Thursday, June 30, 2011

You Don't Say!

Conversation Bubbles have been appearing with greater frequency and I like the direction I see them going.  Fun, funky design elements, been applied in creative ways. The simplest is the straight-forward dry erase board. This would look great on the front of the fridge for shopping lists.


It is available from Amazon.

On the photo sites you can find chalkboard varieties to use in still photos. A definite touch of whimsey.




The Chalkboard Speech Bubble is available at the Photojojo Store!

But furniture builders have been getting into the act as well. This shelf unit is not only liked by the kitty but by me as well. What fun in a child's room or office space.




Both these are from fusca design. via/Likecool.com

Here is another version of the same idea:


This version is designed by Ana Yago of Sanserif Creatius. via/Design Milk


Previous Posts of Interest:



©2011 Ashbee Design, Marji Roy



Wednesday, June 29, 2011

I found these beautifully shaped glass bottles at Home Decorators.com.


I love their funky shapes - a little lumpy - almost still molten. I especially like the ocean blue but they are available in a variety of colors.









Other Posts of Interest:

©2011 Ashbee Design, Marji Roy




Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Top End Pear • Furniture?

Although I like to blog about the things one can afford, I occasionally share beautiful things that one just can't afford but like to look at and appreciate.  Today's pear post falls into that category.  Of course it is from Artful Home.

The following two pieces of furntiture are created with stacked and laminated wood by artist Mark Levin.  They include cherry, curly cherry and walnut. Beautiful woodworking combined with a touch of whimsey in the design.




Photographed by Margot Geist



Previous Posts of Interest:

©2011 Ashbee Design, Marji Roy

Monday, June 27, 2011

Deer Damage

I keep trying to have a garden and live in harmony with the deer.  I am losing.  We went away overnite to visit our grandson and I came back to this.....

My four foam flowers are no longer glorious mounds- just spiky remains sprinkled with a few leaves......



My twin leaf plants are even less - all gone but the stalks.....



And the huge hosta right next to the font stoop is nothing put a punk style plant -all spikes.  This one was even covered in netting but the deer pawed it away and left little behind.



I have tried, soap, human hair, sprays, and netting.  No luck.

Such is the frustration of gardening.

Other posts of Interest:

©2011 Ashbee Design, Marji Roy



Sunday, June 26, 2011

More Pear Possibilities

Yes the possibilities are endless.  Here are some beautiful pears in glass.


The above collections is available at VivaTerra.



Photo by Revert Imaging


These are hand blown by Corey Silverman and Horace Marlowe and available at Artful Home. Artful Home is a website filled with amazing and fine American Crafts. The prices also reflect the quality of the design and products. But they are inspiring to look at!


Previous Posts of Interest:


©2011 Ashbee Design, Marji Roy



Saturday, June 25, 2011

Should I Collect Pears?

Pears have such personality.  They are lumpy, individual, full of character and I have seen some beauties at recent craft fairs.  And others on Etsy.  Just look at these.....





All are shown in the shop of Elements Clay Studio on Etsy. All are beautiful. Many are sold. And they do make we want to collect them.



Previous Posts of Interest:


©2011 Ashbee Design, Marji Roy




Friday, June 24, 2011

Pear Pondering

What got me thinking about pears again was a past post I stumbled upon in a new blog I was reading.  The blog is That's My Letter, the letter is J, and the topic is jute.  Take a look at these wonderful DIY pears....



They are the topic of a complete DIY article on Jamie's website.  She was inspired by some huge pears at Ballard.




I like the large ones best but then I saw Jamie's arrangement of the pears in a glass container and I know I'll look into making these.




Thanks Jamie for the inspiration!

Previous Posts of Interest:

©2011 Ashbee Design, Marji Roy




Thursday, June 23, 2011

Pear Passion

There is something about the shape of a pear that I find full of personality.  I know I could easily start a collection of pears but not yet. I need more space before starting another collection. That said I do have a few. This one is a favorite of mine and many that visit here.

Green Apple Photo by Karen Rubin

It is huge - one of the many examples of objects where size matters. It is positioned so that it is centered in the window of my front door as you approach the house. And it makes a great hat rack for David!



Now that is personality!


Previous Posts of Interest:



©2011 Ashbee Design, Marji Roy

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Bedside Organization • The Bedpack

Now here is a great idea for a messy spot.  I know given the current technology requirements my bedside table has become a disaster zone.  There just isn't enough space for the iPad, iPhone, water, kleenix, glasses, etc.  Here is a wonderful idea.





It was featured today on Shoebox Dwelling- another great blog to add to your RSS feed and follow daily. The Bedpack is designed by Eveline Borgermans and available from the German site Designspray. Probably costly to import but definitely a DIY idea.  Mine would include velcro tabs to hold charging wires in place. I might even have a bottom pocket with the power strip inside to hide the plugs.  Hmmm.... I like this idea!





©2011 AshbeeDesign, Marji Roy

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Tool Order

Do you keep your tools in a tool box? I have found them to be one of the most poorly designed storage options available.  Everything is always a jumbled mess. In addition to peanut butter jars I have used styrofoam insulation in my tool drawer specifically to combat the tool box disaster.




I simply purchased 2" pink insulation foam at Home Depot, cut it to fit the space, stacked two layers together, glued them and drilled holes for various tools. I keep screw drivers, clippers, wrenches, vice grips, putty knifes and spackling tools all neatly lined up. So many fix up jobs become major just because it takes so long to find the tools! Cheap, easy and effective.

This solution could be used in any deep drawer. My husband installed shelves and pull-out storage trays in an old coat closet to make tool access easy and organized. Pre-made pull-out drawer units for shelves are universally available at Amazon, and home stores.




Very functional and a huge improvement over the old tool box.  


Other Posts of Interest:



©2011 Ashbee Design, Marji Roy

Monday, June 20, 2011

I Always Save.......

I was born a saver and have tried hard to correct my hoarding ways but there are several types of containers that are just too useful and I still save all I get. I especially like clear plastic containers with wide screw on tops - like Skippy Peanut Butter and Pounce Kitty treats.




Both have been repurposed as hardware storage containers. Once empty I run them through the dishwasher, peeled the labels off, and fill them with sorted hardware. It makes those quick fix chores so much easier to be able to quickly find a screw, or anchor, or nail. I use standard Avery mailing labels and my computer and laser printer to create labels for the covers. Boulder is my favorite labeling font- clear and contemporary.




Now my tool drawer is much more functional!



I keep savings these containers because it would work for craft supplies, desk supplies, even for cotton balls and Q-Tips!


True confession: I did this organizational job two years ago when my old coat closet was redesigned to be a tool closet.  I didn't label a thing until it was time to take pictures for this blog post. I always knew the containers would be labeled. Just one of the things on my To-Do list. A side benefit of blogging is that it is forcing me to finish projects. I am traditionally a 95%er. I get 95% of a project done and never quite finish. Today, I finished this one.  Feels good.

Other containers: I used to saved coffee cans and baby food jars. Changes in packaging have made them less useful. Are there any particular products you use and always save the container?


Other Blog Posts of Interest:

©2011 Ashbee Design, Marji Roy


Sunday, June 19, 2011

Big Sisters Rock!

I started this blog to share my creative living ideas.  As the content has grown those close to me have come to understand some of my design loves.  I hadn't predicted the benefit of this.  I came home from school and found a beautiful glass vase sitting on my desk.



I immediately thought of my husband but he said no it was Carolyn! My big sis was shopping at Cosco's of all places. She saw this vase and because she has been reading my blog, she knew it was for me. Perfect! A wonderful surprise from a special big sister. Thanks Cac!

I quickly placed a few peonies in it and instantly - a contemporary arrangement. Good thing I did because the rains came and the peonies are destroyed.


Other Blog Posts of Interest:
Dogwood Branches
• Tree Buds
Simply a Tulip


©2011 Ashbee Design, Marji Roy

Saturday, June 18, 2011

This One Came Home with Me!

I didn't let this one get away. Yesterday, I blogged about my quick visit to Restoration Hardware. I didn't leave empty handed. I found a sphere (well technically a polyhedron) that just needed to be added to my collection. I learned from previous experience not to wait on this type of purchase (See blog post - The Balls that Got Away). I saw it and said, "Mine!". Check it out.....




Part of the joy of acquiring such a find is the placing of it in its new home.  The plan is for in the garden but we got home late, well after dark.  I unpacked it and placed it on the door stoop.  It looks great there - although it could use some sunshine for the photo! Not to be had today.



Bet you didn't understand the size from the top photo! Next week we'll try other locations as well.


Other Posts of Interest:

©2011 Ashbee Design, Marji Roy


Friday, June 17, 2011

Wanderings • Restoration Hardware

I don't shop much but yesterday my husband's computer died and we need to make a trip to the Apple Store. Restoration Hardware is three doors down so I stopped in and OH MY!  It has been totally redone in a gray pallet and was stunning.  I was mesmerized by many of the accessories and took pictures of a few to share.






Generally speaking things at Restoration Hardware are oversized and my home isn't. So many of their things are beautiful but physically would never fit in my space. A stop there is for inspiration. And as I look at the above photos I see themes I already use in my home. Feathers have always been a collection of mine, as have spheres, and maps including globes. The one I have never used (unless you count the stack of my husband's stored on my pear!) is hats. Reminds me of a wonderful B&B we stayed at years ago in Limerick, PA. Each room was decorated with a different fashion item theme and ours was filled with hats. Another was shoes and another purses. Much too busy to live with but hugely entertaining to visit.





Here I am hamming it up with daughter Karen back in 2003. The B&B is no longer there or I would provide a link.  It was a special place to visit.


©2011Ashbee Design, Marji Roy

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Fab.com

I have become a member of Fab.com, a new website for fast sales on beautiful decor.  I am thoroughly enjoying the emails I get with quick photos of available items. Today these hand spun enamel bowls are shown at about 50% off. Just look at them.....






I love the colors and the free form design.  They are created by the Brooklyn design team Kiln Design.  I may or may not ever buy anything at this site  but I will be tempted. Exposure to this type of product is hard to come by when you live in rural America.  I love seeing designs which never make it to Walmart do exist and are being offered at this site. 

In any case, just looking at the beautiful designs inspire me.

I found out about Fab.com on just about every design blog out there. Everyone had posts last week  


©2011 Ashbee Design, Marji Roy

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Circle Sconces

Take a look at this lighting arrangement by Designer Jordi Vilardell at Vibia Lightining.




The units are available individually for you to artistically arrange to meet the needs of the specific location.  What a stunning effect.  


Other Post of Interests:


©2011 Ashbee Design, Marji Roy

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Glowing Orbs!

Here is a great, inexpensive, artsy DIY project that crossed my screen this morning thanks to Apartment Therapy.  If you follow my blog you'll understand my excitement about this project.  More balls! Outside! Glowing!



Not only did I find a project possibility but also an interesting blog to start following - theArtofDoingStuff.com- some interesting possibilities but I'll skip over the chickens. The step-by-step guide for this project is located at that site.  Have fun.


Other Posts of Interest:




©2011Ashbee Design, Marji Roy

Monday, June 13, 2011

Herb Keeper- Is this a Solution?

I definitely have a problem with keeping herbs in my fridge. The often spoil long before I finishing cooking amazing dishes with them.  This looks like a beautiful solution to me.  Has anyone tried it yet?


It is available from Crate and Barrel for $19.95 or Amazon here.  Add it to my wish list!


©2011 Ashbee Design, Marji Roy