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Summer Lighting

23 May

© Tulipanka Photography (Glowing Jar Project - From Panka With Love}

As silly as it sounds, there’s very little that makes me more excited for summer than the thought of sitting outside under a canopy of Christmas lights with a glass of wine and good company.

I’m beginning to think that these amazing little DIY jar lights from From Panka With Love might be even better. I stumbled across them on Pinterest this weekend, and I immediately had a flashback to the summers I used to spend chasing fireflies around my grandma’s neighborhood in Indiana.

The jars sound relatively easy to make, although like one commenter said, five hours for the larger jar seems like a bit much. Even if you just stick to the small variety, these would be such a beautiful addition to any evening summer hangout, don’t you think?

{Photo © Tulipanka Photography}

Just in Case

16 Apr

DIY Project: Suitcase Vanity and Towel Holder - Design Sponge

I missed last month’s Rose Bowl Flea Market, but I have just the thing in mind to pick up next month: A cute little suitcase like the one in this adorable DIY from Design Sponge. My bathroom is tragically short on space — and decorations — so I think this would be just the thing to spruce it up!

{Photo via Design Sponge}

Books As Craft Projects?

12 Mar

The Repurposed Library by Lisa Occhipinti

While the idea of destroying a good book for the sake of style makes me sad, I’m a little more lenient about the practice when it comes to books that aren’t so “good.” I find plenty of these: old books that have a beautiful patina or cover, but a subject matter like “Carrot Farmers of the North Atlantic.” In these cases, I think it’s totally justified to make one of the fun and crafty items found in Lisa Occhipinti’s “The Repurposed Library: 33 Craft Projects That Give Old Books New Life.”

In fact, some of these projects just might serve to put these so-so books in the spotlight more than if they were just taking up room on a bookshelf. What do you guys think? Is it OK to turn a book into a craft project?

Valentine’s Day Gifts

31 Jan

I love the Valentine’s Day gift collection that Terrain has put together. It’s full of chic, fun little gifts that you would probably never get for yourself but would love to have if someone else gave them to you. Shakespeare’s sonnets with an adorable cover or chocolate sprinkled with pink salt? Yes, please. These would make beautiful gifts just to give to your girlfriends on Feb. 14–which has always been my favorite way to celebrate the day. :)

{photos via Terrain}

DIY Streamer Backdrop

17 Jan

If you’re having a party, getting married, or just want to set up a fun photo shoot with friends, wouldn’t this ruffly, colorful streamer backdrop make for such a pretty decor piece? You can find the DIY instructions here.

{via 100 Layer Cake}

Graffiti Nouveau

28 Dec

It seems that graffiti has really branched out since my youth. Take “yarnbombing” for instance. It’s a new graffiti trend that swaps out spray paint for a knitting needle and yarn. I have to say, the results are pretty amazing.

I wonder how long it takes to complete one of these projects. It seems as though yarnbombs must be created by magical elves rather than real people. Either way, I’m in love.

Check out more yarnbomb creations at yarnbombing.com

Saying Thank You

27 Dec

Hope everyone had a lovely Christmas weekend! I successfully ate my heart out and watched Mission: Impossible IV, so yup, I accomplished what I hoped to these past few days.

Now that it’s all over, wouldn’t this card be the cutest way to say thank you to friends and family for their gifts, company, and cheer?

Homeless Gift #6: Worth the Splurge?

14 Dec

Topanga Candle Company

Topanga Candle Company

Ok, so I debated whether to include these in my Homeless Gift list, because the price goes way beyond what most people — including myself — would want to pay for a candle. But I just love this idea so much, I couldn’t go without at least mentioning it.

It’s simple, really. Topanga Candle Company takes beautiful old tins, flasks and copper goods, fills them with wax and a few wicks, and turns them into lovely candles. It’s a great way to give function to these great little pieces of history that might otherwise get buried on a dusty shelf. Topanga will even refill your candle for free.

But you’ll pay a pretty penny for these pretty tins, which range from $30 for a tiny copper salt shaker candle all the way up to $300 for a copper fireplace pot. Most candles are about $80 and you can find a variety of colorful tins that just might be worth the splurge.

Ship & Shape

29 Nov

This is such a great new shop: Ship & Shape offers a carefully edited selection of fine goods, from clothing and home decor to stationery and jewelry, all by hand-picked artists and designers. The site is also perfect for gift-giving since most of the items are unique, affordable, and just downright adorable.

Some favorites: specimen card pack, cosmic wrap, and a lemon thyme bundle necklace.

{via Wit + Delight}

The Joy of Paper Flowers

14 Nov

Paper Flowers via Thuss + Farrell

Paper Flowers via Thuss + Farrell

Paper Flowers via Thuss + Farrell

I’ve recently fallen back in love with paper flowers. I used to adore making these things in school for Mother’s Day and the like, but I didn’t know then that they could look so classy and beautiful if you want them to. Just take a look at these stunners on the equally amazing Plenty of Colour blog (recommended to me today by one of my coworkers).

The creations, made by photography/design company Thuss+Farrell, are nearly as beautiful as the real thing — and they last a whole lot longer. Wouldn’t they be just gorgeous as gift toppers or wedding decorations?

Here’s an easy tutorial on how to make your own.

{Photos via Thuss+Farrell}

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