I just finished my most recent DIY project, a new piece of art for my office. Anyone who knows me is aware of my fondness for Starbucks, I''m a sucker for all the seasonal drinks, new flavours and the gift cards. They have great images and colours so it made total sense to me to make a piece of art using them. As I didn't think of keeping any of the dozens I've been given over the years I decided to ask my favourite Starbucks at Chapters in Kanata. One of the many great barrista's there started a collection for me. I checked back after a few weeks and was surpised to find hundreds waiting for me! I bought a canvas and then sorted the cards and using a glue gun attached them. Half an hour later my masterpiece was ready to hang up. I thought that I was the only one with this addiction. However I found out that not only are other people hooked on Starbucks beverages but that there are groups that even collect the gift cards.(buckscards.com) I also found a few examples of arts and crafts like mine.
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Guess who got a new friend. I did! I have a slight obsession with owls and I saw this fun clock before Christmas and finally picked it up for a bargain basement price at Chapters. It's hanging in my kitchen adding a touch of whimsy, and ticking very loudly! We just turn the tv up to drown it out! A clock used to be one of those necessary pieces in a home, then came all the electronic gadgets like microwaves, dvd players and computers displaying the time.Everyone carries cell phones with the time in their zone as well as any other zone around the world. However I still love a traditional clock. Take a look at these fun and functional ones. Using words not numbers. Telling time!office chicDoily diy- EtsyTime " frame "Flash back- graphic retro look.Plate clock- make one out of your favourite.Colour dipped wooden time piece.Cuckoo clock with a twist- white on white.As they always say " Time flies when you're having fun " so add a little quirky clock to your life. . . . . .On a Saturday morning in Ottawa I found a new place to explore Architectural Antique Lighting. I was looking for another store when I stumbled upon this high end salvage store. Along with a huge selection of all era light fixtures they had some amazing industrial storage pieces. Rusted, banged up with chipped paint and an unknown history. The more distressed, then the more interesting they appear to me. A past life maybe in an office, or factory. These days they could be a unique way to store household items or just for decoration. Index card storage with original labelsWorkplace or school lockersFile it away- love the colours and the patinaColour coded card keeperLarge paper storage - maybe newspapersI found some fun examples of ways to use old pieces in new ways and new colours. Of course now I really want one for myself. It's a pity the one I liked was only $2800! Time to do some salvaging . . . . . . . . . . . .
Today is the day of love, and I love design and all it's inspirations! "Love Actually" is all around ( and one of my favourite movies incidentally!). How's that for corny! Ok enough of that, here goes with some love inspired spaces. I found a great designer Jennifer Brouwer who really takes Valentine to heart and goes all out for love! Sorry I couldn't help it! More pictures less bad puns I hear you say. children's room for every girly girl out thereRomantic dinner anyone?what can I say- so sharp- you could make the art yourself.Warm welcome at it's bestColour,texture and comfort In your own way you could celebrate this " love" day with small details, you don't have to do the whole house. Home made art, red or pink accessories, flowers- you choose. In my house it's my son's birthday too so that usually has the main focus but red is in there somewhere! Happy " V" Day!
This week on my to-make agenda was a piece of paint chip art for a gallery wall in my bedroom. In the past I have used paint chips to make cards, gift tags, and decorations. As I work at a Benjamin Moore store ( Sanctuary Paint and Decor) I have easy access to this colourful craft project in the making!Step 1 gather paint chips in the colours for my bedroom to work with bedding and accessories.Bought a Ribba frame from IKEA in their new grey colour.I cut the strips into the individual colours and then cut each square in half, using the triangles to create a sort of mosaic pattern. Then ta da! instant inexpensive art. Here are some other peoples interpretations from the paint chip art world.Paint Chip StaircaseGiant chip mosaic flowersCollage of chipsWall of ChipsArt on the goNext time you are choosing a paint colour for your house keep the chips and get creative.
Last weekend was IDS 13 and I made my yearly visit to Toronto's biggest interior design show. It is a huge gathering of artists,designers and sales representatives show casing their products and their talent. I joined the thousands of people soaking up the atmosphere and looking at the latest trends. This display at the entrance of the show was made by Willy Chyr a multi media artist from Chicago. Large scale balloon art for the masses. After you enter the show the first pieces you see are entries for the Blu Dot auction. Each year members of the design, art and fashion community create chair masterpieces which are then auctioned off for charity. This year it was raising money for ONEXONE.a non profit organisation for children. Another regular part of the design show are the main exhibits based on a particular theme. This year it was " How do you work?" . Four designers created a space reflecting their idea of how they work. Your workplace can be inside or out, conventional or unique. I loved the display of Metropolis Living's vintage industrial style. I had been to their store the day before and had already put them on my list of favourites. Every time I go I look forward to seeing what IKEA puts together. It's always large and impressive. They showed a kitchen and a bathroom in what they called " Scandinavian Luxe". The cabinetry was light, with a faint striping detail showing the grain with a huge island with mutiple light fixtures clustered together over head. The bathroom showed a stunning copper free-standing bathtub (not from IKEA) which was surrounded by a great vanity, distressed metallic wall panels and a large open fireplace. The whole look was inviting and stunning. I definitely want one in my home now! Colour inspiration was all around. Whether in paint ,accessories, or people! I noticed several colours showing up again and again. Here are some examples of rich,jewel tones. My fave is the teal. A new part of the show this year was " Design Boom Mart" where creative people had their designs on display but also for sale. It was one of the busiest spots. Finding hand crafted items like iphone covers, jewelery, ceramics to take home and enjoy while supporting the design community. Another important part of the show are the design talks and workshops where you can listen to Canadian and international designers impart their wisdom. I sat and listened to one of my favourites Brian Gluckstein, he talked about classic,timeless design and its longevity. Mixing time periods successfully and only using anything on trend in small doses. One piece of advice that stuck with me was doing something you love, if it's not your job then find a hobby you are passionate about. He also was very relateable when he said he was addicted to Pinterest and that he sits eating cheesies while pinning! He has a giant pinboard in his office where he pins anything inspiring. This is an idea we could all use. I also had my yearly chat with Sharon Grech from Benjamin Moore. She is known for all regular appearances on Cityline and her great design sense and creative home projects. She was on hand to give colour advice and represent the Benjamin Moore brand. Which is known for high quality products and popular on trend colours. That was my day at IDS 13, another year looking at current and future trends. For me the underlying themes were reclaimed, distressed, warm, cozy practical spaces. There were also a lot of baby products,maybe for all those future designers in the making! Here are a few more snapshots for those of you who missed it! |