Wrenarian Troves

Dresser Renovation - Prep

2012-01-16T20:47:00.000-08:00

Found this great old dresser is good condition.

It was exactly the shape I have been looking for, and a good price, so I snapped it up. The plan? Paint it a happy yellow and update the hardware.

Started out with filling holes with wood filler and sanding down the all the pieces. My kitties were very good little helpers, of course.

Once everything was filled and sanded, new holes need to be drilled, so I broke out some paper and a tape measure. Held the paper against the new hardware and used a nail to poke through where the screws will go. Figured out where it would be centered and measured from the outside left edge to the left hole. Checked that it would be the same from right edge to right hole, and then marked that spot on the tape measure. You can see the pencil mark (just short of 8.5 inches) in the image below.

Then I picked a distance from the top edge of the drawer (in this case 3 inches) so that the pulls would be evenly placed on all the drawers. The paper was only used for the figuring out the distances. After that it was all measuring tape and a pencil to mark the spots to drill.

I then used a nail to tap a starter hole where the pencil marks were and then drilled the holes. Sounds like a lot of work, but it was worth it to get the holes perfectly placed and not have to redo anything due to miss-measuring. I did this prior to painting so that if I did mess up, I could fill the holes and redo it without destroying my paint job.

Speaking of paint, the first coat of primer is now on the front of the drawers and drying in my home office. The key to priming/painting is thin, even layers of paint. For this project I used oil-based primer. It will ensure that nothing underneath it will leak through and it sticks super well. It's also perfectly okay to use as base for latex paint.

And because I'm a bit of a perfectionist, I used painters tape to mark off the edges where I want the paint to stop.

It's too cold in the garage to paint - it needs to be at least 40° F for my primer and 50° F for my paint. Too cold temperatures can affect the adherence of the paint, so always check your paint cans for that info. After I finish the drawers, the frame can be brought in and primed and painted. It's already been sanded. There just isn't room for everything to be done at once. Ideally I'd prefer to be painting in the dining room, but as earlier pictures have proved, my super involved kitties would likely be a problem.

Pinterest Challenge

2011-08-02T16:37:00.000-07:00

So Emily Henderson, Young House Love, Bower Power, and Making a House a Home put out a Pinterest Challenge and since I have been needing curtains for my dining room, I decided to give it a go.

I did not, however, technically finish my project. Why? Well, I have a 50% coupon that isn't good for another few days that I'd like to utilize to buy the lining with. I decided being financially conscious was more important than meeting the deadline. But I'll post what I got so far. I thought about taking pictures through the process, but alas, I was feeling anxious to get through it all and did not bother to take the time.

What you see here are finished fully sewn stripes with unfinished hemming/side seams. (And a Mochi cat checking it all out.) Everything is just pinned in place at the moment. Once I add the lining, the edges will look more cleanly finished and they should have a little more weight to them. I will edit this post with a finished image once I get the rest of my fabric. For now, they are neatly folded up (pins and all) and sitting in my home office out of reach of curious meows.

My pinspiration?

Except this person actually adhered stripes to existing curtains as a temporary option. Mine are fully measured and cut and sewn by me. Hopefully they look more awesome when complete.

Dining Room Mood Board

2011-03-24T14:14:00.000-07:00

I would like this for a dining room, please.

Linear Strand Crystal Chandelier $349
Basque Java 65" Table $599
Java 48" Bench $299
Patterson Dining Chair (Set of Two) (for side of table) $329
Tufted Back Dining Chair in Clarice Dove (for ends) $219
Hand-Tufted Bridgeport Blue Geometric Rug $219.99
Dandelion Greens Flatware $24/setting
Lenox French Perle Ice Blue ($53.97/setting - without cups, which don't interest me)

Living Room Mood Board

2011-03-24T00:17:00.000-07:00

My current thoughts on potential living room decor...

Keifer Stationary Sofa $849
Mission Oak Cabinet Table $143.50
Divine Ivory Wool Rug $645
Rising Atoll Curtain $99 (per panel)
Monet "Le Repos Sous les Lilas" Canvas Print $109.19
Spheres Arc Lamp $127.97
The Boxwood Pillow $120
Abstract Branches in Spring Green $29

Hmmm... Things sure add up quick...

Mirror on Mirror Action

2011-03-21T15:27:00.000-07:00

Rolling along the same mirror and frame vein that I've been on more than once, I somehow just discovered this interesting design method of layering mirrors.

I love teal an unreasonable amount. Just saying.

The ornate mirrors and the patterned wallpaper in these first two images are just a killer combination.

Mirrors AND picture collages! Be still my heart!

This isn't exactly mirror-on-mirror, but I like the idea here just as much. I think I'd rather have a slightly larger base mirror in this instance. Also, I adore that light fixture. Incredible.

Another mirror layering that is just as much about the fixture as the style of layering.

I suppose a less weighty alternative to mirror layering would be to use an empty frame attached to the front of a larger mirror instead of an actual mirror. Would have to depend on the types of glass the mirrors have, I suppose.

Photo Credits: Living Etc, Unknown, House Beautiful, Style Curator, Robert Passal, Jax Does Design (in order of appearance)

Frames and Mirrors

2011-03-09T13:12:00.000-08:00

I've posted before about using mirrors as a decorating tool, but I want to revisit it again, since I've been thinking about it a lot lately. Eventually these thoughts are going to make it to a wall in my house.

I saw the birdcage mirrors in this picture and went !!! OMG DO WANT !!!

The closest thing I could find to what I see there is this bidrcage mirror from Rain Collection.

Since collages were already on my brain, that got me Googling mirrors and frames.

Anthropologie has this great way of making something look both worn and fabulously chic all at the time.

The use of white on white here adds interest and texture without making an already small space feel smaller. Makes that black chair really pop as well.

Love the old, worn windows. They add so much texture to the wall without being overbearing or distracting.

I have mixed feeling about vinyl wall art, but it's really working for me here.

Easy way to fill an empty space and instantly beautiful. With so many variations on how to approach the subject, it keeps it from getting boring.

Chalkboard Dining

2011-03-09T09:25:00.000-08:00

I love everything about this space.

Especially the magnetic chalkboard wall. Fabulous.

Mixing Patterns

2011-03-03T13:09:00.000-08:00

Mixing patterns can really add some life to a room.

I am intimated by the process, to be honest. I love the look but when I think about doing it myself, I am at a total loss. I understand the concept, I think I'm just a scaredy cat when it comes to implementation.

When done correctly, it really is eye catching and beautiful.

Image Credits: The Oregonian, Kravet, Country Homes & Interiors, House & Home Magazine, Erinn Valencich

Downton Abbey

2011-02-08T12:39:00.000-08:00

Downton Abbey is a PBS Masterpiece period drama that has been getting some buzz and it fully deserves it. The cast is fabulous, the costumes and sets are gorgeous, and the story complex and gripping (set at the sinking of the Titanic and the beginning of the fight for women's rights). The characters are well written and multi-faceted. One fun aspect is the contrast between life upstairs and downstairs (family and servants).

The four full 90-minute episodes will remain available on the PBS website through the 22nd of this month, and filming of season 2 begins in March.

Here's some pretty to entice you:

Plus: MAGGIE SMITH. It can't be denied. She's fabulous. Love it.

Branch Duvets

2011-01-03T15:50:00.000-08:00

I am vaguely obsessed with birds and branches as a motif and when I saw these beauties (made by Amenity) randomly while surfing I scrambled to figure out where to get them.

Unfortunately they don't appear to be available anymore. But I did find these lovelies by the same company:

And they are available at Branch and at Amenity, both eco-conscious shops that boast sustainable design. Even though I'm usually for the more neutral greens/grays/browns, I am loving the blue version of this best. (They do also come in gray and brown.)

Simon's Cat

2010-12-12T19:59:00.000-08:00

If you are a cat owner you will appreciate the humor of Simon Tofield in his "Simon's Cat" video shorts. My particular favorites are Santa Claws, Lunch Break, and The Box. TV Dinner is pretty cute too.

Well, they are all cute. see for yourself at his website or YouTube channel. In the spirit of the season, here's "Santa Claws" for your viewing pleasure.

He also has a couple books inspired by his video success that I haven't read yet, but I'm sure I'll get the chance eventually.

West Elm Dishes

2010-11-23T12:42:00.000-08:00

I'm a sucker for branch and bird imagery in decor. I was browsing West Elm and had to post about these lovely dining pieces I stumbled across.

These insulated animal mugs are adorable but still incredibly subtle. I like the reindeer one especially. 'Tis the season!

Can never go wrong with penguins, especially in such fun colors! I like that these aren't just Christmas specific in design - they'd be great for the whole winter season.

On that same wintry note, these silver branch and tree plates are stunning - simple but elegant.

And I want these sparrow salt and pepper shakers for myself pretty badly. I may have to pick them up.

Too cute.

A Dose of Aww

2010-09-01T12:17:00.000-07:00

Fashion: Anthropologie

2010-08-27T01:55:00.000-07:00

If I could afford to, I would shop at Anthropologie almost exclusively. Every time I go into the store I see things I would love to add to my wardrobe. Unfortunately, I've never had the cash to afford it. Sooomedaaay...

Details about the first outfit. Second. Third. So adooorable! Though the short pants in the second aren't really my style, the rest of the pieces are fabulous.

Even more adorableness can be found at http://www.anthropologie.com/.

Obey My Brain

2010-08-11T09:14:00.000-07:00

These amazing hats are made by Josh Freeman, who is a photographer, illustrator, and thespian. And hatter! They are so cute! So I had to share them here. The photographs are pretty funny too.

Josh's adorable squid hats can be found at http://obeymybrain.joshfreeman.com/. He also has an Etsy shop where you can purchase them. I kind of want one, though I'm not sure where I could wear it...

Game On!

2010-07-27T15:02:00.000-07:00

The Guild is my favorite web series on the net (actually, it's the only one I watch), and am excited to say that they just put out a new music video to follow up the one they did last year - and it is equally as brilliant.

It's called Game On.

<a href="http://video.msn.com/?mkt=en-us&from=sp&fg=shareEmbed&vid=8cb424dc-cbdb-40be-90c5-8fb450462d2f" target="_new" title="Season 4 - Music Video - "Game On"">Video: Season 4 - Music Video - "Game On"</a>

I am a huge fan of Felicia Day - her work is so fun and clever - I never can get enough. Plus she's a good actress. It also helps that Wil Wheaton has been added to the cast. He's another dear favorite of mine.

Last year's video, for your viewing pleasure, is Do You Want to Date my Avatar.

The Guild is on its 4th season now, and today is it's 3rd birthday. So Happy Birthday to The Guild! Congrats on your success in the world of the Internets.

Home Duvet: Cardboard Bedding for the Not-So-Homeless

2010-07-22T14:47:00.000-07:00

Described by Dutch by Design as "the Home Duvet lets you sleep under a cardboard box so a homeless person doesn't have to!"

This duvet cover is designed by Peggy van Neer. The photographic print is produced on the cotton directly, so it will stay crisp after washing. Though I suppose if you never wash it, it would make it look and smell even more authentic... (Har, har.)

Dutch by Design donates 30% of gross profits of all sales of the Home Duvet to Centrepoint, the UK charity for homeless young people aged 16-25 (charity number 29241), which is pretty darn cool. Unfortunately, the pillows are sold separately. Proceeds from those also contribute to the charity.

As I personally have no desire to decorate in homeless-style faux-cardboard, I won't be purchasing this particular duvet, but it was too interesting an item not to share it. Sweet dreams!

Isaiah Mustafa of Old Spice Tweets Back

2010-07-14T09:30:00.000-07:00

Anyone who watches television is likely to have seen the amazingness of the Old Spice commercials starring Isaiah Mustafa. They are clever, albeit strange, and quite funny. They are some of the few commercials I actually enjoy (along with the Capital One Visigoth commercials. Hilarious). Now the Old Spice icon has moved beyond commercials and is actually personally replying to tweets via YouTube. He even made a marriage proposal on behalf of one tweeter (which she, of course, accepted).

The Old Spice YouTube Channel has all the commercials and the tweet replies. Love, love, love. ♥

The original articles I heard about this on are located here and here.

Chopstick Kitty... And Maru.

2010-07-13T11:14:00.000-07:00

Quite possibly one of the most adorable things I've ever seen. Almost as cute as Maru the Cat. (I don't know that any cat will ever top Maru in awesomeness.)

Seriously. Too. Damn. Cute.

Now I feel inclined to include a link to Maru's youtube channel, since I don't believe he's made it into a blog mention thus far (for shame).

OMG I'm a Maru cat. Meow.

And maybe a video too.

The only thing better than Maru jumping into the box... is Maru jumping out again.

Flying Camel

2010-05-27T11:08:00.001-07:00

Just because it cracks me up every time I see it...

Threadless Tees

2010-05-24T12:57:00.000-07:00

So I was browsing Threadless (which is a fantastic site) and figured I'd share my favorites of what's there currently. The shirt titles are linked to the product page. My ultimate favorites are the first two. So amusing.

Ninja! Heads will Roll!

Ambition Killed the Cat

I Got Another Whale

Grandma's Hot Air Balloon

Larry the Fox Doesn't Feel So Clever Anymore

The Cheshire

The Ugly Duckling

Makes me want to go start designing myself...

MAC Venomous Villains Collection

2010-05-20T16:56:00.000-07:00

Two of my favorite companies are teaming up to create a color line for Fall: MAC Cosmetics and Disney! It will be called the Venomous Villain's Collection, and based on their teaser images, looks like their inspiration will be Maleficent (my all-time favorite Disney villain), Cruella de Vil, the queen from Snow White and... the Shadow Man from the Princess and the Frog? WTF? Let's hope that's not actually the case, and the teaser is doing just that - teasing. The other three I think are excellent choices. Ursula or Cinderella's evil stepmother or even the Queen of Hearts from Alice and Wonderland would seem a more logical fourth, but I guess we shall seeee....

The collection will launch in September. Besides the teaser, MAC is being rather tight-lipped about the ordeal.

Here is a direct link to the MAC teaser video, for as long as they have it available.

Did I mention that I am excited? 'Cause - oh em gee - I am so excited!

Circle of Furry Purry Goodness

2010-05-18T11:36:00.001-07:00

The Cat-Circle of Love
Originally uploaded by Gloson

Mirrors

2010-05-02T11:12:00.001-07:00

Mirrors are such fun objects. They can really make a room feel bigger, add a touch of personality, or fill the void empty walls can create.

I hadn't thought of hanging just empty frames before stumbling across this image, but I really like the effect.

But my favorite type of mirrors, I think, are the wall-sized ones. They make rooms feel so much bigger than they are, and are just impressively massive.

Because...

2010-04-29T11:47:00.000-07:00

Because I love POM tea more than so many things.

And I desire to sleep like kitty.

Meow!

Photography: Angela Bacon-Kidwell

2010-04-27T20:57:00.001-07:00

Angela Bacon-Kidwell is a Seattle-dwelling photographer who's work is inspired by the subconscious, specifically dreams. Her photos are ethereal and hauntingly beautiful, sometimes even creepy. I love the narrative quality of her work. Each piece feels like a captured moment from a story - a story which the viewer is left to fill in with their own imaginings.

These are a few of my favorite pieces from her collections:

Check out her website to see the rest of her works.

Kelly Ewing

2010-04-26T08:13:00.000-07:00

I need to make a post about Kelly Ewing, because I just LOVE her stuff and stumbled across it again today on Coggles. The stuff I love most of hers doesn't seem to be available anywhere anymore, but it still makes for some lovely eye candy.

Short Hitched Grey & White Dress
Champagne Short Hitched Dress

Ruffle Cream Coat
Ruffle Brown Coat

Knot Skirt in Beige Check
Tabitha Knot Corset in Beige Check

Twice Wrap Sand & Gold Corset

Kelly Ewing was born in Glasgow and raised in Leeds. She launched her label in 2005 and draws inspiration from Victorian aristocracy onward through pre-Raphaelite romanticism, making it contemporary with twists and pattern cutting style. She is currently 28 years old.

In short: pretty, pretty, pretty.

But then I really love hitched/ruched skirts.

OMG Shoes!

2010-04-22T08:03:00.000-07:00

Mmm, Prada shoes, why must you be so painfully expensive?

Light Grey Pleated Leather Platform Slingbacks

Agave Ruched Leather Platform Sandals

Black Ruched Leather Platform Pumps

Cocoa Patent Leather Petal Detail Sandals

This Prada bag is pretty awesome, too.

Foulard-Print Roll Bag

ModCloth

2010-04-20T17:00:00.000-07:00

Stumbled across this little site full of fun retro-inspired clothing today: http://www.modcloth.com/

Here's a few gems I pulled from their site:

Temporary Secretary Dress in Summer
Opera House Dress

Kennebunkport Dress
Making Me Blush Skirt

Study Lounge Cardigan
Fabray Cardigan

Roll Call Blouse
Baude-flair Top

Steamboat Top
French Toast Top

Cherry Cordial Flat
Brisé Ballet Flat

Lemon Meringue Heel
Haute Coco Heel

Loads more fun things on the website, and even some household goods. These were just some of the ones that jumped out at me. Super cute stuff.

They have a section featuring some actual vintage items, too.

Living in Color

2010-04-16T21:21:00.000-07:00

Color can add some whimsy to a room and really brighten it up, make it pop, give it some energy - all things I am lacking right now as I sit curled up on the couch with my bright red nose sniffling and breathing mostly through my mouth. But enough about my current miseries and onto the eye candy.

Relaxing in a hot bath in that cheerful bathroom sounds heavenly about now. The wallpaper is so pretty.

Now check out this room, designed by Margot Austin.

What a beautifully cool, soft palette. Simple, but pleasing to the senses.

Sometimes just a few colors is best.

Or you could go crazy with this gypsy chandelier.

Maybe a but wild for my taste, but beautiful in the right setting. And definitely interesting enough to catch my eye and make it here. It was created by Dutch by Design.

Alexander McQueen: Artist of Fashion

2010-04-14T12:09:00.000-07:00

Alexander Lee McQueen deserves recognition here, as I find his work incredibly unique and inspiring. He managed to turn fabric into art, his innovation with materials is mind blowing. So here is a collection of some of my favorites of his works from over the last several years.

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

Shoes!

Those last shoes are my favorite of the bunch, I think, as much as it pains me to imagine trying to walk in them.

RIP Alexander Lee McQueen, February 11, 2010. I hope you find your way in the beyond.

Sushi Cats!

2010-04-12T08:41:00.000-07:00

Leave it to the Japanese to beat me to my own idea....

Though mine are 2D, and not plushified. They are sooo adorable. Who could resist a sushi cat?

If they weren't sold out I'd snatch them up right away. They have other types of food cats at Spiral and Circle though. (Almost) equally as cute.

Tim Walker...

2010-04-09T21:45:00.000-07:00

is a photography god.

Is there anything about this image that doesn't scream elegance? So pretty! There is nothing quite like fresh, clean beauty posed against a broken, abandoned space. And since one is not enough, here is some more of his genius at work...

And some meows, because I love them. It's called "The Pastel Cats."

20 Logos to Love

2010-04-08T12:45:00.000-07:00

Many of these are from Logo Faves, but not all of them. The rest I formatted to match the Logo Fave format, just to unify viewing style.

And now, in alphabetical order (because I didn't want to try and decide what order I liked them best), 20 logos that are beautiful and inspiring.

Teal, How I Love Thee

2010-04-07T17:16:00.000-07:00

The white branches on the teal wall is just so stunning. I'm a sucker for branches though.

It's just as lovely toned down, too. I'm also a sucker for earth tones. Can't say I'm digging the scruffy rug, though. And I don't play chess. The rest is lovely.

Not keen on the super mod furniture and all the bottle clutter, but that green mirror or frame or whatever it is, is simply luscious against that teal space.

I have to admit, this is more about the lamp than the teal, but how could I resist?

BEAUTIFUL.

I kind of wonder how this brown painting would look against a teal wall. Though, really, just the teal throws are just enough color to work this room.

Bedroom Zen

2010-04-06T17:27:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting this table for ages.

Well. Two of them. I intend to attain them this year. I'd like to simplify the to some extent and go for more of an Asian appeal. Definitely want a tatami/platform bed. I particularly like this one:

The paneling and the lighting in this room are gorgeous:

And I should really learn to let go of pillows. The simplicity is nice.

Though I suppose that last one is aaalll about the pillows.

Wrenarian Troves: An Introduction

2010-04-06T14:10:00.000-07:00

This blog exists purely as a depository of things that interest and inspire me in the realm of fashion, design, art, and whatever else suits my whims and fancy at the moment.

I have no expectation of anyone actually reading this, but if so... yay?