Finishing Touch Interiors

Make It Monday

2012-02-27T05:33:00.000-08:00

Yet another tutorial today with my home made home series
'Make It Monday'

Todays tutorial is on how to make a petal pillow

First you’ll need:

-a little over a 1/2 yard of fabric….19 inches to be exact. You can get away with a half yard if you already have it, just cut your pieces to 18" instead of 19".

- 1/4 yard felt. Buy the good stuff on the bolt and not the cheap sheets in the kids crafts section.
- a large and small cup (or other circles) for tracing, a large bowl for tracing, a pen, scissors, and cardstock to make your template.

Trace the rims of your cups onto your cardstock and cut out.

Pin the templates to your felt and cut out circles. you can cut 3-4 circles at a time by folding the felt.

Cut out roughly 30 large circles, and 20 small circles.

Now cut your circles in half.

Now your going to cut your fabric into three pieces.

1 large square 19 inches x 19 in. , 1 rectangle 19 in. x 15 in. , and 1 rectangle 19 in. x 12 in.

On the right side of the 19 in. by 19 in. square, trace a bowl or large plate marking a large circle in the middle. Leave 4-5 inches or so around the edges.

Line up the edge of a large petal along the line you just traced. As you sew the petals on, overlap the petals about a 1/4 inch. Continue sewing around the circle, adding petals.

When you get near where you started, put a petal in between the previous petals, so they overlap. Then you can start putting petals underneath the previous set. line up the straight edges of the petals only 1/4 in. or so underneath the previous petals because to get them packed in. Again…the more the merrier and the closer they are the better it will look.

If you want extra volume in your petals, you can curve them and fold the edges as you sew to make the petals stand up a little bit. .

After you’ve done four or five rows of large petals and you’re getting close to the center, you can switch to your small petals. Again, as you get closer to the center you can curve and bunch the straight edge of the petals so they stand up a little and look like real petals. When you get to the center add a couple petals that are good and bunched at the bottom for extra volume.

Cut a small circle out of felt about 1 inch, or large enough to cover your edges. Sew down with a few stitches in the center of the flower.

Your done with the hard part…now lets make your pillow.

Finish the short edges (12 inch and 15 inch) of your two back rectangles by folding one side under 1/2" twice and sewing.

Place your pillow front and back pieces right sides together, lining up edges. Put the larger rectangle down first against the flower right sides together, then put your smaller rectangle on top if it, right sides together. Pin well.

Sew around the edges with a 1/2" inch inseam. Because home decor fabric frays easily, serge or do a quick zig zag stitch around the edges. Trim your corners and turn inside out.

Stuff with an 18 inch pillow form and your done! Yay!

Todays tutorial comes from http://www.cluckclucksew.com/

Friends Feature Friday

2012-02-24T01:34:00.000-08:00

Morning everyone, happy Friday & lets welcome the gorgeous Laura from Dreambox I.D whos todays featured guest writer. Laura is here with her monthly column on colour psycology.

Colour Psychology - Pink

February - The month of Love.

It seems only right that this month we take a look at the colour psychology of pink.

Feminine and romantic, affectionate and intimate, thoughtful and caring. Is it any wonder why we refer to it as the colour of love.

A fact you may or may not know, pink is a tint of red and interestingly, red is the only colour that has an entirely separate name for its tints. Tints of blue, green, yellow, etc. are simply called light blue, light green and so forth. With this in mind, pink has the power to change how you feel by simply changing the tone of the colour. The deeper the pink, the more passion and power it exhibits but a soft rose calms and reassures our emotional energies. Evokes feelings of nostalgia and innocence.

To ensure you do not create a room which could be portrayed as immature or girlish use tones such as grey and black to create a more sophisticated room.

I hope you have joined this months colour psychology and have been inspired. Make sure you come and join me next month.

L. x

Country Kitchen Inspiration

2012-02-21T02:49:00.000-08:00

Here's some gorgeous country kitchens to get your pulses raising this morning. Oh to have such a wonderfully large & beautiful space to cook in, a girl can dream can't she? In america kitchens are generally much bigger than the ones we have in Blighty, my kitchen is dinky (yet cosy)! But to have a large country style kitchen is what my dreams are made of, I love to cook & the kitchen is the heart of the home after all.

Make It Monday

2012-02-20T07:30:00.001-08:00

How To Make A Lampshade

With my love of the homemade home I thought today I would share one of Kirstie Allsopps tutorials from Kirstie’s Homemade Home http://www.channel4.com/

You will need

wire frame rings
pvc backing material
fabric (velvet,
double sided sticky tape
braiding

Step One: Stick The Fabric To The Backing Material

Choose your fabric depending on what sort of light you want your finished lamp to give off. Material with red and yellow tones will give a warm glow. Greens and blues will give off a cold light. I chose a purple fabric that has some gold in it to give it that all important warmth - and also goes with my lamp stand.

The backing that we're using can be bought online. Search for 'lampshade material' and look for semi-transparent, rigid, self-adhesive backing material, which you can buy in various thicknesses.

Make sure you iron the fabric, if it's creased. Then you can begin to smooth the backing material gently over the fabric.Start by pulling a few centimetres of the self-adhesive backing off your backing material and place it on the fabric. Slowly, continue to pull off the backing, pressing with your other hand and making sure you keep it smooth. If you're doing this for the first time, it's easier to get someone to help you with this step!

Step Two: Make The Wire Frame

Your lampshade wire frame has two rings - the top ring will be where the light fitting will go, and the bottom one is plain. Measure the circumference of the rings, then add 2cm for the overlap. This will be the width of your material.

Step Three: Cut The Material

Cut the material to the width required (taken from the rings' circumference in the last step). The height you need to cut will be the height of the backing material, plus another few centimetres. This extra material will be wrapped around the frames in the next step, and tucked in at the end.

Step Four: Prepare The Material For Attachment To The Wire Frame

Now attach the rings to the material using special fabric double-sided sticky tape. Again, this is available online or in a lampshade making kit.

On the top and bottom edges of the material, in those extra few centimetres above and below the backing material, put a thin piece of tape along the width of the fabric, with a thicker piece on the outside edge. The thinner part will be for the wire to attach to, then the thicker part will be folded over and be tucked in.

Step Five: Attach The Material To The Wire Frame

Again, if you're doing this for the first time, it's easier to get someone to help you with this step. Put the wire rings onto the thin lines of sticky tape on your material and carefully roll them along so that the material attaches to the frame. Use pegs to hold it, if you need to, as you go along. Where the fabric overlaps, use double-sided tape or a glue stick to secure it.

Now that the two rings are attached to the fabric, you'll see that the shade is really taking shape.

Step Six: Tuck In And Tidy Up

The last step is to finish the shade by bending the thicker line of sticky-taped material over the top of the wire frame, as neatly as possible. You might like to finish off the top and bottom with some braiding or bias binding.

Relaxed Kitchen Style

2012-02-18T00:58:00.000-08:00

Check out these gorgeous kitchens from over on Elle Decor, haven't they got such a wonderful feel to them. Very relaxed with a taste of the exotic. You can imagine the sun shining brightly outside & waves crashing not far away.......
From the first image with the warm wood cabinetry against crisp white walls, with the relaxed feeling of open wall shelves to the more contemporary of the second image with sleek white kitchen units, walls & flooring with the stunning bench feature they all have a fabulous & fun vibe.

Enjoy your weekend
Sarah x

Friends Feature Friday

2012-02-17T01:24:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday everyone & welcome to this weeks Friends Feature Friday guest writer the lovely Tracie from Fishtail Cottage, enjoy xxx

One of my most favorite plants ever is the bleeding heart…You can take your pick of pink or white with green foliage. There are a few varieties of this plant, but I honestly like the two featured below.

The bleeding heart does well (in Washington State) in full sun or in deep shade. If planted in full sun this plant flowers earlier than other seasonal perennials. If it is planted in the shade, it blooms later and longer sometimes throughout much of the summer. The websites say it needs rich loose soil that is evenly moist – however in my garden, much of my soil is clay and moist & does fantastic everywhere I plant it.

One special aspect of the bleeding heart is that when the weather warms up and the plant begins to die back. You can cut the plant back to the ground and don’t have to have dried up foliage in your garden. I have heard that these plants will self-germinate if left undisturbed – but I have never had such luck. It will grow back the following year with a vengeance!

I love planting the bleeding heart throughout my entire garden…it is a fantastic filler and brings a spot of color to an otherwise bare spot in the garden. It is not invasive by any means and compliments many other plants around it.

It does not spread by seed but you can propagate it quite easily! Below you can see the plant who has returned from last season… If you look closely you can see the plant coming up almost in sections.

To break this plant up and spread the beauty around there is no need to purchase more from the local nursery. I will show you how. Just place your shovel strait down in the ground between the plant to separate. (you may even hear a snap – like a carrot). Then from the other side, gently loosen the soil to life up the fractured segment.

You can see when I just did the one section, it ended up breaking up the plant enough to give me three new plants. See below:

Simply place the root in the ground with the same amount coming out of foliage that was coming out of the dirt before & you will have new growth above and below dirt. This new plant will start its own new root system and will spread over the coming years.

By summer time the newly transplanted bleeding heart plant should be a great filler in your garden too!

The picture below was taken May 7th of last year which is just a couple months after I transplanted the bleeding hearts starts (like I showed you above)…what a difference a couple months makes in the garden.

Hope this helps you spread the beauty of the bleeding heart too! xoxo, Tracie

Real Homes Tours- Shabby Chic Loveliness

2012-02-15T01:40:00.000-08:00

I saw this gorgeous snug little home for sale recently & totally adore the shabby chic loveliness of it all, its adorably gorgeous! I think my favourite room is the kitchen its beautifully designed. Take a look its something to swoon over...

...next week I have a stunning barn conversion to share with you & the very lovely home owner Tracy has shared an interview with me too so keep your eyes peeled for next wednesdays Real Homes Tour

Make It Monday

2012-02-13T01:41:00.000-08:00

Now that Moodboard Monday has ended there felt like there was a bit of a void here on my blog so I thought about what new series I could run. Well being a lover of the home made home myself I thought I would surf the net & blog-land for some fabulous tutorials & ideas of make it yourself wonders for the home. I discovered this step by step guide on how to make cushions from old clothes & was impressed by the finished product.

INTERIORS - DESIGN

You will need

An old sweatshirt
Cushion pad
Felt
Embroidery cotton/wool
Ribbon
Needle and thread

Step one

Take your sweat shirt and cut up the seams, separating the front from the back.

Step two

Measure your cushion and cut out your fabric to the desired size. This cushion measured 20 cms by 30cms ins so I cut out two identical oblongs 25cms 35cms which leaves a good sized seam allowance.

Step three

Before you stitch you pieces together you need to add your decoration. This cushions uses a dachshund template, but you can use any design you want. Pin your template on your piece of felt and cut out.

Place on the fabric in the desired position and pin in place.

Step four

Secure the image to the fabric with embroidery cotton using blanket stitch.

Step five

Add a simple bow to the neck and your design is complete

Step six

If you want to add a zip you need to insert it at this stage.

Otherwise place right sides together and stitch around the edges. If you aren’t using a zip make sure that you leave one side open.

Step seven

Turn the cushion in the right way and insert cushion pad.

Turn in the edges of the open side and hand stitch the opening.

To finish off stitch around the edges with wool in a blanket stitch

tutorial sourced from http://www.makeitandmendit.com

Beach Style Bathroom Inspiration

2012-02-12T06:02:00.000-08:00

It may be a very obvious choice of style for a bathroom but there is something very appealing about a beach style bathroom dont you think?

Project Pink Crockery Sneek Peek

2012-02-11T03:32:00.000-08:00

Well my lovelies here it is a little sneek peek at the first attempt at the tea cup & saucer I have designed to help raise money for the Pink Rose Appeal (the breast cancer unit at Addenbrookes Hospital.) I will also be adding a latte mug to this collection. I cannot wait to see these glazed & fired, its very exciting. I will contributing all my profit to this worthy cause as well as the hours of painting I have to put in. Keep your eyes peeled they will be available on the boutique at the end of this month

http://www.finishingtouchinteriorsboutique.co.uk/

Friends Feature Friday

2012-02-10T01:38:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone its Friday again another week has flown by & today I have been painting the tea cups & saucers I have designed for the Pink rose Appeal & I cannot wait to share pictures with you I am so happy with the results. Ill give you a little sneak peek tomorrow of my working progress.

Well its time once more for Friends Feature Friday with this weeks guest the very talented
http://4theloveofwood.blogspot.com/
WOOD

It's February already and I am back with some hardware

and accessories inspiration for your furniture makeovers.

The photos I'm showing you are all projects of mine that

have been greatly enhanced by the right accessories.

http://4theloveofwood.blogspot.com/2011/10/sonjas-love-un
ion-jack-dresser-in-white.html

I coordinated the handle shape and color
with the fabric lining

http://4theloveofwood.blogspot.com/2011/01/black-and-white-and-r
idiculously.html

Hand paint trim work the same color as
your hardware

http://4theloveofwood.blogspot.com/2011/10/my-canadian-th
anksgiving-grey-and-white.html

Mimic the shapes you are working with in
your piece

http://4theloveofwood.blogspot.com/2011/10/big-red-red-buffet-pt1.html

Update hardware with paint

http://4theloveofwood.blogspot.com/2011/12/marble-masterpi
ece-georges-old-dresser.html

It's not always easy to find the perfect
hardware but persist till your happy

http://4theloveofwood.blogspot.com/2011/05/jacks-back-flag-dresser.html

You can bring different elements
together.

http://4theloveofwood.blogspot.com/2012/01/new-year-turquoise-cabinet.
html

Sometimes sticking to what's original is
best

http://4theloveofwood.blogspot.com/2012/01/italian-renaiss
ance-gramaphone-cabinet.html

Get a little wild inside

http://4theloveofwood.blogspot.com/2011/07/little-bit-of-
wild-inside-european-desk.html

Don't be afraid to salvaged handles from
other pieces

http://4theloveofwood.blogspot.com/2011/04/on-farm-rustic-barn-chest.ht
ml

Brass works well with seaside decor

http://4theloveofwood.blogspot.com/2011/04/treasure-chest-be
ach-cottage-dresser.html

Think creatively with wall sconces

http://4theloveofwood.blogspot.com/2012/01/mystery-redo-cabinet.html

Cut hooks from broken chandelier arms

http://4theloveofwood.blogspot.com/2012/01/foyer-furniture-entry-unit.
html

Use appliques on drawer corners

http://4theloveofwood.blogspot.com/2012/02/bright-white-an
d-charcoal-additions-to.html

Practice cutting 45's to trimming drawer
faces

http://4theloveofwood.blogspot.com/2011/02/designer-secretary
-revamped-vintage.html

Learn how to trim the posts on your
glass knobs

http://4theloveofwood.blogspot.com/2012/02/no-more-ripped
-panties-cutting-hardware.html

I hope I have inspired you,

till next time ...

Kristy @ 4 the love of
WOOD

E Design Competition

2012-02-08T05:38:00.000-08:00

I am presently hosting a fabulous prize give away over on my Facebook page. I am offering the opportunity for one lucky follower to win a FREE E DESIGN service. To enter you just need to be my Facebook follower
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Finishing-Touch-Interiors/120383714678113
& send me a message requesting an E Design Questionaire.

So what is E Design?
Well its a great way to obtain an interior designer’s professional expertise on a budget. Whether you are looking for a complete room re-design from scratch, some ideas to just update your space or to help you finish a room that you have lost inspiration with, then E DESIGN is the perfect way to give you the professional help you need to help you on your way to complete your project yourself.
I work with you via email to discuss your needs then I will do all the research for you & put together floor plans & an inspirational moodboard, complete with paint swatches & fabric samples if required, & a detailed list of furniture & accessories. Then you get to do the shopping & decorating yourself. Its the perfect DIY solution.

Moodboard Monday

2012-02-06T04:28:00.000-08:00

Think pink for breast cancer awareness with today's

pink challenge

Last year I designed this pink inspired room for breast cancer & decided to host a competition here on my page to design a pink inspired moodboard.

So lets take a look at the enteries below & get inspired by some fabulous designers while raising awareness for such a moving cause.

...............

4th Place

Jessie www.mixandchic.com

3rd place

Vasudha Narasimhan

www.cherishingspaces.blogspot.com

2nd Place

Laura Dreambox ID

1st place
www.amandacarolathome.com

I am presently working on some crockery designs for my online homewares store to help raise money for The Pink Rose Appeal which is the breast cancer unit at Addenbrookes hospital in Cambridge. I have been working on the designs with my close friend Alice from Paint-a-pot-ceramics & the mugs & tea cups will be available to buy in the next couple of weeks. All my profit from these products will go towards the Pink Rose Appeal. I am also in talks with a local textile designer to design some more products for Project Pink so watch this space....
www.finishingtouchinteriorsboutique.co.uk

Timeless White Bathrooms

2012-02-04T02:08:00.000-08:00

There is something timeless & classic about a white bathroom don't you think?

White has a real feeling of tranquility & it also has the added benefit of not dating , you can always add some colour with your accessories. I always think touches of gold with white make for a beautifully chic finish.

White pottery teamed with plain white tiles will generally be the least costly so if you are shopping for a new bathroom this is something you should take into consideration.

Hotel Inspired Bathrooms

2012-02-02T06:34:00.000-08:00

Please bare with me over the next few days as I am not feeling very well & there may be a lack of posts but when I am recharged I will be back with more inspiration & tips.

Don't forget that on Monday I am hosting an open moodboard challenge so get those entries emailed across to me at sarah@finishingtouchinteriors.co.uk remember its all about raising awareness for breast cancer so choose your room whatever that may be & just have some fun with pink.

Ill leave you with some images inspired by hotel bathrooms....

moodboard monday

2012-01-30T05:43:00.000-08:00

Today's challenge was to create a 'Beauty Spa' . I invisage tranquilty & peace when I think of a beauty spa & I have to say both Laura & Jessie have totally captured this with fabulous inspiration.

Moodboard Designer - (me) Sarah at Finishing Touch Interiors

Moodboard Designer - Jessie from Mix and chic

Moodboard Designer - Laura from Dreambox Interior Design

Swoon Worthy Bathroom Inspiration

2012-01-28T01:05:00.000-08:00

This beautiful bathroom is incredibly elegant & sophisticated. The pops of red look stunning against the black, white & grey. Its designed with a very luxurious feel. The dark wood flooring & red accesories add some warmth to the room & I adore the gorgeous bath tube.

Friends Feature Friday

2012-01-27T01:31:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday all & I am pleased to welcome the gorgeous Laura from dreamboxinteriordesign. as a new feature writer for 'Friends Feature Friday'. The lovely Laura one of the talented designers from The Moodboard Monday Challenge will be joining me here every month to talk about Colour Psychology. Its an exciting series so Ill leave you in the hands of Laura herself........

Colour Psychology - Blue

Hello my design lovelies, thank you for letting me invade this wonderful blog
for the day and share with you some of my interior design tips.
As an interior designer, colour psychology is one of the main factors we look at
during a client consultation and should be the first thing you think about when
designing your own home. What colours do you love? which colours do you dislike?
How do you want to feel when you enter the room? Every colour can impact your
mood and emotions and this week we are going to start with the colour blue and
how this colour can enhance your home.

Blue calms the mind, represents the ocean and the sky stirring feelings
of tranquility, peace and even security. This would explain why blue is a hugely
popular colour in livings rooms, at the end of a hard day you want to relax in a
calm haven, a place to unwind. This colour can work with any design, if you want
a modern decor then look towards a dark navy or if you are a lover of shabby
chic like I am then you will want a soft feminine blue hue similar to the images
above.

I hope you'll join me next month for our next colour in the colour psychology

series.

Laura @Dream Box Interior Design

Real Homes Tour

2012-01-25T00:18:00.000-08:00

A fun 80's north london home.

I love the colour palette of chocolate & lilac used for the Living room. Its a beautiful mix of colours. The unusual coffee table on the animal print rug are an eye catching statement against the pretty & feminine sofa & other accessories. Its a fun twist. The rest of the downstairs consists of an open plan kitchen-diner. Its a stylish space that is all about being practical.

On the top floor there is a sleek office area. Its a very cool space to work.

.

Even the cloakroom has a fun vibe with the quirky wall mural

The bedroom here has a real feminine touch to it with the soft colours & delicate fringe curtains teamed with some black contrasting accessories. The mirrored cupboards create light & space. I adore the black chandelier.

The guest bedroom really brings out the fun factor with a leafy mural which brings the outdoors in to create the feeling of sleeping in the great outdoors. This house really does have a character all of its own, its fun & quirky & beautifully designed. A stunning home.

Moodboards Monday - Shabby Chic Bedroom

2012-01-23T05:58:00.000-08:00

Hello & welcome to another Moodboard Monday Challenge. Todays challenge was for a shabby chic bedroom so I enjoyed this challenge being a huge fan of all thats shabby chic & you will not be disapointed with the inspirational boards the girls have put together for you today some gorgeous ideas from the very lovely ladies,
Laura at http://dreamboxinteriordesign.blogspot.com/
& Jessie at http://www.mixandchic.com/

Moodboard Designer - (me) Sarah at Finishing Touch Interiors

Moodboard Designer - Laura from Dreambox Interior Design

Moodboard Designer - Jessie from Mix & Chic

Thank you once again to the lovely Laura & Jessie for stopping by with thier inspiration.

If you want to be inspired a little more with all that is shabby chic check out the shabby chic page by clicking the tab at the top of the blog.

Thanks

Sarah xx

Classic White Kitchen Inspiration

2012-01-21T00:43:00.000-08:00

This beautiful & very spacious kitchen mixes shades of white & grey for a gorgeous & chic feel. With glossy white cabinets teamed with stunning marble worktops its contemporary yet with a classic eleganance. I am loving the crystal beaded pendant lamps.

Looking for a beautiful kitchen visit http://www.premierinteriors.co.uk/

Friends Feature Friday

2012-01-20T02:16:00.000-08:00

Hannah's Buns
Raspberry Cupcakes With White Chocolate

I have to say I think these are the best tasting cakes I have ever made. Which really shocked me as I'm not normally keen on white chocolate but these cake not only look beautiful but they taste wonderful too. Of course the main thing with cakes is the taste because the reason you make them are to eat so its always my number one goal to get the taste perfect. I have found through my years of cooking that people eat with their eyes too, So of course they should look as good as possible. I think people are learning a bit more about my cakes. When I first started making cakes for the salons their customers didn't think they were real and I thought it was quite a nice comment about my cakes. Also many people that I have made cakes for have not wanted to eat them as they didn't want to spoil all my work but this would be a crime to any chef who just wants people to try and enjoy the food they have made.

The lovely Hannah Jones is now a weekly feature writer on my new cookery blog

http://sarahjosephscookerycorner.blogspot.com/

Read her weekly column every friday 'Hannah's Kitchen'

where she will share her recipes & tips or why not visit our new facebook group

Kids Cookery Corner to share your own recipes with us

http://www.facebook.com/groups/329312263756718/

House Tour - Swedish Home

2012-01-18T00:30:00.000-08:00

I have become more & more drawn to Swedish design lately & this beautiful Swedish home belonging to interior designer Marie Olsson Nylander has the eccelctic & homely feel that I love. This gorgeous space has a real rustic, shabby chic vibe. The lively pops of colour in the accessories make a statement set against the crisp, white walls & floor. A mix of timeless furniture pieces with old worn items have been put together well with a blend of styles. Its a breath takingly beautiful home.

Moodboard Monday - Retro hotel Room

2012-01-16T02:08:00.000-08:00

Good morning all & welcome to the second of our Moodboard Monday challenges. Welcome again to Laura from dreamboxinteriordesign. & Jessie from .mixandchic.who join me in the challenge. Also a very warm welcome to the lovely Allie from desiredesigndelight.
who also joins us today for the Retro hotel room challenge. A huge thank you to all the girls for thier hard work on this project. So lets take a look at the inspiration now!

Moodboard Designer -(me) Sarah from Finishing Touch Interiors
http://www.finishingtouchinteriors.co.uk/

Moodboard Designer - Laura Adkin from Dreambox Interior Design

http://dreamboxinteriordesign.blogspot.com/

Moodboard Designer - Jessie Kok from Mix & Chic
http://www.mixandchic.com/

Moodboard Designer - Allie McWatters from Desire*Design*Delight

http://desiredesigndelight.blogspot.com/

Hope you enjoyed our inspiration today

xxx

Go Luxurious with black & gold

2012-01-14T02:05:00.000-08:00

There is something sensual & yet classy about this stunning black & gold bedroom. This colour palette is always a winner & with the fabulous choice of interiors here it has a very luxurious feel. I adore the wallpaper & the chaise lounge with that rather lushious black throw. The lamps are beautiful & as for the cushions totally swoon worthy.
Have a great weekend & dont forget to stop by Monday for the moodboard challenge.
Sarah xx

Friends Feature Friday

2012-01-13T01:12:00.000-08:00

Well here it is once again 'Friends Feature Friday' is back in full swing for 2012 starting with the very talented
Kristy @ 4 the love of
WOOD

I'm glad to be back at Finishing Touches in 2012.

One very popular question I get asked on my blog 4 the love of WOOD

is about the legs I add to many of my project pieces.

So I thought I would share some of these projects so you can see

how dramatic adding a set of legs can be.

http://4theloveofwood.blogspot.com/2011/07/luscious-lanky-legs
-adding-legs-to.html

I'm not going to suggest it's simple or easy.

Every piece needs to be altered in some way to accept a set of legs.

On this particular dresser I had to add an apron around the exterior and
bracing between the legs.

Measuring, cutting, gluing, clamping and screwing are needed to be
done

when doing these kinds of installs to vintage furniture.

The set of solid wood legs used on this dresser came from an unwanted

MDF topped coffee table.

Here are several examples of side tables

I raised up onto legs.

http://4theloveofwood.blogspot.com/2011/03/barn-gem-white-w
ashed-dove-grey-table.html

http://4theloveofwood.blogspot.com/2011/03/wall-hook-to-dra
wer-handle-tulip-side.html

http://4theloveofwood.blogspot.com/2011/09/guess-whats-arr
ived-here-in-bc-his-and.html

I generally only use fancy legs on the fronts of my pieces and stock
lumber

on the back. Below you can see the 4 solid oak legs used on this set
above.

This was the bottom of a very strange open box cabinet thing purchased
at a yard sale.

http://4theloveofwood.blogspot.com/2010/11/hollywood-glamour
-black-night-tables.html

http://4theloveofwood.blogspot.com/2011/01/70s-showgirls-bed-tables.html

http://4theloveofwood.blogspot.com/2010/12/coming-to-listing-near-you.
html

Here are a couple more dressers that benefited from legs.

http://4theloveofwood.blogspot.com/2011/09/epic-adventure-black-chest.
html

This black beauty above needed to be re-enforced before it could take the
installation.

The little shelf below got a set of NEW cast iron lions feet.

http://4theloveofwood.blogspot.com/2011/01/daddys-cabinet-cabine
t-make-over.html

And next is an example of second hand cast iron stove legs added to
these black side tables.

http://4theloveofwood.blogspot.com/2011/02/twins-pair-of-black-n
ight-stands.html

Even a bed frame can have bun feet added to lift it up.

http://4theloveofwood.blogspot.com/2011/08/queen-with-bun-feet
-white-antiqued.html

I don't have one great source for legs, I simply watch for them every where
we go.

An important thing to keep in mind when thinking about installing legs

is the weight of the furniture and the strength of your install
and legs.

http://4theloveofwood.blogspot.com/2011/06/sleeping-beauty
-art-deco-china-cabinet.html

And of course if the piece is more suited for casters

get a great industrial set.

http://4theloveofwood.blogspot.com/2011/07/answers-to-bur
ning-questions-industrial.html

Till next time,

Kristy @ 4 the love of
WOOD

Time for a revamp

2012-01-11T11:38:00.000-08:00

So those Christmas decorations have come down & been packed away & everything is looking, well a little drab & bare. Is it time to start thinking about a revamp. With cold, damp, dreary days ahead I would say its the perfect time to think about shaking things up. Whether you just want a fresh lick of paint, a change of accessories or a complete kitchen renovation you have stopped by at the right place for an overdose of inspiration. With the Moodboard Monday challenge series & some new inspirational style pages theres plenty to get you started.

With the weather outside blustery & cold I cant help but think of cosy cottages right now, open fires & warm textures.
(Check out my new page full of gorgeous cottage style images to be inspired by).
A bit of colour can brighten your mood so adding a splash of colour or making a bold statement is just the remedy to lift your spirits away from the January blues.

If you are unsure about being bold with colour when painting then opt for neutrals & dress up the sofa with coloured cushions. Reds & oranges are catching my eye right now but anything goes when adding pops of colour into your daily life, & don't be frightened to mix patterns with floral's for a fun & eclectic style.

Moodboard Monday - The Man Cave

2012-01-09T03:59:00.000-08:00

Hello & welcome to two fabulously talented designers & wonderful blog friends Jessie from http://www.mixandchic.com/
& Laura from http://dreamboxinteriordesign.blogspot.com/
who join me here today for the first of the moodboard challenges. Todays challenge is The Man Cave & in this challenge we all had to design a space specifically for a man whether thats a place to entertain with his friends or a chill out space where he can watch the football. Hope you enjoy all our inspiration!

Moodboard designer - (ME)Sarah at Finishing Touch Interiors

Moodboard designer - Laura Adkin at Dreambox Interior Design

Moodboard designer - Jessie Kok at Mix and Chic - Play area

Moodboard designer - Jessie Kok at Mix and Chic - Seating area

A very big thank you to my two lovely & very talented guests Laura & Jessie who will be back again next Monday xx

I will also be hosting an open challenge on Monday 6th February with the Pink challenge to help raise awareness for breast cancer. Anyone can enter just email your pdf moodboard with your details to me sarah@finishingtouchinteriors.co.uk
The room is for a lady & has to be pink but can be any room of your choice so get creating & spread the word.
Thanks
Sarah xx

Yellows far from Mellow

2012-01-08T11:31:00.000-08:00

Its cold & windy outside & I am about to pop on my pyjammas get myself a steaming hot cup of tea & then snuggle on the sofa with my son & watch a movie. I am not a fan of January like most people, the miserable weather gets me down so when I spotted this beautiful sunny room I thought id post it for some uplifting inspiration.

For lots more inspiration join me & two other designers tomorrow for moodboard Monday. Enjoy the rest of your Sunday x

Whats Cooking?

2012-01-06T03:15:00.000-08:00

image source- The kids Cooking Company

I have have told you many times before how I love to cook & bake with my son & have already added a page here on my blog devoted to the very same thing with 'Cookery Corner'.
Well Now 'Cookery Corner' has moved to its very own blog page - take a sneak peek!
http://sarahjosephscookerycorner.blogspot.com/

Its my little space to share recipes I have tried out with my gorgeous son Joseph. I love cooking & its such a great way to spend time with your kids. My aim as a mum is not just to teach my son to bake but to learn about food & about measuring as well as about healthy eating. Hopefully I will learn a thing or two as well. This year I want to learn to grow some of my own foods ( a big challenge as I have never done this before) & the new blog is a document of our learning journey.

The lovely & talented Hannah from blogpage hannahs buns will be featuring with her own weekly posts sharing some recipes, tips & what she has been up too. As you already know Hannah is an increible pattiserie chef & she featured here once a month as a guest writer for Friends Feature Friday.

All the cookery products are available on The
http://www.finishingtouchinteriorsboutique.co.uk/
from adorable kids character chefs aprons & hats, to bowls & spoons, cookery books & cooking mixes.

Moodboard Challenge

2012-01-05T14:22:00.000-08:00

Need some fresh ideas for decorating your home? Well I have a treat for you as some talented designers will be joining me here every Monday through out January for an exciting challenge - Moodboard Monday. Each week we will be sharing our mood board inspirations for each challenge with you! Hope you will all stop by to join us. That 's not all either as on the first Monday of February there will be an open challenge to all. Anyone can enter & there will be a prize for the winning board. The challenge is to design a pink space for a lady/girl whether that is a bedroom, lounge, bathroom the choice is yours just bring on the pink. The challenge is in aid of raising awareness of breast cancer, so come join us & get designing. If you want to know more about Project Pink then click the page at the top of my blog & read on.

Want to know more about moodboards?

Mood boards are a great place to start all your ideas together. Start with a collection of images from magazines that you are drawn too, furniture images you like whether its beds, sofas or sinks & taps, make a collection of things you like & roughly pin them in a book or on a board spreading them out so you can look at them, add paint & fabric swatches. Moodboards are a great way of playing around & experimenting with styles. Its a great tool for designers to show their ideas to a client, its also a fun way for you to start putting your own ideas together. If you need a little inspiration then why not browse my moodboard page for free designs you can print off to help get you started or stop by every Monday this month for even more inspiration.
Hope you enjoy our challenge

Sarah xx

Real Homes -Edgy Victorian House

2012-01-04T04:09:00.000-08:00

I am loving the edgy vibe here of this very British designed four storey Hampstead home. The gorgeous Vivienne Westwood Union Jack wall-hung VW flag rug is from The Rug Company. It makes a real statement against the fresh white walls of this living room. The curved Seventies sofas & table are a cool & funky addition.

Its a very retro theme here, check out the skull painting by Damien Hirst, but the owner has restored many of the origional features including the firplace.

Contemporary chic Kitchen-diner

Patchword bedlinen teamed with a modern print on the wall, gives the bedroom a feminine, vintage feel.

I adore the vintage cabinet built into the bathroom, there is a real grown up feel to this space.

2012-01-04T01:06:00.000-08:00

Become a Finishing Touch Interiors Facebook liker

  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Finishing-Touch-Interiors/120383714678113

  & you can claim 10% off Boutique orders.....
You can also take part in prize give away's & competitions as well as be able to claim specialist discounts & offers!

This weeks Boutique Pick Of The Week.........

                                     this beautiful tea pot with pink bird detail on the lid from the Flight Of Fancy Range

http://www.finishingtouchinteriorsboutique.co.uk/

Real Homes - Madrid Apartment

2012-01-02T03:21:00.000-08:00

This fresh contemporary designed apartment is light, airy & gives the illusion of space. The warm wood flooring & beautiful wood block side table add some warmth along with some gorgeous pastel scatter cushions on the sofa in the lounge & the bedroom is brought an injection of warmth with some scatter cushions & a throw. There some gorgeous touched to this modern home.

credits:- micassa

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2011-12-31T04:10:00.000-08:00

Another year draws to a close & what a wonderful year it has been once again. Finishing Touch Interiors has now been in business for just over a year & has gone from strength to strength with the launch in November of the boutique. There is so much more I have planned for 2012 starting with some products designed by myself for the boutique including tea cups & mugs for The Pink Rose Appeal to raise money for the breast cancer unit at Addenbrookes hospital in Cambridge. I will also be holding a pink rose tea party in March as well as running a half marathon to raise money for the cause. There is many more plans ticking away in my head too.
I have been so inspired by so many wonderful blogs & connecting with so many talented blogger friends. In January some of those wonderful friends will be joining me every Monday for a moodboard challenge, I am so excited about these inspiring ladies coming together so watch this space for what's to come.
Happy New Year
Sarah xxxx

Friday Bedroom Inspiration

2011-12-30T03:59:00.000-08:00

I saw this gorgeous bedroom & had to share this bit of inspiration. I am completely drawn to the tree trunk posts there's something almost magical feeling about them. They would look perfect in a little girls room with a real woodland fairy theme. I also love the cute seating arrangement at the end of the bed. Happy Friday xxx

Real Homes -House Tour

2011-12-28T08:43:00.000-08:00

This cosy Cotswald Cottage has beautiful period features including ancient beams in the living room. Extended to create a comfortable four bedroom family home, it is a light & airy house with a real modern/country style. I love the mix of the pastel check cushions, cow rug & antique furniture pieces together. A cosy corner with a simple white sofa scattered with floral and heart-motif cushions & black & white prints on the wall behind makes a perfect reading corner.

This painted family farmhouse style table with a mix of natural wood against cream is beautiful & cosy against the light painted walls.

The kitchen is perfectly designed with plenty of preparation space. Both light & spacious feeling its a modern country style with some pretty kitchen accessories that works brilliantly.

I adore the main bedroom its light and tranquil feeling with a mix of pale colours against the warmth of the natural wood beams & the chunky pine wardrobe. Its certainly a wonderful space to relax & unwind at the end of the day.

How sweet is this children's bedroom? Again a light & airy & relaxed theme here & the Christmas decorations fit the rooms style perfectly.

The guest bedroom has cosy appeal, a bit more colour than the other two bedrooms but still with a subtle country feel. The heart cushion really draws my eyes in to the bed.

In the en-suite bathroom a roll-top bath painted in light blue completes the classic country look.

Image credits - House to Home

2011-12-24T03:13:00.000-08:00

There's more, much more to Christmas
Than candle-light and cheer;
It's the spirit of sweet friendship
That brightens all the year;
It's thoughtfulness and kindness,
It's hope reborn again,
For peace, for understanding
And for goodwill to men!
xxxx

Deck The Halls

2011-12-23T00:57:00.000-08:00

Add a bit of festive fun to your hallway with these decorating ideas. Its the first space your visitors see so why not create the start of your winter wonderland. The banisters are a great place to hang garlands or even mini stockings & if you are lucky enough to have a table in your hallway clear it to make space to create a fun Christmas tablescape.

The Christmas Stocking

2011-12-22T05:41:00.000-08:00

I can't help but adore this cute image of a contemporary alternative to stockings. I think I will have to dig my pink wellies out of the cupboard. This image got me thinking though about where the tradition of the stocking came from. In many European countries children leave out shoes often old or peasant shoes. Another tradition in some countries is to leave a box under the bed.

So where does the stocking come from?

Well there are several versions of the legend here is one of them

Very long ago, there lived a poor man and his three very beautiful daughters. He had no money to get his daughters married, and he was worried what would happen to them after his death.

Saint Nicholas was passing through when he heard the villagers talking about the girls. St. Nicholas wanted to help, but knew that the old man wouldn't accept charity. He decided to help in secret. He waited until it was night and crept through the chimney.

He had three bags of gold coins with him, one for each girl. As he was looking for a place to keep those three bags, he noticed stockings of the three girls that were hung over the mantelpiece for drying. He put one bag in each stocking and off he went. When the girls and their father woke up the next morning, they found the bags of gold coins and were of course, overjoyed. The girls were able to get married and live happily ever after.

The legend then led to the tradition of children leaving out their old socks or shoes in the hope that saint Nicholas would stop by & leave gifts. The tradition started in Europe & over the years a special Christmas stocking was created.

Festive Scandi-Chic

2011-12-21T00:07:00.000-08:00

Create this years popular Nordic Christmas theme with a traditional red & white colour palette & cute Scandi-Chic decorations.

This cosy Nordic living room is very warm & inviting. I love the updated armchair with the snowflake designed fabric. The red & white decorations look stunning against the traditional Christmas tree & match perfectly with the white walls & red accessories of the room. The cute little red hearts & stars garland above the fireplace are beautiful finishing touch.

The Alpine style of this Scandi-Chic bedroom is festive feeling in itself with its white walls & white painted bed. I love the beautiful crisp white & red bed linen with the deep red throw here & the cute knitted stockings complete the look. Scandi-chic is a popular & winning style this Christmas.

Create A Magical Christmas

2011-12-19T00:12:00.000-08:00

Today is the last in the Monday series of 'create a magical Christmas' ..... as in 6 more sleeps Santa will be coming down my chimney...yippy!!

Well heres a couple more last minute decoration ideas for those of you that havnt quite got round to getting those decs up yet, but even if you have theres always room to squeeze in a few more.

Make little fake presents for the tree or your mantle piece. How about using matchboxes for super small & cute parcles. Just cover them in the left over scraps of wrapping paper & ribbon & hang them in the tree. cute hey!

Get the scissors & glue out & get creative.....

......To make this simple homemade christmas ornament, you'll need:

Some colourful card or paper
A pencil
A drinking glass
Scissors
Glue
Needle and thread
A small length of ribbon

Instructions

Using the rim of your glass as a template, trace out 8 circles onto your card-stock and then cut them out.

Using the base of your glue-stick (or any other small circular object you have laying around), trace out two smaller circles and then cut them out.

Fold each of your large circles in half, and then into quarters.

Glue down 4 folded-circles onto the one of your small pieces of circular card. Repeat this with the other 4 folded-circles onto the other small circle of card. These are the two "halves" to your bauble.
I find it easiest to cover the small circle of card with a thick layer of glue, and then press down the folded-circles into place.

Now you're going to glue the two halves together to make your bauble...
Cover the surface of each small circle with glue, and press the two halves together so that they line up nicely and the small circles from each half glue together.
At this stage it is easy to flatten out your bauble and put it under a heavy book for a few minutes while the glue dries.

When the glue is dry, you'll want to attach a ribbon or string to the top of your bauble so you can hang it up and show off your fabulous creation!
Either sew some pretty cotton through the top of your bauble and use this as the loop to attach your bauble to your Christmas tree.
Alternatively, sew a small loop of cotton thread through the top of the bauble, and use this to secure a small length of colourful ribbon in place. Cut off any loose threads so they aren't visible (I am using contrasting colours here so you can see, but choose a thread that matches your ribbon).

Put your fingers into each of the folds to shape them nicely...

And you're finished!

(tutorial credits to homemade gifts made easy)

baby its cold outside

2011-12-18T04:02:00.000-08:00

Its definatley hot chocolate weather now. Its snowing outside not quite enough to settle but its making me feel festive. I am suffering a bit today after yesterdays hen do. The lovely Joanne Sizer my gorgeous friend who was my guest writer for 'Jo's Fabulous Finds' gets married on Tuesday. We had a wonderful relaxed spa day followed by dinner & drinks..one to many drinks!

So today is a pyjamma day, I am putting my feet up & chilling on my squishily comfy new couch with a scrumptious hot chocolate in hand. So why not come join me for a chat on Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Finishing-Touch-Interiors/120383714678113

or fire some questions at me over on Formsping

Ask me anything you like http://www.formspring.me/SarahatFTI

check out....

My Boutique Pick Of The Week....

......Well it has got to be this cosy hot water bottle cover. Beautifully handmade by Charlotte Macey Textiles its just the perfect antidote for chilly winter nights or pyjamma days like today.

Enjoy your Sunday

xxxx

Cute Christmas Card Ideas

2011-12-16T08:51:00.000-08:00

I love these briliant Christmas card ideas I found over on Shabby Soul so thought I had better share them. I absolutely adore the butterfly & the cute little hearts (you know how I love hearts).
For the full tutorial pop on over to:-
http://myshabbysoul.blogspot.com/

Christmas Inspiration with soft pastels

2011-12-15T13:00:00.000-08:00

Ive had crisp whites & rich reds but how about some soft pastles & lots of pinks. I love this quirky tree with sea shells, boats & stafish decorations. There is something very refreshing about it.

Dont forget to dress up the dining chairs. The silver & pink baubles with the pretty pink rose are a soft & beautiful touch.

Simple Budget Tablescape Ideas

2011-12-14T12:55:00.000-08:00

Want to create a festive Christmas table but lost for inspiration or not wanting to spend a fortune buying decorations in? Well here's some easy ideas to get you started. How about filling wine glasses with baubles, add some curling ribbon or even sprigs of holly.

You could instead fill a large glass bowl with baubles & make it a centre piece to your table or how about filling wine glasses with sweets, candy canes especially have a festive feel. Coloured beads are also a eye catching idea.

Lanterns are becoming a popular theme so if you have some around the house or garden already why not use them as table decorations, add sprigs of holly & pine cones to your display to complete the festive look.

Festive red coloured fruit also makes an eye catching centrepiece & has the benefit of being edible. Red apples & grapes are a wonderful choice as they are great to accompany your cheese & biscuits.

Make the most out of nature by using evergreen branches, pinecones or berries, after all they are free. Sprinkle cranberries randomly across the table amongst candles & votive's & pinecones. Fill vases with cranberries, you can add fresh flowers as well if you wish. If you don't have any vases around then why not use wine or milk bottles for a simple look.

I love how these twigs have been used to make candle holders, another great way of using what is free & natural to create your tablescape.

Finally these glasses simply turned upside down over sprigs of holly become quirky candle holders. Hope these simple ideas are enough to get you started.

Festive Folksy Bedroom

2011-12-13T02:43:00.000-08:00

Christmas decorating doesnt have to stop in the lounge & dining room how about waking up to a festive feeling bedroom. I love the natural garland here with the cute mini stockings. The simple festive mug by the bedside filled with flowers & berries is easy to do but works perfectly. Layering the bed with red woollen throws as they have here creates a cozy festive feel.

These simple handmade curtains with the felt white hearts sewn on give a really folk art feel to the room. Handmade garlands with hearts, trees & stockings are a beautiful addiction to your festive room. This gorgeous homemade Christmas bedroom is both cosy & beautiful & scores a full 10/10 with me.

My Boutique pick of the week wouldnt look out of place in this room. This gorgeous handmade hanging Christmas heart from the NEW Dreambox Home Collection is a snip of a buy at £4.50 & is so cute. Hang on the tree, on door knobs or on the end of a bedframe as seen in the image here. Available at www.finishingtouchinteriorsboutiqueboutique.co.uk

Create A Magical Christmas

2011-12-12T05:56:00.000-08:00

Mincepie & chocolate yule log Recipe's

mincepies:-

Ingredients:

12 oz/350g all purpose/plain flour
Pinch of salt
8oz/ 225g butter, cubed or an equal mix of butter and lard
1 beaten egg + 1 cold water as needed
1 jar of mincemeat, shop bought or homemade
2 tbsp icing sugar

Preparation:

Heat the oven to 400°F/205°C/Gas 6

To Make the Pastry

1.Place the flour, butter and salt into a large clean bowl.

2.Rub the butter into the flour with your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs, working as quickly as possible to prevent the dough becoming warm.

3.Add the egg to the mixture and using a cold knife stir, add cold water a teaspoon at a time until the mixture binds but don't make it too wet that it is sticky.
4.Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for a minimum of 15 minutes, up to 30 minutes.

To make the mincepies

5.Choose a muffin or bun tin for the size of the pie you want. Choose from a standard 12-cup muffin tin down to small canapé size. The number of pies will depend on the size of cup you choose.
6.Dust a work surface lightly with a little flour and roll out two-thirds of the pastry to 1/8"/3mm thick. Cut circles to line the cups of your tin, don't worry if the pastry doesn't come to the top.
7.Fill the pastry lined tins 2/3 full with mincemeat.
8.Roll out the remaining pastry to the same thickness and cut smaller circles to fit as lids on the tarts or to be decorative, & cut stars or tree shapes like we have. (adds more interest)
9.Dampen the edges of the tart bases with a little cold water and press the lids on. Make a small hole in the surface of each pie with a small sharp knife to allow the steam to escape (you can omit this if using star-shaped lids).
10.Bake in the preheated oven for 20 mins (15 mins if making canape size) or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with the icing sugar.
I love my mincepies served warm with some brandy sauce...yummy!

Chocolate yule Log:-

To make the sponge

Start with a basic sponge as if you were making Swiss Roll, but replace one quantity of flour with cocoa powder.

75g (3oz) caster sugar
3 eggs
pinch of salt
50g (2oz) plain flour
25g (1oz) cocoa powder

1. line a 18 x 28cm (7 x 11in) Swiss-roll tin with baking parchment and grease well. Pre-heat your oven to Gas 4/180°C/350°F.
2. Beat the eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy.
3. Now gently fold in the flour and cocoa powder.
4. Pour the mixture into the prepared tin and spread out.
Bake for approx. 20-25 mins.
Remove the sponge from the oven and leave to completely cool. Meanwhile, make the filling........

For The Chocolate Filling You will Need

284ml carton whipping cream
200g (8oz) best dark chocolate

1. Break up the chocolate into chunks and melt over a bowl of hot (not boiling!) water. Make sure the water does not touch the bowl or the chocolate will curdle.
2. In a small pan heat the cream. When close to boiling point, take off the heat and stir gently into the melted chocolate until completely combined.
3. Leave to cool, then place in the fridge to chill.
4. When ready to use (and very cold) beat the mixture until fluffy.

How To Assemble Your Yule Log

1. Spread about 1/4 of the filling over the sponge, then roll up carefully
2. Place on a large plate or tray, join it up underneath.
3. Cover with the rest of the chocolate cream using a fork to mark the covering into the resemblance of tree bark.
4. Dust with a little cocoa powder or sprinkle dark chocolate curls and shavings over the top.
5. Decorate with holly leaves and berries.

ENJOY!! xxx

I'm Dreaming Of A White Christmas

2011-12-11T00:31:00.000-08:00

A little Sunday morning inspiration for you with more bright whites. I don't know what the appeal of white is with me, maybe its that it makes me think of crisp white snow. I love the way snow covers everything & makes it all look beautiful. I cannot wait for snow we live in front of a large green at the top of a hill great for sledging. Please Santa all I want for Christmas is to have a white Christmas. xxx

Friends Feature Friday

2011-12-09T01:33:00.000-08:00

It's the second Friday of December

and I'm supposed to write a post about furniture

when all I can think about is wonderful Christmas decorations,

white tinkle lights, and snuggling with my honey by a fire.

After much consideration and thought

I finally came up with something that just might interest
you.

The color of the season

RED

The first piece I ever did in red was a vintage radio
cabinet.

The hardest part was stripping all the guts out.

The inspiration for this piece was a mirror I had found earlier

that had a gentle white pin stripe.

The next one I had so much fun working on.

The top and sides were made of old plywood and I knew there was

no way to cover vintage plywood graining with paint successfully.

So I had to come up with a way to work with it.

I painted the dresser black before red then sanding it back

till the black came through and highlighted the graining.

The hardware I used were found on a curb side 70's monstrosity of a dresser,

much better on this rustic red barn
dresser.

More recently I was commissioned to do 2 antique buffets for a pub
restyling.

Both were painted with ASCP in Emperor's Silk

The first one I nicknamed BIG RED

The second I named MISS CHERRY PIE.

and if these don't get you in the spirit of the season

George and I would like to wish you all a fabulous Holiday Season

from Vancouver Canada and from

http://4theloveofwood.blogspot.com/

Till next year ...

Boutique Pick Of The Week

2011-12-08T04:12:00.000-08:00

Red Festive Christmas tree lanterns to cheer your home up with a warm glow.
£7.95

Perfect to decorate your home or garden this Christmas and they make a fun alternative to fairy lights.
Visit http://www.finishingtouchinteriorsboutique.co.uk/

Holidays Are Coming

2011-12-06T02:57:00.000-08:00

I love Christmas, I think it has to be my favourite time of year. I have so much going on in the week up to Christmas this year, a hen do, a wedding, a birthday meal, as well as a girls Christmas meal get together & not forgetting all the family get togethers, just the thought of all this partying wares me out ....& what about all the outfits I will be needing??
This weekend though is all about the children, they are setting up an icerink on the market square & will have real reindeers so we will be paying a visit before heading off to the cinema to see Arthur Christmas. We have to go buy our tree too, i cant wait to decoarate it with all out handmade decs.
ok so its now just 19 sleeps until the big day...& counting. I'll leave you with some festive mantlepiece inspiration (well I cant resist featuring a few welcoming fireplaces) xxxx

Create A Magical Christmas

2011-12-05T03:33:00.000-08:00

Make your own decorations.
There is so many decorations you can handmake yourself. Remember the last week I gave you the recipe for gingerbread men? Well use thoose cookie cutters to draw & cut out shapes that you can use for the Christmas tree or as present labels. How about a gingerbread man garland? dig out whatever cookie cutters you have star shapes, tree shapes or simple draw your own templates. All you need is some coloured card, scissors, colouring pens, glitter, string & some imagination. Or if you are really clever with a needle & cotton how about using the cutters & making felt gingerbread men.

How To make a gingerbread man garland:-

1. Fold a length of paper accordion style. The width of the pleats should be the width of the pattern. Fold so both ends are on the same side. You can make the chain as long as you like.
2. Use your gingerbread man cookie cutter as a template to draw around.Place it on your accordion pleats so the arms and legs are touching the 2 loose ends. Trace the pattern on the accordion pleats and cut out.

If you havnt got the time to make a gingerbread garland yourself how about this cute felt one I found over on http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/
Felt Gingerbread Man Garlan by Cherish

£22

Dont forget while we are in the spirit of Christmas I am hosting a prize give away over on my facebook page ....
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Finishing-Touch-Interiors/120383714678113
......for this gorgeous figgy pudding tea cosie. pop on over & visit my facebook page, like the page & leave me a post telling me what your favourite item is from my boutique, simple & you are entered for a chance to win xx

NEW boutique products - Flight Of Fancy Range

2011-12-03T04:24:00.000-08:00

I had a new range arrive for 'The Boutique' this week. This gorgeous Flight Of Fancy tableware collection with whimsical pink bird details. The set includes cream teapot with pink bird lid, tea cup and saucer with attractive scalloped detail with a pretty pale pink bird, cream mug, sugar bowl & a milk jug to complete the set.

These make a lovely gift for the lady who likes high afternoon tea. I shall certainly be putting some aside for myself. (its a dangerous job you know). visit the shop here:-           www.finishingtouchinteiorsboutique.co.uk

And while we are on the subject of all thats girly, if you are looking for something special for your little princess this Christmas I meet the lovely ladies of  http://www.deluxepartygifts.co.uk/ recently who handmade these beautiful tutu's.

This gorgeous set is presently in a prize raffle on their Facebook page
         http://www.facebook.com/deluxepartygifts

They also come in red & green for those Christmas fairies & pixies among us, perfect for christmas plays or parties.

Friends Feature Friday

2011-12-02T02:20:00.000-08:00

What a cold & frosty morning it is today I am sitting at my desk with my scarf wrapped around my neck brrrrrrrrr!!! I am very tired this morning (& cold) I had another Christmas shopping fair last night running a stall with my boutique items, the Christmas bits are selling like hot cakes. I have some gorgeous handmade items from Figgy Pudding Santa sacks, egg & tea cosies to gorgeous lanterns & candles if you havnt taken a peek at the finishingtouchinteriorsboutique yet, please do. xx

Well its that day of the week again when one of my wonderfully talented blog friends pops in to share thier talents with you. Today we have the very lovely Tracie from .fishtailcottage.& she is going to take us on a tour of her beautiful garden.....

This is what the front & back truly looks like right now! You can't see it
but there is frost on the ground today.

So it's not all rosy here at the Fishtail Cottage! I can assure you!!! Many
of you posted last week about having garden envy!!! I can be honest and tell
you much of my gardening skills are no better than yours. It's a mission of
trial and error! I search magazines and stock neighborhood gardens to see
what kind of plant envy I have.once I know what plant I am interested in, I
research - computers do wonders with loads of information. Questions I ask -
Does this plant grow in my zone?. is it invasive? Will it reseed?

Sometimes I cannot figure it out by looks alone, so I've been known to take
a clipping from a garden when I can't figure it out (most of the time with
permission of course). I'll take the clipping into my local
nursery.preferably <http://molbaksplantfarm.com/> Molbacks to identify the
plant. I'm on first name basis with some of the master gardeners there!

Many times, I purchase a garden bush/plant/tree and get into the garden. I
usually will baby newer plants for the first year.making sure there is
enough water, fertilizer & good compost to help it develop. But sometimes my
green thumb isn't so green.

I love to turn to gardening books and magazines & these are the three I
picked up recently! I encourage you to find these too in your local grocery
store & browse through the pages.the "Flea Market Gardens" is one I've never
seen before and really enjoyed what are inside these pages!

Below - I've taken a few pictures to show you the reality of my garden! I
will leave all of these till end of March to make sure there is no hope
before I remove them!

Here is a Winchester Cathedral Rose that began dying for no apparent reason.
In fat I have a whole row of these on a slope the ones next to it are doing
just fine..but this one - not coming back this year.

This heirloom rose SOUVENIR de la MALMAISON isn't coming back either - I
moved it when I did some late summer re-arranging & it's as black as can be!

A huge loss is this the 25 Viburnum tinus "spring bouquet".second year I've
planted because the first year they died back. They are supposed to be an
evergreen here in the Northwest - but not here in my garden.What a
disappointment & will not be making another investment in these!

Kornus Florida Dogwood (yes, I know it isn't a good one for here) but bought
it online anyway.has never ever bloomed in the front yard. Conditions are
full sun & somewhat dry. So I figured I'd move the two trees into the back
where there is more shade and moisture. As I was digging it up, more like
tearing this one out - an entire root broke off. I planted it anyways &
let's see how it does. Was not happy where it was - so I have nothing to
lose.

This poor carpet rose Pink Supreme - ummmm, not really sure what to say
about it. Doesn't look promising - assume the pot caused the roots to
freeze?

Yep - this pretty variegated Hardy Evergreen Silver Sword Azalea isn't
looking like last years picture either.

Chinese Fringe Flower was supposed to be my prized purchase last year.

So I hope this helps you realize much of my garden is living by trial &
error. What works gets to come back & planted by abundance!

xoxo, Tracie

A White Christmas

2011-11-30T01:15:00.000-08:00

A dining scheme always looks much better when it has a colour scheme. I dont know about you but whatever your choice there has to be a large splash of white. Whether you tone it with warmer ivorys, beiges & golds or reds or opt for the cool tones of white, blue & silver together, crisp fresh whites are a must have for me.

Boutique Pick Of The Week

2011-11-29T13:23:00.000-08:00

You have to love this cute Kids Cooking Christmas Starter kit that comes beautifully boxed & contains Snowy the bowl, Rudolph the spoon, A Silicone Christmas tree Bun Tray & A5 Double Sided Wipe Clean Recipe Card with recipes of coconut ice and a Christmas sponge recipe.

This makes a wonderful Christmas present or pre gift for Christmas to make the family Christmas cake!!

All dishwasher safe. Silicone Bun Tray is also oven safe.

£14.99

visit http://www.finishingtouchinteriorsboutique.co.uk/

The pre-boxed Christmas starter set is always a winner but if you're looking for a stocking filler i have these cute christmas cookie cutters due in stock this week.

Create A Magical Christmas

2011-11-28T02:55:00.000-08:00

How to Bake A Gingerbread House & Gingerbread Men

Ingredients for gingerbread Men

Ingredients

140g unsalted butter
100g dark muscovado sugar
3 tbsp golden syrup
350g plain flour
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
2 tsp ground ginger and 1 tsp ground cinnaman
pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
2 balls stem ginger from a jar, chopped

To decorate

icing, sweets, glacer cherries..whatever you fancy

1. Heat oven to 200C/180C gas mark 6. Line 2 baking sheets with baking parchment.
2. Melt butter, sugar and syrup in a pan. Mix flour, soda, spices and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Stir in the butter mix and chopped ginger to make a stiff-ish dough.
3.Roll out dough to about 5mm thick. Stamp out gingerbread men, re-rolling and pressing the trimmings back together and rolling again.
4. Lift onto baking sheets & bake for 12 mins until golden. Cool 10 mins on the sheets, then lift onto cooling racks.
5. To decorate, mix icing sugar with a few drops of water until thick and smooth.

We also made a ginerbread house at the weekend, but I confess this was not from scratch it was actually a kit I brought from sainsburys (tut tut I know) it was the Dr Oetker kit & was very simple to use but there is many good ones out there .johnlewis.com/ do a Gingerbread House kit for £15.00 that comes in a cute box. The kids enjoyed decorating it & it tasted delicious.

However If you want to make your gingerbread house from scratch here is the recipe

250g unsalted butter
200g dark muscovado sugar
7 tbsp golden syrup
600g plain flour
2 tsp bicarbonate of soda
4 tsp ground ginger

200g bag flaked almonds
2 egg whites
500g icing sugar , plus extra to dust
125g pack mini chocolate fingers
generous selcetion sweets of your choice, choose your own colour theme
1 mini chocolate roll or a dipped chocolate flake
few edible silver balls

Heat oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6. Melt the butter, sugar and syrup in a pan. Mix the flour, bicarbonate of soda and ground ginger into a large bowl, then stir in the butter mixture to make a stiff dough. If it won't quite come together, add a tiny splash of water.
Cut out the template (see below to download). Put a sheet of baking paper on your work surface and roll about one quarter of the dough to the thickness of two £1 coins. Cut out one of the sections, then slide the gingerbread, still on its baking paper, onto a baking sheet. Repeat with remaining dough, re-rolling the trimmings, until you have two side walls, a front and back wall and two roof panels. Any leftover dough can be cut into Christmas trees, if you like.
Pick out the most intact flaked almonds and gently poke them into the roof sections, pointy-end first, to look like roof tiles. Bake all the sections for 12 mins or until firm and just a little darker at the edges. Leave to cool for a few mins to firm up, then trim around the templates again to give clean, sharp edges. Leave to cool completely.
Put the egg whites in a large bowl, sift in the icing sugar, then stir to make a thick, smooth icing. Spoon into a piping bag with a medium nozzle. Pipe generous snakes of icing along the wall edges, one by one, to join the walls together. Use a small bowl to support the walls from the inside, then allow to dry, ideally for a few hours.
Once dry, remove the supports and fix the roof panels on. The angle is steep so you may need to hold these on firmly for a few mins until the icing starts to dry. Dry completely, ideally overnight. To decorate, pipe a little icing along the length of 20 mini chocolate fingers and stick these lengthways onto the side walls of the house. Use three, upright, for the door. Using the icing, stick sweets around the door and on the front of the house. To make the icicles, start with the nozzle at a 90-degree angle to the roof and squeeze out a pea-sized blob of icing. Keeping the pressure on, pull the nozzle down and then off - the icing will pull away, leaving a pointy trail. Repeat all around the front of the house. Cut the chocolate mini roll or dipped Flake on an angle, then fix with icing to make a chimney. Pipe a little icing around the top. If you've made gingerbread trees, decorate these now, too, topping each with a silver ball, if using. Dust the roof with icing sugar for a snowy effect. Lay a winding path of sweets, and fix gingerbread trees around and about using blobs of icing. Your gingerbread house will be edible for about a week but will last a lot longer

(Recipe from http://www.bbcgoodfood.com)

how about these gingerbread house knitted decorations, Cute hey?

for the instructions on how to make them visit http://totallytutorials.blogspot.com/

Christmas dining inspiration

2011-11-26T04:27:00.000-08:00

You may have noticed but things have gone a bit Christmassie themed around here in the past week. Ok so we arent even in December yet but its under 30 sleeps away & I am starting to feel a little on the festive side. Shopping has commenced already I am taking my mum to Cambridge next week to hit the shops in a big way...excited...VERY! (I totally love Christmas shopping, chosing pressies for everyone). But lets move on to the serious subject of table arrangments. How gorgeous is this table setting? I love the feel of the whole room, the chocolate walls & gold touches. Its a warm & luxurious feeling space & the table to me is just perfect. Not to over the top but just enough decoration to be a winning table scape. The gold napkins against the delicate flowers in the small glass bottles look stunning. ...oh & lets not forget the cosy fireplace!!!!

Dont forget my Christmas Give away, scrowl down the page to previous posting for full details. Have a great weekend xxx

Friends Feature Friday

2011-11-25T08:31:00.000-08:00

Guest Writer Hannah Jones from www.hannahbuns.blogspot.com/

CHRISTMAS PRESENT CAKE

Hey! This was just me having a little fun trying out new things. I have made two Christmas cakes and turned them into presents. I wanted to make it really colourful and fun. The children really liked this one but maybe if I do it again I might add a Christmas teddy bear or something like that. Thanks for taking a look at my blog :)