turning ordinary objects into extraordinary decor

I’m always amazed by the DIY projects that people come up with…and with everyday items that I would least expect! Take, for instance a suitcase, coffee filter, PVC pipe, tea cup, tree stump and BBQ Bamboo Skewer. All great everyday items, but add a little creativity…and voila, extraordinary decor!

Vintage Suitcase Chair, see kate sew

Coffee Filter Lampshade, Northwest Hospitality

PVC Pipe Mirror, Thrifty and Cheap (thanks Tatertots and Jello for sharing it)

Tea Cup Clock, Vintage Revivals

BBQ Skewer Sunburst Mirror, Three Men and a Lady

Tree Stump End Table, Three Men and a Lady

{images via see kate sew, Northwest Hospitality, Tatertots and Jello, Vintage Revivals, Three Men and a Lady}

in with the old

I can happily admit the fact that I am an “old soul” in that I appreciate all things vintage and antique when it comes to fashion, furniture, accessories, music, manners, etc. But I have noticed more and more, that I am not the only one … everywhere I look fashions from the 20’s, 30’s and 40’s are resurrecting, record players are coming back in popularity, and vintage broaches and jewelry are all the rave.

I have collected a few vintage broaches from Etsy.com and was given a vintage typewriter from my grandparents. It is so beautiful, and yet very meaningful. As a matter of fact, I used the typewriter as the guest book at my wedding! I found this great store Frock in New York from the-coveted.com/blog that has all vintage fashions (and the good labels!) – next time I’m in the big city, I’m going to have to stroll on in … I would also love a stack of vintage Louis Vuitton suitcases stacked in my house – a girl can dream!

chanel pvc dress

vintage broaches

vintage typewriter

vintage vuitton

Vintage jewelry locally collected and re-created into new pieces by Madeliene O’Connell (a local artist in the Highlands) are definitely statement pieces. You can find these jewels at Fleur de Lis.

vintage jewelry

vintage jewelry

Oh Audrey Hepburn, you are such an inspiration to brands and women’s fashion all around the world! You are the standard for elegant dress and timeless style. Even Ray Ban Sunglasses was inspired by Audrey’s famous black frames in Breakfast at Tiffany’s … affordable vintage fashions can be found at modcloth.com. Happy Shopping!

audrey hepburn

{images via Fleur de Lis, Tutiz.com, the-coveted.com/blog, Fashion & Luxury}

Sunflower Cupcakes and Potted Mint Pudding

sunflower cupcake cake, martha stewart

Sunflowers make me happy, and food makes me happy too, so both of them combined is pure bliss. I love this simple and adorable Sunflower Cupcake Cake idea from Martha Stewart Living magazine, March 2011.

potted chocolate pudding. martha stewart living

And if your bringing “plants” in to your kitchen (and your belly), these Potted Chocolate Mint Puddings look delicious and fun for the kiddos too.

{images via Martha Stewart}

grad par-tay

Are you graduating in a few weeks? If you are, (and are throwing a party to celebrate), check out these fun decor ideas to make your grad party one to remember.

I was browsing on The Party Dress and found these cute graduation cap pops by Bakerella. So simple yet creative.

grad pops

You’ll need: Airheads Extremes Rainbow Berry Sweetly Sour Belts, mini Reese’s peanut butter cups, lollipop sticks, a styrofoam block and Godiva chocolate squares. Visit Bakerella for “how-to” instructions.

I recently graduated from college and my parents threw me a fantastic grad party at Crimson & Gold Tavern. My invitations and thank-you notes were totally fabulous, thanks to Bonnie Marcus (available at Fleur de Lis). How cute and chic is the girl on this invite? I had to have her on my invitations and thank-you notes!

bonnie marcus stationery

We decided to carry the image from the stationery  throughout the decor. This fashionista grad was the center of the decor at the party:

Just go to Kinko’s and enlarge whatever image you like, attach it to a colored-poster board and hang it on the wall!

We had yummy cupcakes from Intricate Icings and added a little something special on top – cupcake toppers! A fun, easy way to decorate your deserts. All you need are crazy-scissors, double-sided tape, a hot glue gun and a lollipop stick! And yes, we had the grad image on the toppers, duh!

toppers

Wondering what to gift to give a grad? Oh, the Places You’ll Go! is a cute little something that is perfectly fitting for a recent grad. My niece and nehphew gave me a copy when I graduated – I loved it! Pair it with money or a gift card 🙂

barnes & noble

{images via tutto bella, The Party Dress and Barnes & Noble}

kentucky derby party, a run for the roses

On May 7, dust off your hats and seersucker suits…this party is for the ladies and the gentlemen. Though most of us will not be sitting on Millionaire’s Row during this year’s Kentucky Derby, we will enjoy the traditions, the fabulous and ridiculous hats and betting against all odds. Though they call it the “greatest two minutes in sports,” with the party ideas below, you’ll be celebrating more than just two minutes.

Run for the Roses Inspiration Board
Color: red, white and green

Decor: DIY Run for the Roses centerpiece following instructions from Hostess with the Mostess. Or, opt for low, white hydrangea arrangements in mint julep style cups and large tall arrangements of red roses in a large trophy. Red Ribbon DIY wreath on the front door to greet guests.  Bar of Bourbon and Whiskey for the gentlemen arranged in an antique wagon or box.

Drinks: Mint Juleps, of course, served in the traditional julep cup. Also serve iced tea and lemonade.

Place cards: Pony-size horseshoes (you can purchase from your local horseshoe manufacturer) with a small hang tag with your guest’s name.

Food: Kentucky favorite, fried chicken, Paula Deen-style. Bobby Flay’s Kentucky Hot Browns. If you’re not a fan of the mint julep cocktail, try a mint julep cupcake, courtesy of Hostess with the Mostess. Bourbon Ball French Toast, from Bobby Flay. Derby Cheese Hat and Chocolate-Bourbon Pecan Pie by Southern Living.

Atmosphere: Kentucky Derby on the television. Play My Old Kentucky Home song in the background.

Don’t forget about those fantastic hats. Remind your friends to wear their most fabulous hat accessory. For the best hat, award a DIY prize ribbon to the ladies, and for the best suit or brightest colored shirt, award a DIY trophy boutonniere for the men (by Postcards and Pretties).

{images via Kentucky DerbyAstor and Black, Elizabeth Anne DesignsSocial Couture, The Food Network, Southern Living, The Knot, Hostess with the Mostess}