Seashells, Slipcovers and Ticking. . .

Sorry for the poor lighting. First glimpse of my slipcovered sofa and toss pillows. I hope to have time this week to post some how-to's.

Seashells, Slipcovers and Ticking. . .

I have mentioned before that I have to be ruthless in terms of editing decorative items because the house is so small. Here you see a few of my favorite things. . .

Books I love.

A cast iron owl, that was in my paternal grandparents house. Originally a black trivet, I spray painted it white. I suppose it could still be a trivet but I've always just loved how pretty it is. I've always found it very thought provoking for some reason.

Some dominoes. I don't know how to play. But I'm hoping sometime a friend or acquaintance will visit and show me how.

A punch cup and glass party tray. I have a set of these and I love them. They are very 1950's. I got them from a flea market/antique dealer in Huntingdon a few years ago. I would imagine they are quite common based upon the price I paid.

Seashells, Slipcovers and Ticking. . .

I adore ticking.

Seashells, Slipcovers and Ticking. . .

I opted not to make slip covers for these two little chairs (yet). I really like how they contrast with the blue ticking. Plus, they add a little bit of fancy to this space - which is really a glorified pass-through to the kitchen. The chairs are comfortable. Just this weekend, my Mother and I had iced tea and lemonade and snacks here. It was very civilized. Haha. To gain extra space, I just opened one of the leaves on the table. It was just right for a few snacks on a hot lazy afternoon.

As with all the photos, you can double click the pic to make it bigger.

Seashells, Slipcovers and Ticking. . .

There's been a lot of HomeEckWreck-ing going on here. Not doing a great job of sharing lately. But I'm going to attempt to do a better job of sharing my doing. . .

As you can see in the above-pic, I've finally gotten the house in her little summer sundress of white slipcovers, seashells, and ticking.

I wasn't lucky to find this sand dollar in its natural environ. It was purchased. In the past, I have purchased shells.

However, due to my concerns about sustainability, try to rarely purchase shells or sponges, or corals. If you are looking for instant beach chic consider small pebbles, sea glass, driftwood, and sand.

I consider collecting shells that washed up on the beach acceptable so long as it's allowed at that particular beach. Just be sure to take only what you need.

Sunday Brunch #4

Sunday Brunch #3

Soooooo pretty. . .

Sunday Brunch #2

Juniper Berries at the Hampton Historic Site.

Sunday Brunch #1

A little late in the day for brunch. . .but thought I'd share some pics from the gardens at the Hampton Historical Site, located near Towson, Maryland. The magnolia tree was in beautiful bloom.

Summer Spruce Up Projects - Slip Covers 7

Let's stuff the pillow insert in the cover and admire our handy-work shall we? Yeah! Just the little confidence boost I needed to tackle the rest of the inserts and the other slipcovers. Perhaps the same will happen for you?

Couple of thoughts/tips:

1. Pinking Shears - GET a pair pronto. They are great for cutting edges you don't want to fray. This isn't a substitute for actually hemming fabric to a finished edge but it's a nice time saver if you need it. Or are just lazy like me.

2. Super sharp dressmaker's shears - GET some. I got my Gingher's at a serious discount at Jo-Ann's. This is also where I got my Gingher embroidery scissors which are great for trimming small threads.

3. It's so much easier to operate a sewing machine when you know how and why it works. I've used my sewing machine "green" and I've used it after I read a little about sewing machines. I had a lot more success after doing just a minimal amount of reading.

4. Don't get tense! I realized I used to get very nervous about sewing a straight line. I was looming over the machine like some kind of hunch-backed ogre. My entire body was tense, my jaw was tight, my fingers where cramped. The dogs (the little teeth beneath the presser foot) do a pretty decent job of feeding the fabric straight. Relax. No one will notice a bit of an errant stitch anyway. They will be too busy being impressed with your handiwork.

5. Luckily, this didn't happen to me this time. . .BUT. . .You can always rip out a stitch. Just make sure you have the tools for it. How often in life do you get a "do over"? In sewing, you do. What's not to love?

6. Never, ever, underestimate the power of preparation. It's so much better to take the time to think things through, to measure twice, to iron and launder properly than to have your hard work foiled by a silly but serious miss-step.

Summer Spruce Up Projects - Slip Covers 6

When you're done sewing, pull the pillow cover right side out through the back slit. You should have something that resembles this. (Or better, if you're much more skilled than I am). Give it a light pressing. . .

Summer Spruce Up Projects - Slip Covers 5

I pressed the inside "quarter" edges. The "outside" edges were already finished since it was a dish towel originally. I sewed the "inside" edges I cut to form the open flap where the pillow insert will go.

Then I lined up the fabric as best as I could. And pinned the quarters to the front half. When you are sewing like this, the outsides of the fabrics go face to face "inside" so you can sew around the perimeter.

With this type of pillow - where you have a generous opening for the pillow insert, you can sew around all four sides.

Summer Spruce Up Projects - Slip Covers 4

Plus this: Last summer, C and I checked out the Maryland Historical Society. That place is amazing! If I knew how to link or cross-post, I'd direct you to my "review/tour" of the place at HomeEckWreck. At any rate, my souvenir was a dish towel that resembled the vintage towels with all the attractions from the state on it. It wasn't cheap - nearly $25! - but when I purchased it, I knew. . Just knew. . .I could make it into a pillow cover. One year later, I was up for the challenge.

Here you see I have very bravely cut the towel into several pieces.

I had a pillow insert that I knew would work size-wise. So I folded the towel in half. Ironed. Cut on the crease. Then I took the "non printed" side of the towel and folded in half again. Ironed. Cut on the crease. This gave me three pieces.

The two "quarters" would form the back of the pillow with the "euro-sham" slit that could accommodate the pillow insert. The printer "half" would form the front of the pillow.

I never measure anything and typically this results in my being a huge fabric hog. This time, I had very little room for error so I sewed my seams very very carefully.

Summer Spruce Up Projects - Slip Covers 3

Intimidated by the zipper and figuring it would be less expensive if I didn't have to purchase a bunch of zippers, I decided I should make all the pillow covers and cushions with the fold-over "euro-sham" type closure. I love, love, love ticking. So I purchased some of that. I also purchased some crisp nearly white chino and some pretty brown linen. I wasn't sure what fabric went where when I started but as with most things. . .If you love it, you will find a way. . .Add to that a bolt of snow white muslin. You can always use muslin. (I hope?)

Summer Spruce Up Projects - Slip Covers 2

So I have this awesome upholstery on my very vintage sofa that my Husband and his Brother refer to as Margaritaville. (I'm sure they are being affectionate when they use that term). I adore it but I though for summer, we should have something "lighter." And so it begins. . .

Sumer Spruce Up Project - Slip Covers #1

Don't worry. It actually gets slightly more exciting. . .

Summer Spruce Up Projects - Table

This is really how all my grand slip covering craziness started. We got a new counter height table for our kitchen. We really needed a more comfortable place and more space to eat.

The table and stools were much more economical unfinished. So I painted them white. When the paint dried, I placed some brown kraft paper down the center to fashion an impromptu table-runner. And that simple piece of paper on the white table inspired me to make the decorating scheme more casual and neutral for the summer months.

Me and my bright ideas. . .

Summer Spruce Up Projects

So we have how many things going on? And I decided to add one more thing to the chaos. I decided a few weeks ago that it would be a good idea to change curtains, slipcovers, etc for the summer months. The only problem is I didn't actually have these items to just "switch out." And because our furniture is old and oddly shaped, I just can't purchase a standard slip cover. See where this is going?

Sunday Brunch #2

Speaking of design. . .Yikes. I'm not sure if this is comfortable? Surely it's not practical. It certainly would be a conversation piece.

Sunday Brunch

A couple of snapshots from our last visit to the Baltimore Museum of Art. Here, the sculpture garden. It backs up to the Hopkins Homewood Campus and is close to a busy street but still seems peaceful and serene when you walk through it.

Good Morning from Home ECK Wreck!

Spring, Summer, and Fall Sunday mornings mean Farmer's Market under the JFX. As the season progresses, there are more and more home-grown and home-made goodies available. Supporting local small farming operations, enjoying a lovely morning, and getting some good eats. It's a no-brainer!

There are several other farm markets in the Baltimore Area. Check out http://www.localharvest.org to find markets in your area.

Mother's Day Bake Sale 14

Loaded everything into baskets for easy transport.

The bake sale ultimately raised a lot more money than I ever expected possible. Big thanks to all our hungry supporters!

I'm glad I had the opportunity to participate this year. We have lovely neighbors and there's a real camaraderie on our block.

In this world where everything moves so quickly and often feels impersonal and callous, taking time to slow down and bake something from scratch and to share it with your neighbors, offers a sweet reminder or how fulfilling the simple things truly are.

Consider baking you neighbor something yummy.

Consider stopping by with some coffee so you can chat for 20 minutes.

Consider a supper club. Meet up at a different neighbor's house once a month to every two months for a pot luck dinner.

Considerr a community garden plot.

Consider offering your skills. If you're good at gardening, offer to help a neighbor. They can return the favor by helping you with another chore or project.

Consider a heartfelt note during the holidays. Not just one of those obnoxious "I'm bragging about my family" letters. Let your words convey the spirit of the season and your gratitude for having great neighbors.

Consider acknowledging a birthday or important anniversary with sidewalk chalk. Sneak outside late at night to deliver the message. What a great surprise for them the following morning!

Consider shoveling, sweeping, weeding, and mowing more than your share.

Consider taking some photos of the exterior of their home and their landscaping during the various seasons. You can present it to them in a beautiful album if they are moving or when they reach an anniversary of living in the home.

Consider your own block party.

Consider outdoor screenings of classic movies.

Mother's Day Bake Sale 13

If you like my elephant or owl and would like info on how you can make your own. . .Or if you'd like me to make one for you, please comment. I'm happy to share.

Mother's Day Bake Sale 12

I figured since I was on a roll, I'd put out a couple of my mixed media children's wall art just to see what kind of response it might receive.

I later only offered up the elephant and I somehow I lost complete track of it. I hope he found a good home. I really did love that elephant!

Mother's Day Bake Sale 11

I used the same tag idea as I did for the bakery boxes. I layered several tags. One contains a description of the product and for the flower pins, suggested uses. The other is intentionally left blank and can be used as a gift tag.

Mother's Day Bake Sale 10

So I figured I might make a few flower pins to offer at the bake sale. They aren't expensive and people seem to like them. So in the midst of all the baking, I quickly glued some pins on a few blooms I picked up at the craft store. (How to previously discussed. Check the April Archives).

Mother's Day Bake Sale 9

Amassing Mother's Day goodies in the living room. I didn't think about it at the time, but it really is rather miraculous none of the packaging or goodies met their demise at the hands (or paws) of the cats or dogs.

Mother's Day Bake Sale 8

Lemon Chamomile Shortbread.

This recipe is super easy and seems to impress folks. I got the recipe from the Real Simple website.

This could become one of my go-to summer dessert recipes. Lemon is very refreshing. And these little triangles while not exactly light as air, aren't overwhelmingly heavy. Another plus? They bake in a 325 degree oven so your kitchen won't get sweltering in the summer heat.

I used a 9 X 9 Pyrex glass baking dish. When the shortbread cooled sufficiently, I cut so there were 4 large squares. I further cut each square diagonally resulting in 8 triangular pieces. Two triangles fit perfectly in each of these lovely window-topped baking boxes.

Mother's Day Bake Sale 7

I used deeper more square boxes without a window on top for the chocolate, chocolate chip cookies. Before I loaded the cookies into the boxes, I lined each box with butcher's paper - heavy white paper that is waxy on one side. I figured this would reduce "greasy" spots on the boxes and help keep the cookies fresher.

I still struggle with getting cookies the right amount of crunchy and chewy in our oven. Some of these cookies felt a little too crunchy for my taste. I decided they still probably tasted just fine so I included a serving suggestion on their tags: Microwave for a couple seconds, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and make a sandwich!

Sooooo good!

I learned an interesting baking tip from this recipe. I typically line my cookie sheet - I don't have any of those fancy silicone liners or air-bake sheets cause I don't bake enough to justify that type of gear - with wax or parchment paper. For whatever reason, the paper sometimes makes the smoke alarms ring. I can't figure out why this happens as there is no smoke and no burning smell. Using the vent hood doesn't seem to help. At any rate, this recipe recommended lining the cookie sheet with aluminum foil. It worked like a charm and no blaring smoke alarms! I'll definitely try this tip from now on!

Mother's Day Bake Sale 6

Sugar Crusted Raspberry Muffins packaged up all pretty.

I found these girly looking tags in the scrap-booking aisle of the craft store. I always keep plain tags in white and cream on hand in case I need to label something or to use as gift tags.

I decided to use one of each tag. On the plain tags, I wrote a description of the baked good. In a wine-encouraged moment of shameless self-promotion, I also included my blog's URL. I then layered the printed girly tag on top. I left these tags blank intentionally in case someone wanted to use it as a gift tag. . .as in "To Mom, Love your Darling Son." :)

I opted for feminine colors for the ribbons in keeping with the Mother's Day theme but these boxes would look gorgeous with simple hemp cord or kitchen twine and craft paper or plain cream colored tags.

Mother's Day Bake Sale 5

Boxing up the bake sale goodies. As I mentioned, my baking skills are average so I wanted my packaging to really make a good impression. Of course C said I was going way overboard. Needless to say I felt quite smug when I learned one lady on our block baked 60 pound cakes. . .That's right 60. Compared to that effort, I look like a slacker!

I have never explored the baking aisles at the national craft store chains (Michael's or JoAnn's) because I typically don't bake. However, I was very pleased when I started looking around. One of my concerns was how to package the goodies. Luckily, they make these very professional looking bakery boxes in all sorts of shapes and sizes.

And yes, I probably did go a little overboard in terms of purchasing packaging. . .but I didn't want to be stuck with too few. This you will find, is a common theme with me. . .If 12 boxes are good, 20 would be better!

I won't let them go to waste. Just yesterday, I baked the shortbread again for a friend. She appreciated the packaging.

Mother's Day Bake Sale 4

Both recipes were relatively simple to follow. These are the Tilghman Treats. You roll the dough into a log, refrigerate for a bit and slice little rounds and bake until they are golden and crunchy. I was tempted to try these myself. They reminded me of a cheesy whole wheat crouton.

I mixed up the batter for the muffins and I used a mini muffin pan figuring these would be easier to feed a dog. A whole muffin might be a little much. I specifically went to the store to purchase mini muffin cup liners so they would be all cute and individually wrapped. They seemed to bake just fine and I packaged everything up and went to bed. . . .

The following afternoon, I decided to let our dogs taste test the extra dog treats. That's when I noticed the error of my ways in terms of the muffins. The paper liner cups were impossibly stuck to the muffins! This of course was quite disappointing since I had already packaged up a bunch of treats. Ugh. There was some debate about how much a dog would care about a little paper stuck to their banana carrot muffin. But C and I ultimately decided we would hate for that paper to be somehow detrimental to a dog (thinking intestinal obstruction) so only Tilghman's treats made it to the sale.

I would make the muffins again but obviously omit the paper liners. The dog muffin batter isn't quite the same consistency as a typical muffin batter or cake batter and I suspect that's what contributed to the major malfunction.

If you'd like the dog treat recipes or any other bake sale recipe, post a comment with an email address or other contact info and I'll pass them along.

Mother's Day Bake Sale 3

Paw prints on the "Doggie Bags." It's not extremely original but still seemed very appropriate.

So my plan was to load these bags with a combo of both types of treats. I thought I'd use these clever little printed cards with Molly and Tilghman's photos on them to remind folks the treats are all natural and contain no preservatives so they should be enjoyed quickly or frozen for later, etc.

My plans seldom ever go according to plan. . .

Mother's Day Bake Sale 2

I opted for two types of dog treats. One was a banana carrot muffin. The other treat was a cheesy biscuit. I can't take credit for either recipe. I located both online. I opted for these two treats because they seemed relatively simple to prepare. I was surprised to see how many dog treats require yeast and a more involved baking process.

Mother's Day Bake Sale 1

Every year on Mother's Day weekend, our block has a bake sale. We use the proceeds to help fund our summer block party. Unfortunately, in years past I've been unable to participate because we have been out of town. This year everything worked out. I have a tendency to over-commit but it typically works out.

I made an ambitious list:
Lemon Chamomile Shortbread
Sugar-crusted Raspberry Muffins
Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookies
and. . .
DOG TREATS!

I figured the folks in our neighborhood are pretty wild about their pets so perhaps homemade dog treats would be a good item.

You should understand I don't find baking that enjoyable. It's much too precise for my skill set. I can typically crank out something average however. So in order to set my goods apart I went with something I'm much better at: Presentation.

Here you see some of the packaging for Molly's Muffins and Tilghman's Treats. These never actually made it to the bake sale unfortunately. . .

Ikea. Really?

found these lovely accent pillows and matching lampshades at Ikea. They coordinate nicely with the prints hanging above the bed. A nice find in an unexpected place.

Closet Case #92

I had an extra small fabric covered ox from Ikea so I fashioned a "Just in Case" case. It's stowed on the very bottom shelf of our closet.

The just in case case contains items some might keep in their nightstand. Since we don't have conventional nightstands, we lack adequate storage space in that location. I filled the box with a flashlight, batteries, important emergency numbers, matches, a few first aid items, etc.

Consider making your own "Just in Case" case.

Consider spending part of a weekend getting important documents in order.

Consider keeping $20 stashed somewhere in the house. It can be a lifesaver if you're running late and don't have time to stop at an ATM. Don't keep too much on hand though. That's what banks are for.

Consider taking photos of your house occasionally as well as new high ticket items. Share them with your insurance agent so you are sure you are fully insured. Keep a copy on disc or CD in your safe deposit box. Also, consider keeping digital copies of all your photos with friends or better yet with an online photo service/file storage site. If anything should happen, you can have your photos reproduced.

Consider keeping flashlights, fire extinguishers, extra batteries, matches, and candles in an accessible location on each floor of your home so you're always prepared.

Don't forget the pets! If you're making lists of emergency contacts and medications, be sure to include your furry housemates.

Closet Case #73

Things in the closet were coming together at this point. The black and white floral covered boxes are from Ikea. They were a real find! Very reasonably priced, easy to put together, sturdy and pretty. Since the boxes are not see-through, I added a tag for each box for ease in locating items.

More frequently used items obviously go on the lower shelves for convenience. The very top shelves are only accessible by ladder so anything that goes up there is really only used on the rarest of occasions.

I Just Loooooovvvvveee Pigs!

Th


Found these sublime little Bellek little pigs in an antique shop in Westminster the other weekend while shopping for something that we could repurpose as a counter top table.

Goes like this:

C patiently looks through the extensive inventory with me.

Owner explains he is going to his office to take a phone call.

C sees the light of the exit. . . .

I stop.

I see the luminious glow of the fine glaze on the porcelain of these delicate little pigs.

d to C: Please go get the guy. I want these pigs.

C to d: Do you know how much they are?

d to C: I know nothing about them. They are in a display case marked, "Please ask for assistance." I want assistance.

Owner: You have a good eye.

d to self: No expletive.

Hahaha.

I went home with two pigs and I don't regret it!

Closet Case #08

Tools for the fun part of organizing a closet. . .If there is such a thing!

Closet Case Continued

Once you get your pouch all ready, you can finish it with a some beautiful ribbon, or a button, or a toggle, or a lovely broach. ALWAYS add a tag so you know what is in the pouch for easy dressing and creative wardrobe "malfunctions." hee, hee

Closet Case #06

Once you have the item centered on the fabric, "eye ball" or pin the folds. Iron lightly on the folds.

Then "unfold" the material.

Place the fusing bond close to the edge of the fabric but inside the hemmed edge. If you are using unfinished fabric cut it with pinking shears to reducing fraying and place fusing tape about a 1/4 to 1/2 an inch from the outer edge.

Iron the fusing tape until a bond forms.

Reminder!! Your goal is to basically make a "pouch" or envelop for the accessories so you want to leave room with your fabric for a flap that will fold over the top of the items inside.

Closet Case #05

These dust covers are not an exact science. Take the bag or shoes or any other object you desire to be protected and "measure" it up v your fabric. You might need to fuse several pieces together to form an adequately sized cover.

Aside? This is a $12 purse from Target. I carried it on my wedding day. (Married in Vegas. . .it worked. Trust me).

Closet Case #07

Dust cover? Inexpensive fabric? Inexpensive, easy, dust covers!!!

Needed (no sew way!!!):
1. Light weight towels/bar rags, car rags, old sheets, etc.
2. Sharp Scissors
3. Fusing tape (iron on seam bond)
4. Iron & board (safe ironing surface)

Optional:
5. Buttons, ribbon, other accessories
6. Tags for labeling
7. Sharpie or other permanent marker
8. Amusement (Like a funny movie or radio to listen to for fun while ironing)

Closet Case #11

We went to Ikea a few weekends ago. You never come out of Ikea without at least a Fleeger-haukn-malta-blorger.

I found some excellent light weight vintage looking tea-towels. They were priced at 49 cents apiece.

Cha-Ching.

When you find this sort of item, you scoop it up by the arm-load. It's the kind of item that just screams: I'm economical, I'm pleasing in my timeless simplicity, my quality is average. My price is right. Buy me now, think later.

Buy, buy, buy indeed.

Closet Case #10

Situation: Lower-end purses and shoes do not come with dust covers. But that doesn't mean I love them any less.

Resolution: Make your own dust covers. . .

Closet Case #27

This is still in the early stages. . .

How HomeEckWreck runs a closet (since middle school - no joke):

1. Organized by color
2. Needs to be neat, pleasing to the eye, and inspiring
3. Needs to make me feel like I'm shopping in a high end boutique
4. Respect the clothes - proper hangers, tissue paper, cedar chips, sachets, etc
5. Don't forget the accessories

Our closet is open to our bedroom by design. C and I are both neat nicks and I can lie in bed in the morning surveying my wardrobe, looking for inspiration. An open closet is good for our space constraints and it's great for my lazy "what to wear" habits.

I'm ruthless with my editing. If it hasn't been worn in a year, it's gone. I give all my clothes to my Mom. My family gets to check it out and she takes the rest to a consignment shop where all proceeds benefit the Humane Society.

Closet Case #36

We are blessed with a lovely custom cedar closet. How it's utilized is an embarassment. I've been on a mission to change that. . .

Project Weekend - Table #057

Consider all the possibilities if you keep an open mind.

Consider the transforming possibilities of paint. Nearly no commitment - you can always paint again!

Consider always reusing, re purposing, doing more with less.

Consider a quick weekend makeover for one of your less than loved pieces of furniture. It could become a fav.

Consider being open to moving furniture. Who knows for sure if it's in the best place, serving the best purposes unless you experiment?

Consider stenciling or free-hand painting a beautiful design on an old table. Consider a more elaborate paint finish.

Consider using just one of of the drop leaves so the table can function as a vanity, desk, breakfast nook, foyer demilune.

Consider retro-fitting shelves below and using a tablecloth. Extra STORAGE!!

Consider covering in chalkboard paint for a child's playroom.

Consider covering with magnetic chalkboard paint for the ultimate play surface for small children. They might just stop raiding your Tupperware while you prepare dinner.

Consider a library table stacked high with books. Or a memory table stacked high with albums and frames.

Consider a potting station covered with pots and terrariums and cloches and greenery.

Consider adding casters for ultimate flexibility. The table can go anywhere. Anytime.

One simple little nearly forgotten table can be so functional and lovely. All it takes is a few hours and a little know how. You are limited only by your imagination.

Project Weekend - Table #055

I moved both of our little lemon velvet chairs to either side of the table.

Normally I wouldn't necessarily love the matchy matchy upholstery or style of chair in this spot but I think their sameness offers importance to the area.

C and I can lounge here over a nice dinner. My Mom and I can have tea here. I can open up part of the table and sit comfortably working at my computer, or read, or write. We can open both leaves and add two chairs for an intimate dinner with friends. We can offer a small drink/snack/dessert station during a party.