unusual office supply

Ever bought something to give or sell, and you simply couldn't give it up? Well, it happened to me. I bought this three-tier hanging basket for $1 at a local thrift shop. When I made the purchase I planned on adding it to my etsy store Nearly New Treasures. After I got home, I simply couldn't give it up! Now it is the newest addition to the office.

Right now it is holding my favorite stationary pieces. When the holidays roll around, I think I will have to replace the stationary with some festively themed objects.

Maybe a couple ornaments, pine cones, or even Christmas cards. Oh I'm getting excited just thinking about it!

...Did anyone eye spy the sour apple spray? That would be for my baseboard chewing dog...fabulous...do dogs ever stop chewing...its been a year and a half already...

something made new

Happy Friday blogger friends.
I thought I would share with you all a little project I've done lately. I purchased this desk on Craigslist. This was my first Craigslist purchase ever! I put a couple fresh coats of white paint on this sad desk, added glass knobs (you know they're my weakness), and ta-da ... my fun and lovely new desk!

What do you think?

Did you notice the chalkboard? As I mentioned in an earlier post, things went South with E and I's initial attempt. Oh to be a fly on our wall that night! Thankfully, E persevered and it is now complete!

I'm trying to brainstorm ideas for what to write on it. I always see fun quotes of inspiration on chalkboards in the Pottery Barn magazine.

Any suggestions?

On another note, last night I watched the premier of Flash Forward. I am a fan! I will be tuning in weekly. What I did did not enjoy from the good old tv this week, was Jay Leno's interview with Pee Wee Herman. I was so disturbed after watching. What in the world? {E and I had a debate of who would be scarier to be in a room with - Pee Wee Herman or Marilyn Manson?} Did anyone else see this? Being a mental health person, my mind has been racing with all of the possible reasons for his pathology! If you also saw this, I would love to hear your thoughts!

no sew window treatments

So I have lived in my house for over a year now and up until last weekend, all the windows in the house were bare and sad looking. I am a little bit of a snob and couldn't find anything in the stores that I liked. However, I am a snob on a tight budget, and I couldn't afford to pay a seamstress to custom make them. End of the story, I have stepped out there and am making my own. I have mentioned earlier that I am redoing our laundry room aka Stella's room. I do not have any before pictures of the room, however, if you can invision a boring room with nothing but a dog crate and a velvet chair covered in golden retriever fur (sick huh?) then you've got the right idea. Oh and how could I forget, the lovely dated brass light fixture (another sick). Since I am doing a full overhaul on that room, I tackled these window treatments first.

I have a sewing machine, however, I have rarely used it, and I am initially intimidated by threatening the thing...so I opted for the no-sew option. I once made a pillow and it took me longer to tread the machine than make the pillow.

First, I found out the exact height I needed. Then I pinned the fabric to the appropriate height.

Carson was very intrigued by the fabric. I was just praying that she wouldn't snag it.

Then, I used a fusible bonding material "stitch witchery." You simply put the bonding agent between the two pieces of fabric, iron, and ta-da!

Next, I used clips to attached the panels to the curtain rod. I know this whole process isn't the classiest...don't judge me! Like I said I am on a budget & although I aspire to be, I am currently not a skilled seamstress.

Finished product:I will post soon about the overhaul of the room!

postmarked with love

I just wanted to share with these vintages treasures I stumbled upon this afternoon....

All of these postcards are straight out of the 50's. Ohh Marilyn - you made my Friday!

I know that the bottom postcard doesn't quit "go," but I simply couldn't resist. I love the London taxi driver and the classy poodle. I love using postcards or old calendar photos as cheap artwork. You can really find some unique pieces when you recycle things.

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I think I have made my final decision on the window treatments for the office, but I would love to hear some of your opinions.

This is what I have landed on

Here are a couple pictures from the room so you can visualize the spaceI am hoping that this weekend I will get around to adding molding around the painted chalkboard & pretty glass knobs to the desk. The office is coming along slowly but surely!

Please let me know your questions, comments, or concerns you have about the fabric! If you have any other textile ideas, copy me a link!

Thanks friends

the office - not the hit comedy

In liu of creating an office space in E & I's home, I thought I should post these suggestions. I cannot credit my own creativity, however, Better Homes & Gardens deserves the honor on this one.

In our office, I have painted the desk and chair, hung the chandelier (a brass one I spray painted of course), & hung the windows. I ordered some glass knobs (are you surprised?) for the desk, however, they are not the right size so I need t putty & re-drill. I'm not sure if I am going to take that on while E is gone, or wait for his service when he returns from the sunny land of Hilton Head.

I am also working on the window treatments. I am planning on making my own window treatments. This will be a first...I will let you know how it goes. I hope to get a few fabric swatches soon & I will post and beg for your suggestions. If you have any experience making window treatments please feel free to comment any advice. I need all the advice I can get!

I am thinking the window treatments will be similar to these

I hope to hang the drapes above the window, like this picture. I am hoping it makes the ceiling seem taller. I am also going to put some small frames in between the two windows. Now I just have to decide on fabric - that's the difficult part!

Here are some ideas I may implement into my current remodel
I hope they inspire you

Organize the little things

Monopolize your space: dedicate an entire wall to storage & brainstorming

Use every inch of spaceGet creative: shop local home improvement or thrift store for a hollow-core door. Paint it to match your decor, then mount it on painted table legs.

Borrow from the kitchen