A scrapbook I can stand

Usually scrapbooks make me think of suburbia, outdated denim and 1996. But I got an itch to try from a co-worker...and when I looked, the supplies were all over the thrift store- for cheap. $2 and I got a big, black bound book- in great shape - I just finished my first 8 pages(all from stuff from random craft supplies) and have to say, scrapbooking is awesome!

I went on a little cyber hunt for people who do this paper craft in good way. I found Ali Edwards and Emily Falconbridge . Looks like they know their craft DAM well. Check em out!

Home Decorating and Improvment Never Felt SO Good

The 18 Volume set - "The Practical Encyclopedia of Good Home Decorating and Home Improvment" is my decor Mantra! I stumbled upon it on Ebay and am compelled to share pictures before it arrives. Apparently, I am not the only one who dreams of being Mrs. Roper in a groovy pad! Thanks weewonderfuls and discontentedcookies
for a sneak peak (of a few of the 4,000 photos):

Cool Ass Rug

Apartmenttherapy is just so full of ideas that I need my "idea notebook" when I scroll through the pages. They showed the link to this amazing belt rug that I totally want to make. Yippie! I have a thrift store coupon of 50% that is burning a hole in my pocket. Even if I needed Like 50 belts- it would be well worth it!

AUCTION + SHRINKY DINKS x ART = LOVE

As if re- discovering shrinky dinks wasn't enough, I just found out about a shrinky dink art auction this fall! Read the attched article on this great exhibit at Zeitgeists Coffee House . Proceeds go to a homeless youth program. Plan now people. Plan! ...I am !

It’s the destination AND the journey

So, I have this couch that I love. Italian design, 1970’s box frame, small- a great shape. The fabric however, is less than to be desired. Shit brown leather…And to make it worse my cats have used it for a scratch post for the last few years.

IKEA might have cheap furniture, but after looking on-line I thought I would try their textiles- if it’s anything like their furniture it should be striking and reasonable enough to cover my beloved couch- especially for my first attempt with a major upholstery project.

I’m SO sick of Seattle transportation (and I don’t drive) so I decided to bike to IKEA. I called into work and took the long way round- down 12th ave South through Beacon Hill to the Chief Sealth Trail (one of the newest trails in King County). This trail is awesome on it’s own, but better yet...at the end of the trail you're right at the entrance of the Kabota Gardens in Renton.

After a self guided garden tour and a PB &J I got back on the bike and meandered my way through downtown Renton up a huge hill. My master plan was another south end trail, but I never found it. But it still was (dangerously) freeing- to ride along side trucks through the Seattle South suburbs.

Finally, after some time of sweat and then hunger I saw the bright IKEA sign.
I screamed and sped to the parking lot and through the entrance (btw, with a bike you ALWAYS have rockstar parking) . I roamed IKEA and fantasized of kitchen cabinets that could and other objects of desire that usually I don’t have time to study. In the middle of my tour I ate a fabulous $3 lunch at the cafeteria.

For those who sew I highly recommend Ikea’s fabrics. There are several dozen and most are heavy weight like upholstery fabric for $7.99. Lightweight cotton $2.99. My favorite is a 1970’s inspired print. I near fainted of joy when I saw it.





















At the end of my IKEA adventure I threw myself, my bike and my 13 yards of textiles on the bus. It’s just impossible to ride with that kind of dead weight. It took almost two hours to get home but mission accomplished!

A sick day never felt so good and the upholstery project is very soon to come!