Friday Favorites





Hey everyone! We made it! It's Friday! This week was seriously just bananas. Plain and simple.  I'm really ready to take a deep breathe and start the weekend. Even if Aaron and I will be working through till Monday it still feels like a weekend when everyone around you changes their patterns, the neighborhood has different sounds, the daily schedule is off, the twelve o'clock whistle doesn't blow...

The heat is back and in full effect here on the NJ Shore. Some people LOVE it...heading right to the beach to bake and take a few dips in the Atlantic. I myself, prefer closed windows, A/C, ice pops, and shade. I love nights on the beach and cooler days at the beach...we're lucky enough to get a lot of those. But when the heat hits it does so in clusters of days. On those days the traffic jams up and millions go to the beach...nope, that would be torture for me. My brother Jason is one of those heat lovers...if he is already sweating he just figures 'why not sweat even more?'

I really wanted to thank you guys for all of the really lovely comments on our hand painted jumbo vintage style wallpaper! We'd truly love to see pics if you decide to get creative and do a pattern of your own!

As I started gathering up my faves for this week I didn't even realize that I had a color theme (or lack of) going on until I was nearly through. I melt for lots of color but I always start with a neutral base and build from there. I kinda see it as colorizing a black and white or sepia photo. 

The above dress makes me think cafe...tea and cookies or coffee and pastries.  




This photo just totally spoke to me! I would move in in a second! This is so so up my alley! Love everything about it! Our new house is also white with black shutters and our plan is to add black and white stripe awnings in the future! They sure would help to block out the heat.





Love this lamp! Always been such a sucker for birdcages. Love this classic shape! I think this would be lovely in our bedroom.



I'm crazy for gift wrap. Any kind of gift wrap! Solid colors, patterns, fancy, plain. This stack from the Ace Hotel is perfection!  



Gosh I remember being in 5th grade and my friend Shannon would open her lunch box everyday to a baggie of 4 Fudge Stripe cookies! It is impossible for me to not think of her when I see them. This recipe for the homemade version looks amazing! I will so be making them!

What are you loving this week? I've been pinning lots of yummy cold summer drinks over on pinterest that I want to try! This one is the first on my list!!

Enjoy your weekend friends!
xo Jenny

Hand Painted JUMBO Vintage style Wallpaper DIY/tutorial









 It's amazing what a difference a little change in size makes (ok, a BIG change in size). We love this type of vintage wallpaper, with it's postage stamp size geometric shapes, inked in simple solid colors, the pattern repeated to form more of a texture than an actual graphic.
But if you take that same pattern and enlarge it to comic proportions then it becomes more of a graphic...the colors and shapes become the focus. Taking a typical antique "grandma's house" wallpaper pattern and turning it into a bold modern graphic repeat. From granny chic to mid-century modern.
Because of it's relative simplicity we thought this would be a great decorative painting project to share. We recommend doing it on a small wall because it's bold and graphic and even in a small dose it's a great statement piece. Lots of impact with less labor. We chose the wall with the smallest surface area in our living room and to tie it all together we went with colors that appear in other aspects of our decor.     


You can use any similar old wallpaper and enlarge the pattern on a copy machine or printer. We provided here the five designs that make up this particular wallpaper pattern. There are four larger motifs and a smaller "spacer" motifs. Our larger motifs measure about 9 inches across and the small spacer motifs are about 4 and a half inches. 

What you will need:
-tracing paper
-pencil
-straight edge ruler
-#4 round artist brush
-acrylic craft paint (we used 5 colors total)
-and household wall paint if you plan on painting a new background color on your wall like we did 

First print out the designs in their respective sizes. The four larger designs measure approx. 9 inches and the spacer design measures approx. 4 and a half inches. 
Place a piece of tracing paper on top of each design and trace the design with pencil. You will then use these separate pieces of tracing paper to transfer each each individual motif onto the wall. It's a simple method...all you do is flip the piece of tracing paper over so that the side with the pencil drawn on it is pressed against the wall and then re-draw the lines on the backside so that the pencil lines transfer onto the wall. You can then continue to flip and re-flip the piece of tracing paper as you continue along the wall. 



We always start a pattern from the top left corner. So take your first traced design, position it in the upper left corner of the wall and transfer the tracing onto the wall. The center of our first motif is 5 inches from the ceiling, so the center of each motif in the top row will also be 5 inches from the ceiling.   
Then you create a symmetrical pattern by making sure the center points of each motif are equidistant apart, both horizontally and vertically. Place the smaller spacer motif between each larger motif, and with your ruler measure approx. 9 inches between each motif's center. 

So the top row will go in this order:

motif # 1   -   spacer   -   motif # 2   -   spacer   -   motif # 1   - spacer   -   motif #2   -   spacer   - etc.

the 2nd row will go in this order:

spacer   -   motif # 3   -   spacer   -   motif # 4   -   spacer   -   motif # 3   -   spacer   -   motif # 4   - etc.

the 3rd row will go in this order:

motif # 2   -   spacer   -   motif # 1   -   spacer   -   motif # 2   -   spacer   -   motif # 1   -   spacer   - etc.

So if you stand back and look at the pattern each larger motif will have a spacer on both sides and directly over and under it. And motif 1 & 2 will share a row while motif 3 & 4 share a row, rotating back and forth. Refer to the illustration above for an example. 

print out the motifs according to these sizes: 
The larger motifs measure 9 inches.
The spacer motif measures approx. 4 and half inches.



1.




 2.



3. 



 4.


 Spacer

So now that the entire pattern is traced onto your wall it's time to fill it in with paint colors using your #4 round artist brush. We first painted our wall tan and used just a few subtle colors that went well with the tans and vintage pastels around the rest of the room. It's best to keep your color palette simple...maybe use four or five colors total. 

Our colors are:
-dark brown
-antique white
-tan
-pink
-aqua 

You can substitute these to suit your decor. Just make sure to repeat the color pattern over and over, filling in the same parts of each motif with their respective colors. If you're not very experienced with a detail paintbrush it might be a good idea to paint in a practice version of each motif on paper. You can also use this as your color reference sheet...so you know at all times which paint color fills in which area.

We'd love to see you give this a try. Again, even if it's done on a tiny wall it still makes a big impact in the room. Contact us with any further questions, we'd love to help in any way! Happy designing, happy painting!

xo Jenny ...and Aaron! 


A Super Fab giveaway from some Super Fab Sponsors!


Hi guys!!

It's been a doozy of a month over here. We launched our Beach Bungalow collection , my sister moved in with us,  my little brother had a major surgery, and there's a whole lotta other stuff filling our days and nights...letting us know that Summer has arrived and it's sure to be busy busy busy. Jeeez, it'll be the 4th of July in a flash...how did that happen?!

 I'm ready for Summer fun and I've got a Fabulous Giveaway to kick things off in style! Brought to you by my Super Style Savvy Sponsors, this Giveaway is actually making me a little jealous of whoever the winner will be. I'd go out shopping for every single one of these prizes. T-shirt weather is here and I'd rock that Dark Cupcake tee from Atomic Cowlick a few times a week for sure! Oh Honey Hush's Bows have been on my wish list for a long time now. (and the winner gets to pick TWO of them!!!) I seriously want a handful of them, and I can say the same for Tippy Stockton's Bottlecap Necklaces. I LOVE LOVE LOVE them! All of this wearable eye candy can be all yours simply by entering this fab Giveaway! Check out the details below and be sure to check out each sponsor's shop. 

   
Good Luck!!!







Your choice of 2 Retro Bow Hair Ties from Oh Honey Hush!






  shop / facebook / blog


A Bottle Cap Necklace of your choice from Tippy Stockton!







A "Dark Cupcake" tee shirt from Atomic Cowlick!

Oh my gosh guys! Such gooood stuff right?  Like you could seriously wear them all together even! I am so so excited for you!! Even a tiny bit jelly! Ok a lot jelly! :)

So it's super easy... Just follow the simple steps below and you are in it to win it! 

I'll be drawing a winner Sunday July 1! Don't be stingy...spread the love and spread the word! ;)

Good luck!!
xo Jenny


What's in my Traveling Art Kit?



Hey kids! I've been getting more than a few messages and emails asking what I have in my Summertime Traveling Art Kit! :) Well why don't we have a look?



My favorite and most used brushes. Not too many...just the right ones! Keep it simple!
All purpose scissors.
A paint palette.
A ruler.
A favorite vintage plastic doll...for fun! :)



Vintage trims and lace. Etsy always has a fantastic selection! 
Copic Markers! A favorite of ours for all sorts of art journaling techniques and doodling!
Vintage photos, Everyday is a Holiday sticker sheets and small color copies of our own original art. Perfect for adding to art journal pages or gift tags and cards.
Favorite scrapboooking papers (including our Beach Bungalow collection!) and vintage wallpaper.



More vintage and new trims
Favorite and versatile rubber stamps, and a few stamp pads. Mini alphabets are always great to have on hand.


Assorted craft paints. I love to use acrylics from DecoArt and Martha Stewart in my everyday crafting and art journaling.
Golden Gel Medium for adding bits to journal pages....or even rocks! :)
Some business cards tucked in...you never know when you may meet new friends! :)


Decoupage from DecoArt (same as Mod Podge) as a glue and sealer.

Washi tape! Oh how I adore Washi tape! 





(The florals you see here are our hand painted originals from our Beach Beach Bungalow collection paper packs.)

Aaron and I are splitting our day between work art and personal/home art.  I decided to open up my Traveling Art Kit right here at my coffee table and play in my art journal while waiting on orders to dry.  It's actually really fun to work with only a small selection of favorite supplies. Sometimes having too many supplies at your disposal works as a roadblock. It opens you up to unnecessary hemming and hawing. I feel like I move a lot faster and more deliberate when I have exactly what I need...no more, no less.  




I hope you guys liked the little show and tell! I really can't thank you enough for all of the awesome feedback on our Traveling Art Kit! I've been seeing it pop up on pinterest as well as on some pretty awesome blogs! Such as the fab Prudent Baby! Thanks so much everyone!!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!!
xo Jenny

Meet June's Feature Sponsor: Spellbound Event


Hi guys! Oh my gosh I am just so excited to introduce you to this month's Feature Sponsor! These two gals are pillars of the little art community that me and Aaron are so blessed to be members of. And I'm thrilled to share that me and Aar will be attending the fab event that these two will be hosting this November in beautiful Pasadena CA!
As you know, Aaron and myself spend a whole lotta time in our home studio. Some might go as far as to say that we are shut-ins. And I wouldn't argue. But the point that I'm making is that when me and Aaron commit to attending an event...well, it's safe to say that the event in question is sure to be SPECTACULAR! When Shea first sent us the info about Spellbound I instantly said "Yes, we need to be there...and we would love to bring our artwork and vend at Dreamland Mercantile!" 

So please, my dear readers...read all of the details below about this amazing event. The historic Langham Huntington Hotel in Pasadena is where all the magical, artful festivities will take place. I can't wait to get together with all the lovely gals who I know will be in attendance...and really look forward to meeting for the first time all the gals I've been dying to meet. We're presently preparing some dazzling artwork exclusively for this event...and I suspect that the other featured artists are doing the same. I simply cannot wait for Spellbound to cast it's spell on us!  

introducing...Spellbound

Debbie Murray and Shea Fragoso,  the mother/daughter design team behind A Gilded Life  have returned to Southern California, bringing with them years of experience in producing exquisite art retreats and events.

Now producing their signature style mixed-media art projects in a downtown Los Angeles Garment District loft, the duo is better able to curate the monthly offerings of their extremely popular Stash Society, as well as launching an entire new line of A Gilded Life licensed products with Silvestri.


Still lingering for the pair was the desire to bring their luxurious event experiences to their hometown. Having hosted numerous successful events at their converted 100 year old church in Dallas, Texas, an active group of Gilded Girls continued to demand another Gilded event.

With much thought and care, and that unbelievable support from loyal fans and attendees, Spellbound was born…

exquisite venue • exceptional instructors • enchanting memories


Spellbound features a “Dream Team” of instructors! Each have been hand-selected and is considered a master craftswoman of our time. Featuring today’s premiere jewelry, paper arts, mixed media, fiber arts and painting professionals, this well rounded lineup ensures that whatever your interest and skill level, there is something at Spellbound for you!



Below is a sampling of  just some of the classes being taught! Be sure to check out of the amazing classes being taught here.



Denise Sharp- Gossamer Sailboat


  Kaari Meng- Bijoux de Paris Cuff

Kelli Murray- Love Birds Painting 

Kristen Robinson- Tale of Beauty Bracelet

Margie Romney Aslett-  Home is Where the Wreath Is

Michele Muska- Mystique Pin and Necklace 

 Pam Garrison- Joy Stitched Sampler


You are cordially invited to join us November 8-11, 2012, in Pasadena, California, as we gather together at the beautiful and historic Langham Huntington Hotel for “Spellbound”… a truly beautiful and uplifting weekend of art and inspiration. Make precious memor­ies and “forever friends”. Create your dreams…

We will begin our long weekend on Thursday evening, November 8th, with a lovely Welcome Dinner, featuring a very special keynote speaker and a gorgeous group project. Swaps will be exchanged after dinner, wrapping up our first evening with loads of excitement and camaraderie!

Friday morning we will begin a day filled with amazing classes taught by some of the most talented and innovative artists working today! Truly a “dream team”. Morning classes are from 8-11 am, and will be followed by a super-quick boxed lunch, which will be provided by the hotel, and is included in your registration. There are two afternoon class sessions, followed by our very special “Dreamland Mercantile” from 6-10pm. Light cocktail fare will be provided, as we shop the gorgeous artwork and coveted supplies offered by our amazing vendors!

Saturday will begin with another morning class session, followed by a wonderful luncheon. Classes then continue throughout the afternoon. We will cap off this super-busy day with an optional “Up All Night” craft party from 8pm-12am in the ballroom. Participants will receive a light meal and lots of sponsored projects and giveaways!

Sunday morning, November 11th, we will roll up the luxury buses and begin shuttling attendees to the world-famous Rose Bowl Flea Market, a mere 10-minute drive away! What a wonderful way to conclude your Spellbound weekend!

“The Details”

Registration is $675.00.

You may pay your registration in two payments if you wish. $350.00 payable upon sign-up, and the balance of $335.00 due on June 1st. This includes a $10.00 processing fee for splitting the payment. Failure to pay the remaining balance will result in forfeiture of the deposit.

• Each registrant will receive 5 classes of their choice from the 18 being offered. An optional 6th class may be purchased for an additional $95.00.

• The “Up All Night” craft party is an add-on, and priced at $50.00. There will be space to work on your own projects, as well as sponsored make-and-takes and giveaw­ays from some of the leading manufacturers in the Art & Craft industry. We will also provide a very light meal.

• Thursday evening dinner, Friday boxed lunch, Friday evening hors d’oeuvres, and Saturday luncheon are included in your registration. All other meals are at attendee’s discretion.

• Hotel accommodations are not included in registration fees. We have arranged discount rates at the Langham Huntington Hotel. Please use the “Book Now” link on the “Location” page to access our custom website when making your reservation to take advantage of this exclusive pricing, which will include a generously discounted room rate, free wireless in your room, and a 10% discount at the spectacular spa on property!

• Luxury bus to and from the Rose Bowl Flea Market is included at no additional cost. We will negotiate group discounted pricing for admission, which will be the responsibility of the attendee.








Keeping true to the “Gilded Life” aesthetic, the historic Langham Huntington Hotel in gorgeous Pasadena, California has been selected as the event venue. The Langham Hotel in Pasadena is unique among hotels in Los Angeles, California in that it embraces the legendary traditions of service and luxury of the original Langham grand hotel of 1865 and is set on 23 lush acres overlooking the immaculate suburbs of San Marino.

The Langham Huntington Hotel has is offering generous package pricing for all Spellbound attendees. All registrants of the event are able to book a spectacular “Deluxe” King or Double room for an exclusive rate of $189/night. With this rate, all attendees will also receive complimentary in-room wireless internet, evening Manager’s Champagne Reception and a 10% discount on services at the five-star rated Huntington Spa. All of these amenities, in addition to the many wonderful services offered by the Langham Huntington Hotel, will ensure your stay will, indeed, be Gilded!

You can like A Gilded Life on facebook , Follow the blog here,  Register for Spellbound Event here, and like/share Spellbound Event on facebook.


..........................


I would love to see you there! I've got first hand experience with the key participants and planners behind this event. I can assure you that it will exceed all expectations. I'm thrilled to share the particulars with you and I hope we can spread the word and make this an unforgettable experience for all. 
xo Jenny

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