DIY It: Making a gorgeous lawn ornament for the holidays

My friend, children's book author and illustrator <a href="http://www.brianlies.com/" target="_blank">Brian Lies</a>, is sharing with us a great project he did last year that turned into this gorgeous, huge, yard ornament for the holiday season.  Brian is a very handy guy and there's not much he can't MacGyver.<br /><br />Usually I don't post holiday - meaning Christmas-ish - topics this early in the season (hello Halloween!) but if this is something you'd like to try, you're going to want to collect your materials now while doing your Fall yard cleanup. (Question - do those in warm climates have Fall yard cleanups to do?). In any event, Brian - take it away:<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJD9rfdGic9Fw-k04wtyTR4vC6rtix4csagUkgdTMaPkC8KDBYUAyG1RFkt-yq42UBBxlghTegI1QBh_iv54KwTxMW731zQvvIGtqtIAxq-wRMFSYDIHeqPfjW151pDc0VDZ-dm2DYe-0/s1600/IMG_2813.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJD9rfdGic9Fw-k04wtyTR4vC6rtix4csagUkgdTMaPkC8KDBYUAyG1RFkt-yq42UBBxlghTegI1QBh_iv54KwTxMW731zQvvIGtqtIAxq-wRMFSYDIHeqPfjW151pDc0VDZ-dm2DYe-0/s1600/IMG_2813.jpeg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family: AvenirNext-Regular;"><span style="color: #38761d;">I was trimming an overgrown wisteria vine at the corner of our garage and thinking about how many yards of vine material I was pulling away, and wondering if there was anything I could do with it all.  So, I took an exercise ball and began to wind the wisteria around it, holding the overlaps together with florist’s wire. </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">[Note: if you're doing this project alone, Brian suggests pre-cutting your florist wire so it's ready as needed]</span></span><span style="color: #38761d;">  I started by dividing the ball into quadrants, then going 45 degrees off of those quadrants until I had divided the ball in to triangles:</span></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxPg3Ghhpqnn_CaAcKkc8YyOnHFurSIduYIxZC6Sr5TfPdZnYAqbSDqayA4YbWdga6PzJ7rtZAL2nVOlh8LQWFhXdpeJ5MkYDKBWVIoXIpmYm655tSdW9qK6daEyOPIKf0dvAa8Ott6pA/s1600/IMG_2801.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxPg3Ghhpqnn_CaAcKkc8YyOnHFurSIduYIxZC6Sr5TfPdZnYAqbSDqayA4YbWdga6PzJ7rtZAL2nVOlh8LQWFhXdpeJ5MkYDKBWVIoXIpmYm655tSdW9qK6daEyOPIKf0dvAa8Ott6pA/s1600/IMG_2801.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: AvenirNext-Regular;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Then I deflated and removed the ball:</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: AvenirNext-Regular; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKauAXOAWiIZi0FD_gzmgCyhIrlQrlkeXexNVEvBBa3BrXsN-QeLvAq9Vg-NVYZvL7CEWq3Z6nmzUMGejgdWzHOvXcXZbIb6x11PJ5Lr4ukoQiBT_na5Mde0qYcoxPQv8Qb5sfRrXUf2A/s1600/IMG_2802.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKauAXOAWiIZi0FD_gzmgCyhIrlQrlkeXexNVEvBBa3BrXsN-QeLvAq9Vg-NVYZvL7CEWq3Z6nmzUMGejgdWzHOvXcXZbIb6x11PJ5Lr4ukoQiBT_na5Mde0qYcoxPQv8Qb5sfRrXUf2A/s1600/IMG_2802.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: AvenirNext-Regular;"><span style="color: #38761d;">And I had an orb made from vines.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: AvenirNext-Regular; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip0aa2ZaxWuicSHw6rwrTnM6dZtD2K3dTZm66eLmqxZ0NP-2NUFjUBOZkHUYZ98AS8Wfa9DGLgtx3uGk6EZcY7uUrBc2NKqE6pyT-AZlBpIcgDk1Hklk8g8bFWtAcU9gtbvX7Ify6_wa8/s1600/IMG_2803.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip0aa2ZaxWuicSHw6rwrTnM6dZtD2K3dTZm66eLmqxZ0NP-2NUFjUBOZkHUYZ98AS8Wfa9DGLgtx3uGk6EZcY7uUrBc2NKqE6pyT-AZlBpIcgDk1Hklk8g8bFWtAcU9gtbvX7Ify6_wa8/s1600/IMG_2803.jpeg" width="478" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: AvenirNext-Regular;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Seems like most people have a string or two of unused Christmas lights around, and I wound several strings around the vines, attaching the strings with florist’s wire as I went.  When I was done, I had a lighted orb—nearly three feet across—which we placed in our front yard, and moved around every few days.  The good thing is that the orb is still in great shape after a year in the garage—the vines dried out into their now spherical shape.  As long as I don’t crush it, we’ll have it to use for at least several years.</span></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJD9rfdGic9Fw-k04wtyTR4vC6rtix4csagUkgdTMaPkC8KDBYUAyG1RFkt-yq42UBBxlghTegI1QBh_iv54KwTxMW731zQvvIGtqtIAxq-wRMFSYDIHeqPfjW151pDc0VDZ-dm2DYe-0/s1600/IMG_2813.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJD9rfdGic9Fw-k04wtyTR4vC6rtix4csagUkgdTMaPkC8KDBYUAyG1RFkt-yq42UBBxlghTegI1QBh_iv54KwTxMW731zQvvIGtqtIAxq-wRMFSYDIHeqPfjW151pDc0VDZ-dm2DYe-0/s1600/IMG_2813.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Isn't this just so pretty?? You could make them different sizes - as long as you had different sized inflatable balls to use. Thanks Brian for sharing your project and instructions with us.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0544105699/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0544105699&linkCode=as2&tag=chameleoninte-20&linkId=QHHW3KZRCME36VIY"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0544105699&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=chameleoninte-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chameleoninte-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0544105699" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div><br />Brian's latest book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0544105699/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0544105699&linkCode=as2&tag=chameleoninte-20&linkId=TTDII3H2LXMRY7IX">Bats in the Band (A Bat Book)</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chameleoninte-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0544105699" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, has just been released. It's filled with fantastic illustrations and a wonderful text that is entertaining for little kids and grownups alike. I will make a great holiday gift for a little one in your life and you won't mind reading it over and over and over again!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_hT-xgY4aHo_qgWQgtnDZTaL_2vKbZmWqZ8u4HXL_tt5OqFWV-yD1JZQwwRoNOWTnjGxTOi_gqhQPcqMEne8peux4At0PznnxST3BeQukD25toCo9CqdLYZDlgOIBObRfuFBiDKH5qiQ/s1600/Linda+sig2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_hT-xgY4aHo_qgWQgtnDZTaL_2vKbZmWqZ8u4HXL_tt5OqFWV-yD1JZQwwRoNOWTnjGxTOi_gqhQPcqMEne8peux4At0PznnxST3BeQukD25toCo9CqdLYZDlgOIBObRfuFBiDKH5qiQ/s1600/Linda+sig2.png" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div>

DIY It: Making a gorgeous lawn ornament for the holidays

My friend, children's book author and illustrator Brian Lies , is sharing with us a great project he did last year that turned into this...

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One man's trash...

Ok, so you're immediately thinking this is a post about flea marketing or attic diving, and yet, it's not. One man's trash is a reason to build a trash bin. That man, you ask? My dad.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8aCbKoLhb2XGuinf_3YSxOhMxNnc1QxwzsjFG2sjM0F1kAPfC4Rp1lAidma5WZUw-nod7hm61NS_oTMtOBMCaYo8WeC6eotSr3fip_oRHFv0AVBk4AFz-vtMhxuI-5JqGbC_BQErFMRY/s1600/kit1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8aCbKoLhb2XGuinf_3YSxOhMxNnc1QxwzsjFG2sjM0F1kAPfC4Rp1lAidma5WZUw-nod7hm61NS_oTMtOBMCaYo8WeC6eotSr3fip_oRHFv0AVBk4AFz-vtMhxuI-5JqGbC_BQErFMRY/s1600/kit1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Many years ago, my Dad built the trash bin you see in the above pic that's at the end of the kitchen peninsula. Rather than tuck it under the sink, which is most common, this bin was used for standard, non-garbage, trash. I think he made it from a kit sometime in the late 70's/early 80's, and it resembles an antique grain bin.<br /><br />Similar to this found on<a href="http://www.rubylane.com/item/574500-B1850/Antique-Grain-Bin-Blue-Paint" target="_blank"> Ruby Lane</a>. Isn't the color spectacular?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/3e/87/d6/3e87d67f1af4718bb07b5e8cfe8e8949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/3e/87/d6/3e87d67f1af4718bb07b5e8cfe8e8949.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Or this, on <a href="http://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/1639394" target="_blank">Live Auctioneers</a> - another beautiful color too!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://p2.la-img.com/68/8735/1639394_1_l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="534" src="http://p2.la-img.com/68/8735/1639394_1_l.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />And here is one from <a href="http://beehavenacres.blogspot.com/2009/07/laundry-day.html" target="_blank">Bee Haven Acres</a> that is very much like my Dad's, this one used as a laundry hamper:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivLWK7EdmgLiGQdL0qkFcQRe_ftK77mcxQns7JxtEhAb7aAKDZ1-3fOKDRn5QQXQkwev8mtP7zV3XDjLniHR2VPUCuZ9ewkkqpZMC6IXhbNM3RpsR5HJPz9Ba6OXWp3NyGKXwLu2cZ4_ox/s400/IMG_0335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivLWK7EdmgLiGQdL0qkFcQRe_ftK77mcxQns7JxtEhAb7aAKDZ1-3fOKDRn5QQXQkwev8mtP7zV3XDjLniHR2VPUCuZ9ewkkqpZMC6IXhbNM3RpsR5HJPz9Ba6OXWp3NyGKXwLu2cZ4_ox/s400/IMG_0335.jpg" /></a></div><br />When I recently cleaned out my parent's house, I wasn't initially going to take the trash bin - it had seen better days (don't let the pic above fool you, it was a bit worse for wear and needed refinishing). But, as a friend pointed out, my Dad did make it and it would come in handy. So glad I did!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibDIKCWrj830KPkpv0DTVtbb70XPkeFu_rf_xdzWg8qUWSZBJ-yoZZfK5IC_f3VnAIung_kYg2Vy7jOfV_ciqW7tTd3Wldvaby49KL-6FS8FmsAAC1baQV7FonqHXs2ZjwVM7csN4wuvc/s1600/IMG_4986.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibDIKCWrj830KPkpv0DTVtbb70XPkeFu_rf_xdzWg8qUWSZBJ-yoZZfK5IC_f3VnAIung_kYg2Vy7jOfV_ciqW7tTd3Wldvaby49KL-6FS8FmsAAC1baQV7FonqHXs2ZjwVM7csN4wuvc/s1600/IMG_4986.jpg" width="478" /></a></div> Here is a closeup. Since I have a preference for painted wood, I decided to freshen it up with a coat of paint.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEZwPc0j00wmEAKALe5c9uKcTAv6_oqUWr_Fxovenovt_QFcgKbyfHc6PMuy0JthOlqO4iY8ODpFczDHD9yeoXnZoYawV6FmLa6qoGj0WpxJw8_jZ3cCpuULJKxiSMAY9VQoTlUo45p1c/s1600/IMG_4987.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEZwPc0j00wmEAKALe5c9uKcTAv6_oqUWr_Fxovenovt_QFcgKbyfHc6PMuy0JthOlqO4iY8ODpFczDHD9yeoXnZoYawV6FmLa6qoGj0WpxJw8_jZ3cCpuULJKxiSMAY9VQoTlUo45p1c/s1600/IMG_4987.jpg" width="478" /></a></div> (please ignore the living room in the background. Still waiting for my new sofa in which case the sweet little settee won't be needing blankets to protect the upholstery from RoyRoy!)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIJ6P8d2tbe-5V2yO7gHMWSiKDQz7Y9IPRVk0YU9r8urXTfFfm0QLGWrhf07rlqGjrlEFCa3CQDFupO_NV1FusjLK6FbDplo_n_c-9iy5hG72kKZKANHTUGbtbMTXcBV5O7COmLjmG48U/s1600/IMG_3014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIJ6P8d2tbe-5V2yO7gHMWSiKDQz7Y9IPRVk0YU9r8urXTfFfm0QLGWrhf07rlqGjrlEFCa3CQDFupO_NV1FusjLK6FbDplo_n_c-9iy5hG72kKZKANHTUGbtbMTXcBV5O7COmLjmG48U/s1600/IMG_3014.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />I decided to paint it black since my kitchen table will also be black (when it comes - hopefully next week!). I used <a href="https://decoart.com/chalkyfinish/colors" target="_blank">Americana Decor chalk paint</a> which is available at Home Depot, finished with their liquid créme wax. The black chalk paint on it's own is so matte that it looks like a dead void.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisf6xc8IJWTZRQgZmTXXKSt57G92zDxCpUcE-OY2ZtHFyF3Q4a73XYcnISIXjJnUGiKtqvlqGZYkSGdUqtGVUq0D-dqQOOME1EWJQu9Q19hXc54-401fKzTKRoQqEk9E4InVlXQK3MP2k/s1600/IMG_4999.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisf6xc8IJWTZRQgZmTXXKSt57G92zDxCpUcE-OY2ZtHFyF3Q4a73XYcnISIXjJnUGiKtqvlqGZYkSGdUqtGVUq0D-dqQOOME1EWJQu9Q19hXc54-401fKzTKRoQqEk9E4InVlXQK3MP2k/s1600/IMG_4999.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><br />I only used one coat, with one coat of wax for a low lustre. I was going to faux antique it more, but decided to let time take care of that. It'll get banged up a bit over time so will seem more natural aging and use.  Everyone raves about the ease of using chalk paint, and it's certainly true. No smell, easy clean up, no prep needed, quick drying. Pretty much by favorite kind of project. I also found out that you can make your own chalk paint by mixing one part water to one part plaster of paris (mix till smooth) and mix into 3 parts flat latex paint. Of course, you'll want a low VOC paint to retain that quality of pre-mixed chalk paints, but you can create a pain of any color you want relatively inexpensively.<br /><br />This is my new dining table, the Avalon extension table from Crate and Barrel. As I said, hopefully coming next week!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.c-b.co/is/image/Crate/AvalonExtTblBlkS8/$web_zoom$&/1308302308/avalon-45-black-extension-dining-table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.c-b.co/is/image/Crate/AvalonExtTblBlkS8/$web_zoom$&/1308302308/avalon-45-black-extension-dining-table.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />And this is coming too from C&B, the Serene apartment size slipcovered sofa in a natural linen. I can't tell you how happy I will be to finally have a comfy sofa. My little settee is beautiful, but not meant for lounging!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.c-b.co/is/image/Crate/SereneSlpAptSfBoneS14/$web_zoom$&/1311260914/serene-slipcovered-apt-sofa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i.c-b.co/is/image/Crate/SereneSlpAptSfBoneS14/$web_zoom$&/1311260914/serene-slipcovered-apt-sofa.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />How do you hide your trash? Specialty bins? Under the sink?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpCaniX-Y-qzUwmG9hyphenhyphenXnnqSdmJfdQvE0_H1T7AFR2XfRuchwJKGWuIpOWwLbfN2VGD3yGjzNVVul7jXYvZlstSMP5UWbwDJbNCdm-inmPf608iuVcDH4CyhfeMOrsRrUs22-2oK98i2I/s1600/Linda+sig2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpCaniX-Y-qzUwmG9hyphenhyphenXnnqSdmJfdQvE0_H1T7AFR2XfRuchwJKGWuIpOWwLbfN2VGD3yGjzNVVul7jXYvZlstSMP5UWbwDJbNCdm-inmPf608iuVcDH4CyhfeMOrsRrUs22-2oK98i2I/s1600/Linda+sig2.png" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 6162px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 6162px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>

One man's trash...

Ok, so you're immediately thinking this is a post about flea marketing or attic diving, and yet, it's not. One man's trash is a ...

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Bar cabinet makeover plans

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMmsyU48IjJdWGbJHj5PZii0xSRk-o5Z3htGkFbmNYFlayqORJTekOCYlWg64eUfl9xb0zSl-OOvwfNPhEUdquD-y2t-iumV8hv3eOBkXOWT2wfFM9OAQ-kaKK0tG1oW10BDKggHPVqV4/s1600/DSCN7448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMmsyU48IjJdWGbJHj5PZii0xSRk-o5Z3htGkFbmNYFlayqORJTekOCYlWg64eUfl9xb0zSl-OOvwfNPhEUdquD-y2t-iumV8hv3eOBkXOWT2wfFM9OAQ-kaKK0tG1oW10BDKggHPVqV4/s1600/DSCN7448.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />As I'm making my plans for what I'm keeping from my parent's house, this cherry stereo cabinet has always been on my short list. This piece has been in my life for as long as I can remember and even played the role as altar when I made my First Communion privately at home. (Not sure why, but they gave us the choice and I decided at home would make me the star vs. being with all the other kids). Somewhere, there is a pic of the stereo pulled out from the wall with an altar cloth draped over it and candles and the chalice.<br /><br />The French style and perfectly bookmatched  veneer door inserts really sells me as does the beautiful brass cabinet hardware.  These old stereo cabinets were truly made to be fine furniture. Many had a top lid that opens to reveal the turntable inside, but ours opened in the front and the turntable pulled out of the middle door and there was a shelf for storing record albums underneath. A particularly nice feature of this piece is that there were side doors that hid the speaker cabinets. Most of these pieces I've seen didn't have the closing doors and when the guts are removed, the sides are left open. About 20/25 years ago, my Dad installed all new stereo equipment inside - CD player, dual cassette decks, a tuner, and hooked it into other speakers around the house for a kind of surround sound.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlgBq1xkKz27WuC319upuBRpW9b7MZ-KmrC413bA_A1uWyw7i2lTQTDEAriVHcUJik2W1jWzVAeC1tmP8yHCfkeXMHUHdiOoAX30EkOWVI3TOCD7sm1ayPyx8eNyknkXwvYkwY6n433mU/s1600/DSCN7449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlgBq1xkKz27WuC319upuBRpW9b7MZ-KmrC413bA_A1uWyw7i2lTQTDEAriVHcUJik2W1jWzVAeC1tmP8yHCfkeXMHUHdiOoAX30EkOWVI3TOCD7sm1ayPyx8eNyknkXwvYkwY6n433mU/s1600/DSCN7449.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />My plan is to turn this piece into a bar and storage cabinet by tricking out the inside with shelving, wine racks and hanging wine glass holder. I have no intention of painting the outside because it's such a beautiful piece of wood, but the inside needs something.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOQ1ku_OxAcNcMt3g5IpginY_UxC9Ad_jnKyux9REK7bb_W8MQaPRdRgaQuh9rCeeHWmCKe_IF995ghnwMacw69V3W3rbU1_5pq7LneDiYJouL9InxY4EoiEI0YAsnELXMx-JY7BwDpUY/s1600/Grange+cabinet.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOQ1ku_OxAcNcMt3g5IpginY_UxC9Ad_jnKyux9REK7bb_W8MQaPRdRgaQuh9rCeeHWmCKe_IF995ghnwMacw69V3W3rbU1_5pq7LneDiYJouL9InxY4EoiEI0YAsnELXMx-JY7BwDpUY/s1600/Grange+cabinet.tiff" width="444" /></a></div><br />I love <a href="http://www.grange.fr/grange/easysite/grange/us/home" target="_blank">Grange Furniture</a>'s painted wood pieces and hope to mimic the look for the interiors.<br /><br />I'm thinking of something along the pink or coral/pink lines.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/9d/90/d1/9d90d103521714196ee8759fbed73c6a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/9d/90/d1/9d90d103521714196ee8759fbed73c6a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />This via the <a href="http://www.natalme.com/lilys-dresser-before-after-annie-sloan-unfolded-chalk-paint/" target="_blank">Natalme</a> blog using <a href="http://anniesloan.com/acatalog/Scandanavian_Pink_profile.html" target="_blank">Annie Sloan's Scandinavian Pink</a> milk paint. I'll have to do some testing as this color looks very pale in some photos and deeper in others. I want a vibrant hue - something that really pops when the doors are open.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisX_K5cw7ThqRTgDWLNKUP3gJviAfd1tqd8rqjUakQ7HCNaZD7azz5YHgKREtyNS_Y1U1FVsQMmFqO2vO2aEzmsFmxvc3vinNKbRIQCDLGc1LLnQvNUf_hwbRgNfxVbTskSkOhW52sCaw/s1600/Bar+cabinet+mock+up.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisX_K5cw7ThqRTgDWLNKUP3gJviAfd1tqd8rqjUakQ7HCNaZD7azz5YHgKREtyNS_Y1U1FVsQMmFqO2vO2aEzmsFmxvc3vinNKbRIQCDLGc1LLnQvNUf_hwbRgNfxVbTskSkOhW52sCaw/s1600/Bar+cabinet+mock+up.tiff" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />This is in essence what I have in mind. Added shelves for barware and storage of silver pieces, trays and servers as will fit.  And I'll have to give thought to weather I change out the burlap door piece in the center to something else. It does look nice, but so would something brighter that would match the interior a little better.<br /><br />Decisions, decisions!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUPCay2_6VP0xi2mVYiA5r2sE27lR6LL2xhrY8cx6WTyqylFu6cy15HngOuXrifwIHe5nnr2iN5MFjqWBUc7oPOqGYgeNZRL4OHdXtHrsJ7yebkHKofL4C3nJ4OUS6L25L6pEWAo9hubg/s1600/Linda+sig2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUPCay2_6VP0xi2mVYiA5r2sE27lR6LL2xhrY8cx6WTyqylFu6cy15HngOuXrifwIHe5nnr2iN5MFjqWBUc7oPOqGYgeNZRL4OHdXtHrsJ7yebkHKofL4C3nJ4OUS6L25L6pEWAo9hubg/s1600/Linda+sig2.png" /></a></div><br />

Bar cabinet makeover plans

As I'm making my plans for what I'm keeping from my parent's house, this cherry stereo cabinet has always been on my short list....

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Elite Repeat: Tiffany & Co. Custom Pillow

<i>(I receive many, many hits on this post from 2009 and thought it was worth repeating. The young lady mentioned in the post is currently participating in a pre-college program in Boston. They grow up so quickly!)</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2418/3778166375_ddde4cc5dc.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2418/3778166375_ddde4cc5dc.jpg" style="display: block; height: 413px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 551px;" /></a><br />A certain young lady of my acquaintance is entering high school this year and to celebrate, her parents have given her a complete room makeover. While I have decorated her room in the past, this year, she was in charge. She selected this "Sweet Chenille" dot duvet and sham set from <a href="http://www.pbteen.com/products/sweet-chenille-dot-duvet-cover-and-sham/?pkey=cgirls-duvet-covers">PBTeen</a>. The chenille dots are exactly the color of Tiffany Blue and they will be painting her bedroom this color, with new all white decorative moldings and a new all white bedroom set from Ikea.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2495/3819827772_aa7cff6b22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="582" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2495/3819827772_aa7cff6b22.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I only played a tiny roll - which was recovering her window seat cushion. Her mom (one of my bff's) brought me the old cushion and one single dot pillow sham. The bedding is out of stock and the only extra fabric she could get hold of was this one sham. It wasn't enough to make the whole 24x36 box pillow with, or even just one side. So, ultimately. I suggested we cut the dotted fabric into strips and piece together for the box border. Add some soft brown ultra suede and we've got ourselves a pretty fun, custom, cushion! (see above).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2627/3819022013_86034155a8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2627/3819022013_86034155a8.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />I always like to throw a little something extra into client projects and decided to add in a "Tiffany Box" pillow. I found the exact shade of fabric - which considering the uniqueness of the color was practically a miracle.<br /><br />I then went online and found a high quality version of Tiffany & Co.'s logo and downloaded it.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhHImA6YpnQfm0avCsHNm-g6ynVA3FMfepH3vHe6atnitf9ELs-tnsNnbZudPwhiDCqE2ydw9_PiUtT7Q7B-hRZQk2pyOyT6_FwRuL-_Hmc1ZM3zIM9wXX6CWyAKl2Xtoem0Ny6Ujqbo3c/s1600-h/tiffany_co_logo.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365086527063852738" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhHImA6YpnQfm0avCsHNm-g6ynVA3FMfepH3vHe6atnitf9ELs-tnsNnbZudPwhiDCqE2ydw9_PiUtT7Q7B-hRZQk2pyOyT6_FwRuL-_Hmc1ZM3zIM9wXX6CWyAKl2Xtoem0Ny6Ujqbo3c/s400/tiffany_co_logo.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 104px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 204px;" /></a>I opened the file in Photoshop and flipped it horizontally so I could print it on <a href="http://officemax.com/catalog/sku.jsp?productId=ARS27947&history=oczuxv13%7CprodPage%7E15%5EfreeText%7Eiron+on+transfer%5EparamValue%7Etrue%5Erefine%7E1%5Eregion%7E1%5Eparam%7Ereturn_skus%5Ereturn_skus%7EY">iron-on transfer paper</a>.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1iI8jnOePDpQzszVAHDik9EjvlJ62PNg35e-w8wj5-CZNexpMDMkxYQMXAlomdBO84zVx7WSWeJm5lh8XZwm1sOLPMrwlpJQd4TJwWJRq9J-wvoHsPs-1NrOgD3op6ef4N25hdzvuUtO_/s1600-h/Snapshot+2009-08-01+15-41-22.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365086616742136706" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1iI8jnOePDpQzszVAHDik9EjvlJ62PNg35e-w8wj5-CZNexpMDMkxYQMXAlomdBO84zVx7WSWeJm5lh8XZwm1sOLPMrwlpJQd4TJwWJRq9J-wvoHsPs-1NrOgD3op6ef4N25hdzvuUtO_/s400/Snapshot+2009-08-01+15-41-22.png" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 34px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 187px;" /></a><br />I cut out the transfer as close to the lettering as possible and following instructions, I applied the logo to the center of the fabric square. (the pillow is approx. 16x16).<br /><br />I sewed up the sides of the pillow and filled with batting, hand sewing the opening. Of course, on a Tiffany box, one needs the perfectly tied bow! Back to the internet (really, what did we ever do before we could look up and download EVERYTHING!), I found these<a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/03/15/how-to-tie-a-tiffany-bow-part-1/"> great instructions </a>for tying a Tiffany bow.<br /><a href="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/03/2121462146_bfd36b88ce.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/03/2121462146_bfd36b88ce.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 211px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 282px;" /></a><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2496/3779055656_abb4cccb8a.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2496/3779055656_abb4cccb8a.jpg" style="display: block; height: 497px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a>Pretty good, no? I'm on my way over there now. Hope she likes it!!<br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">ps - "Tiffany & Co." is a registered trademark and cannot be used for commercial purposes. In other words, I could never sell this pillow. However, I thought it made a cute project to showcase because it's so easy to do that it might give you ideas on the uses of iron-on transfer paper and a little bit of time and material!</span><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/61AD69B5456EE9E48D48218DA34439B1.png" style="-moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="background-color: #d5a6bd;">If you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please <a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com">email me</a>. Thanks!</div><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

Elite Repeat: Tiffany & Co. Custom Pillow

(I receive many, many hits on this post from 2009 and thought it was worth repeating. The young lady mentioned in the post is currently part...

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Weekend DIY: Make Do and Mend

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-FTkPkYpw8h4/T9zFkJrw17I/AAAAAAAAK24/73pIV6jWIpA/s1901/Photo%252520Jun%25252016%25252C%2525202012%2525201%25253A39%252520PM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="612" id="blogsy-1339869579238.8938" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-FTkPkYpw8h4/T9zFkJrw17I/AAAAAAAAK24/73pIV6jWIpA/s639/Photo%252520Jun%25252016%25252C%2525202012%2525201%25253A39%252520PM.jpg" width="639"></a></div> A few months ago I was visiting the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and there was an exhibit on British fashion and textiles during the war years when everything was rationed. There were examples of scarves with themes that were patriotic or slogan-y about scarcity and doing what was right for society. It was fascinating. There was also a display of sewing materials and a little booklet titled "Make Do and Mend". (sort of reminiscent of the overused "Keep Calm and Carry On".) I was with my 20-something nieces, vegetarian environmentalists both, who thought these things important messages that still resonate today in our throw-away society. Anyway, this all brings me to today's little Weekend DIY project. It's not really home related, but oh well.<br/><br/>Last summer I bought this cute little straw bag with a raffia zebra on the front. It was $12 I think. Sadly, it was replacing a much, much more expensive straw bag that I'd gotten rid of a mere few months before when I moved because I hadn't used it in a couple of years. I did donate it to the salvation army, but still, I really can't afford to be tossing expensive things away. So, naturally, as these things go, I suddenly had a desire for a straw bag again once it got warm out. I wasn't about to go out and spend a lot of money on a new one and luckily ran across this cute one somewhere. Probably Marshall's. And for $12, I figured it was worth it even if it only made it a season. The inside lining was very cheap, as were the handles, and I assumed that by the end of season, the straw would be unraveling. As it happened, the straw is still in perfect condition. But the handles were dirty and coming apart.<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-lKCNkVjU2Yw/T9zH7pA1DRI/AAAAAAAAK3o/4clnhZITZro/s2048/Photo%252520Jun%25252015%25252C%2525202012%2525206%25253A00%252520PM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="486" id="blogsy-1339869579251.9365" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-lKCNkVjU2Yw/T9zH7pA1DRI/AAAAAAAAK3o/4clnhZITZro/s650/Photo%252520Jun%25252015%25252C%2525202012%2525206%25253A00%252520PM.jpg" width="650"></a></div> My original plan was to overwrap the handles with black grosgrain ribbon, but when I compared the new black ribbon to the remaining inside lining, it made the lining look all the more grubby.<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y9_frLhhu94/T9zHxXJBIKI/AAAAAAAAK3g/rrpiVXPASLg/s2048/Photo%252520Jun%25252015%25252C%2525202012%2525205%25253A59%252520PM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="486" id="blogsy-1339869579283.71" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y9_frLhhu94/T9zHxXJBIKI/AAAAAAAAK3g/rrpiVXPASLg/s650/Photo%252520Jun%25252015%25252C%2525202012%2525205%25253A59%252520PM.jpg" width="650"></a></div> So, I decided to completely replace the lining and add new handles. I ripped out the old lining, photographing how it was assembled, and took apart all the pieces to use as the pattern for the new fabric. <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qLueQqCTvMA/T9zHmQkusLI/AAAAAAAAK3Y/VYpV00BC3gA/s2048/Photo%252520Jun%25252015%25252C%2525202012%2525207%25253A38%252520PM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="486" id="blogsy-1339869579230.0327" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qLueQqCTvMA/T9zHmQkusLI/AAAAAAAAK3Y/VYpV00BC3gA/s650/Photo%252520Jun%25252015%25252C%2525202012%2525207%25253A38%252520PM.jpg" width="650"></a></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">I sewed together the lining pieces ( took a little experimenting) and pinned into the bag along with the new black bamboo handles that I bought at JoAnn Fabrics.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-HwJNA7BNhHc/T9zGDL5XjXI/AAAAAAAAK3Q/sBJ4-8e1KGc/s2048/Photo%252520Jun%25252016%25252C%2525202012%25252011%25253A45%252520AM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="486" id="blogsy-1339869579219.0205" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-HwJNA7BNhHc/T9zGDL5XjXI/AAAAAAAAK3Q/sBJ4-8e1KGc/s650/Photo%252520Jun%25252016%25252C%2525202012%25252011%25253A45%252520AM.jpg" width="650"></a></div> I reused the drawstring..<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-WRnjOr2hIMk/T9zF5SQGlkI/AAAAAAAAK3I/alPMkoag8Nc/s2048/Photo%252520Jun%25252016%25252C%2525202012%2525201%25253A04%252520PM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="486" id="blogsy-1339869579292.5017" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-WRnjOr2hIMk/T9zF5SQGlkI/AAAAAAAAK3I/alPMkoag8Nc/s650/Photo%252520Jun%25252016%25252C%2525202012%2525201%25253A04%252520PM.jpg" width="650"></a></div> Et voila! My new bag is more upscale looking than the original. <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-3RhS2s3-Lo0/T9zFwghh6SI/AAAAAAAAK3A/oULCH9wlOd4/s2048/Photo%252520Jun%25252016%25252C%2525202012%2525201%25253A30%252520PM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="486" id="blogsy-1339869579231.5894" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-3RhS2s3-Lo0/T9zFwghh6SI/AAAAAAAAK3A/oULCH9wlOd4/s650/Photo%252520Jun%25252016%25252C%2525202012%2525201%25253A30%252520PM.jpg" width="650"></a></div> I added two pockets on the inside. The original had one zip pocket, but since I never zipped it closed, I decided I could avoid doing that.. <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-TaM45ftDebA/T9zIxP6s3GI/AAAAAAAAK3w/2BfmmP1FW8g/s2048/Photo%252520Jun%25252016%25252C%2525202012%2525201%25253A53%252520PM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="486" id="blogsy-1339869579257.843" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-TaM45ftDebA/T9zIxP6s3GI/AAAAAAAAK3w/2BfmmP1FW8g/s650/Photo%252520Jun%25252016%25252C%2525202012%2525201%25253A53%252520PM.jpg" width="650"></a></div> And, I am done. The new materials - handles and 1 yard of zebra stripe fabric - cost $8. So my bag is now up to a cost of $20, plus a little time. And when the fabric gets grubby, I can easily put in a new liner. Then I can correct the one glaring mistake I made which was having an exposed seam that should have been on the underside. Oh well. <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-FTkPkYpw8h4/T9zFkJrw17I/AAAAAAAAK24/73pIV6jWIpA/s1901/Photo%252520Jun%25252016%25252C%2525202012%2525201%25253A39%252520PM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="622" id="blogsy-1339869579302.6223" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-FTkPkYpw8h4/T9zFkJrw17I/AAAAAAAAK24/73pIV6jWIpA/s650/Photo%252520Jun%25252016%25252C%2525202012%2525201%25253A39%252520PM.jpg" width="650"></a></div> Have a great weekend! And happy Father's Day to all the Dads. And here's a toast to those dads who are with mine in the great beyond. <br/><br/>

Weekend DIY: Make Do and Mend

A few months ago I was visiting the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and there was an exhibit on British fashion and textiles during the war y...

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Friendship and a can-do attitude will take you far

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3AddY1b8vnYo_XRm_p_xAi1XGMtXYzZNHNQNwH8WpyAarSGwfGlyZdvt7GJ4jnltx66BQGkv2nwb79W8FxHrLWG0x-tmANQyLLeAYJQgp1JGjG5UqedS4_hVS_onviuEHWb7D3xbLehlx/s1600/cov__1287833969_4489.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3AddY1b8vnYo_XRm_p_xAi1XGMtXYzZNHNQNwH8WpyAarSGwfGlyZdvt7GJ4jnltx66BQGkv2nwb79W8FxHrLWG0x-tmANQyLLeAYJQgp1JGjG5UqedS4_hVS_onviuEHWb7D3xbLehlx/s1600/cov__1287833969_4489.jpg" /></a></div>Today's Boston Globe Sunday magazine focuses on Easy and Affordable design and diy projects, including a <a href="http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/house/articles/2010/10/24/a_home_all_their_own/">photospread of a Milton, MA couple</a> who are both physical therapists.  This is a very special story because the photospread - and cover photo - was shot by my photographer and friend <a href="http://michaeljleephotography.com/">Michael Lee</a>.   Well, what's special is that Michael and his wife are friends and neighbors with the homeowners,  Jenny and Colin Highland. The day after the photoshoot took place,  Michael was hit by a motorcycle while walking in a crosswalk and his leg was broken in three places. He was released from the hospital just days before the deadline to submit the images for the photoshoot. I can promise you - he is the hardest working man in design. He not only made his photo deadline, a week after the accident, he attended an industry event where he was a sponsor. I know, because I was his chauffeur/date for the evening and he was still very shaky on the full leg cast and crutches. Amazing. He's since resumed his shooting schedule (including a trip to Nantucket), cast, crutches and all. Thankfully, since he's coming back to my house this week to re-shoot <a href="http://www.chameleon-interiors.com/Chameleon_Interiors/Portfolio-Duxbury-Condo_Kitchen_Remodel_1-Chameleon_Interiors-Interior_Design-Massachusetts.html">my kitchen</a> for a national magazine spread (details to follow!). A big thanks to homeowner Colin Highland who is working with Michael as his personal physical therapist. It's amazing how far a positive can-do attitude and the kindness of friends will go. <br /><br />Here are the pics from Michael's photoshoot of Colin and Jenny Highland's DIY styled home. They've created a warm sanctuary for their little family, filled with vintage and modern touches and a sophisticated, yet exuberant color palette.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/Original_Photo/2010/10/22/m1__1287786982_5520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/Original_Photo/2010/10/22/m1__1287786982_5520.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/Original_Photo/2010/10/22/m2__1287787170_9021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/Original_Photo/2010/10/22/m2__1287787170_9021.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/Original_Photo/2010/10/22/m3__1287787221_3665.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/Original_Photo/2010/10/22/m3__1287787221_3665.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/Original_Photo/2010/10/22/m4__1287787288_6159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/Original_Photo/2010/10/22/m4__1287787288_6159.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/Original_Photo/2010/10/22/m5__1287787353_6061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/Original_Photo/2010/10/22/m5__1287787353_6061.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/Original_Photo/2010/10/22/m6__1287787406_1288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/Original_Photo/2010/10/22/m6__1287787406_1288.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/Original_Photo/2010/10/22/m7__1287787467_8029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/Original_Photo/2010/10/22/m7__1287787467_8029.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/Original_Photo/2010/10/22/m9__1287787615_8373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/Original_Photo/2010/10/22/m9__1287787615_8373.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/Original_Photo/2010/10/22/m8__1287787530_3845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/Original_Photo/2010/10/22/m8__1287787530_3845.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photos courtesy of The Boston Globe. Photography by Michael J. Lee. <a href="http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/house/articles/2010/10/24/a_home_all_their_own/">Story</a> by Estelle Bond Guralnick. </span></div><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/61AD69B5456EE9E48D48218DA34439B1.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a> <br /><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

Friendship and a can-do attitude will take you far

Today's Boston Globe Sunday magazine focuses on Easy and Affordable design and diy projects, including a photospread of a Milton, MA cou...

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