Put A (dot)Com On It

Hey there!

Like Portlanders and their birds, you might have noticed that bloggers are choosing to put a (dot)com on it by dropping the .blogspot, .wordpress or .typepad part of their address and using their own custom domain.  Does that make them more official?  I think so!

And in great follower fashion...I put a (dot)com on it.  From now on, this little place I call internet home will be http://www.revamphomegoods.com. Did you notice?  Probably not.  But, I'm totally official now!  Well, in my mind anyways.  So, what if all you can remember is the old address, http://revamphomegoods.blogspot.com?  Well, no problem!  All .blogspot traffic will be automatically redirected to Revamp Homegoods.  Relieved?  I bet.

So, how did I make the transition from unofficial blogger to official blogger?  Easy.  Google.  Or better yet, Blogger.  I bought the domain name http://www.revamphomegoods.com from Blogger (via GoDaddy) for $10 a year, by accessing my Settings on the Blogger's Dashboard.  Under the Publishing section you have the option of using .blogspot.com or it asks you if you'd like to use or purchase a custom domain.  I crossed my fingers as I checked to see that revamphomegoods.com was available and when it said yes, I went through Google Checkout to finalize the purchase.  After purchasing, all I had to do was sit and wait while Blogger did it's thing and about 20 minutes later my blog had changed automatically from .blogspot to its new custom domain.  That easy and that quick! 

And yes, technically it already had a (dot)com and all I did was drop the .blogspot, but I really wanted to be hip and reference Portlandia.  Okay?

There you have it.  The quick and easy change that you guys probably wouldn't have noticed had I said anything!

So, what about you other bloggers?  Have you made the switch?  What path did you take (the easy blogger route or the difficult millions of questions and questionably expensive route?)

Until next time,

Mad (wo)Men.

I've done it.  I've gone to the dark side...

Revamp Homegoods is now offering advertising spots on the right sidebar and I'm using Passionfruit to make the process as easy as possible.  Check out all the details on the {sponsor/advertise} tab above.  Interested in swapping?  Great!  Shoot me an email at revamphomegoods@gmail.com.

Hope to see you adorning my blog soon!

Until next time,

DIY Nautical Chart Art

Hey there!

Ever since I was a youngster drawing countries for my book reports, I've had a fascination with maps.  That fascination carries over into decor.  I'm all about showcasing a map in the home and if you haven't noticed, so is the rest of the home decor world.  We've seen them in vintage, modern and contemporary forms of all shapes and sizes.

We've long displayed a world map in our home with pins to showcase where we've traveled and now we're rocking another map to show another important place in our lives.

The hubs, while in addition to being an amazing teacher, is a commercial fisherman.  He spends his entire summer break in Alaska out on the Aleutian Chain catching halibut and black cod.  It's incredibly difficult having him gone for months at a time, but it allows us to raise our son the way we want ~ with Mama at home.

To make the transition easier and to help our {almost} two-year old son TRY to understand why Daddy is away and where he is, we picked up a couple nautical charts of the fishing grounds where he typically fishes, so we could show him exactly where Daddy is.  You can pick these charts up at most marine supply shops, ours was Longship Marine in Poulsbo, Washington.

Rather than just throwing the chart up poster-style, I created a piece of art that is both practical and beautiful by cutting the chart into four panels and framing them with simple glass frames.

1. Use the frame's backplate as a template when planning and cutting the chart.
2. When lucky, the chart's existing lines provide great straight guidelines for easy cutting.
3. Once cut, place within the frame and move on to the next - repeating steps 1-3.  {One chart will provide four 16x20" panels with a bit left over, so you may even be able to go larger.}

The color palette reminds me of vintage maps with their subdued hues and it's a perfect neutral piece that anyone could use in their home.

These charts could also be cut to fit on a desk with a glass piece over the top to protect them.

Or adhered to canvas.

Or pick up a few and use as wallpaper.

And don't stop at nautical charts.  You could also do the same with brightly colored world or national maps, or maps of the stars...absolutely anything your little heart desires.

So, what about you?  Do you share a love for maps, like myself?  How do you display them in your home?

Until next time,

This project was featured!

Save the Date for the Etsy Craft Party!

Hey there!

The Etsy Craft Party is scheduled and I'm taking part in this year's event on Friday, August 24th with a local gathering in Astoria, Oregon.

{VIA}

Not quite sure what an Etsy Craft Party is?  Well, I think Etsy can explain it best...

Hello, party people! In a few short months, the best day of the year will be upon us. Our third annual Etsy Craft Party offers up an opportunity to toss confetti, inflate a bouquet of balloons, sharpen your scissors, and celebrate two of the best things in our handmade lives: craft and community. We will be celebrating together in towns and cities across the globe on Friday, August 24, 2012.

In a nutshell, Craft Party is a celebration of meeting and making, of creativity and community. It’s a time to meet your neighbors and share a creative skill. It’s a time to have fun and party down with scissors in your hand (carefully, that is). Anyone can organize a Craft Party and anyone can participate — the power is literally in your hands.

This year, we are announcing a theme we’re calling Wish You Were Here. With this as a guiding idea, we encourage you to work on projects that reflects your hometown. Think about local and regional crafts, music, style, and food, ways to pay tribute to a notable landmark or place, an activity that tells local lore through handmade means, or any creative activity that speak to this spirit of local flavor. This is definitely open to interpretation, and it’s up to you to decide how you showcase the theme at your party. We’ll be planting more seeds of ideas in posts to come.

NicolesCadeaux

We will be announcing further details about Craft Party 2012 in the coming weeks, but we wanted to go ahead and give you a date to save so you can start your scheming. Future posts will share tips for organizers, RSVP information, DIY party ideas, how-to projects incorporating the theme, and many more morsels of inspiration and straight up logistical know-how.

In the meantime, here are a few links to help get your Craft Party pinwheels turning. Click the links to find out each answer:

• How did Craft Party 2011 work?
• What were some Craft Party stories and quotes from 2011 and 2010?
• Where can I see photos from past parties?
• Can you give me some ideas of projects to make at my Craft Party?
• Is there a Craft Party Team on Etsy?

That's the plan or the beginning of one, anyways.  For those of you local to Astoria, Oregon (or close enough) stay tuned for more information as we secure a location and time.  And put those thinking caps on - we need a killer "Wish You Were Here" themed project.

Interested in helping me plan or sponsor the event?  Shoot me an email at revamphomegoods@gmail.com or a comment below.

So what about you guys?  Are you planning to participate or even host an event in your hometown?

Until next time,

The Battle With The Monthly

Hey there!

And no, not THAT monthly.  I'm talking magazines.  I absolutely love getting the glossy mags in the mail each month and can't wait to get in the door, sit down and devour the entire thing.  But then after I'm done reading the mag just sits in a basket on my hearth or on a stack on my nightstand and then every once in awhile they get moved to a box (yes, I am a magazine hoarder.)  I rarely look back at the old publications, but I can't bear to get rid of them for the "just in case" factor.  You guys with me, here?

I've been a subscriber to Real Simple for more than 3 years and before that I was a regular grocery-aisle purchaser.  I absolutely love this magazine - it's like a one stop shop for women - style, home decor, organization, cooking, family...the list goes on and on.  I have stacks and stacks of these.  Plus, it's one of the few magazines where I actually read the letter from the editor.

I've been reading Better Homes & Gardens for as long as I can remember.  My mom used to pick it up and it was always one of my go-tos in the doctor's office (obviously after I had outgrown Highlights.)  This one is right up there with Real Simple. {They're offering a one-year subscription for $5.99}

Parenting Magazine is one that I picked up for free or on some super cheap deal.  I like it for its parenting tips and kids activities.  {Two-year subscription for $12}

One of my faves and one that my husband loves just as much is Family Handyman.  Plus, they have an incredible website full of helpful DIY projects and tips.  Thanks to my Nana & Toot for introducing us to this DIY'ers dream mag and gifting us a subscription, too. {$10 for a one-year subscription}

And the newest addition to my stack - a BH&G affiliate, Do It Yourself Magazine.  A magazine chalk-full of DIY projects.  Yep, I'm in love.  {They're offering one-year Free with a 2-year subscription.}  Check them out on Facebook to get updated tips & tricks.

Last year I received a phantom subscription to Architectural Digest and I fell in love with the jaw-dropping homes and decor they feature.  I haven't seen the magazine in the mail the past few months, so it might be time to open a real subscription...or better yet, anyone want to send me their old copies?  :)

And last but not least, the magazine that I wish was still in existence, Domino Magazine.  This was a love at first sight relationship until my friend just disappeared one day and I've been pining ever since.  Luckily, I do still have my old copies to keep the dream alive.  BUT, WAIT!!  A Domino Special Edition??!!  Nothing like my old friend coming back for a quickie - wait, what?  For all you fellow Domino lovers - check them out on Facebook.

Well, that rounds off my list of glossies that arrive at my doorstep (or PO Box) every month or so.  And that's just the tip of the iceberg if we're talking E-Mags, too (hello, LONNY!)  I know I need to purge and there's great places, like Half Price Books that will buy your old mags from you, but I'm just not ready for that step.  An intervention might be in order...

So, what are you flipping through?  Did you pick up a copy of Domino's Special Edition?

Until next time,

Ask Michelle: Updating a Vintage Sofa

Hey there!

It's our first "Ask Michelle" Q&A where Michelle Dirkse, Interior Designer, answers your tough design questions!  Did you miss our interview with Michelle?  Check it out here.  Now let's get on with the question...

Hey Michelle,

I have a vintage sofa that was given to me after my Grandma passed.  It has amazing lines, but the upholstery leaves much to be desired.  With a large extended family, we are tough on furniture.  What is the best fabric to use that is both classic and will stand up to a lot of wear?


~ René

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hey René,

I'm so happy to hear that you've decided to keep your grandmother's sofa and make it your own!  Reupholstering a vintage sofa is a great way to get a custom look without the custom price, while also getting to hold onto something that's already meaningful to you.  I picked up my grandfather's 8 foot long sofa last weekend and I'll be doing the same thing.

Here's my plan of attack:

1) Remove the skirt
2) Change the wood legs to metal legs
3) Instead of 3 cushions along the back and 3 on the seat, change to 2 larger wider cushions across the back and two along the seat
4) Change the mauve and blue fabric to Dark Gray Mohair with a Dark Gray Satin Welt

{Clockwise Top L to R:  Holly Hunt Studio Waterloo Sofa, Holly Hunt Studio George V Sofa Nailhead Detail, 
Pollack Gray Mohair Fabric, Donghia Divan Sofa}

Here are a few do's and don'ts for reupholstering your sofa:

First Step:

• Do your homework and find inspiration images to pinpoint your style.  Search online, in catalogs, in magazines and in stores.  This will help you to figure out (or confirm) your favorite color while also helping you see the details that you love.

Next, Choose Your Upholstery Fabric:

• Do choose fabrics that are specifically designed to be upholstery fabrics since they'll last longer and look better. Consider Mohair (not velvet), natural leather, wool fabrics and/or fabrics with stain resistance. 
• Do choose a neutral or classic color if you plan on keeping the sofa for awhile.  Then again, the sofa was free so maybe you want to have some fun and use a color or a pattern that you'd normally reserve for the sofa's pillows?
• Do extend your search beyond the big box craft stores.  You can search online for fabric wholesalers that typically sell to the trade and then ask your upholstery shop to purchase them for you.  If you're doing the upholstering yourself, the company may be able to suggest a retail location.  And don't forget to check Ebay or Craigslist.
• Don't choose a fabric with "loops" on it that will easily snag if you have pets and Don't use thin silky fabrics or fabrics without any texture since they're less forgiving with stains and will show more wear and tear. 
• Above all, Do choose a fabric you truly love.  Have fun!

 So you've found your upholstery fabric, now what?

• Do consider changing the legs.
• Do add a personal touch with detail, like the nailhead trim above.
• Don't forget that you can change the number and type of cushions.  Tailored box cushions can be replaced with large feather and down pillows.  Maybe you'd rather have two cushions across the back and one along the seat rather than two rows of three.  Use your images for inspiration and direction. 

Keep me posted on your progress and I'll do the same!

Michelle Dirkse
BLEND Interior Design Studio

Wish YOU could pick Michelle's brain?  Well, send in your design questions and one will lucky reader will get Michelle's full attention.  Have photos to include?  Great!

Submit your questions to revamphomegoods(at)gmail.com, on Facebook, Twitter or in the comments section below and YOU might be featured in the next "Ask Michelle" post.

*Michelle Dirkse is a founding partner of the design firm BLEND Interior Design Studio.  BLEND Interior Design Studio, based out of Seattle, offers distinctive interior design both locally and nationwide and provides its clients with a multitute of service options.

Until next time,

Breaking News - New Cold Remedy Really Taking Off

Hey there!

I woke up yesterday with a sore throat.  I don't know about you, but sore throat and sunny weather just don't mix.  It's still fighting to take me down, but it's nothing a little tea and thrifting won't fix.  What?!  Shopping doesn't fix your colds?

Here's what I picked up today...

Three-Piece Pier1 Outdoor Cushion Set for under $4.50

Yellow basket,  Wooly Mammoth and...wait for it...Anthropologie Zinc Letter.  Who would drop this at GW?  My imagination thinks that the owner was dating a "J" and things didn't quite work out.  Thanks for the letter "J" and sorry about that nasty breakup.  Don't worry, there's more fish out in the sea.  Chin up.  Now, be gone with you...I'm relishing in my thrifty finds.

Wire Storage Baskets

Basket to replace plastic wastebasket in bathroom

Adjustable Arm Lamp

Desk Task Lighting - 2 lamps

Vintage Lunch Box - Perfect for my Father's Day gift basket...stay tuned!

This little trip sure did put a little pep in my step!  Stay tuned to see how I use and/or revamp these items. 

Until next time,

Budget Friendly Landscaping: Pea Gravel Pathway

Hey there!

For those of you that don't live in typically sunny locales, do you ever start looking over your shoulder when you've had a few sunny days in a row?  Like, the rain is your stalker and you have nowhere to hide?  No?  Just me? 

Well, it's been absolutely beautiful since last Saturday.  We had a nice visit from my parents and put work on hold aside from hanging Luke's new swing which is a nice twist on the classic tire swing.  It is absolutely perfect for younger kids.  

But, as soon as my parents left on Sunday the break was over - we busted out the hedge trimmers and lawn mower and it's been non-stop ever since.  With sunshine in the forecast for a few days in a row I decided to tackle the eyesore outside.  A week or so ago we moved our power from overhead to underground and the electrical company who ran the line underground left us with a 75 foot long trench right smack dab in the middle of our yard.

Pretty, no?

After I got over the initial shock of the big dirt river flowing through our yard I realized that this was a total blessing in disguise.  I've been planning to put in a meandering pea gravel walkway in this very area and with it already dug up, all the hard work was done!  It also gave me a good excuse to  get this project done sooner rather than later. (I'm sure the hubs probably would have wanted to put it off.)

A few months back, I was searching for some budget friendly landscaping designs and I came across these incredibly helpful tips which made me realize that a pea gravel path would be the biggest bang for our buck.  I really love how natural it looks and how little upkeep it would be.  And when I happened upon this AMAZING garden from Trädgårdsflow (a Swedish blog) I was sold!

I could spend all day in this garden.

Source: tradgardsflow.blogspot.com via Meagan Padgett on Pinterest

Once I had the okay from Josh and a few sunny days in my future, I drove to Home Depot and picked up my supplies for our 55 foot long meandering pathway, while Josh picked up a load of pea gravel from our local landscaping rock store.

Supplies:

• Two 60 foot long packages of Vigoro lawn trim
• Three packages of Valley View lawn trim stakes (they recommend putting the stakes in every 4 to 6 feet)
• One package of Easy Gardener Weedblock 3ftx100ft landscaping fabric
• JB Sun & Shade Grass seed for replanting non-pathway areas

And 114 dollars later (minus the gravel) I was mapping out the pathway and digging the trench. I tried to keep the path about 3 feet wide.  Thankfully we have sandy soil which made the digging part easy, but the loose sand did make it difficult to keep the trench clear and the width exact. 

Once the lawn trim was in place, I leveled out the ground both inside and outside the pathway.

With the ground level, I started to lay the landscaping fabric.  It was a bit windy so I worked in small batches...lay fabric, spread rock, lay fabric, spread rock.

With the rock in place it was starting to look more like a pathway.  I spread the grass seed and gave everything a good soak.

Right now it's all just shades of brown and it's hard to see the difference between the brown soil and the brown pea gravel, but once our grass starts to grow it's going to look pretty damn good, still not as good as Trädgårdsflow.  That garden seriously has it going on.

After two days of hard work, I think I'll take a break from any manual labor for a little while.  This lady needs some of that Lemon Sugar Scrub and a hot tub.  Hmm, Mother's Day IS coming up.  A girl can dream...

Until next time,