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

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree

Oh Hello!

What is the most magical element in a room or an area this time of year?  Is it the sound of bells? Decorations? Maybe food?!  Well I think the Christmas Tree is the most magical.    They are not just beautiful but they tell and convey a story.  They induce memories and excite even the “Grinches” of Christmas. Be it a traditional evergreen or a tinsel tree or even a Charlie Brown Christmas tree, they all add the essence of the holidays.  

I’ve had several readers submit their photos of their Christmas trees this year.  They are beautiful photos.  Notice how each picture tells a story or conveys a feeling.  What do your decorations/tree say about you and/or your home?...What story are you wanting to tell?  I was also allowed to take a quick photo of the famous Christmas tree located in the center of the Walnut Room at Macy’s in Downtown Chicago! As well as Union Station.  

Please enjoy the photos below!

"This year, I expanded my glass ornament collection and focused on jewel-tones.  I think the lights reflect the glass so beautifully, and perhaps it is symbolic of the notion that I have had a more than reflective year, and am ready to shine a little brighter in the next one. "  
Bridget, Anothur Decor  Blog Reader

Christmas Tree at the Daley Plaza, Downtown Chicago.

  I've been told great detail goes into placing the strand of lights on every single branch of this beautiful tree; it is time consuming however it is done with love and care!  Patrick, Anothur Decor Blog Reader. 

45' Christmas Tree in the Walnut Room at Macy's, Chicago.

 

Christmas Tree at Ogilvie Train Station, Chicago.

All lit up and ready for Santa Clause, this tree glows for passers by on the street.
I also like that the tree is a little bit short so that it can be placed on a 2' base for all presents!
Michael, Anothur Decor Blog Reader

Series of Christmas Trees & over-sized ornaments at Union Station, Chicago.

Good Day and Happy Holidays!
--D Charles

Nutty for Nutcrackers!

Oh Hello,

I recently visited a friend that has an amazing collection of nutcrackers!  All different sizes, characters and styles from around the world.  He has been collecting nutcrackers for many years and has a collection of 48 so far.  Below are some photos of some his most valuable nutcrackers! Many of them are the beautiful German handcrafted Steinbachs! http://www.steinbachnutcracker.com 

Every year when he purchases a new Steinbach he places the date on the bottom for reference. This collection is amazing!  Each nutcracker is in mint condition and is cared for with love.  I love how he incorporated the nutcrackers throughout his home;  especially the 6 foot nutcracker that meets you at the front door (This is his favorite.)

I believe that is a design factor as well.  If you have a collection of some sort, place the pieces throughout the home (within reason of course).  This gives people a glimpse of your passion and therefore creates a connection.

Thanks to my friend for sharing his passion and wonderful collection of nutcrackers!

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

The Bigger the Scarier? Halloween is Here!

Oh hello!

Well it's that time of year again.  The air is becoming brisk, scarves are being spotted and spooks are appearing!  I've noticed the past few weeks that folk's Halloween decorations are getting bigger and bigger.  I spotted a couple today!

While walking down Erie Street (perfect name for this blog) in Chicago I discovered two really neat decorations (installations).  The first one was a great big spider crawling up a wall!  It was in a court yard full of spooks, skeletons, and Halloween decor.  The second was a larger than life witch flying on here broomstick!

These two Halloween decorations are great!  People were stopping and taking pictures and hopefully feeling a little chill in their bones!

Are you going over the top with your Halloween decorations??  Email me some pics!  dayvidcharles@gmail.com

Okay...this isn't scary, however I love all the mums on the staircase!
Hmmm...not sure exactly how you get in the front door though!

Good Day!
--D Charles