Happy Home - Inspiration for Joy

Happy Home is a new book out by Jennifer Paganelli, creator of Sis Boom Fabrics.  You can't help but smile and feel happy when you see her bright, cheerful designs.

Here is the description from Amazon.com, where you can purchase the book.

Jennifer Paganelli designs one of the most popular fabric lines in the marketplace. In this gorgeous collection, she shows readers how to whip up twenty-one beautiful accessories to transform their space into a sunny, happy home. Each project showcases Jennifer's fresh, whimsical style—from luxe drapery to cheery tablecloths and napkins. Featuring simple step-by-step instructions, a comprehensive glossary of techniques, pattern sheets tucked into a handy front pocket, and lush color photos, this book makes it exceptionally easy to pretty up every room in the house. 


 I was lucky enough to review the book, and answer some questions based on my review (my answers are in italic.

 · Is there anything about the book that inspires you? 
The cheerful colors of the fabric!  It's scary to go bold and bright, and while Jennifer goes all out, she demonstrates ways to also inject it through smaller projects - like pillows, and smaller decorations.

 · Have you used fabric designed by Jennifer Paganelli (SisBoom) in home décor projects? 
I haven't - but after seeing her fabric, will definitely consider them for my next project.

Here are some I have my eye on right now, for either my bedroom curtains or a set of cloth napkins:

From the West Indies collection - this plum would look gorgeous next to the pale gray walls in my bedroom.

I also love chartreuse with light gray - so if I do a single panel roll-up shade this geometric from the Poodle collection would look good.

   

The print above (To St. Croix collection) and the print below (Honey Child collection) would both make for some fun cloth napkins.

 · When you look at the projects in the book, who comes to mind? Who would you like to make them for? 
 Children.  I don't have any children yet, but when and if I'm blessed enough to have them I want them to grow up in a home that with the aesthetic theme of joy and play than perfection.  I would make some of these projects from Happy Home for various people - for example:

The market tote, featured which I LOVE - I would make for my mother.  I also think they would make fantastic bridesmaid's gifts!

The party banner would be beautiful in a baby nursery, or used for children's parties.  I could see this being a great piece to pass down and be used by family through generations.

These pillows would be wonderful for anyone's bed - grown up or child.  In blues and greens for a boy would be great, and in the pinks for a girl would be great.  It would be a wonderful message for a kid to wake up or fall asleep to.

 · Does your experience and expertise as a design and home décor blogger make you look at the book differently?

Yes, because it allows you to create the decor and accessories seen in the book, as opposed to showing you a wonderful space, but when where you have to buy items to achieve the look.  When you handmake something, it automatically has more meaning, and is more likely to be special to you for a longer period of time.

How wonderful would it be to give this adorable pom-pom pillow to your daughter who is leaving home for the first time to go off to college?

These projects can also save you money when organizing.  Stylish organization tools are always pricey - but check out the boxes below:

They are so pretty!

All of the projects in the book come with a list of supplies needed, a pattern layout, and step by step instructions.  Their is also a great section in the back listing resources for sewing and related supplies.

I am in the process of teaching myself how to sew, and I'll share any creations I make out of this book.

A great resource if you'd like to learn to sew is the book:

Sewing Made Simple by Tessa Evelegh  (This book is a work of art in itself, with gorgeous photographs and beautiful projects.)

Do you feel inspired to make anything happy for your home now?


*disclosure: I received "Happy Home" and "Sewing Made Simple" as samples

A great giveaway for designers and DIYer's from Lewis and Sheron Textiles!

So, on Tuesday I introduced you to my newest sponsor, Lewis and Sheron Textiles. Today I'm happy to announce that they are offering $100.00 in store credit to one lucky Decorology reader!

To enter for your chance to win, simply visit lsfabrics.com and browse through their amazing selection of fabrics. Come back to this post and leave a comment sharing the name of the fabric you would buy with your $100.00 credit, and what project you have in mind for the fabric. To comment on this post (scroll to the bottom of this post and right above "Labels" you will see a number followed by the word "comments." Click on the word "Comments." Or, you will see a link, "Post a Comment," which you click on to comment.

If you receive posts in your email feel free to respond to the email noting that you'd like to be entered in the drawing (don't forget to mention your favorite fabric!).

Below are a few more of my favorite fabrics...

"Tribal Thread" - I would love to reupholster my dining chair cushions with this.

"Parisenne" - I think would make some really cute, conversation starting table linens - napkins, placemats, or a runner.

The fabric above, "Westminster," would make a really fabulous upholstered headboard.

"Iskander" would be great for throw pillows.

I can't wait to hear what everyone's favorites are, and the projects you'd use them for! Post your comments by Dec. 8th, 6 PM EST, and I will draw the winner at random and announce the lucky reader the next day!

Good luck!

Introducing the newest Decorology sponsor and a great resources for designers and DIYers...

Some of you may have noticed my newest advertiser on the left hand column - the pretty blue box that says "Lewis and Sheron Textiles." I was surprised when they emailed me about advertising because I had just ordered some swatches from them the week before. I had heard about how great their selection/prices were from the post "Fabric Searching on the Cheap" on Cote de Texas. As some of you may remember, I was on the search for a fabric to make curtains for my new apartment. The current curtains are tan and drab and do not tie together my new Iranian rug and my sofa. Below is a picture:

Pretty drab right? Well, I got some amazing tips and suggestions from you guys, and I finally found something I like at the right price point.

The fabric I chose. (I'll be doing a curtain reveal soon).
via Danielle Oakey Interiors

Well, several of the swatches I tested were from Lewis and Sheron, and they stood out because the swatches were the largest I received - around 18" L by 5" W.  Also - they were the only store to  include matching trim samples at no extra cost.

So, now that I've found fabric for my curtains,  I need to sew several pillow covers to create some cohesion between my drapes, rug, and sofa. So, I've ordered several swatches from the www.lsfabrics.com site, which allows me to sort by colors.  I want fabrics with reds, blues, and blacks - all of which are present in my rug.

It's easy to select a color and see all the trims and fabrics with the selected color.

You can also search by other criteria

Your cart selections are visible on the top of the site.

Below are some of the swatches I ordered from Lewis & Sheron to see if they'll make good matches for pillowcases.

Stay tuned later in the week for a really great giveaway from Lewis & Sheron!

disclosure* This post is sponsored by Lewis & Sheron Textiles

Images from a fairy tale

Happy Friday everyone! Tuesday and Wednesday sorta merged for me, and I don't know where the week went. Anyway, I've had these images from an old ad campaign from Brunschwig & Fils, and I just love the whole enchanted look of these sets.

(CLICK ON EACH IMAGE FOR A LARGE VERSION)




I like the fireplace treatment in this one, I don't know if those are real sticks lined up vertically or a screen with an image, but I have never seen it before and think it's a great idea for a non-working fireplace.
These ads I first saw on 1st Dibs.

A great product for all those knitters out there!

I'm not a knitter, but I am a crocheter, and I love my luxury yarns in all those cozy textures and delicate colors - so needless to say, A LOT of my scarves go without washing for a little longer than they should.

Actually, my everyday, can't-live-without scarf is a kashmir pashmina. I bought in Florence three years ago for $12 euro and I use it for everything from a shawl to a bedspread. For the price I doubt it's quality kashmir but the garment has only gotten softer over time and I still find it as beautiful as the day I bought it.

Well, long story short, Soak wrote to me and asked if I'd like to try their care product, a premium wash for cashmere, silk, wool, lingerie, hand-made quilts, etc. I asked for a few samples, and the first thing I washed was my only cashmere sweater and my beloved pashima. The resulting scent was subtle and lovely - and best - my garments really were softer. I actually will probably by a nice travel sized bottle, as I ended up washing my pashima with regular detergent after returning from Morocco and the thing came out stiff as cardboard.



Well, I'm sounding like an infomercial here, so you can read all about them for your self at the Soak website.

"Originally created as a care product for knits, Soak™ has since evolved into a premium wash for all delicates, including but not limited to: hand knits & handmade quilts, cashmere, silk, linen & wool, lingerie & hosiery, swimwear, workout & yoga gear, embellished clothing, baby clothes & blankets, stuffed animals, even your dog! Soak’s™ no-rinse formulation is quick and easy to use for hand-washing (takes approximately 15 minutes), will not leave any soap residue due to the low-suds formula, is gentle on fibers and hands, and leaves your washables clean, soft and smelling great!

Great for mom, grandma, the knitting or quilting enthusiast, the fashion design student, the world traveler, the new mom, the on-the-go business executive, the cashmere-clad boyfriend or husband, or anyone who owns delicates, Soak™ has an endless variety of uses complimenting just about anyone’s lifestyle." -via Soak site

They also make cute little tags for knitters to put inside garments and gifts

If you like Amy Butler you will LOVE these prints!

I was just introduced to Artaissance, and I adore this line - 40 colorful, beautiful prints from Amy Butler. Check them out:









See more and get the goodies here.

They also have a great deal where you can get a sample of the art - about 5.5"x8.5", for $5.00 - and if you choose to buy then that $5.00 goes to the full-size version!

Do you like these as much as her fabrics?

Serena & Lily Friends & Family 25% discount code

I have a really great sale code for you guys - Serena & Lily is holding a 5-day (Nov. 12-16th) 25 % off sale (bedding, fabrics, gifts, accessories). The code is FALLFRIENDS25 at checkout. Here are some of my favorites and you can see another post I did featuring them here.





I love all their mix and match patterns and colors



If you want to browse what they have go to Serena and Lily and enter FALLFRIENDS25 to get 25% off. Enjoy!

Gorgeous bedding and loungerie - sweet, lovely patterns!

It's taken me awhile to dig through my emails since moving - and I'm so glad I rediscovered an email introducing me to Plum Pretty Sugar. Made from fabrics the creator picks up in her travels throughout India - her "loungerie" and bedding mixes romantic exoticism with the chic simplicity of modern homes and women. I want so many of her products --- though I think that the "lounge cardigan" is calling my name the loudest!

The cardigan I mentioned - so pretty


I would also adore a knee-length kimono style robe in pink love poppy...so sweet






and some bedding in dreams in paisley!

Go to Plum Pretty Sugar's etsy shop to buy-
or to her flickr page to see her textiles in setting.