Lit to Living: Jane Eyre

BY AMANDA, GUEST BLOGGER

Maybe it was the hours I spent reading and re-reading novels to earn my English degree, but somewhere along the way I developed an appreciation for the (sometimes) numerous lines that authors devote to describing characters’ living quarters (OK…it may have also had a little to do with the fact that I have a soft spot for furnishings, too).

But all of this made me think: who wouldn’t love to bring a hint of Hogwarts or a little Jane Eyre eeriness into their own home?

With that in mind, today I’m kicking off Lit to Living, a new feature that’s all about bringing novel goods into your nest. In each entry, I’ll take an excerpt that describes decor and find furnishings that fit the description. So if you’ve ever had dreams of bringing Wuthering Heights to life, you’re in the right place!

Without further ado, I present the first installment of Lit to Living: Jane Eyre.

Photographs from sellers' websites.

Text by Bronte, Charlotte. Jane Eyre. Oxford, Oxford University Press, 2000.

1. "Coralie" bed, $1,998-$2,398, Anthropologie*

2. Antique carved chest, £110, Artasia

3. Vintage dowry chest, $599, Crate & Barrel

4. Leather dining chair, £275 for two, Marks & Spencer

5. Lacquer wood silhouette chair by Niki Jones, £275, Liberty

6. Parlor side chair, from $1,049, Drexel Heritage

7. "Popi" ottoman, $159.95, Pier 1 Imports

*For Anthropologie links, you may have to click the link, select your country, and click the link again.

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!

Office Organisation @ Design*Sponge!

For my last guest post of the week on Design*Sponge I rounded up DIYs, tips, and tricks to organise your office. Check it out, then come back here! I'm back to posting on here this afternoon with a roundup of the week's best DIYs from around the web and a preview of guest blogger Amanda's Monday post.

Photograph from Ideal Home.

Guest Blogger Debuts Monday!

Starting Monday, Amanda will be joining us to weigh in on her brilliant design tips and tricks. First up is a DIY I know many of you need to read. Her credentials? Besides being an amazing friend and unfailingly fabulous fashionista, she has also written for a Southern shelter mag and is beginning another guest blogging journey over at my girl Lady Gray's site. I know I'm excited and once you see what's in store for Monday, I guarantee you'll be begging for more Amanda posts! Till then, here's her beautiful face (and not the creeping one in the background) to keep you going.

 
Amanda & Nicole