halloween crafts! a pricey d.i.y wreath + free (almost) window decals
When I saw the glowing eyeball wreath in this month’s “Country Living,” my heart skipped a beat. Then I did the math — eight dozen glowing eye balls at $7.99/dozen — and my heart did something else. Since I made Martha’s slithering wreath last year, I couldn’t justify the cost of making a new one, but I did file away the idea. Luckily, there were a lot of other great ideas, including creepy crow window decals, in this month’s Country Living. You can download the illustrations free from the magazine’s site. Then all you need is an inkjet printer and window decal sheets. I found them on Amazon for $7.49/pack. There are three sheets included, so I flipped the image horizontally after I printed the first two sheets. Total cost? Eighty-three cents a decal. Unfortunately, making the decals was a lot easier than getting a decent picture. You’ll find better images on the magazine’s website, along with a lot more fun ideas. — Sarah L.
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mongolia or bust? new anthropologie catalog sparks wanderlust
Among the pile of September catalogs ready to launch us into the fall is Anthropologie’s stunning Issue 9. We’re not entirely sure where it was shot, but a story from Stylist last year hints that creative director Trevor Lunn and his crew were heading towards Mongolia. Judging from the vibrant textiles and textures sprinkled throughout, we’re guessing that’s right. If you’ve ever seen a story about a Mongolian Yurt (like this one on Flickr) or the movie Babies you will recognize the gorgeous patterns and embroidery. We’re keeping our eyes open for more behind-the-scenes info on this catalog (let us know if you find any), but in the meantime, we’re gonna drool over this one till it gets sloppy.
dreaming of: end-of-summer barbecues
Am I the only person who seems to have missed barbecue season entirely? I’m inclined to blame Portland’s extremely brief summer this year — we really only started seeing sun regularly a few weeks ago. Still, with Labor Day fast approaching, I feel like my charcoal grill is a ticking time bomb — if I don’t get out there now, I’ll have to wait an entire year for a batch of my husband’s legendary barbecue ribs.
To solve the problem, I’m thinking an “end-of-summer” barbecue party is in order – after all, if you invite other people, it’s that much harder to flake. Of course, inviting people means decorating…and I have my eye on a few last-minute additions to my yard that would make this one sweet reward. I spent some time daydreaming over at Horne yesterday, and came up with all the pieces I’d need to make this party extraordinary.
Who doesn’t want a fire pit in their yard? Especially now that I no longer have grass to compete with, I’m sorely tempted to install this pretty version, complete with a removable grill top, at Horne. It’s the perfect opportunity for S’mores, don’t you think?
I love the plush, rich feel an outdoor rug gives to any alfresco event. At $49, this Turkish-inspired version is cheap enough to spend time in my dog-friendly yard, but luxe enough to feel special.
I’ll need a tablecloth, of course, but rather than going for a traditional option, I love the idea of using a few vintage blankets, or even a Mexican serape (which you can snag for as little as $20, in all different sizes). It dresses up the table, adds color and style, and is just as easy to wash after the big event as your favorite tablecloth.
I’m not much for yard tchotchkies as a rule, but a modern set of wind chimes does a beautiful job of setting the scene when the weather’s right. This version from Pigeon Toe Ceramics has been on my wishlist for a year now.
And, speaking of the gorgeousness at Pigeon Toe, these ceramic replicas of classic Kerr mason jars would be amazing lined up on the table after dark, don’t you agree?
Do you have any end-of-summer barbecues planned? We’d love to know what’s on the menu! — Becki S.
want it now: i.dear speaker
This summer, I am hitting the beach whenever possible — book in hand, husband and sunscreen in tow. How nice would it be, though, to bring along some tunes for us to enjoy while basking on our favorite near-secluded beach? When I spotted the uber-tiny, USB powered I.dear speaker by MOMA at Velocity Art and Design, I knew I had to have it. Standing at less than 2 inches tall, the I.dear can pump out some seriously warm sounds, thanks to its wood construction. And at $36, I can still afford the gas to get to the sandy shore! — Megan B.
traveling in style: vintage soap cases
I bought my first aluminum soap case on a whim, not knowing what to do with it but liking it all the same. It sat on my desk for a month, maybe more, until I figured out it was the perfect size for my phone earbuds and a flash drive. (Since I take both with me for work, they always ended up floating around in the depths of my purse. Not anymore.) Soap cases are also the perfect size for stashing business cards, corralling coins or any number of small oddities. My latest find? A vintage Girl Scouts soap case. You can find the aluminum dishes for under $10 on Etsy or eBay. Other pressed metal cases start in the $30s, like this one on Ruby Lane. Lastly, there’s silver soap cases. I’ve seen examples starting at $100, but this $500 Gorham case takes the cake. — Sarah L.
