I XOXO CLEVERNESS: 5 Cool DIY Ideas from Atlanta Gift Market

As I strolled the floors of AmericasMart at the recent Atlanta Gift Show, I spied several clever DIY ideas. Whether for sale or just for show, these DIY projects and furnishings used recycled or re-purposed elements. Since I am not a clever DIY-er, but merely an observer of what's good, stylish, and blogworthy, I will not be supplying instruction. This is purely inspiration.

1. CRAYON PEACE SIGN

 is one DIY project I believe I could actually do with a glue gun, board, and a lotta crayons.

(by Mike Farrell, as part of a rotating exhibit called Blue Home)

2. SHUTTER SHELVES

enable you to display cool stuff while adding architectural interest.

(at Aidan Gray Home in JDouglas )

3. SOUVENIR LAMP

allows you to stow/see the mementos -- corks, shells, spools, a weird doll -- you've been collecting, plus it comes with a nice linen shade.

(from Regina Andrew )

4. THE GARBAGE FLOWERS KIT

enables the pack rat to become a floral designer

(@ Sugoi Group)

5.  THE RULER CHANDELIER

simply rules immeasurably.

(from Go Home)

VIVID COLOR AT THE ATLANTA GIFT SHOW

Retracing a smidge of the 7 million sq. ft. AmericasMart, 

here are 20 instances of eye-popping color. 

all photos taken by me

Top: 

Stray Dog's embroidered shade; French Bull melamine cake plate and server; 

belt buckle by Princess and Butch; leather chair by Global Views; E. Lawrence books

2nd Row:

Tweet Tweet HomeDIY bird feeder; Design Legacy floral pillow; Kalalou's twig deer; 

Eames House of Cards mug from Aesthetic Movement showroom; striped shoes from Eliza B.

3rd Row:

necklace from Yellow Owl Studio; turquoise ottoman from Arteriors; Company C wool rug; 

TAG floral plate; Pip Studio rectangular bolster

Bottom:

Bike baskets from Nantucket Bike Basket; Michele Keeler Turkish towel thru Karen Alweil Studio; embroidered runners that each take 15 days to make from Gold Leaf Design; gravel and rocks from Accent Decor; wool felt wreath from Cody Foster

Every now and again, 

I wonder what it would be like to live in a white house. 

But I know I never could.

p.s. for more info, google any of the companies

I Am Self-Published

the cover of my first book features painted popsicle sticks

A few hours ago, I joined my desire to write a book with my XOXO of photography and self-published a soft-bound publication through Lulu Press. It is being printed as I write this blog! My 21-page photo book measures 5 1/4" by 3 1/2" and has about 150 words and17 original photographs. I called it "The Colorful Counting Book." It is not destined for adult book clubs, but rather may feel more welcome slipped into a purse before setting out on a cross-town bus with a toddler.

"13 silver shoes" did not make the cut because I felt my niece wouldn't relate to the old styles

Putting it together was fairly easy considering that I was totally winging it as I uploaded from my vast bank of photos and dragged them onto the pages. I knew that I wanted to make a unique book for my 2 1/2 year old niece. Tired of predictable imagery and licensed characters found in many children's books, I used photos taken from travels, flea markets, and numerous saunters down the aisles of antique malls. Beyond counting things and identifying colors, I chose photos that can easily spur other conversations and motivate your toddler's imagination.

Conversely, "4 feet" did make the cut.

Self-published books are creative and thoughtful gifts. They can also be moneymakers. I did not make this book with the intention of selling it, although a Lulu rep, featured on "The Balancing Act" on Lifetime Television, spoke about a woman who self-published a cookbook on the site and sold quite a number of them. If sales happen for this book, well...that'd be a nice surprise. But i want to preview it, hold it in my hands, and judge the quality before I promote it.

I will have an update on "The Colorful Counting Book" on the 26th.

I have a feeling this could be the start of something addictive.