Fall Napkin Rings

A quick, easy, DIY project to get you in the fall mood! 

Wooden Napkin Rings for Fall

These vintage wooden napkins were an amazing find on Etsy. Aren't they gorgeous!? I was tempted to abandon my plan of painting the facets because they were so beautiful but I'm glad I followed through because I love the finished product and I think you will too! 

Here are the before pictures:

I love the lighter lines between the facets and the wood tone is so rich and warm!

To get started, I used a small piece of 220 grit sandpaper to gently scuff the surfaces I wanted to paint. After a good wipe-down I started painting the first side of the napkin rings. I chose a light peach and darker coral and did 4 of each color. When those were all dry I flipped them over and did the opposite side of all 8 in gold metallic. These colors are great for fall and will pair beautifully with the other pieces we are making to use for our fall dinner party. (Stay tuned for those posts!) When purchasing or re-making items I really strive to get multi-season use out of things. I'm excited that these will also look great paired with pastels for spring or bright colors for summer picnics. 

All of the paints were acrylic craft paints, but of the three, I had the hardest time with the light peach. This may have been because it was the lightest and, as you can see, the wood is quite dark, but I also think it may have been because it was a satin finish. It showed brush strokes, left ridges even with suuuuper light coats, and it took more coats overall to cover. I think next time I would stick to a more matte finish and add gloss overtop if needed.

Ok, friends--light a fall-scented candle, pour some pumpkin spice coffee, jump over to Etsy to pick out some wooden napkin rings, then choose your colors and get painting! When you're done, pin your pictures to Pinterest and tag 5 O'Clock Design in the comment so we can see your masterpieces!

Geometric Lamp Makeover

See how these lamps went from outdated orange to gorgeous gold, PLUS, how to use your Ikea Expedit shelving as a home office!

We all have those things in our home that we've fallen out of love with. Our style changes, the season changes, or something just isn't functioning well in a space. It can be expensive (and wasteful) to constantly be buying new things, but it's also no fun to feel stuck with things you don't love. This is when I love trying to re-purpose or refresh something I already own. Often this means altering the look with paint, fabric, etc but other times it just means changing where or how I'm using a particular piece. 

These lamps honestly weren't terrible to begin with. I bought them this color on purpose and used them happily for a few years before I grew tired of the bright orange. While I was ready to be done with the color, I still loved the shape and character. So I turned to my beloved gold spray paint to give them a new look.

Here is what they looked like after the second coat of paint. I did not use a primer, just cleaned the lamps well. The paint adhered well and covered nicely. I thought I wanted to seal the lamp and give it a high-gloss look, so I proceeded to apply a few coats of clear spray acrylic. 

This is what it looked like with the clear gloss. ICK! Again, it's really not awful, it just isn't what I was going for. It feels kind of flat and dull.

*A note about the clear gloss--if you decide to use it, don't freak out if it looks cloudy-white going on! I panicked, but as it dried it cleared right up.

So... back for another round of straight gold spray paint and it's perfect again. I love the gold foil look and the subtle character of the finish. 

With the lamps looking so classy, the shades needed a little re-vamp too!

The linen shade was really beautiful and classic, but it looked out of place with the new gold color. It seemed a little casual and there was absolutely no contrast. I taped off the edges so I wouldn't get paint on the white interior and then went crazy with this "Diva Pink" color.

This is the first time I've tried painting a lampshade and I was so nervous I was going to ruin it. I kept meaning to buy an additive that is supposed to turn any paint into fabric paint but never got around to it. Eventually, I decided to just try it! This is just straight acrylic craft paint and it worked beautifully. I applied the paint with a brush and only did one coat so as not too obscure too much light.

And finally, how the lamps worked with my humble home office!

I know, I know, "home office" might seem like a stretch, but since I do a lot of work right at our dining room table, I needed a place to store the things I use most often. We were using sections of this Ikea Expedit shelf as a bar, but once I finished this bar cart project it became kind of a catch-all for books, a few picture frames, and toys. I decided to re-claim it and make it a more functional work space! 

What do you think--hit or miss with the new look for these lamps? Comment below and tell us what you think of their transformation!

Color Crush: Jewel Tones

The last days of summer are slipping through our fingers and autumn is nearly here; what better way to bridge the gap between these two seasons than deep, rich, vibrant jewel tones?! I've rounded up some of my favorite uses of these gorgeous hues to inspire your end-of-summer creativity.

*If you like these pictures as much as I do and want to pin them to pinterest, please be awesome and click on the pictures then pin from the original sources. Thanks!

2. The deep, dark blue of these walls is warm, sultry, and mature. The bright pinks, blues, and reds of the rug provide a cheery, while sophisticated, vibe and the magenta throw pillow pulls it all together.

1. There's just something about a green velvet sofa that gets me ever time. Here it plays well with the myriad of other bright colors and is balanced perfectly by the green art and white walls. 

 

4. If you're still feeling a little shy about this color palate, try getting your feet wet by starting with a single piece of furniture. Pick your paint, add a little brass hardware, and voila! You're part of the awesome club! 

3. I know this post is about jewel tones, but let's talk for a minute about how nicely they pair with rich, warm, wood tones. These emerald lamps with this credenza are classy, elegant, and fun all at the same time. 

6. Jewel tones aren't just for your walls and furnishings, folks! This stunning table would be perfect for a summer/fall wedding or even a glamorous backyard picnic. I really appreciate that even the dishes play an active role in the color harmony happening here. 

5. I love how this furniture looks paired with the pastel blue wall. It is the perfect blend of warmth and lightness. Details such as the artwork, stained glass, and plants, reinforce the color palate and motif beautifully. 

 

So there you have it--wouldn't you agree that these colors kind of rock? I'm definitely feeling inspired to look for ways to incorporate more of these hues into my home! Comment below and share where your favorite places to use jewel tones are!

 

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Back to School Shopping: Shop For a Cause

It's time for back to school shopping and even if you aren't actually headed back to classes this fall, it is the perfect time to pick up one of these amazing pieces. The thing I love about buying from these organizations is that, in addition to treating yourself (or someone else!) to a little present, you are supporting an amazing cause. Here, your purchase makes a difference--YOU make a difference!

Whatever this fall has in store for you: classes, work, travel, or loving on little ones, do it in style and make a difference in the lives of others at the same time. 

 

FashionAble

“At FASHIONABLE, we believe our role is to INVEST IN A WOMAN. When a woman is empowered with work to do, whether in the home or in an office, she not only experiences the joy and satisfaction of developing a skill, she also creates change in those around her. FASHIONABLE’s role in this story is working with women, both locally and globally, who have overcome challenges ranging from prostitution to addiction to a lack of opportunity. Every one of us understands what it means to overcome, and we are all ABLE to find purpose in the work we do.”
— livefashionable.com

Better Life Bags

“Our mission is to hire women who have various barriers to employment to make our custom leather and fabric bags. They are adopted into our Better Life family and given a chance to succeed in life, family, and friendship... We really believe we have created a unique business that brings together YOUR design efforts with tangible needs in our community of Detroit, Michigan. Every bag we sell means more women that we can hire! ”
— betterlifebags.com

Ophelia's Place

“Our mission is to redefine beauty and health by empowering individuals, families, and communities impacted by eating disorders, disordered eating, and body dissatisfaction. Our Vision is to change culture and to empower individuals, families, and communities to embrace health, beauty, and happiness. The message of body celebration applies to every body, which means every person, of every shape and size.”
— opheliasplace.org

Sneak Peek: Learn and Grow Nursery

Rather than soft, subtle, and sweet, this nursery rocks out the bright, bold colors and geometric forms. It is an amazing space for little ones to grow up in, and it will easily grow with them through toddlerhood and beyond.  Playful, imaginative, adventurous... Baby Milne, your momma and daddy are going to have such fun with you in this space! 

Nursery Design Board // bold, primary colors: red, blue, yellow and green // modern geometric shapes

1 – DIY Magnetic Wall
This brilliant DIY will provide hours of fun as your wee one grows! It also creates a bright and inspiring statement wall. For additional play opportunities, paint all or part of the wall with chalkboard paint!

2 – Red Cube Shelves
The geometric shape and cubby depth add visual interest and reinforce a creative, imaginative vibe. Because of the depth, be sure to hang these in an area where you won’t bump your head on them! These are a bit of a splurge, but they are something that will work wonderfully in your child’s room for years to come. A less expensive option would be to use Ikea spice racks, paint them a bright cherry red, and use them to hold books as shown here.

3 – Wooden Bead Maze
There are some classic toys that every child needs—this is one of them!  

4 – ABC Wall Art
This unique, handcrafted piece is truly a work of art! Playful letters in bright green are a cheery introduction to the alphabet. If used over baby’s crib, be sure it is securely fastened to the wall and out of arm’s reach.

5 – Curtain Fabric
Simple green triangles make a big impact on this simple, but gorgeous fabric! The scale of the print is the perfect balance of readable, but not loud. Use white fabric to line the back of curtains for a polished look and to filter more sunlight. Hang curtain rods halfway between the top of the window trim and the ceiling.

6 – Wall Paint Color
“Icy Blue” is the name of this wonderful wall color by Benjamin Moore. This paint can be purchased online or from a Benjamin Moore retailer near you. (Color code is: 2057-70)

7 – Handcrafted Wooden Mobile
This adorable, handcrafted mobile is available for purchase on Etsy, or use as inspiration for your own DIY version!

8 – Crib
The clean, modern lines of this crib compliment this nursery aesthetic perfectly. The drawers underneath provide extra storage (always a bonus!) and the mattress can be set a three different heights meaning this bed can change to accommodate your wee one as they grow.

9 – Canvas Bins
These yellow canvas bins are a great place to store toys, blankets, and many other things. As baby learns to crawl and begins to explore their room, you can rest assured they’ll be safe digging through these with their soft sides! This style bin can also often be often found at your local TJMaxx or Marshalls in varying prints and sizes. 

10 –  Overlapping Triangles Throw Pillow
This bright throw pillow reinforces the green triangles from the curtain material and is the perfect size to tuck behind your back or under your arm while rocking baby.

11 – Yellow Triangle Pillows (set of two)
Use in addition to, or as an alternative to the pillow listed above. I personally feel you can never have to many throw pillows!

12 – Rocking Horse
Another classic toy, this rocking horse is a darling toy for hours of imaginative play.

13– Red Table Lamp
Whether reading stories before bed, or feeding the wee one in the middle of the night, it’s nice to have a small light nearby. The cherry red is a gorgeous pop of color that ties to other red elements in the room. 

14 – Ikea Poang Chair and Custom Cover
The Poang chair offers a comfortable rocking motion and is less expensive than many traditional gliders. The custom cover is simply a gorgeous addition to the room!

15 – Yellow Spindle Side Table
This great little side table is the perfect place for a lamp, pacifier, and anything else you need close at hand while rocking your little one. The spindle feature of the table adds a great textural element to the room. This is also a great place for a DIY project if you have a small side table you would like to use instead. 

16 – Animal World Map
This beautiful art print is a one-of-a-kind piece that provides vibrant color and content that is sure to inspire many conversations about this great big world we live in!

Like this style for your little one? Check out these DIY architectural building blocks too!