Vintage French Monogram Linen Sofa Slipcover

February 19, 2013 by Leave a Comment

 

Pieced together to showcase the lovely handwork with a decorative stitch for some flare.

Pieced together to showcase the lovely handwork with a decorative stitch for some flare.

When I go to the Round Top Antiques Show, one way I treat myself is to pick up some vintage french sheets.  The trick is figuring out a way to use them wisely and showcase the lovely hand embroidered initials.  Last year, I did a monogram headboard slipcover using my special vintage finds.

One of my other projects is a love seat slip cover, along with a side table slipcover.  In the case of the love seat, I had to cut and sew the fabric and piece it together in order to keep the embroidery front and center.  The side table is a simple IKEA side table that I slip covered with leftover fabric from the sofa project.  Some piping and antique lace helped to upgrade this unremarkable modern table.

Since this is a transitional time between Winter and Spring (spring if you go by our weather for the last couple of days) the rest of my decor is refined and edited as we look ahead to warmer weather.  In the living room with the slipcovered sofa, I styled the fireplace mantle by using vintage mercury ornaments as vase filler along with the (now) dried pepperberry branches leftover from the holidays, I feel like I am keeping a nod to winter, but looking ahead to a crisp clean spring time.

I hope you find some inspiration.

Always,

Cindy

Vintage all the way around.

Vintage all the way around.

White 1750's cabinet set against the contemporary IKEA table.

White 1750’s cabinet set against the contemporary IKEA table.

 

Piping detail and vintage lace make this slipcover very special.

Piping detail and vintage lace make this slipcover very special and turns a run-of-the-mill table into something with great vintage styling.

Matte White Potter, Ironstone Pitcher and candles wrapped with velvet ribbon.

Matte White Potter, Ironstone Pitcher and candles wrapped with velvet ribbon.

 

Old linen runner that is a family heirloom along with an antique alabaster lamp.

Old linen runner that is a family heirloom along with an antique alabaster lamp.

Old onion skin typewriter paper with a german glass glitter starfish for a paper weight.

Old onion skin typewriter paper with a german glass glitter starfish for a paper weight.

 

She is a big, silly sweet girl.

She is a big, silly sweet girl.

Simple and edited. Rustic against the refined.

Simple and edited. Rustic against the refined.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Antique Finds, My Home, Projects Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Heart of Chocolate Ganache

February 14, 2013 by Leave a Comment

If only my reality were as artful as my imagination.

Rice Crispies treats, cut in a heart shape to celebrate the day with a quick coffee infused chocolate ganache with orange zest drizzle.

In a double boiler:

1/2 c. heavy cream

8 oz of semi sweet chocolate chips

1 t. instant coffee granuals

zest of two oranges

Combine in top of double boiler until chocolate is melted, stirring regularly.

A little treat…for any day, not just heart day.

I hope you find some inspiration.

Always,

Cindy

Chocolate and orange…what a great flavor pairing.

Ganache in a pastry bag, ready to pipe.

Random drizzle. Couldn’t be easier.

How can these be called scraps?

Orange slices as a hint of what is to come.

 

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Discovery: Save-on-crafts.com

February 11, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Simple Lines.

One of my favorite “go to” websites is  save-on-crafts.com.  Not only does it have craft items that can be used in a myriad of projects, it offers finished, decorative elements at fairly good price points that fit in cottage and country decor.  Once I started mining the website, I was pleasantly surprised of all their offerings.

Websites like this that carry so many interesting things always seem to spark my imagination and inspire me.  I have pictured and linked to some of my favorites (of the moment) below:

I hope that you find some inspiration, too.

Always,

Cindy

Vintage Reproduction Bottle.

So small and quaint…I am sure I could do something with this.

http://www.save-on-crafts.com/honeybottle.html

Zinc flower pot.

Scalloped edge tin has a french feel.

http://www.save-on-crafts.com/flowerbucket3.html

 

This small table top tub has the look and feel of ironstone.

http://www.save-on-crafts.com/ceramicdish.html

 

I love these footed tin vases. My head is brimming with ideas for these.

http://www.save-on-crafts.com/flowerbuckets2.html

 

I could see this as a lantern or a showcase for collected treasures.

http://www.save-on-crafts.com/glasscase.html

 

Love this tin lantern. Has a colonial feel to it.

http://www.save-on-crafts.com/metallantern1.html

 

Grey chipped bar stool.

It comes in red, too!

http://www.save-on-crafts.com/barstool.html

 

Reproduction vintage padlocks that really work. Great!

http://www.save-on-crafts.com/padlockandkeys1.html

Rustic zinc tin, great for lining with parchment and filling with edible goodies.

http://www.save-on-crafts.com/tinpots.html

Filed Under: Discoveries, Favorite Shops 'n Blogs, Projects, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Fireplace Envy

February 4, 2013 by Leave a Comment

The light palette.

For a girl who has always loved the crackling sound of a real fire place, one could argue I made a bit of an error buying a house with no fireplace.  And if one did argue that, they’d be right.  My only defense is that I fell in love with this little jewel so quickly, I dismissed the issue.  The next best thing, though, is a faux fireplace.

It also seems a little unusual to be talking about fireplaces, faux or otherwise, when the weather is so warm here today.  As you can see in the picture above, the weather was temperate enough to open the windows and doors.  No complaints, we’ll just enjoy the weather while we can.

The one I am featuring in this article is one I build myself using bricks, pavers, wood, molding and wood decorative elements were all off the shelf products from the home store.  The design came from my head and the rest came together as it usually does with me…on an ad hoc basis.  I just always have faith these little projects will pull together in the end.  Turns out I am right about that around 50% of the time:)

The mantle itself is pretty straightforward.  The only suggestion I would offer is to make sure you notch the bottom of each side to fit over the molding at the bottom of the wall so that your mantle sits flush against it.  As with many things…it is the small details that count and that one is an important one in order to create a fireplace that reads as close to the real thing as possible.

The insert is just a series of bricks staggered and angled, secured with generic construction adhesive, with a plywood backing for stability.  A fair warning would be that once this fireplace is assembled in the place where it stands…it is difficult to move because the brick insert is extremely heavy.  If I did another one, I would work a little harder at finding the brick tiles that are about 3/4 of an inch thick…so if you tackle this kind of project, give that option some serious thought.

When creating the insert with bricks (real or tiles) you will have to cut some of the bricks where the edge of the insert meets the mantle.  This is actually very easy.  For a few dollars your can find a chisel and using a rubber mallet, cut the brick pretty quick.

As far as the “fire” goes…you have many options.  For safety, I would suggest a small string of twinkly Christmas lights.  The twinkle mimics the crackling of the fire and is quite cozy.  Or you can get electric inserts that use real logs and a well placed light bulb to mimic the flame.  The home store carries and inexpensive model at a cost of around $45.

I have spent the bulk of this article talking about the fireplace itself, but the styling is really what brings it home and makes it fit in my little cottage.  I have strived for a more edited look and lighter pallete.  If I can accomplish that, then it will fit right in with everything esle.

The pictures that follow show how I built the faux fireplace and the styling of it.

I hope you find some inspiration.

Always,

Cindy

Apron. Fluting. Medallian. Molding.

Nothing fancy. Stock fluted molding and medallian from the homestore.

 

Simple pavers create the hearth of the faux fireplace.

Brick insert built with angled walls.

Brick platform for the candlesticks.

 

The ornate detail of the candle mirrors the detail of the vintage gas fireplace insert.

Tarnish patina only serves to showcase the design of the candle sticks.

 

What you can’t see.

An old gas heater provides the feel; candles provide the dancing light.

Beauty in the details.

Straightforward mantle design sprang from my head.

Simple styling is the order of the day.

Unusually and delightfully warm winter day; open door juxtaposed with the faux fireplace.

A collection of architectural objects.

Elements in found condition, respecting their journey.

Filed Under: My Home, Projects, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mercury Glass Patterned Votives – How To.

January 31, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Re-posting this blog article because it is one of the most requested articles from my site.  I am still thinking about the variations on this technique and when I will have time to share them…

In the mean time, I hope you find some inspiration.

Always,

Cindy

Twinkly Light. Just lovely.

 

I like a little mercury glass for that touch of elegance that it brings.  Flash photography can’t quite showcase the twinkly quality of the mirrored paint effect, however, in person…it is just lovely.

Since my post yesterday, I have gotten quite a few emails asking about the technique used to make this antiqued, mercury glass votive.  I was planning to post this later in the week, but have moved the post up a couple of days because of the requests.

Let’s get started!

Here is what you will need for this project:

  • Glass vessel
  • Looking Glass Paint (online or at Walmart in the spray paint section)
  • Embossing folder/machine
  • Paint tape
  • HVAC tape (also called foil tape, it is 2″ wide and is found at home center stores, like Lowe’s)

Before you get started there are two important things to follow explicitly in order to have success, and trust me on this…I made these mistakes a few times:

  • When you have applied your foil tape to the glass: BURNISH, BURNISH, BURNISH.  Simple finger pressure will do, but if you don’t press down on every part of the foil, you risk not having a clean image remain when you pull the tape off.
  • When you paint the glass vessel, go very, very lightly on the paint.  Micro bursts of paint with very thin coats.  You don’t want more than two coats and don’t try for heavy coverage…the tape won’t be able to remove the negative space so that the image emerges.

Lastly, no worries.  If you mess up, just scrub the inside of the glass with a sponge and some elbow grease and the paint will come right off and you can start over.

As a foot note for this project, I tried this technique with other paints…but it doesn’t work.  I tried using a copper paint for a fall project and regular spray paint has different properties and the tape usually takes the entire spot of paint off with no image remaining.

Just have fun.  This is a technique that has a lot of possibilities…only limited by your imagination!

Send me pics of your finished product and I will post in a future blog article!

Always,

Cindy

Remember to click twice to bigify!

 

 

 

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Discovery: Wire and Linen Lanterns from Lunabazaar

January 27, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Wire and Linen Lantern

I am forever perusing the Internet for fun and interesting websites with products that inspire me.  Lunabazaar.com is just one of those sites.

Particularly this Wire and Linen lantern.  I am already thinking towards spring when there is this transitional time between spring and summer when the weather is quite glorious.  It isn’t cold like winter or hot like summer, but rather just right.  I love it when I can throw open the windows and doors and really enjoy my little old cottage in the way it was intended.

Being able to light candles and lanterns and enjoy some sitting time on the porch is one of my favorite things.

Lunabazaar.com has many things to look at like mercury glass ornaments and candle holders, paper parasols, glass vases and many different colors, cut glass small decanters and string lights.  They are a great source for accents for your home styling or items to support a color or a theme for a party or gathering.  Take a look, this website has a lot to offer and I think you will enjoy it. I have embedded some of their wonderful merchandise below.

I hope you find some inspiration.

Always,

Cindy

Pearl Opal Glass Vintage Candle Holder

Mercury Glass Candle Holder

Gilded Glass Candle Holder

Glass Votive Holder

Cotton Lace Parasol

Perfume Bottle

Paper Parasol

Filed Under: Discoveries, Favorite Shops 'n Blogs, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Brownies that Mrs. Patmore would approve of

January 24, 2013 by Leave a Comment

I am a fan of baking.  In fact, I may like baking more than I like eating the sweet treats I make!  It is just so much fun and homey and at the end of the day, if you do it right and make something delicious…you are bringing joy to others.

The weather was a balmy 70 degrees, VERY unlike our normal weather during Winter.  So I threw  open the windows and doors, let the old screen door snap shut and decided to make the most wonderful brownies in the world: Ina Garten’s Outrageous Brownies.  Her trick is using coffee grinds in the batter; it brings a depth of flavor to the chocolate.  Sure…that is common knowledge now, but when she first introduced this recipe, it wasn’t so common.

Fair warning, this recipe makes loads of brownies…so make sure you have a good and hungry crowd to serve them to, neighbors you can give them to or be prepared to scarf them up yourself.  No one can resist these bad boys when they are sitting in the kitchen…any effort to try is futile.

Recipe is after the pictures.

A pound of butter.

Eggs. Chocolate. Flour. Simple.

Brownies ready for the oven.

If only every piece had crusty goodness like the corner piece.

Vintage Ironstone Cake Stand and Brownies. Two of my favorite things.

Brownies. The finished product.

 

Outrageous Brownies

Ingredients

1 poundunsalted butter

1 pound plus 12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips

6 ouncesunsweetened chocolate

6 extra-large eggs

3 tablespoons instant coffee granules

2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract

2 1/4 cups sugar

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

3 cups chopped walnuts

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Butter and flour a 12 x 18 x 1-inch baking sheet.

Melt together the butter,1 poundof chocolate chips, and the unsweetened chocolate in a medium bowl over simmering water. Allow to cool slightly. In a large bowl, stir (do not beat) together the eggs, coffee granules, vanilla, and sugar. Stir the warm chocolate mixture into the egg mixture and allow to cool to room temperature.

In a medium bowl, sift together 1 cup of flour, the baking powder, and salt. Add to the cooled chocolate mixture. Toss the walnuts and 12 ounces of chocolate chips in a medium bowl with 1/4 cup of flour, then add them to the chocolate batter. Pour into the baking sheet.

Bake for 20 minutes, then rap the baking sheet against the oven shelf to force the air to escape from between the pan and the brownie dough. Bake for about 15 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Do not overbake! Allow to cool thoroughly, refrigerate, and cut into 20 large squares.

Copyright 2012 Television Food Network G.P.
All Rights Reserved

I hope you have found some inspiration!

Always,

Cindy

 

Filed Under: Recipes, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The $1821 Kitchen

January 20, 2013 by 4 Comments

It seems appropriate to re-post my very first blog article that I published almost a year ago.  I still love my “new” kitchen.  I hope you enjoy the transformation and find some inspiration for the new year.

Always,

Cindy

After.

Demolition.

More. Free. Labor.

I’m in love with my cottage.  However, the kitchen left much to be desired.  I have lived in the house for almost nine years, and only done minor painting to the cabinets and had the floor professionally done a couple of years ago.  In October,  hankering for a change, I wanted to re do the kitchen in a really impactful way under two important conditions: a budget of $1500 and cosmetic changes only.  I had to work with the existing flaws of the kitchen.  No ripping down sheet rock, no moving electrical junction boxes, etc and nothing structural.

I just longed for something simpler.  For a while, I wanted everything on display.  Scouring antique stores, ebay and flea markets…everything had to have a great container so it could be on display.  But too much of having everything on display starts to feel cluttered and the kitchen never felt clean…even though I clean on a regular basis.  Plus it was kinda exhausting making sure everything was always looking perfect because it was all out in the open.  Some closed door storage and major editing was in order.

Truth be told, I met only one of those two goals.  I went over budget by $321 because of taxes, delivery fees and unforeseen product substitutions that were more costly.

Still, it is a darn good kitchen for the money.  It is a very personal kitchen, not just because I did the work but because it navigates the way I do.  Having lived in the house for almost nine years prior to this undertaking, I inherently knew and understood what I wanted and needed out of the kitchen.  I am not sure I would have the same harmony with a kitchen that I designed and built without having lived in the house first.

I did all the work myself in 14 days, but I have to share that my wonderful neighbor, Darlene Kirksey, spent a day helping me install the counter tops which were too heavy for me to lift on my own and my ever helpful yard man, David Keel helped me with demolition on Day One.  Props to my lovely friend/neighbor Kathy Burt for bringing me a sweet surprise of dinner from my favorite burger joint since my kitchen was torn up and I was way too tired to fix even a sandwich.  Lastly, I need to thank Gus Tinajero, the GM at IKEA and his assistant.  He worked, in good faith to get me the countertops I wanted and offered GREAT customer service.  Over the next few weeks, I will be highlighting several individual projects within the renovation:

  • Beautiful spice storage using lab bottles (click here)
  • DIY Pendant Lamps (click here)
  • Re-purposing an upper cabinet as a lower cabinet
  • Re-engineering a four drawer cabinet for the better
  • New life for old cabinet doors (click here)
  • DIY roman blinds (easy peasy for anyone, even a beginner)
  • Pantry Pride (click here)
  • Organizing recipes with a deconstructed book

Here are the before and after pictures.  It’s a little hard to tell in some of them, but the after pics are shown directly to the right of the same spot in the before pics. For additional kitchen and home tour pics, click here. Let me know what you think!

Remember to click twice to bigify!

Love Always,Cindy

As a post script, I am submitting this article for consideration for a feature in Cottages & Bungalos.  Stop by the blog when you have some time, there are some terrific entries already:

[hana-code-insert name='cottagesbungalos' /]

[hana-code-insert name='Half Banner' /]

 

[hana-code-insert name='cottagesbungalos' /]

 

Filed Under: Before 'n After, My Home Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

The Winter Solstice

December 22, 2012 by Leave a Comment

 

Always wishing for a White Christmas and a Winter Wonderland.

I have posted several different projects and vignettes of our Christmas house for the 2012 season.  Haven’t posted a full view, mostly because getting the right shot at the right time of day is not as easy as it may sound.  Particularly for me, since I am not much more than an amateur’s amateur when it comes to photography.

Having taken hundreds of pictures, in four or five different sessions, I finally had to just pick one, darn it.

I want to single out and thank Brian Washburn, Manager of the local Lowe’s and Vince Maggio, local designer, merchandiser and antique dealer extraordinaire for their help.  Each and every Christmas blog article was offered in earnest and has hopefully given you even the smallest bit of inspiration to do something extraordinary for your family and friends, in your lovely home.

I hope you find some inspiration.

Always,

Cindy

Winter Wonderland.

Pretty lit garland remeniscent of a steeple.

Making good use of what nature leaves behind: lit bare hydrangea bushes.

Winter’s bare garden with some holiday twinkle.

These are our sponsors and they have made all of this creativity possible.  Thank them by stopping by.  Merry Christmas.

GOOD LOOK, Inc.

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Holiday and Seasonal, My Home, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Pleasant Christmas Surprises…

December 13, 2012 by Leave a Comment

An Old Fashioned Christmas.

What a pleasant surprise for neighborhood kidlets, visitors and maybe even the mail man if he dares!

Using an antique Victorian wire plant stand, we lined it with white burlap and added a festive red ribbon and filled it with peppermint treats.  It was placed right by the door on the old front porch and welcomes one and all.

It is an easy idea that can be accomplished with almost any vintage container and ends up being such a sweet, unexpected gift for everyone.

I hope you find some inspiration.

Always,

Cindy

A Merry Welcome Threshold.

A Sweet Holiday Treat.

These holiday ideas are supported by our sponsors.  Thank them by giving them a visit.  Merry Christmas.

 

GOOD LOOK, Inc.

Filed Under: Holiday and Seasonal, Projects, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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