Obsessing

It seems like I'm always obsessing over something. Usually it is multiple things if I'm being honest. That is what reading blogs during my lunch hour & when I get home does to me sometimes.  I thought I just read them for inspiration but inspiration often turns into WANTING TO BUY.  Here are some of my current loves:

I would love any jacket from Smythe http://www.smythejackets.com/. If I was rich. Here is one of the best:

A chesterfield loveseat for in front of my bookcases. Kind of like this:

 This one is a George Smith so totally dreaming.

Trying to find just the right side table. I think this Saarinen tulip table reproduction from DWR would be close to perfect.

i think i've found it

I've lusted after Ferm Living' Fairy wallpaper for almost two years for my entryway wall.

It has a little glitz & whimsy w/out being overpowering that I LOVE.  But at $110 per roll (& I need two!), I haven't been able to do it.  I've searched online everywhere for something I love just as much that is less expensive & have never been able to find anything that compares...until now. And it is all because of an article in Canadian House & Home on Arren Williams' home. Feast your eyes on this baby:

This wallpaper is called Manderley from Graham & Brown & is half the price of the FL Fairy wallpaper! It is a serious contender.

Arren Williams is a stylist & editor and has a great blog: http://www.arrenwilliams.com/.  I think he is genius-he combines affordability with high end & is not afraid of color.  Here are some other pics from the H&H article (where you can really see the wallpaper).  There is lots more pics on his blog.

His home is the whole reason I spent $6 on this magazine.  So beautiful & interesting.

from the design tombs

I'm not sure if it is because I've been watching back to back episodes of True Blood, but had to include something dramatic & creepy in the post title.  Haven't had time to post much so thought I would include some pics I absolutely love from my folder of design favorites.

Amanda Peet's guest room from Domino.  I'm thinking of biting the bullet & purchasing one roll of this Cole & Son wallpaper for my bathroom.  That chandelier & red chair are genius.

Another Domino fave. That Lulu DK fabric on the sofa is on sale on her website in red but I still can't afford it b/c shipping is so freakin much.  I loved the whole Domino piece on Barrie Benson's midcentury ranch. Wow.

Amanda Peet again. I love the colors, patterns, birdie art,and multicultural vibe.

Smooches to that show Pure Design that was on HGTV with Samantha Pynn.  I guess she had too much taste for hgtv/us version & I haven't seen any new episodes in a while. This bedroom was awesome b/c she combined eco-materials, vintage (those lamps!!), bold color, great headboard, and 2 fab vintage chairs (not pictured) in this episode.

This bathroom made the rounds in blog-world but I can totally see why & it is incredible to me.  Vintage looking light, bold wallpaper, marble countertops, and patterned tile floor inspire me beyond words! I can't remember the source for this pic. Sorry!

More later. 

Learning to Reupholster

So, two 40 hour classes later, I have finally completed reupholstering this chair!  This includes hand tying the springs and learning to sew at the same time.  I am proud but embarrassed it took so long.

 BEFORE

&

AFTER 

The fabric is a cherry red Richloom outdoor fabric w/a linen-type look.  Hope you like it! I have a twin chair that will get reupholstered next year maybe!  Throw pillows to come.

Sewing Projects-DONE

Trying to learn to sew is teaching me patience! I am definitely not a natural & when I think about the time it has taken me to make one pillow w/a zipper and cording/welting, it is humbling.  My first project was in a class & I ended up with this:

I finally made a matching pillow by myself weeks later & it took a few hours because I had to keep rechecking the instructions. So sad, but they turned out great! When you have 5 pets, zippers are essential so I can wash the covers. The chairs they are sitting on are a Craigslist find **love them** & I HOPE to make  indoor/outdoor cushions for them w/a fab Trina Turk fabric & put them on our patio.  

The next sewing project I attempted in class was making a sham for the guestroom. Hours later at home, I now have two! 

I bought Photoshop & am trying to learn how to use it. It took me a while to figure out how to get the date stamp off of the photos! Anyone who has a quick way of doing this, let me know!

New Prints!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/theblackapple

One of the first things I ever bought on Etsy was from  The Black Apple & I still love it.  I recently bought these two prints for some new art in the house & adore them!  I tend to gravitate towards whimsical, dreamy art so these fit the bill.  Hope everyone is having a great Friday!

Busy Sewing

 picture from Apartment Therapy

  
I keep thinking I will post on the weekends and for the past 3 weeks it just hasn't happened. I've been taking sewing classes on Saturdays at the fab Stitch Lab here in Austin. I am a complete beginner at sewing & it has been really fun!  I will upload photos of the few things I made this week. My fabric obsession is only going to get worse now that I can (kinda) sew.  I even bought this sewing machine http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_02016231000P   this past weekend so..holla!