Summer entertaining...

 

I am so excited for warmer nights and dining outside.  Where conversations last long into the night and the best of friends come together again...

 

 

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London Simply

When I saw this bedroom picture on pinterest I was in love.. upon investigation now I realize why.  I have posted bits and pieces of this beautiful home before.  The detail of the flooring transition in the hallway and the beautiful kitchen just a few weeks ago.  This is the London home of Rose Uniacke and David Heyman.  I love the simple clean feeling of everything with that touch of elegance that keeps it interesting, perfection.  I am not sure that there is a need to elaborate on my part it really speaks for itself!

images via

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Finding inspiration at the LA mart... January

I truly enjoy going to market, no matter where you go it is very inspirational.  There are so many talented creative minds that work on the showrooms it is really a treat to see most of the time.  This past weekend we visited the LA Mart for the show and found some great new pieces and some really great displays.  

Two's and Tozai never disappoint!  This book display was amazing!

 

The Walls in this room were painted gold and were super cool.

 

Love the paper runner- great idea!

 

I think I need this even if I have no place for it, so sculptural and cool!

 

Our best seller the star pendant with mirror.. love!

 

This is my favorite chandelier and I have been desperately trying to find a special place for something like this.. I know that one day it will happen.

I am off to Las Vegas for the furniture show there today, wish me luck!

images by christina fluegge for greige

 

If you would like help creating inspirational spaces for yourself contact us!

happy weekend...

 

Thank goodness we are onto the weekend again.  Although there does not seem to be an end in site for our busy fall season I do have hope that our home will soon be back to normal.  Things are moving along well in the kitchen and the flooring is completely in.  We just have painting to go and  a few little things here and there.  

How are things shaping up for you this fall?  Does it seem that there is not a dull moment in any season as of late?  I feel like we are all go go go around here.

image via

 

Grey bookcases..

 

I have been studying up on grey storage pieces lately for the kitchen and family room.  I came across this piece which I don't think I have shared.  Love this.  I am not sure what it is that makes it seem so right, the monochromatic feel of the books that are slightly askew?

Image source?

 

Solar Light Crafts: Ideas & Inspiration!

What is a solar light?
Solar lights are outdoor garden lights that collect and store energy from the sun during the day. The collected energy then powers a light bulb at night.

How do they work?
Solar lights are made up of solar cells, a small battery, and a light bulb. The solar cells transfer and store the sun's energy into the small battery. The battery then powers the light bulb. The result is an energy efficient bulb with bright light. No electricity required. All of the energy that powers the bulb at night comes from the sun during the day. Very cool!

Where can I get me some?

Solar lights are available at most hardware stores and can also be found in the gardening section of Target and Walmart. They cost about $5 each, give or take a buck or two. 

What things can I make with solar lights?

The most popular projects with solar lights have been mason jar lights. These jar lights are wonderful for adding a magical glow to your garden at night. Some folks use them as table centerpieces. They are also popular for use at outdoor weddings.  

How do I make them?
Once you buy your lights, simply remove the top cap part, which houses the cell, battery and bulb. The cap part will usually pop right off the base very easily. Then you can either simply put the cap into your jar (that's it!) or, you can mount the cap to the top of your jar with some adhesive. The thing you need to remember is that the cap's solar cells need sunlight so that they can collect the sun's energy, so if you mount the cap to the top of your jar you will usually have better results. If you just put the cap inside the jar, you may need to occasionally take it out to allow it to charge in direct sunlight. 

What's great about these projects is that they are both easy and inexpensive. But don't stop at mason jars! Solar lights can be used in all different types of containers, and throughout all seasons of the year! Think creatively! How about a plastic Halloween Jack O' Lantern (the kind your  kids use for trick-or-treating), or on the bottles on a bottle tree, or throughout your snowy winter garden? Read on...

Vintage Atlas & Ball glass mason jars with solar light by usedandabused via Etsy

Here's a great DIY solar lamp tutorial from Creative Cain Cabin

via Creative Cain Cabin

Mason jar solar lights in Ball jars from TheCountryBarrel via Etsy

Solar lights in frosted glass jars. Get this look by using frosted glass spray. Notmartha has a great tutorial that goes into depth about solar light jars with mounted cells.

You can purchase solar lights in multi-packs



You can also purchase them in different finishes

Industrialrewind on Etsy sells solar caps that fit on bottles

Bottle tree with solar lights

Mason jar glitter terrarium by Intimate Weddings

Crystal birdbath with solar light from gardenknicknacks on Etsy

Solar powered Brontosaurus light by Solarama via Etsy

Old electric insulator with solar light from SomewhereElseFarm

Hanging jar solar lights by usedandabused via Etsy

Make a lamp post with solar lights and inverted hanging baskets. Hang from iron plant hangers.

Here's a similar project from Keen Insiprations

Pretty hand painted solar light jars by SwirlyShirley via Etsy

Cute yarn-wrapped painted solar light jars DIY from The Forge

Decorate jars for different holidays or seasons

Solar light DIY Jack O' Lantern jars from Southern Living

Simply put your solar light jars inside plastic trick or treat pumpkins and hang!

Cute plastic trick-or-treat Jack O' Lanterns with solar lights. Idea from Pipkin House

Here are directions to make your own solar paper lamps from The Flourishing Abode

I love how Girl Camping put a shade on this solar light! Cute!

Here are some ideas for creative containers for solar lights:
 Mason jars and canning jars
Painted, decoupaged, or decorated jars
Decoupage ideas: tissue paper, old sheet music, book pages, newspaper, maps, family photos printed from computer
Jars decorated for the different holidays or seasons
 Bottles - both glass and plastic, vintage or new
Decorative birdhouses
Wire bird cages
Paper lanterns
Paper luminaries
Plastic Halloween Jack O' Lanterns
Inside glass garden art

What do you think?
How would you use them?

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