Happy Halloween!

Have a fun Halloween, everyone!

Halloween Costume #3: Giant Soda Can

Here’s the last Halloween costume from my list of past favorites-  a giant diet Pepsi Soda Can!

Here’s how-

1. Purchase a Sonotube- this is used for cement footings- find them at Lowe’s or Home Depot. You’ll have to cut it to size with a knife.

2. Decide on your design and then draw it lightly on the tube.

3. I used regular acrylic paints.

5. Bind the edges with silver electrical tape.

6. Punch four holes (two front, two back) and use rope or string to create ‘suspenders.’

7. The large straw is simply a empty wrapping paper tube wound with blue painter’s tape.

Another option would be to make a Campbell’s soup can ala Andy Warhol!

Note to parents: Make sure child is tall enough to wear this as stairs can pose a problem.

(Photo- Martha B.)

Retro Plaid Bike Bag

When the weather is good, I love riding my bike to Trader Joe’s or the library. I have a basket for the groceries and books, but I think I might upgrade with this fun plaid bag from Cycle Chic.

Garden Note #36: Moth Collection

At first glance this may look like a traditional collection of mounted insects. But check again! Each one of these is a hand felted yarn ball with an intricately embroidered moth done by artist Claire Moynihan.

Moynihan’s work will be a part of the Knitting and Stitching Show, Alexandra Place, London

(Found via Selvedge Magazine)

StyleFile #50: Foyers

foyer- an entrance way or transitional space from the exterior to the interior of a building or home.

Foyers reveal more than you think. They are wonderful preludes not only to your home but to you personally. Don’t leave it as an afterthought! Instead try and create a visually exciting space that plays off the architecture and offers hints to your interests. Here are just a few of my favorites to inspire you!

The front door leads right into this gracious foyer of an older home. What keeps it interesting, though, are all the homeower’s touches- plants, needlepoint rug, antiques, and a surprise- the salvaged cornice placed over the door!

Bright yellow walls greet guests to this home in Europe. Notice the fun patterned door, paintings, fabric covered lampshade and the couple’s collection of umbrellas!

I love the soft blue used on the wainscot and rug in this Swedish summer cottage. The curves of the Thonet bench break of the linear lines of the paneling and act as a ground for the monochromatic color scheme.

Artist John Derian‘s apartment in New York City has a very small but memorable foyer! He covered the walls and the front door with pages torn from old books!

Built in 1835, this house boasted a stunning entry foyer! The owner’s passion for Swedish design dictated the light colors and the well chosen antiques- the Charles Eastlake hat rack, an inherited 1930′s Renaissance style table and the large pendant light fixture.

Fun and quirky are the words that come to mind when entering this foyer of a young family in California. Check out the chair!

Wow! Talk about a flamboyant mix of styles! The neoclassical staircase becomes almost playful when combined with vintage red Jean Royere armchairs and a seashell covered mirror!

(Photos- House and Garden, World of Interiors, Elle Decor)

Halloween Costume #2: Leaf Man

When Curtis was in kindergarten his favorite book was “Leaf Men and The Brave Good Bugs” by William Joyce. Creating a Halloween costume based on a leaf man required a little more thought and effort but it was worth it!

Curt’s hero- Leaf Man!

Here’s how-

1. Purchase two yards of green felt.

2. Using newspaper, cut out patterns for leaf man’s wings (cape) and ‘skirt’ (this could be replaced with green shorts) to fit your child.  Also cut an additional green felt scarf for the head or a skull cap (this requires sewing to fit the head.)  Attach on the cap either a long piece of curly willow or pipe cleaner.

3. You’ll need a green turtle neck sweater, green tights and slip-on green ears.

4. The sword has a handle made from shaped foam and then hot-glued to a stick from our backyard.

5. Green face paint is optional.

The Leaf Man costume finished and ready for a neighbor’s Halloween Party!

Note to parents- You may have to remove the curly willow from the hat during party time as we did in the above photo!

View Halloween Costume #1: Curious George

Thrifting American Style

More and more people are discovering the fun and creativity of thrifting for clothes. Places like garage sales, GoodWill, Ebay, Etsy and clothing exchange parties are all popular sources of new or vintage clothing. Magazines are also noticing this trend and getting in the act. Check out these pictures from Eliza magazine using all thrifted clothes-

Do the Twist! Get dancing in some vintage clothing! Don’t you just dig the long skirt on her and the two-toned shoes on him?

My Girl! Don’t be afraid to combine clothes from different eras and different textures.

Rock around the clock! Hey- you might even be lucky enough to find a leather jacket like Fonzie! Here it’s worn with cords and polo shirt.

All fashion from:

Playclothes

Twiggy’s Outfit #5: Set Sail

This is the fifth in a series of posts called Twiggy’s Outfits. I hope you’re enjoying these as much as I have putting them together! So, where do you think our paper doll model is going today?  And more importantly- what is she going to where?

Some friends of Twiggy’s have invited her for a day of sailing. Doesn’t she look great in her nautical attire- pants, striped sweater, shoes and cap?!

(Photos- Look Magazine, Vogue. Paperdoll- Martha B.)

Twiggy’s Outfit #6: To Market

Vocabulary #24: Wheelbarrow

wheelbarrow- a shallow open box for carrying small loads, with a wheel at the front and two handles.

Bride wears ruffle dress from Delphine Manivet. Groom’s suit by Hackett.

Have a great weekend!

(Photo- British Cosmopolitan Bride)

Elena Garcia Studio- Wedding Jacket

I love Elena Garcia‘s eco-friendly designs including this beautiful loose fitting jacket that’s perfect for a  bride. Check out the rest of her fall 2008 line here.

(Found through Selvedge Magazine)