One Million Page Views

Unbelievable! Tomorrow is the 1 year anniversary of Blue Velvet Chair (read the blog post where it all began). And yesterday the blog hit the milestone of 1,000,000 page views.

It took me a couple of months to really find 'my blog voice' for recycled and repurposed creations - and there's been no looking back since! I've enjoyed every moment - and every comment - and every question - and every challenge - and every new connection. I'm humbled, and so very thankful that you appreciate and enjoy all the possibility of recycled and repurposed design, arts and crafts as much as I do.

To each and every one of you I say THANK YOU, and I send the appreciation right back to you!

Mike

The Evolution of a Living Room - Part III (2 of 2)

Don't miss Part 1 with the decor details of our living room that was posted just before this one.

As I mentioned when we began the tour of our living room evolution a few days ago, I like to describe my style as 'untraditionally traditional'. I don't stick with a recommended maximum of 3 colors - but instead I bring in items and pieces that speak to me and make me feel happy when I see them. I also have a pretty good mix of items bought from other artisans as well as things made by me. Throw in some thrift store and garage sale pieces and you'll get the drift of my style aesthetic. So, here's a closer look at the details (part 2 of 2).

If you are just joining us for the tour, check out these previous visits with the renovation and evolution of our living room.

The Evolution of a Living Room - Part I

The Evolution of a Living Room - Part II

The Evolution of a Living Room - Part III (1 of 2)

Until next time...

Mike

The Evolution of a Living Room - Part II

Welcome to Part II of 'The Evolution of a Living Room' series this week. After yesterday's view of what our living room looked like when we bought our house 3 1/2 years ago, today's view shows what she looks like now. She's not 100% complete - thus the reference to 'evolution' instead of a 'before and after reveal'. And besides, I have a terrible habit of changing around my furniture every 6 months or so, not to mention rugs, pillows, artwork, etc. It's all stuff that I already have in the house - but it tends to get shifted from room to room and space to space. So I don't think my home ever really has an 'after'. But I'm happy with evolution.

Since we changed out our 'wall of windows' in the living room, I've been forced to rethink my passion for dark heavy pieces and let her settle into her brighter environment. And while the space almost cries out for a vibe from the 60s or 70s, I continue to commit the crime of decorating for myself and what feels right for me - vs. what is considered right for the architecture.

Now let's just stand in various areas of the room and have a look around.

So there we have it. Still evolving, but serving us well every step of the way. As I described it yesterday, I have come to refer to my style as 'Untraditionally Traditional'. As you can see, I don't follow any particular design rules. Things are not perfectly matched and I don't stick to a maximum three color rule. I don't have perfect vignettes, but I'm surrounded by things that I love and things that speak to who I am and where I've been. I'm quite lucky that my Swedish man lets me decorate as I wish - and he never complains when I ask him to help me move the sofa one more time to see if it works better 'over there'.

What else can you expect to see in the coming days?

The Evolution of a Living Room - Part III:  The love is in the details.
The Evolution of a Living Room - Part IV:  The 'Wall of Windows' transformation
The Evolution of a Living Room - Part V:  How to build your own ottoman
The Evolution of a Living Room - Part VI:  How we upcycled our sofa

Until next time...

Mike

Friends With Benefits

No...not those kinds of friends with benefits! I'm talkin' about friends who know the manager of a big thrift store and arrange to get you in the store and warehouse before opening hours!

Yesterday I took a drive to my friend L's town about an hour away. They have a great thrift store that is only open 2 days each week - and we had backstage passes! We were on a mission to go through their buttons to restock supplies, but of course we got sidetracked in every direction.

And do you want to know what why I don't mind driving an hour to visit this thrift store (and my friend)? Here's a bit of the view along the way between my town and her town. This is what a typical winter day looks like in West Sweden. No Photoshop. Perhaps it's no wonder that I often describe the weather here as 'gray'. Just 'gray'. But the scenery is divine!

this is a dog kennel

entrance at Nääs Castle

Nääs Castle (although called a castle by translation,

this is more like a mansion house)

up close at Nääs Castle

Nääs Castle bridge

the stone barn at Nääs Castle

Until next time...
Mike

Stage and Lighting by Mother Nature

Everyone keeps saying "Get away from the computer and find inspiration outdoors." So yesterday I decided to do just that. Our last day of 2011 was filled with inspiration from Mother Nature as we walked around the local 700-year old fortress, across the river and up the hill from our house. Here's a bit of what we saw.

If you'd like to see a few more pics from the walk and a whole lot of 'set design' from Mother Nature, jump over to The Accidental Swede for a peek at our typical family outing in Sweden.

How do you get your inspiration? Away from the computer...or on it?

Until next time...

Mike

Playing For Change

It's not DIY related, but I share because I believe in their message. Enjoy the latest from Playing for Change!






Until next time...
Mike

Ego - and Blogging

"I suck." That's what I think every time I put some kind of public message out there that looks like this - "I'll get that tutorial up for you this week!" - already knowing that I'm overextended and have little-to-no-chance of getting that tutorial posted. And then this week becomes next week. And then the guilt starts loading up. And then I start beating myself up for not getting to it yet. And then I start thinking about it when I should be thinking about something important, like my family or my work. And then I start thinking everyone is waiting for it and I haven't delivered. And so on, and so forth. Anyone with me on this?

Then, in an attempt to save my sanity, I go 'Oprah' on myself. "Why do you get upset that you don't have time to do everything you want to do? Is that your ego getting in your way?" And then I tell myself that I am good enough just by being me, and doing what I can within the time that I have. And I am sharing good information when I can. And I am a good mom. And my kids will be okay when they get older. And I am smart enough to be an expert at my job. And so on, and so forth. 

I saw that Ego was a topic this week on Oprah's new life class. And it's a word that I've had so much experience with during this lifetime - and on so many levels -  from both within myself and from others - that I sat down and took the time to watch the webcast with her and Eckhart Tolle. I definitely got some new things to think about in that hour. And new ways to become aware of my ego, and others' egos, and how ego elbows its way in to so many different situations.

I recognize a lot of those situations here in blogland. I'd like to think I'm evolved, but I'm definitely guilty of letting my ego sneak in and sometimes even take over. Do you compare the number of followers you have to the number of followers a 'popular' blog has? I have. Ego. Do you wonder why they have so many followers and you don't? I have. Ego. Do you look at the number of Google followers a fellow blogger has, then look at their archive to see how long they've been blogging so you can see if you are ahead or behind their popularity? I have. Ego. Do you get a twinge of envy when a fellow blogger announces some great news that will either boost their visibility or give some kind of financial reward? I have. Ego. Do you ask yourself why your blog isn't good enough for a magazine to approach you for a feature? I have. Ego. 

As embarassing as it may be to put all of those things above in writing - I am always trying to better match my intentions with my actions. What does that mean? It means that when my intention is to celebrate the creativity and success of others - I need to embrace that creativity and success - without judgement of myself or others.  

It means that I have to check - and double check - my ego at the door when I see good things happening to fellow bloggers, and I remind myself that someone else's success doesn't negate me in any way. Nor should it threaten me. It means that I work hard to genuinely appreciate the talents of other DIYers, without trying to compare my projects to theirs, or think that I am somehow 'less than'. And it means that I am really coming to terms and embracing 'my voice' in blogland - one that promotes DIY design and decor made from materials that already exist on the planet. It's that voice that I am most passionate about. And it is that voice that gives me the most pleasure. 

It is my ego that thinks my blog should be more than what it is. It is my real evolved self that knows it is exactly what it needs to be.

Until next time...

Mike

DIY Inspiration Distraction

I'm just wondering if you do this as well. I'll be looking at someone's photo of their latest incredible project with great admiration...and then...it strikes...DIY inspiration distraction. I end up looking 'around the room' in the photo and find more projects to stuff in my 'must try this' Pinterest file. Like this photo from Shaunna at Perfectly Imperfect.

The incredible daybed repurposed from doors is the obvious feature. And what do I end up looking at? The cool shelf above made from driftwood pieces. I think to myself, "Ooh, I might not tackle a daybed like that...but I can sure give that shelf a try!"

Is it just me? Or do you find yourself with DIY distractions as well?

Until next time...
Mike

Thrift Store Collections and Friends

Last month I told you about three white ceramic pieces that I'd picked up at three different thrift stores in recent months. And it turned out that these pieces I was so drawn to individually were by the same ceramic artist - even though each was a bit different in style. They now sit happily in our 'just-another-project-we've-started-but-haven't-finished' office remodel.

My friend (Hi Marie) called today. "What was the name of that ceramic artist for those vases you had? I'm standing in front of an entire shelf of them at a thrift store right now!" And she sent me a photo.

As I said in that first post, I knew I'd have to stop looking for them in order to find more. And that turned out to be true. What I didn't realize was that my friends would be looking out for me. That just warms my heart in so many ways.

Marie picked up one for me that she said was extra quirky. She took it off the shelf before the photo so it would be a fun surprise. I'm so excited and can't wait to see it!

Do you have these friends, too? The ones who listen to your life stories, and think of you even when you aren't around?

Until next time...
Michael

Playing For Change

Because I love what they stand for, here's the latest from Playing For Change.


This is the magic that happens when just one person is dedicated enough to raise their voice and be heard. Street performers from around the world join together for this recording of Higher Ground. Enjoy!

Until next time...
Mike

My Style vs. Scandinavian Style

Creating a home that appeals to my design sensibilities while living smack dab in the middle of Scandinavia clean-line design is challenging...at best. 

How challenging? It takes me five times longer to remodel and decorate my home than it should. One weekend becomes nearly two months. One year becomes five. I just cannot find the decor, nor the supplies needed to create my own decor. While others in blogland are talking about Gorilla Glue, I'm fumbling around with a German version of Elmer's. I keep reading on other blogs about this fabulous new Dual Paint + Primer from Krylon, but alas, my last trip to the paint store didn't even score me a spray primer that would cover glass. They just didn't have it. Chalkboard paint? Huh? And when it comes to familiar supplies for the big remodel projects? Hopeless!

Now keep in mind that I've been living in Sweden nearly 11 years. We just got ziploc-style bags 1 1/2 years ago. Oreos came this past year. M&Ms arrived about two years ago. We still don't have ranch dressing. And my mom continues to send over 'care packages' filled with liquid vanilla, Glad Press 'n Seal, and Arm & Hammer baking soda boxes. I know that living in Europe may sound glamorous to some. But believe me, we have the same daily life obligations...but without the comforts of home! I'm not ungrateful for my new European home...just yearning for some home comforts every now and then.

Ok. Back on track. Design and decor.

This is my design aesthetic. Think of this room restored...and with better walls. But the color palette would definitely remain the same. This is 100% me!

Now, here's what is available in Scandinavia.

Do you see my dilemna?  Ok...maybe I am exagerating...but honestly, just a bit! Just look at this Google Images page when I typed in Scandinavian interior design. Do you see the color scheme? It's WHITE! Now don't get me wrong, I'm not knocking white (for all you white aficionados out there)...but let me remind you of my ideal color palette.

Where does that leave me? Trying to fit a square into a circle! 

Today I 'Sweden-ized' photos that I took for my friend who recently had a baby (if you remember my post about the baby shower, she had a boy!). She's also an American and has been here as long as I have. The difference is that she loves the clean and white lines of Swedish design. And her home reflects her love for all things clean, organized, and pale. So I knew that I needed to Sweden-ize the finished product to fit with her decor. How, you ask, do you Sweden-ize a photo? It goes a little something like this.  

Here's an original version of the kid's collage I put together for them.

Now, here is the Sweden-ized version to fit her Scandinavian interior design.

See the difference? Overexposed with a de-saturated color hue. 

How about another example. Here's my button bouquet in its original form.

Now, here's my Sweden-ized version.

My husband is Swedish. And guess what...he likes the clean, modern design. Sometimes I feel sorry for him as I continue to decorate with rich shades of jewel tones and luscious textiles. Sometimes.

I really do appreciate Scandinavian design. Honest. It suits A LOT of people from around the world. It just doesn't work for me. So, I will impatiently continue my quest to remodel and decorate my home in my own personal and eclectic/repurposed aesthetic...despite the many speed bumps and road blocks along the way.

What's your style? Do you have an image that reflects your aesthetic? I'd love to see it.

Until next time...

Mike

Will Social Media Connections Help Us Win?

Yes, this is an unabashed request for your help. No, it has nothing to do with repurposed design. It will, however, have to do with remodeling our home if we win - And I would certainly post the photos :-) So, will the power of social media connections help us win?

We have entered several of our summer photos in a Swedish contest for $1500 worth of outdoor lighting from this place, and our 1971 home needs remodeling and as much help as it can get!

(unfortunately this is not our home)

You can help us by voting on our photos: Click on each of the links below (5 different photos/pages). Find the little buttons from 1-to-5 to the right of photo. Click on '5', then click on button below that says 'Rösta på denna bild'. That last bit is very important or the vote won't register.

Photos pages:
http://foto.viivilla.se/rosta.php?bild=17028
http://foto.viivilla.se/rosta.php?bild=17029
http://foto.viivilla.se/rosta.php?bild=17030
http://foto.viivilla.se/rosta.php?bild=17031
http://foto.viivilla.se/rosta.php?bild=17032

It is simple and only takes 2-3 minutes, and I'm hoping that this power of social media will help us move ahead of the pack.

Leave a comment if you have any questions I can help with...and a big THANKS in advance to those of you who vote.

Until next time...
Mike

A Weekend Free of Blogging

A weekend free of blogging gave us a weekend full of living!

It was a great family weekend with friends over for a visit from England, a visit to the culture festival, and a couple of day trips. And even though my mind was away from the blogging world, 'repurposed' still kept showing up in front of me. Like this funky little kids carousel with toilet seats (above) - which I thought was absolutely brilliant and hilarious to see - and the alligator sculptures made from repurposed tires spotted at an outdoor exhibit.

Take a quick escape over to our Swedish lifestyle blog, The Accidental Swede, for some photo goodness and snapshots from the weekend.

A Weekend Free of Blogging - Part I

A Weekend Free of Blogging - Part II

Until next time...
Mike

Repurposed All Around

I saw this sweet little candle chandy hanging in a cabin on our recent mini-vacation. It was owned by a Norwegian woman who brought it back from Tennessee. I love the fact that 'repurposed' is universal. She's sending some Norwegian interior design websites - so hopefully I'll have some fun things to share from their corner of the world.

If you're interested in having a look at some pics of the Swedish coastline from our mini-vacay, and learn a little about Swedish culture at the same time, hope over to my 'life story' blog at The Accidental Swede for a quick read.

Until next time...

Michael

The Accidental Swede

Today's blog is a break from DIY and crafting projects. But it still has lots of pretty pictures!

The H Clan - my hubby, kids and I - hopped in the car for the 1.5 kilometer drive (barely over 1 mile) to attend a Medieval Days festival today. I can hear it now, "That's SO American!". That's what my Swedish friends are saying (about driving the car for 'such a short distance') as they read this. Cultural differences aside, if you are interested in a fun pictorial that shows a bit of the town where I live in Sweden, a 750-year-old fortress 'in our neighborhood', and a bunch of Middle Ages characters (that's Middle Ages...not middle aged!), then come have a peek at The Accidental Swede, my new blog that gives me a space to show what my life is like in Sweden as a 'love immigrant' and an expat transplant.

Here's a sneak peek at the pictorial:

Jump on over to The Accidental Swede when you have a couple of minutes to read about our day and look at lots of pretty pics! And if you ever want to see what we're up to over here - you'll find a new page tab at the top of this blog that will connect you directly with the Accidental Swede page.

Until next time...

Mike