Burlap Love

I've noticed a trend amongst fellow crafters...it's all about BURLAP! I love the texture, color, and rugged-ness of it. In my efforts to makeover my kitchen, I've decided to make my own version of a burlap tablecloth.

Now, I have to be honest here...my dining table desperately needs to be covered up! I have a four year old, and one year old twins that have used and abused that table. While I don't plan to buy a new one in the next little while, I wanted to make something that I could cover it up with in between meals.

I was inspired by this little cutie from the fabulous Jen at Tatertots and Jello...



And some more of her burlap projects. Aren't they cute?

Click here to see her Table Runner tutorial.



Click here to see her Napkin Rings tutorial.



Today I will be working on my burlap tablecloth during naptimes!

Martha Monday: Father's Day Gift Ideas

With Father's Day fast approaching, I'm sure we could all use a few gift ideas. I'm all about handmade, and my friend Martha never fails to come through with handmade gift ideas. Here are some of my favorites from her website...

Printable labels...


Homemade BBQ sauce (will definitely be making this)...


Personalized ties...


More clip art for magnets/buttons...


DAD photo frame...


Gifts wrapped in bow ties...


Belt Organizer...


Car wash kit...


Click here to check it out.

Pillow Inspiration

Yesterday I had a nice visit with some other young moms, and I now have a new ambition after talking to one of my amazing photographer friend...I'm going to do a booth at the local Farmer's Market this year! I will sell decor items that I've sewed, created, and re-furbished. Since pillows are super easy to make, I've decided to focus on making throw pillows for right now, and sell them in coordinating sets!

So, as I looked up some pillow inspiration on some of my other favorite sites, I found some really cute pillow ideas that can serve as inspiration...

Jen from Tatertots and Jello...



Redberry Barn made these cute ones...



And one of my favorite gals...Disney from Ruffles and Stuff made these...




I'm so excited to get started and sew some creations. Time to shop for some fabric and pillow forms!

My Color Scheme

Yesterday I had so much energy I barely sat down! I was a busy bee all around the house...I finished sewing my kitchen curtains, I steam cleaned the carpets, tackled a week's worth of laundry, and baked up a storm!

I'm currently working to add some new colors to my family room/kitchen. Currently, they consist of chocolate brown, orange, and off-white. I want to add some golden yellow and teal...and these are some of the fabrics I have in mind...




Added to a color scheme of...




Sometimes, just adding one more accent color to a room can make a HUGE impact and make it feel totally different!

I am a little worried that the curtain fabric I just used is a little too bright of yellow, but I won't know until the whole space is put together. Remember the RIT dye fiasco? I ended up dying it marigold to fix it, knowing that I was going to introduce those colors into the space, and it just came out a little bright...so we'll see how it all ends up!

Since I live in a small town, one of my favorite places to order fabric from is Fabricworm. There are a huge variety of fabrics to choose from!

Memorial Day Stuff

Who's got fun plans for the weekend? My brother and sister in law are coming for the weekend, and Monday we have the annual BBQ at the river with our church. So much fun!

Because I love all things Martha Stewart, I wanted to share some things from her that can be whipped up this weekend...

Leaf Coasters...


Butterflies made from scrapbook paper on your paper lanterns...


Fruit tarts...


Bucket of rocks as paper weights...


Butterflies on straws...


Beach bucket table vase...


Bandanas stitched together to make one big tablecloth...


Fruit parfaits...


Hanging candle jars from your umbrella...


Click here to check out Martha.

These ideas don't take much effort, and can really make a space more special!

Hope your weekend is fabulous, and you have great weather wherever you are!

Table Toppers

The kitchen has been on my mind lately, since mine is about half done right now and I am working to finish up the numerous projects that I have started and yet to finish! When I discovered that Anna over at Noodlehead is featuring a Spice Up Your Kitchen series, I had to check it out!

Here is a great feature from Dana at MADE...





She made a whole bunch of table toppers so that she could easily switch the way the table looks instantly, or to dress it up when there isn't much time to decorate it for company. I love these...what a good idea.

Click here to check it out.

Be Inspired

How do Designers come up with such great color schemes? They look around them!!! They are Constantly looking to be inspired!

For example...we don't just see a beautiful Redwood forest...



We see natural textures and different shades of pink, green, and brown which can then be translated into textured wood frames, soft colored sofa with pink and green accent colors.

(This photo is from the area I live, by the way...)

Instead of just a field of yellow flowers...



We see a color palette of bold yellow, blue, and white, which can be translated into predominantly white furniture, bright colored fabrics, and lots of natural light.

Instead of seeing just a pretty tropical sunset...



We see dark furniture in a room brightened up by soft-but-pretty accent colors of orange, pink, and purple.

So, start looking around you for ideas and inspiration for your spaces. It doesn't just have to be found in nature. Look at color and texture schemes when you are at the Farmer's Market, or shopping at a Department Store, or in your backyard! We are constantly surrounded by inspiration, we just have to start noticing!


P.S. Welcome to all my fellow party-goers! I've linked this post up to Amanda's party over at Serenity Now.