Calligraphy

I freely admit that I have the most horrible handwriting. I blame it on the fact that with computers, we rarely pick up a pen and paper like we used to. Regardless, I've made it a goal of mine to learn calligraphy. Yep...I can hardly believe it myself. Can my hands really learn to actually make beautiful writing? The jury is out so far, but I keep telling myself practice makes perfect. I'm learning a very traditional calligraphy hand, but I'm hoping when I feel comfortable I will put my own little twist on it. Here are some images of calligraphy I am crazy about these days....

via Oh So Beautiful Paper

via A Fabulous Fete 

via Paper Tastebuds

via Oh Happy Day

Here is a little peek at my practice sheets. I need A LOT of practice! Stay tuned for updates on my progress!

Junior League DIY Sneak Peek...

Bargain Bash is this Thursday night and I couldn't be more excited to plunder through all the castaways to find some treasures. I dropped off my table and mirror earlier this week, but thought I would share one last sneak peek...

Here is a close up of the table legs. I decided to do an antique gold look by first spraying the legs with black spray paint and then using gold leaf rub and buff. Despite multiple attempts to clean the top of the table, I decided to lightly spray it with white spray paint to give it a crisp, fresh look. Hopefully someone will love it and give it a new home!!

DIY #2 and some progress pics...

When I was asked to DIY a piece of furniture for Junior League's Bargain Carousel, I figured I might need to tackle two pieces in case one was a total bust :). So, I also grabbed this painted mirror as well. 

When I started first to work on my table, I think my husband got a little jealous. He LOVES a project, so he decided he would take a stab at the mirror. Our plan was to use paint stripper to remove most of the white paint so the aluminum could show through. We thought this rustic look would be more appealing than the all white painted mirror.

Despite being a messy project and a little painful for the fingers (make sure to use heavy duty gloves when working with a harsh paint stripper!!!), this one turned out GREAT! This was a quick DIY that really made a huge difference. If you want to see the finished product you will just have to get yourself over to Bargain Bash on Thursday, April 25th because I have a feeling this mirror will be sold quick!!

Ok, so back to my table! My first step was to sand all the legs. After, that I put a coat of primer on the legs and then sanded again.

I decided to do a second coat of primer and of course afterwards I sanded for the third time. And yes, these steps were pretty boring :). I'm ready for the fun step of adding some gold to this table! But you will just have to wait until the next post for that....

No, this is not part of my DIY project but I couldn't help but post a pic of my favorite little helper. And, when I say helper, I really mean lazy observer! I figured if the project started to look too bad she would perk up and let me know.

DIY for The Junior League of Birmingham

The Junior League of Birmingham is hosting its annual Bargain Carousel in a few weeks and I was asked to tackle a DIY project for their kick-off party, Bargain Bash. I have to say I was a little nervous when one of the members approached me about DIY-ing a piece of furniture. Parties I know, but my crafting/DIY-ing skills are still being developed :)! So, here goes....

Here I am in the Bargain Carousel warehouse with the piece of furniture that I picked for a makeover. I've decided to take this drab table and make it much more fun and stylish. Since I've been obsessing over gold these days, I think I will see what magic a little rub and buff can work on the iron legs of my table. Maybe a fresh coat of white paint to the top and we might have ourselves a hip side table. What do you think??

Stay tuned for more posts on my progress....

Break out the green...

With St. Patty's Day just around the corner I can't help but think of green. Lately, I have really found myself drawn to green...maybe its because Emerald is the pantone color of the year? Who knows! Here are a few of may favorite green images around the web....

via Wedding Chicks

via Style Me Pretty

via Southern Weddings Magazine

via Once Wed

via Veranda

Dotted with Gold...

I'm not sure if its due to the Oscars last night or just my current obsession with anything gold, but I am totally loving all these gold dotted images. Don't relegate gold to New Year's Eve or Oscar parties...break it out all year round for a little added glitz to your gathering!

via Champagne Reveries

via Urbanic Paper Boutique

via Glitter and Grain

via DomestiKatedLife

Valentine's Round Up!

I can hardly believe Valentine's Day is right around the corner! If you are anything like me, you're planning a cozy dinner for two at home. The hubs and I always love celebrating this "holiday" by staying in and preparing a delicious meal. However, you know love a great party, so I just had to share with you some of my favorite Valentine's celebrations from around the web....

Rue Magazine

The Every Girl

100 Layer Cake

The Glitter Guide

Everyday Occasions

Celebrate Magazine

XOXO!

Let the Good Times Roll...

...is what you'll hear in Mobile or New Orleans this time of year as Mardi Gras festivities are in full swing. But just because you aren't down South, doesn't mean you can't cook up some of your own Mardi Gras fun this year! I love the idea of throwing a decadent cocktail dinner to celebrate. Sequin gowns, black ties and of course lots of champagne! Here are some inspiring images that may help you pull together your own fancy celebration...

Cheers!!

Images via Atelier Isabey, Camille Styles, Inspired By This, Riches For Rags

Market continued...

My recap from market would not be complete without sharing some of my favorites from the tabletop too! I stumbled upon Holly Stuart Designs on my last day in Atlanta and am so glad I did! I just love her beautiful placemats that are stylish yet elegant. To see her full collection click here...

I'm pretty obsessed with gold accents these days, so when I spotted Cacharel China, I definitely got excited! This collection just screams party to me!

When I say I am obsessed with gold right now, I'm serious...I have an addiction. This platter (and let's not forget the spreaders) from Canvas had me at hello...

If you need a particular color of candle, then I'm pretty sure Creative Candles will have you covered. They even have a new metallic line (yes, I was looking for gold candles!). From tapers, to pillars and even candle balls, Creative Candles is the perfect party source.

The countdown to July market begins! :)


Images via Holly Stuart Designs, Saks, Canvas and Creative Candles

A few things from Market....

I recently got back from a quick trip over to market in Atlanta...one of my favorite January excursions. I always love going to market to see what's new for the tabletop.... and the home. I've been working on a redesign for my den lately so of course I was excited to get to market for some inspiration! On the first day I stumbled upon a new up and coming high-end pillow designer and just have to share her fabulous designs with you. If you haven't heard of Piper, you must check it out here! My favorites are....

It wasn't just pillows I feel in love with at market. I also flipped head over heels for Regina Andrew's fabulous concrete and brass lamp. Oh how I wish a pair were sitting in my den right now....

Last, but definitely not least, I found myself drawn to Gabby Home's showroom. I love the European, antique style of the furniture. Here are a few pieces that caught my eye...

I'm already itching to get back to Atlanta for market in July!

Images via Piper, Zinc Door, Gabby Home