Decorating with Nature

Have I mentioned yet that fall is my favorite season?  I love bringing nature into the house this time of year.  The rich, deep colors are soothing on the heart.  We have a small, but beautiful oak tree out front and the leaves are on fire.  I cut a few branches for the mantle to savor the color a little longer. 

These pumpkins were a gift from a friend.  An artist in Kansas City stuffed velvet and sewed an actual pumpkin stem to the top of them.  They are the perfect gift.

How do you decorate for fall?  Do you bring nature in?

Recycled Office Space

I am always on the lookout for a good use of something old turned new.  This architect bought a discarded refrigerator container and turned it into a backyard office.  What he has done with it is incredible.  If I had a track of land and means to move the thing, I would seriously consider this project. 

Have a great weekend.

++++++++++++

I'll be busy clearing shelves this weekend.

Handmade Christmas Swag

It's been quiet around here, I know.  Between wrapping presents under the rules of the challenge, and shopping for gifts, I took a mini break to spend some time with my mom. She flew in with her friend for a week.  We had so much fun.  I love the month of December.  Everything around town is festive.  Before her arrival I was cruising pinterest and caught the inspiration to make to my own swag to hang on the mantle to share in the cheer. 

Without buying anything I rounded up two cracker boxes from the pantry and set to the studio to cut them up.  I cut out 15 identical cards from the boxes, rounded the edges, and punched two holes in each one.  Using my letter and tree stamps, I inked out in green the words "Merry Christmas" with a tree in the middle. 

After stringing them with red bakers twine, I hung it from the mantle.  You'd never know it was made out of crackers boxes, unless of course you turn them over.  It is an easy way to decorate using something I had on hand. 

Merry Christmas, Ya'll. 

++++++++++++

Are you taking the challenge and need some ideas?  Check out the tutorials part 1 and part 2. 

My Dream Folly

Neiman Marcus Dream Folly $75,000

We all have dream lists. The kind that no matter what changes take place in life, things on the list remain constant. For years I've wanted to be the owner of a yurt. After spending a summer living in a tent and reading Radical Simplicity by Dan Price I imagined my life on a stretch of land far from civilization in a yurt. Off the grid and self sufficient this dwelling would provide the shelter I would need.

Over time I've come across elaborate models, but this one takes the cake.   A few weeks ago the Dallas paper landed on my desk showcasing the 2011 Neiman Marcus Christmas catalog. The big ticket item this year is a yurt. No I'm sorry, a dream folly. With a price tag of $75K it promises an oasis from your McMansion, decorated to the nines by a designer. Not exactly what I had in mind. Even if I could afford this price tag, my dream folly doesn't exist out the back door with silk pillows and a chaise lounge.

I have visions of untouched land with rivers, mountains and nothing but the sound of nature. A yurt offers a comfortable home with very little footprint.  My dream folly looks a little more like this:

{source}

or this...

{source}

Less designer, more natural and cheaper than $75K.  I think I'll keep on dreaming Neiman Marcus.

Simple Bench Seat Protector Tutorial

When I started on the mud room I debated painting the bench a different color than the trim.  The trim is Benjamin Moore's Chantilly Lace, which is basically white.  I knew this bench will see a lot of traffic, which may leave traces of dirt.  In the end I decided to paint it white to keep the space light, and I would create a bench seat protector to add color.  It's a lot easier to change than paint, and it will keep the bench from showing signs of wear and tear.  

I didn't like the idea of a cushion.  I wanted the surface to be stable for things like grocery bags.  The most cost effect and reusable idea was to utilize materials I already had on hand.  

Materials

Piece of cardboard - large enough to fit the space you are trying to cover.  

Fabric - large enough to cover the size of the cut cardboard plus 1-2 inches.  

Tape measure

Pencil

Hot Glue Gun

Glue Sticks

Box Cutter (or any knife type object that will safely cut through cardboard)

Scissors

Cutting Mat or other pliable surface 

Optional: yard stick or other straight edge

++A note about the supplies.  The goal of the 4(for) green acres life is to be creative in your living by finding and using objects and materials that may otherwise be discarded.  In most cases these things still have a function and don't need to end up in the landfill.  The cardboard I used for this project came from the gather sign that is hanging in my kitchen.  The fabric and cutting mat both came from an estate sale.  The fabric is a bed sheet.  For this project, avoid purchasing new items.  Need a piece of card board large enough to fit your space?  Ask around.  Friends, grocery stores, appliance centers will usually give you their old boxes. ++



1.  Measure the space using a tape measure.  For a snug fit, try to make your measurements as accurate as possible.  Lay the cardboard on a pliable surface.  Either a cutting mat, or your yard will do the trick.  Don't try to cut your cardboard on your floor or concrete.  With the pencil, mark the dimensions of your space on the cardboard.  Since mine was rectangular I measured out the four corners and then used the yardstick to connect the dots with a straight line.  Once you have the cardboard marked, cut it with the box cutter.  Error on the side of cutting it too large.  You can always cut more off.

Once the piece is cut, take it back to the area and make sure it fits the space.  Adjust it as necessary.  Don't worry about the edges being rough or slightly uneven.  You are going to cover it with fabric.   

2.  Once the cardboard is cut and tested for fit you are ready to measure out the fabric.  Lay the fabric out flat and mark the dimensions of the cardboard adding an extra 1-2 inches to fold over.  I was not worried about lining up my pattern, but if you are pay special attention on how you cut the fabric.  Be sure to cut your fabric on a cutting mat.  Again, don't worry about straight lines.  The edge of the fabric will be on the bottom side. 

To make the corners easier to lay flat cut two diagonal slits in the fabric on each side of the corner. 

3.  For the final step, lay the fabric top side down on a table.  Lay the cardboard bottom side up on top of the fabric.  The only part of the fabric you should see is the border that is going to be folded over.  Using the glue gun, start to fold over the fabric and glue as you go.  Be careful not to pull too tight.  When you get to the corner, glue the center section down first and then fold and glue each of the side pieces last like in the photo above.  Once you've finished gluing all sides down allow the glue to dry. 

You're finished!  Lay your completed piece in place and start using it. 

Natural Halloween Decoracting

I don't typically decorate for holidays, especially non-traditional holidays like Halloween.  I don't like the expense, the storage and the unncessary trash it creates.  This year will be different.  I'm starting think that this will be a year of firsts on so many levels.  Since my favorite little people live in the neighborhood, cc and I have become very popular among the 4 and 5 year olds.  I'm fairly certain they will be hitting up our house for candy and goodies come Halloween.  It won't be as much fun without decorations. 

I've been combing the web for ideas that are not only Halloween themed, but also fall-like so I can carry them over to Thanksgiving, AND then compost or recycle them.  Some of my favorites are from Country Living.  The idea of gathering orange accessories, transforming pumpkins with paper, using mason jars, and making ghosts out of ghords are fantastic.  I love how many ideas are out there don't require me to store them to the next year or throw them away. 

How are you decorating this year?

{images via Country Living Website}

How to Turn A Crate Into A Footstool & Magazine Rack

{via pinterest via 1. sfgirlbay.com 2. emmas.blogg.se  3. wohnwasabi.blogspot.com}

I have been completely inspired by the reinvention of the crate.  A variety of crates are a staple in my home, but it hasn't been until recently that I've fallen in love with them all over again.  When I was cruising around Pinterest I discovered these and I was immediately smitten.  I wanted to incorporate the caster/crate idea into my home, which fits my design style of eclectic, arts & crafts with a touch of industrial.  I am not in need of anymore shelving units so I decided to take a different approach.

My living room is somewhat limited on space despite the open rooms.  The furniture is large and I'm tired of the overstuffed and bland ottomans, but I still need something to prop my feet on.  I decided to turn cc's favorite 7-Up crate into a new ottoman with current magazine and book storage.  It gets the job done and doesn't take up too much space.

Supplies:
+an old crate (fruit, soda, etc.)
+4 casters from the hardware store (size is by preference - I wanted a shorter ottoman so I went with smaller casters)
+industrial strength velcro

+gorilla glue

+optional - pillow or cushion that fits the dimensions of the "top" of the crate

I didn't want to drill holes in the crate in order to keep my options open for future use.  I decided to go with velcro, and I made sure it was industrial strength so when I move the crate around on the floor the casters won't fall off.  To be sure the adhesive on the velcro adheres to the metal caster and the wood I used a couple drops of gorilla glue on each surface.  With a little elbow grease this can be removed in the future. 

I positioned the casters as close to the edge as possible in order for them to be visible.  You may choose to add a cushion or pillow for comfort.  I opted not to because I have so many pillows on my couch already it's easy enough to grab one of those if needed.  

I would love to get more ideas for crates.  What other ideas have you seen or used?  Leave me a comment.   

Repurposed Bed Frame? Yes Please.

No, this is not my bed.  I was reading Tesca's post over at her blog Wohnwasabi about green living using wood when I ran across this stunning bed.  I love her blog because she always offers such inspiring blog topics and I was so excited to see this post.  I did a little more digging and found out that this bed is the handy work of Dana over at House*Tweaking.  I like that she took something old and made it elegant with linens and pillows. 

The funny thing is, last week I came across the bed below in the West Elm magazine.  It caught my eye because we are looking for a new frame and the use of repurposed wood would fit in nicely with our eclectic style.  Is this a sign we need a repurposed bed frame?  I'm thinking, yes.   

My plan is to makeover the bedroom starting with the bed.  Currently our room has builder beige paint, and builder grade carpet in the same color.  It has become the dumping ground for furniture that doesn't have a place in the rest of the house.  There are lovely features, such as the trace ceiling and three large windows, but that's about as good as it gets.   We do a lot of reading and catching up on shows in our room and the space has never felt quite right. 

I'm looking for green inspiration for our room.  Do you have any great ideas or pictures? 

  

images: 1) Dana from House Tweaking   2) West Elm website

Dreaming of a place like this today. I would be sitting in the chair down the hall with a great book.

Have a wonderful weekend.


image via Topsider Homes

Wanted: Console Table

I'm on the hunt this weekend for a console table. I have such wonderful cookbooks and they are all shoved in a cupboard. There are so many kitchen islands these days that have shelf space for books. Although I have an island, there are no shelves. I want to recreate the idea and I think a console would do the trick. There are two windows in my kitchen with a view of my neighbors house. Typically I wouldn't put furniture in front of a window but I figure I might as well look at something pretty instead of a large brick wall. If I can find one similar to the one shown above it will still let in a lot of light and it is relatively short. I'll be heading to some of the local antique stores hoping I can come up with something there. 

Have a great weekend.

(image from West Elm website)