candles

Art

Last-Minute Mother's Day Gifts (Shhh . . . We Won't Tell!)

If you're still stumped about what to get mom this Mother's Day, you're in luck!

If you're still stumped about what to get mom this Mother's Day, you're in luck! Turns out, getting a gift on the fly can be just as thoughtful as a present you took weeks to plan. Trust us. Keep reading to get the skinny on our three go-to gifts for mom (that won't require overnight shipping)!

Terrariums
Think of it as a riff on the tried-and-true Mother's Day bouquet — only this one won't wilt after a few days. While you could pick up something stunning like this geometric vessel, you could also get away with shopping your shelves. Glass punch bowls, vases, and even wineglasses can look just as cool. For tips and an easy how-to, check out our terrarium DIY!

Gift Baskets (Done Right!)
I know what you're thinking, but replace the cellophane and granny basket visual with a more modern, lidded version filled with foolproof home goods. One-stop shops like Target or Cost Plus World Market will guarantee you a good-looking basket and the fixings. Tea towels, wrapped soaps, neutral picture frames, and a beautifully packaged candle will never steer you astray.

Decorator in a Box
For the mom who wants to redecorate a room or has a design conundrum, consider buying her a gift certificate for Decorator in a Box to slip into a Mother's Day card. Decorator Annie Pauza offers a virtual design service that's more affordable than hiring a traditional interior designer. It's great for moms who need creative help but don't mind doing the leg work. Starting at $350, you can purchase a design plan for an entire room (complete with a decor shopping list, layout, swatches, etc.) or you can pick a single service, a la carte item for something like paint color selections or window treatment design starting at just $50.

Framed Art
If you're stressed about the sticker shock and time commitment associated with this type of gift, don't be. Peruse coffee-table tomes filled with photography or vintage botanical prints and snip something for mom. Ikea carries a range of affordable frames with clean lines that look good with any type of art. Use the mat that is sold with the frame or pop into craft stores like Michaels for a custom job that won't cost a fortune.

DIY

DIY: Wine Glass Candle Lampshades

In your blog travels, you may have come across the Dekoop Gorgeous Helen Wine Shades which tops off your wine glasses to make easy votive lamps for your parties.

In your blog travels, you may have come across the Dekoop Gorgeous Helen Wine Shades which tops off your wine glasses to make easy votive lamps for your parties. I couldn't get them off my mind for months when I first saw them; I thought they were so clever. Sadly, they are no longer available for purchase but then, lucky me, I came across a DIY to make them. The project is fairly simple, and allows a lot of room for creativity. You can leave yours as plain vellum, or punch decorative holes in them, screen-print them, or even paint them! It's up to you, but regardless, this project is fabulous, inexpensive, and perfect for that wedding you're planning!

Supplies:

Here's how, from Save On Crafts:

  1. Download and print out this lampshade pattern.
  2. Trace the pattern onto your vellum sheet. Cut out the shape with your regular scissors. If you want, you can use decorative bladed scissors along the bottom edge to add another element to the shade.
  3. If you like, use a paper punch to punch holes evenly or haphazardly throughout the shade, as shown in the PDF.
  4. Using the glue pen, apply a thin line of glue to one straight end. Wrap the other end over the glued end, and adhere together, forming the shade.
  5. Secure the tealight with the candle putty, and set the lampshade on top of your glass. Fini!
Marketplace

Style Guide: Candles

Candles may as well be currency in the interior-design world.

Candles may as well be currency in the interior-design world. Interior designers use them as the final touch to a room, the one that elevates a space to the next sensory level. We mortals love them too but have a hard time knowing where to start.
To help you wade through the morass, we rounded up our favorites. Psst -they are also on every interior designer's list!

Get ready to buy matches in bulk.

Source: Hygge & West
Holiday Beauty

The 10 Best Candles For Savoring the Season

Ah, the aroma of the holidays: pumpkin pie, cranberry custard, the Christmas tree, and a crackling fire.

Ah, the aroma of the holidays: pumpkin pie, cranberry custard, the Christmas tree, and a crackling fire. Even if you're going without any of these this season, you can call in the scent of the holidays with the help of a well-placed candle. These little lights were mixed together with colorful packaging outside and wondrous fragrance inside. Keep them burning past the New Year to stretch the festivities well into January.

Marketplace

No Wires Required: Add Warmth and Style With Chic Candle Sconces

If you're looking for a simple, stylish accent for your home, try a candle sconce.

If you're looking for a simple, stylish accent for your home, try a candle sconce. From glamorous, metallic picks to more contemporary, colorful options, these chic candle sconces will provide instant mood lighting. The best part? Wireless wall lighting doesn't require an electrician to add ambiance — just a nail and a hammer. See our seven favorite picks on the market.

Valentine's Day

Weekly Faves: 5 Inspiring Outdoor Spaces

San Francisco's odd sunny streak this Winter is tempting me to celebrate Valentine's Day al fresco.

San Francisco's odd sunny streak this Winter is tempting me to celebrate Valentine's Day al fresco. There are so many enchanting ways to create atmosphere with candlelight, and visual inspiration seems to be everywhere this time of year. Whether you're crafty enough to fashion a DIY chandelier or would rather leave it up to an assortment of beautifully made lanterns, setting the scene with killer mood lighting is essential for pulling off a wildly romantic Valentine's Day. Check out this gallery of inspiring outdoor spaces that are serving as my muses this holiday.

Marketplace

COCOCOZY's Gardenia-Scented Candle Arrives Just in Time for Valentine's Day!

We know her as Coco, the voice behind the delightful design blog and shop, COCOCOZY.

We know her as Coco, the voice behind the delightful design blog and shop, COCOCOZY. Aside from offering an incredibly chic assortment of textiles, bedding, pillows, and vintage finds, the COCOCOZY shop offers fragrant, all-natural, biodegradable soy wax candles in three scents: beach, citrus, and flower. Hand poured in the US, the candles are placed in frosted recyclable glass vessels and contain a lead free cotton wick, which boosts their ecological appeal.


If you're searching for a simple and sweet Valentine's Day gift for your mom, sis, or best friend, the gardenia-scented floral candle is available in a limited edition version just for the holiday! Red and white replaces the classic black and white packaging for this special version. Coco just sent one to our office, and after taking it home and burning it for 30 minutes, the intoxicating scent of heady gardenia has infused my entire apartment. And retailing for just over $40, I'm thinking I might need to treat someone else besides my husband this Valentine's Day.

DIY

Craft of the Day: Vintage Votives

I'm excited to present a post from one of my favorite sites, Stylelist Home!

I'm excited to present a post from one of my favorite sites, Stylelist Home!

Need an easy craft that has a lot of impact? Look no further! This Craft Of The Day turns mason jars into vintage votives in just a few easy steps. If you don't have any mason jars, you can follow the same instructions to dress up a hurricane or small candleholder too.


What You'll Need

  • Mason jar
  • Lace/twine
  • Spray glue
  • Scissors

How To Make It

  • Clean the mason jar and let it dry.
  • Measure the circumference of the jar and cut the lace to fit exactly around the outside. (If you're using twine, measure the length of twine you'll need to make your loops).
  • Go to an open area like the porch and apply the spray glue.
  • Wrap the lace around the jar or circle the twine around the jar.
  • Let it dry.

For more great ideas, check out our Craft Of The Day slideshow.