Last Valentine’s Day I blogged about a great idea: Tree of Hearts.
As of this morning I have a first-person testimonial about just how great of an idea this is! Look at the beautiful sight I saw outside my window …
You wanna know how someone will react if you decide to give them this very special Valentine? First they will gasp, then they will run upstairs to put on their snowboots and grab a camera, then they will run outside in the snow and take not less than 30 pictures with tears streaming down their cheeks and a big ‘ole grin on their face that nothing will wipe off all day long.
Here are a few more lovely shots for your viewing pleasure …
Wasn’t it smart of my friends to use these foam cut-out hearts to make this beautiful tree for me?
Man oh man do I feel loved. Like my cup runneth over loved. Like could I be any luckier loved? Like wrapped up in a big, warm sweater of love. If there’s someone that you wish could feel overwhelmed with love, you should steal this idea THIS WEEKEND and make it happen. Pass it along!
Thank you Heather, Whitney, Carolyn, Brandy, Jenny, Hontas, Melissa, Alissa and especially the master-mind Allison and anyone else that mailed in hearts without names … I am just SO, SO, SO touched and inspired by your friendship. I truly believe that gratitude is one of the best tools to help heal a broken heart. My heart got a big pink, purple and red-hearted band aid this morning. Just awesome.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
xo,
Julia
Today I’m writing about a different sort of good idea. In fact, I’m writing about two good ideas that I have stolen from two different cultures that are not my own. This morning, I impulsively skipped church. I was dressed, fed, and ready to go but something tugged me to stay home. During a time of reading, contemplation and prayer, these 2 ideas crystallized in my mind as inextricably related to each other and to me. This post is a little different than what I usually write here but thanks to the twists and turns in my life’s road, I’m a little different than I used to be too. Don’t worry, I haven’t given up on tearing ideas out of Southern Living and stealing them for all the world to see. But I think I might sprinkle in a stolen metaphor or concept that relates more broadly to life here on occasion as well. Hope you don’t mind.
Ever heard of wabi-sabi? This is a concept I have long known that I love. It’s an ancient Japanese aesthetic that in it’s most simplest form describes how imperfections make things perfect or beautiful. You see things like asymmetry, roughness or ruggedness, and the suggestion of natural processes or materials in Japanese art. I like to incorporate those things into my personal aesthetic as well …
Wabi-sabi characterizes why I love antiques so much more than new, sleek designs. Their nicks and stains make them unique, rich with stories, and just plain beautiful. (Empire style is my favorite. Too bad this one from Chester County Antiques is already sold … lots of wabi-sabi character here).
A wabi-sabi mindset would describe why there’s hardly a room in my house where nature, both perfect and flawed, has not been brought from the outside right on in.
Wabi-sabi describes why I think my little mutt with her asymmetrical feet and her imperfect (but 100% unique) breeding is the most adorable animal on the planet.
Wabi-sabi encapsulates why I find the practically imperceptible 7-shaped scar on my hubby’s forehead irresistible. The imperfection indicates there’s something richer, deeper and more complex that what is on the surface … an indication of pain that’s been overcome but not forgotten.
A wabi-sabi approach to aesthetics isn’t everyone’s idea of beautiful but it has always been mine. But now I’m learning that the concept can apply well beyond what’s considered attractive.
In fact, in Japan, wabi-sabi is more than just a chapter in an art history book. It’s really a philosophy, a lens on the world. It describes a certain kind of beauty that is built on imperfection, impermanence and incompleteness. There’s a melancholy that goes along with beauty articulated through transience. But as I’ve learned of wabi-sabi, that twinge of sadness doesn’t make it any less beautiful. In fact, it makes it more beautiful.
I can’t help but think of our little daughter Evelyn. The 21 weeks that she grew in my belly were beautiful. We were filled with hope and love and brimming over with joy for the promise of her life. We were waiting for the sure arrival of a person that we would love fiercely and fully. The doctors tell us that Evelyn must have been genetically imperfect. And too soon, she was gone. Life has been focused as remarkably fleeting for my husband and I. And with that focus comes and overwhelming sense of blessing.
How can that be? How can a huge slap-in-the-face reminder that hope, dreams and even life can sometimes and without reason be taken away feel to me like a blessing? It’s hard to articulate. But I’ve found a second idea to steal as my own that helps me to describe it. This one comes from the Jewish faith, a concept nestled in the Jewish blessing after a meal. I found it in the closing lines of a book called Overcoming Life’s Disappointments Rabbi Harold Kushner. Rabbi Kushner does a much better job of describing it than I …
In the Grace After Meals in the Jewish tradition, we ask God to bless us “as You blessed our forefathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, with a full and complete blessing.” But the Bibles tell us of how their lives were marked by fertility problems, quarrels with neighbors, conflicts between husbands and wives, between parents and children. What sort of blessings were those? I can only understand the phrase “a full and complete blessing” to mean the experience of life in its fullness, tasting everything life has to offer, the bitter and the sweet, the honey and the bee stings, love and loss, joy and despair, hope and rejection. The blessing of completeness means a full life, not an easy life, a hard road, not a smooth one, a life that strikes the black keys and the white keys on the keyboard so that every available emotional tone is sounded.
I read this and think that a blessed life is full of wabi-sabi, where the impermanence of everything brings all beauty into sharp focus for us to appreciate and be thankful for.
And this morning, as I write, I’m reminded that God gives us not what we ask for but what we need, when we need it (even if what we need is to play hooky from church and just think for a little while). Believing that is trust. Understanding it is peace.
I have been collecting up some great steal-worthy ideas this week! Man it feels good to be back on the hunt. Check it out:
Lonny’s out! There is a terrific looking kitchen on page 23 that I can’t get out of my head. I can’t believe that this look would ever go out of style (although this begs the question, have you ever seen a truly “timeless kitchen”). I’ve drooled over a similar look in another mag and recalled that the designer used inexpensive oil-rubbed bronze window pulls on the cabinets. It wouldn’t work in every kitchen but what a genius idea. Anyway, this combo of black, white and warm wood is just excellent.
Lonny also caught my eye with this tute on using stock moulding to replicate a technique called Faux Boiserie. It’s gives great architectural detail to a boring room. I had thought about getting after my bedroom with a similar plan a while back but then thought better of it since there is some architectural detail in our master already. So maybe the better find is this book, featured in Lonny, that seems like it would be chock full of projects perfect for our lake house. Might have to get that one on order!
Miss Mustard Seed has, like me, signed up for Weight Watchers. I’m only on day 2 but I’ve got to say that this new PointsPlus program that they have is great. I love being able to eat all of the fruits and vegetables that I want. Makes life so much easier. I think her recipe for Mini Quiches is excellent. I don’t always have won-ton wrappers on hand but once I get some in, these could easily be made for a quick lunch with things I always have in the fridge. Yummmmm.
I’ve happened upon a new blog to love, Bryn Alexandra Interiors. Love your style, girl! Bryn posted about this beautiful fabric from Calico Corners. Man, this looks like something that belongs in my living room. I’m really itching to put some attention into that room! Gorgeous, no?
How much do you love these table linens?! I seem to always be on a hunt for cool linens and these from Linea Carta on Etsy are just so fab. Hip, delicate, whimsical … love them!! Design*Sponge is always coming through lovely little things for my wish list.
I’ve never had much interest in quilting. But somehow the other day I found myself on the Moda Bake Shop blog and came across this pattern for a lawn chair quilt …. and whaddaya know … all of a sudden I’m contemplating becoming a quilter! Eeeeks! But wouldn’t this just be great for snuggling under in front of the TV or at the lake? Such a fresh take on a quilt pattern.
I actually found quite a bit more that I loved this week but I’m saving it up for some actual DIY projects. Stay tuned!
Friends,
I just packed away my Christmas cards this year using this stolen idea. It was a favorite post of last year. Don’t forget to pack up those cards this year for enjoyment year-over-year!
And Valentine’s Day is coming up. Got anyone you can shower with a Tree of Hearts? It’s an excuse to get together with friends and have some fun while showing someone that you care. I’ve got a tree of hearts recipient in mind … can you think of anyone deserving to show some love this year?
XO,
Julia
Did your elementary school have a fall carnival? Mine did and I LOVED it. There was a haunted house, a cake walk, a fish bowl ping pong toss, potato sack race, hula-hooping contest and of course the perennial favorite, the bean bag toss. These days, the bean bag toss has seen an incredible resurgence at beer-drinking events for the adult set. No serious beach day, steeplechase, tailgate, or cookout is complete without it. Game sets are available for purchase online and decorated with every imaginable team logo. And it’s also gained a more mythological name: Cornhole.
What sparked the Cornhole epidemic? According to Wikipedia, the tipping point came in the 1990′s when kids at Miami University made Cornhole a mainstay as a casual drinking game. And I am proud to say that yours truly (Miami Class of 2001) certainly fanned the wildfire’s flames.
This spring, Cornhole is getting an even more impressive promotion when it will be featured at my dear friend Sarah’s wedding (another Miami alum). Sarah and her beau Kevin are marrying at Folly Beach, South Carolina. Their fete will be casual, elegant, and beachy with Capsian Blue bridesmaid dresses from J.Crew and yellow accents.
Sarah asked if I might know how to make custom Cornhole bags. I said “I do”.
My mother-in-law and I whipped these up over the Christmas holidays using the directions at the appropriately-named CornholeHowTo.com. I saved this project until I was visiting her since she has an embroidery machine and I thought it would be necessary to create the appliques. However, I learned that any machine with a satin stich will work for applique. Here’s a quick summary of what we did:
1.) We followed the directions at Cornholehowto.com to make regulation 6×6″ bags filled with 1 lb. of hull corn each.
2.) Before assembling the bags, create and apply the applique. First I hand-sketched the whimsical K and S seen above on stiff paper and cut each letter out as my template.
3.) Using standard blue cotton duck and an upholstery print called Good Vibrations (that I can’t find anywhere online!), I traced the letters onto the right sides of the fabric.
4.) Next, iron Heat ‘N Bond to the backside of the letters.
5.) Now it’s time to cut out each letter and center it on the 6×6″ fabric squares. Peel away the paper backing on the letters and press them to the fabric.
6.) Now just run around the border of each of the letters with a satin stitch. I confess that my mother-in-law was much more skilled at this than I. However, I would tackle it again knowing that even though I might have to rip out my stitches a time or two, I could get it looking pretty darn good.
Sarah is making her Cornhole boards herself! I’ll be sure to post pics of the set in action at her wedding this spring. I think they are super cute and I’m wishing we had not hastily purchased a Tennessee Vols Cornhole set this past summer and rather made our own! Maybe that set will make it’s way to Craig’s List …
Well I’ve just got to brag a bit today. My friend Jay Qualls is becoming a big, bright star right under my nose. I met Jay when he did our wedding cake in 2008. Now, he’s one of 5 remaining contestants on The Next Great Baker hosted by Cake Boss, Buddy Valastro.
Isn’t he the cutest? You’ve got to watch the show. TLC on Monday nights at 8CST/9EST.
Here’s a photo of our wedding cake. This is totally a stolen idea and gosh I wish I still had the tear-out! I found it in a wedding magazine and loved the simplicity of it. Plus, the caption said it had fondant ribbons on buttercream. For me, that was PERFECT since I think fondant is beautiful but buttercream is delicious. Jay called up the cake designer at a fancy boutique in New York to learn how she attached the fondant ribbons to the buttercream cake. He told me that he could not be held responsible if those ribbons slid right off that cake but OF COURSE they didn’t. And now Jay is teaching cake decorating classes that include fondant applique for buttercream. AND he’s a national television star. Um, shouldn’t I at least get a free orange dreamsicle cake out of this (Jay, are you reading)??! Come to think of it, this makes Jay an accomplice in idea thievery. I knew I liked Jay the moment I met him!
My florist, Chase Rivers, added the dahlias and berries to the design. And we used a cake topper from the 40′s that belonged to my husband’s grandparents.
If you are in a wedding kind of mood, check out the slideshows of our wedding from our totally hip photographer, Keoni K. The day was planned by the fabulous Angela Proffitt of Elegant Weddings by Angela. We had a photo booth, did the tw0-step for our first dance, had an excellent country band. Man, that was a really great day.
Plus, check out the hottie that I get to call mine from that day until forever. Dimples to die for – swoon!
Did y’all see this print on Design*Sponge today?
I never buy anything for my house without knowing exactly what I’m going to do with it. This usually starts with me deciding that there’s a wrong that needs to be righted, a hole that needs to be filled, a color that needs to be added … I look for opportunities and then I shop.
But this had to be mine … the quote, the color, the Dolly, the price tag, the size. I have no idea where it’s going as I don’t have a stitch of deep purple anywhere but this poster needs to be in my house and pronto. And it will be as soon as Sarah Winter sends it from the UK. Could this be the new, impulsive Julia of 2011? I’m sure my husband hopes not.
In case you hadn’t noticed, I’ve taken a major blogging hiatus. It’s been an wild 4 months or so. After we put our home on the Whitland Home Tour in September, I barely enjoyed flipping through the pages of a Pottery Barn catalog. I guess I was just all tired out on stealing ideas.
Plus, right around then, I changed jobs and I threw myself into that.
And at that same time we started announcing that we were pregnant. But my pregnancy wasn’t an easy one and ultimately, our baby daughter arrived stillborn on December 14 at 21 weeks gestation.
I’ve had a break from that new job for a couple of weeks as a result of our loss and the holidays. If there’s one thing that’s become incredibly obvious to me during these 17 days of rest, reflection, and healing, it’s that is that I only have one life and I better fill it with things I love. Until I met my husband, I spent lots of time loving my career. And the truth is, I can’t think of a career I’d rather have.
But on the day I die, I’m sure I won’t be looking back on my career wishing I had given it more of my attention. So on New Year’s Eve 2010, there are a few things I resolve …
1.) To love and adore my husband as the precious gift he is and give him my time and attention.
2.) To make memories with my awesome friends and family and record them.
3.) To foster my creativity.
4.) To move my body.
5.) To spend more time in prayer.
This blog helps me accomplish #3. So I’m back. If there’s anyone still reading, I hope you enjoy. I know I will!
When we decided to put our house on the neighborhood home tour, I carefully and logically put together a to-do list. My aim was to spruce without over spending, and definitely to not buy anything that wasn’t long term. And yet here I sit, pondering spending $150 on PILLOWS for our living room sofa. Am I nuts?
It just seems that 2 of these would really bring in the color of the blue smoke silk dupioni curtains I just put in my adjoining dining room …
And one of these from Pine Cone Hill would make it look so special …
And they could be definitely still be used if we reupholstered the living room sofa one of these days…
[notice all the rationalization]
Dare I?
Here comes your favorite slacker with the third edition of the klepto files … at least one, if not 2 weeks too late. Crimeny! Oh well, y’all will still be friends with me, right? This week I found lots of steal-worthy ideas taunting me. And with the home tour coming up in short order, you better believe I’m on a mad hunt for rip-offs.
Kathy at MerrimentDesign made this super cute kid’s travel blanket. Kathy’s a friend and so is Macki, the originator of this brilliant idea, featured at the bottom of the post. I’m just wondering if I’m organized enough to get one of these made for my next baby shower …
Gah. I just really like Wisteria. I need a little more of this vibe in my life and house …
Another friend kicked off a new blog called DesignTripper. Sorry, but it’s genius. Aside from being insanely great entertainment, it’s also just about THE most brilliant way to get invited to stay at fabulous places. Next time I vacation, I’ll settle for nothing less than this:
Think my currently non-existant slip covering skills are sharp enough to pull off something like this? We have an almost identical chair that’s calling out for a new dress.
And last but most certainly not least, let me introduce you to Rebekah Forlines of Four Lions Jewelry. Rebekah is a friend of mine and no doubt a budding marketing genius. She and I have been talking a bit about social media, blogging and whatnot (I actually work in digital marketing which may be hard for y’all to believe since I’m so sporadic with my posts here on I Steal Good Ideas, but it’s true) and she’s taken to it like a fish to water. Rebekah dreamed up this great feature for her business’s blog called Design Destination Day. It’s like a self-imposed Project Runway for a jewelry designer. She forces herself to shop somewhere unlikely for jewelry-making supplies and then posts the materials and the results. Check out this beauty made exclusively from Harbor Frieght Tools (her local hardware store). And last week’s gem you’d never know was built completely of items from Dollar Tree. Follow this girl … she’s up to big things!
That’s it for this week’s Klepto Files! Get out there and steal yourself some ideas, thieves!
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