Is it too late to order Chrirstmas gifts online?

Eight days until Christmas. Now the panic is starting to set in. Are you going to be able to get all of your shopping done in time? You may not want to tackle the crowds & all the hustle & bustle. Ordering online is a thought that comes to mind, but is it too late to order Christmas gifts online? Answer: not yet but you're only days away.

According to the US Postal Service for 2012 shipping, the suggested last days to get your gift on time are:

*December 20 is the last day for first class mail

*December 21  is the last day for Priority mail

*December 22 is the last day for most Express mail

When you are uncertain, I suggest contacting the company & ask when they would be able to get your items in the mail.

Gift bags available www.SewnInspirations.com

Another suggestion would be to see where the company is located. If they are across the country or only states away, this may help you make the decision if you should take the risk or not.

Lastly, think small companies, handmade shops & boutiques. They may not be getting the mass orders like the chains. You can also find more one of a kind, unique items & something unexpected.

Happy online shopping!



At my online shop, www.SewnInspirations.com, I am shipping in 24 hours or less. Since wrapping your gifts is a last minute thought & reusable fabric gift bags, are a hot seller, I am ready. With poly mailers & scale ready to weigh & print the postage as soon as I get the orders. (This includes everything in my shop.) I am also accepting a few more custom orders.



Where do you buy decorative throw pillows & cushions?

 

 

Shabby cottage patchwork pillow

When you think of purchasing decorative throw pillows & cushions, do you go to your local big box store & choose among whatever is available?  I've been there, later to be disappointed that I settled for an uninteresting pillow, the quality was poor & my neighbor has the same pillows! (I like to be unique.)

 

Asian inspired floral pillow on black,
flange & tassles

 

Or how about a specialty store, trying to match the pillows to your décor as best you can but are forced to pay an astronomical price?  I'm all about quality but that much, really?!

 

 

Tree pillow cover in taupe

 

 

 

Have you ever thought about purchasing handmade throw pillows? The internet has opened up so many opportunities for truly talented people to sell what they make by hand. Here you can find the perfect accent pillow for your sofa to match your décor. Search out "handmade" to support an individual.

 

 

 

The next time you see craft & art shows, have your decorating ideas & color swatches ready. These shows are also a great way to actually meet the creator & purchase your décor. 

White eyelet bolster custom pillow cover

 

 

What type of store or venue do you usually purchase your decorative pillows?

 

 

 

 

 

 

More information about these pillows can be found here:

http://www.sewninspirations.com/



Quick bedroom makeover

When was the last time you gave your bedroom a makeover?

~ Add new sheets & pillowcases perhaps in a new color scheme.

~ Purchase a matching bed skirt to add color & hide your metal bed frame.  To me, the bed skirt is like the mascara, it really finishes the look.

~ Pillows.  Now is the time to bring out your personality.  Add "pops" of color.  Mix & match various fabrics.  Add pillows with "bling".  Go with a monotone look for a sense of calm.  You decide, have fun with it.


Additional tips:

*Solid colors or striped sheets work best.

*Limit color scheme to two colors.

*Hang a mirror opposite a window to reflect light.


~Do you have any additional tips you would like to share?  I would love to hear from you!

Updating your front door

Looking at your home from the outside, do you feel like there needs to be more color?  Have you ever considered brightening the color of your front door?  Here are some tips to quickly transform your entrance way:


The door:

When choosing a new door color, choose a contrasting, bright accent color.  Do not paint the door the same color as the surrounding trim.  Try a warm color like a deep red.

What you'll need:
* one quart of primer
* one quart of oil-based paint

Apply three coats of paint for durability & best color.


The knob & knocker:

To brighten your door, polish your doorknob & knocker with a bottle of brass polish.


Accents:

Try adding a planter or two to add accents to your entrance.  Your planter should be at least two feet high & its color should not match the door.  For a wonderful fragrance, every time you pass by, consider planting rosemary. 

Decorating with pillows, how many to use?

This is one of my first posts and it ties in nicely with a "blog readers special" (see above for the special) that I'm having.  Since I have many more followers, I am reposting it.

Why decorate with pillows?

Decorating with pillows is one of the quickest, cost effective ways to change the look of your rooms. You can choose to make your room warm and inviting, add a "pop" of color, add "interest", etc.



To decorate with pillows first you need to determine your color scheme and style. Next, think about layering. Choose pillows in various sizes, styles and complementary or contrasting colors. Choosing a solid or subtle print, can be used as a "back drop" to a busier fabric or to highlight a particularly interesting pillow. Use oblong (12"x22" or 12"x16", lumbar) pillows for back support or to line the back of a sofa, chair, bed or bench.

12" x 22" on a seat gives you that support you may need and adds a bit of interest.

12" x 16" in a rocker is perfect to support your lower back and makes the seat more inviting.

 

How many pillows do I need?

For a formal look, use symmetry - two pillows on each corner and one in the center. For an informal look, use more color schemes and place randomly. Using odd numbers in either case is appealing to the eye.

Seeing the progression of adding pillows one at a time shows how the furniture becomes more inviting.

Odd number of pillows, formal look.

Odd number of pillows in a symmetrical setting.

An even number of pillows in an informal setting.

Here's a great example of a complementing contrast, mixing traditional and modern.

~It's a personal preference, which speaks to you? Leave your comments below. ~

More information about these pillows may be found here.

http://www.sewninspirations.com/

Taking care of your furniture & cleaning tips

How to keep your upholstered furniture clean & in great condition can be confusing.  Here are some tips on how to prolong the life of your furniture & keep it looking good.


Couch (sofa) cushions - turn & rotate cushions periodically to evenly distribute wear.



Upholstered furniture - Remove dust by vacuuming regularly with brush attachment.  Did you know that dust wears down the fibers on fabric over time?



Spills -  gently blot with a clean, dry & absorbent 100% cotton cloth.  Do not rub. 


Do you have any tips to share?

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Please check-out my free shipping offer:  http://www.SewnInspirations.com
Plus in addition to my "overstuffed summer sale", I will be offering periodic extra specials to my blog followers during this time.

How to clean upholstered furniture

There are various ways to clean your upholstered furniture, depending on how the fabric is coded.

To find the fabric code, look for the tag on your furniture. There should be a line that states "fabric care" followed by one or two letters.

If you are looking for home decor fabric, the hang tag or special order hanger will also include this code.

This is what your code means & how to clean that fabric.

Fabric Cleaning Codes:

S - Vacuum; spot clean with water-free agent; professional cleaning recommended.

W - Vacuum; spot clean with a water-based agent; professoinal cleaning recommended.

WS - Depending on stain, usa a water-based solution, dry cleaning solvent or upholstery shampoo.

X - Vacuum; cleaning agents should not be used; professional cleaning recommeded.

SW - Spot clean with the foam only of a water-based cleaning agent or with a pure solvent in a well ventilated room; professional furniture cleaning service only is recommded.

Next post: fabric care & cleaning tips.