I *Heart* Chiang Mai Dragon

I am in love with the Chiang Mai Dragon print from Schumacher. I'll take it in any colour. The colours and patterns are so rich and luxurious.

I don't care it is everywhere.

 I *heart* it.

When I went shopping with two blog buddies to a fabric wholesaler, I was thrilled when Karla, managed to snag me not only one but TWO samples! If you recall, there were grommets in the fabric. I guess they thought that would deter anyone from making anything with it. They didn't know who they were dealing with when they gave it to me. 

A grommet? I can deal with that.

Scissors were involved...

After a little snipping, patchwork and sumptuous trim, one pillow is finished.

I even sewed an invisible zipper 

{Please, hold the applause}

This fabulous pillow cost this frugal gal very little. 

While Chiang Mai Dragon can run about $250/yard {you heard me right}, this piece cost me
NOTHING.

I bought a yard of linen to match for $15/yd {only used half a yard = $7.50}}

Invisible zipper: $1.50 

Navy velvet ribbon: $4.00

Ikea pillow insert: $6.00

Total cost: $19.00

Hubby will like that :)

Here is a peek at another pillow I slaved worked on:

Xo Barbara


visiting:
The Shabby Nest
Finding Fabulous

Surprise

I thought I could stay away until the new year, 

but while I am working away on a new project,

I am noticing things about some of my older props. 

Namely - the pillows.

I love these,

I hope you do too,

but I am getting really annoyed with the damned floating pillow (fig.1)

Originally made with flying carpets, apparently, it is designed to sit on couches and chairs..

Perhaps you love it. Great.

For those of you who would rather it sit on the floor

I have made a second version (fig. 3).

You'll need to use an OMSP* to place it on furniture

but this way you can place it on any number of things.

And the floor pillow (fig. 2) is great,

but it's huge.

HUGE. 

Like - honkin'.

So for those of you who might like a second size,

I have made this mesh (fig. 4) a little smaller.

As a bonus, the smaller floor pillow is also getting 12 different overlays.

That's right bubbies - 12 new styles on the smaller mesh.

Kudos me. 

These 12 are culled from my favorite rugs 

from the already released rugs/ottoman sets.

Yup, you're counting correctly - the first one is CASt-able, so 13. 

I can count too - sheesh.

You won't need to ditch the old ones as this is a complimentary set.

Unless you don't like floating and huge pillows.

Oh yeah.

You might notice something new in some of the photos.

It's a sneak peak at what's to come.

Okay - until next year . . .  fer real this time.

Love ya, but I have got work to do.

Had a cold and it's eaten up some of my precious vacation.

So no hugs this time. Germs and all.

Besides - last time you nearly squeezed the life out of me.

Jeez.

Creating a Beautiful Rental Home: Tip 7~

Tip #7 

Accessorize!

 It is a great way to personalize a space. I use throw pillows, artwork and mirrors. Accessories are a great way to add a pop of colour if you aren't allowed to paint the walls in your place. 

You don't have to spend a lot on accessories. Ikea (I am sounding like a broken record), Homesense (Homegoods in the US), Target (if you live in the US or are like me and live close to the border),  Loblaws/Superstore and even Walmart carry throw pillows, lamps, artwork, frames, etc.

One way I instantly personalize our space is by hanging up artwork. 

I know you are thinking "what about the holes?" I have never had an issue, most landlords paint after you leave OR I fill in the holes, patch them and paint over ( a good domestic diva always saves her paint!)

 Use what you have. 
I love using my children's art around the house, items in shadow boxes, photos that my husband has taken on his travels,  art purchased on various trips, family photos or even posters and maps that I have framed. My latest purchase is a poster my husband wanted, it is the graph of the Napoleonic advance into Russia in 1812, can't wait to frame it and hang it up.

Photos taken by my husband in Paris hanging in a daughter's room in old frames I spray painted black.

Artwork painted by my oldest daughter in art class in a Ribba frame from Ikea.

Nail from Jamestown, VA in a shadow box from Homesense.

I also love hanging up mirrors. They visually expand a space.

Pillows are another way to add warmth and coziness to your space.

(I love making pillows).

PIllows made by me.

Patterned pillow from Pottery Barn outlet

More pillows made by me (down inserts are from Ikea-only$6)

Come back tomorrow as I share my last tip. This week I am also going to show you what I did with this second thrift store lamp I found!