holidays by Grace Bonney 11

wildhorse press cards

At the end of every year when I go through my receipts and prepare for taxes, I’m always a little embarrassed to see a reminder of how frequently I buy cards. I tend to pick up cards and stockpile them away for possible use in the future. But mostly they’re my favorite sort of impulse buy- cute, inexpensive and handmade. These sweet cards are from one of my 2011 National Stationery Show favorites, Wildhorse Press. Designer Elizabeth Evans just released two new Valentine’s Day cards that are perfect for friends or loved ones, but I also really love the moving notices she created that make it easy to announce your new address to friends. All of Wildhorse Press’ work is available for sale online right here, prices range from $4.50 per card to $18 for sets. xo, grace

diy by Amanda Brown 44

upholstery basics: boxed cushion sewing

Happy New Year! I hope your resolutions include rejuvenating your worn-out furniture because I have lots of fun projects planned for us this year! First up is a new bed for Pixie. She’s been lying on an old cushion I pulled out of a client’s chair. Yuck! So I thought it was about time for an upgrade. A few yards and hours later, and she is relaxing in style. The best part is you can use these steps to make any boxed cushion, even if it’s not for your furry friend. Think window seat, desk chair or even revamping a sofa by adding new cushions in a contrasting fabric! — Amanda

Read the full how-to after the jump!

before and after by Kate Pruitt 34

before & after: dark and moody bedroom makeover

Dark walls have been quite popular lately, and I think this bedroom makeover from Molly Molina Crawford provides a perfect example of why this trend is here to stay. The patterned rugs, the gold accents, the colorful artwork — everything just pops against those rich, sultry walls. Colors seem more vivid, whites feel super crisp and every pattern feels a little more special and sophisticated when it’s offset by a dark hue.

Molly’s done an amazing job at keeping things streamlined, fresh and bright, and I’m impressed by how many DIYs she’s tackled in order to transform the room on a low budget and reuse many of her own pieces. Last but not least, I love her decision to add the detailing on the roman shades — it’s the perfect finishing touch to this glamorous navy and red room. Awesome job, Molly! — Kate

Have a Before & After you’d like to share? Shoot me an email with your images right here! (Low res, under 500k per image, please.)

Read the full post after the jump!

before and after by Kate Pruitt 30

before & after: dining nook diamond wall design

I’m super excited to share today’s first Before & After project for two reasons. One, I’ve been a bit preoccupied lately with three-dimensional wallpaper ideas and other sculptural wall treatments, so this fits perfectly into my current obsession. And two, I think it’s awesome that the creator of this amazing diamond wall pattern, Dana Frieling, decided to tackle this project so that she could step outside her comfort zone and learn how to use power tools. Way to go, Dana! The result looks well crafted and professional, and I love the monochromatic color choice; it gives the pattern a sculptural and elegant feel without being overbearing. I wouldn’t be surprised if this is the new best room in the house. I know I’d spend a lot of time in here gazing at this lovely wall. Well done, Dana! — Kate

Have a Before & After you’d like to share? Shoot me an email with your images right here! (Low res, under 500k per image, please.)

Read the full post after the jump!

products by Grace Bonney 5

sarah milton wallpaper

Though I’ve been trying to wean myself off of wallpaper lately, these designs from Sarah Milton in York are calling my name. Sarah specializes in typographic wallpapers that beautifully combine typefaces and bright colors. She blends letters, numbers and characters to create new abstract patterns that are then hand-silkscreened (by Sarah) onto papers. I love how fresh these feel in a market that’s still super-saturated with animal designs. If you’re looking for something type-based to decorate your home with, click here to check out Sarah’s wallpaper (and prints) online. xo, grace

More images after the jump . . .

artwork by Grace Bonney 21

lyrics on vinyl

While Amy and I were laying yet another layer of thick black paint on our office floors (let’s hope the fumes scare away the mice that have taken up residency between tenants), we took a break to snap some process shots. As we stood in the hallway, we met one of our new neighbors, who happens to be an audio engineer with an impressive vinyl collection. I’m not a vinyl collector myself, but I’ve always been impressed by people who put the time and care into maintaining a great collection. After we painted and I walked home, I stumbled onto a box of vinyl records that had been carelessly tossed on the side of the road and fairly scuffed up (which seems like it would be some sort of punishable hipster crime in my neighborhood). I cringed when I thought of what our new neighbor would think and wondered what sort of DIY project I could use them for now that they are un-playable. I’m still racking my brain for something clever, but these record-based pieces from artist Patrick Laurent of Quiet Boy Studio seem like a nice idea.

Patrick paints lyrics on old records and currently sells them through his Etsy shop. In addition to selections that are special to him, Patrick takes custom orders if you have lyrics that mean something to you. This would make a fun gift for someone’s birthday, wedding or anniversary, so if you’ve been trying to come up with a personalized gift, click here to check out Patrick’s current selections or order a custom piece. xo, grace