Curiously Colorful | Coloring Outside The Lines Since 1985

A Valentine’s Day For Everyone

February 6, 2012

I’ve had many great days celebrating Valentine’s festivities during my youth, to dating years, into married life. One year getting a bottle of Chanel nail polish from my parents when I was 12 or so, a Valentine in the mail from my grandparents as a wee one, and my first ever bouquet of flowers arriving at the door as a teenager. There are so many fun ways to make the day memorable, even if it means taking the time to watch a cheesy romance, eating a chocolate cupcake, or cutting out a paper heart. Let everyone you love know it, make your heart full and not forgotten this year.

A DIY Valentine online tutorial fit for creative Queens

His and her gold necklaces

A lady can always use a scarf

A red soled dapper shoe for your soul mate

A personalized lovely daily reminder of when it all began

Take a photo on Valentine's day to mark the occasion, and remember it in the coming years

Get her a pretty ring box to store the rings you have already given her

Keeping your specs in loving care

A Valentine's morning breakfast treat for the kids!

Treat yourself to a manicure for your Valentine's date night, in ombre style!

Leg love

Hunt down your Valentine to give them this card

Red velvet milkshake, dangerous goodness!

A wooden teether for Baby's first Valentine's day

Square queen of hearts pillow for the girl in your life!

Grown up, gourmet treats for your sweetheart

Double heart ring

Tutorial to make your own Valentine arrows, Cupid doesn't have anything on these cute love notes

A subtle sweet hint for your honey to be

Make art out of the little things you already have, cheap and easy! Print it out and make it a card

Heart cut out trim, how cute!

If Stevie Wonder's song won't cut it, send a similar sentiment through the post

Use Candy buttons to make your own super cute Valentine's, even enough for the entire classroom at school

Bathroom Medicine Cabinet Makeover

December 16, 2011

By chloe

We’ve had our bathroom medicine cabinet since we got married 8 years ago, and let’s just say it has seen better days. The paint was chipping, it had a towel bar on the bottom that was never used, and it just lacked any interest at all. So when we decided to re-do our master bathroom, the cabinet was the first thing on my list. I decided that we should remove the towel bar, paint the cabinet frame red, and update the bubbled glass inserts. Once I found the mushroom poster, I knew that decoupaging over the glass would be perfect. Kevin wasn’t so hot on the idea, but once it was done he praised my abilities yet again.

The boring blah bland before

Find a good craft paint brush, clear decoupage glue, some wax paper to protect the table top and you are ready to go.

We cut directly around our glass door inserts to get the sizing as exact as possible

Double check that your paper is cut to the same size as the material you are covering

Paint on a light amount of decoupage glue on to the backside of your paper

Gently place the paper onto the glass, move it into place and make any adjusments before smoothing

Smooth out any bubbles or bumps without moving the placement too much

Let the glue dry for at least an hour before applying your first layer of glue on top. Make sure the entire area is completely coated, but do not make each layer too thick. Let each layer dry throughly before applying next, and apply as many layers as desired for coverage.

FINISHED and fantastic.... we replaced the cabinet knobs with some we had around the house, and with the paint and the mushroom poster the project cost around $20 in total.

My First Piece of Ink – by Katie at House of Tattoo, Tacoma

December 10, 2011

By chloe

Here is the long and short of it when it comes to tattoos for me, the majority of my family and friends would probably encourage me to stay away from permanent body art. But I’ve known since the tender age of 11 that I would eventually get my candy colored ink wishes. My long un-met dreams of inkage have been held at bay by the cost of getting the work I wanted done. Very happy I waited this long to get my first piece though, it gave me plenty of time to make the right decision. Saying I LOVE and adore the work my artist Katie Williams of House of Tattoo did would be a gross injustice since I am so enamored with how amazing it turned out. She is professional , wicked talented , a total joy to speak to and I can’t wait for her to finish my planned sleeves so I can continue to gush about her skills. The inspiration for my first tattoo is an oil on wood painting by Audrey Kawasaki called “Lydia” , eat your heart out cause she is a beauty!

Look at ALL the pretty colors!

audrey kawasaki's "lydia" picture on katie's work station ready to inspire

Last look at my naked arm!

outlined and ready to go

Pink gloves for the lady of house of tattoo

that is my pure joy face if you have never seen it before

are you serious.... just LOOK at that face... perfection

Holiday Gift Guide 2011 – Top Notch Giving

December 5, 2011

By chloe

Every year the Holiday season arrives more quickly than the year before, and with family gatherings, parties with friends, and work it can become more hectic than fun to find the right presents for your loved ones. I look at gift giving as a way to express the affection and caring I feel for my friends and family all year round. Hand made gifts are some of my absolute favorites when I look at received gifts of the past. While putting up all my Christmas decorations this year, it was easy to remember who had taken the time to create each self-made item. However, if you do not have the time or the skills to make gifts, the lovely internet and I are here to help. Enjoy.

THE ELUSIVE GIFT FOR DAD

High quality watch for a high class guy - $95

Cause no one wants to see an older gentleman's bare feet, AND they are comfy - $50

For the iPad outfitted Dad, now you can utilize the fridge for more than just snacking - $55

Cufflinks to keep your fancy suit from looking too fancy - $45

wood inspired keyboard for manly fingertips - $80

Cozy fleece lined robe for couch-ing in comfort and style - $80

For fishing trip neccessities - $40

In case your home and office are not equipped with a shoe shine boy - $25

FOR YOUR QUIRKY FRIEND

A mis-matched silverware set fit for a hodge podge queen - $30

AMAZING - I would actually cry tears of joy if I got this cookie jar for Christmas - $98

The combination of belt and textured detail is perfection -$50

THE cutest iphone case a friend could ask for - $13

Having tea with little to no class is far more interesting, admit it - $55

It would be a splurge, but WOW - $278

Silhouette black and white cuffs - $110

KIDS AND BABY

Catching spit up and excess chewed food with a flair of dignity - $10

Children's toothbrush sanitizers?? MOST excellent - $35

The choice between "ginger" and "nose-picker" is a tough one - $20

Classic child's record player for kids who have never heard of a record player - $30

An attractive alternative to boring night lights - $27

Adorable romper for wee ones - $30

Elephant wall easel that allows your kids to "color on the wall" - $41

THE FOODIE AND BAKER

Gettin fancy rolling some dough - $18

Ravioli mold with roller for the creative kitchen guru - $26

Reuseable storage for when you get your fresh goods home from the market - $14

Clever cookie cutters for customized baked messages - $19

Modjeska marshmallows that will melt your stress away with buttery goodness - $27

FOR COLLEGE GOING LOVED ONES

Helpful pencils never hurt while studying - $10

A bag to tote books, laptops and supplies that will have everyone green with envy - $185

A customizable stamp that will keep your books from growing legs and walking away - $19

Classic college prep worthy dress - $295

Silicone covered glass water bottle to get your Mom's prescribed "8 glasses of water a day" - $28

Write it, type it, make things happen when pen goes to paper -$12

THE BOYFRIEND / HUSBAND

Perfect for the trophy husband -$32

All shined up, so figure out somewhere nice to take him - $65

Once your man gets over the fact that it's a "cardigan" he'll realize how great he looks - $88

Man grooming - $50

An updated version to replace the gross old plaid coat he has lying around - $122

There's nothing better than a well fitted suit - $253

PROUD TO BE AN ANIMAL LOVER

Faux fur the cool way - $28

Here birdy birdy birdy - $16

I think the front cover speaks for itself.... $13

As cute as a fox wearing a bowler... $18

a round raccoon mouse pad - $15

FOR THE SHOPPING ADDICT LADY IN YOUR LIFE

If I had short chic french lady hair, these would be on my face day and night - $290

Glitzy statement ring in gold and crystal - $50

A simple canvas hobo with "dock" rope accent - $58

Green onyx earrings for a lucky girl - $58

Little black dress with a dash of the un-expected - $90

Bangle for your buck - $62

BUYING FOR A BEAUTY QUEEN

Jeweled color eyeliner set to show off your eyes - $55

A pretty brush for some prettier hair - $90

"Bad Romance" a perfect gaga inspired shade - $18

Tweeze away - $15

Curl dem lashes good - $16

GENIUS - $8

The season of scarves

November 2, 2011

By chloe

I adore neck wear, I’ve decided necks are just too boring without …. jewelry, bow ties, high collared shirts & jackets , and most of all scarves. Winter warm scarves, fall chill scarves, light and airy scarves, knit by your Mom scarves and even just for looks scarves. Ya know, those days you put on a scarf just because…. and end up paying dearly by sweating your way through the mall. Take advantage of scarf season by adding to your collection, starting one, or learning new ways to wear your old pieces.

Robots on silk..... duh

men can jump on the scarf train too.... just don't over do it

the original part necklace part scarf...necklush

one more thing... an ode to the original gangsters of traditional scarvery

Maria Cristinia Bellucci Jewelry – recycling colored pencils the Italian way

October 17, 2011

By chloe

Graphic, architectural , recycled modern jewelry by Maria Cristina Bellucci from Italy, ready to be oogled and adored by one and all. There are so many unique ways to incorporate recycled goods into your everyday life, why not make it eye catching and chic too.

Rubbish Rehab at Interior Design Show West – Vancouver, BC Canada

October 9, 2011

By chloe

Our trip to Canada for our very first interior design show has come to a close , we are home and rested. Looking back on our days at the New Convention Centre in Vancouver they flew by and were very inspirational. Among the highlights of our trip , we were able to meet several other business owners that were kind and generous to us “new kids” in many ways. The show itself was a great display of what is going on in our industry and what to look forward to in the future. I managed to snag a few pictures for you all that didn’t get the chance to visit the show. Wish I had more time at the show to run around and take photos of all the fantastic things we got to witness.

: In our u-haul cargo van on the way to Canada… Kevin was telling me some long winded story…. all I’m gonna say is it was about 7 in the morning and we had woken up with 2 hours of sleep. I needed some candy and distraction.

: Our Studio North booth pre-show and lighting

: Thank goodness for our lamps, the show decided to set the overhead lighting to “mood”

: Our awesome neighbor / new friend Megan owner of Identity had the most amazing Canadian pride goods…. GO Canada!

: These horse lamps were about as big as …. well…. a horse

: These recycled cardboard walls and units were one of my favorite spaces

: These high tech laser cut walls were so amazing in person

: I mean COME ON – space invaders

: natural wood was a prominent recurring theme at the show

: everytime I walked by this moss area it was such a great change to smell the forresty outdoors

: Straight from Beauty and the Beast….

: We had a great time talking to the show visitors and are grateful for the opportunity to show our work

Dia de los muertos – day of the dead sugar skull – monthly pattern round up

October 3, 2011

By chloe

I enjoy skullery year round, it is not confined to the month of October for me. But seeing as Halloween and Dia De Los Muertos is just around the corner, I think it’s time that we start our devotion to the eery celebrations. Specifically those fantastic sugar skull inspirations I see everywhere that make me want to go South of the border. Time to get spooky… specifically if spooky means adorable, artistic and colorful that is.

Gun hair dryer…. pull the trigger for some wicked awesome blow drying

September 17, 2011

By chloe

This is a random but awesome find. A gun shaped hair dryer, I’m not sure any further explanation is required to ring in the award for most badass just for kicks hairdresser’s tool.

Rubbish Rehab prepares for IDS West interior design show in Vancouver, BC

September 15, 2011

By chloe

The countdown is on …. we have just under 2 weeks left to get all the final preparations done for our Rubbish Rehab debut as a booth vendor. The IDS West interior design show up in Vancouver, British Columbia Canada is dedicated to all things related to innovative interior design. Our main goal is to network and get the name out about our chairs and the work that we do. The booth we have rented is fairly small, so making the best of our room became the focus of our layout. Lighting at the show is very dim, so we also had to manage to figure out an ideal way to light up our area. Naturally, I turned toward my go to savior… THRIFT STORES. I managed to find a lamp set that had potential… and when I say potential I mean they were hideous but could be saved. We also needed some very small tables that would put our lamps off the ground enough to spread the light but couldn’t be taking up any more space than absolutely necessary. Two small telephone stands were just the ticket. Check out the beginner level DIY before and after’s of my lamp and table projects.

I was a bit worried about there being glass, wood and metal on the lamps to paint. But we double checked our spray paint, and all of the above were cleared for takeoff.

We went with grey and orange to go with our Rubbish Rehab banner, we got the new lamp shades at Target, and new electrical wiring. Total cost of project was $40.