Sometimes It “Speaks” To You

It is very rare that something “speaks to me”, but last month I bought something for myself;  a birthday present to me, from me, made by Debra at Common Ground.  It “spoke” to me.  Even more rare is that it is a necklace.  Probably the furthest down on the list of jewelry that I wear.

Debra makes these beautiful necklaces and when I saw this one, I just knew I had to buy it.  Let me tell you what this necklace says to me.  It confirmed for me that, yes, indeed, I am 47-years-old this birthday.  I know.  It was just yesterday that I was saying how cool Flock of Seagulls were and how I wanted to be Belinda Carlisle.
Second, the crown said to me that I am a first time grandmother this year, with a beautiful granddaughter, a Mom to two adult children who do (on occasion) listen to what I say, and a husband who loves me and enjoys my company after 25 1/2 years of marriage. The crown does not so much say “Queen” to me as much as it is a matriarchal symbol.
Finally, the key reminds me that even at 47 there are still many doors to be opened.  Some may close, but that is only because it is time for them to close.  Ahead of me there are new doors to be unlocked and passed through.

While you may think this post has nothing to do with interior design or decorating, know that sometimes there is a piece of artwork, a beautifully designed piece of furniture, or an actual structure that may “speak” to you.  Those are the things you want in your home.
Sometimes these items become the jewel of the home, the thing that makes you love to enter a room, what makes you smile when you pull up to your house at night.  Many things can speak to us if we listen.

Thank you, Debra, for making such a lovely piece that speaks to me!

I thought it was apt to link this post up to Vintage Inspiration Friday at Common Ground today.

Accessorizing A Bookcase

I recently did a post here, where I talked about a custom bookcase my client had done and how we recently accessorized it.  When I am working on a bookcase, I like to have a good amount of accessories to add to the shelves so that it is not all books on any one shelf.  There is always {at least} one accessory mingled in with the books on each shelf.

Country Living

Sometimes it might help if you view each shelf as a tabletop and work on one shelf at a time.  I usually do a little bit at a time; adding a few books then an accessory or two, then step back and look at it. 

Ballard Design

I also like to leave some room for any additional books or accessories you may bring in as time goes on.   Besides books, some things I like to add are greenery {real or faux, but not a bad looking faux}, a decorative box, pictures of family and favorite images, jars, spheres, statues and so many other options. 

My client

I also like to vary my heights and widths as each shelf may differ in height.  This allows for some interest in the lines of the bookcase as you look from top to bottom and side to side.

My client

When bringing a bookcase into a room, you should take into consideration the size of the room to the size of the piece; how many books you have; will it work for you now and in the future.  You don't have to be an avid book reader to have a bookcase either.

Unknown source

Accessorizing a bookcase doesn't have to be a daunting task, nor does it have to be a boring view with shelf after shelf of just books.  Sometimes a bookcase may be the focal point in a room so you'll want to make it visually appealing.

Bookcases are something you can add to over time, so not every area of the shelves have to be filled in right away.  I hope some of these tips and pictures have given you some inspiration {or courage, as the case may be} to tackle your own bookcases!

My Fall Article At Buttoned Up

I have a new article up over at Buttoned Up, where I’m the home expert!  It’s all about throws as the chilly air makes itself felt!

Hope to see you over there!  While you’re there, check out all the great stuff they have to make your life a little easier.

Don’t forget to enter my Silhouette Giveway, which runs through November 9th!

Birthday Giveaway Winner!

 

First off, I want to say thank you to everyone who entered my Birthday Giveaway and all your birthday wishes.  I may do another giveaway {or two} with ornaments since we have some time before Christmas arrives.  Meantime, I have a Silhouette sponsored giveaway going on now through November 9th.

The winner of my Birthday Giveaway Coffee Diva ornament is #25 ~ Lou Cinda of Tattered Hydrangeas!  Congratulations and I hope you enjoy your sassy lady, Lou Cinda!

When you get a chance, send me an e-mail with your mailing information and I’ll get her packed up and on her way to you. 

 

Super Silhouette Surprise!

**This Giveaway Has Ended.**
I was given the opportunity to offer this giveaway to my blog readers.  Let me start off by saying that this is not only a great giveaway for experienced Silhouette users, but for someone who just wants to give it a try.  And guess what?  You don't have to have a Silhouette machine to use these products in the giveaway!  

Let me tell you what is in the giveaway.

2 Heat Transfer Rolls {Yellow and White Smooth}
1 Tattoo Pack
1 Magnet Sheet

These products are a $50.00 value!  Let me show you what you can do with it.

Heat Transfer idea

Heat Transfer idea

Temporary Tattoo ideas

I love the Magnet paper ideas:

Magnet idea

Magnet idea

Magnet idea

You can do all these things and you can use your own everyday, run-of-the-mill scissors.  I do suggest choosing images that will be easy to cut around with scissors.

Here are the rules to enter:
{These rules will be strictly adhered to as they are not mine}

• Leave a comment below.
• This giveaway is open to residents of the U.S.
• Giveaway ends on November 9, 2010, and winner will be announced on November 10, 2010.
• Winners may only win once even if it is from a different blog host.

Visit the Silhouette blog here.  They offer some free downloads.  If you don't win, as one of my blog readers, you can still get a great deal {25% off} on these and other Silhouette accessories by using the code: CREATIVE at checkout.  This special offer ends on November 13, 2010, at midnight.

I'm working on making a couple of things myself with these products and I'm hoping to post about them later in the week.

  

**Note:  I do not have a Silhouette machine.  I will be making items by printing them off on my computer and using scissors.

**This Giveaway Has Ended.**