tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53000131893284864762024-03-06T22:33:31.942-05:00The Red Chair BlogI am a professional decorator and organizer offering affordable services to clients in and around the Raleigh area of North Carolina. You'll find no fancy shmancy manicures or snobbery here on the Red Chair Blog, folks. Just some decorating & organizing tips to help you turn your house into a home!Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791846703867176933noreply@blogger.comBlogger127125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300013189328486476.post-24662236095925568962020-12-18T22:42:00.002-05:002020-12-19T00:55:11.043-05:00Video: Four Winter-Themed Container Vignettes<p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYYAmwnadugOHY8H83gSfcJxVocpFVE3xxhx99eaeTnXgHchSoV8-nRojhBGPncr_5apNR8LEdWsmp06Btf7IKRRFBe6PgfePfgw4d-aUPnrw9KsYcHspEOQh04DilHw9v2wGU4SzmN3U/s1080/Container+Vignettes.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYYAmwnadugOHY8H83gSfcJxVocpFVE3xxhx99eaeTnXgHchSoV8-nRojhBGPncr_5apNR8LEdWsmp06Btf7IKRRFBe6PgfePfgw4d-aUPnrw9KsYcHspEOQh04DilHw9v2wGU4SzmN3U/w640-h640/Container+Vignettes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I just uploaded <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CI963_nnTni/" target="_blank">my first video</a>--with sound--on IGTV! In this short <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CI963_nnTni/" target="_blank">video</a>, I share details about how I put together these 4 fun, easy winter-themed container vignettes using items that I already had at home. </p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRkhgv4tCzQtB6pJBhcBSeyBtWELq1JqloglfCfdkR-oTI6pxMY5_NSqofibYf1-MPPiIho52zy8W7jT28ICurr7zYCtDAcB4ET9GhZr1yFA6MOOB271OlxQvgUzwZmvt5Z7GXJmOPrQ8/s2048/vignette1.JPG"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1832" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRkhgv4tCzQtB6pJBhcBSeyBtWELq1JqloglfCfdkR-oTI6pxMY5_NSqofibYf1-MPPiIho52zy8W7jT28ICurr7zYCtDAcB4ET9GhZr1yFA6MOOB271OlxQvgUzwZmvt5Z7GXJmOPrQ8/w572-h640/vignette1.JPG" width="572" /></a></div><br />I had so much fun creating these, and I hope that this <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CI963_nnTni/" target="_blank">video</a> inspires you to create some seasonal vignettes of your own! <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaKZGbi4Xqh6LeBfX8Cs9mIpvndRjM6XK545E_o7IXyF4bed8BUynKGw_MIepKN_hPcyAYsb4Q3qwpshhM7iTRBQ-tPDUh7C-KB4V011JpGVKbWeBgewajOyJt-GfQBxejFWweAK7Cvyc/s2048/vignette4.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1552" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaKZGbi4Xqh6LeBfX8Cs9mIpvndRjM6XK545E_o7IXyF4bed8BUynKGw_MIepKN_hPcyAYsb4Q3qwpshhM7iTRBQ-tPDUh7C-KB4V011JpGVKbWeBgewajOyJt-GfQBxejFWweAK7Cvyc/w484-h640/vignette4.JPG" width="484" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>These container vignettes are a great size to place on a bookshelf, on an end table or nightstand, or next to the sink in the powder room. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirz60MhPSxU1SXxSc7jM3EnhKFo_mXYcrduJz_IduYNeMG0ClAxSAp4ItW8so2q4KzQyRavo2fHl5_LugY0erYhwyD82X8QiiineXdMQ1_u6jkdqd4_QV3bTJnwZ4btLCcudUrIU_elss/s2048/vignette2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1406" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirz60MhPSxU1SXxSc7jM3EnhKFo_mXYcrduJz_IduYNeMG0ClAxSAp4ItW8so2q4KzQyRavo2fHl5_LugY0erYhwyD82X8QiiineXdMQ1_u6jkdqd4_QV3bTJnwZ4btLCcudUrIU_elss/w440-h640/vignette2.JPG" width="440" /></a></div><br /><p>At the end of the season, you can either store them as-is, or take them apart, store the elements, and enjoy the fun of creating new ones next year! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm0w6dM6JejO83f3jAWx1NkbBox45_PbKo4mgPu6DPQFnmf6UXAP1JR6shV6Mz5K8Da8dzVlyMf9MCw0esqMjIWJ0YrduWYERY_0XVPoRxM2GTpw5aY2DfisZMl-DKJUBQEQm0P4RKygw/s2048/containervignettes.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm0w6dM6JejO83f3jAWx1NkbBox45_PbKo4mgPu6DPQFnmf6UXAP1JR6shV6Mz5K8Da8dzVlyMf9MCw0esqMjIWJ0YrduWYERY_0XVPoRxM2GTpw5aY2DfisZMl-DKJUBQEQm0P4RKygw/w640-h640/containervignettes.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>Want all of the details? You can <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CI963_nnTni/" target="_blank">see the short video here</a>. I also shared it on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/redchairhomeinteriors.Cary.NC" target="_blank">Facebook page</a>, if you prefer that platform. Have fun!</p><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comCary, NC, USA35.79154 -78.78111697.4813061638211522 -113.9373669 64.101773836178836 -43.6248669tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300013189328486476.post-82757575287353745212019-02-23T16:01:00.001-05:002019-02-23T16:01:51.989-05:00Marie Kondo's Netflix Series: Thoughts on Minimalism and Magic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizM7sccGILJNwlSE1YYattGgNz-i6pSplizY7ppcj0NJ_FgzqjO3fN9CqWTuGX_BHWZkIuOJ1cfxOxAmQ_Z9T3WBH6ELWHCJFnfghRoFgarhUQtiywltaP6lFdvFWmqQubZBLvrbGBX14/s1600/spring+floral.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizM7sccGILJNwlSE1YYattGgNz-i6pSplizY7ppcj0NJ_FgzqjO3fN9CqWTuGX_BHWZkIuOJ1cfxOxAmQ_Z9T3WBH6ELWHCJFnfghRoFgarhUQtiywltaP6lFdvFWmqQubZBLvrbGBX14/s640/spring+floral.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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A Different Kind of Home Improvement Show</h3>
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Given that I work in the field of home improvement, one might expect that I watch lots of home improvement shows, but the truth is that I primarily watch HGTV while sitting in the dentist's chair! Even so, when I learned that Marie Kondo had a Netflix series, "Tidying Up With Marie Kondo", I looked forward to watching it. I read Marie Kondo's book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Life-Changing-Magic-Tidying-Decluttering-Organizing/dp/1607747308/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=threchbl0e-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=001ae8cc6ce0c539c1c2e0db7f3cfb24&creativeASIN=1607747308" target="_blank">The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up</a>, when it first came out and anticipated that the show would be interesting as well.<br />
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In the Netflix series, Kondo guides 8 households through her unique KonMari Method to pare down their possessions one category at a time in a sequential order. Her five sequential categories are:<br />
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<li>Clothing</li>
<li>Books </li>
<li>Papers</li>
<li>Komono (Miscellaneous Items)</li>
<li>Sentimental Items</li>
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The KonMari Method involves piling all possessions from within one category into a single location and then picking up each item from the pile and deciding whether the item "sparks joy". Items that "spark joy" remain in the home and are stored in an orderly way; items that do not are thanked for their service and discarded/donated.<br />
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Kondo's show captured my attention for exactly the same reason that traditional design shows often don't: it focused on how homeowners <i>feel</i> in their homes rather than just on the aesthetic perfection of the finished space. As <a href="https://www.npr.org/2019/01/21/687085997/marie-kondos-netflix-show-aims-to-help-people-declutter" target="_blank">this NPR segment</a> pointed out, Kondo's show merges the genre of home improvement television with a new angle: "self-care culture".<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 17px;"> </span><br />
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Though each episode of "Tidying Up" included decluttered "after" room photos, the <i>real </i>"after" was the improved emotional state of the homeowners. They smiled and laughed more. They wore brighter colors. They just seemed...happy.<br />
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Watching the series, I was reminded of my wonderful Italian grandma, who used to love watching "Wheel of Fortune". Whenever someone won, she'd celebrate with them, exclaiming, "God bless! Looka how <i>happy</i> she is!" As a viewer of "Tidying Up", I had a similar, "Looka how happy" reaction. I enjoyed seeing homeowners feeling better in their homes, much as I do with my clients in their homes. <br />
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<b>Is Marie Kondo's Netflix Series About Minimalism?</b></h3>
Many journalists have <a href="https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/maximalist-response-marie-kondo-minimalist-mandate" target="_blank">described Marie Kondo as a minimalist</a>, but I think that's an oversimplification. She supports approaching ones possessions and home with mindfulness, intentionality, and gratitude. In both her book and her show, Kondo's focus is less on discarding and more on leaning into joy. To use an art analogy, the emphasis is on the positive space rather than just the negative space. The emphasis is on celebrating and respecting what is there rather than what is not there.<br />
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When Mario, a homeowner in episode 7 of the Netflix series, whittles his sneaker collection from 160 pairs down to "below 45" pairs, Kondo steps into his space and declares the change to be "phenomenal". What kind of minimalist would endorse owning 45 pairs of...anything? The homeowners featured in "Tidying Up" still have treasured collections and plenty of "stuff" in the after pictures, but they are also visibly relieved after paring down.<br />
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There's a Finnish proverb that says, "Happiness is a place between too little and too much." I think "Tidying Up" shows us the homeowners with their radiant "after" smiles resting in the sweet spot of "just enough", which varies from person to person. It's not about minimalism per se, but about finding that happy balance in the middle and respecting and appreciating one's own possessions. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_-7U2YMLWlgwxvlWJPYLf_qw0lqcXYDm1s7LquHdh9pQka7h9tA6QomXOaWg0M3VGh4oY9jo0f2FhgiCthefCC4FhSEVG6oAb2cQDr1RyUOXSIzSBb2JI5Mx8N5Yi23KZ1yBx8LM7w80/s1600/towels+kon+marie+fold.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1134" data-original-width="1600" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_-7U2YMLWlgwxvlWJPYLf_qw0lqcXYDm1s7LquHdh9pQka7h9tA6QomXOaWg0M3VGh4oY9jo0f2FhgiCthefCC4FhSEVG6oAb2cQDr1RyUOXSIzSBb2JI5Mx8N5Yi23KZ1yBx8LM7w80/s640/towels+kon+marie+fold.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Will Marie Kondo's Method Work Magic For Everyone?</h3>
I think that many people can find some element that is useful or helpful in the KonMari method--for example, the wonderfully simple concept of exploring whether an object "sparks joy" as a prerequisite for keeping it. Kondo's innovative folding method--storing folded items in drawers horizontally rather than vertically--could also be a game changer for many, as it allows all contents to be viewed at once.<span style="color: #423935; font-family: lato;"><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span>But as I watched the series, I thought about some of my adult clients with ADHD and wondered whether the sequential, time-intensive, "marathon" decluttering approach would work for them in their homes.<br />
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<a href="https://danarayburn.com/adhd-life-changing-magic-tidying/" target="_blank">In a 2017 post about Kondo's book</a>, ADHD coach <a href="https://danarayburn.com/" target="_blank">Dana Rayburn</a> expressed skepticism about whether the method would be realistic for adults with ADHD. She wrote, "Every card-carrying ADHD adult I know would gather all the books in a pile. <b>Get bored and go do something else.</b> The pile of books would remain in the middle of the floor for months."<br />
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Kondo's suggestion that homeowners hold each object to determine whether it sparks joy also differs from an observation made by Judith Kolberg in her book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Conquering-Chronic-Disorganization-Judith-Kolberg/dp/0966797035/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=threchbl0e-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=c8d6c685e1c15c94c6b41f1360f7face&creativeASIN=0966797035" target="_blank">Conquering Chronic Disorganization</a>. In her book, Kolberg, founder of the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization (now called the <a href="https://www.challengingdisorganization.org/" target="_blank">Institute for Challenging Disorganization</a>) describes a phenomenon that she calls "kinetic sympathy" whereby individuals are more likely to choose to keep an object if they physically touch it (as opposed to having another person hold up an item for their appraisal). She writes, "Lacking formal training in psychology, I am at a loss to explain it, but it is clear that touching a thing can set off an emotional response for chronically disorganized people." I have witnessed this in my work with clients as well, so this may be helpful to keep in mind for homeowners who struggle with discarding.<br />
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Despite these limitations of the KonMari method, I recommend the Netflix series and feel that it offers some valuable tools and insights that many viewers can successfully apply in their own homes. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links.</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300013189328486476.post-40123034304496831442018-12-19T20:40:00.000-05:002018-12-19T20:40:35.276-05:003 Easy Christmas Crafts To Make With Kids<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Here are three easy, green, kid-friendly Christmas crafts that I've made with my daughter over the years. All three utilize repurposed / recycled / upcycled materials.</div>
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<b>#1: Christmas Trees Made from Painted Paper Party Hats</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSmjOKDOjvZuB9nD1x1Du334B1rgxeQqNN7Wsi-m_pyH1VKl10NnmHt3Z-wiJyV7L8pBfJD32k-Dq1fuY2h9EM3zv4Em6CW58ycQO_R4ZVicuUXTgctJX3al8t56Zsjz6pK6Tu3MVe2io/s1600/party+hat+trees+2+watermarked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="painted paper party hat Christmas tree easy craft for kids " border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1231" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSmjOKDOjvZuB9nD1x1Du334B1rgxeQqNN7Wsi-m_pyH1VKl10NnmHt3Z-wiJyV7L8pBfJD32k-Dq1fuY2h9EM3zv4Em6CW58ycQO_R4ZVicuUXTgctJX3al8t56Zsjz6pK6Tu3MVe2io/s640/party+hat+trees+2+watermarked.jpg" title="painted paper party hat Christmas tree easy craft for kids" width="492" /></a></div>
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Do you enjoy wearing <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Party-Hats-Assorted-8-Count/dp/B00AK8G0NI/ref=as_sl_pc_tf_til?tag=threchbl0e-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=2a8a71573dbbf7460c94b344c7283d93&creativeASIN=B00AK8G0NI" target="_blank">paper party hats</a>? Of course you don't! Nobody does! Their elastic strings are always too tight, and they bear an unfortunate resemblance to dunce caps. Since they aren't any fun to wear, why not transform them into some darling decorated Christmas trees?</div>
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I made these sweet Christmas trees with my daughter when she was a toddler. We started with paper party hats left over from a birthday party. First, we punched holes along the bottom edges so we'd have the option of putting <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Flameless-Flickering-Battery-Powered-Birthday-Decoration/dp/B0792QKS8N/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=threchbl0e-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=61ab26f8bec6ee26793923159f86ab53&creativeASIN=B0792QKS8N" target="_blank">a battery powered tea light candle</a> inside. Next, we painted them with green acrylic craft paint. This step is easier if you are able to open the hats and lay them flat on a protected surface. After the paint was dry, we used white glue, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Pacon-Sparkling-Crystals-Assorted-91370/dp/B000AN35VI/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=threchbl0e-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=233f3dd365dfa3561e91299f7b0dba3a&creativeASIN=B000AN35VI" target="_blank">glitter</a>, beads, and pom poms to decorate them. These trees were so simple to make, but when we pull them out every year, they bring back the fun memory.</div>
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<b>2. Recycled Tissue Paper Tree Ornament </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5GxL495FGlQRp_yKuKmaCsNyaJ1c-0KpuRs6uvr6AGjOiVTfcWSgO45S1zpofQspQ47cHmqVqfxWY8t_C_Dlur2j28z1BvPHDH0r0NbeAYglURkXwHrrb_4h0unYnYMFPPzHwcmDzCvM/s1600/tissue+paper+tree+ornament+watermarked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Recycled tissue paper Christmas tree ornament craft for kids" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5GxL495FGlQRp_yKuKmaCsNyaJ1c-0KpuRs6uvr6AGjOiVTfcWSgO45S1zpofQspQ47cHmqVqfxWY8t_C_Dlur2j28z1BvPHDH0r0NbeAYglURkXwHrrb_4h0unYnYMFPPzHwcmDzCvM/s640/tissue+paper+tree+ornament+watermarked.jpg" title="Recycled tissue paper Christmas tree ornament craft for kids" width="480" /></a></div>
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Several years ago, I had a group of kids coming over to our house for a playdate and no time to run to the store for craft materials. After unsuccessfully combing Pinterest for a simple DIY ornament project using materials that I had on hand, I came up with this idea. </div>
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Start by cutting the trees (essentially, triangles with a square trunk attached) out of cereal boxes or similar chipboard boxes. Punch a hole near the top of each tree. Have each child tear and wad up small pieces of festive colored tissue paper for his or her tree (this is the best part). Apply white glue to the <u>printed</u> side of a chipboard tree a little at a time and arrange tissue wads on the glue. You can glue the tissue wads in rows or "free-form"--there are no rules here! Gluing the tissue to the printed side of the chipboard leaves the back side plain so that you can write the child's name and the date on it. (Optional: once dry, add sparkles with glitter or glitter glue.) Finally, glue a small brown square of chipboard over the trunk and add a ribbon or string at the top for hanging.</div>
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<b>3. Glitter-Dipped Light Bulbs</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGQIRTHFRZwa9glJsoq-JZqjpeXejnzRX27bvRTbPYdm7c43eRVWQilaVTF-xtgzrs9gkDREOM8oysyj5cfKrPIgq9qysmEeQXHHAJ9GLfgOJx17eysqRApc2gqZgTSnXMhpPZAZrl94s/s1600/glitter+bulbs+watermarked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Glitter dipped light bulbs repurpose upcycle reuse craft" border="0" data-original-height="1444" data-original-width="1600" height="576" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGQIRTHFRZwa9glJsoq-JZqjpeXejnzRX27bvRTbPYdm7c43eRVWQilaVTF-xtgzrs9gkDREOM8oysyj5cfKrPIgq9qysmEeQXHHAJ9GLfgOJx17eysqRApc2gqZgTSnXMhpPZAZrl94s/s640/glitter+bulbs+watermarked.jpg" title="Glitter dipped light bulbs repurpose upcycle reuse craft" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's a great way to upcycle burned out light bulbs from your night lights, candelabras, and Christmas lights. Use a paintbrush to "paint" glue on the glass portion of the bulb and then sprinkle or roll <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Pacon-Sparkling-Crystals-Assorted-91370/dp/B000AN35VI/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=threchbl0e-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=233f3dd365dfa3561e91299f7b0dba3a&creativeASIN=B000AN35VI" target="_blank">glitter </a>over the glue.<br />
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Once dry, these glamorous, upcycled bulbs are fun to display with greenery in a small dish, tuck into a shadow box, combine with ornaments and glass balls as vase filler, or arrange with vintage ornaments for a centerpiece.<br />
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Merry Christmas!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links.</span></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300013189328486476.post-61822325881591690522018-12-13T15:13:00.001-05:002018-12-13T15:13:05.850-05:003 Easy, Upcycled Christmas DIY Projects<br />
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Chilly December days at home are the perfect time to try your hand at some simple Christmas DIY projects. Here are three projects that I have made over the years. All were made from materials that I already had on hand.<br />
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<b>1. DIY Reusable Cloth Gift Bags</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijeO7C0L_sHIiHkkp2LDFqzb-77w21WQ4f5RBqAGZvOC-W53xqXv-_vRVbpV9htKa-CqF-Ry9RY5a3dfWwxTmFQZyE220xZuYieNMmCu3kEE2KdDMWvnwyiXgnnnLPFR-nGHsKHBLP2TQ/s1600/Cloth+Gift+Bags+watermarked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijeO7C0L_sHIiHkkp2LDFqzb-77w21WQ4f5RBqAGZvOC-W53xqXv-_vRVbpV9htKa-CqF-Ry9RY5a3dfWwxTmFQZyE220xZuYieNMmCu3kEE2KdDMWvnwyiXgnnnLPFR-nGHsKHBLP2TQ/s640/Cloth+Gift+Bags+watermarked.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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After replacing our long, rectangular table with a round one, I found myself with a bright red tablecloth that no longer fit our table. I'd always been intrigued by the idea of reusable, fabric gift bags, so I decided to cut up the tablecloth to make gift bags for our family to reuse year after year. They've held up for a decade so far!<br />
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Cloth gift bags are simple to make with the help of a sewing machine. Each bag is essentially a pillowcase with one open end. I made gift bags in a range of sizes to accommodate different sized gifts. If you repurpose a tablecloth, you can strategically cut it so that you use the finished edge of the tablecloth for the open end of the pillowcase to save some hemming. Alternatively, you can use <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fiskars-12-94458697WJ-Pinking-Shears-Orange/dp/B000AXI856/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=threchbl0e-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=c5230e5436f870e11e0f6a0571b74388&creativeASIN=B000AXI856" target="_blank">pinking sheers</a> to prevent the open end from fraying. <br />
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To tie the bags closed, I have used tartan plaid ribbon that I already had on hand--similar to <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Traditional-Clarkston-Decoration-Royal-Imports/dp/B0773WY983/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=threchbl0e-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=9d019ccd01a2b8df36e7dbd3919f277e&creativeASIN=B0773WY983" target="_blank">this ribbon</a>. You either can use a separate ribbon to tie each bag closed, or you can use a couple of stitches to attach a ribbon at its center point near the open end of the bag to "marry" the ribbon and the bag.<br />
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Gifts wrapped by family members before Christmas are just tucked in cloth bags under the tree; additional empty bags can be left near the tree on Christmas Eve for Santa to fill. <br />
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Wrapping gifts is a breeze--just slide the gift inside, tie with a ribbon, and add a gift tag or a sticker to name the recipient! Then, at midnight on Christmas Eve, when all of the moms in your local Facebook group are frantically wrapping gifts while posting crying face/glass of wine emojis, you can put up your feet, gaze at the Christmas tree, and indulge in an extra cup of cocoa.</div>
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Christmas morning clean up is simple too--no wrestling mountains of wrapping paper into the recycle bin. Just fold up the bags, and you're finished! </div>
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<b>2. DIY Vintage Postcard Window</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTxVSF6fxQULk4GrInbJFqWHodOaxDwQ_5zBRIVx6cBDfQ1XVD-Y8zZd00iiCL8oqlm63uY4_CjjuHjVCLONnuuirMku_uK04jPoHmLQNRVamhcKegjhxB-MMrFbuDlHVxU8HDntHCSNU/s1600/vintage+postcard+window+watermarked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1261" data-original-width="1600" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTxVSF6fxQULk4GrInbJFqWHodOaxDwQ_5zBRIVx6cBDfQ1XVD-Y8zZd00iiCL8oqlm63uY4_CjjuHjVCLONnuuirMku_uK04jPoHmLQNRVamhcKegjhxB-MMrFbuDlHVxU8HDntHCSNU/s640/vintage+postcard+window+watermarked.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The mullions on an old window offer an easy framework for displaying vintage Christmas postcards (or your favorite Christmas cards from past years) on a mantel or over a sideboard. Old windows can often be found at your local <a href="https://www.wakerestore.org/cary" target="_blank">Habitat for Humanity Restore</a>. Simply attach the cards to the window with rolled tape. If you don't have a collection of favorite cards, The Graphics Fairy offers fun, free, printable vintage French Christmas postcards <a href="https://thegraphicsfairy.com/vintage-french-christmas-postcards/" target="_blank">here</a>. You can also order books or sets of reproduction vintage Christmas postcards, such as <a href="https://www.amazon.com/HOLIDAYS-Reprints-1907-1941-postcard-postcards/dp/B0113SZ2BY/ref=as_sl_pc_tf_til?tag=threchbl0e-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=cd98ff6d7960a605f0cd05a66657b154&creativeASIN=B0113SZ2BY" target="_blank">this set below, offered by Amazon</a>:</div>
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<b>3. DIY Gift Garland</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi15gzKvRIvLfX1xr0m5qNpYPNzmkW-6PWdf6UFq0yEVmTVg66jwIVpHzo_7aGv5PGSuEuJ3s7KBHeyvXg-2m-EOzdFU6BG6ZQfJa-q2aLpT5mH-TyID9VvgnLEjtT4m2Ua9NXuTxSUQCQ/s1600/gift+garland+watermarked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1283" data-original-width="1600" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi15gzKvRIvLfX1xr0m5qNpYPNzmkW-6PWdf6UFq0yEVmTVg66jwIVpHzo_7aGv5PGSuEuJ3s7KBHeyvXg-2m-EOzdFU6BG6ZQfJa-q2aLpT5mH-TyID9VvgnLEjtT4m2Ua9NXuTxSUQCQ/s640/gift+garland+watermarked.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I was inspired to make this easy garland after a stylist used a similar garland in a photo in the Pottery Barn catalog many years ago. Wrap small gift boxes with scraps of wrapping paper or fabric and tie with pretty ribbons, and then string all of them onto a single ribbon to hang as a garland. Tip: if you don't have enough little boxes, the lids and bases of jewelry boxes can be wrapped separately to stretch your box supply. These gift garlands are darling draped across a mirror, mantel, or armoire. They also make cute props for Christmas portraits.</div>
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Happy crafting!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links.</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300013189328486476.post-15031870683898233782017-09-05T12:33:00.000-04:002017-09-14T09:31:12.266-04:00Easy DIY Farmhouse Centerpiece<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAvMaakd2G_qbgSahF4Z3d4LY02hqJcVV34kJ81EDwWfClXeDpDPrIe2ZgSBoFaCECGvlhG5dqW4qTrT-zJWq2l8dZAar48_EZqjAdjFe-fS8FoIvYsRAENuVzmrT7kF5lhJIAVsT91us/s1600/Easy+DIY+farmhouse+centerpiece+Red+Chair+Blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Easy DIY Rustic Farmhouse Centerpiece Using Ball Jars from The Red Chair Blog" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAvMaakd2G_qbgSahF4Z3d4LY02hqJcVV34kJ81EDwWfClXeDpDPrIe2ZgSBoFaCECGvlhG5dqW4qTrT-zJWq2l8dZAar48_EZqjAdjFe-fS8FoIvYsRAENuVzmrT7kF5lhJIAVsT91us/s640/Easy+DIY+farmhouse+centerpiece+Red+Chair+Blog.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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There is a mindset that I adopt when I do interior redesign work. It's more a directive than a mindset, really: I assume that I already have what I need. I could write a lot about this mindset and how it relates to bigger issues like consumerism and minimalism and spirituality and contentment, but for the purpose of today's post, all I need to say is that this simple directive always pushes me to flex my creative muscles and find solutions to problems. Somehow in my creative work, whenever I assume that I already have what I need, I'm right!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFw-4VgAHZTLks7-yPQ0nmbjHd4KUGkcLWSfFYba1RjNYQb96YyMhhadvdAt0JPMnHH9FgG8bTpxmlyh6sHwVpRXNaX41AqNEImPEWPIFbNsDJusMG4dEDtiRAKx62pkBdCqwspc8NbC8/s1600/you+already+have+what+you+need.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Inspirational quote from The Red Chair Blog Assume that you already have what you need " border="0" data-original-height="496" data-original-width="811" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFw-4VgAHZTLks7-yPQ0nmbjHd4KUGkcLWSfFYba1RjNYQb96YyMhhadvdAt0JPMnHH9FgG8bTpxmlyh6sHwVpRXNaX41AqNEImPEWPIFbNsDJusMG4dEDtiRAKx62pkBdCqwspc8NbC8/s640/you+already+have+what+you+need.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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When it was time to photograph this kitchen for my website, the long farmhouse table was begging for a long farmhouse centerpiece. More specifically, a Joanna Gaines "Fixer Upper" style long, rustic, reclaimed wood box centerpiece. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKqnMGFwP7XWr5os0RzXD_jxUZg7cX_ndLq_3_h-LKQ_unTFtrsz3zcOjsxTcL4LdSFDFqjfS-vxILODCCyfiqnvoNfwzWlc2XneQPOIOUDrdgnTd15cNZ6reWpPZOcRd4vx4pDr9zJPw/s1600/farmhouse+kitchen+watermarked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="White farmhouse kitchen with walls in Sherwin Williams Comfort Gray and floors in Pergo Haley Oak" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKqnMGFwP7XWr5os0RzXD_jxUZg7cX_ndLq_3_h-LKQ_unTFtrsz3zcOjsxTcL4LdSFDFqjfS-vxILODCCyfiqnvoNfwzWlc2XneQPOIOUDrdgnTd15cNZ6reWpPZOcRd4vx4pDr9zJPw/s640/farmhouse+kitchen+watermarked.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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I didn't have a long, rustic, reclaimed wooden box centerpiece--nor did I feel inspired to build one--but I did have a single, rustic board. And a shelf full of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ball-Heritage-Collection-Pint-Bands/dp/B00B80TJX0/ref=as_sl_pc_tf_til?tag=threchbl0e-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=59fd4997456ac6fce106c9d9e353f1e3&creativeASIN=B00B80TJX0" target="_blank">blue Heritage Collection Ball jars</a>. And access to a North Carolina backyard bursting with mint. And so a formula presented itself:<br />
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Wooden board + Jars + Filler= Instant Farmhouse Centerpiece </div>
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The centerpiece pictured here is shown on an 8 foot long farm table. I'll share more details about this room in a future post. To assemble the centerpiece, I started with a piece of pallet wood measuring approximately 5" x 40" and centered it on the table. A longer, wider board would have been ideal, but I was assuming that I already had what I needed! I filled ten aqua blue Ball jars half full of water, lined them up on top of the board, and added fresh-cut mint to each one.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_yE432rwFwVH5gCCXQbJkN0xFlLChxJNpfi9Y2CrAs8sAsMYIL7nZ2FhZtY66NDFjVpsprLE5ejIzE9lWnLGv3gIR3jNMklStsIM4hzw-boDyLLzY2qWzWqyJCQBe6ZKB2h1E-KisUc/s1600/farmhouse+centerpiece+watermarked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Easy Joanna Gaines style Rustic DIY Farmhouse centerpiece using ball jars from The Red Chair Blog" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_yE432rwFwVH5gCCXQbJkN0xFlLChxJNpfi9Y2CrAs8sAsMYIL7nZ2FhZtY66NDFjVpsprLE5ejIzE9lWnLGv3gIR3jNMklStsIM4hzw-boDyLLzY2qWzWqyJCQBe6ZKB2h1E-KisUc/s640/farmhouse+centerpiece+watermarked.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ball-Heritage-Collection-Pint-Bands/dp/B00B80TJX0/ref=as_sl_pc_tf_til?tag=threchbl0e-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=59fd4997456ac6fce106c9d9e353f1e3&creativeASIN=B00B80TJX0" target="_blank">The Ball jars are sold on Amazon in sets of 6</a>, so two full sets are pictured here. If you look carefully, you can spot the final two jars serving as drinking glasses on the kitchen island. As a side note, the jars are perfect for lemonade, iced tea, or even smoothies, as their wide mouths make them easy to clean.<br />
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If you don't own blue Ball jars, scout your house assuming that you already have exactly what you need! Clear jars would work well too; check your recycle bin for peanut butter jars, pickle jars, or jam jars. You could also substitute a row of short drinking glasses. Even tin cans with the labels removed could work. Filler can be flowers, herbs, or votive candles for a different look. <br />
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Also pictured in this tablescape are vintage Libbey Duratuff Gibraltar glass goblets in a light green color called "Spanish Green". These vintage glasses can usually be found on <a href="https://www.etsy.com/" target="_blank">Etsy</a>. A clear glass version of the same product can be found <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Libbey-15247-Gibraltar-DuraTuff-Goblet/dp/B00SA7T5RE/ref=as_sl_pc_tf_til?tag=threchbl0e-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=a3a92563dd8f60735a06e6c596481243&creativeASIN=B00SA7T5RE" target="_blank">on Amazon here</a>. The white dishes are <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Pfaltzgraff-Filigree-16-Piece-Dinnerware-Service/dp/B000H92YKI/ref=as_sl_pc_tf_til?tag=threchbl0e-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=74034273ba1bea2c7e0030eb85518aff&creativeASIN=B000H92YKI" target="_blank">Pfaltzgraff Filigree</a>. The woven cotton turquoise placemats were made by Windham Weavers / Homer Laughlin (RN# 84914).<br />
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The key to making this centerpiece look intentional is repetition; whatever vessel you choose to use, use a lot of them for visual impact!<br />
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<i>This post contains Amazon Affiliate links.</i><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300013189328486476.post-88223131854532068682017-02-14T23:51:00.000-05:002017-09-14T09:33:41.095-04:00Feng Shui Tips for Love and Romance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgirbvnUrUCJ3reR4_cUVpzKB9xAONE0enT_IBIUjXIOXuizPCTk2tyYtfuGWRHFNYD_bCXoWKUifRzfpof0ecZ-KPCxiedYRs4zU0wC2QBjkc17_kmZ62tNJztu0biMeQhE6nbHsv7kfY/s1600/bCXMr1487016651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Feng shui tips for love and romance from The Red Chair Blog" border="0" height="584" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgirbvnUrUCJ3reR4_cUVpzKB9xAONE0enT_IBIUjXIOXuizPCTk2tyYtfuGWRHFNYD_bCXoWKUifRzfpof0ecZ-KPCxiedYRs4zU0wC2QBjkc17_kmZ62tNJztu0biMeQhE6nbHsv7kfY/s640/bCXMr1487016651.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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Feng shui is the ancient Chinese art and science of arranging one's environment to be in harmony with nature's energy. Whether you are single or in a relationship,Valentine's Day is a great day to spend a few minutes improving the feng shui of the "marriage / relationship" corner of your master bedroom.<br />
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To start, locate the marriage corner of your room. Stand in the doorway so that you're facing into the room. The far right corner of the room is your marriage corner:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbnuc_WOxHATl_XIMj_QNru4w47Lhn58Y5t_WKTF6ihpV4Gud2dAH-13SOpWc_1A24cdYvnmpA3ID8SxoWFrclQd5Yntc0yEFuJ1rRMcVt0EqgArYGiMA_5LDAK7gVjt2hnjSDa2WbK6q7/s1600-h/marriage+corner.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="How to find the marriage relationship corner feng shui The Red Chair Blog" border="0" height="249" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438224704080172434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbnuc_WOxHATl_XIMj_QNru4w47Lhn58Y5t_WKTF6ihpV4Gud2dAH-13SOpWc_1A24cdYvnmpA3ID8SxoWFrclQd5Yntc0yEFuJ1rRMcVt0EqgArYGiMA_5LDAK7gVjt2hnjSDa2WbK6q7/s640/marriage+corner.jpg" style="display: block; height: 156px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" title="Located the marriage corner of your room for feng shui " width="640" /></a>Take a look at your marriage corner. Is it piled to the ceiling with dirty laundry? Is it home to your video collection of every episode of "Divorce Court" that ever aired? Is it where you showcase your prized prickly cactus or your pet piranha, "Jaws"? Or maybe it holds accidental symbols of solitude and unrequited love, such as this sad little perpetually-puckering figurine?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHqX6tens1c74k_zWWpVWDDCqYqnMvG0ZxeUbQKJ3ltTSxxSX9A_R0_DgBvitBm09LBdD58-PjwavHi_5MVlGZpwLAsQK9LcQeGoTmjugsTmQSheCOGvrFZtfNxHYJBJ92I7FQ21vPF2Q/s1600/w41Mc1487029576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kissing angel image from The Red Chair Blog" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHqX6tens1c74k_zWWpVWDDCqYqnMvG0ZxeUbQKJ3ltTSxxSX9A_R0_DgBvitBm09LBdD58-PjwavHi_5MVlGZpwLAsQK9LcQeGoTmjugsTmQSheCOGvrFZtfNxHYJBJ92I7FQ21vPF2Q/s400/w41Mc1487029576.jpg" title="" width="272" /></a></div>
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I once worked with a single client who discovered, much to her dismay, that her marriage corner held two overflowing garbage cans! Another client laughingly observed that the display shelf in her marriage corner had been home to the cremated remains of her pets. She quipped, "You mean I'm not supposed to have dead animals in my marriage corner?!"<br />
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Think about the symbolism of the objects in this corner of the room. If an object doesn't symbolize love, partnership, and affection--and your current relationship--it doesn't belong in the marriage corner!<br />
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So what <i>does</i> belong in your marriage corner? Here are some suggestions:<br />
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<li>Photos of you and your beloved together. Wedding photos are wonderful here!</li>
<li>Thriving, growing houseplants</li>
<li>Fresh flowers </li>
<li>Your wedding cake topper (But if you saved and dried your bridal bouquet, display it elsewhere; dried flowers are a feng shui "no-no" because they are technically...dead!)</li>
<li>Candles (pairs are best)</li>
<li>Framed love letters or framed quotes about love</li>
<li>Pairs that represent love to you (for example, two "lovebirds")</li>
<li>Heart-shaped objects</li>
<li>Your marriage certificate or framed wedding invitation</li>
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The colors that are said to enhance this area are <b>red, white, and pink</b>. What a coincidence: Valentine colors! Pink can be tough to incorporate into most of today's color schemes, but red and white are good candidates. You may even be able to repurpose a few of your Valentine's Day decorations or cards here year-round. </div>
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This <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0107RIAJS?ie=UTF8&tag=threchbl0e-20&camp=1789&linkCode=xm2&creativeASIN=B0107RIAJS" target="_blank">set of 2 Elufly porcelain mini heart dishes</a> is a textbook example of what to display in your marriage corner. This affordable set gets points in three categories: it's a pair, it's white, and it's also heart-shaped!</div>
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<img alt="Heart dishes are good feng shui for the marriage corner of your bedroom The Red Chair Blog" height="462" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61CO4N%2BmFWL._SL1200_.jpg" title="" width="640" /><br />
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<img alt="A sweet heart dish is good romance feng shui The Red Chair Blog" height="640" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51TUXbqYIQL._SL1100_.jpg" title="" width="480" /></div>
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While feng shui-ing the marriage corner is helpful, it's also important to take a step back to assess the master bedroom as a whole from the perspective of whether it can accommodate the needs of just one person or two. Is the bed wedged into a corner, or are both sides of the bed easily accessible? Are there two nightstands and two table lamps flanking the bed, or only one? <br />
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When I work with single clients, I often notice that they have only one nightstand and/or one bedside lamp in the master bedroom. Sometimes they have stored the second, matching nightstand in the attic or in a closet, explaining that they "don't need it". I encourage single clients to symbolically make space for a future partner by including a pair of nightstands and a pair of lamps flanking the bed in the master bedroom. <br />
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Pairs hold symbolic power in a master bedroom. But feng shui aside, pairs also add nice visual symmetry, and a pair of lovely, matching lamps can sometimes be the finishing touch that elevates the room to "finished" status. The two nightstands don't need to be identical, but they should be of similar height, color, and visual weight. In a small bedroom, a pair of petite dressers can serve as nightstands, eliminating the need for a single larger chest of drawers or a large dresser.<br />
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Be creative and have fun! Happy Valentine's Day!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">This post contains affiliate links</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300013189328486476.post-73622373716484655572016-06-07T11:59:00.000-04:002017-09-14T09:34:23.933-04:00Bicycle Napkin Rings at SteinmartI recently saw these fun, red bicycle napkin rings on clearance at <a href="https://www.steinmart.com/" target="_blank">Steinmart</a>, and I couldn't resist snapping a photo with my phone to share. Priced at $1.95 each--with additional coupons available--they're a whimsical design surprise for your table, especially if your family loves bikes and bike riding!<br />
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Given their cheerful red color, they could be pressed into service for several different holidays too. Pair them with patriotic place mats for the Fourth of July, or wrap a little sprig of faux holly berries and leaves around the handlebars at Christmas. When Valentine's Day rolls around (no pun intended), these little bikes can partner with pink and white table linens.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG-_teqX8MgqnU8XRqr8rGHy37A6EICooQT_eASPFuR56NBKBiRRPdgIGHPZN3aKSaY2Bg6EO20fCZLrkLB-LrhGBtkFCS2K0NiRydvJ0oH7VRZSPgHvSMDVyrSRDpCbhzm3To2IwZnCo/s1600/bicycle+napkin+ring+watermarked.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bicycle napkin rings from Steinmart spotted on The Red Chair Blog" border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG-_teqX8MgqnU8XRqr8rGHy37A6EICooQT_eASPFuR56NBKBiRRPdgIGHPZN3aKSaY2Bg6EO20fCZLrkLB-LrhGBtkFCS2K0NiRydvJ0oH7VRZSPgHvSMDVyrSRDpCbhzm3To2IwZnCo/s640/bicycle+napkin+ring+watermarked.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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I have a special place in my heart for all things bicycle-related because I rode an older, red "Gypsy Sport" bike as my primary form of transportation all through my undergraduate years. There were more bikes than people in our CA college town, and the town was designed to be bike-friendly, with abundant bike lanes and bike parking. Though many bikes were stolen every year, no one ever stole "the Gypsy"!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300013189328486476.post-62238331706710930342016-06-03T15:45:00.000-04:002017-09-14T09:37:12.261-04:00DIY Small Space Laundry System Revisited<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNI2YCFTkY2nSuMemAjf7Jh0Qz1pDJLq73t8sTokVe0Rrul8x_3W0Ufu2aF3FSjFzAQkOkcmu-ZAdKiEw_Wpctae1Pswsm9F16KrYfLUBcqivvQx40ShmPPMt-q1Je9OPOSnAfpU4nhSU/s1600/Small+Space+Laundry+System+Watermarked.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DIY small space laundry system using hanging laundry bags from The Red Chair Blog" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNI2YCFTkY2nSuMemAjf7Jh0Qz1pDJLq73t8sTokVe0Rrul8x_3W0Ufu2aF3FSjFzAQkOkcmu-ZAdKiEw_Wpctae1Pswsm9F16KrYfLUBcqivvQx40ShmPPMt-q1Je9OPOSnAfpU4nhSU/s640/Small+Space+Laundry+System+Watermarked.JPG" title="" width="360" /></a></div>
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In January of 2010, I wrote a post in which I shared my small space laundry solution: hanging two <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00013KABK?creativeASIN=B00013KABK&linkCode=w00&linkId=LYMDXI7LNLTCJGTF&ref_=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til&tag=threchbl0e-20" target="_blank">hanging laundry bags</a> on <span style="color: #4e483f;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NHQU7W?creativeASIN=B000NHQU7W&linkCode=w00&linkId=QFIWP7HNPVKKC6P7&ref_=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til&tag=threchbl0e-20" target="_blank">double hooks</a></span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NHQU7W?creativeASIN=B000NHQU7W&linkCode=w00&linkId=QFIWP7HNPVKKC6P7&ref_=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til&tag=threchbl0e-20" target="_blank"> </a>one above the other on the back of a bathroom door to hold two full loads of dirty laundry without taking up any floor space. The original post--which includes detailed DIY instructions for painting the bags--can be found <span id="goog_2139565586"></span><a href="http://theredchairblog.blogspot.com/2010/01/great-diy-laundry-system-for-small.html" target="_blank">here</a><span id="goog_2139565587"></span>. </div>
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Over the years, my <a href="http://theredchairblog.blogspot.com/2010/01/great-diy-laundry-system-for-small.html" target="_blank">DIY laundry system</a> post has consistently been one of my top ten most visited posts. Apparently Don Henley was right: people really <i>do</i> love dirty laundry! Today, I wanted to circle back to reaffirm my love for these bags. I'm happy to report that they are still going strong 7+ years after purchase. </div>
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In my former home, I hung the bags one above the other on the back of the bathroom door as seen in these photos from 2010:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk0oVD-JmeFZ9hFDO4ZKegIkZRvgG2gxaPwZTUjUswwnBzA3JtFBLt0Vnk_9unCKNpLfA1sj7L30PZamnPx8n5LBAhYV5HTJoOLpMSUO0W_s77sqseS7TyPjbe5FZd7nNPD8Sb7EPPInl6/s1600/laundry6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DIY small space laundry system using hanging laundry bags The Red Chair Blog storing laundry" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk0oVD-JmeFZ9hFDO4ZKegIkZRvgG2gxaPwZTUjUswwnBzA3JtFBLt0Vnk_9unCKNpLfA1sj7L30PZamnPx8n5LBAhYV5HTJoOLpMSUO0W_s77sqseS7TyPjbe5FZd7nNPD8Sb7EPPInl6/s640/laundry6.jpg" title="" width="368" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWDOjevWa63FnrscbIPJKQzgFlcOqzUF0sk0AgnLLPl_XN0uzN435AjkZuXqg7XHuiKUsHh0w5qIHz1EA49TKBrdsl5IbDguO8zKQYqFeX2CHDfGY_NoTK9j1j-DvqDgubjyZpBBUYeFVo/s1600-h/laundry7.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="Easy DIY small space laundry solution using hanging laundry bags from The Red Chair Blog" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428212570071258226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWDOjevWa63FnrscbIPJKQzgFlcOqzUF0sk0AgnLLPl_XN0uzN435AjkZuXqg7XHuiKUsHh0w5qIHz1EA49TKBrdsl5IbDguO8zKQYqFeX2CHDfGY_NoTK9j1j-DvqDgubjyZpBBUYeFVo/s640/laundry7.jpg" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 265px;" title="" width="424" /></a><br />
The system worked beautifully; the only problem that I noticed over the years was that when both bags were completely full of laundry, they threw off the alignment of the door a bit due to the weight. This problem corrected itself as soon as the bags were "reset" to empty again.<br />
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After moving to a new house that has a bathroom layout without space behind the door, I decided to use drywall anchors to hang the bags on a side wall in my master bedroom closet. Though the closet is tiny by today's standards--less than 4 feet wide and just over 3 feet deep--the bags fit right in. The photo below shows placement. Full disclosure: despite my appreciation of the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1607747308?creativeASIN=1607747308&linkCode=w00&linkId=WGHKSHHVAMYRNBQQ&ref_=as_sl_pc_tf_til&tag=threchbl0e-20" target="_blank">KonMari Method</a> and my earnest efforts at decluttering, I do in fact own more than one outfit!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibcHjnkithi1PlBXahiyl4JK2DpjXdeOj7ZUV9mC6ZQTJHhvnqu_53jhnpHg-CBAG98hYi3sXv-llgXRCgAMb94ic78_ocBwzdYVuCzjO6BcelOQWfnUSdbFZhnmfe_y5STTvQRrSI2Cg/s1600/laundry+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Easy DIY laundry storage system using hanging laundry bags from The Red Chair Blog" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibcHjnkithi1PlBXahiyl4JK2DpjXdeOj7ZUV9mC6ZQTJHhvnqu_53jhnpHg-CBAG98hYi3sXv-llgXRCgAMb94ic78_ocBwzdYVuCzjO6BcelOQWfnUSdbFZhnmfe_y5STTvQRrSI2Cg/s640/laundry+3.JPG" title="" width="334" /></a></div>
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This photo was taken last summer, but even today, these <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00013KABK?creativeASIN=B00013KABK&linkCode=w00&linkId=LYMDXI7LNLTCJGTF&ref_=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til&tag=threchbl0e-20" target="_blank">laundry bags</a> look great and are still sturdy and strong. In this day of planned obsolescence, it's refreshing to discover products that last.<br />
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I love these bags. They're sturdy, affordable, easy to carry in one hand, and each bag holds a full load of laundry. The hook at the top of the bag comes in handy for hanging the bag when you are transferring clothes to the washing machine. They're sold plain, but you can easily personalize them as I did in my original post. The right organizing tools can make all the difference!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWDOjevWa63FnrscbIPJKQzgFlcOqzUF0sk0AgnLLPl_XN0uzN435AjkZuXqg7XHuiKUsHh0w5qIHz1EA49TKBrdsl5IbDguO8zKQYqFeX2CHDfGY_NoTK9j1j-DvqDgubjyZpBBUYeFVo/s1600-h/laundry7.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a>
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<i>This post contains Amazon Affiliate links.</i><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300013189328486476.post-82993151839555549412016-03-08T13:16:00.000-05:002017-09-14T09:40:26.027-04:00Sweet and Simple Cloth Beach Balls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKZSoKD58Ph8yhBSUGdSSCQnIOl-CSUoQQpch_ok2jeM8VqgBMl8VVbbiH2DmBrvKPs1OVZMlUQ673Vvuq5DFfp2M49O_tsmaCJMNfPYyECbqhpGY-nbysXKxhTop9xPtHHhY8VjAp99g/s1600/Cloth+balls+watermarked.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKZSoKD58Ph8yhBSUGdSSCQnIOl-CSUoQQpch_ok2jeM8VqgBMl8VVbbiH2DmBrvKPs1OVZMlUQ673Vvuq5DFfp2M49O_tsmaCJMNfPYyECbqhpGY-nbysXKxhTop9xPtHHhY8VjAp99g/s640/Cloth+balls+watermarked.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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To continue my series on handmade kids' toys, here's one of my favorite DIY toy projects. Cloth beach balls are simple to sew, and they make adorable baby gifts. For preschoolers, they're a soft, gentle, less-destructive ball for indoor play. As an added bonus, due to their patchwork nature, they can be made from smaller scraps of fabric that are left over from other projects.<br />
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I discovered this project on the <a href="http://www.purlsoho.com/" target="_blank">Purl Soho</a> website many years ago. <a href="http://www.purlsoho.com/create/2008/08/17/fabric-beach-balls/comment-page-1/#comments" target="_blank">This link</a> will take you to Purl's beautiful and detailed tutorial, including templates to make three different sized beach balls.<br />
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When I followed the Purl tutorial the first time, I came across one challenge. The instructions suggested cutting the center circle from cotton fabric, folding the edges under, and then hand stitching it onto the ball. This turned out to be easier said than done!<br />
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Here is the first ball that I made for a sweet friend's baby boy. Despite my best efforts, the blanket stitch around the central circle came out looking more than a little homemade!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_zsF7r2AqUdANtfuizyT9aLuWpwZwRAaO9CCjjMDWg31ZTUbMkUBJTp8X4YZY_ZFdO7K5NyRIA9e36nhjGoejRteK6Krh8HckhJ6fUnG00ONTh7-Mmkv82MVVHr3B8nK9XTXDp2lwHgU/s1600/cloth+ball+3+watermarked.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_zsF7r2AqUdANtfuizyT9aLuWpwZwRAaO9CCjjMDWg31ZTUbMkUBJTp8X4YZY_ZFdO7K5NyRIA9e36nhjGoejRteK6Krh8HckhJ6fUnG00ONTh7-Mmkv82MVVHr3B8nK9XTXDp2lwHgU/s640/cloth+ball+3+watermarked.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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As a scandalous side note, the plaid fabric was actually snipped from an ill-fitting sundress. Sorry, Ann T., but crafting trumps fashion! And as I've said in past posts, when you <a href="http://theredchairblog.blogspot.com/2011/04/our-light-fixture-fruit-bowl-or-how-to.html" target="_blank">think like a Martian</a>, you don't see tablecloths, pillowcases, dresses, or curtains. You just see fabric!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0nK_92WmCHc-pxHW0wb8Y73gL0qOPB2R6KioqQiIkvAD2O1Mr8eP-MLUJmD4VMk8bzD4VBUakCNTKeUlLfrzSvtVS87-j1re0ms5lJywmEYo5_VLAMuAmHh-OYf6RC09xXY4EiERMaZY/s1600/loft+tag+watermarked.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0nK_92WmCHc-pxHW0wb8Y73gL0qOPB2R6KioqQiIkvAD2O1Mr8eP-MLUJmD4VMk8bzD4VBUakCNTKeUlLfrzSvtVS87-j1re0ms5lJywmEYo5_VLAMuAmHh-OYf6RC09xXY4EiERMaZY/s640/loft+tag+watermarked.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I made another beach ball for a sweet baby girl. That time, I used fleece for the center circle. I cut the edges of the circle with pinking sheers to reduce fraying, and then hand stitched it onto the ball. As you can see from the photo, I use the term "circle" loosely! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhafhxhyphenhyphenJLlbhL331qhTPPUDPbaSUSS9mGM3gscPCLOgodcBcTi36Yn4mLLGzsVDIkr47ea8QzxTVeHgLsyUTXYiYeaL5xbiApW65Cfm9-HMkz2ne_FLjRVvkpHs4Rtp3_SogHQEiZxk_k/s1600/cloth+ball+1+Watermarked.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhafhxhyphenhyphenJLlbhL331qhTPPUDPbaSUSS9mGM3gscPCLOgodcBcTi36Yn4mLLGzsVDIkr47ea8QzxTVeHgLsyUTXYiYeaL5xbiApW65Cfm9-HMkz2ne_FLjRVvkpHs4Rtp3_SogHQEiZxk_k/s640/cloth+ball+1+Watermarked.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I made the ball below for my daughter around five year ago from mismatched fabric scraps selected purely for their "fun factor". If my memory serves, an oxford shirt may have been sacrificed for the black and white gingham, and the purple fleece came from an outgrown sweatshirt. <br />
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Again, I cut the sweatshirt fleece with pinking sheers, and I stitched it on "wrong-side-out" for the center circle. I preferred the texture of the underside of the fleece fabric. Reversed fabric can be used in home decorating too, as I discussed <a href="http://theredchairblog.blogspot.com/2011/06/reverse-psychology-fun-fabric-tip.html" target="_blank">in this post</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvQSVmgHdS7W661GaIr2dIZdMXVKFVOaNKosBaaoccF_66XPAmHzWNTviFhZRjR9IHjWYkX_aAjsmVpxT1T1fjXuMjXXsPKTo-9hMV3yLuQT4LPyzsCcbqdEfmnuySgTW_0AyoBgCHZQ8/s1600/cloth+ball+2+Fleece+Note.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DIY cloth beach ball great baby gift and easy to sew from The Red Chair Blog" border="0" height="578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvQSVmgHdS7W661GaIr2dIZdMXVKFVOaNKosBaaoccF_66XPAmHzWNTviFhZRjR9IHjWYkX_aAjsmVpxT1T1fjXuMjXXsPKTo-9hMV3yLuQT4LPyzsCcbqdEfmnuySgTW_0AyoBgCHZQ8/s640/cloth+ball+2+Fleece+Note.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you'd like to make a cloth beach ball but don't have fabric scraps on hand, Amazon offers some <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EBNI4ZU?creativeASIN=B00EBNI4ZU&linkCode=w00&linkId=LVJ6FUO7KQKAXQIL&ref_=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til&tag=threchbl0e-20" target="_blank">neat fabric bundles like this one by Amy Butler.</a> You may want to compare dimensions with the Purl template prior to placing an online order, as some bundle shapes (eg: smaller squares) might not work for this project.<br />
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My daughter's favorite way to play with this ball was to sit at the bottom of the stairs, throw the ball up to a higher stair, and laugh as it gently bounced back down to her. Despite this ball's involvement in more than one pillow fight, it has never been implicated in any bumped noses or broken vases a la Peter Brady. What's not to love!?<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">This post contains Amazon affiliate links</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">.</span><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300013189328486476.post-496462692228916252016-01-24T10:39:00.002-05:002017-09-14T09:53:13.152-04:00Painted Pistachio Shell Cars & A Free Printable<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijz9698O4HF-_GEiVnYeqEVPjmppPeM2tsSxrPyI4D1bNNFxyJ-TIWaYePCcSAboNMqGIMHQelhsmu3MKgbsZ-cJ7QwRqbf20b8hVUIzCawGe2TsTGsdg7je_k6cWeYHlRfuWWymKa0yw/s1600/Pistachio+shell+cars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kid toy car craft using painted pistachio shells at The Red Chair Blog" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijz9698O4HF-_GEiVnYeqEVPjmppPeM2tsSxrPyI4D1bNNFxyJ-TIWaYePCcSAboNMqGIMHQelhsmu3MKgbsZ-cJ7QwRqbf20b8hVUIzCawGe2TsTGsdg7je_k6cWeYHlRfuWWymKa0yw/s640/Pistachio+shell+cars.jpg" title="" width="512" /></a></div>
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We're snowed in here in North Carolina, so I thought that this would be a great time to continue my series about handmade toys that I have made for my daughter over the years. If you're snowed in with your kiddos, you can whip up a fleet of these tiny, adorable pistachio shell cars in no time. I've also provided a free, printable PDF of the backdrop that you and your kids can color!<br />
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Back in 2012, when my daughter was three years old, two things happened simultaneously:<br />
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1. My family purchased--and devoured--an enormous bag of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003P7ZMXA?creativeASIN=B003P7ZMXA&linkCode=w00&linkId=4LE3LWRUX6V25YS4&ref_=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til&tag=threchbl0e-20" target="_blank">pistachio nuts</a>.<br />
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2. I discovered the wonderful, printable paper toys on the <a href="http://madebyjoel.com/" target="_blank">Made By Joel</a> website. <br />
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The synergy of these two life-altering events inspired me to dream up this easy craft project that uses pistachio shells along with a printable backdrop for play.<br />
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For an investment of just a few minutes of my time and a few pennies worth of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ATJSD8S?creativeASIN=B00ATJSD8S&linkCode=w00&linkId=RIJX6VCBK34HA6SS&ref_=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til&tag=threchbl0e-20" target="_blank">craft paint</a>, I created a fun set that my daughter really enjoyed. Vroom, vroom!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMbuht7VAElbj5oLSg6MIK3XY-aVNrL2LPMYLOArXIcYgGeLH8VGOpCjvxINnr1Tqhk0_SwKPRz33QfTFLZ1T27A4R_SoPp2VSRz7zSXTBMcI5Rlr9umA9qq2pM4Wez-7MevPt4qEuN6o/s1600/pistachio+shell+cars+watermarked.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kid craft DIY painted pistachio shell cars and printable backdrop from The Red Chair Blog " border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMbuht7VAElbj5oLSg6MIK3XY-aVNrL2LPMYLOArXIcYgGeLH8VGOpCjvxINnr1Tqhk0_SwKPRz33QfTFLZ1T27A4R_SoPp2VSRz7zSXTBMcI5Rlr9umA9qq2pM4Wez-7MevPt4qEuN6o/s640/pistachio+shell+cars+watermarked.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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Are you ready to make some cars of your own? <br />
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<b>How to Make the Cars:</b><br />
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<b>Materials:</b><br />
Empty shells from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003P7ZMXA?creativeASIN=B003P7ZMXA&linkCode=w00&linkId=KI36WOKCQ2DCL3QZ&ref_=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til&tag=threchbl0e-20" target="_blank">pistachio nuts</a> (washed out and dried)<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ATJSD8S?creativeASIN=B00ATJSD8S&linkCode=w00&linkId=RIJX6VCBK34HA6SS&ref_=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til&tag=threchbl0e-20" target="_blank">Craft paint</a> (ie: acrylic paint) in several colors, including white<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00V4EG6D6?creativeASIN=B00V4EG6D6&linkCode=w00&linkId=JIQHNHJII6NKMK7G&ref_=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til&tag=threchbl0e-20" target="_blank">Small paint brushes</a> (Q-tips could work in a pinch!)<br />
Black <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00U2O5XHE?creativeASIN=B00U2O5XHE&linkCode=w00&linkId=QJYNMH36CA5G2BWS&ref_=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til&tag=threchbl0e-20" target="_blank">fine point Sharpie marker</a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006H5VNPS?creativeASIN=B006H5VNPS&linkCode=w00&linkId=JSVGK7TBJFRTUIFS&ref_=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til&tag=threchbl0e-20" target="_blank">Toothpicks</a>--flat or round will work<br />
Old clothing or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PY475H8?creativeASIN=B00PY475H8&linkCode=w00&linkId=4SRNX55XW64DDN6X&ref_=as_sl_pc_tf_til&tag=threchbl0e-20" target="_blank">art smocks</a> to protect kids' clothes<br />
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<b>Instructions:</b><br />
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1. Gather your materials, cover your work surfaces, and put art smocks on your kids (acrylic paint will stain fabric and clothing).<br />
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2. Using small paint brushes and colored <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ATJSD8S?creativeASIN=B00ATJSD8S&linkCode=w00&linkId=RIJX6VCBK34HA6SS&ref_=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til&tag=threchbl0e-20" target="_blank">craft paint</a>, cover the pistachio shell halves with paint and allow them to dry. You won't need to wait very long; acrylics dry quickly!<br />
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3. Use a black <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00U2O5XHE?creativeASIN=B00U2O5XHE&linkCode=w00&linkId=QJYNMH36CA5G2BWS&ref_=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til&tag=threchbl0e-20" target="_blank">Sharpie marker</a> to draw on the tires.<br />
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4. Use a <span id="goog_2007043946"></span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006H5VNPS?creativeASIN=B006H5VNPS&linkCode=w00&linkId=JSVGK7TBJFRTUIFS&ref_=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til&tag=threchbl0e-20" target="_blank">toothpick</a><span id="goog_2007043947"></span> and white craft paint to add hubcaps (a single dot of paint) and windows (the side of the toothpick point is useful for "smearing" the windows on).<br />
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5. Use a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006H5VNPS?creativeASIN=B006H5VNPS&linkCode=w00&linkId=JSVGK7TBJFRTUIFS&ref_=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til&tag=threchbl0e-20" target="_blank">toothpick</a> to add bumpers if desired. I used a grayish purple color for mine.</div>
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6. Allow to dry, and play, play, PLAY!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNrX6HEg5cbTKVhejAVko0vFo-y9HjPG0qOUPM6v1oWo0KjV2DPvi0JtExBfKXGOWO76wiu3m6ahMIczS9Oxx-67GiSrPBIlf2yvEEchXrcCKBOCzcJNAh5vcx6vyJn8lmTn6_PfFN1pg/s1600/pistachio+cars+bw+watermarked.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Painted pistachio shell toy cars from The Red Chair Blog" border="0" height="451" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNrX6HEg5cbTKVhejAVko0vFo-y9HjPG0qOUPM6v1oWo0KjV2DPvi0JtExBfKXGOWO76wiu3m6ahMIczS9Oxx-67GiSrPBIlf2yvEEchXrcCKBOCzcJNAh5vcx6vyJn8lmTn6_PfFN1pg/s640/pistachio+cars+bw+watermarked.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNrX6HEg5cbTKVhejAVko0vFo-y9HjPG0qOUPM6v1oWo0KjV2DPvi0JtExBfKXGOWO76wiu3m6ahMIczS9Oxx-67GiSrPBIlf2yvEEchXrcCKBOCzcJNAh5vcx6vyJn8lmTn6_PfFN1pg/s1600/pistachio+cars+bw+watermarked.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
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<b>How to Make the Printable Paper Backdrop:</b><br />
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<b>Materials:</b><br />
Computer<br />
Printer<br />
White letter sized printer paper or card stock (the latter will stand up better)<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004YSXT?creativeASIN=B00004YSXT&linkCode=w00&linkId=IIUXZ3USEWFEQNO5&ref_=as_sl_pc_tf_til&tag=threchbl0e-20" target="_blank">Crayons</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00006IEEV?creativeASIN=B00006IEEV&linkCode=w00&linkId=XTCBUB3UFHLYD3WJ&ref_=as_sl_pc_tf_til&tag=threchbl0e-20" target="_blank">colored pencils</a>, and/or <span id="goog_2007043970"></span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00000J0RJ?creativeASIN=B00000J0RJ&linkCode=w00&linkId=F5ZPZPPF6GG3SNSZ&ref_=as_sl_pc_tf_til&tag=threchbl0e-20" target="_blank">markers</a><span id="goog_2007043971"></span> for coloring (<span id="goog_2007043977"></span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00006IQCV?creativeASIN=B00006IQCV&linkCode=w00&linkId=RPYLMVCQYOLTAQVE&ref_=as_sl_pc_tf_til&tag=threchbl0e-20" target="_blank">yellow hilighters</a><span id="goog_2007043978"></span> are great for "glowing" windows)<br />
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<b>Instructions:</b><br />
1. Download the free, printable PDF of the "Pistachio Lane" backdrop from my website. You can find it by clicking <a href="http://www.redchairhomeinteriors.com/resources.html" target="_blank">here</a> (no sign up is required). If you don't see the link, try refreshing the page.<br />
2. Print it out on your printer.<br />
3. Color it in using colored pencils, crayons, and/or markers.<br />
4. Fold at the edge where the houses meet the driveways, as pictured.<br />
5. Play, play, PLAY!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNvMPKZjtoG9hnY7kWUkGKM6Zj71KhUzyi3idjS5vhyAIGoi4cbsGgkKC5-u_OB4TwaoTRuAvrMgCr5wsSkGVFH0lXb_bNnz71ZtaGnfsLO9GPOH8NmkTTToU1hVgFr4dpDdASxMzqkfQ/s1600/pistachio+cars+2+watermarked.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Painted pistachio shell cars from The Red Chair Blog" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNvMPKZjtoG9hnY7kWUkGKM6Zj71KhUzyi3idjS5vhyAIGoi4cbsGgkKC5-u_OB4TwaoTRuAvrMgCr5wsSkGVFH0lXb_bNnz71ZtaGnfsLO9GPOH8NmkTTToU1hVgFr4dpDdASxMzqkfQ/s640/pistachio+cars+2+watermarked.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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At the risk of craft-bragging, I love that this project is green and eco-friendly, inexpensive, quick, easy, and kid-friendly! It would be a great group craft activity for a kids' party or even a summer camp. As an added plus, the finished product will take up very little storage space in your home. However, there are two safety issues to consider. First, due to the choking hazard, this project (and the resulting toy) is best suited for kids age 3 and up. Also, pistachio nuts are an allergen for some children, so please exercise caution during playdates.<br />
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After you have made your first set, there's a lot of room to expand on this idea. Maybe you'll print several copies of "Pistachio Lane" and connect them side by side to make a larger neighborhood? Or you can draw a whole paper downtown that connects to "Pistachio Lane", with a library, ice cream store, or other businesses!<br />
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Maybe your little one might enjoy drawing his or her <i>own</i> backdrop (including a "parking lot"), as my daughter did when she was three.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfJ_jMEF0qoWIfRmlG5OKO28uWRwi-BQ_5VOaz4Gk1ika42Anu7C4ywTMiUWBjKwrt0LpPyJJ4B-3tAHidT9iQO8acg-QBJJTNgXpDdbAN_gEnj5_I_LgVN2cQtUukUuCHZNvay0jgD00/s1600/pistachio+cars+1+watermarked.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kid craft painted pistachio shell cars from The Red Chair Blog" border="0" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfJ_jMEF0qoWIfRmlG5OKO28uWRwi-BQ_5VOaz4Gk1ika42Anu7C4ywTMiUWBjKwrt0LpPyJJ4B-3tAHidT9iQO8acg-QBJJTNgXpDdbAN_gEnj5_I_LgVN2cQtUukUuCHZNvay0jgD00/s640/pistachio+cars+1+watermarked.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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Or maybe you'll be inspired to create other things out of pistachio shells, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ATJSD8S?creativeASIN=B00ATJSD8S&linkCode=w00&linkId=RIJX6VCBK34HA6SS&ref_=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til&tag=threchbl0e-20" target="_blank">craft paint</a>, and a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00U2O5XHE?creativeASIN=B00U2O5XHE&linkCode=w00&linkId=QJYNMH36CA5G2BWS&ref_=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til&tag=threchbl0e-20" target="_blank">Sharpie</a>. How about a tiny set of ladybug buddies that are just the right size to slip into your pocket to keep your kiddo entertained on an airplane or in a restaurant?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyyeMRXsqCu5aPms95_fTsTLeTGJxwtQnBYzNDnakXNDFbksAD3VCDVNyukN3QRaT2HXjVHDMIiRd6Xgp6mMT6yTpWMBlBbgahbREn229nF2y6uTuj885B0-yyJyIml4Q_87ntKMOBkUg/s1600/ladybugs+watermarked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Painted pistachio shell ladybugs from The Red Chair Blog" border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyyeMRXsqCu5aPms95_fTsTLeTGJxwtQnBYzNDnakXNDFbksAD3VCDVNyukN3QRaT2HXjVHDMIiRd6Xgp6mMT6yTpWMBlBbgahbREn229nF2y6uTuj885B0-yyJyIml4Q_87ntKMOBkUg/s640/ladybugs+watermarked.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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Or a minuscule mouse with his own paper wedge of Swiss cheese? The harsh lighting in this photo gives it a "crime scene" effect; maybe the cheese was actually stolen from some <i>other</i> mouse's Swiss account?!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVw5oiByo0Q4hjOhUClmCDS6Qh3wlYD7WrmsfQ37vbG8SrZJiX6oClrYoTPzK64gTw2Kjay12IP67FHYO_f0xThA1OdFF2BjxzaAdkHN5Av6hZGE4naCFV7dbko2z8CXcplJK3B86ouj0/s1600/mouse+watermarked.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Painted pistachio shell mouse from The Red Chair Blog" border="0" height="451" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVw5oiByo0Q4hjOhUClmCDS6Qh3wlYD7WrmsfQ37vbG8SrZJiX6oClrYoTPzK64gTw2Kjay12IP67FHYO_f0xThA1OdFF2BjxzaAdkHN5Av6hZGE4naCFV7dbko2z8CXcplJK3B86ouj0/s640/mouse+watermarked.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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Have fun, and happy crafting!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMbuht7VAElbj5oLSg6MIK3XY-aVNrL2LPMYLOArXIcYgGeLH8VGOpCjvxINnr1Tqhk0_SwKPRz33QfTFLZ1T27A4R_SoPp2VSRz7zSXTBMcI5Rlr9umA9qq2pM4Wez-7MevPt4qEuN6o/s1600/pistachio+shell+cars+watermarked.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMbuht7VAElbj5oLSg6MIK3XY-aVNrL2LPMYLOArXIcYgGeLH8VGOpCjvxINnr1Tqhk0_SwKPRz33QfTFLZ1T27A4R_SoPp2VSRz7zSXTBMcI5Rlr9umA9qq2pM4Wez-7MevPt4qEuN6o/s1600/pistachio+shell+cars+watermarked.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Painted pistachio shell cars from The Red Chair Blog" border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMbuht7VAElbj5oLSg6MIK3XY-aVNrL2LPMYLOArXIcYgGeLH8VGOpCjvxINnr1Tqhk0_SwKPRz33QfTFLZ1T27A4R_SoPp2VSRz7zSXTBMcI5Rlr9umA9qq2pM4Wez-7MevPt4qEuN6o/s640/pistachio+shell+cars+watermarked.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">This post contains Amazon affiliate links.</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300013189328486476.post-61175393037615041342016-01-07T21:53:00.001-05:002020-01-22T18:01:38.061-05:00Make A Quick and Easy January Wreath<span id="goog_2126519082"></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQWa7XToUPt8O1bmvvwhWiCI0ahOgHhJZ-dsVosCZbrSio_Xhe4ib0Fq8t7BF_2wqu6bGvXSc0tUlA9d6mSKJz6WISHQM-Xf1XlRl8tfcUW2eJzBxBhux_XK29kdxAbGKlB2pHMe1v5S4/s1600/wreath+conversion+watermarked+text.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="January scarf wreath for front door porch winter decor The Red Chair Blog" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQWa7XToUPt8O1bmvvwhWiCI0ahOgHhJZ-dsVosCZbrSio_Xhe4ib0Fq8t7BF_2wqu6bGvXSc0tUlA9d6mSKJz6WISHQM-Xf1XlRl8tfcUW2eJzBxBhux_XK29kdxAbGKlB2pHMe1v5S4/s640/wreath+conversion+watermarked+text.JPG" title="Easy January Wreath DIY" width="426" /></a></div>
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After taking down my Christmas wreath this year, I realized that I didn't have a "January-Appropriate" wreath for my front door, so I decided to make one. I relied on a principle that I apply often in my design work: assume that you already have everything that you need. Operating from this assumption boosts my creativity. (Also, it's fun, and it doesn't require clipping coupons.) If you have a winter scarf, a wreath, and some wire, you can make a similar January wreath in about 15 minutes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTT7uUKgyvFWAKcBnl55ymEbv3V8_17RWXWdrm6e76oyANrEITCT2om0jmwkfTye5GohSwdnu2zF9AzlOZ360NdyYYlwyj0XGRWEUHyy812_rPZewUfksRzWkBTAdxk6hzN9UKnZ2B8Hk/s1600/wreath+on+white+watermarked.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="January wreath DIY winter door porch decor The Red Chair Blog" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTT7uUKgyvFWAKcBnl55ymEbv3V8_17RWXWdrm6e76oyANrEITCT2om0jmwkfTye5GohSwdnu2zF9AzlOZ360NdyYYlwyj0XGRWEUHyy812_rPZewUfksRzWkBTAdxk6hzN9UKnZ2B8Hk/s640/wreath+on+white+watermarked.JPG" title="Easy January Wreath DIY" width="426" /></a></div>
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First, I dug in my coat closet looking for inspiration, and I unearthed a blue and white striped scarf. Perfect! Next, I needed a wreath form. This project could work with an <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017XNKSG2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B017XNKSG2&linkCode=as2&tag=threchbl0e-20&linkId=U7U57YN35MO6777L">artificial pine wreath</a>, a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NCLF5JU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00NCLF5JU&linkCode=as2&tag=threchbl0e-20&linkId=TQS5YF5JNQ7RUIYE">grapevine wreath</a>, a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0053B89Q8/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0053B89Q8&linkCode=as2&tag=threchbl0e-20&linkId=C2CX6RTSA3HH3UUS">straw wreath</a>, a burlap wreath, or really any wreath or wreath-like object that's plain enough to play nicely with your chosen scarf. (The links above will take you to see 18" wreaths on Amazon, though you may need to select one with a smaller diameter depending upon the length of your scarf.)<br />
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As luck would have it, I had on hand a simple, artificial pine, 18 inch wreath bedecked with only a few despondent pinecones. I removed the pinecones (reserving the floral wire that had connected them to the wreath), and I was left with this blank, pseudo-pine slate:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiagaZozSuwUHnOH2tcO5Oms-FOYtxMbhqXFQYuWyN94YeYDvmoPIXXgeWBspd2aTeZkJRpOE-tQT09AMTKHaas0qBcXjLd4bDGLtkT7U3r0QZsl9BWcEHYEZI2DG0Aj56U_3VWyQmAPws/s1600/plain+wreath+watermarked.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DIY January scarf wreath for front door porch winter The Red Chair Blog" border="0" data-original-height="1437" data-original-width="1600" height="574" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiagaZozSuwUHnOH2tcO5Oms-FOYtxMbhqXFQYuWyN94YeYDvmoPIXXgeWBspd2aTeZkJRpOE-tQT09AMTKHaas0qBcXjLd4bDGLtkT7U3r0QZsl9BWcEHYEZI2DG0Aj56U_3VWyQmAPws/s640/plain+wreath+watermarked.JPG" title="January scarf wreath DIY before" width="640" /></a></div>
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I wanted a jaunty knot in my scarf, but I knew from personal experience (ie: from <i>wearing</i> this scarf) that real scarf knots are bulky and awkward. This situation called for a "faux knot". I wasn't sure how to create one, but I decided to experiment. I lay my scarf out so that one end overlapped the other:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlQR0FQAL_73O3LGRARFaFAc_blcewCeDX2rcHen7cJGXKU64QEghpEVYp00FtxxU3DsS8zgicIMGMQ4laupWDny-GXcUvVEd2d3vOnIsBIEshJfHfegPwhlKU6wBd-tByBW-F-xkk5yo/s1600/scarf+knot+watermarked.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="January wreath DIY tutorial The Red Chair Blog" border="0" data-original-height="1257" data-original-width="1600" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlQR0FQAL_73O3LGRARFaFAc_blcewCeDX2rcHen7cJGXKU64QEghpEVYp00FtxxU3DsS8zgicIMGMQ4laupWDny-GXcUvVEd2d3vOnIsBIEshJfHfegPwhlKU6wBd-tByBW-F-xkk5yo/s640/scarf+knot+watermarked.JPG" title="January Wreath DIY" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then I used a piece of wire to "bunch" one end of the scarf around the other. In the photo below, end #1 lies in a straight line through the "tunnel" created by the wire-gathered loop in end #2.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguTHpdQeoVkxj-h9BciuqF_MIbnwzeZ_7AJnFgmJqpOXWqjwc5-To8AS-jP1rvk_fKwOxFagl5PE-jFUEKmujxyF5i7Dkc6ZoO6vRfiya3pCZQ93K3EjMcTNnAFIUGhzh5YMGT5fTlcQc/s1600/wire+knot+watermarked.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="January wreath door decor tutorial DIY The Red Chair Blog" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguTHpdQeoVkxj-h9BciuqF_MIbnwzeZ_7AJnFgmJqpOXWqjwc5-To8AS-jP1rvk_fKwOxFagl5PE-jFUEKmujxyF5i7Dkc6ZoO6vRfiya3pCZQ93K3EjMcTNnAFIUGhzh5YMGT5fTlcQc/s640/wire+knot+watermarked.JPG" title="January Wreath Tutorial" width="640" /></a></div>
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Once "Operation Jaunty Knot" had been successfully accomplished, I lay the scarf out on my wreath to estimate how many gathers would look best. The faux knot allowed me to adjust the length a little if needed.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZeLbqu5aMVGdBPr2zInQU-JsxLNN_I7AhyphenhyphenoPZiuz9NeOM65andQ89qJGybdF-gy6iq8jNVW4r2I-AMMax09rv9Y6rWLaVJtEFRwjLSf8KHbEHswGn6l5Ni3zzUCNtIiLJwfajpgsQklk/s1600/lay+out+scarf+watermarked.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="January wreath DIY tutorial The Red Chair Blog" border="0" data-original-height="1430" data-original-width="1600" height="572" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZeLbqu5aMVGdBPr2zInQU-JsxLNN_I7AhyphenhyphenoPZiuz9NeOM65andQ89qJGybdF-gy6iq8jNVW4r2I-AMMax09rv9Y6rWLaVJtEFRwjLSf8KHbEHswGn6l5Ni3zzUCNtIiLJwfajpgsQklk/s640/lay+out+scarf+watermarked.JPG" title="January wreath DIY" width="640" /></a></div>
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I had 6 pieces of floral wire left over from the pine cones, so I decided to use one piece to attach the faux knot to the wreath and the other 5 to create the 6 "bunched" sections of scarf. If you don't have floral wire on hand, you can use a series of twist ties connected end to end, thread, yarn, dental floss, twine, ribbon, zip ties, or whatever you have on hand. Be creative, and trust that you have what you need. </div>
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I accordion-pleated the scarf wherever I wanted to connect it to the wreath, and then I wrapped it tight with wire.</div>
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Here's a photo of what the wreath looked like when it was halfway finished. If you're working with a repeating pattern, you can use the fabric repeat to help space your "gathers". Or you can wing it. It's only a wreath!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3DBywBLd7npoSD-I8TdFNmJLz_-y4U2iEKIvM45gUskKEy9d8vRf0pAz_NI2JogDuMPzIL8ZfOJd8JQ9FNuCSNgGcYSfdu2tXvK_9B4Pzk0FQ-_zTBaVdIX2K9Sc-zmy4yTU8dpDt_0/s1600/bunched+watermarked.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="January wreath DIY tutorial The Red Chair Blog" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3DBywBLd7npoSD-I8TdFNmJLz_-y4U2iEKIvM45gUskKEy9d8vRf0pAz_NI2JogDuMPzIL8ZfOJd8JQ9FNuCSNgGcYSfdu2tXvK_9B4Pzk0FQ-_zTBaVdIX2K9Sc-zmy4yTU8dpDt_0/s640/bunched+watermarked.JPG" title="January wreath DIY" width="640" /></a></div>
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Within 15 minutes, I was finished! The wreath formerly known as "Christmas" had been successfully transformed into a wintry January wreath.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjkivdahyz2QKuLeiwGJq0qEJrUeAYrUb0lB5G6Y2ANs-ljIsCjn7EIX4Krl3Pr_9jwBLRx4p3SCKiOmlCwFG7ph3mwGlhJ7KETPGkUkQQlIvazncaY4SEuaQu0F4rPQ5ohGaSBJD8i_s/s1600/close+up+watermarked.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="January wreath DIY The Red Chair Blog" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjkivdahyz2QKuLeiwGJq0qEJrUeAYrUb0lB5G6Y2ANs-ljIsCjn7EIX4Krl3Pr_9jwBLRx4p3SCKiOmlCwFG7ph3mwGlhJ7KETPGkUkQQlIvazncaY4SEuaQu0F4rPQ5ohGaSBJD8i_s/s640/close+up+watermarked.JPG" title="January wreath DIY tutorial" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now, it hangs on my front door inviting guests to come inside and get cozy:<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300013189328486476.post-70673761197676788032015-08-06T08:08:00.000-04:002017-09-14T10:00:19.956-04:00DIY Play "Cakes" from Your Recycle Bin!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_9aR-r0WWUC1MZac8cYmvihQKNHHR-OuZxDo1MkbkYNCeKMNCrBKvfWrxWIbgZy1wCFdmUSm8UUe0LS6aNaCzUJXtZVHLBoP8wB5Z9QAtkwgdRsxvdCLu4nfpASj5i-W8L4XXb8VWNTY/s1600/pretend+cakes+red+chair+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kid craft from recycled plastic containers cute DIY play cakes from The Red Chair Blog" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_9aR-r0WWUC1MZac8cYmvihQKNHHR-OuZxDo1MkbkYNCeKMNCrBKvfWrxWIbgZy1wCFdmUSm8UUe0LS6aNaCzUJXtZVHLBoP8wB5Z9QAtkwgdRsxvdCLu4nfpASj5i-W8L4XXb8VWNTY/s640/pretend+cakes+red+chair+blog.jpg" title="" width="426" /></a></div>
In honor of summer vacation, I decided to write a series sharing some homemade toys that I have made for and with my daughter over the years. It's funny: she has <i>plenty</i> of store bought toys, and yet she has always gravitated most to the homemade ones (and she often creates her own). Maybe we humans are just hardwired to be drawn to items crafted by loving, local hands?<br />
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We made these pretend "cakes" several years ago with plastics from our recycle bin and craft supplies that we had on hand. They are so fun and easy to make; the possibilities are endless! Whether globbed with glitter, crusted with confetti, or piled with pom-poms, these cakes will never fall! They're perfect for pretend play (bakery, anyone?), and I think that they would also make adorable DIY props for portrait photography.<br />
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In lieu of a tedious step-by-step tutorial that will trigger traumatic memories of your last visit to the DMV, here's a photo that breaks down one "cake" into its "ingredients":<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzSttM5X2YorvlkzOEBk9j_AmWbR7LKyh8A5amTo5gszXl55TSFuKvj3Ysqwjqq_qeo4GlhqhlVLLujjyPtX71SQOcd7pKvDrmm8wjSK3aGt89tMPqq2wpOxuxCJYAEPnY_EDy3suwkBo/s1600/Anatomy+of+a+Pretend+Cake+Red+Chair+Blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Easy and fun DIY pretend cakes made from recycled plastic containers at The Red Chair Blog" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzSttM5X2YorvlkzOEBk9j_AmWbR7LKyh8A5amTo5gszXl55TSFuKvj3Ysqwjqq_qeo4GlhqhlVLLujjyPtX71SQOcd7pKvDrmm8wjSK3aGt89tMPqq2wpOxuxCJYAEPnY_EDy3suwkBo/s640/Anatomy+of+a+Pretend+Cake+Red+Chair+Blog.jpg" title="" width="426" /></a></div>
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Basically, the "cake" can be made from an overturned sour cream container, Greek yogurt container, deli container, Parmesan container, or similar-sized plastic container. The "cake stand" can be made from anything wide and flat--such as an oatmeal lid or small Styrofoam plate--paired with an overturned plastic cup, large cap (eg: mouth wash), or one of those little round take-out containers used for salad dressings and salsa.<br />
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You will need hot glue and a hot glue gun to assemble the larger components and to add the 3-dimensional decorations, such as pipe cleaners and pom-poms. Dollar Tree is an affordable source for these embellishments if you're on a budget. For the record, I think the "cake stands" exponentially increase the cuteness factor here, if we're getting scientific about it. <br />
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When we did this project, my daughter was around 4 years old. My job was hot gluing, and my daughter did the painting and decorating. If I were to attempt this project with a larger group of kids, I would use hot glue to pre-glue a bunch of "cakes" onto "cake stands", drape every kid in an art smock, and then let them loose with acrylic craft paint, Elmer's glue, ribbon, felt, scissors, silk flowers, sequins, and paper confetti (perhaps pausing to let the paint dry before gluing on the other decorations).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN3nU0Rik3Tr3KnG7taZwrQDLpmMHPs-nMSO5dPte79jhY8DjrhjJXGuHPbk8gnXBPc4p0zcjw1i-Q0Isf8D-bOeVsgLIxEgZZcuVWBxgTedOt8QvEoboc21kcNK-L3-Zh835hMwfoVw4/s1600/pretend+cakes+2+red+chair+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pretend cakes and play food made from recyclables at The Red Chair Blog" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN3nU0Rik3Tr3KnG7taZwrQDLpmMHPs-nMSO5dPte79jhY8DjrhjJXGuHPbk8gnXBPc4p0zcjw1i-Q0Isf8D-bOeVsgLIxEgZZcuVWBxgTedOt8QvEoboc21kcNK-L3-Zh835hMwfoVw4/s640/pretend+cakes+2+red+chair+blog.jpg" title="" width="452" /></a></div>
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I have a friend whose only daughter is now grown. That friend once told me that she used to refer to pretend play as, "The Dreaded 'P'" when her daughter was young, because pretend play can sometimes feel like work to adults! Her daughter would rush into the house after preschool and breathlessly call, "Mommy, Mommy, can we play 'The Dreaded 'P' now?" <br />
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If you have young kids and struggle sometimes with "The Dreaded 'P'", here's an idea for a fun way to play with these pretend cakes together. Have your little one pretend to be the shopkeeper (use play money if you want to incorporate stealth math), and you can play the silly characters coming into the bakery in urgent need of cakes for a variety of ridiculous reasons. When we played "bakery", my default characters were usually a cowboy, a teenage skateboarder, a wealthy lady (complete with my embarrassing attempt at a British accent), a baby (who always finagled free baked goods), and (my daughter's favorite) an elderly lady who had misplaced her glasses and believed she was in the pet store.<br />
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Have fun and be silly with this fun, faux food!<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300013189328486476.post-89925796854234077722015-07-07T14:17:00.000-04:002017-09-14T10:02:40.167-04:00Habitat for Humanity Restore Find: Cane and Leather Chairs from The Plaza Hotel in NYCWhile running errands, I popped into the <a href="http://wakerestore.org/location/cary-store/" target="_blank">Habitat for Humanity Restore</a> in Cary, NC. It's a great source for affordable plantation shutters<span style="font-family: inherit;">, and it was also the source of the hollow core door that I transformed into a closet craft desk a</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">nd blogged about in </span><a href="http://theredchairblog.blogspot.com/2012/07/create-closet-craft-space-from-hollow.html" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">this post</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">. One </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">cliche is true about the Restore: you never know what you'll find there!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9BIpfGa9uqK9GMI105uz0VzTGqf3h93P_mIh_6x3phcTIPqj8wvAwK6qY9bCPfAHVpjURYI96Wzhnw7VklsdhdBQPuy5LjI42pAt557hBMXVhqonOmVCUfJidLu81ZKMU3uZAo61Apmw/s1600/cane+chair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cane chair from the Plaza hotel sold at Habitat for Humanity Restore at The Red Chair Blog" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9BIpfGa9uqK9GMI105uz0VzTGqf3h93P_mIh_6x3phcTIPqj8wvAwK6qY9bCPfAHVpjURYI96Wzhnw7VklsdhdBQPuy5LjI42pAt557hBMXVhqonOmVCUfJidLu81ZKMU3uZAo61Apmw/s640/cane+chair.jpg" title="" width="424" /></a></div>
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This pair of matching cane and leather chairs is a case in point. They caught my eye as soon as I walked through the door. It was clear even from a distance that they were quality pieces, and while I was in the store, I noticed that virtually all of the shoppers who walked in stopped to gawk at the chairs while stroking their chins with cartoon-character-like intensity.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWuIWKJPnUuEkMoV-qJ8TeSKFXuULmrfjdoC20A22l1F2At-P6Px0NAAYP1ZYVf4a1yqBArOBYCUSnKJP9OBBUqPIqAqeT_-557bdBqAaP2FbcuHP9hrD-W1hrdm0rKsNs5xQxHW2FNcc/s1600/chair+arm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cane chair detail from The Red Chair Blog" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWuIWKJPnUuEkMoV-qJ8TeSKFXuULmrfjdoC20A22l1F2At-P6Px0NAAYP1ZYVf4a1yqBArOBYCUSnKJP9OBBUqPIqAqeT_-557bdBqAaP2FbcuHP9hrD-W1hrdm0rKsNs5xQxHW2FNcc/s640/chair+arm.jpg" title="" width="360" /></a></div>
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The chairs are cool in their own right, with intricate carved details, nailhead trim, intact caning, and comfortable, welted leather cushions. The caning alone would be enough to give these guys the Martha Stewart Seal of Approval for being simultaneously current and timeless. But they're extra cool because of their history: they once furnished the Plaza Hotel in NYC. Pretty neat!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFxneKuwuFKzvbjLbiWbn3jzLHiJ2N-sMBLWdsEPDXT3d7moG06JkMM5HnqG-K0hMW-RTKDsbconlGBe-Aq6O2GjN5iO9AykCYwolsHRQU3ijGNckmxa8PRMrHTBQbeypyOPgUj6IvhB4/s1600/chair+detail2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cane chair detail from The Red Chair Blog" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFxneKuwuFKzvbjLbiWbn3jzLHiJ2N-sMBLWdsEPDXT3d7moG06JkMM5HnqG-K0hMW-RTKDsbconlGBe-Aq6O2GjN5iO9AykCYwolsHRQU3ijGNckmxa8PRMrHTBQbeypyOPgUj6IvhB4/s400/chair+detail2.jpg" title="" width="400" /></a></div>
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At $700 for the pair, the price may seem steep to the typical resale shopper, but when you consider that you'd pay around $500 for a mediocre armchair from a budget retail source, $350 for a well-made chair with a cool history is not a bad deal!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6GFUfBuYIIHR7e-Nt60qHBWNk_gxf1K3GR8t74eeL-sgDKak2MFdusLK6NESZm-NjqdV_2CbukbduMCLoia4H2ZgAGibcl1zXE2Koao0gC8LXhXk6Cf66dROFz_Lgd0EiVi2b4dwKqD0/s1600/club+chairs+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chairs from the Plaza hotel at The Red Chair Blog" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6GFUfBuYIIHR7e-Nt60qHBWNk_gxf1K3GR8t74eeL-sgDKak2MFdusLK6NESZm-NjqdV_2CbukbduMCLoia4H2ZgAGibcl1zXE2Koao0gC8LXhXk6Cf66dROFz_Lgd0EiVi2b4dwKqD0/s400/club+chairs+4.jpg" title="" width="310" /></a></div>
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I love the lines on these chairs, and I think that they could also be reinvented with white paint and taupe linen upholstery if someone wanted to boldly eschew historical preservation and give them a cottage look. In their current form, they'd work well in a traditional, masculine style office, library, or sitting room. If you happen to have a room like that in need of a pair of chairs, I suggest that you put down that Hemingway novel, change out of your red velvet smoking jacket, and get yourself down to the <a href="http://wakerestore.org/location/cary-store/" target="_blank">Habitat for Humanity Restore</a> right away!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggct4MRU-4-Ihu9GksgqVsz3EohplXo5oXWBlv5Wmy9J8BBKwdLE0uFm96LDiy5XBx0SbsXb03PY_tU1P_lSZ6K0wPdDBPRsfLtTBu4Vd3IiHbKMcpGHG5Pt_gCyK7MK-JBZXtFNFYK7A/s1600/pair+chairs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Leather and cane chairs on The Red Chair Blog" border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggct4MRU-4-Ihu9GksgqVsz3EohplXo5oXWBlv5Wmy9J8BBKwdLE0uFm96LDiy5XBx0SbsXb03PY_tU1P_lSZ6K0wPdDBPRsfLtTBu4Vd3IiHbKMcpGHG5Pt_gCyK7MK-JBZXtFNFYK7A/s640/pair+chairs.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300013189328486476.post-72053771729617132822015-07-03T20:50:00.002-04:002017-09-14T10:09:58.299-04:00Creative 4th of July Decorating Ideas Using Household Items<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguJ_PbQxhU-NVY3ZCVeSId0l0o3_2qN7aJZjs9amJ0tT0mqV_COjFUEclSqbjDTULuVo_y4XG0N3Nh-Vn0WHMUZ_yRfL2_eZKMMfY3NH_sgWt6QoYAUbuAYL5n5iFeCZoqfK6DZbxU8oI/s1600/4th+of+July+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Creative DIY 4th Fourth of July easy decorating ideas using household items The Red Chair Blog" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguJ_PbQxhU-NVY3ZCVeSId0l0o3_2qN7aJZjs9amJ0tT0mqV_COjFUEclSqbjDTULuVo_y4XG0N3Nh-Vn0WHMUZ_yRfL2_eZKMMfY3NH_sgWt6QoYAUbuAYL5n5iFeCZoqfK6DZbxU8oI/s640/4th+of+July+Collage.jpg" title="" width="400" /></a></div>
Tonight, on the eve of the 4th of July, I thought that it would be fun to come up with some easy, creative, "outside-of-the-box" ideas to share with you to help you decorate for the 4th of July--or any patriotic celebration--using 15 different household items.<br />
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Need to make your home patriotic in a flash? Then get ready to raid your house for unexpected decor items! If you <a href="http://theredchairblog.blogspot.com/2011/04/our-light-fixture-fruit-bowl-or-how-to.html" target="_blank">think like a Martian</a> when you're decorating for the Fourth, you'll discover that you'll have much better luck finding items in your home that are red, white, OR blue than items that are red, white, AND blue!<br />
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To create the vignette below, I raided the toy box, the kitchen drawers, and the bookcase.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidn5IrSXibmpgmhR5biKRWOVUow56YKGtb-40Mfh0F3sJPny5k4CnqOj4UUxKTjUFxhRhOkGyJ7CGqDSk2Ay4PrAb19ygrCEtyHsFPl0ZRJfXt7ruFw6CmHe46EzfJ_1TJa0olyZqLjzI/s1600/books+and+toys+%2528c%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Easy DIY 4th Fourth of July decorating ideas using common household items from The Red Chair Blog" border="0" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidn5IrSXibmpgmhR5biKRWOVUow56YKGtb-40Mfh0F3sJPny5k4CnqOj4UUxKTjUFxhRhOkGyJ7CGqDSk2Ay4PrAb19ygrCEtyHsFPl0ZRJfXt7ruFw6CmHe46EzfJ_1TJa0olyZqLjzI/s640/books+and+toys+%2528c%2529.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Household Item #1: Cookie Cutters</b><br />
Dig through your baking drawer to find your star-shaped cookie cutters from Christmas time and incorporate them into your decor. They're ba-ack! Bells could work as well (think: Liberty Bell).<br />
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<b>Household Item #2: Dish Towels or Cloth Napkins</b><br />
If you've got dish towels or cloth napkins in red, white, or blue, you can arrange a vignette on top of them on a console table, shelf, or mantel, or you can arrange them down the center of the table as a makeshift patchwork table runner. If you have lots of them, you can hang them on a long ribbon to make a banner.<br />
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<img alt="Easy DIY 4th Fourth of July decorating ideas using common household items from The Red Chair Blog" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidn5IrSXibmpgmhR5biKRWOVUow56YKGtb-40Mfh0F3sJPny5k4CnqOj4UUxKTjUFxhRhOkGyJ7CGqDSk2Ay4PrAb19ygrCEtyHsFPl0ZRJfXt7ruFw6CmHe46EzfJ_1TJa0olyZqLjzI/s640/books+and+toys+%2528c%2529.jpg" title="" width="640" /><br />
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<b>Household Item #3: Toys and Alphabet Blocks</b><br />
I was lucky to have some vintage toys on hand when I put together this vignette, but current toys would be equally fun. Toy trucks and wagons in patriotic colors work great as well. Building blocks offer versatility. The ones shown here are from my daughter's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BW51UQ?creativeASIN=B000BW51UQ&linkCode=w00&linkId=LNW5Q4DSHWSEOFAV&ref_=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til&tag=threchbl0e-20" target="_blank">Uncle Goose Classic ABC Block set</a> that she's had since she was a baby. You can see the same blocks incorporated into a Valentine's Day post <a href="http://theredchairblog.blogspot.com/2010/02/feng-shui-for-romance.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Dgao77HCXINyQDuXmoWjNo6rkPfZiAMjdiTTsq_LvvOehSdlUd63x0NdId9ACyU_-osQOxPROWZmhtuh-9ZrNm4Qzp-SGvyTr9XVKHi_iY_bdhvL7ajxxGBKww09FX7gdAr6qVsaFcA/s1600/books+%2528c%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Easy DIY 4th Fourth of July decorating ideas using common household items from The Red Chair Blog" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Dgao77HCXINyQDuXmoWjNo6rkPfZiAMjdiTTsq_LvvOehSdlUd63x0NdId9ACyU_-osQOxPROWZmhtuh-9ZrNm4Qzp-SGvyTr9XVKHi_iY_bdhvL7ajxxGBKww09FX7gdAr6qVsaFcA/s640/books+%2528c%2529.jpg" title="" width="451" /></a></div>
<b>Household Item #4: Books</b><br />
Raid your bookcase for red, white, or blue books, and use stacks of them around your house to vary the heights of items in your vignettes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjujaPqAAg0GyczsWoQs14ihoQ-TM5oVB5wFwID6TeRoACGGJlU37DHQb6Ub23N8qdFEy3Y7hCZBfy1dyzNAPt9Ks4hctuyxcwItVlmA8mwMphVO8VQCW9I_x2BWK6Z-dOaVAbxMwMGf2M/s1600/postage+stamp+art+%2528c%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Easy DIY 4th Fourth of July decorating ideas using common household items from The Red Chair Blog" border="0" height="451" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjujaPqAAg0GyczsWoQs14ihoQ-TM5oVB5wFwID6TeRoACGGJlU37DHQb6Ub23N8qdFEy3Y7hCZBfy1dyzNAPt9Ks4hctuyxcwItVlmA8mwMphVO8VQCW9I_x2BWK6Z-dOaVAbxMwMGf2M/s640/postage+stamp+art+%2528c%2529.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Household Item #5: </b><b>Chistmas Ornaments</b><br />
Got any red, silver, or gold stars in your giant, plastic bin full of Christmas decorations? Let 'em shine again for Christmas in July! The red stars shown here were actually Christmas ornaments marked down to pennies at Big Lots long after Christmas had passed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiibm7kv8oGjMfBex-vrnJif7E1HGRvUpCNzcR2tXa4_Bh1_i85ZX6yTihOERFrogRHZYwfAl1Y_xCowuwTClpYHYB4xY1Oxw9Yj_13pYORXjVIdVKnY8WBS0wi4Tf-UUjSRYSmtiN6eI/s1600/postage+stamp+art+close+up+%2528c%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="4th of July collage from postage stamps DIY at The Red Chair Blog" border="0" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiibm7kv8oGjMfBex-vrnJif7E1HGRvUpCNzcR2tXa4_Bh1_i85ZX6yTihOERFrogRHZYwfAl1Y_xCowuwTClpYHYB4xY1Oxw9Yj_13pYORXjVIdVKnY8WBS0wi4Tf-UUjSRYSmtiN6eI/s640/postage+stamp+art+close+up+%2528c%2529.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Household Item #6: </b><b>Postage Stamps</b><br />
Ok, I know it's unlikely that very many of my readers are philatelists (postage stamp collectors or aficionados), but I'll admit that I still have my childhood stamp collection. (Yes, clearly I was always one of the cool kids. Why do you ask?) My collection came in handy here as the source of these American flag postage stamps. <br />
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<img alt="Easy DIY 4th Fourth of July decorating ideas using common household items from The Red Chair Blog" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjujaPqAAg0GyczsWoQs14ihoQ-TM5oVB5wFwID6TeRoACGGJlU37DHQb6Ub23N8qdFEy3Y7hCZBfy1dyzNAPt9Ks4hctuyxcwItVlmA8mwMphVO8VQCW9I_x2BWK6Z-dOaVAbxMwMGf2M/s640/postage+stamp+art+%2528c%2529.jpg" title="" width="640" /><br />
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<b>Household Item #7: Ribbons</b><br />
Every home needs a big Ziploc bag full of ribbons. Our home has one, and it seems like we pull ribbons out of that bag multiple times a week to wrap gifts, wind around flower vases, tie back my daughter's hair, or incorporate in some other way into a seasonal display. If you usually throw ribbons away when you receive gifts, consider hanging onto them. They don't take up much space at all, and they're a great way to add a pop of seasonal color. My daughter's friends think that our ribbon bag is the coolest toy in the house, as they can use the ribbons to create "wands".<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCZ45ylvPXnLIfz0BsOub_KeXsASUUCsPpbeiTorat_f7xiH3E4Am6P2wGez-u9-jN-sOS8Cb2YBMgQrmMMdMfDjWwZVRb89BIpKR_bb5MezGiv_8aqkqvl41M2cLr6eaLHNGl8pOkmgQ/s1600/milk+glass+vase+with+ribbon+%2528c%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="4th of July milk glass decorative vignette at The Red Chair Blog" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCZ45ylvPXnLIfz0BsOub_KeXsASUUCsPpbeiTorat_f7xiH3E4Am6P2wGez-u9-jN-sOS8Cb2YBMgQrmMMdMfDjWwZVRb89BIpKR_bb5MezGiv_8aqkqvl41M2cLr6eaLHNGl8pOkmgQ/s640/milk+glass+vase+with+ribbon+%2528c%2529.jpg" title="" width="476" /></a></div>
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<b>Household Item #8: Milk Glass Vases</b><br />
What's not to love about milk glass vases? They can be found at thrift stores for as little as 50 cents, and they hold more visual space than clear glass. The milk glass urn above was 99 cents and holds stars and a small stick flag.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwS-x0_KnqBqWqecngFg0RBAgljSCw6_JhTOZT8a4kjjEVSnpPCLgZ2rb0k9BO12DUCaIEGb1egTyW9XrhPEzfsStKOBALjjcUYQFbylR0nOFkxKE_8ealKppWGGwf3ZdeM_3qkNdEPoU/s1600/framed+stars+%2528c%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Easy DIY 4th of July vignette with plant, thread, and star collage at The Red Chair Blog" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwS-x0_KnqBqWqecngFg0RBAgljSCw6_JhTOZT8a4kjjEVSnpPCLgZ2rb0k9BO12DUCaIEGb1egTyW9XrhPEzfsStKOBALjjcUYQFbylR0nOFkxKE_8ealKppWGGwf3ZdeM_3qkNdEPoU/s640/framed+stars+%2528c%2529.jpg" title="" width="449" /></a></div>
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<b>Household Item #9: Spools of Red, White, and Blue Thread</b><br />
If you think that spools of thread aren't thematically-appropriate for the 4th of July, then <i>I</i> think you're forgetting about a nice lady named Betsy Ross. Remember her? She sewed the first American flag? Which, I presume, required...thread! So, go dig through your sewing kit and get some spools, and incorporate them into a vignette. Above, I've put the thread in one of my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0037XFI2M?creativeASIN=B0037XFI2M&linkCode=w00&linkId=QJA2CUMR5BENBM64&ref_=as_sl_pc_tf_til&tag=threchbl0e-20" target="_blank">Anchor Hawking mini trifle bowl</a>s, which I use all of the time, both for decorating and for homemade yogurt parfaits.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii-FlnsHzCLHgmdrurl8CHYncOIaUBVPRir04cjwyWd2BlW1EIszoAZun5_AHI5FO_i_VLjsB-2heFu4MDish6eQolbCp_E0e1mOBDtLRa1JtbPqstrVHw7av90p2yNnmbeTd-JBj8IkI/s1600/denim+close+up+%2528c%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Easy DIY 4th of July vignette with plant and star collage at The Red Chair Blog" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii-FlnsHzCLHgmdrurl8CHYncOIaUBVPRir04cjwyWd2BlW1EIszoAZun5_AHI5FO_i_VLjsB-2heFu4MDish6eQolbCp_E0e1mOBDtLRa1JtbPqstrVHw7av90p2yNnmbeTd-JBj8IkI/s640/denim+close+up+%2528c%2529.jpg" title="" width="420" /></a></div>
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<b>Household Item #10: Old Blue Jeans</b><br />
Worn denim lends itself well to decorating for the Fourth. Here, I used pinking sheers to cut the cuff off of an old pair of blue jeans, wrapped it around a plant pot, and finished it off with a red and white ribbon.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-sb5Yl4OWnku0ze-X6uGc49LHH8mTTjMn8tmWVnLbtPT8qXPfSXgr_sAXZEpAjM7HcTHXTTL3PuG0pUtY2IPfImh0cH60O_j_vD2i_a16fgkW8nMutviGjMP3YaFMDdZaFK36fgM3CaA/s1600/framed+stars+close+up+%2528c%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Easy DIY 4th of July vignette with plant, thread, and star collage at The Red Chair Blog" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-sb5Yl4OWnku0ze-X6uGc49LHH8mTTjMn8tmWVnLbtPT8qXPfSXgr_sAXZEpAjM7HcTHXTTL3PuG0pUtY2IPfImh0cH60O_j_vD2i_a16fgkW8nMutviGjMP3YaFMDdZaFK36fgM3CaA/s640/framed+stars+close+up+%2528c%2529.jpg" title="" width="497" /></a></div>
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<b>Household Items #11 and #12: Scrapbook Paper and Paint Swatches</b><br />
To make this star collage art, I used a small Recollections brand star-shaped punch from Michael's Crafts to cut stars from scapbook paper (blues), printer paper (white), and a paint swatch (red). This close-up photo makes me smile; I wasn't wearing my glasses when I glued the stars down, and at the time, I congratulated myself for lining them up so straight....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTO2QPpmSYrVCTfS9w81kClRsyulc-V9ooZe_7tsrobsMr_laqde098jcEn1DxHbk_-GrdHWArUzOT5_AA2KwXO9kqApYsuthIZc-MiT8XkdwC_qLdwHP8OB2gTSnsHbcfA1au9qmSHMM/s1600/liberty+%2528c%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Easy decorating DIY tactile letters to spell out words at The Red Chair Blog" border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTO2QPpmSYrVCTfS9w81kClRsyulc-V9ooZe_7tsrobsMr_laqde098jcEn1DxHbk_-GrdHWArUzOT5_AA2KwXO9kqApYsuthIZc-MiT8XkdwC_qLdwHP8OB2gTSnsHbcfA1au9qmSHMM/s640/liberty+%2528c%2529.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Household Item #13: Tactile Letters</b><br />
I bought a full set of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/074242720X?creativeASIN=074242720X&linkCode=w00&linkId=W2HSQJPUBSCBZXNO&ref_=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til&tag=threchbl0e-20" target="_blank">tactile letters</a> for my daughter when she was first learning the alphabet. Now that she's devouring chapter books, the letters come in handy for decorating! Note to self: find the lower case "y"!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinmO7T82fNVb5C2PNhQjC0a2aq9bShR2yJjK70TUZEhFRhxa92hgPZf2_4E1d4cddXK_1G_UCJ9uv7Gb-JJvL4kW0J25IjloPLUxnD-GRqnJj3VLzggU2-IZk3QDJr_XoNGCOVP_aB1Bk/s1600/patriotic+dresses+%2528c%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Framed baby dresses as 4th of July decor idea at The Red Chair Blog" border="0" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinmO7T82fNVb5C2PNhQjC0a2aq9bShR2yJjK70TUZEhFRhxa92hgPZf2_4E1d4cddXK_1G_UCJ9uv7Gb-JJvL4kW0J25IjloPLUxnD-GRqnJj3VLzggU2-IZk3QDJr_XoNGCOVP_aB1Bk/s640/patriotic+dresses+%2528c%2529.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Houshold Items #14 and #15: Clothing Items</b><br />
Cherished baby clothes can be popped into a frame for a unique, seasonal conversation piece. <br />
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I wore the little monogrammed sailor dress on the right when I was a baby. Apparently, this dress was popular with baby girls living in San Francisco in the 1970's, as the identical dress on the left was personalized for my dear childhood friend, Terra, when she was a baby.<br />
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Hats add a 3 dimensional element that can be fun to incorporate into your decor. Hang them on the wall, or hang them on the back of a chair. The cheerful, red straw hat above is one that my mom brought when she came to visit last year for the 4th of July.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi79tQVRe6eFmMNBjctw3CYA9yGGQZhw_t9ThJTgV4a15aYLjGBWONeBtv21e9lJqBLaQjzkRCI7IVcwA-6QQ5kzgUH8qQi7jEE10WYhyphenhyphenH75xm_nXS_gjxIAJdBLQb0_IRVCDVUMHH9-qk/s1600/Red+Chair+Home+Interiors+Porch+Decorating+%2528c%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="4th of July front porch decorating idea at The Red Chair Blog" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi79tQVRe6eFmMNBjctw3CYA9yGGQZhw_t9ThJTgV4a15aYLjGBWONeBtv21e9lJqBLaQjzkRCI7IVcwA-6QQ5kzgUH8qQi7jEE10WYhyphenhyphenH75xm_nXS_gjxIAJdBLQb0_IRVCDVUMHH9-qk/s640/Red+Chair+Home+Interiors+Porch+Decorating+%2528c%2529.jpg" title="" width="449" /></a></div>
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So there you have it: creative ways to decorate for the Fourth--or any patriotic occasion--with ordinary household items! <br />
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Have a little more time to plan ahead? How about creating a flag in your garden with flowers for the 4th next year? I snapped this photo at <a href="http://boothamphitheatre.com/" target="_blank">Koka Booth Amphitheater</a> when I went to see the fireworks there in 2013.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPITpyKSM3ma1mW6_MEFsL9XOk1QORVYZA1uRnTEoWs8s7f6mliyzD_GIa5dG8nMCkFmDRPsloRcaxj7VA-Qx8jAEa7lytgTTWrBwm5azIo7MKRddvFPOL8L9IFYcVVofhb_pMoIh4Gh4/s1600/July+4th+flowers+%2528c%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="4th of July American flag flower planting at The Red Chair Blog" border="0" height="451" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPITpyKSM3ma1mW6_MEFsL9XOk1QORVYZA1uRnTEoWs8s7f6mliyzD_GIa5dG8nMCkFmDRPsloRcaxj7VA-Qx8jAEa7lytgTTWrBwm5azIo7MKRddvFPOL8L9IFYcVVofhb_pMoIh4Gh4/s640/July+4th+flowers+%2528c%2529.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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Happy 4th of July!<br />
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This post contains Amazon Affiliate links.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300013189328486476.post-30371597795269790562015-06-03T15:19:00.000-04:002017-09-14T10:11:17.813-04:00French Vegetable Chart<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2_s-f3qfcASaEUvRIQB-PKq_aV2vSYLrc2WtrkOvHBOnx5HwUYXZFhey_AaXvti_Yyv2gUMw_yC2-p0U1Lk8t_junPkeys3XnfJzQqmjTMCVc3K0U7g9RrQH5Zl1WGAl1Rg-dEPhtkUM/s1600/5+minutes+and+5+dollars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cavallini framed French vegetable chart at The Red Chair Blog" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2_s-f3qfcASaEUvRIQB-PKq_aV2vSYLrc2WtrkOvHBOnx5HwUYXZFhey_AaXvti_Yyv2gUMw_yC2-p0U1Lk8t_junPkeys3XnfJzQqmjTMCVc3K0U7g9RrQH5Zl1WGAl1Rg-dEPhtkUM/s400/5+minutes+and+5+dollars.jpg" title="" width="323" /></a></div>
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Look what I found for under $5! Technically, this pretty "Le Jardin" garden vegetable chart is sold as "wrapping paper", but seriously, who--besides maybe Darth Vader--would condemn this pretty paper to the fate of being torn up and thrown away?<br />
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This frame-worthy 20 x 28 inch sheet of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1619922088/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=1619922088&link_code=as3&tag=threchbl0e-20&linkId=32DDULRPRIMZVYED" target="_blank">"Le Jardin" wrapping paper from Cavallini Papers</a> ($4.25 on Amazon) is a great value, especially when you consider how many "Cool Points" it racks up:<br />
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1. Uuber vintage (10 Cool Points)<br />
2. Botanical (10 Cool Points)<br />
3. Cottage style (10 Cool Points)<br />
4. Farmhouse chic (10 Cool Points)<br />
5. Includes escarole and other Martha-Stewart-Approved veggies (10 Cool Points)<br />
6. Printed on archival paper from Italy (100 Cool Points)<br />
7. Includes French words (1,000 Cool Points)<br />
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That's 1,150 Cool Points for less than 5 dollars. Talk about value! If you've got 5 minutes to invest in popping this "wrapping paper" into a frame (the one pictured above was from a thrift store), you will have yourself a darling new addition to your kitchen or dining room! Bon Appetit!<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This post contains Amazon Affiliate links.</i></span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comCary, NC, USA35.79154 -78.78111690000002935.3792725 -79.426563900000033 36.203807499999996 -78.135669900000025tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300013189328486476.post-31055239533849584022015-04-23T15:29:00.001-04:002017-09-14T10:23:16.170-04:00A Cheap and Cheerful Bistro Set...From an Unlikely Source!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpRgxOqqWML4gubsjMvJxg_242Y1dNc31Lxv7qRsv1aMAHv8CGHef8MGtX61bVTUIpk6IzmWpJsVxT9j9iwHEClEDYTVbT4DIjflNuJRVPc83hS9IY_O1nOYyGnnsmRG4GLeU8Y4CJfEg/s1600/001+wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="HD Designs aqua turquoise blue folding bistro set at The Red Chair Blog" border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpRgxOqqWML4gubsjMvJxg_242Y1dNc31Lxv7qRsv1aMAHv8CGHef8MGtX61bVTUIpk6IzmWpJsVxT9j9iwHEClEDYTVbT4DIjflNuJRVPc83hS9IY_O1nOYyGnnsmRG4GLeU8Y4CJfEg/s1600/001+wm.jpg" title="" width="400" /></a></div>
I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, where it's 70 degrees most days, so spring in North Carolina fools me every year. In NC, after winter loosens its icy grip, spring arrives, Disney-style. Bluebirds sing as they build their nests, trees and bushes explode with blossoms, and the thermometer on the back patio registers a perfect, bug-and-humidity-free, 70 degrees.<br />
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That perfect, perfect temperature inspires me (and everyone else in town, judging from the line at Lowe's Home Improvement) to focus our decorating efforts outdoors and spruce up the garden, the porch, and the patio. We breathe a collective, contented sigh, believing that we can all finally enjoy "outdoor living". We tell ourselves that spring has come at last... and it will last <i>forever</i>! Then, as soon as the lemonade is poured, the all-weather pillows are plumped, and the hammock is hung, summer blazes in, trailing a cloud of buzzing mosquitoes, slithering reptiles, and hair-frizzing humidity. "Retreat!" we yell, and we race into the house (or dive into the nearest swimming pool) where we'll stay until the first merciful fall breeze blows through.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiXN-SugORcOyjA83j2CNUEW1kcBL8cPU7GhaRlDrOFHR7UYviKnKqH1WMIJErJspQ137oJ4FFo9C-pnTibRJ_IZfUi36wo5xCRTbYgPmrFp-hw6CgvX3XTCTvT6TRKGMm-o-rrPGCVYc/s1600/003+WM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="HD Designs aqua turquoise blue folding bistro set with azaleas at The Red Chair Blog" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiXN-SugORcOyjA83j2CNUEW1kcBL8cPU7GhaRlDrOFHR7UYviKnKqH1WMIJErJspQ137oJ4FFo9C-pnTibRJ_IZfUi36wo5xCRTbYgPmrFp-hw6CgvX3XTCTvT6TRKGMm-o-rrPGCVYc/s1600/003+WM.jpg" title="" width="340" /></a></div>
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Yes, spring in NC fools me every year, and this year is no exception. I'm 100% sure that this year, spring is <i>really</i> here to stay! <br />
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I was in this spring-centric state of mind when I went grocery shopping yesterday at Kroger, a local grocery store. On my way to the ice cream aisle, I was surprised to spot an adorable turquoise blue 3 piece folding bistro set, high above my head on top of a case of frozen dinners.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8woOr-EaCXcNmh3qnOGBMQzICRrh1TZPKp4fl4yq1kly98KT-iZ4Qmqd4Kez-iCXumrAQ8hFaVN4aGMFfEhNjQK2JDAaK8N42I1zglFrQ4yOdfbRDlB_OkbXDpgMGgtylyU2-OowKcrQ/s1600/20150421_144305+wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="HD Designs aqua turquoise blue folding bistro set at The Red Chair Blog" border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8woOr-EaCXcNmh3qnOGBMQzICRrh1TZPKp4fl4yq1kly98KT-iZ4Qmqd4Kez-iCXumrAQ8hFaVN4aGMFfEhNjQK2JDAaK8N42I1zglFrQ4yOdfbRDlB_OkbXDpgMGgtylyU2-OowKcrQ/s1600/20150421_144305+wm.jpg" title="" width="400" /></a></div>
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If I were writing a TV sitcom about an interior decorator with spring fever, I might think it would be funny to have my character hallucinate a turquoise blue bistro set in the grocery store. In the sitcom, she'd see the set, gawk, gape, rub her eyes dramatically, look again, and find that the charming set had dematerialized, leaving in its place a giant pyramid of toilet paper rolls. <br />
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But in real life, there really <i>was</i> an adorable, affordable ($89.99) bistro set at the grocery store, perched up high like a big, blue bird that had just landed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMLAL2fRUFYSI_5qcBnR-PwIcpmQ1jG0cZr9hhbbNRkU9568cVXfVtQ1wpzdmA-DCH9Vmzcvr9bpTxgqLQjP6H5beTTdZOTYRIgAkPqfILHATOHOONH7t2izvh9LTaa4xbfZT_ag3Y74c/s1600/20150421_144204+wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="HD Designs aqua turquoise blue folding bistro set at The Red Chair Blog" border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMLAL2fRUFYSI_5qcBnR-PwIcpmQ1jG0cZr9hhbbNRkU9568cVXfVtQ1wpzdmA-DCH9Vmzcvr9bpTxgqLQjP6H5beTTdZOTYRIgAkPqfILHATOHOONH7t2izvh9LTaa4xbfZT_ag3Y74c/s1600/20150421_144204+wm.jpg" title="" width="400" /></a></div>
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And after I gawked, gaped, rubbed my eyes, and looked again, I noticed that another set--this one in red-- topped the end cap of the next aisle. Further searching revealed that the set comes in lime green as well.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7fC0pbJX4TRjeql2ExJBtP9_dK0WWStDD9u0nntatW4DX4tsKUDbIU-frmpqMe8GcEJVPdj0YvfKWGWhKnLBL-K9Sbzz_e1KL65WqFDCQdWwBp92aJoO0W51i5IPxnNvbhidxUigu9Zw/s1600/20150421_144210+wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="HD Designs red folding bistro set at The Red Chair Blog" border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7fC0pbJX4TRjeql2ExJBtP9_dK0WWStDD9u0nntatW4DX4tsKUDbIU-frmpqMe8GcEJVPdj0YvfKWGWhKnLBL-K9Sbzz_e1KL65WqFDCQdWwBp92aJoO0W51i5IPxnNvbhidxUigu9Zw/s1600/20150421_144210+wm.jpg" title="" width="400" /></a></div>
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As fate would have it, I'm helping some Cary, NC decorating clients stage their home for resale. We needed a bistro set, and--since we'd assumed we'd be working with a boring black wrought iron cafe table and chairs--we had already gathered some other colorful items for staging their back deck. These included a tray, tangerine throw pillows, a couple of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ball-Heritage-Collection-Pint-Bands/dp/B00B80TJX0/ref=as_sl_pc_tf_til?tag=threchbl0e-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=dd249c54f09e389705dddec4ef71c408&creativeASIN=B00B80TJX0" target="_blank">turquoise blue Ball jars</a>:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Jy9oes7p7hiwSWvB_7JappcsFYYdBecVkVBr8hcFAG-CfrARl6ndGDII4op98F7_WoZ7Z8ZpuPcIJGVf6oT9nqnDMsadrK3O_OsXgFIx9WYtFgtIafY6v7_QFgdbh_fyeDwqxfZlh4s/s1600/jars+wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Blue ball jars at The Red Chair Blog" border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Jy9oes7p7hiwSWvB_7JappcsFYYdBecVkVBr8hcFAG-CfrARl6ndGDII4op98F7_WoZ7Z8ZpuPcIJGVf6oT9nqnDMsadrK3O_OsXgFIx9WYtFgtIafY6v7_QFgdbh_fyeDwqxfZlh4s/s1600/jars+wm.jpg" title="" width="400" /></a></div>
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and a pair of these bright and fun <a href="http://www.worldmarket.com/product/kavita-floral-napkins-set-of-4.do?&refType=&from=Search" target="_blank">Kavita floral cloth napkins from World Market</a>, which incorporated the same turquoise:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyeqfaCNI5Kzimz_DYCXwIdpPPhSPZlvPVTtI2bEdbIqCsg3sKTK1FOuT5KTlOIzMihC9PEs5JUyigayKiIrEYsOZ2t7z8epvD645L6LIIDeqG8orP7Dasx7f3uB5QarYRo9Y0duUPXR0/s1600/kavita+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Blog post referencing Kavita floral cloth napkins from World Market" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyeqfaCNI5Kzimz_DYCXwIdpPPhSPZlvPVTtI2bEdbIqCsg3sKTK1FOuT5KTlOIzMihC9PEs5JUyigayKiIrEYsOZ2t7z8epvD645L6LIIDeqG8orP7Dasx7f3uB5QarYRo9Y0duUPXR0/s1600/kavita+2.jpg" title="" width="400" /></a></div>
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Thanks to smartphones, I was able to share a photo of the Kroger bistro set with my clients, and by the end of the day, they were the proud owners of the only turquoise set in the store. (I called the store and urged them to order more, anticipating that other clients will want to grab a set too.)<br />
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The metal set is made by HD Designs and is part of the Orchard Blueberry Collection. The Item # is: S14S5049F-B. The set is lightweight, comfortable, and very portable--all three pieces fold up, making this a great set for moving around the yard or deck when you want to chase the sun or court the shade.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguJM-a0cKrZWeaXolc52EMsqRBRMx-SSeOEon46XKjHOnfmdStfrET9h03sm5cm4pNIJkDu63p9O9jyJ3FFoueSHQ_rG-KYeElwtp1RGv6A-0xWojgrbvfiRgKDq3eaKlUpLrzzWRomOk/s1600/005+wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="HD Designs aqua turquoise blue folding bistro set at The Red Chair Blog" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguJM-a0cKrZWeaXolc52EMsqRBRMx-SSeOEon46XKjHOnfmdStfrET9h03sm5cm4pNIJkDu63p9O9jyJ3FFoueSHQ_rG-KYeElwtp1RGv6A-0xWojgrbvfiRgKDq3eaKlUpLrzzWRomOk/s1600/005+wm.jpg" title="" width="400" /></a></div>
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It comes complete with free entertainment in the form of these helpful illustrated safety precautions, which I'll summarize as: "You may be male, but don't act like it."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrMIkGLao_hGqYqWinTRh9MzGWd69PR3wHByl0YqHrBSlRFoFkyh6qFqBh2FHyw-ZlSiiN5zgbHBHfDURf4DjrzbbOJCnjmOyIL6zVxAtl1Y_gBC-flakJqrAQGNpETMnhJ9QsJVvY6II/s1600/007+wm2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="HD Designs aqua turquoise folding bistro set funny instructions at The Red Chair Blog" border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrMIkGLao_hGqYqWinTRh9MzGWd69PR3wHByl0YqHrBSlRFoFkyh6qFqBh2FHyw-ZlSiiN5zgbHBHfDURf4DjrzbbOJCnjmOyIL6zVxAtl1Y_gBC-flakJqrAQGNpETMnhJ9QsJVvY6II/s1600/007+wm2.jpg" title="" width="400" /></a></div>
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At $89.99, this three piece folding bistro set is an affordable way to add pop to your patio, dazzle to your deck, or glee to your garden. Happy (everlasting) spring from Red Chair Home Interiors and The Red Chair Blog!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">This post contains an Amazon Affiliate link</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300013189328486476.post-62553101025920836452014-08-19T14:42:00.000-04:002014-08-19T14:42:48.889-04:00Free Swatch Day at Spoonflower!<br />
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<img alt="Gray and Yellow Retro Floral Damask fabric by sweetzoeshop on Spoonflower - custom fabric" height="273" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/spoonflower/public/design_thumbnails/0175/9471/Gray_and_Yellow_shop_preview.png" width="320" /></div>
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In the fall of 2009, I <a href="http://theredchairblog.blogspot.com/2009/09/presto-youre-fabric-designer.html" target="_blank">wrote a post about Spoonflower</a>, a wonderful online fabric source offering visitors the chance to design their own fabrics and purchase unique fabrics designed by other users. If you haven't visited Spoonflower yet, today's the day to visit! <br />
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Spoonflower is generously offering visitors a free swatch of Eco Canvas (offer ends tomorrow, 8/20/14 at 12pm). Even the shipping is free! Designs range from traditional to whimsical (see below for a sampling). Whether you want to design your own fabric or sample someone else's design, hop on over to <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/" target="_blank">Spoonflower</a> soon! <br />
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<a href="http://s3.amazonaws.com/spoonflower/public/design_thumbnails/0201/6368/rWhite_grey_circle_2_shop_preview.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Modern Cottage ~ Circle Lock ~ White & Grey" border="0" height="320" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/spoonflower/public/design_thumbnails/0201/6368/rWhite_grey_circle_2_shop_preview.png" style="border: 1px solid rgb(228, 228, 228); margin-top: 7px; padding: 5px;" title="Modern Cottage ~ Circle Lock ~ White & Grey by peacoquettedesigns, click to purchase fabric" width="320" /> </a></div>
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<a href="http://s3.amazonaws.com/spoonflower/public/design_thumbnails/0150/1798/rrrElefnmittelneu_shop_preview.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="MEDIUM Elephants in orange fabric by katharinahirsch on Spoonflower - custom fabric" border="0" height="273" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/spoonflower/public/design_thumbnails/0150/1798/rrrElefnmittelneu_shop_preview.png" width="320" /></a><a href="http://s3.amazonaws.com/spoonflower/public/design_thumbnails/0122/9548/rrcupcakefairy_shop_preview.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<a href="http://s3.amazonaws.com/spoonflower/public/design_thumbnails/0122/9548/rrcupcakefairy_shop_preview.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Cupcake Fairy fabric by whimzwhirled on Spoonflower - custom fabric" border="0" height="273" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/spoonflower/public/design_thumbnails/0122/9548/rrcupcakefairy_shop_preview.png" width="320" /> </a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300013189328486476.post-88828375347760674052013-05-07T23:42:00.001-04:002017-09-14T10:24:56.331-04:00How to Outsmart a Paint Chip: Lesson One<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i><i>Paint chips can be sneaky little guys, but you can outsmart them! As a decorator, I've learned a few paint color selection tips along the
way. Here is the first in a series of paint color mini-lessons. Enjoy!</i></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyCgLgI3QPGBrPM9Z54TkXX9MPxRpOc3q1kPbi84hl3-33jaiTYzrXwQ5eKxLwD_woUt7DTVEB8_XJz1xKdshdDLPM3_kFftx2zbYPq1JBQISFSkSyvvu6oPv_-h8lgMniQh76s-fsK10/s1600/paintchip1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How to outsmart a paint chip paint color selection lesson 1 at The Red Chair Blog" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyCgLgI3QPGBrPM9Z54TkXX9MPxRpOc3q1kPbi84hl3-33jaiTYzrXwQ5eKxLwD_woUt7DTVEB8_XJz1xKdshdDLPM3_kFftx2zbYPq1JBQISFSkSyvvu6oPv_-h8lgMniQh76s-fsK10/s400/paintchip1.jpg" title="" width="333" /></a></div>
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<b>Lesson One: <span style="font-style: italic;">Never</span> Trust a Paint Color Name</b><br />
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I have a theory that paint color names come from one of three places:<br />
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<u>Paint Color Name Source #1: SAT Test Preparation Booklets</u><br />
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This is the source for unhelpful color names like "Effervescence" or "Vicissitude".<br />
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<u>Paint Color Name Source #2: Mad Libs</u><br />
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Remember
Mad Libs? Nouns, verbs, and adjectives randomly strewn together to
create an uproariously funny, nonsensical story? I'm convinced that
paint company employees use Mad Libs as a tool to come up with
useless "Adjective + Noun" color names like "Jaundiced Panda" or "Wistful Igloo".<br />
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<u>Paint Color Name Source #3: Maps and a Dartboard</u><br />
This
method is simple: the paint company employee throws a dart to pick a location at random from a map and then adds a color tag at the end. This is the source for meaningless color names like Milpitas Mauve.<br />
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The lesson, folks, is that color names are <i>silly</i>, and you should never take them seriously! Trust your own eyes and not the color name. I repeat: do <i>not</i> trust color names!<br />
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An example of a misleading paint color name is "<a href="http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/concordivory" target="_blank">Concord Ivory</a>" by Benjamin Moore. When I
think of the word "ivory", I think subtlety. I think wedding gowns. I think piano keys. Concord Ivory is a great
color if you're looking for a bold, Tuscan yellow, but it's not ivory! Benjamin Moore's website describes the color as "a saturated golden-yellow with a quiet apricot undertone". Which I guess means "ivory" in paint company speak!<br />
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Another example is "<a href="http://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/color/find-and-explore-colors/paint-colors-by-family/SW6038-truly-taupe/" target="_blank">Truly Taupe</a>" by Sherwin Williams. Taupe, by definition, is a brown-gray color. But "Truly Taupe" is truly<i>...purple</i>! Check out the swatch; it's a neutral purple (and a neat color) but purple nonetheless. The Sherwin Williams website even classifies it in the violet color family.<br />
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This misleading color name came in handy once when I was working with a couple who couldn't agree on a dining room paint color. The wife adored purple and wanted a purple dining room. The husband felt that no self-respecting man would <i>ever</i> agree to a purple dining room. He wanted a neutral dining room. I reassured them that we would find a color that they could agree on. "Truly Taupe" came to the rescue! The name sounded so innocuous that it slipped, undetected, past the husband's purpleshield. The pro-purple wife saw the purple undertones and loved the color instantly. In the end, both parties were happy with their color choice--a win-win!<br />
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Have you had any experiences with misleading paint color names?Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300013189328486476.post-48863266223809958802013-03-29T14:05:00.001-04:002013-03-29T14:05:50.600-04:00The Return of the Faux Chocolate Bunnies!<br />
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<span style="color: black;"><img alt="" border="0" height="247" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726412005752303378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjom2LWrvcYX9ZMAQ3WH0sDdGRka2_kaPg-apjinefo5wMTCMyfFdkJBAXkvgAuAGV4dBLIwwd37Ki9qVfJaot31pDJLT5FnZ_d-04puUA6eEjmBeM211j2-1FjtxovUVVO4YBV5qtZeohL/s400/easter+mantle.JPG" style="display: block; height: 247px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" width="400" />Happy Easter! Though the title of this post sounds like the name of a campy horror flick, it is actually a confession that a portion of this post is a re-post from <i>last </i>Easter. Well, let's just say that the post is made from <i>recycled</i> materials--just like the faux chocolate bunnies!</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Before the bunnies return, here are a few other Easter-related images.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">First, I was tickled to find this cute, glitter-embellished Victorian Easter sign at my local Dollar Tree store. It's about 12" wide and 11" tall. I used to play a little game with myself to see if I could spot the tackiest decor item whenever I visited the Dollar Tree. The competition was usually fierce as the ceramic kitty cats duked it out with the ceramic fishermen! I have to give the Dollar Tree credit for improving their "coolness factor" to the point where there are <i>some</i> decor items that can actually be displayed in the home without first being spray-painted, decoupaged, swaddled in string, or otherwise "altered" first!</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ6rU8rlrPuMhgharjh-2sF0c3A7DBpc67WI_X4_m8F13s9Xbb7prbrPMO7RVp1fFIMpoHpl73ooAEmgg7hkdml_DH7C_964lYNdc4EX8__Cl_X3M9wocRYT5yDQ9CHka1prcsLZhiHUI/s1600/bunny+sign+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ6rU8rlrPuMhgharjh-2sF0c3A7DBpc67WI_X4_m8F13s9Xbb7prbrPMO7RVp1fFIMpoHpl73ooAEmgg7hkdml_DH7C_964lYNdc4EX8__Cl_X3M9wocRYT5yDQ9CHka1prcsLZhiHUI/s1600/bunny+sign+2.JPG" height="400" width="332" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;">I also wanted to share this Easter vignette created by my four year old daughter. In the interest of nurturing her creativity, I have surrendered all efforts to "direct" our seasonal decorating. She has an artist's eye and delights in arranging and rearranging our seasonal "displays" on a low bookcase that we have designated for this purpose. I love how she used the halved papier mache eggs to create little "baskets"--these would make a cute centerpiece lined up along the center of a long table with Easter grass scattered around. Sure, the grass can be messy, but a little extra vacuuming is a small price to pay for Easter joy! Here, we see the Easter Bunny hard at work in his "factory". :)</span></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEierDHx6ArZ4wk1wOzVL2gXrrYBoXKWLsTWSlTAH06b1Iz-DY8U90fErHWHERk6rcXF7NgzQEAPrJvSwPG_ILjCO358Oqfz28LabJ3ZtGJtaq3ld45CvwPqaCofCGLxmmCcYUpQgYFnkUg/s1600/Easter+display.JPG" height="282" width="400" /></div>
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And now, with no further ado, I give you The Return of the Faux Chocolate Bunnies!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgksjy8I61FYejuWSRNae-57mWzuk5k1AB4N0A8xKvzf-d6Yaeyv8hz0MiJbTl01h_2PITEqwtWlGUdnXwvAVyJ7Gk_dl40-A1M-HR64tYQT9fj1V4aZHfkN1T1IiyAQvMwW-LzMrf9TmI/s1600/bunny+sign.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZpEswQpRLsamVmeDRR-Bbc2dJJ5emJ6XiQfeO5IxzikSNhKLBvubKfW3_RiyQkujt55hvtjZSxIoS8a11lUy3nSO_LYmkIGHMCiU-FM-AOpFYQYndQtaV4Z8OxwrIpsPRRLzJy2JEmMo_/s1600/3+bunnies2"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZpEswQpRLsamVmeDRR-Bbc2dJJ5emJ6XiQfeO5IxzikSNhKLBvubKfW3_RiyQkujt55hvtjZSxIoS8a11lUy3nSO_LYmkIGHMCiU-FM-AOpFYQYndQtaV4Z8OxwrIpsPRRLzJy2JEmMo_/s400/3+bunnies2" height="267" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726411573560347634" style="display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" width="400" /></a> If you've got aluminum foil, plastic bags, a shoebox, and some brown paint, then you can make these adorable <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">faux</span>
chocolate bunnies, which are perfect for decorating your mantel or
your Easter buffet table. Super-sized, these guys would also make
cute, affordable store window displays for a shop. In this post, I'll
explain how to make both the "wrapped" and the "unwrapped" versions, as
well as the foil-wrapped "chocolate eggs".<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjom2LWrvcYX9ZMAQ3WH0sDdGRka2_kaPg-apjinefo5wMTCMyfFdkJBAXkvgAuAGV4dBLIwwd37Ki9qVfJaot31pDJLT5FnZ_d-04puUA6eEjmBeM211j2-1FjtxovUVVO4YBV5qtZeohL/s1600/easter+mantle.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjom2LWrvcYX9ZMAQ3WH0sDdGRka2_kaPg-apjinefo5wMTCMyfFdkJBAXkvgAuAGV4dBLIwwd37Ki9qVfJaot31pDJLT5FnZ_d-04puUA6eEjmBeM211j2-1FjtxovUVVO4YBV5qtZeohL/s400/easter+mantle.JPG" height="247" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726412005752303378" style="display: block; height: 247px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" width="400" /></a>Using carbon paper or by tracing, transfer 3 bunny outlines onto 3 pieces of shoebox paperboard--or other sturdy cardboard / <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">tag board</span>. <a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B6rMDFqrnYvWdl9nd010QVhTdFdWTlBjajloWjlKQQ">You can find my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">PDF</span> "chocolate bunny" template here</a>.
(I based my bunny design on a photo of an (edible) chocolate bunny
that I found on the Internet--with a few tweaks--so I hope that sharing
my template with you here falls within the realm of "fair use".) My
bunnies are around 10 inches tall. I made three--two face to the left
and one faces to the right. Be aware of "bunny directionality" as you
trace your bunnies.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN2u3XGD2Ai7beWXK8KA3lcdMoxqfTQmg8X7vMz3EL-yuuFC-ab3LOrS-68iI_HdpDtCYSebMLBi2CUeqZHcCJdwxtusnrQWs15Lj8DVkWx7vpeC9Yc6rfvAdCyZKHJVHKLaU7keIIFNvt/s1600/reverse+bunnies.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN2u3XGD2Ai7beWXK8KA3lcdMoxqfTQmg8X7vMz3EL-yuuFC-ab3LOrS-68iI_HdpDtCYSebMLBi2CUeqZHcCJdwxtusnrQWs15Lj8DVkWx7vpeC9Yc6rfvAdCyZKHJVHKLaU7keIIFNvt/s400/reverse+bunnies.JPG" height="276" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726413339117321090" style="display: block; height: 276px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" width="400" /></a>Burnt
Umber (dark brown) acrylic paint gave the "unwrapped" chocolate
bunnies their color. I enlisted the help of my three year old for the
painting portion of the project. Our paint was thick and left visible
brush strokes, which I thought made it look more like chocolate. Note
our "palette": a lid from a large oatmeal canister. Oatmeal lids make
fantastic palettes for painting, finger painting, and hand prints (they
are the perfect size to fit a little hand). If you have a toddler or
preschooler, I recommend the long-sleeved Crayola art smock as well;
you can find these on Amazon for around $5. As you can tell, ours has
seen heavy use.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8FXIfbzmuZy-Y8rcpHEhzZpjKBlL9qeGTMRzVE_9mOlvvTsCNB2oEYX4s2U5x8L8Pl9LpZj4LijloXXAOnqCJwTdyf1rW0sjzWwcIZdHTX2SUv8snLllCPHveiE_jDGwGOFZojbOklBvQ/s1600/painting+the+bunny.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8FXIfbzmuZy-Y8rcpHEhzZpjKBlL9qeGTMRzVE_9mOlvvTsCNB2oEYX4s2U5x8L8Pl9LpZj4LijloXXAOnqCJwTdyf1rW0sjzWwcIZdHTX2SUv8snLllCPHveiE_jDGwGOFZojbOklBvQ/s400/painting+the+bunny.JPG" height="319" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726414334444611282" style="display: block; height: 319px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" width="400" /></a>Our bunnies curled a bit as the paint was drying, but they flattened out once the paint was dry.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCVBGH_elJHMxslvlFqX9t1TwkE-5h3rQLaQe3sRNB7ho6k4Yqvo-saYEt-5gUumQRHhyPm6nfzADSQKxGY3h4ang9Ec2iAiS42iG7-QzMm2QobKEGAAB7F4dY_30ZI4vj5KzXyvmNggIH/s1600/cardboard+stand.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCVBGH_elJHMxslvlFqX9t1TwkE-5h3rQLaQe3sRNB7ho6k4Yqvo-saYEt-5gUumQRHhyPm6nfzADSQKxGY3h4ang9Ec2iAiS42iG7-QzMm2QobKEGAAB7F4dY_30ZI4vj5KzXyvmNggIH/s400/cardboard+stand.JPG" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726416027671098114" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 244px;" width="244" /></a>Once
the paint is dry, use duct tape or hot glue to attach a "stand" to the
back. I used part of the edge of the shoe box lid. You can leave
these "chocolate" guys plain or adorn them with flowers--silk or
paper--or ribbons.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBhTcQolMF2x96PCDmt7FDtGlk_sfBhw5zzS-GO2cCV6Wl-uDt_pxQLE55ShGf_C_Q7XQbKojfakHdCz7uujxzYxFRgeLBbeOTbPsXG4AMTt1e1JcRPi62EKKcswYw_Z0ABzN5l0H1Nz4R/s1600/flower+bunny2.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBhTcQolMF2x96PCDmt7FDtGlk_sfBhw5zzS-GO2cCV6Wl-uDt_pxQLE55ShGf_C_Q7XQbKojfakHdCz7uujxzYxFRgeLBbeOTbPsXG4AMTt1e1JcRPi62EKKcswYw_Z0ABzN5l0H1Nz4R/s400/flower+bunny2.JPG" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726416344670235122" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 267px;" width="267" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-XWCVp4Pl1sRb8sAQw3aisZ4LTTTDSUjMjFGECtg90rJxnxU5Vo8fJWHgLI6p25WxPV0aWO15VCC0cf3H9srRXgtuXjyR1HhXgQObbYiHYqeM7XuyeIxGGxgjFn63gZUGmlqtUEZJl7Kk/s1600/two+bunnies.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-XWCVp4Pl1sRb8sAQw3aisZ4LTTTDSUjMjFGECtg90rJxnxU5Vo8fJWHgLI6p25WxPV0aWO15VCC0cf3H9srRXgtuXjyR1HhXgQObbYiHYqeM7XuyeIxGGxgjFn63gZUGmlqtUEZJl7Kk/s400/two+bunnies.JPG" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726416571491395362" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 267px;" width="267" /></a>To
make the foil-wrapped "chocolate" bunny, start with the same cardboard
bunny shape. Use hot glue or duct tape to affix the cardboard "stand"
(see stand photo above) to the <span style="font-style: italic;">front</span>
of the bunny, and make sure that it is close to the same width as the
base of the bunny. Use masking tape or painter's tape to attach and
mold rolled / "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">smooshed</span>" small plastic bags onto the cardboard bunny shape, starting from the base (plastic <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">newspaper</span>
bags are perfect). Crumpled newspapers or tissue paper might work for
this too. When you finish this step, you will have this poor guy, who I
think looks like a hapless kidnapping victim from a bunny horror film:<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOn1_8VGf7PRyhmTzBZfNF4MdnmdQehaHz8vIe1e3suHbriO716q_nL8O4IHtWdd-fmMJxlUwJuP_xz8IiIQE6ZGESp260lNtuPUc_bvqGRcFp_n60KKN9REoadbPAkINSme2UEpd5ZxZD/s1600/bunny+plastic+tape.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOn1_8VGf7PRyhmTzBZfNF4MdnmdQehaHz8vIe1e3suHbriO716q_nL8O4IHtWdd-fmMJxlUwJuP_xz8IiIQE6ZGESp260lNtuPUc_bvqGRcFp_n60KKN9REoadbPAkINSme2UEpd5ZxZD/s400/bunny+plastic+tape.JPG" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726418261883255266" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 278px;" width="278" /></a>Here's what the back will look like; there is no stand on this side, as you already have the stand in front:<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP0odG-121NyXL0AsSohrWQ-5cFV4F-UlGQP1aC0WTkhGzTQk4qZxgUQ_oaA1_c3uvJZd1UzhDRWolKH75k2UyNTpetVSbi5yp39KdtlgoE167jHpRlsp0aMSYkxkKVGxt3H3tINXkWCyq/s1600/foil+bunny+back.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP0odG-121NyXL0AsSohrWQ-5cFV4F-UlGQP1aC0WTkhGzTQk4qZxgUQ_oaA1_c3uvJZd1UzhDRWolKH75k2UyNTpetVSbi5yp39KdtlgoE167jHpRlsp0aMSYkxkKVGxt3H3tINXkWCyq/s400/foil+bunny+back.JPG" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726418490711080658" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 256px;" width="256" /></a>Next,
wrap the front with aluminum foil. Mine has the less-shiny side
facing out. Tape the back to hold the foil in place. This may take a
little trial and error. If you need to remove your foil and start
over, just smooth out your foil and try again. Add a bow at the neck.<br />
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While
you have the aluminum foil out, why not use it to cover a few plastic
eggs to make them look like big chocolate eggs? Use a piece of foil
large enough to wrap all the way around the egg with a good-sized
"tail" left over. With the egg standing "upright", wrap the foil
(non-shiny side out) tightly across the front and gather the excess
foil at the back of the egg. Snip excess at the back with scissors.
These eggs can be painted (we will be adding some polka dots to ours
soon) or kept plain. I imagine that a colored Sharpie marker could be a
fun way to decorate these too:<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj30PnO2dUdiglIcNMuAbB0NvwpQPxgWQKtSmXjpoc3IV0kmuP-Ea2X4qLx1Q6wm2QSHuXAo6Xrl0XCBQS7Z0vpwi5PTV5oDO8S4BRbRL2lsgBJxXt9b1lxNSk3Jz2LA8oCUuyoC0wmVvPO/s1600/foil+eggs.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj30PnO2dUdiglIcNMuAbB0NvwpQPxgWQKtSmXjpoc3IV0kmuP-Ea2X4qLx1Q6wm2QSHuXAo6Xrl0XCBQS7Z0vpwi5PTV5oDO8S4BRbRL2lsgBJxXt9b1lxNSk3Jz2LA8oCUuyoC0wmVvPO/s400/foil+eggs.JPG" height="346" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726419280264275714" style="display: block; height: 346px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" width="400" /></a>Add
a little Easter grass and a chalkboard, and you've got an easy Easter
mantel. I made my chalkboard from a piece of thrift store artwork; I
painted the gold frame white and then painted the chalkboard paint
directly onto the "canvas" art. If you've never painted with chalkboard
paint, I invite you to check out <a href="http://theredchairblog.blogspot.com/2010/02/how-do-i-love-my-chalkboard-table-let.html">this post about my chalkboard table</a> and <a href="http://theredchairblog.blogspot.com/2009/06/fun-ways-to-welcome-house-guests-diy.html">this post about my chalkboard tray</a> for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">DIY</span> info.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEynofPlkakysGCAh7YBMt4A3RlYuCW99wCtWzzv-575GrIHvdWZPpSomwv1UaCdVMvt0vXB4g4c0J2YKCiZzhCmMX7Y7BxdHbaq9Z39yA_Pmdx9b7uHlGo6DXoKAGiJAslUbcvAk_D_IJ/s1600/easter+mantle.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEynofPlkakysGCAh7YBMt4A3RlYuCW99wCtWzzv-575GrIHvdWZPpSomwv1UaCdVMvt0vXB4g4c0J2YKCiZzhCmMX7Y7BxdHbaq9Z39yA_Pmdx9b7uHlGo6DXoKAGiJAslUbcvAk_D_IJ/s400/easter+mantle.JPG" height="247" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726425857489322130" style="display: block; height: 247px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" width="400" /></a>I
think that these bunnies look good enough to eat, and even though they
aren't edible, they would probably taste better than the <i>real</i> chocolate ones, which always tasted like foil to me!<br />
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Happy Easter!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300013189328486476.post-22231936100206524002013-02-03T20:54:00.000-05:002013-02-03T20:54:03.165-05:005 Minute Decorating: Layering With a Glass Dish<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy62Ok1hD0Xmxk64wav21h5u8WFwH3KOm6CC2WMxFYQDA6bvBIC7_GrD5-rD2kMTc1FqV_-Vk_Xu8dL0vD1zEGYHIah-sJWb51_EuLS_jsrFkfz5clicf8t00wIi9rYeWdSw9HSoNBXZs/s1600/003watermark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy62Ok1hD0Xmxk64wav21h5u8WFwH3KOm6CC2WMxFYQDA6bvBIC7_GrD5-rD2kMTc1FqV_-Vk_Xu8dL0vD1zEGYHIah-sJWb51_EuLS_jsrFkfz5clicf8t00wIi9rYeWdSw9HSoNBXZs/s400/003watermark.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
My daughter and I love to make handmade Valentines. For the first half of February, we keep a Valentine-making "station" set up on our table stocked with a tantalizing array of art supplies--from classics like doilies and foil hearts, to fabric scraps, ribbon, stickers, markers, crayons, and the new preschool staple: glitter glue. <br />
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Sometimes we invite friends over individually or in small groups to make Valentines with us. One of my favorite tricks for creating an instant Valentine-themed serving platter is to layer a doily between a white plate and a clear glass plate. Voila! An instant, themed serving dish that can later be dismantled...and partially incorporated into a homemade Valentine! <br />
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As you might recall from <a href="http://theredchairblog.blogspot.com/2011/10/halloween-mantle-and-diy-candle-holders.html" target="_blank">this post</a> where I discussed using a jar within a jar, I always appreciate the versatility that glass offers for creating layered, changeable seasonal/holiday decor. Happy "Valentining"!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300013189328486476.post-74047558696945659012013-01-28T23:15:00.001-05:002013-01-28T23:15:15.204-05:00Nature Play At Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjWJD4NJqApaPo16DtDLPpPt4DqRkNGdmg5Jv93BHtEaK35gsj9z4549UYfgpAYvIHWcfMe2hEJzwoaKH7MUfOP_tI9W_2TALJs8Mm4UsqXW3vbH7FQZiC6TkiluwQqIfevaFVjuqJ-os/s1600/NLI+sunflower+structure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjWJD4NJqApaPo16DtDLPpPt4DqRkNGdmg5Jv93BHtEaK35gsj9z4549UYfgpAYvIHWcfMe2hEJzwoaKH7MUfOP_tI9W_2TALJs8Mm4UsqXW3vbH7FQZiC6TkiluwQqIfevaFVjuqJ-os/s400/NLI+sunflower+structure.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
If you love kids, nature, and gardens, then you will love this wonderful free publication developed by the National Wildlife Federation and the (NC-based) Natural Learning Initiative. <i>Nature Play At Home, A Guide for Boosting Children's Healthy Development and Creativity</i> is a free, downloadable, printable PDF booklet.<br />
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In <i>Nature Play at Home</i>, parents and caregivers will learn how (and why) to create wonderful Nature Play Spaces <span style="font-size: xx-small;">TM </span>for children. <br />
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Projects--which are ranked by difficulty according to the number of "shovels"--include creating a sensory garden, an edible garden, a vine teepee, a water garden, balancing logs, grass mazes, dedicated play spaces for sand, water, mud, and acoustic play, and a miniature fairy village, among others.<br />
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Click <a href="http://online.nwf.org/site/PageNavigator/BeOutThere_Nature_Play_at_Home.html" target="_blank">here </a>to download the booklet (you will be asked to provide your first and last name, email address, and zip code). Here in NC we are expecting warm weather tomorrow; why not take advantage of this opportunity to spend some time outside with your kids?<br />
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Please note: I have used the vine teepee photograph with permission from the Natural Learning Initiative. Please do not repost or reproduce this photograph without their permission.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300013189328486476.post-15310392573528143892012-09-27T11:30:00.000-04:002016-03-12T21:57:43.113-05:00How To Save Marigold Seeds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFmSvPN3xcGicpl5nytvAJw5PNW-9fU1_voGFpvbgkeH7ltPtA_ui-Hd2uE-MeA6zmu7NFalwoiAOjm5UIlrN6DHjsGo-DYM4jTsQ4qwC8pv12FH6YLgAq-2LJuIoLGYsKZG5pgFc4kDqT/s1600/how+to+save+marigold+seeds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFmSvPN3xcGicpl5nytvAJw5PNW-9fU1_voGFpvbgkeH7ltPtA_ui-Hd2uE-MeA6zmu7NFalwoiAOjm5UIlrN6DHjsGo-DYM4jTsQ4qwC8pv12FH6YLgAq-2LJuIoLGYsKZG5pgFc4kDqT/s640/how+to+save+marigold+seeds.jpg" width="531" /> </a></div>
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In my post last year about <a href="http://theredchairblog.blogspot.com/2010/06/laissez-faire-gardening.html" target="_blank">Almost Free Gardening</a>, I mentioned how easy it is to save marigold seeds to plant in the spring. Looking back at that post, I realized that more detailed instructions would be helpful. Today I'll share some photos to illustrate exactly what I look for when I'm collecting seeds to save. I know that there are other methods of marigold seed-saving (eg: collecting and drying the whole flower), but I prefer the foolproof route that I'll outline here. </div>
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First, here's a picture of a flower bud--<i>definitely</i> not ready for harvesting!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYET1NvcfOhv24bjFHZpq9jJiuziOdXrqrjiLH-7usZi-9y5Lgz9prdAenA0VHn3Kf9owD8Gj1arC3gsQa6opoxfIGmSbIlVftznxhyphenhyphen0los_Of72zrSDu67XWmBYV5WDi0G9JbAnH3iv0s/s1600/dude.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYET1NvcfOhv24bjFHZpq9jJiuziOdXrqrjiLH-7usZi-9y5Lgz9prdAenA0VHn3Kf9owD8Gj1arC3gsQa6opoxfIGmSbIlVftznxhyphenhyphen0los_Of72zrSDu67XWmBYV5WDi0G9JbAnH3iv0s/s640/dude.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This guy is also not ready--still too green:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfAWCs-cXKEOfKhPQ-87nKWmKCtkwIkaFG4whMs-fE6r-9eYeEOu0yEsSpuz180ISG6SqO4pdbcHfA0edzuxMALIohqj_9cKKJ3x0DWIgmdfjJfI1wA_o9VIOBMtRcIzOzbF7iCbBmoM4s/s1600/not+ready.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfAWCs-cXKEOfKhPQ-87nKWmKCtkwIkaFG4whMs-fE6r-9eYeEOu0yEsSpuz180ISG6SqO4pdbcHfA0edzuxMALIohqj_9cKKJ3x0DWIgmdfjJfI1wA_o9VIOBMtRcIzOzbF7iCbBmoM4s/s640/not+ready.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div>
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These are nice and dry and getting closer, but they're still upright, so ideally I'll wait a little longer:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNcAua_wqIMkb0xKVTV9Lfot1cK40nDlJblV3rC2dewPphOrzjL8WL4mtRsCsFkNoEpU041tG7sW2EEcTliyCbIW05rQ6_SvC7gIcHVfvHatJupLlI1TybZ0wQs5jDu4Zp53J4xpTvMcLy/s1600/not+quite+ready.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNcAua_wqIMkb0xKVTV9Lfot1cK40nDlJblV3rC2dewPphOrzjL8WL4mtRsCsFkNoEpU041tG7sW2EEcTliyCbIW05rQ6_SvC7gIcHVfvHatJupLlI1TybZ0wQs5jDu4Zp53J4xpTvMcLy/s640/not+quite+ready.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I like to wait until the little flower heads are completely dry and bending over--ready to aim their seeds at the ground. When you see them bent over like this, (whether they are open at the end like those in the photo below or closed so that they look like tiny beige ears of corn) they are ready to be snapped off.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg700X45A102NoNaU4ST8aQrb7K6wfo8SZ3WoogsKe_WGUrWPGKDK9VD8MnioMMUChS8cEH7QwkdGIBemOIrG8kLeCfNsfGlhd8Sd91sxnd0i-uYnhE1Yo0zKfHJofB0_dk2Da6wC_Yl8x8/s1600/perfect.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg700X45A102NoNaU4ST8aQrb7K6wfo8SZ3WoogsKe_WGUrWPGKDK9VD8MnioMMUChS8cEH7QwkdGIBemOIrG8kLeCfNsfGlhd8Sd91sxnd0i-uYnhE1Yo0zKfHJofB0_dk2Da6wC_Yl8x8/s640/perfect.jpg" width="616" /></a></div>
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If you gently roll the dry flower head between your thumb and finger, the shell will come off revealing...seeds!!! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii47vuySClkvdMLRvI5XHGVskTh2x2v1Ys1fvTgdTZ7SXt8cXVJiHPvRoDbbmhJYT3EGL_i21I25ejjV__vvWJXZHIOjgEzcUclyW6hlmLLhp2yzm3JdLyg849WYvz94BI0ebBF4XlFTlA/s1600/each+seed.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="457" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii47vuySClkvdMLRvI5XHGVskTh2x2v1Ys1fvTgdTZ7SXt8cXVJiHPvRoDbbmhJYT3EGL_i21I25ejjV__vvWJXZHIOjgEzcUclyW6hlmLLhp2yzm3JdLyg849WYvz94BI0ebBF4XlFTlA/s640/each+seed.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now all you have to do is wait until spring to plant them! I recommend saving the seeds in an envelope rather than a jar; I've learned the hard way that jars can seal in moisture and cause mold to grow. All of the marigolds that you see in these photos (including the three
foot wide bush in the photo at the beginning of this post) grew from seeds that I collected last
year (which grew from seeds collected the previous year). Happy gardening! </div>
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The Red Chair Blog is <a href="https://www.facebook.com/redchairhomeinteriors.Cary.NC/" target="_blank">now on Facebook</a>. I invite you to follow along! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii47vuySClkvdMLRvI5XHGVskTh2x2v1Ys1fvTgdTZ7SXt8cXVJiHPvRoDbbmhJYT3EGL_i21I25ejjV__vvWJXZHIOjgEzcUclyW6hlmLLhp2yzm3JdLyg849WYvz94BI0ebBF4XlFTlA/s1600/each+seed.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791846703867176933noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300013189328486476.post-27045141112214815332012-09-13T11:35:00.001-04:002012-09-18T23:13:46.900-04:00Styrofoam Tray Printing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3zDw1F6gWuCKqRdLX_hhAV60SkLCy-_AT0OsK45NetBlSYHajSTgG8DRsfBb6vF8Dqoje5jMsIBcXM3VF3wCqbZ0iEm8bZYf8RWmsfPNfv4aENKt88KwTxONUP0-nLbVXm1xjFjB6eHE/s1600/styrofoam+tray+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3zDw1F6gWuCKqRdLX_hhAV60SkLCy-_AT0OsK45NetBlSYHajSTgG8DRsfBb6vF8Dqoje5jMsIBcXM3VF3wCqbZ0iEm8bZYf8RWmsfPNfv4aENKt88KwTxONUP0-nLbVXm1xjFjB6eHE/s400/styrofoam+tray+blog.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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My preschool-aged daughter and I have recently started experimenting with foam tray printing. Have you tried it? If you haven't tried this fun, easy, and inexpensive art form, I urge you to give it a try! It's a great "kid art" project that has "grown-up" card-making, gift-giving, and home decor applications as well. Plus, even in our high tech age, there's something pretty darned cool and magical about creating your own little DIY printing press.<br />
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I first read about foam tray printing on the <a href="http://www.thechocolatemuffintree.com/2012/02/styrofoam-rainbow-prints.html" target="_blank">Chocolate Muffin Tree</a>--a great resource for anyone who likes to make art with young kids.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_GSMIe4-r0-FBYjcRkMGsqtAgSkb1UG9eqsR7MINWqWNSw0YL8SxS_3WKSVes2CPI8BrpSzn5h4HapKh51KNkGySCx530xy9cPcdQgHcl5llQeI4drxqhyphenhyphenjVOZwArIXBgYE4hVMTt_vc/s1600/trays.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_GSMIe4-r0-FBYjcRkMGsqtAgSkb1UG9eqsR7MINWqWNSw0YL8SxS_3WKSVes2CPI8BrpSzn5h4HapKh51KNkGySCx530xy9cPcdQgHcl5llQeI4drxqhyphenhyphenjVOZwArIXBgYE4hVMTt_vc/s400/trays.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<u>Materials:</u><br />
Foam Trays--We used veggie trays from store bought tomatoes, but styrofoam take-out boxes would work as well.<br />
Scissors<br />
Blank Paper <br />
Pencils--You will need one dull pencil and one sharp one<br />
Acrylic Craft Paint<br />
Paintbrushes<br />
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<u>Instructions:</u><br />
1. Cut the edges off of your foam tray so that you have a flat piece of foam on which to work. This picture is an overly-dramatic, crime-scene-like illustration of this step!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Ay5mX7QeP3xfLyVX8rq8XwXoV13N0iV-hhNmInEBVFmbAeT3asn8VGB1azwb36uEfJP8QCj3tnuaJxrP6ckdX8y_ssQAsz5meVElxIHZWjQPIv71PFvKqKJrnw5-tP8ia6dKfLBiC3U/s1600/scissors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Ay5mX7QeP3xfLyVX8rq8XwXoV13N0iV-hhNmInEBVFmbAeT3asn8VGB1azwb36uEfJP8QCj3tnuaJxrP6ckdX8y_ssQAsz5meVElxIHZWjQPIv71PFvKqKJrnw5-tP8ia6dKfLBiC3U/s400/scissors.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
2. Draw your image on a piece of blank white paper. If you incorporate any words or symbols, remember that your end product print will be reversed.<br />
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3. Place your drawing on top of the foam, and use a dull pencil (or similar object) to trace your design, pressing into the foam to create an indentation as you draw.<br />
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4. Remove your drawing paper from the foam.<br />
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5. Using long paintbrush strokes, brush paint onto your foam. You may need to experiment to find the optimal amount of paint to use.<br />
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6. Gently place your foam, paint side down, on your paper, and use your palm and fingers to press all over the surface of the foam. You can also use a rolling pin or something similar.<br />
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7. Carefully lift your foam off of the paper and admire your design!<br />
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Once you master the basic technique, the sky is the limit!<br />
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Here are some of our prints. My daughter created this design by drawing with the dull pencil directly on the foam to create the template. She absolutely loves to draw "heart butterflies". Most of her butterflies have long, flowing antennae, but she found it harder to draw on foam than on paper. We made these printed greeting cards for her friends. Each print is unique. This process is not about perfection.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9W1mYJ-o56j9MUWqLNElnVOEh5WygqExIr1JH1bZ616sPJyFMLe33YEIaFJrcP5HTqlu_AToiI-9mMvSAOGNcgyFLQ6n1IgmJhJ0rklDxjrKYsoErGdScHcxuJXZHKVjcP-NfFYnA8V8/s1600/hearts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9W1mYJ-o56j9MUWqLNElnVOEh5WygqExIr1JH1bZ616sPJyFMLe33YEIaFJrcP5HTqlu_AToiI-9mMvSAOGNcgyFLQ6n1IgmJhJ0rklDxjrKYsoErGdScHcxuJXZHKVjcP-NfFYnA8V8/s400/hearts.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I applied the same heart image to some dish towels. You can buy special additives to make acrylic paint permanent on fabric, but in my experience, --and when I say "experience", I'm referring to a ridiculously-geeky, hand-painted Wonder Woman Halloween costume that I made in my early twenties--acrylic paint never washes out of fabric. Ever.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4N5G1mOwIPmmats3OkfBFQbhLJLeq2Oe1mHs8BfoD6gbQwtm2D9qnOXdGiNWMLeEt8vDa4VzmH5u5_7rbNxJ0uciJvM-6Ot3uJPc8vWNsTctvD3rE9Q2A7mbdj1YyPoF0uxrsTQFldGY/s1600/towels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4N5G1mOwIPmmats3OkfBFQbhLJLeq2Oe1mHs8BfoD6gbQwtm2D9qnOXdGiNWMLeEt8vDa4VzmH5u5_7rbNxJ0uciJvM-6Ot3uJPc8vWNsTctvD3rE9Q2A7mbdj1YyPoF0uxrsTQFldGY/s400/towels.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Foam printing would work on a t-shirt as well (place cardboard inside the shirt so the paint won't bleed through to the back). You can also use this method on fabric to make unique throw pillows.<br />
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When I created the owl design below, I was aiming for a cute, baby nursery owl, but I ended up with this kind of stern, eerie Halloweeny guy. This template with black paint on orange paper would make a fun DIY Halloween greeting card. The black one on white paper pictured below could look cute framed in a Halloween display with other black and orange items. Note how the image is reversed on the foam.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEzgRqoMAZ90fX1trAVfwjOomsiwEiR5z9U9yWKEiY7_phDtbhh1Z8a7LYG4CparKdo_jFQDuOmeGtVvVUyLn9B5o4IuWNn8eWKsLIVpdsD1adYVw-0Lglqgnkx2AMMg_KyIHpCYwSkBU/s1600/owls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEzgRqoMAZ90fX1trAVfwjOomsiwEiR5z9U9yWKEiY7_phDtbhh1Z8a7LYG4CparKdo_jFQDuOmeGtVvVUyLn9B5o4IuWNn8eWKsLIVpdsD1adYVw-0Lglqgnkx2AMMg_KyIHpCYwSkBU/s400/owls.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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A friend is decorating her baby boy's nursery around a frog nightlight. I had her in mind when I played with this design, which is inspired by a nightlight that I found via Google. Note how different paint colors and paint application styles change the result. This image is not very crisp due to a crease in the foam (see foam template lower L).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN5eFw0AfPs9OsiZWovalxns8MGGdrgF2555_5Fxd98CjmidUnXo4lL_hUUQKYWmd3ybPchwPRINY4NGdR9s_AEWQ1ElTGmLrKgQ8gfJYe1W8rOZ8fJqvyPWTuDkrTUr9vzdvqWMfd51A/s1600/frogs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN5eFw0AfPs9OsiZWovalxns8MGGdrgF2555_5Fxd98CjmidUnXo4lL_hUUQKYWmd3ybPchwPRINY4NGdR9s_AEWQ1ElTGmLrKgQ8gfJYe1W8rOZ8fJqvyPWTuDkrTUr9vzdvqWMfd51A/s400/frogs.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I love learning a new technique like this one, because it opens up so many fun new possibilities--from birthday cards to home decor items.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW7zx6zP0jyp2827SMb9bhxGsC7IlKxLYGSGfAYmlGl11ypHtTrYjc_JDBbqqAdy7Ah9t462zIFi3hmpLjqoc-JyNyQh9w5iGW5ck5GXleFFp8GtGERtxF_1bI5qoqosg0gAu6wfU4Jlk/s1600/card.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW7zx6zP0jyp2827SMb9bhxGsC7IlKxLYGSGfAYmlGl11ypHtTrYjc_JDBbqqAdy7Ah9t462zIFi3hmpLjqoc-JyNyQh9w5iGW5ck5GXleFFp8GtGERtxF_1bI5qoqosg0gAu6wfU4Jlk/s400/card.jpg" width="400" /></a>As an added bonus, it's a great way to repurpose styrofoam, which many municipalities will not--or cannot--recycle. Once you have the foam templates, you can reuse them indefinitely to create more art!<br />
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_________________________________________<br />
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Please visit my wonderful sponsors:<br />
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<a href="http://www.susandahlin.com/" target="_blank">Artist Susan Dahlin </a><br />
<img alt="Sponsors:" height="150" id="Image25_img" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCeH6OYtjmY3oydmwKMd1LbdEcAkd1zCnLSx0vy336AZcio8lER-gUM0Mh4I8hw-RrLYlJrrm6YsgcJngJUJhnUp93exwZ5lcDpRCBENzRRJnikCAEG_m-xGvuJWQcctmHV8wMHDWOmxDb/s220/mason+jar+150+good.jpg" style="visibility: visible;" width="150" /><br />
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<a href="http://www.sweeteashirts.com/" target="_blank">SweeTea</a>- T-shirts featuring great Southern sayings <br />
<img alt="" height="150" id="Image27_img" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_363jtJGHl8YtMGRrWjg4YJIkmyJNbk6dtVBNExTNRLCgBu4znwNGmPQyMTCem-VvghUhWoiJDBdftNmQRYqK1uXz9aZoADs_mpUm5T4jcMXtGQgToV7lTjJU6hTKFTdd7ITWIU1XsAE/s220/SweeTea+ad+150.jpg" style="visibility: visible;" width="150" /> <br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300013189328486476.post-88913561906434589582012-08-15T00:04:00.001-04:002012-09-18T23:13:46.906-04:00DIY "Ransom Note" Magnets<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsHfiaWdgWUuKRjCbmHGzIxfXbuuJugYynynvhxotS98WVeVBNhxIJ7ohdEV_rPD56Zp1DHfOoM8lkeGbHlLJ9vynGG5RXUXojqGRgEIl_p93N0YsqQcByC0WBNeVH8PQsASYPdZoAosI/s1600/ransom+note+magnets.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsHfiaWdgWUuKRjCbmHGzIxfXbuuJugYynynvhxotS98WVeVBNhxIJ7ohdEV_rPD56Zp1DHfOoM8lkeGbHlLJ9vynGG5RXUXojqGRgEIl_p93N0YsqQcByC0WBNeVH8PQsASYPdZoAosI/s400/ransom+note+magnets.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Back in 2009, I posted a tutorial about <a href="http://theredchairblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/make-your-own-meal-planning-magnets.html" target="_blank">how to create a set of DIY meal planning magnets</a> using the magnets that arrive in your home cloaked in junk mail or affixed to the back of a phone book with a giant rubber cement blob.<br />
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Just in case you've been yearning for another excuse to hoard junk mail magnets, I wanted to share a second project that I made using junk mail magnets. I call these fun alphabet magnets "Ransom Note Magnets" though I do not endorse the use of <i>real</i> ransom notes--magnetic or paper--by real live villains!<br />
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Creating and arranging these magnets is:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjies9sDnFIx69sFaOyxzDLrthCaVPp0eiHMKjGViquJjUB3rCMydg7RsQ8BBJXPTEMHiUUV68nQNyww0n5HS-fqmrOtYQW1-zW9W-PLKwzMPqJ8Rz78aRe_bQjFpdP4ZOaixdHedM-cM/s1600/magnets+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjies9sDnFIx69sFaOyxzDLrthCaVPp0eiHMKjGViquJjUB3rCMydg7RsQ8BBJXPTEMHiUUV68nQNyww0n5HS-fqmrOtYQW1-zW9W-PLKwzMPqJ8Rz78aRe_bQjFpdP4ZOaixdHedM-cM/s400/magnets+2.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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Note to self: must make magnetic commas!<br />
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To make your own magnets, you will need:<br />
<ul>
<li>Junk mail magnets (any flat
magnets will do: pizza delivery, dentists' offices, credit card
solicitations, etc.)</li>
<li>Magazines (or glossy junk mail fliers)</li>
<li>Scissors</li>
<li>Clear packing tape </li>
</ul>
Hunt through magazines for letters, and cut them out, leaving a square of "background color" around them. Then use the same method that I described in <a href="http://theredchairblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/make-your-own-meal-planning-magnets.html" target="_blank">this post</a> to "laminate" them with packing tape.<br />
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If you opt to create only capital letters, and you want to make at least one of each alphabet letter, you will find that the Scrabble point values of letters are actually a very good predictor of the difficulty you'll have finding each letter in capital form in a magazine. In other words, "J" and "Q" will be tougher to find than "E" and "A". On the upside, the letter hunt is fun and educational for kids, and it can be an ongoing project if you build your letter collection over time.<br />
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My preschool-aged daughter loves to play with these magnets to make words, names, and even consonant-heavy nonsense words, which I attempt to sound out for her.<br />
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Have a stainless fridge? Your kiddo might enjoy playing with these on the side of the dishwasher, the side of the washer/dryer, or even on a cookie sheet. Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300013189328486476.post-38092417139817357002012-07-06T00:02:00.002-04:002015-07-02T12:25:41.790-04:00Create a Closet Craft Space from a Hollow Core Door--No Power Tools Required!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4lY0VcKOtvZR52NbO-O6Gxfm-RadVSOuoB8W1wdCVbWrVaB_i_2OLUiPkVl9VTtay3fxQGS7yKCw0vT-gxQaibsO-gosV-UDfuenYa03ZPZJvY7WL1Em385sPN4dvHqA9UmW7ElT1Yic/s1600/closet+art+desk.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4lY0VcKOtvZR52NbO-O6Gxfm-RadVSOuoB8W1wdCVbWrVaB_i_2OLUiPkVl9VTtay3fxQGS7yKCw0vT-gxQaibsO-gosV-UDfuenYa03ZPZJvY7WL1Em385sPN4dvHqA9UmW7ElT1Yic/s640/closet+art+desk.JPG" width="403" /></a></div>
In my <a href="http://theredchairblog.blogspot.com/2012/06/closet-office-craft-space-part-1.html" target="_blank">last post</a>, I shared how I transformed a closet into an office space. Today I'll explain how I created the tandem craft space that you see above using a $5 hollow core door from Habitat for Humanity...and NO power tools!<br />
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I started by measuring the interior of my closet to determine the dimensions of my future desktop. When measuring, be sure to take into account the dimensions of your closet door casing (the decorative wood around the edge of your closet opening), which may impact your measurements. Another consideration is the height of your existing closet shelves--you will need to be able to angle the hollow door desktop up as you maneuver it into place in the closet.<br />
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I knew that I wanted to use a hollow core door to create my desk surface. Hollow core doors are smooth, lightweight (ie: easy to transport and cut), and affordable. As I browsed the door aisle at my local <a href="http://wakerestore.org/location/cary-store/" target="_blank">Habitat for Humanity Restore</a>, I came across a beauty for just $5. This door was brand new and already primed on one side. Best of all, it was a "no-bore" door! Yes, this door was the life of every party! Just kidding; "no-bore" means "no holes (bores)". <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisrWctVVwggUMXpKSxk5-gCFoXhg4weS3BEtmHu2LfPW_jp2wJjXaEZ8-dSRXD_OdMxNkblC1asMHPggJyejGf4rQCVQimlBt8wsVvD39_FR40PV_f9eECbMfqQe0u5b5pwgvbkzwEFkc/s1600/hollow+core+door.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisrWctVVwggUMXpKSxk5-gCFoXhg4weS3BEtmHu2LfPW_jp2wJjXaEZ8-dSRXD_OdMxNkblC1asMHPggJyejGf4rQCVQimlBt8wsVvD39_FR40PV_f9eECbMfqQe0u5b5pwgvbkzwEFkc/s400/hollow+core+door.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
The door was perfect, but it was too deep for my closet. At first I felt discouraged, as I didn't want to resort to using power tools to "rip" (handyman term) the door down to the proper size. Then, in an unprecedented moment of Math Competence, I did a little mental Tetris and realized that the door might work if I cut off the corners and allowed the desktop to protrude beyond the interior of the closet. (See the diagram below--click to enlarge.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ehqh72LOqi7w_JjQDYk65rueqYwpzjLgMy0c6IJQSla2ppRUKqhY7RLeHov7f2mBs4jyDgMMN1PU-zlgmDW85jbasefBYNkw26o0hcu9lv2Rx6PXCWl9dSI3ipPuK8F_CWNQDCwW7E8/s1600/Desk+from+Hollow+Core+Door.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ehqh72LOqi7w_JjQDYk65rueqYwpzjLgMy0c6IJQSla2ppRUKqhY7RLeHov7f2mBs4jyDgMMN1PU-zlgmDW85jbasefBYNkw26o0hcu9lv2Rx6PXCWl9dSI3ipPuK8F_CWNQDCwW7E8/s400/Desk+from+Hollow+Core+Door.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Eschewing any lifting help from the kind Habitat volunteers (remember, these doors are light as a feather), I carried the door to the register. I probably even lifted it over my head in a noticeably-uncool display of mock brute strength. I paid my $5 and, thanks to a little more mental Tetris and some string, fit the thing into the back of our old Honda Accord (the rear seats fold down to reveal an opening to the trunk).</div>
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Cutting the hollow core door proved to be fast and simple. The hardest part was getting through the solid wood at the edges--after
that, the door was, well, <i>hollow</i>! As I sawed away at the door, the
thin wood reminded me of the Wasa-type crackers that I used to eat
as a kid (my dad is Scandinavian). In fact, I think the crackers would
have been harder to cut with a saw than the door was. If you've ever eaten those crackers, you know what I mean. They could make doors out of Wasa.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN43Ki6ropygNZclAZ5tdHNhJXALA_DTyUSOSKRG2h0ZHuB_yGwcV1CBIVyyKk73ioMMOUMk_-cPe6fi_yof7v66ezf-0LCFSC2TC9D-a7X51WvjmkN1_M4eXtSiNjw_yzos26PsqvpSM/s1600/yup+hollow.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN43Ki6ropygNZclAZ5tdHNhJXALA_DTyUSOSKRG2h0ZHuB_yGwcV1CBIVyyKk73ioMMOUMk_-cPe6fi_yof7v66ezf-0LCFSC2TC9D-a7X51WvjmkN1_M4eXtSiNjw_yzos26PsqvpSM/s400/yup+hollow.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWFfXJiVSk92NjGCkz2eMxVGRHjxtgjM8F8HUGGjGz89JMHboeFRI4N57m_tw6P_U9D9zjGfGJVBHkBDzZ4pQG0aH4zwPBDVXc_RYRLXSDFMsaChpLkNeNY-qOGIbiJnkAWmA3Ki5Tr8c/s1600/saw.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWFfXJiVSk92NjGCkz2eMxVGRHjxtgjM8F8HUGGjGz89JMHboeFRI4N57m_tw6P_U9D9zjGfGJVBHkBDzZ4pQG0aH4zwPBDVXc_RYRLXSDFMsaChpLkNeNY-qOGIbiJnkAWmA3Ki5Tr8c/s400/saw.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div>
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Being a recycling-minded person, I realized that the rectangles that I had cut from the door corners would make nice, sturdy art canvases. My daughter painted on them, and then I finished the edges with cardboard and ribbon and we gave them to her two grandmothers as Mother's Day gifts. Guess I got my money's worth out of that Habitat door, eh?!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDOrngEcsyQDvrxaTFj-vlGTgHFmhFSs3bPszt2RQwILiBIfwcHH8131Uq2THQwcPDrGSc0cQTgZQnZejcQkkDq0qbU2tz_BG7zmHo19mT6svEG9cxJvxj6vUhXvcb8u6FJ6ZwyhVQx0c/s1600/canvas.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDOrngEcsyQDvrxaTFj-vlGTgHFmhFSs3bPszt2RQwILiBIfwcHH8131Uq2THQwcPDrGSc0cQTgZQnZejcQkkDq0qbU2tz_BG7zmHo19mT6svEG9cxJvxj6vUhXvcb8u6FJ6ZwyhVQx0c/s400/canvas.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
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This is what the door looked like when I had finished cutting it. The longest edge is the side that went against the back of the interior of the closet--the chairs sit next to the shorter of the two long sides. I could have painted it, but instead I opted to top it with some white contact paper, which is very forgiving of all of our rubber stamp smudges and glitter glue blobs.</div>
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Now, I suppose you're wondering how I supported this light-as-a-feather desktop without using any power tools? Well, here you go: I laid each end of the desktop on top of a (filled) cardboard bankers box topped by a wooden crate. Nothing fancy, but it gets the job done and provides a little additional storage space. This has held up beautifully for us so far. Note that the crates support the front edge of the desktop more than the back, as we tend to put more weight on the front when we are working.</div>
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To finish the space, I brought in two wrought iron garden chairs so that my daughter and I can work side by side. I spray painted them with Krylon outdoor paint in a color called "Lime". I plan to add cushions at some point. A small lamp adds extra task lighting; its power cord is plugged in via an extension cord which, now that I see the photo, could probably be a little more discreetly placed.</div>
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The sides of the desktop, tucked as they are into niches in the wall at each end of the desk, offer a great place for easily-accessible craft supply storage. The mini drawers that you see below tuck in nicely and corral rubber stamps, paper punches, and smaller sheets of scrapbook paper. Drawers can be removed and placed on our work surface when we need access to a whole drawer's worth of supplies for a project. </div>
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I chose to leave some of the art supplies out in the open on the desktop; to me, there's something very inviting about a table with art materials all laid out and ready to be used, so I tucked the pens, pencils, and crayons into clear plastic cups. I love how accessible they are and how the cups reveal all of that colorful potential. </div>
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So there you have it, a craft desk (which my three year old generously calls "The Art Room") from a $5 hollow core door. Happy crafting! </div>
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