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1.31.2016

the Romance of Pink

 I'm just gonna' leave these riiiiiiight heeeeeeere......


 I came across these beauties that I snapped a few years back
at The Vintage Marketplace show...
the show entry display, created by the very talented Miss Monique,
is so lovely and romantic
that I thought it would be a perfect way to welcome in February!

1.21.2016

InstaGrammy

I'm new to the Instagram game, but sure having fun!

I'm intent on mixing things up over there, 
sharing content that reflects many facets of me:
my retail store design & display styling projects,
the DIY seasonal home decor inspiration that I share here on hWf,
(including my favorite color - Rose Gold - and sparkling chandeliers)
and fun snaps from when I am at Disneyland!

Once in awhile, I even pop in a shot of my four adorable grand kids ;)
I guess that makes me an 'InstaGrammy'

Today was pretty fun...
I shared a pic of Mickey Mouse with his arm around me for #National Hug Day

and a bit later I was notified that THE OFFICIAL MICKEY MOUSE had replied!
 
(he really DOES give great hugs, you know!)  

Check out my IG feed in my sidebar >>>

I'd like to invite you to follow me on Instagram... 
and if you leave me a comment below with YOUR Instagram name,
I'll follow you, too!

Find me on social media:

1.15.2016

My Rose Gold Obsession

Just before Christmas, I was overtaken by a fever...
don't worry, I'm not sick. I'm just a bit obsessed with the color Rose Gold!
... forget what Pantone says, THIS is MY color of the year!

One day I dug through my files and drawers and cabinets and magazines,
and pulled out all kinds of tearsheets and miscellaneous 'stuff' 
that was in any way related to this warm, soft light pink/copper hue.
Then I put it all together and created a real 3-D 'mood board'
(remember how we used to do that BEFORE Pinterest?!)

I photographed the layouts, and turned them into Pinterest-worthy photos!

Then I re-designed every.last.brand.graphic that I use online
because this happy, sparkling, rosy hue just resonates with me right now...
you might say I've put on rose-gold colored glasses ;)

I had a lot of ideas for projects on my mind,
but no time at all to go out and get the paint or start anything. Until today!

Krylon rose gold metallic paint stock photo
 I got my hands on a few cans of THIS sweet stuff...
* I highly recommend Krylon Metallic Paints. They look REAL. *
(non-sponsored endorsement)
and then I went a little bit *mad*, actually:
I had this rough-surfaced metal laser-cut 'D' in a drawer, just waiting for paint.
One very thin coat and she's shining shimmering splendid!

continue reading for more...

1.09.2016

Valentine's Day Sweet Tooth!

Valentines Day window display

Deb's got a sweet tooth in more ways than one, let me tell ya...
today I was searching for something on my retail visual design blog
and found a 'blast from the past' old post sharing my Valentine's Day decor.
... and since we're already gearing up for Happy Hearts Day decor,

I thought you might just want to see it!

That was my little craftsman Cottage's kitchen window shown above, 
loaded with candy dishes heaping full of yummy tidbits 
(that I'll never really eat, truth be told....my weakness is chocolate
and a few trompe loeil treats.
One of them was inspired by THIS photo
from a past issue of Mary Engelbreit's Home Companion Magazine ...
stacked ribbon cake decor
I gathered up some round cardboard containers, metal tins, fabric, ribbons, and froufrou,
and got to work making my own versions of this 'stacked wedding cake' idea.
(I know, I know, this is not WORK. Let's call it a 'Creative Exercise' then, OK?)

I came up with two of them:

original valentines day decorvalentines day decorating
It's simply a cake pedestal with boxes, tins, and even a ceramic coffee cup
stacked up in layers and embellished with ribbons, flowers, 
and even my own REAL wedding cake topper!

 I shared a similar 'stacked wedding cake'-style idea here on HWf a few years ago:
repurposing white dishes

Here are just a few more ideas for making your Valentine's Day sweet as can be....
heart-shaped candy boxes valentines day decorvalentines day decor
More clear vases, domes, and candy dishes were loaded with 
pink and red candies from the Dollar Tree, an old heart pin made from buttons,
a 'cupcake' pincushion in a mug, and red marble hearts in a heart-shaped box...
it all added whimsy and charm to that little window in front of the sink
but took no time at all to create!

The truth was that although my Cottage kitchen was a retro dream,

the view out that window was utterly hideous
it looked directly at the garage of the house next door. UGH.
(you can see it right there in the background of the top photo!)
So I always created cute little vignettes in the window to look at instead!

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Want even more Valentine's Day inspiration?
 

See my '30 Days to Valentine's Day Countdown' posts from 2013!
View my Pinterest board: February Hearts


pssssssst..... I'm on Instagram, too!