I've been contemplating making Amy Butler's Snow Mum Pillow for a while now, so when I found this review of the pattern from Peacock Chic, I figured it was a sign that I try it out myself! And, of course, I wanted to pass along all of the directions to you as well. This winter-white wonderland of a pillow would be a great holiday gift. All you need to do is download the Amy Butler Snow Mum Pillow Pattern and follow the directions.
Before you get started though, you might want to know what potential sewing pitfalls await you. To hear a review of this pattern, read more
There's a rumor flying about that Oprah is house hunting for new digs in DC, so she'll be close to buddy Barack Obama. NYPost is claiming that she's been eyeing a nine-bedroom, $50 million Georgetown mansion from afar. The property on the market fitting that description is the nine-bedroom, $49 million, 1801 Federal-style house shown here, which features "majestic grounds & gardens, parking for 100 cars, ballroom, gatehouse [and an] additional building overlooking Washington Monument and Rock Creek Park." But, she certainly hasn't made any purchases yet, if the rumor is true. Since Oprah's a busy lady, I decided to do a little house hunting in the District for her. Oprah, you can thank me by offering me one of your other digs: perhaps your Miami island pad that's on the market. To see a few of the most fabulous homes in DC I've selected for Ms. Winfrey, check out this slideshow.
Source
As part of our Best of 2008 polls, you named typography your favorite home trend this year, and I'm with you there! While I don't necessarily like to decorate with words, I think designers have been doing a lot of interesting things with typography this year. From pillows to bookends to bird houses, letters and characters have been reinvented in dozens of fresh new ways. Be sure to check out Helvetica, a wonderful documentary about the proliferation of the typeface. Source
I've had 18th century design on my mind lately . . . I'm really feeling damask fabrics, carving wood, and gilding as of late. I guess I'd like a little Marie Antoinette-esque design in my life; but not too much, I'm a modern gal! The Neiman Marcus Carved Loveseat ($2,999) has all of those elements that I adore, that make me feel like I'm strolling the pavilions of Versailles. But I think it could be easily integrated into my modern home, perhaps beside a slick white side table or some mirrored furniture. Even if it doesn't make its way into my digs (long shot), I'll still "Ooooh" and "Ahhh" over it. Will you?
Last year, Su Casa member Telescopeeyes impressed me with her DIY holiday light project. This year, she's back with some fun and design-savvy holiday decorations. I love how she manages to draw from a variety of sources, from vintage finds to Target, Kid Robot, and Etsy, to create her own, highly personalized style.
Telescopeeyes writes,
I take a slightly offbeat approach to Christmas decor with whimsical and handmade notions, while avoiding going overboard. Many of our decorations are hand-me-down, vintage, handmade items from Etsy, nostalgic toys, and other notions I made sure to buy on sale after the holidays. The traditions of trimming the tree, baking cookies, and wrapping gifts for loved ones are really what makes it feel like Christmas for me.
How do you create your own holiday style, and what feels like Christmas to you?
Julia Cocco'
Christian Louboutin
Sergio Rossi