Christmas Decor: Paper Mounted Deer

One more month until Christmas and I can hardly contain my excitement! Yes, I am one of those people who really LOVES Christmas...especially now that I'm a mom and I get to experience it through my kids' eyes. The Christmas concerts, the family get-togethers, the parties, the parades--I love it all, but I especially love decorating. This coming Sunday we'll go to the tree farm and chop down that most perfect of specimens to grace our living room for the season, but for now, it's all been all about this paper mounted deer. Faux taxidermy has become a real trend in wall decor, and I've wanted my own stag's head for a while. When I saw one made out of white cardboard in a magazine, I got fixated on making my own. And it turned out to be one of the funnest projects I've ever done.

I found instructions online for making a mounted deer from foam board. (Thank you Spins & Needles blog!) It sounded super easy, which is always a bonus for me. I printed out the templates and got my husband to enlarge them to the size I wanted on his photocopier at work. Then, instead of tracing the templates onto foam, I chose to use white cardboard boxes, since I still anticipated making a white deer, and foam always makes me think of kids' crafts, and I didn't want this to look like my daughter made it out of one of those kids' craft kits from Michaels.

But when I finished cutting out all the pieces and put my deer together, it just looked a little lackluster--not like the one I saw in the magazine. It also wasn't the sturdiest. I started thinking maybe I should have used the foam. Then, as a last-ditch attempt to make it into something I would want to display, I decided to cover it with decorative paper as they suggested in the online tutorial. And it made all the difference.

I used a heavier weight decorative paper from a book of scrapbook paper I bought at Michaels months ago and which happened to have a faux wood grain paper that I wanted for the "mount." The papers in the book were all coordinating, which made it really easy to find papers that complemented each other, and the 12" x 12" size of the paper was a perfect fit for my templates. The stiffness of the paper also made the overall structure stronger.

But the coolest part of all that I totally wasn't anticipating was that my deer head turned out to be REVERSIBLE! I just used different patterns of paper on both sides of the deer "parts" and now I can have different looks. I call the first one with the floral antlers my "Georgia O'Keeffe-inspired" deer and the other one is my "Cozy Sweater" deer. I think I like "Georgia O'Keeffe" better, but I do like them both. I am SO happy with the outcome of this project, and I loved planning which papers to use. Which "look" do you like best? I would love to hear from you!

Chalk Painted Cabinet with Map Wallpaper

I am so excited to be writing this post because I finally finished a project that I've been wanting to do for years! When my grandmother passed away in 2009, I inherited a china cabinet from her that I had always admired at her house. But although it looked handsome and perfectly at home in her house full of florals and tweeds and needlepoint cushions, I realized that it wouldn't suit my more contemporary decorating style...so what to do?

For years the stinking cabinet sat in my basement storage room while I imagined that one day I would repaint it and turn it into something I would actually use. But it wasn't until I attended a seminar at our local library about chalk painting furniture that I actually got inspired to do it. That was last May--and I bought the paint and supplies last June--so as you can see I am a wee bit of a procrastinator at times.

The cabinet was stained a dark, almost mahogany and had these ornate brass knobs and drawer pulls and glass on three sides. It also had a mirrored back, which made it way too fancy for my taste. I decided to go with a neutral grey shade called "Driftwood" by Bluestone Cottage, which is a local (Ancaster) company that makes a beautiful line of chalk paint. You can find it at Graham & Brooks in Dundas, which is a gorgeous home decor store that you should totally check out if you live in the area and love rustic vintage style.

I also knew I needed to cover that mirrored back with some wallpaper...but after searching the net for hours for the perfect paper that wouldn't break the bank, I realized that wallpaper might not be my best option since it is generally sold by the roll and I only needed about 2 ft x 4 ft. I went to a fancy paper store and almost bought some lovely chiyogami paper that I thought would work, but they didn't have enough sheets in any of the patterns I liked. Sigh.

Then I remembered I had this giant vintage-looking world map that I bought for my husband years ago but that never got put up for some reason... And wouldn't you know it, it was the perfect size when cut in half. Here is the result!

Before

After

I am so pleased with it! Painting with chalk paint is so easy because there is no prep work to be done. I didn't even sand the cabinet before I started. And it only took one coat. I thought I might do some distressing when I was done, but I realized I was happy with it like it is, though if I ever want to give it more of a French Country look, I can just take some sandpaper to it. I also didn't apply the layer of wax they recommend for added protection, though I did purchase a jar and might put it on later.

So, all in all, this project took about three days from start to finish. And the total cost was just around $75 for the whole shebang:

Paint - $25
Wax - $25
Double-sided tape for map - $25

This is a project that anyone can do. Chalk paint is so much fun to work with. I love the patina it instantly gives any piece, and it comes in a whole rainbow of beautiful colors. I know you've got an old chair or bookcase just begging to be brought back to life. Don't wait as long as I did...roll up your sleeves and get to work, yo!

Dace's Room Makeover

Last January, I published a post called "Violet's Room Makeover." We really overhauled our youngest daughter's room, covering a focal wall in wallpaper and kitting it out with new bedding, a new rug and cool accessories. Ever since, I've been feeling kind of bad that we haven't done much to our other daughter's room--it's looked pretty much the same since we moved into our house five years ago. I've thought about wallpapering, but, honestly, the thought of it is daunting. And she has a lot of neat stuff on her walls that would probably have to come down in order to let the wallpaper shine.

So, I decided to just make a few easy changes to modernize it a bit and make it a little hipper and more befitting a soon-to-be eight-year-old...just in time for her first sleepover party! See if you can spot the differences...ha ha!

Dace's "New" Room

The Way It Looked Before

The biggest difference is the new hanging light fixture (the MASKROS) from IKEA. It's too bad you can't see the old track lighting in the "before" picture, but I'm not surprised the photographer from the magazine cropped it out because it was pretty ugly! I've always liked the design of the MASKROS ceiling light (I even have a magazine clipping of it from when it first came out) and I finally had the perfect spot for it. It casts really cool shadows on the walls when it's lit, and Dace loves it.

Other than that, I added a fabric banner (the word, "LOVE") that I bought at the newly opened Nordstrom store in Ottawa (love Nordstrom...can't wait for it to open here), some new pillows and some new wall art.

I loved the trendy arrow shape and the dainty vintage-looking knobs on this necklace hanger I found at cute clothing and housewares retailer, Francesca's, in the States, but I was not so sold on the turquoise and coral color it came in. I bought it anyway and painted over it with Bluestone Cottage "Driftwood" chalk paint (Bluestone Cottage makes beautiful colors of chalk paint...and it's made in Canada) and used a bit of dollar store pink acrylic to paint the knobs my favorite shade of pink. The original arrow design is visible through the chalk paint and now looks subtly cool instead of trendy overboard.

I also hung this sweet word art, which I had out on our patio all summer and which had some water stains...but not before I covered those water stains with a collage of flowers I cut out of old magazines. Nothing like decoupage to refresh old, damaged pieces!

I'm definitely not done with Dace's room...it's still a work in progress, which can be said for pretty much every room in this house. I still think about doing wallpaper--or maybe stenciling a pattern on the wall to mimic wallpaper--but for now, I'm happy with the little changes. And Dace is happy, which is really all that matters when it comes to our kids' rooms, right? 

DIY Anthropologie-esque Garland

I love garlands. Birthday parties come and go and I leave the banners hanging up as long as I can get away with it. Swag makes me smile. Go ahead, T.P. my house--it would make me happy! So when I saw this gorgeous, exotic garland on sale on the Anthropologie Web site, I immediately grabbed my credit card. But when the total still came to around $50, even with the sale discount, I sadly removed said item from my shopping cart. I just couldn't spend that much money on what is, essentially, a party decoration.

Anthropologie Skylark Collection Garland

Then I thought to myself, "Hey, I bet I could make something like that." Which is nearly always easier said than done. I knew where to buy tassels (Michaels) and I thought I might be able to find similar lanterns as part of an outdoor string light set. But after checking every store and Web site I could think of, I realized I would have to make the lanterns, themselves, as well. Luckily, it all came together after I found a tutorial on-line.

Here is my completed version. Not exactly the same as the real deal, but I'm really pleased with it. And the whole thing cost me under $12!

My Version

What you need to made this yourself:

-Two sheets of gold foil paper from Michaels
-Tassels in colours of your choice
-String or cord
-Glue gun
-Off-white cotton fabric for bunting (optional)

I got my instructions for the Chinese paper lanterns here: http://www.kidspot.com.au/kids-activities-and-games/Craft-activities+1/Create-Chinese-paper-lanterns+11906.htm. They are really easy to make. I played around with the size and decided on a 3.5 inch lantern. I bought my silky tassels at Michaels, but you could make your own. Let Martha Stewart show you how: http://www.marthastewart.com/908665/how-tie-tassel! You can decide how you want to space out your lanterns and tassels. I just added the bunting for some visual interest, but you don't need to make one. It's very simple, though--just hot glue fabric triangles to string. I like the idea of hanging tassels from the bottom of the lanterns as in the original, too. You could just hot glue a strip of gold paper across the bottom of the lantern and dangle a tassel from it.

There you have it! I've been really digging all things pink and gold and feminine, lately (with a bohemian twist, of course ;)).

OK, off to bake some scones to eat with the strawberry freezer jam that didn't set! If anyone wants a sugar rush, I've got some ultra-sweet strawberry syrup you can have!

Featured Artisan: Pink Wolfe Design

I am incredibly excited to announce that local jewelry designer, Amy Wolfe, will be debuting her original line of bohemian-inspired tassel, feather and pompom-festooned necklaces at the Summer Finds & One of a Kinds Craft Market at the Ancaster Fairgrounds this Saturday, June 20, from
10 to 4! 

Sold under the name, Pink Wolfe Design, Amy's jewelry is so of-the-moment and yet different from anything I've seen before. Her bright neon tassels and handmade, multicolored pompoms are simply delightful, and, I think you'll agree, perfect for pairing with cool summer dresses or batik-print tops and jean cut-offs. I can completely picture any of these necklaces in the pages of the Anthropologie catalog... 

Long Feather Necklace with Beads

Double-strung Pompom Necklace

Long Beaded Tassel Necklace

Originally from Seoul, South Korea, Amy left a career in marketing to raise her two sons, Henry, 6, and Keith, 3. Being a stay-at-home mom has given her time to indulge her creative side, which is where her passion lies...thank goodness for that, I say! Although she's been making jewelry for her friends and herself for more than a year, this is Amy's first public show. 

So, come out to the craft market next Saturday to get your hands on one of these lovelies while you can. There will be plenty of other vendors there, too, and opportunities to pick up a Father's Day present or gifts for your kids' teachers. And if you live out of town, you'll soon be able to find Pink Wolfe Design on Etsy. Stay tuned for that...I will be sure to let you know when the shop is live.

I'm soooo digging the neon tassels right now...

Featured Artisan: Melanie Senko

If you are a fan of handmade, one-of-a-kind accessories, you really should check out Melanie Senko's work. An original member of Hamilton's urban homesteading collective, The Beehive, Melanie exudes creative, indie cool. When I first met Mel, she and her husband, Jesse, were blogging for the National Post about their goal to stay out of the supermarket by growing their own produce and sourcing their food locally. They were also featured in Pure Green magazine, which is sold at Anthropologie. (Seriously, Mel, can you get any cooler?)

But I digress...

On Mother's Day weekend, Melanie (who happens to be a mother of four) will be selling her highly covetable leather-and-fabric bags, as well as a selection of quilts and more at Definitely Not The Mall, an artisan fair taking place at the Waterford Old Town Hall, May 8 & 9. The show is open to the public on Saturday and, best of all, it's free! Waterford is only about a 30 minute drive from Hamilton and is where the Senkos now call home. For a taste of what Melanie's been up to, take a look at these lovelies:

Cotton and Leather Zippered Pouch

Cotton Baby Bonnet

Cotton Charley Harper Crib Quilt

Sewing has always been a part of Melanie's life. Her mom was a sewer and Melanie started out doing needlework (rug hooking, embroidery) and progressed to Barbie clothes and pajama pants. She finds much of her inspiration in nature and working in the garden, which is reflected in her choice of fabrics and colours. Decor-wise, Melanie's describes her preferred style as natural, rustic minimalism. She and her husband like to feature old textures and objects in their home, and a tour of their house is like touring a well-edited vintage-modern shop--a veritable feast for the eyes! They are currently in the process of moving into a new country home, but perhaps they will allow me to do a future post on their new house, post-renos...

To see more of Melanie's work, you can visit her Web site at www.melaniesenko.com; you are sure to be inspired. It goes without saying that she consistently inspires me. 

A Designer Look for Peanuts

I have long lusted after Marimekko fabrics, especially the Finnish brand's signature Unikko red and white poppies print, but the price has always been way over my budget. You can buy the fabric at EQ3 in Canada for $80 a yard, or you can get a 20' X 20" pillow for $52. After doing a quick Etsy search, however, I realized I could just buy someone's leftover fabric remnants for ten bucks, and make my own cushion for a fraction of the price. The odd sizing of the remnants means you won't be able to have a nice, square cushion, if that's your bag, but you can likely find the right size to make a lovely lumbar pillow like I did (I actually had enough fabric to make two).

I just made an envelope back style cushion cover, which is, honestly, so easy to make. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, once you learn how to sew the world becomes your oyster!

So, there you have it, my tip for the day. You can have the high-end look you see in all the decor mags AND save a nice chunk of change.