Reduce Reuse Recreate for Christmas Decor

Coming across a broken lampshade recently got me thinking about how I could as a Designer, Artist, and Creative thinker, take this lampshade and work my magic to repurpose a basic household item and turn into Christmas Decor.

After all, many things end up in landfills so, as a Designer I wanted to do my part and help reduce, reuse, recycle and limit the amount of items that end up in landfills, by recreating something special for this Holiday Season.

When you think of how consumerism plays a big part of the Christmas Season, and that it’s pretty easy to go out and buy something new if you have the extra funds to do so. The challenge comes when you may not have the extra funds to do so but, some fun comes with just wanting to be creative and turning something broken and old, into something new.

Taking the lampshade apart and trying to utilize 100% of the components turned out to be a success. As I utilized them in different ways which I have enclosed pics below.

Firstly, I began with the bottom ring of the lampshade frame and, used the lampshade cover trimming material to wrap tightly around, hot glueing the ends to adhere to the ring. The next step was to take some on hand buffalo check Ribbon, long pine branches, white berries and pine cones to create…

A one of a kind stylish Christmas/Holiday Wreath that is nice enough to leave up for the Winter Season!

The next components of the lampshade to be used was the lampshade cover material. Here I took zigzag scissors and made 3 different sized triangle shapes. Taking the same sized pieces and cutting with straight sheers a line one the first piece from the bottom up and cutting a line on the second piece from the top down *note do not cut all the way, you want to leave the same amount at each end so that when you place them together they fit properly.

Voila! Modern, Classic, Whimsical and Simple Christmas Trees for a Cloche Dome Scene.

When thinking as a Designer of the Statements one makes to showcase, highlight, transform, and WOW Interiors then the last part of the lampshade also known as the the Spider Fitter of the framing, does just that.

The Pièce de Résistance *noun the most important or remarkable feature was the…

Chandelier I created!

The Christmas Holidays are definitely a favourite time of the year for me and the ability to use my talent and create unique and one of a kind Designs is a gift I don’t take for granted. To do something good like trying to keep as much as we can out of landfills is one aspect that Designers should really take into account. It’s important for the future of this planet and humanity!

From my Interiors to yours wishing you and yours,

A Very Merry Christmas!!!

Reduce Reuse Recreate

Unconventional Easter Decor DIY for your Interiors

Unconventional Easter DIY for your Interiors

Unconventional Easter Decor DIY for your Interiors because…when your Interior work is as versatile as an Egg, you go and make Carrots!

Let’s face it when it comes to Easter Decor that’s available for the mass market; it’s typically Easter Eggs, lots of cute bunnies, and a few carrots thrown into the mix. I have to admit the cute bunnies get me every time, what’s not to love about bunnies?

Easter is one of the most important and oldest holidays of the Christian Church. It’s the biggest Holiday after Christmas to decorate your interiors, to ‘Spring it Up’ and to make your Interiors feel fresh and fun! It’s the time when adding cuteness comes into play (just look at these bunnies!) How could you not like cute? I have posted past blogs for this time of year where Eggs were the focus take a look at my past Easter Blogs (links below) for more inspiration!

https://c2-interiors.com/diy-easter-eggs-and-springtime-decor-that-is-as-versatile-as-our-work/

https://c2-interiors.com/patchwork-home-decor-for-easter/

https://c2-interiors.com/create-an-easter-and-spring-table-setting/

I stated earlier decorating with Eggs are the go to for this time of year and you may have already seen I’ve done quite a few Egg decor interpretations in the past. This year I wanted to continue the added touch of whimsy that I like to infuse into my Easter decor, but be unconventional by handcrafting and creating oversized fabric Carrots that definitely add all the right touches I was trying to achieve.

For those who have been following along on my latest creative journey you will know that I use the word unconventional when it comes to Events I host and Design, and it’s the way I like to Style and Design all Interior Spaces. So of course, when it came to this time of year and decorating for Easter ‘Unconventional’ became the big Carrot!

Fun Fact:
The word unconventional un·con·ven·tion·al/ˌənkənˈven : not based on or conforming to what is generally done or believed.

What you will need to create ‘Unconventional’ Carrots 🙂 !

Fabric of your choice
Scissors and/or Fabric Cutters
Hot Glue Sticks and Glue Gun
Twine
Faux Greens for Carrot Tops (here I used sourced faux ferns)
Pillow Stuffing/Filling
Sewing Machine

These Carrots were sized at 24 inches/61 cm tall and the pattern was freehanded for more versatility. Make sure to sew fronts of fabrics facing each other and leaving a 2 1/2 in opening at the top so that you can pull fabric through leaving fabric seems inside for clean edges and have enough space for pillow stuffing/filler. Also, having a stick or long ruler to help get pillow stuffing/filler to bottom tips is helpful. When wrapping the tops with twine and hot glueing them a second pair of hands would be helpful although I did it solo it can be a bit tricky although doable.

Some of the best reasons to try and attempt these is that not only are they gonna be one of a kind decor for your Interiors, these oversized Carrots are versatile encough to use throughout the year ie: fall harvest, outdoor planters or summer events etc…

These oversized Big Carrots not only will make for a great conversation, but will sure add those touches of whimsy, fun and most importantly add…

Unconventional Easter Decor for your Interiors

Unconventional Style for your Interiors!

Tablescape Workshop a Modern take on Tradition

Just in time for the Holidays…

Tablescape Workshop

“a Modern Take on Tradition”

tablescape. Noun. (plural tablescapes) An artistic arrangement of articles on a table.

Yes, its a busy time of year and fitting in any extra to do’s on your

Christmas list can be challenging!

Spending a little extra can be challenging at this time of year as well

But, if you plan properly and take the time to save a little extra to do something special,

then my recent Tablescape Workshop (presented by @joyscoutlearnshops) would have been the perfect gift for you to give yourself or someone on your list.

After many years of creative experience and knowledge I wanted to do something different as a way to give back to myself and others.

What better time then this time of year!

So I went back into my creative archives and erected the skills taught to me many years ago by old world faux painting masters.

With this in mind, I wanted to incorporate the old world painting techniques taught to me and give them a little modern spin.

The workshop emphasis was placed on tablescaping and with my experience in event design and styling the most creative way to

use the paint technique was going to be for me, to somehow incorporate the paint technique onto the centrepieces (pictured above),

because centrepiece arrangements are usually the focal point of tablescaping.

Attendees of this workshop not only got taught as I like to call it “an old world paint technique for the modern ages” and apply

it to their very own floral vase base, they also arranged their own centrepiece with fresh greens. They also got instructed with tips and tricks to

collaborate and put together the details of the tablescape and set the room for a picture perfect moment.

Transforming the Room

with details that are unconventional and creative, this is by far my favourite part of Event Design and Styling.

As you can see from the pics below…

for us Designers it really is about the details!

What better way to have and incorporate fun, unique, and memorable details than a Tablescape place setting…

Here I sourced unique and modern plates and utensils to incorporate the theme.

By adding lots of fun details like the painted snowflake chargers, wire Christmas trees, gradient colour of Christmas ball ornaments and candles, cheese cloth runner,

and ribbon name tags, to your tablescape; not only will this enhance the theme of your event set up, it will also enhance the experience of your guests.

Fun Fact:

The fierce Vikings in Scandinavia thought that evergreens were the special plant of the sun god, Balder. Germany is credited with starting the Christmas tree tradition as we now know it in the 16th century when devout Christians brought decorated trees into their homes.

Keeping things unique and different for me are always a must!

There are many traditions at Christmas time and many ways to decorate.

The Modern touches added to the traditional setting that this Workshop was held in, were done subtly to add unique and special details that complimented the space.

As mentioned in some of my previous blog posts for me here, it’s about being creative, and having fun!

Christmas is always a special time for me, it brings back so many creative memories of the special touches my dad use to add to

our home Interiors. Christmas was the beginning of where my passion for Creativity was born!

May we stay Creative, Enjoy the simple things,

have lots of Fun and Laughter the motto of

my Tablescape Workshop

and my wish to you for

this Christmas Season!

Bathroom Reno Design with Custom Details

A Bathroom Reno Design

with Custom Details

isn’t that what everyone wants?

when it comes to Minor Renovations ( and yes! there are minor and major).

Sometimes you can begin with a minor renovation that can turn out to be a major renovation.

Have you watched any Reno shows on HGTV lately?

Then you would know what I am talking about!

This Design blog is about a minor renovation on a Bathroom that just needed an update and more functional elements.

After trying to source a vanity that I had in mind and having no luck finding anything within a reasonable budget and functionality, this meant that I needed to design a vanity or in this case two.

As you can see from the below pic of the “before” rendering that I did.

You may be thinking! Did she just say a “before rendering”? Yes I did, because when your in the midst of kids,

a spunky pooch, designing, selling coffee, arranging florals, and making pillow tassels, …etc,

you forget to take the before shots that everyone likes to see.

As you may already know! when beginning any interior renovation project a lot of decisions are based on budget.

I like to tell clients, before beginning any Renovations that they try to really think about the budget and also try to let them know

that they are best to spend their money on the things that will matter most. In a Bathroom for example, plumbing is definitely crucial,

but so are the fixtures that you will be using on a daily basis ie. Vanities, Toilets, Faucets,…etc.

To some people quality bathroom fixtures maybe considered luxury items but, think of the everyday wear and tear

that these items go through. If it’s not in a 911 emergency to renovate then I would suggest for you to wait and save, especially if you have a budget that will limit you and have you cut corners. Get the job done right and get quality if you can!

and in the end it will save you in the future.

Trends will come and go! I like to stick to classic and timeless things that can withstand some time.

Yes, one will get tired of white walls, but they can be painted easily. Tiles are not so easy to replace! so choose wisely especially if

you are on a limited budget. As pictured above, subway tiles are withstanding some time. Subway tiles have a been around for awhile because of their simplicity and they can be a more economical solution, but when done right they can also be classic and timeless.

Same goes for the Hexagon floor tile I choose.

Funfact: The hexagon tile pattern has been used on floors and walls of bathrooms since the 19th century.

Finding and sourcing fun pieces that can work to create unique storage is always a favourite of mine.

This cabinet has been repurposed from one area to another and painting it black (“my happy colour”like one of my Pinterest boards state)

transformed and made this cabinet one of the feature pieces in the Bathroom.

Now for the Pièce de résistance

‘the most important and remarkable feature’

tada…

C2-interiors.com Custom Design Vanity!

Ok! its a bit of a splurge because this vanity is made of walnut wood and the interiors are all made of maple wood. This vanity can be customized with less economical solutions, but this is when I said earlier put your money into quality if you want some longevity.

The legs are made of metal and were powder coated in black paint. There is a lot of wood legs and bases on vanities on the market ,

but I wanted something more durable. Also, most drawer vanities on the market that I looked at had no top drawer

that was functional for storage. Typically this top vanity drawer is usually fixed because of plumbing.

I designed a solution!

Why not wrap the interior drawers around the plumbing?, so that I could get more functional storage.

This does depend on where the plumbing will sit within the vanity, but all these logistics can get figured out with smart design.

Pictured below: showing all drawers are functional.

The beauty in simplicity is key for me in my Designs!

Keeping and adding things that are

Timeless, Classic and Simple with Style!

…Now time to Relax!!!

Hello Summer Party Decor DIY

Hello Summer!

Party Decor DIY…

If you don’t know by now that Summer is one of my favourite seasons, then you will by the end of this summer’s blog post. If you are creative and love to entertain as I do, making an intimate summer event extra special in detail is where I am taking you this season.

It’s all about the details here!

When entertaining and/or hosting an event the details are important and key to making the day a success. When you take the time, and care about what you present to others, even in the form of hosting an event; it shows a lot about who you are and how you care about making things extra special. It doesn’t have to be expensive, my favourites are the most economical and simple ways that bring out the best creative work.

UP UP and Away…let your creativity flow!

with our custom made “Hello Summer Party Decor DIY” air balloon baskets.

These can be so versatile for many things and here we have used them for a sweet table of a summer party. Here they were filled with snacks of chips, popcorn, and an assortment of candy. FYI…Chocolate didn’t make the cut because of the melting factor. lol, after all Summer is the warmest season of the year. How fun! to have the guests choose their favourite treats from a display of fun props.

Fun Facts…excerpt via eballoon.org

On the 19th September 1783 Pilatre De Rozier, a scientist, launched the first hot air balloon called ‘Aerostat Reveillon’. The passengers were a sheep, a duck and a rooster and the balloon stayed in the air for a grand total of 15 minutes before crashing back to the ground.

The first manned attempt came about 2 months later on 21st November, with a balloon made by 2 French brothers, Joseph and Etienne Montgolfier. The balloon was launched from the centre of Paris and flew for a period of 20 minutes. The birth of hot air ballooning!!!

How to…

Pic 1.

Supplies needed:

Baskets (found at your local craft store) I used two sizes 7” & 5” for variation

4 12” length wood dowels need per basket

White flat spray paint

Hot glue gun

Small 10” beach balls

Pic.2

Hot Glue dowels to corners of basket

I placed the dowels further down in the smaller sized baskets for height variation

Pic.3

White flat spray paint the entire basket and dowels

(make sure to do this in a well ventilated area or you can brush paint if you like)

Here tablescaping (an artistic arrangement of articles on a table), with beach sand and shells to add the extra special details and touch to make this sweet table presentation extra special.

It is definitely a passion and natural gift for me to create and it’s always a pleasure when others appreciate it! That’s why for me here at C2-interiors.com having this blog outlet to share some fun ideas and creative designs has been so great!

UP UP and Away…let your creativity flow!

Enjoy your Summer!!!

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A Paris themed Bridal Shower and How I made it bespoke

A Paris themed Bridal Shower

and How I made it Bespoke!

Let’s begin with the word Bespoke, if you haven’t heard this word lately and the word is not yet in your vocabulary.

I am enclosing the meaning: be·spoke bəˈspōk/1.past of bespeak. adjective Britsh 1.(of goods, especially clothing) made to order.”a bespoke suit”(of a trader) creating made-to-order goods.”bespoke tailors”.

I am not British for those of you who don’t know me! My fondness of travel and having been to England, plus my ability and passion to create one of a kind events makes the word “Bespoke” perfect for me to use. For those who witnessed the fairly recent Royal Wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex better known as Harry & Meaghan would know that this was a fabulous example of a Bespoke Event. The Florals and arches created by ‘self taught’ florist Phillippa Craddock were exquisite. She is an amazing example of having a natural creative ability and using it to establish a successful business.

I was recently approached to create a Bespoke “Bridal Shower” Event for a Beautiful soon to be Bride. The theme came from the Bride and her invitations which were Paris inspired. Paris being one of my favourite cities, made this event extra fun to Design. So, now we transport you to Paris!

Fun fact: Did you know:The average travel time between London and Paris is 2h20 minutes. The quickest route is 2h16 minutes. The first train leaving London is at 05:40, the last at 20:31. There is an average of 16 trains a day between London and Paris, leaving approximately every 57 minutes.

Pictured below:

Adding Customized Bespoke Designs like this Eiffel Tower made of Moss and my Beautifully sourced faux florals added a very special and unique back drop for the Head table.

Guests were greeted with a touch of Bespoke Paris Fashion Inspiration. I customized fresh florals with details inspired by a favourite French Couturière and Paris based Fashion Design house.

We went with tones of Pink as the Colour theme throughout; from the customized Fresh and Faux Floral Arrangements we designed and made, to the overlays on tables we brought in. It made this Bridal Shower feel girly, pretty, and fun!

Yes I do!

For those who have been wondering if I do Floral Arrangements? As an extension of my services rendered and creative abilities I am adding florals to my repertoire. “Florals for your Interiors” is how I like to refer to this extension of my business.

Wait! there is more to come…

Props!!!

I create Props! and in this case the Photo Booth and Props.

Of Course, I would create Props I have created many in my lifetime. I managed to capture these candid photos of the bridal party using the Photo Booth and Props which I feel tell a very compelling story.

Love this Moment!

Last but not least was the Pièce de rèsistance…

the Dessert Table

or in this case Dessert Cart and Floral Market!

Sourcing out a special vendor (Sweethearts Sugar Carts) and customizing details

(like the Bride noticing the pricing in her personal and customized Floral Market was in Euros )

Is how I added special touches that truly made this Bridal Shower Event

be·spoke bəˈspōk

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