A Bit of Heaven

She Loves Fashion

2012-01-25T11:35:00.000-06:00

She Loves Fashion.

I made this collage for my passionately creative girl.

A little bit of her, and a message from me, "I love you" discretely positioned in the lower right corner.

I miss my pink girl, as she persues her dreams,
far, far away.

Blessings, Ele

Hearts

2012-01-22T18:31:00.001-06:00

Hang your heart(s), literally.

I LOVE Valentines Day, and it's only three weeks away, (I know, I know, you just took down Christmas!).

A little bit of old, a little bit of new, Paris inspired, and a whole lot of heart makes for a banner you can hang anywhere!

Sealed with a Kiss:)

DIY TIPS: Lately, I've had a thing for pinking sheers. Not the lightweight decorative trim scissors, but the heavy duty scissors like your grandmother used. They cut more then one paper at a time. Also, if you want the crinkled seam binding look, I have found that it is easiest to lightly spritz with water and then scrunch it up.

I've started to add a few things to my etsy shop, so stop by.

Have a blessed week,

Music Paper Wreath

2012-01-18T15:13:00.000-06:00

I seriously love music paper; notes dancing, neutral colors and gold undertones of vintage paper, the rich history of the music, and in some cases the words of the songs. All are visually pleasing.

I shared a music paper Christmas wreath with you here: http://abitofpinkheaven.blogspot.com/2011/12/happy-new-year.html

Here is another wreath, made in the same technique as the Christmas wreath, but this one can be used year round. It has a paper medallion center that is embellished with bits from a vintage bingo card, and old ledger paper. Vintage ephemera .......................Love, Love, Love!

We have had a lovely fall and start of winter, but the cold weather has hit, (Tweleve below this morning!). It is definately a crafting day, and my fashionable attire includes jammie pants, ugg slippers, a sweater, and a fuzzy blanket. I am not walking over to my church studio as I am a big baby and don't want to go outside! Thankfully, I have an emergency tote with supplies in my home.

Our dog is doing much better and it looks like she will not have to have surgery, yeah!

Blessings,
Ele

Change Those Drawer Pulls

2012-01-14T15:17:00.000-06:00

What a week this has been, We have a really sick dog, and on the morning of her already scheduled vet appointment, our beloved chocolate lab got sprayed by a skunk. Poor baby, Isabel. In case you are wondering, you bathe skunk ridden loved ones in hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and a little soap, and you give them benedryl for swollen eyes. As for the original illness,we are hoping she doesn't have to have surgery.
...along with the sick dog, I am having to say goodbye to all my babies, (the human ones who smell better). They are going back to their lives far, far away. Again, my house will be quiet, sigh.....(that's a sad sigh, not a good one).

So, lets move on to happy thoughts and decorating.

Want an easy way to change the look of a desk, dresser, cabinet, sofa table, or anything that has drawer pulls? Change the knobs!

I shudder to even say that changing knobs is a DIY project, because it is shamefully easy. Can you unscrew a bolt with your fingers, or if it is tight, use a plyers to hold the bolt and twist the knob, if necessary? If you are trying to impress someone with your skill ability, I'd say that your toddler did it, but the design eye for picking out the knobs, was all yours! People will say your furniture is chic, fashionable. and even a little avant guard.

I find that the best drawer pulls are found at craft stores, or specialty stores. Hardware stores do have them, but designs are limited. Also, wait for sales, glass pulls can run up to $10 a piece.

In case, you are wondering, this desk was originally stained and highly varnished. I applied an oil based primer, and an oil based black paint. Yes, oil based is hard to work with as it doesn't wash off, but I wanted a high gloss look that doesn't chip. Unless you have worked with oil based products before, I don't recommend it. Use a glossy latex paint and primer for a similar look. Certain paints come with the primer already added. If your furniture piece has any sheen to it, lightly sand with a low grit sand paper and wipe off any dust. Apply a couple of coats of primer, then paint, (or use the paint and primer in one). For information on the gold writing go here http://abitofpinkheaven.blogspot.com/2009/03/my-favorite-table.html

Blessings,

Ele

Valentines

2012-01-11T13:27:00.000-06:00

Vintage wallpapers combined with new papers, glistening trims, and old game pieces....simply scrumptious. These hearts were fun to make.

Valentines have been on my mind. Maybe because we had a fabulous Christmas with a lot of love.

Seriously, scrumptious. Who could resist "Kiss Me" from that special person?

Hanging on an apocothary jar, or candle holder. Perfect for home decor or even a wedding!

These are currently in my etsy shop, (shop link at the top) and come with a glassine envelope for gift giving.

Blessings, Ele

2012-01-07T12:37:00.002-06:00

Sometimes I feel like my design is all over the place, because I like so many different looks and mediums, but one thing remains the same: group like things together. Case in point is the Christmas table centerpiece that I arranged.

Looks impressive (if I do say so myself), but simple simon, really. Just follow the rule: like things together. Here is how you can recreate the look!

Buy a dozen roses at a discount store, and another bouquet, but make sure the second bouquet has at least two large, or three medium flowers that are identical. Also, I bought a bundle of tree greenery since it was Christmas, but you can use fern or something similar.
Since the flowers were purchased at a discount store, you have to slice off all the thorns and the bottom leaves. Fill your kitchen sink with water and cut each stem under the water. You might have to trim them again when you are actually arranging to get the exact length you want, but ALWAYS cut under the water.
Use a container the same shape as your table, I used a ceramic rectangle. Tuck in wet florist foam and put in water and florist food (powder you get with your flowers). Foam should be soaked, but not covered in water.
Stick greenery in the foam around the outer edge, and when using a rectangle, the longest pieces should be on the end.
You have completed your bottom layer. Think of this arrangement as four layers.
Take the two or three identical flowers, (in my case, two large green cabbage roses) and center in the middle of the bouquet. This is your top layer.
Follow with a dozen roses surrounding the large center flowers. Remember you may have to recut the roses to the length you want.
Inbetween the greenery and dozen roses, position any other flowers you might have. I grouped small lime mums together and worked my way around, using like flowers in clumps and any single flowers that came with the bouquet. Fill in as needed.
Viola, you are done!
Water daily. I make my arrangements the day before, but it should last 5-7 days if you purchase fresh flowers. Ask the store what day they get shipments. Some places will actually pull out the flower colors you want and save them for you!

Think dinner parties, Valentines Day, or look ahead to Easter!

Blessings, Ele

happy new year!

2011-12-31T14:59:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year!

This is my favorite room in my house. It gives me a calming peace. I have shown you this room before, but it has evolved the past year with more texture, shades of creams, and beiges. 2011 was a whirlwind year, with lots of changes, and Christmas brought home all of our children which in itself fills my heart with love and peace.

Right now, this is my favorite item in the room. These wreaths are a hot item. with people selling them everywhere (online). I made mine. Glued the paper rolls to a foamcore wreath and added a little modge podge to the inside of the cylinders to give it a little visual weight and light gloss, (notice the shine). The paper angel is an item I received in a swap from http://www.pamelajanes.blogspot.com

The wreath is attached to an old florist basket, filled with vintage ornaments and adorned with silver birds.

Joy, Peace on Earth, and imagine.....the possibilities. What more could a girl wish for at Christmas and for 2012. These birds are real silver, so their aging patina is a nice compliment to the vintage jewels I added to their tail feathers.

I'm excited about 2012, and I hope you are too!

Wedding Reception Part 2

2011-10-03T16:43:00.002-05:00

The bride and groom went on a Caribbean honeymoon, so my huge collection of seashells found their way into large glass vases. I am fascinated by the array of whites, creams, and blush colors of seashells, not to mention the textures.

At the wedding, the beautiful bride wore an elegant gown of lace with sparkles, so added to the seashells was a little vintage ba-da bling from my jewelry box. It's the "use what you have" decorating style.

Adding real white roses to the arrangements provided for an elegant and cohesive feel. I didn't want a bright pop of color that would take away from the seashells, and picture displays. The roses were tucked inside small vase, placed in the larger vase. Yes, a vase in a vase.

Silver candleabras and mercury glass candle holders were added to some of the tables, another touch of elegance. Every table did not look exactly the same. For me, it adds interest, and again....use what you have.

Have a blessed week,
Ele

Reception Decor

2011-09-26T19:59:00.000-05:00

My Mission: Decorate an outdoor wedding reception
Style/Color: Elegant, shades of purple, and pink
Specs: Bride and groom were married a month earlier at an outdoor venue in the bride's hometown. This reception will allow the groom's friends and family an opportunity to celebrate with the couple.

I wanted to incorporate photos of the wedding day into the table design, so guests could view the beautiful event. A couple of years ago, I purchased a large stack of silver trays at a thrift store. It was time for these silver beauties to shine, well, partially shine. The silver trays received several coats of black chalkboard paint, as black is always an elegant backdrop. It also toned down the glare of the trays from the sun, just a little. Remember, it's an outdoor recepton.

Magnets were made out of clay roses, (yes the inspiration was the brides head piece), and bits and bobs of bling.

Monogram medallions were added to the trays. A mix of paper, a pop of color, and a glittered letter(s) adds a personalized touch to the reception decor. Paper is not a budget buster, and all you need is a scissors, and a couple of punch out tools.

Here is a sneak peek at some of the reception decor. Next week I will post more!

*Clay roses are made by Lorena of Rose Chic Friends

The Birthday Boy

2011-09-15T12:24:00.005-05:00

Fall has arrived! Frost covered the car windows this morning, and it just doesn't seem right. Our summer was really short, especially because of the devestsion in our area. Later this month, I will recap some of the decorating events I have been involved with this past Spring and Summer, so keep in touch, I promise I will deliver.

First of all, I want to share with you my niece's blog. She is the mother to my favorite little boy in the whole world. Click on the link below and you will see how this fabulous mother decorated her son's first birthday party. Keep in mind that their home was lost in the flood, and are living with relatives. They are waiting to move into their Fema trailer. Still, this pretty mama managed to create decor for a wonderful party in the park. She did it totally on her own, well....with her handsome husband (my nephew), and little man by her side. The guest of honor's aunt and uncle made the super cute rocket ship in the last picture. ENJOY!
http://domesticdiscoveries.blogspot.com/2011/09/i-love-you-to-moon-and-back.html

Destination: Holy Matrimony

2011-07-21T10:39:00.001-05:00

When my pretty niece married her handsome pilot, the ceremony flew to new heights. Where am I going with this? To destination Holy Matrimony, of course.

This airplane themed vintage wedding had everything from flight attendants to lip smackingly delicious retro soda. (most of the picture credits go to https://www.facebook.com/#!/ashley.duchsherer)

Flight attendants gave pre-wedding instructions as wedding guests enjoyed peanuts and orange juice.

After arriving at "I Do," guests were treated to a reception that was a feast for the senses.

milk and cookie buffet

Placemats could be folded into paper airplanes.

Flags could be raised if more food was desired.

An airplane themed wouldn't have been complete without a fly by!

Unfortunatly for my niece and her husband, and many other Minot residents, the flood of 2011 hit the week after this wonderful wedding. Their "new" home, as well as thousands of others, has been ravaged by flood waters. Upon return of their honeymoon (which included a stop at American Pickers), they found 5' of flood water on the main floor of their house and mold beyond belief. Needless to say, their honeymoon cottage has become a disaster zone. One day at a time, and the sweet smiles that their "oh so wonderfully fun" wedding bring to those of us who attended, will help everyone survive this flood disaster. Prayers for everyone bearing this burden.

Minot Flood 2011

2011-06-29T21:29:00.001-05:00

What was once a small river running through the middle of my town has turned into a lake.

A lake that has inundated 4,000 homes. 1,000 of these homes are not repairable as water measures 6-10 feet on the main floor. 11,000 out of 40,000 people are displaced. 300 dogs are now living in the shelter. Water for consumption needs to be boiled. Water is to be rationed, and some homes that are dry, are exactly that...without water.

For many, this is the first day of the rest of their lives.

Although, I am one of the lucky ones, my heart hurts for my friends and family members who are wounded emotionally. As my niece said, "I wish I could just hug my house."

Get Your Nest On

2011-04-12T16:10:00.000-05:00

My house has been invaded by guys; carpet layer, floor refinisher, carpenter, and plumber. The plumber was not my choice, but I was ~~forced~~ delighted to add another remodel project to my list, due to a leak. What to do, after getting a couple of rooms back in order? Get out my silver birds and help them get their nest on.

I layered a bird nest on top of seashells. The silver glittered bird is actually a Christmas tree ornament that I embellished with a jewel and seam binding.

More Christmas tree birds getting their nest on. The real silver glitter is starting to tarnish. I know it's in style (even to let your silver tea service tarinsh), but I'm just not sure how I feel about this patina. There's something totally gratifying about polishing silver, and yes I'm serious. How do you feel about this?

Welcome Spring and get your nest on.

I sincelerly hope you are having a nice week, and that you are not experiencing flood waters.

Blessings,

Ele

Winner Dinner (not related)

2011-04-06T10:47:00.001-05:00

Aaron from mudpiesandmarigolds.com is the winner of my giveaway! Congratulations!

A couple of weeks ago, I served prom dinner. I had great help from "Mr. Grill Master," and my "Super Talented Don't Know How She Can Fit so Many Creative Ideas Into Her Head" niece. Our dinner was in my son's casual family room, so "Super Niece" had the idea of decorating with crayons and paper.

Rhinestone gems were glued on the ends of crayons to create a crayon topiary. Super Niece constructed a crayon candleabra and crayon napkin holders.

My favorite part of the table was the artwork that my niece incorporated into each place setting. She outlined the fork and knife with some funky graphics, and provided a different theme frame under each plate in which each guest could doodle.

IThe The room was finished up with white lights and paper lanterns. In the evening it looked fabulous. And yes, the guests had fun doodling on the white tablecloth.

Don't you wish "super niece" was yours?.....sorry, she's all mine:)

A picture of the girls, (my daughter is the blonde in solid blue)

I hope you are having a wonderful week.

Blessings,

Ele

Banners in Style

2011-04-03T16:53:00.002-05:00

Go to my last post and register for the giveaway!

Here a banner, there a banner, everywhere a banner banner.

Whatever you choose to call them; banners, pennants, or buntings, they are all in style. They are not just for birthdays and holidays. They are for every day!

A great thing about mixed meda art is that you get to use everyday found objects and incorporate it into your creations. Flashcards? Yep, flashcards. I'm not the first to use flashcards, nor will I be the last. I think the appeal is that it takes us back to elementary school. It's the feeling of mastering numbers, and numbers are hot, in style, the thaaaang that makes a mixed media artist's heart beat.

I made this garland out of flash cards, music paper, and some vintage ledger paper. I threw in some vintage jewels, a cameo and a paper flower. I strung seam binding through punched holes, and added a few scrunched pieces to stream down. Oh so easy, try it you'll see!

Banners are for everyday. Hang them across a mirror, a window, or wall.

Blessings, Ele

Giveaway Time!

2011-03-30T18:01:00.000-05:00

The good people at ramsign.com are giving one of my blog visitors a FREE enamel house sign.

Gotta love sleek, handmade, glossy, and free!

If you are a follower (right hand sidebar), leave me a comment. If you are not a follower, now is a good time to sign up. I will draw a random winner on Wednesday, April 6th.

Ele

A Pop of Color

2011-03-26T17:56:00.000-05:00

The third and final mosaic recap of 2010 features color.

Yes Virginia, I do believe.

A little bit of color goes a long way in decorating. Shoes, pretty papers, tissue paper puffs, colored jewels, pumpkins, and a chair slip cover displays a pop of color.

Blessings,
Ele

2010 Pinks

2011-03-12T01:00:00.002-06:00

I couldn't recap 2010 without a journey back into my pink blogposts. The lack of pink would be like living in a world where pink cotton candy, salt water taffy, and buttercream frosting didn't exist. Oh, how shameful to even think about it.

So my dear blog friends, breathe deeply and absorb the sweetness.

Pink Blessings to you,

Ele

2010 Neutrals

2011-03-05T23:30:00.002-06:00

To define the word neutral, I would start with a color that produces calm, breathing without thinking, and understated elegance. Recapping 2010 with my neutral blog pictures, seriously makes me want to devoid my life of hue.

Wikipedia defines neutral as "a stance of tone without any bias." Very true, as love abounds everywhere with neutral decor and creations. The world dictionary says, "dull, but harmonizes with everything." Really, dull? I will agrue the first part of that definition. The world dictionay has obviously never fully taken in the visual experience of the different shades of whites, creams, beiges, and grays. It is a feast for the eyes.

Blessings,
Ele

Simple Candles

2011-03-03T12:34:00.000-06:00

Simple white taper and pillar candles are... not simple.

Wrapped in plain brown craft paper, and draped in seam binding, jewels, lace, and flash card punches; simpleness meet elegance.

You had me at brown craft paper. Oh the things you can do with brown craft paper, but I'll let you in on that another day!

These candles would be wonderful as wedding favors, or attach a flash card punch of a birthday girl's age and give it to her!

Craft Tips

when using craft paper, fold the raw edges to the underside
purchase brown paper at any office store (shipping department)
glueing paper directly to the candle is tricky, so overlap paper and glue paper to paper
when attaching something heavy use a pearl head pin
to crinkle seam binding, put it in the palm of your hand and squish
use glue that dries clear when attaching lace (Elmers glue stick works)
as you can see in the picture, don't throw away jewels with missing rhinestones....they work!

Do not burn candles with paper adornments attached!

on a personal note...I do not have any items for sale as I have been spending a lot of time with my family. Next year I will be an empty nester and I have been breathing in every moment of my sweet girl. I know I haven't been posting very often and I have halted my sponsors as it's not fair to them, but from now on, I plan to update once a week, so please visit often.
Blessings and many thanks to all of you who stop by,
Ele

Looking for Spring

2011-02-23T00:25:00.001-06:00

It's the time of year when I start to look for Spring and unfortunately, where I live, it's buried under several feet of snow. The logical thing to do is to find a beach in Mexico, a comfy chair, a hardcover copy of Wuthering Heights, and at various intervals stand up, click red high heels together and say, "I don't want to go back home, I don't want to go back home, I don't want to go back home".

Mexico, comfy chair, book...all realized, and wonderful. The clicking of high heels... apparently does not work without a fairy godmother, so back home I go.

Once back home, I again looked for Spring.

This time I found it in the summer grass of a photograph of dd,

a milk glass pedestal with seashells,

a glass vase filled with treasures of the ocean,

a starfish accompanied by tarnished silver,

and speckled blue eggs in a white birdcage.

I guess Spring can be found, if we look really hard.

It's not too early to display some of those items that help you "feel" like it's Spring. Do you remember where they're stored? If not, remember, you can always search for Spring on http://www.etsy.com/

PS: Thought you might ejoy seeing a couple of pictures of a wedding reception being set up on the beach. After dark, the torches and lanterns were lit. It was a gorgeous sight.

Blessings,

Ele

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T20:58:00.001-06:00

From My Home to Yours,

Happy New Year!

In 2011 I hope for your family and mine, less physical and emotional pain, and much love....

God's blessings to you all.

Ele

White Christmas Design Team

2010-12-14T23:48:00.002-06:00

The December design kit arrived in my mailbox, and I was certainly pleased. I turned beautiful shades of creams and sparkle into a "White Christmas" wreath.

I'm so pleased to have been part of the Lollishops fall design team. A huge THANK YOU to My So Called Junky Life for the December kit, and to Sadie from Lollishops.

Christmas Blessings,

Ele

Ruffles

2010-11-07T01:00:00.004-05:00

Oh my, I'm such a girl. I Looooove ruffles, and not just one row, but layers and layers of ruffles. Not surprised? I know. You know me too well.

Visually, ruffle pillows are fabulous, and believe me, I can't keep my hands off. Touching layer after layer sends those tactile neurons firing.

Use one pillow, or a group. Both are rufflicious.

I even love the ruffles on my vintage Fenton cake plates.

Sleek and milky white, the ruffles are mesmorizing.

Ruffle up everyone, and spread the love!

Ele

Presto Chango Slipcover

2010-11-03T12:56:00.001-05:00

Presto chango, also known as attention defecit decorating, happens a lot at my house. Things are constantly changing. I have a stash of items, in addition to holiday decor, that I am constantly switching out, and furniture pieces (usually smaller items) that move from room to room. I'm actually very satisfied with how it initially looks, but the "little voice" just won't let me rest.

The cooking fairy (known as dear daughter, pink girl) made supper last evening, and what was I to do? free time=crafting and decorating.

This chair received a new slipcover. The slipcover as well as the original chair were purchased at Pier 1. The slipcover had great style, and I LOVE the ruffles.

This is what the chair looked like before I put the slipcover on it. I like the before, but it's nice to have another option. It has moved from the sunroom to the sitting room, and is making friends nicely. "She" certainly looked cheerful before, but now, she just feels a little prettier.

Congratulations to the ladies that won my giveaway, lovely things studio and recycled rita!

Now, if the cleaning fairy would just show up...........................
Have a blessed day,
Ele