Monday, January 31, 2011

Via Carducci

Ever since my first attempt at a wooden sign I've been craving more. I stumbled upon this tutorial on how to give new wood that rustic look I love so much.. and knew exactly what I wanted to make next.


In what seems to be my never ending re-decorating of our bedroom and my attempt to personalize the space,  a 'Bolzano' sign seemed  perfect. This is where the Mr. and I first met. After sitting on that idea for a few days, I had an even better idea. And here she is:



 Via Carducci. It's the name of the street we lived on when we were in Bolzano. I think 'Via Carducci' is more romantic that just 'Bolzano' and adds a little mystery. Plus, I have an strange thing for Italian street signs, like these.. i just love them:




So without further ado, here's the how-to (unintentional rhyme (or not?)).

I picked up a piece of wood from Lowe's. Cut it in two. Painted it brown using watered down paint.


Dipped a paper towel in black paint and rubbed a bit of that in.


While letting it dry, I printed the letters for 'Via Carducci' then cut out a stencil using the stencil plastic paper I picked up from A.C.Moore a while back. Taped the stencil on the wood and painted black over. Truth be told, I had to do this twice. The first time I used acrylic paint and probably went a little too fast (I was excited for the finished sign!).  When I lifted up the stencil it had smeared alot. So I simply turned the sign over to the other side and started again. This time I was more careful and used the black paint from Lowe's.. this seemed to work better.


Then I impatiently let her dry..


I loved her so much that I tried her all over the house before going back to my original plan of putting her in our bedroom.


Now she rests on our dresser, with white hydrangeas next to her (no picture.. sorry). I still have the other half left. I have some ideas for this buddy.  You see, I like lists.. a Lot, with a capital L. Here's an embarrasing picture of what my little woman nook normally looks like.


What I really need is a place to keep my lists. So i thought hmmm... and added some post its on for size.


Seven post its. Seven days a week.. perfect fit? I'm thinking chalkboard paint? Or maybe white board paint?
For now this guy is hanging out at my desk until I figure out what to do with him.

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Antiqued Books

I have a love affair with words. I have an even stronger love affair with books. Not only reading them, but I love love love a full bookcase. It just makes me happy.  So it should be no surprise that I spend way to much time in my life oogling over the decorative antique books that Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware always use.

Via Pottery Barn


I. just. want. to. sit. on. the. floor. and. stare. at. those. books. TMI?

But seriously.. isn't it just amazing? Enough of my awkward fantasies..

Or not. I am also loving antiqued books.



I can't figure out where I got this from.. sorry!

Via Books for Decoration

Via Country French Antiques

Via Country French Antiques
They just add something wonderful to a room and make my heart sing.

Via Pottery Barn
Via Pottery Barn


Via Restoration Hardware
Via Restoration Hardware
Cheers!

Thursday, January 27, 2011

What I've Been Up to Lately

I've got quite a few projects done or in progress over here. Just haven't gotten around to blogging!  I'm loving this 'Ghandi's Fundamentals to Change the World' print out I found. I'm still debating on the perfect frame.

 I spotted this table out back by the dumpsters and didn't think twice about bringing it home. The revamp is underway!


I have a love for words. And signs. I've finished this sign for our bedroom, and I am oh so in love with it!



Cheers!

Monday, January 3, 2011

Uneven, crooked, wonderful Pillows

I've wanted to make my own pillows for some time now. Eventually, I'd like to make some neat ones like this pottery barn 'nest' pillow:


But I figured I'd start simple. In redoing the bedroom I've decided I need to warm up the room a bit. We have brown wood but everything else is a white or light grey.. not much color and no warmth. So when I saw this red wool fabric at the store I snatched it up.  And here's the outcome:


 They're a little bit uneven.. and don't even get me started on how long it took me to sew that damn zipper on the last end.. but they are finally finished! And I'm lovin' how they look on the bed.


Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...