Homey Oh My - Modern home and lifestyle

Friday Finds

I forgot until yesterday that this Saturday is Halloween, which means I’ll be participating in my yearly tradition of frantically putting together a costume the day ~~before~~ of. Some things never change.

Still don’t know what I’m going to be, but it will probably be a couple’s costume because I love those. Pleeeeeaaaase share with me what you’re dressing up as for Halloween! Not just so I can maybe steal the idea but because I’m very curious. It’s always fun to hear people’s ideas, don’t you think?

Have a safe and happy Halloween!

This DIY made me realize this is probably my most preferred way for drawing out plans and taking notes.

I 10000% agree with this post on how to find your style.

Between black and white, I think my favorite is black. Actually no, I don’t know, I love them both so much.

A funny and wildly accurate summary of what it’s like to work from home.

Cute Thanksgiving place card idea.

I can’t stop with the monochrome spaces.

I’m required (by me) to bake something pumpkin after Halloween. Gotta try this.

6 Comments

10/29 DIY

DIY Wool Blanket with We Are Knitters

DIY has a sweet spot, which I define as something that’s fun and challenging enough to make you feel like a rockstar, but simple enough so that it doesn’t destroy you, the major kicker being if it’s useful. Today’s DIY hits that spot, and it’s an extra exciting one because it’s my first time knitting.

I LEARNED HOW TO KNIT.

Knitting has always felt elusive to me, and as much as I’ve wanted to learn, I never got past the intimidation of where to start, figuring out the best materials to get, or what to even research. We Are Knitters contacted me to partner on a post about trying one of their knitting kits, and I was so intrigued not only by how I’d finally learn how to knit, but by how pretty the knitting projects looked.

Other than it being gorgeous, I tried out the Udon blanket kit because of how much I’ll use it this Fall and because the skill level is easy. Also, let’s talk about that packaging- it’s outstanding. It would make such a pretty and thoughtful gift to any wanna-be knitter (like me.)

The kit comes with all the materials needed with your choice of wool color. I think no one is surprised by my choice.

The instruction sheet outlines steps with the type of stitches needed for the project, which the We Are Knitters site has video tutorials on.

I watched the video for each technique and followed them closely, rewinding, re-watching, and pausing over and over, in complete beginner style.

It was super slow going at first because my life depended on the videos, but then something amazing happened…

…I became a knitting and purling MACHINE. I can knit and purl in my sleep, guys. I swear I even dreamt about it one night.

Weaving in the loose ends was the best part, because that meant I was done.

Real talk: the skill level is easy, but considering that this project takes many hours to complete, it’s not a quick weekend project and takes some perseverance, not to mention I messed up and had to back-track a lot. That is why completing this project will achieve rockstar status. It was also a great excuse to spend more time with Netflix, and possibly the proudest I’ve ever felt about something I made. I made a blanket and it’s gorgeous!!

Curious- do any of you knit? Or are you in the wanna-be knitter camp? This has seriously been on my to-do list as long as sewing has (still no progress on that) and I’m itching to get into crocheting, too.

If you’re thinking about learning how to knit or want to gift that experience, We Are Knitters is offering 15% off your purchase with code HOMEYWAK. Discount is valid until December 1st!

This post is sponsored by We Are Knitters. All words, opinions, and excitement are always my own. Thank you for supporting brands that help keep the fun projects coming.

39 Comments

10/26 DIY

DIY Chunky Tassel Bookmarks

Guys. When’s the last time you made a bookmark? How come no one talks about bookmarks when they’re so cool? Maybe you’re like me and end up using a receipt or a magazine renewal postcard as a bookmark, or dog ear the page, or maybe you’ve gone completely electronic (I can’t do this. I love paper too much.)

So I get it, not everyone has a use for one of these, but still, they’ll make reading 2.5 times funner and won’t take a lot of your time to DIY. Plus they’re cute. You could even try taking it as a challenge to see what else you can slap tassels on (everything.)

Materials:
-yarn
-scissors
-cardboard
-ruler
-pencil
-cardstock
-Mod Podge
-foam brush
-hole puncher

Wrap yarn about 50 times around a piece of cardboard that’s about 3.5 inches wide, then cut off the excess yarn.

Slide a piece of yarn under all the yarn wrapped around the cardboard, then double knot it at the top. Cut all the yarn on the opposite side, then tightly double knot a piece of yarn near the top to make the head of the tassel. Tightly double knot a piece of yarn underneath the previous piece of yarn and cut off all excess yarn and scraggly ends.

Measure and cut out a 4.5×6.5″ piece of cardstock.

Fold the cardstock in half length-wise. Apply a thin layer of Mod Podge with a foam brush on the inside of the cardstock, then fold it back and let it dry.

Punch a hole at the top of the bookmark. Double knot the tassel through the hole and cut off the excess yarn.

PS. Any good reads lately? I’ve been slacking reeeaaallly bad on the recreational reading, which is a shame because I love it a lot. Let me know what you’re reading or any recommendations you have.

23 Comments

10/23 DIY

Granite Inspired DIYs

After the keychains I made earlier this week, I’ve had granite and stone on the brain and noticed it around more in DIY, AND, I love it. It looks expensive but isn’t, and that’s always appreciated.

The two mediums used for this look are clay and spray paint. Fun fact: one of my first DIYs ever was using the stone effect spray paint, and it failed really hard. I’m finally inspired to try it again though, and learned that drying time needs to be taken seriously with that stuff. Rushing is not allowed.

Still, it’s a very easy look to achieve, and all these projects are simple and will bump your modern style level a few notches and a half. Interested in trying any of these?

Stone vases by Burkatron.

Granite magazine file by Fall for DIY

Mini granite pots by Almost Makes Perfect

Granite monogram keychain by Homey Oh My!

Granite bookends by Make and Tell

Stone candle by The Lovely Drawer

Granite rings by Fall for DIY

14 Comments

10/21 Inspiring Spaces

Minimal Bedrooms

Maybe you remember how I was hyping up a bedroom makeover earlier this year and shared with you the plans and progress and then never talked about it again. What happened with that?

Long story short, I didn’t like how it was coming along and gave up.

Long story, I got that blue tufted wingback headboard I was obsessed with and after two months of living with it, realized it wasn’t me and got rid of it (thank goodness for good return policies, and an important example of actually trying things out in the home). In my mind it looked awesome but in the bedroom it just wasn’t making sense, and that’s always upsetting. A lot of you have shared similar stories with me so I want you to know: I feel you.

After that fail, I went back to ignoring the bedroom, though if we look at this in a positive light, what I was really doing was taking the time to figure out what I wanted. We could also call this ‘lots of time spent on Pinterest.’

We’re going minimal and neutral.

This answer has always been there, for everything, lurking around every corner as I’d insist with myself to go big and out of my comfort zone, but this time it didn’t work out. We’re sticking with the heart.

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This bedroom is everything. It’s interesting because there are individual pieces I’m not completely in love with, but the room as a whole is just so darn perfect. It feels light and airy while still having bold contrasts. I want exactly this. And I need that art. Also, if you’re not familiar with Amber Interiors, I’ll just go ahead and say bye to you now because once you click over to there you’ll get lost in the most amazing interiors and never come back.

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In case you haven’t left yet, here’s another one from Amber Interiors that I love. While not quintessentially minimal, it has that feel because of all the white space. A short white upholstered headboard like this one is a front contender for my bedroom plans.

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I still have love for the IKEA Malm. I actually already have these in black that I gave a makeover to and would be down to trade them for all white ones because just that color change gives them a completely different look. Looks amazing for a minimal space, and they look awesome here, too.

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I’m pretty sure on going with this setup: sconces, white headboard, and large art above it. I can also tell I’m digging that smoke cloud kinda deal.

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It appears as though I am down with dusty pink, which feels weird because pink is not my favorite, but I like the way it looks thrown into a monochrome palette. I’d be down with a lumbar pillow like this one, and hello copper sconce you look cute.

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This one grabs and holds my attention because of how simple it is. I would love so much to be this minimal but I like too many things, sorry. I still dream of what it would be like to live so clutter-free, though. For now I’m just going to copy what they did with the black pillow cases- love that.

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I also dream of committing to completely black and white, and the idea of sticking to no headboard is looking better than before. Alert: that bedside table styling is mad cute.

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Again, we’ve got sconces and large art above the bed. This is happening. I’m really into those swing arm sconces, too.

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If we could make room for a chair or some kind of seating that would be fantastic. Probably unlikely because our closet can only fit a broom and we need an external wardrobe, but it’s still on my mind.

I get asked a lot how to figure out decorating style/plans and this is essentially what I do at first. I gather spaces I love a lot and point out common details and themes to figure out a starting point. So here we are: sconces, large art above the bed, lots and lots of white, black accents, clean lines, minimal style.

The hunt for the perfect pieces begins, and as I’ve always learned, taking my sweet ass time to get it right is worth it. It’s both fun and excruciating :).

Liking any of these spaces? Do you use a similar method for determining design plans for your home?

8 Comments

10/19 DIY

DIY Monogram Clay Keychains

Have I told you before that I collected keychains as a child? Only the cool kids did it, and I know this because I was the only person I knew who was doing it. Oh does that mean it’s not a popular thing? That’s not what my mom told me…

So yea, I have a soft spot for keychains, and a good thing about this DIY is that you can pump out a million in 5 minutes (rough estimate) and hand them out as little gifts for everyone you know (Christmas is tomorrow). Or, just make one or two for yourself because it’s cute.

Materials:
-clay in black, white, and granite
-rolling pin
–parchment paper
–clay cutters
–clay embossing kit (the circle and rectangle cutters came with this)
-toothpick
-assorted jump rings
-keyrings
-two pliers

Working on top of a cutting board covered with parchment paper, roll a piece of clay into a ball, then use a rolling pin to flatten it out.

Cut out the shape from the clay and remove all excess before removing the cutter.

Load the letters into the stamper from the clay embossing kit, then stamp it into the clay. Side note: clay embossing is addicting. It’s a sensation unlike any other.

Feels so good.

Use a toothpick to poke a hole near the top, moving in small circular motions to enlarge the hole. Cut the parchment around the clay and transfer to a baking sheet. Bake at 230F for 40 minutes (I did this for 10 clay pieces total) or until clay is hardened.

Bend a jump ring open and slide it through the hole in the clay. Before bending the jump ring shut, hook on a smaller jump ring. Slide this smaller jump ring onto a key ring.

Make 10 more, why not.

I like how the granite clay turned darker once baked, and while at first I thought the silver glitter specks were weird, they really give that interesting dimension. I’m thinking the granite circle is my favorite of the bunch. What say you? What color and shape would you make yours in?

86 Comments