A Place to Call Home

Currently my husband and I are house shopping and I would like to do a little venting. House shopping is so much harder than you initially realize. We have seen dozens of homes and it always seems to be the same story-too expensive, too much renovation work, a piece of junk, too small, bus stop behind the house, busy street, someone else buys the house, apartment community behind the house, you name it we’ve experienced it. I am so over house shopping. The only thing that keeps me going is my sweet love, my daughter Jacquelyn.

When we pull up to the open houses and stop the car her favorite thing to say is, “We’re home!” Some of the homes we’ve toured have had a few of these in the backyard.

Every time we step into the backyard and she spots the play system she lights up like it's Christmas morning. “Playground mommy, look playground!” she squeals. Ugh! The guilt! She’s only two but man can she lay it on thick.

Mommy’s trying to find you a home baby. Sigh.

Designer Decoupage

I first happened upon these beautiful decoupage accessories at the annual Nutcracker Market in Houston and I was blown away. Don’t be mistaken, these aren’t your dollar store decoupage items. They are gorgeous pieces of art handmade by true artisans. When you look at them up close it’s hard to believe the main ingredients are paper, glue and water.

You are probably thinking you can make a visit to your local craft store and recreate these accessories, but I promise you it’s not worth your time, money, potential frustration and disappointment. Marye Kelley Decoupage has mastered this craft for your enjoyment. My favorites are the frames, catchall tins, glass coasters and waste baskets (yes sometimes even your trash deserves a pretty place).

Below are just a few of their dozens of designs. Pick one up for your office, home, kid’s room, nursery or for a gift. Pair it with a special photograph and parents, teachers, baby shower hostess gifts, mothers-to-be and friends will all enjoy your thoughtfulness and great taste!

Gifts

Your Daughter's Room

Your Son's Room

Where to shop: www.marye-kelley.com

Monogram Madness

I am truly obsessed with monograms. I love designing them, stitching them, finding new ways to add them to home decor-if I could I would have them all over my house. Most of my customers want a custom design to coordinate with their bedding and I love the challenge. There are endless possibilities of how you can customize a monogram and what you can place them on. Blankets, pillows, bumpers, lampshades, burp cloths, onesies, bags, bibs, towels, ribbon, and furniture-the list goes on and on. Below are just a few of my designs and I mean just a few. I have tons of designs archived just awaiting their debut.