Polka Dots & Peonies

On Hold

2010-01-25T18:27:00.003-05:00

As you are aware, I have not posted anything new for quite some time. I do not know if I will continue this blog or let it lie in a blogger wasteland. For the moment I will only suspend my activity and see if I have a desire to come back. If I can accumulate some good info or I begin a few new projects, I may return to document those things. Time will tell.

Thanks for stopping by my 5 followers :). Thank you for sticking with me and for sharing your thoughts and advice. I hope to return and hear from you again in the future.

Sherry

DIY Christmas -- Wreath

2009-11-17T14:13:00.006-05:00

Take one feather wreath in a pretty holiday color (I found this red one at Tuesday Morning for $10).

Apply ornaments randomly using hot glue. These ornaments were bought last year on clearance so this project was super inexpensive to do.

It was quick and simple and looks beautiful in person (for whatever reason these photos don't do it justice. Must be my darn camera -- AGAIN). I think this photo makes it appear as though it could use more ornaments but I am not convinced that it really does. I'll hang it and decide later.

Are you making anything this holiday for your home or to give as gifts? Please share!

Before & After

2009-11-15T20:32:00.007-05:00

Here's a headboard I just completed for one of my guest rooms (you may remember this post in which I reference an upcoming project. Well, this is it -- finally).

This piece has been in my family for years and was handed down to me when I was a girl (actually a whole bedroom set which will eventually get a facelift too). It has never been painted or improved upon until now.

Before

I wish these photos were better (damn camera). I hope you can see them clearly enough.

After

For once I am pleased with the results. The room is in dire need of a makeover but this is a good starting point. What do you think of the transformation?

Until next time...

A Ghoulishly Good Gift

2009-10-28T11:55:00.015-04:00

Finally getting around to posting something after a very long (and inexcusable) absence. Yesterday I spent the better part of my day baking cookies and making these cookie mix gift jars courtesy of Bakerella.com. I just love that site!

So cute (if I do say so myself)

Sorry about the blurry photo

I modified this recipe for Halloween. I loved coming up with the name of the mix, creating the labels and finding the ribbon. Such a simple idea and one that can be changed up for any holiday.

See the pretty Halloween M&M's?

I had to test the recipe before I could make the jars and I can tell you that they are delicious!!! I hope my friends enjoy this "devilishly" good treat!

Mmmmm, good!

Don't forget to check out Bakerella yourself for some amazing ideas!

Leaf It To Jenny Lee

2009-10-14T13:32:00.006-04:00

Ultra-talented Jenny Lee Fowler creates these silhouettes out of real leaves. That's right -- REAL leaves. Find her on Etsy.

I'm fascinated by her work. She also creates silhouettes using paper and tree bark. How cool is that? Seriously.

Lonny Is Live

2009-10-01T08:57:00.004-04:00

Can't wait to check out this new online shelter magazine. Meet Lonny:

The jury is out as to whether I prefer this to an actual paper version, but I'm certainly looking forward to browsing this baby. Off to enjoy...

Take a look and tell me what you think.

Kravet Fabrics

2009-09-30T08:34:00.022-04:00

I'm head over heels for these fabrics...

29428 - 11 Upholstery Grey White Velvet Stripes
Kravet Design

29961 - 516 POETIC PLUSH - HERON Upholstery Blue Velvet Damask Botanical/Foliage
Barbara Barry

28869 - 516 DEFINITE MAYBE - SPA Upholstery Beige Brown Blue Velvet Stripes

Kravet Couture

29538 - 11 Upholstery Grey Damask Botanical/Foliage

Candace Olson

GIOVANNA - 11 GIOVANNA - MICA Upholstery Grey Print Velvet Damask

Candace Olson

HECTOR - 21 TRAMMELL - METAL Upholstery Grey Print Velvet

Candace Olson

30053 - 8 Upholstery Velvet Texture Diamond

Candace Olson

Hot Tip

2009-09-27T19:50:00.003-04:00

Anyone who has ever tackled a project that required foam knows how expensive it can be. Talk about sticker shock. After pulling yourself up off the floor, you realize the project just isn't that important. Who needs cusions for their outdoor furniture anyway? Who needs to make that fantastic ottoman or repair that special chair?

Enter my big find: These mattress toppers that are currently on sale (in abundance) at Target. They were stocked for back to school and are now marked down from $19.99 to $9.98. Even at the $20 price tag that is way less expensive that the foam you could buy at a fabric supply store.

The topper is 1.5 inches thick which can be doubled buy stacking them for a nice 3-inch cushion (a little Super 77 adhesive and you're good to go). I was able to find the full size but there were plenty of xl twin sizes. I'm tempted to go back and buy more.

I have an old wood headboard that could use some sprucing up. I'm going to attempt to upholster it using this foam, some batting and a bit of pretty fabric (yet to be found). I might even try to do a little tufting. I'm pretty excited about it. Stay tuned for that step-by-step fun in the future. In the meantime, to give you a little inspiration, you must see this from design*sponge (thank you Grace. You're my hero): Grace's Upholstered Otami Headboard.

Now get thee to Tarjay and make yourself something. Be sure to share it with me.

Yummy Goodness

2009-09-25T15:27:00.003-04:00

I don't know when fig season begins but I swear I've already begun to see them in the grocery store. I've had his little fruit, fresh, maybe twice in my whole life. I don't count Fig Newtons as a real fig experience though they are still quite good (should I be ashamed 'cause I'm not?).

I came upon this appetizer via the Telegraph UK. If the figs are appealing in our produce section this weekend, I just may have to buy some and give this recipe a try. Doesn't it sound wonderful?

Bruschetta of Fig, Ricotta & Prosciutto

Makes 10

Serve as a starter or share all 10 with a friend for a light lunch.

2 oval slices from a large rustic loaf, or 10 slices of ciabatta
Olive oil
2-3 fresh figs
4oz/110g ricotta
1 tsp balsamic vinegar
Handful of rocket (arugula)
3-4 slices of Parma ham (or prosciutto)

Brush the bread slices with olive oil and cook on a preheated griddle or ridged pan until just striped with black. Cut the large slices into five fingers.

Slice the figs into rounds and cut into quarters.

Put a teaspoonful or so of ricotta on each toast.

In a bowl, mix the vinegar with a pinch of salt and 2 tbsp of oil and add the rocket, tossing it in the vinegar.

Press a few rocket leaves onto each ricotta-topped toast.

Arrange the figs and ham, ripped into pieces, on top.

Now doesn't that make you drool? Pair it with a nice glass of wine and you're good to go. Let me know if you try it and I will do the same. Happy Friday!

Boutique Hotel Love

2009-09-24T21:21:00.014-04:00

Check out this gorgeous hotel in Heidelberg, Germany. It's part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World group. I want to move in!

The Heidelberg Suites

Isn't it scrumptious? Just another place I hope to visit when I'm rich.

Thanks for stopping in!

Ooopsy

2009-09-24T09:12:00.004-04:00

Hey kids, just want to say I'm sorry for the lack of posts lately. My intention is to post daily (or at the very least every other day). It's quite a bit harder than I thought it would be (kudos to those who are able to do it often and with interesting things to say or share). I'm working on it. Bear with me. Don't abandon me. I'll cry and no one wants to see that!

See you soon!

Etsy Cookie Artist

2009-09-22T12:16:00.016-04:00

I'm completely blown away by SweetAmbs's shop on Etsy. These cookies are far too pretty to eat! I don't think I could bring myself to bite into these beauties. I might have to coat them in varnish and hang them up. Do I hear a Christmas tree calling??? Aren't they gorgeous?

Antique Shoe Cookies

Black and White Cameo Cookies

Cookies Inspired by Wedgwood

Brown and Pink Brush Embroidery Cookies

Autumn Leaves Cookies

Be Still My Heart

2009-09-18T09:25:00.029-04:00

I have a thing for photorealistic art particularly still lifes. The hyper realism of these pieces stop me dead in my tracks. All the following examples are either painted or drawn and are not photographs (though a few might make you doubt that). I think they are dreamy. Take a look:

Progress #4 by Nick Leibee

Still Life Melted Clock No. 3 by Sketchdude

No Idea by Linda Huber

Underwood Typewriter by Christopher Stott

Vintage Electric Fan, Three Glass of Water by Christopher Stott

Pool Bowl No. 10 by Neil Hollingsworth

Tick Tock by M Collier

Chrome Teapot Study by Jelaine Faunce

Baseball by Peter Leeds

Unearthed by Erin Gergenhalls

My Bowl of Cherries by Julias Watercolors

Midwest Memory by Juliebcreative

Wine Glass and Pear by Daniel Montoya

A Fine Pair by Sphinxart

Now that's some seriously sick work! I'm completely blown away by their talent (I do have a few favs). Do you find them as stunning as I do?

Ebay Does Halloween

2009-09-16T14:19:00.022-04:00

I love Halloween and these antique, vintage and reproduction goodies!

Vintage Style Skull Bucket

1909 Antique Sheet Music "Witches' Dance"

Black Cat Primitive Folk Art Reproduction

Vintage Style Lunar Party Moon

Vintage 1926 Halloween Book

Halloween Black Cat with Pumpkin

Vintage Cast Iron Cat Door Stop

Large, Vintage Paper Mache Pumpkin Lantern

Reproduction Witch Lantern

Cat and Pumpkin Paper Mache Decor

Antique Black Cat Paper Mache Lantern

Reupholstery & Refinishing

2009-09-13T16:53:00.016-04:00

I received this beautiful loveseat from my mother who inherited it from her mother at least 40 years ago. When my grandmother owned it, she reupholstered it in this gorgeous purple velvet and trimmed it with brass nailheads. It sat in my parent's damp basement for years and years and as you can see has suffered from it. This poor thing is in desperate need of a little TLC.

But stepping up and pulling the trigger is tough. This is one of those things that gets put off constantly. It isn't urgent to have it repaired but I'd sure love to imagine what it might look like with a facelift. I don't want the fabric to be too trendy but I don't want anything super formal either. I don't mind having the wood painted black or white (sorry you purists). Shoot, I don't even know where to put it in my house (right now it's in an empty dining room where it gets no use) so that might be the place to start.

detail of arm

An idea I'm toying with is to have a strip of fabric run down the center of it, from top to bottom, and a different fabric on either side (those two being the same). I've seen that look in some of my internet browsing but can't locate a picture at the moment. I envision it to be a bit contemporary but on this classic form. So me!

detail of leg

Maybe this would be a great time to use a vintage French grain sack? Maybe a white velvet in a wide stripe down the center and gray velvet everywhere else. Something unconventional might be in order for this antique. What do you think? What suggestions do you have? I'd sure appreciate your feedback.

Thanks, readers. Happy Sunday!

Gettin' the Led Out

2009-09-09T16:45:00.001-04:00

And I don't mean Zepplin. I mean lead as in pencil.

For longer than I care to admit, I have avoided taking out my sketch pad and pencils. I'm sick to death of hearing myself say, "Oh, I just need to be inspired" or "I will when the time is right." Well, darn it, the time is now. I have no excuse!

I may or may not show you my first sketches or doodles (that's waaaay out of my comfort zone), but saying it out loud and getting my supplies is HUGE! In the beginning the things I draw will be rudimentary and child-like (at least to me), but I have to start somewhere. One of my biggest desires is to have an unrelenting passion for creating art in whatever medium "fits." It's been an eternity since school so I don't know exactly what I want to do. For now I will concentrate on drawing things in pencil.

Now let's go put that old art degree to good use...

Lust List

2009-09-08T17:14:00.032-04:00

Today's lust list is brought to you exclusively by those gifted artists at Etsy.com.

Aqua Moss Bud Explosion Pillow by alexandraferguson

Sensass' Jacket by madameantoinne

Constellation Wingback Chair by sprucehome

Lady Fetish Charm Bracelet by ghostlovejewelry

Pair of Beaded Vintage Sconces at chandeliermagic

Listen (8x8 photo collage) by allieart4children

Thousand Petal Vase by WhiteEarthStudio

Hope you enjoyed!

Delicious Dessert

2009-09-08T14:46:00.004-04:00

I made an easy and super yummy dessert yesterday. I've had something like this at family gatherings and parties and you probably have, too. The beauty is that this one is from CookingLight.com so you can feel less guilty about the extra piece (or pieces) you mindlessly ingest.

Cool, Creamy Chocolate Dessert

It was the perfect way to bid farewell to summer and to end a meal with great friends. Enjoy!

Apartment Rental Love

2009-09-08T11:20:00.011-04:00

To continue with the idea of posting a boutique hotel or apartment rental each week, please indulge me as I continue reminiscing about Paris. I told you it was on my brain! I promise to move on to someplace else next week.

I found this stunner via Welcome2france.com :

You can rent this particular 3 bedroom, 3 bath located in the 16th arrondissment by clicking here. But let me warn you... this is a luxury rental (as if you didn't know). Ready for the cost to live in this beauty for a month, week or night? $26,119, $8,700 and $1,432 respectively (that's US dollars, friends). Yowza!

It might be considered a good deal when you factor in this little perk (but I don't think so): A personal attendant is at your service all day long, and will cook, prepare a free breakfast every morning, do laundry, clean, take care of your shopping, and assist with anything you need throughout your day (and diamonds should drip from the taps while $1,000 bills line the bed).

Hey, Oprah, I found a great place for you to rent!

Boutique Hotel Love

2009-09-03T14:06:00.013-04:00

I have Paris on the brain. My niece, Ann, is planning a trip in the near future (lucky, lucky girl). I saw Julie & Julia on Friday with a friend who is a true Francophile (and visitor of Paris). Several bloggers have gone or are going like Stephanie at Brooklyn Limestone and Heather at Habitually Chic.

Naturally I began (wishfully) thinking of returning (my husband and I toured the city for 10 days several years ago). It's highly unlikely as there are so many places I want to visit, but it is a city I dream of seeing again and again. If I were fortunate enough to go back, I'd want to stay in a boutique hotel or apartment. Let's pretend money and time is no object shall we? This is one hotel I'd love to experience (not for the faint of heart) -- Hotel Bellechasse St. Germain:

Christian Lacroix rocks!

What do you think about a weekly post for boutique hotels/apartments across Europe and elsewhere? We can dream together!

Lust List

2009-09-02T09:12:00.026-04:00

Sir Elton Acrylic Headboard at Sheerhome.co.uk

Serena Chandelier by Jason Home & Garden

Bachelard Chair at Anthropologie

Clockface Paperweight by John Derian

Cobblestone Cabinet at Ruth & Ollie

Amy Butler Coventry Rug for Chandra

Boot Umbrella Stand at Z Gallerie

And that, my friends, is another list for this week and another example of "eclectic" style. As always feel free to comment or make suggestions. I'd love to hear from you!

Ebay Treasures

2009-08-25T14:45:00.004-04:00

I want these chairs! Now if only they weren't quite so expensive...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300340234510

Fall On My Mind

2009-08-25T13:40:00.001-04:00

Living in the south means fall takes its own sweet time to arrive. All signs point to autumn -- Halloween decorations and school supplies in the stores, the shift in sunlight among the trees and pre-season football. Such a tease when the average temperature down here will remain well into the 80's for some time. But for a girl who loves all that cool weather brings, it just can't get here fast enough. I dream of cozy clothing, hearty soups and stews, brisk walks where a jacket is required and the smell of burning leaves (just to name a few). Thought I'd serve up a few fall finds courtesy of those talented artists on Etsy.com:

Felted Scarf by Karlita

Urban Crows Ravens Print by Gothicrow

Solo Jacket by Idealifestyle

Fresh Baked Apple Soap by Barebummbath

Ivory Chrysanthemum Clutch Bag by Davieandchiyo

Reaching Glass Necklace by Photoglassworks

Banana Nut Bread Soy Candle by Cottageclassics

Mustard Yellow Fuzzy Felted Bowl by Thefuzzymonkey

Happy Fall Handmade Dog Collar by Gonedoggie's

What sorts of things do the shorter days and cooler weather bring to your mind? What are you looking forward to most about the change in seasons?

Till next time...

The Lust List (a weekly post)

2009-08-19T12:23:00.008-04:00

Eclectic: the word suits me (see "Sherry" in the dictonary ;). I have a huge appreciation and love of so many different eras and styles. On any given day, I can be found drooling over a vintage grain sack covered chair or a midcentury modern lamp. I love graphic design and antiques. Black and white makes me weak in the knees and typography is dreamy. When I take any design quiz I'm usually labeled something like "Glamorous Chic," Antique Glam" or "Traditional with a Twist." Note the word "twist" -- that's the part that REALLY fits.

I thought I'd put together a weekly post of things I'm lusting after (for that day or moment anyway). I might be head over heels for blue today but tomorrow it'll surely be green. I might be eyeing some French flea market finds or a brand new contemporary rug from Angela Adams. You just never know -- I like to keep you guessing.

The list for this week:

A pair of vintage mercury glass lamps from 1stdibs.com

Delicious glass block lamps from Williams Sonoma Home

A pair of gorgeous midcentury chairs

and this stunner from Teo Jasmin

A contemporary sofa from Usona Home

and a lovely sofa from mgbwhome.com

Chantry Bar Cart by Martha Stewart for Bernhardt

and this chrome number

I hope you enjoyed my first lust list. Stay tuned for next week's roundup! Feel free to share the things you're pining for -- I'd be thrilled to hear from you.

Oh, Charleston, How I Love Thee

2009-08-17T11:37:00.006-04:00

Sunday, August 16 -- to be filed under "super fabulous." One of my best friends and I went to Charleston, SC for a little girl time -- shopping, eating and sightseeing. I had heard only great things about Charleston and I can confirm it personally -- it is simply AMAZING!

It is rich in history and architecture and full of fun and interesting shops and restaurants. Its beauty is breathtaking. If you have a love of grand old homes with lots of charm and lush green surroundings, then you'll love Charleston. It felt very European and had I not known it was 2009, I may have believed I'd traveled back in time. Spending one day there was a huge tease. I'm hungering for more and will make a trip back soon just for a day of leisurely photo taking and education. Lucky for me it is only 2 hours from here because I'm officially hooked.

Oh, and lest I forget: We had a delicious lunch at a little French cafe called Mistral Restaurant (http://www.mistralcharleston.com/) and a wonderful dinner at High Cotton(http://www.mavericksouthernkitchens.com/highcotton/index.html)! I recommend both if you should visit.

Have any of you been to Charleston? Any suggestions on what to see/eat or where to shop/stay?

Work in Progress

2009-08-14T14:47:00.006-04:00

Don't they say the first step is admiting it? Okay, here goes: I have a terrible tendency to start a project but never completely finish it. I have the unfortunate habit of avoiding the "tough" bits (i.e., learning to miter, finding the right accessories, etc). My mind is often full of ideas, some of them pretty good, but the execution can be a little daunting. Sadly, I am afraid of making a mistake and that can be very debilitating. What if it's the wrong color? Or I ruin the whole piece? How many of you suffer from the fear of it "not being perfect?" How many of you find yourself doing nothing instead of giving it a try?

Case in point: this dresser

I purchased this lovely piece at a thrift store for about $80 (to be used in our foyer). I had all kinds of intentions for the re-do and I tried many of them out. I painted it all black and attempted to decoupage wrapping paper to the drawer fronts. What a disaster! The paper would bubble like crazy and I couldn't get the cuts precise enough next to the mouldings. I tried this technique several times and each time it was a failure (talk about time consuming).

My next idea was to paint the middle of the drawer fronts red and paint the wrapping paper design on top with white paint. Trouble was I could not for the life of me get that wrapping paper pattern to transfer onto that red paint! I used graphite paper in both grey and white and neither showed up.

After many months of trial and error, I ended up with an all black and white dresser. But, I am still not totally done. During one of my more ingenius moments, I ended up ruining the trim on the drawer fronts. So after hunting high and low, I found some trim from a dollhouse supply shop that will work perfectly in its place. But here's the part that's throwing me: I have to miter the corners! I'm lucky enough to have a friend who can show me how to use the miter saw, but I'm almost frozen with fear at attempting it. Crazy, right?

Here is the dresser as of today:

When I get around to doing that trim, I plan to paint it silver. It looks so unfinished to me without it. It's the jewelry that completes the outfit. Any thoughts or suggestions?

Thanks again for stopping by!

My First Post

2009-08-13T12:17:00.014-04:00

Creating a blog -- that's my mission today. I'm a regular blog reader and admirer of those who have put together such beautiful and interesting sites. I have no knowledge of HTML or much else in the way of programming, but I am hopeful that I too can bring something lovely to others (whether it be in the way of DIY, art, interior design, food, etc.). My goal is not only to motivate myself but also to meet others and share creative ideas and a love of the beautiful, the quirky and the talented.

I'm excited to get started albeit a little apprehensive (who really wants to hear what I think or do)? If you're reading this blog, I hope you'll enjoy it (feedback is welcome). Please be patient as I learn the ropes of posting and linking and all that other mumbo jumbo. I think there will be a lot of adjusting going on but it's all part of the learning process, right?

So let me start out with a project I recently completed. Nothing major but lots of fun and super easy -- handmade napkins:

This is my spin on a vintage grain sack look. The napkins are made from a linen blend bought inexpensively from a local fabric store (look here on how to make napkins: http://www.skiptomylou.org/2009/04/20/make-your-own-cloth-napkins/). I then used "old school" cardboard stencils and painted the black letters and numbers (using a stiff brush and "pouncing" motion). The lines are handpainted using a brush and following lines I drew with a disappearing sewing marker.

I hope they will fade as we use and wash them to give them a more "aged" feel. I'm thinking of doing something similar to the seat of my kitchen chairs. What do you think?

Thank you for your time. I hope you enjoyed my very first posting attempt :)

Polka Dots & Peonies

On Hold

DIY Christmas -- Wreath

Before & After

A Ghoulishly Good Gift

Leaf It To Jenny Lee

Lonny Is Live

Kravet Fabrics

Hot Tip

Yummy Goodness

Boutique Hotel Love

Ooopsy

Etsy Cookie Artist

Be Still My Heart

Ebay Does Halloween

Reupholstery & Refinishing

Gettin' the Led Out

Lust List

Delicious Dessert

Apartment Rental Love

Boutique Hotel Love

Lust List

Ebay Treasures

Fall On My Mind

Recommended Reading

The Lust List (a weekly post)

Oh, Charleston, How I Love Thee

Work in Progress

My First Post