Piping 101

This is something I need to learn and thought I would share - go to DesignSponge for full instructions.

Happy Weekend!

Some Dining Room Favorites

Inspiration for R&R

DIY Chandeliers, yes please!

Not favorite choice of colors in this first chandelier, but like the structure and shape. Here are the instructions.

This next design may be a little time consuming, but love the outcome -- instructions here.

The chandelier below is probably one of my favorites. Find instructions for this little number here.

Office Space

Well, I'm finally getting to do some relaxing after a couple very busy work weeks. And where do I find myself relaxing? In my office, of course! Except, it's not very relaxing at this point. I have painted and purchase a desk and shelves from IKEA, but have not determined what to do with the other half of the room. Here are some current photos:

There is about 4 to 5 feet behind the desk that I would like to make cozy with some seating for reading a sipping coffee or tea with the hubby or a friend. Here are some initial ideas I had today which incorporate florals and some cottage styles in each. Most products were found on IKEA, West Elm, Macy's, and Urban Outfitters -- I'm leaning towards the first one:

Japanese Floral Arranging

So some friends and I went to a Japanese floral arranging class at a local florist shop, Grafe Studio, this past Monday. We studied the "Ikebana" style that emphasizes organic materials, asymmetry, and minimalism. This style of floral arranging focuses on shape, line, form, and he scalene triangle.

There are five different Ikebana styles, but we actually created

a "Moribana" style arrangement, which means "piling up of flowers." These are usually in flat, wide vases and composed 3 additional plant materials: Shin, Soe, and Tai. Each of these have to be angled in unnaturally yet have different heights to symbolize sky, tree, and earth.

I don't think I followed this exactly, but I wanted to actually like what I was making, so here it is.