Color From A-Z: Turquoise

Today I am featuring the color turquoise as part of our weekly "Decorating with Color" series.  I love how turquoise can make a room feel warmer and more inviting.  I especially love when it is paired with browns and oranges like room in the image above, designed by the amazing Emily Henderson.  I hope you enjoy these turquoise picks for your home.   blessings, Brittany 

1. Koenig Sofa from Room Service 2. Hive Vases  by West Elm 3. Swoon Mini Bar by CB2 4. Le Versha Chair by Anthropologie 5. Earnest Pool Cart  by CB2 6. Carpenter Pool Lamp  by CB2 

Photo Courtesy:

1. Styled Room with Turquoise Couch by Emily Henderson 

Linking up with Lollipops Cards for What I Love Wednesday: 

DIY Old Light Fixture Vase

The past few times I've gone to the thrift store, there have been several of these outdated old light fixtures like the image above left. After seeing them for months, I decided to buy one to see what I could come up with to share with you here on the blog.  I will be featuring two of these projects, one using the glass surround and one using the light fixture.  Today I'll show you step by step how to repurpose the glass to make your own vase.  

                             Supplies: 
                             -Old Light Fixture
                             -Pliers
                             -Spray Paint
                             -A cup

 

Step 1: Take off the chain from the light fixture and unscrew the top until you are able to take it off of the top of the fixture. 

Step 2: Unscrew the light from the shaft located in the center of the fixture.  When it is loose, pull the cord and the fixture all the way through the bottom.  Put the light fixture, cord and other pieces aside, we'll use them for another project later. 

Step 3: Use the pliers to unscrew the bolt on the top of the fixture. This will allow you to remove the remaining shaft piece inside the fixture.   

Step 4: Spray Paint the glass surround and wait for it to dry.  I used Rustoleum brand paint in Warm Yellow.  For more tips on spray painting, check out this previous post. 

Once your vase is dry, put a small cup inside to hold your water and your flowers.  Choose your flowers and arrange them however you would like.  I chose camellias from my garden.  I hope you enjoyed today's post.  Have a great day! -blessings, Brittany 

Fashion & Furnishings

Happy Monday! Today's Fashion & Furnishings post is pairing this dress from Ruche and these parlor curtains from Anthropologie.  Have a great day! -blessings, Brittany

Unique LA

Last Saturday, I went into downtown LA to do some fabric shopping and to attend Unique LA.  Unique LA is a craft show event featuring local handmade vendors.  I read a lot about this event online and I was anxious to experience it.  When I entered the lobby of the California Market Center I was greeted by these cute signs (image above) and given a wristband, vintage inspired key chain and brochure upon my registration.  Then we took the elevator up to the thirteenth floor.  When I entered the actual marketplace, I was super impressed by the over all look and layout of the entire event.  The atmosphere was bustling with people.  There was a DJ playing music, a photobooth, cafe, seating areas, free drinks and over 300 vendors.  Overall the event exceeded my expectations. I look forward to attending again in the future and perhaps I can even participate as a vendor.  Here are some more pictures of the event below.  Have a great weekend! -blessings, Brittany

images above: Unique LA booth, seating area and DJ booth.

images above: my favorite booth displays

image above: The amazing view of Downtown LA from the loft space where Unique LA was held.

Color from A-Z: Salmon

Happy Wednesday everyone.  I hope you all had a very Happy Valentine's Day! Today I am continuing our weekly "Decorating with Color" series by featuring the color Salmon.  Salmon is a shade of pink with an orange hue. Brighter shades of salmon can be used to make a statement in your home like the image above, or can be more muted to evoke a calming feeling.  I absolutely love this color because it is so versatile.  It can be paired with mint, aqua, lemon or even black and white. Here are some of my favorite salmon picks for your home.  Have a great day! -blessings, Brittany

1. Ruffled Shower Curtain  by Anthropologie 2. Chair by Anthropologie 3. Alpine Lamp  by Spruce Home on Etsy 4. Pouf Floor Pillow by Aletafae on Etsy 5. Wooden Letter by Compulsive Collection on Etsy

Photo Courtesy: 

Salmon Wall in Office Workspace via Decorate Lonnymag.com

Valentine's Day Swap

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!  I would like you to meet my swap partner Leonora from Yellow Heart Art.  Last month I signed up for the Valentine's Day blogger swap hosted by Allison over at Rags to Stitches and Caroline from Good Times Never Seem Sew Good.  I couldn't be more excited to share with you some of the wonderful things Leonora sent to me.  Leonora is a very talented graphic designer.  Her Etsy shop, Yellow Heart Art features super fun graphic prints and a line of "squishable art."  I absolutely adore her work and the sweet items she sent to me from her shop, check out the image below. I especially love the sweet whale necklace and the thoughtful homemade Valentine's Day card.  Thanks again Leonora!  I hope everyone has a wonderful Valentine's Day! -blessings, Brittany

DIY Vintage Valentine's Postcard Mobile

Happy Friday everyone! Today, I'm sharing another DIY project to decorate your home for Valentine's Day.  Earlier in the week I went out to my local antique store and picked up some adorable vintage Valentine's Day postcards.  I loved the post cards so much that I wanted to develop a DIY project around them and came up with this sweet lampshade mobile.  I think it would be perfect to hang over your table for Valentine's Day.  This project was super simple and literally cost $8 and took about 20 minutes to make.  I hope you enjoy this simple project for your home. 

Supplies:

• An old lampshade (I got my at the thrift store for $1)
• 10-12 Vintage Valentine's Day Postcards (from an antique store or thrift store)
• Scissors
• Felt Hearts (mine were left over from my Valentine's Day Wreath project)
• A needle & thread

Step 1: Organize your postcards into sets of two or three. Then string each set together using the needle and thread.  Tie a knot at the end of your thread to ensure your postcards don't slip off.  Make sure you string your cards together so the thread is on the back of the post cards and not the front.   For my project I used two strands with 3 postcards and 2 strands with 2 postcards.

Step 2: String the hearts together.

Step 3: Tie the strands of cards and  hearts to the metal frame on the lampshade.  Use the tape to secure each strand and to keep them from sliding around. 

Lastly, hang your mobile anywhere in your home.  I've included a few close up shots of the postcards so you can see some of the vintage designs.  I hope you enjoy this mobile for your home.  -blessings, Brittany 

State of Unique-This Weekend

                                                

If you are looking for something fun to do this Saturday, come out to the State of Unique craft fair event in Downtown LA.  There will be several handmade vendors, DIY workshops, a photo booth and
more.  Aslo, one of my favorite bloggers, Danni from Oh Hello Friend will be a vendor there. The cost is $10 per person to get in and includes drinks, workshops and unlimited entrance throughout the entire weekend.  Ten percent of all admission fees goes to charity.  Watch the video below from the last Unique LA for more info.  I can't wait to attend this weekend.   I hope to see you there! -blessings, Brittany

The 3rd Annual Holiday Show from UNIQUE LA on Vimeo.

Amazing Chevron DIY Rug

I am absolutely obsessed with this Chevron Rug DIY project from Brittany over at The House that Lars Built.  She made this rug using the same technique you would to make a friendship bracelet.  I was so impressed with the creativity and beauty of this rug that I had to share it with you.  I can't wait to try it!  Have a great day! -blessings, Brittany

Upcoming Craft Shows

I am so excited to announce that there will be another Sew Funky Market coming up in March.  I have participated in the last two markets and they are always amazing.  Christina from Little Wellies is so great at organizing and running the event and I am looking forward to participating again.  Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 31st.  You won't want to miss out on this wonderful market.  Have a great day! -blessings, Brittany

Color from A-Z: Red

Today I am featuring the color red as part of our weekly, "Decorating with Color" series.  Red is very versatile and comes in many hues and can take various forms in your home.  It is great to use as an accent color through furniture, pillows, towels, curtains, lamps and rugs.  I hope you enjoy some of my favorite red picks for your home.  Have a great day. -blessings, Brittany

1. Turned Leg Night Stand by West Elm 2. Table Lamp by West Elm 3. Birds in Paradise Towels by Pip Studio 4. Rug  by Anthropologie 5.   Eames Molded Plywood Chair by Room & Board 6. London Calling Tea for One  by Urban Outfitters 

Photo Courtesy:

1. Red Chair Photo: Shelly Riehl David

Valentine's Wreath

Today I've put together this tutorial to make your own lovely Valentine's Day wreath.  Valentine's Day is only one week away, but it is not too late to start decorating your home.  This simple wreath took me about twenty minutes to create.  Have a great day! -blessings, Brittany

Supplies:

Burlap

Vintage Doilies

Rotary Cutter

Hot Glue Gun

Wreath Form

Needle & Thread

Hearts cut out of felt or some other fabric

Step 1: Cut your burlap into strips using the rotary cutter

Step 2: Wrap strips of burlap around the wreath form.  Use the hot glue gun to secure the ends.

Step 3: Continue wrapping your wreath form until it is completely covered with Burlap.

Step 4: Attach your two doilies to your wreath.

Step 5: Thread your needle and string together the hearts making one large stitch through the middle of each heart.

Lastly, attach your hearts to your wreath and hang it in a place for all to see in your home.  I hope you enjoy making your own wreath this Valentine's Day.  -blessings, Brittany

Pretty Palette

Today I'm feeling inspired by this bold palette.  I hope you feel inspired as well.  Happy Tuesday, -blessings, Brittany

Photo Courtesy:

Photo by: Åke E:son Lindman on Deezen

Fashion & Furnishings

Happy Monday! I hope you and your family had a wonderful weekend.  Today's Fashions & Furnishings post is inspired by a lovely palette of navy, mustard and white.  I also love the nautical feel of the stripes on the pillows.  If you love this dress from Chrystal Shop on Etsy, then decorate using this pillow by Urban Fringe.  If you have an item in your wardrobe that you would like to incorporate into your home, email me a picture at ahandcraftedhome@gmail.com and I will do my best to feature it here as part of our Fashion & Furnishings series.  Have a wonderful day! -blessings, Brittany

Valentine's Wrapping

Happy Friday everyone!  Today I'm showing a little love to you, my readers.  I've designed some special Valentine's Day downloadable gift tags as part of our "Be My Modern Valentine," series. I always try to find creative ways to wrap gifts for others because pretty packaging makes the recipient feel a little extra special. In the image above, I used felt hearts, satin ribbon and a vintage doily to add a little softness to my present wrappings.  I also used brown paper from a roll I bought in the painter's section at my local hardware store instead of traditional wrapping paper.  I hope you enjoy these wrapping ideas and the free gift tags this Valentine's Day.  To download the gift tags, click here.   Have a great weekend! -blessings, Brittany

Click here to download the tags to wrap your own gifts for Valentine's Day