Books Archives - Poppytalk

Collages + Once Upon a Lockdown

Jan Halvarson — Sat, 15 May 2021 05:34:00 +0000

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Q & A with Colin & Justin and Their New Book —Escapology

Jan Halvarson — Tue, 27 Oct 2020 06:28:00 +0000

Right now couldn’t be a better time to escape, or dream at least and so I was excited to receive a copy of Escapology, Modern Cabins, Cottages and Retreats, a new interiors book by two of Canada’s greatest imports, Colin McAllister and Justin Ryan who divide their time between homes in Canada and their beloved Scotland. Many of you I’m sure already know of these adorable, entertaining two chaps who have graced many a magazine/newspaper article, and television, not only here in Canada, but all over the world. Above photo: Airship 002 | Photography Nigel Rigden

Their newest book “is dedicated to those who choose to leave the city in pursuit of a greater connection to nature and a quieter way of living and to those who dream of following their example”. And now more than ever, I think each and everyone of us can relate. So this book comes at a perfect time, and the best kind of book to give as a gift this holiday season. So I was thrilled when Colin and Justin agreed to a little interview here on Poppytalk to accompany their new book that we’re honoured to feature.

Q1. Congrats to you both on such a stunning book! We have a lot in common with our mutual love of rural retreats. In fact, a couple of the cabins in your book we’ve featured on the blog in the past. For me it pulls me back to my roots in rural Alberta and brings me comfort to a more quieter, tranquil life, something I long for more and more these days. What brought you both to Canada and the love to escape to a home in rural settings?

We arrived on Canadian shores some 14 years past with ‘Colin and Justin’s Home Heist’: our first North American series. Airing on HGTV Canada, it ran for four 13-episode seasons – in total we made 52 fun filled hours of décor and drama, comedy and home style. Coming off the back of ‘How Not To Decorate’ (one of our UK shows that also aired on HGTV Canada) we travelled the land, whilst filming Home Heist, in search of needy abodes. And we made them pretty: with LOTS of colour. There may also have been a preponderance of out scale boutonnieres. We couldn’t possibly say… And, with the passage of time, we soon fell in love with the great outdoors. Our first cottage was in Muskoka, but we didn’t truly embrace the art of escape until we discovered our beloved Haliburton, home of many C+J fixer upper adventures catalogued during ‘Colin and Justin’s Cabin Pressure’ on the Cottage Life network. We love rustic modern: it’s our professional lifeblood – one of our other shows (also on Cottage Life) is Great Canadian Cottages. Check the network’s listings and schedules and give it a watch. Sure, one or two of the homes on that show feature in Escapology, but the book and the TV series are very different. Very different, but both exciting and inspirational.

Q2. As you mention in your book, the book is not only for dreamers, but also for doers. So having renovated multiple dwellings in your past, what are the three most important aspects to you for choosing a fixer-upper?

1. You can change everything about your subject cottage, but you can’t really change its location, unless of course you hire a lifting company to literally pick it up and transport it over land to a new spot. And yes: just for the record, we’ve done that too. Generally speaking, though, our point is this: a cottage or cabin you can improve, but its location and topography are kind of fixed, huh? So choose wisely, and enjoy your beautiful location for years to come. 2. Unless you’re buying a wicked deal ‘off market’, search in conjunction with an accredited realtor to appraise the best opportunities. Sometimes a realtor will have ‘pocket deals’: in these cases, if a seller wants to avoid the hassle of loads of people marching through their home, they’ll have told their realtor to quietly sell at an agreed price, without advertising. These opportunities can work in your favour as they avoid the prospect bargain cottage being exposed to a larger quantity of potential buyers. 3. Know your limitations: that diamond in the rough could turn out to be a can of worms if you haven’t properly evaluated its every detail. Are you up to replacing a roof, digging a foundation or knocking down walls? If you feel better suited to décor, new floors and replacing old faucets, then choose a cottage or cabin you can realistically tackle. DON’T bite off more than you can chew. Invest in a good inspection, and factor in all costs and associated spend. Then, and only then, dive in…

Q3. When it comes to decorating a getaway space, what are your suggestions for keeping it looking authentic, and real?

We’re all about the rustic vibe. Avoid fitted carpets as these are hard to maintain at the cottage. We tend to install engineered boards as they have sufficient structural integrity to endure all seasons. We love mismatched furniture, but finding a ‘connection’ that pulls it all together is important. Maybe you’ve got six ‘odd’ dining chairs? Paint (or stain) them one colour to make them feel like they have a relationship. Keep accessories in the ‘country’ mood. Think chunky ceramics in lovely earthy tones. And warm textural throws and cushions to amplify the cosy, indulgent feel…

Q4. In your book you feature escapes of all styles and sizes. I’m sure it’s hard to choose just one, but with that in mind, what style do you naturally gravitate towards?

We TRY and love all our ‘babies’ with equal measure, and we’ve space in our hearts for all the home from homes in Escapology – whether those we’ve personally designed or those by other creatives we admire. But Blackbirch in Haliburton is a joy to behold: all modern rustic and cool woodsy tones. Similarly, the Tree House by Lynne Knowlton is spectacular: imagine hiding up there, amongst those beautiful branches. Oh, and The Vipp Shelter in Sweden is a modernist joy, the rectilinear edifice beset with acres of glass and jet toned steel.

Q5. What tips would you have to help someone save money when renovating an old cabin?

Shop smart! Second hand stores and garage sales are our hallowed hunting grounds. And be prepared to re imagine and upcycle items that you find along the way. And we’re never scared of big box stores, where we often find great deals on lumber and materials. Yup, it all comes back to budget, and setting a regimented outline of costs and expectations BEFORE buying or renovating. Take it from us: it’s all too easy to go overboard, so take care of every cent… and the dollars will take care of themselves!

Q6. When it comes to an escape, form or function?

BOTH. BOTH. And BOTH! It’s gotta look good, but it’s gotta endure so you feel indulged and cossetted at every turn. That’s why our book is as much about advice, experience and counsel, as it is beautiful pictures. Sure, it’s a coffee table book, but it’s a reference guide of practical ideas into the bargain. From how to choose a realtor, or select the best lake, to planning a septic system or balancing budget, it’s all in there. And much, much more…

Q7. One thing I’ve always loved about you both, are your DIY ideas. You always have the coolest projects. How did you become so good at creating things?

We started out A LONG time ago! Twenty year ago, our first show on BBC 1 in Britain was called Housecall. On that series, we up-cycled and created magic using stuff that other people discard. It’s a habit we’ve always had, really. In short, we see opportunity and magic in other people’s discard. And come on: being Scottish our budgets are always ‘careful’. Lol – we’re not ‘tight’, just sensible when it comes to spending…

Q8. And finally, if you could go anywhere to escape in your book, where would you go first?

We’d be happy in any of them, but Airship 002 (in our native Scotland) would be a dream getaway. We normally fly between Canada and Scotland at least once a month, but due to the Covid crisis, our travel itineraries have become strictly compromised. It’s 8 months since we were on the other side of The Atlantic, and we are SO homesick. Guess we’re missing our family and our friends in Scotland. But as we said we’d be happy in any of the 24 escapes, or any of the 125 or so featured rooms. Casa En El Bosque in Mexico is astounding, and The Back Country Hut (which features on the cover) is super lovely, as is Park Corner Barn in England. We truly hope everyone finds something to love in the pages of Escapology. With our world as it is at the moment, we believe everyone dreams of getting away. Of taking their feet off the gas. Of releasing the pressure. And we hope Escapology helps people (if even in some small way) to escape. If only for the time they’re lost in its beautiful pages…

Thank you Colin and Ryan! You new book is perfect for someone who likes to dream, is living the dream or needs help making it happen. It’s a beautiful inspiration. Escapology, Modern Cabins, Cottages and Retreats is available through Figure 1 Publishing, as well as in bookstores and online.

Escapology, Modern Cabins, Cottages and Retreats

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Weaving DIY Chunky Woven Storage Box

Jan Halvarson — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 06:16:00 +0000

Today we’re excited to share a project from Anne Weil (Flax and Twine)’s second book, Weaving Within Reach, Beautiful Woven Projects by Hand or by Loom. The book is a real stunner with 25 gorgeous weaving projects from earrings, clutches, pillows to wall hangings, all organized by skill level. Most projects can be woven on found objects like an embroidery hoop or a cardboard box or simple over-under patterns using no loom at all. I also love the detailed instructions featuring step-by-step photographs.

This book comes at a perfect time where you will find gorgeous woven things to make, to use, and to give (maybe as a gift for the holidays)! Weaving Within Reach is available in Anne’s shop or find it at Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Indiebooks!!

The project we’re sharing today is a beautiful Chunky Woven Storage Box, which can actually be made in as short as one afternoon (the jumbo chunky wool makes it that way). Click past the jump for the how-to!

Chunky Woven Storage Box
An excerpt with permission from Weaving Within Reach
Beautiful Woven Projects by Hand or by Loom by Anne Weil

Reprinted from Weaving Within Reach: Beautiful Woven Projects by Hand or by Loom. Copyright © 2018 by Anne Weil. Photographs copyright © 2018 by Rebecca Stumpf. Published by Clarkson Potter/Publishers, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC.”

Transform a throw-away cardboard box and a pile of yarn into fine decor in an afternoon. If you don’t have access to this jumbo specialty yarn, never fear: hold together 3 or 4 strands of a super-bulky yarn that you can find at any craft store, and the results will be just as lovely.

PROJECT TYPE Made-loom
SKILL LEVEL Beginner
TIME REQUIRED 3 hours

TECHNIQUES
• Plain Weave, (page 168 of book) – see images below.

MATERIALS & TOOLS
• 9″ × 9″ × 12″ (23cm × 23cm × 30cm) cardboard shipping box
• 50 yd (45.7m) of jumbo specialty yarn, 2 WPI, or three 50-yard (45.7m) strands of super-bulky yarn , 5–6 WPI held together
• Color-coordinated embroidery thread
• Scissors, ruler, cutting mat (optional), pencil, craft knife, packing tape, sharp tapestry needle

TEXTILES USED
• Loopy Mango Mini Merino Wool in Oatmeal, 50 yd (46m), 17 oz (482g), 100% merino wool

FINISHED S IZE
• 11″ (28cm) long, 9″ (23cm) wide, 9″ (23cm) tall

1. Flatten the box and place it on a cutting mat or other protected surface. With a single cut, trim off the upper 2″ of the box sides and the top flaps, so that box measures 7″ × 9″ × 12″ (18cm × 23cm × 30.5cm) (A).

2. Beginning at one end of the flattened box, mark a line every 1 inch (2.5cm) across the body of the box, from the top of the box to the flaps that make up the bottom of the box (B).

3. With a ruler and craft knife, cut through both layers of cardboard at each line, stopping at the beginning of the flaps (you may want to switch your blade a couple of times to keep it sharp) (C). Only cut where you’ve drawn pencil lines.

4. Open the box (it will be in two pieces with two corners still intact). Cut the bottom of every other 1″ (2.5cm) strip, removing the strip. Don’t cut the corners yet so you can maintain the every-other pattern of the strips (D).

5. Tape together the bottom of the box (E), bringing the two pieces together. Turn the box on its side and slit the corners with your craft knife. Remove the 1″ (2.5cm) strips according to the every-other pattern around the box (F).

6. To begin weaving, orient the box with the inside (the brown side) face down, the outside (in my case, the white side) face up, and with the cardboard strips (warp strips) splayed out at each edge. Cut 20 yd (18m) of yarn for the weft. Be¬ginning at the lower left, wrap the yarn lengthwise around the bottom of the box 10 times. On the end with 4 warp strips, place 2 strands per warp space. On the end with 5 strips, place 1 strand to the left of the first strip, 2 strands in each opening, and 1 strand to the right of the first strip (G).

7. Bring the yarn end across the width of the box, weaving in plain weave over and under pairs of the yarn (H). This will split the pairs on the end of the box with 5 strips. Flip the box over to the inside and weave under and over the pairs (I).

8. Flip the box over again to the outside of the box, and weave over and under across the width of the box, matching the pattern of the strand from step 7 (J). Flip the box again, and do the same on the inside of the box, only this time, be¬fore you flip again, finish with the strand in the next warp space on the box (K).

9. Repeat steps 7 and 8, weaving across the width the entire length of the box (L). You will fill in any gaps in the weaving later.

10. Next, bring the length of yarn remaining up to the warp strips and begin weaving over and under the warp strips around the box (M).

11. As you weave around the box (N), hold the warp strips so that they’re vertical. The sides will tend to drift a bit as you weave, which creates a nice shape. Your initial length of yarn will run out about halfway up the strips.

12. When your initial length runs out, cut a length approximately 5 yd (4.6m) to fill in the sides and bottom before finish¬ing the top part of the box. You’ll notice a visible gap between the bottom of the box and where the weaving starts on the strips. You’re going to add to the coverage along the bottom. Weave the 5 yd (4.6m) length over and under the strands from the bottom of the box, around the box once, as if it were the first row of the side weavings (O).

13. Next, flip the box bottom side up. Bring the 5 yd (4.6m) length down and weave over and under the pairs on the bottom of the box, going around the outside of the current bottom weaving twice to fill in the edge and create an outer ring according to the weaving pattern (P). If desired, bring the yarn length to the in¬side of the box through a warp space and fill in the edges of the weaving inside the bottom. To finish, trim the yarn end with a 4” (10cm) tail and tuck it into the weaving.

14. Return to where you left weaving the sides of the box in step 11. Working with the remaining 25 yd (23m) of yarn, continue to weave around the box until you reach the very top of the warp strips (Q).

15. Using a sharp tapestry needle and color-coordinating embroidery thread, whipstitch (see below) the top of each warp strip, inserting your needle through the topmost strands on both sides of the warp strip, pulling it through the cardboard warp strip itself. This secures the topmost weft thread on the inside and the outside to the warp strip, ensuring that your weaving will not slip off. After 3 whipstitches, bring the needle and thread diagonally through the warp strip space to the left of your stitched warp strip to repeat the same process on the next warp (R). Repeat this for every warp strip.

16. Trim the end of the weft strand with a 4″ (10cm) tail and bury it under strands on the inside of the box.

17. Using the remaining yarn, create decorative stitching around the top of the box by feeding the length through a warp space from the inside of the box to the outside a couple of weft strands down from the top (S).

18. Wrap the length over the top of the box to the inside of the box. Next, pull the yarn through the next warp space to the left a couple of weft strands down (T).

19. Repeat step 18 around the box until you get back to where you started (U). Trim the yarn with a 4″ (10cm) tail and bury the end on the inside of the box.

Whipstitch
The whipstitch is a simple stitch and a good reinforcing stitch used to sew together two separate pieces of material. Thread a needle and tie a knot in the end of your thread. Hide your knot by bringing your needle through the top layer of fabric only. Bring your needle through both layers of fabric starting through the bottom layer so that the thread wraps around the edges of the fabric. Continue to bring the needle out of the top layer and poke it in through the bottom layer, making a series of stitches that wrap around the edges of the fabric.

Weaving Within Reach is available in Anne’s shop or find it at Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Indiebooks!

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DIY Art Deco Dresser

Jan Halvarson — Wed, 29 Mar 2017 18:45:00 +0000

We’re excited today to share a DIY project from Christine Schmidt of Yellow Owl Workshop‘s newest book, Make It Yours, Patterns and inspiration to stamp, stencil and customize your stuff. Once again, Christine makes all our DIY dreams come true with a stunning collection of projects that are inspiring and fresh. From creating the most adorable stamped clay ornaments to turning an old dresser into an eye-catching art deco showpiece, Christine shows readers how to create gorgeous projects using unexpected materials. To launch the book which is on sale today we’re sharing the art deco dresser project which is one of our favourites from the book. Check it out below!

Art Deco Dresser

During art school I paid bills by working as a mural painter and faux finisher. It was the late 1990s and faux marbling and sponge painting could not be stopped. I especially loved metal leafing with gold, copper, and silver. Using a simple Ikea dresser, this project showcases both the traditional method of leafing and a new method I developed to get crisp leaf motifs every time.
Art Deco, an art and design movement that started in France after the Second World War, played with geometric shapes, symmetry, and gold, baby, gold. The motif can be scaled or multiplied to fit any dresser, wall, or even a jewelry box. Gold and metal leaf works on many surfaces, even glass and melamine. Always remember to seal your surface before you begin so the adhesive sizing takes—and to seal it after to protect your work. I like to use large foam brushes to apply sealer and adhesive because these products will ruin your expensive brushes, and the larger brush size facilitates the application process.

MATERIALS

Damp cloth
Dresser
Rag
2 foam brushes, each 2″ (5cm)
Gold leaf kit with 25 sheets of leaf, adhesive sizing, brush, and sealer
Additional gold leaf sheets
Templates A, B, and C (click here and here to download)
Clear contact paper
Craft knife
Cutting mat, cardboard, or chipboard, 20″ × 18″ (51cm × 45.5 cm) or larger
Masking tape
Tracing paper, 81⁄2″ × 11″ (21.5cm × 28cm)
Fine point permanent marker
Scissors (optional)
Flat brush, 1⁄2″ (13mm)
Mod Podge, Gloss Finish, 16 oz (473mL)

TIME: 4 hours

LEARN: How to apply gold leafing to surfaces using two techniques
REMIX: Use these techniques to decorate any wood, glass, or paper item; create a large canvas stamp with this motif

Instructions, Part 1 (Traditional Method)
We will use this method to cover the entire dresser top. It is best to do this project indoors, where nothing will fall or blow onto the surface as you work.

1. Wipe the dresser clean with a damp rag. Any dust will prevent the adhesive from working properly.

2. Use a foam brush to apply the adhesive sizing in a thin, even coat to the top surface of the dresser. Allow it to dry for at least 20 minutes, up to one hour, or until sizing is clear and tacky. This time will vary depending on your climate. If you start too soon, the gold leaf will tear and move with the wet sizing.

3. Wash and dry your hands immediately before applying leaf because oil, sweat, or residue will make the leaf stick to your hands rather than your work surface. Open to a fresh sheet of gold leaf in the booklet. Place gold leaf facedown on the adhesive surface. Press gently and remove booklet, leaving only the gold leaf. Smooth with a small bristle brush.

4. Repeat step 3 until surface is covered in gold leaf.

5. Place small bits of leaf over any gaps and smooth them with the bristle brush. Use a gentle stippling motion to get into any grooves and then a wiping motion to slough off the extra leaf.

6. Use the second foam brush to apply at least two coats of protective sealer, allowing time to dry between coats.

Instructions, Part 2 (Cheater’s Method)
We will use this method to create the stenciled decoration on the face of the dresser.

1. Remove adhesive backing from a sheet of contact paper and lay it faceup on a table. Press gold leaf sheets onto contact paper. Once you have covered the surface with gold leaf, paint on at least two layers of sealer with a foam brush and set to dry overnight.

2. Place gold-leafed contact paper, plastic side up, on a cutting mat about 20″ × 18″ (51cm × 45.5cm).

3. Trace templates A, B, and C on tracing paper (template C is a mirror image of template B—see pages 148–49) and attach the three templates with tape onto the gold-leafed contact paper. Using a craft knife, cut out the three shapes. You may want to use scissors to cut out the circles.

4. Lay the dresser on the ground with the drawers facing up. Position the gold-leaf decoupage motif in the center of the top drawer with contact paper side down. Align the straight edge of the motif with the top edge of the top drawer. Apply small pieces of tape to secure the main large motif and the circles in position.

5. Lift up portions of the gold-leaf decoupage motif and coat the back with Mod Podge, removing tape as needed. Lay motif back down and smooth with your hands. Wipe up excess Mod Podge with a rag.

6. Using a craft knife, cut a centered line between the top and middle drawers. Fold over edges and adhere with Mod Podge.

7. Brush Mod Podge on decorated surfaces to seal the leafing.

Make It Yours, Patterns and inspiration to stamp, stencil and customize your stuff (Clarkson Potter; on sale March 28, 2017; $22). Click here to find out more.

Follow Christine Schmidt + Yellow Owl Workshop:
Site/Shop – yellowowlworkshop.com
Instagram – @yellowowlworkshop

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Yum Balls by Butter Celebrates

Jan Halvarson — Sat, 03 Dec 2016 06:20:00 +0000

Some may call these little gems rum balls, but at Butter they are better known as Yum Balls! They are the perfect addition to a holiday baking platter, or a nice little shot to your system before you head out to tackle the holiday shopping. I use Nabisco Nilla Wafers for this recipe.

Yum Balls

1 cup dark chocolate chips
2 ⁄3 cup sour cream, full fat
1⁄3 cup almond paste
3 cups vanilla wafer cookies, ground
(approximately one box)
2 cups chocolate crumbs
2 cups icing sugar
1⁄3 cup dark cocoa
2 ⁄3 cup white rum
1⁄2 cup butter, melted
2 cups chocolate sprinkles

MAKES: 4 dozen balls

YOU WILL NEED: food processor or blender, small ice cream scoop,
1 (11- x 17-inch) rimmed cookie sheet lined with parchment paper

STORAGE: You can transfer the finished balls to an airtight container lined with parchment paper and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

1. In a double boiler over medium heat, or a small heatproof bowl placed over a pot of simmering water, melt the chocolate chips. Remove from the heat.

2. In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the melted chocolate with the sour cream and almond paste and mix on medium speed until well combined.

3. Empty the box of vanilla wafers into the food processor or blender and blend on high until the wafers are finely ground.

4. In a large bowl, combine the ground wafers, chocolate crumbs, icing sugar, cocoa, rum and melted butter. Stir with a large spoon or spatula until well combined and then add to the ingredients in the mixer.

5. Turn the mixer speed to medium and mix until everything has pulled together nicely to form a dark and delicious paste, scraping down the sides of the bowl at least once during the mixing process.

6. Refrigerate the dough in the mixer bowl for at least 1 hour or even overnight.

7. Using a small ice cream scoop, drop the balls onto the prepared cookie sheet. Place the chocolate sprinkles in a bowl large enough that you can get both your hands into it, to avoid sprinkles flying all around the kitchen. Roll each ball between your palms until smooth and then drop it into the chocolate sprinkles. Scoop up some sprinkles in each hand and press them around a ball and roll it again to fully coat.

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Snowballs from Butter Celebrates

Jan Halvarson — Tue, 29 Nov 2016 07:07:00 +0000

Today we’re thrilled to share a recipe excerpt from Rosie Daykin’s latest book, Butter Celebrates – A Year Of Sweet Recipes To Share!

In her latest book (which I’ve put on my wishlist this year), the Butter Baked Goods owner shares a whole years worth of recipes to make those holiday, special events and other milestones even sweeter. Rosie shares favourite recipes for all the major holidays but also other special occasions as the arrival of a new baby or welcoming a new neighbour. Today she shares her recipe for Snowballs. Butter Celebrates – A Year Of Sweet Recipes To Share is available for purchase Chapters, Amazon, Random House | Photos by Janis Nicolay.

With the constant fear of global warming upon us and the concern for what that would mean to the future of snowball fights, I decided to create a confection that would be both delicious and useful in desperate times.

Snowballs

2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup heavy cream
1⁄4 cup plus 2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon pure vanilla
2 cups dark chocolate chips
2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut

MAKES: About 1 dozen (1-inch) balls

YOU WILL NEED: candy thermometer, 1 (9- x 9-inch) baking pan, buttered, 1 (11- x 17-inch) rimmed cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, small ice cream scoop

STORAGE: These balls will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for several weeks or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

1. In a medium pot over high heat, add the sugar and cream and bring to a boil.

2. Once the cream mixture has reached a boil, add o cup of the butter. Clip the candy thermometer to the side of the pot and turn down the heat so the mixture is at a low boil. Without stirring, maintain the boil until the candy thermometer reaches 240°F. Remove from the heat.

3. Gently stir in the vanilla and then carefully pour the cream mixture into the prepared baking pan. Set aside until it is loosely set and just warm to the touch, about 15 minutes.

4. Transfer the cream mixture to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Beat on high speed for 15 to 20 minutes, until light and fluffy. The cream mixture is very shiny and slippery when it first goes into the bowl and appears as though it will never get light and fluffy, but hang in there! In the last 5 minutes of the whip it transforms itself from a taffy-like confection to a light and fluffy nougat. Trust me!

5. Using a small ice cream scoop or two little spoons, roll the cream mixture into approximately twenty-four 1-inch balls of nougat and place them on the prepared cookie sheet. Place the sheet in the refrigerator while you are preparing the chocolate for coating.

6. In a double boiler over medium heat, or a small heatproof bowl placed over a pot of simmering water, melt the chocolate chips with the remaining 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat until smooth and shiny. Remove from the heat.

7. Place the coconut in a medium bowl.

8. Dip each ball of nougat into the melted chocolate. Using a fork, roll it around to coat the whole surface. Use the fork to gently lift the ball from the chocolate (I sit it on top of the tines to lift it out rather than spear it) and then lightly tap it on the side of the bowl to remove any excess chocolate. You may need to rewarm the chocolate if it starts to thicken up as it cools.

9. Drop the chocolate-covered balls one at a time into the coconut and roll them around until completely coated. Place the finished snowballs back on the cookie sheet. Once you have completed all of them, put the tray back in the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes to help the chocolate set up.

Candy making is not for the faint of heart. It can be a bit finicky, but if you watch your candy thermometer carefully and follow these added instructions, all should work out delicious in the end. Snowballs require you to bring the sugar syrup to a temperature of 240ºF, also known as “soft-ball stage.” That means that when you drop a bit of the boiled syrup into a glass of cool water, it will form a soft ball. When you lift the little ball from the water and place it on the palm of your hand, it will start to flatten after a few moments. For the best results, it is a good idea to use your candy thermometer and this cold water test.

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DIY Speckle-Painted Lampshade

Jan Halvarson — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 00:49:00 +0000

Today we’re excited to share a project from Rebecca Atwoods new beautiful new book, Living With Pattern: Color, Texture and Print at Home from Potter.

The book is all about how to tell your story with pattern, going through each room of a home from various artists/designers who Rebecca admires, but who also know how to make a home that is reflective of the home owners story. A section filled with gorgeous homes including tips and tricks on creating personal, patterned spaces.

The end of the book features several DIY projects from decoupage to embroidered placemats. Fresh updated projects on classic ideas such as marbling, weaving and shibori. Like this speckle-painted lampshade we asked to share here. Check out the how-to below!

DIY Speckle-Painted Lampshade

Customizing a lampshade is an easy way to add pattern to your bedside table. This small accent may be just what you need if you have limited space. Here an organic pattern is painted on the shade to give it new life. If you’re unsure about painting your own design, you can always go for a stripe. The pattern possibilities are endless, so sketch out a few ideas prior to starting.

Supplies
Lampshade
Water-based paint, such as gouache or acrylic
Brushes for painting and/or stenciling
Stencils (optional)
Lamp base
Apron or old clothes

STEP 1: Paint
Just dive in. Have fun and paint freely, or stencil the design of your choosing. Here I used blue and black gouache. Gouache gives a softer look than acrylic because it has a matte finish. I recommend using only a little bit of water. Simply wet your brush prior to dipping it in the paint. If your paint feels too thick, just add a little more water until you get a consistency you like. First I put down larger spots of a soft blue, followed by a second layer of smaller black spots.

STEP 2: Finish
Let the paint dry completely before fitting the shade on your lamp base. Light up your room!

Living With Pattern: Color Texture and Print at Home by Rebecca Atwood is available on Amazon. Click HERE for the link.

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Faux Floor Rug DIY

Jan Halvarson — Thu, 05 Nov 2015 23:41:00 +0000

Today we’re excited to share a project from Amy Anderson’s (author of Mod Podge Rocks and Washi Tape Crafts) new book, Washi Tape Crafts, 110 Ways to Decorate Just About Anything published by Workman.

There’s a heap of projects in the book (110 to be exact) and for someone who’s online and thinks they’ve seen everything, there’s quite a few new-to-us ideas that we loved! Including the project we’re about to feature, a faux floor rug DIY! So fun!

Faux Floor Rug
Supplies
Concrete (or other uncoated) floor
Measuring Tape
Pencil
Washi Tape, in a variety of colors (the example shown here features 31 different tapes in varying widths 1/8″ to 2″)
Craft knife
Decoupage medium (optional)
Paintbrush (optional)

1. Measure a 2′ x 3′ rectangle on the floor. Use the pencil to mark the corners.

2. Grab an entire roll of washi tape (a lighter or white shade is best) and start unrolling it, from one corner to the next adjacent corner, creating one side of the rectangle. Press it to the floor.

3. Continue around the rectangle, laying down the remaining three sides. Overlap the tape where the strips intersect.

4. Once the rectangular frame is in place, use the remaining rolls of washi tape to create a pattern over the framework that was laid in Steps 2 and 3. For a basic striped pattern, alternate adding a strip of washi tape at each 2′ end of the rectangle, moving toward the center. Optional : Mark additional shapes or patterns, like diamonds, zigzags, chevrons, a geometric pattern, or a more free-form design, over the stripes.

5. To create flat fringe, press a 2″ wide strip along each of the 2′ ends of the rug. Use the craft knife to cut out slivers of tape 1″ to 1-1/2″ into the edge. Note: Cutting right on the floor is easiest on a cement floor. For wood floors, or other softer surfaces, press the piece of tape onto wax paper and cut the fringe on a cutting mat before peeling back the wax paper and transferring the fringed tape to the floor. Optional: Depending on the foot traffic you expect your faux floor rug to sustain, you may choose to coat the surface with decoupage medium to slow regular wear and tear.

Note: This project is best done on a concrete floor or other uncoated surface, since washi tape doesn’t stick very well to vinyl or laminate without a sealant.

Cool huh?

Here’s a sneak peek of a few other projects from the book (click on the left hand side of the card deck to flip the images).

The book includes techniques: precision tearing, wrapping, and weaving. How to make bows, rosettes, and other shapes. How to seal and weatherproof designs to make them permanent. And 110 projects, with color photographs and step-by-step instructions, from custom photo frames to one-of-a-kind gifts. There’s even 10 rolls of specially designed washi tape!

Washi Tape Crafts, 110 Ways to Decorate Just About Anything is available through Amazon.

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