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Rain chains: a style alternative to downspouts

February 6, 2012 By Kelly Leave a Comment

beautiful rain chains | Home Fashion MagazineIf you are tired of looking at the ugly aluminum rain gutters that are attached to the sides of your home or simply enjoy the relaxing and soothing sounds of water, you might want to consider replacing those downspouts with a beautiful yet functional rain chain.

What is a rain chain?

A rain chain has one primary purpose and that is to funnel water from rain gutters into a ceramic pot or other catch basin at the foot of the chain. But it can provide so much more by creating a beautiful water feature that produces the soothing sounds of water and can also water your garden at the same time.

Feng shui and rain chains

Simply stated, feng shui is the ancient Chinese art of balancing energy through five different elements and this balance is believed to insure good health and fortune for all who practice it. Translated, the words feng shui mean wind and water; both elements that are associated with good health. When placed properly, the sight and sound of water running through the rain chain just might improve your personal health and wealth cycle and who doesn’t need a little help in that area!

Rain chain styles

Rain chains are available in many different styles.
• Link chain is the most common style and consists of connected links of varying sizes that allow the water from the gutter to pass through the links and deposit it into a ceramic pot, water feature or directly into the ground below. This simple style provides a clean look to your garden but can create quite a bit of splash as the water passes through.
• To avoid a lot of splash, a cup style rain chain might be a better choice. These cups are available in a variety of sizes and designs. For example, bell shapes, scalloped edges and varying cup sizes can be found.
• Themed designs such as sunflowers, butterflies, hummingbird and grape clusters are just a few of the many custom designs that are available. These add that extra special personal touch to any garden.
• Several finishes are available including copper, brass and aluminum. These metals will develop a lovely patina over time that enhances the overall look of your rain chain.

They are easy to install, simply attach them to the hole where a downspout would be installed and let them work their magic. But rain chains can also be hung from a tree or outside column where they can funnel water from sprinklers or a natural source such as rain.

Install a rain chain today and you will immediately begin to enjoy the added ambience that running water, natural metal and unique designs will provide. They make a thoughtful housewarming gift for the new homeowner, gardener or anyone who appreciates and enjoys the relaxing sight and sound of water.

Filed Under: Decorating, Designer, Eco, Featured, Flowers & Garden, Flowers & Garden, Outdoor Living Tagged With: , , , , ,

Peace Sign Home Décor

January 18, 2011 By Kelly Leave a Comment

The peace sign has become one of the most recognizable symbols of our time. It was originally created in the late 1950’s in England for the nuclear disarmament movement of the time. However, it is most commonly associated with the peace movement of the 1960’s when rebellious college students adopted it as their symbol against the conservative Establishment and the war in Vietnam. No longer seen as just a sign of youthful rebellion, jewelry, clothing, artwork and, now, home décor accessories are all adorned with this little sign of hope and there are many ways to introduce the peace sign into your home decorating.

• Hang a wreath on your front door that will greet your guests in a loving and friendly manner all year long. These can be made from wood, grapevines, recycled metal or fabric.
• Bedding and other bedroom accessories are available in lots of “groovy” colors. Your teen or college student will delight in this retro look.
• Fabric adorned with the peace sign can be used as accent pillows and throws. These items will add a fun and youthful touch to your family room or play area.
• Doormats and rugs are a simple and functional way to introduce the peace sign into your home decorating.
• Wall decals are easy to apply. Use them for a party theme or to spice up the walls in your child’s bedroom. When the party is over or your child moves on to the next trend they can be easily removed.
• There are many artists who turn recycled metal into interesting peace signs to be used as yard art or outdoor decoration.
• The holidays are a great time to display this universal sign of love and peace. Hang one in your window or off the deck; string it with lights so it can be seen once it gets dark.

Stained glass, custom wrought iron, quilts and wood carving offer additional ways to introduce and display the peace sign in your home décor.

Filed Under: Decorating, Eco, Flowers & Garden, Holidays & Crafts, Outdoor Living Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Vintage Light Bulbs | A Re-Use Christmas Gift

November 5, 2010 By Kelly Leave a Comment

lightbulb_vintage_christmas_ornament200In today’s renew, reuse, recycle climate it is difficult to throw anything away, even a burned out light bulb, without experiencing some sort of guilt. But there are many fun ways to turn a burned out incandescent bulb into a beautiful holiday ornament or Christmas gift.

Paint, glitter, beads…oh my!

All it takes is a little bit of craft paint, some glitter and a few beads to turn an old bulb into a thing of beauty. Be creative and let your inner artist shine through by painting zigzags, circles and other simple geometric designs onto a painted surface. Attach some colorful beads with wire and you have a one-of-a-kind ornament to give as a gift.

The shape of the bulb is perfect for a Santa Claus or friendly snowman. You can even add pipe cleaner antlers to create Rudolph.

Personalize

Add a simple monogram for a truly personalized gift. You can download any font type you choose and use as a template on your painted light bulb. Make one for each member of the family, pets included, and create a namesake tree, give one to the teacher or use as your “secret elf” gift at work.

Using the socket as a “neck” paint the bulb to represent certain members of the family. For example, add a beard and a bald head for grandpa, eyeglasses for Dad, curly hair, blue eyes, freckles etc. Attach a ribbon to the top as a hanger.

Paint a bulb to look like something important to a friend or member of the family and add their name. For example, paint a tennis racket for Mom who plays every Tuesday. Dad will enjoy a baseball ornament with his name on it and if Billy is the next David Beckham create a soccer ball ornament for him. You get the idea.

Family fun night

What with sports, music lessons, sleep overs etc. it is difficult to get the whole family together for an evening. But the kids will be excited to stay home when they get to participate in a craft project. Cover the table with an easy to clean vinyl cloth and spread all the supplies out. Let the kids choose their idea but be careful when little ones are handling the light bulbs. Now paint, glue and decorate away. Not only will you be creating beautiful ornaments and gifts but you will create special memories at the same time.

Christmas is a time of giving and what better way to give back to Mother Earth than by recycling and repurposing old items like burned out light bulbs.

Filed Under: Antiques, Eco, Entertainment, Holidays & Crafts Tagged With: , , , , ,

Bringing Outside Gardens Inside With Terrariums

October 28, 2010 By Kelly Leave a Comment

It is possible for you to enjoy the lush greenery of plants all year long through the use of indoor gardens, sometimes called terrariums.

A terrarium is defined as a small enclosure in which certain plants (and small animals) can be raised. Over time they actually create their own little weather system that makes it possible for the plants to receive the correct amount of moisture and humidity. Most indoor gardens are kept in a glass enclosure to allow the plants to receive proper light for growth and also make it possible for you to view and enjoy the garden. You might consider using fish bowls, glass bell jars, a dish with a cloche (clear glass cover) placed on top, an aquarium or other discarded glass pieces. Vintage iron furnishings with glass sides can house many plants and create a beautiful focal point in your home. An old metal birdhouse can be turned into an indoor garden with the addition of some glass sides and a removable top. Just be sure that your garden has a lid that can be removed to adjust humidity levels inside the enclosure.

Choosing the correct plants for an indoor garden is important and should be based on the amount of light and humidity that is available. Some species to consider are:

• Moss
• Ferns such as the delicate looking maidenhair and asparagus fern
• Ivy
• Succulents like the jade plant
• Household plants like philodendron and begonias
• African violets for sweet color

If unique and exotic is what you are seeking there are many species that can thrive in a terrarium setting.

• Consider the carnivorous Venus fly trap for a truly unique plant.
• The cobra lily will add an interesting shape to your indoor garden.
• In spite of the name, the rattlesnake Orchid is a beautiful plant.

For proper growth your terrarium should have a bottom layer of rock and gravel for drainage, a layer of moss to prevent soil from accumulating in the drainage area and a top layer of soil. It is important that your plants get along. If they are not compatible i.e. needing the same amount of light and humidity as well as type of soil, then your indoor garden will not survive.

If you have done your homework and chosen the correct plants, soil and enclosure your indoor garden will require minimum care and provide you with years of year round beauty.

Filed Under: Antiques, Eco, Flowers & Garden, Home Improvement Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Bewitching twig furnishings for the home

October 25, 2010 By Kelly Leave a Comment

twig_branch_decor110Natural and rustic furnishings and accessories are all the rage this year and items made from twigs are appearing everywhere. Vases, accent furniture, tabletop items and holiday decorations are all found sporting this very earthy accent.

Add texture to your fall or holiday table.

It is easy to add some interesting texture and dimension to your holiday table using twigs.
• Place a small glass hurricane inside a twig basket to hold flowers or candles. This turns the ordinary votive or candleholder into something interesting and unique.
• Twigs can be intermingled with leaves and seasonal items for a beautiful centerpiece. Simply lay them lengthwise across the table and scatter the other items around.
• Doll house size twig furniture can be used to hold candles, salt & pepper shakers or as place cards for your guests. These can often be found in the garden section of your favorite home store.

Natural Holiday Decorations

In response to the consumer’s desire for rustic items, many manufacturers are offering holiday decorations made from natural materials. This season you will find Christmas trees and other seasonal items made from dried twigs. If you are celebrating in a mountain cabin or just want a beautiful centerpiece for your entryway, these twig trees are the answer. You can leave them in their natural state and use them year round or spray paint them for some sparkle. Add some vintage bulbs and you have a real conversation piece.

Tall curly willow branches can be placed in a tall container to fill an empty corner in your room. Add twinkling lights to create some holiday ambience.

Outdoor Furniture

Twig furniture pieces can become real collector’s items. The cutting, drying and assembly process is often done by hand. You will find beautiful garden benches as well as chairs and tables. The airy, open weave will add interest and texture to any patio or deck area. Simply add a comfortable cushion and you have a lovely spot to sit and read or share a drink with friends.

Twigs can be found in florist supply shops, craft and home décor stores but the best place to find them is in your own backyard. Make it a family project to gather twigs and turn them into something special for your home and create a special memory at the same time.

Filed Under: Eco, Featured, Flowers & Garden, Holidays & Crafts, Outdoor Living Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Rail and Nautical Ship Industrial Salvage

October 8, 2010 By Kelly Leave a Comment

The railroad has always held a romantic allure for many. The sound of the train’s whistle in the distance and seeing the tell tale red light of the lantern on the caboose as it sped by made many young men dream of hopping a train that would transport them to a faraway place someday. Those lanterns that disappeared in the distance so long ago have become a popular item for history buffs as well as collectors.

Add a touch of Railway history to your home décor

• Hang these lanterns outdoors and enjoy the red glow from the colored glass
• Place a pair of lanterns on your fireplace mantel in a casual family room
• This is the perfect accessory for a lake or mountain cabin
• Place one in the bedroom of that future Henry Flagler you have in your family and let him dream of traveling the railways
• If you are lucky you may run across a salvaged signal light that features red and blue glass lenses. This would be the perfect gift for the railroad buff or frequent traveler

Sail the High Seas with nautical industrial salvage

Just as many young men dreamt of escaping on the railroad others dreamt of sailing the seas to exotic ports of call. Nautical salvage comes in the form of many items found on large passenger ships and includes:

• Passageway lights to rewire and use as porch and deck lighting.
• Large deck lights
• Old signal lights that make interesting shelf décor
• Lanterns that were used on the decks can be used as backyard décor and are the perfect accessory for a beach house or on your own yacht

Many of these fixtures have interesting metal bars protecting the glass. They are most often found in copper and brass that offer a beautiful shine and patina. You can also look for other nautical salvage that includes compasses, portholes, ship’s wheels, bells and the popular glass floats and jugs entwined with rope.

The use of both rail and nautical industrial salvage as home décor is a popular way of recycling items while protecting and preserving the memory of a magical time long ago.

Filed Under: Antiques, Decorating, Eco, Outdoor Living Tagged With: , , , ,

Create a garden sanctuary outdoor living space

July 5, 2010 By Kelly Leave a Comment

What better way to enjoy the warm summer months than at home in your own garden sanctuary.

The definition of sanctuary is that of a sacred or holy place where sacred objects are kept or it can refer to a safe place to go to in times of stress. It is easy to create your own backyard sanctuary as a spot to renew and reenergize.

• Planting perennials will insure that you have living color year round. There is something reassuring in watching plants thrive year after year. You may find yourself becoming attached to certain plants and admire them for their tenacity, beauty or the feeling they give you each time they bloom.
• A comfortable place to sit and relax is important in any garden sanctuary. Place benches or comfortable chairs in several areas to allow you to enjoy the sun, shade, different plant species etc. Twig furniture is a good choice as it will blend into the background and is able to withstand the elements year round.
• The sound of water can be very soothing. Add a fountain or small pool to your garden. The sounds of the water can also block out distracting noises from traffic or noisy neighbors.
• For that true sanctuary feeling, add a steeple or cupola to an outdoor gazebo or other building. Scout your local salvage yards to find a vintage steeple. Every steeple has a story so this will add a bit of whimsy and historical interest to your garden.

It is not necessary to have a large area in order to create a beautiful garden. If your space is limited simply place your plants in pots and planters, add a small bench for seating and hang a waterfall on the wall. Even the steeple can be used in a small space as a tabletop ornament or a freestanding art object. The goal is to create a tranquil spot to escape the frenetic pace of today’s lifestyle.

Once your garden is complete be sure to find the time to enjoy the benefits an outdoor sanctuary can provide—renewed energy, reduced stress and an overall sense of well being.

Filed Under: Antiques, Architecture, Eco, Flowers & Garden, Outdoor Living Tagged With: , , , ,

Decorative Acid Stain Concrete | Unique and Classy

June 24, 2010 By Kelly Leave a Comment

Concrete flooring and countertops are, in many ways, the new kid in town. While concrete has been around forever, using it in decorative ways on the interior of your home is a relatively new idea.

The advantages of concrete

Concrete flooring and countertops offer many advantages:

• Easy to maintain—a simple swipe with a damp cloth or broom is all you need to take care of concrete. You may need to reseal heavy traffic areas every couple of years but this is a quick and simple process.
• Durable—if properly installed, concrete will never wear out. Wood warps and buckles, tiles crack and come loose and carpeting shows dirt and wear quickly. These issues are never a problem with concrete.
• Eco-friendly—Concrete is made from all natural products and can include recycled items like plastic, marble, glass etc. In most areas, the products needed to make concrete are local, thereby eliminating the need for expensive delivery. It is resistant to mold and mildew and can even withstand some natural disasters like fire and storms, allowing it to be recycled later.
• Cost effective—your heating and cooling bills can be reduced as concrete is a natural regulator of indoor temperatures. It will absorb the heat during the day and slowly release it in the cooler evening hours.
• Allergen & toxin free—this is a great choice for flooring and countertops if anyone in your home suffers from allergies. Unlike other floor coverings, concrete does not harbor dust mites, does not release any toxins from glue or varnish and mold and mildew are not able to grow on concrete.

Customizing your concrete floor or countertop

There are many ways to infuse a bit of personality into your floor or countertop.
• An acid stain will give your floor a unique color and pattern. It is also possible to apply the stain in a pre-determined pattern to really customize your flooring.
• Add bits of recycled glass, mica chips, sea shells, recycled plastic, fossils, crystals or metal to your floor or countertop for an expensive, custom look.
• Concrete can be molded and poured into any desired shape.

When it comes time to replace your flooring or countertops, consider concrete. You will not only save money in the long run but the end result will be a beautiful one-of-a-kind focal point in your home.

Filed Under: Eco, Featured, Home Improvement, Kitchen & Bath Tagged With: , , , ,

Indie Green Crafting

June 23, 2010 By Kelly Leave a Comment

indie green craftingThe art of crafting is experiencing a resurgence in popularity and craft fairs are popping up all over the country. But these are not the craft fairs of the 1970’s. Today’s green craft fair focuses on unique art, clothing, jewelry and home décor pieces made from recycled or repurposed items.

Indie green crafts

In today’s lingo, the word “indie” can be used to describe anything hip or non-mainstream. For example, indie music is published by independent recording companies and indie craft fairs feature arts and crafts that may be a bit out of the ordinary. In fact, Indie crafts are in a category all by themselves. You are not likely to find patchwork aprons or a macramé plant holder at an indie craft fair. What you will see are lovely jewelry and beautiful artwork crafted from bottle caps and newspapers; wearable clothing made out of plastic bags or vintage fabrics and old CD cases become picture frames or hanging ornaments. Kitchen canisters painted with country geese have been replaced by skulls and other punk icons. Hand blown glass art is always popular but at an Indie craft festival the blown glass is often a more functional item like “smoking” paraphernalia. These crafters are expert at turning garbage and cast off objects into beautiful and functional art.

Regional green craft fairs

If mainstream is more your style, travel around our beautiful country and you will find crafts as diverse as the countryside.

• Areas that are near the water have the opportunity to repurpose or recycle items associated with boating and fishing, for example. Old sails may be turned into tote bags, sturdy outdoor cushions or window treatments like those found at www.ellavickers.com. Lobster traps become unique and functional picture frames or coffee tables. (www.lobstertrapart.com) Old rope can turn an ordinary lamp into a one-of-a-kind piece of art and large rope knots make perfect doorstops.

• Mountain areas offer different opportunities for crafters. Woven baskets and hanging wall art made from dropped pine needles and adorned with naturally shed animal horns is the perfect accessory in a casual home. Discarded sweaters are repurposed into blankets and quilts; fallen trees can be turned into beautiful and functional furniture.

• Even city dwellers can create green crafts. Bottles, cans, wine corks, newspapers, old furniture; all of these items can be repurposed, recycled, refinished or reupholstered into something beautiful and/or functional.

Green craft fairs often donate a portion of the funds collected to a local charity, offer a clothing swap or collect food for a shelter. Even the food booths are green—no hot dogs and French fries here—look for organic, locally grown food items along with a selection for vegetarians and vegans. My how times have changed!

Filed Under: Antiques, Eco, Holidays & Crafts, Kitchen & Bath, Outdoor Living Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Card Table Linens | Monogrammed cocktail napkins and card table covers

May 12, 2010 By Kelly Leave a Comment

Card Table Linens: Monogrammed cocktail napkins and card table coversWhat’s in a name? Since time began men have been proud of their name and have demonstrated that pride through family crests, Scottish plaids and other symbols that set their name apart from others. A great, modern way to show off a name is with a beautiful and sophisticated set of monogrammed linens.

Friday night poker game

When the fellas arrive at the house for their weekly poker game, imagine their surprise when they sit down to a table topped with a personalized table cover. There are covers in several masculine colors and monogram styles. No need to panic over spilled beer or an upside down pizza; the faux suede fabric is durable and easy to clean.

No more paper napkins

A set of monogrammed cocktail napkins will turn your ordinary bridge game or family game night into something special. Choose several sets so each family member has their own napkins or offer a set to the winner of bingo or the bridge game. With so many options available, you can color coordinate the monogram, use different fonts for different occasions etc.

An added advantage to using cloth linens is that there is no paper to throw away. Everyone is very concerned about the impact we, as human beings, have on the environment and these cocktail napkins are one small way to be “green” and support the cause.

A monogrammed card table cover and set of cocktail napkins allows the man in your life to proudly display his initials while entertaining his buddies. Also makes a great Father’s Day gift for the man who has everything.

Filed Under: Eco, Entertainment, Holidays & Crafts, Kitchen & Bath Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
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