Found Treasures

We are about to enter that time of year. You know--the one where we are bombarded with a gazillion things to buy, when the stores are warm and inviting, and the commercials are calling out our names. It won't be long. Our door handles won't even be cool from the warm touch of trick-or-treaters before the holiday season comes knocking.

And as I mentioned yesterday, I am preparing for said time of year with a list of projects, and a hankering for originality. So I've corralled a few items and objects from around my home that I intend to transform into holiday treats. Want a sneak peek?



These pine logs, for instance, that have been warming the pavement on our back patio, are just begging to be transformed into holiday-illumination displays.

With belts, naturally. And candles.



And these tiny beads, which I've been harboring for half a decade, might finally find a home on a certain tank top I own that could use a glitzy holiday makeover.



These vintage toys from my childhood won't be gifted away (Never!) I promise, but I just might use their infant-sized apparel to inspire a few baby DIY projects of my own.



Finally, I have a pile of buttons crying out for a home...perhaps destined to be sewn onto new cozy bedding designed especially for cold winter days.

If you can't tell already, the theme for these found treasures--and the projects that will stem from them--is making clever use of ordinary, round-the-house items. Are you excited? Me too! More coming soon--I promise!

Until then, I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
--steph

To read other Be An Original posts, click here!

Day 24: Trendy

Normally I'm not really the trendy type. But lately I've seen all of these beaded necklaces strung with ribbon...

...and then layered with other necklaces like pearls and stones and golden beads. And I want the look.

I want it bad.

So I raided my bead box. Yes--I have a bead box. In my opinion every woman should have one. Like a hair dryer. And a toothbrush. They're that important.

And lo and behold, I found just what I needed. Wooden beads from an old necklace that was precisely the Wrong length--perfect for stringing into precisely the right length.

So I snatched some black ribbon (also a household staple in my opinion...) and started to string, tying knots between each bead to give them a little breathing room.

Voila! One ribbon-beaded necklace that I can tie around my neck (with the option of altering the length depending on my garment's neckline--a bonus of ribbon...) whenever my heart pleases.

But now here comes the fun part. The layering part. What would black beads on black ribbon look good with? I asked myself.

Why, pearls and gold, naturally!

And so I layered them all together and now am officially the trendiest girl in the house.

Okay, so I'm the only girl in the house.

The tricky part, of course, about being trendy is that what is "in" today will almost certainly be "out" next season. This is why I'm growing even fonder of Mrs. Marple's advice about repurposing what I already own. This beaded update cost me nothing, which means that when ribbon-stranded necklaces go out of fashion, I won't be mourning money lost.

And I'll probably find a new way to use those beads.

Previous Related posts:
Pretty Things
Five Things I'm Loving This Friday
Creative Hour: Turquoise Earrings

Day 9: Pink, Pink & Pink

When Mrs. Marple told us this morning that part of fine living is taking enjoyment in simple adornments, I immediately knew what she meant.

Yes adornments aren't particularly "noble," and they won't save the world. But when I get to wear this muted mauve cardigan that I handknit around town, I feel good.

And when I'm dreaming of the jacket I'm going to make from this pink yarn, I also feel good.

And though these adornments--like the salmon beads above and below--aren't as grand and important as...say...the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel or a statue by Michaelango, they do still play a part in stimulating creative beauty in civilized culture.

They make us feel (and probably act) a little more civilized toward each other. And they give us a chance to express our personal style and aesthetic in a world that often favors utilitarian form and function.

Perhaps some may scoff, Mrs. Marple said, saying that adornments--like pink patent leather peep-toe pumps--are vanity. But fine living is not just about practicality, financial savings, and planning. It is also about creativity and beauty.

So in honor of adornments, and the color pink, I think I'll paint my toenails. It's vain, I know, but apparently a little vanity can be good for us.

Or at least Mrs. Marple says so.

Previous Days at the Institute:
Day 6: Premade Hostess
Day 4: a Cooking Student
Day 2: the Secret to Fine Living

Pretty Things

Every now and then I have to write a post filled with frivolous, pretty things. Because...you know...I'm a girly girl.

Naturally first on my list is food, since my favorite part of cooking by far is how the food looks (something my husband Does Not fully appreciate...). Above is a photo of my breakfast--fresh blueberries with whole grain waffles and syrup. Delicious!


This chunky red pendant is the next pretty thing on my list. It is this week's raffle giveaway, even though I'm tempted to keep it for myself...



I've had this gorgeous, unbelievably soft, fuzzy pink yarn for awhile now, but after my recent knitting binge I've been eyeing it more and more. Don't be surprised if this pretty ball turns up in a photo of a finished project soon!




I have my friend and neighbor to thank for this new Jill Bliss journal. I saw hers a couple weeks ago, and immediately begged her to tell me where she got (I'm always on the hunt for pretty new journals). And I was so excited this weekend to hunt down one for myself. Don't you love the pages of poppies, and the floral cover? I even love the grid pattern since I'm kinda particular about writing in straight lines(I know--I'm weird like that...).




Finally, I've recently fallen in love with this new blog, A Creative Mint. Creator Leslie puts together the most beautiful vignettes, usually based on a color theme. It is like candy for the eye. Take a minute to check out more photos by visiting her link.

What are your favorite pretty things? Share your comments here!

Well--I'm off for a full day of errands! Thanks for reading and I'll talk to you soon!

Previous Related Posts:
Knitting Binge
Five Things I'm Loving
Ode to Pillows