I have been spending a lot of time trawling through Etsy lately, having been inspired since I ordered a pile of fabric and cushion covers about two weeks ago. They are yet to arrive, so it's not exactly a speedy delivery service, but I'm excited to inject some freshness into my blue and white.
I have today ordered three wall stencils. As I'm still pining for the beautiful bamboo Kravet wallpaper I wanted for our ensuite, but just can't justify the expense of the paper and the hanging, I figured I could try to get a similar result with some of the amazing stencils available. The bathrooms just need a bit of oomph and as I'm in my revitalised DIY mode, I thought what better way to go.
I bought these on Etsy via
Royal Design Stencils and
Cutting Edge Stencils. I've never done stencilling before so I could be in for a major nightmare and may have bought completely the wrong thing, but I'm pretty crafty so hopefully it won't be too much of a disaster. The one thing going against me though is that I'm horribly impatient and I'm guessing that's not a very useful trait to have when it comes to stencilling. Watch this space.
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| Royal Design Stencils |
This is a design specifically for furniture, as I thought I'd have a go tarting up some plain white furniture for Poppy's room or the nursery.
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| Royal Design Stencils |
Thought this bamboo stencil could be good in the entrance or the library (now that's I've decided against the dark navy wall!)
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| Cutting Edge Stencils |
Hoping this might be okay in the ensuite. It's a bit tricky buying stencils online when you can't really get a grasp of the scale or how it will work in the intended space, although they do give you measurements. So it's all a bit risky, but the cost of a stencil is considerably less than the cost of a designer wallpaper.
Then I got stuck into vintage prints. We have a lot of walls and mirrors, and I think that artwork looks fabulous en masse, or flanking a mirror. So as I don't want to spend a fortune buying expensive artwork and framing, I have bought a number of these well priced prints online and a huge pile of Ikea frames and hopefully will create something that will have the impact I'm after.
Here's some of the lovely things I found at
Vintage by the Shore.
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| Vintage by the Shore |
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| Vintage by the Shore |
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| Vintage by the Shore |
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| Vintage by the Shore |
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| Amy Kristine Prints |
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| Amy Kristine Prints |
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| Amy Kristine Prints |
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| Amy Kristine Prints |
And these gorgeous prints from
High Street Vintage.
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| High Street Vintage |
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| High Street Vintage |
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| High Street Vintage |
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| High Street Vintage |
These are some beautiful original watercolours by Lisa Le Quelenec of
Seaside Studios UK, but they are a bit tiny otherwise I would get them.
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| Seaside Studios UK |
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| Seaside Studios UK |
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| Seaside Studios UK |
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| Seaside Studios UK |
And of course if you're looking for beautiful watercolours or prints, you can't go past our own Kerri Shipp from Driftwood Interiors. She sells her stunning work featuring lots of blue and white china, seaweed, coral, butterflies etc via her Etsy store
here. (I have some waiting for frames!).
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| Kerri Shipp |
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| Kerri Shipp |
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| Kerri Shipp |
Fingers crossed my Etsy purchases prove worthwhile and I'll show you the results once they are up.
Today I'm linked up with:
I've been thinking about ordering from Cutting Edge Stencils, too. I look forward to seeing how you go painting them. It might just give me the guts to give it a go!
ReplyDeleteM
I love those vintage bird prints - I have been eyeing off similar pieces for my place. Etsy is such an amazing source for original art and prints. :)
ReplyDeleteI have had the cutting edge stencils saved to my favourites and I am hoping to use one of their stencils in my laundry or powder room, very interested on hearing how it all goes for you. Love the Driftwood interior prints they are such great value and the Vintage by the shore prints, love them too - haven't seen those before. I could literally take everything from this post pop it in my new home and be very happy.
ReplyDeleteKerri is great isn't she
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to seeing how your project comes out. Looks like you are in the full on nesting phase now.
Carolyn
Hi Melinda, thank you so much for featuring my paintings in your post today. Best wishes.
ReplyDeleteYes I thought I might have a crack at a sisal rug too because I can't find ine with a pattern au like. good luck.
DeleteI've got three of Kerri's blue and white prints hung in white frames on a pale blue wall in my bedroom, they are so fresh. Etsy is such a good resource. Good luck with the stencils.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous finds Melinda! I can't quite remember what we ever did before Etsy...
ReplyDeleteRather you than me doing that stenciling but I am sure you can pull it off! They look fantastic, but craft and me just dont mix! Well done on finding all that beautiful etsy art.....KG xx
ReplyDeleteI think your stencil idea is fantastic. I love how you are renovating creatively on a budget and found your blog on your kitchen post- your kitchen is very similar to what I am planning for my california bungalow so it was great to see one done soooo well! Cannot believe you have done that whole move in early pregnancy- you are a total legend. I also have a boy/girl kid combo- i think my two are both a few months older than yours but love finding other bloggers with kidlets. And lastly, wanted to mention two ideas for house stuff. Fabrictraders.com.au have an amazing range of fabrics that I think are right up your alley and are based her in Briz. Also capecoddesigns.blogspot.com is another brizzy girl who stocks amazing hampton style lights. Best of luck with your pregnancy and your house. melx
ReplyDeletePaint Me White is fantastic, thans for the tip. What a clever girl. Wish I had the talent and patience to find and recycle furniture like that.
DeleteSorry that was capecoddesigns.com.au Also check out paintmewhite.com- she is also in Brisbane and does a wonderful job doing makeovers on daggy furniture- might give you some ideas, her prices are also fantastic if you could then transport down your way. melx
ReplyDeleteThanks Mel. Yes very familiar with AM and her lights. They are great and she does a fabulous blog too. You girls in Brizzy are doing the best stuff and leading the charge in the world of design and decorating. Wish we had half your choice of shops and decorating options here.
DeleteI absolutely stink at finding stuff on Etsy, so this post is invaluable to me! I'm saving it forever. I LOVE everything!!!
ReplyDeleteStacy
Thank you for sharing what you found on Etsy, it is like you are my very own personal shopper. I love your design aesthetic and you and I seem to love so many of the same things. I will take a look at the sites you have posted here. I love how creative you are being. You are figuring out affordable, doable, creative ways to get the look you want. I so admire you for that.Keep up the good work!! You will feel so proud of yourself once you are done, xo Kathyuse
ReplyDeleteMelinda, just a FYI you might want to take off your word identification for your comments, I think it will be so much easier for people to leave a comment on your blog. Just a little FYI, xo
ReplyDeleteI thought it helped reduce spam but maybe it's just annoying. Will try without and see. Thanks for the tip. X
DeleteHave a look (if you haven't already) at Danika from Gorgeous Shiny Things http://www.myoverlays.com/. Might not be your thing but I think some of the results are really lovely. They ship internationally too. Annie x.
ReplyDeleteYes thanks Annie I love their stuff and have had my eye on their designs for ages, but I think their overlays are only use once permanent and I need something that is reusable.
DeleteHi Mel,
ReplyDeleteThank you once again for a fabulous, informative post!
Love that latest find. I have been looking for some prints for our home - and so many of these fit perfectly! You have an incredible eye for picking out stylish and affordable ways to achieve your vision (Just as Kathysue said) - Thank you for sharing it with us!
I have just lost the last hour looking at all of these stores on Etsy - so much choice!
Love the idea of the stencilling - I can't wait to see the result. Apart from the $ saving - I think the flexibility with designs/colours/finish and getting a truly "bespoke" finish will make it even more worthwhile. Unfortunately I am not as "crafty" as you - so will probably have to find someone to do it - so I am totally in awe of your endeavours!
I did once read an interesting (and very funny) post on how to apply an Imperial Trellis Stencil - definitely worth a look, if you haven't already seen it.
Here is the link: http://www.hellogorgeousblog.com/2009/02/diwhy-imperial-trellis-stencil-how-to.htm
Good luck and looking forward to seeing the "fruits" of your Etsy purchases in the future!
x
Great inspiration Melinda. Loving the stencils and the prints. I have so many bare walls, and the end of build budget...is well...you know...!
ReplyDeleteHi again Mel,
ReplyDeleteI am not sure if that link to the particular page is working (on the Imperial Trellis stencil).
If you are interested, you should be able to just go to the blog www.hellogorgeousblog.com and search "Imperial Trellis Stencil" - and it should take you to the post.
Sorry - hope I haven't sent you (or anyone) on a wild goose chase! x
Don't worry, I found it, love her blog, but found that post terrifying! What have I got myself into!
DeleteOh I LOVE those stencils! I'm going to attempt to use one on an old seagrass rug of mine, bring it back to life! Thanks for the links, you've inspired me to do it now!
ReplyDeletexx Allison Sharp
Oops - sorry to terrify you!
ReplyDeleteBut the result looks divine - sure you are up to it!
x
Be confident with the stencil idea Melinda. I'm not patient but waaaay back when country style was the go, I was 21, newly married and lacked even a small decorating fund so everything was DIY. I cut my own stencils on overhead projector acetate sheets (free from the school supply cupboard; I was a teacher) and used house paints and children's painbrushes that I cut to get a blunt stipple end. Keeping the paint quite 'dry' on the brush and dabbing rather than stroking is the key so no paint 'bleeds' under the edges. I'll look forward to your results! Love etsy too.
ReplyDeletex KL
When I was a stylist and before kids when I had more time and space I did so much FIY and crafty creative stuff, but since kids etc I just haven't had the time or inclination and I really miss the challenge and outlet. So looking forward to my new project, thanks for the tips, looks like it can be a rather treacherous process fraught with peril!
DeleteAnd Kerri is available on Down that Little Lane too....! How are those trees going?
ReplyDeleteAnd Kerri is available on Down that Little Lane!.... How the trees going ?!
ReplyDeleteCool stuff! Love the stencils! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your stencilling. I consider myself a "crafty" person too, but there is no way that I would trust myself with a large stencilling project.
ReplyDeleteI love the artwork you've shown us, especially that seahorse. Love it!
Oh, thanks so much for mentioning my prints Mel, you're too sweet! And can't wait to see what you do with your stencilling. I've had major blog dramas (in the process of reloading my blogroll atm) and finally I seem to be able to leave comments again. What a way to spend the weekend! K xx
ReplyDeleteI adore all the prints and Kerri's work is fabulous!! Hope you are doing well ~
ReplyDelete