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3.19.2021

pop art paper posies!

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a recent creative challenge i am part of called for participants to share
how we've invoked the spirit of spring in our art.
well, my 'art' is craft - using re-purposed, upcycled, re-imagined materials.
and my first response was to think of my paper paint chip daffodils,
so i submitted a photo of those.

then i thought of another idea, and wanted to play with it...
since i love making somethin' outta' nuthin', i chose to use plain cardstock paper!

the result of my afternoon 'playtime with paper, paste and scissors' is something
that reminds me for all the world of pop art, like Andy Warhol's famous pixilated works.
it also makes me think of the art of Sina Trixx, an inventive design firm
(view their astounding pop art architectural creations on Instagram)

can black + white evoke springtime? yes! 
continue reading to see how...

3.15.2021

flower embellished lampshade

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spring is trying to arrive. mother nature is just a bit fickle right now...
until she makes up her mind, i find ways to 'force' spring by adding flowers to my decor.
and i don't just mean in vases and pots...

a 'bouquet' of faux flowers was used to embellish this plain lampshade,
adding spring-fresh style with little effort.

continue reading to see how!

3.12.2021

miniature wire nest charm

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a search through some boxes unearthed a relic from my past
that's been in hiding for years...
when i saw it, i was inspired to make a larger nest using wire,
and i love how that turned out.

these miniature wire nest charms were an item i previously made and sold at vintage shows,
and this one is the original!
you can make one of your own, or as the perfect springtime gift!


continue reading for an easy tutorial...

3.08.2021

spring forward with a wire nest

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let's spring forward! (pun intended - sorry, i couldn't resist!)
 
recently, i played with a new material to see if it would work as well as i thought it would
to create a new kind of bird nest for spring decorating.
(the fact that it literally LOOKS like a spring evaded me until i was typing this post!)
i have to say, i LOVE the result! 

 can't you just see this nest as a decor accent in rustic, farmhouse, and boho style rooms?!
it's an easy project that i think you'll want to try...

continue reading for my easy tutorial!

3.05.2021

yes, you can make a bird nest!

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bird nests seem to me to be a sign of springtime...

over the years, i've been lucky enough to have found a few real ones, 
incorporating them into my home decor in spring. and fall. and on my Christmas trees!

i've also made quite a few - 
from elaborate to simple, from small seasonal versions sold via an enchanting online boutique
to an enormous one made for a client to hold a precious gold-embellished ostrich egg,

making them always connects me to nature.

this year i've made one with the slightest hits of gray and yellow elements
unearthed in my bins and boxes of saved materials,
and i thought i'd share the easy process of making them with you.

if you're sitting there thinking 'whaaaaa? MAKE a bird nest?!', continue reading!

3.01.2021

dollar tree vase makeover

art,art class,painting,makeover,color,color palettes,colorful home,Pantone color of the year,DIY,diy decorating,flowers,dollar store crafts,spring,home decor,spring home decor, Pantone 2021,Illuminating Yellow,Ultimate Gray, yellow and gray decor,gray and yellow,Dollar Tree hacks,Dollar Tree crafts,Dollar Tree finds
even the smallest details matter...
when i saw these two funny little bud vases at Dollar Tree,
the sunshine yellow caught my eye.
the bottom half of them were not at all my style, however.

i bought them anyway!
 it's so easy to give store-bought items a quick makeover...

a few artful dabs of paint quickly remedied the problem,
and these vases now fit my palette and style perfectly.

continue reading for the before and after...

2.26.2021

she pegged it!

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the peg rack in our entry hallway seen in my previous post
was hiding something...

behind the gray hat and yellow scarf was a really different kind of 'hook'.
it's not a hook at all, actually. it's a vintage item that i re-purposed as a hook.

it's one of my favorite projects ever, first created over a decade ago.
i've never seen anyone else do this (at least, they haven't posted it online)
and i think it's about time that i share it!

continue reading for details...

2.22.2021

a warm welcome

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i've been busy creating a fresh look in our entryway -
it's a small area and so easy to change!

addressing the change of seasons was an easy task:
color offers warmth and a happy welcome this utilitarian area.
by incorporating a few soft touches, some interesting textures and elements,
and ways to tackle the detritus that often gathers here in this 'drop zone',
it's gone from a pass-thru area to one we notice and enjoy a bit more.

as usual, i didn't spend a cent to restyle this area - 
i shopped the house and pulled a new look together for nuthin'!

continue reading for some simple decorating tips...