paper cone decor- amy+mayd

Kick off summer the right way this weekend by adding some easy, handmade decor to any memorial day party! These paper cones make a perfect colorful addition to welcome summer. You can hang them on chairs or on the wall and fill them with flowers or utensils. I love projects that are simple but add so much to the feel of the party, this project definitely adds a laid back touch.

paper cone decor- amy+mayd

Things you will need:

• scrap booking paper 12×12, heavy weight, with desirable prints (you can get a pad of these with a variety of patterns and colors at a craft store)
• scissors
• tacky or white glue
• twine or string
• ribbon if desired

paper cone decor- amy+mayd

First, simply roll a sheet of your 12×12 paper into a cone shape and glue into place. Pressing firmly for a few minutes. You can also use hot glue but if you are having an outdoor party and there is a lot of direct sunlight or heat, hot glue will tend to melt and the paper will pull apart so I prefer plain old Elmers or Martha Stewart craft glue. Next, use a whole punch to make two holes, one on each side. Go ahead and tie a handle with a string or a piece of twine and cut off the excess.

paper cone decor- amy+mayd

If desired, you can add extra embellishments like a large bow or buttons.

Find a suitable place to hang your cones, a wall, a tree, the side of a chair…etc. Fill them with seasonal flowers, napkins or other light-weight goodies. I did this project for my wedding in all different prints and lined the aisle chairs with one cone each.

paper cone decor- amy+mayd

paper cone decor- amy+mayd

Row of Cans- amy+mayd

Awhile back, I posted some cute cans (in this post) I found on etsy. Feeling inspired by them, I decided to paint a few of my own and mix them in with some vintage labeled cans I have been collecting. A very easy and fun project, I simply used acrylic paint.

Row of Cans- amy+mayd

I am starting a small getaway garden, a relaxing space to read a book or have a glass of wine with my husband and decided that the cans would look cute simply in a line on the fence. They are cute, work well for storage, small plants or as candle holders. Simple, cheap and environmentally friendly! To hold the cans steady I simply added rocks to the bottom of them, which also gives candles a height boost.

Morrocan Doors- That Bohemian Girl

I have been lolly-gagging on writing my 100th post because it seems like it should be something special or profound as it is a small milestone for me! Anyhow, I thought what better way to commemorate post 100 other than by showing a few beautifully aged colorful architectural doors.

Weathered door in Greenwich Village-DECLAN MCCULLAGH PHOTOGRAPHY

Why doors you might be wondering? Well, I’d like to open a few new ones and I’d like to extend one to you. What is your favorite topic posted thus far? I post on a variety of different topics mostly related to architecture, DIY projects, etsy finds and home design. Do any of my readers out there have any topics they would like to see more of? I am currently evaluating my blog and want to improve it this summer so if you have any feedback feel free to let me know! Thanks Readers!

Old Blue Door- Via Pinterest

Perfume Bottle Vase – Pink with Cream Rose- pearlylace

I was glancing at my perfume collection the other day and noticing how many of my scents are dwindling down to the last drop and was thinking I guess its time to toss these but how can you toss a beautiful, teeny tiny little bottle?

Victorian French Blue cut to Clear Glass Perfume Bottles- GrandVintageFinery

Surely, there has to be something cute these bottles can be upcycled into? If you have three or four bottles you could use them to hold little buds on a console or coffee table. This would also be a great vintage inspired decoration for a wedding or party.

Usually, the bottles are made of beautifully designed glass so they work perfectly as vases, you could even use them to add a cute sparkle to your garden or for a small, sweet mothers day gift! Too pretty to toss! Have any bottle upcycle projects?

The Shabby Chic Victorian House- BELnBEAU

Those of you who have bought a home know what a serious and daunting process it can be so I ask you this: When you bought your home, did you think ‘forever’ or ‘just for now’? It is a fair question, based on our recent American home mortgage blunders and while looking into some statistics on American homeowners via American home builders, there are some quite interesting conclusions but as with most statistics– there are fallacies and vague case studies which make them inconclusive.

The Storyteller’s House – PixieHillStudio

According to NAHB- National Association of Home Builders,  It appears that over 50% of single family homes purchased in the US will turnover new occupancy at or before 15 years. Of course, there are many definitions of the word “home” and when looking at multi-family condos the turnover rate is even quicker, about 6 years. Of course, these statistics are broad and generalized and would vary greatly based on region. Nonetheless, with these rough estimates I wonder, what would it take to stay in a house forever?

Modern Miniature Model House- EmmyNHiros

Does your home need to be custom designed to fit your family? Is it all just a matter of uncontrollable life circumstances? (ie. job relocation, growing family, extenuating circumstances like death or divorce). It is hard to predict life and I would venture to guess that most home buyers try their very hardest to find a home that meets all of their needs considering it is such a large purchase.

Lille Huset- Urban Doll houses- Grow Studio

It is however, interesting to wonder, will buying a ‘forever’ home become increasingly popular and a more serious commitment purchase because of the recent economic downturn much linked to faulty mortgages? Arguably, the 1950′s home buying idealized the ability to make such a purchase and it may be a blessing in disguise to reinstate the seriousness of home-ownership.

Do you own your home? How long do you plan to stay in your home?

Vintage Wool Blanket Olympiad- AmyKristineVintage

What is it about getting away to the mountains or the coast that is so relaxing? This weekend my husband and my daughter and I were lucky enough to have a quick getaway to a nearby mountain cabin. There is a lake right by the property and it was almost instant relaxation when we arrived.

Horse Photos- EyePoetryPhotography

I guess it is the lack of busy people and infrastructure that make our minds so full all the time. Or it could be the lack of having the latest and the greatest in home items and being relinquished to the old and functionable… like an old wool blanket, a working VCR, green carpet, 1970s wood furniture and a cast iron skillet.

Autumn, Fall, Tree- 8daysOfTreasures

Perhaps, it is the simple fact that you are getting away from the familiar.. or maybe it is the way nature encompasses all of your senses? Whatever it is, I like it, wish I could bottle it and hand it out now and then when we all need it. What is your favorite weekend getaway place?

Antique Victorian Parasol Tea Party Flowers- Straight Razors & Parasols

Vintage Opera Glasses Collapsible Pocket Binoculars- Esther's Emporium

Vintage 1950s Full Skirt Dress - Catbooks1940s

Broken China Mosaic Tile- JemmDee

related posts:

Ghost Buildings

Architectural Graveyard

Ghost Building Photography- José Antonio Millán

Last week, I started blogging a little bit about Architectural Ruins and this week I would like to share with you some photography by Jose Antonio Millan entitled Ghost Buildings that I have come across while further researching this very interesting and open-ended genre of architecture. I am so intrigued by these spaces because they are such large portraits of history, building technique and immense thought process– in short, they house an untold story.

Ghost Building Photography by José Antonio Millán

In these photographs, Millan brilliantly captures what was and what could have been in otherwise abandoned and uninhabited architecture. Dilapidated buildings offer so many questions and can often be stark reminders of a time and life that once was.

Ghost Building Photography by José Antonio Millán

Here lies the place where color, texture and wear converge from the inside out and this can seem daunting, frightening and undesirable.. or it can be seen as art such as captured by Millan. I see this kind of architecture in cities all over the world, what once was new and shiny now stands abandoned as a reminder of failure, of closed doors, but it could also be a simple suggestion of hope.

Do ruins intrigue anyone else? If so, why? I am really seeking some input on this topic, it is so fascinating.

Custom Reclaimed Wood Wall- RandRDesignworks

I was searching through etsy shops for some wonderful inspiration and I found it. I have to admit I have a soft spot in my heart for most anything upcylced, reused, or reclaimed and here I will feature a few great finds involving reclaimed wood. Above is a beautifully curated reclaimed wood wall installation, it is wonderful because of the brilliant color combinations that present themselves in this wall. Each piece has a story and together they create a beautiful fabric that will enchant users.

Barn Doors in Reclaimed Wood w/ Tracks- DancingGrains

Equally fantastic are these panel sliding doors made of reclaimed wood. How amazing would they be as a backdrop to your dining space. They would add a lot of charm to any kitchen or dining room.

Wooden Buttons Reclaimed Oak- Hendywood

I also love these clever buttons! SO cute for nature lovers. And last but not least, check out this beautifully aged reclaimed wood chair from Bali. I would love to have this on my patio! For more reclaimed wood installations and clever uses check out this link reclaimed colour.

Bali Reclaimed Teak Primitive Arm Accent Lounge Chair - CURIOSITYNC

Cathedral in Ruins

Some of my favorite architectural spaces are ruins. I have been contemplating why, lately, and I think the reason lies in the way the Earth takes back its space so there exists in one moment, two distinct pulls, that of the natural and manmade worlds and two time frames– now and then.

Ruins of architectural building, built in 1896

Perhaps it is the historical interest and the questions that ruins suggest that captivate me. What was the building? Who used it? What happened? How was it built? Maybe it is a sense of mystery, wonder and story that is hidden within the walls of a structure that is being taken back by its environment.

Old Brick Wall

Or, it could be the hope of what these ‘ruins’ could be. Some ruins are so beautiful they are arguably better left to disintegrate further and then some older buildings, walls, abandoned homes are begging to be restored or adapted because they still want to serve people.

Memory is Creation Without End by Japanese sculptor Kimio Tsuchiya

Are there any ruins you have become particularly fond of? I am interested in what these places feel like to others, referring to less popular ruins not widely visited historical architecture.