Faux Sho'!

I’m pretty sure that everyone knows that the term “faux” means fake. Unfortunately, it doesn't always get the best reaction from people. As recent as a few years ago most faux items were… Well, let’s just say it. Crap. However, 2010 brings us fantastic faux products. With the Green Movement going full steam ahead, you can now find faux fur, leather, wood greenery and flowers that look like the real McCoy!

Faux Bois-Fake Wood: This a great eco-friendly alternative that looks like the real thing. Buy faux-bois, save a tree. Unless you hate trees, then you are a mean, mean person.

Faux Leather: Regardless of your feelings about the ethical treatment of animals, raising animals for leather and fur requires a large amount of feed, land, water and fossil fuels. All of this causes a substantial amount of pollution. Luckily, the faux options for fur and leather now are not only authentic looking, but can be softer and easier to clean than the non-faux versions.

Faux Flowers & Greenery: With the exception of fresh organic flowers, conventionally grown flowers can be an environmental hazard. Most cut flowers are imported from other countries and can contain chemicals that cause illness. That along with the greenhouse gases from transportation make faux flowers a legitimate option. Just be sure to select flowers made from eco-friendly fabrics. Good rule of thumb... If the flower costs less than $.50, probably not a good fake.

Before Selecting a Coffee Table...

Looking for a new coffee table? Here are a few things to consider before making that oh so important purchase.

1. Need extra seating? Ottomans are a fab solution for this problem. They can be easily moved for seating when you have guests and put back with a fun tray when using for a table.

2. Will there be kids in, on or around the table? If so, you want to stay away from sharp corners, pieces that can be easily scratched or stained and glass tabletops.

3. What is the height of the seating that will be around the table? Make sure you don’t choose a table that is too tall or too low for the sofa or chairs that will be around it. Unless you’re going for that Alice in Wonderland feel.

4. Looking for additional storage space? Go for a table that has shelving, storage baskets or a hide-away nook. Old trunks are a great option if you want to conceal the items you’re storing.

5. If you will be setting small items on the coffee table, be sure to stay away from slatted or uneven table tops. Drinks, food, paperwork, keys and remote controls can slip through the cracks.

6. Other things to remember… Wood tables are susceptible to watermarks, heat and cold. Coasters, coasters, coasters people! Consider the feel of the room. Stay true to the design you already have in place. Matchy matchy is a thing of the past. Just say no.

Happy shopping!

I Heart Antique Windows!

I have a ton of old windows. All different sizes and styles. I've made one four pane window into an awesome picture frame, used some in my yard and for fence decoration, and now my newest design... A fabulous dark bubblegum pink cork board for my office. I had no intention of starting this project today, but I was working on something for a client and I figured I was already covered in paint, so why the hell not? I chose a two pane window frame that had the glass broken out of it. I primered the whole thing (hardware and all) and then painted it a very girly pink. Sometimes I feel like Shelby from Steel Magnolias when she says, "Pink is my signature color". Not that pink is the only color I like, but I seem to be drawn to it quite often. Anyway, I picked up cork tiles at the craft store and I'm going to attach them to the back of the frame tomorrow. Screw in a couple of hooks and wire and bada bing, bada boom! Hello fabulous cork board. Welcome to the office! The point here is that not only is it friendlier to our environment to reduce, reuse and recycle, but your options are only as limited as your imagination is. Creating new things from old adds character and gives you one of kind pieces that NO ONE else will have. Happy crafting PDX!