DIY...Denim Fabric Wall Covering

Oh Hello!

They say anything goes with denim.  Well what about having denim on your wall?!  I have a great sun-room in my apartment with windows on two of the walls.  The facing wall though is a bit drab.  So I decided it needed a little pizzazz.  I have applied fabric to walls in other areas of the apartment so I thought it would be great in my sun-room as well.

The reason I love applying fabric to walls because you can change it if you don't like it; you can wash it if it gets dirty; it adds texture to the wall and you have endless options!

I found a nice dark denim material at a local fabric store.  By the advice of the sales person I washed the denim to ensure it wouldn't stain the wall.  After washing the material it was time to get started!

Supplies List:

• Plastic Bucket
• Liquid Starch
• Brushes
• Squeegee 
• Water
• Exacto Knife
• Push Pins

1. First Clean the Wall. 
2. Hold the fabric up to ensure it will fit the area you are trying to cover. Also measure the wall and allow about 2 inches of extra material beyond the area you are covering.  My material isn't as wide as my wall, which I like.  The color of the wall will actually frame the material, plus since it is denim is a bit frade on the edge I thought if would add a neat dynamic to the wall.  
3. Begin brushing on the starch to the wall (I sometime add a little water). Quickly apply the fabric to the "starched" wall.  Use the push pins to hold the fabric in place.  I try to do small sections horizontal and working my way down the wall.
4. Use the squeegee to smooth the fabric and push out the air bubbles, however I found that using my hands worked better for this project.
5. Apply another application of starch on top of the fabric.  
6. Once you get the starch on the wall/fabric allow it dry and trim the excess.

Viola!  You have a beautiful new wall with color and texture.

Before

After

After...I decided to add my wing back chair (I'm actually composing this blog from that chair!)

Adding the chair makes a perfect reading spot for the sun-room.

Good Day!

--D. Charles

DIY - Bookcases with a Pop!

Oh Hello!

I was recently needing some bookcases. I didn't want to spend very much money and while visiting Target I saw these bookcases...only $20 each!  For convenience and time I picked up a couple of them.  They are very basic 3 shelve bookcases that are more functional than design.  However I was just needing a basic bookcase for storage.

I decided they needed a little pop!  So I found some great wrapping paper and picked up some spray adhesive from a local store.  I took the back off and applied the paper.  I trimmed the edges and nail the backing back on.   

After a little de-cluttering and dusting I now have two great little bookcases with just a touch of design.  This is a very easy 20 min project.  Sometimes in design it is just the litle, simple things that a can make a world of difference.  Give it try on your bookcases and send me your pics!  anothur.decor@gmail.com

I really liked this design!

I took the backing off and applied a spray adhesive

I lined up the upper right corner as my reference point.

Viola!

Good Day!
--D. Charles

DIY Pillows by Nara!

Oh Hello!

I love pillows!  When I was kid I thought that one day when I grow up that I would have a room full of pillows!  I would daydream about jumping into the middle of the room and play in the pillows!  Well, I'm still working on making that dream a reality...maybe someday!  In the mean time I love decorating with pillows.  Pillows are one of the easiest and cheapest (most of the time) accessories that can change the entire dynamic of a room. By simply changing the style, fabric or placement you can create new and different ambiance within minutes and help to establish your accent color and style.  The best part is that they are soft and squeezable!

My good friend Nara has begun the craft of making beautiful pillows for her home as well as friends! With an incredible sense of design and eye for detail Nara is able to create one-of-a-kind cushions. She is drawn to color and pattern when picking fabric for her new creations. She finds fun and exciting fabrics and after a little measuring and sewing she creates amazing pillows. If you are interested in her making you a pillow please email me at anothur.decor@gmail.com and I will have her contact you!

Psst...Soon Nara is going to show us how she makes these incredible cushions in a Anothur Decor Pillow DIY blog! Check back so! 

Nara finds some great patterns!

This is a pattern that Nara is planning to use
 in the master bedroom...thus Love Birds!

Tools of the trade!

Viola!

Good Day

--D. Charles

Anothur Decor Facebook...do you like me?

Oh hello!

Well I just started a Facebook page for Anothur Decor!  Over the next few days I will continue to build the page and begin posting.  Feel free to to friend me! And be sure and tell your friends about the new Facebook page and blog. I really want to help create a community of people who have an interest in home decor and to have an open forum to share, discuss and inspire.

Click the Facebook Badger to the Right!

Good Day!
--D. Charles

HGTV Christmas Decorating Ideas...Love it!

Oh Hello!

I was on HGTV's website http://www.hgtv.com/deck-the-halls/package/index.html and found a great resource of Holiday Decorating Ideas..no surprise there huh?!  They have ideas for trees, mantels, gift wrapping and more. My favorite section is the Wreath Section.  Below are a few of my favorite wreaths from the website.

Check it out and be inspired!  Send me pictures of your creations!!

I love this!  Look close...it's sheet music : )

This beautiful and natural wreath feels so organic and earthy.

Bling bling wreath!

Good Day

--D Charles

DIY Floral Centerpiece

Oh Hello,

I had a chance to visit my friends at my favorite florist, Marguerite Gardens (http://www.flowerpowerchicago.com  or margueritegardens.blogspot.com) this past weekend.  I asked to be shown the process of creating a simple, yet elegant centerpiece. And with the holiday's just around the corner, I thought I should take notes and share with you the 1,2,3s of making a simple, elegant and inexpensive centerpiece.

This arrangement is what they call "low and moundy." A low arrangement will allow you to keep the centerpiece on the table and still be able to have conversation without it blocking the other guests.  Having this in mind, the arrangement is made to look round, like a mound; that way no matter what angle you look the arrangement you can enjoy it's full beauty.

So let's begin...

We used a a clear glass cube vase, one Ti Leaf, Hydrangea, three Roses and a little Queen Ann's Lace.

Overview of Steps

1. Prep the Ti Leaf and place in glass vase
2. Cut the Hydrangea and place in glass vase
3. Cut Roses and arrange within Hydrangea
4. Cut Queen Ann's Lace and sparingly place in arrangement
5. Enjoy!

We used a simple cube vase for our arrangement. 

Step One

Prep and Place the Ti Leaf

Cut the stem and approximately 2-3 inches off.

Shave stem to same level as the leaf.

Gently massage the leaf. 

Roll the leaf.

Gently place rolled leaf in vase and release.

Add water.

Step Two
Prep and place Hydrangea

Cut stem to appropriate length.

Place in the vase.

Step Three
Prep and Place the Roses

Place the vase to the edge of the table and cut the stem accordingly.

Place Roses within the Hydrangea, almost as if they were growing from the Hydrangea.

Step Four
Prep and Place Queen Ann's Lace

Cut and Prune the Queen Ann's Lace.

Place the Queen Ann's Lace around some of the edges as well as within the Hydrangea.
This will give it a full organic look.  It will also add another layer of texture to the arrangement.

Tada!

Good Day

--D Charles