moroccan style with chalk paint

If you live in Orange County and have even a little bit of a crafty bone in your body, then you’re probably familiar with Peinture Studios in Costa Mesa at the SoCo Collection. They offer Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, beautiful stencils, and other unique items. They also hold workshops where they'll instruct you on transforming your own piece of furniture with chalk paint, wax and other finishes. 

Peinture owner and designer Deborah Waltz has opened up her Orange home to Orange Coast Magazine this month and shares the secret to her own personal inspiration.

After a trip to Morocco, Deborah was so inspired that she arrived home with a new mission, to bring some of that old world charm into her home. Here’s a little glimpse of how Deborah transformed her brand new tract home with vintage pieces, architectural salvage, chalk paint and distinct stenciling. 

Salvaged Victorian porch columns anchor this space and give it symmetry. New light fixtures are replaced throughout the home with a variety of vintage ones. Annie Sloan Primer Red is used on the back wall. 

I love that the stencil work on the fireplace is reminiscent of patterned cement tile that's so popular right now. Notice all the different patterns used here. 

Two lovely vignettes of favorite gathered treasures. 

I just so happen to have been at Peinture earlier this week picking up a couple of new colors for a chair and a bench that I’m working on. I hope a little of Deborah’s magic rubs off on me and my projects! 

Here’s a shot from inside Peinture Studios. If you’re in the area, stop by and get inspired! 

ciao! fabiana

via Orange Coast Magazine

easy burlap table runner

On the lookout for a simple burlap runner? Why not make your own? It’s super easy to create! All you need is some burlap fabric-by-the yard and scissors. No hemming required. Here’s the one I made for my Valentine’s Day tablescape…

I purchased my burlap bolt from Oriental Trading, and it's the perfect color and texture I was looking for! I started by cutting my burlap fabric to the size of 17” x 80”. That size seemed perfect for my small round dining table. I took out the two leaves from the table to have a more intimate dining experience.

The secret is to cut the fabric very straight right along the lines of the threads. It’s actually pretty easy, since the burlap already provides a grid pattern. Once you get your cuts made to the size you desire, you need to fringe the edges. 

This is simply done by taking two threads at a time and unraveling them from the fabric to create a fringe on each edge. I ended up taking about 7-8 threads off for each side. This gave me the look I was going for, but you can play with it for a more tailored look or a more shaggy look. I recommend cutting and fringing outside, or in the garage, because this process can be a little messy.

Here’s the finished edge. I hot glued some glittery hearts on the ends that were left over from my gold glitter mantle garland. You’ll see the rest of the Valentine tablescape later this week!

ciao! fabiana