Diary of a Copycat

Copycat Style: Fall 2013 Michael Kors Inspired Rose Gold

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 24 Aug 2013 05:18:00 +0000

Have you ever met a designer that just gets you? Every piece in every collection is just so... perfectly "you"? Well, If I ever had a designer brother from another mother it would be Michael Kors. (I think its because Heidi Klum and I could be twinsies... on another planet, devoid of carbohydrates and 20-20 vision) Season after season, his creations dazzle me! I literally gasp from the perfection... and the price.

Michael, if you happen to read this, I do love your designs, I do. It's just, well, my kids have this terrible habit: they like to eat. So, for now, I must settle with the occasional TJ maxx clearance score and search the world over for fabulous copycats. Today, I search through *heavens open, angels sing* Target.

The images on the edge of the photo are all Target finds, priced under $25.00, so they wont break the bank. If you're an online ~~addict~~ shopper like me, just enter "Rose Gold" in the search text box, under the Women's category and you'll find plenty of amazing choices.

Here are my top four, side by side with their Michael Kors inspirations. Starting at the top and working down and to the right:

1. Merona Bracelet Watch with Round Case and Stones- Rose Gold.

Target Stores and Online, $19.00

Compare to: Michael Kors Mid-Size Rose Golden Chronograph Glitz Watch, $425.00

2. 2mm Czech Crystals Open ended bracelet- Rose Gold.

Target stores and online. $19.99

3.Silver Plated Pearl Necklace and Earing set- Rose Gold.

Target stores and online. $24.99

4. Women's Xhileration Aviator- Rose Gold.

In store only. $16.99

Target, if you happen to read this: FOR ALL STYLISH BUDGET MINDED WOMEN EVERYWHERE, "THANK YOU!"

And, just like that, you have an entire Michael Kors inspired rose gold jewelry set for a quarter of the price of the watch alone. Now that's Copycat Style!

Copycat In the Kitchen: Trader Joe's Mediterranean Hummus Dip

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 01:22:00 +0000

... is harder to find than you think! I am absolutely in LOVE with hummus. Its protein filled, plant based yumminess satisfies the snack craving and my kids "dip factor" alike. You moms out there know EXACTLY what I am talking about.
Now, usually, I just meander over to the extension of my pantry (some call it Trader Joe's) and pick up some of their amazing Mediterranean Hummus. Alas, for some, a trip to trader Joe's is as easily accomplished as a trip up Kilimanjaro. (I have one especially loved lady, whose son I am head over heels in love with, in mind)

So for all of you Trader deprived folks, here's a recipe I have tweaked and fumbled with and, to my surprise, may actually taste quite similar to the real thing!

Copycat: Trader Joe's Creamy Mediterranean Style Hummus

Ingredients:
2 cans garbanzo beans (chickpeas) drained (about 3 cups)
1 t chopped garlic (or one clove)
6 T extra virgin olive oil
2 T tahini
1 1/4 t salt
1 lg lemon, zested
2/3 cup lemon juice
1/4 t cumin
1/2 t crushed red pepper
about 1/2 cup hot water

Directions:

Add all of the ingredients in to the food processor, except for the hot water, and run for 3-4 minutes. After the first 30 seconds or so, slowly pour in the water while the processor is still running. Stop blending when the hummus is a smooth, creamy consistency.

Tahini is sesame based and hardens when chilled, so make the consistency slightly less thick than you desire. It should be a tad runny.
This HUmmus dip is good out of the processor but AWESOME after it has set up for a few hours in the fridge to let all the amazing flavors combine.

Serving suggestion: Top with a drizzle of olive oil and crushed red pepper flakes. To make it truly authentic add a topping of pine nuts, dried parsley and dehydrated bell pepper.

I love this dip with pita chips or veggies! ENJOY!

Must have Monday: Rustic Crate Dynamite Fire Starters

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 19:04:00 +0000

So, to add a bit of structure to our blog sweet blog and to give you all something to anticipate, I have decided deem Mondays as Must have Mondays.

From here on out, you can expect to find posts on Mondays to feature Must have items that I am lusting after and dreaming about. The items will range from home decor to fashion to well, ANYTHING!

The only criteria is that it must make my Copycat heart sing. You know the type, the things you run across and immediately gasp aloud.

So without further delay... here the premiere Must have Monday Post: Dynamite Fire starters from Cabelas. (Yes, a sportsman's store... you'd be amazed what you can find there!)

Its not really the starter aspect I love. (Although I am a sucker for functional decor. "Pretty AND usable? Why, YES!" ) The starters are quite benign, really, but LOOK AT THAT CRATE!!! And the best news yet: It is only $29.99! Just imagine all the goodies that could go in there once you have enjoyed all your great fires! And, I am certain, it will only get better with age!

xoxo,

Trend Watch: Color Blocking and home decor

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 07:05:00 +0000

Color Block n.: to use blocks of color, in complementary colors, as focal points in decor.

You may have noticed big squares of color popping up in home design lately. Usually in very bright colors and, like I, wondered' "What's up with that?"

Admittedly, I am a color-phobe. Take one look around my house and you will clearly see a beige jungle. I make no qualms about it: I love neutrals. Its cost effective and safe. But, for creativity sake, lets take a look at this trend and see if we can't, in some sort of safe fashion, find a few ways to incorporate it onto our own decor.

Let's check out some examples of color blocking on the web shall we?

Isn't it pretty and fun? I love how the blocks of color are in rainbow order... and how they match so perfectly with the Gerber daisys on the table. I especially love how color blocking can be combined with white for a super crisp pop. (Although it can tend to lean on the modern side a bit)

There are also varying commitment levels to color blocking ranging from the very high commitment (read: VERY permanent) like this one:

I wonder how long it took to convince the neighbors that this was a good idea?

The there are very low commitment ways of using color blocking, namely using accessories to add punches of color to a relatively neutral room, such as these images below:

Notice the contrast in the color on the pillows? If you took a look at the color wheel at the top of this page you would see the colors are complimentary or sit across from each other on the color wheel. You could draw a straight line from one color directly across to the other.

This DIY color blocked shower curtain from Martha Stewart shows a great low commitment way to add color blocking to a neutral bathroom. I love the coral and fuscia with the hint of teal. Its so modern nautical. Isn't it?

You could just add a few pieces of colored furniture (or better yet, invoke copycat rule #3: Use what you've got) and paint what you have... like this here.

It would be very simple to find a favorite color in the remnant paint section of your favorite hardware store and paint a piece of furniture with a pretty silouette like this chair or sideboard.

And lastly, a color block that makes my little beige loving heart sing:

I think these two toned curtains could make an appearance in my home.

What do you think? Would you copycat color blocking in your home?

xoxoxo,

Pinterest: Anatomy of a Pin

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 04:41:00 +0000

Pinterest can be confusing. So here is a down and dirty tutorial. (I've always wanted to use that phrase. lol)

Anatomy of a pin
1. The image that is pinned (The pin)
2. The name of the board where you can locate the pin. If you are not the owner of the board you can follow it by clicking the button below. (Because it is my board I can edit it instead of following it)
3. The pinner. This is the owner of the pin you are looking at and the person doing the pinning.
4. You can Repin the image, which simply means place the image on one of your own boards.
5. image source. You can click on this link to take you to the source of the image. Hopefully it is somewhere useful and not just into the vast inter webs. (I hate when that happens) Sadly, I have made the worst offense with this pin and just pinned off the google search engine page. Forgive me.
6. The description of the pin. You can customize this or just steal someone else's when you repin. I am guilty of both.
7. Likes. You can like the image and not repin it. Its a virtual high five to the owner of the board. It certainly makes me smile. Who doesn't like a bit of validation?
8. Repins. The ultimate Pinterest high five. A list of people who liked the image/pi enough to repin it.

So there you have it. A bit of pinterest demystified. I hope it was helpful.

xoxoxo,

Match any paint color...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 20:53:00 +0000

... with Chip it! by Sherwin Williams.

With Chip it!, you upload the pin to your tool bar and click it when you see a picture you love. It will automatically scan the picture and match the colors found in it with Sherwin Williams paint colors. With the efficiency that it identifies colors, it has quickly become a copycat essential.

I love the slate wall color of the Tricorn Black and my living room walls are already painted Taupe Tone. (It really should be called winter hot chocolate)

I am definitely inspired. How about you? Want to get started yourself? Just follow the link. http://tinyurl.com/CopyCatChipIt

If you found some amazing chips, let me know by posting the link in the comments section of this post.

Happy Chipping,

xoxoxo

Pinterest: I am addicted

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 00:07:00 +0000

...TO PINTEREST!
I love to pin beautiful images on my Pinterest pin boards. If that sounds like greek to you- read on.

Pinterest defined...

My pinboards

What is Pinterest?
Pinterest is a website that allows you to organize and share all the beautiful things you find on the web. You can browse pinboards created by other people to discover new things and get inspiration from people who share your interests.People use pinboards to plan their weddings, decorate their homes, and share their favorite recipes and like a junkie, I'm hooked.

I found this on pinterest!

I have pinned everything from home decor inspiration to how to make my own laundry detergent and NOTHING, I mean NOTHING has saved me more money, solved more problems or shown me how to do more McGyver-esque cool things like pinterest and I had to share it with you.

Not already a pinner? I can invite you.

Pinterest is currently an invite only site. Want an account? Let me know by commenting below with your email address! I'll be happy to to send you an invite personally!

Happy Pinning,

xoxoxo

Inspiration: Subway Signs

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 23:14:00 +0000

Subway signs as graphic wall art seem to be popping up everywhere and I adore them. I think it falls right in line with my love for all things text. I love clocks. I love signs and I love labels. So why wouldn't I love a subway sign? I am contemplating where to put one in my home. They are a bit modern, don't you think? But, with enough noodling (that's copy-speak for good, hard, thinkin') I think I can find a way to add it to my french, industial-modern styled farm home.

Here are some images of subway signs that I love... I hope you love them too. Feel free to pin them to your own pinterest boards. I sure did!

Restoration Hardware

Blog: http://hviturlakkris.blogspot.com/

http://pinterest.com/pin/127297126937544093/

http://pinterest.com/pin/127297126937015657/

And... although the pic above isnt of subway signs, it is amazingly subway sign inspired and I couldn't help myself. It is all so yummy.

What do you think? Does it deserve to be a future DIY? Would you like to learn how to make one of these signs yourself? Let me know.

xoxoxo

April Copycat: DIY Anthropologie Mason Jar Sewing Kit

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 20:57:00 +0000

Anthroplogie has many adorable gifts, don't they? Every time I peruse their website I find my self audibly ooh-ing and ahh-ing but then I get to their price and the sticker shock hits me like a ton of bricks. So I thought, in the name of spring, a DIY Anthroplogie Mason Jar Sewing Kit would be perfect for our April Copycat!

Copycat Cost: approx $2.50 per jar.

Here's the anthropologie mason jar in all of its $45.00 glory

INSTRUCTIONS

To make our copy cat, simply cut a piece of fabric in a circle out of the painters drop cloth. I used a cup that was about a half of an inch larger than the lid. Separate the flat lid from the ring. Run a bead of glue on the ring. Place the fabric and batting through the ring and "pouf" a bit until you make a pin cushion like dome. Place the lid inside the ring and press together. The glue should saturate the fabric and adhere both to the ring and the lid sealing your pin cushion. Fill your mason jar with your sewing kit contents (found at the dollar store!) and once dry, screw on the lid and tie with a piece of twine.

Then gloat over the $40.00 you saved yourself!

Here's the April Copycat Project Summary Pinterest image to pin to your pinboard for future reference...

(Please excuse my terrible photography.... I'm learning!)

I am so excited these Anthropologie mason jars turned out better than I hoped!!! I decided to make 2 dozen of them as party favors for a crafting theme baby shower! I added tags that said "Thanks SEW much." and handed them to each guest as they departed. They were a hit! I have a few left... so I will list them for purchase on my Etsy store. They really are adorable, functional and cute!

AT A GLANCE

Product Guide

Ball Mason Jar - Albertsons, 10.00 for 12

Painters Drop Cloth "linen"- Big Lots, 15.00 for 9'x12' sheet

Batting- Salvaged from an old pillow, free

Sewing Kit- Dollar Tree, 1.00

Gorilla Glue- Dollar Tree, 1.00

Twine- Walmart, 3.00 per 25yds.

Happy Copying,

xoxo

DIY He Laundry Detergent.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 19:06:00 +0000

You know I love saving money. A penny saved is ....more money to decorate! So, in the name of having more money to make life pretty, here is a cheap, effective and all natural laundry detergent. Did I mention CHEAP?!?!

I was able to find all the ingredients at my local copy-mart. (Walmart for those who aren't fluent in copy-ese yet) I tried and tweaked many recipes from all over the interwebs but this is the one I came up with and like the best. No fillers, no artificial ingredients. He safe and perfect for sensitive skin.

PRODUCT GUIDE

1 c. Borax- Walmart

1c. WASHING soda (Its baking's much stronger counterpart), Walmart

1 bar Dr Bonners Soap (I use peppermint because it smells so pretty and fresh), Trader Joes or Online but you can use Dove mild soap as well.

Multiply the ingredients to make your desired amount. Since we do A LOT of laundry at Copycat Cottage, I make mine by the box (1 box, 1 box and 3 bars... a bit different but still effective) and store it in a pretty glass cookie jar.

DIRECTIONS

1. Grate (with a cheese grater- bought at the dollar store because no one likes soapy cheese) your entire bar of dr bonners soap. I use the fine side.

2. Measure out and add one cup of each: washing soda and borax.

3. Combine in a pretty container and mix.

4. Use 1/4c. powder per load.

That's it. No cooking, very little fuss and you save BUCKS! Now with your money savings and your time savings... go make something beautiful!

And because this is a decorating and crafting blog, i decided to add a link to some pretty laundry images from my favorite image blog: The graphics fairy.

Happy Copying,

xoxoxo

French Country Dining Room Redo...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 17:18:00 +0000

Ive been planning a redo of my Dining room for quite some time now and am thinking the Hansen cottage needs a quaint country farmhouse style dining room. Room for mr copycat and all the ever growing copy kittens to gather and spend time each night. With every one running in different directions, dinner really is our only family time together. (Noone is too busy for food!)

So, with the goal of creatign a cozy comfortable dining with polish and style- here are some images from Restoration Hardware to give some food for copy-cat thought:

xoxoxo,

How fast a year flies....

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 17:14:00 +0000

I cant believe its been over a year since my last post! So much has changed. I went from working part time to being a full time childrens minister and it has been a blast. I love connecting with all those babies and parents! But I do miss having time to craft and create. But now that I am getting settled with all the routine and duties, I finally have some mental space to begin crafting and decorating again... so expect a few posts here and there as I hop back into the blogging saddle!

I've missed you.
xoxoxo,

A copycat vegetable garden... part1.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 23:42:00 +0000

So work has been pretty hectic lately. I LOVE LOVE LOVE my new job. Getting to work with kiddos on the weekends, teching them about the love of an amazing savior is the most rewwarding endeavor this side of parenting i have ever encountered! I just completely underestimated what juggling a job and family would be like (even part time). After nearly a decade of doing my own thing, it's taken quite an adjustment to being on someone else's timeframe. (Or many someone eles's for that matter)

As you can see, my blog time has suffered. I am sorry to neglect you. If it feels like i have forgotten you- I haven't. I promise. You are there in my dreams... now if only I could sync my dreams with this blog, we'd be flyin high!

There are so many crafting projects just screaming to be finished right now. (in fact they are all piled in the trunk of my car) You moms know that a mom's trunk is just about the only place the kiddos won't plunder and destroy right? Or are my copykittens especially destructive?

Anyhow, spring has sprung at chateau copycat and it has brought the itch to garden. So, in a feeble attempt to scratch the gardening itch I am daring to plant a vegetable garden. (Currently Mr.Copycat is cursing in the living room as he attempts to plot my front yard to scale on graph paper, so I can try to design my garden. He loves me. This I know.)

Today I planted my first batch of seeds in a table top green house and hopefully in a few weeks I will have seedlings. For now, I just have to be content to dream about the type of garden I want. Ever the optomist (so far the only thing that grows at my house are the kids and they are pretty insistant about letting me know their needs! ) I started looking at renaissance vegetable gardens. Here are a few examples:

Now, I am fully aware that the chateau copycat is no castle. I am also aware that I have nowhere near the amount of space that these gardens require but I have been reading. I have been reading this little darling of a gardening book called square foot gardening that gives me hope that I may be able to accomplish this similar style in a more humble space to a similar effect. In true copy cat fashion, I am aspiring to make a square foot renaissance vegetable garden in my front yard. (Do you think I am crazy?) Heres what my front yard looks like currently:

I think this blank canvas is just begging for a pretty addition that also saves on my food budget (And increases my design budget in the process!!!) I'll keep you updated on copycat gardens as we progress. Till then- have fun. stay crafty. C.

March CopyCat: Restoration Hardware Faux Belgian Linen

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 15:00:00 +0000

There is just something so irresistibly crisp and comfy about Belgian linen. Maybe its the understated cool- its casual texture and warmth. Perhaps it has a way of looking so polished and relaxed at the same time. So very Hemingway meets Casablanca. I love the neutral palate and the mottled flecks of dark and light fibers woven throughout. I love texture and Belgian linen is a linen you can feel as you look at it. I believe it is safe to say I love everything about Belgian linen...except its price tag. These yummy curtains on the left are from Restoration Hardware and will set you back $104.99- $599.00 (And that's their sale price!)

Seeing as I am the kind of person who would rather, um, eat for the month than buy delicious Belgian linen curtains; how would you like to learn of a super cheap, super, easy, just as luxurious way to duplicate these darling gems? What would you say if I told you you could have luxuriously long, spill on the floor in extravagant piles, faux Belgian linen curtains for just 10 bucks a piece?

Its true. Let me introduce you to my dear friend, who will make repeat appearances in this blog I assure you: Painters Drop Cloth. Because of its cost effectiveness, durability and versatility, it is a Copycat essential and it is my personal belief that no designers tool box should ever be without it.

You can get painters drop cloth at your local hardware store. I buy mine at Walmart. Just 10 dollars for a pre-hemmed on all sides, 9' x6' sheet.

One you get these beauties home there are many ways you can handle them to transform them into your masterpiece. Some prefer to wash them in loads upon loads of fabric softener and dryer sheets. Some like them pressed and proper. I love their folds and creases so I just shake them out and clip them to the curtain fasteners, hang them from the rods and let them puddle on the floor.

Here are a few pictures of my DIY faux Belgian linen (drop cloth) curtains.

So what have you used painters drop cloth for? I'd love to know!

DIY Chalkboard Paint

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 04:20:00 +0000

Remember my recent post admitting my new found lust for all things chalkboard? Well, Mr. Copycat and I took a stroll through our local hardware store today and I asked the kind gal behind the paint counter where the gallons of chalkboard paint were located. She kindly chuckled at me and said, "Its not sold by the gallon. Its only sold by the quart."
"Uh oh." I thought to myself. (Since I never think of anything on the small scale. I had envisioned an entire twenty foot wall covered with the paint! Go Big or Go home, right?) "I'm going to have to sell a kidney."
"Its fifteen dollars for a quart" she said as she shattered my chalkboard dreams into a million of teeny-tiny slate pieces.

Not being one to give up easy or to pay crazy money for design I left the store thinking- where there's a will there's a DIY!!! And so.... here it is:

A tutorial on how to make your own chalkboard paint...

whatever brilliant color your little heart desires... at a fraction of the cost! Read on to learn how to make chalkboard paint yourself.

Things You'll Need:Latex paint with a flat finish (amount will vary based on the painting project)
Unsanded tile grout.
Container
Paintbrush, roller or a sponge
Paint stirrer
150 grit sandpaper
Chalk
Felt cloth
Dampened towel or sponge
Towels or rags

1. Measure the flat finish latex paint and unsanded tile grout into a container. See Tips for ratio of paint with other ingredients. Your project will dictate how much chalkboard paint you need to make.

2. Mix thoroughly using a paint stirrer, until they are very well blended and there are not any clumps.

3. Apply the paint to the surface that you want to cover using a paintbrush, roller or sponge. Make sure to allow the paint to thoroughly dry before applying another coat of paint.

4. Sand each coat of paint gently, using 150 grit sandpaper.

5.Wipe the dust away using a clean towel or rag. This will help to keep your chalkboard surface nice and smooth.

6. Condition your new chalkboard by turning a piece of chalk sideways and rubbing it over the entire surface of the chalkboard. Make sure that you cover the entire board with the chalk.

7. Clean the chalk off the chalkboard using a soft felt cloth. Dampen the cloth with water and wipe off the chalkboard.

8. Enjoy.

Mixing ratio tips:
•Mixing proportions for the chalkboard paint: 1 part acrylic paint, 1/2 part glazing medium and 1/6 part of powder tile grout. For example, measure 3 tsps. of paint, 1-1/2 teaspoons of glazing medium and 1/2 tsp. powder tile grout. Another example is 6 tsp. of paint, 3 tsp. of glazing medium and 1 tsp. of powder tile grout..
•Use a magnetic primer under your chalkboard paint for a magnetic chalkboard..
•If you are applying the chalkboard paint to a small area such as a section of a door, or message board, mix only 1 cup of paint, making more if needed. For larger areas, simply increase the amount of paint and un-sanded tile grout proportionally..
•Remember, grout dries quickly. Make your "paint" in small batches at a time as it does not keep well.

xoxoxo,

A little bit of vintage love...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 18:00:00 +0000

So I am on a decorating and editig kick at home right now. DOn't ask me how one can have a desire to minimalize AND decorate at the same time but I do. I just feel a need to make home a place that does away with everything that is cluttered and jumbled. I want a place where I can think and relax and.... breathe. While on the search for hanging barn doors ( for a future project that you'll soon see) I stumbled upon these adorable images of old front portch screen doors turned pantry door. I love them! They are so vintage and cute. I am just sad I dont have a pantry like this but not too sad to share it with you. I know there is someone out there who this is just what they need! I hope you enjoy!

This one is from Country Living.

And this gem is from This old house.

Barn doors....

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 16:00:00 +0000

...aren't just for barns anymore! No way. These darling pieces of architectural minimalism are incredible space savers and make the most boring walls look like masterful eye candy. Have a look see for yourself.

This one combines two of my obsessions at the moment- chalk board paint AND Barn Doors. Swoon!

This one is from Hose Beautiful

Better homes and Gardens

Old school style....

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 17:01:00 +0000

As I allow my mind to wander I have found myself lately getting lost in recollections of my school girl days. I LOVED drawing endlessly on the chalk boards. The slate black surfaces allowed for endless creativity. So it should come to you as no surprise that I am loving the resurgence of chalkboard decor popping up in design magazines, blogs and my favorite stores lately.

Here are a few inspirational images I have stumbled upon. Notice the chalk isnt just for the kiddos. In fact, I am certain the kids won't be drawing on these walls at my house (A mom has to have a few toys of her own right?) Check it out:

country living

Transformation: From Eyesore to Fabulous

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Do you have an item in your house that functions just fine but is a thorn in your decorator side? I do. Its my refrigerator. After the last one went kaput- Mr.Copycat and I decided to buy one from our favorite vendor- Mr. Craig and his fabulous list. 50 dollars and it was ours. (And it looked like it too!) Here's a picture of the way it looks now:

You see? I wasn't exaggerating. Its pretty hideous. That's why I allow all the art work and magnets... to act as a barrier to the ugly. Now you can understand, to my delight while browsing on the Internet today, why I was so elated to find this little piece of copycat fodder on the Blog of the Old Painted Cottage. It just screams, "You can do this!!! I will liberate you from your ugly refrigerator in a cost effective and (here's my favorite part) beautiful way!"Are you ready for it?

Isn't it brilliant? I love it all but I especially love the hardware. I'm a sucker for massive hinges and pulls. And after reading how she did it I'm excited because I think I could totally master this on a lazy Saturday. (Sorry Kids... next Saturday is now deemed Cooler Saturday. Anything you need to consume will be located in the designated cooler of the day.)
So what do you think? Is it worthy of a future dyi?

Did your heart melt....

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 15:00:00 +0000

...like mine did with joy when you saw this adorable chandelier from The Curious sofa? The neutral palate, the antique block print pages, the old photos..... This is deffinitely being filed away under future dyi.

Can you imagine inserting title pages from your favorite antique books, cherished heirloom photos and charming block prints of images that make your heart go a flutter- all on one gorgeous lamp? I will call it my amazing, luminescent, memory carousel. :)

Art Ledges....

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 15:00:00 +0000

...have completely taken over my thoughts. I am obsessed with them! I dont know if my obsession these past few days with them is unhealthy but it definitely borders on the insane. If you asked me what I love about them I wouldn't know where to start. Their versatility, their changeability, their functionality. The fact that you can place and replace pictures to your hearts content without turning your walls into Swiss cheese makes my comitt-aphobic soul sing.

And lets not even mention that once they're hung you never have to worry if another picture arrangement is level as long as you shall live! Lastly, I like being able to placee different seasonal found objects like topiaries, woodenships and letters!

Being a copycat, I had to scour the internet for some inspiration. Of course it was Pottery Barn that had exactly what my minds eye was picturing.

So here are a few that have caught my eye:

I love the simplicity and the track lighting of this art ledge from Pottery Barn.

DIY design inspiration at its best!

And how cute is this little office?

So, Where have you used art ledges? I'd love to know. Be on the lookout in the following posts for an upcoming copycat and how I use photo ledges in my own home.

xoxoxo,

January Copycat: Pottery Barn inspired winter mantlescape

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 23:46:00 +0000

I do enjoy the de-cluttered feeling that is left after all the Christmas decorations are taken down and put away. (This year I even managed to take it down by Dec 31. Which is a triumph over last years Christmas/Valentine's Day decor fiasco...) Yet after all the clutter is gone the house feels Stark and naked. My mantle is the first thing a person sees when they walk into my canyon home. It sets the tone and makes the first impression and it just seemed so, well, naked. I want to do something that reminds you of winter but not the holidays so I decided this month's copycat would be a winter mantle scape.

After searching the kingdom over for inspiration, my heart lept for joy when I found this beautiful Pottery Barn winter mantle scape:

Isn't it stunning? I love the layers, the mix of metals and winter white and the warm glow from the candles. There is just one problem- the eggs. I dont like them and they are deffintely spring not winter so I'll have to winterize it and make it my own. I also have a new years resolution that applies to this project. Mr Copycat and I have resolved to be better with our money this year so all Copycats big and small can enjoy more things together as a family. For me, that means a few less shopping trips and re purposing and reusing design items I already have to create my design visions for as little money as possible.
Lets take a look at the design elements from a copycat perspective:

So with my new year's resolutions on my mind and a list made from the items shown above, I set out to find the items I needed hidden in my house and buried in my garage.

I found everything I needed. A few years ago I had bought a twig candelabra that I just adored and painted it white. That will be my centerpiece. I also found a few candlestick holders- white wood, glass and pewter at garage sales and have used them all over my house. I also unburied a few apothecary jars and borrowed a few battery operated candles from my bedroom. As for the nature elements, I just nabbed a few twigs lying around beneath the oak tree in my back yard and tied it all together using a few pages out of an old book. Here's how it turned out:

And I put together a collage of my favorite parts:

Here's a side by side comparison:

I am so happy with my January Pottery barn inspired mantlescape and how it turned out and am now writing my post by its warm, wintry glow.

Shamful Admission

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 23:06:00 +0000

I have something I need to admit. So, I'm going to admit it- right from the start and get it off my chest. I am not a creative person. *sigh of relief* There I said it. People may say I am but I am not. "But" you say, "you have so many creative things in your home. You design. You invent. How can you not be creative?" The answer is simple: I am a copycat. I spend hours online googling design blogs and other sites like pottery barn and restoration hardware and I store images I love from places like country home and better homes and gardens. The ones that make my heart sing, I deconstruct, tweak and copy. That's it. So, now that my dark secret is revealed I am now free to share with you the tips, tricks and tools of the copycat's trade (which, coincidentally, is exactly what this blog is all about.)

In the posts that are to follow I am going to attempt to share with you my decorating journey of turning the bare walls, naked windows, over-crowded and cluttered spaces into a beautiful, peaceful, and cozy home.

The posts may be infrequent, as having 4 kids at home can run me in 30 bazillion (ask my kids, its a number) different directions but I promise, when I do post, it will be informative, inspirational and insightful.

Copycat defined

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 16:00:00 +0000

When design is involved a copycat is one who imitates high end design studios and upscale decor on a shoestring budget, fabulously.