Felt Furniture Miniatures

Saturday was the first time I dared to venture out to make a few exchanges/returns and check out the sales since before Christmas.  Unlike many, I'm a bit of a wuss when it comes to shopping the after Christmas sales, no matter how great the prices.  I generally get the courage to go out a few days after the crowds have subsided and usually there's still a few stray sale items to be found.

This past weekend, I lucked into these sweet felt furniture miniatures at Anthropologie.  I loved the overall look and texture of them ~ probably because I kind of have a thing for felt these days.  They were intended to be ornaments but that's not how I envisioned using them.  I knew I could snip the gold ornament strings off and find a home for the wee chairs, so they could be used year round.  Plus, they were just too good to pass up at 50% off.

 

I think this menagerie of little felt chairs looks lovely parading across the Pottery Barn dish (I found it at a thrift store for $1.00) and it proves true ~ good things often do come in small packages.

As we gear up for the New Year, I'm hoping your 2013 is filled to the brim with good things.  Thanks for taking the time to stop by Tattered Style.  Be sure to like Tattered Style on Facebook ~ here or follow me on Pinterest here!  XO ~ Dana

***Merry Christmas***

After our family attended a candlelight service at church yesterday evening and enjoyed dinner together, we all settled in for the night.  Here's what our family will awaken to today ~ this Christmas day.  A simple but peaceful setting in our living room, is where all the activity will begin.  My sons requested a real tree this year ~ one filled with all of our sentimental ornaments that have been made or collected over the years.  It's nothing like the funky ladder tree we had last year (if you are interested, you can see it here) but it's so charming and smells so Christmassy. 

Felt stockings, I've sewn over the years, hang from the mantle.  They're nothing fancy by any means, but were made with a lot of heart and the boys are quite attached to them ~ favoring them over something I might purchase at a store.  Penny ~ our American Bulldog, still doesn't have one of her own ~ hopefully she will by next Christmas.  

We will linger here for a couple of hours ~ with Christmas music blaring (courtesy of Pandora) from a nearby room.  My favorite channel this year has been Tony Bennett ~ holiday.  It offers up a delightful mix.

And as you might suspect, there'll be lots of laughing, sharing, opening of presents, picture taking and memory making.  

When all the opening of gifts is over and done with, Nate and I will move into the kitchen to start whipping up our traditional Christmas breakfast of whole wheat, chocolate chip, peanut butter pancakes.  My mouth is watering already ~ just thinking of them slathered in butter and puddled in a plate of maple syrup.  They are so yummy ~ I most certainly should share the recipe with you someday.

Then most likely, we will sit around the table for awhile longer and reminisce about Christmases past and Nana and Papa and life as it is today.

Christmas Eve dinner with Nate, Corbin, Reagan and Gavin

It's days like this, with us all together as a family, I feel especially blessed and I'm thankful.  And I realize all over again, the most simplest things in life are often the most meaningful and treasured. 

I hope today is filled with good things for you and yours as well~ blessings and peace to you this Christmas day ~ Merry Christmas!!!  XO ~ Dana

Hope, Joy and Peace

In lieu of the fact that the last few weeks have been crazy around here (ie. a bathroom remodel, Gavin's wisdom teeth surgery, Mimi's knee replacement, a couple of weddings, sadly some funerals and Gavin's very close call last night with a severe allergic reaction) and with the most recent tragedy our nation has suffered, I'm keeping it light today. 

I decided to take a break from my day to have a cup of tea, reflect and say a prayer on my back patio. It brought me a sense of calm.  Realizing that even though life is filled with unexpected events, I find it helps to push the pause button and focus on the truly important things in life. 

During this hectic time of year, my wish for you is that you will experience hope, joy and peace throughout this Christmas season.  XO

Frosty the Snowman ~ Vintage Style

I love vintage Christmas decorations, especially unusual ones that you don't run across frequently.  So, Frosty has to be at the top of my list of favorites ~ and I do believe he has to be the coolest! 

My sons have concluded at times he can be creepy though.  During the Christmas holidays, with four guys in the house (all who pride themselves in being practical jokers) you just never know where Frosty might show up.  He has popped up all over the house ~ I suppose the most surprising place is behind the shower curtain.  You know when you hear a guttural yell from the other room, the joke has been a success.   

Frosty's Bio:  

Height:  Approx. 4 feet

Electrical Capability:  He lights up!

Cost:  A steal at $15.00 

Value:  Priceless ~ for the amount of joy and laughter he has and will continue to bring to our family!

P.S.  I'm working on an Advent calendar project I can't wait to share with you!  See you soon!

P.S.S.  Just got a call from the glass installer on my shower door.  There's a scratch on the glass, they are re-frabricating it today and it won't be installed until tomorrow ~ bummer.  I hope to be sharing the completed bathroom remodel sooner than later!  Read about Part I and Part II here and here.

Thrifted Find of the Week ~ Seltzer Bottles

Happy Friday!  Today I'm sharing my favorite thrifted find of the week.  You can't imagine how excited I was when I ran across this most unusual metal, mesh covered seltzer bottle at the thrift store.  The lovely french bottle on the left was found here.  I hope you adventure out soon to see what wonderful, thrifted treasures you might find.  

P.S.  My master bath is coming along nicely.  I'm patiently (NOT!) waiting for the glass door to be installed on Monday.  I can't wait to share the completed results!  

Candy Cane Straws

 

I know, I know ~ it's not even Thanksgiving yet and I'm already jumping to Christmas.  It's hard not to when you run across something as cute as these nostalgic paper straws ~ they remind me of sugary candy canes. 

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I thought they would be nice to have on hand when guests stop by during the holidays.  They're not only for the young, but for the young at heart ~ and for just a few dollars, they're sure to put a smile on any one's face.  You can find them here at West Elm.  Hoping your Thanksgiving is filled with good things.  XO ~ Dana

Making Progress ~ Master Bath Remodel Part II

Although this is definitely NOT a pretty picture, there's proof in the pudding that the master bath remodel is underway and coming along nicely.  The demolition is now done and most of the dust has settled.  You can read about Part I here.  

The old diamond shaped window is gone and the space has been framed for a new window that allows me a to have a clear view of the sky and tippy top of the trees while I'm sudsing up.

 

The rock has gone up and the shower floor membrane installed.

The tile work is in progress and will be completed today ~ and the floor pan has been poured. 

Hopefully, the window will be ready to pick up today as well.  

As for the original shower ~ it has been demoed, a wall framed in its place and since this picture was taken, it's also been tape, bedded and textured.  You can see the before photos here.
 

Here's the inside of the new closet extension!!!

Just in case you're interested ~ here's my tile selections:

1.  Shower Walls ~ 4" x 12" subway tile in biscuit ~ somewhat larger than the standard 3" x 6" ~ which means less grout I will have to clean.

2.  Vanity ~ it sports honed crema marfil marble ~ it will also be used as the ledge for the frameless shower door to sit on.

3.  Shower Floor and the Accent Tile ~ I'm using this smooth pebble sliced stone in cream.  It will be soft on the tootsies for sure.

As the bathroom is speedily reaching completion, it looks like it won't be finished by Thanksgiving as I had hoped for.  This is partly my fault, as I've made changes along the way.  Oh, well ~ something to look forward to after Turkey Day.  I'm off to make paint selections ~ I hope to see you back here soon.  :) 

Feeling Fall~ish

Fall has been slow in coming to Texas this year, but finally the air outside is crisp and I'm feeling invigorated that the holidays are just around the corner.  So today, this is what I'm burning at the house to bring a little of that fall feeling inside. 

Root Legacy ~ Pumpkin Spice

I only wish this photo was a scratch-and-sniff picture so you could smell its wonderfulness too!  I found this candle at my dear friend Pamela's boutique.  I know she would love for you to stop by and pay her a visit.  Be sure to mention that you read about Root candles on Tattered Style and receive 10% off any Root candle purchase.  You will absolutely love Pamela and her store ~ find it here.    For those of you that don't live in the Dallas area, you can also buy Root candles here.  I hope you enjoy your day today.  :)

The Twelve Years of Waiting ~ Master Bath Remodel Part I

It's been over twelve years since we moved into our current home.  Little by little, we've been working on updating our 1980's house.  However, back in 2000 when we moved in ~ by the time we got to the master bath most of the budget had been spent.  We did manage to rip out the nasty carpet (YIKES ~ carpet in the bathroom is never a good idea ~ especially with four males in the household) and replaced it with ceramic tile.  We also pulled the dated wallpaper and textured and painted the space.  Originally, this lovely window sported a stained glass of mauve seashells ~ argh!  For a quick inexpensive fix, I replaced the window over the tub with privacy glass.  A couple of years ago, we also pulled the old faux marble counter tops and replaced them with honed marble counters and rectangular undermount sinks.

This week officially began the final phase of the remodel of the tired, worn out master bath and the final part of the redo is underway. The Jacuzzi tub pictured above is gone.   

Additionally, there will be no more need to hiding the ugly (read more here) ~ the shower is no longer in existence.  In it's place will be an extension to...

  

...the world's smallest master closet.  Although, I keep a relatively neat closet, it sure is cramped.  I'm looking forward to the expanded space.

I'm also anticipating a wonderful, spacious shower where the Jacuzzi tub was once positioned.   

I'm still pinching myself that it's all taking place.  I do indeed love tattered style ~ in most places that is.  Maybe not so much when it comes to dated plumbing though.  

Stay tuned for the progress on the bath.  Hopefully, it will be completed by Thanksgiving.  I hope you have a wonderful weekend!  :)

Schoolhouse Electric and Supply Co.

 

 

Well, I'm smitten with Portland, Oregon.  On my recent trip to this great city, along with my friend and partner in crime, Kelley, from the Hidden List, I fell in love with this beautiful place.  The people were so friendly and I'm all about the relaxed atmosphere the Pacific Northwest has to offer.  An added bonus ~ this time of year, the leaves sport a plethora of color and the weather was absolutely gorgeous.  

At the top of my list of favorites was Schoolhouse Electric and Supply Co., a store that my friend Holly, a Portlander, told me was an absolute must for us to see.  Situated on a corner in an industrial part of Portland, this fabulous shop (housed in an old red brick building), had us lingering for hours.  The owner has taken iconic pieces from the past and replicated them so beautifully that they gel masterfully with the latest design trends. Below is a glimpse into this fabulous store.

Here's a couple examples of some of the store's wonderful lighting ~ I hope to own one of these amazing lamps someday ~ note the Edison bulb!

I also love the assortment of colors the Radar Lamp comes in!  You can watch a video about this cool lamp here. 

The store also boasts a wide assortment of beautiful textiles ~ from bed and bath linens, to blankets, pillows and throws.  

Additionally, they carry kitchen accessories, linens and unique tableware.  

Here's one of the many beautiful upholstered pieces of furniture.  I love the pop of mustard yellow!

 

And last, but certainly not least, they also house a yummy coffee shop that is a absolute must part of your visit!

Quite obviously, I don't have time or space enough to tell you all the wonderfulness about Schoolhouse Electric.  So why not pay a visit to their online store here?  You'll be glad you did!  Thanks for stopping by!  XO

Enter Here ~ Pause Here

I've been busying myself with a number of design projects here of late and thought this inviting entryway was blogworthy.  I recently installed this space for one of my clients.  Cozy and simple ~ it offers up a charming bench as a place to drop a bag of groceries, a backpack or briefcase on. 

On another note, there's lots going on this Wednesday, October 17th.  A pause and shout out to my  oldest son, Reagan, who is celebrating his birthday today ~ be sure to read more about his thoughts on his blog ~ here.

And lastly, I'm exploring the beautiful city of Portland this week with my friend, Kelley, of The Hidden List.  If you have any suggestions of places we can't afford to miss please email me here.  We're off for today's adventure!  XO

Round Top or Bust

Rain or shine ~ it makes no difference to me.  I'm off to Round Top with my dear friend Kelley ~ who blogs at The Hidden List.  Together, I'm sure we're going to wrangle up all kinds of goodies from one of the best flea markets in the country.  I hope to be sharing some pics of all the cool stuff we come across soon. 

The vintage amber apothecary jars and industrial wheel were flea finds ~ and now rest in the niche of one of my clients living rooms.  I love the mix of the glass and iron together.  Along with a personal photo, it makes for a cozy vignette.

Finds like these, are bountiful at flea markets across the country. I'm headed out now to one of my faves! I'll see you soon. :)

Emporium Pies

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On a beautiful Saturday afternoon while strolling the streets of The Bishop Arts District in Dallas, my friend Kelley (The Hidden List) and I stumbled upon the newly opened Emporium Pies.  The quaint shop is owned and operated by Megan Wilkes and Mary Sparks.  They offer up quite a tantalizing selection of from-scratch pies.

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To name a few: Mr. Macintosh (apple cranberry), The Drunken Nut (bourbon pecan) and Mellow Yellow (lemon chiffon). They even offer a gluten free variety, The Smooth Operator (french silk chocolate with a pretzel crust), if you call ahead and request it.  Selections may be purchased by the slice or you can take home a whole pie for all to enjoy.

Which now brings me to the amazing fence visable as you approach the cozy shop. The giant oversized sheet music creation is fabulous. I can easily see this duplicated in an interior space.

Wouldn't it be fabulous used as a feature wall for an avid music lover?  I'm hoping your enjoying a wonderful weekend.  And if you're in the Dallas area, be sure and pay a visit to Emporium Pies!

Snapshot of Inspiration

What could be more lovely than a stack of old leather bound books with a vintage camera propped on top?  Presently I can't think of anything ~ this is what is inspiring me today.  The photograph comes from a vignette I put together for a client who has a passion for photography.  

Why not surround yourself with things you love?  It's touches like this that make a house a home and breathes personality into a space.  I'd love to know what's inspiring you today.  I hope you have a good weekend!

"Cyclists" ~ Gabe Gardinale

Recently, I had the delight of commissioning yet another painting by artist and friend ~ Gabe Cardinale.  You've met Gabe before ~ read more about him here.  The task at hand was to capture my client's passion for cycling and additionally incorporate lots of color ~ something that would really pop in a space. 

As you can see, Gabe successfully succeeded with the mission given him.  Cyclists is full of color, detail and originality. 

This monochromatic bachelor pad now sports this colorful piece of art and echos the owner's interest in cycling.  Thanks Gabe for another unique and beautiful piece.  If you or someone you know would like to commission an original piece by Gabe, please contact him here or here.

A Labor of Love

 

This Labor Day, I'm enjoying a day off from my normal routine.  And yet somehow I got wrangled into helping my youngest son, Gavin, revamp his room.  After recently helping my hubby with his office and my two other sons with their apartments, I could hardly refuse.

While, we're busy schlepping furniture from one room to another, I thought I might share with you this fabulous A-frame sign that was acquired from Curiosities in Dallas.



I still get weak in the knees when it comes to cool signage.  I think the mix of red, white and black offers up the perfect graphic combination. 

Now it's time to get back to work ~ so I'm off to complete this labor of love and help Gavin finish up his space.  And might I add, I'm so thankful he's still asking for help and enjoys spending time with  mom ~ it's a good Labor Day.  I hope yours is good too!  See you soon.  :)