CasaSugar

Cool Idea: Feed Bag Pillow

CasaSugar — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 05:30:29 -0800

Danny Seo recently made some pillows out of feed bags he scooped up at an old general store in Pennsylvania for a buck each, by simply stuffing and stitching them. I love this fresh twist on an antique; it's unexpected. But, there's also quite a lot you could do with feed bags, such as upholstering or making tea towels, or framing them. The country graphics are charming and offer kitschy, yet understated style. And, the $1 price won't break the bank! But, if you're not a crafty person, I can see how this wouldn't appeal to you. Luckily, I've found some colorful pillows made from recycled rice sacks to purchase for those of you who fit that profile. To see where you can buy them, read more.

The Urban Outfitters Recycled Rice Sack Pillows ($20) are made from recycled rice sack on one side and soft tonal cotton on the other, and stuffed with polyfill. These pillows certainly have more of an international look with varying-tongue typefaces, but make a similar agricultural reference.
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Love It or Hate It? Danny Seo's Beaded Hanger

CasaSugar — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 11:00:12 -0700

Danny Seo recently wrote that he's been getting his creative juices flowing in preparation for a new book. A recent crafty project was stringing vintage wooden beads onto a wire dry cleaner hanger. I think it's adorable, and seems like it might cause less wear on your clothes from the poking wire hanger. Do you love it, or do you pass?
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Cool Idea: An Art Easel as a TV Stand

CasaSugar — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 15:00:11 -0700

When Danny Seo couldn't come up with a use for the paint-splattered easel left behind in his new home, formerly owned and built by an artist, he decided to mount his Energy Star-rated flat screen TV on it. Mounting televisions above the fireplace is considered sacrilegious to him, and he had no oil painting that would work on the easel, so it was really the perfect solution. And, I think it adds personality - not that Danny Seo needs any. Easels come in all shapes and forms, from traditional wooden ones used by artists to decorative metal ones. You'll likely need to reinforce the television and the stand with some screws, so you should consider that when purchasing one for yourself (i.e. make sure you have something to screw into). But, of course, if you have a spare easel lying around, upcycling really is the best option.
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Before and After: Peruvian Pet Stairs

CasaSugar — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 07:00:20 -0700

A celeb client of Danny Seo's had these cringe-worthy dog stairs by her bed, but her pooch couldn't part with them. So, it was unanimously decided that they needed a chic facelift. Seo hopped over to a flea market in Los Angeles, where he picked up a vintage Peruvian rug for around $30. A lot of trimming and stapling later, Seo had reupholsterd the stairs, giving them a bit of cheer and an ethnic vibe. To see the transformation, read more.

Pretty fabulous, right? It just goes to show that there's potential for style in even the most mundane household item.
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Casa Quickie: A Softening Rain Chain

CasaSugar — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 13:00:35 -0700

Danny Seo recently shared a wonderful tip on his blog to keep water from rushing out of your gutters too quickly, and I had to share. "Just connect a chain to the downspout of your gutters and let the rain slowly and gently trickle all the way down the chain," he says. The softening rain chain creates a beautiful sound when the rain dances down the chain, adding a sweet musical element to your home. Much nicer than the harsh pounding of gutter water hitting the ground. If you've got plants to water though, you may want to just set a barrel beneath the downspout of your gutter to collect rain for watering.
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Casa Verde: Maria Menounos' Eco Outdoor Makeover

CasaSugar — Mon, 05 May 2008 08:30:49 -0700

In collaboration with JCPenney, Danny Seo recently gave Maria Menounos' backyard an eco makeover for "Access Green" on Access Hollywood and Life & Style. This beautiful image is a peek at the made-over farmhouse table, which was updated with some wildflowers in a galvanized bucket, vintage silverware, some simple white dishes and glass water bottles, colorful tumblers filled with organic lemonade, a bowl of gorgeous green limes, and an understated yet chic capiz lantern. There's nothing fancy or unattainable about this table setting, but it's still completely and utterly glamorous.
I thought I'd round up a few similar eco outdoor accessories to help you achieve the look of this eco table setting without being a drain on the environment. Of course, you may already own many of these items, so by all means, use them instead! Or, hunt down similar accessories in thrift and antique stores.

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Link Time!

CasaSugar — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:00:37 -0800

Danny Seo made a visit to the new Crosby Street Hotel. - Daily Danny
This DIY button lighting has me looking for my sewing kit already. - AT:NY
Learn to make this cute felt circles ornament. - Craftzine
Crow over this farm-chic decorating. - Shelterpop
Find some new tree ornaments to love, and hang. - Poppytalk
I adore these faucet handles used on kitchen cabinets. - Shelterrific

Link Time!

CasaSugar — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:00:25 -0700

This Day of the Dead shrine is kind of amazing. - Craftzine
Forget gnomes, go with gargoyles. - Charles & Hudson
I absolutely adore this book chandelier at J. Crew. - Daily Danny
Jonathan Adler designs for Barnes & Noble. - Simply Stated
Make some cute paper dome ornaments for Halloween. - Shelterpop
Go flea-marketing on Etsy. - Poppytalk

Link Time!

CasaSugar — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 13:00:32 -0700

Hutton Wilkinson debuts a book about his mentor Tony Duquette. - Vanity Fair
I'm aching over this lust-worthy velvet fabric. - AT:NY
Line your staircase with a vertical garden. - AT:SF
Danny Seo talks about greening your windows. - Daily Danny
Michelle Kaufmann sells prefab housing designs to Blu Homes. - UnBeige

Photos courtesy of Abrams

Link Time!

CasaSugar — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 13:00:00 -0700

Use your cake stand for something less perishable than pastries. - AT: SF
Make your very own chic and sunny tray from MDF. - Chez Larsson
I love love this rope ottoman. Please make me one. - Daily Danny
Learn to make a big, beautiful L-shaped desk on the cheap. - I Suwanee
Move to agri-country with a landscape-inspired rug. - MoCo Loco
Why not spruce up a basic canvas shopping tote? - Craftzine

Galvanized Serving Caddy - $29.00	Permaglass Pitcher - $20.00
Bo Bowl Green - Glossy SM - $16.00	Set of 8 Bamboo Dinner Plates - $14.95
Antique Silverware by the Pound - $19.00	Teak Time Coasters - $28.00
Nantucket Dinnerware Set of 4 - $23.96	Capiz Shell Votive Candle Sets of 2 - $15.98
Galvanized Garden Vessels - $19.00	Double Teak Dining Table - $1,800.00
Rustica Barware, Set of 6 - $45.00	Zombie Tumblers - $3.95