Driftwood Votive - a creative project

Ever since a friend of mine described a serene sea-themed bedroom project that she was planning, I have had in mind the idea to make a driftwood votive for her newly painted dresser. The first step was to buy a glass container (mine came from a thrift shop), then to find driftwood pieces with similar diameters down by the beach.

After giving them a good washing and time to dry completely, I selected the ones I wanted to use and cut them to length.  I had decided that I wanted some of the glass to show at the top.

Using a rubber band to keep the sticks in place, I placed the sticks around the outside of the jar, choosing each one to fit well next to the other. Once all were in place I carefully applied a small amount of glue between each stick, at the points where one stick touched the other. Don't worry about too much glue, you can use a toothpick to smooth away the excess glue. Choose a glue that is suitable for wood and that dries clear. I used two bands during the gluing process and kept the rubber bands in place until the glue was completely dry.

Once dry, I removed the rubber bands and carefully lifted the glass out of the driftwood ring.  I then cut a ribbon and glued it to the driftwood on the inside of the circle.  It is better to glue a ribbon towards the top of the sticks and another at the bottom.  This will reinforce the ring, should some of the glue between the sticks come apart.

Once the ribbons are securely glued to the sticks, gently place the glass jar inside the ring. The driftwood votive is now ready for a candle.

You can also use the driftwood votive as a vase, or as a container for any other number of things!

ABC Carpet & Home

I thought I would continue to show you some of the lovely shops I found so inspirational in New York City. ABC Carpet & Home was a delightful discovery. I had never heard of it and came across it by chance while on my way to Shabby Chic.

These lovely yellow window displays caught my attention.

And enticed me inside to see more.

The exotic zen vibe was totally captivating.

The yellow gave way to a more monochromatic area.

And to the restful monochrome was added some soothing pink.

In the middle of the store there was a long table that was set for dinner. Each place setting was completely different and yet they all blended together beautifully.

There was also a section devoted to the garden with lots of weathered pots and garden furniture.

Shabby Chic New York City

I have long been a fan of Shabby Chic, so on my recent trip to New York City a visit to this famous brand was on my priority list.  Somewhat hidden away on a side street in Soho, we took a few wrong turns before we finally found it and stepped inside to see the beauty of Shabby Chic in the flesh instead of in the pages of Rachel Ashwell's beautifully photographed books.

And it did not disappoint. The shop is divided into a series of rooms, each with a different decor but all of them distinctly Shabby Chic.

A mixture of old and new fabrics, furniture and accessories, Shabby Chic's delicate palette was upheld throughout. After hearing a friend's experience with snooty staff in the L.A. store, I steeled myself for an uncomfortable visit. But the NY salespeople could not have been nicer.

I did not know where to look, it was all so gorgeous.  Just look at that ruffled hanging lampshade. Quintessential Shabby Chic.

Warming Up Winter with Ikebana

After attending an Ikebana Exhibition at the Japanese Embassy, I was inspired to create an arrangement of my own.

So I took myself off to Belfiore, a favourite flower shop of mine, to see what wonderful exotic blooms they had to offer that day.

 

I chose some beautiful orange Star of Bethlehem,

some mimosa with its cascading tiny yellow pompom buds,

 

as well as some long-lasting orange and yellow alstroemeria.

 

combined with a glossy green leaf and interesting pieces of driftwood. Et voila!

Spring Comes for Tea

February's over, which means it's time to create the March window display for my favourite tea shop.

 

So with the theme of spring arriving, and nature showing signs of coming back to life, I chose teapots, cups and bowls in shades of brown, like the earth, and robin egg blue.

With twig and moss balls, tree bark, and branches to add a touch of woodland...

and speckled eggs dotted about here and there.

I can't wait for nature, the real one outside, to catch up!

A Return Engagement

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Here I am getting to dress the window of my favourite tea shop once again. Turns out it's something I love to do. I thought I would! So much fun. This was the February window, so Valentine's had to  play a part.                                                    

Once again my sweater hearts made an appearance.

Lots of pretty chintz and florals in various shades of pink. 

Valentine's Day is the perfect time to highlight a line of jewelry made from bits of china.

Tea for two?

Dressing a Tea Shop Window

I've often thought that I would like to be a window dresser.

Well, it looks like know I'm going to get my chance.

My friends at my favourite tea shop graciously allowed me to do their Christmas/winter window display.

I had such fun making all the sweater hearts to add a cosy feel.

Victorian Dinner Party #18

The decor for my Victorian dinner party extended to the main bathroom of our home. I hung a makeshift clothesline over the tub and hung a collection of vintage children's clothes.

Airy white cotton embroidered baby and toddler's chemises and dresses were hung with old fashioned clothes pegs.

Lots of exquisite embroidered details are there for those who take a closer look.