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The Design Inspirationalist

~ Inspiring Ideas | Spectacular Creations

The Design Inspirationalist

Tag Archives: crafts

The Gift of Wow

11 Tuesday Dec 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Art & Design, Crafty Ideas

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Tags

christmas, crafts, gift wrapping, gifts, handmade, holiday, ribbon, stamps, wrapping paper

One of the my favorite things about the holidays is gift giving. I love to see the expression on people’s faces when they receive a gift they love. I also enjoy wrapping them. Actually, I LOVE to. Every year, I try to get creative and use different styles of paper and I always handmake my tags. This year I kept it simple with 2 kinds of wrapping paper, white ribbon and white tags stamped with Merry Christmas on them. I also added a few fun items to look more festive.

It’s always good to share ideas and inspiration, especially when it comes to someting you do every year. You don’t want to do the same thing, thats a bit boring. So hopefully these help you see gift wrapping in a new light. Get creative and give the gift of wow.

The Gift of Wow
Photo Credit: Blowout Party

The Gift of Wow
Photo Credit: Makoodle

The Gift of Wow
Photo Credit: Makoodle

The Gift of Wow
Photo Credit: The Gifted Blog

The Gift of Wow
Photo Credit: SC Johnson

The Gift of Wow
Photo Credit: Life in Modification

The Gift of Wow
Photo Credit: Fine Frugality

The Gift of Wow
Photo Credit: The Mom Writes

The Gift of Wow
Photo Credit: DIY Weddings Mag

The Gift of Wow
Photo Credit: Ellinee

The Gift of Wow
Photo Credit: Kids Kubby

Stitched Up Details

18 Wednesday Jul 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Invites & Save the Dates, Wedding Decor Ideas

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

bride, ceremony, crafts, decor, embroidery, engagement, events, favors, groom, handmade, invites, place settings, save the dates, seating cards, sewing, table numbers, wedding favors, wedding invites, wedding programs, weddings

Stitched Up Details

I came across these items on one of my favorite blogs, Oh So Beautiful Paper, and had to share it. My love for sewn pieces and embroidery has grown so much throughout the years – from the time when I was looking for the multi-needle embroidery machine reviews myself to buy one, so when I see it used in a unique way, it truly makes me smile.

These next few examples really used this handmade accent in a beautiful way and truly were a success. Hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

Stitched-Escort-Cards-Sarah-Vaughan-Photography

Embroidered-Table-Numbers-Becca-Wood-Photography and DIY-Embroidered-Table-Numbers-Tonya-Joy-Photography

Stitched-Wedding-Menus-Mira-Aster-Julie-Mikos-Photography

Embroidered-Heart-Note-Cards-Leobella-Boutique

Stitched-Guest-Book-MegRuth-Photography

Stitched-Wedding-Ceremony-Programs-The-Detailed-Event-Sasha-Gulish and Stitched-Place-Card-Favors-Peter-Frank-Edwards

And here are some more really cute things I found among my searches.

Stitched Up Details

Stitched Up Details

Stitched Up Details

Stitched Up Details

Stitched Up Details

Stitched Up Details

Raw Materials Design

22 Friday Jun 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Awesome Shops

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Tags

america, aprons, better homes and gardens, blue, cotton, crafts, gift bags, Janna Lufkin, linens, made in america, napkins, placemats, raw materials, raw materials design, red, sewing, today show, towels, whole living magazine

I came across Raw Materials Design and fell in love. Here are a few reasons why.

1. All their products are made and sourced in the United States.
2. The shop is descended from four generations.
3. Everything is handmade by skilled craftsmen.
4. All items are made from 100% cotton.
5. It’s said their products will last a lifetime.
6. All the products have a unique raw style suitable for every home.

Raw Materials Design

This shop is awesome. Plain and simple. They offer aprons, linens, and a few home good items that are all made extremely well as well as look beautiful. I happen to love the handmade feel so I can appreciate the design element the stitching brings to the pieces. Because its blue and red, each item carries that Americana feel from the old days. Just enough detail to add style without being over the top.

The shop has been mentioned in a variety of media from Better Homes and Gardens and Whole Living Magazine to the Today Show and deserves every bit of it. A company that stands on value, tradition, and supporting hardworking men and women, is a company I like to give business to. And the fact that everything is sourced and made in America is a huge bonus.

So here is a little introduction to their items. Hope you all love them as much as I do.

Signature Aprons

Raw Materials Design

Raw Materials Design

Raw Materials Design

Raw Materials Design

Linens

Raw Materials Design

Raw Materials Design

Raw Materials Design

Raw Materials Design

Home Goods

Raw Materials Design

Raw Materials Design

{All images are from rawmaterialsdesign.com}

Make Your Space Birdcage Beautiful

04 Monday Jun 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Crafty Ideas

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Tags

birdcage, crafts, moss, nature, painting

Have a corner that needs a little pick me up? What about a table or dresser that needs some pizaz. Well, my birdcage project is an easy and cute way to brighten up an room and give it some style. Remember, hanging things on the wall is not the only way to take up space. A home shouldn’t feel like a museum or gallery. It should reflect who you are and exude life, comfort and creativity.

I have always loved birdcages. Especially ones that had vintage appeal.  Maybe it was all the birds I had growing up. Whatever the reason, birdcages are really beautiful things. Not only do they fill space in a smart way but they allow the space to still feel spacious because of their cage like exterior. They could be pretty pricey so finding one that is easy on the wallet but still packs in style may be a challenge.  However, there are so many different kinds and due to popularity, they are sold in many shops. Just be on the lookout and you will find one in no time.

The set of birdcages I used for this project were actually found at a garage sale. Reusing and recycling is the best way to shop. Just because someone is getting rid of something doesn’t mean its garbage. Check out the yard sales in your neighborhood and I promise you will find the unexpected. I came across this set for $6 and I couldn’t walk away empty handed.

Make Your Space Birdcage Beautiful

If you decide to buy a birdcage from a store, that’s fine too. Check out antique shops and don’t forget about Etsy and Ebay. The fun is in the hunt, so get your comfy clothes on, gather up some loot and get ready to shop.

Once you have your birdcage(s) you are ready to begin. Now, if you like it just the way it is than fine. But if you need to make some changes – let’s begin. The set I bought were an ivory color but I wanted them to be white and have a shabby chic feel. This is how I did it.

First, I bought white spray paint and changed the color. I would recommend you use Rust-oleum. Make sure you do this step outside and wear a mask if you have to. You don’t want to breathe this stuff in. Once you’ve waited about 10 minutes or so, the cages should be dry and you can move on the next step.

Now, you can really get creative here so don’t hold back. I chose to add some reindeer and sheet moss instead of real moss. But you can certainly use it if you want to. I think it would look really cool too.

Make Your Space Birdcage Beautiful

Make Your Space Birdcage Beautiful

I also picked up a small bird’s nest with robins eggs to place inside. I thought it would look really cute and add a nice touch. Plus, for $.99 why not, right? So far this project is costing me $14! Not bad.

Make Your Space Birdcage Beautiful

If you don’t want to use a moss-like feature than try flowers or even air plants. Once you have this step complete you are pretty much done. If you are going to hang them up you can either use ribbon or string.  I actually prefer hemp cord because its strong and looks natural. Plus, it’s really cheap and you can hardly see it when the cages are hung. If you don’t want to hang yours than just make sure you place it with other items so it doesn’t look all alone. If you have a set like I do, keep them together.

Make Your Space Birdcage Beautiful

Make Your Space Birdcage Beautiful

I hope you enjoyed this project and can be proud of what you created. Just because something is not exactly how you like it doesn’t mean it can’t be yours. All you have to do is use your DIY powers and you can turn it into something you love.

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