{valentine's how-to: sweet nothings garland}

. . . very much smitten with this impossibly sweet glitter garland, perfect for valentine's day, birthdays, or perhaps even, a random sunny wednesday in mid-winter . . .



{you will need:}
a printer, a sheet of white paper, scissors, glue, glitter, a glue gun, some baker’s twine, embroidery thread or satin ribbon, if you like

{one}
print out the words “i love you” in all caps in a font of your choice (here, arial font, black, size 100 pt)

{two}
cut out letters

{three}
apply a generous amount of glue to the front of each letter and sprinkle with glitter (here, red glitter, but pink or gold would also be lovely)



{four}
organize letters glitter side down and backwards, then lay out the length of string or ribbon that you would like



{five}
place a small dot of hot glue at the top of the first letter, and sink the string in; repeat for each letter, ensuring that they are the correct distance apart



{six}
hang somewhere lovely, in a doorway or an archway, perhaps, and expect to be kissed . . .


{images and instructions adapted from lovely indeed!}

{work of art: paper flower wreaths}

. . . happened upon these beautiful and incredibly handmade paper flower wreaths that bring back memories of the intricate paper flower tiaras in the chanel spring 2008 couture show and are perfect for a frosty january morning . . .

{p.s.} blossoms in the bedroom

"a new year is unfolding – like a blossom with petals curled tightly concealing the beauty within"

{paper flower wreaths by dana barbieri}

{chalkboard eggs}

A little late for Easter, but a fun idea any time of year, these wonderfully creative chalkboard eggs are the perfect place to leave sweet nothings . . .

{image: blown ostrich egg shells with chalkboard paint by Australian artist Lisa Tilse via the unbearable lightness . . .}

Design History #1: Murano Glass

Murano is usually described as an island in the Venetian Lagoon, although like Venice itself, it is actually an archipelago of islands linked by bridges. It lies about a mile north of Venice and is famous for its glass making, particularly lampworking.

Murano was settled by the Romans, then from the sixth century by people from Altino and Oderzo.

At first, the island prospered as a fishing port and through the production of salt. It was also a centre for trade, through the port it controlled on Sant'Erasmo.

In 1291, all the glassmakers in Venice were forced to move to Murano due to the risk of fires. In the following century, exports began, and the island became famous, initially for glass beads and mirrors.

Aventurine glass was invented on the island, and for a while Murano was the main producer of glass in Europe. The island later became known for chandeliers. Although decline set in during the eighteenth century, glassmaking is still the island's main industry.

(image: Vogue Living; text: wikipedia)

martha stewart : crafts

For all you crafty Martha fans (and that would definitely include me) Martha's delightful craft supplies are now available at Michaels and also on her new craft site.