katy elliott

Bookcase: Gray and Black

2008-11-21T12:06:00.005-05:00

I just spotted this bookcase on the aero studios site. If you look in the back left hand corner there is a bookcase that is black on the outside and painted gray on the inside. Maybe I will try this for my bookcase? I kinda like the accent. I was thinking about painting the whole dresser a black gloss. I think I might like this idea better...

p.s. there are shelves that go inside the bookcase but they are just down at the bottom right now and need to be fixed.

Budget Friendly Design on D*S

2008-11-21T09:41:00.004-05:00

Looking for more budget friendly design ideas? Check out design*sponge's new Budget Friendly design section. Over 20 different stories jammed packed with gifts and finds ideas under $100. Included in the round-up is my $1 design finds story I did in August for domino. Stay tuned my $1 holiday guide due out next Thursday. A great resource for those of us watching our wallets. Check it out now: designspongeonline.com/category/budget-friendly.

Karen Nicol

2008-11-21T08:59:00.007-05:00

A little Friday morning eye candy to lull you right into the weekend. Karen Nicol is a mixed media textile designer living in London. Each piece is so feminine and just makes me feel delightful. Check out more: karennicol.com.

(via designersblock.blogspot.com)

Vintage Industrial Lighting

2008-11-20T13:22:00.002-05:00

This is a fun lighting link. A great resource for early-mid 20th century vintage industrial lighting, B4 It Was Cool. Great name. Check out their online website for ordering info: b4itwascool.com.

(via remodelista at dominomag.com)

Thanksgiving Table Inspiration from Martha Stewart

2008-11-20T13:04:00.006-05:00

I will always be a huge fan of Martha Stewart Living. The new December issue so good—its full of great doily crafts! I'll get to that later...let's talk about Thanksgiving tabletop decor first. I love the tissue paper lights above. So simply and inexpensive to do. Money is tight for all of this holiday season. Incorporate found objects like leaves, acorns, and branches into your table display. You can find most of these objects in your back yard for free. Pull it all together with a natural hued table linens. Check out more table inspiration: marthastewart.com.

Nautical Artwork

2008-11-20T09:34:00.003-05:00

I am kicking myself for not picking up these two pieces at White Elephant last weekend. I was there with my boyfriend working on my $1 story and he was totally rushing me. I guess I didn't really need them...but they are nice? The above painting was $35 and the print below was $25. I have to go back once I have my den a little more planned out and pick out some pieces.

Eyeing Antique China

2008-11-19T15:40:00.006-05:00

It's freezing cold outside and I am having a hard time leaving the safety of my very warm office. So for now how about a little window shopping? Above is a 19th century English Ironstone Platter. The platter is signed with a printed date mark, English, circa 1870’s. I was totally wowed by the color. Below the plate is from the same shop. Eric Ravilious designed the plate for Wedgewood circa 1932. I would love a whole set of these nautical plates! Unfortunately, one plate is $550.

Winter Berry Wreath

2008-11-19T13:08:00.005-05:00

While I was up in Maine late last week I picked up this gorgeous winter berry wreath for my front door. The bright red berries enliven my homely front door! Greg keeps complaining that the twigs poke him in the eye when you walks out the front door. I tried trimming the twigs back a little so the wreath sits inside the door frame. I found the wreath at Wallingford Farm in Kennebunk, Maine. The farm is full of festive holiday decor including wreathes, trees, and decorations. Nice staff and reasonable prices!

Wallingford Farm
21 York Street
Kennebunk, Maine
(207) 985-2112

Jenny Lind Bed and Windsor Chairs

2008-11-19T11:44:00.006-05:00

I'm back! I am so sorry I haven't been posting the last few days. I've been hard at work on my $1 holiday guide for domino due out the end of next week. My next task: getting the house ready for my Thanksgiving guests. At the top of the list is a guest bed and dining chairs. Last week I drove up to NH and checked out a Jenny Lind bed I found on ebay. The bed I wanted was no longer available but I was in luck...he had three others! I choose the bed above. A great deal for just $250. I spotted the Windsor chairs below in the owner's barn. I am partial to the black bentwood style. I'm just afraid the chairs are too masculine and bulky for the space. They are pretty cool and I still love them but just not for my space. Check out more from this great ebay store: stores.ebay.com.

Old House Parts

2008-11-14T17:52:00.004-05:00

I just got back from my $1 hunting madness up in Maine. I have to share my new favorite source before I go out to dinner—Old House Parts in Kennebunk, Maine. A great architectural salvage resource that stocks old doors, knobs, mantels, windows, sinks, and much more. All the of the pieces in the store are incredibly organized which makes it super easy to sort through. Seriously, it will blow you away how neat this place is! Spanning two floors full to the brim with stock you won't need to go anywhere else. The staff is super knowledgable and friendly. One of the best resources I have ever discovered! Check out the website: oldhouseparts.com. Above and below are pictures I couldn't resist taking.

Old House Parts
1 Trackside Drive
Kennebunk, Maine
207.985.1999

$1 gift ideas

2008-11-13T11:09:00.003-05:00

Me looking goofy

I need your help! I am working on a $1 gift guide for domino and I am running out of ideas. If you have any cool projects you've done using products for under $1 let me know. It can be abstract so maybe one part of the project costs a dollar. I am also looking for stores that carry products for less then $1. Try to think of stores beyond just dollar stores. The best things I have found are usually from large antique stores or odd shops. Send me an e-mail or comment below and I will be sure to give you credit in my story due out in just 2 weeks! Thanks for everyone's help and ideas in advance.

Ikea Folksy Red and Blue Pillows

2008-11-12T21:55:00.009-05:00

I headed to Ikea this afternoon to scope out some ideas for my holiday $1 gift guide for domino. Honestly, I didn't find that much. Most things I liked were just above a $1 which doesn't work for the story. I did spot these very Swedish looking pillows. The reds and blues feel super cozy but light enough to work in warmer climates. I'm usually a sucker for new pillow covers but this time I held back. I am eyeing those hand knit pillow covers by Ruth Cross, even though they are quite pricey and totally out of my budget. Check out more reasonably priced decor to fit anyone's budget at ikea.com.

Antique Seth Thomas Mantel Clock

2008-11-12T09:50:00.006-05:00

My mom brought down this antique Seth Thomas Mantel Clock on her last visit. The clock originally belong to Great Grandmother on my father's side. I have childhood memories of the clock's distinctive chimes. The chime is more like a "dong" as if it was radiating from a great cathedral. My mom inherited the clock from my Grandmother after she sold the family farm up in Waterville, Maine. I feel so lucky to now have it in my own home.

I found a very similar clock on ebay last night. The auction says, "The covering on this case is called "adamantine". Seth Thomas, and only Seth Thomas, used this adamantine on most of their mantle clocks from 1882 to about 1919." I can't believe that the clock is that old! To purchase similar clocks try serching "Seth Thomas Mantel Clocks" on ebay.

Ruth Cross

2008-11-11T21:39:00.006-05:00

It's that time of the year when the sun goes down early and 7pm feels like midnight. There is nothing wrong with going to bed at 9pm, right? Staying inside more makes me yearn for homemade crafts and food. These super cute and cuddly pieces from UK designer Ruth Cross feel right at home in the season. All the pieces are handknit in her UK studio using top quality organic ethical wool and cotton. The cosies are out of this world cute. Great gifts for the holidays. Prices start at about $20. Check out more: ruthcross.com.

Thanksgiving Table Linens

2008-11-11T19:55:00.006-05:00

Vintage Weave, French Runner, $42 vintageweave.com

Over the next couple days I plan share some my Thanksgiving decorating finds and ideas. I thought I would start it off with table linens since they are the first thing to dress your Thanksgiving table. A tablecloth can really set the mood for your event weather you want to be more traditional or eclectic. I don't tend to like things that scream holiday. Most my choices are a little more subdued and less traditioanal. To me they have a casual and nostalgic vibe. Check out my picks above and below. Share your ideas or favorites below.

Loodylady, Vintage mangle cloth tablecloth Thanksgiving linen, $55, ebay.com

Crate and Barrel, Marimekko "Tamburiini", $39-$109, crateandbarrel.com

Libeco Home "Vermont" $181-$212, libecohomestores.com

Wisteria, Crocheted Edge Napkins, $25.50/set of four, wisteria.com

John Robshaw, "Trellis" $88-$188, johnrobshaw.com

The Linen Press, Ticking Tablecloth, about $60, thelinenpress.co.uk

Pottery Barn, Linen Hemstiched tablecloth, $99-$119, potterybarn.com

William Sonoma, Toile au Couleur tablecloth, $71-$86, williams-sonoma.com

Les Indiennes, "Feather" Handloomed throw, $150 lesindiennesshop.com

William Sonoma, Vintage Jacquard Tablecloth, $149-$179, williams-sonoma.com

Silhouettes for Holiday Cards and Gifts

2008-11-11T18:39:00.008-05:00

Carter Kustera, Custom Portraits, inquire for pricing, jonathanadler.com

I've been thinking about artwork to hang in our new den. For some reason I really want to have silhouettes done of Greg and I. The do agree they seem kinda silly and over the top but I know I will cherish them forever. A great gift for family and friends for the holidays. I had a few sites bookmarked but when I typed "custom sihouettes" into etsy.com I found hundreds more. Above and below are a few of my favorite designs and creations. Enjoy!

Jenny Lee Fowler, Leaf Silhouette Custom Portrait, $50, etsy.com

Lucky Me Beads, Sweetheart Custom Necklance, $48, etsy.com

Cut Arts by Karl, Original Silhouette Portraits, from $25-$150, cutarts.com

Petite Prints, Silhouette Needlepoint, $128, petiteprints.com

May Luk, Bespoke Silhouette Bowl From Your Photo, $88, etsy.com

Petite Prints, Custom Notecards, from $48, petiteprints.com

Miss Crowland, Custom Family Portraits, $55-$95, etsy.com

John Robshaw now at Garnet Hill

2008-11-11T11:59:00.004-05:00

I just discovered that Garnet Hill is now carrying one of my favorite brands, John Robshaw. I was checking out their selection when I came across these amazing curtains. I've seen the fabric is real life on a pillow and loved it. They might be gorgeous in my dining room which I decided to paint a slate blue color. A bit pricey for me right now. The curtains are $140/panel but I know they are so worth it! Hmm I have to think... Check out more: garnethill.com.

Stripping Wood In Den

2008-11-11T08:55:00.007-05:00

I mentioned yesterday that the painting project has turned into a bigger project then I had originally anticipated. Now Greg wants to remove all the paint from the woodwork in the room. The paint is probably lead-based. We plan on having children in the house so we would like to take the time to remove as much as the paint as possible. I honestly wasn't that freaked out about the paint. Lead paint's biggest danger is one it crumbles or cracks. Children could eat the chips which could cause permanent brain damage. Many people remove lead based paint from old windows. When you constantly open and close the windows small amounts of the paint gets worn away which could then cause the contaminated substance to enter the air. We have new windows so we don't have to worry about that part, yeah!

So to be super safe we are taking the time now to remove the paint all around the house. Below are some photos of the process. We found a pretty little flower detail hidden on the mantel last night (below). I'll post a little info on how the stripping process works this afternoon.

Antique Linen

2008-11-10T15:00:00.005-05:00

My sister just sent this tip for a great linen source on ebay. On average the textiles sold in the store are around 100 years old. Wonderful textures and vintage colors make the textile perfect for use as pillows, upholstery, or table clothes. Prices start at around $40. Check out more finds: ebay.com.

Shannon Rankin

2008-11-10T12:15:00.004-05:00

Something about these prints struck me. The pieces are maps forming a human heart. Red heart strings are then sewn into the paper. Shannon Rankin "Heartstring Series" $35 each, littlepaperplanes.com.

Stripping Walls in Den

2008-11-10T09:34:00.005-05:00

I was hoping I would have my den done by today but the whole painting process ended up being a much bigger project then I thought. Originally, I was just going to paint the walls. Underneath, there was layers of wallpaper, paint, horse hair, and plaster in really bad shape. After my mom investigated the situation she convinced me to just remove the wallpaper and just spackle the walls.

Removing the wallpaper from the walls was actually pretty easy. We basically just scraped it off. (FYI this isn't the way to remove to all wallpaper.) After all the paper was removed I wiped down the walls using a water and bleach solution. After the walls were dry we spackled the holes and imperfections and then sanded. The top photo shows the walls spackled. After sanding the walls we primed the walls so that our new paint has a nice clean surface to stick too. The walls are really old so they will never be perfect. The house is 257 years old!

The photo below shows the walls primed. The bottom three shots are some wallpaper we found. It looks like there was at least two layers of wallpaper with some paint underneath. Crazy! I have a bit more spackling to do on the opposite side of the room today and then I am ready to paint the walls.

Stockings from Lisa Stickley

2008-11-10T09:07:00.007-05:00

Good morning! Let's start it off with a little Monday morning eye candy. A red Christmas tree stocking from Lisa Stickley London that would be perfect for someone who doesn't like the over the top iconic holiday patterns. Lisa Stickely London "Red Trees Stocking" about $25, lisastickleylondon.com.

Euro Linens

2008-11-07T14:06:00.007-05:00

One last post for the day because I have to run to the paint store! As you may know I'm a huge fan of stripe anything especially stripes that feel vintage and nautical. I found this ebay store that uses recycled ticking fabric from the 1920's to make pillows and other home accessories. All the pieces are old which naturally give them a worn lived in feel. Below are a few examples of the pillows.

Euro Linens also sells European floral duvet covers circa 1940's-60's (above) for just $40. FYI European duvets are not as large as standard American duvet covers. The retailer suggest using them for feather beds covers or other sewing projects. Maybe sweet pillow cases? Check out more: stores.ebay.com/Euro-Linens.

Wood Salad Bowls

2008-11-07T13:50:00.005-05:00

I definitely need to invest in a wood salad bowl for Thanksgiving dinner. In the past I've used a glass bowl for salad but the bowl has suddenly disappeared after a visit to my sister's house. Wood salad bowls are one of my favorite wedding gifts to give but I've never actually bought one for myself.

I've been checking out this vtonly.com for awhile because they have so many different sizes and types. Even though I fantasize about the black walnut bowl in the end I think I may just order the cherry version. The rich color and grain will be gorgeous forever. The black walnut doesn't really go with anything I own. Prices range from $30-$375 depending on the wood and size of bowl. Check out more: vtonly.com.

Tool Bucket Bags

2008-11-07T13:16:00.003-05:00

Billy Kirk "Steamer Bag" $295, billykirk.com

I found these great links via Nick the Deal Hunter. Nick talks about them being great men's bags. Maybe they are a bit masculine but I would love to own one! I have oogled worn utility bags that have hang off phone company's trucks for years. The vintage quality is totally swoon worthy. Nick found these great links via mister-bag.com a site worth checking out for more vintage bag inspiration. I think my favorite is the ticking stripe number above.

Buzzline "Industrial Gear Bag", $90.59 warrenheimcorp.com

Klein Connection " Pocket Canvas" tool bag, $68.42, kleinconnection.com

Klein Connection "Leather Tote" bag, $111.49, kleinconnection.com