5 Minute Window Treatment

Every kitchen sink deserves a nice window. What so often happens is that the window looks directly into the wall of your neighbor’s home or some other less than sightly view.

I have a five minute solution that will cost you less than $20.00!

Curtains made of out table linens are versatile, charming, and so cheap you can afford to change them out as often as your heart desires.

Here is what you will need:

1 small curtain rod

2 packs of curtain clips (mine were around $2.00 each)

2 adorable linen napkins

1 screwdriver

Here is a close up of the hardware.

So what do you think? Was that easy or what? You could dress up your linens with some cute buttons or silk flowers and there are tons of great patterns out there!

Be sure to post a picture if you decide to try this oh-so-easy way to dress up your kitchen window!

Celebrating the Union Jack

With London in the full spotlight thanks to the Olympics, I thought I would share some creative ways the Union Jack has been used in decor. As flags are meant to be flashy and bold, they can be tricky design elements. Too much and one feels as if they are standing in a national pride museum. Change the colors or the design too much and the point is lost. 

I think the Union Jack is probably my favorite flag. I love the simple, repetitious, and layered design. I think my favorite use of the Jack motif is when muted or grey colors are used to give a vintage and romantic feel. Of course, there is something to be said for the bold and classic original design. 

Check out this great chair renovation by Mimi over at BlueRoofCabin. 

And how about this wonderful piece? I think this treatment could be what saves my boring butler’s table from the Goodwill pile.

 

This creative endeavor was found over at Restoration House Interiors.

And possibly my favorite… Doesn’t this one look like it belongs in a billiard room? What better way to give some life to an otherwise lackluster bonus room.

 

 Want to know more about the history of the Union Jack? Wikipedia has a pretty good run-down on the subject. Just follow the link.

I should note that it will be a little while before I start doing my own projects, as we are in the midst of getting our (quite compact) house ready to sell. It won’t be long until I have a garage and a shelf full of paint tins so bear with me as I find inspiration with the hopes of implementing the ideas later. I think the wait will be worth it for all of us!

Earthbound Misfit

I don’t put much stock into horoscopes but when it comes to my tastes I can rightfully be called a Taurus. As I was choosing my favorite items in Etsy land, I started to realize that everything I was choosing was either wooden, glass, or metal.

For example, this beautiful bathroom vanity on Pinterest.

Source: houzz.com via Eryn on Pinterest

 

This decorative mantel is light and airy while also being earthy and neutral. A perfect combination.

Source: via Eryn on Pinterest

 

And what about this amazing little nook with it’s white wood paneling, browns, and gorgeous windows?

Source: misszeit.tumblr.com via Eryn on Pinterest

 

Be sure to check out my favorites on Etsy too!

Vintage Cheinco Kitchen Tins

We are in Charlottesville, Virginia visiting a dear friend this weekend. I was lucky enough to convince the boys to do a little hunting with me. Charlottesville wasn’t offering many great vintage finds today but I did find this set of 1978 Cheinco kitchen tins. They are in excellent condition and I couldn’t believe I got the complete set!

I was tempted to keep them for my own kitchen but decided I would be setting a bad precedent for future blog+etsy adventures if I squirreled away my first find. I found another item I am super excited about as well. It’s going to involve a little modification before it’s debut but more on that soon!

Cheinco originally produced product licensed tin toys starting in the 1920’s. They begin producing kitchenwares in the 1950’s and stopped producing tin toys in 1976 due to government decisions based on the hazardous nature of letting little children play with razor-edged metal objects. The tins were originally given away as freebies when one bought the product it would store. They stood next to the product in special stands. After mixed success for nearly 75 years, the company went bankrupt in 1992, ironically following one of their most successful lines- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle waste baskets.

So here it is, my friends. Your chance to own an adorable and useful bit of Americana. And to be a part in the launching of The Yellow Lamp concept. Organize your craft bits, store your sugar, hide your cookies in the jar labeled “flour” (not that you would ever do that!) and enjoy the stylish addition to your humble abode.

Check out the rest of the pictures over at The Yellow Lamp’s Etsy shop!

Tell me what you think about the set in the comments. I am looking forward to hearing from you!