What to do, What to do? Answer: Check out that fabulous art museum I live across the street from that I've neglected the past six months. Not only a modern archetectural dream, I've heard down the line, that it houses some amazing pieces. I guess you'll know where to find me. The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art is one of the lynchpins of the Levine Center for the Arts (formerly known as the Wachovia Cultural Campus) in Uptown. Its fresh approach to art is one that should not be missed by visitor or resident. You may know it best by the iconic “Firebird” statue that glitters in the summer sun on Tryon Street.      

 

Looking In.

During one of my random mall educed Saturday's, I happened to be in Anthropologie- the store my paycheck should be automatically deposited to. As I perused the lovely space I happened to see a little clipboard that invited patrons to sign up for a window display workshop. Being the ultimate fan I am, I immediate jotted down my info, and this past weekend I attended a fabulous little how-to where we participated in creating their Spring 2012 Display which is an ode to earth day. Oh, I just learned so much and was so ramped to find a window I could make my own--but until that glorious day comes, I share with you a few of the cute-tastic displays of their past. Details on the DIY techniques to follow. Enjoy lovelies:

 

 

I die. Celerie Kemble.

 

"In life as in design, it is not perfection you should be after. There's beauty in the faded and worn, the well loved, and the sentimental...After all, life has seams. Your home should be like a loosely woven fabric of desires, memories, practical, notions, and even compromises." - Celerie Kemble

Spring yo.

DIY: Sink Skirt. A KnockDenver Faves.

 

Materials Needed:

• 4-1/2 yards of 48"-wide cotton fabric
• measuring tape or ruler
• 2 yards cotton piping
• 5' of 1"-wide adhesive-backed hook and loop tape
• coordinating all-purpose thread
• sewing machine
• scissors
• iron
• 1 roll 5/8" fusible bonding web tape
• high temperature hot glue gun
• hot glue sticks

Measure and Cut Fabric

Measure the height and width of sink. Measure and cut three pieces of fabric to the length of the sink height plus 5 inches for seam allowance and hem. Position two fabric panels with right sides together, and pin and sew right edge. Pin and sew third panel in the same manner. (Example: If using 48-inch wide fabric for a sink that's 31 inches high, the fabric panel should measure 144 inches by 36 inches.)Tip: If a machine washable skirt is desired, pre-wash fabric.

Make Piping

Cut cotton piping cord to sink width, plus 1 inch for seam allowance. Measure and cut a piece of fabric that's 2 inches wide and the length of the sink width plus 1 inch. (Example: If sink width is 30 inches, the fabric piece would measure 31 inches by 2 inches.) Wrap fabric length around piping cord and sew into place using a zipper foot.

Make Header Band

Measure and cut a piece of fabric to sink width plus 1" seam allowance and 6-1/2 inches wide. Fold fabric in half lengthwise and press. Sandwich a piece of fusible webbing tape between the two layers and press again to activate adhesive.

Sew Piping to Band

Position piping cord two inches below folded seam. Raw edges should face the same direction. Pin and sew into place.

Gather and Sew Skirt

Position header band and skirt with right sides together and raw edges lined up. Pin right and left sides of skirt to band, just above piping. Pull skirt out to find the center and pin to band's center point. Gather and pin skirt from center point working out toward each side. Sew into place and remove pins. Trim excess seam allowance. Tip: For an even gather, divide skirt and header band into eighths and pin together at each eighth mark. Gather skirt between these marks.

Hem and Press

Measure skirt length and double-check measurement against sink height. Fold skirt under at desired finished length, measuring to ensure an even hem. Pin into place. Insert fusible webbing tape under hem and iron to activate adhesive. Tip: Hem length is a personal preference. Have the hem just off the floor if a wet floor is common, just touching the floor for a traditional look or allow it to puddle for drama.

Sew Exposed Edges

For an exact fit, hold skirt to sink and place a pin to mark left and right hems. Fold fabric under to hide raw edges and pin. Sew into place. Tip: Fusible webbing tape can be used here, but it isn't strong enough to hold down the piping trim and band. Those sections need to be hand- or machine-stitched together.

Apply Hook and Loop Tape

Remove paper to expose adhesive back on loop tape. Apply to clean, dry sink just under the lip. Cut excess. In the same manner, apply hook tape to inside top of skirt band. Adhesive tape isn't intended for fabric use, so apply hot glue to ensure proper adhesion. (Follow manufacturer's instructions for adhesive dry time before applying skirt to sink.) Tip: Moisture and humidity may cause adhesive to relax over time. Add a bead of hot glue or super glue to reattach.

For more info & pictures on how to make your perfect sink skirt, go here. Let us know how it goes friends, happy sewing!

Nothing Rhymes with Orange.

Orangina by knockdenver featuring an essie nail

Closeted Loves.

Jenna Lyons Closet: This woman converted ONE ROOM, that's right, an entire room, (which I normally applaud but in NYC, where she dwells that room probs makes up 1/4 the sq. footage of her entire abode) to her beyond fantastic closet. We bow to you Ms. Lyons, we bow. 

To get more of J.Crew's Creative Director venture here. 

Saturday Swoon...

Christina Murphy Interiors. "Named one of "America's Top 100 Designers" by House Beautiful, Christina Murphy is known for her broad range as a designer, creating original, thoughtful spaces for both residential and commerical clients." A Knock Denver Loves. 

William Eggleston, Democratic Camera.

We loves William Eggleston. Since the first time I saw his work at the Seattle Art Museum I have been longing for more. His photography is surely what instagram had in mind-bringing hipsta-imagery to the masses. Unlike my iphone imitations, Eggleston's work truly evokes emotions, thoughts and imagination from me. Maybe, they'll do the same for you--picking up what I'm putting down, friends? Enjoy:

Word du jour: Undecorate.

Undecorate profiles twenty homes from all over the country, revealing their owners’ love of imperfection and penchant for surprise and unusual juxtapositions while inspiring readers to follow their own whimsy and practicalities in their personal spaces. An anglophile creates an English manor in Hollywood, mixing British flea-market finds with midcentury furniture. A car fanatic turns a vintage Airstream trailer into a master bedroom and situates it in the middle of a vast industrial loft in downtown Chicago. A couple transforms a log house in Nashville, Tennessee, by blending their modern and eclectic styles with the home’s rustic charm. Though the designs differ widely, the spaces all express an open-minded attitude. Some homes embrace their contexts, while others transcend them. All are shaped by instinct and imagination and share innovative ideas that readers can use to organically and elegantly create their home to match their lifestyle and tastes.

Get your copy here.