Word of the Year

One of my favorite things to decorate with are photo frames. I love creating with layers and texture. Frames give a lot of alternatives. Of course I like to use them in different ways. Pictures are great but I also like using them to frame different decor.

The New Year has started and I wanted to do an inspiration wall. I came up with a word for the year and incorporated it in my design. I started with one of my oval frames I got at Dreamingincolor store.

The word I came up with for my inspiration for the year is FLY.

FLY like in soar, travel, take off in business etc.

The definition is to move in or pass through the air with wings

To rise in or be carried through the air by the wind

So this is how I came up with my ideas.

The first frame I used was a Laura Ashley frame. I remove the glass and backing. Only using the ornate frame I nailed it to the wall. I had this butterfly pin and added it to the middle. I love the meaning of the butterfly. Endurance, hope, change, life

It has wings for flight

The next one I used was a pretty turquoise frame. Keeping with the theme, I choose a nest that I also got at Dreamingincolor store. Again I removed the glass. This time I added a layer to the oval frame.

The eggs represent the birth of this idea. Representing birds, flight.....fly

The last frame I used was another Laura Ashley frame. I used the whole frame this time. I even used the paper insert because it was so pretty.

I printed my word of the year "FLY" and pasted it over the words on the paper.

I added my travel sign to the wall. I love the way it came out!!!

The accessories worked too and added to my travel inspiration. I had a book on Italy. The framed picture on the painted dresser was from when I was in Florence. One of my Dreamingincolor signs about travel was added too. This is definitely a wall of inspiration. I cannot wait to see what this year has to offer. I think my photo frames worked perfectly. It is something I will look at everyday.

Restyling Bookcases {with Inspiration}

My niece was on spring break last week and took a trip to Florida to check out colleges. She is very creative and loves fashion and art. You may have remembered when I was teaching her how to paint. I wrote a post about it because I thought she did a great job.

While she was away, my sister decided to start some projects. That is why I was there painting the antique desk.  I was also deciding on what needs to be done for the design of the living room.

When I finished, I did a quick restyling of my niece's bedroom. We wanted to surprise her when she got home by giving her some newly restyled bookcases.

I wanted to move the shelves out of the living room so we put them in her room. She had a wall that needed some height to it. They worked perfectly. I think I was able to use things that will inspire her and still keep it functional. I even used her painting!

She will lay in her bed and look at the shelves so I wanted there to be special things on it for her to look at everyday. I started with blank shelves.

 I filled the bottom shelves with paperbacks and schoolwork they she needed. I couldn't get a good shot but there is a basket to ho;d some of her things.

Sorry for the blurry picture. This is an art vase I made for her. I filled the bottom with oil paint tubes. I then add a wire piece from a bouquet used in her mom's wedding. Filled the top with painted paint sticks and brushes to mimic "flowers" I added blank canvases to the vignette too.

The next vignette was Marilyn! I used a pretty notebook she had got a pottery dish from my sister's stash and used it as a tray for her colognes. This was a hit!

She was so surprised when she came home. She texted me and said how much she loved how artsy it was. My sister and I had fun rearranging but we were delirious by the end of the night. We finished so late. (Which is my excuse for the bad pics!) I love changing the look of a room with things you already have.

I will have to update with a picture from the whole room when I can take better pictures. Hope you like this little glimpse.

                                                  Have you ever used things from other rooms for a fresh look? 

If not give it a try! It is an affordable way to upgrade your room and be inspired!

A Word to Inspire

I have to admit, I was feeling a little pressure. Why? I don't know. I wanted my first post of 2013 to be fabulous. I contemplated on redoing a room, painting a piece of furniture or crafting something spectacular. Then I thought about the new year and what that means. I started asking the questions of how I would make 2013 the best yet. That is how this post came to be.

Many blogs came up with a "word" to inspire them rather than a resolution of the New Year.

 OK I can do that one....

My 2013 word is

........................................................................  FLY

I have to admit the real reason is to keep the travel thing going this year!

If you keep things in your sight you seem to accomplish them. You have a focus. I love to travel but never get the time. My 2012 resolution was to travel more. I think I did better when I wrote it down and said it.  I did go to NYC in January, Georgia a few times, did two weeks in Florida in the summer and back to New York and New Jersey at Christmas. It worked. Now I want to do more!

That is why I choose "fly"

But the word really means more to me. I like the word for what it suggests.


                                                                                         ......m...o...v...e...m...e...n....t....

                                 If you know me you know I don't like to sit still.

It keeps me creative.       On top of things.          It keeps me fresh with new ideas.

FLY

Another reason for the word...

Definition: To move through the sky by means of wings

OK I am not a bird. I am not taking this literally. I would like to think of angel wings. NO I don't think I am close to that one. lol

How about move through life " by means of wings"? I love the way that sounds.

By making a difference. By helping others. By giving back. Yes that is what I will make of it!


So I will travel more, be more creative, and do more giving back!

...........and I have to admit, I am excited! Of course I will share it all with you!

Do you have a word? 

Would you share it with me in the comments below? 

Store display and items

I love getting inspiration when I shop. I feel we have some great boutiques in and around Nashville.


Here are some of the great finds in the stores I visited.