Design*Sponge

DIY Ombre Rain Chain

Grace Bonney — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 17:00:53 +0000

When I visit other countries, I’m always fascinated by some of the simplest differences in even the most mundane things. A perfect example: rain chains. My husband and I visited Japan last Fall, and I noticed these beautiful copper chains — often with a series of cups — hanging from the gutters of homes and even temples. I assumed they were purely decorative, but in fact, they replace downspouts and harness the flow of rain water in such a simple, calming way. What a beautiful concept, no? What’s even better is that a simple rain chain is a super easy DIY, and adding a little custom color is only marginally more work — and well worth it. –Mandy Pellegrin

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DIY Gold-Edged Wedding Table Numbers

Grace Bonney — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:00:52 +0000

Maybe it’s the Gatsby-mania that’s been going around, or maybe it’s just a color scheme that will never go out of style, but lately I’ve been obsessed with the glamour and glitz of the black, gray and gold combo. In clothes it looks dapper, in homes it looks expensive and these three simple colors make stationery look oh so luxurious. I recently made my business cards with this trio of colors and when Grace asked if I could adapt the technique for wedding details, I thought it would be perfect for an art deco inspired affair with the clean lines and gold embellishments.

This DIY tutorial uses two colors of paper and a gilded edge to create a look that’s appealing from any angle. The process is simple and works whether you want to write your own table numbers or use printable templates. -Adrienne of Adrienne Elise Designs

The full how-to continues after the jump…

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20 Great DIY Wedding Backdrop Ideas

Grace Bonney — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 15:00:19 +0000

Last month I had the pleasure of being part of “Team Pom Pom” for my friends’ Clay and Lisa’s wedding. Along with Victoria and Anna, I helped create a massive tissue paper and medallion wall that served as both a photo and ceremony backdrop. It was so fun to be a part of building something that would be such a big (visually, at least) part of their big day, that it made me start thinking about other beautiful DIY backdrops I’ve seen at weddings. So to go along with our wedding theme this month, I thought it would be fun to roundup 20 of my favorite DIY wedding backdrop ideas that you can easily make and customize for any big occasion you’re throwing, weather it’s a wedding, a birthday party or some other festive celebration. xo, grace

Image above, clockwise from top left: Crepe paper backdrop from Martha Stewart, Scalloped paper backdrop, Dyed book page backdrop by Ginny Branch for the D*S Book Tour, A dramatic ribbon and wood backdrop, My favorite wedding decor ever, from Lena Corwin’s California Wedding that used Marimekko fabric backdrops (Images via Martha Stewart Weddings).

Image sources and more backdrop ideas continue after the jump…

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Anchors Away by Caitlin Wilson

Grace Bonney — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 14:00:19 +0000

Caitlin Wilson knows her way around a cheerful textile design. We’ve been happily following her textile line since its debut (and her gorgeous home) so I was happy to hear she’s launched a new summer collection called ‘Anchors Away!”. Beachy, preppy and full of classic colors like pink and navy blue, it’s the perfect collection if you’re looking to add a nautical style to your home this summer. Click here to check out the full collection and order online. [Photos by Courtney Apple] xo, grace

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Vintage Trailer Rentals from Goodness Travels

Maxwell Tielman — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 13:00:17 +0000

Clear your calendars, New Yorkers—the weekend road trip just got a heck of a lot cooler. While vintage trailer rentals have been a thing on the west coast for years, one small new company is bringing the joy of trailer camping to adventure-seekers on the east coast starting this summer. Goodness Travels, which currently rents a small “canned ham” trailer by the night, was founded by a husband/wife team hoping to spread their love of “tiny homes-on-wheels.” While their flagship trailer, Honey, is understandably minimal, it packs quite a lot of charm and utility into such a small space. Outfitted with two beds, a retro-style icebox, working kitchen, and an electrical hookup, this little guy is also souped up with fresh paint and some lovely midcentury-appropriate touches. According to the company’s website, Honey sleeps two adults (or “four very close friends”) comfortably, and starts at just $104 a night. For those looking to get away with friends from the city’s hustle, bustle, and sweltering heat this summer, Goodness Travels seems like the perfect option. Check out more photos after the jump! —Max

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New Artwork from Lena Wolff

Grace Bonney — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 12:00:38 +0000

I really love Lena Wolff‘s work. There’s something slightly dark about it, but still so beautiful and intricate and elegant. Her latest work was inspired by early American quilt patterns and it’s been an interesting (and gorgeous) direction to see her explore. Lena has a new show opening on June 26th at one of my favorite spots, Ampersand Gallery & Books in Portland, OR. You can see the work in person, but Ampersand also has a selection of work that will be online and you can purchase works through their website (or via email) as well. Click here to check out more of Lena’s work online.

*If you’re in San Francisco, you can also check out Lena’s work on the walls of the Black Dahlia at Barrow Salon. She created a beautiful 7-foot wall piece for the salon.

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