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Handmade Prints for Your Summer Redecorating

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[hKristin]

I know that spring is time for cleaning out and organizing, but is summer time for redecorating? It sure is feeling that way to me! Maybe it’s just all the garage sale finds that I am repurposing or the warm weather inspiring me to bring some sunshine into my home decor, but right now I have definitely been bit by the decorating bug. This week I thought we’d focus on one of the quickest ways to do some redecorating – adding new prints to your walls. There’s no faster or easier way to spice up blah bedrooms, boring baths, and dismal dining rooms than with a flurry of new art. With that in mind, here are some of my favorite options.

This first print comes from NorthTrain Designs and features two of my favorite things – bugs and old books. I love that the print is done on an old dictionary page, lending a vintage modern feel to any room.

Prints-1

I love the next print, a Godzilla inspired colorful confection from Monster Gallery, for its Geek Chic. It would look darling in a nursery or child’s room, but my husband would also love it above his desk, in our family room, or as a fun touch in a retro kitchen.

Prints-2

The room that is most in need of art right now in my house is the master bedroom. We are getting a new quilt, made by my aunt, and I have been on the hunt for just the right images to go with the new bedding. I’ll definitely be ordering one of these finch prints from Bee Things. The cheerful color and folk art based design are just the thing to keep our room feeling fresh and keep smiles on our faces when we wake up.

Prints-3

Continuing the bird theme, this adorable little owl from Jen Skelley is simply wonderful. He would be lovely on a gallery wall in your hallway, or perfect in a child’s room or studio.

Prints-4

Another whimsical and beautiful print is this one from Leah Duncan. The soft colors would be perfect anywhere in your home!

Prints-5

Last, but not least, this fabulous print from Undone. The pattern and colors in this one are just stunning!

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If summer is making you feel like your home needs some redesign, try some of these handmade prints to lighten and brighten every room! See you next week!

Yummy

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About this stunning bracelet by juiceglass
This bracelet took a lot of time and joy in the making. Created with my own lampwork beads, jade stone, bits of seashell and sterling wire, it is a unique piece. A little girly, a little earthy, a little beachy!

Three pillow shaped lampwork beads are the bright center of the design. Each is flanked by seashell caps, which also are paired with glowing chips of jade stone on dangles. Sections of hand forged sterling wire create links between the lampwork beads, and the entire piece is clasped with a hand forged clasp, compete with a jade stone briolette dangle wrapped in more sterling wire. The entire piece was tumble hardened for hours, then given a rustic patina for an aged, finished look. Entire bracelet is a little over 7.5″ long.

All glass beads are made by me in Bullseye glass, a local glass company, and cleaned in harvested rainwater. All beads are digitally annealed for strength and durability.

Handmade Back to School

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[hKristin]

If you’ve walked through a Target or office supply store near you lately you know that it is back to school time. The great news for those of you headed back to school, or with kids headed back, is that there are lots of handmade options that will help to set you or your child apart from the pack this fall.

Finding the right three-ring binder can be an ordeal, but take a look at this great option from Crown Bindery. Their binder makes organization a breeze and lets you choose how many pages to put in each section, and how to label them for maximum efficiency!

School-1-Binder

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What’s In Season Now: July Edition

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Before we get started with July go check out the May and June editions of our What’s In Season Now series, if you haven’t seen them already. Depending on the climate in your locale and the weather your area has experienced this year some — or many — of the suggestions in those columns may still be applicable.

In most places the strawberry season is coming to a close, but those blueberries I mentioned following close behind last month are about to spread their bounty and they will be followed by blackberries and raspberries — both domestic and wild will make an appearance this month — so, luckily, the berry season itself is far from making it’s grand exit for the year.

The tomatoes we talked about last month are now hitting full stride — mostly regardless of geography — as well. I love perusing the stands for interesting heirloom varieties I’ve never tried before. Make a note of those you most enjoy so you remember which to buy extras of — or plant in your own garden or patio pots — next year. Some of our tried and true favorites include Black Krim (my personal favorite), Mr. Stripey (my youngest will devour these by the bushel if I let her), and Green Zebra.

Beside them you’ll probably be able to find beets, carrots, peas, summer squash, zucchini, onions, peaches, plums, early apples, cherries, watermelon, cantaloupe, fresh corn on the cob and herbs of all kinds as July truly marks the height of the summer growing season in many places.

Though, these days, meats are mostly year round in their availability every type tends to have a season all its own nonetheless. Be on the lookout this month for fresh lamb to round out meals made with any of the above.

New to Farmer’s Market shopping? Our 2009 guide, How To Shop Farmer’s Markets, contains helpful tips and tricks to help make the most of your trip. From what to take to how to spot a bargain, it’s all there.

Until next time, happy local shopping, happy local eating!