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Sunday, April 28, 2013

Canstruction

This weekend I helped build a structure for Canstruction.  You might be wondering "what the heck is Canstruction?"  Canstruction is a non-profit design/build competition using canned food that benefits the Food Bank.

I was on team Caroline Leemis.  We built a barn and silo out of approximately 2,100 cans.  It was a whole lot of cans but a lot of fun too!  To see our structure in person, visit the "old" lobby in Columbia's City Hall (now through noon on Saturday 5/4/13)

For more information on Canstruction, go to the Canstruction Mid-Missouri Facebook Page.
For more information on our structure and how to vote, go to Caroline Leemis Design.








Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Chevron

I must admit that I have this on going romance with all things chevron.  It has been pretty trendy for a while now but it still feels so fresh and new every time I see it!  

Chevron is one of those patterns you can pretty much put anywhere...  You can make a small statement with a pillow or accent piece.  Or make a big statement with a wall paper or bold color.  Here, I share some bright, beautiful, and inspiring pieces in chevron...


Zigzag duvet cover in yellow by Urban Outfitters. $79-$99

Chevron pillow in coral by Elisabeth Michael. $89.00



 What a great idea!  Painted concrete floor in a chevron pattern.  Found via Pinterest.  This would also be awesome on a ceiling! (although, much harder to do...)


I LOVE this chevron wallpaper by Kimberly Lewis Home!  $155.00
 

 I can't wait to try this chevron manicure tutorial from Sugar and Chic! It actually sounds really easy!  Also, love the ring!


DIY chevron planter box from zelophotoblog.com.  I love that they used different colors of reclaimed wood!






Monday, April 22, 2013

Seed Starting

Okay.  So, this post is a little off topic but it is Earth Day after all...

I have decided to start my first vegetable garden this year and I just started my seeds (aka my babies) about a week ago.  I know... it's a little late to be starting my seeds but like I said, I'm new at this.  Plus, we were still getting snow here in Missouri through the end of March!  

This is my first time growing anything and I'm really excited because my seeds are starting to sprout! Well, I should say some of my seeds are starting to sprout...  It seems that only my lettuce wants to grow for some reason. Any tips are welcome!  But maybe I just need to be patient.

The first thing I have learned is to label my seeds.  Which was good that I did that because otherwise I would have no clue what is sprouting right now and what isn't.  This will also be good for when I go to plant them outside because it will help to know where and how far apart they need to be.  

I have also been thinking about whether to plant in raised beds or do some sort of "lasagna" beds.  I was leaning towards raised beds because I had heard they were easier for new gardeners but later learned the building materials can get pretty expensive.  Instead, I will probably try laying down cardboard to kill the weeds/grass and then layer with fertilizer/compost.  I have a feeling this is gonna be quite a learning experience!

For the labels I just used blue painters tape and permanent marker.  Nothing fancy but I think I want to do something nicer looking for when I transplant my babies to their new homes outside.  Maybe I will make this into a DIY project!  Any ideas?


I am trying to make this garden as organic as possible.  So, I bought all natural biodegradable earth plugs and seed starter pots from Clovers in Columbia, MO.  These can also be found at Down to Earth and Plantation Products online.  


I got my seeds from Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co. I am growing two types of lettuce, cucumbers, onions, carrots, basil, oregano, tomatoes, and melons.  It may seem like a lot for my first garden but I wanted to plant the veggies I eat the most and well I don't even like melons... Those are for my parents.

Another tip I have learned is to water my seedlings with a spray bottle to keep from over watering.  The trick is to keep the dirt moist to the touch but not water logged or dry.  The Earth Plugs also help with retaining moisture because they are sponge-like.

 My Babies!  I am so proud!


 



Sunday, April 21, 2013

Happy Earth Day!

Welcome to Palette Pattern Polish!  I am so excited to make my first post on my first blog!  I have created this blog to inspire all of you interior design and decoration enthusiast out there...  And also 'cause I'm just plain obsessed with all things design.  Here you will find inspiration from beautiful photos, products, and DIY projects.  I hope you have as much fun reading this blog as I am going to have writing it!

On to my first post...

I thought it was only fitting that on the day before Earth Day (April 22nd is Earth Day and is also my Birthday! That's right my birthday is on Earth Day!), I would do a green design post.  Green design has become very popular in the last few years and it's getting easier and easier to find eco-friendly products.  Green design or sustainable design is the design of products, buildings, and environments with the intention of minimizing negative impact on the environment.  I say why not incorporate some green design into your home?  Especially when get to choose from such lovely products and feel good about your choices impact on the environment.    

Check out these chic green product finds below...

Metal:

 
This eco-friendly recycled metal side table is made of little metal circles to create an hour glass shape.  It's a little industrial and a lot chic!  $184  Bambeco.com


The Tree of Life bed is one of a kind.  This beautifully organic sculpture bed is made of recycled iron.  $2995 (Queen) VivaTerra.com


I love these Buddah hands made of recycled metal!  They are called Mudras (hand/finger symbols) and symbolize wisdom, reason, and fearlessness.  Perfect for displaying jewelry!  $95 (set of 3) VivaTerra.com 


Wood:


Bring a little character into your home with this recycled wood bench.  The bench is made from old wooden railroad ties from India.  I think this would look great as casual seating at the kitchen table, an entry way bench to put on/take off shoes, or out in the garden.  $199 Bambeco.com

     

Simply beautiful!  This mid-century modern "Rohe" chair is made from 100 year old reclaimed barn wood and vintage frame.  $1150 Etsy


Glass:

 

 
Recycled glass counter tops by IceStone.  These counter tops come in a range of colors, are durable, and Cradle to Cradle gold certified.  This picture is of the Campbell's Soup Headquarters in Camden, NJ but these counter tops would be great in residential kitchens as well.  I also love that they are lit from underneath! Shown in white pearl.  IceStoneUSA.com


These recycled glass balloon vases feel light and airy and bring a touch of spring to any room.  $139 (for both) VivaTerra.com