Paint Your Rugs!

Here is an  easy and awesome idea for you Do-It- Yourselfers....this is a fun technique and allows you to jazz up and customize a sisal rug to fit your decor.   I have been known to paint anything, so this is next on my to do list!   This technique would be useful for a large area rug, a small accent rug or, as seen in the video, an entrance door rug.
Check out the link to the How To Video from House and Home:

http://houseandhome.com/tv/segment/bold-diy-painted-rugs

Upside Down Tomato Plant

I consider any type of plant part of my home decor, even if most of it is on the outside. As a born and bred city girl, it has taken me years to develop a semi-green thumb. My "thing" is basil and tomatoes. How can I live in New Jersey and not grow a great tomato? Or at least in my case....TRY to grow a great tomato. I've had some good years and bad years.


I found the following idea on youtube and think it is a great idea and wanted to share it. I was intriqued by the idea of the upside down tomato plant but they were kind of ugly. Here is a concept of using a coco lined basket, which is more attractive application of the upside down idea. The basil and marigolds add interest and also repel insects.  And the basil is a great add in to any tomato dish.

Instructions:
1. Cut an X in bottom of coco liner.


2. Add plant stem first from the top, close up X to hold plant firm.


3. Add potting soil about halfway up the well of the coco liner.


4. Add basil and marigolds and fill in with more potting soil.


5. Hang from shephard's hook.      NOTE: the planter is heavy so you will need to anchor the hook onto something. As you can see, I leaned mine up against the fence and tied it to hold steady. I bent two shephard's hooks before I figured out a good solution. You can also hang it from a hook anchored into the house, fence post, etc.


As you can see the plant is thriving, I haven't managed to kill it yet. I will keep you apprised of how it goes. Try it yourself and let us know how you did.

Beautiful Versailles hardware collection from Brimar

The new Versailles hardware collection is stunning. Look at the sample below and how it reflects the metallic feel of the fabric. Beautiful.  An excellent way to add style to your windows.

Brimar states "Metallic brilliance is created by the ancient art of water gilding. Each hardware piece is uniquely crafted by skilled artisons who meticulously layer gesso, red clay and gold or silver leaf."