Mini Project: Table Settings

The holidays are upon us and I wanted to do a layered table setting. My philosophy is to use what you have, no matter the occasion, you can easily find items that will bring the overall vision to fruition.

Now, on the face of it, these gas-station china that inherited don't scream Christmas, but that shouldn't deter from using them. Other accessories can bring even this summer theme to a winter-y vibe.

My cream striped table cloth will do nicely as the back drop.

I found these napkins that don't have a winter-y theme, either, but have a shimmer, that will do well.

To really bring in the Christmas of it all, I went to the dollar store and bought these gold leaf charger plates to sit under the dinner plate.

I picked up a simple and inexpensive runner at Ikea; red for a pop of Christmas colour.

Now it is time to put it all together. Layering: table cloth, runner, charger plate, dinner plate.

Silverware could be layered on the napkin, but I chose to go beside. Knife always goes on the right, edge toward the plate, glass directly above the knife. Here's an graphic showing the formal setting. Generally, you won't have this many unless it is a 5+ course meal, so pick and choose based on what you will be eating. Basically, you sort your utensils in the order with which they are served, with the outermost utensils being used first, and making your way in towards the plate.

Finally, to bring in the winter-chic, I went outside and clipped some branches from a tree in my front yard. I pruned them to make a little tidier for use as a center piece, and used some of the smaller ones to jazz up the layering.

Each place setting - simple yet effective. I chose to layer the napkin over the dinner plate since my plate is so summer-like. Add a bread plate if you have bread, wine glasses, water goblets, or a dessert spoon if you need it, get creative!!

The finished table.

So, the moral of the story, it doesn't have to cost a lot if you use what you already have, and get inventive!

Mini Project: Remembrance Day Wreath

Every year, we support the Legion with the purchase of a few poppies and a donation. Needless to say, we have accumulated quite a few poppies. 

You know I love a good re-use project, so I decided to use a few on a quick and easy project this year: I picked up a generic wreath base and some fake baby's breath at my local Dollarstore.

Then, had a little glue-gun fun with some asymmetrical placement of fake flowers, and we've got a minimalist wreath ready for the front door!

Enjoy!

Sewing 101: Fringe Benefits

I had an "I can do that" moment... but then again... don't we all?

Whether it is criticizing your favorite sports team from your couch or seeing a Jackson Pollack painting, there is always someone who is arrogant enough to think they can do it too.

But, people... I really did think I could do this one. It is super cute and age appropriate and you can purchase it. See link below.

https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/403001866653417918/

But I made it! I did it!

Hallowe'en Costume Repurposed

A few years ago our friends had an adorable costume made for our 1 year old. Being horror fans, they knew that we would absolutely put our daughter in a Freddy Kruger costume.

We of course had to complement that costume with other classic horror characters.
So, what do we with this awesome knitted onesie?

Mini Project: Kitty Batman

Mini Project time!

My husband received this gift from a funny friend. He got a laugh out of it, but ultimately, the shirt would just sit in his dresser, never worn.

Sewing 101: Shirts, Pants, Underpants, Oh My!

Here I am with another sewing challenge.

I am pretty good about keeping my daughter's clothes clean so that they can be sold on our local Mom/Dad's used goods site. However, some stuff just get stained and therefore are unsalable. I just couldn't turn it all into rags, so I had to get creative.

 

Reclaimed Wood: Harvest Table

Our dining room table is weird; the proportions are off.
The base is pretty substantial, and then the top only overhangs by an inch or two.
It served its purpose well, but the last couple of family visits have shown that we need something bigger. The current dimensions are 35" x 45" (889x1143).

Sewing 101: Shirt gets sacked

My awesome friends Jeff and Helen got me a rad shirt when I was pregnant with Millie.
I loved it.

Hey, no snickers about my crazy preggo photo.
Anyway, after the baby bump was gone, it was a less than flattering shirt.
I suppose that should have been obvious since it was specifically made for a pregnant woman.

Growing Like a Weed: DIY Measuring Stick

Wow, a year has gone by so quick.
Our little DIY project, Millie has gone from a little drooly bundle to an energetic happy toddler.

For her 1st birthday, I wanted to measure her for the first time.
The problem with this is that no one stays in the same house for 30 years like our parents did, so marking up a doorway with measurements over the years no longer has the same effect.

DIY Shade: Black Out Beaver

"Black Out Beaver"? It made you nervous, didn't it? Ha!

Okay, don't fret... it is all innocent.

Millie's nursery is fantastically light filled. I love that I rarely have to turn on the light in there.
Having said that, we are going to be moving Millie into her room, and out of ours. With summer days lasting much longer, the amount of light filling that room becomes a problem.

Solution - Blackout panel.
I decided to make a super easy black-out panel using items I already had:
An old airline blanket and canvas.

I cut them both to the size of the window, and stitched them together.
Easy.

Weekend Organizer: Bungee Cords

Hubby's weekend project is a bungee cord organizer.

Curbside Shopping: Radio Teaser

THIS!!

I was leaving for work, and saw one of my neighbours put this beautiful little creature out on the curb.

What I love most about items like this, is it is just the right amount of 'busted' to let me put my own stamp on it, and not feel obligated to restore it. In fact, I doubt neither the radio nor the record player work still. Truly perfect.

Stay tuned to what ends up happening with this Addison Standard Broadcast cabinet,

Garden Labels: Cutlery and Copper

I bought a letter punch set last year at Lee Valley, but never got around to using it for anything.

This year, however, I have made some garden labels!

I had an idea to make them using wood but didn't like the results.
I then thought that perhaps aluminum sheet might work...

Reclaimed Coat Rack: Everything Old is New Again

This house and the modest sized yard, have been a great source of found items. I kind of love how I have managed to find new uses for them.

Included in this found items list is an old coat rack that we found in the shed.

It is a simple design, not necessarily something to sand, stain, and bring inside, but certainly can be a very useful item.

Holiday Decor: All Hallows Eve

I have finally had a moment to do a little more blog-worthy things since I started at my new position.

FINALLY!

Anyway, with the onset of October I felt the need to decorate a little.

This is what our front deck looked like at the beginning of the summer before my flowers bloomed, so it serves as a good before photo.

 It all started with some vinyl bat cutouts that we found at the new-to-Canada, Target.
Score!

Shopping Eco-Friendly in Ottawa: Terra 20

I am sad to report that this past weekend was the first time I went into Terra 20.

What is Terra 20, you ask? Well, I asked too, and essentially it is an eco-friendly department store.

And, it totally is; it is huge, and it is inspiring.

Much of the product is locally sourced too, which is fantastic.

This is just inside the entrance; a glass waterfall fountain.

So far so good!

Item Re-Think: Picture Hangers

On the blogosphere, I have been noticing a lot of people using clothespins on their walls to hold photos, mail, or any other item that it seems appropriate for.

I love it!
What a great idea. These ones are an over-sized version that hold children's artwork.
Brilliant.

Photo from: http://freshfurniture.info/how-to-decorate-your-home-with-your-child-39-s-artwork.html

But how can you use household items that represent you?

Junking: By Proxy

I had to work today.

Did that stop me from junking? Hells no!

Never underestimate the power of a smart phone!

Jim Power & Mosaic Magic

I  came across this Vimeo video a while back, and was really affected by how it made me feel. I love not only this gentleman's determination, but also his story, and his love for his city.

Jim Power and the Mosaic Trail from Etsy on Vimeo.

Boring TV Wall Part 3: Globe Chalk Wars

I bought this globe last weekend. Seen here. We just happened to be out, and I grabbed it for fun... Kinda got a thing for globes and maps.