A Southern Country Thanksgiving Table

I love the holidays, especially Thanksgiving

the food, the company, the beautiful tables.......

Here is my favorite one I did this year!!!!

My client asked me to help him out this year with his Thanksgiving table because he has an ULTRA busy schedule this time of year.  This man has "STYLE" so I jumped at the chance because I really wanted to try out something new for me.... a Southern Traditional Look!  

My client likes the traditional style in his home decor so it's only natural to want the same at your table but, I wanted to make sure I brought a little "Q" to the table by adding handmade items from my studio and little bits of bling!  Cause you know I gotta have my bling!  So first, my client selected a fabric that made me do a double take.  I was like, oh jeepers, how am I going to work with this....lol.  Definitely would not have been my first choice but the more I looked at it, the more I felt a connection with it. Sounds cheesy, but it's true.  The more I looked at the pattern the more I saw.  I made him a round tablecloth (well a table topper actually) out of the fabric.  My biggest challenge with that was the repeat on the fabric, 13" wide and long....lots of wasted fabric because I had to match the motif.  Since we only had 5 yards I had to be very careful with my cuts.  After I painstakingly racked my brain with geometry, and a phone call to my Mom (shout out alert), I figured it out.  The table cloth fit perfectly with the perfect amount of drop all around the table.  Go me, go me....

Earlier in the week I set up a few plate combination using dishes he already had. Like I said, he's got style so I had a few options to chose from.  He's also an even bigger dish lover than me.  I know, hard to believe right?  I like to mix up the plates/bowls to add a little extra visual texture as well as creating an opportunity to introduce more colors.  This was the plating option he liked best so we went with this.  I was thrilled he chose this one because I could add the yellow from the dinner plate to my floral arrangements. His dinner party was rather large so he mixed it up by using the other plate combinations on the second table which I think added more flavor.

The floral arrangements were inspired by the tablecloth.  As I said before, the more I looked at it the more I saw.  Kind of like when you look at the clouds in the sky, you "think" you see a bunny rabbit, or a train....Well believe it or not, I saw Pomegranates.....lol.  Pomegranates have amazing burgundy and rich red tones to them.  I used that to my advantage and paired that with deep red roses. I used white alstros with burgundy speckling and yellow alstros with burgundy speckling for highlights.  Lots of greenery for a grounding effect.  I also used bright red roses for depth.  I hand dipped some of the roses in gold paint because.....that's right, I gotta have my bling.  They came out perfect.  I will post a video on my YOUTUBE channel how to dip roses later this week.  Pomegranates also have a lot of visual texture in their core, so I cut them in half put them on skewers and stuck them into the arrangement.  For the base, my client had this pretty terracotta pot that I used on one table.  I decided to use the Soup Serving Dish on the other table that matched his dish set as the vase.  Hey, sometimes you have to think outside the box.  He was super happy with the way they came out and so was I.  What do you think?

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My favorite part of the table were the handmade gold pumpkin place cards I made in my studio.  Because we were using a lot of reds and greens in the color scheme I didn't want it to look to much like Christmas, so miniature pumpkins were the ticket.  If you'd like to learn how to create these for your fall table, check out my blog archives for " Gilded Glam Pumpkin Place Cards  ".  I also have a video tutorial on YOUTUBE. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8j_kNRfvB3A   Check it out and subscribe. 

Well I hope this has inspired you to make your next dinner party the talk of the town.  Ciao of Now!

-Q-

Navy and White Stripe Design

From Concept to Creation!

Who loves pinterest?  I do I do!.....Yes, Pinterest is brilliant, we all know that.  One of the things I love most is watching people repin my designs!  You like me, you really like me!!!!  Yeah that's right I get super excited to know you guys enjoy my work, makes me feel all warm and squishy.  

I get a lot of hits for this design on Pinterest.  So I thought I would talk a little about it for those who are interested.  

This area of the home is a split landing between floors.  Most people over look these spaces because you can't put a sofa there and sit down.  Well these are the spaces I enjoy designing the most.  They are a challenge for most and I love a good challenge.

BEFORE

AFTER

First I think most people are attracted to the navy and white striped walls.  Well good, I meant to do that.  I wanted a strong bold pop to make you notice the space.  When you first walk up the steps the walls are all done in the solid navy color (Classic Navy, by Weaverly) then you turn around and BAM in your face bold and beautiful stripes.   Now these stripes gave me a hard time.  Mainly because this was an old house....and I mean very old house....so the walls and ceiling were not straight.  To fix this problem I decided to create my own ceiling line using the navy paint.  I taped a straight line on the ceiling and brought the navy paint a little onto the ceiling up to my tape line.  This creates a new visual line and melts away the fact that the ceiling is dramatically off.  Then I proceeded with the alternating stripes.  They are about 10" wide each.  

I love the way Navy, Green, and Hot Pink go together.  It's fun, fresh and very fashion forward.  So I added the green chest of drawers (Malm, Ikea) to the space for a blast of color.  I added overlays (myoverlays.com) to the piece and choose the color from the painting on the right.  The painting introduced the pinks and orange color into the space while tying in the green.  The framed art below is a beautiful silk fabric I found and framed it.  It's an easy way to add more color to the space.  Try it!

I wanted to add a little bling to the space, a little decor jewelry if you will.  The light fixtures in the space was chosen because it added glam without adding another color.  The lamp I found in Home Goods for a steal!  The chandelier (pretty cool huh) was decided on first.  I love the way the crystals drop in a spiral shape.  They catch all the light from the window to the right!

Lastly, let's talk about that cute little vanity chair.  I found that at an antique market in NC.  My mom and I love browsing those places and you can find some AWESOME things there.  You just have to have an open mind.  So anyway, I rubbed the frame down with steel wool,  painted a new gold finish on the frame, hit it with a protective enamel, and recovered the seat in a fun stark white faux fur fabric and badabing, a brand new funky vanity chair.  I just love funky!!!!! 

Well that's it for this post!  If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. 

 info@studioqdesigns.com. 

Thanks for reading, Ciao for now!

-Q-

Gilded Glam Pumpkin Place Cards for your Fall Table!

Tablescapes are a passion of mine.  I love a beautiful table and so do our guest.  My clients understand that, and really appreciate when I add special detailing and handmade items such as these GLAMOROUS pumpkin place cards.  I made these for a wonderful client in Washington DC.  Check out this tutorial and be sure to let me know how yours turns out!   

Q-TIP:  Get your mini pumpkins at your local nursery a few days before Thanksgiving.  They will usually have them on MEGA sale (if not free) by that time because they are trying to turn over their lot to get ready for Christmas Tree and Wreaths.  I got these at $0.25 per piece....CHA CHING!  

Start with a mini pumpkin, and spray paint it with a metallic spray paint.  You can use silver, gold, or any color you really like, but I find the metallic paints look the best.  I like to use Rustoleum brands but work with whatever is available to you.  http://www.rustoleum.com/product-catalog/consumer-brands/stops-rust/metallic/  Then find some greenery, either from your own yard or a small filler bouquet from your local grocery store.  I like to use greenery that has a berry like look to them for texture.  Try to use leaves with a smooth finish to them.  It's important that you choose greenery that is TOO SCALE with your pumpkins.

Once you have sprayed your pumpkins and pulled your greenery, then print out your guest names on clear/transparent labels.  Use a font that fits the theme of your table.  Cut around the names and stick them onto the leaves. 

Once you've finished that part, then it's time to glue.  Make sure your freshly sprayed pumpkins have been completely painted and dry for at least an hour.  Spray paint usually take only 15 mins to dry, but since we are using these around food I like to just play it safe.  First glue the greenery/berries to the steam and drape them down the side of the pumpkin.  I like to glue it down the sides so the greenery doesn't look like a stray piece of hair sticking out...lol.  Then add the leaf at the bottom of the steam covering the glue marks you previously made.  

After that, add a little piece of sparkle with a bead, pearl, rhinestone (whatever your creative mind can think of).  Placing it at the bottom of the leaf covering the previous glue marks. And easy peasy lemon squeezey, you're done!  A beautiful detail to add to your festive table!!!!  Happy Crafting!

Thanks for reading.  I also have the video tutorial on youtube for you visual learners. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8j_kNRfvB3A 

Ciao for Now!  Don't forget to follow me, I have a lot of craft projects in the works that I can't wait to share with all of you.  

Save and Splurge Mondays! - DIY Monogram Napkins

I just love making pretty things, almost as much as a like saving money.  BUT, when you can do both at the same time.....WELL, winner winner chicken dinner.  Speaking of dinner.  I wanted to share with you my dinner table complete with DIY monogram napkins I made for myself.  This monday, instead of showing you just furniture I decided to show you a save and splurge at the dinner table!  Bon Appetite and happy crafting!

My inspiration design..... BEAUTIFUL isn't it!  I just love the sharp contrast of the crisp white linen with the bold graphic monogram.  These are from http://www.leontinelinens.com and will run you between $135 - $145 depending on size and style.  Love them, BUT.... that's a grocery bill right there!

Click on picture to take you to the link above

Now here is my version.  Not hand stitched, but I think it looks pretty good.  What do you think?  I bought the white napkins from Walmart for $1.97 per pair, used iron on transfer paper and Viola!  My own monogram napkins for less than 5 BUCKS!!!!  

This is what it looked like on my tablescape.  To view my quick tutorial on making your own, click the pictures below or my link to the right. YouTube channel "That's Your Q"- DIY Monogram Napkins 

Thanks for reading, Ciao of Now!  

-Quintece-

Save and Spurgle Mondays! - Sofa Seats and Lights OH MY!

I love Mondays!  It's a brand new week and a fresh start at spending money...lol!

Check out some of these Save and Splurge Monday finds!  Enjoy.  

This sofa from Kravet is GORGEOUS, I love the tufting and the simple lines of the high arms.  The nailhead trim detail is and interesting touch as it creates a pattern on the apron of the sofa.  Since this is a custom piece the price range varies depending on fabric choice.  However I can guess at the starting price of $2200. That's before you have to buy the fabric....jeepers!

Kravet Malibu Sofa 

NOW, LOOKY HERE!  This sofa is just as cute!  It's a little more beefy in the arms, but the style is very similar and will give you the same elegance in your space with the the tufting detail.  It's missing the nailhead but if you're feeling the DIY fever then add it yourself.  It's actually not that difficult.  This one is from Home Decorators.com and has a price tag of $849.00 and it already comes with the fabric.  It's limited in terms of color choices but I still love the look of this sofa.  It actually looks more comfortable than the Kravet piece.

 

Home Decorators Collection $849.00

How I love Barbra Berry....let me count the ways....one (elegant style), two (clean detailing), three (super sexy curves)....four, ok I could go on for a while.  They gave this armchair the PERFECT NAME, Graceful!   Yes I find this chair to be just that.  Graceful, elegant and pristine.  Like a fine tailored business suit.  The structured back, the tight seat cushion and the contrasting exposed wood.  This armchair is beautiful and CRAZY expensive.  We used this chair in a design a while back.  I can't remember the exact price, but I do remember it was a tough sell because of the price. 

Barbara Barry Graceful Arm Chair

Bailey Street Crystal Side Chair

This one is made by a company called Bailey Street.  They have changed up the style slightly by making the back a little straighter.  It doesn't follow the same rounded back as the Barry chair.  They have removed the arms and added a scalloped detail to the apron and legs.  However, it still carries the same oval cut out detail on the back giving this chair the same elegance at $498.00.

CLARISSA GLASS DROP EXTRA-LONG RECTANGULAR CHANDELIER

Let's touch on lighting for a second....This fixture is sooooo pretty.  It gives your space that vintage look and would look phenomenal in a dressing room, closet, or even a chic dining room.  Actually there are so many places I would use this piece.  The teardrop glass pieces remind me of a summer rain storm (corny I know, but it does).  I love that they paired the droplets with an antique filigree finish on iron.  The contrasting finishes adds wonderful texture to the piece and makes you appreciate it's individuality.  I also LOVE that it's rectangular.  Most dining rooms have rectangular shaped tables or oval so this little baby would look even better keeping with the shape of a table.  This is from Pottery Barn and it's called the Clarissa Glass Drop Chandelier and it's a WHOPPING $800 buckeroos!  BUT GOODNESS it's pretty!

Crystal Glass Drop 3-Light Antique Copper Chandelier

This Crystal Glass Drop 3-Light Antique Copper Chandelier from Overstock.com works perfectly as the Clarissa stunt double and at a price tag of $170.00 you just can't beat that.  It's smaller in size to the Clarissa but the design is just as pretty.  I have used this chandelier in a small Manhattan apartment and the client and I couldn't have been happier.  YES it was a gamble purchasing this one from Overstock.com after seeing the Clarissa, but I'm glad we did.  It still cast a fair amount of light and it was lite on the the pocketbook...lol.

I hope you enjoyed that!  I did!  I love sharing bargain deals with you and I hope that you subscribe to my blog so I can continue to inform the FRUGALISTAS of the world about the look for less!

Ciao for Now!

-Q-