LoveYourRoom

TV Show Interview Is Ready To View!

2012-01-19T11:27:00.001-05:00

What a fun show yesterday sharing the before and after photos of the loft apartment building my team and I recently decorated. CLICK HERE to check it out!! Thank you to Eve Tannery and the 69 News team. I am now the record holder for the most photos (22) used during a single segment on their TV show! Is there an award given for that?

Thank You DIY Showoff

2012-01-18T15:35:00.001-05:00

Thank you DIY Showoff for featuring my 'Lucky Clover' DIY wall stencil on your inspirational website! I love it when my little blog gets some traffic from your readers. They have written me some really nice comments.

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P.s-For those who missed my TV appearance this morning on 69 News at Sunrise, I am still impatiently waiting for the story to be placed online. Sorry about the delay in the feed. It was very fun and I have received more feedback than usual! Check out to see the before and after photos at least at LOVEYOURROOM. -Shosh

2012-01-18T00:38:00.001-05:00

BEFORE

AFTER

Hi friends!

Tomorrow morning at 8:40 am on WFMZ-TV 69 News At Sunrise I will dish with Eve Tannery about the new downtown Allentown loft apt building my team recently decorated. We will have photos, talk about inspirations for the color and furniture, and essentials for highlighting loft living! If you miss it, I will blog about it, and when available, will include the show segment. Just go to LOVEYOURROOM in the afternoon and look under My Interior Design Posts -'A Downtown Loft Apartment Bldg Goes Chic'.

Decadently Yours,

Shosh

Attached To Our Furniture

2012-01-15T15:25:00.000-05:00

Are you holding on to furniture that no longer works with the way you live, but unable to part with it because it has sentimental value? Me too!

Today was my first step, and it was hard (had to take a big gulp), to get past my feelings in order to live better in my own home. Yes, today I sold my dining room set. I know the couple that bought it will take care of it and really enjoy it, but it was a bit sad for me to say good bye. I remember purchasing it with P eleven years ago in Vermont. It was our first major piece of furniture together; the look was perfect for us at the time -so simple with a deep rich maple finish. It included a table with two leaves, 4 chairs, a large buffet with a glass door hutch. Over the years, we lugged that set from New Jersey, Long Island, and to Pennsylvania. And through all those moves, it was rarely used. I even used the dining table as a desk, the buffet as a credenza and stored the hutch and chairs. It was a creative idea but it was time to admit that storing the unused part of the set was cluttering my life. Now, after saying good bye to it, I not only have some money in my pocket to get pieces that work for me, but I did my part to stay 'green' by recycling my furniture to someone who might who will enjoy it for years to come. If you are in a similar situation, I can tell you, from my experience, that it is a bit of a relief now that the pieces are gone, and I have so many grand plans for the space they were in!

The set I sold

p.s. you can always interview the interested buyer to make sure your sentimental furniture will be going into the right home. The interested party will probably feel even better about purchasing your furniture knowing that it was so well loved. I am so pleased with the buyers of my set (good luck Bob and Cindy!).

Get more decorating ideas, see photos, and be inspired, read up on these topics :

Dress Up Your Tray Ceiling - CLICK HERE for ideas.

Door Knocker Tips - Get more tips by CLICKING HERE.

The White Chandelier - CLICK HERE for ideas.

Sign of Spring: The Petal Pillow - CLICK HERE to read on about this trendy pillow.

Create A Clover Stencil Wall Treatment

2012-01-12T12:17:00.001-05:00

First DIY project of 2012! The Clover Stenciled Wall!

Recently I spent a few days up on a ladder with a quart of paint..... and you know I loved it! I have done wall treatments before, but this was the most tedious-NOT hard, just tedious-but SO worth it!! Using a clover shaped stencil made from poster paper, I traced the cut out across my entire wall, creating a pattern, then colored in the pattern using a beautiful shade of orange paint.

This print was my inspiration for the space. It is a John French photo, who took killer shots of fashion models in black and white between 1950-60's. I lucked out finding this one at a craft store that sold prints. I had it mounted to foam board and framed (no glass means no glare). I love the way the model is standing, showing off the adorable little dress that steals the show. And the bundle of pearls along the big floppy hat are perfect pairings for it. Where can I get that boldly patterned dress??!! After looking at this print I knew I wanted to display it on an equally bold patterned wall set against a crisp white back drop, to bring life into the grey scaled photo.

This is the wall BEFORE. It is getting prepped for the new wall treatment. I began by taping off all moldings and trim, then painted the walls a crisp white (don't worry, a big sheet covered the entire sofa before painting :) ).

To create this wall you will need:

-poster board

-pencil

-scissors

-painters tape

-paint (I used a quart size of Sherwin William 2854 'Caribbean Coral ')

-one fine tip paint brush

-one wider tipped paint brush

The Steps:

Creating the Stencil. Using your pencil, practice drawing your stencil on paper. Try different designs. To visualize how it will look across an entire wall, recreate the pattern over and over on a piece of paper (like above). When you are ready to create your stencil, grab your poster paper and pencil. Lightly draw your stencil. Make any changes to it, and then cut it out. To get this clover look I traced a cereal bowl to ensure that each rounded side was equal. This clover stencil is 14" around.

Tip-stick with a stencil that is at least 14" or you will have a lot more tracing to do, and painting.

Where to Start On The Wall. Begin in the center. You want to give the illusion that the design keeps going, so where the wall hits the ceiling, the floor, and the two side walls, you will only have room to trace part of the design.

Begin Tracing. Once you have found the center of the wall, place your stencil there. I stuck painters tape on the back of my stencil to hold it in place. Trace it. Then, using your level, make a tiny pencil mark every 7"s across the wall at the same level as the top and bottom of the tracing. This will ensure that your lines of pattern are straight across the wall.

You can place painters tape where your marks are, as a guide as well (see above). Once you have marked out an entire row and traced on your stencil repeatedly until you completed that row, do the same technique for the rows above and below.

Begin Painting. Once the entire wall is traced out in pencil, grab your paint and a fine tip paint brush. Slowly paint the edges. This will take a bit of time but it is important to stay within the lines so it does not look messy.

Two Coats of Paint. You will go over the edges 2xs to get nice thick look.

Once you have outlined all the tracings in paint, you will fill them in with your paint. Using your wide tipped brush, give it 2 coats.

Tip -Keep a paper towel handy. If you drip on your wall quickly clean it up.

Take extra care at the walls edges.

It took me a weekend to complete this wall. I worked during the daylight hours only.

Ta da!!

AFTER:

OK, if you like the look of the stenciled wall above but looking for an easier way to get the look, try one of these joyful wallpapers by Antonina Vella. This line of wallpaper is not very expensive and full of inspiration. Here are my faves:

Nicoletta GM1248

Angelina GM1209

You can find more info on these wallpapers at York Wallcoverings, or head to your local Sherwin Williams store to see the books in person!! TIP-Bring tissues for all the drooling!!

Shosh's Top Decor Finds Airs Today

2011-12-21T20:35:00.000-05:00

Watch my once a year Fave-O-Fave TV News Segment that aired today with Eve Tannery on 69 News At Sunrise, and see what decor I am hot for this year, and how I use them CLICK HERE TO SEE THIS VIDEO

After watching the video, if you see something you love, go to LOVE YOURROOM to get all the info on where to get it!!

Have fun!!

Tomorrow: Fave-O-Fave List is Available!

2011-12-20T14:25:00.002-05:00

Available December 21st at LOVEYOURROOM

It's time to share my list of fave-o-faves again! I am so excited to share a few of my favorite finds and designs from this year. I will be showcasing them tomorrow on WFMZ-TV 69 News At Sunrise at 8:40 a.m. It was a big hit last year so don't miss it!

I will have every juicy detail available at LOVEYOURROOM after the show airs.

Happy Holidays!

-Shosh

My First Floor Is Getting A Facelift

2011-12-19T11:21:00.000-05:00

After five years of living in our home, P and I have finally started the renovation on our first floor! This is the longest we have lived at the same address and think that it is about time to change out the flooring, tackle the kitchen, and create a new entrance to our family room. I am taking advantage of P's mad home improvement skills, and the contractors I work with. It has been chaotic because year end is very busy for both of us, but we just crave chaos!! Here is the progress so far since Thanksgiving:

P tore out the carpet quickly. Then the hallway wood floor.

Princess of Darkness napped during the hauling out process and when she woke up she was confused about where the carpet went. Don't worry cat, flooring came back, but in the form of beautiful five inch plank hand scraped engineered birch with a warm chestnut stain.

Next, we tackled the kitchen. This is what it looked like. We are saying 'adios' to the linoleum flooring, cabinet finish and hardware, black appliances, and this small island 'situation'.

We are also giving a big farewell kiss to the long pony wall (aka 'the balance beam' because my daughter would walk across it all the time) separating our family room from the kitchen.

We had our long pony wall removed, and created a smaller version on the left side of the room. This will open up our kitchen access, and allow more light in because our furniture will be moved away from the window in the family room. Thanks Trevor!

We moved the island and appliances out of the way to make room for the new flooring. 'Push P, push!'

Next came more of the new wood flooring.

A quick sketch from me for the new columns and Steve, the wood master, built them.

'Ok, who put the frig doors in the family room?' Ha ha...not funny.

We are working on painting the columns now, and I need to get moving on the wall paint palette.

New appliances came in and this past weekend we had our cabinets painted a soft tan gray (Revere Pewter by Benjamin Moore). Thanks Jim! It is super important to let the cabinets breathe for as long as possible so the doors will be off for a week.

Next up is to get the doors back, add our new hardware, and work on the island -add more storage, seating, a new counter top and moldings. I still have to figure out wall paint colors, and furniture placement, but that will be after the new year.

Stay tuned!!!

P.S. The Designs By Shoshana Studio will be closed December 21 thru January 4, 2012.

Happy Holidays and A Healthy New Year Friends!!!

Live In The Lehigh Valley? Donate Food To The Peannut Man!

2011-12-03T10:46:00.001-05:00

Make this season happier for families in our community by donating to this years food drive. The food pantry at Jefferson School in Allentown is seriously lacking protein items to hand out to needy kids and their families. Let's bulk it up!

Donate non-refrigerated milk, peanut butter, beans and lentils, and canned meats and fish.

You can drop it off at any of the following locations between Dec 5 thru Dec 16: Just look for this sign and donate!!

Shosh Talks Paint On TV This Wednesday

2011-11-13T22:18:00.001-05:00

Hi friends,

Catch me on WFMZ-TV 69 News At Sunrise this Wednesday, November 16th at 8:40 am!! If you are thinking about painting your homes' interior walls you will want to tune in because I will discuss the most common questions and dilemmas homeowners come across. I will also share HGTV's new line of paint that could not only save you from stressing over color choices, but can save you money as well! Check out my WEBSITE after for a re-cap of my news segment later in the day.

Decadently Yours,

Shosh

Make A Dream Tree For Luck & Beauty

2011-09-20T11:26:00.001-04:00

Dream Tree

You have heard of a 'vision board',

but what about a 'vision tree' called a Dream Tree!

Sit it by the fireplace, the foyer, or create a smaller version for a table top centerpiece.

A Dream Tree is meant to add a sweet natural warm feel to a space, while being a constant reminder of all the dreams you hope come true. Every leaf on each branch will contain a dream (a wish) that is hand written by you. It is an easy and inexpensive DIY project you can do in one day! It can be a small centerpiece on a table top, or a large focal point on the ground. Once you create it, you will see it every day and envision your dreams coming true!

This is a kid friendly project too!!

SUPPLIES YOU NEED:

Felt paper

Scissors

Clear tape

Double sided tape

Jute twine

Branches

Leaves

Vase to place the branches in

(You will also need white copy paper, a Sharpie with a fine tip and double sided tape for writing your dreams on the leaves.)

*You can find the branches and leaves outside your home or at a park, and the rest can be found at a craft store. Choose a vase that is deep-can be small and placed on a table top, or larger and placed on the ground.

STEP 1

Decide how big you want your Dream Tree to be then find an appropriate sized vase for it.

Then gather and arrange your branches in it.

*once they are in your vase you can cut them to the size you want.

STEP 2

Time to create your leaves!

Using a pen, trace one of the leaves on your felt paper and cut it out.

STEP 3

Using your scissors, cut a little hole toward the top of the leaf. Then loop a piece of jute twine through the leaf, tie it in a knot, leave three inches then make another knot, and cut the excess off.

STEP 4

Grab a Sharpie with a fine tip, white copy paper, and tape.

Write as many wishes as you want on the white paper using the Sharpie (the height of your words should be shorter than the height of a piece of tape).

Cut around each written wish like the photo above with scissors.

Cut a piece of tape long enough to over each cut piece, place over the piece of written wish, and cut the excess off.

STEP 5

Grab your double sided tape.

Place a piece on the back side of your wish paper.

Then press the back side down on a felt leaf.

STEP 6

Hang your leaves on the branches!

IDEA TIP -

*Use this project as a learning tool for kids by renaming it 'The Thankful Tree' and instead of writing your wishes, have everyone write what they are thankful for!! This is a great idea to do on a rainy day or as a project during Thanksgiving.

Follow the same step by step instructions as above.

"I am thankful for the Earth!"

Happy Fall Everyone!!!

For more ideas on hot Fall home decor trends and inexpensive ideas CLICK HERE.

Working On Wednesday's TV Show Feeling A Chill

2011-09-15T23:47:00.000-04:00

Fall is at our doorstep. The weather is chilling up, the leaves will be turning, and falling off the trees. It is a perfect time to share ideas on adding fall touches to our home decor. I am working on Wednesday's WFMZ-TV 69 News at Sunrise TV news segment having a blast putting together simple ideas on how to incorporate fall seasonal accents into center pieces, displays, and fireplace mantel ideas; PLUS, these ideas will transition to the winter season holidays! I hope you can tune in!!!!! Create a warm and inviting home. 1 -2 -3 EASY!!

The segment will air Wednesday, September 21 at 8:40 am.

If you miss it, I will share a link to it here once it has aired.

Here are some more topics you might like:

No Room For A Coffee Table? Think Again!

The Classic Slipper Chair: A Handy Accent for Any Room

Throw Blankets: How to Use These Snuggly and Stylish Stylemakers

Smart Back-to-School Storage: Wicker Baskets

Shosh Demonstrates Easy Ways To Add Color To Neutral Room

2011-08-18T14:52:00.001-04:00

BEFORE AFTER

Watch this video to see how Shosh adds delicious citrus colors to a bland neutral area. Get lots of tips!!!! CLICK HERE

Then stop by LOVEYOURROOM to get info on the products I used, including info on the DIY upholstered chair!

Un-Neutralize Your Room - Shosh Shows You How Wednesday A.M.

2011-08-15T19:29:00.002-04:00

Hello fellow lovers of all things fun and creative!

Is your room too neutral for you? Get that color back into your space with simple tips I will share on WFMZ TV 69 News At Sunrise this Wednesday at 8:40 am. And of course I will share cool DIY ideas. If you miss it, check back with LOVEYOURROOM at the end of the day to watch the video and get a break down of where to get the products I used. I will have 3 surprise guests. .........and let me know what you think of my new haircut and color.

In the meantime, check out these timely trends in interior design and decor topics I wrote for Houzz recently (just click on the title below) :

Color: Dressing Up With Navy Blue
- Add Sophistication to Upholstery and Walls With This Seductive Hue

Mixing & Matching Bedding
- 10 Tips on How To Outfit Your Bed With Contrasting Patterns

Hang A Tapestry
- Add Warmth and Drama to a Room With a Beautiful Fabric Wall Hanging

Check Out This Series On Creating Rooms That Showcase Your Style & Not What Is 'In Style'
Dining Rooms With A Personal Stamp Of Style
- Let Loose With Favorite Colors and Finds On and Around the Table

Living Rooms With A Personal Stamp Of Style
- Get Inspired to GIve Your Main Hangout Space a Look That's Yours Alone
Bedrooms With A Personal Stamp Of Style
- Connect With Your Space With Color, Collections and Accessories With a Story

2011-08-02T23:05:00.000-04:00

The NEW LYR Studio is shaping up nicely! This is a peek at our progress (the chandelier above the table is causing some shadows to appear on the stripe treatment). The rest of the space is currently filled with boxes, catalogs, samples, and tons of this and that EVERYWHERE. Want to see a little more? CLICK HERE.

It has been a slow renovation because of the traveling our team has been doing. I should have a t-shirt made up that reads "Please bear with us as we renovate." In the meantime, if you are looking for some brilliantly bold decor ideas and advice, I highly recommend this little cute book Jonathan Adler wrote:

It is not expensive either. I am a huge fan of Jonathan's because he infuses fun with chicness into every space he designs. I hope Jonathan would agree with the series of idea books I just completed for Houzz that centers around the belief that homes should be decorated with looks that applaud not our good taste, but our personal, creative take on design. You can view the features here- BEDROOMS and LIVING ROOMS (DINING ROOMS will be published soon).

There has been a great deal of positive comments from Houzz readers agreeing with this approach to design. Of course, as I just found out today, along with a positive force of creativity, comes negative spirits.

I just received a 'not so nice' comment to a post idea I had on my LYR blog. At first I was as sad as the cats whiskers as David Bowie says (who wouldn't be). Whenever you have the guts to put yourself out there, there is the chance some one will voice a negative opinion. BUT it means they took notice, so to the negative 'commenter', I want to say thanks for visiting my blog and reading it.

This comes on the heels of a crazy day that began with gum on the shoe in the mall parking lot, and ended with this. My poor Pilot:

After carrying my car home over my shoulder (because Honda never gave me the special key tool needed to unlock my lug nut). I am throwing salt over my shoulder and moving on.

Safety Tip- look at the lug nuts on your cars' wheels. If one looks like this

that means it requires a special key tool to remove it. This type of locked lug nut keeps your wheels and tires from getting stolen, BUT also keeps you from being able to fix a flat tire. MAKE SURE you have this key tool with you when driving.

Let your imagination rule today!

Shoshana Shows You 4 Coffee Table Looks

2011-07-20T14:45:00.000-04:00

Hi friends!!

We had so much in the news station today creating 4 coffee table looks using 2 basic formulas. CLICK HERE to read more and see the video!

Decadently Yours,
Shosh

Tomorrows News Segment-Create An Inspiring Coffee Table Look

2011-07-19T14:45:00.001-04:00

Hi Friends,

Don't miss watching my decorating segment tomorrow morning on WFMZ-TV 69 News At Sunrise with Eve Tannery at 8:40 a.m. If you have wondered how to display accents on your coffee table and keep the clutter off, I will have some helpful tips. Meanwhile I need tips on what to make for dinner tonight. Cooking is not my strong point, but I can set a mean table!

p.s. remember to check out my website LOVEYOURROOM for tips on proper foyer and dining room rug size to use, to decor to hang above your bed that is not a framed poster or mirror.

Decadently Yours,

Shosh

Want Ideas For Getting Parisian Style Into Your Home?

2011-06-17T10:30:00.000-04:00

Paris is on the top of my list as the most romantic place I have ever been. I left there with a new found love of Parisian style. I am not talking about French Country style, or the latest trends happening in Paris; I fell for the authentic Parisian feel incorporating Baroque and Rococo style (elaborate and ornamental design). The kind of look you find at the Ritz in Paris. Watch my TV segment on Ways to Get Parisian Style Into Your Home and I will share a very personal love story about myself, review photos of the Ritz, and how you can get this look in your own home inexpensively.

Here is a DIY project I explain in the segment:

Bring in the opulence you would see in an old chateau by adding a gilded effect. Using gold metallic paint and a stencil (fleur de lis is a popular French symbol), create a gilded look on walls, trim work, and crown molding. Add gold metallic paint to the carved in areas of woodwork and furniture. CLICK HERE to see this video.

My Website Gets A NEW Look

2011-06-08T15:12:00.000-04:00

It's June so it is warm, but not as HOT as the makeover my website received! LYR received a major face lift. Along with many important changes, I have also now incorporated a blog into my new site where I will be posting journal entries and media information. I will still use this blog for all my DIY interior design projects, and won't forget to give it hugs and kisses. Check it out- CLICK HERE!

And don't forget to tune into WFMZ-TV 69 News Wednesday, June 15 at 8:40 am for tips on creating a Parisian styled room. Oh la la!!

Kids Outdoor Paint Project

Meanwhile, I have a fun idea to do outdoors with your kids! Painting still life! Still life painting simply means using inanimate subject matter, like an arrangement of flowers, a bowl of fruit, or anything that you can set up, and paint. The painter can give a straight forward representation of the object(s) or interpret it into something imaginative! You and your child can study their shape, where the light falls and the shadows the objects in relation to the other objects being used. Some of the most famous artists have used still life art including Paul Cezanne and Vincent Van Gogh!

I introduced my daughter to still life painting last weekend and was taken back by her imagination. We used stuffed animals and a shoe. Below is my mini Van Gogh finishing up her still life interpretation of her shoe.

All you need for this project is a canvas board, pencil, paint, paint brush, paper plates to mix your paints, and a cup filled with water. Set up your still life, sketch it on the canvas board, then paint! We did a series of 6 that I will hang together in my kids' playroom.

Boys Zig Zag Blvd. Bedroom Revealed

2011-05-18T08:40:00.012-04:00

The assignment was to create two bedrooms- one fit for a sweet little four year old girl who has a love of flowers, of the perfect color pink, and of books, that are ever growing in her room. And another bedroom for a very cool and charming six year old boy looking for a more rockin' room that ignites his creativity.

The budget was minimal, about $1,000 for both rooms, purchasing items that would make the biggest difference, and having fun with DIY projects to sweeten the space!

The reaction raised the roof! We completed both bedrooms while the family vacationed. Through a lot laughter, creative dizziness, and inspiration drawn from two little kids, the family came home to two fun designer destinations. The kids ran right up to their rooms. All that was heard was a high pitched scream 'Oh my gosh!' 'Oh my gosh!' 'Oh my gosh!' There was a lot of jumping on the bed and rolling around with a giant smile. My favorite part was when the little boy looked at the zig zag wall and asked "How does Shoshana think of this cool stuff? She is so smart!" And kids don't lie :)

Enjoy!

Watch the video of this reveal. I will share all my secrets and give tips CLICK HERE

Zig Zag Blvd.

A cool kids Bedroom

THE DESIGN

THE REVEAL

BEFORE

AFTER

The Paint. We used Sherwin Williams 'Anew Gray' on the walls and 'Gray Area' on the ceiling. For the Zig zag wall we used Sherwin Williams 'Classic Light Buff' and 'Decisive Yellow'.

The Lighting. Plug in wall sconces from IKEA were added above either side of the bed for more direct and accessible reading light.

BEFORE

AFTER

The Wall Treatment. See below for how it was done.

Big Bold Initial Pillows. To create a fun focal point on the bed we added DIY pillows we embellished ourselves.

BEFORE

AFTER

Window Treatments. We added a DIY valance over each window using yellow cotton fabric and a 2 inch white ribbon. After sewing a rod pocket seam and hemming the edges we just added the ribbon using 'no sew' fabric glue.

Add Shelving. Displaying achievements is a great confidence builder for kids! Shelves are excellent places to hang light weight awards because they do not take up any floor space.

BEFORE

AFTER

Work Station. We added a desk and chair from IKEA for reading and writing. It is near the window so it will get more natural light during the day.

The Wall Treatment. The room definitely gets its superstar feel from the new wall treatment. And although the yellow color is bold, it is used just enough to make this little boy excited enough to think that I am cool.

Below are the steps we took to create the Zig Zag wall.

1. Using graph paper, we plotted out the design based on the dimensions of the wall.

Tip - To make it feel like an ongoing zig zag we began our first yellow stripe 1 foot down the wall. For the same reason we made sure our zig zag started with a downward line and ended with an upturned line.

2. After painting the wall Sherwin Williams 'Classic Light Buff', using a measuring tape pieces of painters tape were placed at every point in our pattern design.

3. The dots were connected by long strips of painters tape, always making sure the tape was straight as it went on.

4. The edges were cleaned up using a blade lightly on the wall.

5. Using Sherwin Williams Decisive Yellow, the paint was rolled on and the painters tape came off!

To see how to create Personalized Initial Pillows CLICK here

To see how to create DIY Fake Flower Head Art CLICK here

To see how to create a Stationary Stagecoach CLICK here

Girls Bedroom Gets A Pink Me Up Design On A Budget

2011-05-18T08:40:00.011-04:00

The budget was minimal, about $1,000 for both rooms, purchasing items that would make the biggest difference, and having fun with DIY projects to sweeten the space!

Enjoy!

Watch the video of this reveal. I will share all my secrets and give tips CLICK HERE

Pink It Up

A Little Ladies Bedroom

THE DESIGN

THE REVEAL

Changes to the design- the color of the bolster pillow and the ceiling fixture is not up yet, but the vision has remained the same.

BEFORE

AFTER

The Paint. We used two shades of pink: Sherwin William's 'In the Pink' on the walls and added Sherwin William's 'Coming Up Roses' on the upper walls, eighteen inches from the ceiling. We also used 'Coming Up Roses' eighteen inches on the ceiling starting from the outer walls. This created a faux tray.

The Layout. Changing the layout of the space created a better flow in the room, and the additional new bookcases from IKEA fit right in as a spot to collect books and special mementos, and perch by the window to read.

The Window Treatments. The yellow drapes are from Target online and the pink stagecoach was a DIY project we took on to create a layered colorful effect that makes the room feel cozy.

The Flower Artwork. My favorite part of the room is the artwork over the bed. And it was so inexpensive to make!

The Lemon Bolster Pillow. For big impact we made a three foot vinyl bolster pillow in a lemon shade of yellow. Yes rock star shiny lemon vinyl-a remnant from a local fabric store. How did we do it? With the fabric face down I spread out one 12 oz bag of poly-fil and rolled up the vinyl like rolling up a sleeping bag. I used painters tape to temporarily hold it shut. Then I tied a piece of gingham ribbon around either end. To permanently keep the seam closed on the pillow I used a strong adhesive glue along the seam. When it dried I wrapped more gingham ribbon around the middle, tying it in the back where the seam is.

BEFORE

AFTER

The Art Gallery. We began an art gallery using canvases wrapped in yellow wrapping paper that can display drawings of all kinds. We matted the artwork with green construction paper and included a small description of what the piece was and the date beneath.

'Re-knob' It. To give this dresser a touch of whimsy and make it as unique as the little girl who opens these drawers every day, we changed out the knobs.

SJ found these adorable knobs at www.funknobs.com. This one is called Fiesta Floral by Carol Beach. It made a big impact on all the pieces in the room that had pulls. Just look at the original compared to the new ones!

To see how to create Fake Flower Head Art CLICK here
To see how to create a Stationary Stagecoach CLICK here

To see how to create Personalized Initial Pillows CLICK here

Make A Stationary Stagecoach Valance

2011-05-17T15:57:00.002-04:00

Add a stationary stagecoach valance with adorable decorative ties to your window. This valance is a nice soft finishing touch that can be used in conjunction with drapes, sheers and/or hard treatment like blinds or shades.

We made this one below for a little girls room giving it a loose casual feel. It was easy to make and inexpensive!

What you will need:
-Fabric four inches longer than your window
(for the backside you can use lining or fold over the same fabric)
-Sewing machine
-Strips of 2 inch ribbon 2 1/4 times longer than the stagecoach valance (for a 6 foot window we used 4 strips)
-Needle and thread the color of your ribbon and fabric
-Hot glue gun

Steps We Took:

1. bought enough yards of pink cotton fabric to cover the 6 foot window with an extra four inches for hemming.

2. folded the fabric in half and sewed a pocket rod opening at the top and hemmed the edges to length of the window (if you are using lining instead, you need to sew it to the back of the fabric instead of folding fabric then sew a pocket rod opening and hemming the edges).

3. Cut 4 pieces of ribbon each 1 1/2 yds. long, placed them equally along valance, folded them over the top of the valance (see photo above) and sewed them just on at the pocket rod stitch line.

4. Spread the valance out on the floor (see the photo above) and rolled the bottom up so the stagecoach measured 16 inches in length.

5. Hand stitched a few running stitches along the roll to keep it in place (you want it to look like the ribbons are keeping the roll in place but the few hidden stitches actually keep it in place).

6. Folded each ribbon over and behind the valance so it equal in length on both sides. Attach the ribbon by sewing it on at the pocket rod stitch line.

7. With the valance spread out on the floor again we tied the ribbon ends into bows.

8. Hot glued the bow loops to the roll so they stay in place.

9. We hung it on a basic steel window rod then dressed it with yellow drapes from Target online.

We love it.... love it.... love it!!

To see how to create Fake Flower Head Art CLICK here

To see how to create Personalized Initial Pillows CLICK here

DIY Flower Top Art

2011-05-17T15:56:00.005-04:00

Ever wonder what you can do with all those fake flowers you see at the Dollar Store? Make art out of them! Grab your favorite color(s) and make a major wall statement. This DIY project is so easy and inexpensive that you gotta try it!

CLOSE UP

Supplies you need:

-Canvas board (I used a 36"x24" size)

-Faux flowers (enough to fill up your canvas board)

-Hot glue gun

Get fake flowers for $1 ea at the Dollar Store

Decide on the size of your canvas

1. Pop the heads off the stems.

2. Start hot gluing the flowers to the canvas board.

2. Keep going....

3. and going.......

4. Until the entire board is covered.

Extra Credit Step- Add light weight flying friends like birds or butterflies using thin floral wire. I found these very thin metal butterflies at the Dollar Stores (they were supposed to be outdoor chimes)

I wrapped the wire around the wings (you can barely see them in the photo above) then twisted the wire around one of the flowers that I had hot glued on, and twisted more and more so it moves when touched but stays in place.

I used this Fake Flower Head Art piece in this little girls room I call Pink Me Up. I will blog about how to get this room look Wednesday May 17 so come back!!

Go ahead and smell the fake roses!!

To see how to create a Stationary Stagecoach CLICK here

To see how to create Personalized Initial Pillows CLICK here

Make Personalized Letter Initial Pillows

2011-05-17T14:39:00.002-04:00

What better way to finish off this super cool young man's bedroom than with big bright pillows with his initials large and in charge! And for this project you don't need to make the pillows themselves so it is a 'semi handmade' project. For this bedroom I used store bought pillows I found on sale at Kohls. I completed this project in less than two hours.

Supplies you need:
-2 throw pillows (18"x18" or 20"x20")
-1 yard of felt in your favorite color (figure out the size of your letters in Step 1 to know if you will need more felt)
-Needle and thread that is the color of the pillow
-Measuring tape
-Scissor
-No Sew Glue
-Pencil

Meet my new bff!

Step 1 - determine the size your letters will be. For my 20" pillows I used 16" high and wide letters.
Step 2 - using your measuring tape and scissor cut two square pieces of felt the size your letters will be.
Step 3 - using a pencil, trace your letters and then cut them.

Step 4 - Machine sew or hand sew a running stitch all around the letters.

Make sure your beginning and ending knot are on the backside so it won't be seen when you attach the letter to the pillows.

Step 5 - Run a line of no sew glue all around the letters like this.

Step 6 - Adhere the letters to the pillow and let dry. FYI-The glue looks white until it dries.

All done!!

To see how to create DIY Fake Flower Head Art CLICK here

To see how to create a Stationary Stagecoach CLICK here

Artists That Rock Beyond Time

2011-05-10T00:30:00.000-04:00

My Grandfather was an amazing painter (oil and watercolor). He worked and lived art. He was the one who took the laugh lines out of old celebrity photos, touched up movie posters, and added the cup of Folgers to the still photo of the man in the suit and the mother of three. This was all before computers could touch up anything. In his spare time he created many inspiring pieces. He always smelt of ink and the tips of his fingernails were black. He was an incredible source of creativity for me. When he passed away he left me his collection of pipes and books on some of the greatest artists including Degas, Picasso, Chagall, Lautrec and Corot to name a few. I love sitting down with those books and reading them cover to cover. I get a bit carried away on the subject but I am a lefty and truly appreciate how incredibly talented they are. Last year I spent three and a half hours at the Philadelphia Museum of Art by myself and didn't make it through all the exhibits. Below are some of my my 'Old School' favorites. Enjoy!

Edgar Degas- 'The Star'
Love the point of view -he was looking down on her. And the colors. This is pastel on paper.

Pablo Picasso in his Rose Period - 'At the Lapin Agile (harlequin w/ glass)'
Interesting fact about this painting: Picasso shows himself dressed as a harlequin, which, in the 19th century, symbolized artistry. The guitar player in the background is assumed to be Père Frédé, owner of the Lapin Agile and father of Margot Frédé, the woman with the crow. What is he thinking..and what is she thinkg?

Marc Chagall - 'Vision de Paris'
Chagall is known for his abstract post-impressionist style with biblical undertones that embodies a deep passion for life. I admire the color combinations and whimsical strokes. He captures pieces of diff. scenes in one picture.

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec - La Goulue Arriving at the Moulin Rouge w/ Two WomenLa Goulue Arriving at the Moulin Rouge with Two Women
His artwork is loved by many. He used bold strokes. I love the overly confident snooty facial expression.

Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot - Canteleu Near Rouen
Known for his landscapes. I just plain like how realistic his trees look. Seriously, he has a steady hand & shows his passion w/in each piece.

Decadently yours,

Shoshana