Good things come to those who wait...

Holy smokes, yesterday was a design success!  My seven and a half month, pregnant friend finally decided she's ready to get started on her nursery! About time, right? 

We balance each other out nicely. I'm the "Quick, quick! Let's get it done NOW!" type person and she's the "Oh, it'll get done eventually...no worries," type person. We marvel at our friendship quite often. Maybe it's the good 'ol opposites attract theory?

Here are the bones of what we created: 

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What nursery would be complete without a few DIY projects? Want to know what we've got up our sleeves...see that golf club up above? It's going to turn into fun letter art. Oh yeah, and let's make some book shelves out of spice racks. Don't forget the spray paint. That's definitely on the shopping list. Cute little putting green baskets full of golf balls and tees...yes, please! Ummm, argyle? Never painted that on a wall, but let's give it a try.

Cross your fingers that our plans are successful and not a big, fat flop! Decorating is all about trial and error though, so I'm sure we'll run into a few snags. I've come to the conclusion that some of the best designs come out of roadblocks. Want to know why? These roadblocks force you to think outside of the box and stretch yourself.

So here's what we're up against:

Want to know what else I love about Katie? She's totally cool with me showing off her "lived-in" room. No way would she make me promise to let you guys know what an amazing mom, friend, sister, wife, neighbor, etc. she is despite her teeny tiny tendency to be a bit messy!

Like whatcha see? Let's start planning your room...contact me so we can get started.

How to make Iced Branches

Happy Monday, friends! We're coming off of a weekend full of rain! Yea! Happy dances all around. I was hoping we'd buy our Christmas tree this weekend but we put it off since lugging a soggy tree home was less than appealing. Hopefully, we'll check this one off the to-do list in the next couple of days.

I spent the day painting on Friday and I'm very excited to share the progress of our built-in sometime this week. I left you with a big tease over the weekend, but I've got a little more work to do before the big reveal!

In the meantime, how about something that sparkles to hold your attention?! Iced branches are beautiful and help to create a whimsical atmosphere when used in Christmas decorating. I ran across a great tutorial that was just screaming to be passed on.

How to make Iced Branches:

Iced Branches via Save on Crafts

Materials

• Tree branches
• Aleenes Tacky Glue
• Colorfill Diamond Vase Filler 1 lb by Garden Splendor or 2 lb size  

Step 1.

Place a sheet of newspaper down for a work area. Pour a pile of Colorfill Diamonds (and German glass glitter for extra sparkle) in the center. 

Step 2.

Place tacky glue on the branches and smooth it out along the branch(not in big clumps). Then fold the paper slightly then roll the branch in the Diamonds (and glitter). Let set for about 45 minutes. Now work on the opposite side of the branch. Wait 1/2 hour and you have ice covered branches. Easy as that!

Need a visual? Here ya go...

Curly Willow Branches

German Glass Glitter

ColorFill Diamond Vase Filler

Think of the possibilities! Mantles, vases, porches...the list goes on. Don't limit yourself to branches, this process would also work on decorative balls or sparkly pinecones, just to name a few.

I hope there's some sparkle in your day today, friends. 

If you'd like help creating something wonderful in your own house, contact me. Did you know e-design is available? Put it on your Christmas list today...design gift certificates!

Linking to: The Shabby Nest

                   The Corson Cottage

Inspiration Pieces

When I'm helping a client, one of the first things I like to find out is what inspires them. I encourage them to pull pictures that "speak" to them. You know, something that just makes your heart smile. It doesn't have to be a picture of a room, it can be anything! "Like what?" you ask. Well, artwork or your favorite outfit, maybe a plant or even a pillow. What about a grove of trees or a setting sun? Anything, I tell ya!

I ran across this cool piece of art and thought it would be perfect to show you exactly what I mean.

etsy

This talented artist took tree stumps, sliced thin pieces and painted awesome accents on them to enhance the natural rings. 

How do you design an entire room around this? 

Key elements: 

*Your color scheme is a no brainer in this instance. Pick several colors to be your dominant colors then use the others as accents. The artist has done the hard work for you already by picking paint colors that compliment each other.

*The fact that these are tree stumps help you bring in a natural element to the room. Repeat this element somewhere else in your room. It doesn't have to be literal, the repetition can be through the use of other natural fibers. 

*It's a rustic piece of art so when decorating your room throw in a little glam to make it a bit off-balanced. You might think this doesn't make sense, but honestly, it'll be the reason people will remember your room. Following this advice will create interest in the space.

So, let's take a look at how the above piece of art can be used as an inspiration piece and thus have an entire room designed around it.

1) paint color  2) fabric for drapery

Now it's time for you to see if I'm practicing what I'm preaching. Check the board to see how I did!

I'd love to help you design a room in your home. Edesign is now available! Please contact me for pricing. I can't wait to see what your inspiration piece will be!