La creatividad de Dotty Angel / Dotty Angel Creativity

Dottie Angel es una  creativa diseñadora y artesana, realiza lámparas, almohadones, delantales, banderines, ropa, todo con un toque antiguo muy particular, con preciosos bordados  realizados.con un gusto exquisito para combinar colores y hacer fotografías.

Danish inspiration from Oyoy

Oj oj oj (as they say in Sweden!), but what's not to love about the relatively new Danish brand Oyoy?! Led by designer Lotte Fynboe, Oyoy's vision is to design functional products using high quality materials in beautiful colours and shapes.

Oyoy

So many patterns and geometric shapes! Really lovely. It's definitely worth checking out their website here.

I am sitting nervously waiting to hear baby news from my wonderful friends David and Ullis who are in hospital on this stormy January day. Fingers crossed for you guys, thinking of you! x

Valentine Ideas (DIY Welcome Mat)

If you're in the mood for a quick and easy Valentine decor idea, how about creating a loving message at your front door?  I was originally looking for a plain mat that I could paint a big red heart on, but when I found this "key" welcome mat, I figured I could add a sweet message instead.

I'm not sure how practical this mat will be as far as the paint lasting once dirty shoes are scraped against it, but it's sure cute for now!

I die over this adorable shabby chic wagon from Hobby Lobby.  The pink and purple faux flowers are also from Hobby Lobby. 

To apply the text, I used a stiff paint brush and leftover Urbane Bronze paint from my kitchen cabinets.  I dabbed the letters on as opposed to swiping.  The heart was created with the same brush and pink craft paint.  This project took a total of about 10 minutes. 

The best part was painting with my little guy.  Of course when he saw me painting he wanted to join in.  I wish I could bottle this age!

Didn't his picture turn out cool?

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Espacio creativo / Creative space

Una antigua rectoria en el sur de Suecia restaurada por Peter e Isabel, con su arquitectura original, cuidadosamente restaurada y rodeada de un hermoso jardín, es ahora un espacio tranquilo para vivir y crear.

Vía

A Different Take On Window Rods

Three or four years ago while trying to save money at every turn we got a little crafty when hanging cafe curtains in the kitchen and bathroom.  I simply had rods cut at Home Depot out of hollow tubing. I also found the cups they sit in at Home Depot as well, but it has been so long I can't remember what department they were in.  Probably near the pipes.  The clips were super inexpensive from I believe Bed, Bath and Beyond.  In fact, now I am not sure they are even meant for window purposes but they worked for us and I like the simple, industrial feel of it all.

 I still liked the look so much that when we did the bathroom I did not change it out for a proper rod.  As they say, "if it ain't broke don't fix it".

Stella & Dot Style

You might say I'm a bit obsessed with my new Stella & Dot accessories.   Over the weekend, I had some fun incorporating the jewelry into my everyday wardrobe.  On Saturday, I dressed up a plain grey Target 3/4 tee-shirt with a few Stella & Dot pieces.  

Target Tee

Starstruck Ring (S&D)

Luna Wrap Bracelet (S&D)

Zoe Lariat Necklace (S&D) (This necklace is cool because it's one long chain you can wear different ways)

Kate Spade Gramercy Grand watch

Gilded Arrow Bracelet (S&D) (it bends to fit different sized wrists)

Renegade Cluster bracelet (S&D) - Love this feisty piece- it's stretchy and comes in  GOLD too!

Luna Wrap bracelet (S&D)

And Sunday church and brunch looked like this:

Target Tank

Maldives Necklace (S&D)

I like how my less-than-$10 Target tanks and tees can be made to look a little more special by adding the Stella & Dot accessories.  You don't need a new outfit, just some different jewelry to make your closet staples more attractive.  

I don't play favorites, but this Interlock Cross Necklace (S&D) could be an everyday staple, layered with my favorite "J" initial necklace that I found at a boutique in Austin.  

How are you dressing up your inexpensive tanks and tees?  Are you smitten with any of the Stella & Dot pieces?

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Swedish fireplace inspiration

So many of the Swedish homes you see feature a fab Kakelugn (tiled stove) in the corner of the room. These date back to the 1880's neo-renaissance era (today's history lesson!). Many of them are not used for heating today but can still look pretty with lit candles. This home for sale through Alvhem is lucky enough to have one in the sitting room AND in the kitchen.

Alvhem

There is something very cool and cosy about having a fireplace in the kitchen don't you think?! In fact I'll add 'kitchen fireplace' to my dream home 'must have' check list right now!