Research Roundup: Displaying Craspedia

You've probably seen them on many a home blog, but you may still be stumped as to what in the world those little yellow bulbs are.

These little orbs of sunshine are called Craspedia, but more commonly referred to as "billy balls" and less commonly known as "woollyheads." No matter what you call them, they are a radiant shade of yellow and super easy to take care of seeing as how they are usually dried.

I picked up a group of three of these babies from PigeonToeCeramics on Etsy awhile back but still hadn't been able to figure out exactly how I wanted to display them. As always, it just took a little bit of inspiration research.

I found a bunch of pictures of vases with many, many, many of them lumped together:

 

Picture from Salt Harbor Designs

 

Picture borrowed from Bespoke Uprising

Original picture by floresdelsol on Flickr

While I would love to have a giant vase full of these, I don't have lots and lots and lots of Craspedia. After some digging, I did eventually find some arrangements that used 10 or less:

From a Design*Sponge article "diy project: cocktail shaker + coffee tin arrangements"

From Modern Day Floral

I really dig the one with the whisps of long, tall grass. I think that's the one for me!

All else fails, these fabric billy balls are pretty cool too!

Original picture by natalienerksa on Flickr

Steal it: Urban Outfitters Jet Set Storage Bench

Thanks to my friend Jennifer for tipping me off on this steal!

I recently linked to the Urban Outfitters Jet Set Storage Bench in Sage Tweed for my bedroom moodboard.

This versatile bench could play many roles in your home: as a bench, as storage and also as an ottoman! However, if the price tag has got you biting your fingernails, JCPenney's 2 Compartment Storage Bench is a look-alike in a much more easy-to-swallow $99.99!

Plus, there are always scores of JCPenney coupons if you know where to look...

Now that is a steal!

Bedroom moodboarding

So, as I slowly but surely purchase all the touches for the living room/office moodboard, that I posted earlier this week, I have put the finishing touches on what I have come up with for the bedroom.

I want my bedroom to feel like a tropical island. I want crisp greens that remind you of palm fronds and grapes. I want soothing blues that make you think of the ocean and pops of white reminiscent of a capped wave. I want natural textures and neutral colors that will make me think of a sandy beach somewhere.

I don't know that I completely encapsulated all that in this mood board, but I do like it. For now.

Starting at the top left, going clockwise:

Untitled (Let's Get Lost) print - $50, by Shaun Sundholm from 20x200.com
Lilting Leaves Curtain - $208, from Anthropologie
Kvart spotlight - $6.99 each, from Ikea
Mongstad mirror - $99.99, from Ikea
Optic Sea Glass Table Lamp - $89.95, from Crate & Barrel
Malm nightstand - $49.99, from Ikea
Malm bed - $199, from Ikea
Silhouette artwork - $15 for 3 Ikea Ribba frames
Jet Set Storage Bench in Sage Tweed - $240, from Urban Outfitters
Black and white pillowcases - $20 each, from Target
White pleat pillow - $19.99, from Target (Currently not on Website. Similar)
Green Home Chrysanthemum Quilt -  $69, from Target
Tangier pillow - $24.99, from DwellStudio for Target
Jade sheet set - $119, from Crate & Barrel

(bolded items are things I already have...)

Some of the things here are pretty pricey... like those curtains and that lamp. I'll be on the lookout for cheaper alternatives.

So, what do you think of my bedroom?

I'm positive!

I'm no Stuart Smalley, but it is nice to be reminded that you are good enough and smart enough and doggone it people like you!

Of course, you don't need Mr. Smalley's book on your coffee table to get this kind of daily affirmation. Here are some pick-me-ups that are pretty enough to be out on display!

First up, the beautiful art of vol25's shop on Etsy, a unique blend of graphic design and collage. The saying on this print should make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside:

The next print is by Dylan Fareed. Even though the artist made this print after a break-up, I think the affirmation transcends relationships. It actually makes me think of my friends and how good I feel when we are together!

You will find quite an assortment of feel-good prints at laurageorge's Etsy shop, my favorite of which is this print. This affirmation is something I think everyone needs to hear every once in awhile, even if it's not entirely true! You can also find a 4-pack of adorable prints in the same theme here.

The next print is by artzink and is a reminder to do quite possibly the hardest thing in the world:

If that $40 price tag is hard to swallow, I imagine it wouldn't be hard to make something like it in true DIY fashion. Maybe change up the message to something that makes you smile, like "just keep swimming" from Finding Nemo!

Another of my favorite Etsy artists, theloveshop, makes the list with this modern and to-the-point print:

I'm sure I'm not the only one who needs a little pick-me-up when faced with the morning mirror. This fun vinyl decal can be stuck to your mirror to give all your days a fairy tale ending -- or, in my case, beginning!

And, of course, this list would not be complete without the effortless "Keep Calm" print:

No matter what the art you choose says about you, make sure it means and says a lot to you!

Mood Boarding

I recently moved into a new apartment after taking a week-long vacation (that's what's been keeping me so busy lately!), so my mind has been obsessed with making this unfamiliar place feel a little more like home.

It's not very big, just a 1 bedroom/1 bath, so I don't have to worry about filling a bunch of empty spaces with furniture. What I do have to worry about is a lack of storage space! My bedroom closet is VERY big (the biggest closet I have ever had, in fact!), but that's really the only closet in the space. So my furniture choices must be BIG on storage.

I'm also trying to buy furniture that's flexible enough to work for me 5-10 years down the road. I hate the thought of buying all this furniture only to get rid of it when the time comes to move into a house or another apartment. So the furniture needs to be neutral in color and easy to re-purpose.

So, without further ado, here is the mood board I have created for my living room / office.

And here is a break down of the pieces, going from the couch counter-clockwise:
Couch - $300, Pier 1 from Craigslist
Green pillow - $24, from Urban Outfitters
Zebra pillow - $40, from Etsy seller MiCasaBella
Yellow pillow - $24.99, from Target (Cotton Velvet Decorative Pillow)
Storage ottoman - $79.99, from Target
BRANÄS basket, Expedit drawer and door - $5.99, $30, $25, from Ikea
Library Office Storage Boxes & Magazine file - $11.99 each
Expedit TV storage unit - $229, from Ikea
Student desk - $149.99, from Overstock.com (supposed to look like expensive West Elm version)
Bamboo blinds - ~$40, from Wal-Mart
Billy Bookcase - $69.99, from Ikea

(bolded items are things I already have... not much, huh?)

Some things:

1. I am worried about the large Ikea units being stable on my apartment's plush carpet (especially since I'm trying not to drill holes in the wall of my rental).
2. I don't like how expensive that zebra pillow is, but I'm convinced I can find a lumbar pillow that will work for less.
3. I feel like I'm severely lacking in color, but I'm hoping accessories like art and whatnot will do the trick.
4. I don't know if I will be able to replace the bland white blinds in my apartment with these bamboo beauties.

Anyway, I would love to hear some feedback and opinions!