PhotoImage:Minus-Tio
Bootcamp IV wrapped up right on time yesterday. Words can’t express the sense of accomplishment that comes with teaching people new skills, let alone the fun of getting to know them. Upholstering, talking, laughing, eating and concentrating for three solid days takes it out of you, but in a good way.
Exhilarating and tiring, like any event you plan, when it’s over, there’s a letdown.
Now that I’ve completed my fourth 3 Day Upholstery Bootcamp, I know what to expect on the Monday after. Since Bootcamp 1, I now know how to counteract the slump; I have to stop, relax and refill the creative tank with fresh squeezed inspiration.
But how? By soaking up fresh ideas anywhere I can find them. A movie, a book, a trip to the art museum; they all do the trick.
This morning, I started out the day looking a Swaroski crystal nailhead upholstery tacks and ended up on the minus-tio website. (You couldn’t even plan that trip!) Pinterest can help, and Google Images points to some satisfying visuals.
Being introduced to new design images also helps.
PhotoImage:Minus-Tio
Here’s what brought me back to the land of the living this morning: Svensson/Wingard designs, now sold through minus-tio. The pieces are simple, functional and can stand their ground in any space. I love the subtle simplicity of a thin band of bright color against a neutral.
PhotoImage:Minus-Tio
Here, LESS IS DEFINITELY MORE. Contrary to what most people think, keeping things simple can be the hardest thing to do. When designing, it’s hard to know when to stop. You almost need to invite in the voice of reason to just scream in you face, “That’s Enough!”.
PhotoImage:Minus-Tio
As I was falling in love with the Scandinavian pieces, I began doing a quick mental scan of my furniture inventory and came up with these two pieces with which I’m going to get busy and try to create “the look”. It won’t be exact, it may flop, but they also may turn out to be spectacularly budget friendly DIY versions of the inspiring originals. There’s rarely a piece I ever want to copy exactly, but seeing certain bits help to spark new ideas. Afterall, the whole point to DIY-ing anything is to give it your own signature.
And, lastly, this side table that started out as a candle column and wooden tray.
It can’t get any worse.
One last thought; as much as I covet sparse interiors, it’s the hardest thing in the world for me to execute in my own home. I’d like to blame Mr. Mod, but I’m not sure he’s the culprit. I may have to face the possibility that as much as I despise clutter, I also facilitate it.
Wow! That’s one for a therapist to untangle.
The good news is that the creative tank has been refilled, refueled and stabilized.
Tags: creativity, design, diy, furniture, how-to, scandinavian design
