Archive for March, 2010
Posted by claire to How-To and Kitchen and Organizing on
31 March 2010, with 15 comments so far.
I’ve always been attracted to those old, vintage kitchen tins. I owned some lovely ones for a while that were shiny and silver with sleek black labels reading COFFEE, SUGAR, TEA, and FLOUR. They looked great, but they weren’t large enough to contain the amount of tea and coffee that Garth and I keep in our house. We also use a variety of flours, sugars, and other dry goods that deserve convenient containers. I don’t expect to find manufactured containers with the perfect labels for my specific kitchen, but I did want to create a system to organize all the dry goods in our kitchen.
In our house, both Garth and I cook, though I tend to be the person who arranges things in the kitchen. My hope is that a well displayed, well labeled wall of ingredients would cut down on his cries of, “Hey! Where is the ________?” and my later question, “When you were cooking the other day, where on earth did you put the ______?”
The solution was fairly easy, attractive, and not very labor intensive. While fixing up our kitchen I left a cabinet door off one wall cabinet. This opened up shelves for a clear, organized display of our baking supplies, nuts, and dried fruits. Then I made my own equivalent of the old kitchen tins.
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Tags: bulk goods, dry goods, etch, etching, glass, jars, Kitchen, organization, Organizing
Posted in How-To, Kitchen, Organizing | 15 Comments »
Posted by Megan Jeyifo to Decorating on
30 March 2010, with 14 comments so far.
I found two amazing suitcases at a thrift store a few months ago and have been scouring the web for ideas on what to do with them besides stuff them into an already packed closet. Since my sixty-five pound puppy is a bit too large for the vintage suitcase pet beds Polly posted about over at Make Nice, I’m still on the hunt.
How about some chairs? I’m not sure I’ll be able to pull off what Katie Thompson of Recreate in Cape Town has come up with, but I can definitely drop my jaw and stare in awe. A fellow junker, Katie has made a series of gorgeously upholstered pieces of furniture out of old suitcases.
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Tags: katie thompson, recreate, vintage suitcase idea
Posted in Decorating | 14 Comments »
Posted by Garth to How-To on
29 March 2010, with 2 comments so far.
Claire and I moved to California 2 1/2 years ago.
One of the things that made us veeeeerrrrrry nervous was the threat of earthquakes. I’m a ceramic artist, and we both collect pottery and sculpture, so the thought of going through an earthquake was pretty terrifying. From the moment we moved here, I started asking all of our friends how they earthquake-proofed their houses. The answer for most of our friends?
Nothing. Zip. Nada.
I was shocked! We’ve got several friends who lost a lot of stuff in earthquakes—one in the big Northridge earthquake, and another in Napa. The most anybody did was install an “L” bracket here and a bit of earthquake glue there. When we moved into our new house in August, we had the best of intentions when it came to earthquake proofing. We bought some earthquake glue and other precautions, but we never quite got around to doing anything with them.
We paid dearly for our procrastination. In January, Eureka got hit with an earthquake that measured 6.5 on the Richter scale a few days before the Haiti earthquake hit. The earthquakes in Haiti and Chile made us feel much more fortunate about our broken stuff, but we’re still kicking ourselves. You can read our full account of the earthquake damage HERE.
(Read on for a primer on simple home fixes you can use to mitigate the damage an earthquake does to your stuff and your home.)
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Posted in How-To | 2 Comments »
Posted by Megan Jeyifo to How-To and Parties on
26 March 2010, with 6 comments so far.
Gift maven Amber of the aptly named Giver’s Log has created a step-by-step tutorial for making a cake stand. And get this—the plates can be switched out with the flick of a drill to match any baked item perched upon them. I’m seeing red velvet cake and toile plates in my future.
The supplies are easy to gather and super cheap. Amber’s cake stands ran her less than fifteen bucks and that includes a cute drawer pull from love of my life (but not my wallet) Anthropologie.
Interchangable Tiered Cake Stand Tutorial
Tags: diy cakestand, giver's log
Posted in How-To, Parties | 6 Comments »
Posted by Chris Gardner to How-To and Lighting on
25 March 2010, with no comments so far.
The MoMA store sells these wine glass lampshades by DeKoop, which, with the help of a tealight or votive candle, turn your stash of wine glasses into luminaria for your tablescape. They’re totally sweet, but ReadyMakers never buy what we can make, and these? These we can make.
Save-On-Crafts provides everything you need, including a materials list, a pattern, and step-by-step instructions. Try making a few for your soon-to-be-here warm weather barbecues or whip them up en masse for a DIY wedding.
How to Make Wine Glass Candle Lamps [via CasaSugar]
Posted in How-To, Lighting | No Comments »
Posted by Chris Gardner to Color and Decorating and How-To on
23 March 2010, with no comments so far.
It’s amazing, really. A twenty-five dollar can of paint can have the biggest of impacts, often more than that perfect sofa you just dropped $3,000 on. (Don’t worry, it’s still a sweet sofa). And unless your ceilings are forty feet tall, a perfect paint job is completely within the reach of the average DIYer.
Look, I’m sure you’ve already seen hundreds of wonderful painting tutorials on the internet, but they were usually written circa 1996, and the websites on which they’re hosted haven’t been updated since. Thankfully, Nicole from Pink Loves Brown offers a fresh, updated, and completely thorough guide to flawless painting on her home blog, Making It Lovely.
From prep work and tools to paint selection and techniques, Nicole includes every tip I’ve heard of, and many I haven’t. See them all at Making It Lovely.
Posted in Color, Decorating, How-To | No Comments »
Posted by Sonia Zjawinski to Kitchen and Pets on
19 March 2010, with 2 comments so far.
After posting about pet dishes found on Etsy, I found that, in the world of dog and cat bowls, there are more design variations for our pets’ meals than there are for our own! Pet dinnerware comes in all shapes and sizes — round, square, foldable, heightened — and in a variety of materials — stainless steel, porcelain, or glass.
If you’re shopping for a new dish look for one made of a non-porous material, such as those just mentioned. Avoid plastic. Yes, I know there are tons of cute ones out there, but it easily harbors bacteria, which can then lead to health issues. One of the most common ways bacteria can attack is through painful pimples around your pet’s mouth. Yup, your dog can get zits. Another reason to avoid plastics: they can also hold quite a few toxins that can leak out into foods or water.
Here I’ve rounded up a sampling of some of the more interesting serving dishes out there that are also safe for your furry companions. You’ll notice there are a few raised bowls, as well as wall mountable feeding stations. These are great for any pet’s digestion, but they’re especially helpful for dogs who may suffer from bloat.
The Temple Standing Feeder, $90 and up
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Tags: cat bowl, cat bowls, cat dish, cat dishes, dog bowl, dog bowls, dog dish, dog dishes, feeding station, pet bowl, pet bowls, pet dish, pet dishes
Posted in Kitchen, Pets | 2 Comments »
Posted by Megan Jeyifo to How-To and Reuse and Salvage on
18 March 2010, with 3 comments so far.
I love Diana Durkes’ Fine Diving, penned right here in Chicago. Her site is chock-full of upcycled and repurposed gems made from castoffs found in alleyways and on the street. Diana uses tons of different applications to update or completely transform each item she comes across and Fine Diving features her how-tos and step-by-step transformations.
This green mat was brilliantly made from a roll of found carpeting and sisal twine.
A pair of chairs found in two separate areas of Chicago are united by black paint and vintage wool crewel. The tutorial for the two is great because it walks you through how to make the seat, not just recover the cushion.
This table was in sad shape when Diana found it on a college campus. The after is so bright and fun. Doesn’t it make you want to break out the spray paint?
A found cashmere sweater in an alley turned into a pretty, soft pillow? Lovely.
Diana inspires me to rethink what I see as trash… and to walk my dog through alleys more often. Visit Fine Diving here and be sure to check out the complete list of before and afters while you’re there. Thanks, Diana!
Tags: alley find, chicago, diana durkes, diy, fine diving
Posted in How-To, Reuse, Salvage | 3 Comments »
Posted by Chris Gardner to Decorating and Gardening on
17 March 2010, with 4 comments so far.
Air plants, aka bromeliad tillandsia, are epiphytes, which means they don’t need soil, because they absorb water and nutrients through their leaves. A ten-minute soak in water once a week is all these little guys need to stay green and spiky.
Which means you’re no longer tethered to bulky, soil-filled containers when getting your greenery up in the air. Modish offers a sweet how-to for making an air plant chandelier using glass votive globes and linen thread. As project author Renee Garner explains,
“Sprung from a train of thought somewhere between John Giacomazzi’s chandelier and the numerous terrariums all over the web, I was inspired to create a simple chandelier of air plants for Mabel’s room…Give them a good shake after watering so the water doesn’t settle in around the base of the leaves; the collected water will cause rotting. Semi-monthly fertilizing is also recommended for making baby plants and for flowering. After the soak, I just use the water on the other houseplants and no one feels left out. See more great tips for caring for them here.”
Oh, imagine the possibilities. Nature is a wonderful thing.
DIY Air Plant Chandelier
Tags: air, How-To, plants, terrarium
Posted in Decorating, Gardening | 4 Comments »
Posted by Garth to Decorating on
16 March 2010, with 1 comment so far.
Back in the 60’s, the people who hung out at Andy Warhol’s studio (the Factory) decorated it from floor to ceiling in tinfoil, then spray painted everything silver that couldn’t be foiled or covered with broken pieces of mirror. Since I read about the Factory as a teenager, I’ve been intrigued by the possibility of decorating with aluminum foil. Since my wife isn’t about to let me turn our living room into a set from Barbarella, I’ll have to be content with the efforts of a very resourceful Russian gentleman.
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Posted in Decorating | 1 Comment »
Posted by Chris Gardner to Decorating on
15 March 2010, with 1 comment so far.
Wallpaper has made a serious comeback over the last few years. Prints from artists like Julia Rothman and Orla Kiely are abundant in the most contemporary of homes, eliminating the need for framed art by turning the whole wall into a bold, graphic print.
But those of us who rent, are on a budget, or have a significantly small space need an inexpensive, non-permanent solution to add a punch of pattern.
Misty Adair came up with this sweet method to make DIY wallpaper decals, which are endlessly customizable to match your style, and can be easily removed. And if you’re able to get your hands on a free wallpaper sample book, it’s essentially a no-cost solution.
Materials
Wallpaper remnants or free sample books
Templates
Pencil and/or Sharpie
Exacto knife and cutting board
Scissors
Aleene’s Tacky Glue
Foam brush and small container
Dry soft cloth
See the full how-to at How To Make Wallpaper Decals on Home Hacks
Posted in Decorating | 1 Comment »
Posted by Megan Jeyifo to Parties on
10 March 2010, with 6 comments so far.
I have to admit, I’d never heard of a stock-the-bar-party until last week. A co-worker mentioned that he was having one as a housewarming and my ears perked up. Cocktails, friends and you wake up with a full bar? Yes!
So, you’re going to have one? Me too. Since your friends are bringing the alcohol, you can provide the fixins’.
recipe cards from 1canoe2
1. Have a batched cocktail made beforehand. You can even make recipe cards of your specialty drink for folks to take home. Keep an eye on ReadyMade’s twitter and watch for the Friday afternoon drink recipes for ideas.
2. Beer. Some of your friends may want to stick with hops. May I suggest Goose Island’s Matilda? Or perhaps Lakefront Brewery’s Riverwest Stein? Not much can compete with Midwestern beer. Serve your friends the good stuff.
3. Glassware. Don’t use big red plastic cups. You’re old enough to drink and old enough to know better; they’re bad for the environment and a bad look for you. How about these Ribbon Old Fashioned glasses from NotNeutral?
4. Ice! Don’t forget the ice.
Add music, something for your guests to nibble on and maybe even a game of Taboo. Your bar is now stocked.
Please invite me to the next party. You’re going to need an excuse to get rid of all of that liquor.
Tags: cocktails, party, stock-the-bar-party
Posted in Parties | 6 Comments »
Posted by Sonia Zjawinski to How-To and Pets on
9 March 2010, with 4 comments so far.
I was introduced to the cat hammock years ago when doing kitty rescue work in Brooklyn, New York. A fellow rescuer took in one of my rescues while I was on vacation and when I came back I found Gizmo (the big boned dude in my sisal cat scratcher post) sprawled out on a little hammock within a small dog crate—cat condos, as they’re called, are great when socializing street cats. Her DIY cat hammock involved old pillow cases or strips of fabric tied to the sides of the crate, but the cuts in the fabric that allow you to tie the hammock to the crate tend to rip further and further under a cat’s weight.
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Tags: bed, cat, cat bed, cat furniture, cat hammock, ferret hammock, hammock, Pets, rat hammock
Posted in How-To, Pets | 4 Comments »
Posted by Chris Gardner to Decorating on
8 March 2010, with 2 comments so far.
It’s amazing how, in any given room, plenty of money is sunk into the little things. Sure, your sofa or dining table may be the most expensive home decor item you own, but that $20.00 can of paint totally sets the space apart. And properly arranging a room doesn’t cost anything. ‘Cause inexpensive items, techniques, textures, etc, can actually make a huge difference. Here are five DIY wall art projects that don’t require much cash or work, and can totally transform your space.
(Okay…that sounded a little too HGTV television host-ish, but still, these projects are pretty cool.)
1. CD Case Wall Art – Photojojo via Country Living. Haven’t taken the plunge and tossed out all your CD jewel cases, even though your catalog is on your iPod? Great! Upcycle them into this geometric mural. Just grab a high resolution photo, size it to the included dimensions, chop it up, print it out, insert, and hang…just be sure to use a level. 
2. Paper Silhouette Art – Time Out New York. This one’s super fun, cause you can customize your silhouettes to 1) show off your friends and 2) to match your space: serious, playful, nostalgic, artsy, lascivious, you name it. Just cut out the figures, trace them onto black paper, and hang them in spraypainted black frames in a clever, dynamic arrangement.
3. Easy Photo Wall on Shoestring…er, Wire Budget – Curbly.com. This project is perfect if have a set of particularly good looking friends (which you do, of course), or are a photographer that actually knows what she’s doing. For a half day of work and around $60, its perpetually adaptable and easy to change…for when you meet even better looking people, or become one of those photographers.
4. Wall Circles – Mid-Century-Modern.net. The inner circle of an embroidery hoop + spray paint = instant mod-ification.
5. Gift-Wrapped Walls – The Nest. Lastly, take advantage of the bold, graphic prints of modern gift wrap. Select a shape, lay it out, and throw it up. It’s like custom wallpaper with no messy paste.
Tags: art, diy, wall
Posted in Decorating | 2 Comments »
Posted by Megan Jeyifo to Decorating on
8 March 2010, with 2 comments so far.
photo credit: toodeloo!
I have a serious fabric obsession. I frame it, stitch it, stamp it, staple it, stretch it and even jot notes on it with Sharpies for a soft-feeling notecard. I haven’t developed the same passion for oilcloth yet, but the more projects I see, the more I feel the need to cover every surface with the stuff. Originally used as floor covering, modern-day oilcloth has tons of practical applications for your home and it’s not all patterned with flowers and fruits.
photo credit: darlingclementine
To update an old table, simply stretch your oilcloth over the surface area and get to stapling. The patterns in these two table projects pep up each space and are a good pet-friendly alternative to tablecloths for those of us who own beasts with chewing habits. I covet table linens at thrift stores on a weekly basis but they wouldn’t last ten minutes with my pup.
photo credit: wynzia
How great is this chair cover? Wynzia told Apartment Therapy how she did it: “The chair seats are removable by taking out a few screws on the underside of the chair. I ordered this fun oilcloth fabric from Denver Fabrics. Using the removed chair seat as my pattern, I first figured out my pattern placement. Then, I cut around the seat but added approximately 2″ extra; this allowed me to have enough fabric to wrap around and staple to the back of the seat. I used my heavy-duty stapler for the task of attaching the fabric, pulling the oilcloth snugly, but watching to ensure that I kept the pattern centered. Then, I reattached with the screws on the underside of the chair, and stood back to admire my handiwork.”
photo credit: Koneil Kinson
Placemats are a no-brainer use for oilcloth. Wipe up your spills and keep it moving, no washing machine required. Koneil Kinson posted a super easy Flickr tutorial on how to make these picnic roll-ups just in time for Spring.
photo credit: a little busy
Put oilcloth to work as shelf-liner in your kitchen, pantry or bathroom. I’m betting stuff slides around a teensy bit but at least you’ll have more nifty designs to choose from than you would in the contact paper aisle at Office Depot.
For more projects with oilcloth check out this tutorial round-up from Oilcloth Addicts.
To Purchase Oilcloth
Fabric Worm
The Needle Shop
RRMexicoSupply
Tags: bathroom, chair, cloth, Decorating, diningroom, Furniture, oilcloth, pattern, patterns
Posted in Decorating | 2 Comments »
