Pistol Shaped Sticky & Happy

Ornate and uniquely embellished. Would you have guessed that this room was put together, and nearly held together, with.... glue. Yep, talk about glue gun happy! A little instrument of inspiration.

Design journalist Marian McEvoy, former editor in chief of Elle Decor and House Beautiful, decorated her house with lots of help from some hot sticky stuff. Check out the detailing in her work... must have taken forever to do! Needless to say, the look is pretty amazing. Good job, Marian.

Magnets are cool

Magnets are a great way to personalise your fridge, your metal roof, or your steel toe boots (actually never tried that, wonder if it could work?)...
Here is a sampling of the myriad of smart, goofy, politically incorrect, zany, offbeat, cute, hilarious, and supercool magnets found at http://www.fridgedoor.com/
Magnificent!

Magnetic Wall Organizer

Saw this magnetic wall organizer from Urban Outfitters. It has inspired me to think about making my own...
You could use a sanded board and some magnetic paint from a hardware store such as Lowe's. Apply at least two coats of the magnetic paint and then wait 24 hours before applying your choice of any kind of topcoat.
Or, simply use a magnetizible surface (such as metal or magnetic whiteboard) cut to desired shape. Then attach hooks, a can for pens, a shelf and whatever else you desire.
Finally, be sure to personalize with your fav magnets (see post above)! Tres cool!

The Tree: White versus Green

Have white Christmas trees made a comeback? Hmmm...
Here are various clippings of white trees decorated festively for the season. Each looks beautiful in their own unique way... country crafty, feathery feminine, and fairytale fun. Which is your favourite?
And do tell.. are you a loyal greenie or an artificial whitey?

Images from bhg

Pintos by Bev Doolittle

"In 'Pintos' the magic began to happen. Suddenly my mind was crowded with experiments I wanted to make, patterns I wanted to play with, stories I wanted to tell." - Bev Doolittle

This watercolour painting by Bev Doolittle is truly amazing. Another one of my favourite artists as she is able to 'fool' the eye. There exists alot of depth and intrique to her works of art. Look closely as there is so much more to see than at first glance....

Soft Sophistication

I feel in love with Candace Bushnell's den for it's aura of soft sophistication. Showcased in Elledecor "Love at First Sight" style file. The warm wash on the walls, the patterned rug, and the texture in the gorgeous velvet couch with a vintage pillow make the room feel elegant and eclectic. And the ittybitty stools add a whimsy touch to the space... I wonder if anyone uses them?... teehee

Charlie Brown's Christmas Tree

The Charlie Brown Pathetic Christmas Tree at UrbanOutfitters.

"Good Grief" as Charlie Brown would say, it isn't THAT pathetic....

There is a very valuable and meaningful story about this tree that deserves to be told.
Listen up...

***Charlie Brown is in a down-hearted state and is in charge of getting a Christmas tree for the school play about the nativity. Instead of buying a "big, shiny, aluminum" artificial tree as he was instructed to do, he chooses a pitiful, sad-looking twig-like tree. This makes him the target of much laughter and mockery from Lucy and the rest of the gang. He cries out in sad despair, wondering what Christmas is all about. Linus tries to explain to him about the meaning behind the season. In a huff, Charlie Brown takes a decoration from Snoopy's prize winning doghouse, and puts a single ornament on his tree. But the weight of the bauble causes the tree to promptly collapse over. He flees in anguish and humiliation. But the other kids had heard Linus's rendition of the Christmas story, and they begin to realise they've been too hard on Charlie Brown. So, they fix up his tree into a brilliant Christmas display using the rest of Snoopy's decorations. Charlie Brown returns to find the whole gang gathered around his tree. In a rare moment of happiness, he joins the gang in singing "Hark the Herald Angel's Sing"***
The end.

Now, are you touched? Because I sure am...

A Moment with Nature... plus more

Curious and oh so cute!

Came across this really cool new website for us local vegan and health-conscious folks. It is still in it's infancy as they just released their premier issue. I am sure the information to come will be abundant, and the articles very insightful. Thank you... another much needed resource for this neck of the woods. Namaste!

http://www.thevictoriavegan.com/

Silly or Sassy?

Silly, sassy, stupid, or smart? Your call...

Let the jolly big guy join you in a bubbly tub soak... no, silly, not Santa... but Buddha!
Rubberbuddha "duckie" by UrbanOutfitters. Silly or sassy?

Andy Warhol lip-shaped plates by UrbanOutfitters. A lip-smack of sushi anyone? Mmmm... I am still thinking on this one. Silly or sassy?

Kenwood 2-Slice Radio Toaster with FM station... about $30. I reckon I would forget about my toast if I was rocking out to a cool tune! What do you think?

Reflection Chandelier

An inspiring DIY project?....
Reflection Chandelier by UrbanOutfitters. Silver bead strands with large reflective discs hooked at the ends hang in varying lengths from a circle frame. Hmmmm.... could even be a cool mobile.

Victoria aka Winter Wonderland

A Haiku on Snow:

Errant snowflakes cling
To black slumbering branches



"Blue Skies Bring Tears" by billycorgan...
Victoria continues to remain a winter wonderland... could this be the Blizzard of 2006? I am soooo in touch with my inner child! Bring it on, Monsieur Weathermaker, show me what you got!

Merry Bliss

Love the warm and cozy setting of this potterybarn space... I want to plop on that couch, enjoy the fire, and unwind with a cup of hot chai tea. Ah, merry bliss.

Grizzly Bears by Bateman

"We need to look ahead to be certain that our actions of today will make the world a better and richer and more varied place for our grandchildren and their grandchildren"

~ Robert Bateman

Periodically, I will be showcasing the wonderful work of Canadian wildlife artist Robert Bateman, a environmentalist, naturalist and Saltspring resident. He is one of my favourite artists because of his ability to paint pictures with such photo-realism. Enjoy!

Smart or Stupid?

Silly, sassy, smart, or just plain stupid? Your call....

The smartiepants at Xerox have recently invented *self-erasable paper* that fades to white after 24 hours. The invention "came from developing compounds that change color when they absorb a certain wavelength of light but then will gradually disappear." Hmmm... could be fun, or disastrous. Either way, I think the trees will dig it as the paper is reusable again.

But my advice from hereonin: wait more than 24 hours before signing any important documents!!

Fabulous Foamboard Fabric

Art comes in many shapes and forms... and not all of your prized photos and pics and swatches need to be encased in a frame. Here is great idea to show off some of your favourite fabrics... simply wrap the material around foamboard and tape at the back. Hang on the wall, and voila... inst-art! Adds great color and character to rented spaces where you are often not allowed to paint or damage the walls.
Tis disposable art... make it and then take it wherever you go! Looks fabulous!

Wrap me in warmth

Tis frigid outside, and I am craving a soft, cuddly blankie to wrap me in warmth and comfort. Here are a few for viewing...

Gorgeous Afghan throw from Garnet Hill. Could be an heirloom it is so exquisite...

Pompom throw in soft cotton from Urbanoutfitters. Apparently kitty not included... dang!

A beautiful weater patchwork quilt from Anthropologie. Wrap yourself in a rainbow...

A Nate Berkus Room

A Nate Berkus makeover... I love a space where my eye just wanders around catching interesting things.

Oh, Roger.. I love thee

Tis that time of year again when many will soon be dreaming of dancing sugar plums and bouncing bonbons. I am experiencing those lush Christmas visions myself, except mine has no sugar plums...

I dream of chocolate... oh, sweet chocolate... dear dear deliciously decadent chocolate. But not just any ordinary chocolate. I dream of Roger's Chocolate, a local business in BC. Mmmmm.... so irresistibly lush and succulent.

But if I *must* share... they have exquisite chocolates beautifully wrapped and ready for giving. A great gift idea at http://www.rogerschocolates.com/

Inspiring Wreaths

A wreath becomes something personal and precious with the inclusion of family pictures. Tie tiny framed photos with pretty ribbon to the greenery for a special touch. This one by Pottery Barn, but easy to decorate your own wreath for next to nothing!

A pair of white doves hang in the center of rustic wreaths... an enduring and universal symbol of hope and peace and love. Find a pretty dove ornament or make your own out of sturdy paper, and tie to your handmade wreath circle with pretty ribbon. Hang in the window for all to enjoy! A joyous dressing for any setting... these ones by Garnet Hill.

Breathing Space

BC Ferry to Paradise (aka Mayne Island)... ohhh, how I long to be there.

Rustic Lanterns

Bottle Lanterns from The Home Port. Adds a rustic ambience, and are also inspiring for a DIY project.... hmmm

Amber Tree

From O at Home... I am mesmerised by the golden tree, the use of clear glass balls, amber bows, and beautifully draped garland. The white and amber hue combination creates a real sense of warmth to the room. I just want to curl up on that couch and gaze longingly at both the tree and fireplace! Great space.

Paper and Lights

I love the organic feel and simple beauty of papery light shades. These printed paper light fixtures are from UrbanOutfitters. Something very special about the style of the age-old Chinese template lanterns, and the delicate bamboo framed ceiling parasols... genuine treasures to be appreciated.

Cozy Corner

A cozy and inviting ElleDecor corner... the colors are soothing and I really adore that lamp!

Switch on Colour!

The Volant II Lamp is a stunning table lamp with an attractive glass base and fabric shade. Love the festive colours! Available at Urban Barn in Victoria

A Moment with Nature

A beautiful and elusive creature who causes us no harm...

(image via Greenpeace)

A Festive Entryway

As you know, I adore entryways. This pic from Pottery Barn is no exception... it is festive, fun, and cheery. Why leave out the entrance to your home from any festive flair? It is the perfect place to play up the season. So, get over to yer front entrance and add some much-needed Christmas pep!

Junk Food by Nathan Barnes

Junk Food by Nathan Barnes

I wonder where he got all his still life? Gives me a tummy ache just looking at it. Strikingly realistic, wicked, and oh so stupefying.

The Power of Grouping

The art of grouping is using the elements of form, coordination, balance, and of course a good eye. Effective accessorizing can turn an otherwise average display into something spectacular. I like the use of the polished surfaces here as it reflects the beauty of the accents.

Create impact and add personality to your space.. revisit your groups of trinkets and play around!

Magnetically Magnificent

Wait... don't toss that away! I can stick that on my fridge...
Cool recycling idea to attach empty containers of random things to heavy duty magnets with tape. Magnetize to anything magnetable... Magnificent!

Branches of Elegance

A charming dinner setting from Pottery Barn. Love the use of stark slim branches, decorated with silver drop ornaments and glitter ribbon, as an elegant centerpiece. Simple but oh so sophisticated.