Inspiration for Your Nest: Decorating for Christmas!

I hope you have gotten started on your Christmas decorating! I found some amazing inspiration for seasonal decorations to get you excited about getting your home ready for the holidays!

Card Display

Photo Wreath

Bow Sweet Bow

Bright

Red Ribbons

Paper Leaf Wreath

All Wrapped Up

Pine-Cone Frames

Cinnamon Bird Ornament

Paper-Doily Wreath

Boot-Shaped Christmas

Thrifting, Decorating, Studios Oh MY!

Ever have those nights where you just cannot sleep because 1,486 ideas are running through your head and you just get so excited that you end up staying awake 2-3 hours past your bedtime?! I definitely had one of those nights last night...

My head was just spinning about all the things I would like to accomplish this year, how I want to take this and this e-course, and how I was going to finish my studio//guest room in order to have an amazing place of inspiration and to entertain guests. So, I made a decision last night that, aside from supplies and a few exceptions, I was going to make my studio//guest room a "vintage//thrifted" ONLY room. I have a lot of work to do, since it is currently serving as our "still-moving-in-so-everything-doesn't-quite-have-a-place-boxes-in-the-corner-room", but I am at a good start as far as basic furniture is concerned.





















Current Studio Vintage Pieces:

• Green Kenmore Sewing Machine from the sixties--seventies
• Vintage Wooden Desk
• Three old beautiful blue suitcases that I plan to add peg legs to in order to create a side table
• Old rotary phone from the seventies

Not much, but it is a start! I worked myself up so much last night that I ended up wrapping work up early and made a little trip to a cutesy thrift store in Decatur, GA, called "Last Chance".

And here is what I scored!

Four Vintage "Reader's Digest: Condensed Books" hardback from the sixties--seventies

Sweet little toy wooden deer
Large Crocheted Doily Tapestry

Total Price = $14.37

A Mailbox Full of Magazines

I am a magazine hoarder. There I said it! From middle school to my present 22 year old self, I have had an odd and slight obsession with magazines. So much so that during my Sophomore year of college and Senior year of college, I covered a complete wall in my dorm room with artwork and photographs from my favorite magazines:

I have to say, they made great backdrops for "spur of the moment" photo-shoots and served well as a centerpiece for my staring-off-into-space sessions. My "obsession" if you will, does not end at wall collages; I do actually like to read them. *wink*

Before I share my current all-time favorites, I thought I would give a little blast-from-the-past to my old magazine obsessions in middle school and high school:

 

Now that I am a wifey and have my own place, I have somewhat refrained from madly sprinkling our walls with magazine photographs, but I do have a beautiful collection of subscriptions (or prescriptions as I like to call them) that grace my mailbox.

Here is a peek into my subscriptions and most recommended print magazines for fellow creators, DIY projects, fashion, design, practical application, and lovers of life. 

1. HOW Magazine: Inspirational design, creativity, and business tips

2. do it YOURSELF: Amazing and affordable home DIY ideas

 

3. Martha Stewart Living: Thank goodness for Martha

4. The Nest Magazine: I LOVE the variety of marriage advice, DIY, recipes, and practical homemaking tips. It is like a quarterly handbook for being a homemaker!

5. print Magazine: Similar to HOW, this is an amazing resource for those who are into visual communication & design

6. NYLON: I love this magazine, not only for its unique and fresh layout, but it has amazing fashion, alternative, and music inspiration

7. Communication Arts: Amazing design and photography

8. REAL SIMPLE: Life is just better when it is organized

 

While on the topic of magazines, I have to pay tribute to my favorite retired magazine JANE. I wish someone would bring you back to life!

I have been hearing things here and there about some amazing virtual magazines. If you have any recommendations for print or virtual magazines, please leave your suggestions!! I want to know your favorites. 

Fancy Shmancy: A Tuesday Collection of Favorite Things 12.1.10

My "Tuesday" collection is a little late, but I think you will be just as excited about these sweet treasures this week as I am! 

1. I just think this Page Russell DIY Advent Tree is beautiful. I love how it becomes a huge piece to display whether it is at an event or in your home. Jon & I just bought our first advent calendar and we get to open the first little door today! Only 25 days until Christmas!!

2. I am thinking this sweet little moose head would look darling above my couch in the living room!

3. I got this Kitchen Aid mixture as a wedding gift and it is amazing! I love this sweet blue retro look and I recently made an Oreo Cheesecake for Thanksgiving with it and it is my all-time-favorite kitchen appliance. Also, I am loving these other light blue appliances in the picture...

4. My new favorite shop, Juniper Home on Etsy, has an amazing collection of vintage items for your home. I am loving the collection of vintage cameras! 

5. Oh my Deer has been one of my original creative inspirations and she just came out with this beautiful print artwork for Christmas time on her Etsy shop. 

6. Sandy a la Mode has a beautiful collection of sweet little bows in her shop. I am eying this azure bow with lace detailing! 

7. I just ordered this vintage-inspired beaded belt from Forever21 and I am thinking I will wear it with a tunic to Jon's work Christmas party. 

8. Martha Stewart must know I have a huge sweet tooth.

Happy December!