Affordable X benches

<span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Well, we've had a scary couple of days! The girls got strep last week. Grace's was the worst and we thought at one point hers had moved to Scarlet Fever because she was pink from head to toe and so sick, but it turns out she has a horrible allergy to amoxicillin. She is having a really rough week with the hives and swelling - I've never seen anything like it. Poor thing. Anyway, sorry for the silence here and apologies if I owe you an email. It actually feels really nice to sit down at the computer and take a break from sick kids. :/</span></span><br /><div style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/annsleyportfolio_38.jpg" /></div><div style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: 100%;">I love this image above. Partly because I'm just head over heels for Jane Churchill's Rossini fabric (sadly, now discontinued). But how easy would it be to recreate this look with a wood-base x bench from Target or amazon? These go from $50-150 usually and are easily customizable. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 100%;">This longer X-bench (<a href="http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Large-Cocktail-Brown-Textured-Fabric-X-Bench/6367485/product.html">$116 from Overstock</a>) is a great price and has lots of potential.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/L13984641.jpg" style="font-size: medium;" /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 100%;">Add a fun pattern to the top like the ladies from <a href="http://livinglivelier.blogspot.com/2010/08/x-bench-series-continues-do-it-yourself.html">Living Livelier</a> did.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/livinglivlierIMG_4152.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Oh my goodness. I love this orange/tweed combo!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/wool-bench_300.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And why not gold or silver leaf the legs?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/x-benches.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/janshowersd1b1fa1bd5fa.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Jan Showers</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_021W439581550001P?sid=K-on-Sx20k061224x0000002&prdNo=16&blockNo=16&blockType=">This bench</a> has been tricked out dozens of times. It was available through Sears/Kmart for about $45 and is currently unavailable, but might come back. So keep an eye out! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.caitlincreer.com/2010/07/decorating-your-first-apartment.html">Caitlin Creer</a> used the Sears benches here:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_0852.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And Camila did too, <a href="http://blog.effortless-style.com/2011/02/weekend-recap-client-work-3/">here</a>:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/xbenchcamila.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And <a href="http://shannonberrey.com/BlogRetrieve.aspx?PostID=283922&A=SearchResult&SearchID=1698794&ObjectID=283922&ObjectType=55">Shannon Berrey</a> used them here, in this show house. Love the slip cover take!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/shannonberreycashiers-showhouse-10.jpg" /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The <a href="http://craftysisters-nc.blogspot.com/2011/11/reupholstered-benches.html">crafty sisters</a> found their <a href="http://www.target.com/p/X-Bench-Ottoman/-/A-12187563">stools at target</a> and added extra foam to the tops for more height. Love the trim too.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/2benches2.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.thepeakoftreschic.com/2012/04/tres-chic-tutorial-bench-makeover.html">This blogger</a> used the Target benches for her ikat version (I used that same fabric <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2009/08/skirted-console-table.html">here in this project</a>)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/benches.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00405WE0U/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=littgreenote-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00405WE0U">This bench</a> is another great base option ($73 from Amazon).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/513cpHnjP1L.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I think <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004773AX6/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=littgreenote-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004773AX6">this long bench</a> ($128), or the first one above from Overstock, would look great tufted with nail head trim! Maybe white linen, brass nails and a soft gray paint on the legs?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/91fW9rjdr9L_AA1500_.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I think you'd end up with something close to this bench from Dering Hall (worth several thousand!)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/deringhallstevengambreltuftedxbenchcococozy.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/45739752435559649_SkB3EYhv_f.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And if you're looking for a little sparkle, take a look at what <a href="http://designmanifest.blogspot.com/2011/02/yellow-chinoiserie-nickel-x-stool.html">Naomi</a> did with a scrap of Donghia fabric and a Worlds Away bench!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/yellowchinoiserieupholsteredxbench.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003XRBNN0/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=littgreenote-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003XRBNN0">This chrome bench</a> is only $99 and has a very similar feel to the <a href="http://www.shopcandelabra.com/worlds-away-x-upholstered-stool-in-nickel-and-white-ostrich.html">World's Away stool</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/510Aqz84ajL.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Love the boxed edge here.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/38773246761385593_Y5Z55g6U_f.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And what would a post here be like without a floral option? Good ol <a href="http://www.rubiegreen.com/fabrics.html">Rubie Green</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/xbenches-marilyn1.jpg" /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>bench available <a href="http://www.adornhomewares.com.au/shop/beryl-blue-resin-lotus-container">here</a></i></div><div style="font-style: normal; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="font-style: normal; text-align: left;">I've noticed designers sort of moving away from the ubiquitous fabric-covered legs version and I think legs with a cool shape or interesting paint treatment helps to keep the look fresh. That said, I don't know that I'll ever tire of the look completely. Feels pretty classic and I just love using benches - I put one or two in almost every room I decorate. They are super functional (extra seating in a living/dining room, a suitcase stand in a guest room, a nice place for parents to rest in a bathroom while bathing kids, etc). Benches also help add dimension and layering to a room.</div><div style="font-style: normal; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="font-style: normal; text-align: left;">Have you jazzed up an inexpensive x bench? Or do you have your eye on an affordable version?</div><div style="font-style: normal; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="font-style: normal; text-align: left;">Okay, back to disinfecting my whole house! </div>

Affordable X benches

Well, we've had a scary couple of days! The girls got strep last week. Grace's was the worst and we thought at one point hers had mo...

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New Bergere Chairs

<span style="font-size: 100%;">Now that we're probably moving to a bigger space this summer (I'll share news as soon I can - don't want to jinx it!), I'm having a hard time passing up furniture deals.</span><span style="font-size: 100%;"> How could I not get these cute little chairs last weekend? They were only $175 for the pair and are surprisingly comfortable for their petite size. Wouldn't these be perfect bedroom chairs?</span><br /><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_4551.jpg" /></div><div><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 100%;">The green fabric is super old and all snagged, so the chairs need new upholstery STAT. I'm thinking I'd like to do a more neutral fabric so I can go with something fun for our windows (<a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2010/01/billowy.html">maybe yellow drapes like these?</a>). </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_4550.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm not usually into using a different fabric on chair backs, but I might like it here.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_4553.jpg" /></div><div><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 100%;">The first row below shows some paint options I'm considering for the frames. Links are listed below the round up. There's a mix of high and low fabrics here. For the pricier Kelly Wearstler fabrics, always try checking eBay or etsy for yardages before paying the huge mark up online. These fabrics also often turn up at fabric outlets and in upholsterer's remnant bins.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 100%;">Do you have any gray or black/white patterns you're really loving these days?</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/chairoptinos.jpg" /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Paint colors: </div><div style="text-align: center;">1) Benjamin Moore Gunmetal 2) BM Gray Pinstripe 3) BM Silvery Milk 4) Sherwin-Williams Dorian Gray</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Fabrics</div><div style="text-align: center;">Row 1: <a href="http://lsfabrics.com/fabric/mobassa">Ivory leopard velvet</a>, <a href="http://www.calicocorners.com/product/designer+fabrics+for+the+home/shop+fabrics+by+color/gray+and+silver/snake+chain+-+dwell+studio+fabrics+-+dove.do">Dwell Studio Snake Chain</a>, <a href="http://www.insidefabric.com/p-843394-confetti-cream-by-groundworks.aspx">KWID Confetti</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Row 2: <a href="http://www.premierprintsfabric.com/designer-ikatdots.shtml">Ikat dots</a>, <a href="http://www.insidefabric.com/p-843298-katana-cream-dove-by-groundworks.aspx">KWID Katana</a>, <a href="http://lsfabrics.com/fabric/paloma-4">Brown block print</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Row 3: <a href="http://www.designdivafabrics.com/products-details.php?prod_id=11925">OWW Italian Cubes Tapestry</a>, <a href="http://www.designdivafabrics.com/products-details.php?prod_id=12137">Donghia cut chenille</a>, <a href="http://www.designdivafabrics.com/products-details.php?prod_id=11686">Brunschwig Greek Key</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Row 4: <a href="http://lsfabrics.com/fabric/checkmate-41">Black Buffalo Check</a>, <a href="http://store.schindlersfabrics.com/flandviemdef.html">Black Crewel</a>, <a href="http://www.insidefabric.com/p-687920-fern-tree-noir-creme-by-f-schumacher.aspx">KWID Fern Tree</a></div>

New Bergere Chairs

Now that we're probably moving to a bigger space this summer (I'll share news as soon I can - don't want to jinx it!), I'm h...

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IKEA Rugs

<span style="font-size: 100%;">Hooray! The weekend is upon us! I hope you have lots of fun things planned. I'm going to try and squeeze in a trip to IKEA. Check out these two great projects using super affordable IKEA rugs:</span><br /><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/glamourai_AroundTheHouse3-750x600.jpg" /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">1) <a href="http://www.theglamourai.com/2012/03/around-the-house.html">The Glamourai</a> used one of those like $3 throw rugs to make a super chic long lumbar pillow. She just folded and whip-stitched up the side!</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/stairslandc.jpg" /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">2) I love this <a href="http://loftandcottage.blogspot.com/2011/06/diy-nailhead-stair-runner.html">stair runner DIY</a> over at Loft and Cottage. Perfection with the nail head! And it's hard to go wrong with the neutral pattern in the <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40114014">Hessum rugs</a>. If you want something more colorful (Dash and Albert style) <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40151577/">this runner</a> is so great-looking in person.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/stairs14.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Two other tried and true IKEA rugs for me have been the black and white <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/80104862/#/90103254">striped flat weave</a> and the <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/80050171/">Tarnby jute</a> (only wish it were larger and a little softer!)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">What are your favorites? And have you ever used an IKEA rug to make something extra special? </div>

IKEA Rugs

Hooray! The weekend is upon us! I hope you have lots of fun things planned. I'm going to try and squeeze in a trip to IKEA. Check out t...

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Toy Box Redo

<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/44DSC_0030.jpg" /></div><span style="font-size: 100%;"></span><br /><div><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></span></div><span style="font-size: 100%;">My approach to toy organization is pretty simple compared to the systems some of my super organized friends have. Books go on the shelf, small toys go in the fabric bins and large toys go in the big toy box. It's been our system for ages and it works for us. </span><br /><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: 100%;">The first toy box we had was a clearance aisle find from TJ Maxx or Marshalls and it lasted us several years then finally kicked the bucket during the move to NYC (like, it broke in the truck I think). Then oddly enough the day we moved in, our neighbor across the hall was hauling this gigantic chinese chest out to the curb and I did the awkward - 'Hi nice to meet you! What's that? what are you doing with it? So you don't want it any more?' conversation. What a lousy first impression right? #</span>embarrassing</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">Also embarrassing is that the chest has seen no improvements in almost two years other than an occasional wipe down. I know it doesn't look it, but it is super clean, just very old and beat up.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/44DSC_0002.jpg" /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">I've been pumping out a couple projects for the girls room this week though, so the toy box finally got some attention yesterday. I wiped it down again, filled the (many) cracks with wood filler, and then painted it with Sherwin Williams' In the Pink.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/44DSC_0005.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/44DSC_0009.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_4437.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/2IMG_4441.jpg" /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">I finished the first coat of paint, stood back and had a weird deja vu moment. Then I suddenly remembered this image from Sibella Court/Vogue Living:</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/voguelivingaustraliasibellacourt.jpg" /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">What the WHAT with that box color! It's so weird how ideas seep into our subconscious! </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">Since the toy box lid is open 99% of the time, I wanted to do something fun with the lining of the trunk. I thought about just painting it a contrasting color, but I had a bunch of this chartruese linen on hand and I thought it looked so pretty with the pink. I got both the linen and the orange/magenta braid trim at SAS in Phoenix, AZ (one of the greatest bargain trim stores EVER - I practically clean them out each time we visit home).</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/DSC_0025.jpg" /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">Using my <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2011/06/best-staple-guns-for-upholstery.html" target="_blank">trusty staple gun</a>, I just ran a line of straight staples along the top of the fabric inside the trunk, then along the left side, then I pulled tight and stapled down the right side. Then I pulled really tight and stapled along the bottom. (basically <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2011/06/how-to-reupholster-chair-part-3.html" target="_blank">my approach to every upholstery project</a> is the same)</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_4462.jpg" /><span style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_4465.jpg" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_4467.jpg" /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's okay if your lines aren't perfect - that's what the trim is for. The goal here is tight fabric.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_4468.jpg" /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Once I finished the inside of the box, I did the three panel insets in the top of the lid too.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_4476.jpg" /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Then I used a little Magnatac to glue the trim on top of the staples. Magnatac is super-strength, so I think it will hold up well, but I'm also thinking about putting in a few small nails to keep the trim extra secure.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_4478.jpg" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_4481.jpg" /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I love the way the toy box looks opened and closed now. I'm so sad I let this project go undone for so long.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_4495.jpg" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_4487.jpg" /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm giving the glue a night to fully dry, so the girls will be able to enjoy another morning of toys all over the dining room floor. I guess this was a good project for spring break :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_4499.jpg" /></span></div>

Toy Box Redo

My approach to toy organization is pretty simple compared to the systems some of my super organized friends have. Books go on the shelf, sma...

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Giveaway: Isabella Home

<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Today's give away is from the truly beautiful shop (online and in Charlotte, NC) that everyone is talking about, <a href="http://www.isabellastyle.com/">Isabella</a>. </div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/villa.jpg" /></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/ScreenShot2012-04-11at120138AM.png" /></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/Bed2.jpg" /></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; text-align: -webkit-auto;">You can check out all the </span><a href="http://www.isabellastyle.com/" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">lovely site offerings here</a><span style="color: #222222; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> (my personal favorite is this </span><a href="http://www.isabellastyle.com/shop/kelly-green-linen-with-navy-trim-pillow" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">green pillow with needlepoint trim</a><span style="color: #222222; text-align: -webkit-auto;">! Take note, Michael!)</span></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/miniClausPorto.jpg" /><span style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/StephanieJohnson.jpg" /></span></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/ScreenShot2012-04-10at113751PM.png" /></span></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/7062633029_4c912df384_z.jpg" /></span></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/6811207376_e02b8fdbd1_z.jpg" /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/7062614319_809340b4f7_z.jpg" /></span></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/Press-Page.jpg" /></span></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/NewHeadboard.jpg" /></span></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/Diffusers.jpg" /></span></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; text-align: -webkit-auto;">The store is owned and curated by Erin Dougherty and she hand-picks each item. It's stocked with an ever-changing collection of bedding, lighting, throw pillows, gifts, home fragrances, jewelry, art and accessories. The lovely designers at Isabella are also happy to help with custom orders and professional design advice. And don't forget to check out <a href="http://www.isabellastyle.com/blog">their style blog here</a>.</span></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/Bed.jpg" /></span></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/Throw.jpg" /></span></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/ScreenShot2012-04-10at113743PM.png" /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Up for grabs this week is a Nest bamboo candle, Savon hand soap and a Scents and Feel hand towel. </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); text-align: -webkit-auto;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/Mothersdaygiveaway.jpg" /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); text-align: -webkit-auto;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/Giveawaycopy.jpg" /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></div><div style="font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; text-align: -webkit-auto;"></span><br /><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><i>Enter with a comment on this post. For additional entries, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Isabella/33845698802">like the Isabella FB page</a>, and/or follow <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/isabellastylenc">Isabella on twitter</a>. </i><i style="font-size: 100%;">Contest ends Sunday April 15 at midnight. Good luck and thanks Isabella!</i></span></div></div>

Giveaway: Isabella Home

Today's give away is from the truly beautiful shop (online and in Charlotte, NC) that everyone is talking about, Isabella . You can chec...

Read more »