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Friday, July 29, 2011

Summer Totes - Something for Everyone

This summer is no different from any other in the array of totes available. The season is not over, and you know you will use these every year. They come in different shapes and sizes and a multitude of colors and patterns, something for every budget. 
My daughters have also got their own mini collection depending on the task requirement (piano, library, pool, playdate, ...). Our assortment is hung in the mudroom when not in use and they certainly add some interest to the room (nook, really) that would normally tend to be more functional. Summer can be busy with different activities and events - there is a tote for every occasion for everyone. Here is a small selection.
Anchors Away Beach Bag

Gold Metallic Beach Bag
Diamond-Knit Tote from Anthropologie

Sunscreen & Sandals Beach Bag

Owl tote
Owl Tote from Busydaystudio on Etsy

Feed Guatemala 3  from American Eagle

Wanstead Chambray Tote Bag
Summer Tote in Rainbow Batik
Rainbow Batik Tote from MilkandHoneyHandBags via Etsy

Nautical canvas tote, shoulder bag

These I had picked up for my girls a few months ago from American Eagle


Beautiful Extra Large Beach Bag
Sale... Handmade Leaf Salad Tote Bag, Large Beach Bag, Gym Bag, Picnic Basket, hand coiled and hand wrapped fabric,  Unique


Vera Bradley at ebags

Take your pick!

Thank you for stopping by; please do check back often.
Lisa

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Floral Chandelier - A Work in Progress

I have been working on a fun project for a couple of months. It is being worked on as and when I am able to. This light fixture (pictured below in current location) was bought about twelve years ago for our dining room when we moved from Manhattan to the suburbs.
We have definitely outgrown it but it suited us just fine back then (twelve years ago). The furniture in the room was also different at the time. 

We extended the back of the house about six years ago. As a result, some furniture changed and this chandelier did not suit the room any longer. It was moved through different rooms (eat-in kitchen area, old study) as a fill-in where needed (until something more appropriate was found).  The old study is now Emily's room. Here is another picture of how the fixture looked a couple of months ago.
As you can see it did not work in this room. It either had to be replaced or I had to change the look of it somehow. At first, I decided I would try to embellish it. It had to tie-in to the overall decor of the room and the colors of the decal. For more on the decal  go here.

Strands of beads was my initial idea. Then, while browsing through Michaels one day I caught sight of some fabric petals like these green ones while walking through the wedding aisle.  

I was heading to the paint section I almost walked right by them. I started to think  floral! There were blue, red and pink petals, too. I bought the pink ones first. I wanted to see the color in Emily's room with everything else in it. I went back later for the green petals.

This is how the petals look (not actual size)

I removed the frosted shades from the fixture. Glue gun in hand, I started working on them at the kitchen table creating these floral pieces, just eye-balling the pattern as I went along. I started with a layer of the petals at the top and worked my way down. Fortunately, due to the shape of the shades, this was not difficult.


I tested the look during the day..

and I tested it at night.
 I love how the color changes with the light on!

I needed to cover up the base and build each flower out some more so I purchased the green petals to add on some "leaves" after I added on a fourth layer of pink petals.

I have been back to Michaels several times while working on different projects (constantly multitasking). Again, same aisle by chance, I happened upon some tulle which I decided I could use to wrap around the metal in order to soften the look of the fixture in some way. I realized this could help form a less rigid base for some "stems" I could create with leftover green petals.

Truly this chandelier has been evolving with no real plan or design.

It has been a busy summer so far. The wrapped tulle lies within the base of the chandelier when I am on a break from this project. I am further along with it than the picture below indicates. I wanted the piece to "grow" gradually.  Also, I wanted to find the right fabric/material/bits and pieces to add to it with constant approval from "Client" Em.


I hope to be done soon. I have found some pretty finishing touches for this chandelier which I will share with you in its entirety when it is completed.
 
Stay tuned!

Do you have a fun project you are currently working on? I'd love to hear about it!

Today, I have linked up to the house party at Saved by Suzy. Do link up to read about some more house projects and/or to share your own!
Saved By Suzy


 Thank you for stopping by; please do check back often.
Lisa

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Living In Color - House Sneak Peek

Today, I have linked up to the True Colors Linky Party at the handmade home! Come join in the fun!

The Handmade Home


My personal style is very eclectic. I have lived in a few different countries and I like to travel. This has contributed to and influenced my personal spaces. I love combining modern pieces with timeless treasures; something purchased last week with another gifted many years ago or something created yesterday. And I am constantly changing things around.

Here is a sneak peek at some color within my home. I am naturally drawn to shades of blue and green. Sometimes these colors were a conscious choice and other times, not. I have here a mini collage with a sneak peek at some spaces.



List:
1. A chest bought while on a trip to India.
2. Artwork purchased at a kid's school fundraiser about 8 years ago/Harrisburg Green (Benjamin Moore) walls.
3. Dried flowers on the formal dining table.
4. Front door.
5. Indian block print cushion cover.
6. Multicolored butterfly strand (gift to kids) from Etsy (made in Germany)/Blue Bayou by Benjamin Moore on walls.
7. A Home Goods favorite purchase - vase with relief pattern.
8. Tiled bench from Target/cactus from local Trader Joe's/cobalt vase gifted with flowers from a dinner guest.
9. Green silk framed artwork from Brazil.

So there you have it...my life in color! In time, more will be revealed. Does any of it appeal to you?

Thank you for stopping by; please do check back often.
Lisa




Monday, July 25, 2011

Beach meets Global in South Carolina

We recently spent a week in beautiful, sunny Kiawah Island, SC, a favorite vacation spot. We usually rent a home not far from the beach. As one would expect, these houses are usually decorated in a typical beach style making guests feel right at home and relaxed.

Browsing through a recent edition of Architectural Digest I came across this private home in Folly Beach, SC. The style of the decor I find appealing. Not only does it reflect the environment, creating a home to relax in, but it does so with a global appeal which I love. It's a different approach to a beach theme. A place where old meets new, antique meets contemporary, different styles and colors are blended harmoniously.













All pics via Architectural Digest photos Pieter Estersohn

Who wouldn't want to spend a summer vacation in such a home! Does this style appeal to you?

Thank you for stopping by; please do check back often.
Lisa

Friday, July 22, 2011

The Kids and Artwork Glimpse

Emily turned 10 yesterday. My kids are growing up fast. Any time I spend with them is precious. I plan to spend the day doing regular stuff with them like going to the library, getting rid of the last school year paraphernalia, buying next year's school supplies, and so on. Biking would have been on the list but the heatwave continues. We spent last week on Kiawah Island, SC where the water was perfect - would love to be by that beach today.

My kids are very creative. They love drawing, painting, coloring, sketching, writing (mini) scripts, composing little tunes, you name it. I wanted to give you a glimpse of some artwork they created a few years ago (with assistance). The process will be shared with you later, but for now I leave you with this picture.


Have a great weekend!

Thank you for stopping by; please do check back often.
Lisa