The Notebook: January 2013

Thursday, January 31, 2013

Don't forget to Enter!!!

Want to win a Pocket the Date?

Here is how:

2) Follow McNamara Design's blog The Notebook!

THE WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED TOMORROW!

So I'm obsessed with this old school horse post! It is cast iron and was in great condition but just did not aesthetically pleasing to my client. With a quick once over of sand deglosser and high gloss white spray paint check out this beauty that she is using as the towel rack in her guest bathroom. Love the upcycle!

more pics to come of the installation!

PS is it Friday yet? thank goodness its tomorrow!

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Merlin the Marlin!

A client of mine asked me to paint this enormous stuffed marlin. This is something I have never painted before and I am so pumped of the outcome. It made me think of what other colors/ patterns merlin the marlin could become!

love that we kept his original eye!

Happy Fishing for Treasures Notebook Readers!

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Love love love

Hey Notebook Readers! Happy Tuesday! I've been home in bed with the flu but keeping busy finishing up the last touches on our Save The Dates!

Check em out!

Details details details I used a navy enveloped lines with gold glitter DIY liner, with a white love stamp! For the actual save the date I had a friend, Megan, who is an amazing graphic designer create this custom Maryland STD which I got printed at a local printer.

Check out more of Megan's work here!!!

And for a finishing touch I added a hot pink card stock. Lastly they will be delivered to my big sis today to have her calligraphy skills rock out the front of the envelope with white ink!!! So excited to send them out!

Have a great day people!

Friday, January 25, 2013

Friday Giveaway...Pocket the Date!!!

I'm happy to welcome Pocket the Date!!! I am obsessed with this year long organizer! Every month in this organizer has a pocket to place any important documents, bills, or invitations! I just purchased these for my bridesmaids! Great gift!!!

Head on over to Pocket the Dates website to check out more!!!

Want to win a Pocket the Date?

Here is how:

1) Like McNamara Design on Facebook

2) Follow McNamara Design's blog The Notebook!

Giveaway ends next Friday!!!

Happy Friday Notebook Readers!!!

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Shutter Time!

So excited to have my wonderful sister hand paint these old shutters I have had for years! I use them as a divider in my kitchen but they are going to a more exciting use...as our bar menu for the wedding.

I have big plans to paint the shutters navy with hot pink letting inside a white border! Check out this inspiration photo!

Happy DIYing Notebook Readers!!!

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Lock it up!

So I have mentioned that I will be helping with the 2013 DC Design House. I'm working with interior designer Regan Billingsley!

Check out this amazing locker she picked up in NYC! I'm so excited to start churning away at ideas of how to paint it for the teenage boys room she has designed!

It will be a funky approach for a dresser! Remember repurposing found items in your home is a great way to save money and to create a unique design element!

Happy Repurposing People!!!

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Glitter glitter save the date

Now that Boy and I are in full speed ahead wedding planning I am really making sure we are still hitting all the details that make a wedding unforgettable. Check out the save the date envelopes I DIYed.

Instead of purchasing costly premade lined envelopes I decided to be creative and make them myself. our colors as I said are navy, white, with touches of pink and gold! So I found these navy envelopes and gold glitter paper...I absolutely live how they turned out!!!

I traced the envelope onto a piece of cardboard and then cut it out to use as my template

Oncei made the template it was easy to trace an cut out the glitter paper liner!

After cutting out the liner I used a simple glue stick to insert them into the envelope!

Can't wait to get the printed STD to stuff these beautiful envelopes!!!

Happy DIYing Notebook Readers!!!

MLK

Happy Belated MLK!!!

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Goodnight Gallery!

I saw this image and just had to share...

Most people think that a gallery wall should be used in their living rooms, but after seeing this unique approach to setting one up in your bedroom I am now sold! Love this!

gallery wall surrounding bed- love the bed too!

It adds so much interest to your bedroom space. Think of pairing some of your children's art work with meaningful prints...every night you will be happy to look at it before bedtime!

Monday, January 14, 2013

Flower Power

I absolutely love having fresh flowers in my apartment. Not only do they add texture, color, and fragrance...they give a sense of freshness and life into a space.

Over the weekend I needed a large vase but did not have one available because it was already in use. I love this idea of using a bowl you have with some household items to create the perfect arrangement!

But using tape the section off the large bowl area...you can easily make an amazing bouquet!!!

Friday, January 11, 2013

Friday Finds...2013 DC Design House!

Hey People! Happy Flipping Friday!!!

I am so happy with today's Friday Finds...the 2013 DC Design House! My girlfriend Regan Billingsly is going to be one of the designers. I'm thrilled to be able to help her with a couple furniture rehab projects that will be in the space!

More to come Notebook Readers! But head over and check it out!

HAPPY FRIDAY!!!

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Ribbon Ribbon Everywhere!

Hey Notebook readers! As I announced last week Boy and I got engaged! We are so excited for our May 31st wedding and now it is time to start planning the details! As we all know Pinterest is every girls dream when finding ideas for anything...parties, weddings, crafts...you name it you can find it over there.

As much as I love getting inspiration sometimes it can be overwhelming, but there has been one idea that I can't stay away from...ribbon walls.

I love the texture, color, and impact they seem to take hold of a space. Our colors are navy and white with touches of pink and gold. This is what I plan to use to create an amazing ribbon wall behind the dessert table!

Adding in new textures through a backdrop can create high impact in a space...can't wait!!!

Happy Love of Ribbon!

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Maryum Montague coming to Dc!

Hey DC Notebook Readers! I'm excited to attend an event Friday at Muleh for Maryum Montague! She will be high lighting her book that concentrates on Moroccan Design! Come check it out!

Happy Marrakesh by Design!

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

I dream of...

I got inspiration from this Pinterest photo which featured a set of antlers intsead of sheep! It made me think of our friends the Salyer's who love their hunting!

Here is their son George with his father's 8 point antlers

I free handed the antlers on this sign to match those of his father's!!!

Blogger picture load is faulty today but here is the sign I made! I'll upload a more clear pic tom!!!

Happy DIYing!

Monday, January 7, 2013

DIY ALERT!

Good day Notebook Readers! Now I have a DIY for everyone!

It only requires:

clothes pins

push pins

glue

check it out! What a great way to hang art, hang homework, or create an inspiration wall in your home!

Friday, January 4, 2013

Happy Friday Notebook Readers!!!

Hey Hey! Sorry I did not have post this morning! Life in the classroom was a little hectic!

HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY FRIDAY PEOPLE!!! See ya back here Monday!

Thursday, January 3, 2013

Just Arrived!

One of my favorite online fabric one stop shops is Fabric.com! They have the best sales and deals, but today I am high lighting their "new arrivals," which are even a steal!!!

Check 'em out!

Marcovaldo Cape Chevron Jacquard Natural

Many many more colors, textures, and patterns...so many idea racing and all these fabrics were featured for under $20!

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Framed Children's Books!

I saw this and love the idea! Using your fav children's books and placing the pages into matted frames that match the decor of your playroom or child's bedroom!