Gallery Wall Fabulousness

After three months of procrastinating, I finally got around to putting together my gallery wall in the living room. It's definitely a work in progress, but I'm happy with the results so far. Both large picture frames are vintage and the window pane is from the early 1900's. I seriously heart vintage windows. I have a stock pile of them and lots of ideas on how to use them. So far, I've used the one in the photo as a picture frame and another one I turned into a bulletin board for my office. I am also quite proud of the pink Dachshund cross stitch at the bottom of the photo. That is my first attempt at cross stitch. Not bad for no idea what I was doing. You may also notice my Pom-Pom garland that I've mentioned before. This is one of my favorite craft projects I've done. I'm always trying to come up with a reason to make them now. Anyhoo, gallery walls are a great way to display many items in a grouping for big impact. My only rules for creating a gallery wall are to use your favorite pieces, have your design planned out before putting a bunch of holes in the wall and to keep things balanced, whether you are doing a standard square pattern or a diagonal like mine. Happy hanging and yes, that is a mailbox in a frame.

I'm Ready for Spring!

I don't know about you, but this super cold weather is getting on my last nerve. I mean, come on. It's the middle of February and we have snow! I'm sick of wool socks, gloves and parkas. Since I haven't mastered the art of altering the weather to my liking, I decided to do a little spruce up in my house to make it feel a bit brighter and warmer. I painted one wall in my living room the beautiful 2011 color of the year... Honeysuckle! It is gorgeous. The wall inspired me to keep going. I moved some small pieces of furniture, added a Pom Pom garland that I made and brought in some of my favorite milk glass, vintage canning jars and vintage teacups and saucers. All bright and fun. I'm hoping this will tide me over until I can walk outside in flip-flops and a tank top. We shall see. If you're feeling the winter blues, here are a few easy fixes to give your space the spring spruce up...

1. Zig Zag or Striped Area Rug - These are the "it" designs to have this year for the floor. You can find them in any shape, size or color and it will make an immediate change. Tip,don't spend a ton on a rug that will wear out it's welcome in a few years. Style doesn't have to cost a fortune.

2. Let the Sunshine In - Wash your windows, inside and out. You don't realize how much dirt and crud can build up on your windows over the long rainy season. It will make an unbelievable difference.

3. Pillows - Most people have a neutral color sofa. That is a smart purchase, but can add to the dreariness that is The Pacific Northwest. Solution, grab a few throw pillows that are bright and have a fun pattern. Pillows are probably the cheapest and easiest update to a room. 2011 is showing us that bright colors are in. That makes the options almost limitless.

4. Lighting - Lighting is key to having an inviting and uplifting space.

Task, accent and overhead lighting should be incorporated throughout

the room to keep it bright during those Armageddon like rain storms.

5. Fresh Flowers - Does this really need an explanation?

Happy Decorating!

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.