Posted by Cobi on Monday September 24, 2012 at 07:00 AM
cobistyle products •
decorating •
organizing •
Comments (0)
September is a great month to get organized!
It’s also a time when we’re inundated with invitations, schedules, school papers, etc.
This is one of my favourite home office pictures and it’s the bulletin board that really makes it:
I love this one too:
It’s great to get all of those little pieces of paper and ephemera off the desk or counter and up on the wall.
I love the idea of making the bulletin board itself into a design statement.
Here’s an artsy version - I think it would be perfect in a teenage girl’s room - when she’s hanging up her clothes she can also hang up the papers!!!
Ribbon boards are my favourite though. These are new to cobistyle this fall. We did them in a blue and black caning design (24” x 29”):
I’m going to run them in a line in my new home office - pictures to come as soon as the plaster dust settles!
Posted by Cobi on Monday September 10, 2012 at 07:00 AM
Comments (0)
We were lucky enough to spend Labour Day weekend celebrating a gorgeous wedding in cottage country with friends.
It was a wonderful reprieve from our reno-torn-battleground commonly known as “home”.
As I breathed in the sweetness of the country air and romantic setting, I was struck by how beautifully styled weddings have become.
Ideas were everywhere…
And personal touches made the event so much more special (bride Krystyn did an amazing job!)…
Through a friend, I was sent photos from another wedding this summer in Calgary (not hard to guess!)…
The bride’s bouquet was made out of brooches - some family heirlooms, some flea market finds - all put together by the bride…
photography, Duran Cheung
She was kind enough to share a ‘how-to’ lesson with us:
Think of a colour scheme for the bouquet. Then put the feelers out there to anyone who loves to search for things. My mom loves to poke her head around antique markets and my aunt Laura also did the same out east! I decided to go with the colours of my bridesmaids dresses…greens…blues…browns.
COLLECT! Get your hands on buttons & brooches, and even clip-on earrings in your colours. I also knew I’d be wearing pearls, so made sure to find pearl beads or brooches as well. I don’t know how many pieces I ended up with, but my guess is somewhere between 60-80. Then, set a budget…I made sure I didn’t spend more than $4 per item - it also made it kind of fun having to barter with people to get them. My Best Lady and I went out one day and made it our mission to have the most fun possible while on the hunt. We went to antique shows, flea markets, second hand shops, etc. A tip…I would suggest picking a metal colour….sliver or gold…and stick to it. Also look for pieces with a variety of sizes and shape - it’ll make it more interesting.
Get sentimental! There were a few pieces that were special to me. My husband’s grandma gave me a bunch of green and brown buttons and on my wedding day she was pointing them out and trying to find them in the bouquet - it was so cute! I was also a bit goofy and found a lady golfer pin, a little fawn, and a french horn - all which had meaning but weren’t particularly beautiful. A real gem was a pin that said “ASK ME” and thought it was way too funny not to include. When I looked down at the bouquet on my wedding day, seeing all these little memories made me smile!
Stop collecting! Otherwise you’ll make yourself crazy. Then, gather the materials you need…wire and floral tape….and begin turning the buttons and brooches into flowers!
The ‘stem’ of the button or brooch should be about 10 inches, so you’ll need double that in wire. The wire can be wrapped around the brooch fastener, or through the holes of a button. The wire is then just twisted together for strength, and then covered in floral tape to give it a more finished look. The green floral wire and green floral tape was purchased at Michael’s Arts & Crafts.
Collect them all in a vase as you go!
Purchase an artificial hydrangea flower. This acts as the base and holds/separates all the pieces so they don’t clump together. They usually come quite long, so cut it to 10-15 inches of stem. You will then hold the flower in one hand, and add the brooches one by one, placing them through the top of the flower. I also purchased leaves shown in the picture and wrapped wire and tape around them to go along the outside edge of the bouquet.
Once all of the brooches, buttons and earring pieces are placed where you want them, ask someone to help you hold the bundle together. I used plastic zip ties and it worked very well! You’ll want to make sure there is a tight grip on all parts so it doesn’t slip around. Add in the large leaf pieces to the outer edge if you so desire. Use your favorite ribbon and wrap the base completely to hide all the mechanics. I also thought about using a nice lace or piece of my dress on the stem, but ended up liking the ribbon I found the best. My mom then did a tiny little hand stitch to hold it in place. TA DA! A beautiful heirloom.
Thanks for sharing Kelly! You should get this featured on one of those gorgeous wedding blogs!
Two of the best are Style Me Pretty and Ruffled.
I think the best Canadian wedding blog is Wedding Obsessed.
I’m amazed at how beautiful some of the wedding blogs are and they’re great for getting ideas for any kind of celebration.
After all, love and beauty are for all of us to enjoy!
Posted by Cobi on Monday August 27, 2012 at 07:00 AM
display •
flowers •
garden •
inspiration •
summer •
Comments (0)
Summer decorating is special.
There’s a simple ease about it that makes us all say “ahhhh”….
I tend to think ‘country’ when I think summer…
But not everyone does. Some think ‘exotic’…
And far off places…
Even if they live in a downtown apartment.
But that’s the beauty of summer.
It is what you make it.
And hey - there’s still enough time to make this - one of the cutest, cheapest ideas I’ve seen in a long time!
Enjoy the last unofficial week of summer 2012!
Posted by Cobi on Monday August 13, 2012 at 06:59 AM
collecting •
colour •
decorating •
display •
Comments (0)
Ginger Jar: A Chinese porcelain jar with a wide mouth; domed lid and often a bulging, spherical body.
Although the Chinese traditionally used the jars to store a variety of goods, they acquired the name “ginger jars” because ginger was one of the most common spices exported to the West.
Today designers use ginger jars for display and decorating.
Of-the-moment American designer Ruthie Sommers chose this vignette for a recent portrait…gee, I wonder why? The mix of pretty blue and white porcelain, with powerful blue/black leather, is fresh and fun looking.
At this time of year, blue and white porcelain looks amazing outside, and it’s practical because it doesn’t rust or rot like metal and wood.
Of course it looks just as good inside loaded with blooms from the garden.
When buying a ginger jar, be sure to ask if it’s water tight so that you can remove the lid and use it as a vase.
What I love about blue and white porcelain is that it’s so quick to mingle. Look at it here in a rustic farmhouse setting…
And here in a contemporary, art-filled, classical home…
And here in a very traditional hallway….
Nothing phases blue and white - it’s like that friend who can mix equally well with royals and rebels alike.
Speaking of royals, Ralph Lauren has always used blue and white porcelain in his home line…
And I expect we will at cobistyle too. Here are just a few pieces in the current line:
Lots of pieces to mix and match…
Blue and white does love a party ~ it’s definitely at its best when grouped…
And with a classic decorating style like this, it looks like the Chinese will be exporting Ginger Jars for many years to come!
Posted by Cobi on Monday July 30, 2012 at 07:00 AM
garden •
inspiration •
nature •
summer •
Comments (2)
Sometimes we take things for granted that are cheap and plentiful.
And to be honest I didn’t start out writing this blog about radishes - but then I found this image…
And I was amazed at their beauty!
And how creative people are with them!
Even Martha has taken a stab at radishes…
So cute! As are these ~
They make me want to grow radishes again like when I was a kid.
Although I must admit, mine never looked like this…
But whether we grow them or just buy them, we don’t have to do much to create this beauty in our kitchen…
Maybe a little more effort to do this…
But we could all do this…
Or this…
So reconsider the humble radish on your way to the arugula
~ who knows how they’ll inspire you?
Posted by Cobi on Monday July 16, 2012 at 07:00 AM
cobistyle products •
colour •
entertaining •
Comments (1)
I don’t know why I love paper lanterns so much.
I’ve shown how I’ve used them at a Summer party in the backyard…
And at a Chinese New Year party to liven up the bland Winter…
I’ve added them to the cobistyle accessory line in two sizes - small….
And large…
And in great colours…
Paper lanterns just seem to have a way of instantly creating a happy, party feeling whether they’re hung from the ceiling of a dramatic ballroom…
Or from a simple centrepiece…
Or from the backs of party chairs…
Even from the ceiling at a cottage…
Or from an umbrella in the backyard…
Paper lanterns have a lighthearted, child-like quality of total impracticality.
And I love that. Whether it’s at a goofy home party just to celebrate everyday life…
Or the most important day of your life…
Maybe that’s why I love them. They’re nothing more than paper and air and yet they always bring a smile.
Posted by Cobi on Monday July 02, 2012 at 07:00 AM
cobi's house •
entertaining •
summer •
Comments (1)
Friends of ours were transferred to the US last year and finally made it home for a visit. Even though it’s a busy time of year, we decided to surprise them with a Canada Day party so they don’t forget their roots are red and white with only a few blue flowers mixed in to show our Canadian open-mindedness.
Of course I love a theme party and this one started with summer market flowers in red and white, like carnations and freesia…
begonias…
…and gerberas…
I pulled out my thrift-store milk glass collection that always looks great in the summer with candles, flowers or fruit…
And added some hosta leaves and lemon verbena from the garden…
It gave me a giggle that as I was arranging the flowers our copy of Macleans arrived and fit right in!
Even the food looked patriotic!
Oregano from the garden… mmmm…
It’s tough to pick The Great Canadian Soundtrack - too many choices!
Of course we used a hockey puck as a napkin weight…
And I know Dollarama is American but their Canada Day stuff is way fun and dirt cheap…
I found these priceless dinner napkins there too ~ good for a few laughs -
And Bob says I could have been arrested for using their cheap flags for a tablecloth (something about the flag act?) but they looked great!
He created a quiz for the night that was really fun - questions about famous Canadians - our daughter wrote up the clues as name tags.
Everyone got in on the act and many arrived dressed in red and white!
It was a great party and one I would do again in a minute - after all, what else am I going to do with all these little flags??
Posted by Cobi on Monday June 18, 2012 at 07:07 AM
cobistyle products •
colour •
display •
Comments (0)
What I like about the female brain is that it works laterally. Men would never get the idea of ‘Table Scarves’. But women do! We introduced Table Scarves into the cobistyle line this Spring and they’re a hit! Have a look:
Plus we all know women will shop anywhere for anything - home in a fashion store - fashion in a home store - who cares?
If it’s pretty - lay it on me - literally!
Of course we’re suggesting you use these gorgeous scarves on your table…
Comme ca….
At home…
Or at parties…
They also look great over a chair…
But when the mood suits - make your table share! And wear it like you’re a 9’ model!
And like celebrity ‘it girl’ Sofia Vergara…
I love this pink/red combo from an American dept. store…
Our scarves tie great and are a generous size (bigger than this)…
They bring pop and pizazz to a plain outfit…
So what’s my home wearing this spring? Just let me check my closet…
And what am I wearing? Let me check my table. I knew you’d get it.
Posted by Cobi on Monday June 04, 2012 at 06:59 AM
cobi's house •
cobistyle products •
decorating •
organizing •
Comments (1)
My friend and colleague, Michael Penny inspired me a few months ago on his blog. He was writing about out setting up his office at home (since then he’s opened a fabulous shop in Whitby, Ont. which you should definitely check out). Anyway, he posted a picture of his pencil crayons and markers in containers :
It got the old wheels churning about how satisfying it is to make something visually pretty, out of things we already have around the house.
It reminded me of when Martha Stewart magazine did a beautiful story on jewellery storage and suggested using old teacups…
Although not always that elaborate, I do this kind of thing around the house all the time. For example, I had a cute unused honey pot and creamer filling space on the counter…
And one day thought - why don’t I get rid of those ugly plastic vitamin bottles in the cupboard and hide them in here…
I did the same with my rings (I have a thing for big rings)…I put them in a vintage bowl and now I wear them more…
Back in 2009 I blogged about using glass vases to hold bangles and I still use these…
I love it when people treat bulletin boards artistically to turn them into personal art pieces…
Part of the beauty of makin’ somethin’ outa nothin’ is that it doesn’t cost any money!
We’ve all got baskets and bowls and cluttering up the closets anyway. Just put 2 things together!
I had these french jam jars in the cupboard and use them for toothbrushes and eye glass holders…
When I entertain, I like to put pretzel sticks in milk glass tumblers or old jelly jars I’ve collected…
When I was working on cobistyle I was sure to put a couple of items in the accessory line that I knew would double duty like this drinking glass with a woven sleeve…
And these cute blue and white ceramic Chinese teacups…
Now I can admire them on my desk everyday whether I get my suggested servings of water and green tea or not!
Posted by Cobi on Monday May 21, 2012 at 07:00 AM
cobistyle products •
decorating •
Comments (2)
It’s hard to know where an idea comes from. I’ve always remembered a glass bauble necklace on a woman at an evening event I attended…
And I’ve admired glass and lucite lamps for years now and wondered if I should splurge…
I’ve noticed the trend to funky retro light fixtures in brass and glass orbs - sometimes all bunched up…
Sometimes cascading like a waterfall…
I like them but they just aren’t me.
Nice in a picture, but they wouldn’t suit my home and many like it.
So when I started work on my new lighting collection, I got the idea of doing a more traditional chandelier shape but for a new look, featuring uncut glass balls rather than the typical cut crystals…
I’m really happy with the result and hope it catches your eye too. It definitely satisfies my desire for a glass-ball light fixture but I keep thinking about that darned necklace. Or this one…
And how about these earrings…So lovely!
But back to lighting fixtures… I found this picture in a magazine file from a number of years ago. I believe the fixture is pink.
And it’s remarkably like the open lantern in my new line! I guess it sat somewhere in my subconscious all those years…
I have black and bronze lanterns in a few places in my home - some with glass, some without - but I love the idea of red…
Tobi_Farley.jpeg)
Red lanterns are hard to find and yet we see them in designer rooms all the time…
They bring a bit of whimsy to a room and yet feel classic at the same time…
We incorporated a brick-red lantern into the cobistyle line and I love it. It’s just different enough to be special.
Keep your eyes open for more glimmering ideas in Lighting stores this Spring!
Posted by Cobi on Monday May 07, 2012 at 07:00 AM
decorating •
display •
family •
Comments (4)
My daughter became a teenager over the weekend. She loves anything to do with the arts but particularly music. Her main birthday gift is a piano (her little keyboard just ain’t cuttin’ it any more).
As I’ve been trying to figure out where to fit a piano into our home - I started to look online for inspiration. Of course the best inspiration comes from a grand…
And although our living room housed a ‘grand’ when we purchased the house.
I managed to fill up the room with furnishings so that the only realistic option is an upright upright (for the pocketbook too).
I expected most pianos to be black…
Or dark wood…
But on a quick search, I found every colour of the rainbow.
Yellow…
Turquoise…
Red…
Pale blue…
Green…
Cream…
So many ideas, my ears are ringing. I will post a picture of our purchase once we have it and hope that you will all say, “Bravo!”
Posted by Cobi on Monday April 23, 2012 at 07:00 AM
cobi's house •
cottage •
summer •
Comments (3)
There’s something about screened-in porches.
They’re so relaxed.
And they’re the perfect place to enjoy ‘outdoor decorating’!
Like painting a ceiling blue.
And playing with all those great new indoor/outdoor fabrics.
You can see my own porch by clicking here to an older blog entry.
Wouldn’t it be great to be able to watch a movie in a screened-in porch on a summer night?
Screened-in porches have that ‘family-board-game-feeling’ like at the cottage.
Kids of all ages love the ‘camp’ feeling they evoke.
I guess it’s just that whole romantic notion of living life at a slower pace.
And hey, if it gets us to do that, we might even be able to say they’re good for our health!
Posted by Cobi on Monday April 09, 2012 at 06:59 AM
Comments (2)
I’ve never been Passionate about Pastels - or at least that’s what I thought?
But Easter has a way of bringing out our Soft and Sunny side, and as I look around the house, I see bits and pieces I’ve collected over the years, like Pyrex mixing bowls…
Turquoise Cornishware…
And pieces of Jadite…
New pieces like this fluted cake stand (sorry about the mess)…
And apple blossoms from my Spring’12 accessory line…
Beautiful old demi-tasses that I use for votives every Spring and remember that wonderful trip to the flea market in Copenhagen years ago…
A glass bowl of Spearmint Scotch mints that my kids love…
Linens in a range of colours to lighten the mood of the table for Spring…
And these fantastic new napkin rings (also from my Spring cobistyle line)…
And I start to think that maybe I am a Pastel girl after all?…
Well at least for the next few months until Summer comes and my world turns more Primary…
Special Note: If you haven’t joined clubcobi, now’s the time. Each monthly newsletter now has a great giveaway from the cobistyle product line. Congratulations to Doris James from Carleton Place, Ont. who was our March winner of a handsome rattan tray!
Posted by Cobi on Monday March 26, 2012 at 07:00 AM
Comments (2)
As you can see by my kitchen, I’m a white window kinda gal. They’re just so classic - it’s hard to beat.
In fact, if I see one more putty-coloured window going into a new house I’m going to throw a rock at it!
Sorry about that, as I was saying…white windows (or cream) are like black roofs - classic!
Lately though…I’ve been having other thoughts -
But I’m so loyal to white windows, it feels like I’m cheating on them to say…I’m really loving the look of black window frames…
Black windows are classic too, but in a more urban, edgy way.
They remind me of great cities like London or New York - especially when I see them made of metal.
Given the opportunity, I wouldn’t have black windows everywhere in the house -
Just on selected ones to make them stand out.
Painting window frames black is like putting a picture frame around the view outside.
It’s all about creating contrast.
And of course what happens inside your house is your own business - there’s no need to share it with the neighbours.
You can leave the exteriors of your windows white (or cream) and no one will be the wiser.
Black and white working together - the best of both worlds!
Posted by Cobi on Monday March 12, 2012 at 06:59 AM
inspiration •
Comments (0)
I was given a pretty pair of earrings the other day that look much like this:
I just love them! While wearing them, I popped into Staples and saw Martha’s new line of stationary supplies and bought some post-it notes like this:
I then picked up a magazine and saw a picture of this great white dinnerware at Sears called Ecoware:
So what’s the deal? Why are all of my favourite designs lately punctuated with {parentheses} ?
I suppose the centuries-old Moroccan patterns we’ve enjoyed so much over the past few years, have not only affected textile trends, like this flat weave rug…
And fabrics, like on this pretty pillow…
And hard surfaces, like these great white tiles…
Or decorative pieces like this beautiful mirror…
But now they’ve trickled down ever further to influence smaller goods like note cards…
and gift tags……
Isn’t it amazing that we live in a world where something (that for some strange reason pleases the eye) can wind its way over time and oceans …
…and end up as a cute little sticky note, sitting on my desk.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Special Note: If you haven’t joined clubcobi, now’s the time. Each monthly newsletter now has a great giveaway from the cobistyle product line. Congratulations to Jennifer Brown from Surrey, BC who was the February winner of an adorable everlasting potted orchid!
