Creature Comforts - daily inspiration, style, d.i.y. projects + freebies

One Good Thing: L'Aprés Midi Date Book

For this little post I decided to test out the new "Blog It" tool available through Typepad.  (I like it pretty well, although I still had to add the image in by hand. I'm not sure if this was because of the "Blog It" tool or because of Paper Source.)  In any case...I am newly obsessed with this wonderful French date book from Paper Source.  It's currently on the top of my wish list for gifts to give myself this holiday.  : )

Oh.. and did you know you can now "Favorite" posts here on Creature Comforts?!  Just scroll down to the bottom of each post and click the button that says "Favorite."  Once you click it a little email shows up in my inbox notifying me that someone favorited a post.  Emails like that truly make my day, and it's a great way for you to show me which posts you're enjoying.  I hope you'll feel inspired to give it a try.  xox Ez

Janice - DIY: Canvas Frame Inspiration Boards

Hello Everyone!

This is Janice from Papier Valise + the scissor variations blog.

This is a quick + easy project that can be customized simply by choosing a piece of your favorite fabric.

Make 1 or several + create a display board mosaic.

Gather Together:

**Canvas Frames (any size-I used 8" square )

Cork Liner (available here, or check your local hardware store)

Marking Pen

Scissors

Staple Gun

Fabric Remnants (a bit larger than your canvas size)-I used a lightweight upholstery floral + a solid linen

Using your canvas frame as a template, trace onto the cork sheeting and cut out.

Flip your canvas over so the front side is facing you + place your cut out cork piece on top + using your staple gun secure at the four corners and in the center of each side.

This creates a thin cushion for your push pins.

Cut a piece of fabric approximately 1" square larger around the perimeter than your canvas size.  You can eyeball this, but keep in mind you need to pull the fabric up around the sides. My canvas size was 8" square, so I cut a 9" square piece of fabric.

Lay your fabric down onto a flat surface with the wrong side facing you.

Place your canvas, cork side down onto the fabric, centering it.

Choose an edge to start securing. Pull the fabric up along the edge and onto the back of the canvas frame + staple in the center. Place a staple in the left and right corners. Working on the opposite side, pull the fabric tightly + staple to secure.  You will then need to tuck the fabric in at the corners, pull it up and staple.

Like wrapping a gift. Repeat with the remaining sides.

Create some push pins with some decorative items.

** The quality of your canvas frames is not so important for this project. I had these cheap ones in my stash--they were $1. each

Text + Photos Copyright 2009 Janice Rusnak

Marichelle - DIY: Refurbished Wallpaper & Cans

Hello everyone! Marichelle here from Heart Handmade with an easy to do project using coffee cans and leftover wallpaper scraps. I've been saving my empty coffee cans and cashew nut cans for a rainy day and since it's been raining for the past month, I finally had some time to make something useful out of them. You could also use gift wrap paper, but it's a good opportunity to use up any leftover wallpaper. Plus it's also a little thicker and easier to work with, especially if your coffee cans have the ridges on the sides. I decided to use my left over Orla Kiely scraps (perfect since I wasn't lucky enough to get a hold of her Target jars!) By the way, you could also cover these IKEA Celeber containers if you want something with lids! So here's what you're going to need:

1. wallpaper scraps (a piece long and wide enough to cover the can)
2. clean coffee cans or nut cans (you don't have to remove the labels, but check to see that the paper that you'll be using to cover the cans is opaque enough to hide the original label/design on the cans)
3. xacto knife
4. glue (I used Mod Podge)
5. sponge applicator (if you don't have one, just cut a small piece of a new dish sponge)
6. sewing tape measure and/or ruler
7. scissors or a rotary cutter (I have a rotary cutter that I use for paper, these are generally used for cutting fabric)
8. self-healing cutting mat if you're going to use a rotary cutter

This project should take you about 30 minutes per can or less.
Let's get started!

Step 1. Measure can(s): This is going to be a lot easier to do if you have a sewing tape measure. You want to measure the height and around the can (circumference). If you just have a regular ruler, no problem - just goes to prove that geometry is useful after all! Measure the width of the circle and multiply this by 3.14 (yep π).

Step 2. This will give you the circumference, the actual width you'll need to cut the paper. Take the measurements and add 1/4" to both width and height. Measure and draw the rectangular piece on the reverse (no design) side of your wallpaper. You'll use the pencil marks as guides when cutting. If your wallpaper has a distinct pattern, you might want to adjust exactly where you're going to cut the piece, making sure that the design element you want will be included in the piece you cut.

Step 3. Cut: Carefully cut out the measured piece. Check to see if you measured correctly by taking the cut piece and wrapping it around your can. Line the paper to the bottom ridge of the can (you should leave the 1/8" raised lip at the very bottom of your can uncovered. You should also have a bit of extra paper on top and a bit of an overlap around the can.

Step 4. Glue: Sponge a thin layer of glue all over the wrong side of the wallpaper, making sure that you get the edges.

Step 5. Attach: Carefully place the sticky wallpaper onto the can, make sure you line up the bottom of the wallpaper to the bottom ridge/lip of the can. (see pic #5, see how there's 1/8" at the bottom that's not covered). Add a tiny tiny bit more glue to the very edge to make sure it's secure.

Step 6. Press down the wallpaper, careful so you don't get air bubbles. If you do get bubbles, just let them be for now. You can take a needle and carefully prick the center of the bubbles - just like you would when applying wallpaper. This will prevent you from getting unsightly folds/creases.

Step 7.  You'll notice that you have a bit of extra paper hanging over the top. With your finger nail, feel the bottom of the top lip. You want to press this down and create a nice crease all around.

Step 8 & 9. Once you've created an indentation, take your xacto knife and carefully (very very carefully) cut around the can using the top lip as a guide.  Make sure you cut towards the lip  so you don't end up accidentally cutting more of the paper than you need to (I speak from experience).

Step 10. Ta da!

One Good Thing: susyjack* 2010 Deluxe Wall Calendar

I just spotted Susy's new 2010 Deluxe Wall Calendar (pre-order) the other day and was instantly smitten.  The colors and motifs she's used this season are perfection...and as each month passes, you could easly just snip off the numbered section and continue to hang each page as a piece art!  Love it!  For ordering and to see more of Susy's work, head on over to SusyJack*

Collecting Inspiration

Aren't these photo montages from The Curious Nomad on flickr so lovely?!  They've got me dreaming of color coordinated closets and perfectly assessorized outfits...plus they've inspired me to take a closer look at the things I have hiding in my drawers and on my jewelry hooks.  How about you?  What items from your wardrobe would you put into a photo layout like this?  Perhaps once I'm all settled into my new home I will try my hand at arranging my belongings for an artful photo shoot.  Maybe if I'm lucky they will look even a fraction as fetching as these do.  See more pretty photos right here and if you'd like you can pay a visit to The Curious Nomad etsy shop as well.  xox Ez

Color Crush: Melon + White

I've decided that this particular shade of pink aka "melon" is my new favorite.  It's so cheery and bright and seems to add just the right pop of color to an outfit or space... the white tones down the "sweetness" just a bit.  What color(s) are you currently crushing on?  xox Ez

1. Lace Shopping Basket ~ The Container Store (Melissa has one, and it's fabulous)
2. Handcrafted Patchwork Marchmont Blanket ~ This is J
3. Lyla Suede Peep-toe Heels ~ J.Crew
4. Savoy Decanters ~ Z Gallerie
5. Claus Porto Rozan Bar Soap ~ The Conran Shop
6. Papaya Blossom Flower Printable Party Invitations ~ Paper Source
7. Looks Like Lace Coaster Set ~ Smak Parlour
8. Makoto Bag ~ Textile Arts

Chic for Cheap: A $50 (or less) Office Makeover

I loved the Chic for Cheap challenge that reader Lindsey gave to us this week.  She has recently taken on a new job and wants to jazz up her workspace, but painting or drastic changes to the room are out of the question...that and she wants to spend no more than $50!  This truly was a challenge and forced me to try to think outside the box a bit...especially when it came to bringing color into the room.  Here my ideas are for a chic updated space...with only $27.00 out of pocket!

• Use pretty paper to line desk drawers and add some much needed color to your work area (keep paper in place with double sided tape) or use it to dress up the covers of plain plastic binders ~ Gift Wrap from Parkside Papers
• Flowers on your desk are an instant pick me up and you can change them as frequently as you'd like.  Before you run out and buy some though, take a look around where you live and see if there are any blooms that are free for you to clip and enjoy.  During the Fall, look for pretty leaves and in the winter; decorative branches, pine cones or fir branches  ~ Floral inspiration by Something to See
• Download and print decorative labels to keep your files, books, and such organized.  Visit the following links for some great free printable labels:  Oval Labels (by me)  |  Rectangular Labels (by me)  | Pretty Rectangular Labels from i-DiY (found via Yellow Goat)
• It's important to surround yourself with things that make you happy.  I have these pencils on my desk and they never fail to bring a smile to my face.  You might find some other little affordable detail that means something to you. ~ pencils by Simplesong
• A vintage milk glass container can serve as both a pencil cup and a vase.  Smaller vintage containers could be used to organize paperclips, pushpins and such. ~ vintage milk glass from Adventures in White.
• Keep your files in order with this great vintage wire basket ~ from 26 Olive Street

I hope this has given you some ideas for your space Lindsey.  Be sure to check out Melissa's room ideas right here.  And if you want to see a fabulous office makeover for $0...visit Suzanne's lovely blog!
xox Ez

One Good Thing: Gold Knobs by Trine Weng

My breath literally caught in my chest the other day when I came across these gorgeous Gold Knobs by Trine Weng of Casalinga (available at Hygge & West).  I can't imagine a more beautiful way to display jewelry (or perhaps hang a ribbon-strung photo).  I'm sure these are absolute perfection in person, but the crafter in me is convinced that I should attempt a d.i.y. knob with a similar effect.  I'm thinking white knobs from the hardware store + gold paint pen = awesomeness!  What do you think?  xox Ez

Weekend Link Love: 05. 22. 09

Hello lovelies!  I'm sorry I had to skip "Blogs I Love" this week (I'll be sure to make up for it next week).  I'm off on a trip down to Southern California to celebrate my sister and brother-in-law's graduation.  I'll see you all again on Monday!  Have a marvelous weekend!  Oh, and by the way... I'm having a huge sale in my shop Monday (before I close up shop for a couple months during my move).  Stay tuned for that.  xox Ez

• Possibly the cutest Alphabet Poster I've ever seen.
• I want to live for a day inside this photo... maybe lay out a picnic blanket underneath it and have day of food and fun with all of you!
• Would it be wrong to buy jam just so that I could have the jars to store things in?  I want to organize every little thing in my house just like this or repurpose them like this or this.
• Have you seen the new Behind the Design section of J.Crew's site?  So inspirational!
• I love this vintage paint-by-numbers painting...such great colors!

{more}

• I can't get this amazing photograph out of my head since I posted about it over a year ago.  I still love it just as much as I did the first time I saw it.
• Get 20% off at Night Owl Vintage when you use promo code vintage20 at checkout (expires 12-31-09).
• If you haven't entered already, be sure to sign up for your chance to win one of three prints from Abby Try Again.
• A big huge thanks to the lovely crew over at HGTV's Design Happens blog for listing me as one of their favorites!  I'm pinching myself!
• If you have a moment I'd love for you to visit my newest (and newly renewed) sponsors.  They're the best!  Abby Try Again  |  Love Jujube  |  Monica Marks  |  The B-line

Clippings + Collections: Inspiration Boards

Hello lovelies!  How was your weekend?  My daughter and I held our garage sale, and I'm beat.  Next time I will need more time to prepare and get things all sorted out, but we ended the day with more money than we started with, so I'd call it a success.

Today I thought I'd share some fabulous inspiration boards with you.  For as long as I can remember I've been clipping and saving images from magazines, objects that inspire, etc.  and I just love to see the personality of each person reflected through their boards.  Do you have an inspiration/mood board that you'd like to share?  If so, please leave a link to your board in the comment section for us all to enjoy.

xox Ez

  {board by mady dooijes | blog}

{board by Matt & Myra | blog | shop}

{board by Donis Delis | blog}

{board by treefall design | blog | shop}

{board by Letteria | blog | shop}

For more beautiful inspiration boards and collections visit the flickr Inspiration Boards group.

P.S. I'm sorry, but I've been so swamped by emails lately that if you've written to me in the past few weeks, I have likely received your message, but have not yet been able to reply to you.  I'm working on it the best that I can.  Thanks for your patience. 

D.I.Y Clever Storage Solution by Lucie Summers

This wonderfully simple and clever d.i.y. project by Lucie Summer just grabbed my attention (via her flickr album).  The great thing about projects like these is how customizable they are to your own aesthetic and needs.  Don't you think?!  You can read Lucie's easy directions on her blog right here.  Also be sure to stop by her wonderful shop for delightful textiles and more.

Shop Love: The Regional Assembly of Text

If you get a thrill from vintage bits of paper and ephemera (like I do), then you will love The Regional Assembly of Text.  I'm particularly smitten with their sweet Graph Paper Bird Mini Note Cards!  See more HERE.

Martha Stewart - Behind the Scenes

{photos from Living}

This Behind the Scenes: Creativity at Work feature in the recent Martha Stewart Living Magazine, has got to be my most favorite article ever presented by their publication!  Take a gander and some of the incredible work spaces of her fabulous team of creative geniuses.  I'm comforted to see each person's individuality so clearly displayed in each space.  Perhaps the rooms really are just cleverly staged for the photographs, but to me they truly feel used and like spaces where one could easily get lost in inspired thought.

See more images from the article right here.

Frankie 2009 Calendar

I just spotted this amazing calendar over on Catherine Campbell's flickr album (my folk lover).  The calendar was created using art from 12 different artists (most of them are on my top picks lists) and is printed and sold through frankie magazine.  Australian buyers can purchase right here... International customers will need to contact the magazine for details. Love it!

One Good Thing

Such a smart idea...  check it.

{image from Baileys}

Mark Your Calendar... It's Time to Win

Hello again lovelies!  I don't normally blog in the evening, but this is too exciting to wait until tomorrow. Jill of Beau Ideal, who creates some of the most exceptional paper goods recently sent me one of her 2009 calendars.  I was literally speechless when I received it.  Each month features noteworthy humanitarians, artists, authors, celebrities and more in the most exquisite hand-lettering, and is accented in beautiful color examples shown in the second image).  The quality of the printing and paper is divine.  The 2009 Beau Ideal Calendar retails for $48... and now one of these beauties could be yours free, courtesy of Beau Ideal.

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED!  Here's how you can enter to win:

• Leave a comment detailing your favorite day of the year and why it is special to you.  Is it a holiday, birthday, anniversary, or some other date?  I want to know!
• Do not forget to including your first name AND last initial so that I can identify the correct winner when it is time.

The winner will be chosen at random and announced next Monday 11/3/08!
Thanks Jill for offering this wonderful prize!

2009 Calendar Roundup

I have a problem.  I am a self-confessed calendar-aholic.  I love everything about them... the fresh artwork, the lettering, the numbers... its a combo that can't be beat.  Here are a few of my favorites for 2009 (most are indie made - yay)!  And in a few moments... you'll have a chance to enter to win my favorite calendar for 2009.  See you then!

{SNEAK PEEK} SUSYJACK* Available soon!

{AQUA CRUSH} Dutch Door Press -  See Jane Work - Cicada Studio - Ink + Wit

{IMPRESSIVE} Papered Together - Delphine Press -  Paper Source  - Sycamore Street Press

{COLLECTED} Seventy and Sunny - Story by Mia - Blue Tricycle - Elles

Also check out these FREE calendars:

• Carnivorous Plants Printable Calendar from A Print a Day
• Free Calendar Download from Nubbytwiglet

Real Decor

{IMAGE ONE} White Paper Doilies & Orange Thumbtacks photographed - by citypix

The most important thing about home decor is that first word: "home."  My feeling is that your space should reflect who you are, what inspires and moves you... not just whatever trend is the latest and greatest (according to various monthly publications - not that there isn't much inspiration to be found with their pages... but you catch my drift). 

{IMAGE TWO} First Row: Inspirations displayed on clip boards by O!Rachew!, Polaroid-Heart - by Daydream Lily Second Row: Twine and Antlers become sculptural - by Knitalatte11, this Empty Frame against the wall brings unexpected drama to the room -  by Amy Nieto

All this being said, I know that decorating isn't easy, especially on a limited budget.  So today I've found a few brilliant ideas from Flickrites to hopefully inspire you to create something fabulous and personal in your home (be it an all out makeover or a simple hour long project).

{IMAGE THREE} Posies in a Glass Jar will always brighten any space - by Yvette Inufio

4 More

Here are just 4 more sweet little designs that work well for both kids and adults.
{LINKS}
Ruffle Apron Set by My Modern (this would make a perfect gift for your favorite mother and daughter pair - only $38) Vintage Wall Paper Pins by Beadin Nora at All Things Original, Sam Toy Box at Modern Tots (this would also work wonders in a living room to store throws or stash stuff out of site when guest are over - just cover with a pillow and you have instant seating), Barn Colored Pencil Digital Mixed Media Collage by Snappingtwig.

Today I Love:

Isn't this beautiful calendar by Cavallini & Co wonderful.  I always have the hardest time choosing a new calendar (last time I checked I had no less than seven), but this one is on my list of possibles for next year.
Find it here at Paper Source.