The MacGyver of Crafting

At the risk of sounding bitter, I wonder what Martha Stewart could do with a pack of rubber bands, some dryer sheets and some used chewing gum found under the kitchen table?  

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Something fabulous I'm sure.  

My Mom and I were brainstorming on my neighborhood gifts this year, and she said, "I think Martha's the only person in the world who could pull off giving you manure as a gift.  She would wrap it up with this marvelous gift tag and double sided satin ribbon that read, 'Homegrown Organic compost to be used when planting your crocus and hyacinth bulbs this Spring.  Enjoy!'"  Of course, the recipient would be oohing and ahhing over it.  

And to prove my point - Exhibit A

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Yelp.  Totally fabulous Christmas wreath made from coffee filters.  You go Martha! 

And no, I'm not giving manure as gifts this year!  But if I can squeeze in a couple hours after midnight between now and Christmas, I'm so making one of these. :)  Happy Weekend, everybody!  M.

DIY Lamp Knock Off

I have long admired these gorgeous lamps . . . 

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I think a pair of them would be stunning on a buffet, console table or even as bedside lamps in a master bedroom.  But at $645.00 each, they are just not in the budget here at the Smith T house. 

So, here's my idea for a knock off of them.  I have not tried this, but the idea is so simple I am confident someone out there in Internet land has thought of this and actually completed the project.  If you are listening, please send me a picture and your thoughts!   

Take a pair of these at $20 each . . . 

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Turn them upside down and add this (to what was the bottom but is now the top) using a glue specifically for bonding metal to glass . . .

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Or, if you're just not up for a DIY project,  take the vase to a lamp shop, along with a picture of the original and ask them to do it for you. It really is a nominal fee compared to what you would pay for the original. 

Then add a tapered drum shade like this (along with a bulb clip) . . . 

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And you've got yourself a very high end lamp for less!  M.

My Interior Design Website

I am so excited to share my brand new website with you!  As most of you know, I left my staging company here in Birmingham this past Spring to start my own interior design firm.  At the time, I decided to do a complete makeover of my blog and also had the talented Shari Miller of Little Blue Deer come up with a logo for my interior design business.  I wanted the two logos to compliment each other.

Since then, I have been busy working on lots of fun design projects for clients and just have not had the time to put together my design website.  So, last month, I decided I needed to pull it all together.  I found I was getting lots of emails and questions from potential clients on my rates and services.  So, now all this information is online for you to see.  As my business continues to grow and I find time to have my spaces photographed, I will continue to add to my portfolio.  I want to thank each and every one of you for continuing to support my business by reading my blog, sponsoring my blog and hiring me for design jobs.  I have met so many people, both design clients and bloggers in the virtual world, who have made my year one of the most interesting to date.  So from the heart, thank you!

If you have been thinking about interior design help, I hope you will take a look at my design services to see if we could be a fit for a project in your home!  Right now, I am scheduling work about two weeks out, so let me know if you are interested, and I will put you on the calendar! M.

Friday Five

Here we go . . . 

I've been working on a boy's bedroom and saw these very cool leather pulls - was shocked how simple this tutorial is, but with such amazing results.

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A shameless plug (indulge me, please).  For the difficult to buy for friend/adult child/generous client/you fill in the blank consider a design consult.

 I promise they will enjoy the benefits of this gift far longer than a mani/pedi from the spa.  Also, this service is not just available to those in Birmingham as I work with clients all over the country.  I can meet with individuals in the Birmingham area, but I'm also able do virtual consults with individuals in other areas of the country.  It's a quick, easy way for me to give specific design advice to someone who may not ordinarily treat themselves to this kind of service during the year! Click here to contact me for rates.

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Such a clever idea - This website gives the public access to some interesting inventions that might not ever see the light of day due to lack of funding or support.  Now, anyone can get their invention out there!   Here's how it works.  If you like an invention, you can commit to funding it.  If the inventor reaches their target funding(which varies by product), then you are first in line to receive the product!  It's that easy.  It's also a great way for inventors to gauge interest in their products.  If you would like to check out what people are inventing - click here. 

Have you seen the latest issue of House Beautiful?  It's a show stopper - there's a feature article on Scot Meacham Wood's lovely home.  Included is this stunning image of his family room . . .

When I turned the page and saw this image, a piece of furniture from Wisteria popped into my brain (this happens to me all the time).  So, I decided to go visit it in cyberspace AND it is currently on sale - deeply discounted!  I want. 

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I saw this on Pinterest recently.  I think it is a great illustration of what I try to do in my design business.  

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I say to clients all the time - I have a good feel for your current style, but it's my job to push you a bit.  I want to show you what's current and how we can achieve it without breaking the bank.  But it does takes a leap of faith to get there!  Sometimes it happens and sometimes it doesn't - it's all up to the client.  

Happy Black Friday!  Be careful out there - remember that TV is not worth losing a hand! M.

Shop Amazon - Entertain in Style This Holiday Season

Gifts for Neighbors and Friends

Now that Thanksgiving is behind us, I think it's time to kick off the Christmas season with some gift ideas.  Every year, I try to create a unique handmade gift to give to neighbors, friends, and various teachers who have helped our family during the year.  Last year, we gave Rum Butter Sauce.

Although I love the idea of a baked goodie, it's just to difficult for me to pull off.  You have to bake them (consistently I might add - no burnt batches) AND deliver them quickly so they stay fresh.  Then, if someone's not home, you have to make a return trip to redeliver the item (I tried the "leave it at the door thing" one year and a neighbor's dog ate the entire gift)!

Now, if you are a baker and love the process, I am so happy for you.  But, if you are like me and need a foolproof gift, then read on!

Each year, I do a little brainstorming using recipe books, conversations with friends and, as of late, Pinterest searches.  I focus on keeping the recipe simple, but delicious or unique.  If you are curious about past year gifts read this - Christmas Gift Ideas.  Once I get the recipe and packaging idea, I come up with the label or tag.    

Then, I buy all the supplies and pick a weekend I know we will have time to really enjoy the process (i.e., not the same weekend you get your Christmas tree)!

I've also realized over the years, if you wait (and hope) to find the perfect container for your gift while shopping around town, you will never find it.  Things like this get picked over so quickly.  Instead, I always do this part online and then order them in bulk.  My favorite "go to" sources for the perfect packaging are Nashville Wraps, Container & Packaging Supply, and Specialty Bottle.   I always order my containers, ribbon and wrapping early in the season to make sure I will have them when I need them and each gift will seem special.  

Once I have all the supplies needed for the recipe and the packaging, my daughter and I put it all together.   

Since most of the people who receive our family gift also read my blog, I'm not going to spoil this year's gift idea - you'll just have to wait until next year!  But here are a few ideas I found while doing my research to get your wheels turning on the perfect gift from your family.  I would love to receive any of these gifts from freinds!

Sugar Scrub

This would be wonderful in the bath after a long day of Christmas shopping!

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Bath Bon Bons

These would be so cute packaged in a clear cellophone bag with a green and red stripe ribbon bow and gift tag.

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Lip Balm

I adore this idea.  You could actually package these in small pocket size tins and include one for each family member in a clear bag with a ribbon!  Here are the containers for this one - tins.

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Vinegars, Marinades, Dressing & Sauces

There are endless recipes for this type of thing.  The key is to include some ideas on how to use it for the receiver. (i.e., spruce up your favorite salad or add a little kick when marinading that pork tenderloin)

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Gourmet Syrups 

Again, tell your receiver how to use this one (maybe include a dessert recipe that works well with it).

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Cocktail Mixers 

If you read my previous year's gift ideas, you know this kind of thing is my favorite to give.  I think it's fun to make a special drink during the holidays and a great mixer is the perfect way to encourage this!

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Rein Beer!

Love this clever play on words! You could also make a a non-alcoholic version with root beer. 

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Cocoa Mix

These are always fun to receive, but why not make yours a little different like this Mexican Cocoa.  

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Cookie Mix

Not crazy about making the cookies for you, but I can put the mix together all day long!!  Also, I love how the layers this particular mix look in the jar. 

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Sewing Project in a Jar

This one is not for everyone, but if you have friends who sew or who would like to, this apron in a jar is a fun idea.  My least favorite part is cutting out the fabric and with this one, that part is already done for you! 

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Remember, coming up with the idea should also be part of the fun and enjoyment of making the gift. Now, let the festivities (and craziness) of the season begin!! Happy Monday. M.

Christmas Trend and An Invitation for You . . .

I just love a good design trend, and for me trend spotting flows right over into decorating for Christmas.  This year the biggest single trend I'm seeing in Christmas decor is earthy elements.  

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These would include rustic wood chargers, 

pheasant feathers, 

and pinecones, lots of pinecones.

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We traveled to Mississippi for Thanksgiving and while I was there, I picked up a huge bag of pinecones while taking walks on my parents' property.  My plan was to use them throughout our house to bring in that natural element.  I decided to try my hand at making some garland with them for my breakfast room.  I normally don't include a ton of decorations in this space.  But I thought the garland was fun! 

It was super easy, but time consuming - I sat for at least two hours working on it and create about 14 feet total.  

I do love the results but would not be patient enough to create a garland long enough for a stairwell banister or Christmas tree!

  I then included a few pinecones in my centerpiece arrangement on our table.  

My plan is to carry the pinecones throughout the rest of our home for a pulled together look.  I will be showing you pictures of each room as I finish them.  One room down, several more to go!  As my Mom always says, "Honey, you can eat an elephant, if you really want to.  You just have to take it one bite at a time!"  So, one bite at a time. 

An Invitation

 This is a bit of a late notice, but for those who live here in Birmingham, I wanted to extend this very special invitation.  Tonight, Covenant Presbyterian Church is hosting a evening filled with hope and lots of fun,  "hands on" tutorials.  The speaker, Ashley McCary, is a former church member who was diagnosed with a form of cancer in her eye.  Through this devastating ordeal which has resulted in the loss of her eye, Ashley has exhibited a strength of faith that will encourage you and give you a sense of hope that only God can provide.   The evening will begin with Ashley sharing her story.  

Following, there will be holiday tutorials including everything from how to make bows, decorate your mailbox, and make those fabulous gift tags you see on everybody's gifts.  I will also be there demonstrating how to create a beautiful mantle from start to finish.  These tutorials will give you lots to go home and try in your own home.  And the best part, this special night is completely free.  So, if you are in the Birmingham area, grab a friend and join us to celebrate the beginning of a wonderful Christmas season!  (click here for directions)  M. 

Thankful

Happy Thanksgiving.  

Today as we celebrate this day of recognizing all things we are grateful for I am reminded of you.  Thank you for taking the time to read my little slice of blog land.  I'm so blessed to get to do something I love every day I wake up, and it's such a treat to get to share it with you here. 

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Your support for this blog and my design business does not go unnoticed by me - the encouragement, excitement, and even surprise I see on your faces when I meet with you, read your comments or hear from friends when they've seen spaces I helped to create.  It means more to me than you will ever know.  So on this Thanksgiving day, my hope is that you feel love, support, excitement and will be thankful for all blessings sprinkled throughout your own life.  Lest we not forget, they are truly gifts from the Lord. M.

Immediate Employment Opportunity

Robert Trown & Associates, Inc. in Dallas is looking for an interior design assistant and intern for immediate employment. The firm is a very high-end, primarily residential firm that focuses both on interiors and architecture. This is a great opportunity for a recent graduate. Please contact Christian for further information. 

Christian Walker
ROBERT TROWN & ASSOCIATES, INC.
1531 Edison Street
Dallas, Texas  75207
Tel: 214.706.9965
Fax: 214.760.1511
E-mail: cw@rtaaspen.com

Design Perspective - Cantley and Company

I've wanted to feature this uber talented husband/wife team for quite some time.  This wonderful duo has created a very special company of custom bespoke cabinetry in Birmingham, Alabama.  Their custom designs can be seen in some of the most prominent homes in our area.  They've also been featured in numerous magazines and show homes over the years. 

Interestingly, they do not have a website, only a Facebook page.  The reason - they don't need a website.  Their work is the only advertising they seem to need.  So, I'll do the same here with just a sampling of the awesomeness simply known as Cantley and Company.

Marble detailing around a sterling silver sink (yes, I did say sterling silver).

Ceiling - need I say more.

Here is a cute picture of Keith Cantley doing what he does best!  

What a fabulous place to serve a drink.

 The details in the kitchen below simply blew my mind.  Most kitchens you see these days are all tripped out with marble, including the focal point area behind the stove.  Look closely here, the area is made of plank boards and gorgeous detail trim - all done in wood.  Talk about a price savings, and it's lovely.    
Here's a close up.  This is a very clever way to save some money - also the perfect pairing with those oversized rustic wall sconces with linen shield shades.

One other clever detail.  Notice the upper cabinets - not unusual to see glass fronts on cabinetry.  But it is unusual to see glass wrapped around the sides.  It gives the cabinets a completely different look and feel.  Amazing how such a small detail can transform a kitchen.  Simply love this.

One last view of this kitchen (sorry it's blurry), notice the open shelving and cabinetry near the door (to the right).  It gives this kitchen a very eclectic (I dare say modern) element.  Just love it. 

In the image below, I would never have thought to use the old fashion school house blinds in this kitchen.  But it gives the perfect amount to dark color to tie in the lighting and the stained wood island.

Another detail (in the image below) which really makes a huge difference - notice the stained wood trim between the two windows in this image.  Your natural instinct would be to paint that trim out the same as the cabinetry.  But by choosing to stain it the color of the blinds, the window reads as one large window rather than two small windows.  The color again helps to tie in all the other dark brown elements in the space.  Perfect solution. 

I wanted to include this one to remind you that custom cabinetry is not just for the kitchen.  Look at the lovely curved tub and furniture detailing on the base of the built in cabinetry. 

 

More goodness.

I really think this family owned business has a very special thing going.  Such Wow factor is very difficult to achieve, and they pull it off effortlessly.  M.