Recycling Paper for Handmade Planters, Creative Craft Ideas from Italian Designers

<p>Recycling paper is a popular topic. A wonderful Italian company Gartenkultur offered a creative way of recycling paper for mini planters for indoor garden. Their designs give great inspirations for DIY design<span id="more-87391"></span> projects and craft ideas that will make your home more beautiful and eco friendly.</p><br/><p>Recycling books for planters creates eco friendly home decor accessories and allows to declutter your home. Gardenkultur, www.gartenkultur.it/ suggest to use large and small books for creating unusual and interesting planters for your indoor garden.</p><br/><p>Thick books make wonderful planters naturally. Also you can use a bunch of thin books, old magazines or newspapers. Glue them together and recycle old paper for attractive and creative planters, Italian designers say.</p><br/><h3>Recycling paper ideas</h3><br/><p>Handmade lanterns recycling old paper for charming lighting design</p><br/><p>Recycling paper and cardboard for chair, unique furniture design idea</p><br/><table border="0" align="center"><br/><tbody><br/><tr><br/><td><br/><p><div id="attachment_87397" style="width: 610px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img alt="house plants in planters made of books" class="size-full wp-image-87397" height="461" src="http://0.lushome.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/recycling-paper-pots-indoor-plants-1.jpg" title="recycling-paper-pots-indoor-plants (1)" width="600" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Small indoor plants in a pot created of an old book, recycling paper craft idea</p></div></td><br/></tr><br/></tbody><br/></table><br/><p>Create a hollow space inside a thick book. Place a plastic bag and a mesh on the bottom of your new planter and add soil. Plant your favorite flowers or indoor plants and enjoy these creative craft ideas.</p><br/> <br/> <br/><p>Handmade planters make great home decorations and very special gifts that will surprise and delight your friends and loved ones. Great for birthday, Mothers Day, Fathers Day or any other holiday, these planters turn old books into amazing eco gifts.</p><br/><table border="0" align="center"><br/><tbody><br/><tr><br/><td><br/><p><div id="attachment_87398" style="width: 610px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img alt="flowers in planter made of book" class="size-full wp-image-87398" height="450" src="http://0.lushome.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/recycling-paper-pots-indoor-plants-2.jpg" title="recycling-paper-pots-indoor-plants (2)" width="600" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Flowers in a planter made of a thick book, great eco gift ideas</p></div></td><br/></tr><br/></tbody><br/></table><br/><p>Beautiful mini planters look fabulous with few small indoor plants, flowers or bonsai trees.</p><br/><p>20 ways to recycle shoes for planters, cheap decorations and backyard ideas</p><br/><p>Recycled crafts, old shoes for plants</p><br/><br/> <style type='text/css'><br/> #gallery-1 {<br/>margin:0;<br/>padding:0;<br/> text-align: center;<br/>width:650px;<br/>}<br/> #gallery-1 .gallery-item {<br/> margin: 5px 0 0 0 ;<br/> text-align: center;<br/> width: 646px; <br/>}<br/> #gallery-1 img {<br/>margin:0;<br/> }<br/> #gallery-1 .gallery-caption {<br/> margin-left: 0;<br/> }<br/> </style><br/> <!-- see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php --><br/> <div id='gallery-1' class='gallery galleryid-87391'><dl class='gallery-item'><br/> <dt class='gallery-icon'><br/> <img alt="planter made of old magazines" class="attachment-full" height="450" src="http://0.lushome.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/recycling-paper-pots-indoor-plants-3.jpg" width="600" /><br/> </dt></dl><dl class='gallery-item'><br/> <dt class='gallery-icon'><br/> <img alt="planter made of book" class="attachment-full" height="450" src="http://0.lushome.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/recycling-paper-pots-indoor-plants-4.jpg" width="600" /><br/> </dt></dl><dl class='gallery-item'><br/> <dt class='gallery-icon'><br/> <img alt="planters made of old books" class="attachment-full" height="450" src="http://0.lushome.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/recycling-paper-pots-indoor-plants-5.jpg" width="600" /><br/> </dt></dl><br/> <br style='clear: both;' /><br/> </div>

Recycling Paper for Handmade Planters, Creative Craft Ideas from Italian Designers

Recycling paper is a popular topic. A wonderful Italian company Gartenkultur offered a creative way of recycling paper for mini planters for...

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Unusual Planters for Backyard Decoration, 20 Spring Decorating Ideas

<p>Unusual planters for plants and flowers add interest to backyard ideas and make spring decorating more interesting and fun. Objects that clutter your home can be used for creating gorgeous yard decorations<span id="more-70175"></span> and giving unique character to spring decorating.</p><br/><p>Beautiful gardens and balconies, small courtyards and decks will look more surprising, artistic  and playful with repurposed planters. Plants and flowers in planters created of recycled containers, baskets, kettles or old shoes are decorative accents that improve mood and make everyone smile.</p><br/><p>Ideas that help reuse and recycle items that clutter our homes, – used containers, old baskets, kettles, shoes or metal cans, are excellent materials for creative spring decorating.</p><br/><p>House entrance and front door decoration ideas, 20 gorgeous house exterior designs</p><br/><p>15 green decorating ideas for small balcony, spring decorating</p><br/><h3>Unusual planters for plants and flowers</h3><br/><table style="width: 111px;" border="0" align="center"><br/><tbody><br/><tr><br/><td><br/><div class="mceTemp"><br/><dl id="attachment_70187" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 610px;"><br/><dt class="wp-caption-dt"><img alt="colander for decorating with flowers" class=" wp-image-70187" height="451" src="http://2.lushome.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/spring-decorating-with-flowers-plants-1.jpg" title="spring-decorating-with-flowers-plants (1)" width="600" />Colander for backyard decorating with flowers, creative spring decorating ideas</dt><br/></dl><br/></div><br/></td><br/></tr><br/></tbody><br/></table><br/><p>Junk and clutter items used for growing plants and flowers remind of the importance of green ideas, recycling and reusing materials for saving the environment and natural resources.</p><br/> <br/> <br/><p>Broken or old chairs, containers, baskets, kettles, shoes, metal cans, cups, drain pipes, bags, kettles, trolleys, and even cast-iron or wooden bathtubs, gutters and trays are excellent materials for backyard decorating that transform modern homes, making them more environmentally friendly.</p><br/><table style="width: 11px;" border="0" align="center"><br/><tbody><br/><tr><br/><td><br/><div class="mceTemp"><br/><dl id="attachment_70194" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 459px;"><br/><dt class="wp-caption-dt"><img alt="old chair with flowers" class=" wp-image-70194" height="600" src="http://1.lushome.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/spring-decorating-with-flowers-plants-8.jpg" title="spring-decorating-with-flowers-plants (8)" width="449" />Wooden chair decorated with flowers, beautiful spring decorating and backyard ideas</dt><br/></dl><br/></div><br/></td><br/></tr><br/></tbody><br/></table><br/><p>There are many various ideas that reuse and recycle junk or clutter items. The pictures may inspire you to declutter your home and backyard, designing unique, artistic and charming repurposed planters for plants and flowers, adding playful flavor to eco friendly spring decorating ideas.</p><br/><p>Coffee can lanterns, charming diy project to recycle cans for outdoor lights</p><br/><p>Garden forl table, 6 creative backyard ideas and diy project inspirations</p><br/><p>Selecting an interesting item for a pot, adding the soil and planting flowers are all you need to design beautiful backyard ideas for spring decorating.</p><br/><table style="width: 111px;" border="0" align="center"><br/><tbody><br/><tr><br/><td><br/><div class="mceTemp"><br/><dl id="attachment_70201" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 457px;"><br/><dt class="wp-caption-dt"><img alt="old baskets for plants and flowers" class=" wp-image-70201" height="600" src="http://3.lushome.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/spring-decorating-with-flowers-plants-15.jpg" title="spring-decorating-with-flowers-plants (15)" width="447" />Old baskets for backyard decorating with flowers and plants, spring decorating to reuse and recycle junk and clutter</dt><br/></dl><br/></div><br/></td><br/></tr><br/></tbody><br/></table><br/><p>Recycling decor, old shoes for green plants</p><br/><p>7 creative ideas with plants and flowers, Mothers Day gifts</p><br/><h3>Creative backyard ideas for spring decorating with flowers and plants</h3><br/><br/> <style type='text/css'><br/> #gallery-1 {<br/>margin:0;<br/>padding:0;<br/> text-align: center;<br/>width:650px;<br/>}<br/> #gallery-1 .gallery-item {<br/> margin: 5px 0 0 0 ;<br/> text-align: center;<br/> width: 646px; <br/>}<br/> #gallery-1 img {<br/>margin:0;<br/> }<br/> #gallery-1 .gallery-caption {<br/> margin-left: 0;<br/> }<br/> </style><br/> <!-- see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php --><br/> <div id='gallery-1' class='gallery galleryid-70175'><dl class='gallery-item'><br/> <dt class='gallery-icon'><br/> <img alt="tray with plants" class="attachment-full" height="458" src="http://2.lushome.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/spring-decorating-with-flowers-plants-2.jpg" width="600" /><br/> </dt></dl><dl class='gallery-item'><br/> <dt class='gallery-icon'><br/> <img alt="gutter with plants and flowers" class="attachment-full" height="550" src="http://2.lushome.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/spring-decorating-with-flowers-plants-3.jpg" width="447" /><br/> </dt></dl><dl class='gallery-item'><br/> <dt class='gallery-icon'><br/> <img alt="shoes for growing plants and flowers" class="attachment-full" height="575" src="http://2.lushome.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/spring-decorating-with-flowers-plants-4.jpg" width="382" /><br/> </dt></dl><dl class='gallery-item'><br/> <dt class='gallery-icon'><br/> <img alt="drawers with plants and flowers" class="attachment-full" height="600" src="http://2.lushome.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/spring-decorating-with-flowers-plants-5.jpg" width="451" /><br/> </dt></dl><dl class='gallery-item'><br/> <dt class='gallery-icon'><br/> <img alt="metal cans with plants for wall decorating" class="attachment-full" height="458" src="http://2.lushome.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/spring-decorating-with-flowers-plants-6.jpg" width="600" /><br/> </dt></dl><br style="clear: both" /><dl class='gallery-item'><br/> <dt class='gallery-icon'><br/> <img alt="pans and kettles for garden decoration" class="attachment-full" height="550" src="http://2.lushome.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/spring-decorating-with-flowers-plants-7.jpg" width="550" /><br/> </dt></dl><dl class='gallery-item'><br/> <dt class='gallery-icon'><br/> <img alt="shoes for plant pots" class="attachment-full" height="405" src="http://1.lushome.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/spring-decorating-with-flowers-plants-9.jpg" width="600" /><br/> </dt></dl><dl class='gallery-item'><br/> <dt class='gallery-icon'><br/> <img alt="creative backyard ideas" class="attachment-full" height="550" src="http://1.lushome.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/spring-decorating-with-flowers-plants-10.jpg" width="550" /><br/> </dt></dl><dl class='gallery-item'><br/> <dt class='gallery-icon'><br/> <img alt="kettles for garden decoration" class="attachment-full" height="550" src="http://1.lushome.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/spring-decorating-with-flowers-plants-11.jpg" width="550" /><br/> </dt></dl><dl class='gallery-item'><br/> <dt class='gallery-icon'><br/> <img alt="kettles for backyard decorating" class="attachment-full" height="550" src="http://1.lushome.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/spring-decorating-with-flowers-plants-12.jpg" width="550" /><br/> </dt></dl><br style="clear: both" /><dl class='gallery-item'><br/> <dt class='gallery-icon'><br/> <img alt="kettles for plants and flowers" class="attachment-full" height="550" src="http://1.lushome.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/spring-decorating-with-flowers-plants-13.jpg" width="550" /><br/> </dt></dl><dl class='gallery-item'><br/> <dt class='gallery-icon'><br/> <img alt="burlap bags for plants and flowers" class="attachment-full" height="457" src="http://3.lushome.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/spring-decorating-with-flowers-plants-14.jpg" width="600" /><br/> </dt></dl><dl class='gallery-item'><br/> <dt class='gallery-icon'><br/> <img alt="matal cand for plants" class="attachment-full" height="400" src="http://3.lushome.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/spring-decorating-with-flowers-plants-16.jpg" width="600" /><br/> </dt></dl><dl class='gallery-item'><br/> <dt class='gallery-icon'><br/> <img alt="creative backyard ideas" class="attachment-full" height="448" src="http://3.lushome.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/spring-decorating-with-flowers-plants-17.jpg" width="600" /><br/> </dt></dl><dl class='gallery-item'><br/> <dt class='gallery-icon'><br/> <img alt="unusual pots for plants and flowers" class="attachment-full" height="456" src="http://2.lushome.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/spring-decorating-with-flowers-plants-18.jpg" width="600" /><br/> </dt></dl><br style="clear: both" /><dl class='gallery-item'><br/> <dt class='gallery-icon'><br/> <img alt="backyard ideas that help reuse and recycle tools" class="attachment-full" height="449" src="http://2.lushome.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/spring-decorating-with-flowers-plants-19.jpg" width="600" /><br/> </dt></dl><dl class='gallery-item'><br/> <dt class='gallery-icon'><br/> <img alt="wood bathtub with plants for garden decoration" class="attachment-full" height="448" src="http://1.lushome.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/spring-decorating-with-flowers-plants-20.jpg" width="600" /><br/> </dt></dl><br/> <br style='clear: both;' /><br/> </div>

Unusual Planters for Backyard Decoration, 20 Spring Decorating Ideas

Unusual planters for plants and flowers add interest to backyard ideas and make spring decorating more interesting and fun. Objects that clu...

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Holiday Homes Tour

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCy2dEZTAyfZz6a_jpr7LTij7lcIS3R9Mp2Yp1ADDLwSobN1UaL6pXCIBkROHAgQphn0Xw4C1C6buVFtJt_sB-ECqRfeUOUO0f7VPxD04y9sudyPWx7DXMMXJS5eqeoQ2MDX1wvWC4rPNx/s1600/applecidermartinis-s.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673904695148379730" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCy2dEZTAyfZz6a_jpr7LTij7lcIS3R9Mp2Yp1ADDLwSobN1UaL6pXCIBkROHAgQphn0Xw4C1C6buVFtJt_sB-ECqRfeUOUO0f7VPxD04y9sudyPWx7DXMMXJS5eqeoQ2MDX1wvWC4rPNx/s800/applecidermartinis-s.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >Laura Thomson designed vignette for the</span></div><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >Holiday Homes Tour in Boxford</span><span style="font-style: italic;">, MA</span><br /></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Around the same time that I was planning <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2011/10/new-england-finery-at-antique-show.html">my New England Finery decorated space</a> for the Boston Antiques & Design Show, I was asked if I would like to participate in the <a href="http://homestour.bestforboxford.org/BHTdesigner.html">Boxford Holiday Homes Tour</a>. I thought about it for awhile, but with a magazine to produce, a show to prepare for and a new full-time job (I will share more about that in a later post), I just didn’t think I could pull it off without cutting corners somewhere. I am just one person (my favorite new line : ) and so far have not learned how to clone myself in order to be in two places at once! But I knew someone who could really rock this type of event. </span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBR-PM0J-MrdWCGyA7_QFmiY9epbrWlYQru_tFEO9_VHGjwxYQtrJSzi9npu8VTEBF8qtC14ypO77wlR7WmplLk8CtMVcC3Mo6O_3CvMm80dZJnKg2r_isbruNevEyoxldBSVCDaG9H-qv/s1600/table+settings+laura+thomson-s.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673904699031431442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBR-PM0J-MrdWCGyA7_QFmiY9epbrWlYQru_tFEO9_VHGjwxYQtrJSzi9npu8VTEBF8qtC14ypO77wlR7WmplLk8CtMVcC3Mo6O_3CvMm80dZJnKg2r_isbruNevEyoxldBSVCDaG9H-qv/s800/table+settings+laura+thomson-s.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Flower arrangements in vintage red goblets</span> </div><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Designer: Laura Thomson</span><br /><br /></div><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">My friend, Laura Thomson, who I have watched do amazing work year after year at our garden club <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2011/04/art-in-bloom-2011-part-2.html">Art in Bloom</a> shows, and whose home is to-die-for gorgeous (get a glimpse of it <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2009/12/decking-halls-part-1.html">in this holiday post</a>), was willing to step up and be one of the featured designers. And she did an amazing job! </span><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIXB7qdTtlRYfRKYGq0SiOCHFvb1wujHJr7MmpTPTlNslFEqesWJedupErTo7HwyIxIyqpQGbAcTDxYpDQPvVMFs85R81QHZD38rs4ki2359kWb0U-rOuQ1uoe87K92GJUXLV2RYRgMUXj/s1600/urn+w-pumpkins-s.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673910370794459010" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIXB7qdTtlRYfRKYGq0SiOCHFvb1wujHJr7MmpTPTlNslFEqesWJedupErTo7HwyIxIyqpQGbAcTDxYpDQPvVMFs85R81QHZD38rs4ki2359kWb0U-rOuQ1uoe87K92GJUXLV2RYRgMUXj/s800/urn+w-pumpkins-s.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />She had an entire porch (and a large bit of front yard) to decorate. The porch itself had gorgeous stained floors and rustic looking white-washed walls. To see what Laura did to transform this veranda to an autumn cider-pressing party, visit her new blog <a href="http://designing44.blogspot.com/2011/11/boxford-holiday-homes-tour-part-deux.html">Designing44</a> to read about it in her own words. And be sure to follow her – she is super talented and I can’t wait to see what she posts in the future!</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXcLqM4DuDvPukrcbLXeQE0yUkNyoOjkxmLCdpY2jUCwWU8wlHauxflgIgEy8XWokg8e5FzSyS5Jef2h1bRb7V0Ud3reNWuijKWKUhnoW5hN6Oj7p9HRhte9YqIywhGicEvSKfaPI_5eN_/s1600/autumn+wreath+on+tour-s.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673903348589423954" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXcLqM4DuDvPukrcbLXeQE0yUkNyoOjkxmLCdpY2jUCwWU8wlHauxflgIgEy8XWokg8e5FzSyS5Jef2h1bRb7V0Ud3reNWuijKWKUhnoW5hN6Oj7p9HRhte9YqIywhGicEvSKfaPI_5eN_/s800/autumn+wreath+on+tour-s.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Want to see more from the tour? Here are some photos that I took while enjoying this </span><span style="font-size:130%;">“</span><span style="font-size:130%;">holiday stroll</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> on a warm, early November day.</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA-xAsIx3nKrJMOvaSYIdpTvNZJVSHzQ340zHwwnqiJTOZBkppDA4CbD_zx1PypxR9KyJSYedHWNTUCD1QZh8c-W2YfTuHh3vcbsG4I6aN1KKdvqfJF2TXwrnyolcBHpAnxhYwyiB8dthc/s1600/autumn+urn+w%253Agrass.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673903562408481682" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA-xAsIx3nKrJMOvaSYIdpTvNZJVSHzQ340zHwwnqiJTOZBkppDA4CbD_zx1PypxR9KyJSYedHWNTUCD1QZh8c-W2YfTuHh3vcbsG4I6aN1KKdvqfJF2TXwrnyolcBHpAnxhYwyiB8dthc/s800/autumn+urn+w%253Agrass.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />I never tire of a classic black urn with fall flowers, grasses, peppers and gourds. So colorful and welcoming!</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZM8uZk3gcbapD1HtUm36Vu4l-F4AvT-Ps7HPKKWOrkR_yv6fTVejkbEvfpt0gyh5L4aveTCDk-9tPfG_OLktk0-9OlaxhkmXW-oliLXA44sRzc4nkUqSvpKHnUcvZdwesWueT9pxHjsy2/s1600/Thanksgiving+dining+room.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP6iHiS3j9e5YmQ7bc758Aue51l7KABfQ4t2pUjE_yWVVALCR2rilhsu9TK4iaF4b-hIgQbfWSthb1Vp9NLMa9diqwbBb8fOyLHNQarZE5qW9GCg-xOdcbDM8xOfeAVYzqE5Vu-agwCWnm/s1600/green+dining+room2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673924455653963122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP6iHiS3j9e5YmQ7bc758Aue51l7KABfQ4t2pUjE_yWVVALCR2rilhsu9TK4iaF4b-hIgQbfWSthb1Vp9NLMa9diqwbBb8fOyLHNQarZE5qW9GCg-xOdcbDM8xOfeAVYzqE5Vu-agwCWnm/s800/green+dining+room2.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />This dining room was striking with fresh green walls, cobalt blue glassware and pumpkin spice damask chairs.</span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSzz_4oO8gMUS9qLZ74pdvTqMrarOkdEkZxVzKuGMjK7a2pgygnk3ywGkH_wMNOUosucRqXtxloqX0O5gqSxRAmgobTV7rN4Q27XP8A7u3LvIYBn-vai5pV-LY3cz6DS5yyWMTlAG9ZH1I/s1600/floral+pumpkin-s.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA47MFCSd-Jvkk8xI4HqLgc3PeA7mZmWw-RcDhRciHBJWZWDjXDlYp4ZS_HKKeVgN1yJi14qSCZzNnjD3fgguYink4i1rtw-9vDWlqLjdMQbQ6-GsxcI-mhwl1VdWvRD4Z8DLhBhYYuUf3/s1600/seaside+holiday+table-s.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673903351146074530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA47MFCSd-Jvkk8xI4HqLgc3PeA7mZmWw-RcDhRciHBJWZWDjXDlYp4ZS_HKKeVgN1yJi14qSCZzNnjD3fgguYink4i1rtw-9vDWlqLjdMQbQ6-GsxcI-mhwl1VdWvRD4Z8DLhBhYYuUf3/s800/seaside+holiday+table-s.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />The designer of this space, Arlene Jaffe or AJ as she likes to be called, came right up to me and introduced herself, “Do I know you from somewhere?” Well my memory is not as good as it used to be, but after a few minutes of “were you here, were you there” we figured out we <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2009/08/decorators-q-luncheon-in-york.html">sat together at a luncheon</a> that featured a panel of designers from the Old York Decorator Showhouse back in 2009.<br /><br />I loved seeing AJ’s work in person. She has an elegant sense of style paired with a super-bubbly personality. Note to my designer friends: when showing off your work at a designer showhouse, don’t be shy! Introduce yourself to visitors and get their feedback like AJ does. You will never know what you have in common unless you start a conversation!</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6UIVRVNisLg9PMpWPx_FnVtD0Ea-YuSeBNiLb2oABmKnbSLoK0aERdJq7vzG1mP_aId50Atq3w0aUEuGJUlOp073qzmvewxCeoN7_pK7ARnHVgPVAR3K-1MuWRtKwnZgyXGkc1FFo6pbk/s1600/living+room+-+Jaffe.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673902856791002946" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6UIVRVNisLg9PMpWPx_FnVtD0Ea-YuSeBNiLb2oABmKnbSLoK0aERdJq7vzG1mP_aId50Atq3w0aUEuGJUlOp073qzmvewxCeoN7_pK7ARnHVgPVAR3K-1MuWRtKwnZgyXGkc1FFo6pbk/s800/living+room+-+Jaffe.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">AJ not only decorated this home for the holiday tour, she also decorated the home for every day living. This sitting room was quite inviting. Love the artwork over the fireplace, ottoman focal point and </span><span style="font-size:130%;">textured floor covering.<br /><br /><br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg37dNz63-GzfPmNS8eBEpybOVBiUlaLKFnKaZo1VS8YnsNsNtADp26I1qfvNB05h3jA7WuYR5M22wmO1Y3p7id2jH9qvQRqPn8eUpjZt27UK-k4sSpvoDs6XqEPW11813tvqmdjeoXJBCB/s1600/mason%2526madison+food+gifts.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673946795955759762" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg37dNz63-GzfPmNS8eBEpybOVBiUlaLKFnKaZo1VS8YnsNsNtADp26I1qfvNB05h3jA7WuYR5M22wmO1Y3p7id2jH9qvQRqPn8eUpjZt27UK-k4sSpvoDs6XqEPW11813tvqmdjeoXJBCB/s800/mason%2526madison+food+gifts.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Another friend of mine was on the tour – Liz White from <a href="http://www.masonandmadison.com/">Mason & Madison</a>. She set up shop in one of the homes and had on display numerous gift items including delectables and adorables ...</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXcLqM4DuDvPukrcbLXeQE0yUkNyoOjkxmLCdpY2jUCwWU8wlHauxflgIgEy8XWokg8e5FzSyS5Jef2h1bRb7V0Ud3reNWuijKWKUhnoW5hN6Oj7p9HRhte9YqIywhGicEvSKfaPI_5eN_/s1600/autumn+wreath+on+tour-s.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikO-eihrzF5Wna_wuKWspEtZSNdSF89FDlpDdUukynvYgEk4Elg3s_y1E3qO2FvpQDzuZaa7mfnOBBH83-Wrydl2rzkWuILS_DZboc2ZK6XnhEZcBy64wxiRmBo9E_6OaXlGnKR3OZ-24X/s1600/girls+gifts+mason+%2526+madison.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673902887295850274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikO-eihrzF5Wna_wuKWspEtZSNdSF89FDlpDdUukynvYgEk4Elg3s_y1E3qO2FvpQDzuZaa7mfnOBBH83-Wrydl2rzkWuILS_DZboc2ZK6XnhEZcBy64wxiRmBo9E_6OaXlGnKR3OZ-24X/s800/girls+gifts+mason+%2526+madison.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdfSzBvK8wjdsJ3xz3lsSEZbvjuGs13Dvw_5ifQfeE6SvmByo13L19irO4APfnVUfzdRY0m2nD2qXUSwiH1si99lMgL7OrykMbjKry4XbT5zGWWGUMM8R9QYA5Ea-JZcuCH0g6XlJL0NhY/s1600/floral+pumpkin-s.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673948099318284178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdfSzBvK8wjdsJ3xz3lsSEZbvjuGs13Dvw_5ifQfeE6SvmByo13L19irO4APfnVUfzdRY0m2nD2qXUSwiH1si99lMgL7OrykMbjKry4XbT5zGWWGUMM8R9QYA5Ea-JZcuCH0g6XlJL0NhY/s800/floral+pumpkin-s.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">One of the designers on the tour, Linda Holt, wrote a <a href="http://newlightredesign.com/2011/11/before-and-after-photos-and-lessons-learned-from-my-first-show-house/">great blog post</a> on being a part of the event. Reading it, I discovered she studied with a color consultant/designer who I follow on twitter, <a href="http://www.mariakillam.com/">Maria Killam</a>. It is a small world! </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br />If you’d like to take in a holiday tour for yourself (I suggest you grab some girlfriends, your mom, or a design enthusiast to join you) there are a couple coming up that I know of: </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><a href="http://www.concordmuseum.org/visit/special_events_HouseTour.html">Concord Museum Holiday House Tour</a><br />December 3rd<br /><br /><a href="http://www.sandwichhollydays.com/Home_tours.htm">Holly Days in Sandwich:</a><br />Holiday Homes Tour on Dec. 11th</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Maybe I will see you at one of them?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">P.S. <a href="http://lynnfield.patch.com/articles/getting-ready-for-the-holiday-season">Click here to view more photos</a> from Laura</span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >’</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">s space and see some other homes on the tour that I posted about in my decorating column for <span style="font-weight: bold;">Lynnfield Patch</span>.</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /><br /></span></span>

Holiday Homes Tour

Laura Thomson designed vignette for the Holiday Homes Tour in Boxford , MA Around the same time that I was planning my New England Finery d...

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A minimalist fall planter

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg59fUq3jLG5DzuZPxDhAOIX5zKXgVY3XUqD95UJwNRjpmWD5O6VmdtgTYiwE8019ApASmB7RjXdBNnFssOfsE2TrrBdEr32X24QwNshE9a2bDnyrVohSa-Un-YCS5KU-m6X7po2A6jLrI_/s1600/fallplanter10.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529810420143719634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg59fUq3jLG5DzuZPxDhAOIX5zKXgVY3XUqD95UJwNRjpmWD5O6VmdtgTYiwE8019ApASmB7RjXdBNnFssOfsE2TrrBdEr32X24QwNshE9a2bDnyrVohSa-Un-YCS5KU-m6X7po2A6jLrI_/s400/fallplanter10.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />I love the harvest-in-abundance aspect of fall decorating, but this season I am going with a more minimalist look on my front porch. I chose to fill a pair of planters with small-scale boxwoods, some scattered hay for texture, and for vertical interest I added miniature stalks of cat-tails. This will look seasonally-appropriate right through Thanksgiving, so I will not have to change it again until December. For the winter holidays, I will replace the hay with evergreen clippings and some red berries, both taken from my backyard. I will come up with something ornamental to replace the cat-tails. In the summer, I will move the boxwoods to the backyard where I am creating a small boxwood garden. I always try to use perennials in my container gardens, so that I can reuse them and get more design out of my landscaping dollars.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Total cost for fall-to-winter<br />planter makeover: $40</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">I have officially crossed #9<br />off my <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2010/10/10-weeks-10-projects.html">top 10 to-do-list</a>!</span><br /></div>

A minimalist fall planter

I love the harvest-in-abundance aspect of fall decorating, but this season I am going with a more minimalist look on my front porch. I chose...

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Porch decorating

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLXwHvkRAOsyKTeQdrfd-0rU7kTwuNrUIQBn_dUULeYjjAlHMljaZeb34GD989oHCouBNye71q_7Qwy7zuMzEEDeRSTg-Wa15ytYAMp2Ue4LRuXv8t83CL3m0B-RjcX1Gdmk9ZG4R4WnE/s1600-h/chairs+on+porch.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339829046898244770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLXwHvkRAOsyKTeQdrfd-0rU7kTwuNrUIQBn_dUULeYjjAlHMljaZeb34GD989oHCouBNye71q_7Qwy7zuMzEEDeRSTg-Wa15ytYAMp2Ue4LRuXv8t83CL3m0B-RjcX1Gdmk9ZG4R4WnE/s400/chairs+on+porch.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 295px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />In honor of Memorial Day, I am posting some images from a recent porch </span><span style="font-size:130%;">“mini-makeover.</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> Using my client</span><span style="font-size:130%;">’</span><span style="font-size:130%;">s hanging folk art flag as inspiration (what a great piece!) we pulled out a pair of friendly white rockers from her shed and then had thick seat cushions made in a vibrant indoor/outdoor fabric for this shady porch. Now all we need is a large pitcher of ice-cold lemonade and some passing neighbors to stop by and chat for a spell ...</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXeO81fRLkFJGgICWGa_U1t1sHCzrdCEqdFfsEmMnuLpIMRmkf8d-6b4FsrH6J8WC2kW_cn0TWQUub0REjjPj4U7KH3YKxkHWkVLnEraOACUSLdZlgTBt7qLFz4N3hRLtHIHQoEIi5pEM/s1600-h/planter+w+trees.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339836067998772530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXeO81fRLkFJGgICWGa_U1t1sHCzrdCEqdFfsEmMnuLpIMRmkf8d-6b4FsrH6J8WC2kW_cn0TWQUub0REjjPj4U7KH3YKxkHWkVLnEraOACUSLdZlgTBt7qLFz4N3hRLtHIHQoEIi5pEM/s400/planter+w+trees.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 287px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">And when a little privacy is desired, this miniature screen of evergreens politely does the trick. Hardy pansies in cranberry red add color and charm.</span><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr39IC9FIUvJ-fF00gHX4d9Y_Xk1qJMHrSRmp5EOVOZINMfkz-C6XL3cg_l6_Cm1-ptNK3H0CRXdozcCgBh_IygFPJKwnzvznKhV3bAd2iC16-_cIYNJB2QxtvHZTlMGvt3F_I9HevO98/s1600-h/trike+w+plants.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339829051849717154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr39IC9FIUvJ-fF00gHX4d9Y_Xk1qJMHrSRmp5EOVOZINMfkz-C6XL3cg_l6_Cm1-ptNK3H0CRXdozcCgBh_IygFPJKwnzvznKhV3bAd2iC16-_cIYNJB2QxtvHZTlMGvt3F_I9HevO98/s400/trike+w+plants.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 295px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">An early spring vignette designed with my client’s antique tricycle, an old-fashioned container overflowing with blue star-shaped perennials (to be planted later) and some organic vertical interest.</span><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZnBojRK0Hu_Y5-AX0gXPX_NkbGzWM3VF5cJfxvvM1fRwxoHayEtfJYQV2hLDgTmnmetXf_R6IR9mRJ3f9vPR2XMefRviiPBQafpk6cLJ79XLim5ZqP1T-dYxfvu7ScxvBLtvSs1GLu4Q/s1600-h/fern.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339829049047852482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZnBojRK0Hu_Y5-AX0gXPX_NkbGzWM3VF5cJfxvvM1fRwxoHayEtfJYQV2hLDgTmnmetXf_R6IR9mRJ3f9vPR2XMefRviiPBQafpk6cLJ79XLim5ZqP1T-dYxfvu7ScxvBLtvSs1GLu4Q/s400/fern.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 317px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />With the warm weather, we have added a lush, Boston Fern (actually an indoor plant) in a terra-cotta urn on top of this traditional wicker console. The large scale of the plant is a dramatic welcome at the front door.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJYKIq4p5ICBv3gAd4cRsVlVSiwI5-qAV2koVVDctZ1sG2TH-14ToB0erdqyATaLY3nJsQnKi6U0Pudw4J5orJQYUXxjkrEvYIAkDfHNMMOdtfrTqlnBl7St_gBikodTprdfWzb1HDSw/s1600-h/bunnies+w+carrot.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339832881842423058" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJYKIq4p5ICBv3gAd4cRsVlVSiwI5-qAV2koVVDctZ1sG2TH-14ToB0erdqyATaLY3nJsQnKi6U0Pudw4J5orJQYUXxjkrEvYIAkDfHNMMOdtfrTqlnBl7St_gBikodTprdfWzb1HDSw/s320/bunnies+w+carrot.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 250px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">And by adding a few “non-growing</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> decorative objects – like this basket of rope spheres along with a moss-covered carrot in honor of her stone bunnies – we are ensured that even without direct sun or watering, the look will remain true to our design.</span><br /></div>

Porch decorating

In honor of Memorial Day, I am posting some images from a recent porch “mini-makeover. ” Using my client ’ s hanging folk art flag as inspi...

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