DIY: table number candles

After seeing a set of numbered candles online a couple of months ago, I came up with the idea of creating numbered candles that could double as centerpieces and table numbers. These numbered candles are a great alternative to traditional table numbers and would be perfect for weddings, parties or other special occasions. 

Instructions:

• Print outlined numbers on cardstock to make tracers.
• Trace numbers onto colored construction paper, cut out.
• Adhere numbers to the candle with decoupage, coating over the number to seal.
• Let dry and place on tables! 

Note: You can also print colored numbers onto blank decal paper for an even simpler fix.

Sources: Candles from Target, Construction Paper from Michaels, Decoupage from Martha Stewart Crafts, Candle Holders from Target, Cotton Pima Lawn Fabric from Waechter's Fine Fabrics

Styling + Crafting by me, Photos by Lauren Harrison

Margaret Howell spring/summer 2010

I love the late 1950's essence of Margaret Howell's S/S collection. Men's trousers and all! 

DIY: Glass water bottle favors

I'm so excited to share my first DIY project with you all!! I've always been keen on handing out reusable, sustainable party favors. I like being able to give people something that they will be able to use to their own liking and hang on to for awhile. These glass bottles are perfect, because after the water is gone you can use them for storing homemade salad dressings, lemonade or even flowers! 

For this table, I made a tablecloth out of bright blue gingham fabric and a napkin from light mustard yellow fabric (to bring out the flowers!). Glass water bottles were adorned with personalized manila mailing tags for each guest. Fresh chamomile flowers were picked across the street from this park and piled in a galvanized tin earlier that morning.

Total Cost per Favor (including all decor): $5.34

I hope you enjoyed! You can see more pictures on my Flickr!

Thanks Lauren for helping out!! :)

Sources: Table Cloth + Napkin Fabric from Ikea, Manila Mailing Tags from Hooray Design similar tags at Office Depot, Glass Water Bottles from Ikea, Flower tin from Ikea similar ones at Pottery Barn

simple kitchen style

I think its fair to say that the tile in this kitchen makes almost all the difference, but if you're living with a sterile white apartment kitchen (like me) there are several ways you can add tons of style and color with super simple, easy changes that won't cost a fortune. Here are a few in particular that I recommend: 

• Hang colorful, printed dish towels and mitts on hooks or oven doors for extra dimension.
• Add little shelves to blank walls to display spices and bottles. (Tim and I did this one above our oven, its practical and stylish!)
• Frame a piece of light weight pegboard and add to the wall for hanging colanders, pots and utensils. (Pictured above)
• Replace your sink cabinet doors with a homemade fabric skirt while your lease is active and then reinstall the doors when its time to move.
• Last one: Never underestimate the impact of fresh flowers, they can do wonders for a blank canvas.

image from Country Home

striped details

I really like the striped details in Wood Wood's new Spring Collection. 

pinch sofas

I adore these sofas from husband + wife duo, Pinch Design. Especially that printed one!

$45,000 Shelter kit home

I love how this couple decorated their Shelter Kit home. They payed $35,000 for their 6 acre lot in New Lebanon, NY and $45,000 for the house kit. Maybe its just my modest nature, but I'd much rather live in a self-built cottage on some acreage than a super-sized suburb dwelling any day!

see more images at Country Living