Decorating with Globes

In recent years, I've really become drawn to globes and decorating with them. I've been wanting to try my hand at altering one for a while now, and just wrapped this project up. 

If you go on Pinterest and search for painted or altered globe, the inspiration is endless. But mine mostly came from my favorite store (Anthropologie) and my love of finding/making something on a budget.

This first two pictures are from Anthropologie and the brand they carried was 1canoe2. As you can see from the link, they are sold out but you can visit the brands website here. You probably recognize a lot of their products. The last picture is from Pottery Barn Teen and the decoupaged sphere they are carrying is from ImagineNation. Wow, if you check out their site the price at Pottery Barn is quite a deal!?!?!

I decided to paint my globe versus decoupage or anything else. Here is the globe I found at an antique shop for $12. It has a flat surface versus those that have texture for mountains, so that is important. As much as I loved the faded colors on this, I taped off the stand and slapped some off white paint on it.

There was no way my freehand was going to be to my liking, so I used some stamps I had as a guide. These were unmounted stamps which made it easier to curve them to the shape of the globe. Of course I wanted a peacock theme, so the verse I picked is the one I always use when working with feathers by Emily Dickinson. I started with just the first line (hope is the thing with feathers) until I knew how much room I would have. Then, I roughly drew 2 feathers with a pencil.

I started painting away to see how it went. Some of the paints I used were iridescent. When I started to paint the plumes, I knew I wanted to layer several colors so I did exactly that - did one color, then the next and so on. However, looking back now, I wish I had spaced them out more because I feel it made it too too full and almost stripey. My lines ended up going more straight across out of the quill so to "fix" this I used a gold paint over the top and made sure it was in a "V" pattern. I really like the texture and illusion that created.

Once I had the first verse and 2 feathers done, I could see that I would have the room to do the second verse (that perches in the soul) and 2 more feathers on the other side. So I just repeated the same process.

My lettering was just navy at first, but I felt it needed more. This is the only time I used a paint pen to get the gold accent in the middle of the letters. Once I was all done, I could tell it definitely needed some "antiquing" but I was scared about what technique to use because I did not want it to turn out bad and ruin all of the work I did. I ended up using a brown chalk, applied with my finger which was the best way to have control over it. I love how the chalk settled into the groves from painting it off white, as I used a bristle brush and was pretty crude with my application. Then, I had this watered down brown paint in a spray bottle from another project so I lightly, lightly sprayed it. 

I am just giddy with how it turned out! Since I already had all of the paint and brushes (seriously, I've had some of my acrylic paints for like 10+ years) this project really only cost me the $12 for the globe and my time. It sits on the desk in the office and I love seeing it every day and looking at it while I work (like right now)!

I thought I would show the other globes that are around my house as well. These 2 reside by the fireplace. The one on the left is the very first one I bought a couple of years ago and the pre-altered one I found at TJ Maxx.

Remember the "perfect day" from my second to last post? This is the globe I found that day that I mentioned. It is my largest one and I just love the patina on it. That is not it's original base and I wasn't sure if the white paint (while I love the chippy-ness of it) was too stark for the globe. But, it's current placement in a corner of the living room where the couch hides a lot of the base makes it okay for now.

Out of all the globes I have, this one is the most traditional in color. I found it - months ago - at the same store in town where I just found the one above. So that makes 2 globes from the same thrift store so far. This one sits in a suitcase display in our bedroom, housing mementos from our trip to Belize. It's base it also unique compared to the others and in doing some research on globes I have found these bases were meant to hold atlases.

I just love that I remember the places I've gotten my collection so far, more specifically the days themselves..... feelings and moments. Jon is starting to look at me oddly when I bring another globe home. He better get used to it because I am sure there will be more. While right now, they are scattered about the house, I love the look of a collection of them together as the pictures below from Pinterest inspire me. Look at the one of them all in their own little cubbies!!! Gah, it's almost too much for me as I love uniformity and randomness at the same time. I just love all the sizes and colors they come in, and the ideas are endless!

Scarf Shirt

This scarf that I bought at Anthropologie last summer is just too pretty to wear like a normal scarf - bunched up, tied, wrapped - plus it is HUGE! So I let it just be but belted it for some sort of silhouette. I wore this exact scarf, belt and shoes for our maternity photos so here I am just switching out the dress for jeans and a tee!

Navy Tee - Meijer

Hi Rise Jeggings - American Eagle (AE)

Provo Oversized Scarf - Anthropologie

Quadrivium Belt - Anthropologie

Seychelles Departure Wedges - Anthropologie

Apt 9 Aviators - Kohl's

Whistlestop

Saturday was one of those "perfect days". It was one of those days where everything just went so well and you get the feeling like the stars are aligned just so to make it that way. I know everyone has a different idea of what their "perfect day" would be, but mine usually consists of similar things even if not all of them happen every single time:

gorgeous weather

getting out of the house with a few errands you need to do but no real "agenda" or strict schedule

finding some unexpected treasures during said errands

spending time with loved ones

nap (this is a rare one)

making a delicious meal

getting some projects done around the house (a.k.a. feeling somewhat in control of chaos)

 Jon was racing for the day, so the boys and I had the day to ourselves. Our first stop was to the train station downtown so I could take these blog pictures. I think it's going to be one of my favorite locations for pictures now! It's called Whistlestop so of course it makes me think of the movie "Fried Green Tomatoes", but you can read the real history here. I had taken pictures of 2 different days last week that, once I got home, I decided were not good enough to use so when pictures do work out it makes me really happy! Blogging really is a lot of time, dedication, and sometimes disappointment so that just shows how passionate I am to keep trying. And yes, I do feel just as comfortable running errands in a dress as I do jeans. I could live in dresses!

 Next, we walked to the barber shop to get Richard's haircut. Then we stopped at the few little resale shops in town. I found the coolest vintage globe on a stand. I'll be doing a post soon on my recent obsession with collecting globes, and this one is by far the biggest (it's about 3 feet tall) and this is the second globe I've found at this store.

 Then we went to the library which is something we do a lot of Saturday mornings. We found the most beautiful book about birds which of course had a peacock in it. We were the first people to rent it out. I will show it in an upcoming post as well.

Lunch at Panera and then getting a few groceries at Meijer.

 We came home and organized some things around the house and then once Daddy got home we made a nice dinner. I tend to remember days and moments like this, especially when I can be reminded of them when I look at the things I find on these days (like the globe).

Bird Print Maxi Dress - Old Navy

 Gap Jean Jacket - Consignment Shop

 Seychelles Wedges - Anthropologie

 Apt 9 Aviators - Kohl's

Belt - taken off another dress

Sole Searching

As much as my closet is a “revolving door” – meaning, I always seem to be bringing in new, getting rid of old – I have my tried and true favorites that are with me forever. Or at least as long as they can be. And then, I try to replace them if I need to. Now that I think about it, these items are usually footwear related. After all, they are the items we are the hardest on. The sandal on the left I got about 6 years ago I am estimating (Candies from Kohl’s) and I just love them! Their neutral color make them go with almost anything, and they have some embellishment for interest. But, they are getting really ready to retire (the soles mostly). Imagine my excitement when I found a similar pair at Meijer while grocery shopping! That is the one on the right. All of their sandals were 40% off (which is unusual for so early in the season) plus I had a coupon for a percentage off my entire purchase. The straps are a bit different, but still pretty darn close! Isn’t it funny how the strap placement makes my foot on the right look longer? Or leaner maybe? Yeah, let’s go with leaner.

And, since I’ve chronicled my other foot injuries on here, I figured I would share the latest as well. Sorry to gross you out. This happened about a month or so ago……. I have come to the conclusion that my left foot really hates me. It’s the foot that had the ingrown toenail while pregnant with Richard. The foot that got twisted last summer while pregnant with Carson. And now, I jammed the pinky toe on the kitchen island while running around like a crazy person (i.e. trying to do everything) one evening. I saw stars. I said some words I would not like my 4 year old to repeat. I am pretty sure I broke it. But, I knew there was nothing I could have done for it that I couldn’t do myself. Lots of alternating ice and soaking every night. Lots of shades of eggplant and levels of swelling. And then I had a very small selection of shoes/sandals that I could actually wear. Ugh! Feels like I just went through that with my swollen feet from pregnancy! It is much better now, but still hurts if I step a certain way or wear certain shoes, though a much larger selection as before. At the risk of sounding vain, do our feet get uglier as we get older? I sure feel like they do! But then again, look at how much we expect from them! How much abuse they get. My feet went back to normal after Richard, but it’s a different story this time around (and it’s not just the feet)! Sigh.

Last summer, I had posted about how I was trying to replace my beloved black wedges (Unlisted “Webpage” #1). Months and months later, here is the update: Found a great deal on #2. Got them. Tried them on. Quickly realized they would be what I describe as “killers”. Returned them. Ordered #3. Got them. Tried them on. Yep, these are “killers” too. Returned them. Ordered option #4. The verdict is still out on these. I have worn them a few times and it’s still too soon to tell if their new shoes “pain” is going to go away or get broken in. Also, they seem narrow so I feel like my foot looks “stuffed” into them. So I guess you could say the hunt is still on? Oh how I miss my originals, which I pitched before we moved. Seriously, they were nasty but it still makes me sad. Hopefully the perfect pair will come along!

The story goes on.....

So remember the story of this dress from last Summer? The saga continues. I know you are waiting with baited breath, right? (God, I hope people get my sense of humor.)

I hadn't given up on this dress. I wondered how many people were able to purchase it before Anthropologie yanked it, and hoping that someone with my size would tire of it and put it up for sale on eBay or one of the trade markets. Well, all of a sudden, one day eBay was flooded with them. This told me that Anthropologie sent the stock to a discount retailer to sell. One of the sellers was nice enough to tell me they purchased theirs at TJ Maxx. Off I go!

If you are a TJ Maxx shopper, you know that not all of the stores get the same thing. Anthropologie tends to send their stuff to bigger cities, and thank goodness I live closer to one now! I found my long lost dress in Ann Arbor for $29.99 (originally retailed for $178).

Oh Gosh do I love it! The colors and embroidery are so pretty. The fit is flattering. Even though in my post from last Summer I had found the Mara Hoffman version, I kinda like this one better. Shhhh, don't tell the other dress!

I wore this to work on Monday. I layered a tank under it because I felt the v-neck was a little much for the office, and of course a jacket over it. Same as the model shot, I put on a little brown belt and my "go to" Seychelles wedges. Throw on a necklace I made and done!

This is further proof that my closet is years in the making - lots of patience - waiting - investigation - searching. It's just what I love to do!

I also wore it to the zoo last Saturday. It was like a mid-summer day (gotta love the weather here). I wore some flat sandals that day for all of the walking. I usually wear some kind of animal print when we go to the zoo, so I was showing the animals on it to Richard as I was getting ready. He goes "But those aren't zoo animals"! Oh, okay. Thanks buddy. He still said I looked pretty though so I forgive him.

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy

Latest Consignment Finds

I've been having some good luck at my favorite consignment shops lately (plus, one new one). You'll be seeing these pieces in outfits I am sure, but I was eager to share now. I've come to find that when I consignment shop, I usually walk away with one special piece at a time. It's unusual for me to find a ton at one time but I'm not saying it can't happen for you - this is just my pattern. 

I would love to make the rounds to all of the Goodwill and thrift stores, but my lifestyle does not allow enough time right now for those kind of hunts. So when you enter a consignment shop, you do pay a bit more but I like to think of it as paying the owner to do the work of the hunt for you. To curate a collection of unique items, whether she goes to the thrift stores herself and/or selects from items her consignors bring in. Let's see what I found, shall we?

What: Floral Spring Jacket

Where: Kraze in Marshall, MI

Price: $25

Who can resist a cute Spring jacket? I've seen this floral pattern over the years and always loved it. I finally figured out it is navy blue (it looks so black sometimes). I don't wear a lot of navy for this exact reason, but I can make an exception!

What: Lilly Pulitzer for Target Maxi Dress

Where: Jill's Addiction in Marshall, MI

Price: $31

You may or may not know that famous designer Lilly Pulitzer did a collaboration with Target this Spring. I've talked about designer collabs here before. Target got a lot of criticism as the collection sold out online and in stores within hours and of course, people had taken to eBay as escalated prices. I happen to be at a Target later in the day that it came out (I had to go there anyway) and was thinking I'd be able to shop some of the items. Nope, wrong. I was interested, but obviously not enough to stand in line like it was Black Friday! So the next weekend, I was at Jill's and she is a huge Lilly lover! She had purchased items to sell at her shop for only a small profit. This dress retailed for $26, so I don't mind paying Jill $5 for her efforts. It's actually an XL from the girl's section but fits like a charm! Her store is not just clothing - it's tons of vintage fun and I highly recommend it to anyone!

What: Classic Birkenstocks

Where: Morgan's Consignment in Chelsea, MI

Price: $30

I know I've talked about how thrilled I am that Birkenstocks have had their "comeback" last summer, and that almost any brand/store has their own version (I even got sucked into a pair from Target last year). But there is nothing like the original! And these babies are like brand new! They've only been worn once, if at all! Birks retail for $100 and up, so $30 is an awesome price! This little shop used to be Shabby Chic Consignments (where I found a few gems over the Winter) but they changed their name with their move to downtown. I am really excited about their new location! This store too features furniture and household items.

What: Mossimo Floral Blouse

Where: Angie's Attic in Jackson, MI

Price: $10

This was my first time to Angie's upon a friends recommendation. There are floral prints, and then there are floral prints. I've been drawn to "dark" florals lately (post on that coming), and this top was new with tags! It retailed for $22. No brainer! This store too features furniture and home decor (lots of handmade).

I hope posts like this help to make anyone believe that there is good stuff to be found! I know a lot of people can be turned off by used clothes, but as you can see here, 3 of the items I scored are brand new (2 even have tags on them)! I so enjoy building my closet with a mix of new, used and in between!

Friday Florals

I couldn't wait for it to get warm so I could wear this top. I had gotten it in the dead of Winter, which is truly a testament to finding deals during off seasons. Anthropologie was having their extra 40% off sale items, and I decided to make the trek to 2 of the Detroit area stores I had not been to yet to check them out : Birmingham and Troy. When these sales are going on, it is best to go to a physical store because a lot of stuff is sold out online. Plus, you never know what might be hiding in the racks. 

 The boys and I headed out for the day. It was a little over an hour to get to Birmingham, a cute little downtown that I would love to explore more now that the weather isn't so bitter! The store in Troy is inside the "fancy" mall there (Somerset Collection) which was about another 15 minutes away. This is where the likes of Neiman Marcus, Saks 5th Avenue, and such are located for the city. I hadn't been to this mall since I first moved to Michigan about 12 years ago. Their "theme" or "logo" has always been peacock related, and we enjoyed some peacock decor in the food court that day.

 I found this top - the only one they had - stuffed in a rack. The brand is Zimmerman, one that Anthropologie has long carried. Their pieces are gorgeous, but their price tags are never within my realm. For instance, this top retailed for $360 (see link here). Yep, you read that right. I never thought they would make it marked down enough for me before selling out.

 I will admit, it really is a high end garment. The material, craftsmanship and details are excellent so by no means am I knocking the price or trying to compare it to something you would find at Kohl's. I felt incredibly lucky that it fit me and was marked down to $89.95. With the extra 40% off, made it about $54. This is the only way I would ever be able to afford something like this and when you look at the whole picture it is so worth it to own a designer piece like this.

 The Details:

Zimmerman "Tarra" Peasant Top - Anthropologie

Button Necklace - made by me

Hi Rise Jeggings - American Eagle

Bussola "Ibiza" Sandals - Kohl's (retail $110, bought for $22)

 Where? Friday jeans day at work.