Simply Lovely | Simply Sofie

Archive for the ‘simply lovely’ Category

Fall into White this Autumn

Oct 30th, 12 / 0 Comments

Everywhere you look, you see white pumpkins. Why not try some other white accessories this fall? Think cozy, warm and textured to keep out the chill. A chunky knit blanket on your bed will do the trick.

Add elements of nature to your home by filling a basket with birch logs.

Set a harvest table with white dishes and white pumpkins accented by golden fall branches and leaves.

Make a simple modern centerpiece with white and grey pumpkins.

Bring the outdoors in by arranging seasonal bittersweet vines throughout your entryway.

Can’t get enough of this sweet pumpkin and pistachio centerpiece.

Put a sweater on just about anything. If you can knit, why not try a lampshade?

Even your stool legs can get in on it!

Use inexpensive white beans to create a lovely fall vase.

Set your table with one of a kind birch pedestal plates to surprise your guests.

Say goodbye summer and hello fall by adding layers of white texture from warm knitted accents and natural elements brought indoors.

simply lovely

Recycled Candles

Oct 3rd, 11 / 1 Comment

This week we had a mishap with our tray of candles that we keep on our patio table. They melted in the 100 degree California sun and ran all over the place. I started to throw them away but then thought……..what if? What if I re-melt the big candle and make some new candles?

First I shaved off the dirt with a peeler. Then I took the candle and put it in the microwave on the “melt chocolate chips” setting in a microwave safe dish. I had to run it through a couple of rounds until it was sitting in a puddle of wax. I read online that it is best to have a candy thermometer to get the wax the perfect temperature, but we don’t have one so I just put in for a few minutes at a time. I had some wicks from a previous project that you can find at craft stores for about $3 for six. In a pinch, string and a pencil will work too. All I needed was some vessels for the new candles. We had grapefruit for breakfast, so I tried that. It turned out beautiful and smelled good, too. Perfect for Halloween!

Then I tried an abalone shell we had in the backyard. This time I mixed in some patuli oil. They have candle scents at the craft stores but I think they are pretty stinky. It’s worth the investment of a nice essential oil.

Happy day! The abalone candle is so lovely and serene. So next time you have some old, dirty candles, make some new candles from them. Try using an eggshell, teacup, flower pot or coconut shell as a vessel. I’m going to start collecting vintage glassware for this project. I hope my friends aren’t reading this because I know what I’m making for holiday presents!

simply easy ideas, simply lovely, simply made

Natural Egg Dying

Apr 15th, 11 / 2 Comments

This year I tried using natural dyes for our Easter eggs. It was more work than dropping the tablet from the kit at Target in water, but the results from natural dyes were beautiful. You can find the recipes for natural dyes on Martha Stewart. I chose beets, onion skins and coffee for my dyes. I used cilantro to make the leaf patterns. Here’s how….

Wrap the egg in a few sprigs of cilantro. I didn’t use glue or any adhesive. Find an old stocking that doesn’t have a match. Mine was tall so I cut it so it was short. Hold the cilantro on the egg and put it in the stocking.

Twist the stocking until it is tight and wrap it with a twist tie. Drop it in the dye. You can use cheese cloth instead of a stocking if you have that. I left the egg in the dye for a couple of hours, sometimes overnight. I used brown eggs and white eggs.

For this egg, I used grass instead of cilantro. Celery leaves, fern leaves or small leaves from your garden would work well.

Instead of displaying your eggs in baskets, try these ideas. Use wine glasses and grass or sage leaves on your cupcake stand. Happy Easter!

simply easy ideas, simply lovely, Uncategorized

Patio Inspiration

Mar 12th, 11 / 1 Comment

My new obsession is patio furniture! I have a completely empty patio and I am looking to fill it! Here are my inspiration photos. 1. Love the eclectic look and the glider loveseat by Zonal. 2. These awesome chairs are from a Brazilian artist named Carlos Motta. Wish I could afford them!!!! Maybe I will try to make them.

3. You can see I love this look!! Stay tuned, I WILL make this firepit!!

4 and 5. I’m thinking I need some type of bamboo overhead. Such a peaceful feel. Stay tuned for my patio!!!

simply lovely

Crocheted Hangers

Mar 5th, 11 / 0 Comments

The other day I was going to lunch with my friend Jenny, her mom Jan and our dear friend Helena. We picked up Jan at her house and on the way out the door, Jan asked me if I needed any hangers. Since I just moved and I am reorganizing every closet, of course the answer was yes. She handed me an opaque plastic bag with odd hangers poking every which way. A week later when I finally opened it, I was delighted to find a collection of vintage crocheted hangers!!! They were so beautiful in every color with pom poms and bows! She had lovingly recycled wooden hangers by crocheting over the wood. I think I need to learn to knit and crochet!!!

They will look great in my daughter’s closet! Thanks Jan!!!

simply lovely

Drifting Away

Dec 5th, 10 / 0 Comments

When we think of decorating with driftwood, a dusty mobile or fish tank decor might come to mind. Think again. Driftwood has the beautiful dull gray finish and texture that only comes from years of exposure to the sun and surf. Decorating with driftwood is an eco friendly, easy way to bring nature into your home and can bring back memories of beach vacations and peaceful walks on the shore. Here are some modern beach combed accessories that will have you taking a second look. You might even be willing to ditch those pine cones for some driftwood this holiday season!

Love this driftwood deer. You can hang him year round but during the holidays, just add a red bow around his neck. I found this beautiful driftwood tree on etsy by artist Karen Miller.