My Search for the Perfect Bed

I am searching for the perfect headboard for my son's room.  As I show you the options I'm considering so far, you'll find some DIY ideas that are so customizable, they work for an adult's bedroom too!


I have two young boys.  My younger son will soon be ready to transition from his crib to a bed.  It's an exciting milestone, but it comes with lots of decorating decisions.  When my oldest son made the transition, I went all out and bought him a bit of a pricey bed and dresser.  His changing table that converts to a dresser, along with his room and just about everything in it, was going to his new baby brother.  I wanted us both to love his new, big boy room.  We do.  His bed is the full size version of this bed, by Stanley's Young America line:

I was not prepared for how quickly the cost of the new bed, dresser, mattress, bedding, and all that goes with it adds up!  We were able to reuse all of his nursery furniture and decor for our new baby, though, so it seemed reasonable to splurge a little.

You live and learn, though, and now I want a more affordable, but equally good-looking bed for my younger son.  So, here's my dilemma...do I purchase a new bed or get creative and make something myself?  Here are some options I'm considering.  Let me know what you think, and what your ideas are for decorating boys' rooms.

My son's changing table converts to a large dresser, so I want to keep that in the room.  It's a beautiful espresso finish from Pottery Barn Kids.  I could spend about $725 on the bed that would match it.

 
But, I'd like to mix it up.  I'm not particularly fond of matching bedroom sets, and the price is higher than what I'd like to spend. 

Pottery Barn Kids also offers another great option.  Imagine this pirate sail mounted on the wall behind just a mattress and frame.  For only $100, it makes a fun alternative to a headboard.  The drawback here for me, though, is that he will eventually outgrow it, and it will need to be replaced down the road. 

If I don't go the retail route, I've found lots of creative ideas to truly customize the space.  Here's a simple and easy alternative. 

It's just a painted faux headboard.  Click on the picture to be directed to "Real Simple" and find the easy instructions to create this look for around $20.  I could even use wall decals to personalize it and easily change them out according to his interests as he grows.  It would make his bedding stand out, and it would look great with his blue walls.  My only concern is, would it look as nice in person as it does in this photo?  Would it end up looking like we just forgot to paint a huge area of his room?  It certainly looks clean and modern in this photo, but would that translate well for a fun boy's room?

With a little more work, here's another DIY project that creates a unique look.  These are 3 closet doors, painted and installed to create a custom headboard.  Click on the photo to be directed to "Better Homes and Gardens" for step by step instructions.



Browse through their DIY section and find another, easier alternative - mount a fabric-covered canvas on the wall behind the bed.  You can also see a 6-paneled door, turned on its side and mounted to the wall, which makes a great headboard as well.

I love the look of this photo, also from "Better Homes and Gardens".  I'd be happy to have it in my room, but it would also be great for a kids' room too.  I could display his much-loved stuffed animals and books on a salvaged mantel like this one.

Or with the right fabric and bedding to fit a little boy's style, here are photos from a fantastic tutorial on the blog All Things Thrifty on how to make your own upholstered headboard.  Takes some time and patience, but the result is beautiful and completely unique.  Click on the photos to be directed to the blog, and you'll find lots of great DIY tutorials and decorating ideas.

So now, I just have to decide on what would work best in our home.  How much time and money do I want to put into this project, and what look would work best for my son?  To be continued...In the meantime, let me know your thoughts!

10 Commandments for Business Failure

I came across a book and wanted to share it with those of you that are business owners.  Although the book is written with anecdotes and lessons learned from very large corporations, as an Etsy seller, I could see very clearly how these "what-not-to-do's" apply to my business.   As the book states, you can read many books on how to succeed in business, but there's no real secret to success.  What's key is knowing what it takes to fail.  (And then avoiding it, of course!)

Donald R. Keough wrote the book, "The Ten Commandments for Business Failure."  Keough was once the COO and director of the Coca-Cola Company.  He now serves on the boards of several companies, including Berkshire Hathaway, and Warren Buffet wrote the foreword to this book.

Here are the Ten Commandments for Business Failure, and then my take on how I apply it to my Etsy business.

1. Quit Taking Risks
First of all, it's a risk to buy supplies, make products, and set up an online store.  You can't be sure anyone will ever buy anything.  So by simple opening up shop, I took a risk.  Then, you can't grow without being able to take more risks.  Testing ideas, products, techniques, marketing plans, branding, networking options.  I learn from each mistake I make along the way.  I also feel as a very small business owner, it's important to be mindful of risks and manage them properly. 
2. Be Inflexible
If I want to make products just for fun, that's one thing.  But if I want to make some money from it, I have to learn what people want and are looking for and tailor my products to meet customers' needs.  For me, I have to like what I sell.  But it also has to be what someone wants.  I also have to be open to new ideas (like this new blog), and submit to the fact that I will learn and grow every day, and that often requires change.
3. Isolate Yourself
For large corporations, he is refering to CEO's who are unreachable in their large offices and lose touch with employees and customers.  For me, working from home, it can be very isolating.  Etsy is a great forum to connect with others and learn from other Etsy shop owners.  Facebook and this blog allow me to interact with customers and sellers.  Social media is priceless when you have an online store.  It's also important for me to stay on top of trends.  So I consider shopping, reading magazines, reading other blogs, and even watching TV and movies "research" for my work. :)
4. Assume Infallibility
I've been humbled.  I'm not always right.  I make something I think will sell in a heartbeat, and it doesn't.  I make tons of mistakes.  There are people out there who are way better than me at what we do.  I've learned not to make excuses when I'm not finding the success I'm expecting, but to go out and find more ways to succeed.  Accept responsibility for my ups and my downs.  Don't blame others - the economy, customers, the season, the weather today...you get the idea..I take ownership of my business and am willing to learn, grow, and work harder.
5. Play the Game Close to the Foul Line
Instead, I try to offer superior customer service, deliver what I offer, and do my best to ensure people trust me.
6. Don't Take Time to Think
If you're reading this, you probably do not make this mistake.  Those of us on the Etsy forums, seeking advice and support, constantly think about their businesses.  Try something every day to improve it in some way.  I want my business to grow, and as it does, I will regularly take a step back and re-evaluate.  Even for the top sellers selling thousands of items, it's important to take time to breathe.  Especially for an artist.  Finding inspiration, new creative ideas, or business strategies requires thought and mindful actions.
7. Put All Your Faith in Experts
I've reached out countless times to top Etsy sellers and have received invaluable advice.  Without question, it's helped me to get better.  But, everyone has an opinion.  What works for one shop or person, does not work for another.  So while I value advice, I also am learning to rely on my own instincts.  Trust myself. 
8. Love Your Bureaucracy
This one clearly applies mostly to large companies.  Their bureaucracy gives them a false sense of security.  That what's so great about Etsy as opposed to mass-produced goods from chain stores.  There is no bureaucracy.  There is no middle man.  Business owners and the designers behind them work directly with their customers ALL the time.  Custom orders can be the most fun, because you work with someone else to give them exactly what they want, and the art behind your product benefits.
9. Send Mixed Messages
Branding is important for an online business.  Staying clear and consistent to develop an online presence is quite a challenge, but it's important for success.  While I sell not only handmade corkboards and push pins, I also sell vintage accessories and housewares.  But even with the variety in my shop, I want people to get an idea of my style and find my niche.  I want my customers to know what they will get by visiting my shop.  Variety is part of the branding, so I've found it to be a complex task.  But necessary.
10. Be Afraid of the Future
Fear will stop you in your tracks.  If you're not optimistic about the future, and if you don't truly believe in  yourself and your product, you will fail.  Successful people believe that their hard work will pay off.  While all businesses experience ups and downs, optimism is what ultimately drives you to keep going. 

This is just an overview of the book and only scratches the surface.  Click on the title of the book and be directed to Amazon to buy it if you want to read more. 

Please comment and let me know what you've learned NOT to do.

Featuring Avec Dieu Couture

Couture for your home, at a high quality and reasonable price.  What more can you ask for?  


Avec Dieu Couture Custom Drapes

Meet Amanda, the designer behind Avec Dieu Couture.  Always creative, as a child, she designed clothing and home decor for her Barbies.  Shen then grew up and put her creativity on the back burner, as she became busy with her career in counseling and her family life.  About 4 years ago, she came up with the idea of a home decor business.  Upon prayer and great reflection, she decided to go for it, and started with a notebook of ideas.  Avec Dieu Couture was born.  She has achieved great success on Etsy, and she even had her drapes featured in a room remodel on HGTV!

She makes custom drapes, created just for you, for under $100.



Damask Drapes


What is your inspiration?
"I like the idea of a unique modern look. Fabric stores often have the same boring floral designs, and home decor stores often just have the same solid drape options. Since it was difficult to find a unique option, I decided to make that my focus....The idea behind my products was quality and a couture look that couldn't be found in the stores. Stores often use a thin cotton lining and all of my drapes are lined with a high quality liner to protect them from sun damage. "

She also makes pillows, ranging from $15 to $30.

Blue Haze Pillows

How would you describe your style?
"I would say my style is a bit eclectic, but mostly modern. Even with traditional looks, like to add a modern twist." 

Wine Bags

 Her biggest influences?
"My biggest influence has been God. My life has been transformed in ways I never could have imagined myself. I have found that when I listen, there is guidance to my next step. I would also say my parents. My parents are wonderful people and have taught me how to act to others and the importance of caring. They also told me I could do anything I wanted in life over and over again :-) That had to affect my willingness to take on the things in my life that I have. "


Spring Bloom Cloth Napkins



Amanda gives back.
 "I originally chose Uganda because I read there was a great need for wells and financial assistance with the orphanages. Being a counselor, I really feel for people in need and believe everyone should help each other out. It is a good virtue to have to give, and when you do and eventually find yourself in need, then you will be surprised how people around you will help. I have also donated to Haiti and to Japan after the earthquake. I usually pray on where the money should go before donating." 

Amanda offers a wide range of products. Nursery and childrens' decor, shower curtains, bath towels, ring bearer pillows, and even political satire wall mirrors, which can be customized according to size and political views!

Thank you, Amanda, for letting us take a look at your beautiful shop and products! A perfect example of how we can all live a little more beautifully, by customizing our homes to get exactly the look we want, and by giving back to those in need.

Weddings, Handmade by Etsy Artists

I loved my wedding and wouldn't change a thing about it.

But if I were to get married now (to the same man, of course!), I have found some ideas I would use.  Everything you'll see here is handmade by Etsy artists.  Click on the photos to be directed to the item and shop.

Let's start at the beginning - the proposal.

I don't know about you, but I haven't seen such a creative idea as these nesting dolls. What a unique way to ask for someone's hand?  Not sure how many men are reading this blog, so ladies, show your friends' men!  This is sure to get a "Yes!" and probably some tears.  

Now let's move on to The Dress.  Here's what I would wear:

Simple, but not simple at all.  Lovely.  Perfection.  And to me, all it needs is a simple, unadorned cathedral length veil.  Like this:

Next, a bride needs her bridesmaids.  When I got married, nearly 8 years ago, I just asked my best friends to be my bridesmaids.  They're your best friends after all, so formality is often overlooked.  But you are asking the women closest to you in your life to stand by you during a ceremony before your God and all your family and friends while you make the most important and sacred vows you will ever make.  Why not make your request a little more special?

Now these ladies deserve special dresses.  So get them some couture that won't cost them a fortune.  You'll often hear brides say they want their bridesmaids to be able to wear their dresses again.  It's an honest wish when you know your friends have to fork over a couple hundred bucks or more.  But how many times have you re-worn your bridesmaid dresses?  These are under $200, and I bet you'd wear these to a party:

Or let your friends pick their own design.  These dresses are coordinated enough to show off your group of ladies, but each will feel comfortable wearing her own style.  These next photos are from the same designer, and the dresses cost around $100.

                                           

What gift can you give these special ladies that they can use during your wedding and after?  These custom clutches.  They come beautifully wrapped, and the designer can even make a beautiful clutch for you too!

Let's not forget the little ones who make our ceremonies so special.  My favorite part of the wedding party are always the kids.  If you're getting married this summer, your ring bearer will look like the handsome little man he is in this.  And it even comes with a hat. All he needs is a beautiful pillow to deliver the ring.

Your flower girl will feel like a princess in these dresses.  For a more casual wedding, I'd choose this.  It's remarkably only $20, and she can wear it all summer or for Easter.

For a more formal wedding, I'd pick this dress.  Still only $55, and she can wear it again for first communions, Easter, family portraits, or any special event.

Now that everyone is dressed (except for the groom, who, depending on the formality of the wedding will probably wear a suit he owns or will just want to rent if he doesn't own a tuxedo already), it's time to party!  For a bridal shower, here's a modern, but still lovely invitation.

As an alternative to real flowers, here's an artistic option for shower decorations that will last forever.

Now on to the wedding invitations and program.  To  me,  these are perfect for a summer or fall wedding.

During the wedding, if there are any messages you would like to give your guests, chalkboards make a pretty and functional option.  Direct them where they need to go, display menu options, or just use it as a sign to commemorate the event.  This chalkboard is from my shop, CMB Display Designs.  A table easel is all you need to set it up for any use.

For wedding decorations, I would rely mostly on fresh flowers.  But to mix it up, I'd re-use the pink flowers from the shower and add these paper flowers.  Give them as wedding favors to guests and bring them home to decorate your house.  I would generally advice against fake flowers, but as you can see, these do not fall into that category.  They're true works of art.

When the wedding's over, you will have a lot of thank you notes to send out.  Think ahead, and use these props during the wedding.  You'll be able to use the photos to create custom thank you cards.  But be sure to write a handwritten note inside.  No amount of creativity can replace good old-fashioned manners, which are too-often overlooked, in my opinion.  This is for more formal weddings.

And this is for more casual weddings.  As a side note, loving this bride's yellow heels!

If you're a soon-to-be bride, I hope you've found something that inspired you as it did me.  Most of all, have fun planning, and here's a toast to a lifetime of happiness!

Great Dresses

For a fun day, night out, or a wedding, sometimes you just need a gorgeous dress.  These start at just $27.00.  And they come from designers all over the globe.

wedding gown- Julie... Leanimal $2150.00	Scarlet Silk Hand G... reddoll $850.00	Nights in Black Sat... decadentdesign... $150.00	Braided bridesmaid ... MyLolaFashion $169.00
Blushing in Pink ouma $840.00	Strapless Asymmetri... byANOUSHKA $190.00	Pleated Asymmetrica... IvanovaCouture $340.00	Sale Modern look.We... marinaasta $119.00
Wedding dress HautecoutureLV $450.00	The Funny Teal - Co... Thaiclothes $27.80	Chloe Dress threelittleduc... $280.00	New Black Floral Ev... myuniverse $26.90
New Summer Dress K... kupra $85.00	One Shoulder Little... marcellamoda $69.00	Gorgeous Cocktail ... lovelyvintagej... $320.00	Cocktail Dress Shif... andwhatelseist... $90.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Savannah Inspiration

A few years ago, I took a trip to Savannah, Georgia.  Spending a long weekend in the historical district was so inspiring, I took 3 rolls of film (a few years ago...before digital cameras!).  My husband and I explored the magical city that was as beautiful as a movie set, with its manicured squares and charming architecture.  There was inspiration everywhere!  Anyone who's read John Berendt's "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil," will recognize this bird girl statue from the cover.  

These are a couple of the photos I took in Savannah.  The photo on the left shows a fountain in Forsyth Park.  The photo on the right shows one of the many lovely gardens that can be found in nearly every backyard.

When I found this fabric, something about the print and the tranquility of the soft colors transported me right back to Savannah.  I could feel the gentle heat, see the richly historical beauty, and sense the mystery that seems to surround Savannah.  I was drawn to the fabric and ran right home to make a corkboard with it.

The Sartorialist, who is well-known to bloggers and Vogue readers for his street style photography, has taken many pictures in high-profile locations for fashion, from New York to Paris to Milan and beyond.  But even he was inspired by the artistic community in Savannah and posted pictures of the fashion he saw there.  

Click on any of the corkboard photos to be directed to my shop.  I hope it inspires you as it did me.  It can stand alone

as framed art, or use it to display anything that inspires you, whether it be photography, notes and cards, art, or even jewelry.