CasaSugar

Fall Style: Decorating With Poe's Raven

CasaSugar — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 14:00:38 -0700

Since childhood, I've made it a tradition to read "The Raven" by Edgar Allen Poe every October. It puts me in a spooky, Halloween mood, and always gives me a case of the shivers. Besides serving as the topic of Poe's famous narrative poem, ravens are also a huge influence in the world of design. Check out my favorite ways to help your home look ravishing with ravens this month!

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Found It! Magazines' Favorite Bird Sculpture

CasaSugar — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 09:00:03 -0700

Can you see the common element in both of these photos? There's a black bird sculpture hovering on the shelf in Emily Walker's Canadian crib, recently featured in Canadian House and Home. Not to be outdone, the same bird's perching on the Living Etc July 2009 cover. I've actually written about this bird before, and it was originally featured in the house of two famous designers. Do you recognize this black bird?

To see where you can find this bird, read more.

It's the Vitra Eames House Bird ($208). Charles and Ray Eames originally decorated the Eames House with numerous objects from their travels, and this American folk art wooden bird was apparently one of their favorites. Originally found in the Appalachian mountain region of the eastern United States, this Eames bird is based on the original sculpture, and made from alderwood with a black lacquer finish.

Source and Source

Roundup: Peace and Dove

CasaSugar — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 08:00:16 -0700

Yesterday, I showed you some home décor items that had been inspired by weapons. Of course, I can't show you war without bringing you some signs of peace as well. Besides the obvious peace signs, I included some dove-related items as well, since doves are a traditional symbol of peace.

Surprisingly, many of the peace-related items I found weren't nearly as innovative as those from my homeland security roundup. I was still able to find some cool items though, like this Peace Dove Tiny Text Bowl ($24) from Paloma's Nest. I love the understated, small lettering in the belly of the bowl, as well as the abstracted bird shape. Check out the widget below for some other cool peace and dove décor.

Love It or Hate It? Gladiator Raven

CasaSugar — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 12:00:58 -0800

The Gladiator Raven ($648) reminds me of something a steampunk enthusiast would have in her home. Still for that price, I'd expect this wee statue to stand a little taller than 12 inches high!

Love It or Hate It? Swan Planter

CasaSugar — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 05:30:44 -0800

Are swans going to replace peacocks as 2009's top fowl? Anthropologie's certainly putting them to good use in the garden. The Anthropologie Swan Planter ($78 for large) reminds me of my grandmother's ceramic planters. Is it too old-fashioned for you, or do you appreciate its throwback elegance?

Steal of the Day: Linden Street Rustic Bird Table Lamp

CasaSugar — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 06:15:01 -0700

I've been impressed by the quality and style of the Linden Street line of home goods from JCPenney (as has green guru Danny Seo). Now, their entire line is on sale, and there are some great items I wouldn't mind adding to my casa. One piece that immediately caught my eye was the Linden Street Rustic Bird Table Lamp (originally $100, now $49.99). Made with a resin base in an antique white finish, it has a touch of shabby chic going on, especially with the mellow, beige shade. However, you could personalize it with a different lampshade (such as one from funky company Squint). It's a great price for a unique, well-crafted lamp.

Do You Decorate With Duck Decoys?

CasaSugar — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 05:30:00 -0700

In an episode of Sex and the City, Trey's mother Bunny MacDougal festoons his Park Avenue apartment with duck decoys and plaid curtains, in a begrudging attempt to wield control over her son; Charlotte was less than pleased. All in-law issues aside, if it were me, I'd opt out of the duck decoys regardless, unless I'd spray painted them in glossy white to be cheeky or ironic. How about you? Do you decorate with duck decoys?

Nice and New: Vintage Bird Duvet Cover and Shams

CasaSugar — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 15:00:25 -0700

Ok, so I thought I was ready to admit that birds were for the, well, birds. But darn it, this new Vintage Bird Duvet Cover and Shams ($19 to $159) has me singing a different tune. I love the simple black line drawing-like print of the birds and trees on the creamy 230-thread count combed cotton fabric. The pattern is available in shams, duvet cover, and comforter, which comes in a choice of down or down-alternative batting. I am definitely tempted to put these on my wedding registry. There's only one thing holding me back: When the dog hops on the bed, I guarantee she'll leave her gray/black/brown fur on this in plain sight. Ah, a conundrum!

DIY: Handsewn Bird Mobile

CasaSugar — Fri, 30 May 2008 16:00:51 -0700

If you've never sewn before, this is a great project to start you on your way. No machine is needed, as everything is hand sewn. Hand sewing is a great skill, as you can use it to complete simple repairs on clothing, from patching jeans to sewing on buttons to hemming skirts. And what better way to get you on your way than with an easy, adorable home decor project? This bird mobile, from Spool Sewing, will look lovely in a nursery, craft room, or primary-color saturated kitchen. Since many of you admit that you're still in love with the bird trend, why don't you take some time this weekend to get started on this project?

What You'll Need

2 different fabrics
Scissors
Thread
Sewing needle
Stuffing
Sticks
Filament wire

To find out how to make it, read more
Here are the steps:

Cut the pieces out using this pattern.
Put the right sides (the sides that will be on the outside of the finished bird) together, and pin one edge of the belly fabric to the body fabric.
Sew the two pieces together, using a straight seam, from dot to dot on the pattern.
Pin the other edge together and sew it the same way.
Sew the head seam together.
Turn the bird inside out, so the right side is on the outside, and stuff.
Sew the tail closed.
Repeat this process until you have the number of birds needed for your mobile.
Sew the birds to a branch, or hang them from branches with filament, to approximate the mobile in picture.
Hang and enjoy!

Source

Love It or Hate It? Rare Device Bird Feet

CasaSugar — Thu, 22 May 2008 07:00:50 -0700

Need some Bird Feet ($16)? These avian appendages are available in a variety of finishes and will alight on any household surface you let them rest upon. If you let them anywhere near your home, that is . . .

Peace Rug - $299.00	Thomas Paul Flourish Dove Linen Pillow - $100.00
"Peaceful Petals" Bed Linens - $9.90	Simple Stick Lamp Base + Peace Sign Shade - $59.00
Mossy Terra Cotta Dove, Female - $15.00	Peace Canvas - $76.00
Peace Egg by Christofle - $170.00	Amy Ruppel We Come In Peace - $300.00
Glass Bird Vases - $39.00	Amani Rug - $299.00
Peace Sign Organic Duvet Cover & Sham - $29.00	Dove Tealight Holders - $70.00