{photo credit 1 & 2}

If unleashed and unchecked, I fear my Inner Pattern Hoarder might go hog wild on chevroned rugs, upholstery, pillows, and knick-knacks…

{photo credits 1, 2, & 3}

… However, I do think some large-scale DIY canvases over our new sectional might wet my chevron whistle without going overboard — or over budget!

{photo ...]]> In the midst of figuring out how in tarnation to deck out and cozy up our new living room, I find myself having a Major Chevron Moment.

{photo credit 1 & 2}

If unleashed and unchecked, I fear my Inner Pattern Hoarder might go hog wild on chevroned rugs, upholstery, pillows, and knick-knacks…

{photo credits 1, 2, & 3}

… However, I do think some large-scale DIY canvases over our new sectional might wet my chevron whistle without going overboard — or over budget!

{photo credits 1, 2, & 3}

But back in Dream Land, there’s always the rest of Casa Nueva about which to fantasize…  I mean, surely my kitchen backsplash, staircase, and bathroom tile deserve a makeover too!

{photo credits 1, 2, & 3}

And while we’re at it, my closet could always use a little pick-me-up…

{photo credits 1 & 2}

What about you?  Are you crazy for chevron?  Infatuated with ikat?  Smitten with quarterfoils? Do you think these bold geometric trends will stand the test of time?  Or are you already craving new home decor eye-candy?

© Elizabeth Anne Designs, 2011 · Permalink · 1 comment · StumbleUpon It!
Posted in: Crafts, Decor, Inspiration

Follow Ami on Twitter · Join us at EAD Weddings too! · EAD on Facebook

You will need:

An unexpectedly free afternoon resulted in some pretty fabulous marbled dyed eggs for Easter. It made me remember all the times I did this with my mom and siblings on our kitchen counter.

{image courtesy of Honeysuckle Life}

Easy Marbled Eggs

Ingredients:

Supplies:

{images credited to MarthaStewart.com}

1. Chalk Paint Drawer Labels – I have leftover chalkboard paint from creating two huge idea walls in our living room. I think making labels would be pretty easy.

2. Mini Office in a Chest – I have a rescued from the ...]]> I’m itching to get a few organizational projects out of the way, a result of warmer weather and a need to purge clutter. If I had the time this week, these are the projects I would take on.

{images credited to MarthaStewart.com}

1. Chalk Paint Drawer Labels – I have leftover chalkboard paint from creating two huge idea walls in our living room. I think making labels would be pretty easy.

2. Mini Office in a Chest – I have a rescued from the dumpster wood chest that needs to be sanded down and painted. It would be easy to add rails for hanging drawers and track down the beat up corkboard we have in our garage.

3. Notebook with Envelope Pocket – An easy project to add to all my random journals I have laying around the house. Perfect for ephemera and receipts.

4. Paint Can Cubbies – I could really use these in our closets for storing all the random objects that get thrown into boxes never to be seen again.

What projects are you working on this Spring?

© Elizabeth Anne Designs, 2011 · Permalink · 3 comments · StumbleUpon It!
Posted in: Crafts, Organization

Follow Ami on Twitter · Join us at EAD Weddings too! · EAD on Facebook

As someone who travels frequently, I find those U-shaped neck pillows quite handy. If I’m napping during a flight, I’m not a fan of leaning on a stranger or pressing up again the window. I wanted to share the U-shape pillow love with my travel aficionado friends.  Instead of buying the pillows, I decided to make them. This allowed me to customize them for each person’s personality and comfort.

I visited my local fabric store where I purchased some fun and ...]]>

As someone who travels frequently, I find those U-shaped neck pillows quite handy. If I’m napping during a flight, I’m not a fan of leaning on a stranger or pressing up again the window. I wanted to share the U-shape pillow love with my travel aficionado friends.  Instead of buying the pillows, I decided to make them. This allowed me to customize them for each person’s personality and comfort.

I visited my local fabric store where I purchased some fun and luxurious fabrics and Kwik Sew Pattern 3283. I later discovered that if you search for “Free U-shaped Neck Pillow Pattern” or “Free Travel Neck Pillow Pattern”, you will find an abundance of FREE patterns. To save you some time, here’s a link to a free travel pillow patterns.

This was a project that as a beginner I was easily able to complete in one sitting. All of the following instructions are clearly laid out in the Kwik Sew pattern.

I laid out the pattern and cut my fabric with my trusty rotary cutter.

After cutting my pattern, I pinned the two pieces together with right sides facing inward.

I sewed the edges together with a 0.25″ allowance and left a gap along the top to allow for stuffing.

After sewing the edges together, I followed the instructions provided and clipped excess fabric in the curved areas. Once I did this, I turned the pillow inside out and stuffed it. I used a half a bag of 20 oz. polyfil to create a nice firm pillow. You can use more or less stuffing depending on your preference for pillow firmness. Alternatively, you can also stuff the pillow with buckwheat or rice. This allows you to microwave the pillow for warmth and comfort during at-home use. After stuffing, I hand-sewed the pillow shut. This turned out to be the trickiest part. My hand-sewing skills could use a little practice. In less than an hour, I had the perfect gift for my travel buddy.

© Elizabeth Anne Designs, 2011 · Permalink · Comments · StumbleUpon It!
Posted in: Crafts

Follow Ami on Twitter · Join us at EAD Weddings too! · EAD on Facebook

Handmade holiday decorations can also be very budget friendly and green.  Whether you are saving for or just paid for a wedding, are starting to add kiddos to your family, or are maybe just saving for a before baby ...]]> There is just something so sweet and classic about handmade holiday decor.  Especially the type of handmade decor items that you can pull out year after year.  They add a little something extra special in the effort to make your home festive.

Handmade holiday decorations can also be very budget friendly and green.  Whether you are saving for or just paid for a wedding, are starting to add kiddos to your family, or are maybe just saving for a before baby vacation; budget friendly that is still charming during a season of extra-spending is always an added bonus.  Handcrafted holiday decor can be environmentally friendly by working with left over supplies from other projects and choosing items that you will be able to use again next year.

The holidays are quickly approaching but there is still time to wrap up (hehe- excuse the pun!) a few projects to finish of your holiday decorating.  Here are a few of my favorites right now that are sure to add an instant festive vibe…

Like this pretty paper doily garland from pretty light.

{Image Source: Creature Comforts}

Or this sweet star garland that looks super quick and easy to make.

{Image Source: Family Circle}

This felt garland could be made while watching holiday movies and enjoyed for years to come.  Pick the right mix of colors and it could find itself fitting in a bit longer as a winter garland.

{Image Source: Design Sponge}

Snowflakes are the perfect decorative element.  They can fit in with almost every holiday decor style and are so versatile.  They are so pretty covering a corkboard… or simply hanging from a bit of twine in the window.

{Image Source: Amy Butler}

Using some fabric scraps (or perhaps paper scraps, washi tape, tissue paper…) and inexpensive cones from the craft store a cute tree forest could be crafted in minutes.

{Images Source: Martha Stewart}

Give those holiday catalogs, this past year’s calendar, or holiday cards a second life by turning them into pretty little paper ornaments or trees.

{Image Source: Purl Bee}

These little felt trees could be whipped up in a moment and hung on the tree or strung as a garland.

I love crafting for the holidays.  Something as simple as a bit of felt or paper can turn into something so festive all while watching something cheerful like The Holiday or Love Actually.  What is your favorite holiday crafty project this year?

© Elizabeth Anne Designs, 2010 · Permalink · 1 comment · StumbleUpon It!
Posted in: Crafts, Holidays

Follow Ami on Twitter · Join us at EAD Weddings too! · EAD on Facebook

Growing up, my grandmother always had these in her house around the holidays, so the smell of clove studded orange pommanders really brings back fond holiday memories for me.   While making these may seem old-fashioned, it’s easy to do, and their scent can fill a room.

What you’ll need:

Clean and unblemished oranges:

Whole cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and groung cloves:

You’ll also need a pen or marker, and something ...]]>
{Images credited to (clockwise): Google Images, the Lady blog,  Porter House Designs, and Right at Home}

Growing up, my grandmother always had these in her house around the holidays, so the smell of clove studded orange pommanders really brings back fond holiday memories for me.   While making these may seem old-fashioned, it’s easy to do, and their scent can fill a room.

What you’ll need:

Clean and unblemished oranges:

Whole cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and groung cloves:

You’ll also need a pen or marker, and something to poke holes in the rinds (like a small nail, strong toothpick, ice-pick, or wine bottle opener).

Directions:

After cleaning and drying off your oranges, find a comfortable place to work…

and try to avoid the pleading eyes of the dog who loooooves fruit.

You can use your marker to draw out a pattern on your orange (simple patterns and stripes may not need this step).  If you’d like to hang these with some ribbons, you can also use masking tape to tape off the area where the ribbons will go.

Next, use your instrument of choice to poke holes in the orange rind (not too deep, but deep enough to fully pierce the rind).  After that, you’ll push the whole cloves into these holes (still trying to avoid the eyes of the hungry and persistant dog).

After you’ve covered your orange with the cloves (the more cloves, the better the smell and the better they will dry), you will combine the remaining spices in a bowl to sprinkle your oranges with.  I generally use more cinnamon than the rest.

If you’d like to really preserve your oranges for more than the season, you can also add a little Orris Root to this mixture.  Some people have sensitivity to Orris Root, though, and it can be hard to find.

Make sure to cover the entire orange, especially around the cloves.

Once you’ve covered all your oranges with the spice mixture,  place them in a paper bag and close the top.  Store them in a cool, dark, and (very importantly) dry place for about 2 to4 weeks until the fruit has dried out.  You can periodically check on them – you can tell when they’re completely dry because they’ll have shrunk and sound a little hollow.

Once they are dry, you’re ready to bring them out and enjoy!  Place them in a bowl, or hang them with some ribbon, and enjoy their frangrance through the holidays and into the new year!

{Images courtesy of Author’s Personal Collection}

© Elizabeth Anne Designs, 2010 · Permalink · 3 comments · StumbleUpon It!
Posted in: Crafts, Holidays

Follow Ami on Twitter · Join us at EAD Weddings too! · EAD on Facebook

Recently, I found some fabric online to match my now discontinued bedskirt from Pottery Barn.  I was so excited because I knew I could use it to make some matching pillow shams for our bed!   But you could use any fabric you want to make shams, so the possibilities are endless.  ...]]> Pillow shams can add color and comfort to your bed, and they’re so easy to make!  Seriously, if you can sew a square, then you can make a pillow sham.

Recently, I found some fabric online to match my now discontinued bedskirt from Pottery Barn.  I was so excited because I knew I could use it to make some matching pillow shams for our bed!   But you could use any fabric you want to make shams, so the possibilities are endless.  You can make a custom look for your bedroom for the cost of a couple yards of fabric.

Here’s how to do it:

Select the fabric you want to use – you’ll need 2 yards per sham (add more if you are using a really large-scaled pattern).  Each sham, when finished, will measure 30″ wide x 24″ tall.

Pre-wash and iron the fabric, if needed.

On a flat surface, lay out your fabric and decide what part of the pattern you want to center.  If you are using a solid color, you don’t have to worry about this.

Once you have this determined, and keeping the part of the pattern you’ve selected in the center, measure out a rectangle that is 31″ to 32″ wide and 25″ to 26″ tall.  This will be the front of your sham, and the overrage allows for your hems.

For the back, you can center the pattern, but it’s not really going to matter as much because the envelope closure will overlap in the center on the back.   You’ll need to cut a rectangle that is 36″ to 37″  wide and 25″ to 26″ tall.  The extra width will allow for your hems as well as a 2″ to 3″ overlap for the envelope closure.

Once you have the 37″ x 26″ rectangle cut out, fold it in half across the width and cut it in half so you end up with two smaller rectangles that are 18″ to 18.5″ wide and 25″ to 26″ tall.

We’re going to work on these back pieces first.

Take the edge you just cut (25″ to 26″ tall), then fold and iron over approximately 1/2″ of the fabric (from the front side of the fabric to the back) to form the hem.

Do this on both of the smaller rectangles that will form the back of the sham, but only on the edges that are going to overlap for the envelope closure.  Now, sew the hem down making sure to back-stitch at the beginning and end of the run.  Do not sew any other side just yet.

Now that you have those edges hemmed, we’re ready to start sewing the sham together.   Lay the front of the sham fabric face up, and then lay the two back pieces on top, fabric face down.  Line up the outside edges, and make sure the back pieces are overlapped about 2″ or so.  Make sure the “good” sides of the fabric are all faced inward toward each other.

Pin all of this into place, and then sew around the entire sham edges, with about a 1/2″ hem (make sure to back-stitch at the beginning and end).

With the front and back pieces all sewn together, turn the sham out so that the “good” side of the fabric is facing outwards.  Back to the iron!  Iron the sham edges so everything is straight and flat.

Measure 3″ from the edges inward – this will be the flange around the sham.  Using pins, mark or pin around your sham the 3″  in for the flange – creating a little rectange that will be 24″ wide x 18″ tall.

Once this is finished, you’re ready to sew.  Sew along your pins or marks, three inches from the outside edge, following the shape of your sham.  Do not sew all the way to or from the edges of the sham – make sure you start sewing 3″ into your sham.

Guess what?? You’re done!

Put a standard sized bed pillow into your sham, and pat yourself on the back.  Pour yourself a glass of wine (if you like) and admire your handiwork!

*all images from author’s personal collection.

© Elizabeth Anne Designs, 2010 · Permalink · 13 comments · StumbleUpon It!
Posted in: Crafts

Follow Ami on Twitter · Join us at EAD Weddings too! · EAD on Facebook