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/



~~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!

~~~ Artwork on your furniture ~~~

Have no more room for another picture on your walls?  Need to add more interest to your rooms?

Have you ever considered using your furniture as your canvas? 

Try adding decorative pillows with a "window" that features a particular object. 

Art in the form of a pillow.

Irish Pub Pillows can be found here http://irishphotostore.com/pubpillow.html

Add your child's artwork or their picture to a pillow with a plastic sleeve.


(The above pillows can be found at http://www.sewninspirations.com/)

~~~ Animal Prints, the new neutral? ~~~

Have you have ever thought of using animal prints as a neutral background?  I never did until I started taking pillows from various collections and putting them into different combinations.

I am using a tan leopard print as an example.  (Using a tan background wasn't the best choice for the photos, but you will see the idea.) 

Here the leopard print is used in the background with the accent pillows in front.

Since the tan color tones were close, mixing a traditional type of decor with the leopard print brings more interest to this setting. 

Along with using the leopard print for a backdrop, I mixed the two collections, Congo animal  print with the leopard print, to bring more drama and focus to the elephant.

Here the leopard print soothes the eye from the busy print and bright colors of this beautiful fabric.

Have you "dared" to use an animal print as a neutral?  I would love to hear what you have done.

~~ Tile Inspiration ~~

I would like to introduce you to an artist I recently met who does beautiful painting on ceramic tiles.  I interviewed her so you can get to know her too.  Perhaps you'll pick-up some new decorating ideas or find a solution to a decorating dilema......

(To view more of her artwork, please visit her website listed below.)

1) Briefly describe what you make:

Custom acrylic paintings—each one new and unique, with optional calligraphy, on 6”x6” ceramic tiles. They are glazed multiple times, with a glossy, heat-resistant finish and backed with cushioning cork, through which has been woven a soft wall hanger. My tile paintings can be custom ordered from a diverse gallery of original copyrighted images (http://www.stjudesquareartworks.com/) that include floral close-ups, distant landscapes and seascapes, tropical scenes, lemons or other fruit, farm animals or sheds, or childhood themes, such as Mother Goose art. I will paint an entirely new picture based on the theme you choose, and will sign it, as your own one-of-a-kind designer tile. In addition, you can custom order a picture to be painted by me from your own photo, for an additional cost. I will even use your fabric swatches or wallpaper samples to make a tile trivet or wall hanging that coordinates with your decorating schemes.

You can direct me to add calligraphy to your tile, if you like. I will generally “soften” or adjust the picture I paint to allow the lettering to be dominant. A passage from Scripture or other quote you would like to display, a name, a message, a house number, a wedding date, or birth details of a new baby—are only a few examples of how a tile can be personalized for a specific use or occasion, with lettering.

2) What mediums do you enjoy working with?

I truly enjoy color, and highlighting memorable information with harmonizing images, pleases me. I also love the subtle “cottage” and “green” themes suggested by use of the humble tile as a work of art… My choice of tiles as an art medium came about originally because I had a large, partially used box of ceramic tiles that needed “re-imagining” to avoid being tossed into a landfill!

3) Do you have any advice on how to decorate with your tiles?

The options are wide open, really…imagination is the only limiting factor… Here are a few ideas:

…My daughter uses a bright trio of fruit—two lemons and a pear—hung diagonally above her kitchen sink.

…One customer orders a “birth announcement” tile whenever a grandchild is born, to hang in her family room. Quite the conversation piece, she says!

…Use as décor on a wall in any room in the house, or place on any tabletop where furniture needs protection from glasses, candles, or vases.

…In an outdoor living space, they are durable, and add color, function, and civility.

…With a family name or house number inscribed, they can adorn a doorway.

…When special ordered (without cork on the back), they could even be carefully grouted into place as a backsplash. Several of them together can be painted as a large mural.

…In a child’s room, they can illustrate a child’s name or cute, made-up word. Even a footprint can be sent in and transformed into a tile.

~~~ Hiding your furniture ~~~

With the high cost of furniture these days, we need to be more creative on how to use what we have. 

Everyone seems to have that one side of the sofa cushions that is used for company and the other for every day use (that's the side with the stains).  What happens when your furniture stains are on the arms of the sofa or the seat of the chair?  How about that piece of furniture that is just not your style anymore or just plain old ugly (perhaps a hand-me-down)?

Here are some ideas to help "hide" your furniture:

~ Slipcovers.  A common solution. Sometimes they fit well but I have yet to find someone that absolutely loves their slipcovers.  You need to adjust and readjust the cover, that is if you sit on them, otherwise they look great.  Don't get me wrong, I too, have slipcovers thinking that was my only solution at one time.  I do like the change to a nice neutral, giving me a "clean palate" to introduce new colors by the way of decorative pillows.

~ Afghans/blankets.  Great for hiding that stain or tear on an arm of your furniture; positioned "just so".  Also, for draping over the backs or at a diagonal to bring more color and warmth to your furniture.

~ Decorative pillows.   Perfect to compliment or hide the furniture they set on.  Decorative pillows can add that "punch" of color and interest to distract the eye from the furniture.  Add oversized or just a whole lot of pillows to literally hide your furniture or the mishaps.  While hiding that piece of furniture, it will also update and bring a coziness to your room.

The above collections are available at http://www.sewninspirations.com/.

~~ Ready to redecorate? ~~

Tip:  Once you choose your color scheme, make sure you purchase your fabric for your curtains and decorative pillows first.  It is easier to find the perfect paint color to compliment your fabric rather than the other way around.

Tip:  Purchase a little more fabric than you think you might need.  Did you know that many fabrics are considered seasonal?   Once the store sells out of their bolts, they may not reorder.  You never know if you might need those extra inches for your project or decide to add more pillows than you planned.

Tip:  Been to a fabric store lately?  You have hundreds of choices that can inspire the new look you are going for.  Why settle for what the department stores choose to sell?  Get inspired and create your own look.  Now that you chose the fabric, where do you go from here?  If you don't sew yourself, check around and see if you can find someone that owns their own sewing business.  If you choose this route, you most likely will spend less than what a design studio may charge you.

Sewn Inspirations, LLC, http://www.sewninspirations.com/ , also offers you quality made pillows tailored to your style with your own fabric.  Coming soon, design your own pillows with fabric from my selections.





What rooms are you redecorating?  I would love to hear from you. 

~~ Color Trends ~~

The color palette of 2010 are......



~Yellow is THE color for this year’s decorating palettes.

~Moss green is the new shade of green to make an appearance.

~Lavender is the hot color for the bedroom, representing elegance and luxury.

~Slate and charcoal grays are the new neutrals. 

~Aqua continues its staying power.


If you are unsure about changing your entire room in the colors of 2010, try using them as accent colors.  The easiest and most cost effective way to update is to add decorative pillows to your sofa, bed and chairs.