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Monday, April 16, 2012

April showers, bring Mimi's flowers…


We are finally getting rain here in Northern California. Although we are all yearning for the warm and sunny weather, we need the rain, and I love the Spring blooms that follow.

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This is a shot of my backyard during an afternoon rain shower.

As the saying goes…April showers, bring May flowers! Today I want to share with you some beautiful flowers that you won’t find growing outside in the warm Spring sun…

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These beautiful roses were not made by nature…they were handmade by my Mom, also known as Mimi. Yes, I come from a long line of incredibly artistic, and talented people! As a friend who recently met Mimi, and saw some of her creative handmade items said…”Oh now I get it, that’s why you are you!”


A couple of months ago I came across a website showing how to make these incredible roses out of plastic spoons! I immediately sent it to Mimi, as I knew this is one craft she would love! The step by step tutorial can be found on the blog Cant Stop Making Things seen here. This talented blogger and crafter has a long list of fun and clever crafts. Stop over to her site and check it out.


About a week later, Mimi brought over this box full of her latest creations, and her own version of the plastic spoon roses, set on decorative boxes…


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They look so pretty, I just had to get a few shots to post and share here on my blog. I set up a trio of boxes with pink roses to showcase Mimi’s beautiful work…


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Here is a close up of the rose, made entirely out of plastic spoons…


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After heating the spoons with a candle…she hand molds them into petal shapes, then uses hot glue to create the rose shape. Mimi then attaches them to hand painted boxes that she even lines with decorative paper. Love all the detail…


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Each box is unique, and truly one-of-a-kind! Just like my Mom!

She has been selling them to friends, and may even place them in a few local shops that sell handmade crafts and décor. I am currently encouraging her to open an Etsy shop, to share and sell some of her beautiful hand made crafts online - ”Mimi Creates” - has a nice ring to it!


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Where do you get your creative inspiration? Does it run in the family, like ours?


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Friday, April 13, 2012

Pin it…and win it!


Today I was all set to write a post about Pinterest…my love of it and my addiction to it!
So imagine my delight when I opened up this e-mail…

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Seriously? Ballard Designs and Pinterest together…in a contest to win $1000 of merchandise?! This is an opportunity not to be passed up!

The details on the sweepstakes are as follows;
Create a pinterest board with at least four items found on BallardDesigns.com. Just one rule: The value of your items can’t exceed $1000.

I decided to create a board using Outdoor Décor. With summer approaching, it is time to spruce up the backyard. Not to mention that I will be hosting a Graduation Party for my oldest son…as he is graduating from High School and heading off to College this fall (sniff, sniff).
Here are the 4 items I choose for my Ballard Designs Outdoor Décor board…


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Starting with fresh new planters. I love the style and colors of the Toulon Planters. These are modeled after Anduze pots thrown by French potters from the 16th century. The Ballard versions are made of lightweight weather resistant poly-resin, finished with a high gloss glaze to resemble ceramic. Filled with some new ferns and bright blooms, a few of these would look fantastic around the pool.

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Next, I chose the Reims Rug to place under my outdoor dining table. I do not have a rug there currently, and I like the way an indoor/outdoor rug adds style and comfort to an outdoor space. This design reminds me of an vintage garden gate…perfect for our backyard patio.

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Nothing spruces up the yard quicker and easier that a couple of new pillows! These outdoor pillows with the bee and wreath motif are the perfect addition to add a little whimsy and style.

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Final and 4th item…the Quatrefoil Fountain. I love the ambiance that a water feature adds to the yard. I have the perfect spot for this fountain, next to our garden box. The sound of the water will create a soothing and relaxing spot to sit and enjoy the yard.

You can see all the details about the Ballard Designs sweepstakes here. Please stop over to Pinterest and visit my pin boards here. Just be sure you give yourself plenty of time…as everyone who has ever been to Pinterest knows…it is completely addicting!!

Now, before I win my favorite 4 items from Ballard Designs…I need to get outside and start pulling weeds in the yard! You know the old saying…”April showers bring May flowers”…well they also bring lots of weeds, weeds, weeds!

How are you sprucing up your backyard for summer?



Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Slipper Chairs…


One of my favorite ways to add seating in a smaller space is by adding a couple of armless chairs…also known as Slipper Chairs.



Draper Slipper Chair
I like the versatility and function of this type of chair. They work in so many different  spaces…





Whether used alone or in pairs, they look equally great in a bedroom, living room, or as a cozy spot to read next to your fireplace.

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The most recognizable feature of the Slipper Chair is its low, wide seat. Originally designed in the Victorian era for women to put on their stockings and shoes, keeping warm next to the fire. Today, the low profile not only provides comfortable seating but also adds a different size and scale to a room. By choosing a fun pattern or color, this chair adds some welcome personality to any setting.

How do you like to add extra seating in your home?



 
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