image courtesy abc7_ny
Adorning one’s head with a hat of flowers, fabric, and fantastical additions in celebration of Easter has been the culture and pride of many New Yorkers as far back as I can remember. And now after a 2-year pandemic hiatus, the tradition of showcasing the artistry and creativity of the Easter bonnet has made its come back
Have you ever noticed how a simple change to a window’s dressing can affect the whole mood of a room? Or how just the right blinds can offer the perfect casting of light against walls, floors, and furnishings ? If you’ve ever explored the world of customized window treatments, then you already know. If you haven’t, here are a few reasons why you should.
Reason 1: UNIQUENESS
I remember holidays full of turkey, stuffing and apple pie. Generations around the table partaking in good food, tasty sweets and infectious laughter. Handmade napkins printed in holly dressed grandmama’s table that was draped in green poly crepe. In the room surrounding us, lights bounced off inanimate objects casting golden shadows on beige striped and cran-apple suede cushioned wing chairs while tie-backs in holiday splendor dangled on vanilla drapes. Assorted prints and textures added warmth and richness. And under the tree, Christmas gifts wrapped in traditional furoshiki styled fabrics of red tissue lame and festive plaid check.
Throughout various cultures around the world, bells have historically held a multitude of meaning and purpose. Bells symbolize beginnings and endings. They are rung at weddings, funerals, during meditation and to raise our vibrations. Bells warn us and call our attention. They commence fights and finish them, and alert us of livestock movement. Bells inform us of guests and signal the readiness of palate pleasing nourishment. Simple soundful metal craft for some, sacred singing bell for others, these handcrafted creations have served communities for thousands of years.
With a fast-furnishing trend influencing consumer purchase of cheaply made and inexpensively priced home fittings, a demand for a more eco-sustainable, value-driven way of decorating our homes simmers on the back burner, awaiting its (re)turn to the forefront again. Enter the scrappers, grassroots DIY’ers, experienced artisans, seasoned wood-crafters, and novices of slow-furnishing in the making.
Like fast-fashion, fast-furnishing offers seemingly fashionable furniture that is quickly produced using cheap materials. Often times it is manufactured overseas where exploited workers from underprivileged countries are paid pennies to produce, and the price tags left hanging once stateside offer a great look at a great price, along with a guilt-free disposable mentality. What more could a style conscious consumer on a budget want, right?
J&O DIY Cocktail Canopy: Floral Deco
For the J&O/ Summerdale Mills family, summer just isn’t summer without backyard BBQ’s, picnics, taking in seemingly endless sunsets in an outdoor living space of our very own, or simply sitting pretty by the seashore. But beyond the idea and aesthetics of it all, there is the nitty-gritty of uninvited guests to contend with that certainly can have a way of spoiling the fun. You know those party-crashers I’m speaking of. The eight-legged, winged and just plain annoying creepy crawlies seduced by the sights, sounds and scents of it all. We can’t blame them for wanting to get a taste of the good life I know, but we can make our presence in their domain more comfortable.
With my skill set primarily in drapery, one of the more intimidating projects I have yet to undertake is the making of knickers. Not the kind that can be mistaken for mens’ underwear because of their boxy, boyish cut, but truly form-fitting, feminine lingerie that make a woman look and FEEL sexy! I’m not sure which of my concerns surrounding such a seemingly simple feat is stronger…getting the cut just right or properly manipulating the stretchy knits required in the way needed to keep them from sagging. But with several ultra-feminine silk and floral poly rems to play with, this DiY video courtesy of Delia and Erika at Flo-Jo Boutique in Bristol, was just the inspiration I needed to boost my courage up a notch and at least try my hand at a pair or two.
A self-threading serger that finishes in less than a minute…
A sewing machine with self-correcting tension…
A completed garment of your imagination at the press of a button that fits us magnificently….
Until such gift wishes big or small become a reality, a seamstress can always dream. As for those that cherish the magic her hands manifest, why not show your appreciation this holiday season with affordably cool rescue remedies that will make her jump for joy or if nothing less, make her labors of love less arduous.
