cabin themed decor finds

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfTu6eVwlAsXHLKeRDbWDbJV1kKU4pvxu-4lPr0aiS-TvzewaLYV6JFo-qzIqhL0bTmQVht0EbI0XwHvvXhJcWR7c6BlR9BgZvBbMiy1MyleTHx1wISgYA_Zf38H49oOwO6BJHTfm_8do/s1600/cabin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfTu6eVwlAsXHLKeRDbWDbJV1kKU4pvxu-4lPr0aiS-TvzewaLYV6JFo-qzIqhL0bTmQVht0EbI0XwHvvXhJcWR7c6BlR9BgZvBbMiy1MyleTHx1wISgYA_Zf38H49oOwO6BJHTfm_8do/s1600/cabin.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.landofnod.com/animals-of-north-america-banner/f13793" target="_blank">1</a> / <a href="http://bit.ly/1k1rbmG" target="_blank">2</a> / <a href="http://bit.ly/1bZSaQu" target="_blank">3</a> / <a href="http://bit.ly/1ldeSat" target="_blank">4</a> / <a href="http://bit.ly/1nZkH8o" target="_blank">5</a> / <a href="http://bit.ly/NpQX9p" target="_blank">6</a> / <a href="http://bit.ly/1mBYulx" target="_blank">7</a> / <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/home-room/31163173.jsp" target="_blank">8</a> / <a href="http://bit.ly/O57Tmm" target="_blank">9</a> / <a href="http://prf.hn/click/camref:11l3pT/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Flisting%2F177401633%2Fvintage-print-mid-century-art-botanical%3Fref%3Dpg_view_2%26ctx%3D%252Fpages%252Flittlehouseblog%252Fdecorate-kids-rooms" target="_blank">10</a> /</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Maybe I'm itching to get to the cottage - or perhaps it's just a style of decor that I like year round - either way I'm really obsessing over any decor items that lends itself to an outdoorsy feel or "cabin" decor. I'm not sure you'd never actually decorate a cottage or cabin with any of the above but I do think a lot of the items above used together could add some whimsy to a child's room, playroom, or even a part of a house - and add a <i>hint </i>of cabin to your decor. ;) The more I searched, I stumbled across a ridiculous amount of decor that I fell head over heels for. Take a peek...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZX4hpQqHJdzlLTEKkBFJ6E-wIOgoCISTcitVcgIts5djxAWcr6036YC8V5HDMAyXuIM_8BuxWAqizOw5SMlIb3wV5JpnTuLvv6PhaH3xlIcK2G0uAsydIHn0YrZt5SuG9E44dEQK8XJ8/s1600/cabin2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZX4hpQqHJdzlLTEKkBFJ6E-wIOgoCISTcitVcgIts5djxAWcr6036YC8V5HDMAyXuIM_8BuxWAqizOw5SMlIb3wV5JpnTuLvv6PhaH3xlIcK2G0uAsydIHn0YrZt5SuG9E44dEQK8XJ8/s1600/cabin2.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bit.ly/1ldfxIS" target="_blank">A</a>   /   <a href="http://anthrpl.ge/1hndWey" target="_blank">B</a>   /   <a href="http://bit.ly/1dmrWSR" target="_blank">C</a>   /   <a href="http://www.landofnod.com/a-teepee-to-call-your-own-black-stripe/f13153" target="_blank">D</a>   /    <a href="http://www.landofnod.com/rare-sightings-wall-art-sasquatch/f12049" target="_blank">E</a>   /<a href="http://bit.ly/MmMO5g" target="_blank">   F</a>   /   <a href="http://prf.hn/click/camref:11l3pT/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Flisting%2F121469225%2Fpaint-by-number-art-block-birch-trees%3Fref%3Dpg_view_11%26ctx%3D%252Fpages%252Flittlehouseblog%252Fcanadiana" target="_blank">G</a>   /   <a href="http://www.sandbergab.se/en/products/wallpaper/Raphael" target="_blank">H</a>   /   <a href="http://www.elledecor.com/design-decorate/trends/papier-bois-wallpaper-by-nobilis#slide-9" target="_blank">I</a>   / </div><br />Anyhow, just some finds for today. :)<br /><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">*affiliate links are occasionally used on my blog. read more about this <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/p/site-policies.html" target="_blank">here.</a></span></i></div>

cabin themed decor finds

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / Maybe I'm itching to get to the cottage - or perhaps it's just ...

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DIY Weekend Project

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/12677322885/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="DIY Weekend Projects by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="DIY Weekend Projects" height="480" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3793/12677322885_2c647bb151_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thehappyhousie.com/diy-tiered-jewelry-tray-from-dollar-store-finds/" target="_blank">DIY Jewelry Tray</a> // <a href="http://justagirlandherblog.com/photography-tips-and-tricks/" target="_blank">Photography Tips & Tricks</a> // <a href="http://www.thedesignconfidential.com/2014/01/diy-home-decor-how-to-make-your-own-removable-wallpaper" target="_blank">DIY Removable Wallpaper</a></div><br />Happy <strike>Friday</strike> Snow Day! Last week, I was completely over Minnesota winter. But this week, I'm all for it. TWO snowdays in ONE week? Heck yes.<br /><br />So today, instead of working, I'll be day dreaming about some awesome DIY projects like these. I mean, DIY Removeable Wallpaper anyone? Yes please! <br /><br />What will you be DIY'ing this weekend?

DIY Weekend Project

DIY Jewelry Tray // Photography Tips & Tricks // DIY Removable Wallpaper Happy Friday Snow Day! Last week, I was completely over Minn...

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bits + pieces

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs9W8hiMy5_Cnx_BA6nojbrXG8vs8Uj-h042TL4MZ1dJl672MjPxOVKDMXH_VtA7s1COoeT-XQZosPVvY400g1WDLjSAINJmgdbDQIfz6COTPM6INuCgR5g8spB4Q-Nl7WJYt65RZm0HY/s1600/Untitled-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs9W8hiMy5_Cnx_BA6nojbrXG8vs8Uj-h042TL4MZ1dJl672MjPxOVKDMXH_VtA7s1COoeT-XQZosPVvY400g1WDLjSAINJmgdbDQIfz6COTPM6INuCgR5g8spB4Q-Nl7WJYt65RZm0HY/s1600/Untitled-1.jpg" /></a></div><br />Happy Friday! A few things I didn't get blogged this week.... (Corresponding pictures above) This is a totally random assortment of things. No rhyme or reason. Just like my life.<br /><ul><li>I'm moving things around in my <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/search/label/Living%20Room" target="_blank">living room</a>. Simple changes like a new gallery wall (sneak peek shown above) and a few more switcheroos - I'm really, really happy with it and will post it in the upcoming weeks. </li><li>I bought that<a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/house-and-home/gifts/frame-easel-stand/882709036432-item.html?ref=by-shop%3ahouse-and-home%3ahouseandhome-decor-frameswalldecor%3ahome-decor-frames-wall-decor%3a1%3a" target="_blank"> easel + frame from Chapters</a> that <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2014/02/bits-pieces.html" target="_blank">I was drooling over</a>. It was a wee splurge but worth the cost - it's really quite beautiful and substantial. A sketch I did of our little family is in the frame. </li><li>I'm obsessed with palm leaves. They are throughout my house. I think it makes a room feel totally awesome. ;)</li><li>I forgot to post Oscar's valentine's day outfit for pre-school. With leftover fabric from<a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2014/02/heart-banners.html" target="_blank"> this project</a>, I sewed heart elbow patches onto one of his white shirts. It was pretty darn easy and cute!</li></ul><div><b>Other things from around the web:</b></div><div><ul><li>I'm doing the 30 day free trial of <a href="http://issuu.com/home" target="_blank">Issuu </a>and so far, loving it. I may not resubscribe to paper magazines and just do this. Anyone else have it?</li><li>We do different animal hugs with Oscar, it's the funniest thing and always makes us giggle. Right now we do sloth hugs and Oscar <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRJlj8bkx4c" target="_blank">thinks this video is hilarious</a> (the baby sloth gets shaved, so Oscar say's he's naked) and gets "pajamas" on. </li><li><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/164170348890658081/" target="_blank">Love this quote.</a></li><li>I would love to build a house and have enough room to have <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/164170348890658075/" target="_blank">a walk through like this</a></li></ul><div>And I'll leave you with this video, sent to me by my brother. He said "This commercial is for women your age." LOL. Ps., <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2013/10/hanging-with-vanilla-ice-no-really-i-did.html" target="_blank">Remember we met him?</a> My favourite part is the kids face at the very end. Love it. </div><div><br /></div></div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="387" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/_-lT1oOU7b4?rel=0" width="688"></iframe>

bits + pieces

Happy Friday! A few things I didn't get blogged this week.... (Corresponding pictures above) This is a totally random assortment of thin...

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Home Renovation: Progress Update #3

Helloooo friends. Boy, am I excited to tell you that we're <i>almost</i> done with our home renovation. We're almost 5 months into the renovation and are getting super tempted by that light at the end of the tunnel. Seriously. Can. Not Wait.<br /><br />As you all know from our <a href="http://homecomingmn.blogspot.com/2013/11/home-renovation-progress-update-2.html" target="_blank">last remodel progress report</a>, we decided to spend only a few hours each night after work on the remodel, rather than killing ourselves to get it all done quickly. It's starting to take a toll on us  - I'm going insane with how cluttered it is living in 50% of a house for 5 months, but I digress - and Justin is falling asleep each night around 8:30pm because he's so exhausted. Poor thing.  <br /><br />But, let's dig into the details of what we've been up to. <br /><br />Remember a few months ago when I shared our spectacular <a href="http://homecomingmn.blogspot.com/2014/01/shop-room-master-bedroom.html" target="_blank">Master Bedroom reveal</a> back in December?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/11281369686/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Master Bedroom Remodel by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="Master Bedroom Remodel" height="427" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5514/11281369686_9a81e8b62b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Weeeellll, this is what that room looks like now.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/12661524664/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Renovation Progress_Master Bedroom by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="Renovation Progress_Master Bedroom" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7379/12661524664_8fbe3954a1_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/12661185613/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Renovation Progress_Master Mess by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="Renovation Progress_Master Mess" height="428" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3810/12661185613_33a93cfd91_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Ahh!! Equally beautiful, right?<br /><br />Don't worry though - it's not like we absolutely hated it and ripped it all down out of sheer frustration. Since it's been -20 degrees for last few months here in Minneapolis, we needed some work space for cutting and building <i>(and throwing stuff in the corner and worrying about it later)</i>. So back down to the Guest Bedroom we go so we have ample work space to make a proper mess.<br /><br />Two steps forward, one step back.<br /><br />We're still making progress though! Here's everything that we've accomplished since the last time we chatted.<br /><br />We made a Dexter room so we could finish mudding and sanding the stairwell & dining room wall without getting sheetrock/mud dust over the entire house. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/12661525144/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Renovation Progress_Dexter House by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="Renovation Progress_Dexter House" height="840" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5486/12661525144_65c97e7e71_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />We primed the new stairwell, old stairwell and dining room wall <a href="http://homecomingmn.blogspot.com/2013/10/home-renovation-progress-update.html" target="_blank"><i>(that had to be removed for plumbing purposes)</i></a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/12661185293/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Renovation Progress_Painting Stairwells by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="Renovation Progress_Painting Stairwells" height="428" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3767/12661185293_6c8a8fd8f3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/12661189383/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Remodel Progress_Walls by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="Remodel Progress_Walls" height="427" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3749/12661189383_991657ab49_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/12661062065/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Remodel Progress_Dining Room Wall by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="Remodel Progress_Dining Room Wall" height="427" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2839/12661062065_9f63f61cb6_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />We picked tile for our <a href="http://www.tileshop.com/product/productdetail.aspx?familyID=1840&recordID=5050891" target="_blank">shower walls</a> (left) & <a href="http://www.tileshop.com/product/productdetail.aspx?familyID=2628&recordID=5093218" target="_blank">shower floors</a> (right) from The Tile Shop. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/12661056135/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Renovation Progress_Shower Tile by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="Renovation Progress_Shower Tile" height="428" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3692/12661056135_e297c3ee0a_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />We took a FREE tiling class with The Tile Shop and gained some confidence in our abilities to actually pull this off.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/12661522084/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Renovation Progress_Tile Class by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="Renovation Progress_Tile Class" height="428" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3738/12661522084_8b7ed67468_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><strike>We</strike> Justin built me a Built In Shelf in our <a href="http://homecomingmn.blogspot.com/2014/01/how-to-style-book-nook.html" target="_blank">Book Nook</a> area of the master bedroom - which will likely be used entirely for my shoe collection.  Check out <a href="http://www.tealandlime.com/2014/01/how-to-build-adjustable-built-in-bookshelves-for-shoe-storage/" target="_blank">instructions on how we constructed this Built In Shelf</a>. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/12661525844/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Renovation Progress_Built In by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="Renovation Progress_Built In" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7305/12661525844_d27ea1771e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/12661184683/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Renovation Progress_Shelf by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="Renovation Progress_Shelf" height="428" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3834/12661184683_4310e7fb29_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />And all the while, this is what our living & dining room looks like. Can you <b><i>see</i></b> why I'm going insane?? <i>(Sorry for the blurryness of the photo, but I just <b>had</b> to share so y'all feel my pain).</i> <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/12661529624/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Messy Renovation House by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="Messy Renovation House" height="480" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3673/12661529624_7266273502_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">P.S. Kai (our pup) continues to be a really great helper throughout the process, laying anywhere and everywhere that's in the way. PPS. Check out Justin's Jumbo sized Cheese Ball addiction on the left of our dining room table. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr></tbody></table>Lastly, for any of my <a href="http://instagram.com/p/kfX5NXkBWu/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> friends, you've seen that we've started tiling the bathroom too, but more to come on that next week!<br /><br />We're getting there. Next up is finishing up the tiling in the bathroom, building the door framing and starting in on the closet!<br /><br />Want to see our previous remodel progress updates, or our overall remodeling plan? Check out our <a href="http://homecomingmn.blogspot.com/p/remodeling.html" target="_blank">Remodeling Page</a> with links to each stage of our project!  <br /><br /><b><b><b><b>Linking up to: <a href="http://www.maisondepax.com/" target="_blank">Give Me The Goods Monday</a>, <a href="http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Make it Pretty Monday</a>, <a href="http://www.keepingitsimplecrafts.com/" target="_blank">Motivate Me Monday</a>,  <a href="http://www.creativelylivingblog.com/" target="_blank">Monday Funday</a>, <a href="http://diyshowoff.com/" target="_blank">That DIY Party</a>, <a href="http://modvintagelife.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mod Mix Monday,</a> <a href="http://mariaelenasdecor.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Tuesdays at Our Home</a>, <a href="http://www.remodelaholic.com/2013/09/washi-tape-home-decor-ideas/" target="_blank">Remodelaholic</a>, <a href="http://www.thegunnysack.com/" target="_blank">Time to Sparkle</a>,  <a href="http://theturquoisehome.com/" target="_blank">Work It Wednesday</a>, <a href="http://www.simplydreamandcreate.com/" target="_blank">Simply Create Thursdays</a>, <a href="http://www.thegirlcreative.com/" target="_blank">Sunday Best</a>, <a href="http://www.lizmarieblog.com/" target="_blank">Inspire Me Please</a> <a href="http://www.shakentogetherlife.com/2013/09/whats-shakin-link-party-77-share-your-creativity.html" target="_blank">Creativity Unleashed</a>, <a href="http://www.oneprojectcloser.com/thebetterhalf/" target="_blank">The Humble Brag</a>, <a href="http://www.thejennyevolution.com/" target="_blank">Friday Flash Blog</a>, <a href="http://www.seasonedhomemaker.com/" target="_blank">Lovely Ladies Linky</a>,  <a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/" target="_blank">Wow Us Wednesday,</a>  <a href="http://gracelangdon.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Making Monday</a>, <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Before and Afters,</a> <a href="http://lemonpaperdesigns.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank"> </a><a href="http://croppedstories.blogspot.com/p/the-pincentive-blog-hop.html#.UoA0f-i6Tui" target="_blank">Pincentive Blog Hop,</a> <a href="http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/" target="_blank">Wow Me Wednesday,</a><a href="http://www.livelaughrowe.com/" target="_blank"> </a> <a href="http://designdininganddiapers.com/" target="_blank">Inspiration Gallery,</a>  <a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Feathered Nest Friday, </a> <a href="http://whipperberry.com/" target="_blank">The Party Bunch,</a> <a href="http://twoityourself.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Link it or Lump it,</a>  <a href="http://www.thecasualcraftlete.com/" target="_blank">Frugal Crafty Home Party</a>, <a href="http://diybydesign.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">It's a Party</a>, <a href="http://thecraftiestallie.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Worthwhile Wednesday's</a>, <a href="http://www.tinysidekick.com/" target="_blank">The Makers</a>, <a href="http://www.mabeyshemadeit.com/" target="_blank">Do Tell Tuesdays</a>,  </b></b></b></b>

Home Renovation: Progress Update #3

Helloooo friends. Boy, am I excited to tell you that we're almost done with our home renovation. We're almost 5 months into the ren...

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Ask the Audience: How to Stencil

Today I'm phoning a friend - all of you! How the heck do you successfully stencil?<br /><br />I've seen plenty of beautiful stencil projects, and all of you make it look so easy - but it isn't! I recently purchased a Herringbone stencil and set out with awesome intentions on my <a href="http://pneumaticaddict.blogspot.com/2014/01/diy-steciled-herringbone-pillow-covers.html" target="_blank">DIY Herringbone Pillow Cover</a> (which didn't turn out the way I'd hoped), as well as the back panel of our <a href="http://www.tealandlime.com/2014/01/how-to-build-adjustable-built-in-bookshelves-for-shoe-storage/" target="_blank">DIY Built-in Shoe Shelf</a>. <br /><br />Fail.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/12635808365/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Stenciling back of Bookcase by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="Stenciling back of Bookcase" height="427" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3725/12635808365_5b5abc9b36_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/12636282374/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Stenciling Close Up by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="Stenciling Close Up" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7297/12636282374_64db61c80c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Like I said, it's not as easy as y'all make it look! So someone help me out. <b><i>How</i></b> do you get your stenciling projects to look so perfect? <br /><br />I followed the instructions provided by the stencil company. Did I have too much paint on my roller? I didn't think so at the time, but maybe? Should I not be using a roller? But when I used a paint brush for the pillow cover, that didn't work either.<br /><br />I'm in love with the look of a patterned wall, so I'd love any advice you could give me! Who has some success stories?<br /><br />On another note (now that I've shared with you how incompetent I am with a stencil) it's time for <a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/nominate-your-favorite-home-projects-diy-blogs-for-the-homies-awards-the-homies-2014-200257" target="_blank">Apartment Therapy's Homie awards</a>!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/12635842585/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="The Homies by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="The Homies" height="328" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7391/12635842585_f6cc888cbd_o.jpg" width="270" /></a></div>Thank you to whoever nominated us, and continues to vote for us! While we know that our four votes will in no way compete with those blogs at the top of the list, I'd love for any of you out there that LOVE Home Coming as much as I do, to throw us a vote!<br /><br />Vote <a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/nominate-your-favorite-home-projects-diy-blogs-for-the-homies-awards-the-homies-2014-200257" target="_blank">here</a> by clicking on the +1 button to the left of our name. If the button isn't there, you just need to sign up for an Apartment Therapy account - but don't worry! They won't send you spam or a daily newsletter if you don't want them to.<br /><br />Every vote counts. Thanks everyone!<br /><br /><b><b><b><b>Linking up to: <a href="http://www.maisondepax.com/" target="_blank">Give Me The Goods Monday</a>, <a href="http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Make it Pretty Monday</a>, <a href="http://www.keepingitsimplecrafts.com/" target="_blank">Motivate Me Monday</a>,  <a href="http://www.creativelylivingblog.com/" target="_blank">Monday Funday</a>, <a href="http://diyshowoff.com/" target="_blank">That DIY Party</a>, <a href="http://modvintagelife.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mod Mix Monday,</a> <a href="http://mariaelenasdecor.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Tuesdays at Our Home</a>, <a href="http://www.remodelaholic.com/2013/09/washi-tape-home-decor-ideas/" target="_blank">Remodelaholic</a>, <a href="http://www.thegunnysack.com/" target="_blank">Time to Sparkle</a>,  <a href="http://theturquoisehome.com/" target="_blank">Work It Wednesday</a>, <a href="http://www.simplydreamandcreate.com/" target="_blank">Simply Create Thursdays</a>, <a href="http://www.thegirlcreative.com/" target="_blank">Sunday Best</a>, <a href="http://www.lizmarieblog.com/" target="_blank">Inspire Me Please</a> <a href="http://www.shakentogetherlife.com/2013/09/whats-shakin-link-party-77-share-your-creativity.html" target="_blank">Creativity Unleashed</a>, <a href="http://www.oneprojectcloser.com/thebetterhalf/" target="_blank">The Humble Brag</a>, <a href="http://www.thejennyevolution.com/" target="_blank">Friday Flash Blog</a>, <a href="http://www.seasonedhomemaker.com/" target="_blank">Lovely Ladies Linky</a>,  <a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/" target="_blank">Wow Us Wednesday,</a>  <a href="http://gracelangdon.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Making Monday</a>, <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Before and Afters,</a> <a href="http://lemonpaperdesigns.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank"> </a><a href="http://croppedstories.blogspot.com/p/the-pincentive-blog-hop.html#.UoA0f-i6Tui" target="_blank">Pincentive Blog Hop,</a> <a href="http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/" target="_blank">Wow Me Wednesday,</a><a href="http://www.livelaughrowe.com/" target="_blank"> </a> <a href="http://designdininganddiapers.com/" target="_blank">Inspiration Gallery,</a>  <a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Feathered Nest Friday, </a> <a href="http://whipperberry.com/" target="_blank">The Party Bunch,</a> <a href="http://twoityourself.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Link it or Lump it,</a>  <a href="http://www.thecasualcraftlete.com/" target="_blank">Frugal Crafty Home Party</a>, <a href="http://diybydesign.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">It's a Party</a>, <a href="http://thecraftiestallie.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Worthwhile Wednesday's</a>, <a href="http://www.tinysidekick.com/" target="_blank">The Makers</a>, <a href="http://www.mabeyshemadeit.com/" target="_blank">Do Tell Tuesdays</a>,  </b></b></b></b>

Ask the Audience: How to Stencil

Today I'm phoning a friend - all of you! How the heck do you successfully stencil? I've seen plenty of beautiful stencil projects, a...

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Bloggers tour Stockholm visiting Bemz

Notre <a href="http://www.bloggerstour.com/" target="_blank">blog tour</a> à Stockholm a commencé par une soirée créative et amusante dans le magasin d'inspiration de <a href="http://www.bemz.fr/fr-fr/" target="_blank">Bemz</a>. L'idée des affaires de <a href="http://www.bemz.fr/fr-fr/" target="_blank">Bemz </a>est de vous aider à personnaliser et donner une nouvelle vie à vos meubles IKEA grâce à leur très grand choix de housses pour canapés, chaises et lits... Donc quoi de plus logique que de demander à <a href="http://www.bloggerstour.com/" target="_blank">notre groupe de bloggeurs</a> d'être créatif aussi, en personnalisant une housse de coussin basique à l'aide des accessoires mis à notre disposition par Bemz.<br /><br /><i>Our <a href="http://www.bloggerstour.com/" target="_blank">blog tour</a> in Stockholm started with a creative and fun evening in <a href="http://www.bemz.se/en/" target="_blank">Bemz</a> inspiration store. <a href="http://www.bemz.se/en/" target="_blank">Bemz</a> business idea is to help you personnalize and give a new life to your IKEA furniture thanks to their large choice of custom made covers for sofas, chairs, beds... So it only seemed fair to ask <a href="http://www.bloggerstour.com/" target="_blank">our group of bloggers</a> to be creative too by personnalizing a basic cushion cover with the help of </i><i>the different accessories Bemz had prepared for us.</i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMXpuE57n7YhwRn7JJEqWYrP5zmIG5jH87X28QX2F-4n9etn6i_w5zd3IniHu1sCnT1r11EbZXK060h9721WlOI5eCWW2GT2JufkriKkSWNRg0Drh2cJRBanPcWe57fBt-VakzC-HhOQM/s1600/IMG_8996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMXpuE57n7YhwRn7JJEqWYrP5zmIG5jH87X28QX2F-4n9etn6i_w5zd3IniHu1sCnT1r11EbZXK060h9721WlOI5eCWW2GT2JufkriKkSWNRg0Drh2cJRBanPcWe57fBt-VakzC-HhOQM/s1600/IMG_8996.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvpgrYqdukaKr0mVI9SL_uWZ_Mc16y1Jwd948CmJr6jcdQp4qvpGTCR0yZVQ_TSEriKihWBQYfjhLDu32HzrQRIPw0_H6448X1ysLY9rgg0KCjMfTiD4WWbDNzHpuvW1soZ_0sAunDM7Y/s1600/IMG_8974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvpgrYqdukaKr0mVI9SL_uWZ_Mc16y1Jwd948CmJr6jcdQp4qvpGTCR0yZVQ_TSEriKihWBQYfjhLDu32HzrQRIPw0_H6448X1ysLY9rgg0KCjMfTiD4WWbDNzHpuvW1soZ_0sAunDM7Y/s1600/IMG_8974.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRwmDHdN_02TE6_LJFuOGk6XF-xsW_ATu-h6vc1AbmviWO6ioF5OclxR2vkR75xx7sC46uo2zK2qMItm3qVzN9bC76uQ9bRe2v_8Wetp6si7pFbqp-h-MYBqPq7h2wJhw7A7JjMMBM1q4/s1600/IMG_9010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRwmDHdN_02TE6_LJFuOGk6XF-xsW_ATu-h6vc1AbmviWO6ioF5OclxR2vkR75xx7sC46uo2zK2qMItm3qVzN9bC76uQ9bRe2v_8Wetp6si7pFbqp-h-MYBqPq7h2wJhw7A7JjMMBM1q4/s1600/IMG_9010.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ensuite, on a tous posté l'image de notre housse sur <a href="http://instagram.com/anna_g" target="_blank">Instagram </a>pour un petit concours sympa...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Then we all posted a picture of our cover on <a href="http://instagram.com/anna_g" target="_blank">Instagram </a>for a nice little competition...</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFiulS2qLZNlTGjDOeysSb78DSNDnxtSAEOGsDo7N6uPzKE9PSVrtCfmVCnB1qrIIQmu17t3Nn9RwTo4KWhBgsDxOSA00hwBW56lmjFFywgdeQn3P5yVgROdct_5hwxLd83rLfwYLqFKY/s1600/IMG_8984.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFiulS2qLZNlTGjDOeysSb78DSNDnxtSAEOGsDo7N6uPzKE9PSVrtCfmVCnB1qrIIQmu17t3Nn9RwTo4KWhBgsDxOSA00hwBW56lmjFFywgdeQn3P5yVgROdct_5hwxLd83rLfwYLqFKY/s1600/IMG_8984.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Photos Anna Gustafsson</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On a aussi eu le plaisir de rencontrer Lesley Pennington, la fondatrice de Bemz. C'est en voulant meubler sa nouvelle maison de campagne que cette canadienne, installée en Suède depuis de nombreuses années, a eu l'idée de proposer un plus grand choix de housses pour permettre à chacun de personnaliser et prolonger la vie de leur mobilier IKEA. Le nom Bemz vient d'ailleurs de la première lettre des prénoms de ses 4 (!) enfants.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>We also had the pleasure of meeting Lesley Pennington, the founder of Bemz. It all started when this Canadian, living in Sweden since many years, wanted to furnish her newly bought summer house and got the idea of offering a larger choice of covers in order for everyone to personnalise and prolong the life of their IKEA furniture. By the way, the name Bemz actually comes from the first letter of her 4 (!) childrens' names.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjylZVAL3mzUPHn40o5n4924eamm_ucKbL3WqvEPfq8QtCqySGj72DYkOozx64hkYvpHZn0GODttbwo0jFZNCEcNi5HXk8NUE80oIvvcrp1i6Ra7BpSurQHCuMiYYVY-PRqPtlppEdMEIA/s1600/bloggertoursthlm+100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjylZVAL3mzUPHn40o5n4924eamm_ucKbL3WqvEPfq8QtCqySGj72DYkOozx64hkYvpHZn0GODttbwo0jFZNCEcNi5HXk8NUE80oIvvcrp1i6Ra7BpSurQHCuMiYYVY-PRqPtlppEdMEIA/s1600/bloggertoursthlm+100.jpg" width="464" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB9Hy33ETnoGSk8CBDdcrW4RXY-7bRrwsdOQTCkwmoH86OWRhIRU_sNyPUt_QFQgfFYEx6S0RE7PCcwEZEZSbX1AzVA2YC1csDIOYryq_YrKbhl5ob4zSW_Z1NOvxVUknwUnLErIxyKlc/s1600/bloggertoursthlm+101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB9Hy33ETnoGSk8CBDdcrW4RXY-7bRrwsdOQTCkwmoH86OWRhIRU_sNyPUt_QFQgfFYEx6S0RE7PCcwEZEZSbX1AzVA2YC1csDIOYryq_YrKbhl5ob4zSW_Z1NOvxVUknwUnLErIxyKlc/s1600/bloggertoursthlm+101.jpg" width="464" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj27nxR1aQZvmVKmpqJn2RwIGAyhnNaUVrI0h0l9KZpYDp2U_3Qpjzn4UL28mC-nuWjlQTUsscxutbBSMHoouJrnpESFHmOoOLcSKjGnjfttZQ1qY_SURgPkE-pNyIBGlPQU82_zFlr7Jw/s1600/bloggertoursthlm+97.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj27nxR1aQZvmVKmpqJn2RwIGAyhnNaUVrI0h0l9KZpYDp2U_3Qpjzn4UL28mC-nuWjlQTUsscxutbBSMHoouJrnpESFHmOoOLcSKjGnjfttZQ1qY_SURgPkE-pNyIBGlPQU82_zFlr7Jw/s1600/bloggertoursthlm+97.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Photos <a href="http://weekdaycarnival.blogspot.fr/" target="_blank">Riikka Kantinkoski / Weekday Carnival</a></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Les photos ci-dessus ont toutes été prises lors de notre soirée créative, mais vous trouverez plein de photos d'inspiration dans des styles différents sur <a href="http://www.bemz.se/en/" target="_blank">le site de Bemz</a>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>The photos above were all taken at our creative evening, but you'll find lots of inspiration photos in different styles on <a href="http://www.bemz.se/en/" target="_blank">Bemz website</a>.</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv8djkBXs6HooOtcfFOYGmcbB9baQ7-STgS3621btwU1tqQSCRsKmDCZipIX5ljbIiSaYAU0oN_nalBhIkjnw-tZl1E_R5Wk6lLjHzzesAURiDT9jVr2zbOR4rDzTZa8XKqNdfXGbDSgA/s1600/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv8djkBXs6HooOtcfFOYGmcbB9baQ7-STgS3621btwU1tqQSCRsKmDCZipIX5ljbIiSaYAU0oN_nalBhIkjnw-tZl1E_R5Wk6lLjHzzesAURiDT9jVr2zbOR4rDzTZa8XKqNdfXGbDSgA/s1600/12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhye9Hiu_WaUgFtc_wFdHcqV9skKVozNczqY-81qNjt6bqqiYTXSR32GNnbGqcR4g3pJktgz41BPLf271O41pXLwCg54BOdCvcmJpJ6-d9LbFZWbP7Ido-yaYEBuVgp_xm4keBS1BO2Pao/s1600/39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhye9Hiu_WaUgFtc_wFdHcqV9skKVozNczqY-81qNjt6bqqiYTXSR32GNnbGqcR4g3pJktgz41BPLf271O41pXLwCg54BOdCvcmJpJ6-d9LbFZWbP7Ido-yaYEBuVgp_xm4keBS1BO2Pao/s1600/39.jpg" width="620" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMcZhZy09CgGORPt5fx3rQEgiBdZelX9NMCNQJq-rtk_C9Lc8lBhzhosvuHUyhyphenhyphenY3O1GUnvwD1dnuBUxpG-OWFpdfsKD4uvvtS-yOrBD_3kiS2_9JwDIc9mioCpnoRSsnl9m-bF0r_ec4/s1600/1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMcZhZy09CgGORPt5fx3rQEgiBdZelX9NMCNQJq-rtk_C9Lc8lBhzhosvuHUyhyphenhyphenY3O1GUnvwD1dnuBUxpG-OWFpdfsKD4uvvtS-yOrBD_3kiS2_9JwDIc9mioCpnoRSsnl9m-bF0r_ec4/s1600/1a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsBFk_QHlq1oD1fFpALRS9KYR0MOVNjV_BpT6RU81Qy10n6zaZaFPxVgvtXjA21Zr272nTIEnXZ3dKi1Bs7YYGNSRQOL_fuE1LuX6tX_pigEWEmSkVyB7wMvoS_5Agy5ZQst9eht9PzEo/s1600/18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsBFk_QHlq1oD1fFpALRS9KYR0MOVNjV_BpT6RU81Qy10n6zaZaFPxVgvtXjA21Zr272nTIEnXZ3dKi1Bs7YYGNSRQOL_fuE1LuX6tX_pigEWEmSkVyB7wMvoS_5Agy5ZQst9eht9PzEo/s1600/18.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieq1EKfuy5PjqZ6DVm2b9asM3WX8f9pjO8miuCx5p_dXm6Rju2VJWB7_2mvaP2m5QpOwsa_CRWVnbgEy8NOllFDgN1U5XPkRKpdw6sRpWvPXNTkmPE_P9kyXSjzJVP002kMcV7zQ6FcbE/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieq1EKfuy5PjqZ6DVm2b9asM3WX8f9pjO8miuCx5p_dXm6Rju2VJWB7_2mvaP2m5QpOwsa_CRWVnbgEy8NOllFDgN1U5XPkRKpdw6sRpWvPXNTkmPE_P9kyXSjzJVP002kMcV7zQ6FcbE/s1600/10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Et enfin, vous vous souvenez de <a href="http://lamaisondannag.blogspot.fr/2014/02/bemz-design-award-2014.html" target="_blank">mon article concernant le concours design lancé par Bemz</a> en collaboration avec des écoles de design à travers l'Europe, pour lequel je faisais partie du jury..? Vous pouvez encore voter pour votre candidat préféré jusqu'au 28 février <a href="http://www.bemz.fr/en/designaward/vote-now/" target="_blank">en cliquant ici!</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>And finally, remember <a href="http://lamaisondannag.blogspot.fr/2014/02/bemz-design-award-2014.html" target="_blank">my article about the design contest launched by Bemz</a> in cooperation with design schools across Europe, for which I was part of the jury..? You can still vote for your favourite candidate until the 28th of February <a href="http://www.bemz.fr/en/designaward/vote-now/" target="_blank">by clicking here!</a></i></div>

Bloggers tour Stockholm visiting Bemz

Notre blog tour à Stockholm a commencé par une soirée créative et amusante dans le magasin d'inspiration de Bemz . L'idée des affai...

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Woodcut Prints

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbhwy_gqcTxuPcJ63scf8jZzQPe8g6m-cYJFLH7sRyX3X9vTH2AcNKfAZAmmW7ilorkvLYOSxrZ3xBryKzpJjQ-z5vHL6EfakZ4e9gGTfxJhVGpENgp_SoL_gxe549pvi7qX4oekenErc/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbhwy_gqcTxuPcJ63scf8jZzQPe8g6m-cYJFLH7sRyX3X9vTH2AcNKfAZAmmW7ilorkvLYOSxrZ3xBryKzpJjQ-z5vHL6EfakZ4e9gGTfxJhVGpENgp_SoL_gxe549pvi7qX4oekenErc/s1600/1.jpg" /></a>I love tree stumps. A weird confession I know. It is because of my cottage that I love them so. The most obvious reason is of course that the cottage is surrounded by trees. But then there are the more subtle references. There is always a pile of wood stacked by our fireplace at the cottage - ready to use on a chilly night. Wood reminds me of my Dad - him with a chainsaw, chopping the fallen trees - which happens when you have older trees surrounding your property. As kids we'd help move the wood into a pile in the garage - a boring, dreaded, awful task to a kid.  Mom would push the wheelbarrow full of wood into the garage for us to unload. And as a teenager, I'd get grumpy because the wood was dirty and I was always somehow inappropriately dressed for the job (like I'd be wearing <i>white</i>).<br /><br />Now as and adult I like the whole ritual of stacking the wood. It's familiar, still dirty - but now I'm usually in more appropriate attire. On chilly nights at the cottage my Dad would go out into the dark to pile wood into his arms to bring back inside. We'd wait by the creaky door and hold it open for him, and he'd carefully place the logs neatly beside the fireplace. Now my Mom, brother and Aubrey are the ones who do this on those chilly nights. Wood you see fueled the fireplace. I'd watch my Dad tend to the fire, teaching me how to make the perfect one. Everything came with an explanation, background to why things worked as they did. Now, I like to think I'm an expert at making the perfect fire after years of watching him place the wood in "just so" to allow for the air to help the fire. Wood stumps, logs, and firewood is comfort to me. So you see, trees, and wood just remind me of the cottage, which reminds me of my family.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWxQJTGU8BZxDxPolX7ndMiy_jBzaHAih082o0dAJBd72HfJwSj5i_tbOdt7lN0VVCOmmXvwUmNif24Oz0xb7cLNVrSAMJK3xtba1nRx1AnbQur_dyWWsD-fvMoUyOfWIeNDnHNxJE-ys/s1600/wood+cut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWxQJTGU8BZxDxPolX7ndMiy_jBzaHAih082o0dAJBd72HfJwSj5i_tbOdt7lN0VVCOmmXvwUmNif24Oz0xb7cLNVrSAMJK3xtba1nRx1AnbQur_dyWWsD-fvMoUyOfWIeNDnHNxJE-ys/s1600/wood+cut.jpg" /></a></div><br />So now you'll likely appreciate why I fell for a print by the artist <a href="http://www.bryannashgill.com/" target="_blank">Bryan Nash Gil</a> that I saw on <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/home-room/26104026.jsp" target="_blank">Anthorpologie.com</a>. I recall the price of the print was very much out of reach for me (<a href="http://www.ashesandmilk.com/bryan-nash-gill/" target="_blank">see similar works / prices by him here</a>) but still, I thought was truly spectacular. If you like the above, you should <a href="http://vimeo.com/51931649" target="_blank">watch this video on his work</a>. He also has a book out, <a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/woodcut/9781616890483-item.html?ikwid=Bryan+Nash+Gill&ikwsec=Home&gcs_requestid=0CJC96Yyt1rwCFUry5wodB0gAAA" target="_blank">available here. </a><br /><br />Then today while browsing Etsy - I did a double take when I saw the shop of<a href="http://bit.ly/1hswZIT" target="_blank"> LintonArt</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxDUpads3wa9iSpkgxFY59p5Gzf_GDpyIIlLOVxIs-FKx7uYD0J2uzjecwghNdWPckeojAUCciicqQTqmxUDxVepIgiaWe02BVn2yYJ3XX2xwZOYvXClzp_xnWqts8VIWjmF47VSomWFU/s1600/111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxDUpads3wa9iSpkgxFY59p5Gzf_GDpyIIlLOVxIs-FKx7uYD0J2uzjecwghNdWPckeojAUCciicqQTqmxUDxVepIgiaWe02BVn2yYJ3XX2xwZOYvXClzp_xnWqts8VIWjmF47VSomWFU/s1600/111.jpg" /></a></div><br />Similar in style to that of Bryan -  the prints and prices amazing. Isn't the above absolutely beautiful!? The above is called <a href="http://bit.ly/O57Tmm" target="_blank">"Old Growth Pine"</a> and is priced under $30.00.<br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Guardian-EgypTT-Text, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 25px;"><i><br /></i></span>I had thought that perhaps this Summer while at the cottage I may try to recreate this style of art  - although likely not as spectacular as either of the above artists, it may be a lovely project. In addition -  during the ice storm here in Toronto the beautiful apple tree at my Mom's - the tree that I grew up playing under fell over - roots and all, due to the ice. I had thought that perhaps we could salvage some wood and try to do a piece like this for each of the family members, so we could always bring the tree with us, and remember the home.<br /><br />Anyhow, just some lovely art for today.<br /><br /><b>First Photo:</b> Photo by me, Summer 2013<br /><b>Second Photo:</b> Green Woodcut Print by <a href="http://www.bryannashgill.com/" target="_blank">Bryan Nash Gil</a><br /><b>Third Photo: </b> <a href="http://bit.ly/O57Tmm" target="_blank">"Old Growth Pine"</a> by <a href="http://bit.ly/1hswZIT" target="_blank">LionelArt </a><br /><br />xo Lindsay<br /><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">*Affiliate links in this post</span></i><br /><br />

Woodcut Prints

I love tree stumps. A weird confession I know. It is because of my cottage that I love them so. The most obvious reason is of course that th...

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