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This Web site is really our special decorating issue filled with easy and sophisticated ways to decorate your home. I’ve kept the palette simple and on the sedate side, choosing to show how color-coordinated items really allow textural elements to come to the forefront. Here is my studio desk with a mix of interesting but also coordinating elements. I’ve brought together very natural colors and elements and used a modern sensibility to hold it all together.
Canvas Chalkboard
This easy project allows for an ever-changing canvas of homemade art. We were inspired by an Elizabethan gown with graphic details.
You will need:
canvas, any size
brush-on chalk board paint
paint brush
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Decoupage Plates
I love creating these types of plates for decoration. I developed a couple of images on photoshop to use. Look for these crimp-edged pieces at Crate and Barrel.
To make these projects, use our download designs. We ‘re offering an 8” x 11” size for small dishes. Larger projects call for a trip to the copy center.
Mod Podge
scissors
foam brush
Turn your download design upside down, and use a pencil to trace the bottom of the plate. Cut the circle out. Brush the bottom of the plate with Mod Podge, and place the design onto the plate.You may need to use your fingertips or palm to smooth out any ripples or air pockets. When the Mod Podge has dried, trim any excess paper that may extend past the edge of the plate.
If you want this to last as a decorative piece, seal the back with another coat of Mod Podge, and adhere a piece of felt over that layer. If you would rather this be a temporary item, soak the plate in warm, soapy water, and the paper will peel off.
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Pavé Arrangement
A single color flower in a tight, constructed arrangement turns simple blossoms into a sophisticated sculptural piece.
My assistant, Lisa Bisson, suggested a pave floral arrangement for this season. The general idea of a pave involves a shallow dish, vase, or bowl that you arrange only with floral blossoms. Borrowed from jewelry making, a pave floral design and technique refers to flowers, leaves, and other materials arranged closely together in a flat, jewel-like pattern so that no floral foam is visible. The tight clustering emphasizes contrasts in colors and textures. To simplify, we chose to use one variety of rose matched with a vintage paisley shaped vase from Haeger.
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Art Cube
I love the idea of artful doodles on my desk. They’re a great way to mend the mind between busy conference calls and client decisions. I found this cube planter at Grennon Trading Company. It doesn’t even need chalkboard paint.
You will need:
zinc oxide cube planter from Grenon’s (see our sources guide)
chalk
Grennon’s does not have a Web site, but if you call them, they will ship to you. There carry a whole bunch of planters made of the same material in multiple shapes.
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Vintage Inspirations
From an old paperback book I found at a flea market or antique store came this textural paperback sculpture. Fold down the pages in any number of ways and add a functional flare to your desktop vignette. I love that you can use these to display ephemera, business cards, or appointment reminders. They make a simple and great gift for a child to make as well. I love them for their easy and approachable style and artful flair.
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Gift wrap
I love experimenting with all types of fabrics and old materials. I found a colorful vintage napkin that had the most intriguing designs. I decided to scan it and remove all the color and then recast it with shades of gray. The effect is a modern design all in one monochromatic shade. I think it’s beautiful as a gift wrap, but it’s also great to cover a book or journal, decoupage a box, or use as a mat for a photo frame. We made the fan medallion by folding scraps of paper and gluing them together. Old numbered tacks from the flea market add another layer of interest. Download the pattern and make your own craft with the paper and send me pictures of your designs.
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