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The Design Inspirationalist

~ Inspiring Ideas | Spectacular Creations

The Design Inspirationalist

Tag Archives: moss

Make Your Space Birdcage Beautiful

04 Monday Jun 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Crafty Ideas

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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.

Color in Films: The Lord of the Rings

13 Tuesday Mar 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Color in Films, Color Inspiration

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blue, fantasy, film, greens, lord of the rings, moss, nature, neutrals

Lord of the Rings is a film where color comes to life. This imaginative story by J.R.R. Tolkien is based around  a ring which can rule all rings and give its owner the power to conquer all. With hobbits, princes, wizards, elves and more, the story unfolds into an amazing journey of triumph and exploration. The trilogy of the Lord of the Rings embarks on a nature inspired experience where Mother Earth and fantasy come together to create a cinematic setting that is brilliant.

From cool colors to rich tones, the depth of the films palette is endless. Mossy greens, liquid blues and leafy neutrals set the tone for a playground of possibilities.

Color in Films: Lord of the Rings

Garden Sanctuary

01 Wednesday Jun 2011

Posted by melissaoconnor in The Home

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cactus, earth, elf, garden, gardening, moss, nature, plants, succulents

Now that summer has arrived get out your green thumb and show the Earth you care. Displaying plants and flowers in your home is a great way to liven up any space. This year I wanted to create something unique so I put together a garden sanctuary by the brightest window in my home. Instead of using traditional materials I chose vintage crates, birdcages and old jars. I included some branches and other accessories that matched my theme.

For the plants I chose some succulents and moss I purchased on Etsy, lemon verbana from a local garden center and some rocks. I LOVE how it came out!

 

Finding Inspiration through Nature

16 Monday May 2011

Posted by melissaoconnor in Color Inspiration, The Great Outdoors, The Home

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design, moss, natural, nature, nature inspired, organic, plants, trees, woodland

Finding Inspiration Through Nature

Finding inspiration for any event or project is really important. It helps bring out creativity and push you to come up with amazing ideas. Nature is one place I have always trusted to give me inspiration. Whether it was a painting, a poem or designing an interior space, Mother Earth has never let me down. The fact I love about nature is it will never die or get old and certainly never become outdated. With the beautiful elements of nature, you can create spectacular designs that will stand the test of time.

I took a photograph in New Hope a couple of years ago that popped up while I was looking through old work. This scene has always been in the back in my mind because I fell in love with it the minute I saw it. I loved how the building was old and had ivy growing all over it. It showed a sense of age and vintage appeal I really connected with. Although a bit overgrown, the grass added a nice element to the space. The green tones and softness in its freedom brought a nice texture to the water behind it. And how can you not love the view of the trees across the water. You can’t see it here, but there is a bridge to the right that introduced a hard element to the area, making the naturalness almost fantasy like.

As an inspiration, this setting brought images of moss, dew and various neutral tones to the surface. While playing with these pictures in my head I came up with a conservatory theme. I love this idea for a room in a home, especially for a foyer or a sitting room. This, for sure, will be something I explore in my new home.

When pulling inspiration from the photo, try not to be so literal. I would recommend bringing in wood furniture that has a rustic, aged feel. Gray blues would be nice on the walls. This would mirror the sky and water. Incorporating real plants is a must. I imagine leafy plants and herbs in terra cotta pots and various clay vessels. Showcasing vintage crates and cheese boxes will bring more vintage appeal. Laying down moss inside of them would look earthy and raw.

I wouldn’t include metals so much as I would glass but bronze and rusty finishes would be fitting. Old jars of all sizes and colors would be great. Fill them with small rocks or pebbles, even tiny succulents would work. You want the room to feel lush without being congested. Be careful not to modernize it to much. This theme is not about being modern or contemporary, it’s about authenticity. Floors should be natural elements such as wood, brick, stone or cork. It will help tie the whole space together.

Here are some more ideas and products that will inspire this theme:

Weathered Birdhouse

Illusorio Console

Bodhi Desk

Mirrored Dresser

Garvey Chair

Banda Armchair

Aged Herb Pot

Vanuatu Twilight Wallpaper

Are You Being Served Wallpaper

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