change of scenery: blimpcat's office renovation

Hello everyone! We've been absent for the last few days, not because of a sudden lack of wonderful Etsy gems or wedding inspiration, but because of something closer to home. In our home, to be precise. Ever since Jimmy and I moved into our place two years ago, we've kept busy making the place feel like home: painting rooms, buying and refinishing furniture, and in one traumatic episode, removing three layers of hideous wallpaper from the master bathroom.

Throughout all this activity, we've been using our shared office pretty much as a dumping ground. Every conversation that started with "Where does this go?" ended with "Put it in the office for now, we'll figure it out." The room is bland, dark (owing to no overhead lighting and the "window" being a glass door that opens out onto a shady porch) and very cluttered, so I almost never work there.

Last weekend, I finally decided I'd had enough. We didn't want to paint the walls, since it was too much work to move everything out, we were working on a limited time frame, and Jimmy liked the color. So I set out to work with what we had. I'm seriously embarrassed to show you the "before" picture, but in the interest of full disclosure, here it is...

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ICK AGH what an awful space. Note the crappy stick lamp I hated, the extreme excess of furniture, the pile of papers and homeless dishes on the desk, the non-functioning old PC, the mostly unused pegboard...it's pretty terrible. The first step was just removing all the crap from the space. Once that was accomplished, it already felt better. I sold both the rolling sewing-machine carts on Craigslist, along with the desk lamp, and gave the computer to Jimmy to tinker with.

I wanted a custom-built glossy white L-shaped desk and a white chair, to brighten the space and make what little light there is more effective--like this:

 

 

But I knew right away we couldn't afford to start from scratch (we were working on a budget of about $200). So we decided to use my despised folding table as a base, and build a new top for it, with a counter extending from it along one wall. Here's what that looked like:

 

I've already painted the pegboard in this picture, and installed a big pendant lamp (see how much of a difference the overhead light makes?). We built a plywood top and shelf and installed them; all the heavy objects in our house are piled onto the wood while the glue dries. At one point our vacuum and cat were also up there! After installing the new wood, the next task was to paint it, and begin decorating. Here are the things we bought for the new space:

• Paper lantern and cord kit from Pier 1 ($25)
• Porcelain duck and lotus bowl from Pier 1 ($5 total)
• White flokati rug from Wal-Mart ($20, bought on a gift card)
• Chrome lamp and shade from Wal-Mart ($15)
• Clear acrylic book holders from Wal-Mart ($6 for two)
• White gauze curtain from Wal-Mart ($7 on clearance)
• Cube shelves from Kohl's (normally $34 for 3, bought two sets on sale for $17 each)
• Photo frames from Kohl's (also 50% off, $15 for 3)
• Chalkboard sticker from Kohl's ($11 on clearance)
• Monofilament and eye screws for "floating" memo board area ($5)
• Ikea JULES chair (given to me for free by a good friend)

And here are the results...are you ready?

 

What do you think?? It took many coats of polyurethane to make the desk so shiny, but it was 100% worth it--the light just bounces everywhere now, it's very inviting. The rug (I know, I know, Wal-Mart, but my shopping options are limited here) keeps my feet warm when Mitzy (the Blimpcat herself) isn't sitting on them. The chair is surprisingly comfortable, and I love its modern design. And now the special things I want to showcase are arranged with thought and care, rather than just tossed wherever. I think it's funny that I got rid of furniture, but actually have more working space now!

 

The "gallery wall": my Etsy to-do list chalkboard, a Ben Folds concert poster made by local artist Ben Chlapek, two of Jimmy's vintage cameras, a brass duck and heart that my aunt gave me as a child, a toy 1957 Chevy Bel-Air (my favorite car), two of my favorite wedding photos, a teapot made by my dear friend Emily, and a pair of "stress cows" from my day job.

I needed to organize my writing instruments and cutting tools, but I didn't really want to spend any money. So I just designed some simple wrappers, printed them out on kraft paper, and covered up empty cans (coconut milk, black beans and tomatoes, I think!).

I never liked my old gooseneck desk lamp, so I replaced it with this "normal" lamp. The photo on the desk is one of my favorites from the wedding, of three of my bridesmaids blowing bubbles.

This poor swan was all by himself on the clearance shelf at Pier 1. I brought him home to hold Post-It notes for me (I have a little addiction). If you've ordered anything from me in the past, you should be familiar with the fat cat cards there :)

So I'm sorry for the delay in blog updates since we've been busy getting the office together--but I could not be happier with the new space, and I hope you like it too! Now, when you get a package with a fat cat on the front, you'll know it was lovingly designed and packed right here.

fresh wedding theme: quirky february romance

Welcome to this week's edition of Fresh Wedding Themes! First off, let me say that this would work any time of year--not just February. However, love it or hate it, we've all got Valentine's Day on the brain, so the time seemed right to throw some red tones in the mix.

Red is, by far, the most popular and traditional wedding color, due to the widespread popularity of roses and its connotations of love. Traditionally it's accompanied by its friends black and white--which is gorgeous, don't get us wrong! But for a more modern take, try banishing black entirely. It can be surprisingly challenging! Replace it with shades of grey and silver, or supplement with aubergine, burgundy, and various deep pinks. If you want to really stand out, try doing it without a single red rose. Sound impossible? We're here to help. (Our picks this week are predominantly from Etsy, with the exception of the beautiful Maggie Sottero gown.)

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1. Keep your cake simple for a breath of fresh air--a smooth expanse of white can have just as much impact as a complex pattern. Instead of flowers, adorn the cake with organza poppies and matching ribbons. Burgundy blossom flowers, A Bespoke Touch on Etsy, $50.

2. Virtually any snow-white gown will work beautifully with this versatile theme. We love the feminine shape and classic structure of this one, especially mixed with some funky red accessories. Isadora Marie gown, Maggie Sottero, from $1348.

3. Give your groom a modern, masculine look with a flower-free boutonniere. (Bonus: it'll last forever!) Jancie boutonniere, Rationale on Etsy, $11.50.

4. We still can't get enough of these poms--they're festive, lush-looking, and the perfect way to add pops of brilliant color to your reception space. Mixed Berry Jam poms, PomLove on Etsy, $18.

5. Pewter flats peeking out from beneath your gown with these precious poppy shoe clips add a touch of innocence to your bridal ensemble. Handmade fabric flower shoe clips, JujaCrafts on Etsy, $12.99.

6. Obviously we're biased, but we think these table numbers in cranberry red on crisp white are an understated but elegant way to mark your guests' places. Lila table numbers, Blimpcat on Etsy, $20 for ten.

7. Give your groomsmen a gift they'll keep forever--and coordinate with your colors at the same time. Rocker Red vintage button cufflinks, Really Bad Kitty on Etsy, $17.

8. Flower-less bouquets are becoming all the rage these days--keep yours forever and show off your quirky style with a custom-made brooch bouquet in shades of pink and red. Wedding brooch bouquet in burgundy, The Ritzy Rose on Etsy, $275.

So what do you think? Ready to give black and white the boot? Red is really surprisingly versatile, and by choosing slightly offbeat accompaniments, you can be sure your guests will remember your wedding for years (in a good way!). Happy Valentine's day (or Anna Howard Shaw Day, as the case may be).

fresh wedding theme: warm and cool january wedding

Winter weddings get a bad rap. Yes, it can be harder to travel and have an outdoor ceremony; however, we don't think there's any more dramatic setting than rows of trees dripping with icicles and soft, glittering snow covering the ground. And everyone can use a pick-me-up in January, after the holidays are over and a few more months of chill are stretching ahead. It's possible to have a beautiful, cozy, untraditional soiree in this gray month--just work with your setting, not against it. Here are some ideas!

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1. Choose a gown in a soft cream, rather than snow white, to warm your skin tone instead of washing you out. Flowing chiffon with dramatic fabric details will make a statement without competing with the glitter of snow and ice. Pronovias "Arpa," approximately $2800-$3800, pronovias.com for locations

2. Towering manzanita branches evoke the natural beauty of leafless winter trees; painting them gold, adding drips of Tiffany-blue crystal and dotting them with preserved orchids bring breathtaking glamour to your tables. Manzanita centerpiece by Michelle Rago, michelleragoltd.com for pricing

3. An unexpected combination, yellow gold and glowing aqua chalcedony earrings provide the perfect accompaniment to your dramatic dress without overwhelming your face. "Tiffany" earrings, LiciaBeads on Etsy, $18. Note: LiciaBeads is offering 20% off your entire purchase in her store for Blimpblog readers until next Wednesday! Just use this code at checkout: 119TO26BC20

4. Creamy white sheepskin half-gloves keep your fingers warm without burying your hands, and provide a subtle high-fashion touch to your ensemble. White sheepskin short gloves, $14.99, lightinthebox.com.

5. The right music can change everything. Fortunately for January brides, you've got a perfect built-in wedding song with indie cred. Download "January Wedding" by the Avett Brothers, and keep your tissues handy. (While you're at it, snag the whole album--it's a masterpiece.) Avett Brothers' "I and Love and You," $11.68, Amazon.com.

6. Choosing a color palette right off the bat will guide your selections and virtually guarantee your wedding will have a harmonious feel. We've started with a pale Tiffany blue for a less-traditional twist on icy blue, then warmed it with complementary gold and creamy ivory, and added navy and charcoal for contrast. Deepen your colors as the day goes on for a gorgeous transition from day to night! Palette, "January Wedding" by blimpcat on ColourLovers.

7. Who says your wedding ring has to be a diamond? I'm a big fan of gemstone rings, like this stunning aquamarine and rose gold solitaire. "Aquamarine Cushion" ring, onegarnetgirl on Etsy, $458.

8. To avoid an overly dark look--especially on a dreary afternoon--go with a gray tux instead of the traditional black. Here we've paired it with an ivory shirt, pale gold vest and bow tie for a light twist on a classic look. Calvin Klein 2-button Super 110 tuxedo, menswearhouse.com for locations.

9. Keep your cake's base color a simple cream, accenting with gold and white in dramatic configurations for a modern classic. Two-tier wedding cake by Melissa Fryer of Sarah's Cake shop, call for pricing.

10. A mostly monochromatic bouquet with many shades of ivory and lots of texture--calla lilies, roses, ranunculus, and anemones, mixed with willow branches and marabou feathers--lends a breath of fresh air to the traditional white bridal bouquet. Textured bouquet, source unknown; contact your local florist and bring a photo.

Hopefully this post has given you some inspiration to throw your own gorgeous, cozy January fete! Feel free to show us your own ideas!