Davy Jones

Today we lost the man with the most dazzling brown eyes in the world. We will miss you Davy Jones

Sofa Slipcover

The slipcovering has started! Yes, I finally pulled my boot straps up and got down to business. It's not really that hard, it's just intimidating because of sheer size. Anyway, I started with a muslin and I think it turned out pretty well.

Here is the couch to begin with. Not bad, just  a little blah. We've had it for some years now, so it could use a new dress.

The part I am most concerned about is the fit of the outer shell. I don't want a baggy slipcover, I want it to be tailored. The first think I did was trace around the seams of the couch on the muslin. I then added 1/2 seam allowance and used those pieces as my pattern.

When I had everything cut out I pinned it inside out all around the couch so it would have a snug fit. Some quick basting and lo and behold, it fit! I have made cushion patterns as well, although I'm not as worried about those, as they are just large rectangles.

We went a'searching for fabric last weekend. This is not a good color representation of what I found. They are an apple green. It doesn't matter anyway because J didn't really care for them. We are going to stick with the apple color but look for something more chenille-y. We will be making another trip to Home Fabric and Rugs this weekend. Have you been there? They have awesome, really in-expensive fabric. Go!

We will be using the white circle fabric swatch that you see. I'm going to do some Roman Shades with it.

These crazy blue/green fabrics we found at Jo-Anns. They are designed by Annie Selke, who I believe is the designer behind Dash and Albert Rugs and Pine Cone Hill Bedding. They are awesome. These swatches do not do them justice. There is no way I could convince J to go with a whole sofa out of them, but they will definitely be making an appearance as pillows. I think they are a perfect combination of 60's/Jonathan Adler!

Denyse Schmidt

Denyse Schmidt has a new quilt pattern out, Relay. It's pretty isn't it? Are you excited for her new book?

An Evening with Amy Butler

Did you  hear that Harper's is bringing Amy Butler to town? They are presenting an Evening with Amy Butler at the Nelson-Atkins on May 15th. I'm excited to go, will I see you there?

Decoupage and Off the Cuff quilt classes added!

Did you know that not only is March National Craft month, but the 17th is also National Quilting day? In honor of those two holidays we've added a few classes to our March schedule.

 Jaime David will be teaching her ever popular Off the Cuff quilting class on March 12th at 6:00pm. She will teach you to make a gorgeous quilted square using nothing but random scraps and your imagination.

On March 31st our mom Sheila will show you the tricks of the trade to the world of decoupage. Using this technique and some pretty fabric you will walk away with a wall triptych. Once you get this down, you'll never have to buy wall art again!

So this year, expand your crafty horizons and learn a few new techniques, classes are open so sign up soon!

Sewin' Sunday

This weekend I spent a lot of time in the sewing room. I have a big project that I am making headway on (more on that later) and I also finished this little project. My friend Jaime had this vintage fabric with a French scene on it that I bought from her. I think it's awesome, but really didn't know what to do with it and there really wasn't much to work with. So, I decided that it was time for J and I to have nice cloth napkins.

 We are paper towel users normally, but it seems like such a waste so I would like to get us off that particular train. I made these napkins the size of the half paper towel, as I think that is sufficiently large for us. It was a quick project and nice because we could put them to use right away. And how cute is that fabric??

new Amy Butler, Martha Negley fabric

Let's start the week off right with some new fabric, shall we?

 You might remember seeing the Amy Butler chinese lanterns print in that blanket I made for my nephew. When I showed it to E she said that we had to get it, as she wants to cover her whole house in it. She really likes it.

The rest of the new gang are all designed by Kansas City native, Martha Negley. I think they are gorgeous and perfect for Spring. I think feathers will be the most popular, but something about that crocus makes me so happy. Gate is lovely too, I think it's a great neutral print to combine with others.

Guest Post: Joanna from Arcadian Lighting

Hey everyone, we've got a guest with us today! Joanna with Arcadian Lighting is going to give us a little rundown on one of our favorite interior designers, Dorothy Draper. Take it away Joanna...

Hi, I’m Joanna, a blogger with Arcadian Lighting, a premier online source for all things lighting, including beautiful light fixtures. I’m so happy to share my interior design inspiration with you today. Thanks to Bon Bon Atelier for graciously letting me share about an inspirational design talent.

 Known as “America’s most fabulous decorator”, Dorothy Draper revolutionized the interior design field. She introduced bold colors which hadn’t been seen before into home décor; she took a country depressed by years at war and breathed new life into each space she touched. Not only did she influence residential space design; she left her signature style on big city hotels, apartment buildings, department stores, offices, and even, airplane interiors. She also had her own lines of lighting fixtures and furnishings.

 Thom Filicia of Style Network's Dress My Nest, says of the designing pioneer, "Dorothy Draper took what we knew as sort of classical and really injected it with an incredible amount of fantasy — she exaggerated it and made it feel new and clean. I think she had a very modern take on tradition..." Here you’ll find love Ms. Draper’s original designs and other spaces with Draper-esque qualities. These rooms are full of abundant color, delightful and unexpected elements, and of course, a chic and sophisticated style. Today, Ms. Draper’s legacy lives on through her design firm, Dorothy Draper Company, Inc. To read more about her life and times, visit DorothyDraper.com.

This space is reminiscent of Ms. Draper’s touch.

A Dorothy Draper original. (The wide-striped walls are remarkable.)

Another Draper designed room, this one is full of sassy style and sophisticated elegance.

A Draper-inspired office designed in Hollywood Regency styling.

Chinoiserie was one element Ms. Draper liked to use in her designs, for instance the stately cabinet shown here. This space is decorated by the fabulous Tobi Fairley. I love the little wall lamps and of course the chandelier.

An over-the-top bedroom boasts Draper-esque qualities with a massive canopy bed and glam benches in pink and silver.

This dining room is yet another example of chinoiserie in Ms. Draper’s work.

Lots of color and exuberant style make this space feel like it could have been designed by Draper herself. The amazing pendant light is very much the focal point of this lovely office.

What do you love about Ms. Draper’s signature style? Make sure you visit Arcadian Lighting for amazing deals on light fixtures.

Sweet Georgia Yarn

Toot Toot! That is us tooting our horn about the new Sweet Georgia yarn that just arrived. Of course we ordered it in all our favorite colors, gorgeous turquoise's luscious raspberries and bright greens. And we have a variety of weights..chunky, sock and the super luxurious silk and cashmere lace blend.

Here are just a few of our lovelies..

Black Plum Cashmere/silk lace

Cypress Cashmere/silk lace

Riptide Cashmere/silk lace

Chunky Lettuce

Chunky Raspberry

Cypress Sock

Raspberry sock

Daffodil bedding!

I love bedding. I remember getting the Garnet Hill catalog growing up and lusting after everything. The printed sheets and duvets made my giddy with joy. I don't get the catalog these days, but I do love looking at their website. During my Spring fever pitch I wandered over there and lost my heart to this Lily Pulitzer bedding. DAFFODILS! (that's what my brain did when I saw it). Although I finally realized that a clean white duvet cover is best for my bedroom, I could still do some printed sheets. I think it would be nice to slide into some Polka dots or stripes at night. Maybe even some rockets.

Rain Poncho!

So, I recently realized that in my embarrassingly large collection of coats I was lacking a very important one..a raincoat. So, I thought, maybe I'll make a raincoat. I love that Amy Butler laminated fabric we have, that would be super cute. But then I had a better idea. What if I use the laminated fabric I got last fall at Liberty and made a rain poncho?? I happened to have a lovely 70's poncho pattern that I used, and I grabbed some of our Kiwi voile as a liner and Ta Da! One rockin' 70's rain poncho. Which I can't wait to wear with my white vinyl boots. And I'm considering making large white vinyl pompoms to go around the neck. Bring on the rain!

Spring Fever!

People, I have been hit by Spring Fever! There is an uncontrollable urge to clean, paint, plant and recover. I want cheery colors and stripy fabrics. Skirts and cardigans and new umbrellas. I have a deep desire for new rugs and throw pillows in loud floral prints. Help! How do I break the fever?? Unfortunately I can't seem to find the cure, instead I've been trolling the internet looking for Springy fun. One of my first stops was Cath Kidston where I covet this outfit...

Yes people that is a brooch with pigs on it. As much as I love the dress and cardigan I probably won't order it. That pig brooch though? I think I might have to get it...

Liberty of London Art Fabric

A little behind the scenes Liberty action for you..

Carly's Craft column

I'm excited to introduce a new contributor to our little blog, the super crafty Carly Rubach! Carly is a journalist who writes a variety of columns including a crafty one at Third coast digest. She also happens to be my cousin-in-law which is how I roped her into helping us out. Today she is sharing with us her bedroom makeover, so take it away Carly!

 I feel like there is always that one room in your apartment or home that goes neglected for too long. For me, it's the bedroom. When I lived in a studio apartment, space was limited so decorating had to be simple and strategic. Now I have a few rooms to work with and just completing one and feeling completely satisfied with the result is a daunting task.

 But sometimes you have to look that scary bedroom in the face and say, "Let's do this." One can of orange-gold paint later, we were on our way. We decided to go for a Mexican-inspired bedroom to keep us cozy through the winter months and straight-up happy all year round. We took a trip to Huatulco, Mexico last year and came back with a few art pieces and piles of photographs to help fill the space. The room is beginning to feel more complete with our brightly colored paper banner above the bed that I picked up from the National Museum of Mexican Art store in Chicago, and with our collection of personal photographs.

 As always, I feel that a few changes and additions can be made. I'd like to add some hanging plants to either side of the main windows to soften up the corners. I'm searching for the perfect comforter or fabric to make my own duvet cover. I'm also working on a curtain for the smaller window in the room. I had what I thought was a brilliant idea: to hang my stockings/tights from a curtain rod since they're lacy and pretty. Plus, I have quite a collection and I feel I'd have an easier time selecting a pair for my outfit of the day if they were spread out for me to see. But I suppose hanging your underwear for all to see is super weird. You've got to get all the bad ideas out to make way for the good ones, right?

 I have a few before and after photos for now so you can get an idea of the transformation. I'll keep ya'll posted with any new additions to the space.

Stay tuned, next week Carly is going to show you an awesome bench into plant stand project!