Beautiful Bookcases and Art

Love the vintage steel bookcases.

And, the large dot artwork is one I saw in a Martha Stewart Living magazine years ago. I loved it so much that I researched it at the time and discovered it to be permanently out of my price range. I had completely forgotten about it until now. I wish I could even remember the artist or name of the artwork.

Found on desire to inspire.

Map Scrap Art

I love this Map Scrap Art at the Bombus shop on etsy.

The map pieces are from various times and locations. The finished piece is 17.5 x 17.5cm. And, as for me, I have no idea how big (or small) that is.

Maybe I should do something like this with some of our Italy maps from last summer...

Artsy Clutch

Last week, I used Amy Butler fabrics from my overflowing fabric stash to make a little Artsy Clutch from Amy Karol's Bend the Rules Sewing book.

It was easy and done in less than an hour. Seriously easy (and I'm not super fast nor an accomplished seamstress).

Charm City Cakes

Belle and I just finished watching the Food Network's Ace of Cakes show. Charm City Cakes, a company based in Baltimore, makes the most amazing cakes I've ever seen. I seriously couldn't figure out which photos to post so here are a whole bunch.
They can make anything you can dream up. I wonder what I would choose... I know my hubby would choose a snow skiing one like this or a waterskiing cake.

Isn't this cake just so beautiful? I love the different shade of green on each layer and the delicate flowers.

Just monkeying around.

M&M madness.

In addition to this Candy Land cake, they also had a Scrabble cake.

So whimsical and fun. And, I love anything with polka dots.
How fun would this be for Father's Day?!?

Modern Planters

I love love love modern planters like these from CB2.

Now if only I could keep my plants alive...

What's not to love?

Is there anything that Restoration Hardware makes that I don't just love?

The answer is no.

Always classic, refined, and just beautiful.

Sewing Inspiration

Last week, my husband bought me a great new Bernina Activa 230 sewing machine. I've been so inspired to work on a whole lot of new projects from these books....
Amy Karol's Bend the Rules Sewing has great ideas and suggestions. I'm going to make this artsy clutch on the cover with I have on hand as well as a few baby bibs for friends that are going to have babies. I think I may add a little appliqué to the bibs too.This pattern book has beautiful projects. I used their letters as a guide for a special phrase I appliquéd on a quilt for a friend. I'm planning to make their Diaper & Wipes Quick Totes and try their Bib ideas as well.
I love Amy Butler's designs and this book is no exception. I'm planning to make quite a few projects from it starting with a new pair of pajama pants made out of her Olive Lacework and Linen Full Moon Polka fabrics.

Great ideas in both of these "Last-Minute" books.

I don't have this book...yet. I really want to make that little purse on the cover but the library doesn't have the book. Guess I'll just buy it but I wanted to glance through it first.

Sew & Stow... a title and description that intrigue me. I'll have to check it out and let you know if it's as great as it seems.

Do you have any favorite sewing books or patterns?

I love Room and Board.

I love Room & Board. It's worth checking out their website, ordering their catalog, or making a stop in their showroom if you're in one of the major cities where they have a showroom.
I put a stop at Room & Board on our list of things to do in Chicago last November. I loved this sofa - classic and yet so refreshingly simple and tailored. I love the pillows too. I just wish my pillows would always look so nice on our couches.
My dream outdoor furniture is modern and from their outdoor collection. Beautiful and simple. Love it.

Green Inspiration

I love this glass bubble knob. This is my favorite color. Ever. I could design a whole bathroom around these knobs. And, the pink ones are just perfect for a little girl room.

From Anthropologie.

Another beautiful kitchen

Apparently I'm collecting photos of beautiful, white kitchens. The backsplash is Cararra marble tile. Stunning. And, how would it be to have a low bookshelf for my cookbooks?!?

From HGTV.com.

Clean, Fresh, White Kitchens

There's something about a white kitchen that just seems so fresh, clean, and classic.

I can see me and the kids in here making lunch. I love the high small cabinets with glass doors.
I love the wood accents and the loads of light.

Both photos are from Desire to Inspire.