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?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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.

~~ Outdoor fabric care , part 2~~

Love those outdoor pillows.  They create an inviting place to sit & spruce up your tired looking furniture. 


Do you know how to clean your outdoor pillows & cushions?  Here is some information on care of your outdoor fabric.  Some tips may surprise you....



The majority of the fabric I use is Richloom Solarium Outdoor Fabric. Below are suggested care instructions and facts regarding outdoor fabric:


• 100% Spun Polyester

• Vacuum, Spot Clean With Water Free Agent, Professional Cleaning Recommended

• Made in USA




This outdoor fabric from Richloom is solution dyed (solution-dye process is when the color is manufactured into and throughout the fiber, the color is part of the finished fabric). This gives the fiber consistent and durable color that stands up in tough environments, such as sustained direct sunlight. This fabric will withstand 5,000 hours sunlight and is perfect for porches, patios, deck side, pool side and boat side. This fabric is durable, water repellent and mildew resistant; it is designed to withstand harsh environmental effects.

~Spun Polyester is a 100% polyester material that has a soft fabric feel. It is an easy care fabric but should be cleaned regularly to keep it looking fresh and new.

~Printed Spun Poly is the same fabric that has its pattern printed on the surface. As with all printing inks (even light-fast inks), fading will occur over time. This can be prevented with the regular application of Solar Shield® fabric protectant.

~Clean with 50% combination of water and mild soap or detergent. For stains, a mild solution of bleach may be used.

Do not use bleach on printed fabrics!

http://www.sewninspirations.com/

Outdoor fabric is available in the latest color trends for stylish outdoor rooms.

Customize your own outdoor pillows - you choose the fabric & size.

~~ Outdoor Fabric, part 1 ~~

When researching on how to care for outdoor fabric, I was surprised to find out what I thought you should do - was wrong.  For the next couple of days I will give you some info on how to take care of your outdoor pillows & cushions.  I'll start off with a "did you know?"....
 

Did you know that mold and mildew CANNOT grow on synthetic fibers (that's what outdoor fabric is made of)? It's not the cushions that are going moldy - it's the dirt and pollen caught in the fibers that the mold spores live and grow on. Keep them clean and you'll never have this problem.  (How to do that?  Check in tomorrow & I'll give you the full scoop.)

~ New floral inspirations, decorative pillow collections & the outdoors ~

It's been awhile since I've added some tips.  Spring happened.  I stopped to enjoy the beauty around me. To me, the year begins in the spring.  There's something about the warmer temperatures, the budding of the flowers & trees; new life.



Shabby Chic, cottage style decorative pillow collections.

  Inspired by the flowers, I began creating collections in pastels & florals.

A bit bolder.  You won't find this collection on my site (sent to a cute shop), but it can easily be replicated (custom orders are always welcome).

This summer floral started me off on the outdoor pillow collections.  In the next posts, I will be discussing caring for outdoor fabric. 

Can't wait to see you then!





~What has inspired you lately?~

~~Decorating with small items~~

Grouping small like items together can make a big impact.  Sometimes, though, it's challenge to figure out how to display these knick-knacks in a creative way.  Here are some ideas, using what you can find around your home:

Wall pouches decorative balls

                                                 Decorative boxes with handmade hearts

Try creating a complete setting displaying your collections.

                                        Decorative bowls  decorative balls

                                                   Shells in milk glass bowl or clear bowl.

Tea cups on a silver tray.

. 

 

                                 

~What creative ways have you displayed small items?  I would love to hear your ideas.

 

 

~~ Vaulted ceilings & window treatments ~~

Have a vaulted ceiling and you're not sure what to do about window treatments?
Think that your curtains will get lost if you just frame the window?

Here's a quick idea to think about:

Try placing your window treatments above the doorway or window frame.  Try at least a foot above but you'll have to judge it according to how tall your ceiling and windows are.  Doing this will help fill in this space and it can also make your ceilings look higher.



Happy decorating!

~~ Refreshing your home's decor ~~

The cold days of winter is a great time to take a look around your home and see what needs to be refreshed.  Here are a few inexpensive ideas:

~Move accessories from one room to another.

~Change the color of a home decor item with a little paint.

~Change the knobs on your cabinets. 

~Rearrange your furniture, try angling the furniture for a different look.

*What are your ideas for a quick home decor makeover?



White Sale!

For Saturday Blog Shoppers

Change the look of your rooms,

simply by adding pillows!

$5 off each pillow or pillow set

regularly priced at $20 and above

in these 2 sections:

 http://www.sewninspirations.com/decorative-pillows.html

or

http://www.sewninspirations.com/decorative-pillows-for-children.html

Refunded through Paypal
Valid through Jan. 23

If you have any questions, please contact me:

admin@SewnInspirations.com



http://www.quiltsgaloreandmore.blogspot.com/
Please click the link above to visit other handmade shops.


Enjoy your weekend!



~~ Color Trend ~~

Next color trend for 2011 is a range of light turquoise to cream with a beige-orange for the "pop" of color in this sequence.


 
Bringing these colors to your room provides a relaxing and spacious atmosphere.
 
 
 

 
Here the grays and turquoise are brought together for a modern looking room.
 
Some ideas to bring this to your room would be to paint one wall beige and the others the lighter gray.  The beige wall would bring "eye relief" and brightness to your room.  Accent with the darker tones of turquoise, orange and dark gray.  Another is to paint the walls a light turquoise and accent with cream, copper and a bit more of the turquoise using pillows and other accessories.
 
Here are some examples that use some of the colors above:  http://www.sewninspirations.com/leaves.html  and   http://www.sewninspirations.com/circles.html 
 
Happy Decorating!
 
 
I'm taking a poll on the upper left corner, I'm curious how you will vote.
 
 

~~ Color inspiration for 2011 ~~

Did you know.....?

Every year the predicted color combinations in home decor and fashion are selected.  Usually the colors for each season stay the same for that entire year but are just muted (fall & winter) and brightened (spring & summer).

Throughout this week I will bring you a different color combination for home decor that was selected.
Gray, is all the talk right now with color combinations ranging from white, black, stone & brown-gray.





 
The use of a gray palette works well in a modern setting.  Try using gray as a neutral along with bolder or busier color schemes.  The reverse could work as well.  Use gray as your main color and accent with brighter "pops" of colors.
 
 
Would you choose this color scheme?
 
 
 
I will be adding a pillow, cushion collection in gray and white and a cream collection.  Look for it soon on my website:  http://www.sewninspirations.com/    

~~ Choosing room colors, a few tips ~~

It can be confusing choosing how much of each color you should have in a room.  Try using the interior design color rule – 60/30/10 as your starting point. (I'm quoting the rule here.)




• Your dominant color should make up more than one-half of the room – your walls will be the dominant color.


• Your secondary color will make up 30% of the room – this means your upholstery and window treatments generally. In the bedroom, it’s more likely to be your bedding and draperies.


• Your accent color will be the remaining 10% - that’s a more intense color and you use it in accessories – throw pillows, artwork, etc. Your accent color’s job is to add some punch to the room, don’t overuse it or it lessens the impact.




~What colors are you using in your living spaces?  Post them here.



If you have a moment, take my survey above. I would love to see how you vote.




I am hoping to have my first giveaway soon but need more followers. Do you know someone that loves home decor too? Send them over. Thank you! ~Sewn Inspirations~
 
I have a free shipping offer from now through Nov. 29, please see the website for more details:  http://www.sewninspirations.com/      Happy Thanksgiving!!!

~ Decorating with bolster (neck roll) pillows ~

~~ Bolsters or neck roll pillows can bring interest and comfort to your furniture.  ~~

The bolster fits perfectly on the side of a sofa or love seat.

Here the bolsters are used to divide the couch and provide arm support.

Used on the back of the sofa, this pillow will provide back support. It also pushes you forward a bit, which is useful when sitting in a larger sofa.

The most classic use of a bolster pillow is on a bed centered between two pillows.

Here were two examples of how the ends of the bolsters can look.  One way is the flat end and the other is a gathered end.  The more casual approach and another option would be an end with ties. 

On my bolsters, I like to add a bit more interest to the pillow by using the gathered end.  I believe this pillow looks more fun.

Which way do you prefer?


If you have a moment, take my survey above.  I would love to see how you vote. 

I am hoping to have my first giveaway soon but need more followers.  Do you know someone that loves home decor too?  Send them over.  Thank you!  ~Sewn Inspirations~

~ Craft shows, do you attend them? ~

This is the time of the year when artisans and crafters are the busiest.  We have planned for months to set-up a booth at a craft show. 

What can you find at a show?

Craft shows have evolved beyond the fun holiday decor.  You can now find pottery, jewelry, fine art, fiber artists, handmade soaps, home decor (decorative pillows ~ hint, hint) and so many more handmade selections. 

Why buy handmade? What makes it so special?

When you purchase a handmade item, you are getting a work of art made by the hands of a talented individual.  You are supporting that person and not a corporation. 

Looking to purchase something unlike everyone else? Many items are one-of-a-kind & unique.


If you haven't been to a craft show in awhile, I suggest you check one out and meet the craftsmen that made the products. I would love to hear what items that you were surprised to see.

Craft shows, do you attend them?


For a listing of Sewn Inspirations' upcoming shows, check here: www.SewnInspirations.com


Coming soon, a giveaway for my followers.... know others that are interested in home decor tips? Tell them to stop by, extra entries when the giveaway starts for each new follower you bring in (mention in the comments section here "I brought in ....."). I will be adding tips more frequently, thanks for stopping in!

~ Bright colors ~

Bright, bold colors in our homes are a wonderful way to make a statement, liven a room and bring pizzazz to your home.  Keep in mind that our eyes may not be able to handle bold colors on every wall, sometimes you may need, what I call, "eye relief".   Simply put, you may want to consider painting two walls at opposite ends a bold color and the other two walls, several shades lighter.

Here's an example:

This patterned wall with bold colors would may drive your eyes crazy if it continued, especially in a small space.  The "eye relief" wall is painted a blue-grey color.

(The photo is a bit dim.)  This is a corner, one wall is a bold brick red and the next room a warm tan.











I would love to hear what bold colors you have in your home.


Coming soon, within 2 weeks, a giveaway for my followers.... know others that are interested in home decor tips?  Tell them to stop by.  I will be adding tips more frequently, thanks for stopping in! 
 

~~~Nature Inspired~~~

Looking to make a quick change in your decor?  Be inspired by nature.

Look around your home for anything that can hold water.  I used some antique milk glass bowls and a dainty tea cup.  How about that gorgeous vase you haven't used in awhile or even an ice bucket?

By using these inherited pieces they provoke a sense of purpose, bringing your eye to them. 

Step outside with garden clippers in hand and see what's in bloom.  

By adding petite flowers to my dainty tea cup, it brought a special touch to a powder room.

Hydrangeas floating in this antique milk glass bowl created a relaxed atmosphere.  By adding the doily it gave it a romantic southern feeling.

An entry table with a simple vase of tiny flowers welcomes everyone that comes to visit. 

Bringing nature indoors is a free makeover for your rooms.  Have fun, be creative and be inspired!