Lighting Up: Top Ten Favorite Funky Chandeliers

When a teardrop crystal chandelier just won't do - try one of my top ten favorite funky chandeliers (in no particular order) to truly light up your living spaces:

Ink Cartridge Chandelier by Lowell and Louise

Bar Code Chandelier as seen on G.Ban's World

Custom Chandeliers by Rock & Royal

 

Guitar Pick Chandelier as seen on Rare Bird Finds

Flamingos by Bindle Art & Design

Chiquita Banana Chandelier as seen on Whorange

Double Helix Chrome Bicycle Sprocket Chandelier by Thirteen Twenty

 

Hair Dryer Chandelier as seen in Ready Made Magazine

 

Ceiling Chandelier as seen on Trend Hunter

Art Installation Chandelier by Jason Rhoades as seen on PortlandArt.net

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An Art-Full Celebration This Fourth of July

I love throwing parties but I hate having to spend a lot of money on centerpieces that will just be tossed out or broken apart and stored in a closet. Also, who has the time these days to put together floral arrangements and extensive tablescapes? I know I don't! And so with the Fourth of July just a few days away, below are some quick and easy centerpiece options to make your decorating a breeze. Most of them can be done with items you either have at home or can easily find at a local grocery or dollar store. Enjoy!

Any tablecloth can be turned into a patriotic work of art with stars cut out of any random red, white and/or blue fabric.  These stars were glued on with spray adhesive but any glue (or a few quick stitches with a needle and thread) will adhere them for your event.  I also love the look and set-up of their ice cream bar!

(Photo Courtesy of Country Living)

It honestly can't get any simpler than this.  Snag a handful of American Flags at the Dollar Store or your local grocery store this weekend and some red, white and blue gumballs. Within seconds you have a vibrant and fun centerpiece for your picnic tables this weekend.

(Photo Courtesy of All You)

Break out of the American Flag theme and go for something summery and bright with this easy to make centerpiece. Simply hollow out a watermelon for the vase and fill with a store bought bouquet. 

(Photo Courtesy of Kitchen Mish Mash)

Combine strawberries (or watermelon), blueberries and marshmallows and pile them on platters.  When spread sporadically across the table these simple dishes make fresh and edible table decor. 

(Photo Courtesy of Make and Takes)

If you're feeling crafty or you have children coming to your Fourth of July Event - this is a fun centerpiece that doubles as a project to keep the little ones busy.  A Dollar Store bucket, some paper and a bit of ribbon or random baubles and buttons all combine to make this adorable table topper. Let each child make their own star or flag and pretty soon you will have a table full of art!

(Photo Courtesy of Design by Dani)

And finally.....

So much easier than it looks - these are centerpieces with a bang AND they double as favors.  Just take paper towel or toilet paper rolls and cover with crepe paper, tissue paper or ribbons. Americana images can be printed from your computer and attached with glue.  Fill the inside of the tube with candy or other treats, tie at the top with ribbon or pipe cleaners and you have a fun and fanciful addition to your event.

(Photo Courtesy of Country Living)

Have a Happy Fourth of July!

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How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes! ~Maya Angelou

Still planning your Memorial Day bash?

Here are some inspirations on what to wear, what to serve and quick and easy ways to decorate.

Meryl Streep, classy and gorgeous as always in a patriotic Catherine Malandrino dress.  

If head-to-toe red, white and blue too much for you, this simple yet stunning leather necklace is a DIY piece of cake. M&J Trimming has a great tutorial that will show you how to put this together in about 20 minutes.

 

Not a do-it-yourself type of girl? Any outfit from a sundress to a pair of old shorts and a tank top looks chic and put together with a great hat. I am especially in love with this floppy striped hat from the Gap.

 

Since Memorial Day marks the start of summer, start it off hot in a traffic stopping, party starting bombshell sundress from Pin-up Girl Clothing.

Now YOU look good, Let's quickly dress your party. 

Photo courtesy of www.Anitaarts.com

The dollar store has hundreds of pinwheels this time of year - snag a handful and place in white or glass containers scattered across the table and you've got a playful centerpiece.

Photo courtesy of faveflowers on Flickr

Glass containers of any type can be found at the dollar store and you probably have some in your house already.  Fill them with alternating layers of any appropriately colored items. Fave Flowers (above) used petals but blue colored candy, rice or white mints and red hots (all available at the dollar store or local grocery store) would work as well.

Whew! All done - now....ready for a drink?

Slash Food introduced me to one of my favorite Americana inspired drinks - the Starfruit and Stripes Daquiri. Visit their site for the recipe for this sweet (and potent) drink and many more. 

Since I am no grill master and I do believe Memorial Day is all about BBQ, I will let someone else blog about the main courses but for dessert, I have a few personal faves:

Cream Cheese Strawberries are delicious and a snap to make. People expect it to be white chocolate so it is a pleasing cheesecake like surprise.  Find the simple steps here.

Photo courtesy of www.Annies-Eats.com

Bake these fresh or use a favorite cheat of mine. Go to your local bakery and pick up plain cupcakes and just top with fresh fruit. No one will know you didn't make the entire thing.

You know you have made Jell-o shots so you know how to do this. Grab a star shaped cookie cutter and some food coloring and go to town.  You can't mess this up.

Have fun and enjoy your weekend. Be safe and I will see you back here Tuesday!

Good Chemistry

Inspired by the above vintage child's microscope from Bella Lulu on Etsy, today I bring you a treasury of chemistry:

Totally unique home decor - it is a Periodic Table Table seen on http://www.scienceblogs.com/

I have fallen for this Love Molecule Embroidery by It's A Stitch.

Making science delicious - a Periodic Table made of cupcakes! (Seen on Geekologie)

The only time that an element might be called adorable is when it is crocheted by Prima and Plush. My personal favorite is Mr Ammonia (seen above). 

These vintage chemistry lab chairs would look amazing my house - I need to find out where to buy these! (Seen on Flickr)

Represent for your favorite element with Finest Imaginary's gold mirror chemistry necklaces. 

And even if you don't have any interest in chemistry, test tubes, beakers, vintage text books and other science paraphernalia can be used for gorgeous centerpieces for home and event decor:

Photo courtesy of http://www.sunset.com/

Photo courtesy of http://www.prebioticsoup.blogspot.com/

Photo courtesy of The Theme Factory of Philadelphia on Flickr.

Poetry Is An Echo, Asking a Shadow To Dance - Carl Sandburg

Not much in the world thrills me as much as beautiful words. I collect quotes, poetry, manuscripts, books - anything written, which is why I am so excited that today is National Poem In Your Pocket Day!

Today's Thursday Treasury features gorgeous poetry related items from across Etsy:

Henry David Thoreau Wall Decal by rEvolv3r Apparel

A chic homage to the dark poet Poe.

The Raven Nevermore Necklace from Ursula and Olive

My favorite Shakespeare sonnet!

She Walks In Beauty Inscribed Ring by Christen Largent  

One of the more cheerful Sylvia Plath things you will ever see!

 Quote Print by 3Lambs Graphics

I was named for Emily Dickinson and have always been a fan.

Beautiful Poetry Print from Art By Andrea

Perfect nursery decor - Shel Silverstein is another of my all-time favorites.

Anything Can Be Shel Silverstein Wall Decal by Single Stone Studios

So pretty!

Bird with Ribbon and DH Lawrence Poetry Bowl by Amongst Lovely Things

Haha love it! 

1.25" Pin or Magnet by Bean Forest

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Going Green

Found a glass head at the flea market this weekend and I have decided to turn it into a terrarium. After a quick how-to video courtesy of eHow.com, I started looking at some other terrariums for inspiration. It is amazing how many variations there are to fit into any decor, plus they are eco-friendly!

Below are some of my favorite terrariums:

So chic! 2001: A Space Terrarium designed by esQue

Preston Bailey's tea part centerpiece terrarium utilizing fresh flowers on a glass cake stand

(as seen on Poetic Home)

Too adorable! The Fantasy Moss Terrarium by Betty's Fantasy.

Simple and beautiful - Monkeys Always Look's hanging terrarium is perfect for an apartment (although I might do a grouping of these in the kitchen at the house). 

Nini Style showcased numerous terrarium decor options. My favorite is the large dome on the right.

 Have you created your own terrarium? I'd love to see it!