Wire Basket Lights

Wire basket lights seem to be everywhere I look these days.

A few weeks ago, I found a DIY version on The Painted Hive's blog. The before:

and after:

And then I came across another how-to in the Fall 2012 Flea Market Décor magazine and this one seems especially easy.

I don't really have a need for something like this now in my home but I like the creativity of it and the how-to looks really easy. Definitely something to keep in mind for the future.

Happy weekend, all!

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1. chicken wire basket pendant lamp
2. dovecote pendant
3. cozy light pendant

A Pretty Font from The Land of Nod

Wow! I just received The Land of Nod's latest catalog (September 2012) and it is really, really good.  With gorgeous photos and creative styling, each spread is full of beauty and inspiration. Over the next few weeks, Jillian will post some of her favorite projects inspired by the catalog, but to kick things off I decided to highlight the beautiful layout and graphic design.  I especially find myself obsessed with the gorgeous font used as a headline to introduce each section of the catalog. 

It appears to be hand-drawn—incorporating the feel of watercolor, magic markers, and chalk, with adorable swirly touches. The layers and transparency give it a nice softness, too. I can't think of a typeface more fitting for a company that sells such inspired furniture and decor. If you haven't received your catalog in the mail, be sure to check out the online version here. Get ready for lots of design-goodness!

Want to see more of our picks from The Land of Nod? Check out some of our recent posts here, here, and here.  

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images via The Land of Nod September 2012 catalog

Chalkboard Project: Simple Silver Leaf Frame

I have been thinking about creating a gallery wall for over a year now and have slowly been gathering the art and items that I want to display. This piece was in my husband's childhood home and I knew I wanted to find a place for it in our home.

I wanted to update and dress it up a bit so I decided to silver leaf the frame. I went to Michael's 3 times looking for sheets of silver leaf but just couldn't find what I was looking for. On a whim, I picked this up instead.

I thought that it would be like taking the easy way out and was a little bummed at the thought of doing something that wouldn't look as good, but I went for it anyway and was actually really surprised at the way it turned out. It's shiny and real-looking – not flat, faux-silver or pearlized at all.

I started out by just painting the outside part of the frame thinking that leaving the gold area would be nice but it wasn't popping as much as I hoped it would so I then covered the glass with painters tape and colored over the entire front and sides of the frame. I was especially pleased with one of the sides of the frame since its uneven and mottled texture actually made the paint look more like real silver leaf with cracks. (Please don't mind the glass of wine and half nibbled muffin in the background of the photo below. Isn't that what everyone does while they DIY?)

And that's it. So simple and yet satisfying, too, knowing that I added my own little touch. I think the "silver frame" really updates the look.

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photos by The Pink Chalkboard

Grown-up Soda

I really like this idea.

Soda for adults! I just discovered Grown-up Soda over the weekend while having lunch at Eataly in New York City.

Everything from the concept and the name, to the packaging and the taste (so light and refreshing with just the right amount of sweetness) is so savvy and perfectly marketed toward a grown-up, sophisticated audience.

And for a decidedly adult treat, the people behind GuS offer cocktail recipes for delightful GuS-inspired concoctions like the GuS-sy Navel (a light twist on the fuzzy navel) and
Me Gus-ta (featuring tequila and GuS Dry Cranberry Lime). Yum.

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all images via GuS Grown-up Soda

Bedroom Drawings

Recently, my dad came across some drawings that he and I did when I was a kid. I have written before about my parents' bedroom in the '80's – yellow houndstooth wallpaper covered the walls and most of their drawers, too. Well, according to my dad, the rest of the bedroom looked like this:

and here is my version.

Finding these again got me thinking, wouldn't it be a fun family activity to have everyone draw the same thing and see how each person interprets it? My dad's drawing is pretty right on (the tv and that red painting looked exactly like they do in his drawing) but the drawing I did at 8 years old is a fun variation of that. Years later, I'm enjoying looking at them side by side and remembering that yellow houndstooth bedroom (and old-school tv!) that is long gone.

More Half-Painted Items

A while back, Mindy posted about half-painted items and while at Terrain last week, I found more half-painted things that caught my eye.

The wooden stumps were particular favorites of mine. They weren't for sale, but I think they would help to make lovely little displays in the home.

And then check out what I saw as I was leaving — half-painted Ball jars. Mindy found that gold spray paint is one way to dress up a Ball jar and this is another way. Even more proof that some paint and a little time can turn an ordinary product (a wooden stump, a glass jar) into something really special.

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photos by The Pink Chalkboard

Autumn at Terrain

The official start of autumn is just around the corner, but sometimes find that I need a little nudge before I'm ready to fully embrace the next season. Enter Terrain.

I stopped by Terrain last week for just a short visit, but it was just what I needed. Always inspiring, this visit did not disappoint. My favorite things there included strung gourds (wouldn't those look amazing hanging around a porch?), painted stripes on a wooden table and bench set and that little WC sign. I picked one up to hang near the door of my powder room (aka Water Closet). It's a tiny little piece but it makes me smile.

*****

photos by The Pink Chalkboard

Chalkboard Project: Going Gold

Last summer, I spotted this image on The Glitter Guide and was so inspired. 

A gold-painted Ball jar. So pretty and so simple. I knew I had to give it a try and this turned out to be one of my favorite DIY projects of all time. It's so easy and the results are stunning.

Over the past year, I have used these little gold mason jars as vases for housewarming gifts (a set of three white puffy hydrangeas fit perfectly in a single jar), to hold pens and pencils, and even gave one to Jillian who uses it to hold sponges next to her kitchen sink! That might be my favorite idea of all...a clever way to add glamour to some very utilitarian items.

I was so inspired by the The Glitter Guide image that I tried my own version here.

This is my bar cart, another Chalkboard Project that I'll share with you soon. But, take a look at the top—doesn't the gold jar with gray-and-white-striped straws look so inviting?

This is how I did it:

Step 1: I purchased a package of six Ball mason jars at Michael's, and painted them all at the same time.  Kerr mason jars from A.C. Moore work just fine, too.

Step 2: I separated the lids from the jars, replaced the top part of the lid with a piece of aluminum foil (cut to size), and screwed the lid back on. The aluminum foil protected the inside of the jar from the paint. This is a little different than my inspiration image which did not have the lid attached.

Step 3: I placed the jars upside down on a piece of cardboard (very important: always spray paint in a well-ventilated area!). I then spray painted all of the jars with one coat of primer, using Krylon Stain Blocking Primer/Sealer spray paint in white.

Step 4: After waiting 30 minutes (the paint dries in 15, but I wanted to be extra sure that the bottoms were not sticky), I rearranged the jars right side up on the cardboard, and sprayed them with a second coat of primer. I was very careful about not using too much paint here—it tends to run easily on a glass surface.

Step 5: After waiting a day, it was time to go gold! I rearranged the jars again, starting with the bottoms up, and sprayed them with Rustoleum Metallic Gold paint. Honestly, this is the best gold spray paint I've ever used! The pigment is gorgeous and the coverage is amazing.

Step 6: I waited another 30 minutes, flipped the jars right side up on the cardboard, then sprayed them with a second coat of gold paint.

Step 7: 15 minutes later, I moved the jars around on the cardboard surface (not wanting the bottom edges to stick in one spot) and sprayed them lightly with several more coats of paint. I wanted lots of gold coverage!

Step 8: I waited one more day for the paint to fully dry and then unscrewed the rim of the lid, removed the aluminum foil, and re-screwed the rim. Then, I started adding flower arrangements and giving them as gifts. This is a very simple project with a lot of impact. Hope you give this a try and enjoy going gold, too!

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top image via The Glitter Guide
next two photos by The Pink Chalkboard

A Beautiful Old Frame

Do you remember Jillian's A Rotating Gallery post from a couple of months ago? I haven't been able to get this image out of my mind...

As Jillian mentioned, I have a series of Prinstagram prints from our vacation that I can use to replicate this look. I've been searching high and low for the perfect frame and finally found one. 

Clover Market was this past Sunday and since I was unable to go, I sent my mom instead. And boy did she hit the jackpot! Take a look at this beautiful, old frame that she discovered from Shutters and Sand. 

In beautiful shades of charcoal and pale orange, I think it is a fabulous frame for this project. Stay tuned for my "after" post of the finished product! Until then, this frame has found a happy home in my mother's living room with her mirrors and mercury glass accessories. 

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top image via goodwillionaire

bottom two photos by The Pink Chalkboard

A Painted Dresser

Ikea's 2013 catalog is chock full of great ideas and tons of inspiration. In fact, I think this may be their best issue yet—it's that good. Jillian posted about Ikea's fabric-wrapped furniture in Friday's post and I can't wait to give that a try. 

Here is another fantastic find from the new catalog.

Wow! Street art meets the bedroom with this painted dresser. I wonder if they were as inspired as I was by graffiti artist Tilt and his Panic Room?

The Tarva furniture line is made of untreated pine and serves as the perfect blank canvas to make your own piece of graffiti art. The catalog shows this piece as part of a teen's bedroom but you can imagine how well something like this would work in a college dorm room (especially for kids attending art school). Or, what about using this piece as a bar in a funky urban loft? The possibilities are endless and I hope this is a sign that we will see more graffiti-inspired home design!

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image via Ikea

Fabric-wrapped IKEA Finds

Earlier this week, I wrote about a fabric-wrapped shelving unit on Recently's blog and a cheap-o tray that I bought and am planning to wrap with fabric or pretty patterned paper. After I posted that, I was flipping through the new Ikea catalog and came across this.

Fabric-wrapped Ikea furniture! How fitting to see this now. Note both the table and the dresser. I'm not sure if fabric-wrapped furniture would technically be considered an Ikea Hack, but I am definitely into the idea. I especially like the table since two of the legs have some exposed wood.

It's a small detail but one noticed only after you look at the table for a while. I think it adds to the table's new personality. I have a bunch of white Malm dressers that could use a little updating. Perhaps something like this will be in their future!

Check out the rest of Ikea's 2013 catalog here. Hope you have a happy weekend!

Antler Inspiration

I know that decorating with antlers and deer heads has been trendy for some time now, but I am still loving the look. I think they can really add a quirky touch and a lot of personality to your room. Take a look at  how nicely they look—whether as part of a gallery of images or a stand-alone feature.

Personally, I prefer versions that are painted or decoupaged—these are simply amazing. 

How great are these stripes?

This resin deer head, though, really got my attention. Gold and sparkly...it's kind of irresistible!

It was on Gilt yesterday but unfortunately has already sold out. On the plus side, though, this could turn out to be a good DIY project opportunity. For instance, Urban Outfitters sells this cardboard version...

and West Elm sells this paper mache variation...

both of which would be really easy to paint and transform. I'm redecorating now and think one of these guys would be a fun addition to my decor, especially if it is unexpectedly sparkly. 

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images top to bottom

The Farmer's Trophy Wife via Sara Russell Interiors

Rue via The Decorista

Abigail Ahern via Urban Kaleidoscope

Domino Magazine via In Defense of ADD 

Eclectic Living Room design by Boise Interior Designer Judith Balis

Gretha Scholtz

White Faux Taxidermy

Banana Tree Studios

Made by Cassandra Smith via Honestly...WTF
Gilt
Urban Outfitters
West Elm

Fabric-wrapped Finds

Little Green Notebook (one of my favorite blogs) recently posted about this fabric-wrapped shelving unit.

The photos were submitted by Emily and I went to her blog, Recently, to learn more. Take a look at the before shot below. She used modge podge to adhere and coat the fabric, totally transforming an otherwise cheap-looking and boring item into something very stylish.

That transformation was fresh in my mind over the weekend when I went to a neighbor's yard sale. I found this tray there for $2 and thought it would be perfect for a similar project. (I also picked up a copy of The Comfort Table for $1. Do you remember Mindy's post about that?)

Now the only thing to decide is what to wrap the tray with -- fabric or paper? The fabric may be a bit trickier with the angled sides, but I think it's doable. Here are some paper and fabric swatches that I'm considering.

I think I'm leaning towards the Brush Stroke Gold on Sea Green but that Marble is intriguing. I think that would probably elevate the look of my $2 tray the most. Decisions, decisions.

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fabric and paper swatches, left to right, top to bottom

Natural and Brown Marble

PKaufmann Linked Circa Eclipse

Brush Stroke Gold on Sea Green

Gold on Orange Mums

Annie Selke Links Slate

Waves on Night