a mossy recreation

Yesterday, I posted about a new “room” at Hodgepodge.  Part of the décor we added is this cool new chandelier:

And I promised a little more information about so here we go . . .

It all started when Patty came across a picture of a display in one of our numerous magazines.  (We were trying to remember where we had seen it, but couldn’t come-up with anything definitive—it was about a year ago that she found it.)  She showed me the idea and I swear I went looking for a candidate chandelier that very day!

I found the vintage fixture pictured below that very day, but didn’t create the moss covered beauty you see above until yesterday!

Here’s how I started:

1.  First, I fired-up the glue gun.  While that was warming, I started tearing sheet moss into strips.

2.  Then I started gluing—carefully!  The moss isn’t much of a heat barrier between the hot glue and your fingers.

3.  I decided not to do the inside of the fixture—it would have lost some of it’s definition.  I did do the ceiling cap, though.

4.  The finished mossy chandelier!

5.  Here you can see a shot of the ceiling cap—the finishing touch it needed!

I have not tried to light the fixture—the wiring appears fine.  I feel some very low wattage bulbs might be fine, but I would have to hook a wired extension to it.  For now, we’re enjoying it as is.  I just love the earthy presence it offers hanging there.  I may add a burlap sleeve over the chain, but again, I was in a hurry to get it hung so I could share it with you.

Below, is one more addition to the room we redesigned yesterday.  I found this vintage Woodpecker print by Basil Ede at a flea market sometime ago.  It is difficult for me to pass-up bird prints, but this is a large one and I love it.  It is clear, with no stains or other damage.  I had my picture framer daughter clean it and cut new mats, but we reinstalled it in it’s original frame.  I am thrilled with it.  I’ve propped it inside the opening of the mantel.

I hope you enjoyed this post.  Please leave any comments or suggestions you may have about lighting my chandelier.

Thanks for your indulgence!

I’m linking to Vintage Inspired Friday at Common Ground.  Please go visit!

A Summer Mantel and Table

At Hodgepodge, we pride ourselves on frequently changing our displays and vignettes.  The other day, I decided it was time to change the middle room.  My inspiration—a cool Mediterranean tablecloth and some new cobalt blue hurricanes.

So let’s get started with the mantel.

Phase 1:

Somewhere to start . . .

Phase 2:

The addition of a garden element and the cobalt hurricanes

Phase 3:

More garden elements (the urn, Spanish moss and a bird’s nest).  I moved the large hurricane onto the single book to raise the height compared to the smaller hurricane.

Phase 4:

Addition of the bolster—moved the nest.  Added candles to the hurricanes.

Phase 5:

Final touches—the doily under the short hurricane.  Then a few more items in the statue urn—saracina lilies and some raffia for a casual addition to the nest.

The rest of the vignette was updated with the new tablecloth and setting.

I think this turned-out beautifully!  It is a table I’d be proud to present to my guests.  I’d love to hear your thoughts . . .

but wait, that’s not all!

My favorite addition to this vignette:

 

Check back for more on this lovely moss covered light fixture!

Thanks for your indulgence!

Jump Back and Kiss My Techy-self

Like my new blog banner?  (Say yes, please, otherwise there is no need to read on . . .)
So you do like it?!?  You’re too kind.
I am so challenged when it comes to working with graphics and photo software, it is ridiculous.  If you’re under oh, 40, you may not be able to relate, but I’ll bet there are a lot of my contemporaries who can identify with the glazed appearance of my countenance when someone starts talking “layers” and “magnetic lasso tools.”  I’ve tried Photoshop Elements—which is supposedly the dumbed-down version of Photoshop—but, apparently, I require an even “dumber” version!  It took me four days to create the banner I had on my blog for about two weeks.
(I was going to insert the picture of the now deleted banner, but I can’t even figure that out!)
Suffice to say, my 6 year old niece could have done better!  It had a stock background—three disproportionate photos and something that resembled my logo.  When I was editing my logo, to eliminate the white background, I used the only tool I knew how to operate (“eraser tool”) and it ended up looking as though Cookie Monster had had taken a few good chomps out of it!
Then yesterday, the skies opened up and angels (in the form of Janet Metzger, a fellow Chalk Paint™ decorative paints stockist) began singing about PicMonkey.
I just had to share this new website that just made my life 100x easier.
Right now—it is free, but they hint at a fee in the future, which I will gladly pay (well, within reason—collage making is nice, but there is a limit—even when angels sing!).
Here is a sample of what I just did.  I timed myself, it took me 4 minutes (most of that time was spent trying to find my pictures on the computer).  We’re all excited about our impending family vacation, so I was searching for vacations pics.

So there is the collage I created—straightforward and really cool. There are many, many collage configurations, so plan to play around til you find your favorite. 
Best part, it is saved to my computer!  So, all I had to do is go grab it and do this . . .
Setting timer, now . . .

4 minutes.
again, . . .

2 minutes.
I spent most of the time determining which of their six textures to apply (each of the 6 has a minimum of three variations and you have the ability to increase or decrease the effect).  I chose this one because it reminds of looking through the screened porch.
There are so many fun ways to use it.  First, I made a facebook cover photo collage for my Hodgepodge page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hodgepodge-Where-You-Gather-Your-Home/87993882069
Then, the new blogger banner you see above. 
I will now measure my life “Pre- and Post-PicMonkey.”
Go give it a try. Believe me, if I say this is easy, it is Forrest Gump easy.  My sister, who heretofore has been my “go to” for all things photoshoppy, will attest, if Paige is doing it, you can do it!
http://www.picmonkey.com/
Do me favor, though, if you’ve known about this for a year or more and find yourself laughing hysterically at my ineptitude, please don’t let me know.  Right now I am feeling tragically hip and want the feeling to last!
Thanks for your indulgence!