Because everyone should recycle and old tin boxes are adorable! :)

 

Living in a Shoe Box...

Don Brown

I was looking on google, for no particular reason for `shoe box art'. As a kid I used to make attempt making little doll houses out of them. I had many doll houses - that deserves another post altogether. And even now when I buy shoes and return home with a box that looks  sturdy and (pretty) hopeful, I wonder if I should do some shoe box art and craft. 

I am hence, so pleased to have stumbled upon the Shoe Box Living - Through the eyes of a child. A project where 125 children ages 8-10 were given a shoe box each and asked to recreate their bedroom, or a room from their home and write a few sentences about it. Coming from London's most deprived areas, they portray their voices in work that is moving and vulnerable and sweet, funny and achingly sad, this project has really touched my heart. 

A number of artists were also roped in to do the same, and what they recreated is some amazing stuff... I would like for you to get a little glimpse of what has really made my day today.. :) I hope it makes yours! 

visit shoeboxart here. 

Damien Hirst

Grayson Perry

by one of the children who participated

Young House Love {House Tour}

This is a 54 year old, much loved adobe of Sherry and John, from Young House Love.
"Old enough to be our parent, we treat it like our child" they say. They did all the work by themselves that needed to be done, to hide it's age and make it a gorgeous home, that it is now. They even got married here! Along the way they got so perfect at it (the house renovation i.e, although I'm sure with all the years and experience they are pretty good at marital advice too) :) , that they started taking up projects. Big DIY experts, featured famously, I hope you enjoy this house tour!
What do you think?

before

After

Before

The front porch now - love the green!

After - Living Room

Loving the shelves next to the dining table

 

Love the powder blue walls and the three frames over the bed

The den - before

 

What I love the most about this house is the way the light flows so freely in the space. Evereything becomes sunnier and yet cozy because of the soft color palette. I also love their use of wall art and posters and pictures - they just add so much character, and personalizes the space. 

You can also visit Sherry and John and their lovely shop on younghouselove.

Cherry Blossom {a poem in time}

I love Cherry Blossom trees. How can one not. I think they are one of the saddest, most beautiful looking things ever. 

Also called `Sakura' they even have a celebration around them in Japan called Hanami. 

While in China it represents femininity, power, innocence and sexuality; in Japan it is a symbol of transience and fragility of life. It's short beautiful bloom has inspired many poets and artists. And lovers and dreamers.... 

“My heart that was rapt away by the wild cherry blossoms - will it return to my body when they scatter?” - Anon

"Could I die under a cherry blossom tree in full bloom on a full-
moon night of spring?" - Saigyo

My cherry blossom inspired art and something I wrote - 

Behind the purple clouds when the sun begins to set

and the smell of winter is everywhere

I sit outside and stare long.

Between the branches and the fruit

of the cherry blossom tree 

I try and catch a glimpse

of fast fading light

and quickly hiding birds

I hum a song I used to know

half forgotten half lost

and then

I miss you....

I miss you a lot.

- neha ramabhadran, 2009

Five Birds Sitting in a Cherry Blossom Tree - Beautiful Wall-Graphics by DaliDecals (available in many colors)

cherry blossom wedding collection - buy here

organic cotton mini cherry blossom monkey cap by Citefuzz - 28$

beautiful Cherry blossom branch earrings by Adrienne

japanese cherry blossom goat milk soap by SpringvaleSoap - 4$ 

Limited edition print by Cori Dantini - 20$

via san diago wedding insider

Swaroski studded earrings by Alexis Bittar - Saks Fifth Avenue

Wall art by rEVOLV3r

by singlestonestudios

Also by DaliDecals

DIY - origami cherry blossoms via the flirtyguide

What comes to your mind when you think of a cherry blossom tree?? tell me... 

Spring in a jar {ideas to use old bottles and jar}

I am a big recycler of things. I try to be atleast. Looking at all the things I collect, mostly it's a pleasure and sometimes pain (when they are still waiting to be turned into something beautiful and useful). And I specially love glass bottles and jars, so I keep all the little jars and bottles that come home in grocery packaging form, or if I order water at a cafe/restaurant and it's a glass bottle, it comes back home with me and is loved and used in many ways. Well, I must share in the process of doing the latter and while I have paid for the expensive water (comes in the bottle), 99% of the time the company I'm in is usually embarrassed about me walking out with the glass bottle! But I do it anyways, because I care! :)
 I also have a few uses for the empty wine bottles.. - they get clean of their stickers and turned into vases, soap dispensers, water bottles, decoration etc.. 

For now, get inspired by these lovely ideas and maybe next time you are throwing the glass jar the pasta came in, you will think about interesting ways to use it! Alternatively, keep your eyes open for beautiful recycled glass vases! :)

use food color to get this look!

 via stylemepretty

I have many many more ideas to use glass bottles and jars, coming your way very soon! :) For now make some spring happen in old bottles and mason jars, at your home, for you to love! 

via apartmenttherapy, marthastewart, cottageliving