The City Sage

DIY and Free Download: Covered Storage Boxes!

  

Psst! You probably know of Design Public, the web's best source for modern furniture and decor. But did you know they also have an awesome blog called Hatch? All week they've been running some fabulous organization tips, including an insanely easy DIY that I put together!

Not only can you get the how-to on these cute and practical storage boxes, you can also download the peacock and polkadot patterns for the lids! And once you have those adorable patterns in your clutches, don't stop with the boxes. I can just see those feathers making a perfect notebook cover, stationery, or even framed poster. So what are you waiting for? Check it out!

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DIY Valentine's Tabletop: The Details

As promised, here's the scoop on how to recreate this incredible Valentine's Day tabletop designed exclusively for The City Sage by Kelly Oshiro Events. Aren't you amazed at all the clever details and budget-friendly ideas that Kelly came up with for this project?

The candlesticks cost $3 each at Michael's crafts, with another $2 for paint to match the color palette. All the crepe paper for the tablecloth and chairs was $3. To make the chair decorations, simply fold strips of crepe paper accordion style, then cut a heart shape--making sure to leave a point of connection in the folds so the hearts will be attached.

For the tablecloth, cut lengthwise and crosswise strips of crepe paper according to the size of your table. Lay out the long pieces and secure each at one end of the table using double-sided tape. Place books about half way down the table to keep the pieces in place. Weave in the first crosswise strip using an 'over/under' pattern, and glue each intersection of crepe paper with a glue stick. Continue to weave crosswise strips down the length of the table, gluing as before and moving the books as needed.

Says Kelly, "I love using translucent plates when something interesting is going on with the table linens." In this case we chose pink Depression Glass, which is surprisingly plentiful and affordable on the vintage scene; Kelly bought the stemware for $5 on eBay, and the plates are from a set I found at Goodwill for $12. Kelly layered wooden hearts (Michaels, $3 for 12) between the plates for an extra Valentine's Day touch.

Finally, Kelly used the existing pegboard on her wall to make this carnation heart. But you could do this at home with a piece of foam core cut to your desired shape and size--carnations are surprisingly sturdy to work with and can withstand some manhandling.

A huge thank you to Kelly of Kelly Oshiro Events for her time, her creativity, and her generous spirit. What a delight it was to collaborate with her! For more inspiration check out her blog and her featured work on Style Me Pretty. And also thanks to Tim Halberg Photography for capturing this project through his talented lens. Together the two of them have made my Valentine's Week a very happy one indeed!

Styling: Kelly Oshiro for The City Sage
Photos: Tim Halberg for Kelly Oshiro and The City Sage

Project: Custom Magazine Files

If you're anything like me, you have a serious magazine habit. And if you're anything like me, they're taking over your house! Check out the how-to I did over at Kelly + Olive for an inexpensive way to get your magazines under control and complement your decor. While you're there, be sure to explore the Kelly + Olive for more terrific decorating ideas!

Project: Skirt Rehab

Between school and my first 'real' job, I temped at a fancy-pants jewelry store in Manhattan. As a result, I have a handful of corporate-looking skirts that I no longer wear. So this weekend I thought I'd try my hand at sprucing up a little polka dot number I still have a certain fondness for, and I'm moderately pleased with the result!

I've been very intrigued by some of the wild and wacky prints on the runways recently, and this dotty pencil skirt provided the perfect opportunity to sample the trend. To complement the polka dots, I chose a black on white leopard spot a la D&G Fall 2009, and a terrific Liberty floral (which may have ignited in me a deep lust for Liberty prints...).

For this project you need almost zero sewing skills--really it's the iron and a box of pins that will become your best friends. If you're working with a skirt, trim the length as necessary. Then make several lengths of seam binding (aka bias tape--instructions here) and identify places on the garment where a touch of trim makes sense. In my case, the waistband, hem and pockets of the skirt were good candidates for some seam binding action.

Pin the seam binding firmly in place and sew. If you're really going wild with prints, you might have to work in layers and stages--just be patient and work methodically! And don't forget to spruce up any other elements of your garment. I swapped out a boring white button for a sassy pink one.

I could also see this method working brilliantly to breathe new life into a boring blouse, or even to add personality to a simple, drapey tee shirt. A bonus? I have enough Liberty fabric left to make a scrunchie!

Shopping Trip: Lighting from Goodwill

A good lamp is hard to find. And a good lamp under $50 is a rare creature indeed! I've had good luck with my local Goodwill before, so I popped in recently to see what the thrift gods had up their sleeves. I scored two 1960’s era lamps that—with a little love and imagination— transformed into the sexy retro number in the photo above. Total cost for one lamp? $36!

When hunting for thrift lamps, look for one with a great shape; don’t worry about the finish as paint will cover any surface flaws. I chose flat white spray paint to mimic the look of white ceramic, and I buffed with extra fine sandpaper between coats. I was lucky to find lamps with shades that were easy to recover using fabric and spray adhesive. If your shade can’t be salvaged, you can buy a new one or make your own for a reasonable price.

Here's a play by play on the re-do. Please feel free to let me know in the comments section if you'd like more detailed instructions. Oh, and one last tip when shopping for lighting at thrift stores: bring a lightbulb with you. Plug in the lamp. Make sure it works. Mine does not.

Resources: Lamp, table and chair, all Goodwill. Clock, Kate Spade. Bird Painting, oil on canvas by Mincing Mockingbird. Ceramic Bird Bowl, Jonathan Adler.

Displaying Photos at Home: A Photographer's Perspective

Finally getting those family photos out of storage and up on the wall? Throw out your ruler. Although a casual arrangement can be trickier to assemble than a formal setting, it creates great warmth and intimacy. Bay Area photographer Anna Kilbridge agrees. “I love how an eclectic arrangement demands your attention, draws you in, invites you to linger,” says Anna. And though she says there are no hard and fast rules to making it work, Anna does offer a few guidelines.

1. Keep it simple. Choose frames of all one color. Anna prefers black, silver, and—increasingly—white frames. “If you look at timeless photography displays, the frames are always very minimal. Anything too flashy starts to look dated very quickly.”

2. Take it slow. Start with the photo that impacts you most and allow the arrangement to evolve. “Plan it less. It might take a while to find a setting you love, but with time it will emerge.”

3. Have fun. The best arrangements are the ones that emerge spontaneously. If it’s your first attempt at an eclectic installation, Anna recommends a picture ledge. “Shelving is brilliant because you can move things as you go along. It gives you permission to play.”

Thanks to Anna Kilbridge for the tips! Recently named one of SFGate’s Top Three Wedding Photographers in The Bay Area, Anna lives and works in San Francisco.

Resources: Frames and picture ledges, Ikea. FYI, I put the above arrangement together in about an hour!

Styling and Photo Credit: Anne Sage

Guest Blogging at A Day That Is Dessert!

The lovely Lecia over at A Day That Is Dessert was kind enough to ask me to share a holiday guest post with her readers. Please pop over for a fun DIY that I put together! It's perfect as a last minute stocking stuffer and a great project to do with the little ones when you're snowed in. And while you're there, be sure admire Lecia's charming blog full of inspiring photos, scrumptious recipes, and thoughtful reflections on all things wise and wonderful in the world!

Best Holiday Download Ever!

Ez over at Creature Comforts just posted this free download for the world's cutest address labels, graciously designed by the talented Melinda at On a Limb Paper. They're just perfect for my kraft paper and candycane twine wrapping scheme this year!

Of course you can adhere them with packing tape, but I always love an excuse to pull out my Xyron sticker maker. Let the crafting begin! And don't forget to scroll down for great gift ideas from today's installment of Blogger Book Love!

Just Bought: Butcher Cord

I never thought that something as simple as red and white twine would make me so happy, yet I'm giddy as a schoolgirl after finding a massive tub of the stuff! And this is the real deal, too: 100% cotton, imported from Germany. Wunderbar!

This year I'm wrapping all my holiday gifts in brown kraft paper and tying the parcels with twine, for a look that's homespun yet so festive too. For more simple gift wrap ideas, Lynne at Tea for Joy just did a charming post on the subject, and so did Martha B. at Nibs!

Frighteningly Simple Project: Pet Spider's Lair

Here's yet another Halloween how-to that literally look me five minutes to make but is SO effective! For me, spiders are amongst the creepiest creatures out there, and there's nothing creepier than keeping one as a pet!

I got the idea for this one from my homegirl Jen over at Raising Granola. She's discovered that the Halloween crafter's best friend is a can of glossy black spray paint, and it couldn't be more true! Below are the supplies that I started with: an ugly green pillar candle holder and decorative cage (I honestly can't think of a non-Halloween use for this cage!) that I scrounged at Goodwill, as well as a cheap plastic spider from the dollar store. Total cost? Eight bucks!



This little set-up would look amazing as the centerpiece of a Halloween buffet table, surrounded by a forest of various sized candlesticks also painted black. And doesn't it cast a spooky shadow?!



For more Halloween inspiration and devilish DIY's, be sure to check out:

• My earlier post on Eerily Easy Halloween Glassware.
• Ghoulishly Gothic Halloween wreath and candlesticks over at Raising Granola.
• Fabulous repurposed mantle arrangement and tabletop lovelies from Grace at Poetic Home.
• Wondrous web doilies at Eddie Ross.
• Hilariously hairy disguise via Rachel at Heart of Light.
• Fun and fanciful Halloween mood boards from Design Lovely. 
• Best costume in the world by Chelsea at The Vintage Chair.
• Scariest antique store ever featured by Katie over at KatieDid.