katyelliott.com

A daily design journal about new england life, home decorating resources, and renovating a 257-year-old house in Marblehead, MA.

Bottle Opener Knives

Posted on | August 12, 2008 | 1 Comment

bottle opener knives 03 712037 Bottle Opener Knives

This find comes from the September issue of Food & Wine. “Young designers working out of small studio in Vienna are turning factory rejected knives into bottle openers.” I love this! Each one is unique and a totally fun gift for someone that has everything. From $31 each. Check out more: cuttingupknives.com.

bottle openers 04 743453 Bottle Opener Knives
bottle opner knives 02 736266 Bottle Opener Knives
bottle opener knives 736300 Bottle Opener Knives

Michaela Scherrer: Doily Drapes

Posted on | August 12, 2008 | Comments Off

michaela scherrer opener 772417 Michaela Scherrer: Doily Drapes

I spotted these doily drapes today and was instantly transported to my grandmother’s house. Growing up my I remember lace doiles handmade by aunts and friends covering nightstands and dining tables. I was always fascinated by there intricateness. Michaela Sherrer expands on the doily theme with her line of doily shades. The shades are more for a decorative use then a practical shield for privacy. I just love that they make me want to cuddle up under a blanket and drink hot chocolate. Check out more: lisafontanarosa.com.

doily drapes 4 789564 Michaela Scherrer: Doily Drapes
doily drapes 3 789709 Michaela Scherrer: Doily Drapesdoily drapes 772361 Michaela Scherrer: Doily Drapes

Tugboat Printshop

Posted on | August 11, 2008 | 1 Comment

capsule print 740073 Tugboat Printshop

Here is a little evening eye candy for you. I’ve been eyeing these prints from Tugboat Printshop for awhile. I decide to buy the two to maybe put in my new office. I love the color and texture the blockprint gives. Each print is $45 each and custom framing is available. Check out more on their site: tugboatprintshop.com.

octpous print 740331 Tugboat Printshop

Weekend Warriors: Tackling Floors and Clogged Drain

Posted on | August 10, 2008 | 2 Comments

Lunch Break At Maddy's

Greg chilling at the local bar after a long day of hard work.

We just back from a weekend of working hard on our house. I managed to pull up the old tile from the bathroom and kitchen floor. What a pain in the ass. I got blisters on both fingers!

On Sunday, we tackled one of our nastiest jobs yet. We been having a problem with a backed up drain that causes water to back up in the toilet every time we take a shower. We tried the standard issue snake to get the clog out with no luck. Turns out we needed to rent the “Electric Eel” which is a motor powered large snake with a cutting bit. Friends suggested that the clog was due to roots growing into the pipes.

The electric eel proved to work but not without a lot of mess. We pulled up 4 large root systems that resembled small animals. Seriously gross! The situation got ugly once the electric snake started flinging excess poo up from the drain. I had to make a poop gaurd so that we didn’t get soaked. (I know doesn’t it make you want to throw-up!). We eventually got it all cleaned out and feel pretty good that the problem is solved. I would have never done the job without Greg. It was way so messy and stinky! Thankfully he’s tougher then me. See more images on my flickr page.

Kitchen with Tiles

Kitchen with tiles down

Katy Pulling Up Tiles

Katy pulling up the tiles

Greg tried the standard snake

Greg using the standard issue snake

Home Depot: Rented Electric Eel

Rental sign for Electric Eel at Home Depot

First Giant Root

First big root

Giant Root

And the giant root

Claire Coles Inspiration

Posted on | August 8, 2008 | 1 Comment

Picture 7 763706 Claire Coles Inspiration

I am about to pack up the car and head up to the house in Marblehead for the weekend. We have to tackle a leaky roof and some backed up pipes. The toilet on the first floor backs up with water when we take a shower on the second floor. Joy!

Before we go I thought I would share some wallpaper I saw at ICFF that I’m inspired by. Claire Coles is a UK artist that designs wallpaper, ceramics, and accessories. I’ve been wanting to pick a wallpaper for our front entry but I just can’t decide. I don’t know if I have found “the one” quite yet. What if I painted it myself? I did go to school for textile design. I could do it! At least I think I can. I love the colors in Claire’s work. Blues, reds, and golden yellows are a great combo. Maybe I could stamp an allover design like Claire’s on the walls first. Now I’m thinking! Check out more of Claire’s work: clairecolesdesign.co.uk.

Picture 8 764139 Claire Coles Inspiration

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