grown-up art

Friday, July 29, 2011

I recently completed this contemporary painting for my brother.
I must say, it was fun dabbling in a more 'grown-up' piece of artwork, since most of my paintings these days are for nurseries and children's rooms.

Inspiration for this piece came from the general color palette of his living room.
  • chocolate brown sofa 
  • neutral walls
  • graphic patterned throw pillows of crimson red, chocolate brown, earthy green, and cappuccino.




With whimsy~


Frozen Banana Pops

Thursday, July 28, 2011
The Summer Fun Jar:  LET'S EAT
The recipe chosen at random: FROZEN BANANA POPS


1. Cut the banana in half,  insert Popsicle/lollipop stick.

2. Peel the bananas and then Freeze.

3. Dip the frozen banana in melted chocolate and roll in toppings of choice.

4. There you have it!

5. MmMmMmMm...


These banana pops save well in the freezer for a few days.


C loves these fun (somewhat healthy) summer treats.

With whimsy~


Fresh Flowers

Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Fresh Flowers (set of 2)
Size: 12x12
Material: Acrylic on Canvas

Inspired by:

Harper & Fresh Floral Nursery Bedding
image from here

With whimsy~


Mama Like: Circle Dot Backpack/Lunchbox

Monday, July 25, 2011
And the school shopping has begun....

One of our first purchases:



Circle Dots Backpack

Circle Dots Lunchbox
I chose this backpack/lunchbox duo for the Cutie Patootie for a few different reasons.
  • material is thick and sturdy
  • great price 
  • multiple pockets for easy organizing
  • lunchbox clips onto the front of the back pack.  
  • size is large enough (but not too large) to hold the necessities of Kindergarten as well as the first few years of elementary.
  • fun and colorful 


I am still having a hard time grasping that C will be starting Kinder in the Fall...it's all so new, a little scary, but super exciting!

Next up..... shoe shopping. :)

With whimsy~


Marshmallows & Toothpicks

Friday, July 22, 2011
One of the Cutie Patootie's favorite treats are mini marshmallows.
Here is a look at our crafty afternoon building with the little loves and toothpicks.

1. Grab your materials.

2. ...and build.....

3....and nibble...

4. ....and stack....


5..... and build some more...

C literally spent 2 hours doing this while M napped.  Hip Hip Hooray!

With whimsy~


Look For Less: Zebra Rug

Thursday, July 21, 2011
The Look:  Jonathan Adler's Faux Zebra Rug
Price:  $ 995
Pro:  Animal friendly, available in a wide variety of colors.
Con: High Price
Jonathan Adler Rug Zebra Black
image from here
other colors:
image from here



For Less:  Ballard Design
Price $199
Pro: Low Price, animal friendly
Con: Only available in black and white
Zebra Shaped Rug
image from here



Even Less:
Feeling crafty?  Here is an easy DIY project that can create a designer look for pennies.

Click HERE for an easy step by step tutorial.

image from here



Inspiration:
image from here

nurseries - Jonathan Adler Zebra Rug orange zebra rug Giggle.com Bedding Oeuf Furniture Eames Rocking Chair Artwork by Samantha Kurland Jonathan Adler Zebra Rug
image from here

nurseries - Octopus Stencil Zebra Rug turquoise blue nursery baby crib mid century tiger chair blue walls octopus stencils black velvet glider
image from here

with whimsy~


fresh squeezed lemonade

Monday, July 18, 2011
Summer Fun Jar:  LET'S EAT
Recipe Chosen at random:  FRESH SQUEEZED LEMONADE

There is something so sweet about enjoying the simpler things in life.  How easy it is to forget that we don't always need all of the bells and whistles pushed upon us.  
This past weekend we made a pitcher of delicious fresh squeezed lemonade.

The kids LOVED it, and with only 3 ingredients... who could resist?

Click HERE for the recipe.

Here's a look:

1. Grab your ingredients:  Lemons, sugar, water,  mint (optional)

2. Set up (super cute toddler... optional. )
3. .....and SQUEEZE....
4. Start-a-mixing.   (Purse on arm is a must....)
**at this step we actually tweaked Paula Dean's recipe a bit.... while dissolving the sugar in the hot water we actually muddled mint in with it....(similar to mojito style). Make sure to reserve some mint for the garnish at the end.  You know... to keep things pretty.  ;)
5.  Ooh La La

6. MmMmMmMm...


What a perfectly simple afternoon.  :)

With whimsy~


trendy trellis

Friday, July 15, 2011
The trellis pattern is a major trend these days.   

What is the trellis pattern?

  • It is a pattern that is inspired by latticework, especially one used as a support for vines or other creeping plants.  
  • A transitional pattern that works well in contemporary or traditional design.
  • It comes in a wide variety of forms.
Any way you slice it, I love it!

It is a great way to add a graphic pop to any room. 


Inspiration:

Wall Stenciling:
image from here

image from here

image from here

image from here

Photobucket
image from here

Drapery Panels & Rug:

image from here

Draperies:

image from here

image from here
Crib bedding:
Diy bumpers, Nursery, Handmade, Sew
image from here


Swivel Rocker by SPI Baby:

image from here

Lighting:
 Trellis Linen Drum Shade Pendant
image from here


Love the pattern but don't want to commit to an entire wall of it?
Check out this trellis inspired crib sheet from Serena and Lily.  When it comes to trends a little dab will do ya.
Serena & Lily Nursery Basics Crib Bumper Sprout 

image from here

With whimsy~


Non-Staining Glass

Thursday, July 14, 2011
The Cutie Patootie and Mr. M recently added a pop of color to our living room with a Non-Stained Glass back door.

Here's how:

Materials needed:  
  • plastic wrap
  • painter's tape
  • tissue paper
  • scissors
  • glue stick.
Directions:
  1. Cover glass door or window with plastic wrap.  
  2. Hold in place with painters tape.  
  3. Cut tissue paper into small pieces.  
  4. Glue tissue pieces on to plastic wrap.
**Tip**
We found that it was much easier to smear the glue stick all over a small area then place several pieces on the door instead of gluing one piece at a time.  This was a huge time saver and easier for little hands.

Admiring her masterpiece.  :)



This craft was super easy and fun for the kids to do!

When you are done showcasing it just peel the tape and plastic wrap away and toss.  LOVE easy clean-up!!!


with whimsy~