Before & After: Stool

 It's always amazing what a little spray paint can do... this is not a complicated project by any means, but the final product made me quite happy. I've had this little wooden stool from Ikea for several years, and never quite found the right place for it. My tastes have changed a bit since then, and the whitewashed finish felt too rustic in my home now. Now that my walk-in closet is organized with new shelving, this little stool is perfect to reach the top shelves. I decided to glam it up with some metallic gold.

Ta-da! Now this little guy is sleek and elegant. As always, patience is the key for a good spray paint finish. I did about 12 very light coats, and it turned out perfect.

Ceiling Medallions

from Do It Yourself, via Apartment Therapy

I love the look of these ornate ceiling medallions used as wall art! Ceiling medallions used to be made of plaster, but are now most commonly formed of urethane, so they are extremely lightweight and easy to hang. Most come already primed, and will take a coat of paint quite well. I'd love to see a grouping in various shades of pink! It would also be great to use one with a large center opening and have a mirror cut to fit. You can find these medallions at your local big-box hardware store, though their selection may be limited. I've discovered a fantastic online retailer, The Architectural Depot. They have a huge variety of ceiling medallions, ranging in size from 4 inches to over 70 inches, and prices start at around $8! You can check out their selection here. I really can't wait to have an excuse to try these out!

Creative Food Presentations

I am always looking for interesting ways to serve or present food... it's little details like these that make parties look fabulous. Here's a few great ideas I've run across, I can't wait to try them!

Crudites, via Martha Stewart

A thick slice of baguette, with a little well hollowed out on the diagonal side. Fill with fresh veggies and a dollop of dip.

Salad Cups and Dessert in a Jar, via Martha Stewart (includes sources)

A fresh salad becomes a cool hors d'oeuvre presented in a paper cup with a mini wooden fork.

A sticky dessert is sweet and sophisticated when served in a glass jar with a little spoon (this would be a great favor idea!)

Sprinkled Milk, source unknown 

What an adorable way to serve milk at a child's party! Dip the rim of a glass in water, then dip the rim into a dish of sprinkles, turning gently to coat. When filling the decorated glasses with milk, use a funnel to avoid disturbing the sprinkles.

Edible Plants, via Martha Stewart (includes sources)

These darling dessert cups are a grown-up take on the popular "dirt" kid's cake. Glass votives are filled with chocolate pudding, then topped with crushed chocolate wafers. Tuck in a lavender bloom or lemon verbena, and serve with a wooden spoon (doubles as a plant marker).

Mini Grilled Cheese, via fresh tart

Mini food is so adorable! These baby grilled cheese sandwiches are made with baguette slices, and served atop a steaming espresso cup filled with tomato soup.

Chocolate Cups, via Bakerella, via simple song

Edible chocolate cups can be used to serve ice cream, pudding, sorbet, or cold fruit soups. See Bakerella's post for the full instructions.

Weekend Glimpse

Cory surprised me with these hilarious old owls. They're vintage salt and pepper shakers, and they're just creepy enough to make me laugh.

Nintendo-inspired drawings, Cory's new series. I edited the photos and did all the Etsy listings for him (that's true love right there). He did a set of 50, and nearly half have sold already. 

See the collection here, and buy here.

Snickerdoodles! I was really craving these old-fashioned cookies on Sunday afternoon... I have no idea why, I haven't had them since high school.
So I made some, and they were scrumptious.

Not pictured:

- piles of laundry

- sleeping in

- Beatles Rock Band!

- awesome midnight thunderstorms

- pizza and movie night

- Sunday breakfast out

- discovering "Say Yes to the Dress" on Netflix

Collections: Pretty Packages

I adore pretty packages. In fact, I've got a whole inspiration board full of nothing but gorgeous gifts. Here's a few of my current favorites...

Elegant packages with DIY tutorials by Style Me Pretty

Silhouettes and Feathers by Kitchsy Digitals

Fabric-wrapped favors by Handmade Weddings, via the haystack needle

Advent packages in white by uruguay white life

Wall calendar wrapping paper by Real Simple

Confetti-dipped packages by Tokketok

Sweet Garlic Meatballs

These meatballs are always a crowd pleaser. I love to serve the meatballs alone for a hearty appetizer, or on hoagie rolls for a meal. If I'm in a hurry, I'll use pre-cooked frozen meatballs instead of making them from scratch, though if you have the time, definitely make them from scratch, they're way better. I also love to serve the sauce over meatloaf.

Sweet Garlic Meatballs

For Meatballs:
1 egg
1/2 c. dry bread crumbs
2 T. finely chopped onion
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1/8 tsp. pepper
1 lb. lean ground beef
 
For Sauce:
1 c. ketchup
3/4 c. packed brown sugar
1/3 c. chopped onion
2 cloves minced garlic
dash liquid smoke, optional

For Sandwiches:
6 sandwich rolls, split

Directions:
In a bowl, combine all meatball ingredients, mix well. Roll into 1 inch balls. Place meatballs in an ungreased 1 quart baking dish.

In a separate bowl, combine all sauce ingredients, mix well.

Pour sauce over meatballs. Cover and bake for 1 hour at 350 degrees. Serve on sandwich rolls, if desired.

Notes:
You can substitute 1 lb. of pre-cooked frozen meatballs. Combine the frozen meatballs and sauce. Either heat through in a large saucepan, bake at 350 for 20 minutes, or in a crockpot on high for 2 hours.

It's important that the sauce be heated along with the meatballs, so that the meatballs stay moist and the sugar in the sauce can dissolve. 

The sauce freezes great, I often make up large batches and freeze it in quart bags.

Doily DIY

I've rounded up a few great craft tutorials using doilies... I want to try each and every one!

This glorious table runner uses vintage doilies
and was designed by under the sycamore. 

DIY instructions here!

These sweet drink parasols use paper doilies,
thanks to a tutorial by {papermash}.

DIY instructions here!

Ok, so this darling lace tape isn't made from a doily,
but it's so cute I let it slide. 

DIY instructions here!

 I love this light fixture made from doilies, and can't wait until I have the prefect spot for this project from Dos Family.

DIY instructions here!

How gorgeous is this little bowl? It's perfect for on a nightstand or in the bathroom to catch stray earrings or hairpins.
Tutorial by Sodapop Design, via Creature Comforts.

DIY instructions here, with English run-down here!

New Video from Art & Light

I'm thrilled to share this little video with you. It was put together by Teresa Roche of Art & Light Gallery, and highlights two of my favorite local artists, Kent Ambler and Annie Koelle.

The video is all about what it is to be a full-time artist. I love the shots of Kent and Annie working in their studios, and it's refreshing to hear them talk about the hard work and dedication that it takes to excel in this field.

Art & Light is a gallery here in Greenville, SC that showcases the best art in town. The gallery is a favorite stop for me because the work is approachable and affordable. Teresa curates a fantastic mix of fine art, jewelry, and vintage furniture. If you've haven't been to Art & Light before, the gallery is located in the Pendleton Street Arts District and is open Fridays and Saturdays from 10-5. There's always something new to see, so stop back often!

Weekend Glimpse

A good weekend, with lots of rest and a few projects.

 Made myself some gold clothespins! It's the little things, you know.

We had a little Oscar's party at a friend's, and I made these pretzel bites. 

Oh my, so very good. I served them with cream cheese, mustard, and caramel sauce.

Of course, the only real reason to watch the Oscar's is to play fashion critic (and to laugh at the awkward moments). Here are my top favorites, I always lean towards feminine cuts and shimmering neutrals.

Always stunning, Hallie Berry in Marchesa

Lookin' good, Hillary Swank in Gucci

Matthew McConaughey's hot date, Camila Alves in Kaufman Franco

The most adorable young star, Hailee Steinfield in Marchesa

Not pictured:

- my closet makeover is almost complete!

- an impromtu Saturday afternoon nap

- made some sun-dried tomato pesto bread

- spray painting stuff gold

- my new summer song: IceDream by Minnutes

- allergies, yuck

- cookies made with pudding

- open windows

Salted Caramel Cupcakes

These cupcakes are to. die. for. 

This is really just the recipe for the frosting, you can use whatever cupcake recipe you prefer. Or just doctor up a mix like me if you're in a hurry. Chocolate cake pairs perfectly with this scrumptious frosting. For the caramel sauce, I suggest making your own, but if you purchase it, get the good stuff, and make sure it's thick and gooey. If you make it, be sure you cool it completely before adding to the frosting, and a few minutes in the fridge will help too.

Salted Caramel Cupcakes

2 dozen cupcakes, baked and cooled

Optional: 1 c. caramel sauce for filling cupcakes, see here for my favorite recipe

Frosting:
2 sticks salted butter, room temperature
1/4 c. shortening
1 tsp. vanilla
4 1/2 c. confectioner's sugar
1 1/4 c. caramel sauce
1/2 tsp. salt (or more if you use unsalted butter)

If you would like to add some extra decadence to your little cakes, you can fill them with a dollop of caramel sauce. Using a sharp paring knife, cut a small shallow cone shape out of the top of each cupcake. Eat the little cone pieces. Drop a teaspoonful of caramel sauce into the space. See here for a visual.

In a a large bowl fitted to an electric mixer, beat the butter. Beat it long and hard, until it's very white and very fluffy. Add shortening, beat until completely incorporated. Beat in vanilla. Add in confectioners sugar ½ cup at a time, mixing on low speed until completely incorporated (it will be quite thick). Add caramel sauce, mix well. Add salt, to taste. Yield: enough to generously frost 2 dozen cupcakes or a 2 layer cake.

I like to pipe the frosting with a large flower tip (Wilton 2D) and sprinkle on some gold sanding sugar.

Enjoy!

Collections: Lovely Spoons

I'm going to start a new category on this blog, called collections. Mostly so that I can justify posting somewhat random photos. ;-D

Today, a collection of lovely spoons. Tomorrow, a recipe.

Rebecca Newport's painted spoons

Bone china spoons by Caroline Swift 

Painted spoons from Elle Decoration

Miix Spoon Set from the MoMA store

I want this house

The amazing home of Jamie + Larry, via The Bedlam of Beefy, via Etsy

I can't get over the sublime gorgeousness of this home. It belongs to the husband + wife team of Jamie + Larry Oliver, located in Dallas, Texas. I am in love with the glamorous yet neutral scheme; and every little perfect detail steals my heart.

Of course, the stunning photography doesn't hurt! You can browse their home here, there's lots of beautiful detail shots.

Drool.

White by Vera Wang

Everybody in the wedding world is all a-buzz about BHLDN, as they should be, it's beautiful stuff. But there's another debut that I'm excited about... White by Vera Wang. This new line is exclusively for David's Bridal, and prices range from $600 - $1400 (much more affordable than her usual range). Vera Wang's designs are stunning as always; here's a look at some of my favorites...

I'm pretty sure I need that pink dress for some occasion. Vera is also moving her bridesmaid collection to David's Bridal, so there is more accessible design in the near future!

Weekend Glimpse

It was a wonderful weekend, but I was too busy enjoying it to take a lot of photos. So here are a couple boring ones for you...

That's right, gardening. This weekend was sunny and breezy and almost 80 degrees, so Cory and I worked in our vegetable garden. While cleaning out the beds and turning up the soil, I came across those little potato seedlings. They looked perfectly aubergine against the dark soil, so sweet and pretty. We put in 8 rows of sugar snap peas, can't wait to eat them! The peas are very early, so they'll be done just in time to put in tomatoes and beans and all such things. I'm getting very excited for our yummy produce.

Not pictured:
- a visit from my dear dad!
- baked some chocolate chip scones
- our first ICP board meeting... so official!
- a little peek at Annie's new house, it has lots of fun potential.
- Rita's... mmmmm, so good.
- massive cleaning of my closet, lots of new organization happening
- Sunday afternoon nap

Fairy Party

 photo by kevin coffey, via vintage rose garden

It's a busy day for me today, but I just wanted to pop in quickly and leave you with this magnificent image to start your weekend off right. I think it looks like a twilight fairy party, and I think they are having fun.

Happy weekend!

Papercutting by Elsita

The Heart Of Papercuts is "a blog entirely dedicated to the magic art of papercutting." Created by the amazing Elsa Mora, this blog features primarily her own stunning work. When I first saw her papercuts, I just stared at my computer screen, mouth agape. Her work is truly magical. I could re-post everything from her blog, but here's a few of my favorites...

Drool.

When I was a kid, I was really interested in paper art, and loved experimenting with scherenschnitte and quilling. My mother has some lovely scherenschnitte pieces from Switzerland, and I remember just staring at them, trying to figure out how they were cut so perfectly. But then I grew up, and I became interested in other things, mainly design and interiors. When I came across Elsita's blog, my interest was rekindled, and I've been doing some of research on modern papercutting. It's weird though... I love this type of work so much, I'm a little afraid to try it (unusual for me). If I was an artist, this is exactly what I'd want to do.

Cory got me a lovely print from Elsita's shop and a set of papercut patterns for beginners. She sent along the sweetest note, encouraging me to try it and enjoy it. I've been working my way through the patterns, and love the process, it's so peaceful. I'm excited to keep learning, and try my hand at my own designs eventually.

Elsa Mora isn't only a papercut artist, she does lots of cool things. Check out her other blogs:
- general blog
- miniature art books
- personal style
- handmade dolls

Before & After: Living Room

It's about time I posted some more before & afters from my home. If you remember the kitchen before & after, you'll recall that we knocked out a wall in between the living room and kitchen, or rather, widened the doorway a whole lot. That was the best thing we ever did... neither space is very large, and that wall made it feel so small and tight.

Here's the before photos...

 As you can see above, there's just a regular doorway into the kitchen, not very open and airy by any means.  We also had some gross carpeting (both visually and actually, there were stains all over it), crooked chair rail molding, along with plenty of dingy trim and paint.

Ready for an improvement? Here you go!

 A pretty big change, huh? The only thing that wasn't replaced was the windows. By doing almost all the work ourselves, we kept our budget pretty low. The chair rail molding looked awkward, so we removed it (a lot of the drywall came with it, so the walls had to be re-mudded).We installed wood flooring, new lighting, and new paint, of course. Add in some light, neutral furnishings with some colorful art, and ta-da, awesome new space.

You can see what a huge difference removing the wall made... I love how open it is to the kitchen now, and I use that peninsula constantly. The room is fairly narrow, so my furniture layout was pretty limited, but I'm very happy with the set-up. I tried to inject character into the room wherever I could, the Exepdit display area and the bookshelf corner accomplish just that.

If you want to view the coordinating kitchen before and after, click here, or see all posts in the before and after category.