Gettin' Handsy ~ Jewelry Organizer

A sad thing happened a couple of months ago when a local bookstore went out of business.  Anytime a store goes under I find it a bit disheartening.  However, looking on the bright side of things, most everything was marked 50% off ~ including these great wooden artist model hands (you can find them here).

Not only do I love the hands because they're artsy (literally) and fun but also for their practical potential.  

I think that using them as an accessory on a tabletop or in a bookcase is the way I would typically use the hands.  But why not use them as a quirky jewelry organizer?  They're the perfect place to plop rings and bracelets on!  I hope your week is going splendidly.  XO ~ Dana 

App: The Now ~ Mindful Living

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Tattered Style is all about living, loving and making the best of where you are right now.  I've recently discovered an app for the iPhone or iPad called called The Now ~ Mindful Living that challenges me in this pursuit.  The free app uses push notifications throughout the day to share relevant messages about living in the present.  You'll be glad to hear you won't be inundated with annoying notifications.  Instead, you will receive subtle reminders via an audible chime and a message that help you slow down and stay focused on what's important. 

Thanks to my son, Reagan, for sharing this app with me ~ whatever would I do if it weren't for my threes sons who work diligently at keeping me informed when it comes to technology and such!  I hope you get a chance to check this app out ~ I've found it helps me regain some calm during harried days.   XO ~ Dana

Dining Room Change Up

 

As much as I have loved the charming farm table (see it here) we've been using in our dining room for the past ten years, it was simply time for something bigger.  I was happy to find this parson's table at C & B Outlet here.  Thankfully, it cost me 1/3 of the original price. 

 

Previously we could only seat six comfortably around the table, now we can seat up to ten with room to spare.

I love the natural teak wood and the clean, simple lines of the table. 

With the larger table I added some additional French cafe chairs.  And I've also played around with the accessories in the space and edited some things out. 

Yea ~ more space for family and friends around the table for dinners, games or whatever.  Now I'm off to Austin with my youngest son, Gavin.  He's representing his school in the state poetry competition.  Cross your fingers ~ the winner is awarded a scholarship!  I hope your weekend is a winner.  XO ~ Dana

Onyx Candle Holder

Not many things make me happier than to land a good find at a thrift store.  I often remind my husband how lucky he is, "Honey, give me a good thrift store over a jewelry store any day of the week and I'm one happy woman."  He usually agrees.  :)

The onyx candlestick featured here was definitely the find of the week ~ costing me less than $2.  I think the natural beeswax candle with it's twisted rope shape (find them here) couldn't look prettier sitting on top of the thrifted find.  And, I think the dripping wax only adds to the beauty of the candlestick itself ~ perfection in my book.

Have you found any unique treasures at a thrift store lately?  You just might be surprised what you can discover ~ I hope you're up for the challenge!  I'd love to hear how your adventure goes.  Have a good Monday.  XO ~ Dana

Heartscaping

I never tire of simplicity in design ~ so I'm happy to keep it simple this Valentine's Day.  I adore the earthiness of these heart shaped rocks and think they look lovely on this old factory cart.  When out and about, I like to keep my eyes open for heart shaped rocks.  I've also used them here.

Additionally, the soapstone plate and eggs (mementos from my oldest, Reagan, and his trip to Africa) echo the organic nature of this tablescape.  Are you keeping it simple this Valentine's Day?  I'd love to hear how.  Happy Valentine's Day!  XO ~ Dana

Just in Time for Valentine's ~ Tara + Jeff

You know how it is on those rare occasions when you meet somebody and instantaneously they feel like a long lost friend?  That's what happened when I met Tara and Jeff ~ they are both lovely people who were so easy to connect with.  I had the privilege of getting to know this charming couple last summer at market ~ where, by the way, Tara's designs were a huge hit at the Dallas show.  They hail from San Diego and are both incredibly talented artists ~ Tara a jewelry designer and Jeff a sculptor (you'll learn more about Jeff later).  Fortunately for Dallas, the two made the trip back to the January show and here is a sampling of Tara's latest creations.  

Tara designs jewelry using vintage objects.



Oftentimes incorporating religious relics into her designs.
  

Just in time for Valentine's Day are these beautiful one of a kind works of art.

I love the patina on this cluster of sacred hearts.  And can you believe the adorable heart earrings and the stunning butterfly pendant pictured below!

I'm so thankful for my new friends, Tara and Jeff, two of the most loving people you could ever meet.  And I just can't say enough about Tara's fabulous creations ~ they're unique, full of charm and best of all vintage.  What more could you ask for?  And these represent only a few pieces from Tara's wonderful collection.  I hope you visit her Facebook page here and you can be the proud owner of one of these beautiful designs ~ just in time for Valentine's.  XO ~ Dana

All photos courtesy of Tara Gasparian ~

Less = More with this Cozy Cottage

I love the picture of this little bungalow ~ it seems almost too perfect to be real.  I had the privilege this past summer of helping a client (who was downsizing) do some design work on this enchanting cottage.  There were so many things I adored about the Lilliputian house.  It was tiny and cozy and manageable.

As I worked on the space, I found myself envious of Michele and her family and their wonky abode. Sometimes I wonder if we all wouldn't be better off by downsizing and living with less.  Less can bring so much more into our lives like time ~ and how does one put a value on time?

I'm challenged today to live with less so my life can breathe and I can have the time to enjoy those I love.  Just a little something to think about...XO ~ Dana

Master Bathroom Complete

Remodels, for the most part can be quite trying at times.  Not the case with my contractor, Randy, at the helm of this project.  Along with his faithful sidekicks and sons, Chase and Lucas, the team executed the job so professionally and paid great attention to detail.  I couldn't be more pleased with the transformation of the space.  Be sure to read more about the makeover process here and here.   Following are more photos of the work in progress. 

I decided to go with very calming creams and whites to give the bath a spa-like feel.
 

The oversized subway tile reaches all the way to the ceiling, while an accent border runs around the perimeter of the shower.  On the opposite end of the shower controls are cubbies for shampoos, etc. 

The floor tile is exquisite and feels amazing underfoot.



The shower is so spacious and the view out the window lets me see the tops of the trees as the seasons change. 

With the install of the shower doors, the job was complete.  Thanks so much to Randy, Chase and Lucas for their expertise with the bathroom remodel!  Here's hoping your weekend is relaxing and rejuvenating ~ thanks for stopping by.