I have always loved old things, especially things that have been in the family for a while. I love repurposing old furniture and mixing it with newer things. So I guess I have always been "green". We can all be green and recycle in more ways than we think. It doesn't just have to be green bags and recycling our paper or plastic, although those are great things to do. We can recycle and reuse many things in our lives, and I want to talk about the many ways we can contribute to saving out earth and still maintain a stylish, chic approach to life. I will share alot of old things as well as new things made out of recycled materials. I would love to hear from you about what you have done or used to create a stylish lifestyle with recycled items.
I am going to start with some of my favorite pieces that I have been using in my home for years. I never thought about them being hand me downs or 'old', used furniture. I thought about how beautiful they were and how blessed I was to have them in my home. I have also realized that these 'old' pieces are well made and have lasted so much longer than pieces I have purchased along the way. Sustainable furniture has been around for a long time, people have been passing down family heirlooms for many generations. I have also purchased newer furniture over the years, only to be disappointed by the quality of the construction. It usually ends up falling apart in such a short time.
This is probably my favorite piece that I own. It is actually called a doughbox. A doughbox was a kitchen essential used to keep the dough in that was rising for the days bread that was to be baked. Obviously, I have never used it as a dough box, but I have used it as a side table. It also functions beautifully to store seldom used items in, I am currently storing tablecloths in it. It is a beautiful piece that was brought to Kansas on a covered wagon from Ohio by my great grandparents. If it could survive that trip, it is definitely sustainable.
Well, that's it for today, but I'm looking forward to sharing my ideas and finds with you, and I would love to hear about your chic but recycled items
A friend of mine owns a coffee shop in town and she asked me to design aprons for her staff to wear to their more elegant catering events. She had purchased some damask drapes at Home Fabrics ( a great discount fabric store here). She was using the drapes as tablecloths when she set up a catered buffet. She used black platters, black plates and napkins for serving as a truly elegant display.
I purchased the matching fabric and some crisp black tafetta for the waistband and ties in the back. I was careful to line up the brocade on the skirt and the bib. The ties made a huge bow in the back and were very dramatic. I can't believe I didn't take a picture of the back. The bib also ties around the neck. Under the apron skirt is a tulle petticoat with a tulle ruffle on the edge for a special touch.
I was very happy with the apron and fortunately so was my friend. I would love to hear what you think. I am working on some more elegant aprons and will share them with you all soon!
I am linking to these parties:
