Have you seen these amazing rugs by Youlka Designs of France? They are pure eye candy, and I'm sure any kids would just love to take all the pieces out (and never put them back in!). So while I'm tempted, I think it'd be a housekeeping nightmare.
But function follows form, right? Right.
I love it when I find a DIY project that truly looks like it can be sold in a store. I live and breathe kids' crafts on a daily basis, so it is so refreshing to see something so polished, stylish, and useful.
Amy from the b-line came up with these amazing felt storage bowls that can be large to hold toys or small to hold paperclips. And check out her tutorial. You'll die over how easy they are! Look at this detail:
Found via Li'l Magoolie.
I'm sitting at my desk, next to a bag full of brochures, business cards, and line sheets from both the Stationery Show and the ICFF. So just to wet your appetite with all the goodies that I will be reporting on in the coming week, I'll pick the first thing that hits my fingertips to share with you. And it's an owl lamp.
This moody light by Contra Forma is playful and elegant at the same time. It would work in a kid's space or any other for that matter.
I wonder where that wallpaper is from?
Here is the ultimate intersection of work and life...Oliver's nursery in the June issue of Parents magazine! Take a look and visit Parents.com for more photos and craft instructions. (Caravan Crib from Kalon Studios, Mountain Wallpaper from Fine Little Day, El Shelves from CB2, Blue Nesting Tables from Areaware)
His curtains may be my favorite thing in the room. The fabric is from Ikea and I made the straps with belt material, overall buckles, and buttons.
I can't focus on much else besides Oliver in this pic! The drawer pulls are vintage wooden yoyos and the mobile is made out of paper punched circles and an embroidery hoop. (Flash Cards from 3 Potato 4)
His rug is by Flor...they actually sell a kit where you cut the squares to form a bear skin rug. Check out the video of me and Michael (with Oliver as spectator) "cutting the rug!" (Settee from Urban Outfitters, Green side table from West Elm, Elephant lamp and mushrooms from Acorn)
I turned a trashed school chair into a smiley monkey for when he gets a little bigger. You can download the templates for the chair here.
I bravely tackled making my own version of this yarn light fixture. It was a process to say the least, but I love it!
My mom and her friends from the Cast-On Cottage in Atlanta (a knitting and needlepoint store) knitted this awesome pennant for us. (Owl Pouch from Giddy Giddy)
These pillows from Vintage Jane (on Etsy) sit on the little settee next to Oliver's crib. I call them "his friends." He smiles at them when I dry him off after bathtime. (Get this...they are only $22!!)
Photographs by the amazing Heather Weston. Check out her 52 Families project!
I searched forever for a cute lamp for Oliver's room (ended up with this amazing one from my favorite toy shop in Brooklyn, Acorn) and now I wish I had seen this DIY project! You don't have to use Matsutake's sewing pattern to make this; any stuffed animal will do. Find the brilliant instructions for this fox lamp on her blog (one of my new faves).
I love the tromp l'oeil affect on this chalkboard cabinet. It's a much better application than just chalking on a grocery list.
Made by Peter Jakubik; found via Handmade Charlotte.
It would make me very happy to live with this on one wall of my home...it's like a party all year round. Crafted by Creative Jewish Mom.
When I saw this photo of Shanghai built from cheap plastic containers (made by artist Bang-Yao Liu), it got me thinking about the plethora of ways to craft with ho-hum plastic containers and everyday items. (Found via Design Boom.)
Honestly, these are two of the cutest executions of plastic flowers I have ever seen. Yes, those tulips are made from plastic spoons! And the others from plates and cups! Brilliant. (I wish I could give credit where credit is due, but I found this image via Google Images and when I clicked on it, it took me to a site with no sign of this image. Hmmm.)
I seriously thought I'd seen it all in the way of trash crafting, but this is amazing! I would so live with this on my wall. Found via Snike Larten.
Just a little crafty thought as you head into a night of boozin'...here are some lovely uses for your wine bottles, saving them from the recycling bin.
Happy New Year from The Violet Hours! xxoo
How gorgeous are these wine bottle torches? Find the how-to on Design Sponge.
I love this frosted look, like these bottles have been sitting out in the snow. Found on Style Files.
Turn a wine bottle into a mini terrarium. Here's a how-to on cutting the bottle. Love the fiddlehead ferns! Found on Wedding Bee.
How's this for an amazing reuse? Instead of buying those blown glass balls to automatically water your plants, use a wine bottle! Found on Chica and Jo.
And of course, the bottle chandelier. For sale on Pottery Barn.
You'd have to be a brave soul to load this shelf up. Found on DeTnk.
And the corks? Well that's a post for next year. Here's to safe, happy, and healthy New Year!
My standard baby gift for years has been Ida Pearle's name print (see below). The world of personalized prints has expanded before my very eyes. Here are my current faves...
When I saw these prints, I had one of those "why didn't I think of that" moments. Brilliant idea No. 1: numbers mark the child's birthday. Brilliant idea No. 2: the intersecting circles have mom and dad on top and bottom with baby in the middle. By Ruka-Ruka. Found via All the Beautiful Things I Want.
The primary colors in this alphabet print spell out the child's name. So crisp and graphic. By Made by Girl.
English Muffin Shop's name prints are punctuated with cute little animals. So sweet.
And of course here are Ida Pearle's name prints. A classic in my household.
