Better Homes and Gardens May 2021

MISSED connections Humans by nature love to interact with each other. We are (mostly) a sociable species—though sometimes I admittedly need to allow myself space to be a cranky hermit. I’ve written several editor’s letters over this past pandemic year identifying the difficulties we’ve all faced, and isolation was probably at the top of the list. That’s why for our 10th annual Stylemaker issue we wanted to celebrate the theme of Creative Connections. Stylemakers, the network of people once known as bloggers and now as influencers, are an important part of the BH&G family and brand. They come from many walks of life and backgrounds. Some specialize in home decor, others in gardening or food. Some focus on parenting issues or wellness and beauty. What unites them is creativity. In conjunction with our…

Temporary Wallpaper 101 Looking to revamp a room with a splash of pattern? We’ll show you how to hang peel-and-stick wallpaper like a pro. Learn how to prep your walls and match repeats for best results. No paste needed. BHG.com/DIYWallpaper Click here for our quick video tutorial. [SWEEPSTAKES] Win $25,000 to create your ultimate backyard. Enter at BHG.com/25kBackyard for a chance to win. Details on page 95. NIGHT BLOOMS We love a garden that shines as much in moonlight as sunlight, and our favorite moonflowers are easy to grow and sweet-scented. Train these climbers up trellises near an evening lounging spot to enjoy. BHG.com/Moonflower Embroidery Basics Embellish clothes, toys, and decor with a little help from our stitch guide. Diagrams and directions lead you through the steps, and our suggested projects walk you through visible mending and embroidery…

That’s how we describe our Stylemakers—those individuals we’ve been spotlighting over the past decade for their influence on how we live at home. To celebrate this anniversary, we found out what a few of them have been up to since they were last featured on our pages. See how they continue to impress. justina blakeney 2016 When we first profiled Justina, we loved the rich decorating style she coined “Jungalow.” Next came her product lines for re-creating it. This spring, she’s releasing a book that’s part visual feast, part get-the-look guide. Layers are key, as are colors and patterns from nature and travels. And plants? The more the better. Jungalow: Decorate Wild, $40; abramsbooks.com [2018] REBECCA LEMOS-OTERO City Blossoms, the nonprofit Rebecca cofounded to give kids the opportunity to garden in the city, keeps growing. The Washington,…

ICE-DYE WATCH AND LEARN Click here for a video tutorial. 1 SET IT UP Protect your work area with a plastic sheet. Set a wire cooling rack over a plastic or glass basin. 2 PREP THE FABRIC Prewash a plain white cotton bandanna. While it’s wet, bunch up the fabric and set it on the rack. Cover it completely with a mound of ice. 3 DUST WITH DYE Sprinkle about a teaspoon of powdered fabric dye ($3 at crafts stores) over the ice. Let sit until all the ice has melted and saturated the fabric with dye. 4 SET THE COLOR Treat the wet fabric with a dye fixative, or wrap in microwave-safe plastic wrap and heat 2 minutes. Rinse in cool water until the water runs mostly clear. Run the cloth through the wash before wrapping flowers. ICE-DYEING is…

PLAY TIME “I always recommend Nina Ottosson puzzles for dog enrichment to the training classes I teach. Many of the puzzles can be adjusted, so you can make them more difficult as your dog figures them out. No bored dogs! An entertained pup is too busy to find other types of fun (like chewing shoes, shredding pillows, or digging holes).” —MARIA DURYEE, copy chief CAT AND MOUSE “I’d love these hand-knit wool and felt toys even if I didn’t have a cat. They remind me of a crazy quilt. Skitter, my cat, is especially fond of the organic catnip inside.” —JESSICA THOMAS, style director Cat Cave “My cat lives in this bed. I appreciate that it’s ethically sourced and gives him a place to escape the dogs.” —JENNIFER MADARA, creative director $59; catcavebeds.com (Take 10% off with code BHG10.) Walk…

Want a bright new shade for spring that stays on your lips and off your face mask? The newest liquid lipsticks and lip stains deliver rich color minus any super-dry finish. Daniel Martin, celebrity makeup artist and Tatcha skincare ambassador, always preps his clients for a long-wear formula with a lip balm or mask. Next, he has them remove most of the balm with a blotting paper then swipe on the color. “Your lips will feel comfortable without affecting the color’s staying power,” Martin says. Try: Tatcha Blotting Papers, $12; tatcha.com. “Before you mask up, pat a tissue or blotting paper over your lips to prevent color transfer.”DANIEL MARTIN, celebrity makeup artist BY: ERICA METZGER; STYLING: CHRISTY BROKENS…