Reflecting on Christmas 2014

Looking back, remembering the blues, silver and sparkles that were part of my home for Christmas 2014.  

 The other part, brights with shades of red.

  



Missing it, already. 

Ele

paradox

It's this time of year when decorating, for me, seems to become a paradox. A mix of winter (and I mean ND winter), with planning for warm trips. It's the conflict between beautiful crystal trees, shimmering snow, brisk temperatures, vs. seashells, warm sand, and the heat of the sun.

As this conflict of nature surrounds my soul, it amazes me how the two can have qualities that are the same: beautiful clear blue skies, the calming sound of the ocean/wind, and shimmering sand/snow. Sameness in the midst of conflict.  

So how does this work in decorating my home without it looking messy? Calm the conflict by finding common ground. In this case I drew on both color and texture.
  

 

Silver crystal-like starfish and crystal branches= an interesting paradox that brings sameness to conflict. 

 

To glitter starfish use spray adhesive and shake on silver glitter or glass glitter. Use a glitter tray from a craftstore. It will save you frustration and glitter!

 

...and may you feel God's blessings in the New Year,

even when they might not be right in front of you. 

Ele

 

Thanksgiving

Joining Inspire me Monday. http://www.create-with-joy.com

On this Thanksgiving Day, I hope that you are able to find thankfulness. If this holiday has been one of trials, I hope you are able to venture through the lonliness, sadness, pain, and/or frustration to a place of calm, love, and thankfulness.

At my house, on holidays, vintage items make their way from the cabinet, to the dining room table.  Worn treasures that were once loved are still loved. Some items have belonged to my loved ones, others carry the mystery of their existence in their cracks and crevices. I can only wonder whose table they onced graced.

But for now, they are on my table, spreading love to those who broke bread with us today, and reminding us, that we have reasons to be thankful.

Blessings and God's Peace,

Ele

Rhinestone Broach Wreath

Black velvet and rhinestone/pearl broaches come together in a circle wreath. My original plan was to make a Christmas wreath, but I feel like this could be carried through past the Holidays.

I'm really pleased with the black sparkle velvet I selected. It provides a nice contrast with the rhinestones and pearls, and the light blue of the wall. 

 

Rhinestone and pearl broaches circle the wreath, but center

 stage is a large blingy rhinestone flower.

 

If you're wondering how I made this, I used a spool of holiday ribbon (30ft. but didn't use all of it), and wrapped it around a white dense stryofoam wreath (not the green type). I secured the very last end ribbon with a decorative pearl pin, (in the back). Another ribbon piece acts like a hanger, (also secured with a pearl pin). Broaches were attached with their pinback stuck straight into the foam. A few pearl pins were used to further secure the broaches.  

Rhinestone and pearl broaches in a classic circle wreath.

 

Blessings, Ele

 

 

 

Adding Lace & Crochet to your Home

It's everywhere. Lace adds texture, warmth, and a layer of depth. It pretends to be the background of the canvas introducing the focal point, but it really is the star of the show. A little lace around my home, paired with vintage items, directs your eye to the object and then back to the lace again.




     
                                                    



Ready for some serious lace, a lot of lucite, and a whole lot of stylish juxtaposition?
Let's just say, I'm in love. A girl can dream about this design by Jennifer McGarigle. It runs about $3,000.

 

 

My favorite lace item, in my house? My baptismal gown, also worn by my daughter.

This lace is beautiful, sheer and delicate.

 

Lace is even finding it's way unto lampshades on  www.ragsrescue.blogspot.com . I'm impressed. Like I said, it's everywhere. Oh dear, we've only begun!  

 

Have a fabulous week!

Blessings,

Ele 

 

Inspire Monday Link

Fall Banner

Banners immediately say, "there's a party going on, or something special is happening." I usually have one or two up around the house, and why not? Life is special. One of my banners usually relates to our Midwest seasons or holidays.

Polka dots and owls, in Fall shades of oranges and browns hangs on my kitchen window. 

 To make this banner, or one similar:                           1

1) purchase chipboard base pieces, (the ones I found had the notch-v already cut out of them).

2) Select heavy scrap paper in a pattern you like. My favorite paper is two sided. Even though you will not see the opposite side, it makes the paper stronger. 3) Trace the shape of the chipboard unto the paper, and cut out. 4) Punch or drill holes in upper right and left hand corners of each chip board. 5) Brush on a thin layer of glue to the chipboard, (can also use a good glue stick) and attach paper. 6) punch through paper where chipboard hole is located by using a paper punch, or sharp hole punch tool. 7) Cut foot long pieces of ribbon, and thread through holes by pairing up two chipboard pieces at a time. Tie these two pieces together with knot or bow. 8) On the ends of the banner, attach a longer piece of ribbon for hanging purposes. 9) trim up any paper.

 

Easy Peasy, right?   Enjoy!    

Blessings, Ele

Details

Minimalism can be fresh and clean, but it's the fine details that draw me in, make me get closer, provide interest, and make something truly worthy of more then just a glance.

A little rhinestone, crinkled ribbon, paper flowers, buttons, a piece of jewelry, a splash of glitter, and some words of truth are the details that I am loving today.

 

XOXO, Ele

 

 

 

Why I Love Fall

 

Colorful leaves, cozy socks, sweaters, boots, 

and many more reasons to love fall!

 

Have you tried chalkboard markers? Tons of fun for Fall!

 

XOXO, Ele

 

 

 

Coral Wedding

Coral, emerged as a popular 2014 summer wedding color. That perfect blend between pink and orange produces a hue that is fun and flirty. Throw in a little gray and oodles of crisp clean whites, and you have just mixed up a concoction of fabulous.

My little crew and I clocked in a gizillion hours for a June 2014 coral wedding. Working with an eclectic mix of decorations, a fabulous bride, and a coral and chevron theme proved to be a time of smiles and giggles.

How could we not smile watching the faces of the bride and groom, as they saw this for the first time:

I expect coral to be a "go to" wedding color for awhile. It just makes exudes happy.

 XOXO, Ele

FAll is in The Air

The changing of seasons is very dramatic in the midwest. Warm days turn into chilly evenings, and chilly evenings tease of frost at night. Flowers and gardens are covered with blankets to keep them warm, to save them from demise. A blanket; a protector, a shield. For my family, this was a summer we would like to forget, but living with the loss of a loved one daily, does not allow. Cool evenings, covered with a warm blanket, holding on to those who are so dear, helps us forget...for just a moment.  

So, I have never been more ready to show signs of changing seasons in my home. It was time. Time for the pumpkins to arrive. 

Gone are the days of the indoors orange plastic pumpkins. Pumpkins come in all types of textures, shapes, and colors. My favorite, velvet pumpkins; luscious and dramatic just like the change of seasons. It oozes warmth.  


Peacock Blue Velvet Pumpkins

 

Caramel Colored Pumpkin

Visit www.etsy.com for some great handmade pumpkins.....and take time to snuggle with your loved one.

xoxo, Ele 

Vintage Plates

A gallery wall of plates adds a little variation to the traditional "picture" gallery wall. I do say, I love my vintage plates. Some were gifts, a few were special "finds" while others hold memories of relatives. 

 



Plates need to be hung with some type of symmetry in mind. A large plate can be balanced with two small plates. Let your eye do the work. My arrangement in the picture right, is actually not finished. I'm still hunting for just the right two plates to put on the bottom row.  When it comes to formulating a design, it is easiest if you first arrange your display on the floor or a table. A good tip is to place the plates on a large sheet of paper and once you are satisfied with your arrangement, draw around the perimeter of each plate. There are many plate hangers available. Measure down each plate, where the nail should go and make a mark on your paper. Now, 4 easy steps: 1.Position and tape paper on the wall. 2. Nail on the designated mark (through the paper). 3. Tear off the paper 4. Hang your plates!  

Some of my plates are hand painted, some are transferware, (wet ink is transferred from paper to porcelain through heat). There are also very pretty reproductions available. Flea markets, antique stores, big box stores, and even online shops are good places to acquire beautiful plates.  

 

 And you never know, a gallery of plates, might just be found in your kitchen cupboards! 

 

Many Blessings!

XOXO, Ele

July Wedding

Summer weddings were a time for family, friends, and of course LOVE. This glamorous July wedding started with an incredibly beautiful black and white appliqued dress by Allure, and this bride had exactly the right personality and look to pull off this complete package of gorgeousness.

Photo credits: Studio Kyra & Louise Marie Photography

Dress: Allure, Mary Me Bridal, Minot ND

   Colors of black, white, and red, along with a wine glass theme helped this reception sparkle.

 



 Photo credits: Studio Kyra & Louise Marie Photography

Decorating: A Bit of Heaven

Cake: Lalee Cakes



 Over 100 wine glasses became pillar, votive candle holders, and cake stands. Along with the glasses, crystal vases, and glittering rhinestone broaches,  a whole lot of love brought everything  together to make this one glamorous wedding.

 

 



Photo of bride: StudioKyra &

Louise Marie Photography

Bridal Bouquet: A Bit of Heaven

 



                                 

There will be more summer wedding recaps, so I hope you visit again!  

xoxo A Bit of Heaven