Blog - Page 2 of 16 - Blake & Taylor

Dyeing Fabric With Blake & Taylor Chalk Furniture Paint

Ellie Ramsay2019-02-28T01:55:23+00:0021 February 2019|Blog, On My Design Bench|

My Chalk Furniture Paint has so many possibilities when it comes to painting different surfaces. I have shown you in previous blog posts how to paint cushion covers, leather shoes and how to stencil fabric but did you know you could actually dye pieces of fabric with my Chalk Furniture Paint? Yes really you can make up a dye bath and throw your fabric straight in! Materials Blake & Taylor Chalk Furniture Paint – Colour of your choice Fabric – I used a 70 x 70 cotton tea towel. Large metal tub or something similar. The container must be [...]

String Lampshade Makeover

Ellie Ramsay2019-02-28T01:48:40+00:0019 February 2019|Blog, On My Design Bench|

It is not just myself who likes to be creative and bring old unloved pieces back to life. One of my staff, Kerena, recently completed this lampshade makeover using chunky natural string purchased from here in the store. The original lampshade has undergone two makeovers now. The first transformation was done using Blake & Taylor Chalk Furniture Paint in Blush Pink. As lovely as the colour was, Kerena decided it was time for a change and it needed a more natural rustic look to compliment her vintage ceramic base. Armed with just a few materials and an hour or so [...]

Chair Makeover

Ellie Ramsay2019-02-28T01:56:07+00:0017 February 2019|Blog, Furniture, On My Design Bench|

This Chair Makeover made the colour pop in the bedroom! From a dull and faded colour into a classic red and navy colour combination. These gorgeous Thibaut and Diane Bergeron fabrics compliment each other beautifully and add a pop of colour into this new bedroom. Our home has recently gone through a bit of a transformation. My ‘chuck everything in’ room downstairs has finally been converted into a beautiful bedroom and a separate more organized store room space. The previous room was somewhere to store all my vintage treasures, old furniture and those ‘I’ll work on it one day’ projects. After [...]

Classic Sofa Makeover by Blake & Taylor

Ellie Ramsay2019-02-28T01:56:27+00:0011 February 2019|Blog, Furniture, On My Design Bench|

After clearing out the storeroom downstairs, ready for bedroom renovations I found a few hidden furniture treasures that were intended for makeovers many years ago like this Sofa, but I just hadn’t quite got around to starting. This sofa screamed out at me and I knew it would be perfect at the foot of our bed facing out into the garden. This piece was destined to be recovered in one of my all-time favorite fabrics and colours – Indigo Canvas and to complement the new upholstery I chose a classic blue and white stripe cushion. The legs and arms were [...]

Crochet Bags – Handmade by Ellie

Ellie Ramsay2019-02-07T11:55:38+00:007 February 2019|Blog, On My Design Bench|

I am happy that plastic bags are being phased out of usage by stores and people alike. We are now aware of the damage that plastic is causing to our earth, waterways, and animals, so I completely support this movement. While there are many places to find yourself some reusable grocery bags, in true Ellie style, I MUST make my own! If you did not know, I simply love to crochet and knit. I make purses, cloths and bags. They are a great replacement for plastic, as well as reusable grocery bags, and in my opinion, are much more beautiful. [...]

Shoe Makeover Using Blake & Taylor Chalk Furniture Paint

Ellie Ramsay2019-02-07T11:36:35+00:007 February 2019|Blog, On My Design Bench|

Yes, you really can use my Blake & Taylor Chalk Furniture Paint on leather shoes! Here is a pair of great wedges that I needed to go with a specific outfit but I didn’t want to go out and purchase a new pair. I had a bit of 'Hampton' colour left over from some other projects, so I thought I would give them a little makeover and create a new look. Here’s how I did it. Firstly I gave them a good clean with a damp cloth to remove any dirt. I then left them to dry fully. I then [...]

5 Indoor Low Light Plants

Ellie Ramsay2019-01-23T03:35:49+00:0023 January 2019|Blog|

The return of the macrame plant holders, and sudden hype among the youthful crowd bringing back a house full of low light plants is somewhat nostalgic, is it not? Personally, I am very happy to see the popularity gain movement again, as we all know the benefits to having many plants in the home. However, what if you live in a flat or home with little natural light? How could we keep anything alive without at least some direct sunlight? Or will that one window in your home be packed full of all of your plants? Luckily, there is a [...]

On My Design Bench: Soft Furnishings

Ellie Ramsay2019-01-08T02:07:12+00:008 January 2019|Blog, On My Design Bench|

This week on the design bench, my first project was to create some lovely soft furnishings for this bedroom. I designed and installed this blue and white embroidered pattern set of bed pillows, drum shades and bed runner to make the bed pop. To finish off I designed the bench seat cushion using navy and white ticking fabric and plain navy cushions with the same navy and white ticking for the piping to create a sense of drama in a room that was very plain. I really love how it ties in so well with the dark wood accents, and [...]

Making the Mundane New Again

Ellie Ramsay2018-12-29T05:21:23+00:0024 December 2018|Blog|

I don’t know about you, but I find it hard to get into a good rhythm with some of the most basic tasks and chores that just have to be done around the house. I’d love to spend every day at my workbench creating beautiful, handmade projects and designing interiors, but some days I just have to get down to work and clean and tidy around the house. I truly believe that these little tasks that take up our time can be enjoyed and embraced if we just change our mindset! One of the ways that I allow my creativity [...]

Fresh Strawberry Salad Recipe

Ellie Ramsay2018-12-17T16:42:49+00:0016 December 2018|Blog, Recipes|

How wonderful is it to snack on delicious, fresh strawberries? With these lovely berries in season, and the incredibly warm temperatures, I simply had to make something light and fresh for lunch today. I added pecans for some extra protein and texture, as I like my salads to be satisfying and filling, while still light. I hope you enjoy this Fresh Strawberry Salad Recipe! Just look at the gorgeous colours, it is almost too lovely to eat. This combination just makes my mouth water! Fresh Strawberry Salad Recipe with Poppy Seed Dressing INGREDIENTS Salad: 5 cups spring mix salad or [...]

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