So I go to a major craft store wanting some big outdoor bows made……and they quote me $25 per bow!  OUCH!  Now I knew I could make them before approaching them but just wanted to see how much they would charge…..$25 is a bit ridiculous don’t you think!

While at the same store, I purchased 6 rolls of 2.5 inch ribbon at a discounted price to make 9 large ribbons—the total cost of purchase—about $25!    That’s less than $3 per bow (plus I have extra ribbon left over for another project)!   PS these take about 5 to 10 minutes to make depending upon how fast you work!

Making these ribbons is so easy and fun!  Simply decide how big or small you want your ribbons then make:

• 3 large loops
• 2 medium loops
• 1 small loop (center)
• 1 long tail—-my tails were approximately 5 feet long
• Supplies include scissors, stapler, craft wire and wire cutter

Yes—it’s just that easy because all you do is staple each group of  loops in the center, then fold each loop 3x and secure center of the loops with wire!  Repeat with each size loop and tail.

Now the outside of my house is ready to welcome all my holiday guests! 

Stay inspired and happy holidays!  www.KathyPeterson.com

Here’s another stencil I designed called the Vine. These stencils are so easy and fun to work with. I really like the white vines on the blue which gives it a light and airy look.

This stencil was inspired by the fluer de lis and thus I called it Fleur. And I love the way it frames the bathtub using metalic paint on white walls.

And here’s the Vine stencil again except this time, metalic paint against the dark brown walls really makes this small space look and feel so sophisticated.

For more info on my new stencil collection please visit www.cuttingedgestencils.com/kathy-peterson-inspired.htlm

Stay inspired! www.KathyPeterson.com

It’s finally here! My new Kathy Peterson Inspired Home Decor Stencil Collection. Today I’m featuring my “LATTICE” stencil and I love the look. It works well in any decor and appeals both the guys and girls. Not too frilly and not too masculine!

Because the stencil is large (about 2ftx2ft) you can cover a lot of space in no time. This wall makeover would take less than an hour using a roller and a tad longer if you used a stencil brush.

Stay inspired! www.KathyPeterson.com

Here a quick and easy way to customize a tote bag just in time for Mothers Day.   I used both the large and small  lattice designs from  my new stencil collection to create a fun look.  You can purchase canvas bags like these at your local craft store as well as 2 bottles of craft paint.   For a little more embellishment, I painted little stitch marks on the larger scale stencil design.

Stay inspired!  www.KathyPeterson.com

Here’s a fun idea I came up with!   “Nest” your plate in some raffia for a festive holiday table setting.  This could easliy be changed out for any season or occasion!  Enjoy the holidays!

Stay inspired!   www.KathyPeterson.com

Many people often ask me where I get my color inspirations from and honestly it’s different every time.  You see, I get inspired by color itself!  And when I found this thrift store find—an original water color by artist Margaret Hoybach from the early 70′s—I knew this would be my color guide for my next big makeover.

Yep, I’m gearing up to remake a late 60′s home that needs a lot of color inspiration!

The fun part of this project is also one of the more difficult in the design process.  When you’re working with specific colors, the fabric shops don’t always have what exactly what you need. 

However, after shopping around 3 fabric stores, I hit the jack pot!  This water color painting, and five fabric choices will be used to remake a guest bedroom right off of the den.  The walls will be painted white with one blue accent wall to frame the artwork.  Lots of sewing on this project will be needed.  I”ll be making drapes, pillows and hand decorating lampshades but I’m really looking forward to this project.  In about a month or two from now, I’ll be showing you the before and after shots. 

PAINTED FURNITURE: 

I’ll probably combine both the blue and green paint onto furniture and other accessories as well and maybe–just maybe I’ll sneak in a little bit of yellow too.

Be sure to come back and visit my blog again  to see room # 2 of this 9 room color inspired design project!

Stay Inspired

www.KathyPeterson.com

Three Geni’s in a bottle say Live Love Laugh!  This is one of my favorite photos displayed in a candy jar and it says  so many words!

With that “said”  I’m pleased to announce that I’m part of the Duetica Design Team.  Duetica you say?  Yes, Duetica—it’s a delicious new FONT system that allows you to say it in so many way!  The font system is very easy to use but what I LOVE about it is that you can alter the fonts with all sorts of swirls or not!

Here’s just one example of how you can alter Duetica’s font. This one is Mandolyn 1 but you can see how you can vary the look to customize everything from scrapbook pages, party favors, home decor, and so much more!  Oh and there are plenty of other style choose from too… From funky to fancy!

So let the party begin!  This system is so easy and fun to use–and it’s very affordable!  Now be sure to check it out at www.Duetica.com and test drive this fab find today!  And get your craft on!

Stay inspired!  www.KathyPeterson.com

Last week I was in Novi, Michigan (Detroit area) guest speaking about creativity at the Michigan International Show!  I stopped by the Flip-Pal booth to say hello—and boy did we have fun.  Jill Evan’s, a fellow designer friend are now Flip-Pal friends forever! 

Then after a long day of speaking,  I bumped into Miss United States Jessica Black.  Jessica was just the sweetest person and as she was MC  for the Ms. Michigan Pageant she gave me a very heart felt intro for being one of the judges at the event!  Plus she stopped by the Flip-Pal booth for a quick photo op!

You meet a lot of fun people when you make scans with the Flip-Pal mobile scanner—here I am with the Fireside Coffee man!

You can scan anything your heart desires!  What fun!   wooo-whooo!

It’s a great day when you get to chat with Pat Sloan on her Creative Talk Network Radio show!  Chime in at about 4:25 today EST Monday January 31st.  Just click on this link to listen live  http://toginet.com/shows/creativetalkradio  Pat also archives all her shows so if you miss it be sure to come back later and listen in.

I’ll be talking with Pat about all things creative!  Join me won’t you!  Oh and be sure to check out Pat’s site at www.PatSloan.com

Kathy Peterson Inspired   www.KathyPeterson.com

On location in Ft. Lauderdale for the DESIGNING SPACES TV SHOW with my producer Carl!  This was the most fun day of TV.  We laughed and the day just flew by.  In the background:  the adorable show host Rhonda with Howard the  TV camera guy looking at pictures they just took.  I think Dino is hiding in the shawdows.

Working hard–going over last minute script notes on the next set-up.  And boy it was cold in Ft. Lauderdale that day!

Roll-tape!  Here we are in action talking about the fabulous Ansell Cut Protection gloves.  These gloves are just awsome and fit so nice too!  Gee I hope I didn’t split my pants in this shot!  (just kidding but the mic did pick up my creaky bones!)