shoestring sophistication

4/15/11

Fabric Pom Pom #1 Complete

I have always loved Martha Stewart's tissue paper pom poms (so much so that I used them as decor in my wedding!).

I incorporated them in this mood board that I threw together for my friends nursery and although she has gone in a different direction (pinks, browns, and birdies!) she still wanted to incorporate them in the room.

We are throwing a baby shower for her in June and I thought I would make some poms to use as decorations and then she could take them home to the nursery. Instead of using tissue paper, I figured I should probably make something a little more sturdy so that they will hold up.

I found a tutorial here.

However, they used much smaller lanterns in that tutorial than I did so I thought I would share with you some of the details.

Here is what you need for this project:

- Paper lanterns (pack of 3 at Party City was $4.99)

- 2 yards of fabric for each pom pom (that's a lot, I know!)

- Hot glue gun

- Something round to trace your circles. I used a margarita glass that was about 4.5 inches in diameter.

- Pencil

- Scissors

Step 1:

Decide what size circles you need for the size of lantern you are using. I used 4.5 inch circles. And cut them ALL out. (doubling over your fabric so you can cut 2 circles makes it go much faster!)

Step 2:

Fold your circle in half...

Place a dot of hot glue in the center and pinch it closed...

Place another glob of hot glue on the pinched petal and attach to your lantern...

Repeat until your lantern is covered.

Attach a pretty ribbon and ta daaaa!

Fabric Pom Pom

Now, I just need to get more fabric to make the other two!

UPDATE:

We decided to make 5 poms and here is the finished product...

4/14/11

DIY Inspiration

I thought it would be fun to share some of the pieces that have caught my eye lately (and the price tags). I am determined to find good deals on the structural features of these items and add sophisticated details to give them the look of these outrageously priced items. Here is what I am thinking about...

onekingslane.com

These horses are for sale on Onekingslane.com for $499. I think some cheap goodwill horse heads with a nice coat of charcoal spray paint would be a lot more affordable!

onekingslane.com

Reupholstering some Craig's List dining chairs with updated fabric and a coat of white paint would really drive the price down on these babies (listed for $1249)

onekingslane.com

Perhaps a cute end table and new floral cushion could create this look on the cheap ($765).

Some basic Ikea night stands and decorative blue molding would make this piece a show stopper!

horchow.com

With some manual labor and a chainsaw these lovely tables could be yours in no time! And without the $179 price tag.

jonathanadler.com

An old luggage rack and a crisp white cushion! Sounds rather simple! ($695)

I hope you have been inspired to get out there and start your next DIY project. Good luck!

4/12/11

What I've Been Working On...

I've been somewhat MIA from the blog lately because I have been spending so much time in the yard. Here is what we were left with after this awful winter...

Much to be desired, I know.

We bought some "Knock-Out Rose Bushes" and planted them in front. We also planted some very pretty plants in front of the window, but they won't be seen until next year. The back of our house is getting ready to burst with blooms and I will be sure to share pictures of our hydrangeas and peonies when they bloom, can't wait:)

I have also been working on some baby shower stuff for my friend, Abbey. She was a Chi-O in college at the University of Kansas so the whole Owl theme is a perfect fit for her shower. I have been putting together these darling little Owl Favor Bags that we are going to stuff with candy.

And today my brother took the pups to St. Louis with him as my Dad and Step-Mom have offered to watch them while we are in Vegas next week. I will be without my babies for a week and a half! I am a little depressed already and they have only been gone for 20 minutes...:(

I hope you all are having a great day:)

4/7/11

Happy 50 Followers Day!

I just wanted to take a minute to thank each and every one of my 50 followers! I am so grateful that you all appreciate the work I have put into my home and this blog. I realize I am not the most "sophisticated" blogger. I do not have giveaways or sponsors. But I can only hope you find my tutorials and information at least somewhat inspiring!

I would love to hear about what you think of the blog, so if you care to share, please leave a comment in this post answering one of these questions (or any comment you would like!).

What would you like to see more of in my blog?

What would you like to see less of in my blog?

Do you have any specific topics/projects you would like me to write about?

What would you like to see different in the layout of the blog?

I look forward to your feedback.

Have a GREAT day!

4/6/11

Daily Deals

Today all my deals come from smartbargains.com.

First up, this Lyon 300TC King Size Duvet Cover for $39.99:

They also have this Interlocking 240TC King Size Duvet for only $34.99:

(available in 3 colors)

Also available is this Tempo 300TC Duvet Set for $34.97:

This cute little storage ottoman is only $49.99:

A 6 foot round gray zebra rug for $199:

Timora Cotton Throw (so springy!) for $49.99:

Enjoy!

Chevron Painted Drop Cloth Drapes - Tutorial

I finally got around to painting my drop cloth drapes. It was a long process, but hopefully it was worth it. Here is what they looked like before:

And the after:

(you might notice the new lamp too!)

I plan on getting a longer curtain rod so the drapes aren't so scrunched at the top which will allow you to see more of the pattern.

Here is what you need for this project:

- 2 drop cloths ($9.98 from HD)

- Foam Brush

- Matte fabric paint in any color ($4.00 from Michaels)

- Tape (painters or masking)

Step 1:

Draw out on paper the measurements of your drapes. I originally planned to make about 7 stripes, but quickly realized that would have taken FOREVER so I decided on 4, 6 inch stripes.

Step 2:

Tape off your design.

Step 3:

Use your foam brush and paint to paint INSIDE your tape lines. The tape doesn't stick well at all to the drop cloth so instead of painting all the way to the tape, I did this.

I used my foam brush to make a "straight" line inside the tape and then painted inside.

After you paint your stripes, you'll be left with this...

I sewed the top of mine in order to hang it on my curtain rod..

Ta daaaa!

FYI: The stripes look "full" in pictures and from far away. However, when the sun shines through you can see a few spots that didn't get quite as much paint as others. I recommend really slapping on the paint so you aren't left with little spots. If I work up the energy I might go back and repaint some of the more translucent areas.

4/4/11

Found the perfect light fixture for the office!

I love this light fixture from urbanoutfitters.com and I think it is just perfect for my little office. I recently unveiled my wall art gallery and have since decided to paint the frames white to give me a more cohesive look. I want to use the chevron fabric to make a skirt for my console table to hide the ugly computer tower and printer. The other fabric will be for drapes. I already have a large white table that I will use as my workspace. I'll need some chairs and storage and I think she'll look beautiful!

4/3/11

If I were a piece of furniture...

I would be this...

Curved legs, beautiful color, sparkly knobs and a trellis pattern. Yep, that would be me alright! To bad I can't even dream up a place to put her in my house. She might blend in a little to much in here...

I also spotted another beautiful piece at HG that would be perfect for a nightstand, but once again there was only one:(

Love this pillow and I am loving yellow lately! Spring fever I suppose.

What would you be if you were a piece of furniture?!?!

4/2/11

River Market Antique Mall

My husband and I had a date night last night and walked around at the River Market Antique Mall in downtown Kansas City. I thought I would share with you some of the gems we came across (even though we came home empty handed).