Designer DIY

by Mari Robeson

Design Junkies, we are in for a treat! Today, designer Mari Robeson joins us as Interior Design expert and Contributor. I am thrilled with the colorful and creative stories Mari has planned for us, about what we’ll learn from her, and how inspired we’ll be. Learn more about Mari at her Web site.

Photographs by Jenny Malott

Have you ever planned a room and [...] Read more »

Artist Profile — Craig Anczelowitz

I just met an artist who has it all. Creative vision, practical knowhow, business-sense,

and moxie.

Craig’s IKAT Blue Mix Ceramics. (All photos copyright Craig Anczelowitz.)

And Bronx native Craig Anczelowitz’s resume is like a how-to for the successful, self-sufficient artist/designer:

M.F.A.: Check.

Work your way up in a specialty New York boutique: Check.

Traverse the globe, buying and designing for retail tastemakers: Check. Check.

Leave it [...] Read more »

Artist Profile — Vicki Hartman

The concept of a home has a simple beauty, and I find myself attracted to objects depicting that. it’s what caught my eye about the art of Rochester, New York ceramicist Vicki Hartman; and I thought you’d enjoy visiting with her, and learning about her work.

HomeWorkshop (HW): Have you always been an artistic person, and when did you realize you could [...] Read more »

Years back, I attended a San Francisco art sale at the most fantastic place. Creativity Explored is nonprofit visual arts center where artists with developmental disabilities create, exhibit, and sell art.

Color and smiles were free-flowing, and I came away with a half dozen of the most uninhibited and visually striking drawings.

I was thrilled to learn from my best friend, that CB2 is featuring [...] Read more »

I think a touch of metallic luster helps most any space; and I admit I’ve still got a shine for a silvery finish. Today it’s an Etsy shopping day – enjoy these dazzling finds.

The artist crochets fine wire to create these airy, Feminine Round Lampshades from Yoola.

This Divine Aluminum GoodForm Chair from Three Sideways Glances is a mid-century classic, freshly upholstered a graphic, DesignTex fabric.

The [...] Read more »

A Garden Accents Treasure Trove

This weekend, throngs of us are spending time outdoors, some even heading to the beach. So I thought I’d take you to a spot in a wonderful Northern California beach town. Half Moon Bay is the kind of town where you can spend the morning with sand in your toes, and the afternoon strolling from boutique, to gallery, to mom-and-pop shop.

Always [...] Read more »

From the Archives: Deck out your Independence Day table with flair, when you whip up a batch of our Patriotic Peeps Placemats – personalized for the family!

It’s a fun DIY project! Click here for complete instructions. Read more »

I’m an art enthusiast. My best friend is an incredible watercolorist and art instructor, and I marvel at what she creates with a vision and a brush.

I know countless palette- and pencil-wielding types, some of whom I’ve met doing interviews for our Artist Profiles here on HomeWorkshop.com. I’ve even dabbled myself.

So although there are still many incredible art galleries worth a visit, I’ve been [...] Read more »

by Leona Gaita

Today we are joined by Leona Gaita, HomeWorkshop.com Interior Design Expert and Contributor. Leona shares with us her inspiring ideas and advice to help us enrich our homes and lives with beauty and elegance.

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I Went to the High Point Market and I Saw the Light!

For the first time ever, I made the pilgrimage to the furniture mecca of the world, High Point, North [...] Read more »

A trend has swum its way into home decor—Sea Life. Schools of fish? Yes. But also lobster, squid, jellyfish, seahorses and even sea urchins are inhabiting home textiles, ceramics and an ocean of other accessories.

It’s an Etsy shopping day today and I’ve found some fabulous (and fun and funky) sea-life pieces for you.

The watery-coral design of Karen’s Cool Pots’ Sea-Inspired Pottery Bowl [...] Read more »

Here’s a fun, DIY makeover to help freshen up your tabletop. I’d read here that Contact Paper makes a good stencil material, so I thought I’d give it a try and make over our well-used IKEA lazy Susan.

It went from this sad, water-stained (but functional) round…

To this happy, decorative centerpiece!

First I slapped on two coats of a stain-blocking primer, sanding in-between coats. I covered that [...] Read more »

There’s still time to make Mom smile, when she sees the handmade Mother’s Day gift from you or the kids. We are lucky enough to be enjoying Mom’s company this Mother’s Day, as she has flown in for a visit with the California family.

A quick, fun reuse project is our Sweet Stands. Put some together by Saturday and you can host Mom for a beautiful [...] Read more »

Artist Profile — Amy Flynn

The Illustration business isn’t what it used to be. But accomplished illustrator Amy Flynn is thriving.

The former Hallmark and Current staff artist made a living for many years painting whimsical, splashy artwork for cards and children’s books.

“The way that illustrators work has changed three times over,” said Amy. At first, companies kept illustrators on staff. Then artists were forced to [...] Read more »

Here’s a practical project that adds a touch of whimsy to your couch.

“Where’s the remote, Mom? Hey!! Have you seen the remote?”

The interrogation and cushion tossing begins in family rooms across the country. You’d better hope we can find the remote before the opening face-off of The Sharks game.

The solution? A Pocket Pillow to hold the remote. And this one’s extra-special, crafted from recycled denim [...] Read more »

by GraceAnn Simoni

Here’s a speedy DIY decor update from Contributor GraceAnn Simoni, Interior Redesign and Staging Specialist and Instructor from the Chicagoland area. GraceAnn shares budget tips and advice for decorating with your existing furniture and accessories.

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Spring and good weather are finally here. The sun

is shining and the birds are singing outside my

office window.

This means I will again get out the spray [...] Read more »