Holidays & New Entryway Art

Friends! It's been forever since I've updated this little blog of mine, but I'm back and excited to show you some updates I made over the holidays over the next week or so. Speaking of the holidays, how were yours? I had a great Christmas and New Years. It was so nice to be able to relax a little and spend much needed time with family & friends.

Christmas morning with the family 

One of the bigger projects I tackled was updating the 'entryway' in the maisonnette. Last time you saw it, it looked like this, with 2 shelves on the little wall you see when you walk in. I liked the shelves there originally, but I was never really sure how to style them and they ended up being dust collectors.

pretty, but not practical

After considering my options, I knew I wanted to hang two large-ish black frames vertically, with a large black and white graphic print inside. I looked at fabric, but didn't love any of the options that were reasonably priced, and then I stumbled upon this post and knew I could just stencil something I liked. I'm a total sucker for an ikat pattern, and instead of re-inventing the wheel, I decided to make my own stencil, based on this original. 

To do this, I printed off the original image, traced it onto cardboard from a cereal box, and cut it out with a razor knife. To stencil the pattern onto the poster board, I simply taped it down and used a regular bristle brush to dab it into the stencil. I wanted the pattern to look almost like a fabric print, so I wasn't worried when some of the repeats weren't perfect. 

mid-stencil 

Once I finished stenciling both pieces of poster board and they dried for a few hours, I simply cut them to size and popped them into the frames. I love that the black and white pattern makes a statement, but isn't too overpowering for the space. 

Did y'all make any changes over Christmas? What are you looking forward to in 2014? 

xoxo

Marisa 

DIY Chalkboard

Friends! As I mentioned in my last Friday 5 post, I had been planning on adding a chalkboard to the maisonnette for some time, but couldn't find one that was the right size or the right price. So, whats a girl to do? Make her own!

I found a 1/4" sheet of plywood at Lowes & chalkboard paint at Hobby Lobby, and went to town last weekend making my own chalkboard.

Instead of hanging it on the wall, I decided to affix it to the front door, so I can write reminders and quotes that I'll see when I walk out of the door. To do this I simply used Command Picture Hangers that are sticky on both sides, this way the chalkboard will be easy to remove in the future.

This project took about 1 hour of actual work, 25 hours of waiting (for the paint to dry), and about $20 for supplies. It was fairly quick & simple, and I absolutely love the result!

xoxo

Marisa 

The Friday 5

Hey there friends! Last weekend and this week were fairly busy for me, but I'm hoping to carve out a few hours to tackle some projects around the maisonnette this weekend. I hope y'all have had a great week, here is my Friday 5! 

1. I’ve been planning a new little project for the maisonnette, and hoping that I’ll be able to finish it this weekend. Hint: it involves chalkboard paint!
2. This simple roasted chicken dish is just another example of a few simple ingredients coming together to make an amazing meal.
3. A few weeks ago I purchased this inexpensive floor lamp for the living room. Although it serves its purpose, I’m dying to spruce it up a little. Right now I’m debating painting the base and/or painting the shade. Any thoughts?
4. These black d’orsay flats are calling my name. I’m always a sucker for suede, and love that they could be dressed up or down.
5. The men of my family have always been avid hunters, and my parents home has always been filled with mounted deer heads and antler decor. While I was at their house last weekend I grabbed an antler and added it to my fall decor. 

Marisa's Maisonnette : Shop Open!

Happy Friday, friends! 

I don't have a Friday 5 post today, but I do have a little announcement! 

I have officially opened an Etsy shop! The shop will feature homemade crafts and decor items, many of which have been featured on the blog. I'm planning to add more items shortly, but for now I have burlap wreaths, like this one, for sale. 

Here is the shop link, Marisa's Maisonnette Etsy Shop, I'd love for you to check it out! 


Y'all have a great weekend! 


xoxo
Marisa 

Friday Five

Hello friends! Long time, no blog. I started a new job a few weeks ago, and am still adjusting to the longer hours. But without any more excuses, here is my Friday Five! 

1. Its finally starting to feel a little like fall in Florida, so I spruced up the maisonnette with a few fall touches. This area next to the TV is my favorite.  

2. Almost 10 months after graduating college, I finally framed my diploma last weekend. This probably won't be its permanent frame, but for now I just love that its on display! 

3. I prettied up my bedside lamp the other day by adding a simple black ribbon to the top and bottom of the shade. A simple upgrade, but it makes it stand out a little more. 

apologies for the crappy iphone picture

4. My new job requires that I wear closed-toe flats, every day. It turns out that for a girl with a fair number of shoes, my selection of comfortable, closed-toe shoes is slim. I'd love to add this camel leather pair to the mix soon. 
5. After visiting a very cute plant nursery in Tallahassee last weekend, I came home with a two more succulents and a new square brass planter! 

What have y'all been up to this week? 



xoxo
Marisa 

Friday Five

Hello Friends! I was a slacker last week (and the week before) and didn't post a Friday Five, but I'm back! I hope y'all had a great week, and are looking forward to the weekend... I know I am! 

1. I must have been bitten by the furniture re-arranging bug, because straightening the rug last weekend quickly turned into "I wonder what the living room would look like if I switched the sofa and TV console?". For now I think I like the new arrangement. We'll see how long it stays this way. 

2. This tutorial explains how to make almost any object into a lamp, so now I am on the hunt for a vintage jar/jug to transform. 

3. As we begin to transition into fall, I am making a concerted effort to simplify my life, starting in my closet. This series is a great guide to building a wardrobe that is functional and not excessive. 

4. This carnitas recipe from Pinch of Yum is hands-down the best I've ever eaten, and its all done in the crockpot!

5. FSU has their first at-home game of the season this weekend against Nevada. GO NOLES! 

Thanks for reading!

xoxo 

Marisa 

DIY Burlap Wreath

Hi friends! I hope y'all had a great Labor Day weekend. I spent mine relaxing and spending time with friends & family. Although it doesn't feel like it in Florida yet, fall is officially upon us, and I plan on embracing it as much as possible! To help usher in the season, I decided to make a burlap wreath for my front door. 

This was a super simple project and took a lot less time (but much more material) that I originally planned for. 

All you need is a wire wreath form, burlap garland, and a little hot glue. For my 16" wreath form, I ended up using exactly 3 rolls of 20ft burlap garland. I forgot to take a picture before I started making the wreath..oops. But you can still see the wire form here. 

This was how far I was able to get with one roll of burlap garland, so it was back to Michaels to get two more rolls. To finish the wreath and prevent the burlap from slipping, I hot glued the ends to the wire form on the back and used a 20" strip of the garland and a command hook to hang it. 

I'm loving the texture of burlap right now and the earthy, cozy feeling that this wreath gives my front door! 

Have you tackled any fall-inspired decor projects lately? 


xoxo
Marisa