CasaSugar

Name This Flower

casasugar — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 14:00:39 -0700

This pretty blossom can turn blue or pink, depending on the pH level of the soil. Can you tell me what it's named?

Link Time!

casasugar — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 13:00:19 -0700

I love the romantic style of Tony Hutchinson. - Desire to Inspire
Here are 10 smart tips for a house swap. - Re-Nest
Make a backyard pavilion. - Craft Zine
Love your life instead of your stuff. - Simply Stated
Check out these yard makeovers! - This Old House
Danny finds some beautiful wood bowls. - Danny Seo
Read the confessions of a souvenir textile addict. - AT:SF

Nice and New: Flor Sitting Pretty Rug

casasugar — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 12:00:28 -0700

Flor tiles have always seemed casual to me, modern and piecemealed as they are. The new Sitting Pretty Rug ($374.70 for 8x10), though, looks striking and fresh in this formal living room. No, it's not a stuffy Persian import, but step onto its brilliant orange-and-pink stripe pattern and you'll feel like you're somewhere. On the other hand, it would look just at home with a bean bag chair and a cozy low coffee table as it does with this Louis Ghost Chair, delicate wainscoting, and curvy French settee. I'm sold.

Smith and Hawken Closing Its Doors

casasugar — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 11:00:00 -0700

After 30 years in the garden business, Smith and Hawken is closing its doors. The website, catalog, and call center have all shut down, and you can expect sales storewide starting today. Smith and Hawken gift cards will be honored at the stores during the closure process. With over 50 stores across the United States, this is a sad day for employees of the company.

In a prepared statement, Jim Hagedorn, chairman and chief executive officer of ScottsMiracle-Gro, which owns Smith and Hawken, said:

We would have preferred to sell the Smith and Hawken business in order to protect jobs and keep the retail franchise intact. However, after discussions with several potential investors over the past 12 months, it became obvious that shutting down the business was the best option available.

Do you shop at Smith and Hawken? Do you know anyone who works there? Are you sad to see it close its doors?

Cool Idea: Pickles' Whirl-It Lampshade

casasugar — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 10:00:29 -0700

Those crafty ladies over at Norwegian crafting site Pickles are at it again. Remember their pattern for knitting the Puff Daddy? Well, if you were too intimidated by knitting and purling, here's a simpler project that boasts a big decorating payoff.

Using simple, inexpensive materials including a balloon, Vaseline, cotton yarn, wallpaper glue, and a marker, Pickles created a gorgeous lighting centerpiece. To see more photos and find out where to get the DIY instructions, read more.

Pickles writes,

We planned to make the lamp using the yarn Garnstudio Ice, but it ran out really quickly, and we had to improvise by using a thinner yarn to complete it. Perhaps it happened for a reason - we really like the contrasts between the yarn quality and colors.

Want to make your own? Get the directions here.

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