Project: Sun Fabric Cushions

One of the few art projects that I distinctly remember doing as a kid was placing flowers on white sun paper, letting it sit outdoors for a few minutes and then rinsing the paper off to find the flower outlines transferred onto an indigo blue background. When looking for an online source for sun print paper recently, I was intrigued to find that the technology has now also been applied to fabric. I had to try it. The cushions above that I just brought into the shop are the result. I traced antique penmanship art images onto a sheet of clear celluloid and then sewed the results into cushions with linen backs. I had to experiment a bit with time and placement, but I eventually managed to get the images to transfer clearly on the rich indigo color that I love so much. Here are a few more ideas via Pinterest for sun fabric projects. 

Images: RevivalSmith, Pinterest.

Mismatched Bedside Tables

I've had customers ask me recently to let them know if I get any matching bedside tables in the shop. I don't have the heart to tell them that it's very unlikely. Part of what I love about selling vintage furniture is that I encounter so many one-of-a-kind pieces. When it comes to lighting or cushions, pairs can create a sense of continuity. But matching bedroom and dining sets just aren't for me. Someone described it to me as, "walking into a room and knowing within 10 seconds what it's all about." Vintage pieces help to layer a room so that you want to come in and explore. To me, these images of mismatched bedside tables are proof that if you love something, there's always a way to make it work. 

Images: Vignette Design, My White Room, Manolo for the Home, Canadian House & Home, Apartment Therapy, Designing Home.