Mid-Century Inspired Window Hardware

I decided in our new house, I would put the same curtains and curtain rods on every window for continuity. That sounds like a way bigger deal than it is… we literally have five windows that need curtains. I think it was more laziness than design aesthetic to just do them all the same. That did mean I had to find something that would look good in every room. I have gone the plain white or plain black curtain rod in the past (and I do love B&W), but I want to incorporate more wood in this house for a warmer, cozier look.

A Gem of a Pillow | Part 2

Remember like three and a half years ago when I made a diamond shaped pillow? And then NEVER followed up about painting it? Yeah, that is because I never did! Until now!

Painted Cloth Napkins

In an effort to be less reliant on consumable paper goods, I decided to wean us into using cloth napkins! The ideal cloth napkin for everyday use is pretty enough to set the table with, but not so fancy or precious you can’t wipe your hands on it.

Painted Ring Cone

Everyone who wears a ring daily should have a home-base for that ring. Just like your keys! If you put something in the same place every time you set it down you’ll spend less time searching for it on your way out the door. For me, that also decreases the chance it will vanish into the world of lost things (with all those socks). I thought about making a ring cone out of clay (like this ring dish), but I wanted something crisp and something faster to make.

Dying Aida Cloth

For those of you that cross stitch you’ll know how hard it is to get colored aida cloth in any size above 14. (For those of you who don’t cross stitch, aida cloth is the grid you stitch on and the higher the number the smaller the grid). I was looking for a 22 size black or navy, nearly impossible! But, but…it’s fairly easy to buy white 22 count Aida and any color of Rit dye you desire.

Black Tea & Woods Soy Candle

‘Tis the season for fir trees! Before the holidays I went to a craft fair and man- there are some good candles out there. I didn’t leave with a candle, (I chose this fun smoky salt) but I did leave inspired to try a woodsy scented candle of my own. I know for many this probably comes too late, as fir is most associated with Christmas (and that is almost upon us-yay!) I think fir needle also goes really well with a cozy blanket, a cup of tea and snow falling outside. There is no reason for the winter ambiance to die after the 25th.

Beeswax and Olive Oil Candle

I’m not a huge candle person. Most of them smell too strong or fake, and I generally just forget to light them. As a craft it didn’t appeal to me because it seemed too easy. (I know, I know). I mean, what is there to it? You melt wax and pour it! That is how all the non-specific-crafty blogs make it seem. They make lovely pure beeswax container candles and make it look easy.

Steak Cat Toy

What is better than steak? Steak filled with catnip! For cats, not humans- guh. This felt cat toy shaped like a steak is super easy to make and in my opinion, pretty adorable. Inspired by this post on A Beautiful Mess, I made a taco and a pizza shaped cat toy. Nate said I should make one shaped like a steak and was kind enough to draw me a template. This was my favorite of the three, so it is honored in tutorial form.

Citrus Room Spray

I've seen a few ways to make room/fragrance sprays. Some use alcohol, some a light oil like cyclomethicone and some use water. They are all fairly simple and a room spray can come together quickly and without heat.

Finally, FINALLY

I now have a curing rack for soap. I have wanted a real designated spot for curing soap that is airy, cool and, frankly, out of my personal space. I was very tired of them taking up my kitchen counter space, closet space and even floor space (they were in boxes, never fear). Now that Nate and I live in a larger place with a guest room, I carved myself out a little craft corner. It's not a big house for two people and one cat, but it has enough extra seldom used space to fit this area in. I seriously envy those who have large basements with curing racks and whole dedicated craft rooms. Someday.

Kitty Ring Dish

I saw these really cute, seemingly easy to make Marbled Ring Dishes on A Beautiful Mess. I put my own spin on these by skipping the marbling and adding some kitty ears!* I like to have a ring dish in the kitchen so I can safely ditch them before getting into dishes or wrist deep in some raw meat. You know, the usual...

I found working with clay took some getting used to, even this easy polymer clay. I'm not really good with clay though so this might be a personal experience. I encountered lots of bubbles and trouble creating a smooth surface. I'll talk you through what I learned.

Copper Is the New Gold

HA! While I do love copper and the copper trend that is in full swing, nothing can replace shiny timeless gold. But what if that gold isn't that shiny? I like a tarnished look but I thought I would do something fun this time and copper something up with some spray paint.

Quick Embroidery Floss Tassel

Nate and I have our spare key all alone in a dish by the door where it is destined to be lost. I know a key chain doesn't keep a key from getting lost (if only!) but a colorful key chain will distinguish it from any other random keys we have floating around and make it easier to spot if it gets misplaced.

Another Look at Reusable Cotton Squares

I've been using these since I made them about six months ago. I have some revisions and notes.

1. The flannel I picked feels ok, but still not soft enough.
2. I can feel the scratchy stitches when I rub these on my face.
3. They are not good at getting around the delicate eye area when removing things like tough eye liner.
4. They vanish in the laundry.
5. Because of #4, I never have enough.
6. I end up still needing disposable cotton rounds for removing nail polish.

Despite the drawbacks listed, I'm not ready to give up on these at all because I feel with a few tweaks some of the above problems can be solved. Yes I'll still need cotton swabs for removing eyeliner (when I wear it) but I need those for ears anyway. I don't paint my nails much, but it could be possible to devote a true rag to that cause... these are too cute for me to ruin with polish. 

1. faux suede fabric with batting in middle. Super soft, low pile.
2. silky stitching closer to the outside.
3. mesh zippered bag for collection and washing.

DIY Cat Collar

Well... Another collar eaten by Minnow.

A Gem of a Pillow | Part 1

Let's take a shot every time I say PILLOW. No, no just kidding, you might die*.

I love interestingly shaped pillows. Especially ones that are fairly literal. For instance, this mountain pillow from Design Sponge last year (see below picture). A triangle pillow shape turned out to be surprisingly more awesome to cuddle with than the standard square so I really wanted another cool geometric pillow.

Reusable Cotton Squares

I really hate buying cotton balls and cotton rounds. No reason, I just hate it. Anyone have those things you know you need but it feels physically painful to shell out money for them? I feel this way about contacts too... While there are no DIY contacts (unfortunately? fortunately)... there are DIY reusable cotton rounds. Or in this case squares.
While I'm not against DIY solutions that help the environment or decrease carbon footprint, that is not why I'm making these. You can make them for whatever reason you want, you won't find any green shaming here.

However I do feel some so-called-natural alternatives are downright unsafe. "Make your own _______! Without preservatives! Rub it on your baby! Rub it on your face!" Beware the aqueous DIY make up remover and home made baby wipes... pretty please? Rant over. Luckily these reusable cotton squares are cute and effective- no horrible bacterial infection included.

It's a Wrap! (or ouch, ouch my aching back)

Months ago, September 2013 to be exact, I decided I wanted a new hanging lamp. I have a paper shade and cord set from Ikea that are cute, but my design style is veering away from all-white-everything. I wanted something metal, more architectural. MAN, those types of lamps cost an arm and a leg and some toes.

Enter Topiary Art Works. I bought two wire spheres, one 14", one 12". After shipping it was about $50, plus two black Ikea cord kits, $60. I was pretty excited, they look like a nice light gold in the picture! Womp, womp, womp... not so nice in real life. Yes they are topiaries made for plants and outdoor use but they arrived dirty and a very raw looking silver color. The horizontal bands were very uneven at the tops and bottoms, making stringing a cord through (like I foolishly imagined) impossible. I was so angry and disappointed in these I set them aside until a few weeks ago.

Enter my boyfriend Nate! I told him I was thinking of permanently giving up on them and he said he'd like a crack at wiring them for me before I threw in the towel completely. What did I have to lose? Well he did a great job. Hands down. It was a different story then! They were still really industrial and dirty, but I don't have anywhere to spray paint them (sad apartment face...) So I decided to just embrace the silver color.

Consolidation

Lately I have done a lot of early spring cleaning. Do you ever get that feeling that your place is just packed to the gills? I do. I finally had enough of things falling on me when I opened closets and decided to pare down. This amazing post, Mindfulness at Home: Letting Go on Design*Sponge is a great read if you are thinking about de-cluttering. 

I gave away bags and bags (around eight I think) to the Goodwill and I feel so much lighter! I had to be ruthless at times; giving things away that someone gifted you can be an uncomfortable feeling and parting with emotional items is tough. However, I will be moving later this year and the less 'stuff' I have the easier the move will be.

DIY 'Dipped' Wooden Spoons: Part II

After Part I did not go at all as planned, I took a much more conservative approach with my second try. Guess what? It worked famously. Without further ado...