Lovely Links From November 2011... Add Yours and Look At Others!

Hi everyone, it's the end of another month!

Which of your posts this month did you enjoy writing the most?

Or, which one had your favourite pictures or story in it?

Link up below and share a pic and link so we can visit with you!

I've linked up a few of my favourite posts! The first one is my visit to the wonderful Craigs Royal Hotel in Ballarat (where I live) for a special 'High Tea' birthday celebration with friends. The second is one of my favourite pics of the last few months, and the third is part 6 of the quote journey around my home, which included a short but very insightful quote from Buddha.

Now, show us yours!!! Nudge nudge, wink wink!



Linda. xxx

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Paddle-and-anvil Pottery By Kate Tremel

American Style Magazine profiles Kate Tremel who has been getting her hands dirty for the past 20 years, yet the technique she uses to create her pottery goes back centuries. While in college, Tremel traveled to Peru where she studied a paddle-and-anvil technique, which became her signature skill.



What is paddle-and-anvil technique?

A method of smoothing and finishing the walls of hand-made pottery vessels where a small stone or wooden ‘anvil’ is held against the inner wall of the vessel while a flat or curved wooden ‘paddle’ is used to beat the outer surface into shape.

The shape of the anvil determines how the clay will move.

* a circular anvil results in the clay expanding in all directions
* an oval anvil held vertically against the wall results in the clay expanding horizontally
* an oval anvil held horizontally against the wall results in the clay expanding vertically

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design gallery
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How to make a wreath out of an old book

I came across this creative idea of recycling an old book on The Happy Home Blog and loved it. (Although I always have trouble getting rid of any of my books!). If you haven't got any books you want to use, go and pick one in the charity shop - plenty there!

Click here for the full How-To

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Amazing Famous Ball Chairs

The Ball Chair is concept by using one of the most simple arithmetical design which design by Famous Eero Aarnio. The other name of this amazing ball chair is Globe Chair. That is totally eccentric design furniture. In 1966, the Ball Chair was presented at the World Furniture Fair in Cologne.

- The skin in polished fiberglass on swiveling base.
- Inside body and cushion of this stylish ball chair is made by upholstered fabric.
- This amazing furniture available in different stylish color.
- The seat of Stylish Ball Chair is so comfortable and soft.

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Ideas to Decorate a Christmas Tree

In years past, Christmas tree ornaments were collected or made over the years and displayed on trees during the holiday season. Many times ornaments would be handmade and used every year to be passed down from generation to generation. Today the trend is toward theme trees. A certain theme is developed and appears for a year or two on a tree when another theme will be chosen for several more years. There are thousands of themes from which to pick and all make charming Christmas trees.

Color Themes
The easiest Christmas tree theme to create is a color tree. This is where everything on the tree is one color. Red trees are strung with red lights, ribbons and beads. Red ornaments or fake apples can be used and poinsettia blooms and cardinal birds can be perched on the branches. A blue tree will have blue lights and ornaments with blue garland. White trees have clear lights with pearl garland. Ornaments are white or clear glass, white satin covered or clear acrylic snowflakes.

Country Theme
Create a country tree by using rustic looking decorations. Use a red and white checkered tablecloth for the tree skirt. String popcorn and cranberries for garland. Bundle cinnamon sticks and tie with red bows to hang on branches along with gingerbread people and cookie cutters made into ornaments by poking a hole in the top and inserting a tie on which to hang them.

Victorian Theme
Instead of tinsel garland use fabric eyelet or lace to wrap and dip around the branches of the tree. Lights should be clear in order to show off the old fashion glass ornaments with intricate detail. The Victorian era was a time when ephemera, or post cards and other paper ornamentation, was popular. Purchase reproductions of Victorian post cards and cut the figures out decorating them with feathers, beads and other bobbles to hang on the tree.

Vacation Theme
Decorate the tree to reflect a family vacation. Recreate a beach vacation by trimming the tree with sea shells and string blue lights. Use pearls from oysters in the sea as garland. The tree skirt can be made from several grass skirts.

Family Theme
Every person in the family should pick a favorite ornament and place it on a family tree. They should also make several ornaments and these will grow year after year. Place photos of family in tiny frames made with toothpicks or craft sticks to hang on the tree as well.

Unique Themes
Decorate a tree with just candy or place family collections of teddy bears, butterflies, dolls or tiny cars on the branches. Sports items make a good theme or anything else your family loves.

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These Amazing Prints 'Had Me At Hello'.... Great For The Office Or Kids' Rooms!

Whilst browsing Two Ellie the other day, I came across her post about these sensational prints!

I swear, if I keep finding such amazing stuff on Etsy I'm going to have to give myself a good talking to because there's so many talented people out there whose work I want to buy! My home would be crammed to the brim if I caved in to every impulse, but boy do I think these prints from Berkley Illustration are a standout.

Unusual.

Humorous yet dignified.

Infused with personality.

Eye-catching and a conversation piece!

I can just imagine the lion, the cheetah, the elephant, and many of the others gracing the office wall of an executive or CEO! What a great way to inject some tongue in cheek humour into the otherwise terribly high octane and stressed out world of top office dwellers!

Let's get rid of the stuffiness office dwelling can create and inject some wonderful yet dignified mischief. :)

If I walked into my accountant's office and saw one of these on the wall I think I'd immediately feel comfortable and more at home rather than on edge and jittery about whether or not I've got my columns added up correctly!

They'd be great for kids' rooms as well. Such character in each drawing...... and kids adore animals with personality.

I myself have a soft spot for owls (as you know by now), racoons, foxes, deer, and too many other animals to mention.....

...... and I can just see a whole row of these (lets say 7) down a hallway all very simply, yet elegantly framed.

Wow, what an impression that would make! And, what a conversation starter!

Or, how about a group of them as a welcoming committee in the front entrance - all very seriously yet cheekily looking on as your visitors open the door and set foot inside!

You can see all these and more at Berkley Illustration's amazing Etsy shop.

Ask yourself: 'Do the pictures in my home add something to the atmosphere? Do they strike a chord with me and resonate in some way?'

Which leads to: 'Are they in the best position for myself and others to feel their effect?'

Because: Pictures shouldn't be bought only as an investment, because they're by someone famous, or they're trendy at the moment. They should bring something to the vibe and atmosphere of your home, an added touch that would otherwise be absent. Your home isn't a gallery, it's a place to celebrate the things that bring you joy!!

Linda. xox

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News From TODL

Some innovative, unique ideas from TODL today:


VID programmable lighting, media, comfort, or energy control

With a razor-sharp, full-size 6.4″ VGA display, two extra buttons and an optical rotary wheel, the Pronto RI-TSU9800 touch screen control panel is the easiest model to operate. Homeowners will appreciate the readability of the larger screen and the ability to displaying more icons or menu options on one single screen.

Switchable Liquid Crystal Privacy on Demand Glass

Switchable liquid crystal glass is a popular choice for any application including the home, corporate environment, or anywhere else there is a need for privacy or protection. By simply turning a switch, switchable liquid crystal glass is a state of the art glass featuring incredible privacy on demand and is becoming a popular item for builders, designers, architects and consumers. Eliminating the need for shades, curtains or blinds, the liquid crystal in the glass protects fine furnishings, carpets and displays from UV damage and the view of others.

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design gallery
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Cheap & Homemade Christmas Gifts

Have a small spending budget for Christmas gifts this year because you lost your job, are a student or just because of the poor economy? Don't worry - here are some classy yet original gift ideas for mom, dad, whomever! Not only will you save a little cash, but your Christmas gifts will be personal and meaningful.

Gift idea 1: Burn CDs.

Give a Christmas gift that's personal and has meaning. If you know someone well enough to choose music they would like, you've got yourself a very good gift. Jazz it up by decorating the CD with Sharpie markers or printing a CD cover with the list of songs.

Gift idea 2: Make cookies or holiday bread.

This is an economic Christmas gift idea if you have lots of people to give to. Mini loaves of bread can be wrapped with ribbon, and food is a gift that everyone appreciates (unless it's fruitcake!).

*You can even turn this delicious gift into a Christmas tree decoration! Leave your decorated Gingerbread men out for a few days, cover in hairspray and hang on the Christmas tree!

Gift idea 3: Coupon books never go out of style.

Christmas coupon books should be reserved for those very close to you. You should be able to know exactly what that person would want - tangible and intangible wants. Some inexpensive gift ideas are: an hour of your devoted attention, a bubble bath, take out dinner after a stressful day of work and a free car wash.

To really brighten up your Christmas coupon book, use colored construction paper, stickers, photo cutouts of you and the gift recipient, etc.

Gift idea 4: Make a gift basket.

This is a great gift idea because not only can you tailor every item you put in the basket to the person you're giving it to, but you can also usually get individual items for less than what you'd pay for a professional gift basket.

If you have a gift basket theme in mind a few months out from Christmas, you can pick up items as you find them on sale. Good theme ideas: spa treatment, a house plant kit, cooking with vegetables and spices from your own garden, the book lover's basket and one for a pet.

If you'll be giving your gift before Christmas, consider making a Christmas-themed basket. Include Christmas cards and ornaments (that you got from the sale shelf, of course), maybe a burned CD of Christmas music. We all know that one person who absolutely LOVES Christmastime, and this gift is perfect for him or her.

Gift idea 5: Frame a poem or photo.

If you're artsy, this is a good gift for you to give. Frame one of your masterpiece photos or take a great one of you and your gift recipient together and frame it. See the link in the Resources Section for how to make a beautiful decoupage picture frame.

If you're a writer, print one of your poems in a classic font and frame it for a personalized home decoration.

Both of these gift ideas can be Christmas-themed as well, if you choose. Print a special Christmas quote on nice paper and frame it for a professional yet sentimental gift. Or, purchase miniature frames at the dollar store, decorate for Christmastime, put in some photos, glue on some ribbon and give to your gift recipient as tree ornaments.

Gift idea 6: Give a Christmas craft for the kitchen: cookie mix.

Write out your favorite recipe for holiday cookies and attach it to a jar including all the in dry ingredients (if you pour them in one at a time with a funnel, it looks beautiful). Wrap a ribbon around and gift as a delicious Christmas gift!

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Tips to Arrange Living Room Furniture

 

If your present furniture arrangement seems stale, put some pizzazz into your living room.

1. With a tape measure, find the dimensions of the room. Draw the outline to scale on graph paper. A typical scale is 1/4 inch equals 1 foot.

2. Mark anything that would affect your arrangement: outlets for electricity, telephone and cable; light switches; windows; doors that open into the room; space between windows; and sill height.

3. Make scale paper cutouts of your living room furniture and shift them on the room drawing as needed until a likely arrangement emerges.

4. Select a focal point for your room and subtly orient other furnishings and some lighting toward it. If there's a fireplace, it will nearly always be the focal point; other focal points might be bookcases or built-in shelving to house lovely collectibles, or a sofa with a striking painting on the wall above it.

5. Arrange the furniture in such a way that pieces viewed as a unit don't show dramatic variance in height and mass as the eye sweeps the room. When a high-backed chair is next to a low table, boost the visual height of the table by hanging a piece of art above it.

6. Set up cozy conversation areas so that when you entertain, people can be seated and chat rather than having to stand. Examples would include two chairs separated by a low table, or two love seats facing each other.

7. Pull furniture away from the walls for more flexibility in creating conversation areas. For example, use a sofa to divide space in a room.

8. Position the sofa so it's at a nonperpendicular angle to any walls to create drama. Perhaps put an area rug and coffee table parallel to the sofa.

9. Allow a minimum of 18 inches (24 is better) for traffic lanes through the room. Lanes will probably meander if you have two or three conversation areas in the room.

10. Freshen the room occasionally by shifting the furniture and accessories for a new look. Switch tabletop bric-a-brac around, add fresh flowers, change potpourri, move pictures.

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Tips to Refinish Furniture

Things You Needed:

• Gel or Thick Furniture Stripper
• Steel Wool
• Sand Paper (120 and 220 grit)
• Finish Sander
• Scraper or Putty Knife
• Rags
• Tack Cloth
• Sanding Sealer
• Stain
• Polyurethane
• Paint Brushes
• Bucket with Warm Water
• Rubber Gloves
• Eye Protection

Bringing an old piece of wood furniture back to life is one of the most rewarding projects you can do around the house. It also saves you money. You may be surprised what you find hiding under paint or varnish on a piece of furniture. It could be beautiful wood that you can stain and seal, or you may want to leave it natural by simply sealing it. Once you have the vision for your project, gather your materials and put on your gloves. You will soon have a beautiful piece that looks like new.

1. Decide if it is a good piece to refinish. Make sure the piece of furniture you want to work on is structurally sound and doesn't have too many coats of paint on it. If you believe the piece to be an antique, do not refinish it yourself. Take it to a professional that works on antiques because sometimes refinishing these pieces will devalue them. Good older wood that is not in too bad of shape is what you want.

2. Strip off the old finish. Use a gel or thick stripper because it's easier to handle, especially if you are a beginner. Get the kind that says it cleans up with water, or no clean up. Make sure your work area is well ventilated and you cover the floor under and around your project. Apply with a brush and work in the direction of the grain. Do it in sections if it is a large piece.

3. Sand your wood. Sand off any areas that didn't strip completely off with 120 grit sandpaper. Then sand the entire piece with 220 grit sandpaper. Make sure you sand with the grain of the wood. Finish off with a finishing sander, staying with the grain until you get a nice smooth surface. Go over it with tack cloth to remove any leftover dust from the sanding. Make sure you get it all or it can ruin your new finish.

4. Apply sanding sealer. If you are leaving the wood natural, you will want to right to Step 6. If you are going to stain, you should first apply a coat of sanding sealer. Apply a coat, let it soak in for a few minutes and then take one of your rags. Wipe it off. This will keep your stain more even as it soaks into the wood. Sand with your 120 grit paper and clean off the dust.

5. Stain your project. There are a few types of stain, but the easiest to use and to clean up is a water-based stain. Most are applied with a natural end paint brush and wiped off with a soft clean rag. Leaving the stain sit a little longer or doing more coats will make you color darker. Try it on an underside to see the shade you like. Follow the manufacturers time on drying before applying the polyurethane.

6. Coat with Polyurethane. Apply the polyurethane with a brush. Stay with the grain and do longer strokes. Once it is covered, let it dry and sand with the 220 grit paper. Clean off the dust well and apply again. You can do as many coats as you want to get your desired finish. It's much better to do a few thin coats than one thick one. You'll have a much smoother, clearer finish.

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Ergonomic Concepts Keyboard Tray 810-REF

The Boomerang keyboard tray provides keyboard and mouse support within typical radius of 18" or more or angled corner configurations of 17" or more. The radial movement of the pull-out mouse tray helps support mousing within a restricted space. The REF mechanism adjusts in height by simply lifting up on the platform. The tilt angle can be set by tightening the palm handle.

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Stylish Snow Furniture – Cool Frozeniture

Frozeniture is design by University of Wisconsin art student Hongtao Zhou's " Stylish Snow Furniture" is the decisive in environmental furniture. You really want to sit on a frozen chair. Frozeniture is really looks amazing, This concept is wonderful way to cultivate the wintry weather landscape. This is really unique furniture concept for the this winter. Enjoy winter with stylish winter furnitures.

More Decorative Cool Furniture

Kids Octopus Paul Furniture
Cool Octopus Paul Bed

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Free $15 gift card for your school of choice?!

You get to choose the school which receives it. A simple low dollar purchase of even a coffee will qualify. Bring the kids. Bring friends. Everyone buy their own so the schools get more gift cards. DECEMBER 4 & 5 2010 only! IN store only! I'll be sharing in my next post a GREAT gift tutorial that would go FAB with a book or gift certificate for a book store. This post goes hand in hand with the next.
Our school systems do not receive much help help from the state. I have schools fees to pay despite it being a public school. And yes, the gubberment approved it. No pay? Then no diploma and no report cards sent home until it is paid. They cant kick you out but they can make it where there are no report cards, diploma or field trips or any other way that is not depriving you of education but the "extras" will be with held. Not to mention, the Treasurer can take you to small claims court. All fees are for those little things the government does not cover but are required in their education. This is ALL found in the (Ohio) State board of education handbook. Really, ...I have no reason to make this stuff up. I have been fired up about it for 7 years...

Anyway, here is the article. Even if you are anti social, anti public school, have no kids in public school(not combining the 2 but gotta cover the bases) or refuse to buy Borders for what ever reason that may be, pLeAsE consider getting out there and support the education of those whom are our future. Read on my friends and remember to come back in the next few days for that Book friendly tutorial I will sharing.They are so freaking cute! Can't wait to share..

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NEW YORK – The much discussed documentary "Waiting for Superman," which offers a harsh portrait of the country's public schools, has inspired a promotional collaboration among the Borders Group superstore chain, an education fundraiser and the publisher of the movie's companion book.

On Dec. 4 and Dec. 5, any Borders customer making an in-store purchase, whether of a book or a bagel or a latte, will receive a $15 gift card to donate to a public school of choice through DonorsChoose.org, an Internet-based charity. Anyone purchasing the book "Waiting for 'Superman': How We Can Save America's Failing Public Schools" will receive a second $15 card.

The companion text was published by PublicAffairs, part of the Perseus Books Group, which along with Borders and DonorsChoose.org announced the campaign Sunday.
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MARK THOSE CALENDERS and be sure to let the kids make their own purchase. The more the merrier for any school you choose!

Sweet Dreams,
~Tammie

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Comfy Chair Cushioned with Built-In Storage

Ever found yourself looking for that key, coin, remote control or magazine that slipped somewhere between sofa cushions? This design by Daisuke Motogi Architecture is celebrating that very common phenomenon by providing lots of built-in storage. Funny design! Although I hate the idea of having to vacuum clean crums and bits out of every single space! (but hey, never let domestic worries get in the way of good design).

Images via http://dornob.com/

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Christmas Decorations Ideas

Christmas Decorating Ideas

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As we do not believe Christmas is coming. First it felt in stores - most owners already nimble for  Christmas decoration. Have you noticed that where there is a Christmas decoration like it and the mood is festive.

May is the time to create a little Christmas atmosphere at home. Here we offer some Christmas decoration ideas for decorating your home, and some great suggestions for your Christmas table for Christmas party.

Some of these ideas can be made relatively easily, others require certain professional craftsmanship. But the good thing here is that Christmas decorations can be created from almost anything - flowers, fruit, candles, plants, candy ... As long as you're creative enough, no "material" that is not great! Here are some inspiring examples for great Christmas decoration.

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Simple Displays Can Be Showcased Anywhere!

What a difference and a lift the colourful books on display make to this kitchen.

Image from The Library

I use my books in a similar fashion. Wherever I deem a little dash of colour is required, it's easy to pick out a few books in the colours I want, and pop them in a stack, or standing up, to give that injection of colour I'm after.

I've been known to buy a book based almost entirely on how its front cover looks because it's perfect for a colour scheme I have in mind.

Little mini masterpieces books.... you can move them from room to room, you can stack and re-arrange them, they come in heaps of different colours and designs, and you don't have to hang them on a wall to display them.

I think only one other thing comes close to their versatility, and with minimum maintenance attached. Can you guess what I'm thinking of?

Flowers are pretty great for an instant lift too.

Linda. xox

P.S: The display of rolling pins is absolutely lovely as well. Don't you think? Simple, eye-catching, and a real conversation piece.

P.P.S: Keep your eyes peeled for November's Lovely Links post. I'll put it up within the next few days so you can link up lots of your favourite posts from November.

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Cyber Monday Sale at Wholesale Furniture Brokers - 24 Hours Only

Cyber Monday is one of the busiest shopping days of the holiday season. Popular products start to sell out. Wholesale Furniture Brokers is having a one day Cyber Monday sale. You can order early to avoid having the products you want being sold out. You will also reduce the chance of experiencing unexpected shipping delays.

Sales representatives are waiting for you to call or chat with them live so they can tell you about the unadvertised coupon codes.

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Looking for some great Christmas gifts?

  Look at our favorites from  the Architectural Record:


Mysqueeze
Move over  Juicy Salif (Philippe Starck’s iconic citrus juicer) there is a new squeeze in town. Mysqueeze is a handheld citrus juicer designed by Roland Kreiter for Alessi’s Fall/Winter 2010 line. The 5’’ x 2 1/4’’ stainless steel juicer features an ergonomic shape that resembles the shape of a lemon, with deep grooves to get its juices flowing. Available at Alessi-shop.com and retail stores. Price: $67.00.


Trash Origami: 25 Paper Folding Projects Reusing Everyday Materials
Tuttle Publishing’s Trash Origami: 25 Paper Folding Projects Reusing Everyday Materials by Michael G. Lafosse and Richard L. Alexander is a fun, instructive guide showing how to turn trash into origami. Intended for the reader with little to no previous folding experience, the book should also appeal to veteran origamists who will find inspiration in the unusual materials, such as candy wrappers, junk mail, and glossy magazines (old issues of RECORD perhaps?). An instructional DVD is included. Available at fine bookstores and online retailers. Price: $19.95.


Heath Ceramics
Heath Ceramics, one of the few remaining mid-century American potteries, has been making tableware and tile for over half a century in its Sausalito, California factory. The company has introduced two new winter-inspired, hand-dipped glazes for its Winter 2010 collection of tableware, which includes salt and pepper shakers, a bud vase set, and a hot cocoa set. The seasonal designs are specifically produced just for their season, making them collectables a select group is now on display at the Cooper Hewitt Design Triennial. To purchase go to  heathceramics.com. . Price: Ranging from $32.00 for an espresso set to $205.00 for a serving bowl set.
Photo © Jeffrey Cross


Custom rings by Jeremy May
To make these bookish baubles, British designer Jeremy May laminates together hundreds of pages of recycled books and colored recycled paper, and then carefully finishes them to a high gloss. The design of each ring is a direct response to the book the paper came from; the jewelry is then re-inserted into the excavated space in the book afterwards, allowing the book to work as a jewelry box. May also takes custom orders and can turn any favorite book into a literary jewel. He does not have a retail presence yet in the U.S., but does ship here and around the world. To order visit littlefly.co.uk.. Pieces start at $165.00, plus shipping.

These are just a few of their ideas.

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design gallery
Become Our Fan on Facebook

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