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

Grandma's Doily Bracelet DIY

A bracelet made from Grandma's doilies?

Is it wrong to have a soft spot in your heart for grandma's doilies?

 

Is it fashionable to wear grandma's doilies?

 When designed correctly, I believe so. Why? Because lace/crochet with a vintage feel is not only timeless and elegant, but modern at the same time. I recently saw this beautiful wedding dress in person, and it is absolutely breathtaking. Justin Alexander rocks.

 

 (credits: Justin Alexander Bridal).

 

So, I present to you, my latest DIY project: The Doily Bracelet.

 

 

1. BUY THIS LACE BRACELET BASE AT HOBBY LOBBY, (it comes with chain link ends already attached!).

• Did you hear me? Did I shout loud enough? It's that easy! 
• You do not need to use a jewelry tool unless the bracelet is too big and you need to make the bracelet smaller. Then, you can remove a link or two with a round nose jewelry pliers. 
• If you want to use a special piece of your own lace, (such as grandma's), you can purchase the silver flat ends, chain link, and hook separately. If you choose to do this, you will need to purchase a round nose jewelry pliers. I would also suggest some fabric glue to secure crocheted lace inside flat silver ends.
   



2. Buy  three  pieces of decorative jewelry that have holes or loops on each end. Search the pendant and charm area of the jewelry section.

 

3. Sew the jewelry pieces onto the lace, (through the holes), with a needle and thread. See picture above.

• instead of adding 3 jewelry pieces, you could add 1 large piece, or 5 small, but don't get carried away as it will look tacky. 

  

 

 

TaDa! Grandma's doily is not for just grandma, anymore!

 

 

Hope you are having a blessed week,

Ele

Be fabulous and classy. (Coco Chanel)

 

Check out these great linky parties:

http://www.thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com (th)

http://www.domesblissity.blogspot.com (th)

http://www.primpjunction.com (th)

http://www.katherinescorner.com (th)

http://www.aruraljournal.com (th)

http://www.thecraftyblogstalker.com (th)

http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com (th)

http://www.thenymelrosefamily.com (w)

http://www.freeprettythingsforyou.com (w)

http://www.somedaycrafts.blogspot.com (w)

http://www.acreativeprincess.blogspot.com (w)

 

Darling Stewardess Shop

My niece and her husband recently opened the cutest little vintage shop in town. It is appropriately named, Darling Stewardess.  My niece's husband is the handsome pilot, and my niece is the Darling behind the Darling Stewardess. 

So many cute treasures, but first I feel the need to practice saying, "darling". Envision yourself as a "richy rich mommy dearest" lady. Add red lipstick, false eyelashes, raise your brows as high up as they can go, and wrap your hair in a turban scarf that is embellished with one great rhinestone brooch. Ready?  Lets say, "Daaaaahling Stewardess!"

O.K., that was a little scary and the Darling Stewardess is not scary. It's adorably, drool worthy cute. Let's scrap the daaaaahing idea and say in a sweet voice (preferably as you walk in the store), "omygosh, this is darling!"

The store is filled with vintage wares, retro kitchen items, and anything junkalicious. This is not the normal antique store. Darling stewardess and her handsome pilot have an eye for what people want. It's young, stylish, and chic. The best thing about it is they restock every week! Each Saturday new items are added.

 

This Saturday (Oct. 20th) the shop is open from 10:00-2:00. Located at 1809 South Broadway (lower level). For more information, look for Darling Stewardess on facebook.

 

Guess it's time to take off my brooch encrusted head turban, but I'm keeping on the red lipstick. So there!

Have a Blessed Weekend!
Ele

Silhouette (2)

Silhouettes, such a lovely decor topic, that I just couldn't stop at one post. Yes, silhouettes have been around for centuries, and they can have a vintage classical feel, sometimes stuffy, but this next picture shows silhouettes with a modern, colorful twist. 

 

 

Black, white, and blue with splashes of vivid pink, orange, and one unexpected pop of red. Oh. how I love this. I can't tell for sure, but I imagine the black chaise in black velvet for luxurious texture.

 

Silhouettes can made by you for a personal touch, or can be purchased ready to stick, or hang on the wall.

Some basic instructions for making your own silhouette:

*Position child, cat, dog, etc. in profile position, in front of a white wall, (the finished silhouette will face in the opposite direction),
*Take photos , but make sure you are at the same eye level as your subject. You don't want it to look as if you are looking down or up at animal or child. Take several photos.
*Load camera photos to computer and print out an 8x10, or smaller size. You can enlarge photos on a copy machine if you want. Remember graininess of the picture does not matter. The actual picture will not be seen. 
*Use a LIGHT layer of spray glue and attach the back side of the actual picture to a heavy black card stock.
*With a sharp scissors, (smaller the better). Cut along the outline of the picture. Sometimes it helps to draw with a narrow Sharpee marker. Extend any eyelashes, or wisps of hair to add interest. 
*Turn picture over so the black card stock side is face up and check your cutting skills.
*Glue finished silhouette to a white (or even colored), background. Use a light layer of paper glue, or spray glue. 
*Frame, and if you are putting up more than two pictures add a little visual interest with dfferent frames, or frame widths. 

 

If you don't want to make your own silhouette, many styles are available from etsy. 

Remember stickers can easily be framed!

 

above pictures taken from

http://www.redcandy.co.uk

http://www.countryliving.com

http://www.decorartsnow.com

http://www.paperclips&playpens.com

 

 

Have a blessed end of the week,

Ele

 

July Heavenly Bit of Design)

It seems the ladies that I chose, (after announcing an artist call), for the title of July artist have spoken loud and clear. This means they created items you will absolutely love! Scroll down for links to the kit they used, as well as links to their creations.  


First, I would like to thank Owens Acres for sending us her yummy stamped Paris ribbon. I loved this ribbon so much that I wanted to keep it all for me, but I was nice and shared, (not to mention I bought more for myself!). 
The ribbon is the perfect marriage of shabby and elegance. I tied it around a large glass cylinder, added a little vintage bling, a little love, and some  sumptuous "I will be sad when I use it all" lace. 

Inside, a vanilla candle is ready to be lit. I made quite a few of these, but were sold at my last craft show. I also used the ribbon to gussy up some old trophies. This picture was taken in my shop. 

Not only did my July artists receive the hand stamped ribbon, they received a little 'ole package of Heavenly Bits from me! The kit is now available in my etsy shop.

Now for the July artists! Please visit each blog by clicking on their name. I knew your creations would be fabulous, and you didn't disappoint! 


Drum roll please!


KRISTEN 

BARB

LORENA

Viv

If you would like to be considered for an artist call this fall, send me an e-mail with a link to your blog, and items you have created.  It's fun, little stress, and hey, you get FREE stuff from me, and a guest supplier!

Have a fabulous week,

Ele

2010 Neutrals

To define the word neutral, I would start with a color that produces calm, breathing without thinking, and understated elegance. Recapping 2010 with my neutral blog pictures, seriously makes me want to devoid my life of hue. 
     

Wikipedia defines neutral as "a stance of tone without any bias." Very true, as love abounds everywhere with neutral decor and creations. The world dictionary says, "dull, but harmonizes with everything." Really, dull? I will agrue the first part of that definition. The world dictionay has obviously never fully taken in the visual experience of the different shades of whites, creams, beiges, and grays. It is a feast for the eyes.

Blessings,
Ele

Pumpkins, Do They all Have to be Orange?

Crisp and clean looking, white pumpkins are found in my house during the season of Fall. 

I really like how miniature white pumpkins look displayed in a vintage flower basket or a glass jar.   

 A metal black crow is at home in a white birdcage.

Vinyl bats cling to the mirror, and also the front door (as seen in the reflection).


 A silver mercury glass pumpkin sits on my mirrored chest.  

Pumpkins don't all have to be orange to look fabulous.

Blessings,
Ele

It's All in the Accessories

You could call this a fashion post, but it's not. My pink girl and I have been redecorating her room. We have been using her wearable fashion accessories as decorating accessories.

Tip #1 
Store pretty heeled shoes out in the open. 
Back and white damask velvet boxes coordinate with all shoe colors, (and keep things out of sight). The black hat and bow, as well as a couple of the shoes styles provide a vintage feel.

Tip #2

In the same area, repeat the theme of the accessories (vintage style) with another item.

Pink girl chose this fabulous couture poster with red dress and shoes.

Tip #3
Display bling on a wall. 
We displayed blingy bracelets on a shelf . It doesn't matter the "color" of your bedroom decor. The reflective quality of the bling makes it coordinate with everything!

My pink girl's accessories lean to the vintage style; netted headband, cameo, pearls, and tons of bling.  Perfect accessories for a girl's bedroom, and her outfits!

Tip #3

Display fashion accessories, on a dresser, like you would a picture frame. 

We used a wire easel stand to display hair flowers. The stand was originally used to hold messages. Now, instead of flower clips thrown in a drawer, they are right out in the open and ready to be worn.

A couple more pics of her room to show you the color scheme of peacock blue, turquoise, and red.

We participated in our first craft show of the season. The weather was gorgeous and we had a great time. Thanks to all of you that stopped by my booth, especially the two ladies that took pics of my ruffled table cloth. You made my day!  

Have a blessed week,
Ele

Bits & Pieces

Sadie at Lollishops is having a Bits & Pieces Challenge. How could I resist when the theme is Valentines, and I get to use bits and pieces? Part of the fun is finding bits and pieces at thrift stores, flea markets, rummage sales, online auctions and stores, and in your own home.

 

On a regular painter's canvas, I used a few different paint techniques, as well an eiffel tower stamp.  I really like the shimmery silver.

I was in a girly girl mood and chose vibrant colors of fuschia and pink, with an accent of black.  Perfect for a girl's room.   

I incorporated glass glitter, flocked paper, rhinestones, a velvet flower,  silver heart, velvet ribbon, and vintage jewelry into this collage.

It's not A Bit of Heaven without sparkle, and I have to tell you, I have hoarded a lot of  admired vintage jewelry through the years. The flower bouquet pin was part of my collection for about 2 years. After I went through a 12 step program realized how beautiful it would look on this collage,  I was glad to give it up. I added it to this flocked heart. It does look fabulous:) 

Blessings, Ele