Southern Lady Freshstyle 2011

Andrea Fanning {Editor} We live in a great big beautiful world, and when we take the time to soak it up, Inspiration often comes calling. It whispers while I read in the sun; it dances while I browse through antiques stores; it sings when I dip my brush into a palette of paint. What joy there is in leading a colorful life, and this debut issue of fresh style celebrates just that. From DIY projects to recycled style, we’ve got ideas to dazzle, delight, and inspire you in a multitude of ways. Enjoy! Amy Butler brings rooms to life with color and pattern. From wallpaper to fabric, her designs truly inspire. Coaster Couture I love those rare occasions when a butterfly lands on my shoulder. Capture the essence of such a serendipitous event with custom…

A timeworn screen door, its constant slamming once the sound of small-town summer, welcomes guests once again as a joint message board and entryway organizer. To start, remove the door’s screen window, and replace it with a piece of wood that has been cut to size and finished in chalkboard paint. Hammer the board in place, and if desired, cover old nicks and nail holes with decorative accents painted to match. Keep chalk tidy and close at hand for doodles, schedules, daily quotes, or shopping lists with a soap dish affixed just above the lower slats. Then search specialty stores or architectural salvage shops for an interesting knob to complete the transformation. A few baskets hung from S hooks—opt for a material like wire to quickly and easily view the…

Recycle an array of bottles into colorful vases. Cover the exteriors with several coats of spray paint for a quick and easy version, or use dishwasher-safe glass enamel paint on the inside for a more pristine look. For the latter, clean and prime with glass enamel surface conditioner. Then add desired shade of enamel (you can mix and match colors to create a custom palette) and gently roll the bottle around to coat interior surfaces. Pour out excess paint, and place bottle upside down on a paint tray to dry, checking periodically to prevent sticking. Allow 2 to 3 days for bottles to dry completely.…

STEP 1: For the apron bib: Cut out the entire front panel of the buttonhole side of the shirt (including the buttonhole placket). This side should have a pocket. Look for a buttonhole on the placket that is an inch or two above the top edge of the pocket. Measure about 1. inches up from a buttonhole (this should be about 2 or 3 inches above the top edge of the pocket). Cut straight across to make the top edge of the bib. Then measure down about 12 to 13 inches and cut straight across to define the bottom of the bib. Now measure across the edge of the placket 10 to 11 inches for the width of the bib. (You can fudge these measurements depending on the size of…

STEP 1: For an adult headband, cut 4 leather strips: 1 (16½-inch) strip for the headband (round off the edges if desired), 1 (6-inch) strip and 1 (5-inch) strip for the bow, and 1 (2-inch) strip for securing the bow. You’ll also need a piece of elastic, approximately 6 inches long. For a toddler headband, cut 1 (14-inch) strip for the headband, 1 (5-inch) strip and 1 (4-inch) strip for the bow, 1 (1¾- inch) strip for securing the bow, and 5 inches of elastic. Tip: To turn white elastic beige, soak it in a small pot of boiled water with 6 tea bags for about 10 minutes. STEP 2: Fold each bow piece into a loop, pinch together in the middle, and secure with a strong craft adhesive, such as…

Cheat Sheets This thrifty and clever apartment dweller purchased inexpensive twin sheets to cover her windows. She slit the sides of the top hems to make perfect pockets for the curtain rod. Here’s a tip: This trick works best with sheets that have a low thread count. Better than New Jessica Stalnaker’s stylish Birmingham apartment is filled with secondhand furnishings that have benefitted from her signature makeover magic. A custom screenprinted pillow bearing one of her designs adds a touch of whimsy to the living room. Budget Savers A hand-me-down rug lends a cozy touch to this urban space. A bargain daybed becomes a swank sofa with the help of black enamel paint and slipcovered pillows. Clutter Control In the spare-bedroom-turned-office, Jessica painted her grandfather’s desk and added an estate-sale chair. Jars of craft supplies sporting handmade…