Light my Fire

You can make this lamp!

It's cheap and I think even I can do it...which means you can too. Click here for step by step instructions from craftynest.com.

Here's another version of the same pendant light. I found this one on ReadyMade Projects.

Think I'm going to make this light for my bedroom, only use white yarn instead of the brown twine. Seems easy enough.

If you haven't already discovered ReadyMade projects magazine for yourself, it's a definite keeper. It's a glossy magazine full of simple ideas for the dyi'er. Check out the website for their handy archive section and instructions for everyday life.

Happy crafting!

Plant Pots

No matter how much I wish summer were here, it's not. Even though I won't be planting my pots this long weekend, I can still plan and dream about what it will look like come July - all filled in and colourful.

This will be my 4th summer at my house. With my very minimal outdoor skills, every year I try to improve the space as best I can. The first year I filled in the brown grass and made it green! My second summer I planted my pots and brightened up the space. Last summer my mom helped me out (I won't even take credit for it) and stained my deck. This summer I have many plans. I'm not sure yet what I will follow through with, but plans are a start.

From my house to my parking pad (no garage), I have a gravel walkway through my backyard. With no mowing strip, this year it's 1st on my list. I need something that will frame the grass and create a defined line. I'd love to have a brick strip like this one or the like...

I also want to freshen up the gravel by adding more. It's left me over the years. Not sure where its's gone off to though...

I'm also looking for some new plant pots. Unfortunately due to my neglect, they've cracked over the winter. Every fall, outdoor pots should be emptied, cleaned and brought inside. I always leave mine outside and this year the snow melted to revel all 6 of my big outdoor pots have cracked. Yuck. So, I'm looking to replace them.

The hunt is on...

Happy plant prepping!

Window Project & Monkeys.

Why use a plain old white board to post messages in your office or kitchen when you can put something lovely like this on your wall?

I found this today on Design*Sponge and just had to share it with you. Click here for full instructions to make a message board like this for yourself.

I've also wanted to share my new found love of my life - sock monkeys. My lovely boyfriend gave me one last Valentines day and I've had a love afair ever since. Mine looks exactly like this one, which I leave in my livingroom. Yes! My adult living room features a stuffed animal that will make you smile. Because...why not?

Bikes!

Edmonton was lovely. Ikea was not in the plans however. Because I did not make to my favorite store, ordering online has never been more appealing. I plan on returning later in the summer for a longer stay, perhaps then I will be able to fit it into my schedule. Blast!

Aside from my Ikea withdrawal, spring is here. This means it will soon be time to pull out my bike. Last year I was lucky enough to visit the bike auction. Every spring all the stolen bikes that were recovered but not claimed, are auctioned off at fantastic prices. Check out this years details. Last spring I found this lovely little blue number that was perfectly me.

This year I'd like to pretty it up a bit and make it more practical. It's not exactly the type of bike you hit the trails with. It's definitely a city cruiser that's good for getting pints of milk from the store, and taking leisurely rides down to the park with. Nothing crazy. But, as I discovered last summer, it's one thing to ride to the store and another to figure out how to get the milk and bike home with only two hands.

Solution: I'm looking for a basket to attach to the handlebars. I haven't decided on wire or wicker. Once I find the perfect one I plan on buying a liner like this one from Etsy.

How pretty. Any suggestions on where I can get me a cute basket? I've been looking, but nothing spectacular yet. I might hit up Wookcock cycle today.

xo.

Forgiveness is Best

Forgive me readers, it's been 4 weeks since my last post. Ugh, bad Ally bad. Apparently lots has happened in the last while. So much in fact that I haven't had much time to update my blog. Appologies. Update #1: Media doesn't pay that well (that not really news). And so, I got a second job at a restaurant. Update #2: I also have a semi regular gig on Breakfast Television. If you're an avid viewer in Winnipeg, every few weeks you may spot my lovely mug telling you what's new in fashion. Update #3: Because of a sudden influx of work and playtime, all diy projects have been put on hold as of late.

Today however, is a new day. I'm off to Edmonton for the long weekend where I'll be visiting family and doing plenty of mandatory shopping. Shopping must - Ikea. Good for just about everthing, if you know me at all you know my love for Ikea is everlasting. I plan on stocking up on summer outdoor and indoor planters -and ribba frames -

I still haven't gotten around to painting my office grey. When I do, it's going to look lovely. These Ribba frames with random pictures will help complete the room.

I also want to stop by Whyte Ave while I'm in Edmonton - an area of the city I have never been. Althought I have family in Edmonton and have visited many times, I haven't seen much of the city or downtown. I've heard through the grapevine that Whyte Ave is the Osborne Village of Edmonton. I'm hoping to maybe find an antique store or two with handfulls of wonderful. I'll keep you posted!

And because I haven't done anything extra special in my house in the last while, check out these feature photos from people who have - a few of my favorites from design sponge.

I love the map.

Check out the bird cage and colourful mantle. I swoon over the fire. If only...

Slipcovers - the easiest way to modernize your sofa. The plain white looks great against the bright cushions.

Even pinned posters can look organized and neat. All the posters hang from the same horizon and even though they're random, they don't look it.

A spattering of bird ---- paintings. Lovely.

Enjoy easter. xo.

Blog this!

I've spent so much time on design blogs as of late it seems I eat, sleep, and dream them. 

Recent loves include:

Design Sponge

Decor Addict

Decor8

Oddity number 2:

This week I've decided that I may want a career change. I've been so overwhelmed by interiors that I'm thinking it may be a good career. I like looking, judging, admiring. and it's more than just paint and furniture to me. It's function, it's personality. I've recently realize that a persons space can truly help or hinder your day to day.  

Allison Forzley, Interior Designer. Kinda pops. 

Allison Forzley, Creative Writer/Producer. See, that sounds good too. I think it sounds a little more fancy than it really is. One day I'll tell you what I really do. 

I'm just tossing around ideas and starting to look into schools. I found what looks like a fantastic school in Vancouver - the Art Institute of Vancouver. It looks like an exceptional place to study and learn. Not liking the $40,000 price tag however. That's NOT a typo. It's truly ridiculous. 

xo.

Vintage Inspired Art

Turn vintage ads into pretty, framed pieces of art! I found this idea on HGTV but have pondered it for years. I've always been attracted to the lovely, bright artwork from vintage magazines and ads. There's great examples all over the web. There are free versions as well as mid range and options more on the expensive side. The examples above are from All Posters. They've even got a category dedicated to vintage art.

Check out MagazineArt.org for scanned copies of American covers and advertisements from way back when. These can be downloaded for free and printed from your computer. Free is good!

If you have some money to spend and nothing at All Posters is suitable, checkout 20th Century Art eBay store or The Vanity Fair store.

Pick up some inexpensive frames and you're good to go. Enjoy!