Category Archives: etc.

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DIY Metal Bead Necklace

November 14, 2014

I walk through Anthropologie and drool over their amazing necklaces. They are big, bold and unique, but their price tags are beyond my budget.  So, DIYing it is one way I can get one of a kind pieces.  I recently came across these fun metal mesh beads at Joann Fabrics and I knew they would make a great statement piece.
This is the simplest necklace to make.  You’ll need one package of the metal beads and about 2 yards of wide sturdy ribbon.  The supplies cost me under $8, that’s a reasonably priced necklace.  
Start by tying a not in the middle of the ribbon and then string one bead on either side of that knot. 
Then tie knots on either side of those beads and then add two more beads.  
And repeat the steps from above until all six beads are secured with knots.  Finally, decide on the length of you necklace and tie a simple knot to close the necklace.  Pretty dang easy, right? 

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Oleander and Palm will be at the Rose Bowl Flea Market

November 7, 2014

Yep, for the first time ever, I’m going to be selling at the Pasadena Rose Bowl Flea Market.  I’ve been a long time shopper there and have always wanted to try selling.  So, my youngest brother, Joash and I have teamed up on this adventure.  He’s been making some amazing furniture, mostly from reclaimed and found materials and I’ve got years of thrifting thursday treasures stored up.  We’re bringing Riley, our vintage trailer.  So, stop by and you can chill in our trailer for a few minutes.

I shared some of the projects I have been working on on instagram today. But, here’s a few of the chairs that got makeovers and repairs.

If you are in the LA area, I hope to see you there.  We’ll be on aisle G, look for Riley!!!

DIY / etc.

DIY Ombre Give Thanks Banner

November 6, 2014

Good bye Halloween, hello Thanksgiving.  Oh boy you guys, I had fun with my favorite spray paint (Design Master) making this DIY.  This turned out just how I had imagined it (which is not always the case).  And even though it has a simple Thanksgiving message on it, I may keep it up all year.  This has the look and feel of popular dip-dye effects, but without the mess and hassle of dying fabric.

Here’s what you’ll need:
  • a cotton fabric banner
  • wooden dowel
  • Design Master colortool spray paint in 3 shades of one color (I used Moss Green, Basil and Praire Grass) and gold for painting the dowel. 
  • Large letter stickers (I bought these at Hobby Lobby)
  • String or yarn for hanging the banner

Start by picking a color that you are going to work with, then find 3 shades of that color to create your ombre effect.  
For the banner I cut two 22 inch squares of unbleached muslin fabric.  Then I measured from the bottom up 5 inches, and drew a line from the center to the 5 inch mark for the angled edges on the bottom of the banner.  Then I simply sewed the two pieces together and then turned it right side out.  Iron the banner nice and flat.  Then turn the top edge down an inch and iron that in place.  Sew a single line along the top to make a tube for the dowel to fit into.  (If you don’t sew, you could definitely just leave the edges raw and hot glue the dowel sleeve down.  It would be a more rustic look, but still very pretty.)
Now apply your letter stickers to the front of the banner where you’d like the ‘give thanks’ to appear.
Working outside on a drop cloth on cardboard, play with you colors a bit and practice layering the colors.  Design Master paint works so well for this technique because it sprays a light, even coat that can be layered to create less opacity.  
Start with the darkest color first.  Spray about 1/3 of the way up the banner.  Spray horizontally from left to right.  Layer more paint towards the bottom of the banner.
Now add the middle shade.  Be sure to overlap the darkest color just a bit.  Again, layer the paint so that the color is darkest at the bottom and you leave the top very faint.
Apply the lightest color last.  As before, be sure to overlap the lightest color with the middle shade to achieve a nice blending affect. 
Here’s the cool part, Design Master paint takes only 5 minutes to dry between coats.  So, you don’t have to wait too long before you can remove the letter stickers and reveal your Give Thanks message.  I’m so pleased with how crisp and clear the letter turned out.
Paint your dowel ends metallic gold or an unexpected splash of color and side it into the tube you made at the top.
Be sure to check out the DIY Faux Copper Vase I made with Design Master Copper paint as well. 
I buy my Design Master paints and my local Michaels and Joann Fabrics. Design Master paints can paint the most delicate of surfaces, such as silk and fresh flowers, fabric, ribbon, tulle, lace, paper, foam board and Stryrofoam TO the sturdy hard surfaces such as wood, metal, masonry, terra cotta, ceramics and plaster. Design Master is a great resource for products and ideas.  Be sure to check out all the craft and project ideas on their blog.  

This post is sponsored by Design Master. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make this blog possible. 

DIY / etc.

Famous Paintings Halloween Costumes

November 5, 2014

Oh man, I’m so pleased with this year’s Halloween costumes.  Every year, I HAVE to dress my kids in costumes that go together.  Folks always ask, “How do you get your kids to agree to this every year?”.  The truth is, they don’t have a choice.  It’s a given that their costume have to go together.  I’m a mean mom, but I’m also the one making their costumes every year.  The truth is, they love it and I think it will be fun thing for them to look back on.

We start talking about Halloween costumes months in advance.  I’m not sure who came up with this idea, but it was a good one.  It didn’t require a lot of sewing, just gathering and hunting down bits and pieces to make each painting. Surprisingly, the frames were the hardest part of the costume. But, after hitting a few thrift stores and an antique mall, I found 3 that would work.  I gave them a quick coat of gold spray paint and Lonnie made little labels for each of the frames (that was his contribution to the costumes).

Olivia kind of stole the show as Frida Kahlo.  Going from her super blond hair to black was very dramatic.  She took Halloween very serious this year and was all about holding her frame up every time she said trick or treat.  The dress we had already, it was Denali’s when she was a toddler, we bought it in Baja Mexico.  I put one of my scarves around her shoulders and glued and wired a bunch of huge felt flowers to a head band.

Denali’s Mona Lisa costume was the easiest.  We found a beautiful vintage gown at a store downtown for $20 and she wore one of my black scarves around her shoulders.  We sprayed some black hair spray into her hair as well to match the original look as close as possible.

Dylan played an excellent Vincent Van Gogh, he kept the pose just right all evening.  I painted his face in small strokes to give the effect of an impressionist painting.  We wrapped his ear with gauze, and he wore my wool coat and his grandpa’s hat.  The pipe I found at Party City.

I hope you had a fun Halloween.  We sure did.

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Instagratitude Project

November 3, 2014

Wow, November is already here and going strong.  With the craziness of Halloween and then Denali’s birthday party the very next day, I didn’t get a chance to share about the Instagratitude Project yet.  For the last 2 years (2013 and 2012), during the month of November, I’ve shared daily on Instagram something I was grateful for.  And even though I’m a couple days late this year, I’m excited for #instagratitude2014.  

As the Holiday’s approach, I want to be sure the focus of my mind and heart is on the many blessings I have in my life.  I’m choosing to be grateful.  It’s easy to get bogged down in the hectic pace of life and fret the things I don’t have.  So, I need this daily exercise to remind myself of what is good and important in my life.

As a Christian, I want to honor God by sharing how grateful I am for his provision and generosity in my life.  I live such a blessed life.  I have the best husband, awesome kids, a beautiful home, amazing opportunities and my life is full of family and friends that love, encourage and support me. How can I not share all that I am grateful for.  

I hope you’ll join me.  If you want to participate and be encouraged and inspired, capture one image a day on instagram that represents something you are grateful for, then add the hashtag #instagratitude2014. Invite your friends to join in. 

These verses are great reminders for me:

Psalm 9:1
I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.


1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 


Psalm 107:1
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.  

To see how this works, I’m @oleanderandpalm on instagram.

DIY / etc.

Easy DIY Halloween Treat Bags

This might be the easiest little treat bag I’ve ever made.  The perfect little package for Halloween sweets.
You just need 3 simple supplies to put together this little DIY.
  • Design Master Copper Spray Paint (or any other color)
  • Letter Stickers (one sheet for $1.99 at Hobby Lobby)
  • Muslin Bag

Stick the letter stickers where you’d like them. 

Starting at the bottom of the bag and begin layering the spray paint a little at a time.  Finally, peel off the letters and you are done!!!

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Friday’s Fabulous Five – Last Minute Halloween Fun

October 24, 2014

The weekend is here!  Just one more week to get ready for Halloween and I’m not further along on my kid’s costumes then I was last friday (oh boy).  
I’m sooooo looking forward to this weekend. My in-laws have generously come into town to watch the kids so Lon and I can get away for a couple days.  We are heading to Yosemite early tomorrow morning.  I’m sure I’ll over share on Instagram, it’s just too gorgeous there not to post pics.  I’m hoping it’s cold and feels like Fall.  I plan to take lots of pictures, hike and spend time alone with the guy I love.  
I’ve got some great inspiration for you for the last couple of days before Halloween.  Be sure to check out all these talented bloggers and leave them some comment love. 
Twine Wrapped Pumpkins // Orange Juice Float
Geometric Halloween Moon Art
Fall Dyed Napkins // Copper Pumpkin Vase

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Thrifting Thursday – Shell Collection

Technically this is not thrifted, but instead saved from a thrift store.  My in laws recently were given a huge shell collection that was going to be donated to Goodwill if they didn’t take it.  You guys, this is crazy incredible.  In this tray alone are 200 tiny boxes holding precious sea shells collected from all over the world.  Each one is labeled with the name, location where it was found and the date. For example, one was labeled 1959, New Zealand. This is such huge treasure.  I wish I could have been along on all these shell hunting trips.
I’ve shared before that I grew up in Papua New Guinea.  My parents were missionaries.  I had an amazing childhood full of adventure and beautiful tropical surroundings.  We spent a lot of time at the beach and shell collecting was something I loved to do.  I have a pretty good collection myself of shells from around PNG.  But, I can’t even believe this collection.  My nerdy biology teacher hubby thinks he just won the lottery.  

I want to find a way to display this set of 200 boxes on my wall.  It’s hours of viewing pleasure. I think Martha Stewart would even be impressed with this collection.

Seriously cool, right?

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5 Stylish Coat Hooks

October 21, 2014

We love our little house, but it’s always a struggle to find a place for everything and to stay organized. As the weather gets cooler, I’m noticing more and more stuff by our front door.  We don’t have an entryway, our front door opens right into our small living room.  There isn’t an entry wall closet or anyplace to put shoes, jackets and purses. We are a NO SHOE house so, it can get cluttered very quickly. And with this being our only living space, I want this room to feel clean and relaxing.

So, I’m tossing around the idea of a coat rack of coat hooks to hang right behind the door.  But, it’s going to have to be cute. I’ve found 5 options that I looking pretty good.  Three of them are obviously a version of the Eames Hang-it-all.  And although I’d love to own an original, on my budget, a fake is going to have to do.  
1. // 2. // 3. // 4. // 5.
I think my favorite is the black and walnut version (#2).  Which one do you think would look good on my white and triangle wall?