Thursday, February 24, 2011

Like A Kid In A Candy Store

One of my most favorite things to do is shop for jewelry supplies. Last week I went shopping for pearls and gemstones at the the gem and jewelry show and I've been in jewelry making mode ever since.

I found these adorable starfish pendants. 



I think combining these creatures of the sea (pearls and starfish) is the right thing to do.



This is the perfect little necklace to wear all summer long with t-shirts and sundresses. At only $35 each, they're an affordable and very classy gift for bridesmaids, teachers, or your mom.  It also looks great with a double strand of pearls.


Here are some of the other necklaces I've been working on and will be adding to my website soon.




Another "4-in-One"



freshwater pearls w/ vintage milk glass and aurora borealis brooch


freshwater pearls with cutest vintage crystal flower brooch



Pink Purvian opal with vintage Coro brooch


Long chinese crystal with rhinestone clasp


If you see something you like and want more information or want to buy it just e-mail me.

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Monday, February 21, 2011

Home Town

I've lived in the DC area my whole life. I've seen most of the museums many many times.  From grade school field trips to taking friends and family from out of town around to see everything. I've been there, done that.

Recently however we went to see a fantastic exhibit at the National Portrait Gallery.  I had never been to this museum before. How did I miss this one over all these years? And this is one museum you don't want to miss!

atrium ceiling

There's a fantastic atrium in the center and then great exhibits throughout. 


plants in the atrium


This weekend there was a celebration in honor of president's day so we went back. It was so much fun. And the great thing about all of the Smithsonian museums is that there is no admission fee.

We listened to the Marine Corps Band while Drew wrote a letter to the president 





We dressed up like presidents 

president Obama and George Washington


And then we took a little spin around the exhibits.  

Our viewing of this exhibit got cut short unfortunately because we
 had to go look for Drew's cherry tree artwork.  I want to go back, it was very cool.

I got in trouble for taking this picture :) oops, it was hard to know what areas 
you could and could not take pictures. 


So on this presidents day I'm thinking about how lucky we are to be Americans. And how especially fortunate I am to be living in our nations capital. There are so many great things to do in Washington, DC.  And we're lucky we get to take advantage of so many of them. 


Happy Presidents day


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Wednesday, February 16, 2011

An "Easy Change" with help from my right hand mom

The powder room redo is nearly complete. The Easy Change wallpaper went up with a few hitches. 


It was fairly easy to do--thanks to my mom who shared her tools and helped cut and hang the paper.



The biggest hitch I would say is that I needed twice as much paper as I originally ordered. (Remember when I said I wasn't very good with measuring?)  On the first day I got halfway through and started getting very excited about how it was starting to look, then had to stop and order more. Oooops, the project budget just doubled.




I also put in new light switches this morning (gave myself a couple little shocks in the process) and put a nice clean switch plate on and I'm so happy about that it looks so clean and fresh. 




I'm searching for the perfect vanity or piece of furniture that I can turn into a vanity. 
I really like the way the silk skirt looks, but the sink is so low.


I still have to change the lighting!! But I've already got that covered.


I found this little chandelier last weekend at a local antique shop for $60. 
I think it's perfect, but I'll have a professional hang it so I don't get electrocuted. 



Here's a summary about how I felt about this project:

Easy Change wallpaper 
  1. I like Easy Change because it was pre-pasted and all you have to do it dip it in water. 
  2. I think the match points that are printed on the paper also make cutting the pieces a little more foolproof. 
  3. The main reason I went with Easy Change was that it's supposed to be easy to remove. I won't know if that's true for a while though. 
  4. I think there are a lot of really great designs to choose from and I'm thinking about trying it again somewhere else in the house.
The wallpapering process in general 
  1. It really is better to have another person working with you! Four hands are much better than two on this project. (thanks mom!)
  2. I love the impact wallpaper makes.
  3. I think if you do it a few times it will get easier. 
  4. You should not drink three huge cups of coffee before wielding a straight edge razor. 
  5. Wallpapering can be messy, so don't bother taking a shower before you start. There will be glue in your hair, all over your clothes and body and certainly on the floor.
  6. I might try it again in a room that doesn't have toilets, sinks, and water pipe to work around.
A friend stopped by today and said she thinks it looks "very sophisticated" and I say it's affordable. 

Here's what I've spent on this room:
Wallpaper - $250
Cabinet - $100
Sink Skirt - $4
Bust - $5
Mirror - 0
Vintage Crystal Chandelier - $60
Switches, switch plate and new register - $7
Electrician - TBD


Come back soon. I've been pricing out air compressors and I intend to use it as soon as the weather warms up so I can do some major painting outdoors.  
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Thursday, February 10, 2011

Hearts and Flowers

Drew's class Valentine party is tomorrow. So we decided to make cookies for him to give to his classmates.



All wrapped and ready to go! 

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Maybe Phil Was Right

Yesterday was groundhog day and Punxsutawney Phil predicts spring is just around the corner--Yeah!

(my gardenia is budding)

After sick days, snow days, ice delays, and teach work days Drew is back in school for 2 days. 
So today I was able to get to work on the tree limbs that fell during a snow storm. 


As I was dragging the branches around the house I saw the most beautiful thing...




Allium 


and tulips are starting to sprout


My cutting garden is coming alive!


(Tulips from my cutting garden last year)

Yes, I believe that spring is on it's way. 



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Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Oh Bunny! The Real Deal on drink tables



While flipping through the March issue of Veranda I read this- 

"It's hard to find the small pieces a room requires--so I made my own." Bunny Williams

She goes on to say, "Every room needs 19"-high surfaces--what I call 'fingertip height," she adds, "but they're not easy to come by". 





This drinks table perches on an indigenous wood base which is boldly carved in the 18th century “Rocaille” style consisting of vines and twigs sprouting from a rocky formation. The base has a gold gilt finish and the top is made of honed, unfilled travertine.

$2,500 
Additional Information:
While designed to hold your drink, don’t forget your coaster!



I agree that you need to have a place to put your drinks, but Bunny, I respectfully disagree that they are hard to find.




After thinking about this for a minute I realized that I have a growing collection of these small "drinks tables.  I haven't paid more than $100 for any of them.


$25
THIS drinks table perches on a vintage brass base which is boldly detailed with vines and leaves swirling from a perfect circle formation. The base has an aged finish and the top is made of genuine marble.



I actually bought the pair for $40


I picked up these fun little drink tables for my patio last week at Homegoods. 

$24 each

I consider this a drinks table too. You already know I only paid $50 for this classic beauty.
And in a decorating frenzy after we first moved in I bought this one. I never loved it because it's new and I think it's cheap. Actually I paid more for this one than any other - $80 Target. It has since been banished to my husband's office.


So what's my point?...
My point is, that it's not really that hard to find little tables to put your drinks on. And, if you stop by my house for a drink you won't have to use a coaster.