I Opened an Etsy Shop!

It has finally happened...I got an Etsy shop up and running! It is definitely a work in progress, and some tweaking still needs to be done (isn't there always some bell or whistle that needs attention with all of our technology these days?)

Anyway, you can find me on Etsy at RMDesignLoft (link), and I'd love it if you'd take a peek periodically. There, I will be listing some of the crafts that I sell locally and, occasionally, something you may have seen here on the blog. In fact, one of my most-viewed projects, ever, has been this green architectural wall plaque. Now it is for sale in my Etsy shop...it's a unique item (only one available) so if you have any interest, hurry on over!

And here is a quick look at a few more items that are currently in the shop:

These assemblage art pieces are perfect for Valentines Day decor or to give as gifts. (Note: After this blog post was written, the heart-with-key art was sold on Etsy...my first sale, woot! woot!)

This special piece was made with a Betsy Johnson pendant! I think it would appeal to peacock-lovers and fashion divas alike :)

Many of the items currently in the shop showcase my love for designing with vintage jewelry. Eventually, I plan to also add some typography art, and various home decor and holiday items.

Thanks, friends, for always being so supportive of me and of each other in our endeavors. It is truly a blessing to be a part of this blogging community!

Julie

Easiest Valentine's Ornament Wreath

For such a long time, I have loved wreaths made from ornaments, especially vintage ornaments. There's something about the charm of those old glass ornaments that takes me down memory lane...to a time when Christmas was magical and my great-grandparents' tree was dripping with those vintage baubles.

Well, I've finally gotten around to making an ornament wreath of my own. Christmas has come and gone now, but I gathered a bunch of red, gold, pink and champagne ornaments to create a Valentine's Day wreath. (Mine includes about half vintage and half new ornaments.)

I did some sleuthing on Pinterest to figure out the best way to assemble it. There are tutorials that use a wire coat hanger to string the ornaments on; there are some that use a painted styrofoam wreath form and hot glue; and there are some that have you wire the ornaments onto a wreath form.

After a bit of trial and error, I discovered a super easy technique, and the key is to use one of those pre-formed, metallic curly cellophane wreaths to attach the ornaments to. The curly cellophane gives a nice base for nestling the ornaments into and for the glue to adhere to. Also, since there are bound to be small spaces between ornaments, you already have a decorative background and don't have to fret about filling holes.

If you decide to try your hand at this project, here are a couple of tips I can offer. Glue the tops to the ornaments before attaching to the wreath (so they don't pop off.) And make a row along both the outer and inner edges first, then fill in the rest, "building" the areas with varied colors and sizes of ornaments.

This particular wreath is approximately 20" x 20" and took about 75 ornaments to complete. It really didn't take all that long to create once I had all of my supplies at hand. There are so many combinations that could be used for this project: all one color, smaller ornaments in a uniform size, adding ornaments in different shapes...you get the idea :)

I am displaying my wreath on this Ballard Designs arrow that hangs in our entry hall. You know..."arrow through the heart" and all that jazz, haha! Actually, it just seemed like a great spot to add a little seasonal color, and I wanted to hang it somewhere other than on a door or window. I'm pretty happy with the way it turned out.

Happy Crafting,
Julie


Sharing with: Share Your Cup Thursday, A Delightsome Life, Shabby Art Boutique, French Country Cottage, Creative Country Mom, Between Naps on the Porch, Dwellings the Heart of Your Home, Cozy Little House, A Stroll Thru Life, The Scoop, Domestically Speaking, The Dedicated House, Lamberts Lately

January Meditations

Snowflakes are one of nature's more fragile things,
but just look what they can do when they stick together.
Verna M. Kelly

Sunshine cannot bleach the snow, nor time unmake what poets know.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Of winter's lifeless world each tree
Now seems a perfect part;
Yet each one holds summer's secret
Deep down within its heart.
Charles G. Stater

Enjoy the butterflies of winter
Each as unique and amazing as you.
Unknown

To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake,
it is necessary to stand out in the cold.
Aristotle

Julie


Sharing with: Share Your Cup Thursday, A Delightsome Life, Shabby Art Boutique, French Country Cottage, Between Naps on the Porch, Dwellings the Heart of Your Home, Cozy Little House, A Stroll Thru Life, The Scoop, Domestically Speaking, The Dedicated House

Planning Can Be Fun

I'm sure you saw oodles of adult coloring books as you were doing your holiday shopping...they were everywhere! This new trend has become extremely popular for several reasons. Not only is coloring a creative outlet; it also reduces stress and anxiety.

When searching for a new planner, I thought it might be fun and inspiring to have one that incorporates coloring into my weekly planning sessions. This one provides just the right amount of self-indulgence one day a week, so I can't tell myself I don't have enough time to color. And there's a quirky side of my personality that almost makes me feel obligated to finish the coloring page each week (probably a throw-back to having been a perfectionist student back in the day, haha.)

So far, this new style of planning my weeks is bringing out both the kid and the artist in me. I look forward to organizing my schedule and my life!

Have you joined the throngs of people who are coloring?

Julie


Sharing with: Between Naps on the Porch, Dwellings the Heart of Your Home, Cozy Little House, A Stroll Thru Life, The Scoop, Domestically Speaking, The Dedicated House, Ivy and Elephants, Share Your Cup Thursday, Shabby Art Boutique, French Country Cottage, Pieced Pastimes

Serene Winter Hearth Room

Even though our homes look and feel so special wearing their holiday shimmer and glitz, it always seems to feel calm and peaceful when our rooms are put back to "normal", doesn't it? Every year, I dread packing all of the baubles, trees, and glitter away; but when it's done, a sense of serenity is restored and I breathe a sigh of contentment.

My original intent for post-Christmas decor in our hearth room was to use a winter theme with snowflakes, bare branches, white, teal, etc. But as I started buzzing around the house looking for decor to use, I began to play with topiaries and finials. Something about the greens felt welcome and restful to me.

Here, I've gathered faux greenery, boxwood balls, and architectural elements for the mantel and wall vases. Abbie, our son's Australian Shepherd, seems to approve.

Since I do love snowflakes, though, a few of them can be found mingling in with the decor. Pillows and a small piece of art I created remind us that winter is definitely here to stay for a few more months.

I think this combination of greens, finials, brass, and hints of teal feel very warm and inviting. This will be the perfect spot to settle in by a cozy fire with a good book and a hot latte.

Happy January, friends!

Julie


Sharing with: Between Naps on the Porch, Dwellings the Heart of Your Home, Cozy Little House, A Stroll Thru Life, StoneGable, The Dedicated House, Domestically Speaking, Elizabeth & Co, Ivy and Elephants, Lamberts Lately, Share Your Cup, A Delightsome Life, Shabby Art Boutique, French Country Cottage, The Charm of Home