Hydrangea Home by Dawn's Designs

In the studio...

2012-01-20T07:37:00.000-08:00

A great new dresser is next in line for an Annie Sloan paint treatment. This beauty will be done in Old White with a little distressing and a dark walnut top. When she's all done - you will find her on display at Lavender Fields - fitting right in with the store's fresh new look for the new year. On my way there now to work with Lori - creating some gorgeous new vignettes! My idea of a perfect day!

New Year's Wishes

2012-01-01T13:46:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

Wishing YOU a year of...

Happiness

Good Health

Inspiration

Creativity

Thanking YOU for a great year of...

Patronage

Friendship

Inspiration

Wanted to take this time to say YOU are much appreciated!!

Top Project of 2011

2011-12-28T08:46:00.000-08:00

Rhoda from Southern Hospitality is having a link-up party sharing our favorite projects of 2011. This was an easy one for me to choose. It took much of our time to complete and I am still enjoying every bit of this room.
Our Laundry Room Makeover:

This is also the time of year many of us want to work on organizing our homes - so I hope you get some inspiration from some of my ideas. Enjoy!

Click HERE for Part I of my post ~ the room tour.

Click HERE for Part II of my post ~ the resources.

Make sure you visit Rhoda's party link for more bloggers' top projects!

Holiday Wishes and a Shop Message

2011-12-24T10:38:00.000-08:00

Just a reminder:

We will be taking a little break to spend time together with our family.

All new orders will be shipped the week of January 2nd.

Thanks so much!

Coming up:

A New Year's Giveaway Announcement!!

Christmas around the house...

2011-12-12T19:50:00.000-08:00

The decorating is done ~ cards, shopping,wrapping and baking ~ still working on that! But I'd love to participate in the home tours going on all around blog land. I like to keep it mostly natural but I do change things up a little from year to year.

So welcome to my home...

My standard front door basket filled with cut evergreens, berries and crystal stems.

The porch - more fresh greens and white lights. I also have candles in all of the windows. Wish I could show you but I don't know how to take a good night pic.

Another favorite decorating piece of mine is this etagere filled with greens and oversized ornaments.

Have to have a little sparkle!

We have many different types of evergreens on our property - so it's this time that they all get a good trimming. Some types shed less than others.

But I just love how easy it is to make empty pots and planters look festive. This one could use some pinecones on top but I do love it just like that!

As you walk in the front door, here is my entry. More greenery with whites and silvers and a touch of red in my french script ribbon.

Are you spotting the bird theme here?

I really love these white ones with the birch feathers that I found this year.

Love the glow of the mercury glass.

You can easily make your mirrors festive with a little greenery and ribbon.

The urn is a simple arrangement to recreate - white painted sticks, greens and pine cones.

We are still painting our dining room furniture but I can show you a little corner of the room.

This tree is wrapped in a coil of grapevine and baby's breath is tucked all around.

Love these crates and they also get some greens.

The mantle in the family room is very simple this year. We will be working on that room next. Shhhh....don't tell my husband.

Mason jars filled with snow (epsom salt), cranberries and battery lit candles. Too much greenery around there - I was worried about my candles catching fire.

I filled one of my rustic planters with greens (there is a mixture of artificial and real in there), white lights and sugar cones. They are huge! I also tucked in some sparkly caspia.

This vase receives some sticks and greens from the yard and tall berry stems.

I set the table - just for you. A really festive, and inexpensive centerpiece you can create and eat! All using items from the market. Pomegranates and green apples with more greens and pine cones.

More snow and cranberries in my new Matthew Mead Jelly Jars.

My grapevine wreaths with preserved cedar decorate my cookbook cupboard and the backs of the chairs.

I hope you enjoyed my tour.

Make sure you stop by the following parties featuring so many gorgeous Holiday Home Tours!

And if you have one up - please let me know so I can visit you too!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

2011-11-28T18:45:00.001-08:00

at Lavender Fields. I spent the afternoon helping Lori get the store ready for the holidays. She has so many gorgeous items in her shop to style. I also brought in some of my own creations to add to her collection of Holiday Decor.

This weekend, the Village of Pt. Jefferson is having their annual Dickens Festival ~ featuring costumed characters, decorated streets and shops, Victorian entertainment and food, carriage and trolley rides, a lantern-lit house tour of historic homes and a parade.

It really is such a fun event. The characters are all through the streets and the kids really get a kick out of it. Check it out if you're local to Long Island, NY. Hoping for beautiful weather this weekend too!

Matthew Mead and The New General Store

2011-11-27T05:55:00.001-08:00

So glad I finally made it out to one of Tricia Foley's The New General Store ~seasonal pop up shops. A relaxing break from a hectic week. Her home is on such a pretty piece of property on Eastern Long Island. My friend Lisa said "it feels like Vermont". She had beautiful weather for her sale on Saturday.

It was nice to catch up with Lisa from The Polka Dot Pound Cake. And it was really nice to meet Matthew Mead. Such a big fan of his work. His magazine is full of decorating inspiration ~ some great recipes in there too. He's as nice in person as he is online.

Last night was spent with tea, a slice of my favorite cake (the Christmas cake) from Lisa, and 2 new books to enjoy ~ Matthew's Holiday magazine and Tricia Foley's White Christmas ~ so beautiful.

I also couldn't resist purchasing one of her paperwhite bulbs. They looked so cute in their white enamel. Hope I can grow this one!

Black Friday ~ Cyber Monday Sale

2011-11-25T05:13:00.001-08:00

Use code 20BFCM at checkout for

20%OFF

your entire purchase!

through 11/28/11
This code is good in our ETSY Shop or WEBSITE

Simple fall tabletop ideas

2011-11-22T08:25:00.001-08:00

With Thanksgiving just a few days away - here are some easy ideas for centerpieces.

A good base for your designs is some burlap fabric and some rustic wood platforms to add a little interest and height to your centerpiece.

A collection of bud vases in beautiful fall colors are simple to arrange with flowers from the market. Here I took mixed fall bouquets and just separated them creating a very pretty assortment of flowers on display.

Add some mini pumpkins and pine cones from your yard for a natural look.

A tray filled with mini pumpkins (sprayed with a little bronze paint), dried hydrangeas, votives and berries.

Pumpkins on pedestals - surrounded by moss and gilded acorns.

Dried hydrangeas in a beautiful urn, more of my favorite white pumpkins.

You can also just fill a planter with moss and pumpkins for a quick centerpiece.

Having a buffet? Print your menu on decorative paper so your guests know what the choices are.

Candles in mason jars scattered throughout your buffet tablescape.

Cut some bouquets from your mums outside, place in mason jars tied with burlap.

More creamy white pumpkins with bittersweet.

Love using lifts (cardboard boxes or tins under cloth) for the food platters.

Your guests will love the thought and your efforts!

Hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Love this combination...

2011-11-15T11:09:00.001-08:00

rustic wood

burlap

white pumpkins

pine cones

fall flowers

mason jars

So Excited to Announce...

2011-10-24T10:40:00.000-07:00

You can now find our products including painted furniture and accessories at Lavender Fields...

a beautiful lifestyle boutique located on Main Street in the Historic Village of Port Jefferson, NY.

Lori creates such a relaxing shopping experience in her shop from the music playing to the scented candles, lotions, gorgeous bedding and cozy pj's you will find in her store. We are very excited about working with her to offer one of a kind pieces. We made our first delivery this weekend!

She also hosts some fun events in her store.
Visit Saturday November 5th for her first ever Vintage Flea Market ~ As she empties her barn filled with vintage finds.

So stop in to see Lori - she is such a sweetie!

A Corner Hutch...

2011-10-19T16:52:00.000-07:00

A heavily distressed corner hutch.
My arms are aching today! I stained, painted, dry brushed, waxed, sanded, waxed and buffed this piece inside and out. I thought this one was a good candidate for a lot of distressing. Shades of Versailles, Old White and a little Graphite finished with clear and dark wax. Will be selling this one. Wish I had a little corner for it but I can't keep them all!

Pine cones and white pumpkins - simple fall decor.

Linking this post up to Miss Mustard Seed's Furniture Feature Friday

Pumpkin - Ricotta Stuffed Shells

2011-09-26T10:25:00.000-07:00

Spotted this yummy recipe in the October edition of Country Living magazine.

If you like pumpkin - try it! The kids loved it too. I don't usually make tomato sauce for a pumpkin pasta but the recipe called for it and it was great. I made a couple of changes to their recipe - I made my own sauce (I just can't use jar sauce) and I omitted sage (only because I didn't have any). Served it with some grilled sausage. Delicious!

Look for the magazine in stores - it's a good one!

A Beachy Affair

2011-09-21T09:33:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I was hired to decorate a Bat Mitvah at our local Atlantis Aquarium- such a cool place for a party. My girlfriend and our teenage daughters came with me to decorate the space. I wish I had taken more pics but the photographer was taking family pics in the room so I didn't want to get in their way.

Linens were aqua and cream. The host collected all of the decor over the last year. There were oversized hurricanes in 3 different shapes on the adult tables filled with sand, shells, starfish and colorful beach glass. We included many shells that the family had collected during their summer vacations on Nantucket Island. A little fishnet went on the center of the tables and were topped with more shells and votives. I used a paint pen on the large clam shells for the table names - which were various island vacation spots - cute idea!

The place cards were printed on colorful card stock and tied to sand dollars which we placed in a large table top sandbox.

Such a beautiful backdrop of built-in fish tanks. The kids' tables surrounded the shark tank. I'm sure they loved that!

Another very cute idea - the mom had a photo book printed and included photos of almost every guest in attendance. Every other page was left blank for signing. Such a nice keepsake for her daughter's special day!

And I just loved the sign - Friends...are like seashells we collect along the way.

Goodbye Summer

2011-09-09T05:38:00.000-07:00

Montauk, Long Island, NY

Sad to see you go...

The kids started school this week and we already had fall - like weather. Which I don't mind too much - because I love fall cooking. This week we made Lentil Vegetable Soup - a quick and easy recipe from Lucinda Scala Quinn - Mad Hungry. Great for busy school nights - and easy for the kids to eat in a thermos on the way to dance, soccer, etc.

photo credit: Martha Stewart - Mad Hungry Show

Painted Pieces and Irene...

2011-08-26T20:55:00.000-07:00

I'm a little nervous about the storm heading our way.

Do we have enough food?
My kids eat. a lot.

Will any of the many trees on our property fall on our house?
We will be sleeping in the basement.

Will we lose power?
Probably, but how many days?

Thinking about everyone in the path of the storm.
Wishing you all safety.

I have shipped out all orders placed this week.

And spent some time working on what I enjoy the most.
Painting.

All newly listed in my Etsy Shop.

But if I don't return your messages,

or ship your orders out in the next few days,

I will have to blame Irene.

Be safe.

This post is linked up to:
Miss Mustard Seed's Furniture Feature Friday

Local Food Artisans - Dinner on the beach

2011-08-01T06:47:00.000-07:00

So happy to have such great local foods on Long Island - I have to share my latest finds. After a date with my husband at the delicious Besito's in Huntington Village, NY we walked around and found this great shop - The Crushed Olive - an amazing tasting shop of olive oils and vinegars. Check out there site - they have some amazing pairing suggestions as well. The dark chocolate balsamic and black cherry balsamic were insane. For now we went with a bottle of the Tuscan Herb olive oil. But we will definitely be back for more!

This morning I stopped at the King's Park Farmer's Market for more of my favorites.

Ciabatta Loaves from the blue duck bakery cafe

Fresh Mozzarella and Mini Rice Balls (so good!) from Papa Pasquale's-Brooklyn - next week I'm going to try their ravioli

Tomatoes from Finks Farm

Everything we need to make some nice chicken cutlet heros for dinner on the beach.

If you live local and haven't visited the market - please do! There are also some great wine, beer and coffee vendors. I will let you know when I try some.

Chalk Paint and an easy DIY centerpiece

2011-07-29T06:49:00.000-07:00

I received my shipment of Annie Sloan's chalk paint about a month ago - I LOVE IT! I had this chair in my garage for 5 years - I'm such a procrastinator. It was another curbside find. When I discovered this new paint I knew this was the perfect piece to experiment on. It distresses beautifully and makes that country french worn finish very easy to obtain. I did prime this piece last summer but that was as far as I got. Priming isn't even necessary with this paint. I gave it a coat of Old White and then a coat of Duck Egg Blue, a coat of clear wax, distressed with a sanding sponge, coat of dark wax and then finished with the clear. I gave it a new seat covered in some leftover painters drop cloth.

Here is what it looked like before - it had a really nasty cushion which I ripped off before I took the pic.

So, I have a garage full of furniture that will receive some special chalk paint treatment. I hope I will be able to part with them. The chair above is a keeper - my new desk chair.

I also used ASCP on some new boxes my husband put together. When we make these, they are new pine which we hand distress, and apply the finishes to make them look like they've been around for years. If you are handy, these make a great DIY centerpiece for your rustic-chic wedding or event. So pretty with mason jars, a bundle of dried flowers or you can place a plastic liner inside and arrange fresh flowers in them. They are so useful after the event. They are a really nice seasonal display for your table, or mantle - filled with moss, spring eggs, punpkins or winter sprigs, pine cones and berries. You can even use these in the bathroom to hold soaps or hand towels.

Easily distressed with Annie's chalk paint in Old White and Paris Grey.

These cast iron handles are available in my shop. They add such a nice touch to the rustic box.

Simple burlap and ribbon wrapped mason jars with hydrangeas.

We also sell these boxes on our website and in our etsy shop. Any size/color/quantity can be done.

Want some more project inspiration?

This post is linked up to the following blog events:

Furniture Feature Friday at Miss Mustard Seed
Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home
Frugal Friday at The Shabby Nest
Saturday Night Special at Funky Junk Interiors

Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch
DIY Project Parade at DIY Showoff
Tuesday's Treasures at My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

Cool Cucumber Salad

2011-07-25T06:27:00.000-07:00

The temps were over 100 degrees here plus humidity this weekend. We cooled off in the pool and with this simple cucumber salad and iced green tea. Sorry, I don't usually measure salads like this - so you can make it to your own taste.

long island cucumbers
red onion
kalamata olives (from Astoria)
greek feta (from Astoria)
extra virgin olive oil (just a little)
fresh squeezed lemon
oregano
fresh pepper

So good! and refreshing!

Where Bloggers Create

2011-07-15T20:13:00.000-07:00

Looking for some inspiration for your creative studio? Take a peak into the spaces Where Bloggers Create. Thanks so much to Karen at My Desert Cottage for hosting this party for the 3rd year in a row!

Click here to see my creative studio. They are pics from last year's tour - a few things have changed but because I am in the middle of a number of orders - I can't show you my mess of a room right now! I promise to update the photos when it's all cleaned up!!

Wedding Details

2011-06-21T07:08:00.000-07:00

One of my customers was married this past weekend and celebrated at the beautiful Fox Hollow Country Club. Here are some of the products I created for her special day...

Framed seating chart instead of traditional place cards.

Oversized table numbers decoupaged in a matching damask paper.

An embellished birdcage including a hand painted monogram to hold the couple's wedding cards. The watermelon pink ribbons match the bridesmaids' dresses.

A wish card box antiqued, decoupaged and monogrammed with coordinating cards, and pens.

And finally, I designed the menus - her food choices were amazing.

I am designing a whole new line of event decor which you will find on our website and etsy shop in the coming weeks. If you are looking for custom details for your wedding or special event, just let me know, I would love to create something for you!

Laundry Room Details for all of my DIY Friends

2011-06-16T10:07:00.000-07:00

I'm still overwhelmed by the response I have received from this makeover. You've blogged, facebooked and tweeted about my laundry room. I know I love it, but I'm so happy to hear so many of you love it too!

So, I have had many questions about sources, materials, colors, etc. First off, the room dimensions are about 8 1/2' x 9 1/2' with one window and one door to the patio, one door to the mud room/back entrance.

I had researched cabinets but the costs were about $2000 and they weren't the style or height that I wanted (42" high). So, my husband built the boxes. And we purchased the doors. My husband is working on a technical how-to post for his blog, The Honey-do Chronicles.

Wood for cabinets and trim - $250
Stain-grade wood panels for countertops and wood for legs - $188
Stain for countertop - Minwax English Chestnut
Tile floor, glue and grout $150
All of the above from Lowe's Home Improvement
Electric radiant heat for tile floor from Electric Supplier $238 (but sooo worth it!)
Cabinet paint color - Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray HC-170
Wall paint color Benjamin Moore White Dove
MDF Cabinet Doors (including european hinges and shipping costs) - Naked Kitchen Cabinet Doors - $266
Light fixture - home made for under $10 - see this post
Sink and faucet from Lowe's $200
Cast Iron Handles from my shop $3.50 each

Bird tub for holding cleaning rags from Christmas Tree Shop $5.99
Basket on shelf from Joann's $12.00

My favorite trick - concealing the "dirty laundry". I have 6 tall laundry bins from Target for all of my sorting under the long counter. And to hide everything - a simple painter's drop cloth curtain for about $20!

I put in a tension rod with a support in the middle to prevent sagging. Then, I bought a couple of packages of ring clips. Here is a closer pic (sorry it's a little blurry). The rings are great because they just slide so easy. I didn't do any sewing for this - just folded over the top till I got the length I wanted. Although there is a raw edge (which I know I will have to sew before it goes in the wash) at one end because I did cut off a piece to make a separate curtain under the sink.

We didn't replace the window (although I wanted to!) but we did purchase a new door painted in a fun new color.

Door and hardware from Lowes - $200
Paint color Benjamin Moore Palladian Blue HC-144

Benjamin Moore Palladian Blue HC-144

I was so happy to get the huge calendar off the fridge and out of my kitchen! Notice the dish of lavender (keeps me calm while I look at the crazy schedule).

Mammoth Grid Calendar (necessary for a family of 6) from Calendars.com $15.99
Burlap lampshade from Target $9.99
Bird Box for mail from Michaels Craft Stores $11.99
Rusty Enamel clips holding up the calendar from my shop $3.50 each

Stone Flower Pot holding pens - from my shop - $7.50
Cast Iron dish from my shop $13.00

My dog food pail was a big hit. I purchased the pail at Ikea for $25. Lettering is vinyl and was cut from one of those craft cutters by a friend of mine. You can find custom letters on Etsy if you don't know anyone with one of those machines. Or if you don't want to make it yourself - Ballard has the dog and cat food pails here.

File basket from TJ Maxx $14.99

The machines are what triggered this project. My old ones died, boohoo, I swear I never overstuffed them! So, we had to shop for new ones and had to wait 4 weeks for delivery. We though this was the perfect time to start gutting the room.

LG washer and dryer from Sears $1,254
Nestled in the Branches Ironing Board Cover from this shop on Etsy $24
Dog Treat jar from Homegoods $5.99
Embossed planter from my shop $23.00
Bird plate from Christmas Tree Shops $1.99
Drying rack over ironing board from Ikea $30

Leftover drop cloth from another project made the perfect swag curtain.

Iron grill over window from an Antique Shop in Cape May, NJ $20
French Ticking ribbon tie back from my etsy shop $3/yard

Ok, so I think I covered just about everything. We have spent about $3,000 total on this whole room renovation, not bad. Of course that's doing all of the labor ourselves. So, if you have any other questions just let me know and I will do my best to answer them. Many of you told me you want to or have already begun a laundry room renovation. I hope you will let us know when you are ready to share it!

Good luck and have fun!

See PART 1 of the laundry room.

Laundry room renovation...complete!

2011-06-08T07:51:00.000-07:00

Well almost, just a couple of things left on the "honey-do" list, nothing major. I think my husband did an amazing job in here! So I went with the grey cabinets and love it! This room is right off a side door entrance and also has a door to the patio. Therefore, it was highly visible to all that entered our home - and it was hideous!! I was always making sure the door was close when visitors stopped by. Not sure if I even want to scare you with the before shots.

Here it is now...

One of my favorite features - my honey put radiant heat under the tile floor to keep my tootsies warm in the winter! The room is on a slab so it used to get pretty cold in here.

Everything has a place.

The planter of hydrangeas and plate are attempting to hide the valves and outlets.
Those things just hurt my eyes!

Love the sink...treating stains, potting plants, cleaning Bella's muddy paws, and my paintbrushes.

Cabinets to the ceiling were a priority to maximize storage in this room. But we couldn't find anything tall enough in the stores besides custom cabinetry so I will share what we did in another post.

The shelf and baskets are great too for the things we tend to use a lot, phone chargers, sunscreen, etc.
Under this counter are 6 tall laundry bins for sorting - all hidden by drop cloth with metal ring clips for easy sliding. No more messy, laundry to look at!

Patio entrance, painted in a pretty shade of robin's egg.

Like my dog food pail? Put those vinyl letters on a can from Ikea. I've seen similar ones in the stores for a lot more $$. The basket holds the kids' school folders, take out menus, etc.

This "not so pretty" calendar used to be in the kitchen. So happy to have it in here. I know it's huge but I need rather large squares for keeping track of everything. It's called the Mammoth grid!

Pretty box to hold the mail.

Drop cloth remnant made a perfect window treatment. No sew! I even left the raw edge.

That's it for now. For all of you DIYers I will share some costs, colors and sources in another post.
Edited to add: See PART 2 for all resources.

Need to get back to work now.

Sharing this post at the following parties:

Blue Cricket Design - Show and Tell Wednesday

Someday Crafts - Whatever Goes Wednesday

Shabby Chic Cottage - Transformation Thursday

Somewhat Simple - Strut Your Stuff

My Romantic Home - Show and Tell Friday

Miss Mustard Seed - Furniture Feature Friday

Tidy Mom - I'm Lovin' it!

The Shabby Nest - Frugal Friday

Funky Junk Interiors - Saturday Night Special

Between Naps on the Porch - Metamorphosis Monday

Uncommon Slice of Suburbia - Tuesday's Treasures

Be sure to click the links above for more inspiration.

The Party Girls!

2011-05-16T07:35:00.000-07:00

I just received the photos the photographer took at our event in NYC with the East Coast Party girls and the amazing Amy Atlas. We appreciated all of the details which made the get together even more special. The chic stationery was provided by Two Pooch Paperie.

I'd like to introduce you to all in attendance.

Back row:
Lisa ~ Polkadot Pound Cake - Custom baked classic cakes - great for favors and events!
Khaliah (one of the planners of this event) ~ The Party Muse - - Specializing in children's event design.
Vanessa ~ Vanessa Grant Events - A new party planning and design company.

Front row:
Dawn (that's me!) ~ Hydrangea Home - I am now expanding into event decor - I love weddings!
Crista ~ Creations by Crista Marie - Event styling and customized party elements.
Dawn (one of the planners of this event) ~ Bees Knees Parties - Children's event planning.
Amy Atlas ~ Amy Atlas Events - Party styling and custom dessert buffets.
Lisa ~ Amy Atlas Events - Amy's wonderful assistant.
Jennifer ~ The Hudson Cakery - Great tasting custom cakes and cupcakes for your upscale event.
Sarah ~ Dreamers Joy Events and Design - Event planning and design.
Gemma ~ BrainFry Concepts - Beautiful custom invitations.

A ton of talent in one room!!

Here are some pics of the night:

The beautiful details

Getting to know each other

Amy's Grand Entrance

Intently listening to Amy's words

Final group photo

Until the next time!

UPDATE!! Amy Atlas just posted about our event on her blog and included some of her mentoring advice for small businesses.
Check it out HERE!

What a night!

2011-05-06T18:01:00.000-07:00

Last night, I attended a get together of East Coast Party Planners in NYC. It's a group I belong to through the Dreamers into Doers on Martha Stewart's site.
Two of the members Dawn of Bee's Knees Parties, and Khaliah of The Party Muse did an amazing job putting it all together. We met at Alices Tea Cup off Lexington Ave ~ such a cute place and great tea!!

It was so great to meet the ladies in the group and the biggest highlight was an appearance by Amy Atlas - famous party stylist and original dessert table designer.
We were so surprised!

She came with her assistant and they sat down with us sharing lots of great business advice. Amy even had the time to check out each of our websites. They were so sweet and genuine. What a great night!

So glad I was able to be a part of it all and meet all of the talented ladies in attendance! I will introduce them and their creative businesses when I get a hold of a group photo.

Thanks again Dawn and Khaliah!

Mini Chocolate Cake Eggs

2011-04-24T07:04:00.000-07:00

Using a cake pop recipe with homemade cream cheese frosting - chocolate cake eggs without the stick!

Yummy!

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T06:11:00.000-07:00

Wishing you all a beautiful Easter!

New this week...

2011-04-14T07:32:00.000-07:00

My studio smells so good! Had fun unpacking and photographing some new products this week.

Dried lavender is here.

Natural jute ribbon and roping for creating...

And some fun cast iron hooks, handles and accessories.

You can find them all on my website or etsy shop.

Now I must get back to a wedding I'm working on ~ can't wait to show you the finished products!

Dreams of France...

2011-04-06T08:16:00.000-07:00

My first Etsy treasury. These are fun to put together!
Just wanted to share some of the beautiful things you can find on Etsy.

'toutes choses francais' by myhydrangeahome

all things french...

La Poule Blanche - Fine Art ... honeytree $28.00	Paul French Patisserie - 8x1... rebeccaplotnic... $30.00	Vintage French Country Metal... chicfrangine $65.00	Vintage French music sheets lapomme $48.00
8 oz or 1/2 pound - Very Fin... GlassHouseSupp... $9.95	SALE Antique French Encyclop... elitas $75.00	French Petite Antique Crysta... ParisCoutureAn... $450.00	Vintage Bordeaux France Wine... sevenbc $120.00
French Antique House plate N... LucieTalesVint... $6.00	Vintage French Birds on a Fe... Bluebirdlane $6.00	Brocante - Black and White ... honeytree $28.00	Le Carrousel- beautiful past... TCaponePhoto $30.00
Parisian Ballerina II fififlowers $30.00	The French Emblem - Burlap a... JolieMarche $37.00	White Chocolate Raspberry Ma... TheWhimsicalSp... $24.95	Paris Door LindaJanePhoto... $12.99

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Decoupaged Eggs ~ two looks

2011-03-30T13:32:00.000-07:00

Love the way these eggs turn out. Here are two different looks for the same paper, same process. I like using paper mache eggs - so I can display them again next year.

Glittered in Crushed Glass

Tea-Dye Varnished

Start with your paper mache or wooden eggs and prime them. You can find the eggs in different sizes.

Then take some tissue paper and tear it into small pieces 1"-2". I like using an allover pattern such as this pretty floral.

Using, white glue or Mod Podge, start gluing and placing your pieces all over the egg until completely covered.

The next step is going to give you two completely different looks.

You can use a tea-dye varnish for a vintage look. I don't know if this product is still in stores - but anything like it will work - or an acrylic glaze would be fine too. And don't worry about the folds ~ I love how the varnish collects in the creases.

Or german glass glitter for a sparkly egg.

For the finishing touch, I like to add some vintage lace and buttons.

And paper shreds for display.

Hope you enjoyed the project! Would love to see how you are decorating with eggs this year. Leave a link in the comments for us to visit.

I shared this post with the following link parties:

Saturday Night Special @ Funky Junk Interiors

Giveaway Winner!!

2011-03-28T06:03:00.000-07:00

Katie Newman is our Spring Giveaway winner!

She wins a $50 Gift Certificate to Hydrangea Home.

Congrats Katie!

And thanks to all who entered.

My Clam Basket Light

2011-03-25T08:35:00.000-07:00

Here is my version of the often seen clam basket light fixture.

It started many months ago when I spotted the basket for $5.99 at the Christmas Tree Shops. I knew right away this would turn into the fixture for my laundry room. And was my husband shocked when he found the hole in the basket was a perfect fit for the fixture ring. So easy!

I basically took a piece of my jute fabric and weaved it through the basket, which by the way, I will be spraying with a fire proof fabric spray.

I thought I was done, but the green beaded chain was the perfect addition to my basket. I actually added this on while the fixture was in place. My arms were killing me! I took a thin piece of jute string and just wound it around the rim of the basket (that is also what is keeping the handle from hanging down).

So what do you think? A little funky, a little wierd, maybe not your taste. But I love it!

As you can see, I am beginning to accessorize the room. The construction is almost complete! Yay! Cabinet doors should be hung this weekend, counter installed next weekend and then I can finish up with some drop cloth curtains, and a really cool laundry hanger I am working on.

You might be wondering, why all of this fuss for a "laundry room"? Well, besides it being a walk through on the first floor to the patio, it's the room I spend much of my time in (besides the kitchen).
So I want to really enjoy being in there!!

Oh and the fabric that inspired the theme in the room is on my new ironing board cover.

And did you see the color of the cabinets I went with? Love the grey!!

Don't forget to enter our $50 Certificate giveaway -
2 posts down below. Ends on Sunday!!
Just in time for your Spring Re-decorating!!

Participating in the following parties!

Frugalicious Fridays @ Finding Fabulous

Frugal Friday @ The Shabby Nest

Show and Tell Friday @ My Romantic Home

Sunday Showcase @ Under the Table and Dreaming

Metamorphosis @ Between Naps on the Porch

Project Parade @ DIY Showoff

Saturday Night Special @ Funky Junk Interiors

Spring Paintings

2011-03-24T10:46:00.000-07:00

We woke up to a couple of inches of snow on the ground this morning.

So, I thought I would paint some spring!
Inspired by the fabric and accessories from my laundry room (almost finished).

Just listed in my Etsy shop...

Only a few days left to enter our Spring Giveaway ~
$50 Gift Certificate - See the post below to enter.

Spring Giveaway!

2011-03-20T09:34:00.000-07:00

Happy Spring!

Thrilled to say winter is over. The cold dark days don't usually get to me - but this was a long one.

To celebrate the new season - I'd like to giveaway one

$50 Gift Certificate to my shop

Hydrangea Home

To enter:

1: Visit my website here:

Hydrangea Home
or my Etsy Shop here:
Hydrangea Home on Etsy

and tell me what you would use your gift certificate for in the comments of this post.

For additional entries:

2: Blog, Facebook or Tweet about the giveaway and leave me a comment with a link to your post.

Please make sure I am able to contact you through your comment or leave an email address for me!
(if your profile is not enabled - I will not be able to get in touch with you)

Comments open until Sunday March 27th, 8pm eastern time.

Winner announced Monday morning 3/28.

Thanks so much!!

and

Good luck to everyone!!

In the studio...

2011-03-12T05:57:00.000-08:00

Getting to work on all of my favorite things:

~Custom Tassels~

~Wedding Table Numbers in Damask Wallpaper~

~Wish Cards~

~Spring Flowers~

~Wedding Cones~

What are you working on these days?

Hope you are being creative!!

Post a link in the comments for all to see.

I'm Having Spring Fever

2011-03-02T10:39:00.000-08:00

We are having beautiful "spring like" weather (compared to what it's been!) here on Long Island.

And in the mailbox arrives the new Pottery Barn catalog.

Now I've got the fever!! How about you?

Look at their new items for Spring...

~Love these plates~

~and this beautiful spring table~

~adorable bird mugs~

~sweet nest place card holders~

~birdhouse salt and pepper holder - too cute~

~what a fun bird theme table~

~source~

Have the fever yet?

Valentine's Day Love...for you!

2011-02-14T07:57:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day to you all!

photo: Crumbs

For Dinner:

photo: Marx Foods

Dessert:

I had a hard time choosing the cupcake flavors at Crumbs in NYC!

Just look at them all!

But I had to make a decision.

YUM!!

Flavors from the left: Cookie Dough, Chocolate Hazelnut,
Vanilla Coconut, Red Velvet, Dulce de Leche
Middle : Smores

I also picked up some French Macarons for you from the
Macaron Cafe in NYC!

And a special pink rose just for you!

Let's Celebrate!!

Enjoy the day and my gifts to you!

xoxo

Pinterest has my Interest!

2011-02-08T06:45:00.000-08:00

This can be addicting - but so fun! A place for gathering your favorite pics from the internet.
Check out Pinterest.

I just started a few of my own boards - but have to get to work now...

Heirloom Philosophy

Maybe I'll find time tonight to add more.

Grey Cabinet Inspirations

2011-02-02T09:11:00.000-08:00

Take a look at these gorgeous kitchens done in beautiful grey cabinetry and you'll see why I'm obsessed.
Not sure if I'm daring enough to go with the grey in my kitchen but the laundry room, why not?

Shanty 2 Chic just painted her cabinets grey and they are beautiful!

Love the baskets.

And how cute are these curtains?

Look like drop cloth material - my new obsession - look for that post soon.

Sara from August Fields just did her kitchen grey.

How gorgeous is that!

She got her inspiration (as did many) from Sally Wheat's kitchen posted on the beautiful

Cote de Texas blog back in 2008.

So grey is not a new thing...

I just love the window over the sink in her kitchen. And the open shelving..

and the floors, and the sink.....ok I'll stop now!

My decision is made - I'm going with the grey! It's just for my small 10x10 laundry room. But I'm really loving it for the kitchen too!! Hmmmm....

Laundry Room Inspiration

2011-01-31T17:39:00.000-08:00

Houzz- Kitchen Design, Bathroom Design and More»

^^^Make sure you click on the arrows above to see all of the pics.^^^

I've had this little idea book on Houzz.com for my laundry room inspiration - the project that began in April of 2010! Aren't those gorgeous? Mine is not that large but I can still take some ideas from the photos.

It's slowly getting done and I'm just trying to decide on the cabinets right now.

The tile is dark, the counters are going to be dark wood.

For the cabinets, at first I thought white.

Now, I'm thinking grey. I'm seeing a lot of grey cabinetry lately and loving it.

What do you think?

Help!!

Interior Design and Decor:

Kitchen Ideas · Bathroom Ideas · Living Room Ideas · Bedroom Ideas · Dining Room Ideas · Patio Ideas · Landscaping Ideas ·

Pretty Snow - lots of it! and Greek Chicken...

2011-01-28T06:23:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we woke up to another snow day! I guess wearing our pajamas inside out really works - we never see this much snow on LI. But we've been getting hit weekly. So this is what it looked like out my door yesterday morning. So pretty when everything is covered in white fluff!

So, the fire was lit and my husband worked at home all day. I also worked on some new shelves for the shop and the kids (and dog) had a great time in the snow all day. Well, all except for the oldest one - she spent the day in her pjs studying.

We ended the day with a great recipe from Rachel Ray - Lazy Baked Greek Chicken and my own creamy tomato orzo.

Recipe Link

Click on the link to go directly to the recipe. You might need to click the print button to see the steps since the show hasn't aired yet (as of today).

As far as the orzo, I don't use a recipe but I can tell you I sauteed some sliced scallions in a little olive oil, added a can of diced tomatoes with the juice and cooked for about 8 minutes - until the tomatoes break down nicely. Then I added about 1 cup of heavy cream and simmered for a few more minutes and toss with cooked orzo. Right before serving, I added some crumbled feta. A delicious creamy side dish!

I'm back...

2011-01-24T11:16:00.000-08:00

And so inspired. So many creative women at the Martha Stewart conference. It was so nice to see all of the women from last year and meet some new ones too. Wish I had time to meet them all!

Lisa (my roommate) from Polka Dot Pound Cake and me!

Debbie from Calico Carriage and Tasha from My Story Inc.

We had some really great speakers..

Gael Towey
Chief Creative and Editorial Director MSLO

Martha herself during a workshop with Susan Soloman about Starting and Running a Foundation

Did they say photo op?

Food Demo (yummy crepes) by Sarah Casey - Food Editor Martha Stewart Living

There were also informative speakers from MSLO on blogging, Health by Terri Trespicio - Whole Living Senior Editor. Danielle from Etsy was there to speak on Etsy Selling and Terri Shapiro from Deluxe spoke to us about Public Relations.

A great time at the show...Click HERE to see Martha giving us a shout out!

Gorgeous flower set

500 Stems of Sweet Peas

Gorgeous Kitchen Set

Annette - Biscuits by Lambchop and Lisa - Polka Dot Pound Cake

Martha taking audience questions.

And really great food too! But of course - we were at Martha's!

The event has really had me thinking about what I want for my business this year. The timing was perfect! Looking forward to seeing all of the Dreamers and their business's grow or begin!

Leaving that office FULL of creativity was hard!

Can't wait until next year to do it again.

Off to Martha Stewart!!

2011-01-16T05:55:00.000-08:00

It's been one year since the last event and Martha is having another event for her Dreamer's into Doers group. If you have a business or are thinking of starting one - you need to check out the site!
This year's event will include 2 days of workshops, show taping and food demos.

Looks like some great info will be shared with us and I'm so looking forward to seeing the other members of the group again as well as meeting new ones!!

I know I'll be back with tons of inspiration and energy - just what I need for Hydrangea Home!

So, all orders placed between now and Thursday will be shipped on Friday the 21st.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Check back for a full report at the end of the week!

Baby's Breath Love

2011-01-06T10:24:00.000-08:00

Not long ago, I would take all of the baby's breath out of the rose bouquets my husband would bring home - and throw it away!
Now, I just love this delicate flower.
After all the Christmas was put away, I needed something. And I think baby's breath is the perfect flower for all seasons...reminds me of snow, in a way.
And its beautiful in the spring and summer too.
It's just what my home needed to get through the rest of the dreary winter.
And it's inexpensive too, look for some in your supermarket.

This post is participating in the following link parties.

French Country Cottage's Feathered Nest Friday

Cindy's Romantic Home Show and Tell Friday

Happy New Year to You!

2010-12-31T09:21:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to wish you all a Happy and Healthy New Year!
I love the New Year...
a time to reorganize...
set new goals...
rethink priorities.

Especially while the kids are out enjoying the snow and I can think for a minute!

Enjoy your celebrations!!!

2010 Projects - A Year in Review

2010-12-29T07:34:00.000-08:00

Wow - 2010 flew by!

Sometimes I feel like I'm not getting anything accomplished with our crazy schedules but going through my posts from the year - I see that we have done so much this year!

My favorite and most memorable project began on New Year's Day 2010. The family helped out create 54 hand painted signs with inspirational quotes for a Domestic Violence Shelter in NYC - a project sponsored by Martha Stewart and Enchanted Makeovers. See the entire post HERE.

As far as our own home projects. Here is a fun one - transforming an ugly garage entry door and getting in on the whole chalkboard paint trend.

The project post is HERE.

More fun with chalkboard paint.

A reorganization of my creative space also took place this year. Brought it up from the dreary unfinished basement space and into my living room. See more photos HERE.

Paris Dreams...Our oldest daughter desired a Paris themed bedroom - this was a creative project that she was also involved in - we really had fun in here. See the before and after pics HERE.

A true "trash to treasure" kitchen table redo was also on the list this year. I "borrowed" our old one for a new work table in the studio - so we had to replace it. This one was perfect!
See what we did to it HERE.

The final project of the year? The wedding. My husband and I were involved with the decor for my brother's wedding. Here are a sample of pics from the big day. More details HERE.

So, that's about it for the year 2010. We did accomplish a lot this year.

On the agenda for 2011? Lots of home improvement to come - laundry room renovation still in progress.
Then, the kids' homework/study room. Too many books, projects, etc. ending up on the kitchen table. So we will be redoing the office to create a space just for them to get all of their work done!

How about you? Any projects on the list for the new year?

Stop by Rhoda's at Southern Hospitality for more 2010 project reviews!

And Savvy Southern Style's Best of 2010 Party!

Christmas Wishes

2010-12-22T08:49:00.000-08:00

Here is a little "Idea Book of Christmas" - photos taken from around my home.
A little late?
Maybe, but they're just some pretty pics for you to enjoy or maybe to get a last minute idea from.

Fresh cut greens from the yard (my favorite Christmas decorating element).

A metal basket filled with greens and oversized silver and gold ornaments greets our guests.

A basket filled with greens, berries and crystal stems.

Tied with a burlap ribbon and Joy ornament.

The easiest front door decor to recreate! No glue needed!

A front entry table is fun to decorate.

Draped greens over a mirror also creates a place to hang ornaments. Here I used glass glittered pinecones for extra sparkle which also reflects in the mirror.

Fill a tray with greens, candles, berry pics and bottlebrush trees.

Another look -

rustic box filled with glittered pinecones and preserved greens, accented with bleached baby's breath.

Love the candle glow in mercury glass.

Silver, cream and white - a beautiful combination.

A look at last year's display.

A simple treatment for the stairs.

Simple ornaments piled up in a birdbath or a bowl.

I made one of those ornament wreaths this year - for my son's teacher - he requested one!

Made a smaller version for my Aunt. They're simple to make - I went with the coat hanger version and yes, be sure to glue down the ornament caps before threading them onto the wire.

Speaking of gifts, I love giving and receiving the home made kind. There are so many great decorative tins and boxes for cookies, candy, etc.

Chocolate dipped peppermint sticks.

Chocolate Oreo truffles with crushed peppermint candy.

Simple wrap for me this year.

Kraft paper with jute, seam binding and a sprig of green or baby's breath with a glitter snowflake.

If you like more embellishments I did a post on creative gift wrap HERE.

The family room tree.

The living room tree.

This year's Swarovski ornament.

A look at last year's mantle.

Candles and greens.

This year's mantle.

My favorite little Christmas sign.

A simple sprig on the back of the chairs.

Or a simple sprig here, or there...

A festive table centerpiece.

Buffet table ideas.

Click HERE for more detailed photos in a previous tablescape post.

Now, I need to get back to baking, wrapping and shopping.

Hope you all have a beautiful Christmas!

Linking this post to:

Pinecones and Glitter...love the combination

2010-12-10T20:39:00.000-08:00

New in the shop...

Find them in my Boutique

or

Etsy shop

Nature Inspired Mantel

2010-12-02T10:47:00.000-08:00

We haven't brought Christmas down from the attic yet (hopefully this weekend), but I needed to do something to my mantel. Here is a simple idea without having to purchase much...inspired by nature.

Love my burlap for texture (and to hide my ugly mantel). Now I'm sure you have a planter somewhere around the house. Put something inside to raise up your candles and have fun filling with cut greens from your yard (or neighbors). You can also use artificial or a combination of both and add some picks for a little more interest. Just be careful with your placement and lit candles or just use electric for safety. I also placed lots of pinecones around here and there.

I added a couple of inexpensive trees for height and tucked in some paper hydrangeas - dried will work too.

So, the only problem with the real evergreens is they will dry out and get messy especially if you're lighting a hot fire below. But I love the look so much that I just replenish during the season. You will also find that certain greens hold up much better than others.

Oh I just realized, my favorite little bird fits right in here.

Resources:

Trees: Try Michaels or ACMoore or your local crafts store

Urns and little bird: I used to sell them in my shop but try TJMaxx

Burlap, planter box, berry picks : Hydrangea Home

Assorted greens and pinecones: Backyard for FREE!

Now there are lots of great mantel ideas over at Layla's so check it out!

Designing for Christmas

2010-11-29T17:31:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is over, and NOW I can get in the mood for Christmas. Being in retail, I should have been creating Christmas during the summer...but I just can't. I know it's bad for business but I just don't have it in me. So anyway, I had the Christmas music on today and got to work. Here's a look at some of the pieces I just listed in my shop.

And I'm so excited - I have a shipment of preserved cypress arriving soon! Will be making some cypress wreaths and arrangements.

You will see a simpler look to all of my pieces this season, more natural. Let me know what you think! I value your opinions.

Simply Joy

Pinecone Spray

Berries and Cream Swag

Enjoy your time getting ready for the holidays...shopping, decorating, cooking.

I'm working on a mantel post and a new Christmas season idea book.

Thanksgiving Wishes

2010-11-25T05:53:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

I am so thankful for all of you...family, friends, readers, and my customers.

Hope you all enjoy your time with those you love this weekend.

Oh, and enjoy all of the delicious food too...that's all my kids are talking about!

I'm off to start cooking...Roasted Cauliflower with herb breadcrumbs and Pumpkin Whoopie Pies!

Autumn Inspirations 2010

2010-11-15T20:29:00.000-08:00

I hope you enjoy this little slideshow of pics I put together. You can watch the YouTube video, or just scroll down to the photos and descriptions. This is going to be a seasonal post where I hope to share new ideas with you. And I will also be using a link option for you to share your ideas here as well.

Yes, I'm still talking fall. I have to do Thanksgiving first, then I will focus on Christmas. I can't help it! So if you are looking for some ideas for bringing a touch of autumn into your home and to the table. I have some inexpensive solutions for you.

I really enjoy creating displays, photography and now I've been learning a little photo editing using actions and textures. I do have sooo much to learn so bear with me. I'm new at this!

I thought it would be fun to set up some pics on the patio. Too cold to have Thanksgiving outdoors in our part of the country but I'm sure some of you are able to. Your cut and dried hydrangeas make a simple beautiful centerpiece and as you can tell, we had tons of leftover white mini pumpkins and gilded acorns from the wedding. Had so much fun playing with these! One suggestion, use artificial acorns if possible and just give them a touch of gold paint. The real ones may have bugs, so beware (found this out the hard way!!)

A simple row down the center of your table using candles, pumpkins and acorns. Love it!

The pumpkins look very cute and cozy nestled in a folded napkin at each place setting. Here I tied on a message tag with some jute - they can also be your place cards.

Product Resources: White Pumpkins Hicks Nursery, Jute Runner Hydrangea Home,

Bronze Votives Hydrangea Home

Dried Limelight Hydrangeas...and white pumpkins. My favorite.

Some additional centerpiece ideas for you...

Bittersweet vine in a vase, hydrangea tin, planter filled with white pumpkins, white pumpkin tied with hopsack ribbon set on a serving pedestal with moss and gilded acorns.


Hydrangea Tin Hydrangea Home, Hopsack Ribbon Hydrangea Home, Serving platter TJMaxx, Metal planter Hydrangea Home

For the buffet table - take the time to print up a pretty menu - your guests would love to know what they're about to eat! Simple ball jar candles, or fill with flowers and tie with hopsack. Pumpkins placed on candleholders, bittersweet vines here and there, more gilded acorns scattered throughout.

Product Resources: Ball Jars Ace Hardware

A buffet tablescape is easy to create. I always start with one tablecloth on the table. Place some hatboxes or similar item to raise some platters and create height on the table. Cover the lifts with a second tablecloth. On this table, I also placed some jute fabric over the top. I place all of my platters and serving pieces down first. Then the plates, silverware and napkins are located on one end all together - maybe on a tray. Additional ball jars, or mini urns can hold the utensils. Once all of the important pieces are placed, you start filling in with your candles, flowers and props. Just remember to be aware of candle placement and stretched arms (wouldn't want your guests' clothing to burn!).

Outdoor decor...

The first thing greeting your guests. What will it be? A welcome wreath, berries here and there, more beautiful white pumpkins on the porch and window boxes. Just cut open a small bale of hay and tuck some into your planters.


Product Resources: Wreath Hydrangea Home, Mini Chalkboards Hydrangea Home, Window Box Christmas Tree Shops

Super simple...
White pumpkins and bittersweet. So pretty, inexpensive and easy!

Hanging Jars Hydrangea Home

You can also find some Fall Tablescapes I created HERE

and a centerpiece tutorial HERE.

Hope you found some new ideas today!

This post is participating in the following blog link-ups.

Today's Creative Blog - Get Your Craft On!
Faded Charm Cottage - White Wednesday
Uncommon Slice of Suburbia - Tuesday's Treasures
Between Naps on the Porch - Tablescape Thursday

Feature Thank You...

2010-11-12T09:22:00.000-08:00

I would like to thank beautiful Kristin from My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia for choosing my blog for her Friday Feature today. She has great decorating style - love her blog!
So if you haven't been there, definitely check it out.

Her Master Bedroom...has inspired me.

So peaceful.

I would also like to thank Sakura Bath and Body on Etsy for featuring my planter box in her Etsy Treasury this week. She has some yummy products in her shop!

Seasonal Idea Books - Coming Soon!

2010-11-08T13:19:00.000-08:00

Busy taking photos to inspire you...
to create...
decorate...
live your creative life!

The Wedding...

2010-11-04T08:31:00.000-07:00

Can't believe it's over. All of that planning and the day just goes way too fast!

My brother and new sister had the greatest time at their wedding. Looking forward to hearing all about their honeymoon when they return.

Here are some pics of the decorating we did for the wedding.

We call it "Simple Rustic Elegance"

Handpainted sign for the guest entrance of the beautiful Three Village Inn, Stonybrook, NY.

The cocktail hour rooms. Here we just put white pumkins and golden acorns on the tables.

Inside the cocktail room we set up the wish tree table. In lieu of a traditional guest book. The tree diplays the guests' well wishes - which are written on cards ( or hand cut leaves by the bride) and hung on the branches. My husband and I created the tree by anchoring the branches in plaster inside the urn. The manzanita branches were purchased from a wonderful lady at Dry Nature Designs in NYC.

via North Island Photography

Here is a closeup of the Wish Tree Poem.

The flowers all fit inside my car (thanks to my husband!)

I would also like to thank my mom and my brother's new mother-in-law for painting 350 acorns gold. The bride's sister is an amazing artist and painted the invitations, menus and table numbers. If it weren't for them and the bride's dad and brother, I don't know how we would have created, delivered and set up 16 tables with centerpieces, 350 acorns, 200 white pumpkins, 200 jars of jam, 36 ball jar candles, 188 menus, a 36" wreath, 4 foot wish tree and various signs and decor - all before a 10:30 am mass!

Be our guest! I found this place card wreath idea on Martha Stewart's wedding site. I just happened to have the perfect size in my stock room. The bride cut out each and every leaf and we hung them alphabetically around the wreath. I just added a few fall berries to the beautiful manzanita twiggy wreath.

The reception room.

The bride and groom table. The urn is where the bride kept her bouquet.

A couple of more signs I painted.

The tables...

My husband made the boxes out of pine. They were 3 feet long, and we distressed, stained and painted on a number of finishes to create the final look. They are filled with burgandy bi-color preserved hydrangeas. They are placed on burlap runners and surrounded by gorgeous white pumpkins, golden acorns and simple ball jar candles. Sixteen people (special to the bride and groom) received one to take home. We now carry these in our shop in various sizes/finishes. You can also find the burlap runner fabric in our shop.

The menus...
Beautifully painted by the bride's sister Larissa who is an amazing artist.
The food...tasted as good as it sounds!

My brother and new sister. How beautiful is she and her dress!!

North Island Photography's facebook page

has some beautiful pics of their day.

Here are a few of my favorites!

Love the bouquet with the hydrangeas, berries, pods and wheat!

I also want to thank Laurie, Allison, Felix and Ginger of Hicks Nursery for coming through and getting us those beautiful white pumpkins!! They weren't easy to find! Thanks to you too Mary!!

Also, thank you Susan for doing an amazing job on our hair at 6am!

This post is participating in the following blog events:

Susan's - Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday

Kristin's - Uncommon Slice of Suburbia for Tuesday's Treasures

Wedding Work...

2010-10-21T19:22:00.000-07:00

My last post was 2 weeks ago - I'm sorry!

But I have good reason.

My brother is getting married next week. Can't believe it's here!!
For the wedding, I am working on the table centerpieces. The bride wanted rustic to go with the beautiful place where they will have the reception. My husband made the boxes for me and helped with the finishing. They are going to be filled with these gorgeous preserved hydrangeas in a burgandy/green fall color. Here is a sneak peek of the elements we will include in the decor.

This is my last weekend to finish up. I am also working on a wish tree and some painted signs for the wedding. Weddings are so exciting to work on. I will share the photos after the wedding. Pray for beautiful weather!!

Trash to Treasure - kitchen table

2010-10-08T07:17:00.000-07:00

You know I love these projects! Here is a recent curbside find. Perfect wood table with gorgeous pedestal. Exactly what I was looking for. We're planning a built-in bench seat nook for the kitchen and this is what I needed for the space. The finish however, wasn't right.

Here's what we did. Sanded the surface of the table just enough to knock down the glossy finish. One coat of Kilz primer was applied. The table top was given 2 coats of Linen White and the base was done in Benjamin Moore Big Bend Beige (a grayish beige).

Then I hit the edges with my palm sander. Love this part!!

Finally, I brushed on a mixture of Dark Walnut stain and glaze and wiped it off with my rag.

Gives it that nice antique look and even picks up on the nicks and scratches that were in the table. You really can't mess up a finish like this. It's the perfect finish for kids too.

Hope I've inspired you to think again when you see a great piece waiting to be picked up. If I can do it - you can do it! Just make sure you share your finished pieces with me too. I love to see what you've done.

Be sure to visit:

The Shabby Nest for Frugal Friday

Miss Mustard Seed for Furniture Feature Friday

My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday

Finding Fabulous for Frugalicious Friday

Remodelaholic for Remodelaholic Fridays

Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday

The DIY Showoff Project Parade

Funky Junk's Saturday Night Special

My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia's Link Party

Welcome Fall!

2010-09-27T14:49:00.000-07:00

Looking forward to...

The cooler weather...
Sweaters and boots...
Hot apple cider...

Fall decorating... mums, pumpkins, apples, acorns, colorful leaves.
Fall cooking... soups, squash and pies.
and the activities... pumpkin and apple picking, fall festivals.

How about you - what's your favorite part of the season?

Summer Vacation Highlights

2010-09-16T07:15:00.000-07:00

We took our vacation this year at the very end of the summer - too close to the start of the school year! A little hard for me to relax thinking about all that was going to go on when we returned.
So we went back to beautiful Camden, Maine. This time though it was a little different. They had a heat wave. We escape LI in the summer to cooler weather locations...but not this time. Believe it or not, 90's and humid the week we were there - very unusual for Maine. And because it is so unusual - there is no A/C in the house we rent. But there is a lake in the backyard, so that is where the kids spent a lot of time.

Fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and swimming....

On the way to Camden, our first destination was The Maine Diner. My son had seen them featured by Guy Fieri on Diners Drive-ins and Dives. We had to stop for some Lobster Pie and Crab Cakes. It was a pretty popular spot.

They had a beautiful flower garden on their property. Don't you love sunflowers?!

So our second night at the house we decided we were going to make some Stuffed Baked Lobster (you have to eat lots of lobster while in Maine!). This was so good! All but one child like lobster. I think it was the best meal we had there, well almost.

My husband and I did go out for a nice dinner alone one night to this great restaurant in town - Francines.

I had stuffed zucchini blossoms for the first time and of course more lobster. Wish I had taken the time to take a pic - it looked and tasted sooo good! Love this place!

So we did manage to visit Acadia Park while we were there and drive to the top of Cadillac Mountain. I also took some great pics of the kids on Sand Beach (a beautiful rocky beach in Acadia).

Mermaid toes...

We ended that day with dinner in Bar Harbor. Even Bella (our chocolate lab) had a great time. Maine is very dog friendly and many of the restaurants allow you to eat outside on the patio with your dog.

The Celladoor Winery was another great find for us on this trip. They had such a gorgeous view from the deck. The wine was pretty good too! They're having a Vinfest the first weekend in October - I wish we could be there! If you're planning to go I'd love to hear about it.

Our last night in Maine we made a delicious dish - linguine with shrimp and clams. We all enjoyed this one. It was sad to leave - but I was anxious to get back to LI and cool off!

Of course we were right back into the crazy schedule when we returned - a soccer tournament and team BBQ. The day after that was Labor Day - the last day of summer vacation, so we spent the day unpacking and getting ready for the first day of school. That night we had dinner on the beach - we had to wear sweatshirts - just the way I like it!

Goodbye Summer 2010 - it was a great one but it went too fast!

Fall Touches

2010-09-11T06:48:00.000-07:00

The weather felt like fall yesterday on Long Island and it inspired me to do a little something to my kitchen table (which is a new redo I will share in a future post). I put down a burlap runner, pulled out my white ceramic pumpkins and cut the last of my Limelight hydrangeas. Today I'll roast a chicken in the oven - love the smell and so tired of grilling! Do you love the fall as much as I do? Visit Melissa's Fall Fluffing Party at The Inspired Room for more ideas!

End of summer...

2010-09-01T05:43:00.000-07:00

Just taking a blogging break to enjoy the last days of summer and get ready for the new school year to begin. Hope you all had a great summer!

Be back soon with beautiful pics from our trip to Maine.
I will also be sharing with you the planning and creating of the decor for my brother's wedding. It's been so exciting to shop and discuss all of the ideas for a beautiful fall wedding with my sister-in-law (to-be). The supplies have started to arrive and I can't wait to begin arranging!

Mud Room

2010-08-20T06:18:00.000-07:00

This is a repost from my husband's blog. I don't think I've ever shared our mud room project here.

We had a major problem. Four school children with backpacks, lunch bags and coats all piled up by the back door. Add to this mess everyone else's shoes, flip flops, and my size elevens made that the disaster area. Oh yeah, at the first sign of snow it was the desperate search for hats, gloves and scarfs.

I had to do something, but the space was extremely limited. As you walk through our back door, there is a six foot wide pantry to your left. Then comes the laundry room where Dawn usually throws everything into and shuts the door before company arrives with explicit directions to NOT open this door. To the right is the garage door and then two side by side closets that were used by the previous owner as a broom closet and kitchen storage. Not much room, but this was our main entrance, being right off the driveway.

I saw this picture in a magazine that I really liked and thought it would solve our problem. It was a simple bench seat that would store shoes below and a shelf unit with hooks for coats and bags and storage above. Only problem, I had no space by the back door to put this. The two side by side closets became very inefficient after I had central air conditioning installed. The air ducts occupied much of those closets. I decided to lose both closets altogether and set back the wall which created an alcove that I would build a bench seat and have storage above for winter wear.

We were very pleased with the final product. I backed up the beadboard with 1/2" plywood so the hardware, Dawn found at Lowes, would be strong enough to handle the weight of the loaded backpacks. I found the four baskets AFTER I built the shelf - not too bright. The neat part is the finish - of course, not my idea. After the paint job, I would have been done - admiring my work with a beer in one hand while patting myself on the back with the other. Dawn stopped me on the way to the fridge. "Now, it needs to be antiqued." That's when you make something brand new, look old! I would have never thought of this. I always tried to keep old things looking new! Anyway, it doesn't matter what I think. Before I knew it I was rubbing sandpaper on my brand new paint job, then came the stain and then a couple of coats of varnish. I think she wanted me to put on three coats but had mercy.

Visit The Lettered Cottage for more Mud Room ideas!

Paris Dreams...

2010-08-17T20:11:00.000-07:00

This is where she has them.

Pink Flokati Rug - a gift from Grandma purchased at Marshalls

Paris Dreams sign- I painted - more coming to my shop soon!

I think this has been the fastest room makeover we have done, ever. It took just 2 weeks and a lot of focus to just finish to the end. Although I have to be honest, I do still have one more pillow to finish and the one that you see on the bed is almost complete. Just a couple of more ruffles to make and sew. Boy are those time consuming!! I also want to embellish the plain white lampshade on the nightstand - maybe this weekend.

So let's start with some before shots:

BEFORE

We changed the color of the pink on the walls. It was a mauvey rose before. Now it's Pink Destiny by Valspar. The bed was a goldish brown before and we painted it black. I was hesitant about that but loving it now.

As you can see, the dressers (which were mine from my childhood) did not have any knobs. Just never got around to that after I had painted a scroll design and antiqued the fronts of the drawers.

The dressers are now painted in a semi-gloss white and I've spray painted the cast iron handles (which I used to carry in my shop) black.

The desk in my daughter's room was mostly just covered in clothes. She didn't like to sit there to do homework and prefers a comfy chair.

The new chair...

And the new corner...

I think this part was the most fun. We made the magnet board,

bulletin board

and chalkboard.

"Fait avec amour"

Made with love

More info on those to come in a future post.

The clipboard was purchase here at Pale Pink and Roses.

The nightstand was moved next to the bed and the tall dresser was placed here:

The mirror was a gift and used to be cream - we sprayed it white...much better.
The Eiffel tower jewelry holder is from TJ Maxx. They have tons of Paris themed products.

The bedding was pretty and romantic...

and now it's bold and dramatic!! She loves it! We found it online at Walmart.

The accent table that was sitting in the basement is perfect here.

Damask Lamp - Target
Paris cup - TJ Maxx
Hot Pink Frame - Christmas Tree Shops

Some of the details:

I painted this sign for my daughter a few years ago and even though it's not a perfect match, she chose to keep it over her bed.

A beautiful ballerina clock - a gift from grandma purchased at Lavender Fields in Port Jefferson.

This gorgeous painting is by my husband's grandmother. Wish I could paint like her!! Isn't she amazing?

We didn't touch my cloud paintings on the ceiling. Perfect for Paris day dreams.

These gauzy sheer curtain panels were my favorite deal of the room. $5 for each pair of curtains at IKEA! The pull backs were green hooks that we sprayed black. Perfect!

The rod is another steal at $4.99 from Christmas Tree Shops. And the valance is made from 2 63" panels purchased from Marburn Curtains.

Storage boxes from TJ Maxx. Of course!!

The Degas prints were a gift from many years ago. Finally framed!

This glittery Paris ornament is a favorite find from a store in NYC.

This huge bolster was plain white canvas and just needed something. Aren't these ruffles cute?

Cute little storage over at the message center for push pins, magnets and chalk.

The trophy shelf. Letter T from Christmas Tree Shops and the shelf, you guessed it, TJ Maxx.

Sleeping under the Eiffel Tower! Also from the Christmas Tree Shops - would you believe only $9.99?

Here is a closeup of the new moulding my husband installed. Very simple, love it!

And here she is, looking very happy in her new room!!

Linking this post to:

And click here for Layla's party "A Few of My Favorite Room - Re-do's 2010"

Ooh la la!

2010-08-02T06:42:00.000-07:00

Look who's getting a new room... hope to finish by the end of the week. It's all about black and white damask, Paris and Pink!! I'm just loving that she still wants Pink!