May 21, 2015

DIY on the FLY™-Dip-Dyed Stationery

Photo Credit: Dana Gallagher

Photo Credit: Dana Gallagher

As the owner of my own greeting card company to say I am passionate about paper and people is an understatement! There is nothing more sentimental in this day and age of technology than that of a hand written note. I believe everyone needs a personal set of stationery and handmade stationery for mom will make her think of you each time she sends a note. This is a simple, fun project that the whole family can enjoy and it also makes a great gift for teachers or other important people in your life.

Step One:

Find some plain white, uncoated stationery, envelopes or gift tags from your local craft or paper store.

Step Two:

Using a plastic cup or Tupperware dish fill it with hot water and your desired color of Rit liquid dye. Let the solution cool before dipping your stationery or envelope.

Step Three:

Carefully dip the paper about an inch into the solution until you have your desired color. Don’t worry about creating a straight line. Perfection is in the imperfection. Each piece is unique and that’s the true beauty of this project!

Step Four:

Lastly, you will want to hang your paper to dry before you package it together and embellish it with a beautiful decorative ribbon and a handwritten gift note.

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April 29, 2015

How to Create an Art Gallery Wall

Creating the perfect art gallery wall in your home may seem like a difficult and daunting task but with a little pre-planning it’s really quite simple. Here are my step-by-step tips and instructions to make a masterful gallery for your wall showcasing your favorite artwork and family photos.

Gallery-Wall-5-hrStep 1: Collect your supplies. To bring your gallery wall to life you will need a few basic tools to help you complete the task. Here is a list of the basic supplies that you will need. A pencil, nails, newspaper or butcher paper, scissors, painter’s tape, hammer, measuring tape and a level. Now you are ready for step 2!

Step 2: Select, gather and organize. I love an eclectic yet cohesive mix of artwork and photos hung on the wall. It’s important that the frames and content relate to one another to constitute a collection that will tell a story. Get creative. You can frame anything from photos, magazines, letters, artwork, famous quotes, works of music or pages from your favorite book with the same theme and color palette to make your wall visually appealing. Tip: Frame all your artwork and photos with one to two complimentary colors and use a variety of different sizes and shapes of frames to add contrast and texture to your gallery wall.

Step 3: Frame to layout. Now that you have decided which artwork and photos you would like to use and framed them all so they look like a collection its time to decide on the perfect layout for your wall. Using the floor space in front of your gallery wall start by putting down your favorite or largest piece in the center. Begin arranging your artwork around your center anchor piece and work your way out. Keep moving things around and experimenting until you like the way it looks. This really is a matter of personal taste and there is no right and wrong. Just follow your instinct on what looks best to you. Tip: Keep a few inches of space between each frame to keep them close. A gallery wall is all about finding an organized balance in complete disarray.

Step 4: Layout to Wall. Now that you have your layout designed take your newspaper or butcher paper and use your pencil to trace an outline of each frame creating individual templates, use your scissors to cut them out and then number them starting with your center piece as number 1. Use your tape measure to find the center point or points where your nail(s) will go for each piece of framed artwork or photo and pencil it in on your templates. Find the center of your wall and tape your center anchor piece template centered on the wall. Tape the rest of your templates on the wall keeping them close together in the same numbered sequence you laid out on the floor. Take your hammer and a nail and pound a nail through your template following your drawing. Remove the templates from the wall and replace them with your actual artwork and photos. Use your level to make sure your artwork is hung straight. Tip: You can use cut outs of fabric, decorative paper or knick-knacks in and around your artwork to fill space and add another dimension to your wall.

There are no exact guidelines or rules to creating a picture perfect art gallery wall so embrace your life’s journey, showcase what makes you feel good and have fun with it! I would love to see and post photos of your completed gallery wall on my blog! Please e-mail photo’s to me at juleeireland@gmail.com.

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April 24, 2015

DIY Dinner Party Tips on Sonoran Living

Today I presented some DIY tips on how to throw a Spring/Summer dinner party like a Pro without breaking the bank.

On Sonoran Living

On Sonoran Living

Watch the segment here: http://www.abc15.com/lifestyle/sonoran-living/summer-dinner-party-tips-diy-ideas

Every party starts with a theme, guest list and most importantly an invitation. Your invitation sets the tone for your party and gives your guests a glimpse of what lies ahead so have fun with designing the perfect party invitation. Papyrus now offers DIY printable invitations! You’ll love that there is a variety of designs to choose from for every occasion. They are simple and easy to design yourself online. Select your design. Select your font and font color. Type in the details of your party. Preview your design, select your quantity and place your order! They are affordable and the quality is amazing! Papyrus invitations are a fraction of what a custom designed invitation normally costs. Your papyrus DIY printable invitations are sent directly to your doorstep within 5-7 business days for most vendors. Check with Papyrus custom invitations department for exact lead times. http://www.papyrusonline.com

Style and Entertaining DIY Gourmet Dinner Party Kits are a must have! It’s not just the invitation, guest list and decor that makes a great dinner party; it’s also the food and entertainment. What could be better than combining food with entertainment through an interactive experience? I love these simple Award Winning DIY Dinner Party Kits that make cooking and entertaining a snap! You don’t have to be a master chef to create a masterful meal. Each Style & Entertaining DIY Dinner Kit comes complete with an easy to follow step-by-step guide that includes recipes, ingredients, decor, music and wine pairing suggestions. Spice up a healthy life! Each kit contains organic herbs, spices, whole grains, beans, dried fruits and nuts to complete each recipe. Supports buy fresh and local with a grocery list for ingredients that makes gathering your cooking supplies fast and easy. Learn the fundamentals of selecting the perfect wine to serve with your meal. Find your inner celebrity chef by learning celebrity inspired cooking techniques. Set a stylish table scene with votive candles, menu cards, napkins and more included in each kit! This makes a great gift as well as, a fun cooking experience to share with your family or friends. The Style and Entertaining DIY Dinner Kit for 8 is $49.95 and the DIY Romantic Dinner for Two Kit is only $29.95. Get yours today! http://www.StyleandEntertaining.com

Style and Entertaining DIY Dinner Kit for 8

Style and Entertaining DIY Dinner Kit for 8

Now that the invitation has been sent and the menu has been decided we need to think about setting the perfect tablescape to compliment your dinner party. Like most working moms I don’t have a lot of extra time so I am always seeking out simple solutions for everyday living. Simply Baked makes baking and setting a beautiful table a breeze! Simply Baked tableware can go straight from the oven to your table. Yes, you can bake and serve directly in their beautifully decorative cups, bowls and more! Simply Baked is available in a variety of pretty patterns, designs, sizes and colors. They have something for everyone and every party scene! They have festive accessories such as straws, spoons, appetizer trays, plates and sticks, cake stands and more making it quick and easy to serve your guests with style! Simply Baked really allows you to have fun and get creative and it’s not just for baked goods. Use their decorative cups to create individual fresh veggie cups or to serve candy, nuts or fresh fruit. The ideas and possibilities are endless. They offer simple pre-made party packs in a variety of coordinating party themes such as the Glam kit or Fourth of July kit making planning your next dinner party simply a breeze! Prices range from $3.50 and up. http://simplybaked.us

You can create a custom chic look for any party or event with Di Potter translucent Wine and Champagne shades. There are over 32 different fabulous themes and patterns available in a variety of trending color combinations. Di Potter shades are made out of translucent paper and they’re easy to assemble, reusable and made in the U.S.A. for use with any traditional Wine or Champagne glass and a flameless candle. Di Potter also makes matching beautiful paper candle bands, placemats and charger plates to further enhance your table scape. They
are simple, affordable and unique making you the hostess who is sure to be the talk of the town! Price $22.99 for a set of 6 http://www.thepapertable.com

BONUS DIY TIP: DIY under $25-How to create an amazing last minute centerpiece using stemware, glasses, mugs, candle holders, glass bowls and vases right out of your kitchen cabinets!

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Step 1: Assemble a variety or glassware from the list above in varied shapes and sizes. You want to mix high and low pieces to give it dimension and make it interesting.

Step 2: Purchase seasonal flowers at your local market or cut flowers, fruits, veggies and succulents straight from your garden.

Step 3: Group 3 or more of varied pieces in varied heights together creating a triangle shape. Fill with water, add a drop of food coloring to create desired color (directions for the various color shades are on the back of your food coloring box) and add your desired fresh cut flowers, fruit, vegetables or combination thereof to taste. Turn Wine glasses upside down with a flower or table tent card with something written on it and place candle votive on top to create mood lighting. Repeat to desired taste throughout your room and on your table.

Step 4: Find your inner Design Diva! There is no right or wrong so don’t be afraid to do what looks best to you and have fun with it! Prepare to amaze your guests with your creative, charming and simple centerpieces!

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April 21, 2015

Home Space Saving Tips

There is nothing worse than a cluttered home. It makes a clean home feel dingy even when its not, creates a feeling of chaos in your home and makes any space no matter its size, feel small. With spring-cleaning in full swing I thought I would share a few simple tips to help you save space and start decluttering your home at the same time!

Use space under a staircase to create a home office, library or study area.

Use space under a staircase to create a home office, library or study area.

1. The Family Room is usually one of the most used rooms in any home and it often becomes the dumping ground for magazines, newspapers, mail, blankets, television remotes and more. Try using an ottoman or chest with a storage compartment inside as a coffee table. It’s a great place to store items and keep your family room from feeling cluttered.

2. To create space for books, nick knacks and accessories in your family, living or sitting room use low bookcases along a sofa back to double as a sofa table with storage. Another great idea to take advantage of wasted space in a room is to use corner bookshelves. Here’s a design trick: If you take your bookshelves up to the ceiling it can make a short room appear taller because it instantly brings your eyes up and out.

3. To create storage for your movie night blankets in your family room or home theater use a wicker hamper as an end table and a storage space for blankets. You can also purchase spray paint from a craft store and easily paint them an accent color to add a punch of color to your room. Think about using masking tape to tape off a simple design such as stripes or a chevron pattern. You can also use multiple paint colors, all of which add pattern, texture and color to your room.

4. Windows are a great place to add extra seating and storage simultaneously to save space. Consider adding a window seat with a lid or hinged top to store items in such as your extra china, linens, clothing, crafts or photos. You can also create a window seat with built in shelves below for books or shoes. Take advantage of using an interesting fabric to make cushions for your seating to add a charming touch of color and pattern to your room.

5. Lastly, look for unused space in your home to reclaim for use. Under the stairway is always a perfect place to do this. You can add pull out shelves for hidden storage, built in bookcases or shelving or open up the wall to build in a small home office to fit a desk, chair and storage closet.

The tips I have shared with you are all simple inexpensive fixes that you can do yourself. If you have any questions feel free to email me at info@juleeireland.com. Now that you have the tools to save space and declutter your home you are ready for wall décor! Stay tuned for my upcoming blog post on tips to create the perfect gallery wall in any room of your home using your family photos and art. Until then, love your home!

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April 14, 2015

DIY organization

I Love this clever and inexpensive DIY idea to organize a room with wall storage boxes. These are old wood crates that are painted with a variety of different colors inside and then hung on the wall as storage. What a Simple, Creative and Easy DIY project for any room in your home. Love it! Let’s get organized!

DIY on the Fly Home Organization

DIY on the Fly Home Organization

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March 18, 2015

DIY envelopes for your next party

I love this simple DIY idea for making an envelope.
Use a square paper doily and fold the sides in around your card or invitation. (You can find these at Joanne Fabrics or Michaels Craft Stores) Fold the sides and bottom in around your card or invitation so they overlap slightly.  Make sure to leave enough room to slide in your card or invitation. Use a clear glue stick to hold them in place. (See photo for folding example)

DIY enveleope

DIY enveleope

Finally, you can add a wax initial stamp, sticker, or label for an added touch to seal your envelope. Simple, inexpensive, elegant, and a truly unique way to set the tone for your special occasion.
Have fun, and then send me a photo of your beautiful creation to post or let me know how it goes!

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February 9, 2015

Party Perfect Cocktail Hour

I LOVE this concept for a wedding, party or celebration. A nice eclectic mix of the old with the new…it’s simply chic and charming with every detail from the lighting to the linen bar and ottomans to the punch of hot pink as the accent color that is carried throughout the theme of the design. Hmmm…this makes me what to start planning my next party!

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Photo Credit: Stylemepretty.com

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January 15, 2015

DIY on a Dime

There are a few things that I am passionate about as a designer, lighting, saving more than a dime, and using my hands to get really creative.  I love this simple inexpensive way to repurpose and bring new light to your room by adding trim to a lampshade.  You can find basic shapes and sizes of lampshades at local craft stores such as Joanne Fabrics or at popular retail store chains such as Target and Walmart or you can simply take your current lampshade and embellish it.

When you have your desired lampshade that fits your lamp all you have to do is find a simple trim from a fabric store that has the right pop of color, texture and style that strikes your fancy.  Be sure to take your lampshade with you when you go to select your trim so that you can lay it against your shade to measure the correct yardage.  You don’t want to end up short! If you don’t have basic sewing skills the shop clerks are always willing to help out so don’t be afraid to ask for assistance.  Now that you have your trim you are ready to go! I found this no sew sample lampshade on Pinterest via hercampus.com.  I wanted to share it with you because the photos are simple to follow step by step and it demonstrates just how easy this project really is!

hercampus

Photo credit: hercampus.com

Remember, you don’t have to be an expert seamstress to create a beautiful, inviting lampshade that fits your unique style and personality. All you need is a lampshade, trim and a hot glue gun with some of your own creative juice!  Have fun with it and please share your creations with me so that I can post and share them on my all of my social media platforms. I can’t wait to see what you all come up with!

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January 7, 2015

Five Money Saving Home Decorating Tips for 2015

I love the fresh start that a new year brings. In my book, change is good and that includes altering your living environment, breathing new life into it. This year add, “home makeover” to your new year’s resolution list and make subtle changes turning a room from drab to fab quickly, setting the tone for a brilliant new year! Here are my top five money saving decorating tips for 2015

  1. This year take the time to go room by room and collect things that you don’t wear, use, or absolutely love and donate them to a local charity. Eliminate clutter from your countertops, cabinets, cupboards, and dressers by putting away what you don’t use on a daily basis. This simple task will easily change the look of any room without having to spend any money.
  1. The mantel is always the center of attention in a room. Instead of the traditional mirror, piece of artwork, or a family portrait try using three smaller works of art to create pattern and a new interesting focal point in your room.

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  1. Change your accent color to give each room a renewed look. Start by finding a color that you love, then change out your accent pillows and accessories in the same color scheme to rejuvenate the look of your room. Purchase a colorful rug or runner, which can also help to anchor your space. Try painting your chairs and picture frames, or even swapping out the seating of your chairs. Don’t worry about having everything match exactly; it’s much more interesting to see a color in varying hues combined with pattern.
  1. Lighting is essential and it’s “the jewelry” for each room, yet it’s often given the least attention. It sets the tone for your space just as an invitation does to a party. Make your room more inviting by changing out a lampshade with a splash of color or pattern or replace a tired fixture with something new. You can also add dimmer switches to create mood lighting throughout your home.

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  1. Add some plants to your space. You don’t have to have a green thumb to add some greenery to your room. Consider using succulents. They provide texture, color, and require very little maintenance. An occasional spritz of water will do. Consider using larger silk potted plants – they’re beautiful, realistic, and carefree. Plants bring new energy to a room and are often in decorative pots, adding both texture and a design element. Nature’s botanical color palette fits with any environment and offers an inexpensive way to create harmony in any room.

Make it your new year’s resolution to breathe new life into your home in 2015! After all, change is good.

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January 5, 2015

Mongram your New Year

It’s a New Year, Make it all about You with monogram stationery and home decor.  Monogram is a centuries old art that adds a special personal touch when writing a letter or thank you note to someone that you love or by using monogram pieces around your home. This segment for IndyStyle TV is all about how to utilize Monogram items to personalize your home or to write a heartfelt handwritten note. I would love to hear your feedback and any creative ideas that you have to share. Enjoy and Happy New Year!

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Click Photo to view Monogram show segment with It’s a Glam Thing Host Julee Ireland

Thumbprintz Square Monogram Pillow $25

www.amazon.com

  1. Pillows are an inexpensive way to update and add color to any room in your home.
  2. Reversible double sided print for indoor and outdoor use.
  3. Chic pattern available in most letters of the alphabet
  4. 100% polyester
  5. Water repellent and mildew resistant
  6. Easy to spot clean

Monogram Metal Wine Cork Wall Decor $15

www.amazon.com

  1. Unique Wall Décor
  2. Ideal for wine enthusiast
  3. You can purchase other letters to spell out a word on your wall
  4. Ready to hang, no assembly required
  5. Makes the perfect unique gift for any occasion

Jonathan Adler Monogram Lucite Block Initial $195

www.jonathanadler.com

  1. Monogram Lucite Block Initial by Jonathan Adler
  2. Modern update to the traditional Monogram style Lettering
  3. Available in all 26 letters of the alphabet
  4. Unique screen print artwork that is suspended between two blocks of Lucite
  5. Beautiful decorative piece of art for your home or as a special gift for family or friends!

Monogram Kate Spade Correspondence Cards $24.95 (set includes 10 cards with lined envelopes)

www.papyrusonline.com

  1. Everyone should have a set or two of correspondence cards at your fingertips for times that call for a handwritten thank you card or heartfelt note.
  2. Classic design with Gold Monogram initial on the front and Kate Spade polka dots on the back.
  3. Chic lined envelope in black and white stripes
  4. Makes a great gift
  5. Available online and in over 180 Papyrus locations in the US and Canada

 Monogram Punch Studio Pocket Notepads $4.95

www.papyrusonline.com

  1. The pocket notepads by Punch Studio are available in a variety of fun colors and patterns.
  2. Small and compact so it easily fits in your purse or bag
  3. Perfect for reminder notes or lists
  4. Makes a great gift or party favor
  5. Available online and in over 180 Papyrus locations in the US and Canada

DIY for Under $20

No Sew Monogram Burlap Table Runner

supplylistburlaprunnerStep 1. Purchase pre-cut Burlap table runner and a Black Sharpie Pen from your local craft or fabric store

Step 2. Print your initial of choice scaled to your desired size from your printer

Step 3. Tape your initial to a flat, dry surface and lay your burlap fabric on top. Tape sides to keep it from moving.

Step 4. Use your black sharpie pen to trace your letter onto your Burlap Fabric

Step 5. Enjoy your beautiful new table runner.

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Tip: You can also purchase pre-made burlap decorative ribbon and use a glue gun to adhere it to the sides of your table runner for an added touch.

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