Today we continue Stagetecture’s feature ‘Olioboard Inspiration‘. Before you were inspired by – ‘Christmas Party Theme Ideas‘ from Shelley Harcar. Today, I feature Connie Parker who is a member of the the Facebook Olioboard Fan Room group and she gives you the Christmas classic poem – ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’. Perfect to reminisce to your childhood or read it tonight to your kids before waiting for Santa to come!

To see all the past Stagetecture’s Olioboard Inspiration members on Pinterest click here.

Olioboard Inspiration #59

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas ’ – Connie Parker

Twas the Night before Christmas Poem

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads. And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,

Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter. Away to the window I flew like a flash,

Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below. When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,

But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.

With a little old driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St Nick. More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,

And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!

“Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen! On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen! To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!

Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!”

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky. So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,

With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.

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And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof The prancing and pawing of each little hoof. As I drew in my head, and was turning around,

Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot, And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot. A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,

And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.

His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry! His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,

And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth, And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath. He had a broad face and a little round belly,

That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself! A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,

Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk. And laying his finger aside of his nose,

And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, And away they all flew like the down of a thistle. But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,

“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!”

About Connie Parker

I live in on the great west coast of Canada in British Comumbia. I grew up moving across Canada, and to Germany and France with my family. My father being in the Air Force gave me many opportunities to see and enjoy different places and cultures. Today I enjoy living in one place.

I am an artist at heart. My best times are discovering new works of art by artists I am not familiar with. I spend a great deal of time in the Olioboard Fan Room. There I can create designs and be among those who love to experience and share design ideas and tips, and their own creations.

For more Christmas ideas on Stagetecture, click here

Today we continue Stagetecture’s feature ‘Olioboard Inspiration‘. Before you were inspired by – ‘Preparing your Spring Porch for Enjoyment ‘ from Adele Baumann Healey. Today, I feature Shelley Harcar from the Facebook Olioboard Fan Room group and she gives us creative ways to perk up our spring outdoor homes.

To see all the past Stagetecture’s Olioboard Inspiration members on Pinterest click here.

Olioboard Inspiration #70

Olioboard Inspiration: Creative Spring Outdoor Home Ideas –  Shelley Harcar

After an exceptionally cold and snowy winter in many areas, I believe it is safe to say most of us are more than ready to say farewell to Old Man Winter. No matter your location, welcoming a change of seasons can be a big project. It does not, however, need to be an unpleasant project.

Outdoor home spring tips

There are some important things to remember when getting your outdoor areas ready for a new season. Inspect fire pits, patios, porches & decks (as well as outdoor furniture, grills or play equipment) for signs of wear or damage that may have occurred during the colder weather. Repair or replace as needed.  Check for nests of bees, wasps and other insects. Consider calling a professional to remove, especially if these are large infestations.  Also inspect, tune up and fuel any yard equipment. If doing a garden bed, turn over the soil & consider enriching it with one of the many types of organic fertilizers available also remove weeds and dead plants from your garden beds.

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When planning your outdoors for spring, you will want to think about what is already in your yard, many of spring’s greatest treasures were planted during a previous autumn. Also take into account you yard size and personal style. Some people want elaborate flower beds, others prefer a simpler and easy to care for design.  Options are almost limitless. Whatever type of garden you choose, remember to think about the amount of time and care you want to put into your outdoor surroundings.

Spring gardening ideas

A happy compromise between Spartan landscaping and high maintenance displays is container gardening. Choose decorative pots and containers and use them to create interesting groupings. While climate & sunlight will be considerations, you will be faced with fewer concerns about soil drainage and quality and containers can be moved to shelter during inclement weather. This method is ideal for all amounts of space and for a variety of settings. Porches, decks, patios, and balconies all are great places for container gardening. A wide variety of plants & flowers as well as some fruits and vegetables are well suited to container gardening. Don’t neglect your outdoor furniture. This can help to pull together a look while adding extra entertaining space.

In the designs which I created for this article, I have given some different examples of outdoor decorating. The design featuring the façade of a house shows off large garden beds and hedges. This would be rather time consuming to maintain, but definitely makes the outdoor area stand out. I’ve put together examples of container gardening as well. In an urban patio setting containers and trellises add color and style to a small ordinary patio. While there would be time required to water these plants, certain aspects of gardening, like weeding, are not a big factor. In my final design, a family patio space is transformed by numerous, colorful plants and flowers. The containers can be elaborate or simple, as the star attractions are the foliage and blossoms.

I hope I have inspired you to head outside and welcome spring by preparing your outdoor areas. You won’t regret the effort once you find yourself comfortably surrounded by loveliness in your own back yard.

About Shelley Harcar

I am a lifelong Ohioan and presently live in Stow with my family. I am a graduate of Youngstown State University, where I studied Social Work and Psychology. I am currently employed as a substitute teacher within my local school district. I also do freelance writing. My designing interest began over 20 years ago when I became a floral designer. In addition to making floral designs, we were invited into customer’s homes to assist with holiday and seasonal decorating.

I discovered Olioboard through a friend, and I quickly became caught up in the fun of the Olioboard Fan Room. It is a great escape from everyday life and I find a great deal of satisfaction in taking a blank screen and turning it into something lovely. When I’m not designing, I enjoy watching sports with my son, shopping, writing, and spending time with friends & family. You can read Shelley’s writing here.

Today we continue Stagetecture’s feature ‘Olioboard Inspiration‘. Before you were inspired by – ‘Bringing Fresh Spring into your Kitchen Design‘ from Lisa Ketz Cross . Today, I feature Adele Baumann Healey Facebook Olioboard Fan Room group and she helps you get your spring porch ready for entertaining and enjoyment this season.

To see all the past Stagetecture’s Olioboard Inspiration members on Pinterest click here.

Olioboard Inspiration #69

Olioboard Inspiration: Preparing your Spring Porch for Enjoyment –  Adele Baumann Healey

Now is the time of year to start thinking about preparing your porch for future pleasant days and evenings.  Thank goodness!  Not only is it important to plan your porch so it looks inviting and comfortable, but it can really boost the curb appeal of your home.

Get your front porch ready for spring

First, time to cut down and trim those bedraggled looking plants, and you might consider making a plan to add color to the front of your home by planting flowers, or adding bushes with different leaf colors.  Remember to somehow tie the landscape of you yard to the hardscape of your front porch – whether it be with color, style or a certain “personality”.   Does your porch need to be painted or stained?  Now is the time to do it BEFORE moving the furniture and potted plants to their designated spots.

Front door and lighting ideas

Consider splurging on a special front door, or for less cost, paint your door a color that will draw the eye to the front of the home and guide your guests to the entry.  Also, keep the path easy to maneuver by removing or trimming any overgrown bushes or plants.

Lighting is an important consideration for night time guests.  Whether it be lights along the sidewalk or a bright front door light, help them find their way easily and safely.

A small front porch can still offer opportunity to show your home’s personality by adding a small chair or table, a bright rug, some hanging plants, or my favorite – Morning Glories growing along the roof of the porch.  So easy and so striking!  Also, find a little special spot to share your love of art by highlighting your favorite outdoor piece.

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And don’t forget to make sure your house numbers are easy to spot.  There are so many styles of numbers to choose from that it should be easy to find some that will compliment your home.

Create an inviting outdoor living area

If you have a large side or back porch, use that opportunity to create an outdoor living area for three of the four seasons.  Comfortable seating, tables, rugs, plenty of lighting and possibly even an outdoor fireplace or heater will give ample opportunity to use that often overlooked space.  Have fun designing an area where your friends and neighbors will want to join you and spend relaxing time with you.  Show your own personality through quirky or special touches.

Always consider the size of the area and the ability people will have to maneuver the space of the porch.  So, although you don’t want to crowd the area, an empty porch can make the home feel much less inviting or welcoming.

Time to pull out those photos of your dream porch and making it a reality, and before you know it, the weather will cooperate and it will be time to enjoy that dream.

About Adele Baumann Healey

I am a mother of two and a grandmother of 4. Our family was a member of the military for 21 years and lived all over the U.S and in Europe, moving 13 times in 19 years. While residing in Germany, we travelled constantly (my little kids in tow in our old V.W. camper) and I absorbed, through osmosis, the many historical attributes of architecture and design. Even in the U.S. it was a learning experience to see how the many people I met decorated and used their creative skills, each influenced by the environment in which they were living. Simply put, when you move so much and live in so many types of residences it was always a challenge to achieve a homey place for your family to grow and be nurtured. What was my biggest challenge to make into a home? An old TB ward of an empty, Army hospital building! Follow Adele as Redadie on her Olioboard profile and Facebook profiles.

For more Olioboard ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Today we continue Stagetecture’s feature ‘Olioboard Inspiration‘. Before you were inspired by – ‘Spring Parties – Chinese New Year | Venetian Carnival‘ from Victoria L. Bass. Today, I feature Adele Baumann Healey who is a member of the the Facebook Olioboard Fan Room group and she gives us wonderful ways to have a welcoming winter baby shower! Look to her ideas to celebrate the parents and the new arrival on the way!

To see all the past Stagetecture’s Olioboard Inspiration members on Pinterest click here.

Olioboard Inspiration #67

Olioboard Inspiration: Welcoming Winter Baby Shower –  Adele Baumann Healey

When most of us would just like to stay cuddled up under a warm blanket or throw, how do we make coming out in the cold worth it for our baby shower guests?  Make it a winter wonderland baby shower, or so full of sparkles and shine that people can only uuuhh and aahhh.

Let’s begin at the beginning.  When deciding upon a theme for the baby shower, be sure to decide before invitations are sent out.  With that first invite, guests can anticipate what is to come.  Make your own, buy them at the store or find beautiful handmade versions.  With so many changes this day and age, don’t be afraid to invite either spouses or male friends to the shower.  Many are just as happy about your expected new family member as their female counterparts.

When decorating for the shower, go as elaborate or simple as you like. Just a few imaginative decorating pieces can be as striking as many beautiful decor items.  The board shown gives the example of a winter snowstorm with plenty of sparkly snowflakes.  (But, I’m a sucker for sparkles so used this as an opportunity to go wild!)  For some theme ideas, you can use snowflakes, winter animals such as polar bears, penguins, deer, fox or cardinals.   Snowmen can be fun or even igloos!

Welcoming Winter Baby Shower

When planning what to serve don’t forget the hot chocolate bar!  Have a large coffee urn filled with hot chocolate and place fun options to add to the cups.  If you want to keep things “virgin” use cinnamon, chopped up mints, flavored whipped creams, tons of marshmallows.  If alcohol is an option, rum in hot chocolate is delicious as is Goldschlager  schnapps (cinnamon).  But even if choosing to use spirits, don’t forget those marshmallows and whipped cream!

Gift bags for your guests can be filled with anything from useful items (hand sanitizer, mini-tissues) to personalized lip balms and candies.  Two items I found and really got a kick out of were a “ready to hatch” egg timer, and light pink nail polish when expecting a girl or light blue nail polish when expecting a boy.

It’s entirely up to the person giving the shower as to whether to play games or not.  I am partial to Baby Bingo, but others may have their favorites.  If you choose not to play games, that is fine.  I’m sure you’ll have such a special shower that people won’t miss them.  One thing that would be a keepsake for the mom-to-be is to take the time to have the guests each cut out a snowflake and write a little message to mom and baby on one side.  These can be saved in the baby book for years to come.

And don’t forget the theme when announcing the baby’s arrival.  Using the same theme by beginning with the invitations and ending with the announcements somehow makes the whole experience a little more special.  Now go and have fun and stay warm!

About Adele Baumann Healey

I am a mother of two and a grandmother of 4. Our family was a member of the military for 21 years and lived all over the U.S and in Europe, moving 13 times in 19 years. While residing in Germany, we travelled constantly (my little kids in tow in our old V.W. camper) and I absorbed, through osmosis, the many historical attributes of architecture and design. Even in the U.S. it was a learning experience to see how the many people I met decorated and used their creative skills, each influenced by the environment in which they were living. Simply put, when you move so much and live in so many types of residences it was always a challenge to achieve a homey place for your family to grow and be nurtured. What was my biggest challenge to make into a home? An old TB ward of an empty, Army hospital building! Follow Adele as Redadie on her Olioboard profile and Facebook profiles.

Today we continue Stagetecture’s feature ‘Olioboard Inspiration‘. Before you were inspired by – ‘Valentine’s Day Everyday in your Home‘ from Nanette Reynolds. Today, I feature Victoria L. Bass who is a member of the the Facebook Olioboard Fan Room group and she gives creative ideas from taking your winter entertaining into spring with these two beautiful boards: Venetian Carnival & Chinese New Year.

To see all the past Stagetecture’s Olioboard Inspiration members on Pinterest click here.

Olioboard Inspiration #66

Olioboard Inspiration: Spring Parties –

Chinese New Year | Venetian Carnival – Victoria L. Bass

The weather is still gloomy in a lot of places in the northern hemisphere but hey, what an opportunity to have fun indoors!   Yes, but with this economic climate? one might ask.  Well, it needs not cost the earth.

Here, I have chosen two different themes; one at home and one in a venue.  Venue?  Who can afford a venue?  Well, speaking from the UK,  if your party is large enough, say 20 or more, you might find that pubs, restaurants, hotels etc often have function rooms they would let for free on the expectation that your guests would consume drinks/food at their premises.  To keep it in budget, I would personally seek permission to bring your own catering (home-made, pot luck…) and then you guys buy the drinks *winks*.

Venetian Carnival

Now as for the themes and boards, couldn’t decide and tried my hand at both Chinese New Year and Venetian Carnival.

As for design, and on the cheap, draperies and textiles in general are your best friend.  Inexpensive fabrics can be found everywhere.  Remember they are not meant to last forever, just look good in the pictures and on the night.  With a larger budget, I would be inclined to invest because these parties could be held year after year and also other uses found (making pillows perhaps?).  Think fancy dress, let your imagination go … let the company, music, food and wine speak for themselves and, if at all achievable, ask your guests to dress in costume.

Chinese New Year

Some level of authenticity is required but dollar stores, second hand shops etc can be great sources.  Nothing has to be of the upmost quality, it’s make believe after all and you might even get yourself an absolute bargain.  Online sites also recommended.  For the Chinese New Year theme, for instance I would also recommend taking a look in an Oriental supermarket, if you happen to have one nearby.  Paper lanterns, for instance, should be easy enough to get held of.

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Keep the food in theme too, goes without saying really.  Research a little into the history of your theme so that it shows through.

And on that note, Chinese New Year is ancient and I believe renamed “Spring Festival” after China’s adoption of the Gregorian calendar.   In tune with western agriculturally based traditions, this also represents the voyage from winter into spring.  Now, the horse, both east and west, stands for activity, strength and victory so I went for powerful colours here.

The Carnival, as with so many western religious celebrations incorporates earlier elements, arguably Saturnalia and Bacchanalia from the Romans but in essence it’s the “last chance” to be extravagant before Lent.  Hence pancake day.  Eggs, considered a bit lavish once upon a time got banned for this period at least amongst Catholics, so you bake with them to get rid of them and overdose on the overall merriment for one last day until Easter Sunday comes.

Cheers to all!!!

About Victoria L. Bass

A property lawyer now delving into the field of family law living in a small city in the east of England, I have always craved creativity and outlets for my, at times wild, imagination.  Designing and writing fiction have been passions of mine since childhood and I vividly remember cutting off figures from catalogues, injecting them with different personalities and drawing houses for them on pieces of A4 paper.  As an adult, even when in rented accommodation in my younger years, I always found ways of personalising spaces and experimenting with colour palettes.  A few years back I purchased a Victorian cottage, which although structurally sound needs some serious modernisation, and that has been for me a real challenge and very welcome opportunity to put my skills to the test.  I would define my style as primarily eclectic and I love combining the old with the new whilst trying to take into consideration the architectural style of the space I am working on.  Working full-time in design would be a dream come true for me and I am planning to take up part-time study in this field in the near future.

For more Olioboard ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Olioboard Inspiration: A Tribute to Our Own – Cari Murphy

Please watch this tribute video in Cari Murphy’s honor:

Link to video –> Tribute to Cari Murphy

To see other Olioboard’s that Cari Murphy contributed to Stagetecture click here. (Please note some boards may link to another Olioboard Fan Room member, so you will have to read the post to see which one’s are specifically hers)

Cari Murphy’s Olioboard’s on Stagetecture

Thank you all for remembering Cari Murphy and all of our hearts go out to her family and friends. She will be missed.

For more Olioboard Inspiration on Stagetecture, click here.

Today we continue Stagetecture’s feature ‘Olioboard Inspiration‘. Before you were inspired by – ‘Creative Kids’ Room Organization Ideas‘  from Tonya Wright. Today, I feature Kimberly Latimer who is a member of the the Facebook Olioboard Fan Room group and she has a gorgeous way of helping you choose inspiring winter colors for your interiors. See her tips for finding the right winter colors that inspire your personality!

To see all the past Stagetecture’s Olioboard Inspiration members on Pinterest click here.

Olioboard Inspiration #64

‘Choosing Inspiring Winter Colors for your Interiors – Kimberly Latimer

Where I live, winter color is scarce – shades of gray, brown, dried gold and muted reds comprise a monochrome color palette relieved only by snow, and an occasional glimpse of blue sky. So where do you look for inspiration to spin the color of winter straw into design gold for living or bedrooms? Adjust your color lens and take a closer look outside! Bringing the outdoors into your winter design inspiration just takes some extra imagination, and a little color know-how.

Winter color is all about monochromes. In the strictest terms, monochromatic color is based on a single base color that is diluted by adding black and white to create an extended range of grayed shades, tones and tints from dark to light. It is gray that sets monochromatic color apart from other seasonal hues making them easy on the eye, ode to their lack of contrast. But like winter color, a monochromatic color scheme can emphasize limitations. “Chalk” colors take that soothing color palette up a notch. By adding more variety in shades of color and replacing a bit of that missing contrast, chalk tones add interest to a wintery color mix. Annie Sloan’s Chalk Paints are amongst the best known chalk colors:

Olioboard Inspiration: Choosing Inspiring Winter Colors

Olioboard and a chalk-inspired color palette derived from the colors inspired by my frozen back yard transform this bedroom design, which lacks for nothing in warmth, color or interest!

5 Tips that make color work:

1. Murals are budget-friendly art – Arguably, impressionist painter Claude Monet best illuminated the value of chalky color in his later paintings. I have included a wall mural of his famous water lilies in a bow to his color mastery.
2. Use Feel-Good Color – That welcome relief I mentioned from the occasional blue winter sky dominates my bedroom’s color palette. Using a range of blues optimizes a monochromatic approach to my winter color mix.
3. Ceilings love color, too – Ceilings are frequently ignored color opportunities. Treating the ceiling as an extension of my winter palette reinforces the overall muted color scheme.
4. Vary shades to create depth – Peppering the design with black and charcoal gray adds just enough visual weight to create depth and interest.
5. Add sparkle to Color – Mirrors, metallic surfaces are the jewelry of your design – lighting shows off those sparkling finishes.

The real magic of this winter palette is that chalky grayed color scheme, and its seamless ability to transform into spring, summer or fall color. Switching up the bedding, pillows, throws and lamp shades to create the next season’s mix will take this winter inspired chalk palette easily through all four seasons of color!

About Kimberly Latimer:

My background is in fine arts with an emphasis on oil painting and Tromp Loi’el . I have been a student of color for almost three decades, and I still find it has more to teach me. I have designed both product and packaging for Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Natural History Museums in the US and Canada, but my passion is for Interior and Lighting Design. My style tends to be colorful and eclectic, favoring the best of all worlds with a hint of the artistic and unexpected!

For more Olioboard ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Today we continue Stagetecture’s feature ‘Olioboard Inspiration‘. Before you were inspired by – ‘Bringing Winter Ideas to your New Year’s Home‘  from Madeline Jones. Today, I feature Tonya Wright who is a member of the the Facebook Olioboard Fan Room group and while the adults are trying to organize their homes this New Year, how about the kids? She gives you creative kids’s room organization ideas for their playroom or bedroom. Thank goodness, us parents could use some help, right?

To see all the past Stagetecture’s Olioboard Inspiration members on Pinterest click here.

Olioboard Inspiration #63

‘Creative Kids’ Room Organization Ideas ’ – Tonya Wright

It’s been a fun-filled day.  You’ve enjoyed a nice family dinner, the kids have been bathed, and now it’s time to tuck them into bed.  As you walk into your child’s room, you notice some toys out of place.  You make a mental note to deal with it tomorrow when everyone is well rested.  That is, until you feel the excruciating pain of a Barbie shoe stabbing into the bottom of your foot.  Right there and then your mind begins formulating a plan to instill organization in the chaos that comes with the ever growing number of toys, books, and other items that are spilling over in your kids room.  The question you may be asking yourself is, “Where do I begin?”  That, my fellow parents, is what we all ask ourselves.

The first decision you need to make is whether or not to keep all those toys in your child’s room.  Some of us don’t have a choice because of space limitations.  But for those of us who have an unused room or some space in the basement, a designated playroom may be a good idea.  Either way, the principles outlined below will help you get going on your quest for organization.

SORT AND PURGE

The first order of business is to sort all the toys, books, stuffed animals, and art supplies.  Once you can see how many your child owns of each item, you can move on to purging.  Perhaps she has twelve dolls and you feel it’s more than she needs.  With her help, you can determine which five she’d like to keep.  It may help to explain that by donating her gently used items she will be benefiting children who may not otherwise be able to have toys,bringing a huge smile to their faces.

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FIND A PLACE FOR ALL KIDS’ BELONGINGS

Make sure everything you keep has a place.  The options for storage are limitless.  You may want to use clear storage boxes so the contents are easily visible or you may want to use baskets and bins that coordinate with the décor of the room yet keep the abundance of toys out of sight.  Regardless of what you use, it’s a good idea to label the containers to remind both you and your child what it is meant to contain.  Adding a picture to each label enables younger children to help with clean up.  Consider using pop-up hampers in fun colors to corral stuffed animals or other bulky items.

Your child will benefit by having a large number of books that cover a multitude of topics.   Attaching plastic gutters or wooden spice racks to the wall allow you to visually display them.  Your child’s art work or the letters of the alphabet can be strung up using a piece of jute or clothesline and decorated clothespins.

DESIGNATE AREAS FOR EVERYTHING

A reading nook, whether it be a cozy bench or a pop-up tent, encourages children to take time to relax and read.  A table and chairs in the room gives children a place to create works of art and to take part in imaginative play.

Hopefully, these ideas will help get you going. Happy organizing!

About Tonya Wright:

A native of Colorado, Tonya Wright has a passion for organizing and enjoys helping others find practical ways to create order in their home and work place.  She takes a comfortable, lived in approach to decorating and greatly enjoys home DIY projects.  When she’s not designing or organizing she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and scrapbooking. You can find her on Olioboard.

Do you have any kids’s room organization ideas? We’d love to hear them!

For more Olioboard ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Today we continue Stagetecture’s feature ‘Olioboard Inspiration‘. Before you were inspired by – ‘Celebrating 7 Inspiring Kwanzaa Principles ‘ from Tameka Brice. Today, I feature Madeline Jones who is a member of the the Facebook Olioboard Fan Room group and she gives us inspiring ways to bring your winter home out of a New Year’s funk. See how she helps make your home cozy and welcoming this winter.

To see all the past Stagetecture’s Olioboard Inspiration members on Pinterest click here.

Olioboard Inspiration #61

‘Bringing Winter Ideas to your New Year’s Home ’ – Madeline Jones

After the holidays, the weather outside may be frightful but your home decor can be delightful. Decorating can be easily done on a budget. Switch out vases and bowls for those in metallics like silver, copper and gold. A vase can be spray painted with metallic colors for a few dollars.

Use nature to bring winter inspiration

Fill an empty vase with some pine tree branches for an inexpensive touch of winter. Rather than spending money to redecorate an entire room, pillows can be replaced to warmer tones like rich, dark blues or plaids. Take photos of winter scenery around town and enlarge them to prop up on the mantle. Very nice, inexpensive frames can be purchased and spray painted as well. Winter related items at thrift shops like old sleighs can be used for centerpieces and filled with pine branches and pine cones or some favorite potpourri. Glass apothecary jars can be placed on the mantle or console table and filled with artificial lights, fake snow with mini trees, candles or wine corks. Even though the holidays are over, decor can still be warm, festive and inviting.

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Winter Ideas for your interiors

Walk around your outdoor home and bring in inspiring natural elements or visit your local craft store for branches, pine cones, straw, evergreen and rocks for a beautiful tablescape in your dining room or foyer table. Winter ideas shouldn’t be hard to incorporate into your everyday life. The winter should be a time to enjoy the coziness of your interiors. Use these ideas to create a winter home you will love to stay home in!

About Madeline Jones

You can follow my designs on Olioboard.

For more Olioboard ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Today we continue Stagetecture’s feature ‘Olioboard Inspiration‘. Before you were inspired by – ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas‘ from Connie Parker. Today, I feature Tameka Brice who is a member of the the Facebook Olioboard Fan Room group and she gives us insight into Kwanzaa and it’s wonderful cultural holiday celebration rituals. See how she explains the 7 Kwanzaa Principles to instill in your family this holiday season.

To see all the past Stagetecture’s Olioboard Inspiration members on Pinterest click here.

Olioboard Inspiration #60

‘Celebrating 7 Inspiring Kwanzaa Principles ’ – Tameka Brice

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER. At least that is what Ronald Karenga, the founder of Kwanzaa, hoped for the people of African descent. Founded in 1966, Karenga’s purpose was to provide a holiday that inspired people of African descent to celebrate their heritage and culture. The original plan was for Africans and African Americans to celebrate the holiday instead of Christmas. It is widely-known the founder believed too many people of African descent were taking up the culture, history and identity of the dominant society in America instead of learning their own culture fully. As Kwanzaa became more popular, Karenga believed it was necessary for many Christians to celebrate the holiday along with Christmas. From December 26-January 1, Kwanzaa spans an entire week where each day has a specific meaning focusing on seven principles.

The seven Kwanzaa principles include the following:

1. Umoja (Unity): To aspire to have unity in the family, community, nation, and race

2. Kujichagulia (Self-Determination): This principle is an attempt to define who we are as a people.

3. Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility): Am I my brother’s keeper? This principle means to build up our community, help those who cannot help themselves, and guide those who have the potential to achieve greatness.

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4. Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics): To create our own businesses and support businesses within the community.

5. Nia (Purpose): To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to greatness

6. Kuumba (Creativity): To build up and keep our community strong, wealthy, and aesthetically beautifully for those generations who come behind us.

7. Imani: (Faith): To believe in our leaders and the purpose of our struggle for the benefit of achieving generational success.

Kwanzaa symbols: These symbols are used to set the table in African festive décor.

1. Decorative mat (Mkeka) that is placed on a table.

2. Corn (Muhindi)

3. Candle holder (Kinara)with seven candles (Mishumaa Saba)

4. Communal cup

5. Gifts (Zawadi)

6. A poster of the Seven Principles

7. An African flag with the colors of red, green, and black.

Although Kwanzaa may not be for every person of African descent, the goal for all is to embrace where we came from and who we are for the purpose of leading generations to follow down a path of ever-lasting knowledge.

About Tameka:

Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, Tameka Brice now resides in Dallas, Texas with her husband, child and dog. She is a Customs Brokerage Representative at a large brokerage firm. In addition, Tameka is currently finishing her dissertation. She enjoys spending time with her family, reading, shopping, and experimenting with Pesco-vegetarian meals. The future aspirations of Tameka includes learning Spanish, traveling to Paris, writing a book, and just enjoying family time. This is a special time of the year. For those in the holiday spirit, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy Kwanzaa.

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