Do you like graphics?

I have been so inspired with Spring just around the corner and some redecorating I am doing here in my own home. I created a new graphics set at http://www.hshpgraphics.com/hshpSpringNest.htm.

*Suzanne made a good point. I have kept my graphics and blogging so separate that I did not even think of this. If you want to purchase this new set and you need a custom header, just email me. I would be glad to make up something larger as a header on your blog.*

Be Inspired! -Karol :0)

Christmas Clean-Up

Well, Christmas has come and gone and now it is time to get ready for a brand new year. I usually wait until after New Years to take down my tree and decorations, but I have decided to clean up early.

It feels just as good to me to put things away, clean and organize as it does to drag it all out and put it up. Everything feels clean and fresh.

I am gearing up for a few home projects. One is a cork note board for my office. I am using an old frame I had in the attic. I will share this week how I make my cork board. Very simple. The "K" initial I bought at Hobby Lobby a few weeks ago. Hobby Lobby has the cutest initials in metal, ceramic, and ceramic tiles. This week, again, they are all 1/2 off!


I also painted this star in nice spring/cottage colors last night. It was a deep rust color. Nester gives great tips on how to paint stars when you need a fresh touch of color. This star is hanging in my stairway now.


Be Inspired! -Karol

Cottage & Spring Style

I just picked up the new issue of Country Living magazine. As usual, the cover caught my eye. This issue has a lot of great ideas and inspiration for spring decorating, cottage decorating, and entertaining.

As Spring begins I like to add touches of the cottage look in my home. If you like the cottage style then you should visit Country Living Magazine's website and enter their contest to win the cover look of their May, 2008 magazine issue.

Adding a spring/cottage touch to your home can be as simple as displaying a bucket or planter with real or artificial hydrangeas or lilacs as seen in the Country Living photo (left) and in my photo from my living room (below). I also added an antique cracker jar with shells and sea stars, finishing with a round quilted toile placemat.

Be Inspired! ...and good luck if you enter Country Living's drawing! -Karol

Spring Decorating At The Beach

Now that I am settling in my home I have decorated the front porch for Spring. Just as I shared in my previous post Country Meets the Beach, I am trying to use my country decor pieces while adding a coastal touch.

I made this wreath this morning. I began with a wispy willow wreath from Michael's, a spring bouquet of light flowers, 5 finger starfish from Katheleen's Kottage, and a pretty bird's nest. I didn't wire or glue anything. I just tucked everything into the wispy branches of the wreath. Whenever possible, I like to do that so I can change out items when I would like.

Now that I have officially moved I am now able to use some of my benches to decorate my front porch. To the left of my front door is my favorite teak wood bench. I have added a red star above the bench. I love touches of red here and there. Red is a cozy color to me. I was afraid red would not work with the coastal look I am trying to incorporate, but I have found red looks great and is a wonderful contrast with the muted coastal colors of my home's exterior and interior paint colors.

Then to the right of my front door I have added my weathered antique deacon's bench. This bench will be used for my seasonal decor displays.

My first floor porch area is an "L" shape and wraps around the right side of the home. Around the corner I have placed two wicker chairs and an antique red table for a quiet, comfy retreat.

Last, I decided not to use the "To The Beach" sign I shared about in my Country Meets The Beach post. I wanted something larger and also with some red. I painted my own sign on a piece of scrap wood in the style and colors I wanted. Below is a picture of the result.




Be Inspired! -Karol