sellers who live closer to you, this means a shorter distance the goods have to travel – which can only be a good thing. The above images are from Country Living and Better Homes and Gardens.
The below items are all from Le Vintage Maison – now I’m wondering how I hadn’t found this shop earlier. Searched for Lotus Bowls on Etsy and voila, there you have it. Even more fun for me, Jill lives in Omaha – the city next to my family’s home in Iowa.
I’d love to hear your money saving tips and clever decorating ideas!
~Posted by: Amy
January 26, 2010
No deep thoughts or musings from me today! Just some fun finds for the home… I think many of you are already familiar with Supermarket – I thought of it today and of course began to look at this and that and here and there. The site has tons of amazing design talent all in one place. It’s similar to etsy in that you are purchasing directly from the designer themself, but different in that the site is curated. On etsy anyone is free to set up a shop – with Supermarket, designers must submit their work for acceptance. Here are a few of my finds from the time I spent browsing today…
1). Pata Pri 2). Avril Loretti 3). Delica
~Posted by: Amy
January 21, 2010
Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about the creative process – how it works for me, and wondering how it works for others. For me it comes down to being in the right frame of mind – which can be tough to control at times. Every day is different, but when I’m starting a new project for a web design client there are those moments when you stare at your white computer screen canvas and the only feeling you know is doubt. At this point some self-reassurance comes into play and I start trying things, fiddling and moving things around until I look at the screen and it feels “right” to me… If I’m really stumped I’ll have someone else take a look and see what they think. I’ve been a web designer for a few years now and haven’t really worked on projects for myself much – starting this blog and opening an etsy shop have changed that. Both have brought me so many fresh moments of inspiration that pop up here and there, usually at very unexpected intervals! It’s caused me to appreciate other people’s work even more, and to recognize the beauty in small every day moments to a greater degree.
That’s why I chose this photographer from Etsy to share today, the talented 18 year old Hannah of honey and jam – her pictures all speak of those small but wonderful moments. They don’t need to cost much money to be worth a lot. I feel like I can put myself and someone who is dear to me in each of these photos, we’d be enjoying time away from work and our computers – outside, just soaking in the day!
I’d love to hear what inspires you in your day to day life – or as you challenge yourself creatively…
~ Amy
January 20, 2010
Recently a family member visited the apartment my husband I share – and his first remark, looking at our choice of paint colors was: “It’s very white”… There’s this part of me that would like to break out and paint an accent wall like the above photo – but I do like the peaceful hues of our beige walls – not white, “beige” I told him! You’ll probably see a lot more home/nesting/relaxing type images coming from me the next little while as I try to kick my cold. I’ve found myself drawn to anything along these lines the last few days!
I’d love to hear from someone who has painted an accent wall and added decals (the ones above are from Popwall) and if they were happy with the end result. Have a peek at those candles from lilsprout too – each one is organic and made fresh to order. I finished off my dream room with some cute ruffled pillows from Hettle.
~Posted by: Amy
January 18, 2010
Big thanks to everyone who participated in our contest this last week – we were pleased to receive so many comments from you! Congrats to the winner, Shell Reinhart – we’ll be emailing you to get your address so we can send you the Alyssa Ettinger lantern that you’ve won.
January 14, 2010
Too true! I know chalkboard paint has really made the rounds the last several months but I couldn’t resist sharing this image I found in January’s Style at Home. Not only is the image on the wall beautiful but homeowners Chad Farquharson and Wayne McGill share how they achieved this unique look. After painting the feature wall with a few coats of chalkboard paint they used a multimedia projector to superimpose and trace the images you see on the wall. I love this idea and also the versatility that a wall like this affords.
~Posted by: Amy
January 13, 2010
Cozy, snug, peaceful, beautiful, bright, airy and lovely – these pillows from Going Home to Roost are a perfect compliment to any home’s decor. I love the whimsical feel of the flora and fauna inspired designs like antlers, ferns, birds, bees. They’re the perfect way to bring the outside indoors and add some natural texture and bright colours to your couch, chair or bed! The simple and chic designs are skillfully crafted by Bonnie, who carefully cuts and sews each felt piece by hand. Far from simply being stylish, Going Home to Roost’s pillows are made using wool felt that is as soft and cozy as it is eco-friendly. You can also stop by Bonnie’s blog to find loads of beautiful and inspirational images of nature, style and handmade.
~ Posted by: Amy
