Author: Maricela Johnson

Yarn and Bead Tassel Ornaments

At the last minute I decided to embellish my tree with a dozen of these chunky yarn and bead tassel ornaments. I spied wood beads on sale at Michaels at 50% off and paired them with two colors of blanket yarn to create these ornaments with a boho vibe.

 

Each one takes just a few minutes and ten simple steps.

 

Supplies include chunky yarn of choice , 25mm wood beads, a variety of 10mm decorative beads, floral wire, scissors, a piece of 8×10” cardboard.

I’m sharing a video on Instagram Reels today to show the step-by-step process of making each one.

Written instructions below!

1. Wrap the yarn around the cardboard about 30-35 times. 2. Secure the tassel at the top with a 1 ½ foot piece of yarn to create the hanging loop.

 

 

3. Trim the bottom of the yarn with scissors to remove it from the cardboard. 4. Using tape to secure the end of the loop piece, insert it through the large 25mm wood bead.

 

5. Create a loop by inserting the yarn in the other direction through the wood bead. 6. Blend the end of the loop into the other yarn pieces.

7. Make a knot at the top of the wood bead to secure it in place and create the hanging loop. 8. Tie the top of the yarn with a separate piece of yarn to create a tassel shape.

9. Using floral wire, create a strand of decorative beads and wrap around the tassel. 10. Trim the bottom of the tassel so the yarn is even at the bottom.

Super easy! I finished a dozen in 2 hours while I watched a movie.

I love the combination of the yarn and wood bead textures!

You can use these as ornaments, as gift toppers, or make a beautiful boho garland with them too. 🙂

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.uniquelyyoursmo.com/?p=749

4 Great Tips for Decorating the Wall with Canvas

Gone are the days of standard prints on the wall, nowadays you can completely personalize what you hang on your wall at home.

Whether you’re having precious photos printed on canvas, or ordering your favorite fine art reproduction, there’s plenty to choose from.

To be honest, that doesn’t always make decorating your home easy. How do you ensure that your wall decoration still fits well with the rest of the interior, and that the whole looks tasteful and also original? Here we give you 4 great tips for decorating the wall with canvas.

Don’t be afraid to mix

When it comes to wall decoration, there are few rules. So don’t stop yourself from experimenting and mixing different media. For example, combine a photo printed on canvas with that large clock, smaller photo frames, a cool wall lamp and a shelf with a plant. Other ideas for wall decoration include musical instruments, found objects, beautiful pieces of cloth or fabric, dream catchers, crockery and mirrors.

To make it a whole, make sure that the colors and style of all decoration objects match. For example, a modern, sleek clock should have a more minimalistic image, while a classic wall lamp fits beautifully with a lush ivy hanging plant and a beautiful photo of a special family moment. Also consider the color of the wall itself when choosing the pieces, and the rest of the interior in the room.

Go for the right print in the right space

The living room is probably the first room where you think of hanging canvas prints. But don’t forget the rest of the house either! Where a stylish photo collage or a large statement piece works well above the sofa, the hall, for example, is a nice space to hang a medium-sized family portrait. This way, everyone who enters immediately knows which household they are in, and this is also the last image that visitors see when they leave the house.

The kitchen? Of course, images of food items do well there. Keep in mind that shooting food is a specialty, so make sure that if you take your own photos, they are also of print-worthy quality. It can be fun to combine the images with a chalkboard for the groceries and pans on the wall.

In the toilet you can play with prints again. Will it be some inspiring sayings, or just that one slightly embarrassing, but super funny photo from an amusement park? The study, on the other hand, does better with a calm image, a favorite piece of art for example, or a more artistic portrait in black and white. In the bedroom you can take advantage of the more intimate atmosphere with photos from the wedding, or a special photo shoot you did with your partner. 

With or without frame

The great thing about most canvas prints is that they can be hung without a frame. If you want to protect the print a little more, or simply give it a different style, consider putting a frame around it. The print gets a more chic look with a frame, and you immediately have the chance to play with color and style. A classic frame for a classic photo, a clean frame for a clean image. Or you mix it right!

Involve the whole household

Do not make the selection of canvas prints for the wall a lonely task but give everyone in the house a voice. Children will especially enjoy being able to pick out their own picture for the wall.

Beautiful canvas ideas for the baby and children’s room are of course photos of the whole family, images of moments that the child is proud of (such as that one successful birthday party or the presentation of the swimming diploma) and of course prints of the favorite heroes the little one. Or how about officially framed versions of the most beautiful works of art the child has created?

But your partner will also have their own ideas about what she or he would like to see on canvas on the wall. And who knows, very nice ideas, which you would not have come up with so quickly! So discuss the options together and make sure everyone agrees with the final choice. This way everyone in the house enjoys looking at the pieces on the wall.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.uniquelyyoursmo.com/?p=746

Eco-friendly flooring: Top 8 trends to watch out in 2022

The time has come! 2022 is almost here and it’s time to remodel your home with the hottest flooring solutions. However, if you are environment-savvy, just like me, then you may find it difficult to create the space you have always dreamed of. 

The good news is that you don’t have to worry anymore. This blog post is all about sustainable flooring solutions that are going to rule the flooring industry in 2022 and beyond. Let’s begin:

Eco-friendly is the new flooring trend 

Flooring is often a challenging thing to decide since it comes in different types, forms, shapes, materials and prices. When it comes to sustainable flooring, gone are the days when the options were limited. Thanks to the latest technological advancements, buyers have an array of choices, ranging from engineered wood to natural stone tiles

Sustainable flooring makes use of eco-friendly materials that look ultra-chic. This is an added bonus for environment-conscious people who believe in opting for sustainable solutions. However, it’s not easy to choose the right one from a plethora of eco-friendly options. To assist you in your journey, we have compiled a list of the hottest sustainable flooring solutions for 2022. Some are new, some are old and a few will blow your mind. Have a look: 

Sustainably harvested hardwood 

Hardwood is timeless, classic. It’s all-natural, durable, cosy and eye-pleasing, making it the most sought-after flooring material in the world. But if you want to make sure the flooring product you choose has a positive impact on the environment, then invest in certified hardwood products that are sourced from responsibly managed forests. Be sure to verify your hardwood floor is ethically and sustainably obtained.

Bamboo flooring 

Bamboo is the perfect example of sustainable flooring. Although it often resembles traditional plank wood flooring, bamboo is much harder than oak and maple. On top of that, it expands and contracts less than hardwood, making it extremely durable and tough. 

The best thing about bamboo is that it is a type of grass, not a tree. It is obtained from six to seven years old plants, generally available in a variety of colours, ranging from darker tones to natural light tones. Remember, carbonised bamboo isn’t as long-lasting as stained bamboo. So, try to invest in stained bamboo flooring. 

Cork flooring 

Cork comes from the bark of the Mediterranean oak tree, which regenerates itself in eight to twelve years, making cork flooring a sustainable solution. Some flooring experts even use recycled industrial materials, such as scraps from wine stoppers. 

Cork flooring is available in both tiles and planks and provides nice cushioning and insulation. Also, it’s a great option to reduce noise and maximise comfort in the busy areas of your house, such as bedrooms, dining halls and living rooms. Be sure to keep it away from moisture-prone areas. 

Natural linoleum 

People often think of vinyl when they hear the word linoleum. Yet, the two aren’t relevant to each other. Vinyl is a synthetic material, whereas linoleum is organic. Though natural linoleum isn’t new to the flooring industry, it was left behind after the introduction of vinyl. As manufacturers, engineers, architects and designers are asking for it again, it is going to re-emerge with a great force in 2022. 

Reclaimed hardwood 

If you love rustic and vintage flooring, reclaimed hardwood is your thing. It is a popular choice in all sorts of buildings and decor motifs. Why? Because hardwood isn’t the best choice for people like us, who are environmentally conscious. 

However, reclaimed wood is different. It is obtained from old wood, instead of a new one. It has the same aesthetic appeal as hardwood and can last for years when you take good care of it. In addition to being eco-friendly, reclaimed wood is pocket-friendly too.

Engineered hardwood 

It’s cost-effective, eco-friendly and beautiful; there’s nothing like engineered hardwood. In fact, it’s more sustainable than its hardwood counterpart because of the way it’s manufactured. Engineered wood is produced by attaching a hardwood veneer to a plywood core, leaving more area to use the tree. 

Natural stone tiles

This one is quite an obvious one – natural stone tiles. As the name implies, these floor tiles are totally natural. They are highly durable, extremely comfortable and easy to maintain. Plus, natural stone tiles won’t emit toxic gases, unlike white subway tiles. 

However, their place of origin might become a concern for you. This is because some natural stone materials are mined on a large scale, which can leave a negative impact on the environment. Thus, it’s better to ask your local flooring expert about how they obtained natural stone tiles in Melbourne.

Glass tiles 

Have you ever wondered what happens to the beer and wine bottles that are recycled?  They get converted into glass tiles. Yes, tiles! These bottles are a good renewable source for manufacturing floor tiles that are great for bathroom and kitchen walls. Glass tiles have eco-friendly characteristics and are non-absorptive, stain-resistant and easy to clean. Unlike terrazzo tiles, glass tiles reflect light, adding additional light to the room. Plus, they come in a wide range of colours, patterns and finishes. 

There you have it – a list of eco-friendly flooring solutions for 2020. Which one is your pick and why? Do let us know in the comments below. 

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.uniquelyyoursmo.com/?p=743

Weekend Reading 12.12.21

I’ve finished my holiday shopping and now just waiting for the remainder of the gifts to arrive. Soon my teens will be out of school and our Christmas movie watching, baking, and snuggling will begin. We’re decorating the tree tonight and then I’m calling it done!

I’ve been reading the stories of the tornadoes in the Midwest, so saddened by the destruction and loss of life. My heart is with the all of the communities affected by the devastating twisters.

Favorite links from the week:

So many lovely natural textures in this Christmas home tour.

All the spaces in the 2022 HGTV Dream Home. My favorite is the loft murphy bed.

How to upgrade your poinsettia: add foliage, floral foam, and a pedestal vase.

How to make a charcuterie in the shape of a holiday wreath.

Instant guest room: just put up an outdoor tent indoors.

This impressive DIY floating desk project.

Yum! This adults only rum and coffee tres leches cake.

12 ways to escape the winter blues.

Perspective: no one has the power to upset you.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.uniquelyyoursmo.com/?p=737

2022 Printable Calendar Collection

My friends, a new year is just around the corner! While you settle into these last few weeks of December, you can still plan for next year!

Introducing my new Calendar Collection for 2022! Over at my print shop, find six different designs to frame. These are all year-at-a-glance style. If you’re like me and like to look ahead or glance at a year then you’ll love these large scale calendars!

These are perfect for an office or kitchen or anywhere you need to quickly remind yourself of dates. I’ve created six different designs using my sketches and photography. I’ve blended artistic touches with the practicality of a calendar in an instant download!

These printable calendars are fantastic framed in poster size at 24×36” but you can also print them at 18×24” or 50x70cm (see below how they’re a perfect fit for the IKEA RIBBA frame).

Here are the six designs up close:

Boho Flourish

Watercolor botanical flourishes in earth tones surround this year-at-a-glance calendar.

 

Olive Leaves

Illustrated palm leaves surround this calendar with months identified in a script font.

 

*also available in a teal background, see the listing!

 

Blue Leaves

Cascading blue leaves beautify this calendar with months backed by blush pink squares.

 

 

Black Scallop

Sketched abstract scallop shapes surround this calendar in minimalist type.

 

Retro Surf

A retro style calendar featuring surfboards in a line with months displayed in minimalist type.

 

 

 

Beach Walk

Find instant serenity in this wall calendar in soothing blue tones and an ocean view.

 

I’m very excited to share these new designs with you!

Earlier this year, I wrote about the easiest way to frame large scale art under $50.

Each one of these prints can be framed and hung on the wall as a reference all year.

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Each digital download includes a 2to3 ratio which prints as large as 24×36” as well as a 3to4 ratio which print as large as the 18×24” size.

Also included is the 50x70cm size which sits perfectly inside this $15 IKEA RIBBA 19¾x27½” frame (also available in black). The 24×36″ IKEA RIBBA frames are only $20!

 

Find the 2022 Calendar Collection here.

 

From today until December 25th, all calendars are 20% off!

Use the coupon HAPPYHOLIDAYS at checkout!

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.uniquelyyoursmo.com/?p=721

Cabin Getaways Across the USA

This time of year I always look around for weekend winter getaways and cozy cabins always come to mind. How lovely it is to escape to a little cabin in the woods! In winter, nature is mostly dormant and invites us to slow down and recharge in anticipation of new seasons of growth. How lovely it would be to explore outdoors by day and sit and read by the fire by night in these featured homes.

Last year I featured cabin getaways and desert getaways. Today I’m back with even more cabins available for rent across the USA. These cabins offer appealing interiors that are just as lovely as their outdoor views. As much as I love a classic log cabin, it’s refreshing to see unique twists on traditional style or more contemporary looks on display in these getaways. They’re fun to glance at for design inspiration but you can rent them too! Click on the header links to explore more images and check out their availability calendar.

Sky Cabin | Washington

 

 

Coastal Hilltop | Oregon

 

Big Bear Lake | California

 

 

 

Lake Arrowhead | California

 

 

 

Mountain Chalet | Montana

 

Modern A Frame | South Dakota

 

 

 

Blushing Beaver Cabin | Oklahoma

 

 

 

 

Long Lake | Wisconsin

 

Frame | Pennsylvania

 

Fairytale Cabin | Vermont


 

 

Tiny Home | Tennessee

 

Catskills Cabin | New York

 

 

Modern Mountain | North Carolina

 

Lake Hartwell | Georgia

 

Which one would you pick for a weekend getaway?

 

 

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.uniquelyyoursmo.com/?p=674

5 Secrets of People Who Always Have a Clean House

It is natural for homes to become messy and dirty at times, but the homeowners use different techniques to tackle various problems. There isn’t any confirmation that proves that a few people come with a clean gene. For developing better habits for keepinghouses clean, it is time to disclose some secrets. Towards the end, you will find that it is not tough to have a clean home:

Discard the old and worn out

When you have fewer items in your home, then you can easily get a cleaner home. When cleanliness freak people purchase anything new, they become successful in escaping from the worn out and old things. And so, they manage to strike a balance. These people either donate or sell their old things. At times, they also throw out the old things that they no longer need or use. People should be mindful that nothing should be preserved for safekeeping. If you haven’t worn a dress within the last year, it is most unlikely that you will wear it again. Hence, there’s no point in keeping it.

Do the dishes 

A kitchen can’t look spotless when the sink is full of dirty dishes. Dirty dishes make a kitchen look messy naturally. So, it would not be a nice idea not to wash them the very day and postpone the work to be done the next day. You must always clean them now.

Form rules

Forming rules might sound similar to boot camp; people who have clean homes do implement different rules. For example, they do not walk around wearing their outdoor shoes inside their homes. They also train their kids to clean up besides enforcing some rules regarding where they must keep their toys. Home is a person’s castle and so, everyone wants to have a clean castle that they can enjoy. For having a clean home, you must set some rules and everyone in the house should follow them. Even when you aren’t born with a clean gene, you are liberal toacquire a few cleaning habits

Cleaning gutters 

Clogged gutters always pose a huge concern to a person’s gutter system. When a person lives in an area that has lots of trees, critters, and overhead foliage that run around, then he would be required to hire a professional gutter cleaning service, like Clean Pro Gutter Cleaning Kansas City for getting his gutters cleaned regularly. Gutter cleaning is a vital task that people need to include for having a clean home. Frequent cleaning of gutters avoids pesky damage of water and insect infestations too.

Keep all the cleaning supplies handy

Though it seems sufficiently tough for a person to keep his house clean, he must not make the process tougher. And so, people must keep all-purpose paper towels and cleaners under every bathroom sink. And so, you will find no excuse to not keep the counter clean when it seems dirty. If people are required to haul their cleaning supplies all through the house, they will not feel inclined to use them.

How Do Tenancy Deposit Claims work?

Imagine this situation: you have just moved into your new rented home after giving your landlord your tenancy deposit. You’re confident that your money is safe with them because they promised to register it with a government-authorised protection scheme.

Fast forward to more than a month later and you have asked your landlord for an update on your deposit, but you have  not received any reply. Take heart though; according to UK laws, landlords are required to protect tenant deposits within 30 days of them receiving the money. Once they have done so, they are to send tenants details about the protection scheme where they registered the deposit. This is called prescribed information, and if this is not provided to you 30 days after you paid the deposit, you may be eligible to file for a dispute or tenancy deposit claim. 

Tenancy deposit protection schemes are intended to keep your money safe throughout the course of your tenancy. If you break any of the tenancy terms or damage part of the property, your landlord can use the money to offset repair costs. But if you have diligently followed all tenancy terms and paid your rent on time, your landlord is obligated to return the deposit to you after your tenancy ends.

Tenancy disputes

Millions of tenants in the UK claim that their profit is not protected. The estimated worth of unprotected deposits is around £515 million, or nearly 50% of tenants. Many renters often think that if their landlord is well-known or has been in business for years, or their letting agency is popular and big, they are automatically guaranteed deposit protection. Most of the time, the reality is the opposite: their deposits were not or have not been protected. 

So, even if it is specified in the agreement that your deposit will be protected, don’t rely too much on it. There are rogue landlords who often resort to illegal behaviour, such as denying their tenants deposit protection. 

When you can make tenancy deposit claims

There are three instances when you are eligible to file for tenancy deposit claims

When your landlord does not register your deposit in any of the government-authorised protection schemes: mydeposits, Deposit Protection Service, and Tenancy Deposit Scheme. When your landlord protects your deposit and then removes it without re-registering it even while you are still renting and living in the property. When your landlord puts your deposit into the tenancy deposit protection scheme late – after more than the 30 days that was given to them.

If your landlord is found to have breached the tenancy deposit laws, they will be ordered to return the original deposit to you and will be asked to pay between one to three times the deposit value for every breach.

How a tenancy claim works

Before filing a tenancy claim, you first need to verify if your deposit has been protected or not. Here’s what you need to do:

To check if you have a basis for making a claim, you can ask your landlord or letting agent for confirmation. If they did not provide you with the prescribed information, you should ask them for it  because they are required to do so by law. If your landlord or letting agent does not respond or provide you with accurate information, check the websites of the deposit scheme providers. You will have to enter the following details:Your surnameStart date of your tenancyYour postcode

These details are typically contained in your tenancy agreement.

If you are in a joint tenancy, you may have to enter the details of your joint tenants if the information is not available under your name. 

If you just renewed your tenancy, you should enter a different start date. 

If you cannot find the details you need, talk to a representative of the deposit protection scheme provider. Their contact number is usually displayed on their website.

Once you have verified that your landlord has not protected your deposit, you need to get in touch with a team of solicitors experienced in tenancy deposits. After verifying your proof of a right to claim, the team might have to go over your tenancy agreement to determine if your landlord provided you with the right clauses and documentation. 

This step will provide further confirmation if you have a valid claim. 

Your deposit protection compensation claim team might also verify with you if you are still willing to push through with legal action. 

Provide your solicitors with all the information needed for your claim to move forward. This includes evidence such as photos, videos, and documentation of landlord-tenant communication (via email, text, written letters, or personal meetings). 

The team will then prepare a letter of claim for you, which is sent to your landlord. Your landlord is given 14 days to respond to your letter. If they do not, your team of solicitors will prepare to take them to court.

No win, no fee

Choose the team of solicitors from Tenancy Deposit Claims if you want a no-win-no-fee guarantee from solicitors who are authorised and registered with The Solicitors Regulation Authority. Tenancy Deposit Claims’ solicitors are well-versed and experienced in tenancy deposits, so your chances of getting a successful claim are higher.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.uniquelyyoursmo.com/?p=668

Weekend Reading 12.5.21

Holiday greetings! I’m off to get a Christmas tree with the fam today, and tomorrow I’ll be finishing up the new calendars for 2022 that I designed, they will be available in just a few short days.

Yesterday I spent the entire afternoon at a spa in one of my favorite spots in Sonoma. It has been several years since I had a massage, and also spent time in a steam room and alone with my thoughts in an outdoor hot tub nestled in a beautiful garden. Wow, it was so replenishing! I’ve got to remember to gift that to myself at least once a year! I hope you’re showing yourself kindness in this busy holiday season too. 🙂

Favorite links from the week:

Coming soon: you can rent the real Home Alone house on Airbnb. Listing here.

Clever guest room solution: this hidden murphy bed.

Atlanta Home’s beautifully decorated holiday showhouse.

Original or reproduction? How to authenticate vintage furniture.

This renovated kitchen was designed to match its existing retro pantry.

The trending Japandi style explained.

Sixty different inspiring ways to decorate a Christmas tree.

Booze free holiday flavored mocktails.

Flowers in winter? Sure, with these winter flowering shrubs.

Perspective: not all travel is life changing.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.uniquelyyoursmo.com/?p=665

Botanical Staircase Garlands

I finished decorating my staircase today, I was in the mood to deck the halls. We’ve had a few weeks of sunshine and my yard was so happy so I was inspired to use what I’ve got! I chose non traditional yard clippings to layer over my faux lighted pine garland that I reuse every year.

A few years ago I layered big bunches of eucalyptus, but this year I mixed boxwood clippings from the huge hedge in my front yard with blooms from my Mexican orange flower plant. These stems will stay fresh over a week in small floral tubes.

The blooming florals are unconventional and give it a slight wedding-ish vibe but I love them mixed with boxwood clippings and matte green ornaments.

Both staircases and mantels offer up so much opportunity to get creative with trimmings. I gathered some other ideas I found on the internet for your staircase too. Notice how you can mix in a group of different objects and create a statement staircase!

Bright Ornaments + Pinecones + Eucalyptus + Berry Sprigs

 better homes & gardens

 

Faux Magnolia + Berry Springs + Metal Bells

rambling renovators

 

Shiny Ornament Garland + Striped Ribbon + Paper Tags

liz marie blog

 

Classic Red Berries + Burlap Ribbon

midwest living

 

Eucalyptus + Dried Flowers + Colorful Ornaments

first sense interiors

 

 

Mixed Garland + Stockings + Ribbons

better homes & gardens

 

rtificial Sprays + Dried Citrus

melanie lissak

 

Multicolored Ribbons + Burgundy Leaves

 

Ribbons + Berries + Pinecones

at home in arkansas

 

Twigs + Pinecones + Oversized Bells

pottery barn

 

Juniper + Earth Tone Ornaments

southern living

 

Magnolia + Twigs + Ribbon

hgtv

 

Olive Leaves + Ribbons

the identite collective

 

Simple Swags: Ribbons + Mini Bells

i spy diy

 

White Paper Stars + Star Cutouts

 

layered lounge

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.uniquelyyoursmo.com/?p=645