Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Reclaimed Wreckage Work Featured on Examiner.com
Lovely Links From November 2011... Add Yours and Look At Others!
Hi everyone, it's the end of another month!
Which of your posts this month did you enjoy writing the most?
Or, which one had your favourite pictures or story in it?
Link up below and share a pic and link so we can visit with you!
I've linked up a few of my favourite posts! The first one is my visit to the wonderful Craigs Royal Hotel in Ballarat (where I live) for a special 'High Tea' birthday celebration with friends. The second is one of my favourite pics of the last few months, and the third is part 6 of the quote journey around my home, which included a short but very insightful quote from Buddha.
Now, show us yours!!! Nudge nudge, wink wink!
Linda. xxx
******
Please note: Subscribers will need to click through to see the linky tool.
******
Ideas to Decorate a Christmas Tree
In years past, Christmas tree ornaments were collected or made over the years and displayed on trees during the holiday season. Many times ornaments would be handmade and used every year to be passed down from generation to generation. Today the trend is toward theme trees. A certain theme is developed and appears for a year or two on a tree when another theme will be chosen for several more years. There are thousands of themes from which to pick and all make charming Christmas trees.
Color Themes
The easiest Christmas tree theme to create is a color tree. This is where everything on the tree is one color. Red trees are strung with red lights, ribbons and beads. Red ornaments or fake apples can be used and poinsettia blooms and cardinal birds can be perched on the branches. A blue tree will have blue lights and ornaments with blue garland. White trees have clear lights with pearl garland. Ornaments are white or clear glass, white satin covered or clear acrylic snowflakes.
Country Theme
Create a country tree by using rustic looking decorations. Use a red and white checkered tablecloth for the tree skirt. String popcorn and cranberries for garland. Bundle cinnamon sticks and tie with red bows to hang on branches along with gingerbread people and cookie cutters made into ornaments by poking a hole in the top and inserting a tie on which to hang them.
Victorian Theme
Instead of tinsel garland use fabric eyelet or lace to wrap and dip around the branches of the tree. Lights should be clear in order to show off the old fashion glass ornaments with intricate detail. The Victorian era was a time when ephemera, or post cards and other paper ornamentation, was popular. Purchase reproductions of Victorian post cards and cut the figures out decorating them with feathers, beads and other bobbles to hang on the tree.
Vacation Theme
Decorate the tree to reflect a family vacation. Recreate a beach vacation by trimming the tree with sea shells and string blue lights. Use pearls from oysters in the sea as garland. The tree skirt can be made from several grass skirts.
Family Theme
Every person in the family should pick a favorite ornament and place it on a family tree. They should also make several ornaments and these will grow year after year. Place photos of family in tiny frames made with toothpicks or craft sticks to hang on the tree as well.
Unique Themes
Decorate a tree with just candy or place family collections of teddy bears, butterflies, dolls or tiny cars on the branches. Sports items make a good theme or anything else your family loves.
Peachtree Garden Club Christmas Home Tour December 9
Halcyon Oaks, above, is on the National Register of Historic Places and was built in 1921.
Don't miss the Peachtree Garden Club Christmas Home Tour on December 9 from 10am-3pm. Four beautiful houses will be featured. All proceeds go the Peachtree Garden Club Community Fund (a non-profit 501C-3) and all donations are tax deductible. The tour is sponsored by Balentine and Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby's Realty.
This house was built in 1940 and was designed by Pringle and Smith and has been renovated by Bill Litchfield, interiors by Carolyn Malone.
An all time Atlanta favorite, this house was designed by Philip Shutze and built in 1939. Yong Pak renovations and additions.
Filled with beautiful antiques and art, this house was renovated by Norman Askins, interiors by Charlotte Cahoon of Herndon Interiors. Gardens by John Howard Designs.
Tickets, which are $20 in advance and $25 the day of the tour, are available at any house the day of the tour and also may be purchased at the following stores beginning December 1:
Boxwood Garden and Gifts
100 E. Andrews Drive
Atlanta, GA 30305
Nadeau/Furniture with a soul
2349 Peachtree Road/Peachtree Battle Shopping Center
Atlanta, GA 30305
Erika Reade Ltd.
3732 Roswell Road
Atlanta, GA 30342
Tootsie’s, Inc.
3400 Around Lenox Rd NE # 219
Atlanta, GA 30326-1408
The Mercantile
1430 Dresden Drive, Suite 100
Atlanta, GA 30319
All images via Whitehaven
Monday, November 29, 2010
These Amazing Prints 'Had Me At Hello'.... Great For The Office Or Kids' Rooms!
Whilst browsing Two Ellie the other day, I came across her post about these sensational prints!
I swear, if I keep finding such amazing stuff on Etsy I'm going to have to give myself a good talking to because there's so many talented people out there whose work I want to buy! My home would be crammed to the brim if I caved in to every impulse, but boy do I think these prints from Berkley Illustration are a standout.
Unusual.
Humorous yet dignified.
Infused with personality.
Eye-catching and a conversation piece!
I can just imagine the lion, the cheetah, the elephant, and many of the others gracing the office wall of an executive or CEO! What a great way to inject some tongue in cheek humour into the otherwise terribly high octane and stressed out world of top office dwellers!
Let's get rid of the stuffiness office dwelling can create and inject some wonderful yet dignified mischief. :)
If I walked into my accountant's office and saw one of these on the wall I think I'd immediately feel comfortable and more at home rather than on edge and jittery about whether or not I've got my columns added up correctly!
They'd be great for kids' rooms as well. Such character in each drawing...... and kids adore animals with personality.
I myself have a soft spot for owls (as you know by now), racoons, foxes, deer, and too many other animals to mention.....
...... and I can just see a whole row of these (lets say 7) down a hallway all very simply, yet elegantly framed.
Wow, what an impression that would make! And, what a conversation starter!
Or, how about a group of them as a welcoming committee in the front entrance - all very seriously yet cheekily looking on as your visitors open the door and set foot inside!
You can see all these and more at Berkley Illustration's amazing Etsy shop.
Ask yourself: 'Do the pictures in my home add something to the atmosphere? Do they strike a chord with me and resonate in some way?'
Which leads to: 'Are they in the best position for myself and others to feel their effect?'
Because: Pictures shouldn't be bought only as an investment, because they're by someone famous, or they're trendy at the moment. They should bring something to the vibe and atmosphere of your home, an added touch that would otherwise be absent. Your home isn't a gallery, it's a place to celebrate the things that bring you joy!!
Linda. xox
******
♥ Let's talk on Twitter!
♥ Straight from me to YOU - subscribe!
♥ New to Heartfire At Home? Start here.
♥ And if, perchance, you BELIEVE.... join here.
******
I swear, if I keep finding such amazing stuff on Etsy I'm going to have to give myself a good talking to because there's so many talented people out there whose work I want to buy! My home would be crammed to the brim if I caved in to every impulse, but boy do I think these prints from Berkley Illustration are a standout.
Unusual.
Humorous yet dignified.
Infused with personality.
Eye-catching and a conversation piece!
I can just imagine the lion, the cheetah, the elephant, and many of the others gracing the office wall of an executive or CEO! What a great way to inject some tongue in cheek humour into the otherwise terribly high octane and stressed out world of top office dwellers!
Let's get rid of the stuffiness office dwelling can create and inject some wonderful yet dignified mischief. :)
If I walked into my accountant's office and saw one of these on the wall I think I'd immediately feel comfortable and more at home rather than on edge and jittery about whether or not I've got my columns added up correctly!
They'd be great for kids' rooms as well. Such character in each drawing...... and kids adore animals with personality.
I myself have a soft spot for owls (as you know by now), racoons, foxes, deer, and too many other animals to mention.....
...... and I can just see a whole row of these (lets say 7) down a hallway all very simply, yet elegantly framed.
Wow, what an impression that would make! And, what a conversation starter!
Or, how about a group of them as a welcoming committee in the front entrance - all very seriously yet cheekily looking on as your visitors open the door and set foot inside!
You can see all these and more at Berkley Illustration's amazing Etsy shop.
Ask yourself: 'Do the pictures in my home add something to the atmosphere? Do they strike a chord with me and resonate in some way?'
Which leads to: 'Are they in the best position for myself and others to feel their effect?'
Because: Pictures shouldn't be bought only as an investment, because they're by someone famous, or they're trendy at the moment. They should bring something to the vibe and atmosphere of your home, an added touch that would otherwise be absent. Your home isn't a gallery, it's a place to celebrate the things that bring you joy!!
Linda. xox
******
♥ Let's talk on Twitter!
♥ Straight from me to YOU - subscribe!
♥ New to Heartfire At Home? Start here.
♥ And if, perchance, you BELIEVE.... join here.
******
Cheap & Homemade Christmas Gifts
Have a small spending budget for Christmas gifts this year because you lost your job, are a student or just because of the poor economy? Don't worry - here are some classy yet original gift ideas for mom, dad, whomever! Not only will you save a little cash, but your Christmas gifts will be personal and meaningful.
Gift idea 1: Burn CDs.
Give a Christmas gift that's personal and has meaning. If you know someone well enough to choose music they would like, you've got yourself a very good gift. Jazz it up by decorating the CD with Sharpie markers or printing a CD cover with the list of songs.
Gift idea 2: Make cookies or holiday bread.
This is an economic Christmas gift idea if you have lots of people to give to. Mini loaves of bread can be wrapped with ribbon, and food is a gift that everyone appreciates (unless it's fruitcake!).
*You can even turn this delicious gift into a Christmas tree decoration! Leave your decorated Gingerbread men out for a few days, cover in hairspray and hang on the Christmas tree!
Gift idea 3: Coupon books never go out of style.
Christmas coupon books should be reserved for those very close to you. You should be able to know exactly what that person would want - tangible and intangible wants. Some inexpensive gift ideas are: an hour of your devoted attention, a bubble bath, take out dinner after a stressful day of work and a free car wash.
To really brighten up your Christmas coupon book, use colored construction paper, stickers, photo cutouts of you and the gift recipient, etc.
Gift idea 4: Make a gift basket.
This is a great gift idea because not only can you tailor every item you put in the basket to the person you're giving it to, but you can also usually get individual items for less than what you'd pay for a professional gift basket.
If you have a gift basket theme in mind a few months out from Christmas, you can pick up items as you find them on sale. Good theme ideas: spa treatment, a house plant kit, cooking with vegetables and spices from your own garden, the book lover's basket and one for a pet.
If you'll be giving your gift before Christmas, consider making a Christmas-themed basket. Include Christmas cards and ornaments (that you got from the sale shelf, of course), maybe a burned CD of Christmas music. We all know that one person who absolutely LOVES Christmastime, and this gift is perfect for him or her.
Gift idea 5: Frame a poem or photo.
If you're artsy, this is a good gift for you to give. Frame one of your masterpiece photos or take a great one of you and your gift recipient together and frame it. See the link in the Resources Section for how to make a beautiful decoupage picture frame.
If you're a writer, print one of your poems in a classic font and frame it for a personalized home decoration.
Both of these gift ideas can be Christmas-themed as well, if you choose. Print a special Christmas quote on nice paper and frame it for a professional yet sentimental gift. Or, purchase miniature frames at the dollar store, decorate for Christmastime, put in some photos, glue on some ribbon and give to your gift recipient as tree ornaments.
Gift idea 6: Give a Christmas craft for the kitchen: cookie mix.
Write out your favorite recipe for holiday cookies and attach it to a jar including all the in dry ingredients (if you pour them in one at a time with a funnel, it looks beautiful). Wrap a ribbon around and gift as a delicious Christmas gift!
Tips to Refinish Furniture
1. Decide if it is a good piece to refinish. Make sure the piece of furniture you want to work on is structurally sound and doesn't have too many coats of paint on it. If you believe the piece to be an antique, do not refinish it yourself. Take it to a professional that works on antiques because sometimes refinishing these pieces will devalue them. Good older wood that is not in too bad of shape is what you want.
2. Strip off the old finish. Use a gel or thick stripper because it's easier to handle, especially if you are a beginner. Get the kind that says it cleans up with water, or no clean up. Make sure your work area is well ventilated and you cover the floor under and around your project. Apply with a brush and work in the direction of the grain. Do it in sections if it is a large piece.
3. Sand your wood. Sand off any areas that didn't strip completely off with 120 grit sandpaper. Then sand the entire piece with 220 grit sandpaper. Make sure you sand with the grain of the wood. Finish off with a finishing sander, staying with the grain until you get a nice smooth surface. Go over it with tack cloth to remove any leftover dust from the sanding. Make sure you get it all or it can ruin your new finish.
4. Apply sanding sealer. If you are leaving the wood natural, you will want to right to Step 6. If you are going to stain, you should first apply a coat of sanding sealer. Apply a coat, let it soak in for a few minutes and then take one of your rags. Wipe it off. This will keep your stain more even as it soaks into the wood. Sand with your 120 grit paper and clean off the dust.
5. Stain your project. There are a few types of stain, but the easiest to use and to clean up is a water-based stain. Most are applied with a natural end paint brush and wiped off with a soft clean rag. Leaving the stain sit a little longer or doing more coats will make you color darker. Try it on an underside to see the shade you like. Follow the manufacturers time on drying before applying the polyurethane.
6. Coat with Polyurethane. Apply the polyurethane with a brush. Stay with the grain and do longer strokes. Once it is covered, let it dry and sand with the 220 grit paper. Clean off the dust well and apply again. You can do as many coats as you want to get your desired finish. It's much better to do a few thin coats than one thick one. You'll have a much smoother, clearer finish.
House of the Week
I used to drive by this house several times a week when we were building our house. I like the fact that it is pretty but humble. It is well done, but not over the top. The roof is not slate, the detail is simple, it's not fussy. It has good lines, is pleasing to the eye and looks like a wonderful family house - exactly what I was trying to accomplish in my own house. When I photographed it I got that warm and fuzzy feeling of home. If the owner reads this blog, I would love to see the inside!
In this picture above you can see the tight lap of the siding (don't know if it's wood or hardieplank). It looks like a 3-4 inch reveal, which is similar to mine. It's a nice look for clapboard, a little different than a wide reveal of 9 inches -which is more common. Below is my house from the south side - you can see the tight reveal of the siding similar to the picture above.
Click on any image to enlarge. All images via Whitehaven
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Simple Displays Can Be Showcased Anywhere!
What a difference and a lift the colourful books on display make to this kitchen.
I use my books in a similar fashion. Wherever I deem a little dash of colour is required, it's easy to pick out a few books in the colours I want, and pop them in a stack, or standing up, to give that injection of colour I'm after.
I've been known to buy a book based almost entirely on how its front cover looks because it's perfect for a colour scheme I have in mind.
Little mini masterpieces books.... you can move them from room to room, you can stack and re-arrange them, they come in heaps of different colours and designs, and you don't have to hang them on a wall to display them.
I think only one other thing comes close to their versatility, and with minimum maintenance attached. Can you guess what I'm thinking of?
Flowers are pretty great for an instant lift too.
Linda. xox
P.S: The display of rolling pins is absolutely lovely as well. Don't you think? Simple, eye-catching, and a real conversation piece.
P.P.S: Keep your eyes peeled for November's Lovely Links post. I'll put it up within the next few days so you can link up lots of your favourite posts from November.
******
I use my books in a similar fashion. Wherever I deem a little dash of colour is required, it's easy to pick out a few books in the colours I want, and pop them in a stack, or standing up, to give that injection of colour I'm after.
I've been known to buy a book based almost entirely on how its front cover looks because it's perfect for a colour scheme I have in mind.
Little mini masterpieces books.... you can move them from room to room, you can stack and re-arrange them, they come in heaps of different colours and designs, and you don't have to hang them on a wall to display them.
I think only one other thing comes close to their versatility, and with minimum maintenance attached. Can you guess what I'm thinking of?
Flowers are pretty great for an instant lift too.
Linda. xox
P.S: The display of rolling pins is absolutely lovely as well. Don't you think? Simple, eye-catching, and a real conversation piece.
P.P.S: Keep your eyes peeled for November's Lovely Links post. I'll put it up within the next few days so you can link up lots of your favourite posts from November.
******
Recycled Craft How To's
Here are some of the most creative how to's I've seen yet. Your friends will think you are so creative and your house will look oh so cute!
Magazine Table as seen in Anthrogologie
Junk Mail Wall Art
Magazine Table as seen in Anthrogologie
Junk Mail Wall Art
Monday Music - Video Killed The Radio Star!
Music is SO important to the happiness of my home. :)
Now most Monday mornings when the working week looms I'll try to post a fave song or some music I'm listening to at the moment to provide some musical motivation.
So my little groovers......... here's today's installment!
*****************************
This is one of my most favourite songs from the 70's... I vividly remember it playing on our car radio when Dad, Mum, and I were in the middle of 10 hour drive to my brother's home in another state for a few days visit. We were driving on a winding road, through a state forest, and the light was lovely and dappled as it filtered through the trees. I was laying down in the back seat and singing softly along as I looked out the window over the tops of the trees and up at the sky.
I would have been around 15 (30 years ago), and it's remained one of my all time faves ever since. If I hear it on the radio I always sing and bop along!
And don't forget, if you're looking for more great music, Bec over at Memory Garden often has a lovely song to listen to on Mondays as well!
And, as always when thinking of our 'Musical Must Haves' section...
Ask yourself: 'Do I L.O.V.E music?'
Which leads to: 'Have I got enough of it in my home and in my life?'
Because: Good interior design caters to ALL our senses, not just our eyes.... that's why I call it 'Atmospheric Design' instead!
Linda. xox
******
The Original Musical Must Have:
******
Friday, November 26, 2010
City Weekly Gift Guide
I was one of the crazy people who dragged myself out of bed at 3 am today to go Christmas shopping to get the $9.00 crock pot and $3.00 toaster. One of our stops was at Urban Outfitters and I'm so happy I did because I got to pick up last week's issue of City Weekly.
I did the usual and stuffed it in my purse to read when I get home and finally tonight, opened the thing up to read their 2010 Holiday Gift Guide and saw my stuff in it! How awesome is that! I was so excited I was running around the house screaming for about an hour while my kid just starred at me funny and joined in at times. The only problem is, they switched out issues today and now I have to track down a bunch of last week's issue. Anyway, here's the link. I'm on pg 2 I'm so excited!
I did the usual and stuffed it in my purse to read when I get home and finally tonight, opened the thing up to read their 2010 Holiday Gift Guide and saw my stuff in it! How awesome is that! I was so excited I was running around the house screaming for about an hour while my kid just starred at me funny and joined in at times. The only problem is, they switched out issues today and now I have to track down a bunch of last week's issue. Anyway, here's the link. I'm on pg 2 I'm so excited!
Fresh Start for a Beautiful Piece of Furniture
This settee was in my husband's entrance hall growing up in Boston (he doesn't like the word settee either -calls it the little french sofa). It sat in the curve of a stair just like it does in my house. I have been itching to recover it since we moved in to our house in 2008. It's finally done!
Before:
After:
It looks great with my Thanksgiving flowers. I have orange in my living room too and orangey red in my family room, so it pulls everything together. Color continuity. I bought the fabric at my favorite fabric selling blog - Designer's Attic.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
A Weekend Wish For You...
Wherever you are...
Whatever the weather...
I hope your weekend is bright, cheerful, and FUN!
Linda. xox
******
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
An Oasis Of Mellow Light, Warm Water, and Soothing Atmosphere...
The atmosphere in this photo is almost mesmerizing.
I'd love to spend an hour or so submerging myself in that water and drifting away into dreamy oblivion.
This oasis of peace was found over at Shari's delightful blog Little Blue Deer!
You'll find more 'lantern lit' rooms in her beautiful post here.
Linda. xox
******
♥ Let's talk on Twitter!
♥ Straight from me to YOU - subscribe!
♥ New to Heartfire At Home? Start here.
♥ And if, perchance, you BELIEVE.... join here.
******
I'd love to spend an hour or so submerging myself in that water and drifting away into dreamy oblivion.
This oasis of peace was found over at Shari's delightful blog Little Blue Deer!
You'll find more 'lantern lit' rooms in her beautiful post here.
Linda. xox
******
♥ Let's talk on Twitter!
♥ Straight from me to YOU - subscribe!
♥ New to Heartfire At Home? Start here.
♥ And if, perchance, you BELIEVE.... join here.
******
Happy Thanksgiving!
The finished table! Have a great Thanksgiving everyone.
On Friday I'll post photos of the recovered settee in the entrance hall - it looks great!
