First glimpse, shot from the foyer (they are on the left)....tilted camera and blurry. Did I mention I was a professional photographer for many years? (Notice the centerstone of the fireplace is shaped like the great state of Texas. I personally wouldn't have chosen this, but here it is, and here it will stay. There's even a fossil, marking where Austin is. Gotta love Texans.)
This pillow, which I purchased, along with several like it in different shapes (some rectangular, some square) from the Goodwill in Austin (I know where the rich people drop off), was still in its plastic wrapper, had a zipper, is silk, and cost $3.00..swear to God, was my inspiration for the window treatments. I stole three of them - there are two left, from my husband's office day bed. I don't think he's noticed yet.
I've gone on-and-on about piecing together window treatments, but I love the texture of this diamond patterned cream silk. Also, by "railroading" the fabric, which is traditionally 54" to 58" wide (that means running the fabric sideways, as opposed to up-and-down), I don't have to buy as much, and can have more fullness in the drape. I deliberately don't line these types of window treatments -besides, there is a porch overhang behind them.
Got the lamp at Hobby Lobby (40%) coupon, and I had the elephant finial...I love the shape of the shade, and when the light is off, it is less apricot, with a bit of taupe thrown in...
I had a couple of self-covered, three-inch buttons (in gold silk) as I never throw anything away. I wanted to finish the first tier, and to hide the fact that the braid trim doesn't quite line up, so I cut out the center medalions of two of the Goodwill pillows, and hot glued them to the buttons, and glued them on. (Glue is our friend).
The second tier is russet-colored silk, that was a bear to work with...it "crawls" when sewing, so there was alot of swearing going on. I use flat-felled seams - which means instead of right sides together when making a seam, you sew wrongsides together..the seam is in the front - I use one-inch seams, press them open, cut one side of the seam to a quarter of an inch, fold the other seam over that one, and press it down. Then, I top-stich it over. Think of a seam on a man's shirt sleeve...it looks like that. That way, both the front and the back have a finished look.
The third tier is black moire', and invisible in this photo, as is the gorgeous trim I hot-glue to the bottem, and the second tier, to give it more weight, and to hide the fact that I couldn't get the two, separate panels to line up properly when the curtains are closed (due to the "crawly fabric"). Necessity is the mother of invention...If it doesn't show it doesn't count...
I got the mirror at Kirkland's - $30, beveled - okay, the frame is plastic, but you'd never know to look at it...by placing it next to the windows, it reflects light into the room, and by placing the lamp on a couple of books, it also reflects light. Also, during the day, I can stand all the way into the end of the house, and all the arched doorways are reflected...infinity-well, almost..
Wow! You are so TALENTED! These are gorgeous!. I love the 3 colors together. I can tell by the room, that you ARE a designer, And a good one at that. Like I said... So talented.
ReplyDeletexoxo Kelly
Ah, shucks, Miz Kelly, she said, dragging her toe in the dirt..twernt nothing..HA
ReplyDeleteSeriously, you are my great cheerleader, and I love you for it.
I photographed the faux leather chair *and linen, but haven't had the courage to put it out there..after seeing your work, it is pretty funky.
You, my dear, actually know what you're doing, when you make slipcovers..me, not so much!
XOX
Jessica
Your house is BEAUTIFUL....and your photography is amazing. The buttons are perfect! Kelly is right. You are talented!
ReplyDeleteWell, the sun came out this afternoon..after I had taken the shots..but, thankyou, coming from you, it is a true compliment...
ReplyDelete