Pretty Curtains

Here are some pretty curtains I made for my friend Liz!

Here are some of my tips for designing curtains:

-If your windows are large and deep, try using a tension rod. Long panels can over power a room with large windows.

-Tension rods should sit half way between the distance between the window and the wall.

-If using a decorative rod, hang it higher above the window and wider than the window width to make the window appear larger.

-The length of a window valance should be no longer than 25% of the window length.
-When choosing fabric, hold it up to the light. Some fabrics are more transparent than they seem.
- Panels hung on the wall next to the window make a window feel much wider.
- Curtains are for decorative purposes only. Use separate sheers or blinds for privacy and light altering functions.
- Ribbons are an easy and inexpensive use for tie backs.
- If your walls are papered or painted with a pattern, choose a neutral fabric for curtains.
- White curtains are never a bad choice! When it doubt go white- it exudes cleanliness and enhances light.

Below are curtains I made for myself!

Cupcakes To Go!

No, I am NOT passing along my infamous cupcake recipies, hahaha! However I AM posting a picture of a porcelian cupcake stand that I own filled with my delicious vanilla cupcakes. How pretty is this piece for entertaining? Whenever I host a party, I make my cupcakes for dessert and display them as decoration on this delicate three tiered stand.

Behind the pretty cupcake display are little individual cupcake boxes. Each guest can take home a cupcake on their way out the door! Most people don't eat very much at cocktail parties and I always find that I have too much food at the end of the party. (It's always better to over estimate than under in my opinion) Giving guests the option to take home dessert is a great way to make your cupcake display serve another purpose!  Here is dessert, here is decoration and here is a cupcake to go!

"Your Turn!"

Here is an engagement card I just made for a friend.

The inside text reads: "Your Turn!"

I just love this card. I mean seriously, could this card be any cuter?!!

Congratulations to my dear friend Christine! xo

Write As If No One Is Reading

When I originally started this blog I was writing just for myself. I had recently shut down a cupcake catering business that became too difficult to run alone and I felt a creative void in my life. I started to fill my time with small art projects, random as many of them may seem, and I suddenly started writing about them...

I didn't publish my blog for 6 months after starting it because I was almost embarrassed about some of the subject matter. I didn't have plans to publish it until one day I starting talking about it to a friend. I realized that I had an urge to share my blog with others, not necessarily the subject matter in the posts, but share the happiness I found in all of it. I created a name for my blog and designed a template for the posts and suddenly I was running "Caroline's Pink Envelope". I honestly had no idea what I was doing when I started blogging (and I still don't). All I know is that I write about all of the things that I love the most and now the blog has slowly become a hodge podge of unconnected art projects, baking posts, craft ideas, decorating posts and lifestyle posts. By highlighting the smallest actions in my life that bring me joy, I am discovering my passion and I'm fulfilling a part of my life that I have made a priority.

Balance is the foundation behind me starting this blog. Many people may be surprised to know that I absolutely love my corporate job. I love to put on a suit in the morning, head to work, bust my butt and feel important in the workplace. Balance for me is coming home and sewing curtains for a friend because I am creative at heart and that side of me hasn't been fulfilled all day. Caroline's Pink Envelope helps me achieve balance and share it with others and for that reason it has changed my life.

They always say: dance as if no one is watching. To this day, I don't know who is reading. I know the number of hits I get per week (around 400), but I don't know the people behind those statistics. I have no idea what lives I am touching, if any, because I am still writing for myself. I just write as if no one is reading.

Whether you love art like me or whether it's something else that makes you "tick", Caroline's Pink Envelope is inspiration for everyone out there who is searching for a passionate, yet balanced life. Make whatever it is that fulfills you a priority, engage in whatever that is and do it as if no one is watching.

Decorating Open Shelves

I just had to share a photograph of my open shelving solution in my bathroom. Open shelves can easily bring clutter into a room so figure out a way to display attractive items while concealing unattractive items. Shelves can be a wonderful focal point in a room if items are arranged properly. Try using baskets to hide items or even create a little custom curtain as I have done using a small handmade valance and a simple tension rod. I used the leftover fabric to sew matching basket liners to pull the whole look together. I think the shelves came out great, don't you?!!

Just Add Trim

I recently made a trip to M and J Trimmings in New York City in search of special ribbon for invitations for a bridal shower I helped plan. This store has virtually every type of ribbon that you could possibly desire and they also carry hundreds of styles of trim for sewing projects. While I was purchasing the ribbon for the invitations, I came across some pretty white cotton ruffle trim. It was so pretty and such a good deal ($3 a yard) that I purchased a yard of it and figured I would eventually find a use for it in my apartment. Well, I did find a great place to use it! I sewed it onto my plain white hand towels to add a feminine touch. With the addition of the white ruffle trim, the hand towels are now quite pretty and fit in well with my bathroom decor. I am so happy I found use for the trim. What an easy and inexpensive way to make an ordinary towel extraordinary!

The picture below shows the before (left towel) and after (right towel).

A Savvy Woman's Treasure

I was out in East Hampton again this weekend and I couldn't help but stop by a yard sale at our neighbor's house. I went over a little late by yard sale standards (the early birds usually get all of the good stuff) but I scored with a silver tray that I snagged for only $1! The nice thing about going late to yard sales is that people are basically giving away their stuff at the end. The tray was in really, really bad shape but I figured I'd work at it and I could always toss it if I couldn't get the tarnish out. Well, I just worked at it for about an hour after arriving back in the city and already it looks great! I'll work at it again later (my arms are too tired to finish the project) but I wanted to post a picture because I'm so happy about it. This summer take advantage of the plentiful yard sales in your area because one woman's trash is another savvy woman's treasure!

 

The Deal Of The Century

I can't help myself from blogging about my new silver trays. I just love the look of pretty silver and antique pieces are my absolute favorite. I guess every girl has a little grandma in her, haha! I have been eyeing two gorgeous (and tarnished) sterling silver trays in an antique shop on my Upper East Side street. Last weekend I decided to make a move on them. After a weekend of bargaining, walking away from the store and then coming back with my tail between my legs because I really DID want the trays, I finally got the pieces home for what I perceived as a great deal. Oh my, I spent the ENTIRE evening on Monday polishing my silver. I think it was several hours but I just couldn't stop unveiling the beauty under the tarnish. I swear that I scored the deal of the century. Both trays were heavily tarnished and their value was overlooked by other antique shoppers. Lucky me with black hands and exhausted arms, I now have two gorgeous and valuable home decor pieces that I just HAD to blog about. Ladies, lessons to learn here:

1) Look closer for the hidden gems out there, pretty pieces are out there so bargain and buy!

2) Everything fabulous takes a little work but as long as you enjoy the work, it's worth it, so polish away!

Enjoy the pictures (they are much prettier in person). I am so thrilled I can't take it!

 

A Monogrammed Mirror

I spent a lovely Memorial Day in East Hampton and while I was in town, I passed by a cute little monogram shop with a variety of monogrammed items. In the window I noticed a monogrammed mirror that I knew I could replicate when I got home. I figured that my glass etching technique would work on a mirrored surface as well. I got to work right away after arriving back to the city. I cut out my initials using sticky vinyl and my Cricut paper cutter which is amazing by the way. After carefully applying the letter cut outs to a basic mirror, I generously applied etching solvent in the negative space. You can purchase paper cutters and etching solvent at any craft store. After waiting about 15 minutes for the solvent to set, I rinsed it off and cleaned the mirror really well. Yay, I did it! I was able to make the mirror I saw in that East Hampton shop! My one of a kind monogrammed mirror is now hanging in my entryway and I am so excited for myself!

I decided to place my monogram in the middle of the mirror because the etching is faint so it doesn't prevent the mirror from still serving its purpose. How pretty!!

 

Just A Note

Sew Easy!

Happy Mother's Day to all of the wonderful moms out there. This weekend I traveled home to spend time with my mother. Whenever I come home, I walk around our house and see if I notice any changes. I always find something new. This weekend, I decided to make my own changes to the house by sewing, yes sewing my mom some simple valances for the breakfast nook. We headed over to the fabric store and found a beautiful Waverly toile pattern that matched the french country kitchen decor. Measure twice and sew once! These simple pole pocket valances took me only a few hours to pin and hand stitch and they are so pretty aren't they? We hung each valance on two simple tension rods (I did two windows) and even dad exclaimed how nice they look. The fabric cost $24 because it was on sale and the tension rods cost about $12 because we each had a coupon. The whole project was less than $40! What a steal for a Mother's Day gift!

 

Even if you don't sew like me, making a curtain valance is a project you can try. The beauty of sewing curtains is that they aren't going to be worn or washed so the stitching just has to hold the fabric in place, not be incredibly durable. When choosing a fabric keep in mind how large the print will be, stand back a see how the fabric looks from the distance they will be hung. If you are making a smaller valance like mine (84 inches by 12 inches) make sure the pattern has room to repeat itself within the curtain. I wanted the valance to ruffle so I made it twice the width of the window. Remember that all you need is a simple needle, some matching thread, a little patience and some creativity and you will be on your way to making beautiful and inexpensive curtains. Happy Mother's Day mom, love you!

 

Pictures That Sparkle

In addition to my previous post on Chandelier Heaven, there's another way to bring the light of a chandelier into your space. I framed this photograph of a beautiful shabby chic chandelier from a decorating book I own. Hung above a sweet shelf, this picture actually sparkles! Framing light fixtures can give the illusion of more light in a room, try it!

 

Crisp White Antique Frames

While I was home for Easter, I rummaged through my parents' attic for antique wooden picture frames. I found a few that I painted a crisp white and when I got back to New York I assembled them on a large blank wall in my living room. I will eventually add more white frames to my wall and I'm hoping to find an oval shaped one at the antique flea market. Below is the result so far, simple and charming!

 

Decorating With Plates

Decorating a wall using pretty plates is simple and beautiful. I love collecting china, especially antique china. I chose several walls in my apartment to decorate with plates!

Tips for hanging plates:
• Generally plates should be about 3-4 inches apart from each other when you are grouping them together.

• Use plate hangers with a spring. Make sure to buy the appropriate size hanger for each plate being hung.

• Map out your plate design on a wide open space like a kitchen island or floor. Before you begin arranging your plates, put paper down so you can trace your finished design and use it as a wall template.

• You can also trace each plate on paper and cut out its shape. When deciding on a wall arrangement, tape the paper plates to the wall with painters tape. You can move them around on your wall to visualize your design before you put holes in your wall.

• If a plate has decorative holes on its edge such as a lace plate, you can hang it using ribbon.

Any room will do! Hanging plates isn’t just for kitchen décor. You can hang plates in the powder room or entryway, even the bedroom! Hanging plates around a window frame, artwork or mirror is pretty. You can hang plates above a window to simulate curtains or along a backsplash that isn’t tiled like mine. Have fun with it and get creative!

Hostess Notes

You hosted a lovely party, you made delicious food and a guest has asked you for the recipe to that fabulous dip you served. Why not share your recipe by sending it in the mail? I created these darling (I must say so myself) recipe sharing cards.  They are personalized too, how cute are these!?! You can also use regular correspondence stationery to share your recipes. These notes make perfect hostess gifts or shower gifts and sharing recipes by mail is a stylish and unique way to continue being a "hostess with the mostess" even after your party has ended!

A Decorating Story

Once upon a time I attended a baby shower honoring my dear friend Alison. Alison has fabulous taste and I love visiting her home because I get to see her creative decorating ideas in action. I can't resist sharing one of her darling nursery decor ideas. Alison took one of her favorite books from her childhood, cut out some of the classic illustrations and turned a collection of them into wall art. She chose six illustrations from Where The Wild Things Are and framed them in simple white gallery frames. When assembled together on the wall, the framed illustrations tell a classic childhood story and the nursery is now decorated happily ever after!

 

I'm In Chandelier Heaven

I just love chandeliers! Chandeliers bring a lovely sense of sophistication to a space and also a sense of whimsy too. Even the smallest of spaces can seem grand and elegant with the touch of a chandelier. I used several chandeliers in my apartment. Below are some photographs of my chandeliers. I have one in my entryway. How inviting to welcome guests with the sparkle of a chandelier! I also have one in my bathroom...

This small cream painted iron chandelier holds candles. No electricity needed to make this bathroom pretty! Be careful if you actually light the candles (mine are just for show). How elegant does this little bathroom look!?!

Over my kitchen island I don't have an electrical hook up but I insisted on having over head lighting. I purchased this large iron candle chandelier and instead of using traditional pillar candles, I used battery operated candles so the piece can flicker away without the worry of a flame. The best part about these battery candle pillars is that they are remote control operated! I am always just a click away from beautiful soft candle light, how heavenly! 

Modern Twist on Victorian Decor

As promised, here is my Victorian silhouette wall collage. I opted for basic frames rather than ornate frames to modernize the antique look.  I love the idea of painting the center mat a bold color. It anchors the collage and makes the black silhouettes really pop. I purchased a Benjamin Moore bright pink paint sample (only $3.50) for the project.

I also used the pink paint in another unexpected place to further modernize my Victorian room. Across from my silhouette collage is an antique Victorian vanity that I purchased for almost nothing. The piece needed a complete overhaul (new paint, new upholstery, new hardware etc.) After I redid the vanity, I decided to add a pop of pink to the inside top of the vanity.

The splashes of pink are few in my mostly Victorian room, but they are fun, unexpected and add a modern twist. The paint samples are the way to go for small simple projects and remember that you can always repaint if your decor changes. I just love my little Victorian sanctuary and since I live in New York, the modern twist was a must!

Start A Club

Since we all have a little Martha in us, let's share the joy in our hobbies by joining a club. Chances are you'll have to start your own club so here are a few ideas I have to help you get started.

1) Knitting Club: Needle pointers will get invited to join too. Ladies mingle and swap project ideas and stitch lessons or just socialize while working on their time consuming projects.

2) Dinner Club: Choose a type of food or pick a theme so it's not just a regular night out to dinner. Try burger club, sushi club, pizza club, steak club etc. It's fun to rate the food and restaurant overall at the conclusion of the meal.

3) Book Club: This is a classic club that never gets old.
4) Running Club: Get a group of people together for weekly runs in the park. Also, I started a power walking club last year that fizzled out but I am going to introduce it again this spring. Ladies can mingle while working out!
5) Cooking Club: Invite your members over to cook, drink and mingle. Then you get to eat what you make! The host chooses the recipe and purchases the ingredients and hosting rotates each month.
6) Decorating Club: Maybe once every two months gather your friends who love to decorate together for various activities such as.... Mingle and swap decorating ideas.  Attend a house tour together. Swap decorating books and email favorite design blogs. Visit the Met together for special exhibits featuring decor and or furniture. There is so much to do with this one.

7) Museum Club: Choose a museum as your meeting spot and get together one Saturday a month to visit a special exhibit together. Plan to brunch afterwards and discuss the exhibit.

8) Movie Club: Members are assigned to see a movie in the theater on their own and then they gather to discuss it at the meeting. Club members can head to the theater together too if they wish!

9) Baking Club: Since cooking is not synonymous with baking, this club must be a separate entity. Baking only for this club but it's the same idea as the cooking club.

10) Arts and Crafts Club: The host rotates between the members and chooses a project to share with the club. The materials are purchased prior to the meeting by each member but the crafting if done all together!

The ideas are endless so think of a club you want to start and be sure to invite me if I know you! Members are more excited to get together if it's under the notion that it's a club. Also the creator of the club has to do a nice job of maintaining the sense of a "club feel". The first meeting should discuss exactly what the club is about, who is involved and how frequently it will meet so that members know what they are getting involved in. It's also fun to assign roles to members in the club so people feel important and share the sense that they are part of something unique. Have fun!!

March Is Craft Month

Yes it's true. I just confirmed that March is indeed national craft month! This means that all of our favorite craft stores are running sales and promotions. Stock up on your art supplies and get crafty this month. Many stores offer free how-to classes too, how nice! In the true spirit of this national holiday, let's get crafty!

Creating Silhouettes

This time next week I will be blogging from the Upper East Side. Yep, that's right I'm moving and that means I'm going to write a lot of posts on decorating! Well, I FINALLY decided on my design scheme for my bedroom. I went back and forth because I love so many styles, but I'm thrilled to announce that I'm designing a Victorian bedroom. I chose Victorian style because it's just so pretty and inviting. It's also feminine and luxurious which works well for a female bedroom. A Victorian room would not be complete without framed silhouettes. They are classic and striking and very inexpensive to create. Here's how to make them.

Photoshop: If you have Photoshop here's what to do...

1) Take a profile picture or a picture of a object, preferably on a white background.

2) Open photoshop and select the background for removal using the wand tool. Once highlighted, go to edit and cut.

3) Go to image and select adjustments and then desaturate to remove all of the color.

4) Go to adjustments and select brightness/contrast. Both lower the brightness and increase the contrast.

5) Use the paint tool to fill in black where necessary.

6) Save your image, print and frame!

Internet Images: You can use ready made silhouette images from the internet...

1) Google "silhouette images" to find royalty free images that are already black with a white background. Right click on the image, click edit and copy to copy the image. Open a word document and click edit and paste so you can adjust the image size, print and frame!

2) Try istockphoto.com to purchase images from a greater selection bank for a small fee. This gives you the right to the images and the selection is stellar. Once the file is purchased add it to a word document, adjust the size, print and frame!

Try clustering a bunch of framed silhouette images on the wall for a beautiful look. Vary the size and shape of the frames, and stick with antique style frames for a most authentic look. (I'm going to do this once I get into my new place so stay tuned for the result!) Here are a bunch of silhouettes I am using for the project. All of the images were printed on ivory colored cardstock. So pretty, right?!