CasaSugar

Cool Idea: Leaves Placecards

CasaSugar — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 13:00:34 -0800

I saw this cute idea for placecards over at Another Shade of Grey and couldn't help but pass it along. I feel . . . what's it called? dumb for not thinking of this first, but that's life. My life at least. Just pick some fallen leaves up from your own backyard or neighborhood, the most colorful ones you can find, and use a paint pen to write the names of your guests. If you don't already own one, you can snatch up paint pens in a wide range of colors and metallics at your local art store for under $3. Or, if you're artistic, you could attempt to paint leaves with real paints: not as easy. I love the way these leaves pop against the white plate, so I'd suggest either laying it on a white tablecloth or napkin, or directly on your dinner plate, although that's not as cleanly. What do you think? Cute, right?
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Roundup: Leaf Motifs

CasaSugar — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 09:00:08 -0800

I fell completely in lust with these Tesori Designs Leaf Chairs (inquire for price), which are made out of a solid Alder frame and can be customized. The chairs certainly create a talking point, so much so that you can almost hear them whispering to each other. And they're the perfect way to introduce the Fall season into your home. But unfortunately, they are trade-only products, and most likely well beyond my financial reach.

I thought I'd see if I couldn't find any other worthwhile products with a leaf motif that are more attainable for non-interior-designer folks like us. From wallpaper to plates, from pillows to mirrors, I found that there is plenty of leafage to be had in the design world. To see my finds, read more.

Steal of the Day: Pottery Barn Overlapping Leaves Wallpaper

CasaSugar — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 13:00:12 -0700

I recently introduced you to Graham & Brown's Paste the Wall wallpaper, which applies easily by pasting the wall not the paper, and peels off in full sheets. I was certainly won over by the retailer's new wallpaper technology, not to mention their vast selection of beautiful patterns and didn't think it could get any better. But it turns out that the Overlapping Leaves Wallpaper ($59.99, reduced from $84) not only pulls out in full sheets, but also has a preapplied adhesive that affixes effortlessly . . . and it's on sale! Unfortunately, the selection is limited to just this one pattern. But, that's not to say I don't love its monochrome leaf pattern.

The Card Shop: Maple Leaf/Thanksgiving Boxed Notes

CasaSugar — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:00:04 -0800

No, it's not tradition to send cards at Thanksgiving. But, take one look at the Dingbat Press Maple Leaf/Thanksgiving Boxed Notes ($24), and you'll be convinced. This gorgeous boxed set of six notes features soft-red maple leaves in varying sizes falling from a vivid-orange maple tree. The notes arrive tied with a ruby-red ribbon, and enclosed in a sturdy chocolate box. So, whether you'll be sending these autumnal notes or just gifting them, you'll be sure to impress.

Crave Worthy: Gold-Leafed Hand-Carved Mirror With Birds

CasaSugar — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:00:33 -0700

I thought I was over faux bois mirrors, but then some sweet little birdies chirped when I came upon this beautiful Gold-Leafed Hand-Carved Mirror (inquire for price), making me fall for them all over again. This gilt wood mirror from the late 20th century was carved by the Carvers Guild of Massachusetts, a company run by a couple recognized for their old-world craftsmanship and exceptional design. The Carver's Guild began in 1970 but they could have fooled me: this hand-carved mirror looks like it dates back to Colonial Williamsburg. It's nice to see that some designs transcend time.

If Money Weren't an Issue . . .

CasaSugar — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 16:00:12 -0700

. . . would you gold leaf your roof?
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DIY: Pressed Leaf Art

CasaSugar — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 11:00:00 -0800

It seems as if I can't get enough of leaves this Fall. If you like celebrating the season by bringing outdoor elements into your home, then I have a perfect project for you. This pressed leaf art would look wonderful hung in multiples by a Thanksgiving table, and would also make great gifts for any arboreal enthusiasts in your life.

What You'll Need

dry, pressed leaves
Mod Podge
foam brush
wax paper
heavy books
scrapbook paper
frames

To find out how to make this pressed leaf art, read more.

Here's how to do it, from Make and Takes:

Press your leaves until flat and dry
Get your scrapbook paper and apply Mod Podge to the paper with your foam brush. Also apply Mod Podge to the back of your leaf.
Now place your leaf on the paper to dry and set. So your paper/leaf doesn’t curl or bunch up the paper, place a large piece of wax paper over the Mod Podge area and place heavy books on top of the wax paper. Your Mod Podge will dry and won’t stick to the wax paper!
Wait a little while and when the area is dry, seal the whole piece of paper with Mod Podge again. Using the foam brush, apply Mod Podge all over the whole piece of paper (as it gives the whole paper a shiny look) and over the leaves again as well.
Once again, place a large piece of wax paper over the Mod Podge area and place heavy books on top of the wax paper. This will help keep the paper flat to fit nicely in the frame.
Once this is dry, remove the wax paper and place the fun leafy paper into your frame. Frames 12-by-12 inches are the perfect size for scrapbook paper.

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Crave Worthy: Vertical Leaf Pendant Light

CasaSugar — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 08:30:22 -0800

Stop laughing. You think this is funny? You know I can't glance at this Megan Auman Vertical Leaf Pendant Light ($240) for one second without pulling out my credit card. It's really hard for me. Show me glossy white, a nature-inspired design, and a lacy cut-out (see here) and I'll write you a check right here and now. Oh Megan, you sell ottomans, too? Well, I was looking for some spare seating . . . how soon can you deliver? Ahhhh. I'm too easy.

Steal of the Day: Pottery Barn Kids Thanksgiving Leaf Garland

CasaSugar — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:00:11 -0800

I think garlands are totally underrated. They only seem to make an appearance on Christmas fireplace mantels or at the birthday parties of five-year-old girls. It's totally discrimination. I think we should welcome cute garlands like the Pottery Barn Kids Thanksgiving Leaf Garland ($39.99, reduced from $59) into our homes whenever possible. The festive garland is made of felt leaves on a grosgrain ribbon. So much easier and safer than pricking your fingers sewing hundreds of pieces of stale popcorn together for hours on end, don't you think?

Garden Therapy: Leaf Relief

CasaSugar — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 05:30:59 -0700

If you're not raking up leaves in your neck of the woods yet, you will be very soon, so I have a few tips to help make the job easier. Once you've raked the leaves into big fluffy piles, consolidate them by raking them onto a large tarp. Then, drag your leaves to their final resting place, whether it be a backyard compost pile or in the green bin. Another trick? Run a lawnmower over your leaf piles, which will cut them down to size and speed up backyard composting time. Source

Harvest Leaf Rug - $149.00	Harvest Leaf Printed Door Mat - $29.00
Chilewich - leaf patterned vinyl rugs by chilewich CLEARANCE - $290.00	Antiqued Round Mirror - $245.00
Venetian Leaf Mirror - $499.00	Lakeside Lantern - $159.00
Sashi Table Lamp - $27.98	Leaf Shade Lamp - $244.90
Steuben Sculptural Leaf - $3,900.00	Vincenza Leaf Burnt Orange Pillow - $365.00
Leaf & Trunk Border Embroidered Pillows - $68.00	Bone China Maple Leaf Bowl - $78.00
Gold Leaf Dish Vine by William Yeoward - $155.00	Overlapping Leaves Wall Paper - $84.00
Sculpted Leaf Wall Art - $129.00	Inhabit - Leaf Slat - $72.00
Cavern Home Split Leaf Wallpaper - $155.00	Leaf Plates - $69.00
Gold Magnolia Leaf Wreath - $98.00	Still Life Maple Leaf - $36.00
Metal Oak Leaf Ornament Set - $15.95