DIY - Large Tissue Paper Flower

I thought I would share how I created this wall flower which measures about 32" across...in other words, it's HUGE! It's fun and playful and over the top.

For the largest outer petals I use the full sheet of tissue paper
For the middle petals I use 2/3 of the sheet and
for the smallest inner petals I use half.

Pink Flower Power!

Whimsical and fun are how I would describe these fun flowers. I saw an amazing photo of free standing gorgeous paper flowers but most of us don't have the space to pull of that much drama but I thought it would be fun to have a giant flower on the wall so I've done my simplified version. I bought some tissue paper from the dollar store and want to do some more in other colors.


The inspiration and instructions are at this link on Design Sponge blog.
Giant Paper Flowers

Wall Decor - Styling with Coffee Filters

So I saw a fun idea on Pinterest and it led me to this great website with a great idea creating high impact, low cost art for your wall using large orange thumbtacks, paper doilies, and cupcake liners!

Someone suggested using coffee filter so off I went to get some along with white thumbtacks, the only ones I could find. I folded my filters and cut a variety of petal shape and sizes layering at least four filters, occasionally six. I didn't like them as well in a flattened state so I scruched them up and then spread them apart for a more dimensional look.

On a few I added some gold inking for a little change but on my light wall it was a textural, tone-on-tone look that is fun and whimsical along with butterflies and dragonflies also in groups on the wall. I didn't have the room to create the wall drama of the original but I do like the look and hope to find a larger space to do more!

Beaded Swirl and Disk Pattern

After months of searching to find the name of this pattern I finally got an answer thanks to my contact with Catlady Kate's Elegant and Depression Glass. I tried a number of potentional searches, swirls and circles, yellow and pink depression glass, etc. However, once I got the correct name for these beauties I discovered that the Beaded Swirl and Disk pattern by US Glass had been discontinued in 1904 which certainly predates the depression glass era.

I was so delighted to finally know something about these unique beauties. I've had them for a while and can't even recall how or where I found them but I wanted to share them here. I have not found any online in this pattern in the yellow and pink, just clear but if you have some I'd love to see it!

Revitalizing a tired bench

We bought this beautiful desk with a bench that had, well seen better days...so I dug through my fabric stash and found a great design to breathe new life into this piece....yaaayyy! Plus it was an easy redo. I added a single layer of fiberfill batting to give it just a wee bit more cush and it's so much prettier!

Jewelry Hangers

Here are some ideas for using items that lend themselves to multiple purposes. This wicker rattan shelf houses several of my flamingos but the doors also serve as an earring holder. Bonus!

The other little wood house was put out by Hallmark and had the hooks already in place and is perfect for smaller earrings...it's fun to repurpose and reuse and recycle!

Blooming Aloe Vera!

Well, this isn't one of my personal designs...but a special gift from the Greatest Designer in the universe! This was the first time I have seen a common aloe vera houseplant bloom so wanted to share the pictures.

July 5, 2011

This shot was taken June 24, 2011.

I told the gentleman that gave my the start of this aloe that it was blooming and he asked me what I did to make it bloom.

"I don't know! But, apparently neglect serves it well!"

I had moved several houseplants to our office so the aloe has had a diffused northern exposure for several months so that change of environment may have made all the difference. Whatever the reason, I've been excited to share this special blooming moment!