Happy 4th of July! Enjoy Free Shipping

I am offering FREE SHIPPING Today Only with Promo Code Happy4th.  Please checkout my Etsy shop Plaid and Bows.  If you do not find what you are looking for I can custom make invitations, stationary and enclosure cards just for you.  Happy Birthday America!!!

Plaid & Bows Etsy Shop

This time in my life all of my friends and cousins are having lots of babies.  I wanted to give them something special and custom, but not too pricey since there are so many babies being born this year.  Creating a birth announcement for their nursery and some stationary seemed an appropriate gift to remind them of that special day and for all the thank you notes they will be writing on behalf of their little ones in the upcoming years.  

After creating all these gifts, I decided to start a business and create more to share with you.  I launched Plaid and Bows this past month and would love for you to browse around.  If you are don't find what you are looking for please let me create something custom just for you or that special little one.  I have Personalized typography birth announcement prints, stationary and enclosure cards for now.  Soon I will add melamine plates, cups and more.  Every pattern and image was created by me on Illustrator, so if you want to change colors, patterns or the image just let me know. 

No Sew Pleated Drapery

Making pleated drapery has never been easier. I discovered this picture on Pinterest and can't wait to get started. With hooks lying around the house and drapery in the closet I am going to try creating my own on this Sunday afternoon.  Stay tuned to see my version of this.

Source: houseofhepworths.com via Blythe on Pinterest

East Texas Historical HWY 80 Sale

My Saturday afternoon was spent at the Historical East Texas HWY 80 Antique sale.  There was so much to browse through, but I narrowed it down to some Fostoria glasses, cute fireman fabric for my boys and a handful of Walt Disney children's books with records.

DIY Chalkboard Paint

Creating a shopping list on the back of your pantry door would be wonderful. I love the idea of use a pretty color for the chalkboard. I am thinking about doing this to my kitchen cabinets.

Source: marthastewart.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Source: abeautifulmess.typepad.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Here are a few tips on how to "Do it Yourself"

Source: salttree.blogspot.com via Sarah on Pinterest

loving gingham

Source: google.com via Lise on Pinterest

Source: matchbookmag.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Source: bhg.com via Sharon on Pinterest

Source: tumblr.com via Heidi on Pinterest

Source: forage.bigcartel.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Source: abbeycorrine.tumblr.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Updating our Kitchen

After moving into this 1950's home we are slowly making changes.  The wallpaper has been removed and replaced with texture and paint.  I was eager to replace the floor, counters and back splash immediately after we moved in as well, but we have decided to wait and do this later because of the cost.  I couldn't stand the maroon tile any longer so I decided to paint it for now.  

BEFORE we moved in photos  

BEFORE we moved in photos  

 1st step- tape off

2nd step- 1 coat of primer

3rd step- 2 coats of paint
4th step- 1 coat of polyurethane

 Finished the look by spray painting the knobs with oil rubbed bronze finish metal paint.  Check out a tutorial on Living Savvy.  I am going to paint all my interior doors next.  

New faucet.
Soon the scalloped woodwork will be coming down as well.

The vent above the stove was painted with appliance paint.

 Soon the refrigerator will be painted with the same exopy paint.

To help the boys have fun in the kitchen with me I used chalkboard paint on the partial wall. Looking forward to replacing the linoleum floor with tile soon.

Kitchen Floor

I have been itching to redesign our kitchen for some time now, but I'm having a hard time deciding on tile. I would love to carry our hardwood floors throughout, but afraid of water damage and scratches from everyday wear in the kitchen. Right now there is 1970 linoleum that needs replacing. Since our hardwood floors are dark mahogany I think a dark gray tile would look good below the white cabinets in either a brick pattern, diagonal square pattern or herringbone. I just recently painted the white knobs with a dark bronze metallic spray paint saving me lots of money by not replacing the knobs. My next project will be to paint the back splash tile white until we decide to replace it with subway tile.

Source: vanrozeboom.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Source: lowes.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Source: mydesigndump.blogspot.com via Sarah on Pinterest

DIY Bins

Before you throw out your old diaper boxes check out this tutorial from Positely Splendid, canvas bins from diaper boxes.

Source: positivelysplendid.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Family Rustic Dining Table

This family table is wonderful because of it's rustic look with a house full of kids. You can enjoy family meals here as well as doing crafts without having to worry about scratching it up. I also love the wooden vessel that holds all crayons and pencils. The stencils chair backs are so cute as well. Check it out on designmom

Source: designmom.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Monogram

I love monograms especially in the bedroom because it is so personal. There are so many different fonts and styles you can use when monogramming these days. The fuschia on linen is beautiful.

Source: numberfoureleven.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Source: mrshowardpersonalshopper.com via Sarah on Pinterest

The single letter on the wall is so bold and fun to use for a baby or kids room.

Source: projectnursery.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Stencil Project

I was going to apply wallpaper to my dining room wall, but instead I painted on this trellis stencil.  It is less expensive and can be used again on the wall or any item.  I might use it on a serving tray next. If you love the chandelier as well stay tune to how this was made for under $50.

Source: cheapchicdaily.blogspot.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Happy {Girl's} Weekend!!!

I hope everyone has a wonderful and relaxing weekend.  I am off to the pool today with my close old college girlfriends.  There will be plenty of bubbly to go around and lots of girl talk.  I hope your weekend is just as relaxing.

Unique {POST}

If you are looking to customize your emails with unique designs check out the new iPhone app called POST.  I love the name.  It was created by the young and fabulous designer Hanna Brooks Nation of Gababout stationary.  

 

The app allows you to design and send custom invitations and notes using 60 or more designs and it only cost .99 cents.

Gababout Stationary 

 Gababout Stationary comes in a 5 x7 note card, sold in a set of 25 and made with high quality materials and boxed with the company's signature orange color. These are a few of my favorites.

 She will customize each note card with your initials.  Stop by La Dolce Vita to check out her most recent interview.

Lovely Bedroom

Rich isn't it?  I am into navy walls right now and I love the rich contract of the white bedding and furniture against the dark navy walls.  This room feels very relaxing and romantic.

Photo {My Notting Hill}

Colorful Designer Fabrics/Calico Corners

I never think to stop into Calico Corners, but after reading maison21's post I am going to make a trip this week.  They have designer fabric 30-60% showroom prices.  I can't wait to start shopping.

 Tilbury Lapis from Calico Corners {photo Habitually Chic}

Tilbury Lapis from Lauren Ashley through Kravet {photo domino 2008}

Designer Devon Baer

I fell in love with the Manhattan based Designer Devon Baer when I saw her jewelery featured on Plush Palette.  Her style is fresh and preppy.  She finds inspiration in antiques and all things beautiful in interiors.  These bold statement pieces are a great way to update your outfit. 

The tangerine and pink flowers in the necklace are perfect for spring/summer and the bigger the better.

Cute accent belt!  It reminds of a chinoiserie table lamp.  Shop her Etsy store.

Happy Friday

 

I hope your Friday is as bright and sunny as mine.  Have a great weekend!  

xoxo, Sarah

Image {escapade}

Kid's Consignment

In the heart of the Design District, Romper Runway is hosting it's Spring/Summer sale at118 Parkhouse St. February 26-27.  There is a pre-sale Feb.25 for new moms, expectant moms and volunteers, but you must register first by emailing details@romperrunway.com.  Shop the half-price sale Feb.27th.  If you are interested in consigning your child's items they will pick up them up (for $5) within the I-635 loop.  Check out the article in the Dallas Morning News.