Last week, I did the easiest, and cutest little project. I made these diy plant markers using downloadable artistic photo letters:

I think they would make perfect teacher, Easter or thank you gifts, especially if embedded in a cute little plant.

Now, you all know that I don’t believe in complicated diy projects! And this one couldn’t have been any simpler:

1. Download the artistic alphabet photos

I downloaded the artistic alphabet onto my computer {I got over 400 images to choose from}. After downloading the images, I poured through the many choices for each letter, and selected the ones I loved the most.

2. Import, edit and print your letters

I imported 3 letters into my photo editing program, and cropped them so that they would be square in size. Then, I moved them into PowerPoint, where it would be easy to resize the alphabet photos and print an entire page. I made each letter one inch square, and just put plenty of space between each letter {I didn’t take the time to space them evenly}. I put a little border around each letter by importing a digital matte. Then I printed the letters on white card stock paper.

here is a screen shot of how I placed my letters on the page in PowerPoint:

3. Measure and outline your plant markers

I used a small ruler, and just traced around the whole thing to keep things simple. The width of my markers are 1.5 inches. I also wrote out the name of my plants beneath each of the alphabet photo letters:

4. Cut out your markers, adding a point

5. If desired, laminate your plant markers

Or you can keep it simple, and just use the card stock. Since they are so easy to make, you can easily make new ones if they get wet. I laminated mine, because I have a laminator on hand at home.

6. Enjoy, and give as gifts

I had fun picking through the creative photo letters to pick out my favorite. It is no surprise that I loved the ones with architectural influences:

Jodi of BuyAlphabetPhotos shared her artistic photo letters with me, and I am so glad to have them on my computer! I love knowing that I can use the letters to create gifts for friends at any time. Add pretty paper and a frame, and you could highlight a special word or even your last name, and add it to your home. It would be perfect for creative baby gifts or wedding presents.

And, yay! There is a special deal for you!

Jodi has partnered with me for an exclusive deal just for Fieldstone Hill readers.  All my readers can get up to $5 off a download or CD of the 400+ letter and number images PLUS a Freebie damask alphabet set with any purchase!  You can get all the goodies on this page:

http://www.buyalphabetphotos.com/fieldstonehillexclusive.html

You won’t be able to find this page on her website because it’s just for you. {Be sure to take advantage of this great deal before it expires on February 28, 2012.}

There is an inspiration page on Jodi’s website, where you can get some great ideas for projects that can easily be created using Artistic Photo Letters. Have fun checking out all of the great ideas. The thank you cards and the bracelet are my favorites. The page has ideas like these:

What would you create?

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Less than a Week Left to enter The FHD February Giveaway!  Click here to enter, or click on the photo below to get to the Giveaway Page.

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{I received a set of artistic photo letters for this post. All opinions and project ideas are my own}

In the few times that I have been to a spa, my favorite thing about it is the atmosphere.

Candles. Fresh fragrance. Soft Music. Peace and Quiet. Details that Pamper.

And while I am still holding out hope that I will suddenly turn into a “regular spa girl,” it is probably not going to happen. Truth be told? I would rather spend my resources elsewhere anyway!

Instead, I would rather turn a tiny bit of focus toward creating the Spa Experience here at my own home. Adding a Touch of Spa to my own bathroom seems like a much more effective use of my time and money. That way, the spa is waiting for me… every day.

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For more, and for a list of {easy, inexpensive} ways to add Spa to your Bathroom, click here to head over and read the rest at Roomag.com….

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Only One Week Left to enter The FHD February Giveaway!  Click here to enter, or click on the photo below to get to the Giveaway Page.

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I am taking a few days off from blogging, but will return this Thursday with a link over to my RooMag.com post, as well as a {gasp! Can you believe it??} DIY post on Friday. I know. I know.

In the meantime, maybe I will see you on Facebook, or over at Pinterest. Or you can catch up on some goodies…..

like this post:

I have had several favorite posts over the last year, for one reason or another, and I thought it would be fun for me to share them with you here. Click on the link to see the posts:

beautiful thought :: yes. you can. {my personal favorite post}

ditto :: a classic boy’s room {my first ever ditto post}

renovation :: boys’ room floor solution; tutorial {my most popular post}

vision :: words of reason {my most helpful post for my clients}

renovation :: our addition. before and after {my favorite renovation post}

thoughts :: balancing dreams and the dream we live {the real me}

the value of a vision {my core belief about designing with a vision}

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The FHD February Giveaway has begun! You can enter at ANY time this month. Click here to enter, or click on the photo below to get to the Giveaway Page.

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I received this question from a client the other day,* and I know it is a great design question that many people wonder about. Below is posted her question, and then, my thoughts on the matter:

{Lisa}:
I’m actually in the process of changing around our kitchen “theme”. I am going with a wine theme. Are themes stupid?? LOL. Like is that a big design no-no…to go with one theme or is it better to mix and match stuff for a more eclectic feel? 
{darlene}:
Your question about themes is a great one!

My opinion? {keep in mind, design is all about opinions!}: I think it is better to think more broadly, and go with color schemes as opposed to decor themes. My reasoning is two fold:

1. long term value
2. real is better than faux

1. Long term value
If you fill your kitchen with wine-themed items, it will require an investment into items that you cannot use again once you are ready to redesign, or if you tire of your theme.

2. Real is better than faux
Usually, using a theme involves purchasing items that have your theme printed on them or painted on them.  I, personally, think that this cheapens your decor.

Instead, use your wine idea as Accent Pieces throughout, but not actually printed onto any fabric. Use REAL wine stuff… not pictures or images of wine stuff. How about using wine glasses, bottles, decanters, even beautiful bowls overflowing with grapes etc.?


For example, try to avoid buying a rug that has pictures of wine items on it… instead get a rug that ties into your color scheme.
Decorate your counters with a line of beautiful wine bottles, a decanter, and a tray of gorgeous wine glasses. Make an effort to keep fresh grapes on display.
Then, if you cannot resist the itch, you could buy one sign that you love that declares your love for wine {try to avoid vines and painted wine glasses; just words} and hang it among real art {not prints! support your local artist and add class to your decor in the process} that depicts wine or grapes. You could also go with beautiful, framed photography of black and white wine glasses or bottles, or beautiful color photos of the tuscan landscape.

here are examples of what I would call faux decor:

What do you think? To theme or not to theme?