Winter Swag

With the holidays here and Christmas upon us, we feel the strain of finding the right gifts.  My biggest issue with gift giving is the classic crap we buy just to buy.  I can't tell you how many bottles of runny Bath and Body Works lotion I own.  I personally love gift giving, it's a fun challenge. 

Our Etsy shop is stocked with items priced under $50, perfect for the Secret Santa you are attending next weekend or the friend with unique taste.  Below are a few items we are featuring as Christmas gifts this year.

Blue Chalkboard Tray

 

 

 

 

Holiday Topiaries 

Georgetown Pink-Beige Side Table

Metal Basket

Aged Cream End Table

I've been waiting for images of our holiday projects to create a blog post, but we have so many great new pieces I could not help but feature one of my favorites.  This aged end table would look great in any living room or sitting area.  Don't worry it is level, mom seems to pick uneven ground to photograph most of the Finch merchandise.  

Next weekend we will be at the Merry Market in Fredericksburg, and if its not sold by then, you will see this end table at the market as well. 

I will be updating our Facebook page and blog today with our latest available furniture pieces.  Don't forget to check out our Etsy to see what is currently for sale. 

Happy Voting!

Sneak Peek: Karly's Jewelry

First, sorry we have been lame as far as blog posts. It's been a little hectic with this summer/fall limbo.  That being said, there are a lot of new projects we have been working on to prepare for the Merry Market in November.  After coming to the realization that our craft booth will not be equip with the space for many of our larger pieces, we have been pursing smaller projects (smaller in size that is). 

Above is a little sneak peak of Karly's accessories, which will be available at the Merry Market November 23-24th.  You can see more information on Merry Market Facebook page

Any accessories not sold at the Market will be for sale on Etsy!

Happy Hump Day!

Natural & Chic Chandelier

It looks simple enough, but this project was a true challenge.  However, the results are pretty rewarding, so it goes without saying that there will be many more beaded chandeliers to come.  Hopefully we will have a decent amount done and ready for the Merry Market this November.  Mom started this one weeks ago when she began a wild goose hunt for the right wooden beads. 

This project was inspired by our love for Turkish Chandeliers that are showing up in decor everywhere.  I personally cover the Turk Chandeliers found at Furbish Studio . 

We figured to give it a try rather than shelling out the cash.  After completing this project, we definitely understand their high price tag.  The supplies alone for our low budget materials cost over $150, not to mention the countless hours put into assembling it. 

If you are interested in purchasing one of our "Turkish" style puppies, just let us know. I'm sure that we can attempt a made to order piece to match your decor.  You might have to be patient, since we only have one under our belt...haha. 

Summer Swag

Summer is in full swing and while we have stepped away from our larger pieces while living at the ocean we have not slowed down.  Karly has turned the kitchen table into a jewelry workshop and Mom is stationed at the sowing machine in her room overlooking the bay. 

I have recently added three table runners and a chandelier to our Etsy page.

Burlap Table Runner with Green and Lace Trim 68"

Printed Burlap Table Runner with Lace Trim 72"

Two of the runners are made form burlap, fabric and lace trim.  The third runner is very unique, made from three April Cornell napkins and vintage lace.  The burlap runners are going for $25 a piece while the Vintage up cycle comes in at $35.  

April Cornell and Lace Trim Runner 53"

Mom has also been working on some clothing pieces, which will be posted to our Etsy page along with Karly's latest jewelry early next week!

Birdie Chandelier $200

Summer Entertaining

Summer creates a change of pace.  We work less, relax more and certainly entertain A LOT. Nothing brings people together more than a family beach house.  When I think of summer I imagine a bushel of crabs in the backyard, a big bowl of fruit salad and endless amounts of food from kabobs to quinoa salad provided by mom.  Let's not forget Brownie Sundays.  Obviously we stuff ourselves only to leave enough room to fit some more. Thank you metabolism. 

So at the start of each summer our bay front household undergoes a seasonal spruce up.  The weather and salty sea air is hard on everything, especially outdoor furniture.  This means that every year there is painting to be done.  Below is a photo of a patio table that was just refinished.  Originally purchased at Pottery Barn, the table was a mosaic of a Lobster.  We don't eat much Lobster in Ocean City, MD.  A Blue Crab seemed a little more fitting.  This table will host endless amounts of dishes all summer long.  Family and friends will fill their plates on the patio and head down to the yard to enjoy.

Another tip for summer entertaining at the beach: Lighten the load with your serve ware.  When transporting from inside to out, you want your plates and dishes to be light and sturdy.  Being mermaids, we like to stick to the nautical/beach theme.  Find something that is somewhat common and easy to mix with other dishes. Below are a few nautical examples I have been coveting. Number 1 is a tasting dish from FURBISH STUDIO for only $5.00.  Number 2 is a seascape plate set (4 included) from World Market for $15.96.  Good Prices and totally inline with the Eastern Shore theme for summer. 

One last must have for summer dinning and entertaining is an outdoor rug, but you knew this.  World Market once again has AMAZING prices on outdoor decor.  I am absolutely in love with their 4'x6' Blue Shell Seascape Rio Floor Mat 

This rug has a similar texture and color scheme to the one we have placed with our Blue Crab table.  Which, I am sorry is not for sale.  If your like the idea of painting some kind of image on a table, give it a try.  Or we could, we love doing it.  Below is a mermaid I painted on our picnic table a couple of years ago:

What should we paint on the picnic table this year? Post below!

DIY BAR: I was "Crafty" before it was cool

In the age of  DIY I find it hard to show off a new finished product without someone saying "I saw that on Pinterest".  Don't get me wrong.  I love Pinterest for inspiration and ideas, but some of the messages that site sends just straight irritate me (shout out to Ashleigh Hilker).  There is 5 minute six pack abs, low calorie desserts and DIY furniture that costs more to make than it would to purchase new.  Oh if it only took 5 minutes to have six pack abs.  I'm sorry, but low calorie dessert does not taste like the real thing and if DIY furniture was easy, we would all furnish our homes with refurbished garbage.

Lucky for me I was Crafty before it was cool.  This means I know that not every project turns out the way you hope.  I would say 1/3 of my attempts are flops, but that is just part of the DIY game.  You have to just take a step back and try and different approach. 

Since moving into my new Reston apartment I have been doing some crafting myself.  Our most proud DIY project is home bar.  Props to the man Finch Eric(a) my dad.  He pretty much came up simplest way to get a sturdy bottom shelf up with as little work as possible. All it took was a trip to home depot, a drill and stud finder.

We decided to make a bar because we had this awkward little area in our hallway that was designed as a computer area. With some idea's from Dana and some Pinterest inspiration we built the beaut last weekend.  While we have not been mixing drinks every night, or any night this week, I am so excited to entertain for the first time tomorrow!

So here is what we used to create our bar:

•  A Dresser from The Pink Finch of course
• Home made canvas: "Brunch without booze is just a sad late breakfast"
• One Floating Shelf and One 48 inch Board with shelf hangers from Home Depot
• Wine Glass Holder from The Container Store
• Antique Wine Bottle Holder
• We decorated the bar with previously owned items and added some color with accessories from Home Goods.

This project worked because we did not model it off of some tiny url picture we found online, we worked with what we had and kept it simple.  My advice when starting a DIY project is to roll with the punches.  If your original concept is no longer plausible, switch gears. Always get input from others, it helps to have a second set of eyes.

Even though this was a DIY success I wan to thank Pinterest for the unrealistic expectations it creates! Feel free to post your Pinterest Fails below :0)

Mirror Mirror

Currently I am in the process of moving.  By process I mean that I have packed five boxes and barely put a dent in the copious amount of "STUFF" I own.  It's tedious and stressful and I would not be able to do it without my Mom (the crafty lady behind the Finch).  She is a superhuman when it comes to packing, moving, unpacking and staging a home.  I think I would be in a sea of panic laying on the couch with a bottle of wine come Sunday if I did not have her help to look forward to.  When I move in I need to unpack and set up immediately.  If my house is a mess, I am a mess.  I get it from ma mama. 

When I was at my parent's house this past Sunday I was noticing just how many mirrors my mom has throughout the house.  I would say there is AT LEAST one in every room.  I love that. My current apartment is a little sad when it comes to our mirror to room ratio, I want to make a point to add more reflection to our new place.  It has high vaulted ceilings and arched windows so it will be much brighter than my current apartment which has a dungeon of a living space. 

Here is a new Mirror at The Pink Finch Shop that I covet: 

 I love the distressed look.  It looks good as old :)

The majority of the furniture in my current apartment are Finch finds. Luckily if my furniture pieces don't fit in the space, I can always swap for something a little more feng shui.  Perks.  If my place doesn't look to impoverish when we are finished decorating, I will gladly post some pictures of my furniture throughout our spankin' new apartment.  

Wired: Gnarly's Rings

Yes, we are now selling hand made jewelry. 

Our shop is a home decor and furnishings shop, but lucky for us Karly is now selling her one of a kind pieces on our Etsy site.  Currently she has only rings for sale, but keep your eyes peeled for charm necklaces, bracelets and earrings as well. 

The inspiration for the jewelry is the sea. I would describe it as beachy or bohemian. Karly has been making and selling her Jewelry at Quiet Storm Surf Shop (the uptown store) in Ocean City since last summer.  You can look for more of her pieces there come June. 

Rings range between $10-$20 with free local delivery

If you would like a custom ring with your preferred color scheme you can contact Karly Siegel

To know more about the jewelry maker see her style blog BEWILDERMISS.

Throwback Thursday

We found a throwback fitting since Dana is abroad and the finch workshop is closed for the week. 

The Green Antiqued Desk is still available for $280 with free local delivery. 

The Vintage Milk Box is going for $30 also including free local delivery. 

Just visit our Etsy to purchase.  If you want to inquire about custom refinishes or a particular style or color you have been looking for, give us a shout via EMAIL

Spring Cleaning

Up-Cycled Piano Bench

While running last weekend I watched the majority of my neighbors begin their spring yard work: weeding, mulching and planting.  While we are all excited to get outside on those first warm spring days, we are also avoiding what lurks inside. 

Luckily spring cleaning is not all about "cleaning".  Once the rubber gloves come off, it is time to get organized.  I love purging in the spring.  I always seem to get rid of clothes, old documents, receipts, etc.  So why not spring clean your decor? 

How long have you held onto a decor item or furniture piece, even though it no long fits your style?  For example: Say you have a great, well built mirror that has been hanging on your wall for years.  It's oak, boring and you want to replace it.  Instead of replacing it, why not refurbish it.  The spring can be a great time for projects, but you have to be careful you do not end up hoarding old items with the intent to facelift.  So keep your project list realistic and sell or donate everything else you no longer need.  Craigslist has a great free section if you want to de-clutter fast. 

Another option: you can contact us at The Pink Finch.  We would be happy to pick up your item and deliver it after we apply our magic. 

Above is a photo of a piano bench we bought and refinished by using green paint, a blue wash and some decorative stencils.  By refinishing this item, this piano bench can now be seating and storage in any room, now lets see what kind of items you can up-cycle. 

Secret Storage

Details

Ecru End Table

If you're looking for side or end table for your space, you may have just found the perfect functional and aesthetic piece.  I often choose a neutral color and simple design when it comes to my side table and dress it up with my nick knacks and a decorative lamp.  My end tables need to be functional.  After all, I do store all my important bed/chair side supplies inside.  Whether you use the lower shelf of the table to stack bedside books or a wire basket full of yarn, this piece is flexible and could change its function over the years.

 A good drawer is so important for us girls.  We need a place a designated spot for our chap stick, nail file and journal to fulfill our nightly routine...okay that might just be me.  However, my point is, you can make it your own.

If you currently own a functional furniture piece that does not do the job from a design aspect, shoot us an e-mail.  Specify what color, finish and hardware you desire and we will customize it to your home and tastes. 

Visit our Etsy Shop to purchase the table for $95 with free local delivery!

Sea Inspiration

Anyone who knows us knows we love the beach.  As soon as it gets warm, the Siegel girls (Finches) go missing in action.  The inspiration for this week's wooden cabinet, was the ocean.  The color of the cabinet reminds me of sea glass.  The off season is the best time to collect sea glass and shells, the surf is bigger and a lot more seems to wash up. I don't know what exactly to call the color of the cabinet, so Seaglass Green will work.

This piece is small, measuring in at 42.5 x 36.5 x 11 inches and is being sold for $125.  Delivery as always is free and can be sent over as early as Monday March 25th.  Our delivery woman is at the beach right now, cleaning up the mess the Sequester made a couple of weeks ago. 

The picture above is a starfish my sister Maddie found on the beach in Spain today.  Shout out to Maddie, we love and miss you! 

Rustic Doo-Dads: How to Bring the Outside In

Today, many of us are looking for those one of  a kind items or ideas to define our style when decorating our homes.  I hate to say it, sorry interior decorators, but with the D-I-Y spirit of most female consumers these days your job can be done by the average Joe or Gen or Dana....

That being said not everyone enjoys the hunt.  We LOVE the hunt, it is actually the best part!  I wish it was harder to find treasures, it would be easier on my checking account.  We see potential in the most unexpected items, which is why I need to thrift less often to avoid hoarding tendencies.  I love the idea of taking something old and using it in a new way.  Today we are featuring two new finds, both vintage.  The first is an old garden tool we reused as a soap dish.  The second is a rustic feed scoop we are currently using as a candle holder.  I think it would also be great with a big mason jar full of wildflowers or lavender and baby's breath. 

Bringing the outside in gets us ready for spring.  The time of year where you leave the windows open all day and listen to the birds chirp and the trees rustle in the wind.  In the spring, I let the lady bugs live on my window sill. I can't wait for the change of season.  I like to feel like I am outside even when I am indoors, whether it is great natural light or fresh air. I can't wait to turn off my heat and invite a new season!

You can check out the items featured here on www.etsy.com/shop/thepinkfinch

Subtle & Chic

I wanted to dedicate a blog post to some of our new and adored pieces.  This spring we will be creating a number of statement furniture items, this is a little sneak peak at our spring items.  We love grey right now.  It can be feminine or masculine, depending on the style of the piece, and it can work with almost any color scheme.  Here are some of our more Shabby pieces that were recently refinished.  Also, don't forget we offer free delivery on all local orders!

Grey & Cream Armour $350

Grey & Cream Buffet Dresser $500

 

 

Feminine Details and Fixture

Consumer Challenge

After our Mardi Gras Luncheon at work I contemplated habits to give up for lent.  I decided to give up Pinterest, thinking it would somehow improve my productivity or lead me to do some more reading and less web surfing.  Welp, I already got back on Pinterest.  It is such a good place to find/store ideas, recipes, and unwind that I could not last without it.  So here I am, trying to think of a positive Lent idea.

How about minimizing personal consumerism? Basically, try and decrease the amount of goods you buy until Easter by buying only previously owned, refurbished or antique items.  Up until Easter I will be cutting down on trips to Target, Nordstrom Rack and Marshalls.  When I need something, why not buy it used on amazon or visit a local thrift shop? I think I often buy things on impulse, usually because I am bored or stressed and I just want that rush of happiness when I come home with "new stuff". 

I have always loved to thrift, and I think that sometimes the high you get from buying a rare treasure is much more satisfying than another clone off the assembly line.  So why not see if you are up to the challenge? Try making do with what you have or investing some time in up-cycling goods you have for some new purpose.  We have built our whole shop concept on turning others' trash into our treasures, and it could not be more satisfying. 

Spring Anticipation

According to Mr. Groundhog, winter's days are numbered.  This is music to my ears.  We have so many fabulously lively items available now, all spring inspired.  Visit our Etsy site to see for yourself! Don't forget that all local delivery is free!

www.etsy.com/shop/thepinkfinch

The Color Theory

When it choosing visually appealing colors, we can look at the Color Theory, which is simply a logical structure for colors.  You may remember the simple version of the theory from kindergarten.  Does the Color Wheel ring a bell? From the Color Wheel, we can then look at Color Harmony.  In visual experiences, harmony is something that is pleasing to the eye. It engages the viewer and it creates an inner sense of order, a balance in the visual experience. When something is not harmonious, it's either boring or chaotic.

There are a few theories used to help you achieve color harmony:

Analogous colors
Any three colors which are side by side on a 12 part color wheel, such as yellow-green, yellow, and yellow-orange. Usually one of the three colors predominates.

Complementary colors
Any two colors which are directly opposite each other, such as red and green and red-purple and yellow-green. These opposing colors create maximum contrast and maximum stability.

Nature
Provides a perfect departure point for color harmony. In the illustration above, red yellow and green create a harmonious design, regardless of whether this combination fits into a technical formula for color harmony.

These theories are not an end all be all, but a reference in your decorating decisions.  I find the only true offense is creating an over-stimulating color combination.  As someone who loves white, neutrals and the calming effect of subdued hues, I definitely follow the Analogous and Nature color theories frequently in my recent decor.  So what do you like? The balance of complements? Monochromatic shades? Let me know your most used color theory!

Feng Shui Finch

If you've scrolled through this blog, our Etsy page or even our Facebook, I'm sure you have noticed a common color scheme.  We tend to use a lot of light colors, blues, greens, pinks and greys.  Why? because those are the hues that us Finch girls tend to gravitate towards. 

I did a little digging on the Feng Shui meaning of our most used hues.  It seems that we are fans of the calming colors. Take a look at the color psychology behind our decor:

Green
The psychological effect of green is very calming, balancing, healing, relaxing, and tranquil. It represents growth, vitality, abundance, and nature.

Blue
In color psychology, blue is calming, healing, soothing, and relaxing. Blue also characterizes dependability, trustworthiness, and security. 

White
According to color psychology, white represents clarity, innocence, cleanliness, spirituality, purity, hope, expansiveness and openness. 

Grey
Grey is neutral, calm, quiet, and lacks energy. The psychological effects of grey can also be boring, conservative and draining to the physical body

Pink
Pink is sedating and calming. It also symbolizes love and romance.

Our ideal home is cozy, elegant and a place to relax.  Running a family is exhausting and chaotic, so surround yourself with decor that is inviting, tranquil and spirited.  So start of 2013 with a re-evaluation of the color psychology in your home, beginning with the room you spend the most time in. 

Happy New Year!

(Feng Shui color meanings were retrieved from http://www.feng-shui-and-beyond.com/feng-shui-colors.html)