Southern Lady Freshstyle Winter 2013

CREATIVES. We sketch, plan, design, and dream. With each new project, our skills improve, and often it seems we learn quite a lot from our messes and mistakes (like how to get unstuck from Super Glue). But gee is it great when all is done and the end result turns out better than imagined—that’s how I feel about this issue. We’ve got easy DIY projects and ideas on how to turn a cluttered corner into a functional vignette, along with ideas on how to wear a scarf, use string, and get the entire family crafting together. You’ll meet some of my favorite bloggers, including redo gurus Young House Love and artist Katherine Tucker, a true beauty inside and out who helps us bring fresh style to life. And don’t miss…

1 Rainbow Bright A painted piece of scrap board makes an ideal canvas for this easy art—perfect for a playroom or even an office. A few dots of hot glue are all it takes to secure a pretty pattern in place. Use a color wheel to build a rainbow, or consider a monochromatic masterpiece to complement your color scheme. 2 Can You Dig It? Update a past-its-prime circa-1970 dresser with a new coat of paint and shiny hardware. Remove the hardware, and set aside. Using sandpaper, rough up the surface a bit, then apply primer and high-gloss paint in a happy color. (Super-high-gloss trim and door paint works especially well.) Coat the hardware with metallic spray paint, and allow it to dry before you replace. Groovy, huh? 3 Sip & Sketch With the help of…

Cardboard Cottage Take the refrigerator box playhouse a few steps further with thoughtful details. Aspiring designers or architects will love making their house their own with wrapping-paper siding, cardboard shingles, and windows and doors trimmed in white electrical tape. Consider adding shutters, an awning, or even window boxes with silk flowers. Instant Princess Dub thine off spring mini rulers of resourcefulness with a crown made from an empty paper-towel roll. Cut a 4-inch section from the paper-towel roll, and let your little royal cut scallops or triangular points along the top edge. Punch a hole on two sides for a headband to fit through, and then let them add jewels and decoration with sticky gems, ribbons, buttons—whatever’s in the craft stash. SHORT ORDER Rescue a nightstand bound for the thrift store, and reinvent it as…

SUPPLIES Like a potluck for crafting, ask each invitee to bring some goodies from their cache to share. At day’s end, consider trading leftovers with one another so that everyone takes home fresh inspiration. Color It Creative Rely on your enterprising spirit to fashion decorations from everyday items you already have on hand. With a unifying color scheme, a mix-and-match array of containers, serve ware, and other details feel warm and artfully composed. Score bonus points with project-minded pals for incorporating crafty elements like supplies “arranged” in vases as flowers or spools and brushes used as food markers. Of course, there’s no substitute for actual blooms; clusters of a single variety are easy and budget friendly. Eat, Drink, and Be Crafty Have a few shallow dishes ready to corral and sort buttons or other small…

That’s a Wrap Cover thrift-store vases or an upcycled chandelier with rounds of yarn for an instant update! Begin with a base (we chose Mod Podge for the vases and white spray primer for the lamp), then wrap the whole surface in brilliant, bold colors. To finish, secure the ends with a simple knot or spot of hot glue. Word Up Purchase lauan board at your local hardware store, and get help fitting it to your favorite frame. Freehand a beloved phrase (or print from your computer and use tracing paper, if desired), then hammer tacks along the lines of your words. Copper tacks offer a gilded look, or you can coat your piece with white spray primer for a more subtle approach. Finally, wrap the lettering with the string of your choice,…

Belle of the Bow Decidedly feminine and flowing with personality, this tie is a smart way to perk up solid T-shirts and sweaters for weekend errands. If you can tie your shoes, you can re-create this look. Choose a fabric that is easy to work with, and once tied, fluff , poof, and primp until it's exactly the way you like it. Don't forget to give some attention to the knot—a little "floofing" goes a long way. It's a Wrap A basic blouse gets a whole new look with just a few twists of an infinity scarf. Both structured and chic, it goes from day to evening with a quick change of earrings. Find step-by-step info on page 111. The ultimate accessory, a scarf can change your look in just a matter of moments. Over…