Cream Puff Disaster and Cute Valentine Tutorial

Oh I knew you would click on that title!  :) Given your delight in reading about embarrassing stories I thought I would share my recent Long Beach Flea Market adventures. I also have a fantastically cute tutorial for you at the end of the post too.

Andrea and I began our day last Sunday at 3:3o am. By 6:30 our simple booth had been transformed into a sea of pink frothy loveliness. Soon after we received a visit from Kymberley Fraser of 3 Fine Grains. The delightful Mrs. Fraser’s designs can be found in a lovely store to adore, A Beautiful Mess, which is located just outside of Malibu.

The store was recently profiled by the New York Times in their Home and Garden section. She runs this fantastically unique store with the ever inspiring Junk Girls.

Over the course of the day the temperature grew warmer and warmer. I saw a lovely sprite of a lady pushing a wonderful oak cabinet through the crowded aisle. I imagine the last thing she wanted was to be stopped. But I piped up “Excuse me, are you Miss Emily?” A ray of sunshine crossed her face. "Yes, I am.” I invited her into the booth for a refreshing glass of pink French lemonade and she accepted.  My hands were shaking horribly as I poured her beverage. For it was this EMILY!

I was oh so ecstatic when Mrs. Henderson won the most recent competition of HGTV’s Design Star. Sometimes nice (and very talented) girls DO finish first! Here is a quote from Ms. Emily’s blog: 

“I believe strongly there is always a time and place for fresh flowers, and that nothing is more important than simply being nice to every person, every day.”

You may know that I feel kindness does count and manners matter. This lovely woman has both in spades. And I am NOT just saying that because she graciously gave us a shout out on her blog. (SQUEAL!) Her new show, Secrets From A Stylist, will begin soon this spring. I will keep you posted as it will be one to watch.

Not a minute after she left I was still reveling in my bliss when I said a verbal faux pas along the lines of “Well, that makes up for Eddie not coming by.” (When will I learn to keep my trap shut?":) Low and behold at that moment Eddie’s dear friend and amazing designer, Amy Meier, was in our booth. You may recognize Mrs. Meier’s tremendous design work from recent articles in both B H & G and Woman’s Day. She has clearly mastered incorporating line, texture and color (the best elements) into her designs. A true talent, I imagine we will be seeing much more of her in the future.  (The following image is one of my personal favorites showcasing her talents.)

I somehow redeemed myself  by revealing to Amy that we had prepared a large basket full of Metis goodness in the hopes that Jaithan and Eddie would stop by. Amy graciously called Jaithan who was indeed at the flea market. Due to scheduling Mr. Ross had to remain on the East Coast, but the ever so dashing and handsome Mr. Kochar stopped by for a visit accompanied by his lovely mother.

In the excited bustle one of Andrea’s yummy cream puffs jumped off of the tray and onto the floor. I then proceeded to step on it and somehow all of its chocolaty center sprayed onto the front of my pant leg. While I tried to discreetly clean my jeans I just had to laugh and thank the good Lord for keeping me humble. Afterwards Andrea said it was probably a good thing Eddie hadn’t shown up as I probably would have peed my pants, versus just cream puffing them. I have to agree. Let it be known that when I am excited, I am quite enthusiastic in sharing my joy. All of the star studded images will be on the Metis blog along with our booth shots by Monday. 

Now onto the tutorial. I adore Valentine’s day and this project is one of my favorites this season. The inspiration came from Lori Marie of  Pretty Little Things and the ever popular Christmas cracker. Here is the supply list:

TP rolls (What will I do when they are finally gone?)

Acrylic paint/brushes (I used Craft smart Espresso, Anita’s Tomato Red and Apple Barrel White ~plus a bit of mixing of the two to create pink)

Egg carton  (Wooden craft discs might also work well.)

Cardstock printed with the words “I Pine for You!”

Heart shaped paper punch

Rayon seam binding in Valentine colors

Vintage spun cotton mushrooms, faux birds, bugs and flowers.

Various small bits of bliss~toys and candy~ wrapped in paper shred to fill the empty tube.

Paint the tp rolls and cut egg carton cups in various shades of Valentine colors. Let dry. In a complimentary color paint a faux bois (fake wood) image onto the tp roll and tree rings inside the egg cups.

Take an egg cup, add a bit of glue and seal the end with crazy psychedelic happiness.

Turn over the tube and add goodies and paper shred to the empty roll. Then, add another crazy cup (without glue) to close.

Slide the printed paper punched heart onto the ribbon and tie around the center of the roll. Glue on the mushrooms or other bits of bliss to finish.

Remember to share the love.

I will keep adding all of the creations shown each week to the grand giveaway pile. Two more projects will be revealed next Friday and the Valentine giveaway will be held on February 4th.

Who or what do you “PINE” for?

Laura

Linking to:

My Romantic Home, Tatertots and Jello, The DIY Showoff, BNOTP, Today’s Creative Blog, Tip Junkie, Someday Crafts

Makeover Monday~ The Office Saga Continues…

Here is a gorgeous balloon backed chair that recently received a fresh face.

It came to me looking a bit different with a dated olive green hue.

After quite a bit of sanding, wood filler and several coats of paint she was breathing a sigh of relief. Next came upholstery in a nice, new, white linen fabric. Here she is shown with her detachable seat cover that can be thrown in the wash.

So why is the chair in front of a desk? Well, this is my work desk. I’ve never actually shown this space on the blog before. Everything works just fine. But I have never loved the chair and I would love to get rid of the plastic mat. (Yes, there will be artwork once I find it.)

I was thinking that I might just say goodbye to the banker chair and bring this beauty in. Is it an improvement or should she go to the Long Beach flea market this weekend? (Don’t even get me started on the blasted cords. My tech guy ~3 guesses who it is ;) says there is nothing he can do.)

Alright, alright you can quit trying to hit the enlarge button . I will show you what is on top of my desk. Besides my hp printer, and dell computer there is an old glass compote that holds a few measuring tapes (tools of my trade) a jump drive (contains most of my CAD drawings) and favorite photos of my kidlets. There is also a silver egg cup which contains my business cards (moo), an antique crystal desk set given to me by Grandma Jingles which holds paper clips, my calligraphy pens/nibs and an ink pot that is currently empty until I can get across town to the specialized stationary store.  The silver pitcher holds a magnifying glass, a letter opener and I will just admit to you now that I am pretty persnickety about my pens. It seems to be a genetic trait as my pen collection includes my Papa Jack’s favorite that he used as a banker, my Grandma Jingles gold pen she used as a nurse and a personal gem that Mr. Décor gave me. Oh and of course notepaper and a calculator to help with measurements when I am planning a space. 

Let’s continue on to another dilemma I am currently trying to tackle. The window in my office is an ongoing battle. It used to have full length linen Pottery Barn drapes hanging from the rod but they just seemed to overwhelm the space.  I think at times design decisions are even harder for designers to make in their own homes because they know everything that is available~ so please, help me!

The wall has a slight angle and the adjoining wall contains a small entertainment center. The wall opposite the desk has the hutch I redid and on the remaining wall are the wingback chairs. Yes, it does seem like a lot for one room, but it needs to stay as is.

So, back to the window. I would love some feedback. What would you do?

Also, should I switch out the chair?

Laura

Cargo and Company~ A Store To Adore

Have I got a post loaded with eye candy for you! I just adore this couch. The detailing in the carving is just amazing.

Indeed, all of the handpicked selections at Cargo and Company are just beautiful. It is casual French inspired elegance at its best. 

The showroom has combined a fantastic mix of lovely new pieces with amazing vintage and antique goods.

In addition to carrying such wonderful lines as Aidan Gray, Cisco Brothers, Visual Comfort Lighting, and Verrellen Home Collection, Cargo and Company has a private line of fantastic furniture.

The available color finishes for the furniture are so pretty. The soft green was my hands down favorite.

There were fun holiday touches placed throughout the store.

The soft goods, such as this pillow, were a delight to touch.  

I loved the juxtaposition of this vignette.

There is even a little something for the brightest of bling queens.

The attention to detail is exquisite.

I loved the wallpaper that was used in the jewel box of a powder room.

There is truly something for everyone.

Did you notice the gray and white awning with the words Bistro?

If you peer through the lovely linen curtains you will find the Cafe Contessa's quaint kitchen.

There is a brand new delicious menu for fall.

Wouldn't this be a fun location to meet a friend for lunch?

You will always receive a warm welcome by the Cargo and Company mascots. Pictured below is the handsome Mr. Dog. His wife, Cici the schnauzer, opted not to be photographed as she was to busy being charming.

It must be mentioned that Cargo and Company also offers delicious Matteo linens and is proud to carry several pieces of Metis Linens and French antiques.

Won't you stop in for a visit?

Cargo and Company

2915 Red Hill Avenue #F~104

Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Phone: 714~429~7733

Store Hours

Tuesday~Thursday 10~4

Friday 11~3

(weekend by appointment only)

Enjoy!

Laura

Have you entered the wonderful Metis Linens giveaway being hosted by Karena? Go visit her lovely blog. This giveaway is so good I wish I could leave a comment.

A Sweet Blessing and Clue 6

Tomorrow will mark the occasion in which a teeny baby arrived a bit too early into our lives. It is hard to image that we will celebrate his 9th birthday. I still picture him as a sweet boy sandwich. 


He was christened at the church of St. Michael and All Angels in the village of Pirbright, (Surrey) England,  which is also where Mr. Decor’s Aunt Bette and Uncle David live.


A church has stood on these same grounds for over 800 years. There are records dating back to a chapel built in 1210~1214 AD. The current church was built in the Georgian style in the late 18th century after a fire destroyed the previous church.


Alongside the church is an accompanying cemetery. Its most famous occupant is Sir Henry Morton Stanley a Welsh journalist and explorer who most famously found Dr. Livingston. “Dr. Livingston, I presume?”


Sweet boy was christened on December 9, 2001, which also happened to be his father’s birthday. Our boy was 2 months old and weighed in at just under 7 pounds. He wore his grandfather's christening gown.
 

Relatives and friends came from far and wide.  Eric’s dear family hosted a luncheon afterwards that I still dream about. Here you can see the beautiful stained glass located behind the altar. Sweet Boy is held by our good friend Patrick and joined by his darling wife Nicola and their 2 children. Patrick is a wonderful chef who owns the famous Sweetings restaurant, a London institution.


Here is the 6th and final clue in the Decor To Adore Grandest Giveaway ever.


Come back on Friday to see what all the fuss is about.
Happy Birthday Sweet Boy,
Mom