On Choosing Stone Remnants

I'm so excited - today our fireplace will be finished!! Early this morning the stone fabricator will install the limestone I chose for the fireplace surround and later in the day I'll help Jason hang the TV in the recently painted black millwork. I think we're going to install the <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2011/04/gossip-girl-sconces.html" target="_blank">Gossip Girl sconces</a> today as well.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo fddDSC_0522.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/fddDSC_0522.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />I found a really interesting piece of stone remnant for the surround area, for (comparatively) almost nothing!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_9029.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/IMG_9029.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><a name="more"></a>If you're buying stone, the general rule is you'll be buying full slabs from a slab yard. The slabs are priced by the square foot usually and most slabs are around 50 or 60 square feet. $10/sq foot is about as low as you'll find for pricing. Some of the stones that are prettiest to me are priced more than $50/sq foot, which adds up fast for a kitchen application where you'd probably need several slabs.<br /><br />Often the slab yard will only give pricing to a stone fabricator, so usually you shop for slabs by yourself, taking note of your favorites, and then have your fabricator call in for pricing later. Sometimes you can beg the slab yard salesperson and they'll give you a ballpark number without your fabricator present. Clearance pricing is usually posted on the slab.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_7659.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/IMG_7659.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />I went to a few different slab yards a couple weeks ago, shopping for my dream kitchen and for remnants for our fireplace surround. I found this really lovely black granite at Arizona Tile, but the slab was going to cost me about $600 and I only needed about 15% of the slab for our fireplace. What I loved the most about this piece was the texture and the variations of dark colors. I decided to keep looking and asked to see their remnants area.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_7661.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/IMG_7661.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />There usually isn't much of anything in the way of remnants at a slab yard though because they don't cut stone at most yards. Sometimes they'll have a small section with broken slabs though, so it's worth checking out. Your best bet if you want an inexpensive, small remnant piece, is to call around to stone fabricators and ask them if they sell their remnants.<br /><br />I found a pretty great selection of remnants at Allpride Granite and Marble fabricators. I was immediately drawn to this black fossil shell limestone. It had a similar textural quality to the meteorus granite I was loving before.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_9036.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/IMG_9036.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />They sold me the half slab for $75! Such a deal. I had them cut it to size and in the morning they're going to install the pieces around the firebox. I can't wait to see how it finishes the who look of the fireplace! I'll be sure to post an update here soon, and on <a href="http://instagram.com/jennykomenda" target="_blank">Instagram</a> in real time in case you want to follow along. :)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_9032.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/IMG_9032.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><center></center><br />I'm so curious - have you been shopping for natural stone lately? What's catching your eye, and was it priced anywhere near the $50/sq ft mark I seem to keep getting quoted? :)

On Choosing Stone Remnants

I'm so excited - today our fireplace will be finished!! Early this morning the stone fabricator will install the limestone I chose for t...

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Spray Painted Jewelry Box

<center></center>I love it when a little spray paint can breathe new life into a old piece of furniture or decor!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo wwDSC_0471.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/wwDSC_0471.jpg" /></div><br />I found this beat up vintage jewelry box on eBay for almost nothing (I think it was $10 with free shipping - or something ridiculous). I bought it mostly for the hardware. Isn't that brass beautiful?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_7979.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/IMG_7979.jpg" /></div><br />The wood was shabby looking though and the brass sort of got lost against the stain color.<br /><a name="more"></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo qIMG_7983.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/qIMG_7983.jpg" /></div><br />I've been <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/10/lavender-sofa-inspiration.html" target="_blank">so drawn to purples lately</a>, especially shades of lilac. (<a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2010/10/inspiration-thursday-big-art.html" target="_blank">This room</a> is still a favorite) I found a really beautiful color of spray paint from Rustoleum called French Lilac.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo wIMG_8014.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/wIMG_8014.jpg" /></div><br />I gently pried off the brass hardware, lightly sanded the wood down and gave the box a few light coats of the lilac spray paint. The color only came in satin finish, which was a little more flat than I wanted here.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_8085.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/IMG_8085.jpg" /></div><br />I used a high-gloss spray lacquer on top to make the lilac nice and glossy.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_8088.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/IMG_8088.jpg" /></div><br />It took about a full day for the lacquer to fully dry, but once it was ready, I added the hardware back on.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo kDSC_0550.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/kDSC_0550.jpg" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo wDSC_0546.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/wDSC_0546.jpg" /></div><br /><center></center>I love the way the brass looks on the lilac and the way the lilac looks against the gray wardrobe.<br /><center></center><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo wDSC_0459.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2013/wDSC_0459.jpg" /></div><br />Also, a little PSA on the Nate Berkus tray: Basically this whole line was on clearance at my local Target yesterday! I bought the lamp and a second tray.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_7947.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/IMG_7947.jpg" /></div><br />I'm pretty sure the trays are just resin, but they look and feel a lot like stone. They're so cool and just about the perfect size for any surface.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0565.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/DSC_0565.jpg" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo wqDSC_0562.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/wqDSC_0562.jpg" /></div><br />How was your weekend? I have been travelling for about a month straight now and I am wiped out! We're up at my parents house right now, which is much, much more relaxing than the past few trips I've been on for work, but I'm pretty ready to get home and get back to real life. :)

Spray Painted Jewelry Box

I love it when a little spray paint can breathe new life into a old piece of furniture or decor! I found this beat up vintage jewelry box on...

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DIY Blue Opaline Glass

<center></center><center></center>I love all milk glass, but blue French opaline is my favorite. The color is so dreamy and looks beautiful in just about every space.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DIYBLUEOPALINEcopy.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2013/DIYBLUEOPALINEcopy.jpg" /></div><br />I've collected a few pieces here and there (<a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2011/04/how-to-shelf-styling.html" target="_blank">this one</a> and <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2008/05/home-again-home-again.html" target="_blank">this one</a> and even<a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2012/07/diy-agate-trash-bin.html" target="_blank"> this little one</a> on my desk are still favorites), but opaline is so dang expensive! I drool over collections like these below from <a href="http://www.eddieross.com/eddie_ross/2010/06/modern-mix.html" target="_blank">Eddie Ross</a> and the home of the owner of Juicy Couture.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo eddierossopaline6a00e55391c48e88330133f040d73a970b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2013/eddierossopaline6a00e55391c48e88330133f040d73a970b.jpg" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo juicycouturehome.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2013/juicycouturehome.jpg" /></div><br />I decided to try my hand at recreating the look with a little spray paint for <a href="http://domino.com/an-ode-to-the-pax" target="_blank">my wardrobe</a> vanity's jewelry drawer.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo wDSC_0568-1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2013/wDSC_0568-1.jpg" /></div><a name="more"></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>I went to Goodwill and picked up an assortment of clear glass dishes for about 50 cents each. I tried to get a good mix of shapes, sizes and patterns in the glass. Some of these are butter dishes, there are a lot of saucers and little bowls and even a few ashtrays.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_8077.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2013/IMG_8077.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I spray painted just the backs of the dishes. I couldn't use a primer because that's all you would have seen from the front, but the bright blue oil-based enamel spray paint from Rustoleum that I used probably didn't need a primer anyway. I just made sure to wash the glassware really well first, so there was no dirt or grime to prevent the paint from sticking evenly to the dishes.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_8081-1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2013/IMG_8081-1.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The trick is to not coat the glassware too heavily, so that lots of light still shines through the sides of the glass. A couple of light and even coats will work perfectly.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_8170.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2013/IMG_8170.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If you have any drips inside the dishes, you can scratch them off with a razor blade. You want a crisp edge between the paint and the inner glass surface.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo qDSC_0591-1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2013/qDSC_0591-1.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I use the dishes for holding the earrings I wear the most often. There's also a dish for safety pins and a pair of my glasses.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo wDSC_0619.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2013/wDSC_0619.jpg" /></div><br />The ashtrays actually work the best for separating stud earrings and the little bowls with rims are perfect for hanging drop earrings with hooks.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo qqDSC_0611-1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2013/qqDSC_0611-1.jpg" /></div><br />I love seeing the "opaline" dishes peeking out from the vanity drawer. The color is so pretty!<br /><center></center><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo wDSC_0462.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2013/wDSC_0462.jpg" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo qDSC_0595.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2013/qDSC_0595.jpg" /></div>

DIY Blue Opaline Glass

I love all milk glass, but blue French opaline is my favorite. The color is so dreamy and looks beautiful in just about every space. I'v...

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Faux-Iron Painted Bust

I've long been a fan of using classical busts in decor. Remember this oldie from Blueprint?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo blueprint-1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2013/blueprint-1.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />My favorite place to use busts is in a bathroom or a bedroom, for jewelry and accessory storage. How cool does this side table in Lulu Powers' home look with the bust styled with her dad's old hat? Love.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo lulubustwithhat.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2013/lulubustwithhat.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />I wanted to use a bust in <a href="http://domino.com/an-ode-to-the-pax" target="_blank">my little vanity area</a> and I stumbled across this one at Homegoods for about $7. The size and subject were perfect (her hair!), but the antiqued resin finish wasn't what I was after.<br /><br /><center></center><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_8163.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2013/IMG_8163.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><a name="more"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A few weeks before I had purchased some of this iron faux finish at Michaels, just on a whim (they had a few in the clearance section for $2 - how could I resist?). I've seen this paint line carried at hardware stores too and they have tons of cool finishes. Their gold is pretty good.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_7852.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2013/IMG_7852.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I was a little nervous, brushing on the first coat. The paint is super watery and just sort of looked like cheap black paint. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_8166.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2013/IMG_8166.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">But I forged ahead and two coats later I was left with a really cool, chalky charcoal gray that actually looked quite a bit like iron. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_8268.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2013/IMG_8268.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The girls helped me paint the bust and decided to name her Betty, so that's good? I pulled out Beethoven from my stash to give Betty a little company.</div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo qDSC_0539.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2013/qDSC_0539.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's nice to have a place to toss a necklace down at the end of the day when I'm feeling too lazy to find its spot on the hanging rack (yes, I'm that lazy).</div></div><img alt=" photo wDSC_0462.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2013/wDSC_0462.jpg" /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo wDSC_0459.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2013/wDSC_0459.jpg" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0524.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2013/DSC_0524.jpg" /></div>

Faux-Iron Painted Bust

I've long been a fan of using classical busts in decor. Remember this oldie from Blueprint? My favorite place to use busts is in a bathr...

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DIY Jewelry Drawer Liner

I was in New York last week and stopped by the Chelsea Flea for an hour or two of browsing. I couldn't take any furniture home with me like old times, but I picked up a few fun pieces of jewelry (<a href="http://instagram.com/p/f8zQcUwW5j/" target="_blank">this one was my favorite find</a>). I was excited about getting to wear my new jewelry, but admittedly I might have been equally as excited about getting home and just putting the jewelry away. :)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DIYJEWELRYDRAWER.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2013/DIYJEWELRYDRAWER.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />When I <a href="http://domino.com/an-ode-to-the-pax" target="_blank">spruced up the Pax wardrobes</a> for our bedroom recently, I came up with a few jewelry storage DIYs that have completely changed the way I accessorize while getting dressed. After years of cramming all of my jewelry into one unorganized box, I finally have a place for everything!<br /><br />Every day this week I've got a different jewelry storage project to share with you, and first up is a few tips on how to make a functional jewelry drawer (with a liner!) in your dresser. Here's the how-to...<br /><a name="more"></a><br />I've written before about wanting a jewelry armoire (this one was <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2010/07/lonny-jewelry-armoire.html" target="_blank">so pretty</a>!), but why forfeit the floor real estate? I gave up the top drawer of my wardrobe dresser for jewelry and it's so nice to have a place that's both out of sight but easily accessible and organized.<br /><center></center><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo qDSC_0665.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2013/qDSC_0665.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo wDSC_0619.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2013/wDSC_0619.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's important to line a jewelry drawer with felt or velvet to help all the jewelry and storage containers stay in place when you pull out and shut the drawer.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_8271.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2013/IMG_8271.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I wanted my liner to be a similar color to the wardrobe so I found a scrap remnant in my fabric stash of this teal silk velvet. I also used the IKEA box that the drawer pieces came in because I knew it would be just about the perfect size to fit inside the drawer bottom. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_8275.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2013/IMG_8275.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>I cut it down just a bit, to be around an eighth of an inch short on both sides (this makes a little room for the velvet).<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo wIMG_8277.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2013/wIMG_8277.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Then I used my beloved Fabritac to sort of upholster the piece of cardboard.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_8279.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2013/IMG_8279.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I pulled the edges tight enough that there was no need to glue in the center area of the cardboard.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo wIMG_8283.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2013/wIMG_8283.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's so hard to get wrinkles out of velvet! Thankfully the wrinkles let up naturally after a day or two of being pulled flat.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo aIMG_8288.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2013/aIMG_8288.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The upholstered cardboard just slips into the drawer and sits at the bottom. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo QDSC_0599.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2013/QDSC_0599.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The velvet makes it so I can lay out some of my most frequently worn bracelets and bangles and they don't slide around at all.  </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo QDSC_0608.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2013/QDSC_0608.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I also added a few little containers for storing some of my earrings and rings (the black and white ring tray was a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002HIC0QU/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002HIC0QU&linkCode=as2&tag=littgreenote-20">$10 Amazon find</a> and the others were mostly from a thrift store).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo wDSC_0596.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2013/wDSC_0596.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm loving having a jewelry drawer in my wardrobe dresser! I've been wearing more and different pieces of jewelry lately because it's so much easier to see what I have now that it's all laid out for me. </div>

DIY Jewelry Drawer Liner

I was in New York last week and stopped by the Chelsea Flea for an hour or two of browsing. I couldn't take any furniture home with me l...

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