'E'-xperimenting...'attempt at something new'

Do you sometimes get in a rut of doing the same things in the same way? That's how I felt these last few weeks with regards to my crafting and styling of our home. I think I have a definite 'style' that usually appeals to me, but of late I have felt like a chameleon on a Smarties box...confused as to which colour I should go for! The urge to change things up a bit is pulling me towards trying out new things, and my tatsebuds are hankering after something slightly bohemian and eclectic, as opposed to the country look that I normally go for. And it all started with an 'E'...

As you probably know, I have been working on our family photo wall over the last few weeks, and I've been focusing all my creative time on this little project. So, needless to say, I wanted to add yet another little something to it, an 'E' in fact, standing for Egan, our family name. So, I obtained a blank 'E' from the craft shop, and had to decide how I was going to alter it. Normally I would take the 'shabby chic' route, opting for limewashed creams, pinks or blues...Something like this lovely 'B' from www.notonthehighstreet.com...

But, a very yummy metallic green acrylic paint was winking at me in the store, and before I could say 'no', I had parted with my cash and it followed me home! I kid you not, it stalked me! I then found these gorgeous pocket tissues, and before I knew it I was decoupaging butterflies onto a very bright green 'E'!

'You know you want to...!'

Pretty pocket tissues!

Once I'd painted my letter and decoupaged it, I decided to take sandpaper to it for a distressed look. A little rub of gold paint in places, and some metal photo corners added, I am quite pleased with the end result! It is very different from what I first had in mind...

I think I have been slightly influenced by the tastes of interior stylist, Selina Lake, who's homespun style is something I absolutely adore! On that note, check out her new book: Homespun Style.

 I'd like to encourage you to experiment, and to try new things. I think the key to homespun style, is to not over think things. After all, being a homemaker is being your own stylist. Seize the opportunity to express yourself in your own way. It's tons of fun and very liberating! Drop me a comment below, and let me know what you think!

Sew a little love for Valentine's

I have never really been one to get caught up with Valentine's day and it's sugar coated commercialism. But, as this time of year is grey, cold and miserable, I thought I might indulge in it just a little in order to add a bit of colour and warmth to our home life. I won't be celebrating it in the traditional way with roses and chocolate, but I think it is a good opportunity to show the special people in our lives that we love them in a fun and creative way. And to get me started, I thought I'd make a little fabric collage for the photo wall, inspired by a little Valentine's memento I saw in a shop a little while ago. I took a picture of the framed picture in the shop as I liked elements of it.

I loved the words, and thought it would be a perfect element to add to our family photo wall. I used fabrics that I liked to create a collage to stretch over canvas. I embroidered the words onto the fabric in a  non-regimented, casual way, as I wanted the finished  product to look naive and 'handmade'. And perhaps more so because I'm not that great at embroidery! But, that's what I love about it being naive and a little haphazard. It adds to the charm! My favourite things in the whole world is lace and vintage buttons, so needless to say I used these for interest. And, although it's not a needlepoint masterpiece, I am really pleased with the end result. It now has pride of place on our photo wall. Why don't you have a go at creating a collage, and share it with us? I would love to see your creations! Here is mine...

Hope your weekend is a warm, cosy, happy one!

Our little wall of fame

Do you also love looking at photographs, and reminiscing about days gone by? I do. Having been a keen scrapbook enthusiast for some time, I often get the albums out and pour over the pages, taking a little wander down memory lane. But, unlike some home stylists who keep photos confined to album pages and drawers, I like to display them in our home. For a long time now I have wanted to create a special space, a wall of fame (or shame, depending on how you look at it!) in our home. As we finally got round to giving the stairs and landing a fresh lick of paint, I thought it the perfect opportunity to turn the wall on the upstairs landing into just this! It has slowly evolved over the last couple of weeks, and I'm not quite done yet, but I thought I'd show you how I'm getting on. The first step was to move my beloved blue French cupboard upstairs. I used this, and a beautiful large multi-frame that I was given for my birthday last year as the focal point. And so I set to work...

Our little wall of fame!

I decided that I wanted to display more than just photos on this wall, to add more visual interest. So I've added a few of my favourite things!

Handmade mosaic art tile, made by my daughter

Giant altered peg

I found this delightful giant peg at Hobbycraft. I painted it, decoupaged and distressed it, and added embellishments. Voila!

Pictured in black and white photo: Hubby and I
Photo in colour: Hubby's grandparents, Gogo and Poppy

 The glass 'frames' used above are actually small glass serving dishes from Ikea. I merely glued the photographs to the back of the dishes using acid-free, clear drying glue around the edges. I was very pleased with the result, as you can't see a trace of glue through the plate! The delicate flower in the little frame was a thrifting find.

This gorgeous mirrored frame was a gift from a friend. I adapted it slightly to fit in with my chosen colours, by opening it up at the back, inserting some ribbon, and re-gluing it shut. Tied into a bow it looks very girly. Just the way I like it!

I added a hand sewn set of wings for interest to the wall. I love using fabric, in any shape or form I can, because it softens the look and adds a cosy touch.



Multi frame focal point

The mini garland has found a permanent home. For now at least...



I painted the two small wooden frames, distressed them, and then joined them using fabric ribbon stapled to the back. Again, a little fabric love!

A few finishing touches...hand sewn cupcake, strawberry, handmade boat and Tilda angel.

And finally...the birds...Hopefully a little friendlier than Hitchcock's variety!

So, our photo wall is coming together. I'm sure to share a little more with you over the coming weeks as I add to it. Hope you've enjoyed taking a peek! I would love to hear what you do with your beloved snaps! Do leave a comment below.