Cozy Your Home

Ahh…Summer. A change of pace. A chance to relax and rejuvenate. When my children were younger, I confess to not always being really excited about not having school for almost three months. Though I loved them dearly, after about six weeks of unstructured time, we were all ready for a routine again.

 I don’t know what happened to the year. I just saw them out the door for the first day of school. I blinked, and on Monday, another school year has gone. As teenagers, they have very full lives and are pulling slowly, but deliberately, away from me and my husband. And, because this is what SHOULD happen, I am happy for them. It also gives a whole new slant to summer. So, though I am a creature who likes routine, this break is wonderful, and the time I spend driving them around or watching them do their thing, holds a special sort of charm for me. It’s all going so fast…

Another benefit to having teens (did I mention there really are a lot of benefits?) is that they are a REAL help when it comes to doing projects. Though summer is a time for fun and rest, it’s also a great time to get some things done! I have a list and a half—which is long enough to last a year or two. But it gives me a place to start and choices to make. And I have a little bit of home-grown help.

In between driving, laundry, cleaning, grocery shopping, the mission trips, the basketball camps, cross country training, football lifting, oral surgery, two family weddings, and little outside jobs (theirs, not mine!), here is “The List.” It’s big. It’s bad. It’s totally unrealistic. And for some strange reason, I’m OK with that.

To Do:

• Pick strawberries. Make preserves. (first time ever!)
• Paint kitchen.
• Paint dining room.
• Make window treatments for master bedroom.
• Clean out closets.
• Clean out kitchen cabinets.
• Organize and beautify laundry room.
• Organize utility room.
• Do something/anything to the deck.
• Replace bathroom window with windows.
• Get plan for outside beautification.
• Sell dining room table and chairs.
• Organize and rearrange study.
• Frame photos for basement walls.
• Wash windows.
• Have trees trimmed.
• Spend some time in the hammock.
• Remember to laugh.

 I have a feeling I’ll blink, and it will be August 23. Two kids in high school—and busy with life. It’s all good, but I sure hope to enjoy the now. Summer. Ahh…

Blink-free, I hope!

Tags: summer, to do list

Unfinished projects…I have a few. Some are hidden deep in a closet. Some are stashed in baskets and drawers. And some are in full view on my dining room table. (I keep thinking the guilt of a messy dining room will inspire me to action…Apparently, I am not motivated by guilt.)

The problem is knowing where to start, then sticking with something until it is complete. I need some accountability–someone to hold my feet to the fire. There is probably some deep reason for this disorder of mine. It isn’t mere procrastination. I pay bills on time and do other stuff when it needs to be done. I don’t always wait until the last minute.

Is it boredom? Lack of focus? Laziness? (I sure hope not!) More likely, I want it perfect. And I want need to have a purpose for doing it. And OK, I might need a gentle shove–the proverbial kick in the butt. My future goals include lightening up a little on the perfection thing. I mean, I’m not even close on that. Besides, it’s paralyzing and NO FUN to be around. I am also going to work on having an end purpose in mind. Even if the purpose is pleasure, it’s still a purpose. Work (or hobbies) without purpose seems ridiculous and boring.

So, today I am turning the page. (I’m not saying I won’t flip back from time to time. ) I’m going to pick something and actually [gulp] finish it. Really.

You can take THAT to school.

Tags: unfinished crafts

After quick-cleaning my half-bath this week, I stood back to admire the sparkle and take in the clean smell of Windex. Instead I noticed the big, empty wall. (Yes, it’s been that way for about eight years–ever since the swirly green wallpaper went up.) I could never really figure out what to hang there, but OBVIOUSLY, something was lacking. And though folks don’t usually discuss what we do in this little room (unless you are in my family), we do need something to look at while we are in there.

I love to see “my people”, as we called them where I grew up–some who were dead before I was born. I love the rich family history that these photos tell and hold secret. Through the years, I had used my most pitiful look on my mother a few times and came away with some wonderful family photos. (score!) My husband took a bolder approach and simply claimed his family’s history–when his mother wasn’t looking. (She’s as sweet as can be, but she could still clean his clock if she wanted.)

I had put these photos in inexpensive ($5 or less) frames, purchased at different times. They are black and dark brown, but I think they work well together. I had put the framed photos in a box until I could decide where to hang them. Then, I remembered visiting a friend, Debbie G., who had a simple wall grouping of black and white family photos in her powder room. I loved the idea, and having a memory like a steel trap (grin), that image from a couple of years ago came back to me.

I spent a few minutes laying them out on the floor, tweaking until I liked what I saw. Some people cut paper templates the sizes of their pictures and tape on the wall, but for me, the old floor works just fine. Plus, it’s faster. I tend to group, keeping balance in mind, and I wanted this sort of collage-look. You can also hang photos in a diamond shape, or begin with the bottom edges of photos even horizontally, then go from there. Trust your eye, though. If something doesn’t look right, move it before you put that nail in the wall. Also, bring in something different. I had this sconce and postcard holder. 3D is good.

I thought this project would take 20 minutes, but honestly, it took about an hour. And remember that my photos were already in frames. But the finished product is just what I wanted. I think my people in this house will like it. (At least, they’ll have something to look at when they’re in there.)

TaDa!

Tags: hanging photos, wall collage

Spring motivates some to clean (wish it were me!), some to plant (maybe someday), and some to rearrange. I am a re-arranger. What could be easier? It costs nothing (well…it CAN cost nothing) and can be a quick project. It can also take all day, depending on what gets rearranged.

Furniture shuffling can give a room new life and purpose. It can also be hard on the back so you might need an able-bodied assistant. Or try using the disc-shaped furniture movers. I have a set of Moving Men, purchased at the now defunct Linens ‘N Things, also sold “As Seen on TV.” These little guys are terrific, but others should also get the job done. They are pretty amazing! I really wish I had two sets…

Rearranging your wall art is a much more back-friendly project and can also change the feel of a space. Just don’t freak out about the holes. Spackle and touch-up paint take care of about anything. But you might want to wait until you decide on your new arrangement. The holes might not even show!

Here are a few ideas about hanging art and other items of interest on your walls. These ideas might break a few rules, but who cares? It is your home, after all. Besides, every decorator follows a different set of rules, and even their lists contradict each other sometimes. Try this rule:  If you like the way it looks, then do it. So, these are “ideas”, not “rules”.

• Hang a variety of items in a space. For example, use some photos, some prints, if you’re lucky enough, an oil painting, and try to add some 3-dimensional object. Even if you have a photo gallery in a stairwell or hallway, the occasional shadow box of memorabilia or sports medal will add lots of interest.
• With art pieces (especially matted prints), I am usually happier with colors that fit in my space. For example, in my apple butter family room, I probably would not pick pieces with lots of pink in them.
• If your walls are white or very neutral (!), I would mix in LOTS of color. (I don’t really know this for sure because only woodwork is allowed to be white in my house.:))
• If your walls are colorful, try to keep mats neutral. My daughter’s artist/teacher mats everything with a white or cream mat. She says it helps the artwork be the focus. It also make groupings fit better together.
• Think clusters of three. Or five. Odd numbers are pleasing to the eye. But then again, symmetry can be great in a room, as well. (See what I mean about those danged rules?)
• Know your style. Do you like a full look? Or are you a minimalist? I am definitely no minimalist. But I decorate for me and my family–not for you. You should do the same. I once knew a very creative, talented woman who hung pictures and objects floor to almost ceiling. There was a lot to see, but it was beautiful! You might not want your whole house covered, but you might try a room of this.
• If you own something special to you, give it a place of prominence where you will enjoy it and see it daily. The picture hung in the middle of my inexpensive colored plates is a pastel, done by my daughter Olivia.

  

  I absolutely love it and had to give it it’s due. These plates were from a grocery/everything store, and the metal arch was $10 at Old Time Pottery. I thought the objects enhanced the art.

• Try moving art to a different space. Walls, like everything, get a little tired after a while. That boring picture in your hallway could really perk up the bathroom!

I have lots of other thought about hanging art and objects. Ideas for another post, I hope. The bottom line here is Don’t be afraid to switch wall stuff around. It can freshen up a room in a snap!

Tags: arranging walls, wall art

While I was snooping at my friend Jill’s house (with permission and a camera, of course!), I found this charming jar of buttons in the half-bath. I loved the “oldness” of it and the way it looked. The best part is that these buttons were from Jill’s grandmother’s sewing stash!

I have a few things that belonged to my sewing grandmother:  her Singer treadle sewing machine, a falling-apart sewing basket, and some notions. Sadly, no big bunch of old buttons…But there IS the flea-market! The next time I can make it to the Burlington Flea Market (KY), you can bet I’ll be scouting for some buttons. (Don’t you love “borrowing” ideas?)

This button collection also started me thinking about how I could enjoy my own grandmother’s notions…I would welcome ideas!

Tags: button jar, collection

If you are a sew-er, knitter, decoupager, woodworker, carver, jewelry maker, or any other crafter, you must have a true appreciation for anything handmade. The time it takes to create a something–whether we intend to use it or just take in its beauty–is valuable, and sometimes the process of creating it is an expression of love. (Many handmade items also require a bit of money, as well!)

I found an incredible website, One Pretty Thing, that is all about being handmade. It’s not a commerce site, but instead it is a site full of creativity, ideas, and even instructions. Check it out when you have time. You might find the perfect project for your Saturday!

Handmade. By you. Has a ring to it, doesn’t it?

Tags: crafts, handmade

Don’t you love to see what people collect? Our interests are unique and varied and give a tiny glimpse into who we are. Our collections might be pristine or tattered, valuable in our hearts or in our pocketbooks, treasured only by us or craved by antique dealers. But whatever they are, we were drawn to them for some reason. And they have a story to tell–either about us or how we acquired them.

Sometimes we keep our collections hidden away in a drawer, either to preserve them or because we think they might not be much to look at. But maybe it’s time to let our treasures see the light–and let others see them! As the Nester says, “It doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful.” (Take time to visit The Nesting Place. It is a fabulous website full of beautiful, innovative decorating ideas!) Shouldn’t we enjoy the things we treasure?

I visited my friend, Jill, and took some pictures of one of her beautiful collections:  Peggy Karr Glass. She has some special display spots in her home, but I particularly love her “storage” system.  Instead of hiding away her dormant infused glass plates, she stores them in her living room, atop a table. The storage provides a colorful display for the eye and has the added bonus of freeing up room in a drawer for some less-than-lovely goodies.

       Take a look at the margarita ornament…Isn’t it fun?

Maybe it’s time to take your collections out of the closet, dust them off, and get your stories ready.

[More ideas on displaying collections in a later post.]

Tags: Collections, Peggy Karr Glass

You know when that tiny popcorn husk-thing gets stuck between two of your teeth, and it just about drives you over the brink? (That sounds a little like a Roseann Roseanna Danna bit.) Well, I have things like that that bug me in my home, as well.

I’m pretty easy-going and can stand quite a lot for a while, but then I snap and scamper through rooms, righting wrongs and muttering under my breath. I mean, really, am I the only one capable of changing a light bulb?

So, here are my current Top Ten Home Rants (current, because they can change in an instant):

10.  Burned out light bulbs (I’ll bet you thought that was #1.)

9.  Dust

8.  Mail/Paper–not the green, spending kind

7.  Scuffed walls (usually due to me and a certain lack of grace)

6.  Dirty carpet (especially if I’m not sure what the spot is)

5.  Dog hair (not on the dog but in small tumbleweeds throughout my house)

4.  Oak cabinets (Forgive me if they are your favorite. There is nothing inherently evil with oak, but almost every house my husband and I have owned has had oak cabinets. I am so done with oak.)

3.  Recycling on the counter (It is 10 feet to the garage and the bin, yet still it sits on the counter.)

2.  Short baseboards (Petty, I know, but baseboards should be in proportion to the height of a room. Don’t builders know this?)

1.  Stacks (I am guilty as sin on this one. My name is Jamie, and I am a stacker.)

What are your home rants? Get them off of your chest. You’ll feel better.

Tags: home rants

For the record, I have always resisted dictatorial demands. For me, it’s a lot about presentation. (Maybe that’s why I like decorating…and why I tried asparagus the first time.) So, when the “green” bandwagon tried to push me on board, I resisted. Hard.

I have recycled for 15 years–back in Indiana, where we had to actually take our stuff to a center. No curbside pick-up then! When we buy new appliances, my husband and I have always considered, and usually selected, the more efficient, often more expensive, items. We did these things because we CHOSE to do them. We believe our earth is a beautiful creation, and that we should be good stewards of what God has given.

Could we do better? Sure. And I think we are. I’m pretty sure the earth and air is a lot cleaner than it was 30 years ago, and I’m glad about that. I try to be half-way open-minded to new ideas–as long as the presentation is gentle and not bullying.

That said, I have been happily bagging my groceries in plastic (and paper to hold the recycling) for a long time. Secretly, I giggled at those women with their canvas bags. I won’t tell you what I thought. But then one day, I ran into a neighbor at the grocery. She’s a wonderful, practical, down-to-earth, person-of-faith mom–one that won’t be pushed to do anything unless she sees good reason. I noticed her canvas bags and commented (not in a snide way) about her efforts. She responded, not defensively, giving a couple of excellent ideas–all the while NOT judging me and my obvious addiction to plastic.

So, I did it. I spent $7 and bought seven bags. They held my groceries much better than the plastic, and I still used a couple of paper bags (for my recycling) as well. When I opened the trunk, my groceries had not tumbled out and rolled around. Yogurt was not all over the fridge stuff. It was a good day.

I still use and buy plastic items and use the occasional plastic bag. But now I’m using less, at least. And it’s not because somebody made me do it. It’s because I wanted to. The added bonus on the shopping bags is that it is actually easier!

Tags: grocery bags

Does your house feel a little…well, stale? I am there.

My husband and I have lived in our home for almost nine years. (I can’t believe it!) After moving five times in 11 years, I think we have finally put down some roots. (Although we have learned that anything can happen…) We are now to the point of replacing things and wanting to re-do some things. The problem is that the big stuff (like a roof) usually takes precedence over the fun stuff (like furniture and fabric). Money usually gets in the way and ruins my fun.

What’s a girl to do? Why, re-arrange, of course!

For a while, I worked with a wonderfully talented woman named Tracey DeFine who taught me a lot about making do and making it feel new. (She felt the need to re-locate to Atlanta to be with her husband…Can’t imagine why!) Anyway, we spent a few months building a small business, redesigning and rearranging homes to create fresh, new spaces. It was lots of fun (and hard work), but I learned that most people can decorate with what they already have. Check out Breathless Expectation and Home Sanctuary. These ladies have some amazing decorating ideas, as well as other interesting reads. They are two of my absolute favorites!

This weekend, I focused on the walls in my family room. The picture above is the “before”…Here is the “after”.

I was really excited to have a whole new mantle. Confession:  The two small lamps are new. I cheated. But–they only cost $10 each! So, I say that’s fair. I made a trip to Old Time Pottery, knowing my mantle needed some light. I’d love to have either canned lights overhead or sconces wired in, but that can add some $$$ to the project. With cheap affordable lamps, discreet extension cords, and some patience hiding the cords with clear push pins (PLEASE be careful not to pierce the electrical cords!) as guides, my mission of adding warm light to the area is accomplished! It was so nice being in our family room with the cozy light and fresh mantle.

And yes, there are some new holes in the wall. But it’s nothing a little spackle and touch-up paint can’t cure! Later, I’ll show the other walls in my family room…Still looking for some plates (cheap) to hang with my daughter’s amazing art.

Now, on to the dining room, where I THINK I will hang my mirror…

Tags: mantle redesign, rearranging wall art