Dale Chihuly: Fantasy Glass of Tacoma, Washington

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That luminous, kalaidascope of colors is the Seaform Pavillion:  A ceiling of thousands of blooming glass pieces by the world famous artist, Dale Chihuly.  Along with two other massive glass displays (also by Chihuly), it makes up the Bridge of Glass in Downtown Tacoma, Washington.  Oh yes, I said bridge - This isn't your typical museum piece!  Upon visiting Tacoma's Museum of Glass, you can take the bridge on foot to discover its paragon of magic.

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Across the way from the Museum of Glass lies Tacoma's Union Station, and the immaculate treasure it encases.  Another masterpiece by Chihuly, the chandelier of Union Station is made up entirely of glass, and is nearly two stories tall! 

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Can't make it to Tacoma?  You can also see Chihuly's work on the ceiling of the Bellagio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

Let Chihuly's work inspire your own artistic projects at home.  Imagine a painting, wreath, or centerpiece that emulates the chandelier at Union Station, or handmade jewelry inspired by the Seaform Pavillion.  Or, score your own piece of art glass by visiting the Museum of Glass online store.  (Click here!)

Imagine one of these unique wine stoppers making an appearance at your latest soiree...

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Looking for a conversation piece?  This little guy is a definitely fits the bill!

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Spa Music for Relaxation and Taking a Bath

I've gathered some of my favorite songs for relaxation and have put together a playlist for you. Enjoy these soft, pretty tunes while you unwind, or are soaking in a warm, stress relieving bath. Set your laptop in the room with you to listen to them away from your desktop, or download your favorites from your program of choice for use in a stereo or ipod. Enjoy!

Playlist photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tonyarmstrong/ / CC BY-NC 2.0

How to Make Aromatherapy Bath Salts for a Dreamy Soak in the Tub (Bath Recipe!)

Luxury bath salt concoctions can cost $20 and up for only one or two bath's worth of substance.  When you're finished with this tutorial, you'll never buy them again!  Not only are they overpriced, but most can't compare to the simple, natural formulas you can customize for your personal needs at home.

Taking a warm, soothing bath at the end of a long, stressful day is a relief, and a serene escape.  The warmth and water can loosen tense, achy muscles, and the experience can bring emotional comfort.  As wonderful as it is already, your bath can always be better.  Adding aromatherapy, essential oils, and healing bath salts (along with candles and soft music!) are just the ticket to creating a zen-like, at-home spa retreat.  Use the following bath recipe to create your perfect, luxury bathing experience.

But first, here's some background on the ingredients and what they can do for you.

Use Epsom Salt

If you've played or swam in the ocean, you know that sea water can heal scrapes and bruises, and even minor infections rapidly.  Soaking in an epsom salt bath is just like bathing in a heated sea, and it has all the same benefits.  It aids in detoxification, preventing migraines, elevating mood and relieving stress, and it can serve as an antinflammatory, which reduces pain in muscles and infections, among many other benefits.  This is truly a mend-all, heal-all, miracle substance, and you'd be showing your body the highest level of care to bathe yourself in it.

and Sea Salt

Sea salt has many healing properties as well, but the quality of what you use is key.  Sea salt has many beneficial minerals which table salt lacks - because table salt is so highly processed.  The quality of sea salt, and the minerals it contains, depend on the region of the world - or the sea, if you will - from which it is collected.  Based on that, it's commonly held that Dead Sea salts are of the highest quality, while Celtic Sea salts are also of exquisite quality.  So, if you can, try to obtain raw versions of one of these two sea salts for your baths.

and Baking Soda

Baking soda is such a simple ingredient, but such a wonderful one.  It not only cleanses, heals and hydrates the skin, but it can help extract illnesses from your body by drawing out toxins.

Essential Oils

Essential oils are used for aromatherapy, and can benefit you in a large number of ways based on the scents you select.  For a great list of oils and how they can effect your mood and health, explore this list from aromatherapypoint.com.  I highly recommend lavender for relaxation, citrus scents for energy (morning baths), and Eucalyptus for soothing colds, the flu, and other respiratory ailments.

Water Temperature
The purpose of your bath, beyond relaxation, should determine the temperature at which you draw it. Hot water is best at drawing subsances out of the body, so baths for detoxification or illness (with exceptions) should be hot. On the other hand, lukewarm water is ideal for baths in which you want to best absorb the minerals in the salts, and other contents of the bath. Your skin absorbs substances best in water of about 100 degrees farenheight. Of course, your body will still absorb some of the minerals and other goodies if you prefer your bath nice and toasty like I do! (Who wants to take a lukewarm bath?!)

And now, for the bath recipe!

What you'll need:

Makes 3 baths worth, 2 cups per bath (3 cups for larger soaking tubs, in which case, this recipe makes enough for 2 baths.)

• 4 cups of Epsom Salt
• 1 cup of Sea Salt
• 1 cup of Baking Soda
• 30 drops of Essential Oil (one or more fragrances mixed if you like)

Optional Ingredients

To give your bath salts some prettiness and character, and to create a true at-home spa experience, you'll want to add the following ingredients too.

• 10 drops of Food Coloring (mix primary colors for tranquil purple or energizing orange)
• 1/4 cup of Dried Flowers, Leaves, or Herbs - Dried rose petals are my favorite!
• 1 cup of Powdered Oatmeal - Process 1 cup of oatmeal in a blender, food processor, or coffee grinder to change it to powdered form (for skin softening and moisture).
• 1 tbsp Glycerine - also for skin softening and moisture

Mix all of your ingredients using metal or glass tools and containers.  Wood, plastics, and other materials are porous and will absorb the ingredients!  You should also use glass or metal containers to store your salts once they are mixed. 

I put a lump of this rosepetal salt creation in a martini glass for a pretty tub-side display.

Pour 2 cups of the mixture under running bath water (3 cups for an extra large tub).

Light candles to surround your tub (unscented, to enjoy the aromatherapy of your bath salts)

Set a laptop, or your audio player of choice on the bathroom counter (away from the water!) and play some soft, relaxing, spa music.  I'll be presenting an amazing playlist for a relaxing bath retreat in my next post, so stay 'tuned'!

And voila!  There you have it: a customized, beautiful, peaceful, perfect bath experience, just for you.

* Some essential oils can be harmful to your health, expecially during pregnancy.  Please research essential oils before using them in your baths.

How to Make Inexpensive Minimalist Wall Decor

Minimalism is a growing trend in interior design, offering mental clarity through a clean, simplistic environment.  In a minimalist home, there's a calming lack of clutter and unnecessary decorations, along with a liberating amount of clear and open space.

In a fair world, simple would equal cheap!  But unfortunately, decorating like a chic minimalist can cost a pretty penny, especially with regard to art.  Including artistic elements of interest can also be a challenge in a room with scantily clad ideals.  Fortunately, I've found a way that works exceptionally well - and the best news is, it won't break your bank.  Not even a little bit!

What you'll need:

• 
  
  A Computer and Printer
• 
  
  Matte Photo Paper or Card Stock (a cheaper alternative that works almost as well)
• 
  
  4 or more 4x6 Black Format Picture Frames from Walmart (Online, a set of 12 is $9.00, but they can be purchased individually in the store for a dollar or two each.  Also, if you want to create a larger statement, purchase the optional 8x10 sized frames)
• 
  
  Images - I like to find art online at deviantart.com or compfight.com.  Of course, you can find digital artwork anywhere you please, and can even use your own art (In which case, you won't need the first two items on this supply list!)
• 
  
  Scissors (optional)
• 
  
  Small Nails
• 
  
  Hammer

The frames are geometrically 3-dimensional with clean, bold lines.

Find images that you love, and print them out on the photo paper or card stock in the size needed for the frames you selected.  To create interest and dimension, it's a good idea to use some portrait images and some landscape images (tall vs. wide).  Cut them out if needed, and secure them in the frames. On a flat surface, plan and lay out how you will arrange the images on your wall - Do you want the overal statement to be abstract? Organized? Circular?  Using the hammer, drive the nails into your wall with the pattern you laid out in mind, and hang the frames from them.  Voila!  Your very own minimalist decor on a dime.  Best of luck!

If you're interested in reading about the benefits of minimalism, visit the blog, Becoming Minimalist. There's a great list of pros that are very logical and convincing. Because of it, I may even be clearing out some of my own clutter this weekend!

How to Make a Spring Flower Wreath

Ah, spring!  You may have a holiday wreath, but nothing makes a home more pretty and inviting than a spring wreath popping with flowers and greens to welcome the season!

I used a large cascading fern on mine to emulate the natural surroundings of my house.

What you'll need:
*All supplies can be found at your local craft store

• Glue Gun + Refill Glue Sticks
• Grapevine Wreath (18" works well for most projects)
• Silk Flowers - and optional Fake Foliage and Grass
• Wire Cutter

Turn your hot glue gun on so it's ready to go when you are!  Use the wire cutters to cut your flowers apart, and be sure to leave enough of a stem on each to stick into the wreath.  Have fun experimenting with different arrangements and angles for your flowers before you glue them down.  Once you have a design in mind, add a small amount of glue to the stem of each flower or foliage piece, and stick the ends into crevices on the wreath.  **Don't let the tip of the glue gun touch the stems, because its heat will melt them away almost instantly!!!**

Rosie details are pretty in pink. They're arranged to look like they're reaching for the sun.

And voila!  You've just made a fresh-looking, gorgeous wreath for spring.  Hang your colorful creation from a wreath hanger, which can also be found at most craft stores.

How to Make the Ultimate Diaper Cake

Diaper cakes are the perfect gifts for baby showers and moms-to-be!  They look impressive and plush, and allow you to customize and present your gift with an ultra personal touch. 

At baby showers, most gifts consist of repetitive onesies, booties, blankets, toys, etc.  While those are all great newborn necessities, you can give your mom-to-be what she needs in a way that's stylish, unique, personal, and completely unforgettable.

In this tutorial, you'll learn how to make your very own diaper cake for a gift that's a cut above the rest!

What you'll need:

• Diapers (up to 80 for a 3 tier cake, or less for less tiers) **I recommend size 1 (1 up from newborn) since some babies are born larger than others.
• Large rubber bands (1 per diaper + some extras)
• Decorative Ribbon (enough to tie around each tier - 8 ft or so)
• Silk Flowers
• Wire Cutter (to cut the silk flowers)
• Pizza Baking Pan - These tend to be large, round, and mostly flat - and they're strong enough to carry the weight of the diapers and gifts. Or, if you're willing to splurge more, opt for a decorative platter, or a real cake stand! (Home Goods, anyone?)
• Mini Stuffed Animal (the cake topper!)
• Gifts! Gifts that incorporate well are:  Onesies, cotton shirts and pants, washcloths, a bottle, booties, small toys (rattles, etc.), and small bottles of shampoo, washes, lotions, powders, etc. (Johnson & Johnson or Burt's Bees work wonderfully - I especially recommend taking apart the Burt's Bees Bundle of Joy Baby Basket which you can find online or at Target stores.).

Of course, you can get very creative with all of your supplies and gifts.  -But keep in mind that you may want to select ribbon, fake flowers, and the stuffed animal and gifts to color coordinate with one another.  That'll keep your cake looking fresh and chic!

Step 1: Roll those diapers!
Roll each diaper with its tabs tucked in, and then secure each roll with a rubber band.  This could take a while - especially if you're constructing a full 3 tiers - so cozy up to a movie or long TV program while making your rolls!

Step 2: Construct the tiers - no preheating required *wink wink*
Gather the rolls in circular bundles (the tiers) - one large, one medium sized, and one small.  To secure each bundle, cut multiple rubber bands and tie them together to form a big enough band to fit around the entire tier.  Then, stack the tiers ontop of your platter of choice.

Step 3: Ribbon
Wrap the ribbon around each tier to disguise the rubber bands.  Either tie them, or fasten them with adhesive tape or safety pins.

Step 4: Decorate!
Roll up your onesies, shirts, and pants so that they match the size of the diaper rolls, and replace diapers here and there with them.  You can also replace some diapers with rolled hats/beanies, and the mini bottles of shampoos, ointments, washes, etc.  Tuck bibs, beanies and socks into the ribbons and bands, and place booties and toys on top of the tier ledges or tuck them wherever you can.

Cut the stems of the silk flowers to the appropriate lengths and tuck them into the ribbons and the tops of some of the diaper rolls.

If you have a bottle, it looks great replacing the center diapers in the top tier.  And don't forget to put your mini stuffed animal right on top!  Voila!  You've made a gorgeous diaper cake that'll leave your mom-to-be breathless.

I've gifted my homemade diaper cakes (including the one pictured above) at two separate baby showers; and both times, the moms-to-be were taken aback in awe. I received so many compliments and inquiries ("How did you make that?" "Those are all diapers?!"), and even brought one of the grandmother-to-be's to tears!

Best of luck to you on your very own diaper cake!