Peak into my weekend projects...

Explanations to follow but until then, some photo teasers...

Style & Skill Crush: Chris Kauffman

One of the very first blogs I became addicted to is the feature of today's Style & Skill post. She isn't quite as famous as my last S&S, Eddie Ross but I am just as much in awe of her. It's Chris Kauffman of the very inspiring Just Beachy.

Aside from her general good taste (which she has in bountiful supply), she has an amazing ability to complete projects in a snap. Anyone who has undertaken any similar project knows just how much time and effort goes into these tasks. So its with utter shock I eagerly read her blog and see just how many beautiful projects she completes in a matter of days.

First off, just look at her home. It whispers her personal style in every corner. And its not some out of touch, overpriced showroom. You can see the warmth of the family that lives there along with the calm sea inspired design that Chris has so clearly made her own. Lovely molding details (most of which she seems to have installed herself!), calming shades of blue green sprinkled throughout, and a series of small changes that serve as her art canvas.

And if you think this blog is just about eye candy, think again. Her projects serve as inspiration for DIY'ers everywhere. She has the courage to tackle any project and then actually completes them with seeming ease!

I think that about sums it up. If you are looking for some inspiration (as well as some feelings of inadequancy if you have a long list of unfinished projects like I do!), go check out her blog.

My next project...

Guess who has some really good friends? Me!!

When my friend heard me consider buying a sewing machine to learn on, she generously offered to lend me her spare! Cool. She'd even show me how to thread it!

So off I went to spend the evening with her on Saturday and she taught me the basics of how to get going.

If that weren't lucky enough, another friend heard about my quest and sent me this beautiful book filled beautiful uses for vintage French fabric. I don't have any of that...but its just a really lovely book to look at and get inspiration from.

I already had read Sew Everything Worship by Diana Rupp. It seems like a great way to get started and she lays out all the basics in simple terms (for a sewing simpleton like me).

Now that I had the books and the machine, I just had to run out to Brooklyn General, the only fabric store I know of around here to pick up some pretty fabric, a pair of sewing scissors and some thread.

Now the question is - what should I make?? I'm overwelmed with possibilities here. Any former sewing novices care to recommend a good first project?

Blocked!

I'm having major project/decorating block. I know I have a lot of things on my to-do list. (Two months into the year and I still haven't crossed a single thing off!). I'm just feeling very unmotivated about it all.

I also have a list of 'fun' projects I have been meaning to get started on like learning to sew, trying my hand at silver clay, hosting a dinner party, etc.. But again, feeling very bleh about it all lately.

Maybe its the dreary dredges of winter or the constant bad economic news or just that I'm generally run down. No matter what the reason, I don't have much of interest to show you lately.

So maybe you can help. What should I do? What projects are keeping you fired up?

And since I have a strong dislike for posts without photos, I share with you the hilarious demotivation posters from http://www.despair.com/. Enjoy!

New Look!

I thought this old place needed a new look but I had no idea how to implement it technically. Thankfully Bryn with the help of her father had the know how. I sent off the basic design to them and they did the techno magic to get it working. Hooray!

I know lighter color schemes are more popular but I think photos look so much more bright against a darker backdrop. And how could I abandon the lovely shade of gray? You know I had to throw in a little damask or it just wouldn't be me :)

I know I need to clean up the sidebars and work on organizing my flickr photos but what do you think of the new look?