Archive for October, 2010

The Flamingo

Friday, October 29th, 2010

My little flamingo went off to school this morning!  I was sewing feather boas on to this costume into the wee hours last night, but I finished in time for the big Halloween party at school today.

The house and car are covered with pink feathers, but Violet loves it.  I have to say I got quite a kick out of seeing her skip off to school this morning, feathers blowing in the breeze!  If you want to make your own flamingo, I used this Simplicity pattern.

*I’m behind on my tutu tutorial – I’ll post it soon!

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Home Remedies

Thursday, October 28th, 2010

I don’t know about you, but I can’t stand seeing prescription bottles and vitamins spread out on counter tops.  However, I do get that leaving them out is the best way to remember to take them throughout the day.

In fact, I recently learned the importance of taking vitamins with food in order to maximize our bodies’ ability to absorb them. I used to take them at night, which was easy to remember to do while brushing my teeth.

Since I made the switch from bathroom routine to kitchen, I tried stashing the bottles in the kitchen cabinet with my coffee mugs, dinner plates and cereal bowls. Varied success, at best.

I finally conceded to leaving them on the counter when I found these adorable ceramic “soup can” spice jars at World Market.

Ceramic "Soup Cans" from World Market They have a sealed top and are just the right size for my daily vitamins. I have them lined up next to my other critical home remedies — aloe, espresso maker and coffee beans — where they are tastefully visible at mealtime! And I simply leave the original bottles out of sight in the cabinet above for refills and reference.

On a side note*, my friend and wellness guru, Rebekah, has convinced me that vitamins and minerals sourced from real food and made without synthetic fillers are — for obvious reasons — much better for our bodies. I made the switch about eight weeks ago and there is no question about their efficacy. Absolutely, 100% worth the cost to buy food-based supplements.

*Urban Nest does not provide health advice. I, personally, am not a health professional and am only sharing my personal experience. Do not alter your wellness regime without consulting your medical adviser(s).

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I'm Lovin' {modern nature}

Wednesday, October 27th, 2010

I’ll take almost any of the new Modern Nature wallpapers by Schumacher.  

I had a hard time just picking a few to share.  I love this one – I’ve been a fan of the fabric version of this fern print by Kelly Wearstler for some time:

The earthy color palette of these birds and branches is charming:

Bold black and white is an unexpected take on botanicals:

It really is time to add to some wallpaper to my house!

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Fall Flourish

Tuesday, October 26th, 2010

This summer, we made a few changes to the front of our house.  I’m almost ready to share the “after” pictures, but I need to add a few final details first.  I love the front of this house and think some urns might be just the finishing touch I’m looking for.

{image from Canadian House and Home}

 

I’m considering these 24 inch urns from Jamali Garden:

I’d paint them bright white and add some mums.  Although, I’m concerned that they won’t do well on our shaded front porch.  Any other suggestions for a shade friendly plant for fall?

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Take 3: Galbraith & Paul Poppy Fabric

Monday, October 25th, 2010

One of my favorite textile companies is Galbraith & Paul based in Philadelphia. They design and make their own textiles as well as rugs and lighting – all done by hand. The designs are beautiful and organic and I think would make a great addition to any home! For our Take 3 series this week, I have chosen the Poppy fabric to see what everyone would come up with.

Juliet: Reinvented Club Chair

I have a hand-me-down club chair that’s been in bad shape for a while but the quality and lines are exceptional. It has a deep seat and rounded back that makes its so easy to sink into, even with the blown out springs and torn leather! I’ve been hanging on to it until I can commit to re-upholstering it. This fabric that Stephanie chose has me thinking it might be time!

The legs are dark brown with weathered brass caps and wheels. I would love to use these square upholstery tacks for a fresh edge.

I intend to use it in our bedroom as both a statement piece and a cozy reading chair. I’ve had my eye on this Waterfall Ruffle duvet for a few months now and I believe it’s the perfect companion to Galbraith & Paul’s block printed Poppy in Pear.

I might even toss one of these wool bloom pillows between bed and chair to play out the muted palette and varied textures in this space.

Stephanie: Cozy Club

I think the fabric would be great to make a fun pillow out of. I would use this herringbone fabric to make a coordinating pillow to sit atop this cozy club chair. I guess Juliet and I were on the same wavelength this week! I’d love to add this rustic looking light fixture from Sundance above the chair for some subtle reading light and I would also bring in this rustic side table for my cup of hot tea to sit on while I relax. For some reason I’m always inspired to add the natural “tree” element into any room! Last, I would put this rug beneath my feet and call it a day!

Rachel: Beachy Bedroom

This fabric would be perfect for a duvet cover.  I’m picturing it in a fluffy fold at the end of a four-poster bed on top of a tailored navy quilt.  For an unexpected bit of color, I’d add this orange pillow from Jonathan Adler.  Over the headboard, I’d cluster three of these circle mirrors with brass details from Open House for a little shine.  Last, but not least, this zig zag rug from Calypso would be the base of this subtly beachy bedroom.

What’s your take?

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A Perfectly Kept House

Monday, October 25th, 2010

Mary Randolph Carter, Richmond native and author of A Perfectly Kept House is the Sign of a Misspent Life will be greeting fans and signing books this Saturday, October 30 in Richmond, VA.

A Perfectly Kept House is the Sign of a Misspent Life {book cover}Local readers, another great excuse to pop into Anthropologie — do we ever really need an excuse?

Date: Saturday, October 30th
Time: 12pm – 3pm
Location: Anthropologie at Stony Point Fashion Park
Address: 9200 Stony Park Highway #139, Richmond, Virginia
Store Phone: (804) 330-3331

And for all of our readers, check out Carter’s latest book at your local Anthroplogie or online here.

I won’t be at the event this weekend — I’m taking a fabulous trip with my mom — but if you go, or if you’ve already met Carter in your town, let me know how it goes!

Do you have a copy of the book already? Are you inspired to live in throws of well-loved treasures or are you overwhelmed by too many layers of inspiration?

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Fancy Fifth Fete

Friday, October 22nd, 2010

I mentioned earlier this week that Violet’s birthday party was a success, and I’ve just gotten a chance to go through all the pictures from the party and thought I’d share a few more of the details.  

The whole idea for the party came from Violet’s current love of dressing up in anything frilly.  I decided that I should make her a couple tutus to add to her dress-up wardrobe and thought why not make a whole bunch of tutus as party favors for a really fancy birthday party while I’m at it. 

To make the tutus extra special, I embellished each one with a few singed fabric flowers.  If you want to try your hand at these easy flowers, I referenced this tutorial.  (Speaking of tutorials, I’m working on a tutu tutorial for next week.)  I made a lot of flowers and had enough for each girl to have a flower in her hair, too.  In case you didn’t see the invitations, the flower hair pins were attached to the Fancy Fifth Birthday invitations.

On the big day, we cleared our furniture out of the living room and made room for a “dance floor” complete with a tutu chandelier.  Violet was so excited for her friends to arrive!

The chandelier was especially fun – it turned out better than I could have hoped, and it was so simple.  I just tied  inexpensive tulle ribbon that I bought at Ben Franklin to a hula hoop and hung it from the ceiling using invisible thread and removable hooks.  It made quite an impact when the girls arrived, and they had a ball dancing underneath it.

After we exhausted the girls with a lot of twirling, they took a break to do some crafts.  Our dining room table was set with everything the girls needed to make a fancy necklace and a jewelry box to hold her new accessory.

I had already spray painted the tops of these wooden heart boxes pink, and each girl had little cups of rhinestones and sequins to glue on to the tops.  

Last but not least, we had pink cupcakes topped with candy pearls for dessert.  The frosting is my all-time favorite 7 minute frosting recipe from Martha Stewart.  It is so easy to pipe on in these pouffy dollops – I just used a pastry bag without a tip, but I bet you could even use a baggie with the corner cut off.

The dust has barely settled from the party, and I’m already knee deep in my next project.  I just got 6 hot pink feather boas in the mail for Violet’s flamingo Halloween costume.  It’s going to be time for a break after Halloween!

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Project Side Table

Thursday, October 21st, 2010

Yesterday Juliet shared with you the news that Urban Nest will be participating in the Wisteria Faire this year. The piece below is something I am working on for the event that I thought I would give you a sneek peek of. It’s a unique side table I picked up at the Azalea Flea Market, here in Richmond. It has one drawer and then the top flips open – so it’s almost like a table/mini desk.

In the photo, the finish looks like it’s in pretty good shape, but I had to clean off a lot of ‘gunk,’ for lack of a better word! And do some serious sanding to get a smooth surface. My plan is to use Martha Stewart’s Spring Melt to paint the piece, which is a very light blue/grey. And to finish it off, I’m deciding on some new knobs. The ones shown are all from Anthropologie–any suggestions??

To see the final project check back here or visit us at Wisteria Faire, November 4 and 5. See you then!

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Posted in Build the Nest, Local {Richmond, VA} | 7 Comments »

In the Stacks

Wednesday, October 20th, 2010

Why don’t my stacks of magazines lying around the  house

look this cool?

Am I alone here? I try to make them neat stacks and place them with intention. Maybe I’m trying too hard. It wouldn’t be the first time!

{images: Sarah & John’s Exposed Brick Beauty House Tour on Apartment Therapy}

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{Local Event} Wisteria Faire 2010

Wednesday, October 20th, 2010

Richmond-area readers, Wisteria Faire is back! After a successful neighborhood event last fall, Wisteria Faire returns November 4 and 5 — this year at St. Giles Presbyterian Church on Grove Avenue near the shops at Libbie & Grove.

Wisteria Faire 2010 web banner

Thursday, November 4, 4-9 PM
Friday, November 5, 10 AM-4 PM
5200 Grove Avenue :: stgiles.org

» download details (PDF)

All event proceeds to benefit A Children’s Garden Pre-School, opening fall 2011 at St. Giles.

The creators of this special event strive to foster a community of talented regional artisans, designers and craftspeople.

This year, Urban Nest will be debuting a selection of one of a kind, designer treasures for your nest. If you live in the area, please stop by and say hello!

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Posted in Local {Richmond, VA} | 2 Comments »

Twirling

Tuesday, October 19th, 2010

Violet’s Fancy Fifth birthday party was on Friday, and it was a hit!  We asked the girls to come wearing their ballet attire, and we provided the tutus:

I’m still recovering from having eight 4-5 year old girls twirling around the house, but they really did have fun.  I’ll post more of the details later in the week…  Stay tuned!

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Take 3: Danish Modern Dining Chair

Monday, October 18th, 2010

We’re back with this week’s installment of Take 3. Today we’re working with an actual thrift store treasure that I’m fixing up to sell at a local show in November. More on that to come shortly!

I found this mid-century, Eames-era dining chair at one of my favorite thrift stores at the beginning of the summer and now that the air is dry and the temperatures are cool, it’s time to get outside and tackle this beauty.

Danish Modern Dining Chair

Here we go…

Stephanie’s Take: Juicy

I love to add life to old pieces of furniture and this chair is a great piece to have a little fun with. I would strip down and paint this light shade of pink called Juice by Serena & Lily. To complement that, I would recover the seat in a fabric from Amy Butlers new Soul collection for some spunkiness! I have a been lo0king for a small desk , and I think this tiny piece from Ikea would work well to hold my laptop and these couple of accessories:  a bright vase and retro- looking wood clock.

Danish Modern Dining Chair Makeover

Rachel’s Take: Dressing Up

This bedroom by Lee Kleinhelter was the inspiration for the color palette for a sophisticated dressing table.  First, I would paint Juliet’s great find a white lacquer and upholster the chair in brown linen from Designer Fabrics.  I would cover an inexpensive table in a tailored skirt made out of this graphic yellow fabric, also from Designer Fabrics, and add a piece of glass to the top to keep things clean.  I would hang this Queen Anne mirror over the table for getting dolled up.  The last touches, pineapple canisters from Lee Kleinhelter’s amazing collection at Pieces – the perfect place to stash some jewelry and lip gloss.

Danish Modern Dining Chair Makeover

Juliet’s Take: Center Stage

I’m tempted to leave the wood stained and give it a good scrub and polish to bring out the natural brown tones. I love the grooved detail around the openings in the back. What I would change, besides the upholstery of course, is the depth of the cushion — I’d really like something a little fuller and more inviting as a side chair.

As for the upholstery, normally I would lean toward a bold pattern with lots of color for a single piece like this, but for some reason the lines of the chair give me enough character to settle on rich velvet solid instead.

Set in front of this Lucite writing desk topped with an antique brass lamp and some fresh flowers, this vintage chair takes center stage.

Danish Modern Dining Chair

What would you do? Seriously, I’d love to know! Since I’m making over this chair to resell, anything goes.

{all images linked to sources above}

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Owl Onesie

Thursday, October 14th, 2010

A couple of weeks ago I shared with you some designs I was thinking about using for a onesie I planned to screen-print for a friend’s new baby. Well…I decided to go with the owl! Little Frankie’s nursery has a subtle owl theme, so that seemed to be the best fit. Thank you for your comments and votes!

I got some fabric paints from my local craft store, Ben Franklin. They didn’t have quite the color selection I was hoping for, but it was easy to mix the white and deep turquoise to come up with the shade I had envisioned. From there, I burned a screen using my Gocco and applied the ink. I then did a couple of tests prints on some fabric swatches and printed the final piece!

I ended up painting the orange beak and feet on by hand after the other ink was dry. I didn’t want to burn a separate screen for those few little parts, so those spots aren’t perfect, but I was happy with the final result. Now all I need to do is wrap up the gift and get in the mail so baby Frankie can sport this around town!

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Steve Keene

Wednesday, October 13th, 2010

I recently acquired a terrific piece of artwork by Steve Keene from my friend and part-time employer, John, who was downsizing his collection.

I didn’t know anything about Steve Keene or his work and I don’t really know what I would have said it about it of my own accord. But, John is particularly hip and cultured and so his pile of Steve Keene paintings — bright colors, bold strokes and abstract imagery on rough-cut plywood — intrigued me.

Steve Keene exhibit by subsilk on Flickr{image: Steve Keene Studio 4 Exhibit by subsilk on Flickr}

I came home with my piece and promptly hung it on the wall and have been delighted by it many times over.

Steve Keene, Deer Park Clearance

Then today, as I started digging around Steve’s website for a little background info, it became clear why I really dig this dude:

I want buying my paintings to be like buying a CD: it’s cheap, it’s art and it changes your life, but the object has no status. Musicians create something for the moment, something with no boundaries and that kind of expansiveness is what I want to come across in my work.

Steve honed his aesthetic while working at a radio station in Charlottesville, VA in 1993. He now works from his studio in Brooklyn and exhibits throughout the country. His work sells online for $21 + shipping for “5 PAINTINGS THAT KIND OF RANGE FROM LARGE TO MEDIUM” (his words, not mine!).

There’s lots to read about Steve Keene on his website, blog and in articles written about him. But I’ll share this last bit from an interview featured on his blog where he talks about the words you find on many of his paintings, mine included!

“It’s like songs or band names. What’s more fun than sitting around for two hours thinking up band names? “I’m gonna name my band ‘The Purple Sidewalk,’ or something.” It’s like a game, and I like the fact that if you add words to the painting, you look at the painting and you read the words at the same time and so for the initial half second that you’re looking at my painting, you’re not caught up with how badly the picture’s painted. You’re kind of caught up in trying to figure out the meaning to it. Normally when you look at art you think, “that painting sucks,” or “that painting’s really good,” but this, if I turn it into instructions or a poem or something like that, you simultaneously read the image and the words. It’s a visual and conceptual thing at the same time. I just think that it becomes a fun game.”

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I'm Lovin' {clip-ons}

Tuesday, October 12th, 2010

I love how a fabulous bauble can transform ordinary to extraordinary. For example, these handmade shoe clips by Chloe & Maddie could transport an entire outfit from blah to beautiful. These are my favorites but there are lots more to see in their shop…

Chloe & Maddie shoe clipsChloe & Maddie, Marilyn shoe clipsChloe & Maddie, Orange Crush shoe clipsChloe & Maddie, Tracy shoe clips

{all images by Chloe & Maddie}

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Take 3: Turquoise Lamp

Monday, October 11th, 2010

I was browsing at Ruth & Ollie last weekend, and I marveled at the amount of gorgeous lighting this local Richmond furniture store carries.  If I had the luxury of adding one of their lamps to my home, I’d really have a hard time picking just one.  I might play it safe and pick a white lamp, like the Paulette, but I’d be tempted to pick something colorful like this turquoise lamp.

I couldn’t resist finding out what the girls would do with this punch of color.

Stephanie’s Take: Turquoise Treat

I love to see pops of turquoise in a room that is otherwise void of much color. It still leaves the space feeling light and fresh. So, I would place this lamp in my mostly all white sunroom atop this sweet side table from Etsy seller The Painted Cottage. The punched metal mirror fits in well with the rustic feel of the table. And these fun pillows from Jonathan Adler’s ‘Design Your Own’ section would complete the look and add that extra pop of color.

Juliet’s Take: Silver Spoons

I’m inclined to design a nursery around sophisticated details that will withstand age and time as a child grows. Wouldn’t this lamp make an elegant statement in a nursery, set atop an antique white demilune table from Ballard? I’d hang this brass birdcage mirror* and this extraordinary painting by Michelle Armas on the walls. I imagine both would offer bits of inspiration to get lost in for baby and parents alike.

A crib quilt by Plover paired with this sweet print of “Lewis & Oscar” add just enough sweetness, while a modern rocker and Herman Miller polished spinning tops from DWR keep the focus of the room on baby and child, albeit a rather privileged one! 


*mirror no longer available online.

Rachel’s Take: Kickin’ Back in Style

I would use the lamp on this side table, also from Ruth & Ollie, next to my white couch in my family room.  The brass vase from Jamali Garden would hold some frilly white flowers, and I would lounge on a couple of new pillows in these fabrics from Lee Jofa and Quadrille.  I would sip something cool out of golden berry glassware and snack on munchies in this Perch bowl, both from Open House.  

What’s your take?

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Minty Fresh

Friday, October 8th, 2010

I’m not usually on the ball when it comes to Christmas cards, but I’m thinking of turning over a new leaf this year.  Last year I was down right frantic the month of December, and I’m trying to set things up for a relaxed holiday season this year.  So, as crazy as it is to think about holiday cards now, I’m doing it!  I was inspired by this post by Paula over at Two Ellie.  She introduced me to the holiday cards at minted, so lovely.

They are all about the details, from printed pattern on the back of the card to the envelope liners and wrap-around return address labels.

There are so many great designs, that it’s really going to be hard to choose.  The best part, they are 20% off through Monday and you can shop now and send in photos later.

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Get A{head}?

Thursday, October 7th, 2010

I have several pictures in my inspiration files of faux animal heads hanging above fireplaces.

{image from domino}

 

I love the look and the touch of quirkiness.

{image from cottage living}

 

I’ve seen these new animal heads by Z Gallerie, and I’m tempted to add a moose to my decor.  Every house needs a moose, right?

I’m just a little worried that I’m late to the game on this trend and that it won’t be long before I don’t love my moose anymore.  What do you think?  Should I get a head or am I behind?

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Compelling Confections

Wednesday, October 6th, 2010

CORRECTION: The dessert table featured in this post was a collaboration between Sweet Heather Anne and From the Kitchen of Olivia. Both extremely talented gastronomes with exceptional style!

Our friend Claire lives an exciting life of entertaining, travel, music, art and academia. At the heart of it all is her love for people and relationships, which never ceases to yield remarkable experiences. Since I’m a homebody with a sweet tooth, this one is too delightful not to share with you…

Dessert Table by Sweet Heather Anne, Ann Arbor MI

A friend’s wedding set in Claire’s hometown of Ann Arbor, MI, where the bride’s ruched turquoise gown and peacock feather “veil” was the inspiration for Sweet Heather Anne’s impeccably designed dessert table.

Cakes by Sweet Heather Anne, Ann Arbor MI

Set on a beautiful old farm with historic barns and amazing landscapes, these cakes punctuate the style and grace of the bride perfectly.

Cookies by Sweet Heather Anne, Ann Arbor MIAnd while all of the cakes in Sweet Heather Anne’s portfolio are remarkable works of art, especially the ones above, it’s the simple treats like these sugar cookies that win my heart.

All images From the Kitchen of Olivia. Be sure to check out Olivia’s blog for more photos of this lovely celebration and loads of delicious recipes and inspiration!

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Take 3: Acrylic Chair

Monday, October 4th, 2010

Today we’re back with our new Take 3 series, which we have recently moved to Mondays. We apologize if you stopped by on Friday and were not able to find us. Our server was down, but we’re back up and running smoothly!

Today we’re sharing our ideas for the George II Clear Acrylic Chair. I have always loved seeing interiors that feature one great acrylic piece. It adds a playful and light touch and I’d love to add a piece to my home one day.

Juliet’s Take: Modern Family

Someday I would love to have a large rustic farm table at the heart of our house where family and friends could gather any time of day. I’d like it take on the fresh feel of this one, photographed by Hotze Eisma, by surrounding the table George II Lucite chairs. I would top the table with colorful linens like these by John Robshaw. Something like the Sorbonne Crystal Chandelier would hang above the table.

While the Lucite chairs and crystal chandelier share a modern aesthetic, I chose the Sorbonne because it also introduces soft, organic lines in each of its loops — a subtle nod to the rustic wood and natural linens.


Stephanie’s Take: Clear + Cozy

I would use this chair in a quiet corner of my living room. The lounge natural shag rug would lay beneath and this soft wool throw from Serena & Lily would drape on top. For lighting, this pendant lamp hanging above would be a lovely touch. I have always admired the hand printed fabrics from Galbraith and Paul, and this one, sold through Room & Board, would be perfect. To complete this little nook, I would add a tiny secretary desk for notes and letters to friends.

Rachel’s Take: Colorful Chic

I picture this chair tucked under a desk in a chic and feminine office, and the Channing desk by Jonathan Adler is the perfect match. I’d accessorize the desk with a bright pink lamp, wooden box for stashing pens and pencils, white crocodile dictionary, and quirky pink eraser ring.  The finishing touch, a beautiful rug from Weego Home.

What’s your take?

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