Spring Decorating via Skona hem

Last Monday, I featured a Scandinavian designer and it looks like, quite by accident (well almost), I am back in the land of Swedish goodness.

I’m sure many of you love the Swedish magazine, Skona hem…what’s not to love? If you haven’t checked it out…you should. Can’t understand a word but the images are breathtaking!

I was drawn to this article about re-decorating for Spring, using what you have. I love the creative ideas and the colors are so fresh!

How gorgeous is this floral head board? It’s made from MDF board and covered with fabric! Instant garden in your bedroom!

Simple Ikea lights and glass shelves make the blooming background functional.

This whimsical arrangement was made using wire and colored paper. So pretty and that cobalt blue paint is rather stunning!

Little vintage doorknobs make for an instant jewelry display…

and this re-finished vintage chair couldn’t have more personality!

Remember to use Google Translate if you actually want to understand this fabulous magazine. I’m seriously considering learning Swedish.

Hope your Monday is going smoothly!

xo,

 

All images via Skona hem

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Travel Visions

Hi there.

Well…unfortunately, I don’t have a Friday Escape for you today. My little Grace is home sick with an ear infection so my attention needs to be on her. But…I didn’t want to leave you with nothing, so I’m sharing some of the beautiful travel images I’ve collected for my Pinterest Travel board.

A majestic landscape in Val di Funes, Italy.

The gorgeous city of Prague.

Colorful hot air balloon over Paris.

Simply charming tea houses in Stratford-upon-Avon, England.

Last but certainly not least, my beautiful home town, Sydney, Australia.

Hope you enjoy these. I want to hear from you – where would you like us to explore on our Friday Escapes? Any ideas? I’m making a list.

Hope you have a beautiful weekend!

xo,

 

Snow day

If you’ve been reading my blog, you know that we have had many false predictions of snow this winter…much to my disappointment.

But today, we finally got the white stuff! We woke up to a winter wonderland and I quickly got dressed and ran outside with Grace to take pictures…

Grace was reluctant to model for me, but for the bribe of two Hershey kisses she did a fabulous job!

Hope you are having a beautiful day where you are too! Snow or not.

xo,

Exploring Digital Art

As many of you know, I’ve been dabbling in the world of digital art. It’s been a true delight and so much fun.

I love the experimental nature of it and it is very tidy compared to my paper collages! It’s amazing what you can do with Photoshop elements!

Like always, I am a bit hesitant to share my own creations…it’s so much easier to promote the work of others! (It’s an artist’s curse). BUT I know it is good for me to get out of my comfort zone…so here are two works that I did recently. I got stock photography via Deviant art. If you are playing around with digital collage, I highly recommend checking out their resources. So many wonderfully generous people post all sorts of stock photography, Photoshop brushes, textures and other goodies!

I’m thinking of printing these out and mounting them onto wood. What do you think?

Blogging about artists all the time has really got me inspired and I think I’m almost ready to start a painting for real! My blank canvas and paints are sitting in the corner of my studio waiting for me. I just bought this book and it is helping me find my creative confidence again. I highly recommend it. I must share this one quote that is really sticking with me…

“Start by doing what is necessary ; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” – St. Francis of Assisi

Don’t you love that!? Powerful stuff.

Okay, well back to the household chores. Hope you are having a fabulous Wednesday.

xo,

Flowers for you

Hello there.

For Valentines Day, Chris brought home flowers for Grace and I. Roses for me and tulips for Grace. We were both very pleased!

I took photos of the bouquets, of course. While I was photographing them, Grace stood watching.

I made the comment, ” Aren’t they just so beautiful? I wish they lasted forever!”

She looked at me for a moment and said nothing, as if contemplating my statement.

Finally, she nodded solemnly and said, “Yes mommy, that would be nice but then they wouldn’t be so special.” I was floored. She says the most profound things sometimes! She amazes me.

Anyway, here are the pics…a little late.

As usual, I couldn’t resist playing around with some textures. This last one is from Kim Klassen’s collection. Go check out her awesome blog. She has some amazing photography (gallery here) and lots of ideas and tips!

Have a lovely Tuesday.

xo,

Designer Love: Lisa Bengtsson

I’m not sure why Scandinavian designers are so darn fabulous…but they are. There’s no denying it. One of my favorites is the very talented Lisa Bengtsson. Her bold, fearless textiles are amazing! Incorporating a myriad of patterns and vintage images is no easy feat, but Lisa masters it beautifully. I have been drooling over her work via her website. Definitely worth checking out, but be warned, unless you are fluent in Swedish, you won’t be able to understand a word. Using my little friend, Google Translate, helps me cheat.

Eclectic and glamorous, just one of her pillows in your favorite chair is sure to be a conversation starter and guess what? You can buy her gorgeous designs here in the US via Huset! (My new fav online shop).

Thank you Scandinavia! We love you!

Happy Shopping!

xo,

 

All images via lisabengtsson