The Paper Flower Shop

I like going to West Elm. A lot. Their accessories are fresh and classic, and they're big supporters of the handmade movement. 

They introduced this new section at their branches -- the Paper Flower Shop. I'm not sure if it's temporary {a spring season exclusive, perhaps?} but I appreciate the concept.

Vessels are filled with different kinds of tissue paper flowers. You are encouraged to pick one or create a bouquet, and maybe purchase one of their cute vases to put the flowers in.

The lifelike dogwoods and the orange peonies {as big as cabbages} really got my attention. 

When I found this blah tree branch on the sidewalk, I figured, "Why not make my own paper flowers?"

I used tissue paper, a craft punch {a pair of scissors will do} and hot glue.

Here are the spring blossoms I crafted. 

TADA!

Instantly, these add color and cheer to any home or office. And another TADA! -- no watering required!

The Macy's Flower Show

Hello and Happy Monday!

It's Earth Day! Maybe you and I can do a little something today to cheer up Mama Earth? 

If you can't go outdoors, let me bring nature right to you. I'll take you on a field trip to Macy's in Manhattan for its recently concluded flower show.  

The Macy's Flower Show is usually held inside the store, but there's a major renovation going on hence the outdoor tent. You'll see by the queue that this attraction is popular among locals and tourists.

This year's theme was "The Painted Garden" with colors and images evoking Southern Asia. And because it was all about flowers, you can probably tell it was a fragrant experience. 

I think this elephant was the centerpiece of the show. 

 Draped on the elephant was this tapestry made of colorful blooms.

Walls with painted mosaics 

What is a garden without a fountain? 

Flower varieties that introduce themselves with name tags. 

Pockets of surprises 

A dreamy tent 

Splendid source of illumination

How often do you see blue flowers? 

These remind me of snowballs 

As a nod to the continent...

Bushels of spices... 

...and an exotic market.

TADA! I hope you enjoyed our trip. And since we're on the topic of flowers, remember this lovely Etsy shop I featured two weeks ago:

via Projects by Margie

Margie intricately makes these flowers out of beads.

via Projects by Margie

Great as accessories or gifts!

via Projects by Margie

Margie was delighted that she was featured here on the blog and that you guys checked out her shop. As a token of gratitude, Margie is offering a 10% discount off anything in her shop from today until the end of the month. Isn't that TADA!? Simply use the coupon code "blahtotada" at check-out. You can also "like" her shop on Facebook. Thanks Margie! Let's all support handmade.

Letter Art

I hope you liked all our projects using 3-D letters.

Today, a final idea using letters to decorate a blank blah wall.

This comes from the Design Sponge book. The word "abracadabra" is spelled out with a variety of letters scoured from flea markets. Got to love a family that believes in magic!

Another cool way to personalize a room is to spell out a name {also from Design Sponge}.

Do you watch the show Smash? The lead character Karen Cartwright {played by Katharine McPhee} and her roommate {shown in photo} share this apartment. I like how they have an accent wall with random letters stuck to it. But one particular word stands out: ARTIST...because as Broadway actors, that's what they are! 

via apartment therapy

Here's another one -- a collection of words and dates that are precious to the owner. I like how the white letters look embossed on the white wall. This is a TADA! idea for favorite phrases, quotes or family mottos.  

These looks can be achieved with wooden letters that you can get at the craft store. Or a blah to TADA! transformation -- using the magnetic letters and numbers that your kids have outgrown. Just paint them in a single color and attach to the wall with heavy duty glue.

If using a wall is daunting or to much commitment, why not apply it to furniture like this sock drawer with the words "My Sox" {spotted at Anthropologie}.

May you all have a spectacular weekend!

Scrabble Tile Necklace

Hello and Happy Thursday!

I think today is a lovely day to visit Brooklyn.

I stumbled upon this thrift shop in Williamsburg called Junk, and you know how much I love treasure hunting! Here are some of things that caught my eye:

Retro radios 

Piano Rolls 

Vintage lamps for a dining nook  

Chairs with curious shapes

{I would love to turn these from blah to TADA! 

with a coat of bright paint} 

 Old baking tins and dessert molds that can be used as

food styling props

Berry boxes that I would use to organize craft supplies

I really wanted to take home this train case. It was still in good shape and I liked the patina that had developed on the leather. I would use it to store beauty tools like a hairdryer and curling iron. But I decided not to get it. It was quite heavy and our bathroom counter is much too small for it. {No regrets!}

 I did, however, take home some of these wooden letters.

Here's how I transformed them from blah to...

...TADA! 

I turned the Scrabble tile into a pendant. I attached it to a gold disc with super glue, then slipped it onto a chain.

Now I have an inexpensive but unique necklace that I can't wait to wear!

String and Nails

Several years ago, the Gap had these holiday decorations in their stores:

They're made of colored string wrapped around nails to form letters. Phrases like "Joy it up" are spelled out. I thought, "What a TADA! idea." 

These can easily be replicated at home using tools and things that you already have. Chose a favorite word or phrase.

 Or just a single letter will do.

Find the DIY guide here or here.

Happy hammering!

Wrapped Initials

Before I share my craft idea today, let's remember the victims of yesterday's tragedy.

Hoping for peace and healing.

***

Letters are a playful way to decorate a space. 

Case in point:

via decor8

Spot the letter W.

via Apartment Therapy

Can you find the B?

via decor8

A collection of weathered letters and numbers.

Would you like to make your own 3-D letters?

via Dick Blick

You can follow the tutorial here.

Once done, you can add a crafty touch:

Dress them up in fabric.

Envelope them in yarn.

Or wrap them in printed paper.

Instantly blah to TADA!