scrap paper heart wreath

my penchant for paper often pays off... which is good, because i keep EVERYTHING. 

  old magazines. brochures. cards. shopping bags. even business cards if they're cute!

this past year, i've been a bit better about tearing pages out of mags instead of keeping them.
(i almost broke a drawer in my studio because it was overloaded with heavy magazines.) 

so when my brain comes up with an idea for using said scrap paper
(usually at 3 in the morning)
i have a stash on hand that i can dig into, and it costs me nuthin'.
and you all know how i love making art & decor with everyday stuff!

in December, i shared a wreath like this made from old Christmas cards cut into circles.
this time, i cut paper into heart shapes - you could certainly make a heart-shaped wreath, too!
i even brought out a piece of paper that is one of the most valuable i have:
vintage. Disney. and i CUT IT UP. yeah, call me crazy.
but it's my fave part of this wreath!

continue reading to see how scrap paper becomes art...

diy floral painted hearts

 

there's no LAW that says Valentine's decor has to be pink and red, right?

in keeping with my current infatuation with the Pantone Colors of the Year 2021,
i've decided to adapt them to fit this sweet holiday!
eternally optimistic Illuminating Yellow and soothing, cozy Ultimate Gray
pair up with white in this painted diy project,
while the floral designs impart a romantic, country-fresh, sort of boho vibe.

the inspiration for this technique was inspired by two projects from last fall...
and by something of my Mom's that has always been in my life.

continue reading to see what inspired the patterns AND the before shot!

winter tablescape + diy candle wrap

since my focus for this new year is 'create . decorate . celebrate',
i'm making a concerted effort to do little things for myself more often
in 'celebration' of life and home.

case in point: making an effort to make mealtime more intentional,
 and setting a pretty spot to enjoy it!

cultivating this one habit is an opportunity to step away from the computer
and enjoy some nutritional food, nice music or the sounds of birds outdoors,
and moments of gratitude a few times each day.

it's important to me to make space for that,

and i think often we need a reminder that we don't have to save the nice china for visitors...
we should make the effort even if it's 'just' for ourselves. we're worth it!

continue reading for simple ways to set a pretty table... plus an easy DIY candle wrap!

optimistic outlook in my office

color really can change the way a room feels... and works!
at the beginning of a new year, color can energize us and our work spaces.

when i decided to 'try on' the current trend of a yellow and gray palette, 

i chose my studio/office as a test subject.

previously, i shared the new arrangement around my faux fireplace - 

this color palette also comes into play on my desk and nearby bookshelf
to help organize and cheer up my work space.

by curating not just the color palette but the amount of items in each area,
my office functions better. i have what i need every day at hand.
items i use less are stored in easily accessible areas, and don't overwhelm the space.

and honestly? this happy sunny yellow color affects my mood. (most days).
so if simply bringing in a new color to my space can do all that, i'm all for it!

continue reading to see how impactful a color change can be...

diy silver tray snowman

 

as i was placing three silver trays on my mantel (see my last post),

an idea for using them in a different way crossed my mind...

i love using unusual materials to create seasonal decor accents,

and then using & reusing them again in many ways.

this unplanned project certainly fits that M.O.! 

continue reading to see how easily i turned those trays into a snowman...

getting cozy for winter...

as i 'try on' the palette of white, sunny yellow and soothing gray
in my studio (my 'decorating laboratory'!),
i'm finding it very easy to get whole new look using what i have here at home.

bringing in soft textures (a fleece blanket, sweater-covered pillows)

and references to warmth (a 'fire' in the faux fireplace, candles, warm hues)

makes this space feel much cozier during these cold days of winter.

maybe you're not into the 'color of the year' palette,

but you're ready for a fresh new vibe as the new year begins...
let me show you how to pull together a whole new look using what you already have!

continue reading for some simple decorating tips...

celebrate home!

"endings need grieving... and beginnings deserve celebration."

i read that line recently in a devotional, and it really spoke to me.

while many of us may not actually be grieving the end of a very trying year,

we certainly DO need to celebrate the arrival of a fresh new one!

there's a lovely song called 'Celebrate Me Home'
(originally by Kenny Loggins, and recently covered by Josh Groban)
that includes these lines:
"Come on and play my music, Let's turn on the love light in the place...
Please, celebrate me home...Play me one more song that I'll always remember,
And I can recall, Whenever I find myself too all alone, I can sing me home."

what a beautiful idea - to celebrate home.
not feel imprisoned in, not tolerate, not begrudgingly accept... but celebrate.
express gratitude for the home we have, enjoy the time spent there, really live there.

as we enter this new year, i thought it would be good to focus on 

ways that we can refresh, reclaim, and rejuvenate the MOOD inside our rooms...
celebrating our homes, if you will.
helping us to embrace and enjoy where we live our lives in simple ways every day.

continue reading for some of my top tips to help you celebrate your home...