ixxi

 

As much as I love diving into decorating a new apartment, I somehow always find myself six months later with a boring, blank wall that I have no idea what to do with. Case in point: The wall above my fireplace is desperately crying out for some kind of adornment. Fortunately, I recently stumbled across a home decorating tool that may help me out of this creative rut.

The product is called ixxi, and it's a modular connecting system that allows you to create a photo collage or photo enlargement in the format of your choice. The best part? It all seems very easy to pull off. Here's what you do: After uploading your own photo or selecting an art or photography image from the ixxi imagebank, you use an online tool to choose the size and layout of your collage. Your personal "ixxi" is then printed on cards of 20 x 20 cm and delivered to you. After attaching the cards together using the corner x's and i's as guidelines, your unique work of art is ready to be attached to the wall using the included power strips. 

Doesn't that sound awesome? Now if only I could decide on which photo to use...

(image: ixxi)

DIY Shower Curtains

Looking to infuse some  personality into your ho-hum bathroom decor? Why not show off your artistic side with the Poketo! DIY Shower Curtain? I don't know about you, but I'm always underwhelmed with the selection of shower curtains out there. Even when I do find one that catches my fancy, I'm usually bored with it a few months down the road. I think this DIY kit, which contains a plain white curtain and a permanent black marker, may be exactly what I'm looking for. It's essentially a blank canvas for creative inspiration. Bonus: unlike most vinyl shower curtains, the Poketo! curtain is made of a recyclable material that is less likely to grow icky mold and mildew. I think I'm sold.

(image: poketo) 

Creative Flats

If there's anything more frustrating than apartment hunting, it's searching for a furnished rental that's actually attractive. Unfortunately, most apartments that fall into this category feature either granny-style furniture with hideous floral patterns or run-down, mismatched pieces that remind you of your freshman year dorm room. If you're seeking a chic alternative, and also happen to live in Montreal, look no further than the real estate rental firm Creative Flats. 

Designed by founder Nathalie Bouchard and stylist Annie Horth, Creative Flats sets itself apart from other rental firms by offering gorgeously styled one- to three-bedroom apartments that are also livable and comfortable. Another plus: word on the street is that the units boast amazing views of the city. Kudos to Creative Flats for filling this niche in the real estate market. Here's to hoping they expand into the states!

(images: creative flats)

 

Desired: Sewing Skills

I'll admit it. I barely squeaked by in my junior high sewing class. In fact, I may have taken a few projects home over the weekend so that my mom could "help" me complete them. I blame it on my surly sewing instructor, Mrs. Jones. She had very little patience when it came to, you know, teaching the actual skills needed to sew a skirt. For us (ahem) slow learners out there, a little more hands-on instruction would have been much appreciated. Oh well. I learned that I definitely wasn't cut out to be a seamstress. It's embarrassing to admit that, until quite recently, I didn't even know how to sew on a button. So imagine my surprise when I found myself actually purchasing this book on how to sew these seriously adorable Japanese dolls. 

Honestly, I don't know what I was thinking. Did I think I would just magically acquire the necessary skill set needed to tackle these projects? Possibly. Eventually I realized that signing up for some sewing classes might be the surer bet. Lucky I found this lovely local business, which seems to be right up my alley. Unfortunately, the class I'm most interested in isn't enrolling yet, but I'll keep you posted. 

(image: aranzi aronzo)

5 Rustic Chic Wedding Ideas

Wedding season has arrived in a big way. A recent glance at my calendar confirmed that I'll be attending a different friend's wedding every weekend in July (!) before gearing up for my own wedding in August. With weddings on the brain, it should come as no surprise that I've been combing though inspiration blogs (like this one) and bridal magazines like it's my job for the past, oh, year or so. Suffice it to say, I've become a bit of an expert in this arena and I've honed in on a lot of trends. One of my favorites is the rustic chic wedding theme. Here are 5 ways to incorporate this trend into your own nuptial day.

1. Farm Tables

Perfect for a barn setting as well as a garden wedding. I've even seen farm tables set up in the middle of a fruit orchard. So charming. This kind of table arrangement makes conversation easy and natural--just make sure the centerpieces aren't so high that guests can't see one another from across the table.

2. Bunting

 


















What I love about bunting is its versatility. It can be used to dress up a dessert or candy station, adorn the guest book signing table, or embellish the inside of a tented reception space. Fun and whimsical, bunting is also gaining popularity as a prop used in engagement photo sessions.

3. Pinwheels 

Another fun decor piece, pinwheels are popping up all over wedding blogs. Incorporate them into the tablescape or use them to decorate the cake. The possibilities are endless.

4. Mason Jars

Affordable yet stylish, mason jars are a key item in any rustic chic wedding. They can hold a bouquet of flowers, a single candle, or even be strung across a wire as lanterns. I've seen couples honor their ancestors by placing old family photos in jars. Group them together for a striking effect.

5. Wedding Pies

If a three-tier white fondant cake seems a little too fancy for your casual outdoor affair, why not offer several pies instead? Pies are less fussy and tie into the farm-to-table theme quite nicely, if I do say so myself.

What kind of wedding trends have you been noticing lately? Are you planning on incorporating any of them into your own wedding?

(images: trent bailey photography, yvonne wong photography, jackie wonders, project wedding, antonis achilleos)

Where's Waldo?

Can you spot Waldo in the photo above? Hint: there's actually more than one. Yes, it's that special time of year again when SF goes a little wild. The 100th Bay to Breakers is this Sunday, and I'll probably be out on the sidelines somewhere, surveying the chaos and the interesting, um...costumes. I hope the thunderstorms hold off until the race is over, but I'm not too hopeful. Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! 

(image: sfist)

Etsy Spotlight: Woodland Belle

As you may know, I'm a sucker for succulents. One of my favorite features of our apartment are the lovely windowsill planters bursting with green hens and chicks, which look like cute little cabbages. I also have a thing for terrariums, which are definitely making a comeback these days. I've noticed these retro accessories popping up in design blogs and DIY tutorials are all over the web.  

With my love of succulents and terrariums, imagine my delight when I stumbled across WoodlandBelle on Etsy. The artist, Mai McKemy, creates the most magical miniature worlds. Just look at that butterfly display necklace! It's amazing how Mai is able to take objects that are traditionally used as home decor and translate them into the most delicate jewelry pieces. 

(images: woodlandbelle)