Modifying WordPress Theme Backgrounds

 

I dabble in website creation, so keep that in mind when you read this post.  I am only a dabbler.  I am not an expert.  I also like shortcuts because once upon a time I spent way too much time on website design.  Here is my advice.  If you are creating a blog you want to customize, find a WordPress theme that has customizable options built in.  In this case, I am talking about themes where you can upload an image and the theme will automatically tile (repeat) that image to create a background.  Need a background image?  I have some trellis pattern options for you!

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Faux Canvasing Flat Artwork

My mother painted two beautiful flat pieces of artwork for my home.  My mom is awesome.  And I wanted the artwork to standout in my home.  Because it deserves that (and so does mom!).  They currently were in two black frames. Too plain and too flat!  My solution to make these paintings pop?  Lance crackers!  No, seriously.  Keep reading to see how I used cardboard cracker boxes to create a faux canvas. Well, two actually…

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Bringing the Poolside Inside – Our New Office Rug

As we shared earlier, we went ahead and made the plunge on a new rug for our office from overstock.  This 8 foot by 11 foot rug set us back $185, but it has already proved resilient against our “vomity” cat.  This is likely because this rug is meant to be poolside (outdoor), so it is super durable as an indoor rug.

 

 

Here is a before shot of our office.

And here is an office shot from another angle.  Yes my husband sits on a pillow.  (Maybe I need to surprise him with a new chair!)

You can see how the current green rug is just too small for the space. Now for the big reveal.

Ta da!  And here it is again from another angle.

It is rug love! It fits in the space beautifully and the pattern provides a nice modern touch.

Seeing this “after” picture puts me in a cleaning and organizing mood.  Got to go!  Tell us what you think of the new rug!

Catching the Transit of Venus

So what is a transit anyway? A transit is when an object like an interior planet (one closer to the sun than the Earth) crosses in front of the sun that is visible to the Earth. This is one of the ways we can spot planets around other stars too. If we can watch the star long enough, we might see a dip in the star’s intensity, which might mean a planet got between us and that star. In fact, by looking at the different wavelengths of light we receive during one of these dips of intensity, we can determine the components of the atmosphere of that planet! Science is amazing right!?

 

Anyway, back to the phenomena at hand; the transit of Venus…

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Quaterfoil? No, wait – Quatrefoil!

quatrefoil design

quatrefoil design

It seems like every where I look, a quatrefoil (four-leaved) design is a source of inspiration.  Whether it is used on walls or accent pieces, it really lends itself to a clean and modern aesthetic.  Although I like to think of my style as eclectic traditional, I am finding more and more that it is hard to pin down my style.  One thing I do know is I know what I like, and I like quatrefoil.  I am completely inspired by the pantry at The House of Smith’s.  I don’t know if it’s the gray paint that looks like it’d fit our color scheme, or the pantry placement that is eerily similar to our own, but it is totally my style.  You’ll even notice that she uses a quatrefoil design as part of her blog layout!

I am also enamored with her creative use of vinyl lettering.  Now, it’s no secret that I have a new l0ve for all things vinyl ever since my diy vinyl wall tree.  Turn’s out she actually sells custom vinyl lettering.  This means she must have a vinyl cutter.  Drool!  I’m a sucker for random industrial equipment.  Speaking of which, does anyone need to borrow a book binder?

One of the most genius application of a quatrefoil design was at Twin Dragonfly Designs.  Using a clear glossy finish only, it was applied using a stencil.  Can you say subtle chic?

Keep in mind, a quatrefoil desing can be put anywhere.  At Casa de Lewis, tiles were put to good use as beautiful coasters.

Where would you put a quatrefoil design?  I am debating between stenciling the craft room with a clear gloss like Twin Dragonfly Designs or in using a keep it simple approach like Casa de Lewis and using her method to add a quatrefoil design to a vase or similar piece of room eye candy.  Whatchya’ think?

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