DIY Chair Railing Shoe Rack

Photograph from Livingetc, March 2010, via House to Home.
Anthropologie knobs, clockwise from top left: Mercury Glass Melon knob, £8; Framed Facets knob, £12;
Violette knob in Mint, £8.

I've definitely been having a yellow moment lately so no surprise this chair railing shoe rack caught my eye! Only drawback? I'm very much a flats girl... But the good news is that all this needs is either a short shelf mounted above each railing or (my fave) some cool knobs.

Now all that's left is to find a place of our own!

Faux Real: Gilded Frame

Photograph from The Ensemble Project.

The Ensemble Project is one of those design junkie kind of blogs. If you categorize yourself as such, it's simply a must read...just be warned: allow yourself a couple of hours to click through, because once you start, you can't stop!

Lots of posts feature glimpses of the blogstress' living quarters, but last week's peek included a view of this gilded DIY picture frame. Although she doesn't include instructions, I imagine her supply list was something like this:

*Gathered sticks
*Gold spray paint
*Glue gun & glue sticks
*Broken bits of jewelry

Just arrange the sticks, glue them down, spray paint the whole thing, and weave bits of broken jewelry around the sticks! Weekend project, anyone?

P.S.

Erica of P.S. I Made This is always a beacon in a land of high priced but oh so tempting goods. In the spirit of today's post on statement necklaces, click over to her blog for an easy DIY. And if you love being at the forefront, neck candy just like these will be hanging in the flagship NYC Bloomies window as part of the Helmut Lang display. Craft one today, and you'll be right in step.

Follow my blog with bloglovin

Fabric Panels Part Two

Photograph from Homes & Gardens, October 2009, via HousetoHome.co.uk

 

I know I posted on this yesterday, but I am so into fabric on walls right now. The panels especially offer depth and texture, and I love the alternative to framed art in rooms like the bedroom and office (where distractions make a difference). Don't get me wrong. Art is fab, but I find myself staring at it and not scratching things off my to-do list! I also love the yellow pop on this desk. I posted a DIY table project from Living Etc back in October, and this is a perfect example of the possibilities of a found table or desk.

Obsession Files: Serena's Fabric Panels

Serena's room photograph and "Get the Look" from InStyle. 
Osborne & Little fabrics, from left: "Soubise", "Oratorio", and "Concetti".

My hubby and I are sans headboard, and as I was sifting through myriad possibilities I heard whining that can only be one, Blair Waldorf's of Gossip Girl. I looked up, and just past an argument over Chuck Bass was a fabulous fabric paneled wall. So I picked my top three Serena-esque options (albeit a bit more on the neutral side). And because this XOXO-revelation was obviously a sign, I went ahead and dug up amazingly simple directions (from How About Orange), too. I think we'll stick with just enough panels for a pseudo-headboard, but I like How About Orange's idea to use one as a focal point, especially with super busy fabrics.

Some Faves & Weekly Recap

Bedroom (top left) and living room (bottom) photographs from here; Chair and mirror (top right) photograph from here; all from Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles.

*Still hoping for some tips on how to paint sheer curtains. In the meantime I'd still settle for the dress when it comes out!
*Abstract prints are hot and the perfect transitional piece. Bought yours yet?
*Lovely stacking pots from MirrorMirror. Update: Pretty sure my hubby bought a couple for my upcoming birthday!
*Tired of sequins? Try out these gilded clutches for another sort of sparkle.
*I changed my opinion of garnets after these Etsy beauties found their way into my inbox.
*My top five tears from US design mags this month.
*A mild obsession: Sweet Paul's frozen lanterns (more pics and instructions on Design*Sponge).
*DIY snow globe postcards from Giddy Giddy and my sad attempt here.
*A roundup of 11 fab ceiling lights, from a wacky chandelier to my fave: a teal lamp on a pulley.
*More reasons for me to hit the lottery from J.Crew's early spring releases.
*And my top three DIYs from the fantastic blogs I follow.

Happy weekend!

Web Roundup: Best DIYs of the Week

This might just become a regular feature (if you all like it, that is)! On that note, please feel free to email or comment when you love-love-love something and want to see more like it, but also when you loathe-loathe-loathe something, too. Just remember to tell me why so I know what about it strikes you/makes makes you want to run screaming.

Silver Leaf Dresser by Little Green Notebook via Ruby Press.

Stamped Business Cards by Amy Merrick for Design*Sponge.

Flautas by Homesick Texan. (Can the food styling part count as design?)

Faux Real: An Attempt at Snow Globe Postcards

Remember the snow globe postcard DIY I posted a couple of days ago? Well I thought I'd give it a try. So, inspired by those Anthro snow globes that so many of you love, I attempted to recreate one in paper form. I'll label it a valiant (late night, hungry) effort as I had limited supplies at hand, so I can't promise craft genius. The one big thing I'd change? I love the glitter on the original project and wish I had that, but alas, my snow was simply computer paper!

Plus, I swear my camera grew legs so all I had to capture the project with was my iPhone. Fail? Let's hope not!

The original project from Giddy Giddy:

And my attempt:

Faux Real: Snow Globe Postcards

Fabulous DIY snow globe post cards by giddy giddy (via Zèbre à Pois)! Think I'll have to tackle these as soon as I finish these articles. Will post results!

Faux Real: Frozen Lanterns

If you haven't clicked over to Design*Sponge yet, go now! Sweet Paul (author of this amazing blog and editor of an online mag to be) posted a DIY today in the guest blog all about how to craft frozen lanterns. Perfect timing for those of us in the UK who want to put a little wonderland in our winter snow.

H&M Garden Collection For The Home?

Photograph from H&M.

I adore the hand-painted look of this dress from H&M's upcoming Garden Collection (out in March!) but my first thoughts didn't include pairing it with my new cognac Bronx cowboy boots. Instead, I wondered if hand-painted sheers in this colour scheme and pattern are attainable. I'd love to DIY this project but haven't a clue as to where to begin. Suggestions?

Holiday: Last Minute Gift Idea

I'm headed to IKEA this a.m. for boxes galore as my bedroom and office are in desperate need of some organisational TLC. So I was thrilled to see a DIY to embellish plain boxes with upholstery inspired studs over at P.S. I made this...

For what you'll need and directions, head on over. You could even do a set of these for last minute Christmas pressies!

Faux Real: Amanda's diy Belt is a Cinch...For Pence!

I have to admit, I have been unwillingly dragged into an outdoor store many times in my life thanks to my uber-athletic brother. Had I been a little more coordinated, I might have had a need for the gear, too—but when your workout is limited to the treadmill and yoga mat, the call for snowboard goggles is slim. Needless to say, when I visited these outdoor sport meccas, my attention was drawn to the bright-as-jewels accessories. In particular: accessory cord. Ever since I first laid eyes on the rainbow selection, I have been trying to find a use. Now, thanks to J.Crew's always clever styling, it's finally in my cart! And at around 30 cents per foot (around £1 per meter for those of you in the UK), this project is wallet friendly. What more could you ask for?

All you need to recreate J.Crew's accessory cord belt (as seen in December 2009's Holiday in Chile catalog) is colorful accessory cord and a lighter.

You will need:
*Accessory cord (suggested thickness of 5-6 millimeters. When you use cord thicker than this, it's less pliable.
*Lighter

Steps:
1. Decide where you want your belt to sit and cut twice the desired length of cord.
2. Using a lighter, carefully single the ends of the cord so it doesn't unravel.
3. After letting the ends cool, fold the cord in half creating a loop.


4. Place the cord around your waist with the looped side on the left hip and singed ends on the right hip.
5. Pull the singed ends of the cord through the looped end and tighten.
6. Pull the ends downward, then circle them back around and under the singed end side of the belt on your right hip.
7. Thread the ends through the middle of the loop you have just created. Voila!

Alternatives: square knot, braid, and two-corded square knot

Want to take the project a step further? Experiment with different kinds of knots and braids. My pick? The easy and stylish square knot. See a how-to video at Boys' Life mag's site. Once you knot the cord, secure it to your waist with a pretty bow in the back.

Tip: Use two pieces of accessory cord for a bigger, more dramatic square knot.

Where to find the cord:
England: Cotswold Outdoor and Active.
USA: Rei.com offers BlueWater or PMI brand cord.

J.Crew Inspired diy on Monday!

If you liked what guest blogger Amanda had to offer last time, then you will adore what she's making for Monday! And just because I can't wait to show, here's a little preview.

Photograph from J.Crew.

See you Monday!

Faux Real: The Week's Best diy Projects

Since it's pretty obvious what I've been doing this week, I thought I would round up some fabulous crafts I've been pulling from all my fave people:

Photograph and directions at Once Wed.

Photograph and directions at Design*Sponge.

Photograph and directions at ReadyMade.

Photograph and directions from Design*Sponge.

Sweet & Simple Christmas Decs

No progress on the decorating front? Don't worry! Decking the halls doesn't have to mean dressing your credit card statement in red. Here are a few ideas from the web that are easy, stylish, and cheap. What more could you ask for?

While I was shopping for my wedding this summer I found loads of tableware similar to these hobnail pieces at flea markets and garage sales for just $1 each! I bet you could find an indoor flea market this time of year if you're lacking in the red and green dish department. And instead of jars you could fill glass pitchers with the ribbons and treats.

Want to tackle the tree (probably the hardest out of a simple group)? Head to Martha's domain for the complete DIY.

Dish & Ribbon photos from Country Living. Tree photo from Martha Stewart.

Faux Real: Decorative Earring Oraganiser by Amanda

When heading to this season’s slew of soirees, who wants to waste time searching through tangled trinkets for a pair of posts? Think outside the jewelry box and you can stop digging and head straight to the shindigs. Ribbon, paper clips, wall hooks and your collection of earrings are all you need to assemble this decorative earring organizer. Now the only kind of late you’ll be is fashionably.

You will need:

*Ribbon

I used about 6 feet for 20 pairs of earrings.

*Paper clips, one for each pair of earrings

*Scissors

*Two wall hooks, for hanging

*Earrings, in original packaging

*Optional: sewing needle (if making your own packaging)

Trashed your packaging? Don’t fret. Heavy-duty paper, like cardstock, works just as well (I used price tags adorned with interesting graphics). Use a sewing needle to poke holes for the earrings to go through.

Steps:

1. On a smooth surface, lay out all of your earrings in a straight line.

2. Using the earrings as a guide, measure out the length of ribbon that you will require. Remember to leave room on each end for hanging, about 4 inches.

3. Cut the ribbon.

4. Affix the first set of earrings to the ribbon with paper clips. If the packaging has a cutout for hanging on a store display, attach the paper clip to the ribbon inside the cutout. This ensures a secure hold.

5. Leave about 1 inch of space and start the next pair. Continue adding earrings to the ribbon until complete.

6. Attach wall hooks to desired location.

7. Using one hand, carefully pick up both ends of the ribbon.

8. Secure the ribbon to the first hook by tying a double knot. Repeat for opposite end.

Photographs by Amanda

Faux Real: Handmade Hanukkah Garland

DIY blog Prudent Baby kicked off their Handmade Hanukkah series with this garland that's just so sweet. Can't wait to try it myself! Click here for the complete how to.

Mazel Tov!

Photograph courtesy of www.prudentbaby.blogspot.com

Faux Real: Luxe Snow Globes

How amazing is this styling by Anthropologie?! Although I don't think I would be OK with submerging expensive jewellery, antique stores or flea markets often yield inexpensive yet interesting pieces that would be perfect for a DIY like this. You could even use Christmas ornaments, but be sure to use a sealant if your dec is prone to rust.

Photographs & jewellery courtesy of www.anthropologie.com

You will need:

All can be found at a craft or haberdashery store.

*A jar of your choice (with a lid)

*Figurines or jewellery

*Anti-rust sealant for metal pieces

*Clear-drying epoxy 

*Distilled water

*Dash of glycerin

*Large silver or white glitter (smaller versions will float at the top)

Steps:

1. Use clear-drying epoxy to adhere your piece to the inside of the lid. Let dry per  instructions.

2. After the epoxy dries completely, fill your jar with distilled or boiled water (at room temperature, of course).

3. Add just a dash of glycerin so the "snow" falls slowly.

4. Add as much glitter as you like. If you don't like the look of glitter, you can usually find faux snow at craft and haberdashery stores.

5. Screw your lid on tightly and enjoy your snow globe!

Faux Real: White Christmas

Now that many of us are living off of Thanksgiving leftovers (my Mom could probably feed a small army with turkey sandwiches this week) I feel like I'm officially allowed to talk holiday decorations. I have always been more of a white Christmas kinda gal and used to love making paper snowflakes. So here are two Martha DIYs to get the look of those magical flecks of frozen agua. For step-by-steps on the paper snowflakes, click here, and for the doily directions, click here.