Canvas Storage "Bucket"

I promise I'm not turning into an anthropologie knockoff blog (altho...would that really be such a bad thing??)

Fell hard for this storage basket from the anthro site this weekend:

chevron pop canvas basket

Something that's actually an easy-to duplicate project.  If you're not at all familiar with creating a pattern for something like this by hand, there are several tutorials on the internets. This one looks good and even has measurements.

The anthro basket isn't horribly priced, but who knows about the fabric quality. When you make your own, you can customize the fabric and quality (and this project wouldn't take much fabric either, so you could invest in the good stuff).

There are lots of canvas and twills at Fabric.com. Love love love this one (and bonus! it matches my bathroom cabinet):

waverly sand art

I still haven't sewn a seam yet this month. But hey! There are a few more days left in January. It could happen.  I need to clean and oil my machine first. Poor baby.

Nested: Bathroom

I was really inspired a couple of weeks ago by Dawn's bathroom redo.  I HATE my bathroom sink/console.  It's oak finish, it's standard "builder's grade".  It's just not me at all, but I've never been able to afford a replacement, so I just ignore it.  Mostly.

After seeing Dawn's refinished cabinet, it hit me that I could PAINT it.  What a concept!  I don't know why I didn't think of it before...I love paint.  So that's what I did yesterday!  I didn't go to the trouble of the 3-step process Dawn uses, simply because my bathroom had a pipe burst issue last year and the cabinet has some bubbling on the sides from water damage.  (I really do need a new one... but at least the sides don't really show!)  I went with straight up primer and paint.

The color is Blue River by Benjamin Moore.  Love love it.  I had plenty of it all over my legs by the time I was finished to admire it well into the evening. heh.  Waiting to replace the door and 2nd drawer until everything has cured for a while longer.

Trusty painter's stool. You get to practice your balancing skills while painting.  Bonus.

I went with a creamy ivory for all of the trim, "Latte Light" by Ace Hardware's Royal paints.

 

It is very, very light ivory.  Definitely a shade or two lighter  than my paint chip when dry, which is weird.  For paint I mean.  Once I get a window treatment up, it won't be so very...white.

I picked up a few new accessories too.  From Wal-mart and the Dollar General of all places!  I couldn't resist the little owl, he's so cute.  And I had completely forgotten Dawn had an owl too. Dawn, I'm copying you!

The floral print is a shower curtain, but I have a shower stall in that bathroom.  I'll be cutting it up to make my window treatment.  The colors were perfect, and even have the perfect shade of yellow.

You know the biggest issue I have with redecorating?  It's neverending!  Did I mention that before??  Now I want new towels.  Preferably these (Target, but selling out everywhere. Of course.)

And this rug, also Target: 

And then... baskets and a shelf and new trash container and...  See what I mean?  

Off to peruse Pinterest and Anthropologie while I eat my salad! 

dream sewing spaces.

 Lovely sewing and craft rooms, big and small.

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Dream big.  Am I right?

Once Upon a Time: Apartment Envy - Episode 7

With the *sob* Graham story crushing my heart and soul, I didn't have room in the last OUAT post to share MM's apartment.  Or outfit.

(Oh yeah. You know it's bad if I can't even talk vintage housewares and dirndl skirts).

So in Episode 7 we got another brief, brief peek about Mary Margaret's apartment.  Mostly little touches that help fill in the blanks.

First up... just your average, ordinary ironing board. Right?  Plain little wall and window.  Except... what's that in the lower right hand corner but... a vintage sewing machine?  Yes?

New angle!  I think we've seen all four corners of MM's open plan apartment now.  LOVE the wardrobe and what are those on top?  Mailboxes? We also scored another bedroom peek in this ep. Check out the trunk at the foot of her bed.  Yellow!

Dining table also appears yellow, at least in this shot.  I don't know if I saw that before?  Love the embroidered dresser scarf on the table. The blue deer planter back on the side table kills me every time.

Next to MM's elbow... a vintage 6-arm swinging dishtowel rack. Want.

Crocheted potholder in jadeite and red!

This is a good time to point out MM's cute outfit too.  Darling, simple white top with allover doilies.  I've seen this top somewhere (anthro?  Leifsdottr?) but it's been a while.  Cute.  Easy to replicate.  She wore it with a swishy dirndl skirt and skinny brown belt.

Still crushed though.  Stupid show with the enviable apartment and wardrobe that beckons me.

Retro Cafe Curtains

I had quiet time this afternoon, so I whipped up a pair of vintage-inspired cafe curtains:

 
This week while I was perusing that magical time suck Pinterest, I saw this photo and got all inspired.

Darn if I can find the link now though.   I also love the towel rod with hooks to hang colanders and baskets (instead of a valance). Cute idea that still lets lots of light in.

I used a Darlene Zimmerman "Clothesline Club" 1930s print, red and blue rickrack, and my last bit of red pom pom trim. I didn't even swap out thread to match.  I sort of like the contrast.  No pattern, just measurements for the width and length, plus hem and pocket (with a little ruffle).

They are bright and cheery and I love them.  Easy Sunday project!

ps...How fun is that evil little potholder face.  I love him.  He's my favorite!

Once Upon a Time: Episode 6 "The Shepherd"

This was a Prince Charming background episode, and I loved it.  We had lots of Charming himself.

We also got King Midas. And a DRAGON.  Didn't see that comin.

In Storybrooke, we were treated to a couple of cute dresses and the briefest shot of MM's bedroom. So let's recap (that means let's talk about the clothes. And maybe the apartment).  Charming (David) tracks down Mary Margaret and finds her in what could be a seriously cute little pea coat.  I'm not sure.  It's too dark.  (I just like their earnest expressions so it deserves a spot.)

Then we find MM scrubbing dishes in her little kitchen and BAM.  I'm knocked for a loop at the bunny on her cabinet (and more wire baskets for shelving!)

I have that exact bunny. Er, I had that exact bunny. 

I think I might have just thrown him out in a fit of organizing.

Drat.

Then I notice she's in a silk (silk-y??) top and jeans (very un-MM-like, and I'm diggin it), but wait! 

Bedroom!

Of course her bed is wrought iron.

Now you're picturing Charming amongst all that frothy voile and pale bedding.  Aren't you.

No? Just me then.

Next we are treated to a very retro 80s navy polkadot dress and red cardi.  I love the skinny red belt.

Last we see her, MM is getting her heart broken, in a fashion much as she suspected.

At least she looked lovely.  I recognized the dress immediately.

Dress by anthropologie:

Tomorrow's episode looks extremely interesting...  The sheriff is becoming one of my favorite characters.  Can't wait!

Nesting.

I've been doing a little redecorating around the homestead recently.  As with most everything else, I draw inspiration from vintage.

 

sources: flickr

1. Vintage General Electric Seafoam Green Wall Clock, 2. Vintage tied quilt detail, 3. vintage kitchen tins, enamelware, 4. Tins 5. Hazel Atlas Polka Dot Mixing Bowls, 6. Vintage Tablecloths and Fabric, 7. Vintage quilt, 8. Vintage quilt Missouri Daisy, 9. Vintage tablecloths, 10. Vintage Quilt , 11. Retro kitchen, 12. Vintage Tablecloth Sachets, 13. vintage quilt, 14. Vintage Tablecloths, 15. Vintage Quilt Pieces, 16. Pyrex

Carry on.

Once Upon a Time: Episodes 4 & 5

I was so happy we were able to get a better peek around MM's apartment a couple of weeks ago.  I bring pictures!

Let's start in the kitchen/dining area.  MM's apartment looks to be one wide open space, possibly with a bedroom loft?  I love the open cabinets.  And that fridge!

Industrial clock, and I need that hanging basket by my back door for gloves and mittens.

I am so in love with that green shelf on the left (below).  And that farmhouse table!

Sewing basket!

Hooks by the entry for hats, scarves, umbrellas (this one's easy to copy)

Random vintage frames stacked against the wall...

And on into the living area, a mid-century credenza as bookcase.  Lovely.  I was stalking a vintage radio JUST like the one below and when Lu and I went to buy it on my birthday shopping trip last week, that booth had closed up.  Rats!   Look closely...the milkglass vase below holds a vintage spinning top.   And there's an M for Mary Margaret.

The one that keeps getting away...the sewing area, every shot out of focus (but this time well-lit).  Rats again. Loving that chair.  And what exactly is on the rack thingie against the wall?  Jewelry?  Threads? 

Then last week, we got one more quick look at the kitchen area, and MM was wearing a sweet cardigan and skirt in one of my favorite color combo's...coral and teal/turquoise:

If you look really close you'll see a wire basket at the lower left corner holding stuffs.  I want.

Charming showed up (er, in the episode. Not in MM's apartment.  I wish!)

And then we got a look at MM's shoes.  YELLOW FLATS.  I told you we were besties.

Charming and his very attractive face. In case you have forgotten about it.  Which would be just plain silly. So I remind you:

Oh. Ummm... Also, there were also mine cave-ins and assorted Mr. Gold evilery and Madame Mayor witchery.

And then we got Jiminy Cricket!

 

Man, I love this show.