TGIF, 11/12/10 Edition

(via Jenny Bowers)

Here we are again on the cusp of another weekend. Adam and I don't have any grand events planned, but that's okay.

Instead of big DIYs or the like, we are hoping to

• Pick up my dotted ottomans (!!!)
  
• Start our wedding registry process (I'm sorely behind...)

But before you and I head into our respective weekends, I want to share some peppy illustrations from Jenny Bowers, who you may recall is responsible for Kate Spade's 2011 calendar. Kate Spade always selects the most talented folks for this!

Take a peek:

(all via Jenny Bowers)

Aren't they lovely?

What do you all have planned?
Happy Friday, friends!

Sister, Sister

Yesterday, I received the two Sister Parish fabric samples I requested through Molly at Chairloom. As you may recall, I was immediately smitten by Sister Parish fabrics and thought many of the patterns would suit my $40 Craigslist chair very well.

My selections were the "Tucker" print (left) and the "Campbell" print (right), both beige and 100% cotton twill.

Hmm...quite a quandry, no?

Selecting fabric that I won't regret a few months down the line is challenging for me. Sure, I may like a print on a 5" x 5" swatch, but imagining it covering a large area like a side chair is a different story...

Reflecting on the scale of the print and the shape of the chair, I was quickly convinced. While I liked the "Campbell" print (right), I worried that it was a little loud and modern. I wanted to find a fabric that balanced the mid-century lines of the chair with a more traditional and quirky pattern.

Hence...I'm going with Sister Parish's "Tucker" print:

I'll be sure to keep you all informed of this process.

I've never ordered fabric through a showroom before. Fingers crossed the chair is a show-stopper when it's completed!

Cozy Printed Sheets

With winter weather looming, I'm noticing that many stores are pushing printed (sometimes flannel) sheets. Honestly, I've never considered switching out my standard solid cotton sheets for these printed options, but there are some cute ones out there...perhaps I should reconsider my no-print sheet stance.

Are you into printed sheets, or do you let your duvet do the talking?
Has anyone tried flannel sheets? Are they stifling?
Here are a few that pass the "cute" test:

From Garnet Hill:

(Garnet Hill ticking stripe flannel sheets)

(Graham and Snow for Garnet Hill winter berry flannel sheets)

An option from Crate and Barrel:

(Marimekko's "Kantele" printed sheets)

Available at Anthropologie:
(Plover Organic's "Falling Leaves" printed sheets)

(Also from Plover Organic, the "Circle 'Round" printed sheets)

And lest I highlight only expensive options, Lands' End has a cute set that reminds me of Mr. Robshaw. Check 'em out:


(Lands' End organic flannel block print sheets)

So, tell me, what's your take on printed sheets? Do you bring them out this time of year, or do you use them year-round? Or, are you completely adverse to them?
Do tell, do tell.

Mushroom Prints on Display

Remember back in September when I shared with you my strange old bookstore find, the $3 vintage copy of "Poisonous Fungi" by John Ramsbottom? If you don't, check it out the story of this find here.

This past weekend, I finally got around to framing the 8 vibrant mushroom prints that I couldn't let languish between the cover of this book. Today, I'll share with you how easy a process that was.

Let me first mention, though, that I am not an advocate for damaging books. When I stumbled upon these print treasures, I knew they warranted the effort. I hope the final product convinces you, if you aren't already!

I started with 8 8x10 ivory mats with 4x6 openings from Utrecht (at about $2.00/each):

I carefully snipped the thread binding of the book and separated my choice pages carefully. There were a total of 16 color illustrations, but the pages were double-sided, so I was forced to choose my favorite 8.

For the frames, I returned to Saline Picture Frame, the same company I turned to for my Claire Nereim framed notecards (check out that project here). 8 8x10 frames totaled about $80 including shipping--though don't forget to use the promo code "TY10" for 10% off each order!

I decided to stain the natural-colored frames my go-to "English Chestnut" by Minwax.

Don't the prints look great!?!
Before forging ahead and nailing the framed prints up without a plan, I used some spare brown mailing paper to chart my plan of attack.

I used a piece of brown craft paper about 4' long, and divided the paper into 8 evenly-spaced squares. I placed the frame in the center that I marked off along each edge. Additionally, I marked where the nail would need to be placed to match the hook on the back of each frame.

Adam helped me hang our plan, using a level for precision. As you can see, a faint pencil line guides our work. The nails were hammered just as where we marked they should go. This made the project move very quickly.

And now, the final results! I hope you like them...

Here they are as a grouping of 8.
I love them and was so pleased that a $3 vintage book produced new artwork that would cost so much more at places like Anthropologie or Jayson Home & Garden.

What do you think!? How'd I do?

Going the Way of the Buffalo

(via My Favorite and My Best)

Something about plaid really draws my attention this time of the year. My current plaid-of-choice you ask? Buffalo check!

Sure, the connotation is northern hunting cabin, but it doesn't have to be. This fresh print reads as classically clean in many rooms:

(Courtney Giles's home via Odi et Amo)

(via House Beautiful)

(Shaker Village via Apartment Therapy)

For a touch of buffalo check, try a warm throw. Here are two I have my eye on (high and low):

Ortolan's buffalo plaid blanket, made of 100% organic cotton for $700 (yikes):

(via Ortolan Organic)

A reasonable alternative: Lands' End's lambswool buffalo check throw for $99.50:
(via Lands' End)

TGIF, 11/5/10 Edition

("Bur Oak" via GollyBard's Etsy)

Perhaps it's the crispness in the air or the leaf-covered streets, but I feel revitalized, readers. I love the fall, I really do. I love the shorter days, L.L. Bean slippers, and pumpkin-based baking. I love looking ahead and planning for the holidays to come.

This weekend I aim to:

• max and relax (actually, this is a must)
• bake pumpkin doughnut muffins spotted in November's "Everyday Food"
  
• frame my "poisonous mushroom" prints and hang them in the guest bedroom
• get a jumpstart on my holiday gifts. I have a goal of finishing at least half of my shopping/crafting before Thanksgiving.
  

Wishing you all a glorious November weekend. 'Til Monday, friends.

Tis the Season for Amaryllis

(via Country Living)

I'm going to take a moment out of my busy day to share with you one of my favorite elements of the holiday season. Okay, okay, I know I'm early...but I just had to!

Last night, I bought a new amaryllis kit and can't wait til its lush red blooms appear. Until then, I'll just have to enjoy these lovely images of my favorite holiday flora:

(via Martha Stewart)

(via Apartment Therapy)

(via Martha Stewart)

(via Martha Stewart)

If you're dying for your own, check out Restoration Hardware's 'Red Lion' Amaryllis, complete with its own Guy Wolff pot:
(via Restoration Hardware)

Happy planting!