Paper Jewels

So this post is about doors. Not paper, this time. I’ll think of some way or other to incorporate paper - later (yes I thought of shoji screens already, thank you.)

This is an inspiration piece. Something caught my attention the other day and I started looking up pics of doors - with color. Amazing some of the pretties that are out there!

Case in point:

I found this wonderful door on Flickr - it’s the work of Jason Williamson. The photo I mean, not the door. You notice it’s not a fancy-schmancy door - this is not rich folks territory. But they believe in color.

And:

A yellow door - with character. The article is about Vanishing South Georgia over on Wordpress - please do follow the link to read more.

Once again - not rich folks. But real people who added something special to their home.

And one more:

Yes, that is definitely a Chartreuse Door. And it’s a little fancier, yes. And you really ought to go peek at her blog - Curlin Reed Sullivan - she is absolutely celebrating chartreuse, and her blog is much fun to read!

The point of all this is - one, decorate your door. Add some paint. It doesn’t cost much and it’s easy to change. But more than “decorate your door” is the idea that - well, adding color is good, adding some special personal touch is good, and it DOESN’T HAVE TO COST A LOT OF MONEY.

All it costs is - taking a little time, and caring to make life just a little more special. And just like the commercials say - that’s priceless.

Please take a look at these pics. And tell me if you agree with me - I bet you will - that they are beautiful, and refreshing, and soul-calming.

Beautiful rooms in Filicudi Italy - as seen in style-files.com.

It makes me feel good just to look at the pics. And it inspires me. Yes, these rooms are in an exotic (to me) island halfway around the world. But the ideas here are absolutely universal.

USE LESS STUFF. Clear out the clutter. Have a wonderful color. Let the light in.

Let me be sure to give credit where it’s due - I found these wonderful pictures, and more you will love, over at style-files.com. Totally inspirational!

This is completely do it yourself. GET RID OF SOME STUFF. Let the bones of the room show. Add some light. Take away some of the crap.

Do I seem to be stuck on that idea? Well, yeah, I am. Use less - and love what you have, MORE.

PS You may have noticed that I included this post in the category “Going Green”, and I haven’t mentioned recycling once (till now). But I have mentioned “using less” - and that is a very important green idea!

I’m one of those people who makes stuff. I sew, I do crafts, I make things for the house, etc etc. And I’m fairly knowledgeable about fabric. Felt is a fabric that used to be made out of, well, smushed up wool leftovers. It’s always offered great vivid colors, but it ‘pills’ and frays and it’s not sturdy, so oh well.

But! I have been re-educated here. Not only have I found some great colors in oh-so-useful felt, but it is made ENTIRELY from recycled stuff - even better, from recycled bottles! They’ve made a soft fabric - from bottles. And it’s not expensive!

The colors are clear and vivid - and from what the vendor writes, the fabric does NOT fray or fall apart in the wash. (Old-style felt, forget it, you wouldn’t dare toss it in the washer). And she has it in many colors! And she even has it in this camoflauge pattern!

Camouflage felt fabric!
Now honestly, that wouldn’t be my personal choice - but lots of people would love it (imagine a pillow made with this felt, sitting on your couch in the den).

I will happily promote this vendor - K and C Supplies on Etsy. She is finding / sourcing / selling a product that is not only entirely recycled, but it’s pretty and soft and nice!

Talk about the best of all possible products. Go buy some!

Couldn’t resist - the article in Apartment Therapy even called this “The Best DIY Ideas to Steal”. Well…okay! Take a look at this cool use-wallpaper-as-art example:

She’s surrounded the paper with molding to “frame” it. And has lots of other good inspiration-ideas