Blonder Ambitions

Tag: Design

  • How To: Decorate a Christmas Tree

    I know that “designer” style Christmas trees are a big thing right now… And I always have people asking me how I put together my (very girly) Christmas tree each year.  So here’s a little “How To” to help you get that fabulous Christmas tree that you deserve…  And, go way over the top.  It is the holidays, after all.

    ♥ First, lay out all of your ornaments so you know exactly what you’re working with ♥

    ♥ Next, light your Christmas tree (mine had pre-strung lights) so you know exactly where to put your decor.  Start by placing your ribbon… I used hot pink and antique pink wired ribbon.  Wired ribbon is easiest to work with because it holds its shape ♥

    ♥ Then, embellish your tree with branches and flowers… It adds something extra and makes your tree appear to have been professionally decorated ♥

    ♥ Add your largest ornaments… Usually bulbs.  I love mixing bulbs with a matte finish with bulbs covered in glitter.  Chic and unexpected… Add your large decorative ornaments next ♥

    ♥ Make sure some of your ornaments are personal and fun.  Marilyn Monroe is one of my icons ♥

    ♥ Add your tree topper and… voila!… a very custom, very chic, and very personal Christmas tree ♥

    ♥ Merry Christmas ♥

  • How To: Make a Candy Station

    ♥ Every good party has party favors.  Why not let guest make their own sweet creation?  Decorate a table with different sized bowls and jars and stack them at different heights for visual interest.  Provide the guests with clear plastic bags and twist ties.  Let the festivities… and sugar shock… commence ♥

    ♥ Use whatever glassware you already have.  Different sizes and textures add to the charm ♥

    ♥ Make customized labels to make the table more fun and to let guests know where to find their favorite candy ♥

    ♥ You can stick with only one or two colors of candy or mix it up.  It’s up to you ♥

    ♥ Wicker baskets and apothecary jars are inexpensive but pack a lot of visual punch ♥

    ♥ hand-made details add extra charm ♥

  • Who Puts Books in a Bookcase?

    This bookcase was old and in a scrap heap ready to go to the dump.  It was dark wood with a ton of stains.  I added a coat of primer and then two coats of Rustoleum’s Heirloom White latex in a can.  After I had a white bookcase, it still didn’t have enough character.  I took some scrapbooking paper with a pattern that appealed to me and used double stick tape to adhere it to the back of the bookcase.  After that, a few of my favorite pairs of shoes, some piggy banks (a girl has to save her money!), handpainted vintage leopard print martini glasses, and some of my favorite photos filled the case.  All my real books are on shelves by my desk.  This is where my pretty books go.

  • How To: Make an Inspiration Board

    Inspiration boards are vital.  Visual imagery is an important motivating tool and can also instantly improve your mood, drive, and outlook… Take a corkboard, some images, quotes, photos, anything that you love and tack it up.  The beautiful thing about this is that your inspiration board can change daily.  Fill it with whatever strikes your fancy.

    I covered my board with some of my doodles, favorite photos, cards from people that I love with encouraging words, my icon (Marilyn!), and ticket stubs that remind me of some fabulous events and concerts that I’ve attended.  Cover yours with whatever gets you going.