Tales From the Projects - DIY Monogrammed Espadrilles

Those Who Don’t Have, Make Do…

You would think that I was a born and bred Southern girl for as much as I adore a good monogram.  In a fit of compulsion creativity the other day, I decided to add a custom touch to my new espadrilles.

Of course, in an alternate reality, I would much prefer a bespoke pair of Stubbs& Wootton slippers.  Heck, I would even settle for a pair of those new monogrammed Jack Rogers in navy.

My present reality, however, dictates that sometimes I have to get a little crafty when it comes to bespoke touches.  Necessity is the mother of invention, I say.  And yes, I find it ‘necessary’ to monogram nearly everything.

A pictorial DIY of sorts:

I am officially in love with them.  Sometimes ‘making do’ feels a heck of a lot more gratifying than just ‘having.’

All photos by me

kisses,  mrs. V

Tales from the Projects - 'V' Basket Sneak Peak

Some New V’s in Town…

Here is a little sneak peak at some jaunty new fellas at Chez V.  Sadly, after 3 years, some of my outdoor baskets had to be replaced.  Apparently wood rots out in the elements.  As I mentioned here, I am still enamored with plantings in baskets, so I have been on the down low (still technically on economic lockdowngate) lookout for some replacements.  I could not pass these up at 55% off.  You will never guess where I found them!

Oh, the possibilities!  I am currently considering upright ferns, hydrangea, or boxwoods.  These fellas are probably destined for the covered front porch where they will hold up a bit longer.

In other news, when the prospect of the same-old same-old grilled cheese sandwich won’t cut it with a 3 year old, check out your cookie cutter collection.  Leveraging the power of holiday goodies works every time.  She ate it like it was the last sandwich on earth.

Go on, take a guess about the baskets…

All photos by me

kisses,  mrs. V

Tales From the Projects - Stump Planters

Tree Stumps…

Ideas are brewing over here.  I dig tree stumps.  Not exactly sure why, but I think it has something to do with the life that was once contained within.  And the brilliant patterns and textures of wood.

I’ve got stumps on the porch that double as cocktail tables and foot rests for our rocking chairs.  I have stumps on the back patio that serve as perches to elevate potted specimens.  And now I have a stump fashioned into a planter itself.  I love it.

My in-laws can basically do anything but they are particularly good with wood.  My mother-in-law fashioned this planter for me and lined it with copper to make it a bit more durable for plantings. 

I envision all sorts of interesting applications for a planter/footed vessel such as this.  I planted violas because I was antsy to get some color outside.  But next I might plant some succulents and place this on my farm table in the kitchen or flowering bulbs + moss for Easter.

Would you buy something like this?  Inquiring minds want to know.

kisses,  mrs. V

Impactful Artwork - Big Photos

Mash Up Results – Big Photos are Good

As predicted, Wendy was the only one who correctly identified Waldo.  What this result tells me: Wendy is the only one who pays any attention to my mindless drivel or possibly that she has known me so long that she can actually follow my tangential points.  I very much appreciate that you also manage to always find time to leave me a comment.  Thanks, Wen.  Ahem, I would love to hear from the rest of you!

So, for those who missed where I was going with Friday's post, or for those just joining the broadcast, welcome and let me trip your memory…

Photo Credit: Jamie Meares

In February, I posted about blowing up one of my pictures from our pond.  See the similarities?  Seeing that big photo of the water lily and frog in Nathan Turner's store solidified my instinct that a huge photo would look great in the kitchen over the banquette.  But what makes it really meaningful is that these are pictures that I took of the pond that I built.

I think I love the one above with that fishy peaking out from under the cream water lily.  Wendy said she preferred the top one - again, thanks Wen for chiming in when I asked you kind folks for your opinion.

This mash up exercise echoes my earlier assertion that art doesn’t have to be spendy to make an impact.  If it is meaningful, it will add life to your interiors and tell part of your story.  Your passions, your travels, your family history, or your HARD work.  

In another synchronous twist, Alison of MLHP also happened to post on Friday about the exact same picture taken of Nathan's store.  We were both rocked by that space for similar but different reasons.  Art is personal and subjective.  Alison is stalking lemons and I am all about the lilies.  Both good because they are meaningful to each of us.  BTWs – jump on over to My Little Happy Place.  Longtime reader of hers.  She is Brazil-liant b/c she is very talented and lives in Brazil.  Dreamy.  Thanks Alison for your comment!

So I will kindly ask you again.  Which photo would you choose to blow up?  Cuz I want to be Brazil-liant like Alison and Nathan.

kisses,  mrs. V

A Tale from the Projects - Brass Accents

Brasstastic

So I have been on a brass kick.  Yes, I am aware it is ALL the rage right now.  But I have been a brass fan for a long time.  As I look around Chez V I spy hints of it all over the place.

brass in the tile room

elephant was a consignment score & pheasants were my grandmother's

larger pheasant was also my grandmother's

I frequent thrift stores, consignment shops and antique malls on the regular.  And I can never pass up a brass animal.  I don’t know what it is.

thrift store compote

The brass pig was picked up in Greece by my in-laws decades ago and I rescued that brass beauty in the background from obscurity at the bottom of a box at Goodwill.  $5 dollars. 

Lee Kleinhelter's office space via Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles

Look familiar?  She is probably charging a bazillion for one in her store.  Mine is destined for a dark shade too.  Thinking of gold leafing the inside of the shade...

a previous LR configuration

And then there was that table.  I stalked this table last year for weeks. Bizzo, you’re coming home with me, I whispered to her sweet curves.  Finally the dealer was having a 50% sale and WHAM BAM, lady friend was mine.

Mr. V thought I had absolutely lost my marbles when I suggested brass hardware during the kitchen face lift.  You see, this was 2 years ago, before brass was BACK.  Then, I had a heck of a time sourcing brass hardware that didn’t cost 3 paychecks and kidney.  Now you can find brass knobs at Home Depot thanks to good ol’ Martha.

it took 5 yrs of begging before mr. V let me paint those cabinets

BEFORE - all shades of depressing poo brown

Stylist Sasha Seymour's kitchen featured in Canadian House & Home

So when this image hit the airwaves I was equal parts awe-struck and pissed.  Because I already had brass hardware in my kitchen.  So much for being unique.  Don’t ya just hate when that happens?!  To be sure, I certainly wasn’t the first, but it still stung a little.  Of course, this was all pre-blog days.  But why didn’t I think of brass kickplates?!  Argh!!  Brilliant.

 

And, of course, the brass hardware lead me on the search for the perfect light fixture over the banquette.  I wanted something vintage yet modish.  And it had to be unique.  I squealed with glee when I found this lady friend at Ohio Valley Antiques.  I love love love her.  

Decorative Carpets in LA via

And then I stumbled upon this…that cheatin' lady.  So much for being unique, AGAIN.

kisses,  mrs. V