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how to gather pattern inspiration in daily sights

Written on April 30, 2013 by Roxanne D

RD043013Chicago how to gather pattern inspiration in daily sights

I’m working on a new back-painted glass DIY and it’s not quite finished, so I thought I would take this chance to show you how I gather pattern inspiration from everyday sights. Stick with me as I show you how these Chicago snaps from a one-day walk around the city inspire a home décor item that will trigger happy memories daily.

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Sometimes we get caught up in the details of trying to create the perfect piece of original art, décor, gifts and home projects that it keeps us from beginning. Or that could just be me and my gift of procrastination. But if that’s you too, I’ve outlined concrete steps to take to get things moving.

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This is when I let my inspiration from the world drive my project. Although I feel in a perfect world that I would keep myself isolated and create my own patterns and designs, the reality is that you just cannot help but catalog tidbits of everything you come across in daily life. I am inspired by everything from a soup can label to the pattern of rust drips on a concrete wall, so filtering anything I’ve seen out of the creative process is completely out of the question.

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Always drawn to the geometric patterns in nature and architecture, I tend to snap photos of anything that catches my eye. I may not know at the time in particular the detail that encourages me to stop so I make sure to capture a photo, even if it’s just a quick phone pic.

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Here are the steps I take to harness those bits and turn them into something of my own.

Gather: Photos, quick sketches and Pinterest saves of those items that have caught your eye. Often it’s those images that you are unsure of what draws you in that have the most potential.
Ponder and Sketch: I like to get all the images/sketches in one area and just peruse over them. Some times I try to pick up on the similarities in the grouping, other times I enjoy focusing on the differences.
Refine: By now you’ll have noticed a trend in what you are choosing to sketch repeatedly (or you’ll have clear ideas for a couple of different directions, save the extras for your next project!). Pick your favorite for the current project you have in mind and start mapping it out. This may require drawing somewhat to scale for the piece you have. I am back painting glass for a table top, so I know that I want some sort of border, center focus and geometric fill-in for the rest. I will pick the elements that fulfill those requirements and start working them out.
Use: Now you’ve got a pattern that’s ready to go for your project. Depending on the finished product, your prep work will vary widely at this point. If you are back painting glass like me, draw to scale the pattern on a light background with easy-to-see marker. We’ll use it to put behind the glass and trace later on.

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All of the photos you see here are from a family trip to Chicago to visit my sister-in-law a few years ago. I enjoy the process of creating something that isn’t quite souvenir, framed photo or memento to remember favorite occasions. While I love the photos from the trip, we have limited wall space, so I enjoy finding creative ways to trigger my happy memories and also liven up my home.

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Stay tuned for the process and finished results of my glass table top. You can use these for protecting an old wood finish, setting hot food dishes on the dining room table, or even backsplash material!

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Design, DIY, Inspiration Tags: decor, DIY, home, Inspiration

DIY Entertaining: Run for the Roses

Written on April 17, 2013 by LisaW

LWderbyflowers2 DIY Entertaining: Run for the Roses

Horse racing is a big deal in my family, so every year we look forward to the annual Run for the Roses. I always have wanted to host a Kentucky Derby Party, but since everything else seems to happen this time of the year as well, I can’t ever make it happen! Well, this year I managed to plan a little party to take on Great Day Green Country for one of Prairie Hive’s guest segments. It’s always fun to go on the show, and today it was especially fun with delicious traditional Derby food and famous Kentucky bourbon!

LWderbybrown DIY Entertaining: Run for the Roses

I started with traditional Derby dish like these Kentucky Hot Browns. They were surprisingly very easy to make and they are DELICIOUS! To finish them off, I just cut out some horseshoe clip art and glued it to toothpicks to make cute little food picks.

LWderbycupcakes DIY Entertaining: Run for the Roses

Instead of making the traditional Mint Julep drink, I found a wonderful recipe for these Mint Julep cupcakes at Baked Perfection. Again, easy to make and so yummy!

LWderbybourbon DIY Entertaining: Run for the Roses

And to drink…a Bourbon Smash. Surprisingly light and refreshing! I took only a sip this morning as I had to drive myself home and stay awake for the rest of the day, but I can’t wait to enjoy one later! The ingredients include raspberries, sugar, lime, mint and of course, bourbon. How can you go wrong?! I asked Elliot Nelson, proprietor of McNellie’s in Tulsa for a bourbon recommendation and he suggested Basil Hayden’s. When it comes to things like bourbon, I’ve got to consult the experts!

When it came to setting the table, I wanted to put a little twist on the traditional Kentucky Derby party . To achieve a southern feel, I pulled out any silver (or silverish type serving pieces) that I had. I laid out a linen tablecloth and then used a light blue and white awning stripe Fishs Eddy runner that I found at Sideways here in Tulsa. You can see the runner under the drink tray! The first picture is an arrangement with roses of course. I used more of a coral red rose instead of the traditional deep red and mixed them with ranunculus and other seasonal flowers that were available at the store (I usually like to buy my flowers at Whole Foods- they have a great selection!). I used an old silver trophy as a vase. I’ve had mine for years, but it would be a great thing to search for at the flea market! Silver Mint Julep cups were also filled with roses and vases of hydrangeas were added to the mix – just for a little extra dose of southern charm. And if you’d like to add some official Kentucky Derby race day pieces to your party, the official glasses and programs are available to order.

Happy Kentucky Derby Day! If you’re off to the races, have fun! And if you host your own Kentucky Derby Party, send us some pics at Prairie Hive. We’d love to see them!

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DIY, Entertaining, Lisa W. Tags: DIY, Entertaining, food, Lisa W.

april giveaway: explore the Ellen Medlock Studio

Written on April 8, 2013 by Kim A

Images via Ellen Medlock Studio

We’re so excited to announce our first Spring giveaway –from our new sponsor, Ellen Medlock Studio, in Tulsa.

In the comments section below, describe your favorite way to use fabrics in your home decor, and you could win a $50 gift card to explore Ellen Medlock’s Tulsa studio. We’ll randomly select a winner — you have until Friday, April 12 to enter!

Many of you who sew might already know Ellen — her fabrics and boutique bag kits are available in sewing stores across the U.S. and abroad. She’s a big name in the sewing and quilt communities, and shows her fabric line and products at international markets.

And the local designer recently opened a store in Tulsa – 10032 S. Sheridan Road — featuring her line of original fabrics, and fabric crafts, DIY bag hardware and more.

In 2004, Ellen started her small design company with boutique bags in mind — and a local quilt shop soon asked her to design and write patterns for them. She has created many fans in the sewing community with her Interchangeable Bag series.

Here’s our Prairie Hive Q&A with Ellen:

Prairie Hive: Tell us a little about yourself – what inspired you to get into design?

Ellen Medlock: It seems like a strong design sense and creative drive is just one of those kinds of things you are either born blessed (or cursed!?) with. One of my earliest memories is staring at my bedroom’s pink ballerina wallpaper and trying to figure out where the repeat started and stopped! Graphic designs and patterns were something I always took great notice of, and that has never changed! My degree was in interior design with a minor in art- and I have worked in interior design as well as floral design.

About 10 years ago I found myself totally intrigued at the sight of a handmade bag. It had never occurred to me that I could make my own purse! The creative wheels began turning into overdrive!

Hundreds of bag-related DIY products later, my company and I are still at it! We also produce a line of limited edition fashion bags based on my DIY designs, and we are about to debut a sixth independently produced fabric line at International Quilt Market in Portland this May. It’s been a very busy 10 years!

PH: Why are fabrics and sewing your passion?

EM: I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t interested in fabrics, needlework, and generally speaking “the making of things.” Fabric design is a true passion that has taken hold. I enjoy the marketing and business side of the company almost as much as the creative side.

PH: Why did you open a studio here in Tulsa – and what about Tulsa do you like?

EM: The creative community of Tulsa is awesome, plus Tulsa is home! This is where I grew up and I can’t imagine my studio being anywhere else. In fact, our fashion bags label says, “Ellen Medlock Studio, Tulsa.” I couldn’t resist! My company’s fabrics and sewing patterns are well represented in other parts of the country and abroad, yet it seemed we were flying under the radar in my own hometown. It was a no-brainer to use our space as a combination teaching studio, office and retail showroom.

PH: People are sometimes afraid to choose a bold pattern for a project– what’s your advice for them?

EM: Just go for it! Trust your instincts – if you love it, buy it! Not only will you love your finished project, but your home or closet will now be stamped with YOUR own personal look/taste. It is an effortless design philosophy. For a winning look, pair a bold graphic pattern on something unexpected!

PH: What are your favorite trends/designs in fabrics right now?

EM: The “Happy Chic” trend is my personal favorite. I feel like our brand embodies this refreshing look. Another trend we are seeing is slightly larger scale prints that can crossover from sewing/ quilting to fashion and home décor. LOVE the versatility!

For more about Ellen and her products and showroom, visit the Ellen Medlock Studio online.

Look for much more to come from Ellen. And don’t forget to enter below to win the gift card giveaway!

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Art, Design, Giveaways, Home, Kim A. Tags: design, DIY, giveaways

get crafty: dip-dyed flatware

Written on April 3, 2013 by LisaW

LWdipdyedtablesetting copy get crafty: dip dyed flatware

Some have you may have seen my recent post about the dip-dyed skewers we did for Issue 9. Well, I loved them so much, I decided to take the dip-dying a step further and created my own custom bamboo flatware! Same simple process, but a little more impact! I made them for my Easter tablescape and took them on Great Day Green Country this morning. So easy, you can do it at a TV station!

So…to make your own dip-dyed flatware, here’s what you need:

1) Bamboo Flatware (available in packages of 12 at Party City)

2) Paint in a quart container (I used interior latex and of course you can use whatever color works for you)

3) Twine

4) Clothespins

5) Wax paper (or some other material to set under your dripped flatware. It makes clean-up much easier!)

The flatware needs to be hung from the dry end to drip dry, so clothespins were the simplest solution I could come up with. I tied my twine to a garbage can handle and a stepladder, but just use whatever’s handy and stable. Also, to make the paint even on each piece, touch each one to the bottom of the can.

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I let them dry overnight to be sure they were ready to go, and that’s all there is to it! The following is the final result!

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The DIY napkin isn’t worthy of an entire blog post as it’s just a square of fabric, but it’s my favorite way to customize a tablescape when you can’t quite find just what you looking for. This adorable butterfly fabric came from Owl and Drum. One of these days when I have time, I am going to finish the edges. But they worked fine just like this!

Enjoy creating your own spring tablescapes! The bamboo flatware was perfect for a casual, outdoor get-together.

Happy Spring!

LWdipdyedflowers copy get crafty: dip dyed flatware

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Design, DIY, Entertaining, Home, Lisa W. Tags: DIY, Entertaining, Lisa W.

Easter Egg Decorating

Written on March 20, 2013 by AlaynaB

Decorating Easter eggs is always a fun and creative project whether it’s with your children, or all by yourself. This year we decided to try some non-traditional decorating options.

The scrapbooking aisle can be a great place to get supplies. Gold, adhesive backed, letters are perfect for creating monogrammed eggs. And metallic permanent markers can create a very sophisticated look. Move over pastel pink!

Watercolor paints are perfect for adding multiple colors to your eggs. The traditional dying is great for a solid color, but gets super tricky if you want more than one color. The water color paints are easy to use, easy to clean up, and can be as vibrant or as light as you like. Another fun trick is to draw a design with a black permanent marker on the egg first, and then watercolor over the design.

Permanent markers allow you to create very detailed designs and they dry much quicker than paint or dye.

Also, be sure and check out my blog post from last year for some tips on how to make glitter eggs.

I will be sharing these ideas on Tulsa’s Fox 23 Great Day Green Country this morning. Tune in for some more tips!

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DIY, Holiday Tags: DIY, Easter Eggs, holiday

Silhouette Art Project DIY and Inspiration

Written on March 13, 2013 by Roxanne D

Inspired from our featured couple’s art in our 2013 Spring Issue, I wanted share a little more about our DIY from Get Crafty — a silhouette art project. (Visit page 50 of our Spring Issue for DIY instructions for a back-painted-glass silhouette art piece.)

Too busy? Stick around, there are plenty of artists represented here, who are willing and ready to create custom silhouette art just for you.

RD031313 Silhouette Art 2 Silhouette Art Project DIY and Inspiration

Clockwise from top left: Deer art by Fiddleheads for Fiona, USA map art by Fanciful Chaos, Plywood DIY Silhouette by Lowe’s Creative Ideas and Birthday invite by Jones Design Company.

From the sentimental to quite quirky, anything you can dream up could be interpreted in a silhouette art piece. When I saw the unique back-painted-glass piece that our sweet couple featured in the magazine created, I knew I had to make one too.

IMG 4880 Silhouette Art Project DIY and Inspiration

Sadly, we lost three pets within 9 months of each other, none lived with us for less than 10 years, so each was a shock and are quite missed. While I only have happy memories left to share, I still felt I should do something to give them a new presence in our home.

We’ve got photos, but something about the silhouette showing the cute bent ear of our collie, Presley, captures his personality in a special way.

RD031313 Silhouette Art Silhouette Art Project DIY and Inspiration

Clockwise from top left: Chalkboard silhouette at Darling Clementine via 6th Street Design School, DNA ferret by Popply and Dragonfly, Cut Arts silhouette artist via Young House Love and Bird feather by EE Art Studio.

I love those DNA art pieces, you should click through to see the detail and find your favorite animal. When I was a kid we had a ferret and I just had to share this one in honor of him. Simon, you were the best ferret three kids could have!

If you’re ready to get started now, check out The Graphics Fairy here.

More inspiration? Take a look at Mr. Yen on Design Sponge. Quite inspiring.

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Art, DIY, Gifts Tags: Art, DIY, gifts, Inspiration

DIY: Dip-Dyed Skewers

Written on March 12, 2013 by LisaW

When it was time to put the party together for Issue 9, I needed something interesting for the food! I looked for cute picks, skewers, etc. and finally realized I could just make them myself. Hello!

I had already bought paint samples from Lowe’s (you can get any paint color in a sample – the best $3 purchase ever!) to make the tabletop, so I literally just dipped the skewers in the little containers of paint. So easy! One tip though…to get more paint on the skewer, I tilted the jar on its side as far as I could without spilling.

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Of course I couldn’t lay them down to dry, so I had to get a little creative for that part. I tied twine between a ladder and a trash can in our garage – happened to be what was available and handy – and hung the skewers with clothespins. It actually worked great! Be sure to put something underneath to catch dripping paint!

I made all of the skewers in an evening, so it was a very doable project – time and cost wise! AND what a simple way to tie in the colors you’re using for a party or table setting.

Here are a few pics of the skewers in action…

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LWstickspickles DIY: Dip Dyed Skewers

LWstickspotatoes DIY: Dip Dyed Skewers

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DIY, Entertaining, Inspiration, Lisa W. Tags: DIY, Entertaining, food

oscar party: hosting a hollywood gifting party

Written on February 20, 2013 by Kim A

Image via NY Daily news

There are sports fans, and there are Oscars fans. And this Sunday is the movie buff’s Super Bowl. Yes, it’s time for the Academy Awards — and time to host a Hollywood-worthy party. We were featured on Fox 23′s show Great Day Green Country to share some fun ideas today!

I’ve hosted Oscars watch parties for years, and they’ve ranged from elaborate nights with food and wine, to sweat pants and cheap champagne.

But this year, I thought we’d try something a little different — a red carpet gifting party.

Haven’t you always been envious when you hear about those luxurious gifts, trips and fabulous items the stars get for free? Just for showing up to an event, a starlet can walk away with a year’s salary worth of gifts.

So why not treat your friends like the stars they are, and host an easy, memorable Oscars party? We’ve got everything you need from a DIY Hollywood sign to swag bags full of goodies. Happy Oscars!

Image via My Paper Pinwheel

The Hollywood sign

To start the party off right, we asked one of our favorite Tulsa crafters — Thuy Bui at My Paper Pinwheel — to set the tone. And she created this fun Hollywood Glam Banner. Inspired from the infamous “Hollywood Sign” in LA’s Hollywood Hills, Thuy made this cute sign from card stock, a little glitter and a few more easy craft-store-bought items.

See the bottom of the post for her simple DIY.

Treats

An Oscars party is all about food, of course! To keep in theme, I thought that celebs would want to start their night with a tiny bite — so they don’t ruin their couture gown, of course. Our friends in Tulsa at The Dainty Dozen, have just the perfect little bites — Red Velvet cake balls. These cake balls are serious — two little bites and you’re hooked.

Swag bags

Treating your guests can be part of the party. Any Hollywood red carpet is full of swag — and I mean the take-home kind. We chose some lovely gifts from Sideways Boutique on Brookside.

We picked a beautiful candle by Pre de Provence, and one of the most sought-after fragrances from TokyoMilk — Gin and Rosewater. To finish the bag, we chose a glam, sparkly cocktail ring — surely to be emulated on the red carpet.

Oscar Bingo

After your friends are sufficiently wined and lavished with gifts, the long awards ceremony begins. To keep things fun and interesting, how about a game of Oscars Bingo? Sarah V. was kind enough to design this cool game for the Oscar buff and novice alike –just follow along with the show, and the first person to get five in a row wins yet another lovely gift!

We have six cards available for you to download here!

Have a great Oscars party!

DIY Hollywood Sign instructions:

Here are Thuy’s easy-to-follow steps for her cute banner.

Supplies:

Black and white card stock
Gold tissue paper
Gold glitter
Glue stick and mod podge
Baker’s twine

1. Cut out the letters for “Hollywood” with a Cricut, using white card stock. Cut out pendant-shapes in black card stock for the backing of each letter.

2. Using mod podge to outline letters, and add glitter around each letter. After it has dried, glue the letters on top of the pendants.

3. String the baker’s twine along the back of the pendants and secure with tape or glue. To add some flair, cut gold tissue paper into a strip the length of the banner and fringe the edges with scissors.

For more visit, My Paper Pinwheel.

Here’s my turn on Great Day Green Country, where I show the whole party put together!

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Design, DIY, Entertaining, Kim A. Tags: DIY, Entertaining, Kim A., Oscars

Design Sting: Entryway Redo

Written on February 13, 2013 by LisaW

The January blues, going to market and Kim’s post on entryways a couple of weeks ago all have had me rearranging and redoing. I’m ready for a little bit of a change around here, so while dinner is cooking or the kids are working on homework, I’ve slowly started scooting things around and moving things here and there. Just to see if it makes a difference. I got it in my head that I want a bench in our entryway. No reason really – we don’t even use the front door. But if we did, wouldn’t a bench be nice! Also, I decided I needed the piece of furniture that was there somewhere else. So…while the spaghetti was cooking the other night, I made a few changes.

LWbloghallbefore Design Sting: Entryway Redo

This is the before. I moved the cabinet to the breakfast room and (just for kicks) I moved the bench/table from our back porch into its place. We found this bench/table in the attic when we moved into the house and it’s lived in various rooms. Not sure if it’s a permanent solution in the entry, but it’s a start. Also, stole a lamp from the living room, a picture from the dining room and a pillow from the couch. I guess if I decide to leave what I’ve moved around, I need to do some replacement shopping. Darn.

LWbloghallway Design Sting: Entryway Redo

I like it for now, but by next week the walls may be a different color. Not sure yet! What little decorating tweaks are you working on? A lot can be done while the spaghetti is cooking!

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Design, Home, Lisa W. Tags: design, DIY, Lisa W.

Valentine’s Day Mailbox Ideas

Written on February 12, 2013 by DawnT

Valentine’s Day is only two days away! And with this day of love comes many preparations for school-age children – from filling out valentines for each classmate, whipping up a snack to share, and crafting a ‘mailbox’ to receive all the love notes and candy that will come their way. Do your kids have their Valentine’s boxes ready to go? If you are running behind for the holiday, here are a few ideas on how to take a tissue or cereal box and turn it into a whimsical creation. Hope these help foster some creative, last minute mailbox solutions!