Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Decorating with Florals!

Hi Friends:

Decorating with florals goes all the way back to the Renaissance. Flowers appeared in the woven tapestries and paintings found in the homes of the wealthy. But it was during the Victorian Age, when art, music and literature flourished, that interest in florals "bloomed!" Elaborate gardening and floral arrangements abounded. Everything was a canvas for floral motifs especially walls, fabrics and china. I would have fit right into that scene. There's something timeless and cozy about decorating with florals.  Faded vintage designs really speak to me. Take a look at a few inspiring ways to incorporate floral items into your decor. 
Vintage Tole Tray
Vintage English China Tea Cups
Antique Floral Watercolor Painting
1905 French Lemonade Pitcher
Antique Rose Botanical Print from Italy
Vintage Curtain Fabric Made Into A Bolster
Antique Coffee/Tea Set from Austria
Vintage Floral Fabric Ready For Repurposing

Wallpaper, lampshades, china, linens, rugs - whether you go subtle or bold, give a room a sensory boost with something floral! 
  

Friday, February 22, 2013

Lisa and Nikki's Friday Finds!

Hi Friends:


What has inspired and delighted us this week? Here they are - the sights, sounds, tastes and one-of-a-kinds we loved!
We are hooked on aromatherapy and the Yankee Candle tart/wax melt warmer. One wickless, flameless tart provides up to 8 hours of fragrance.  The electric warmer comes in a range of styles to fit every decor and there are dozens of fragrances to choose from. You can also pour the warmed wax into a metal cookie cutter, allow to cool, unmold and tuck into a drawer or linen closet for fragrance!   
Love stitching? Give this Cross-Stitch iPhone Case project a try. We love the idea of crossing modern technology with a centuries old craft. Available at Purl Soho! (Photo from the Purl bee, Purl Soho's craft blog).
Want quick, easy and oh so delicious scones? They are just a mix away with Sticky Fingers. Sticky Fingers Bakeries makes the largest and tastiest selection of specialty and all-natural mixes without preservatives, artificial flavors, trans-fats, cholesterol or eggs. The premium scone mixes come in a variety of flavors including gluten free options. Customize the "Original Recipe" mix by adding currants or your favorite dried fruit. Simply add water, stir and bake!
They may pose a safety hazard, but icicles are beautiful!
Sara Groves writes beautiful, comforting music. This video of "It's Going to be All Right" with inspirational quotes from Sparkpeople.com speaks to us all! 



Saturday, February 9, 2013

Valentine's Day!

Hi Friends:
Valentine's Day is just around the corner and we all know that it isn't just for lovers! In this day and age of emails and texts, why not express your feelings for the special people in your life with one of these thoughtful gifts or DIY project ideas from Georgia's. Your personal touch will mean so much! 

Hearts for Haiti: Proceeds from the sale of these hand-carved Haitian stone hearts support a grant program of The Hand/Eye Fund that works in Haiti to help artists recover from loss of shelter, equipment, workshops and income. 
Turn a card into a gift! We added a vintage jewelry piece to this crocheted flower pin. 
Why not put a sweet nosegay in a small Ball canning jar. Just remove the lid!
Make a one-of-a-kind card with a few scrapbooking supplies - glitter, gems and lettering!
Georgia's used vintage millinery flowers and jewelry pieces to embellish these notecards.
Turn a special photo into a gift by attaching a necklace, bracelet or locket!
Jazz up a wine tote by sewing on a pocket and adding a love note. This felt tote was $.99! Find them at craft and fabric stores.
I made this felt coin purse for my son's girlfriend with Feltworks Felt Embellishments and embroidery floss. These items are widely available in craft and fabric stores.
Loving this bookmark made from vintage jewelry hearts and chain. Perfect for the book/magazine reader! 
Another bookmark idea for your Valentine: create a photo strip with a photo booth app for your smart phone. Punch a hole in the top and thread with ribbon for flair.
This glass paperweight is from Photoweights. One of many styles available, it has a recessed base that allows you to personalize the piece with memorabilia in addition to photos. Nikki, this one is for you! It has your matrilineality (mother's lineage) along with a cameo that belonged to your grandmother. Happy Valentine's Day, sweetheart!

And to all our friends, love from Georgia's!