Crochet Rag Rug

After seeing so many fantastic posts on Pinterest for crochet area rugs I figured it was about time I upcycled an old comforter I had and gave it a try.  The little area rug below comes from one Queen sized comforter cover torn into strips and crocheted together with an 11.5mm hook.

You can use pretty much any doily pattern with this kind of thing, my only suggestion would be to cut a round of non slip padding because they are certainly don't stay put on hardwood.

Reusable Tissue Box Modification

This little project came about because I typically cannot stand how tacky most tissue boxes are... So when I find a good one I stock up, but sadly these designs tend to come and go with the seasons. What I decided to do was make my favourites reusable by adding a button and a small elastic.

It is quick and easy to do, all of the steps can be found below! Enjoy!

Simple Library

I had this odd little corner that wouldn't work for the TV since it is so bright, too far from the tv to put the couch over there... so I turned this little nook into the Library.

The shelves were found at Canadian Tire, I'm not so sure that they still carry them, but at the time they were only $100 a piece and have a great look fitting the Mid Century Modern look I'm using...

The Ribba picture frames from Ikea are a great way to showcase some records I've had for a few decades. I pulled the record out just slightly so it was apparent that it wasn't just a reprint of the cover but actually showing the original record.

The Mushroom Lamp was given to me by my mum and is an vintage piece.

The Union Jack chest was a Winner's find and the little robot was something my Brother and I found while in London... so I figured where else should the lil guy live but the Blanket and Scarf chest with his flag from home...

The last really is the White SCOOP Stool from Structube. Regularly $99, but I got it as a floor model with minor bumps and bruises for $40!

Overall a pretty good rate to give my self a rather rad looking Mod Library.

Total Project: $500 +tx

Plus the random books and nick-knacks collected over the years like the small statue, diffuser vase and the Scorpion!

Bathroom Reno - DIY

I moved into my little townhouse just over a year ago. The cabinets and counter tops were fairly evidently that which were put in when these houses were built in the 70's. One of my 1st DIY projects was to give my bathroom a bit of a facelift.

The Bathroom had the most terrible tiles stuck down, some aluminum sliding door cabinet (you know the kind that will always leave a seam down the centre of your face?) the big round bulb lights put on a box to be able to stick out over the wall cabinet. All set over a built in vanity that ate up most of my floor space.

The 1st order of business was turning off the water and taking out that vanity. I had a plumber friend cut off the water valves and cap them while I did the rest of the work. Out came a big hammer and pow, no more vanity. And after a bit of scraping with a spade the tiles were all taken up too.

I had a few issues to fix while I was in there. Turns out our contractors thought it was a good idea not to connect the wall to the floor in a bathroom. Amazed that we've never had a flooding issue yet that destroyed the ceiling in my living room below, I used a spray foal insulation to fill the gaps before replacing the baseboards. Secondly the plywood for the floor was pretty spongy near the toilet so that plywood was replaced too.

After replacing the floor painting the walls and putting down new rounded edge vinyl tiles, grouting and all that good stuff, it was time to install the baseboards and replace the vanity and toilet.

The Vanity was a Rona Truckload Sale for only $119. Two Nackten bathroom mats from Ikea, at $4 each. Wall shelf from Ikea $29. Savern Mirror Ikea $39. Three blub Vanity light from Multi Luminaire $150. 24" x 12" Groutable Vinyl tiles Home Depot $59/box.

Total Project: $525 incl tax.

Counter top water dispenser

I recently set up a basic apartment in my basement for short term stay tenants or perhaps longer visitors... I'll do a full blog on the basement when its closer to done, but in the mean time I found a fab way to have water down in the apartment with out needing a huge machine standing on the floor.

It started off with a quick stop in at Value Village this morning (this seriously sounds like many of my other projects) where I came across this fantastic 3 litre water dispenser. I really liked the simple clean design and the sturdy design of the spout for for $3.99 I figured what am I going to lose?

After a good wash down and test I was fortunately correct that the tap has no leaks! and it cleaned up like new it must have barely been used.

Next up was to find a base... Due to the positioning of the tap there is no way anyone can get a glass under there with out keeping it at the edge of the counter which really didn't sit well with me.

My vision was to find a nice squat ceramic flower pot in a turquoise colour to match what I have going on in the basement. Sure enough after a bit of wandering around HomeSense I found exactly what I was looking for!

Lucky for me, the size was a perfect fit... (since I forgot to measure the water dispenser before leaving the house) And the final product is a pretty slick looking $15 counter top water dispenser!

Chunky Crochet Throw Blanket

Last week Michael's had my attention with a yarn sale with some of the chunkiest softest yarn on sale for more than 50% off...

I have been meaning to make my self a throw blanket for quite some time, and at $3 a ball of yarn I could hardly say no... The blanket was made with a 9.00mm hook using 12 balls of "Charisma" by Loops & Threads yarn, and was split to 3 balls of Taupe and 9 Off White. Certainly use whatever colour combination you wish!

The final product lays 66" long and 53 inches wide, however at this length the yarn would make it just under 4 rows, my suggestion would be to shorten it by one chevron (or 10 inches) and this will allow for a bit less waste and could bring your waste down a fair bit.

Counting in multiples of 20 count out your 1st row - single chain up to approximately 56"

Add two at the end of your 1st row, and double chain starting in the second last hole for a count of 9. In the 10th hole double chain three times.

Continue in the next hole, and double chain for 7 more. In the 19th hole and 21st hole do the 1st loop of a double chain and then pull through all three to reduce holes 9-11 to one loop for the 2nd row.

This is a quick video on the Chevron stitch I found on youtube. In his video you will see how he does the reduction taking two double crochet and bringing them together. I wanted a more angular finish, so you may note the difference is that I skip a hole in between.

And for an amazing set of written and photo instructions check out this blogger from Attic 24 and her "neat ripple pattern" for crochet.

Fab Finds - Modern Tulip Style Chair

For any of you Modern Decor junkies like me, you'll likely start drooling when you see these beauties... nice and solid trumpet base, vinyl padded interior and only $129 CAD at Homesense I with I had room for one more chair.

Zone Maison - New Site!!!

Zone Maison's fantastic set of stores just got a MAJOR face lift to their online presence.

I'd like to think its a job well done, easier to navigate, search enabled and suits the style of their stores and the products they carry.

http://www.zonemaison.com

The photos above are just a few pieces that I have from Zone Maison

Kitchen - Magnetic Timer $15

Hookaboo - Folding Coat Hanger $25

Magnetter - Magnetic Key Holder $15

Please... Take A Seat

In my hunt for really rad things for my place I seem to have collected a fair number of fab stores/sites that need sharing. If you're into that sleek modern or Mid century Modern look then you may get a kick out of this list too. But rather than just make a boring list of websites I figure I'd pair this with my love for beautiful chairs!

So this is my wish list of chairs that I would buy if I actually had enough space from my top sites to surf for products and inspirations...

Structube has a great assortment of funky designs at mid range prices. I have a few pieces from here and they have lasted well.

This is the Cocoon Swivel Chair for $229. Furniture lovers would agree for a design like this $229 is an absolute steal.

My only feedback is this chair is definitely a lounge chair rather than an office chair, it sits fairly low but all in all a hot little number!

If you are willing to wait... EQ3 will make you exactly what you are looking for. Choose the style, and the colour of legs, plus your fabric and get a sofa delivered that is 100% you.

I got the Sofa version of the BYRD Sofa last Autumn and I absolutely adore it!

The seat cushion over time does stretch, so don't' expect it to remain looking tight and smooth like the catalog for ever.

After discovering CB2 while on a trip to California I was super excited to hear that they would be coming up to Canada at the end of this summer!

This Tangerine Parlour chair is just fab-tastic it is a hint pricey at $699 but with my current love for Orange, plus those sexy legs I'm still yearning for it none the less...

Urban Outfitters has been an interesting site to look through for me. More often than not the product has a bit of a bohemian twist, however there is almost always a few Danish Modern and Modernist pieces in the mix.

This Modernist Chair for $149 is adorable with its clean compact styling, the bent wood seat and back and tapered legs. I could see this chair as a subtle accessory to any room.

I tripped upon Zone Maison while out for breakfast on the Plateau in Montreal last Autumn...

The Phil Arm Chair at $199 is a great little find. Leatherette finish may end up being a hint worn being white... but the overall look is so cute and unique!

Going beyond the classic POÄNG Chair Ikea can come up with a few good pieces from time to time! Often given a hard time for making furniture you can't move with (since it won't go back together again quite as nicely the 2nd time) There are certainly gems in the collection.

The Tirup Swivel Armchair for $379 is a sleek simple and comfy little chair. I quite like that it does not have arms on it making it easier to lounge and cross my legs.

The Urban Barn has a great collection of very modern and sometime a little kooky stuff.

The Cedric Armchair for $549 is an absolute beauty. Clean lines in a cool grey and beautiful button back and arms. For the OCD of us, this chair will NEVER look mussed up that's for sure!

Only recently was I pointed towards the Phillip Van Leeuwen store in Ottawa here and I tell you boy was I glad when it happened...

There are so many lovely chairs there I'm not even sure where to start. So I figured I'd point out one that was most "interesting"

This translucent polycarbonate Papyrus arm chair in its yummy avocado colour (more colours available) can be used indoors or out. I can just picture a lovely garden dining set with this chair.

Well these are just a few of my fave shops... Maybe I'll do a compilation of tables for next time around.

Crafty Ideas - Bunny Gate

For any of you that have smaller pets, finding ways to keep them out of your favourite clothes or out of reach of the cables in your office is likely an ongoing reno project...

I made two barriers pretty easily this afternoon, all I needed was the following:

- Half a sheet of Coroplast (corrugated plastic)

- Tape Measure

- Duct Tape (pick your favourite colour)

- Metal Ruler (the longer the better)

- Drywall Knife

- Decals for decoration

You will be making your barrier with the lines going across your door parallel to the floor. This will make it more rigid, and less likely to just fold if you happen to trip on it!

Measure the width of your door, and add 1.5 inches to that measurement (you can easily just make a scratch on the coroplast with your knife!) And then mark your height somewhere just above your knees will likely do it.

Using your knife score the plastic using your metal ruler to keep you as straight and smooth as possible. Not to worry however, if you are not perfectly straight the tape will hide most of that!

Wrap the ends with the Duct Tape to give it a smoother softer finish and to help protect your self from scrapes if you happen to catch your self on the edge.

Then feel free to decorate with the Decals if you'd like. I added these great little robot decals I found for $1.50 at Michael's

I would decorate the side of the plastic that the pet cannot scratch on, otherwise it will just simply give them something to catch on and ultimately destroy.

The tension from the extra inch or so helps keep

the barrier in place, but is loose enough that you wont' personally really hurt your self in the event that you trip on it. It will just pop out of place and you can slip it in to the door jam again.

Coroplast comes in several colours and ranges from transparent to opaque, plus Duct Tape also comes in a wide assortment of colours as well. It is easy to make something like this that suits your own decor!

Coroplast $11.95 at Rona

White Duct Tape $3.95 at Rona

Decals $1.50 (times 2) Michael's

Total Cost $19 (2 gates)

Crafty Ideas - Funkay Art

It all started off with this roll of fantastically retro wall paper my mother found at Value Village for $1.99! I could picture using it as art somewhere in my place and finally put the plan into action.I grabbed 4 of these lovely metallic finish frames from Dollarama for a total of $8+tx

And voila, I took various parts of the wall paper to put together fun wall art that has a common tie in, but each frame is very different! Grand total for expenses $11.30

Poll Results

What room in your home would you like to renovate or redecorate next?

Bedroom 37%

Bathroom 12%

Kitchen 37%

Office 12%

Fab finds

I was on the drive out to Toronto last week for the Clothing Show auditions when I happened to drive past these beauties!

There was a set of 4 Cesca style chairs sitting by the mail boxes waiting to go to a new home. Since I couldn't possibly allow for them to get caught in the cold and the rain, I popped them into the back of my car and we went off on the road trip to Toronto.

The poor little chairs have seen some better days. Their covers have some holes in them, and they certainly smell as though they are 60 years old. The chrome needs some tender loving care, but I think that after a good bath, some days in the sun, and some new seat covers they should be as good as new!

I'm loving the fact that they have a natural bounce to them when you sit, but you still feel secure. And the design is so clean and light that they don't feel like a clutter in my already cozy living room. I think these will make an amazing addition to the family!

Leather, Lampshades and Lipgloss...

"Hello World"

... It just seems to be an appropriate start to a new venture into this blogosphere as I kick off my new fashion, beauty and design blog. I will likely drift back and forth between the three, but really, fashion is beauty and design (in my mind anyways)

So who am I? I am a makeup artist, small business management professor, fashion show producer, interior design lover, bargain hunter, and hobbiest at sewing and crochet.

Born in Montreal, grew up just outside Toronto and living in Ottawa, I travel a lot, because it keeps both my art and my edge sharp and always on my game.

The idea for the Blog came about because I am always snapping pictures of all the things that I find for putting my modest little townhouse together in my attempts to make it fashionable and modern. My living room was recently photographed for Design Source Magazine in Ottawa. The issue is coming up this summer and I'm really quite excited to see the professional pictures... [twitter - DesignSourceOtt]

These are just a couple snapshots I've taken on my space, I'm loving the midcentury Modern look, and have been getting some great modern pieces as well as some amazing vintage finds from my mom!

I have been working in makeup for 18 years, having started with David Little back in Toronto 1993 while doing makeup for actors headshots. It was a great start, and frankly I still find my main focus as touching people up and making them into the perfected version of them selves rather than really being into crazy and wild transformations.

Currently I work freelance on a variety of projects including producing the fashion shows for The Clothing Show, makeup for videos with Parktown Productions and glamour makeovers for Bella Stella Photography. I also teach makeup at Models International Management as well as am represented by them here in Ottawa.

Because of all of what I get to see at the shows I attend, and the inspirations for shoots that I work on, it would be fair to say that I have gained quite a love for clothes and accessories. I find my self gravitating towards unique pieces that are a bit lesser known or where I can say I know who it was that made or designed that piece. I have to admit that I have more of a love for the Glyphics Corset Belt that I bought knowing the fantastic gal Steph that made it her self, over several other mall bought purchases. Or the awesome jacket from Plastik Wrap that Ryan literally picked off the mannequin and said try this one, it is exactly your size.

When I had considered starting a blog, I was going to call it 101 Black Outfits... mostly making fun of the fact that not only do I wear a stupid amount of black, but its also the colour I need to wear when I would go in to Sephora, Shoppers or Murale to do makeup for special events...

I will spare you all the weekly narcissism, but I can't promise it won't ever happen ;)

Photos: Portrait 1 - Mike Geiger; Living Room - ME; Makeup - Yuli Mitsner, Portrait 2 - Nicole Simone.