DIY Coasters

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You will need:

  • Tiles
  • A map, or maps, of your choosing
  • Paper trimmer
  • Foam brush
  • Mod Podge
  • Adhesive felt

Select the parts of the map you want to display, then cut them out to a size that fits your coaster. Some people like to fill the tile to the edges with the picture they’re applying. You might consider leaving a border of bare tile around the picture for a chic effect.

Using your foam brush, apply the Mod Podge to the back of your picture and let it dry. This will help prevent air bubbles from getting trapped between the map and the tiles in the future. Layer the tile with Mod Podge and center the map on the tile. Spread Mod Podge generously over the face of the map. Apply three layers.

If at any point in the process, you notice an air bubble trapped under the map, “push” the bubble out with your fingers. 

To protect your furniture, add adhesive felt to the bottoms of the tiles.

Leave the coasters undisturbed for two to three solid days. Finally, the payoff. Have some friends over and brew up some conversation with your coffee.

Some tips: I strongly recommend using antique-looking maps. These look phenomenal with a border of bare tile showing around them.

 

 

National Wine Day

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Happy National Wine Day! For the spirited day (pun intended), I wanted to share two of my favorite wines. 

The first is, Carpineto Dogajolo Rosato by Opici Wines. My sister introduced me to this wine and it was love at first sight. I thought the label was gorgeous and what inside the bottle is just as appealing as the outside. I love that it's a nice quality wine that 's reasonably priced as well. If you love rose, this wine is for you!

The second favorite won me over by it's name but I kept coming back because of it's fantastic taste. It's called Lulu Sauvignon Blanc by Hewitson Wines! Naturally, I had to love it! Name aside, it's a wonderful fresh, crisp white wine. I'm also good friends with the chief wine maker and CEO of the company, Dean Hewitson. In fact, I just had lunch with him at Son of a Gun in Los Angeles last week! Here we are sipping on a glass of wine. Wonderful man and wonderful wine. 

No matter what your preference, just be sure to enjoy the day to the fullest with a full glass of wine!

SCAD Fashion

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A year ago around this time I visited the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in Savannah, GA. I spoke to the fashion department and was blown away by their skill level and passion. Just this past weekend, the college hosted their annual fashion show where Francisco Costa, Creative Director of Calvin Klein was personally honored with the Andre Leon Tally Lifetime Achievement Award. The show was a smashing success! I am so impressed with the level of design and creativity of these young designers. If you're not familiar with the college or haven't seen the show, check it out here!   WATCH THE SCAD FASHION SHOW 2013 HERE

Al Fresco Dining

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There's nothing worse than seeing a gorgeous tablescape in a magazine and not knowing how to recreate it. I find I'm always wondering where the fabulous dinnerware or napkins came from. I much prefer to be an open book so today I'm sharing how I created this effortlessly chic al fresco tablescape. With summer just around the corner, there's nothing I love more than enjoying good food and good company outdoors. All of these items are extremely affordable and many can be found online. If this tablescape inspires you, send me your version on my Facebook or Twitter. I'd love to see your version of Al Fresco dining!

 

DIY Tips and Tricks

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For those of you who are looking to entertain or decorate on a dime, Do It Yourself crafts can save you money and give a shabby chic aesthetic to a room, table, or party. I'm all about finding unique and crafty ways to make a party, room, or table look effortlessly chic. If I can recycle old things and reuse them in new ways, that's ever better! Here are some of my favorite crafty tricks!

To all the perfume addicts out there: Repurpose old perfume bottles as vases! So chic for a party or just around the house. Use bigger bottles for large arrangements and smaller bottles to hold a few buds (see above).

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This is such a chic idea for your backyard or for outdoor parties. Home Depot has 18" whiskey barrels for $30 and Bed Bath & Beyond has 20" glass table toppers for $8.99. For $38.99 you can make your own whiskey barrel tables!

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A unique take on napkin rings. Print the evening's menu on a piece of paper and wrap it around each napkin.

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Create your own chic candle holders.  Simply take pre punched paper from Michael's and wrap it around a glass cup or cylinder and drop a votive candle in it!

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DIY Mercury Glass 

Simply spritz glass with water then spray with Krylon "Looking Glass" spraypaint and voila!

Nantucket Bike Basket Co.

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I know it may not be Spring time yet but I'm already craving the great outdoors, specifically days spent in Nantucket. The island has such a special place in my heart and this family owned, Nantucket based company is sweet as candy. Started by Brittany McCann along with her father and sister, Nantucket Bike Basket Co. is a huge hit. Yes, they're baskets are great additions to any beach cruiser but they can also be used in unique and unconventional ways. Why not turn them into planters for your flowers, storage bins, or mail boxes. Check out their gorgeous photos for inspiration. And fret not, you don't have to be a local to get your own basket. They have an online store where you can buy their entire product line. For all the dog lovers out there, they even have doggy baskets!

DIY Candle Holders

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Now you can have your oysters and eat them too! Oysters are a favorite dish of them but their exteriors are just as appealing as their interiors. Instead of throwing out the pretty shells, try turning them into candles using these simple steps.

You’ll need:

  • clam or oyster shells (deep enough to hold some wax, similar size to a tealight)
  • a double boiler
  • beeswax
  • waxed and wired tealight wicks with tabs

Melt the beeswax in a double boiler and prepare the seashells by washing them thoroughly. Carefully pour wax into the shells, making sure they stay level and wax doesn’t pour over the edges. (Here's a trick: sit the shells in sand so they don't slide around while you're pouring the hot wax.) Place a wick in the center of each one. The wicks are short and should easily stay in place without the help of a glue gun. Then let the cool and cure for a full 24 hours. It's so simple and shabby chic. Happy crafting!

2013 Presidential Inauguration

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Let's raise a glass for the 44th President of the United States! We're all so thrilled for him! Here are two sneekys inspired by him and his right hand woman, The First Lady, Michelle Obama. Cheers!  

"The Obama"

I made this drink specially for the Commander-in-chief at a party in his honor. 

  • 2 oz vodka 2 oz champagne
  • 2 oz grapefruit
  • Splash st Germaine
Put all ingredients in a shaker and shake shake shake!

Thanksgiving Countdown

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Thanksgiving is the one meal each year than never fails to induce drama, anxiety and other seasonal stressors.

Relax!

Stock up on my essentials for festive table decor that will put your mind at ease and smiles on your guests faces at my  Open Sky page. And let this checklist be your guide to a stress free and thankful holiday. The key is to prepare ahead of time. The more you get done before the big day, the more time you'll be able to spend with your guests the day of.