tinkered treasures: February 2010

Saturday, February 27, 2010

la petite chaise

Well, I got another one of my big ideas: to make new dining room chair pad covers from a curtain panel. Let's just say my sewing machine and I are still getting acquainted and I'm becoming frustrated. Since there is no chocolate in the house to ease my stress I will relax by writing a quick post about something I can do: paint.

This little red chair is from Ikea. We purchased 4 of them when the boys were toddlers. Back then the chairs were the perfect size to instantly turn an end table into a dining set just the right scale for a playdate snack. With my boys a bit older and the other three chairs broken and discarded, this lone chair ended up in the basement. Time for a rescue.

I wasn't quite sure if this 2 ounce sample could get the job done.

But it did. {Color: lily lavendar}

The little chair might find a place upstairs

in the pale blue bathroom.

Okay, deep breath. Time to get back to the ol' Janome. Wish me luck!

xo
elyse

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

girl meets wallpaper

I think the above photo pretty much sets the scene:

Girl GASPs over wallpaper idea in magazine*
Girl figures paper must be Cath Kidston; Girl is correct
Girl rationalizes purchase with money from her online shop
Girl gets wallpaper

Girl's family is initially unsure of what she plans to do

But trust Girl's instincts

Girl looks for other non-committal ways to enjoy wallpaper

Girl even has enough wallpaper to tinker with. Girl will be adding new items to shop(s) soon.

Girl further rationalizes that if you're going to pay for international shipping, you might as well make it worthwhile.

xo
elyse

Credits:
Girl: Elyse
Wallpaper: Antique Rose Bouquet

*Romantic Homes • April 2010 • FRENCH STYLE
A Work in Progress, pages 34-49

Monday, February 22, 2010

swoon~mail

How lovely is this?!

I just received this in today's mail: pretty little packages and punched paper strips from sweet Keren at the Free Pretty Things for You blog. No note, no swaps or trades, no giveaway win, just a little gift pure and simple.

Thank you so much, Keren. I am swooning over every piece and will so enjoy using it all to create things (if I can make myself undo the lovely and clever packaging, that is)! The colors are perfect!

Keren's new blog is full of resourceful and pretty ideas and she has giveaways going on all the time.

{Okay, back to my crazy project, which I hope to share soon!}

xo
elyse

Thursday, February 18, 2010

le petit mariage

It seems like just yesterday ...

there were fittings

and visits to the tailor

all in preparation for the very big day.

Lots of bonding: "Anyone got a lint roller?"

Even some flirting

But then the crowd hushed as the music began to play

and the bridesmaids marched softly down the aisle.

A collective GASP as the bride made her appearance.

"I wood"

Perhaps a honeymoon on Block Island?

And they lived happily ever after.

I had this idea to create a wedding party with clothespin dolls. In between keeping my boys busy with activities indoors and out, this is what I have been doing during small stolen moments of February break. Where else but in Blogland could I share a post like this?

I hope you enjoyed this little ceremony.

xo
elyse

*fun fact: my clothespin girls all wear floral undies. tee hee

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

sweet new blog

My sweet blogging friend Terri just started a second blog. It's called Sweet Nest Desserts and it shows how to make lovely treats.

Terri is also great at packaging her creations, and I love pretty packaging!

I hope you'll give Terri's new blog a visit and say hello.

xo
elyse

Monday, February 15, 2010

craving yellow

While attempting some organization in the Girlie Office, I was drawn to the yellow craft items and grouped a few favorites.

No wonder! This winter has been cold and cloudy without much snow so everything outside is very brown and matted. I am craving yellow.

Click to enlarge

February vacation begins for the boys today. While they are playing with what seems to be every toy they have ever received, I will be doing a little playing of my own in the Girlie Office. I just framed some beautiful fabrics from Vintage Lizzie. What do you think?

xo
elyse

Friday, February 12, 2010

sweet swaps of february

I have recently participated in more than a few swaps. Swapping is an enchanting (yes, enchanting) element of the blogging world. Generally a swap begins with a theme or designated project. Time after time it is dazzling to see how each participant wields their creativity. Swaps are filled with limitless generosity and care. To receive a package can be almost overwhelming in the best way. In this post I will attempt to showcase 3 recent swaps comprised of 5 swapping partners.

ALERT: MY LONGEST POST EVER!
To keep the post moving along I will keep my GASPs and SWOONs to myself

Your tour guide

The Petite Inspiration Box Swap Valentine's Edition
Hosted by Heather at Speckled Egg
Project: Decorate a sliding matchbox, fill with "artsy goodies," send to 3 assigned partners
My swap partners: Cerri, Kathy, Rhea
What I sent: Click here

What I received from Cerri

What I received from Kathy

What I received from Rhea

Valentine Mini Swap
Suggested by my two-time swap partner and birthday sharer Debi at Life in My Studio
Note: Visit Debi to enter her fabulous giveaway!
Project: Let's make and send things to each other with a "$10. limit"
Highlights of what I sent to Debi:

What I received from the gifted, generous, and all around magnifique Debi

Cathy's Amour Valentine Swap
Hosted by Cathy at Treasured Heirlooms
Project: Decorate a heart-shaped box and fill with treasures for 1 assigned partner
My swap partner: Sheila at Faded but Desired Treasures
What I sent: Below and click here for more Flickr photos