Comfy Zen

The Top Velvet Sofas for a Chic and Comfortable Living Space

December 9, 2022 by Comfy Zen Leave a Comment

I’ve always wanted a velvet sofa and earlier this year I decided to take the plunge and buy one that I could curl up on it like a pampered cat. They’re so luxurious with their soft, plush fabrics and elegant designs — they add a touch of glamour and sophistication to any living room.

It’s been almost a year since I purchased my sofa and I’m happy to say it was a good choice. As you can see from the photograph I took, it still looks new despite daily use.

So in this post, we’ll take a look at some of the best velvet sofas that you can buy online, to help you find the perfect one for your space.

First on our list is The Carmine from Maiden Home. I so would have gone for this one if I’d seen it a year ago. Apart from anything else, this purple is absolutely gorgeous.

Our Top Pick

The Carmine

By Maiden Home

With 66 5-star customer reviews, it’s no surprise that The Carmine velvet sofa is a customer favorite!

See it at Maiden Home

The Carmine’s fan-pleated arms bring a touch of understated elegance to this updated classic. The tailored seat and back offer a supportive and comfortable sit, while the kiln-dried hardwood frame is precision-cut to ensure it never twists, warps, or cracks.

The joints are glued, double-dowelled, and corner-blocked for extra stability, and the eight-way hand-tied springs provide the ultimate in longevity and comfort. Each spring is secured in place by a skilled craftsman, (see photo bottom right) ensuring the highest quality construction.

The high-resiliency core is wrapped in a jacket of silky microfiber for a luxurious feel with minimal maintenance. The fabric seat and back cushions are fully upholstered and reversible for a comfortable sink-in seat. Hidden cushion tie-downs keep the seat cushions in place and resist sagging, making this a piece that will keep its shape and stand the test of time.

The Carmine measures 60-100 inches wide, 38 inches deep, and 34 inches tall, and it’s available in a choice of colors. I recommend ordering their complementary swatches!

The sofa ships in a very reasonable 7-9 weeks.

The Carmine would most definitely add a touch of sophistication and comfort to your living space.

Next, we have the Willoughby Two-Cushion Sofa:

Runner Up

Willoughby Two-Cushion Sofa

By Anthropology

Another top-rated velvet sofa is the Willoughby Two-Cushion Sofa, with 41 customer reviews and 78% of customers recommending it.

See it at Anthropology

This incredible furniture piece is the perfect blend of classic and modern design, with scrolled, elegant arms and a deep, plush seat that will make you never want to leave your home again. The seat cushions are removable, as are the front legs, making this piece practical to get through your front door or move to another room.

The cushion content is made with high-quality materials, including spring coils encased in high-resiliency foam and wrapped in soft fiber padding and a hypo-allergenic blend of down and feathers. This ensures a supportive and comfortable seat that will last for years to come. The frame is made of kiln-dried, laminated hardwood, providing a sturdy and long-lasting foundation. And because each piece is handcrafted in the USA, you can be sure you’re getting a work of art that will elevate the look of any room.

What’s not to love, about this stunning piece? It will transform your living space into the envy of all your friends and family.

Also worthy of a mention is the Jackie Sofa, It’s available in a choice of fabrics but only in Royal Blue Velvet. But if it’s your color choice, this is a great sofa.

Another Worthy Mention

The Jackie Sofa

By Kardiel

The Jackie Sofa from Kardiel is comfortable and stylish and comes in a choice of configurations making it a great choice for any living space

See it at Kardiel

This heavy velvet plush on this 2-seater sofa has a fabric weight of 330 Grams Per Square Meter and a Martindale Rub Count of 30,000.

The sofa is made from high-quality materials, including a sturdy kiln-dried Ash hardwood frame and removable 7″ solid Ashwood legs for added support. The cushions are filled with 32 lbs density high resiliency foam which meets CA regulations and there’s a metal coil suspension for ultimate comfort and to prevent sagging.

What’s more the removable zippered 2-piece seat cushions make this choice as practical as it is beautiful.

The US-based company that makes this sofa is owned and run by four, Modernism-obsessed family members who have a passion for good design, (Debbie, Jason, Brando, and John).

Collaborating with leading furniture designers from around the globe, they hand-source manufacturers to produce small-scale original designs, and they occasionally, remanufacture iconic, mid-century modern pieces of furniture.

The sofa is made to order in 10-14 weeks and Kardiel offers a Limited Lifetime Warranty.

In conclusion, choosing the right velvet sofa for your home can be daunting. But with the right information and a little bit of research (see below) you can find the perfect sofa for your space. Consider factors like size, style, materials, and color to find the right velvet sofa for your needs.

Finally, Always read the store’s returns policy and check to see if any restocking fee applies should you change your mind. Also do keep all the original packing until you are fully happy with your purchase.

How to Care for and Clean a Copper Sink

November 8, 2022 by Comfy Zen Leave a Comment

HEAVY-GAUGE Copper Farmhouse 30" Sink by Fossil Blu — HEAVY-GAUGE Copper Farmhouse 30″ Sink by Fossil Blu

So you are thinking of buying your first copper sink, or your new beautiful copper sink has just been installed and you are now wondering how difficult it’s going to be to look after it and clean it.

Don’t worry it’s easy and I tell you how.

Before we begin, it’s important to remember to take into account that copper does naturally change color over time, and that is part of its charm!

Unless treated with wax, copper sinks will more often than not darken over time, so they will look more rustic as they age.

That being said, if your sink is untreated and you want to preserve the color at any given stage in the process, you can!

Simply apply a wax. You can also reapply every 2 to 3 weeks or as needed.

And just one word of caution: It’s important to avoid leaving anything acidic in the sink. Grapefruit and tomato, for example, will leave behind a bright shiny stain.

That being said, don’t panic, it’s not the end of the world if this happens. The copper will gradually heal itself over time. So sooner or later it will blend back into a natural-looking mix of coppery tones.

Cleaning a Copper Sink

Care and Maintenance of a Copper Sink — Soap and a Soft Cloth

Frequency is the key: Use a soft cloth (to prevent scratching your sink) and just soap and water, nothing else. Wipe any residue away – and that’s it! You are good to go.

Told you it was easy!

Here’s a little tip:

If you want to add a protective barrier try Skinkology’s, Copper CareIQ Kit. (Many of their sinks actually include a free kit).

But Will My Copper Sink Eventually Start to Turn Green?

Simple answer? No.

Your copper sink is very unlikely to turn green. Copper will only turn green when exposed to certain conditions – usually only found outdoors. Extreme temperature changes, salty air, and other harsh weather conditions all play a part.

The Insider’s Guide to Buying an Eames Chair Replica

June 17, 2022 by Comfy Zen Leave a Comment

Are you looking to add a touch of mid-century modern style to your home? The Eames Lounge Chair is a classic design that has been popular for decades. But with its high price tag, it’s not always accessible to everyone. That’s where Eames lounge chair replicas come in.

In this guide, we’ll provide some tips on how to buy a high-quality Eames chair replica to help you make an informed decision.

We’ll cover factors like materials, construction, and pricing, so you can be sure to find a replica to best suit you. Understandably, not everyone has the same budget to spend but Eames replicas do vary considerably in price, so there’s a replica to suit most budgets.

How to Choose a High-Quality Eames Lounge Chair Replica

When it comes to choosing a high-quality Eames lounge chair replica, there are a few key factors to consider.

The original Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman are designed with several key elements that contribute to their iconic look and comfortable design. Some of these key features include:

A fixed angle of 15°: This allows for a comfortable recline while sitting in the chair, without the ability to fully recline.
A 360° swivel: The chair has a swivel base, allowing for easy movement and flexibility. The ottoman does not have this feature.
Interchangeable seats and cushions: The seat and cushion for the chair and ottoman are the same size and can be easily swapped. The cushions are 6 inches thick and filled with foam for added comfort.
7-layers of molded plywood: The shell of the chair is made of 7-layers of FAS-certified hardwood plywood, kiln-dried to prevent warping and cracking. This construction method was introduced in 1974 and has become a signature feature of the Eames chair.

These design elements are the benchmark for choosing a high-quality Eames chair replica:

Materials: The Importance of Quality

The materials used in the construction of an Eames chair replica can make a big difference in terms of comfort, durability, and overall quality. High-quality replicas will typically use materials that are similar to those used in the original Eames chair, such as premium leather and high-density foam.

Construction: What to Look for in a High-Quality Replica

Another important factor to consider when choosing an Eames chair replica is the construction. High-quality replicas will be made using the same techniques as the original Eames chair, including the use of molded plywood shells.

The Eames chair is made up of 3 separate molded plywood shells. If you’re interested in how they are made, here’s a very brief summary of the process in one sentence: The sheets are layered (cross-grained), glued, and then heated to the precise temperature required to mold the wood into shape.

Replicas are made in the exact same way. However, you will find a few manufacturers of the cheaper replicas are now boasting of “new improved 8 layers“. I think you know where I’m going with this. Herman Miller and Vitra manufacture their chairs using 7 layers and so do the better-quality replicas.

That being said, some people have said they just really like the beefier look of the 8 layers of plywood.

Pricing: How to Choose the Right One for Your Budget

As with any product, the price of an Eames chair replica can vary widely. High-end replicas will typically be more expensive than cheaper options, but the added cost is often reflected in the finer details and higher-quality materials used.

In terms of the Eames chair, the difference in price between the higher and lower price points is largely determined by the attention to detail and the materials used in the construction of the chair. For example, the higher-end replicas typically feature softer, higher-quality leather and thicker, more comfortable foam filling in the seat cushions. Additionally, the seat cushions in the higher-end models are often encased in silk fabric for added comfort, while the cushions in the lower-priced models may not have this feature.

Another factor that sets the higher-end models apart is the removable cushions, which are attached using a clip system. This feature is present in both the original Eames chair as well as the higher-end replicas from theiconicchair and eMod on Amazon. In contrast, the cheaper Amazon models may not have removable cushions.

Furthermore, the higher-end theiconicchair range offers a greater variety of options in terms of color, wood veneer finish, and size. This allows customers to choose the chair that best suits their individual style and needs. In contrast, the lower-priced models may have limited color and finish options. Overall, the higher price point of the Eames chair reflects the added attention to detail and the use of higher-quality materials in its construction.

That being said, the cheaper replicas can look every bit the part so if you are looking for a replica from the cheaper range, please do head down to the section Lower Priced Eames Chair Replicas on my Best Eames Chair Replica post, where I cover those in more detail.

And speaking of the lower-priced replicas, in case you are wondering, the cheaper Amazon ones are not all the same chair under a different name. Although some actually are, and I’ll tell you which ones are and aren’t too…

They tend to sell out very quickly on Amazon and sometimes they disappear for quite a while only to pop up again when the sellers finally get a new shipment over from China (where they are manufactured).

Size: Standard or Tall?

When considering the size of your Eames chair, it is important to consider the difference between the standard and tall sizes. While the difference is only a few inches, it can make a significant impact on your level of comfort. It is worth noting that the upper shell of the chair is designed to contour to your shoulders, rather than serve as a headrest. To get a better idea of how the different sizes look on people of different heights, it is recommended to watch a YouTube video before making a decision. Not all replicas offer the option of different sizes, but some do.

Shipping and Returns: What to Expect

When it comes to shipping and returns, it is important to carefully review the company’s returns policy. Furniture, especially large items such as lounge chairs, can be costly to return if you change your mind. To avoid potential problems, it is advisable to take photos upon receipt of delivery, write “damages – subject to inspection” on the delivery note, and carefully open the boxes. Make sure to keep all original packaging and be aware that the cost of returning the chair may be your responsibility. Some furniture companies may also charge a restocking fee if you change your mind. theiconicchair does not charge a restocking fee and offers free shipping for their mid-century chair.

Assembly: Do I Need a Degree in Rocket Science?

Assembling your Eames chair may require some time and effort. The amount of assembly required may vary depending on the model and price of the chair. In general, cheaper models will require more assembly, including bolting together various parts. While the process is not complicated, it may be helpful to consult YouTube videos for guidance if needed.

Customer Reviews

One of the best ways to gauge the quality of an Eames chair replica is to read customer reviews. Look for reviews that mention the materials, construction, and overall comfort of the chair, as well as any issues that customers may have had.

Top Eames Lounge Chair Replicas

theiconicchair

Theiconicchair offers the real deal in Eames chair replicas, with a wide selection of colors, veneer options, and sizes. With over 10 years of experience in manufacturing, they know how to create a chair that looks and feels like the original Eames design at an affordable price.

1inchome

At well under $700, the 1inchome or the identical Rimdoc is the cheapest full-leather option on the market. If you want the look and don’t mind missing out on the extra details, to get a cheaper chair this is a great choice.

Easy Coffee Cinnamon & Honey Soap Recipe – Melt & Pour

May 17, 2022 by Comfy Zen Leave a Comment

I use only honey-sweetened coffee grounds and just a teaspoon of cinnamon powder to scent this soap, so my Easy Coffee Cinnamon & Honey Soap Recipe is about as natural as you can get – and it smells heavenly.

What’s more, with this recipe you won’t need any coloring whatsoever, the coffee does it naturally all by itself!

For this recipe, I used my favorite goat’s milk melt and pour soap base, and while goat’s milk doesn’t typically give too much lather, it does give just the right amount to leave your skin feeling thoroughly cleansed. It’s also very moisturizing as well as incredibly gentle on the skin (see my photo of the lather below).

I think this long-lasting Coffee Cinnamon & Honey Soap would make a lovely hand soap to keep by your kitchen sink thanks to its delicate coffee scent and vintage/rustic aesthetic – although it’s also just as suitable for the bath and shower too!

For this recipe, I will be using just 1/2lb of melt and pour soap base. This will make approximately 5 bath-soap-sized bars (measuring approximately 3.1″ x 2.2″ x 1″ and weighing 3.4 oz).

Soap bases usually come in weights of 1lb or more, so you can easily double the recipe if you like, or why not try out my favorite Super-Easy Homemade Honey & Oatmeal Soap Recipe as well.

Just so you know, using the melt and pour method means that you won’t be using any of the harsh chemicals that you would if you were to use the lye process to make soap from scratch – that’s because the saponification process has already been done for you. If you would like a little more information on the difference between this method and making soap from scratch, or, if you fancy choosing a soap-making kit, please click here.

RECIPE VARIATIONS

Fragrance – If you would like your soap to have a stronger scent you can add coffee essential oil and or vanilla – although I honestly prefer this soap without. The scent when following my recipe is delicate and more natural.

Adding honey to the coffee grounds sweetens the scent of the coffee grounds perfectly and the cinnamon gives the soap a cozy hint of warmth.

Color – The recipe doesn’t require any additional coloring whatsoever. The all-natural color of this soap is a rich, even chocolatey brown throughout – just from the coffee and a small amount of cinnamon alone.

Cinnamon – This ingredient may be left out if you prefer, it won’t affect the recipe.

Oils – I added extra virgin olive oil to my mixture as it’s my favorite, but the recipe will work just as well with another oil of your choice.

Base – This recipe uses a goat’s milk soap base which is just so creamy and silky smooth, not to mention, very gentle for sensitive skin. But you can substitute it for a different melt and pour base if you wish.

Rubbing Alcohol – A small spritz of isopropanol alcohol (rubbing alcohol) is used to eliminate any bubbles that may form on the top of your soap. If you don’t wish to use this ingredient, the soap will be perfectly fine but may look a little less than neat.

Coffee Cinnamon & Honey Soap - Recipe — Coffee Cinnamon & Honey Soap has a nice even color throughout.

Coffee Cinnamon & Honey Soap - Lather — This is the amount of lather this Coffee Cinnamon & Honey Soap recipe gives you using a goat’s milk base.

INGREDIENTS

1/2 lb Goat’s Milk Soap Base
Silicone Soap Mold (this set also contains a spatula)
Spatula
Glass Jug
1/4 Cup of Used Coffee Grounds
2 tbsps Honey
1 1/2 tbsp Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
Rubbing Alcohol (Spray)

Method

Cut the soap base into roughly 1-inch-sized cubes. (The soap base can easily be cut with an ordinary kitchen knife.)
In a small dish or bowl mix the used coffee grounds with the honey and cinnamon (if used). Warm the honey in the microwave a little if needed to help mix it with the grounds.
Place the soap base cubes in a glass jug, and heat in the microwave until all of the cubes melt. Be careful not to overheat the soap base. You should melt the cubes in short bursts and stir in between heating times.
Add the coffee mixture and extra-virgin olive oil and stir well.
Pour equally into the silicone mold.
Lightly spray the surface of the soap with rubbing alcohol to eliminate any bubbles.
Allow the soap to cool and set by leaving it undisturbed for approximately two hours.
When the soap is set, carefully turn out the soaps from the mold. Don’t worry soap molds are thin which makes this process very easy.

And that’s it… easy wasn’t it?

Photos of the Process

Goat's milk soap base — Cutting the soap base.

Coffee Cinnamon & Honey mixture for soap recipe — Coffee grounds, cinnamon, and honey. You can add the extra virgin olive oil to this mixture too.

Coffee Cinnamon & Honey Soap melt and pour recipe — Add the coffee mixture to the melted soap base and stir well.

Coffee Cinnamon & Honey Soap pouring into the mold. — Pour evenly into your silicone molds.

Coffee Cinnamon & Honey Soap - home made — Spray the surface lightly with Isopropanol Alcohol to remove bubbles.

Coffee Cinnamon & Honey Soap — Leave to set for approximately 2 hours before turning out of the mold.

Super-Easy Homemade Honey & Oatmeal Soap Recipe – Melt and Pour

May 12, 2022 by Comfy Zen Leave a Comment

Today I’d like to share my favorite, super-easy, homemade honey, and oatmeal soap recipe with you. One of the best things about this recipe is that it doesn’t feel like a typical grocery store soap. Made with a goat’s milk soap base, the scent is delicate, and natural and the consistency is soft and smooth. It also lasts a long time and has a lovely lather (see photo below) – so it’s perfect for a bath or shower!

RECIPE VARIATIONS

You can leave out either the oatmeal or the honey if you wish – the recipe still works. I used porridge oats that I blitzed in my Nutribullet for just a couple of seconds so that some of the flakes remained.

Color and Fragrance – You can customize this soap recipe by adding a couple of drops of essential oil, and a little coloring – although I honestly prefer this soap without.

Oils – I added extra virgin olive oil to my mixture as it’s my favorite goto skincare oil, (I even use olive oil as a natural body moisturizer), but do feel free to substitute with any oil of your choice.

Base – The recipe calls for a goat’s milk soap base which gives the soap a soft, creamy texture that is very gentle on sensitive skin but you can use any melt and pour base that you prefer.

Rubbing Alcohol – This is used to eliminate any bubbles that may form on the top of your soap. If you don’t wish to use it the soap will be OK but may look a little less than neat.

Honey & Oatmeal Soap vintage — Packaged with brown paper and string, this old-fashioned homemade Honey & Oat Soap recipe makes a lovely vintage-style gift.

This recipe will make four bath-soap-sized bars (measuring approximately 3.1″ x 2.2″ x 1″ and weighing 3.4 oz) – using just 1lb of goat’s milk melt and pour soap base. You can easily double the recipe if you wish.

Just so you know, the bases are commonly 2lbs and more but I prefer to make smaller batches at a time when making soap just for myself and my family unless I’m making extra for gifting, see above.

And I thought it might be a good idea to give you the recipe for a smaller quantity so that you’ll have plenty of soap base left over to try out my Easy Coffee Cinnamon & Honey Soap Recipe or make more of this honey & oat soap when you run out.

Honey & Oatmeal Soap lather — Goat’s milk doesn’t typically have much lather, but this soap recipe lathers nicely.

If you’d like a little more information on the melt and pour method v’s the lye process or if you fancy choosing a soap-making kit, please click here.

INGREDIENTS

1/2 lb Goat’s Milk Soap Base
Silicone Soap Mold (this set also contains a spatula)
Spatula
Glass Jug
1 tbsp Honey
1 tbsp Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
1 tbsp Porridge Oats (ground) or Oatmeal (not course or steel-cut as it could be sharp)
Rubbing Alcohol (Spray)

Method

Cut the soap base into roughly 1-inch-sized cubes. (The soap base is quite easy to cut with an ordinary kitchen knife.)
Place the cubes in a glass jug, and heat in the microwave until all of the cubes melt. Be careful not to overheat the soap base. You should melt the cubes in short bursts and stir in between heating times.
Now add the oats, honey, and oil and stir well.
Pour evenly into the silicone mold.
Lightly spray the surface of the soap with rubbing alcohol to eliminate any bubbles. (The bubbles may not disappear immediately but don’t worry, they will have by the time the soap is set).
Sprinkle a few flakes of oats on the top for decoration if you wish.
Allow the soap to cool and set by leaving it undisturbed for approximately two hours.
When the soap is set, carefully turn out the soaps from the mold. Don’t worry soap molds are thin which makes this process very easy.

And that’s it all done – enjoy your soap!

Ohh and if you need some pretty handmade labels to package your soap, I have some free printable ones here.

Photos of the Process

Extra-virgin olive oil, oats, and honey.

5 Easy Tips For Mixing Decorating Styles Like A Pro

January 31, 2022 by Comfy Zen Leave a Comment

It’s a crazy world out there, folks. And when it comes to interior design, it’s no different. Gone are the days when you could simply follow the latest trend and have a stylish, up-to-date home. These days, it’s all about mixing and matching, blending old and new, and creating a space that’s uniquely your own.

Take the recent trend of Cottagecore, for example. This laid-back, rustic style emerged in 2018 and has been gaining popularity ever since. Cottagecore is all about embracing the simple pleasures of life, from homegrown vegetables and fresh flowers to cozy fires and comfy furniture.

But Cottagecore isn’t the only game in town. There are plenty of other popular styles out there, from the sleek, minimalist lines of mid-century modern to the ornate, over-the-top grandeur of the 1980s. And the best part? You don’t have to choose just one. You can mix and match to create a space that’s truly unique.

So don’t be afraid to experiment. Whether you’re a fan of the classics or a trendsetter looking for something new, there’s a style out there that’s perfect for you. Just remember: when it comes to interior design, the only rule is to follow your heart.

So Here’s our list of the ten hottest, most happening interior design styles of today. From the sleek, minimalist lines of mid-century modern, to the cozy, rustic charm of Cottagecore, these are the styles that everyone’s talking about.

Mid Century Modern
Coastal
Farmhouse
Bohemian
Scandinavian
Industrial
Minimalism
Cottagecore
Rustic
French Shabby Chic

You could go with just one decor style, but let’s face it, it’s all a bit predictable isn’t it? Mix it up, with a blend of two, or even three styles together and create a home that’s truly unique. Don’t be afraid to go big and take some risks.

But beware: too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. Too minimalist and your home will feel cold and empty. Too industrial and you’ll be sipping espresso all day just to fit in. Too rustic and you’ll be living in a barn.

But when it’s done right, mixing styles will give your home some much-needed character. It’ll be fresh, it’ll be bold, and it’ll be unlike anything your friends have ever seen. So if you’re ready to take the plunge, follow these five tips and mix your styles like a boss.

1. Mood Boarding: The Fine Art of Bringing Your Vision to Life

This may seem kinda obvious but, it’s so easy to get off track and buy stuff that doesn’t create a cohesive design when it’s all put together.

Pinterest is a great place to collect ideas and reference photos, but don’t just buy stuff randomly. Create a private board for your project and refer to it before you buy anything. And if you really want to go all out, check out some mood board tools like Canva. You can create a mood board with their free version. Just make sure you stick to the plan and don’t get sidetracked.

2. From Monochrome to Rainbow: Choosing the Right Color Palette

Okay, let’s talk color palettes. If you want your home to look like a million bucks, you need to start with the right hues. Figure out what kind of vibe you’re going for – country, French, English, whatever – and pick colors that make it pop.

But don’t go overboard – a few well-chosen colors will do the trick. Remember, your color palette sets the tone for everything else, so choose wisely.

3. Choose Your Style Elements Like a Boss

Take some time to think about what it is that you like about a particular style. If, like me, you love the hand-made and natural qualities of boho but find it a little too fussy. You can pair the design down and make it minimalist.

Conversely, this is also a great combo if you like the simplicity of minimalism but find it a little stark. Remember, minimalism doesn’t mean everything has to be white …or empty for that matter – just keep things very simple and elegant. “Less is more” as they say.

4. House Rules: Picking the Perfect Decor for Your Home’s Architecture

Whether you live in a Modern, Mid-Century, or Victorian home, it’s usually better to choose a style that is most in keeping with the building you live in. If you live in a 1950’s home, for example, a nod to mid-century modern interior design will work so much better than Victorian. Victorian style (even if it’s faux) doesn’t look so “faux” in a Victorian building. To this end, you might want to change your furniture so that it looks more in keeping with the period of your property.

5. Accentuate the Positive: Add Some Flair to Your Decor

If you’re not ready to go all-in with a new home decor theme, or you just want to add a little something extra to your existing style, try spicing things up with some finishing touches. For example, country style is all about cozy quilts, fluffy pillows, and other homey touches. Industrial style is all about rough, masculine materials like wood, iron, and brick. Rustic style is all about classic furniture and antique rugs. And shabby chic? It’s all about mixing old and vintage items to create a warm, cozy, and unique look. So if you want to add some flavor to your home, try incorporating elements from one of these styles. It’ll give your space a fresh, new feel without going too wild.

Well, friends, that’s all I’ve got for you today. I hope you found these tips helpful. If you’ve got any of your own to share, drop ’em in the comments below. Until next time, happy decorating!

5 Simple But Awesome Chair Makeover Ideas

December 6, 2021 by Comfy Zen Leave a Comment

As we all know, a new chair or sofa is a surefire way to add some much-needed style to your home. But let’s face it – those fancy new pieces of furniture come with a hefty price tag that can leave a dent in your wallet.

But fear not! There are ways to revamp your furniture without breaking the bank. From DIY chair refinishing to simple makeover tips, you can save some serious money and still add some pizzazz to your living space. So if you’re in need of inspiration, we’ve rounded up five awesome chair makeover ideas that won’t break the bank. So go ahead, and give your furniture the makeover it deserves without breaking the bank.

1. Time for a Paint Job

In the world of furniture, there are few things more satisfying than giving your old pieces a new lease on life. And when it comes to quick and budget-friendly transformations, a fresh coat of paint is hard to beat.

If you’re feeling daring, why not take on the challenge of giving your old chair a new look? With a few hours to spare and a can of paint, you can easily transform your tired piece into a beautiful and chic statement piece.

We’re particularly fond of the French chic look that painted white furniture gives a room. So why not give it a try and see how it can elevate your space? The possibilities are endless and the satisfaction of a job well done is priceless. Give it a shot and see the magic for yourself.

Tips For Painting Furniture

Painting furniture can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be! For a soft, matte finish, grab a can of Chalked by Rust-oleum from your local store or Amazon. It’s an affordable way to achieve a chic, Pinterest-worthy look for your old wooden chairs. Or, you could even use it to give your partially upholstered chairs a fresh pop of color on the legs and frame.

If you’re looking for an ultra-smooth, professional finish, consider investing in a good HVLP paint sprayer. I’ve done the research for you and compiled a list of the best options on the market. Plus, on that page, I explain in more detail the benefits of using a paint sprayer for your furniture makeover project. Prices start at just $45, and trust me – the results are worth it. I’ve even posted a photo of the amazing transformation I achieved with my HVLP sprayer.

Regardless of which method you choose, the key to success is proper preparation. Make sure your surface is sanded, clean, and free of grease. And if you’re painting outside, be prepared for pesky bugs and flies to crash the party. Consider setting up a canopy to work under if you live in an area with a lot of flying critters. Happy painting!

2. Rustic Refinishing: From rough to smooth

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to take your old chair to the next level, refinishing is the way to go. Grab some wood filler, sandpaper, and a can of paint, and let your imagination run wild. You can create a bold, eye-catching chair with multiple colors and patterns, or go for a more subdued look with a single coat of paint. And once you’ve applied your desired finish, you can even add your own personal touch with stencils, or stamps. This chair makeover is also a great example of how to do the rustic and distressed furniture look.

So grab your tools and let the refinishing begin!

Editor’s Tip

One easy way to get the look is to lightly dip a sponge into your paint to apply, and then wipe off the excess with a cloth to allow the wood grain to show through. This is my go-to method and that’s how I got the look on my wooden floorboards below. (The photo was taken to show my Diamond Painting Kit, but you get the idea).

3. From Drab to Fab: How to Transform Your Chair with Fabric

A new fabric chair cover is a great way to get a clean, unique look for your old chair. It’s a simple look, and perfect for adding a touch of style to a plain old chair that has seen better days.

This is not the cheapest option for revamping your old chairs but the choice of fabric you go for can make all the difference to the look of your room – so if you go down this route choose your fabric wisely. Get a couple of quotes from professional upholsterers and ask them for advice.

If your budget can’t stretch to having a professional upholsterer recover your chair or sofa you can have a go yourself.

A DIY fabric chair makeover is a great way to give a plain old chair a new look, without having to invest in any new furniture. You can really tailor your new look to suit your own style. This DIY fabric chair makeover above makes use of plain linen fabric and a sewing machine to create a unique look.

One way to get cost-effective fabric is to buy Ikea bedding (like linen, for example, not anything too thin) and make your own covers from the fabric. You can even use pillows for seat cushions.

So why not get out your sewing machine and make your very own stylish fabric chair?

4. Dip and Strip ‘Em

If you’re sick of your old wooden chairs looking like they’ve seen one paint job too many, it’s time to dip and strip them. This method works like a charm and will give your chairs a vintage, rustic, and chic look.

I tried it on a couple of my bentwood chairs and they came back looking like they were made to order. No longer just old and worn, they were shabby chic and vintage in all the right ways.

But beware, the process can be harsh so if your chairs are delicate or already a little broken, it might not be the best idea. And make sure to treat the wood with wax or oil afterwards to keep it from drying out. But if you’re ready to give your chairs a new lease on life, give the dip-and-strip method a try. It’s a surefire way to make them look fresh and chic.

5. DIY Upholstery: Fabric to the Rescue

Now we’re getting into the more advanced territory – but don’t worry it’s perfectly possible to reupholster an old chair yourself. The key is to take lots of before shots, and then carefully disassemble the chair.

We’re diving into the deep end now, – but don’t worry, reupholstering an old chair is totally doable. The secret? Take plenty of before pics, before you remove the upholstery. The satisfaction of giving an old piece of furniture a fresh new look is second to none. So grab your tools and get to work, my fellow DIY warriors. Let’s make that chair shine.

Editor’s Tip

Remove and save the tacks and all fabric so that you can use the old fabric as a template to cut your new fabric choice to the correct shape. You may even be able to reuse the stuffing so check it first for its potential to be re-used before you decide to throw it away.

Treat the wooden frame first, a simple coat or two of chalk paint may be the easiest and most effective method to give your chair a fresh high-end designer look. And don’t worry, there are plenty of YouTube tutorials out there that can help you to make a good job.

5. Dress it Up: From Drab to Fab

Forget about painting and reupholstering, it’s all about the fabric. A chair makeover with fabric can be a wild, creative ride. If you’re looking for a quick and easy fix for your tired old chair, just grab some throws and cushions or throw pillows and go to town. Fabric is the way to bring some new life to a dull chair, and it won’t break the bank.

Before you buy, take a trip down the Pinterest rabbit hole and see what catches your eye. Choose a color scheme that makes your heart sing, and that goes with your existing decor. And don’t be tempted by anything too cheap and cheerful, because you fall out of love with it quickly. Trust me, I’ve been there.

Editor’s Tip

Buy feather-filled cushion pads for a more high-end look and a better overall shape. You’d be amazed at the difference it makes.

Do you have any photos of a chair makeover that you’d like me to show here or have you documented a chair makeover that you’d like me to feature? Just let me know below.

How to Use a Heat Gun for Embossing

April 17, 2021 by Comfy Zen Leave a Comment

If you are new to embossing, here is a quick how-to guide to get you started. In this case, we’ll take you through the process of heat embossing on paper or card stock, but you can emboss a variety of other materials too, including ceramics, fabrics, glass, and wood.

The process for embossing on paper is very straightforward and fun to learn, and when you feel confident you can try hand-drawing your own designs or even make your own stamps. The first thing you’ll need is a heat gun. I have written a buying guide for that.

Just so you know you will need a heat gun, a hairdryer wont reach the temperature required to melt the embossing powder. It’s more likely to blow the powder everywhere than to give you the results you want.

Here are the other tools you need to get started:

First, lightly rub your anti-static pouch over your card stock.

If you are using a stamp, load your stamp using your pigment Inkpad. Stamp the design onto your card or paper stock.

Coat the area you have stamped with your embossing powder, tipping away excess powder onto a spare sheet of paper. If you do this you’ll find that you can easily funnel/pour it back into the powder pot for reuse.

Check that there are no stray particles on your card. You can use a fine paintbrush to make sure everything looks neat and tidy.

Now it’s time to set the embossing powder with your heat gun using circular motions. After a few seconds, you will start to see the embossed effect appear.

You can also use embossing pens to hand-draw your own design. Just remember to use the anti-static pad first. Once you have drawn out your image, the process is the same as above.

And that’s it, very simple but very effective.

Eames Chair Original vs Replica – Spend or Save?

March 4, 2021 by Comfy Zen Leave a Comment

If you’re the kind of person who has the means to appreciate the finer things in life, then you should absolutely invest in an original Eames chair and ottoman. But let’s be real, not everyone has the budget to drop a few thousand dollars on a piece of furniture. That’s where the replicas come in.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. Replicas? Those cheap imitations, won’t they fall apart after a few months? No, they won’t. Hear me out. With today’s technology and attention to detail, it’s possible to get an Eames replica that’s nearly indistinguishable from the real deal. And let’s be honest, who’s really going to know the difference?

So, if you want the iconic design and comfort of an Eames chair without breaking the bank, a high-quality replica will have you lounging in style without emptying your wallet.

Authentic Eames: Is It More Than Just a Designer Label?

Well yes. As good as these replicas are, (and some of them are really good) not taking into account the label, (or lack thereof) an expert would be able to tell the difference.

But then again, that would be inevitable, given that the Eames chair and ottoman, (originally titled 670 and 671 respectively) are far from anything that could be considered ordinary items of furniture.

If you need further evidence to back up the claim, Charles and Ray’s first version of the Eames lounge chair and ottoman is in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

The Price of Owning a Piece of Furniture History

If you are thinking of buying a new Eames chair, the cost range is between $5,495.00 – $8,495.00 – depending on which wood veneer and fabric option you choose.

That may seem extravagant for a chair, but remember that Eames chairs hold their price exceptionally well. If you browse 1stdibs.com, for example, you can see what I’m talking about. They have a used/second-hand one, circa 2015, that is currently (at the time of writing) selling for £5,200.07.

They may seem like a pricey purchase at first, but these chairs hold their value and then some. Not only that, but they only get better with age.

In fact, they will look even better 20+ years from now – long after you would have worn out or gone off a furniture store chair. This makes the Eames lounge chair and ottoman a much more attractive option.

Eames: A Legendary Design

The original Eames lounge chair is made up of a number of key design elements, and I’ll list the main ones below.

Experience Ultimate Comfort with the Recline | Fixed at a perfect 15° angle for optimal spinal support.
Swivel in Style | 360° rotation for maximum movement, but the ottoman stays put.
5-Point Legs for Extra Stability | Ottoman has 4 legs for added support.
Interchangeable Cushions | Same size for both chair and ottoman, and removable for easy cleaning.
Foam Filling for Extra Support | 6-inch thick cushions for ultimate comfort, a far cry from the feather-filled early versions.
7-Layer Shell for Durability | Pre-1974 models had 5 layers of molded plywood.
Made in the USA | Herman Miller’s signature craftsmanship.
Invisible Screws for a Sleek Look | Materials include die-cast aluminum, stainless steel, and luxurious leather or velvet.
Choose Your Perfect Fit | Classic and tall sizes available.”Try again

Dimensions Classic:

Width: 33.5″
Depth: 35″
Seat Height: 16″

Dimensions Tall:

Height: 33.2″
Width: 33.5″
Depth: 37.8″
Seat Height: 16.5″

The Great Eames Debate: Herman Miller vs. Vitra

If you decide to invest in an original Eames, you will be faced with the choice between going for a Vitra or a Herman Miller Eames chair. In case you are wondering, we’ll explain the difference between the two.

Herman Miller and Vitra Eames chairs are both authentic. That being said, there are some design differences.

Herman Miller was the original manufacturer of the chair. However, with a growing demand for the Eames chair overseas, Miller was faced with a decision. Should they extend their business overseas, or, authorize a select number of overseas companies to manufacture and distribute the chair instead? They chose the latter.

Of the few original companies selected, only one manufacturer remains – and that is the Swiss company Vitra.

It’s actually very easy to tell the two styles apart. Just as you’d expect, Herman Miller’s version of the chair is ever so slightly closer to the original 1956 design. You can easily spot the difference by looking at the base.

It’s really a matter of personal preference, but if you want that authentic 1956 look then the Herman Miller replicas will probably appeal to you more.

The Look You Love at a Fraction of the Price

If you are thinking of choosing a replica, the good news is that there are a number of high-quality Eames replicas out there, that are very faithful to the original Eames design specifications.

Don’t Be Fooled: Advice on Finding a Great Eames Reproduction

First of all, it really helps to know your Eames. If you know what design features an original Eames consists of, it will make it much easier to eliminate poor-quality reproductions.

We’ve listed the main design features in our “original Eames chair” section above, and referencing the list there, should really help you decide which Eames replicas are worth going for – and which to give a miss.

I’ll give you an example: The original Eames consists of three separate shells. Each shell consists of 7 sheets of layered plywood veneers.

The individual sheets are stacked on top of each other, (sandwich-like) in alternating glue-coated and none glue coated (dry) sheets.

The layers are then heated to just the right temperature. And precisely the right amount of pressure is applied to bend and mold the wood into the classic organic forms that the chair is famous for.

Now there are actually some replicas out there, that boast of “new improved 8-layers of plywood”. That, to me is a red flag, right there. I would question why they needed to use eight layers of plywood for a start – for me at any rate, that’s one I’d avoid.

Especially when you take into account that the original Eames chair was meticulously designed. A process that took Charles and Ray Eames many years and countless failed attempts before they were finally able to produce a prototype that was both functional and comfortable as well as aesthetically pleasing. The Eames chair made its debut in 1956.

Although there have been some refinements to the design over the decades, these have been the result of decisions made by expert furniture designers at Eames, as well as improved manufacturing techniques.

The most notable changes over the years have been:

The transition from 1971 onward from a feather filling to foam.
The addition of new 4 types of wood veneers. Originally the chairs had Rosewood shells. They now come with a choice of Cherry, Walnut, Ash, and Santos veneers.
And of course, those layers of plywood that we’ve already mentioned above. The shells originally consisted of 5 layers of plywood but from the mid-1970s onward, the chairs have been manufactured using 7 layers.

I hope this guide has been helpful to you, let me know what you think in the comments below.

Best Artificial Outdoor Plants to Complement Your Outdoor Space

February 19, 2021 by Comfy Zen Leave a Comment

Artificial plants can instantly transform a boring outdoor space into a mini oasis – if you are selective about the ones you choose.

Here, we’ve carefully compiled a selection of the best artificial outdoor plants, to complement your outdoor space.

So we will avoid any cheap plastic plants that at best bear little resemblance to an actual plant – and even worse will turn that unnatural shade of sickly blue after a few short weeks in the sun.

The ones we’ve chosen, all have that extra attention to detail. The topiary box hedge trees and cypress trees we have chosen, for example, have about a month’s worth of growth spurt – so they’re never going to look like solid round balls of green plastic leaves. They are also highly UV resistant so they’ll never turn blue on you.

What’s more, like for like, high-quality outdoor faux plants are usually cheaper than the real thing. That makes them worth every penny – especially when you consider that they won’t die, don’t require any looking after, and they won’t go leggy, outgrow their situation or ever look any less than 100% healthy.

The table below contains our selection of the best ones out there, but we also have better photos of our picks and detailed reviews including why we chose each one.

Succulent Hoop Wreath by IdahoWreathMaiden from Etsy

Top Pick: Succulent Hoop Wreath by IdahoWreathMaiden

Shop owner Molly makes beautiful custom-made hoop wreaths, like the one you can see here and in our main image above. This one measures 16″ in diameter.

Succulents naturally lend themselves well to artificial plant displays and are often nearly identical to the real thing.

We love the blend of colors Molly incorporates into her gorgeous natural-looking arrangements.

Molly will even make you a custom 18” or 24” diameter wreath with succulents if you wish.

Check Price on Etsy

What We Like

High-Quality Faux Leaves – There’s nothing about the leaves of the succulents that looks too uniform or like they’ve been cut with a cookie cutter.
A Varied Selection of Succulents – There’s a nice variety of plants giving it a high-end look.

Things to Consider

You might want to consider that due to the nature of the display it may not be best suited to anywhere that may be subject to adverse weather conditions.

Molly also makes other styles which you can check out here.

Also Great: Hanging metal bucket with faux succulents by AndSucculentsDesigns

This is another fabulous succulent arrangement. As you can see in the large photo below, it has a flat back so it’s ideal for hanging on a wall, or door, or for standing flat against a wall.

The faux succulent display comes in a galvanized metal bucket measuring approximately 9” by 6”.

We’ll be looking at another faux succulent arrangement from AndSucculentsDesigns next.

Check Price on Etsy

Hanging metal bucket with faux succulents by AndSucculentsDesigns from Etsy

Also Great: Extra Large faux succulent arrangement centerpiece in a black metal container by AndSucculentsDesigns

Troughs and Planted Containers

We’ve absolutely fallen in love with this magnificent statement piece.

This one comes with a black metal planter, so it would be better suited to a covered porch.

It’s 23” long by 4” wide and it’s stuffed full of beautiful and colorful, faux succulents.

See More From This Store on Etsy

There are several other designs and sizes to choose from in the AndSucculentsDesigns shop on Etsy. Below is a smaller (8.5 x 4.75 x 3.5″) wooden trough display and the photo below that shows a 12 x 6 x 3″ display.

Another beautiful succulent planter from the AndSucculentDesigns store on Etsy

What We Like

High-Quality Faux Leaves – Again, there’s nothing about the leaves of the succulents that looks too uniform and there’s nothing plastic about the look of the plants.
Wide Selection of Succulents – The trough is filled with a wide variety of colors and textures from the wide selection of succulents used.

Things to Consider

The pot itself may be the only drawback. The metal could rust and the wood may start to deteriorate eventually. This may not be your best choice unless it’s placed in a dry area.

All-Weather Leather Fern Bush 28″ Wide 7 Sprays of Lifelike Leaves Indoor Outdoor Use by FloralHomeOnline at Etsy

Hanging baskets filled with cascading plants are a fabulous idea – in theory. In practice, they will dry up like the desert as soon as you take your eyes off them for a minute, and they have such a disappointingly short window before they start to look past their best.

Substitute real plants for the right artificial plants, and your hanging basket will be maintenance-free and look beautiful all year round.

Also Consider: All-Weather Leather Fern Bush 28″ Wide 7 Sprays of Lifelike Leaves Indoor Outdoor Use by FloralHomeOnline

Pants for Hanging Baskets

Kathy Smith from New Jersey, United States sells an amazing selection of very high-quality faux plants and flowers for both indoors and out.

Check Price

Although made from plastic you’d never notice. This delicate and detailed fern is a stunning example of the high standard of plants Kathy sells in her shop. The fern looks like a standard-size artificial house plant from the photos, but it’s large – a full 28 inches wide! It would be perfect for a planter or would make a fantastic display as a hanging basket.

What We Like

Highly Detailed High-Quality Faux Plant – This is just one plant! You’d normally have to buy two or three to get the same amount of fullness that this one gives you.
Large Display – It looks smaller in the photo than it actually is. It’s over two feet wide.
Suitable for Indoor or Out – It would look fabulous in a sunroom that would otherwise be too hot to grow a real one successfully.

Things to Consider

This is a large display, and as with all faux plants, for a more realistic look it will look better placed at more of a distance. So you may want to consider where you intend to place it.

Artificial plant panels are both popular and useful for screening off unsightly areas of a yard or for providing privacy and shade. That being said, the market is saturated with cheaply made green plastic squares that bear zero resemblance to a natural plant and wouldn’t convince anyone!

We’ve picked one set, however, that knocks all the others out of the park!

Another Worthy Mention: Artificial Boxwood Panels by FloralHomeOnline from Etsy

These are exceptionally high-quality 20 by 20 inches square panels and they come in sets of 2, 4 6, or 12. UV and weather-resistant they won’t fade, become brittle or fall to bits.

The panels can be cut or bent to shape if required and they attach easily to any fence or wall.

Check Price on Etsy

As you can see in the close-up below, the panels have lush, dense, foliage and replicate different lengths of growth. What’s more, they provide 98% shade!

What We Like

Realistic Looking Dense Foliage – The uneven (non-uniform) growth really helps the overall effect to look more realistic.
Suitable for a Number of Different Situations – It’s easy to assemble and can even be placed on a curved surface.

Things to Consider

Cost – If you have a large area to screen, you’ll need a lot of panels. So, depending on how many you need, the cost may be considerable.

There’s a world of difference between the artificial topiary trees we have chosen in this section, and the ones you usually find out there.

A green mound of plastic on a stick is not going to do your outdoor space any favors nor will it convince anyone that it’s real – these artificial ornamental topiary trees are different.

Editor’s Pick: Nearly Natural 46” Boxwood Artificial Topiary UV Resistant

Nearly Natural specialize in high-quality faux plants.

If you a looking for an artificial indoor tree you’ll see they feature a few times in our top picks.

Their faux plants have that extra attention to detail.

Check Price on Amazon

This is due in no small part to the fact that they hire head designers who have years of experience and extensive knowledge of the live plant business.

If you look at the details, for a start, they are not all one solid color, they have a natural shabbiness to them and the trunk is broad, uneven, and exceptionally realistic.

What We Like

Dense Faux Foliage – The slight shabby look perfectly replicates how the plant would look in nature, and it’s this that sets it apart from lower-quality artificial plants.
Natural Looking Trunk – It even has tap roots!

Things to Consider

The plant doesn’t come with a pot so you will need to buy one separately.

Another Great Option: Northwood Calliger 4.6’ Artificial Topiary Triple Ball Boxwood Trees

These 3 tiered topiary box trees have multiple layers of dense variegated green leaves made from durable colorfast plastic so they are certainly made to last!

Check Price on Amazon

Infused with an advanced UV inhibitor, to protect them from fading in the sun, these Buxus trees come with a 7″ wide by 5.9″ high pot – ready for you to sink straight into a pot of your own choice.

You can see the final effect in the photo below.

What We Like

Dense Faux Foliage – In nature, leaves don’t all grow evenly and this is what makes this one so much better than the cheap ones you see out there.
Natural Looking Trunks – It even has tap roots!

Things to Consider

No Pot – They don’t come with a pot so you will have to buy one if you don’t already have one.

Another Great Option: Two 56-Inch Outdoor Artificial Boxwood Double Ball Topiary Trees

The product image, left, just doesn’t do this one any justice I know, but if you look at the photos of these trees in the customer reviews for these artificial trees on Amazon you’ll get the idea of just how realistic they look.

Check Price on Amazon

Below is a close-up of the weather and UV-resistant dense green foliage of the two 56 inches outdoor artificial Boxwood trees we’ve featured above.

Two 56 Inch Outdoor Artificial Boxwood Double Ball Topiary Trees Potted Plants from Amazon

What We Like

Natural Looking Foliage – There’s plenty of foliage on these boxwood trees and they have non-uniform leaves.

Things to Consider

No Pot – They come in weighted pots but you will need to replant them in pots of your own.

Another Great Option: Two 4 Foot 3 Inch Artificial Cypress Spiral Topiary Trees by Silk tree Warehouse

If you’d like something a little less formal than the tiered topiary Buxus trees we’ve just looked at, these are a fabulous alternative.

You can see just how detailed the foliage is in this pair of twisted cypress trees. The trees have a much softer and fluffier look.

You can see just how detailed the foliage is in the photo below.

Check Price

Two 4 Foot 3 Inch Artificial Cypress Spiral Topiary Trees by Silk tree Warehouse from Amazon

The Big Bumper List of Creative Hobbies and Craft Ideas

January 11, 2021 by Comfy Zen Leave a Comment

Crafting is something that you dip into now and then or it can become a lifelong passion? But the main thing to take away here is that you don’t need any special skills to paint, draw or create. The idea is to immerse yourself in the process. Whatever you create will be perfect because it was made by you.

So if you are feeling creative and really want to try your hand at making something fun and crafty or, are finding things a little difficult right now and would like a gentle, healing project to take your mind off things.

We’ve got you covered. We’ve put together this handy resource for you. At the end of the list, you’ll find photos of some of the crafts and projects I have made using the resources below.

Art and Crafts Resource List:

I have tried to include as many free courses and tutorials as possible. Not all the courses listed are free, but I have endeavored to ensure the paid courses listed are low-cost to suit all pockets.

Aromatherapy
- Lavender Massage Oil Recipe – Our free recipe

Paper Crafts

Scrapbooking and Journal Making
- Free Classes (YouTube)
  - Tracie Fox LoveJunk Journals – Tutorials
  - Attic Lane – Tutorials
  - Crafty Cat – Tutorials
  - Scrapbooking With ME Crafts – Tutorials
  - Mrs Cog – Tutorials
  - nessies journals – Tutorials
  - The Graphics Fairy LLC – Tutorials
  - 49dragonflies – Tutorials
  - Harvinaisenkauniselama – Tutorials
- Free Resources for Images
- Pintables you can buy on Etsy that don’t cost the earth:
  - My Porch Prints Printable kits – Printables
Decoupage
- Free printables for decoupage projects
Paper Making and Dying
- Tips and a recipe below
Embossing
- Best Heat Gun for Crafts
- How to Use a Heat Gun for Embossing

Pottery

Tools
- Best Pottery Wheel

Sewing

Free Classes
- The Midnight Quilt Show – Quilting Classes
Free Patterns and Projects
- Free Patterns – 70+ Free Sewing Patterns
- Free Sewing Class – Bag-Making Basics

Soap Making

Soap Making Kits

Craft as a Therapy

Studies
- The Influence of Art Making on Anxiety: A Pilot Study –Taylor & Francis Online
- The Connection Between Art, Healing, and Public Health: A Review of Current Literature – PubMed
- Reclaiming and Proclaiming the Use of Crafts in Occupational Therapy – The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy
- What is the evidence on the role of the arts in improving health and well-being? – World Health Organization

More Online Courses and Classes

NC State University has online classes (via zoom) for all levels and abilities.
Class Bento – lots of craft classes with prices clearly listed.

My Favorite Crafts and Hobbies

Below are all the crafts that I have tried from the resource list

Illustration

I’ve always loved painting and drawing. You may have noticed a few of my illustrations dotted around Comfy Zen. I am a digital illustrator, mostly producing book covers. You can grab some free art on my printables page if you wish.

Diamond Painting

Diamond Painting is quite a new craft, it’s only been around for a few years but it’s enormously popular. If you already like cross-stitch or painting by numbers, you’ll love diamond painting.

Some kits require you to fill the entire canvas to complete the project, but the kit shown above is a partial kit that I recently completed. It has an inked background to which lots of diamonds (or drills) are added.

Scrapbooking

Journal-making is my latest passion. You can see the one I’m working on right now below.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 20210213_151632-702x395.jpg — Journal making – You can see examples of the ephemera I have started to add to my page layout (right).

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is cover-book-702x395.jpg — Another of my handmade journals

Macramé

The most popular craft of the 1970s is back! But there’s nothing out of date about this new trend. So if you’d like to try your hand at making something boho-chic and contemporary with fiber, this is the craft for you.

I highly recommend you start with a macramé kit (similar to the one I made the wall hanging with, above). I also recommend you choose a kit that also comes with video instructions if possible.

Speaking of videos… Here is a macramé feather that I made.

Needle Felting

sweet needle felted bowl Comfy Zen — Needle felt bowl

Needle felting is a fabulous way to express your creativity.

There are two basic processes:

Wet Felting | This process uses water, soap, and agitation to tangle and shape the fibers.
Dry felting | This is the process of tangling together the loose fibers of wool roving with a barbed needle. Poking the fibers multiple times compacts the fibers to create structure and form.

I’ve posted a tutorial here on Comfy Zen for the sweet needle-felted bowl, that you can see above. And we also have a tutorial on how to make a mid-century modern bird.

The angel, which you can see in the top image is my latest project. It was my first attempt and it was honestly so quick and easy to make.

I’ll post how to make one very soon.

Aromatherapy

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Aromatherapy is a wonderfully interesting subject to study. Especially if you are a true lover of nature and feel and sense of peace being around plants, and herbs.

I was inspired to learn more about aromatherapy after watching a wonderful BBC documentary called The Frankincense Trail several years ago. It’s well worth a watch.

I only make very basic and safe recipes.

Here is a free recipe for Lavender Massage Oil to get you started. And if you what to know more about this sweet plant, here’s an article about the use of lavender for sleep.

Crochet and Knitting

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Ok, so knitting is not my strong point. And while I’d absolutely love to be able to knit, frankly I find it a bit frustrating. I have to concentrate 100% or I just drop stitches.

And it takes me about an hour each time, (not to mention, various illustrated diagrams, and a YouTube tutorial or two) to work out how to pick it up again.

But that’s probably just me. Both my mother and grandmother knitted beautifully (that’s actually my grandmother in the photo, right).

Above is my attempt at a lovely simple free pattern from the resource list above.

The dark green hat was crocheted just following a simple tutorial I found on YouTube. It actually turned out really well.

Decoupage

Paper Dying

I just wanted to quickly add this one in because I’ve been doing a lot of paper-dying lately for my journals.

And it’s a super easy and fast way to get very unique, pretty paper to make into journals notebooks, or to use to wrap small gifts.

You’ll just need a shallow tray large enough to fully immerse your paper in. It’s not an exact science – well actually it probably is, but I’m not going to pretend to be an expert. I basically just wing it when making mine (I love the surprise).

Generally speaking, the longer you soak the paper and the more concentrated the dye, the deeper or brighter the result will be. Here are my most successful recipes:

Avocado | Boil avocado (skins only) and the stones in some water. I tend to leave it overnight. Soak the paper for up to an hour (if it’s not delicate paper).

The results will be a surprisingly soft pink.

Red Onion Skins | Outer paper skin only – same process as above.

The results will be a surprisingly a soft green.

Kool-Aid or squash concentrate | OK so saying “this is hand-dyed Kool-Aid paper” doesn’t sound as sophisticated as “this is hand-dyed avocado paper” but it totally works.

I used blackcurrant and apple concentrate straight out of my kitchen cupboard. The paper came out a lovely soft pink and smelled divine for about a week. I worried it would eventually smell off, but it doesn’t, after several weeks it doesn’t smell of anything.

Do you enjoy a craft that you think we should add to this list? Tell us about it in the comments below and we’ll add it and give you a mention if you’d like.

Best Diamond Painting Kits (Full Guide with Pro Tips and Tricks)

January 8, 2021 by Comfy Zen Leave a Comment

In this super-easy-to-follow guide, we’ll cover absolutely everything you need to know about getting started with diamond painting. We’ll give you full instructions with tips and tricks along the way, and we’ll also take a look at some of the best diamond painting kits out there, with quick recommendations for choosing the perfect kit, whether you just want a quick project or are up for a bit more of a challenge.

So if that all sounds good to you, let’s get started.

And no problem, if you just want to choose a diamond painting kit and skip everything else – our recommendations are all right here in the table below.

Type of Kit	Our Picks	Scroll
Partial Drill Diamond Painting Kits	5D DIY Diamond Painting by Number Kits, Mandala Flower By Windale This is a gorgeous partial kit which means you won’t be filling the entire canvas with drills, but there are still tons of drills to add to keep you busy. An excellent choice for a first diamond painting – not too much of a time commitment but very sparkly and pretty. You can see more of this one in the video above. Size: 12 x 12 inches 5D Diamond Painting Kits for Adults – The Kiss Gustav Klimt This is another fabulous option if you are just getting into diamond art. Lots of sparkles and what’s not to love about a Klimt. Size: 15.75×19.68 inches	Read More
Full Round Drill Diamond Painting Kits	Eiflow 5D Diamond Painting Kits for Adults Sunflower With this one, you will be filling the entire canvas with round drills. Round drills are a little more forgiving than square drills when it comes to lining them up straight. You will see a tiny bit of the printed canvas in the background around the drills. Size: 12 x 12 inches	Read More
Multi Pack Kits	4 Pack 5D DIY Diamond Painting Full Drill by Nurkul A fabulous set of animals. With good detail when completed. And get 3 more to complete the set. This is a full-round drill set. Size: 12 x 16 in (approx each)	Read More
Full Square Drill Diamond Painting Kits	ANMUXI 5D Diamond Painting Kits Full Square Drills for Adults This is a full square drill kit. So you will be filling the entire canvas to make up the image. It comes in a range of different sizes and you get 2 drill pens with 3 drill placer heads for placing a line of drills in one go. Size: 12 x 12in	Read More

Let me start out by saying if you are new to diamond painting, it’s pretty new to me too. It’s only been around for a few years, so it’s definitely not something I grew up with.

It was invented by a company based in China back in 2010 and took several years to really take off. Now it’s hugely popular and this is only the beginning.

How Easy is Diamond Painting and Will I Like It?

Below is a very short video to give you an idea of what diamond painting is all about.

If you already like cross-stitch or painting by numbers, you’ll love diamond painting. The principle is basically the same. Diamond painting even uses the same DMC color system using the 489 colors that you will be familiar with if you’ve ever done cross-stitch before.

But even if you’ve never done anything like it before, it’s just about the easiest craft you could choose. While it looks super impressive when your painting is completed, it’s one of the most stress-free creative activities you could do.

It’s also very easy to just dip into it every now and then – especially when you compare it to knitting or crochet for example. You see with diamond painting, you can see at a glance where you are up to and what you need to complete next.

And you can start or carry on anywhere on the canvas that you like.

Lastly, it’s so relaxing and meditative, and you don’t need to fully concentrate on it, so you can listen to music, a podcast, an audiobook, or watch something on tv at the same time.

And what a lovely activity to do with your children or grandchildren!

So what’s not to love?

Pro Tip 1
If your canvas won’t lie flat, lift the film at each corner of your canvas and replace it. This simple trick should make your canvas lie flat.

How to do Diamond Painting

It’s super easy:

Your canvas will come with a key. The key will be numbered and/or it may have symbols next to it. There will also be a corresponding DMC number. Match, and stick your diamonds (or drills as they are called) to the sticky surface of the canvas using the color key provided.
Pour some drills into the tray provided in your kit and give it a gentle shake. This will turn all your diamonds the right way up.
To make picking up the drills easy, a drill pen is provided with a hollow nib. Each kit also comes with a small piece of (usually pink) wax. Press the end of the nib into the wax.
Pick up and place your diamond drills onto the canvas.
You will notice that the canvas has a piece of film protecting its sticky surface. Uncover only the small area you are working on at any one time. This is to keep the canvas fluff-free and clean.

Pro Tip 2
If you notice any areas of the canvas have a bumpy or uneven glue surface, use a sharp craft knife to score the surface until the glue evens out. This is important as it will prevent a visible ridge of uneven drills from appearing in your finished piece.

How to Choose a Diamond Painting Kit

There are really three basic types of kit you can choose between and we’ll run through those now:

A Partial Kit

A good way to dip your toes into a diamond painting is with a partial kit.

By this, we mean one that has the high-quality inked background to which you add sparkle and detail with your diamonds.

And just so you know, these kits don’t just give you the odd diamond to add here and there. They have tons of diamonds in them for you to place. And the final effect is stunning.

Another good reason to choose a partial kit is that it’s generally much easier to see the symbols or numbers on your canvas.

Serious diamond artists tend to prefer full drill kits. The finished result of any type of kit has the potential to look stunning. But the full drill kits offer present more of a challenge.

A Full Round Drill Kit

These kits require you to fully cover the canvas with diamond drills. They are a little easier to line up because their circular shape means there is a tiny bit more space around them.

That means you will see some of the canvas in the background – but it will be printed the same color as your drill, so won’t be very noticeable.

A Full Square Drill Kit

Square drills are a little harder to line up straight. But there’s a handy tip to making it easier.

You simply place your drills in a checkerboard pattern and then go back and fill in the gaps.

If you choose a full drill kit, either round or square, you may find it a little difficult to see the symbols. Working over a lightbox or light pad can make things so much easier to see. They are surprisingly cheap too!

If you think you need a lightbox to see what you are doing, try to go for a dimmable one if you can.

Pro Tip 3
If you choose a full drill kit you may find that the edges outside of the working area are sticky too. To keep the edges fluff-free and clean, it’s a good idea to lay a strip of washi tape all the way around the edges of your canvas.

Now it has to be said that if you are filling an entire canvas with drills, your finished picture will inevitably look pixelated to some degree or another. As a rule of thumb, the larger the canvas, the more detailed and less pixelated the final image will be.

Of course, unless you are up for a challenge, that’s not necessarily what you want to hear if you are just starting out. It’s a huge time commitment for a start and you may feel a bit overwhelmed with a large canvas and tons and drills.

The best advice I can give you is not to choose a canvas that’s too big unless you already know you’re going to be hooked, but do choose kits where real people have posted a photo of their finished piece. That will make it easier to judge whether or not you’ll like the final result. …And that, of course, was an essential factor in choosing our recommendations.

Pro Tip 4
Store and label your spare diamonds when you have completed your kit. You never know when you may need a few extra ones in future kits. You can also use them to embellish birthday or Christmas cards etc. The possibilities are endless.

Partial Drill Diamond Painting Kit

5D DIY Diamond Painting by Number Kits, Mandala Flower By Windale

This is the kit I am working on now you can see it in the video above. I’m loving how it is turning out.

It comes with a mixture of different shapes and sizes of drills and the effect is super sparkly and pretty.

Although you only embellish the image, it’s kept me happily busy for about an hour each evening for the last couple of days and I’ve still not finished it as you can see (the finished project is shown above).

Check Price

Eiflow 5D Diamond Painting Kits for Adults Sunflower

If you look on Amazon you can see the photos of the completed painting posted by diamond artists.

We think it looks stunning.

Check Price

Multi Pack Kit

4 Pack 5D DIY Diamond Painting Full Drill by Nurkul

Tons of color to brighten your day. These look fantastic when done.

Check Price

Full Square Drill Diamond Painting Kit

ANMUXI 5D Diamond Painting Kits Full Square Drills for Adults

This one comes in different sizes so if you want more of a challenge, we say go for it!

For best results, a light pad may be the way to go but they are super cheap. Choose a dimmable one.

Check Price

Other Kits

Diamond Painting Bookmark by Ross Beauty

Fantastic gift. Super cute. What’s not to love?

Check Price

SUSSURRO 9 Pieces DIY Diamond Painting Keychain

Adorable. I suggest setting these so that the diamonds don’t drop off. Mod podge or similar will work.

Check Price

If there’s anything good that you think we’ve missed, or if you have any questions about anything, then let us know down in the comments below.

Beaded Lace Necklace – With a Video Tutorial

December 11, 2020 by Comfy Zen Leave a Comment

Join me in making a beaded lace necklace.

I’ve been in full-on work mode for the last couple of weeks, so decided to down tools on Sunday and spend the day beading which is both fun and relaxing.

I love that you can take a few beads and create something really pretty and unique. And when you don’t get your thread in a knot, or realize you missed a bead way back, it’s a great way to unwind take your mind off the stresses of everyday life.

So I thought I would share with you the simple beaded lace necklace I made.

The inspiration for this necklace, in case you were wondering, was simply that I wanted to make something pretty and delicate but still casual looking, to wear with a couple of things I bought recently. And I just love the color combination of the Picasso Seafoam green with the watermelon.

The beaded lace necklace is super easy to make. In fact, if you look at it closely you can see that it consists of just two units that repeat.

I’ve added an 8mm faceted round bead and a loop clasp. It looks really pretty in real life and costs much less than buying a metal one. And don’t worry about it coming undone. I’ve made several necklaces using a bead and loop closure and have honestly, never had a problem with one coming undone.

How to Make a Beaded Lace Necklace

I made the video below so you can see how I made it – and below that is a materials list and my notes on the project.

I’ve also included a PDF download below with tips on how to thread your beading needle – the easy way. Plus a few notes on needle sizes and beading threads.

How to Thread a Beading Needle and Other Pro Tips for New Beaders Download

And don’t worry even if you’ve never tried bead weaving before. If you are looking for a creative hobby, and you’d just like to give it a try, you’ll be happy to know you don’t need any special skills, to begin with. You’ll pick things up easily and if you find a pattern you like you’ll find you will simply learn new techniques as you go along.

Materials You Need to Make Your Lacy Necklace

11/0 Miyuki Seed Beads Main Color
11/0 Miyuki Seed Beads Accent Color
3x 15/0 Seed Beads
3.4mm Drop Beads
2x 4mm Bicones
1x 8mm Round Bead or Rondelle
Beading ThreadSize 10 Beading Needle
and a Stop Bead.

Opaque Matte Picasso Seafoam Green from Etsy

Notes:

I designed the Lacy Necklace using just two colors, Opaque Matte Picasso Seafoam Green and Watermelon. But you can of course use any color combination you like.

Bead Links to Etsy:

Adding New Thread

Start with a new thread in the previous unit and follow the bead path making a half hitch knot on your way make sure you come out of the same bead you left your old thread and continue beading. You can sew the loose ends back in later.

I hope you found this tutorial helpful. Please do leave me a comment down below.

Here’s a sneak peek of my new stash of craft supplies. I have a couple of craft projects lined up that I have never tried before. I love trying new crafts so I will share what I make mistakes and all.

Happy beading!

Fairy Gift Ideas and Keepsakes for All Ages

November 28, 2020 by Comfy Zen 2 Comments

This collection of Fairy Gift Ideas and Keepsakes for All Ages is a celebration of hand-crafted fairies, and all things fairy related. Let’s face it, we could all use a little sprinkling of fairy dust in our lives – something sweet and joyful to make us smile – whatever our age.

And just so you know, this fairy gift ideas guide is not just a selection of random, commercial (and usually overpriced) fairy merchandise. We’ve only selected the most thoughtful gifts created by talented craft makers and authors.

So with that in mind, we will be taking a little break from the everyday stresses that come with being a human and enter the enchanted world of fairies.

Mother Daughter figurine by Petra Vengar owner of PETRUSKAfairyworld on Etsy

Here’s what’s on our wish list, so you can scroll straight down if you want to:

Why Give a Fairy Gift?

There’s a reason why so many children love fairies. Fairies are the gateway to their creative imagination -as well as a welcome break from the everyday rules of life we all have to follow.

But I think that’s also the reason why adults love them too and the reason why fairy art prints, needle felted fairies, and other fairy themed items are so attractive to all of us.

Needle felted fairies, make especially decorative and thoughtful gifts for a best friend or for a special event such as the arrival of a new baby, baptism, or other special occasions. And honestly, they really don’t have to cost the earth!

Fairy Gift Ideas No 1 | Needle Felt Fairies

You can find beautifully handcrafted, themed needle felted fairies on Etsy, and in many cases, you can request to have one custom made especially for you or for a friend if you have one in mind.

Below are a few very affordable and beautiful new mom themed fairies on Etsy.

DIANA – Needle Felted Fairy by Sophie Streit

Mom and baby Waldorf inspired Mother fairy Fairy by Mariana Carrera Dufourg

XYLIA- Needle Felted Wool fairy with baby by Sophie Streit

Waldorf Style Fairies

You may have noticed that many needle-felted fairies all have a similar and very distinctive style? That’s because they are based on the educational philosophies of Waldorf (or Steiner).

Waldorf inspired needle-felted fairies are designed to be minimalist, allowing the imagination to fill in the extra details. They are simple, yes, but at the same time, they are incredibly expressionistic and convey so much more emotion than you would think their simplicity would allow.

Below is one I made myself. It was my first one so I’m over the moon with how well she turned out.

Our Favourite Fairy Fiber Artists

Here are some of my favourite fibre artists with a few examples of their work:

Petra Vengar is from Slovenia in Europe. She is an incredibly talented mother of two daughters, both of whom attend a Waldorf school. It was through them that she was inspired to create these stunning needle felted fairies.

They are all as exquisite as the ones you can see below. And if you ask her, she will even make you a custom fairy.

Petra says “you can choose a hair color, color of dresses, hairstyle …actually, you can decide what story you want to tell and I can help to create one…”

You can visit Petras Etsy store and see more of her work, there.

Needle Felt doll Fairy figurine by Petra Vengar owner of PETRUSKAfairyworld on Etsy

Needle Felted Fantasy doll by Petra Vengar

Needle felted Flower Fairy doll by Petra Vengar

Rebecca Varon owner of Nushkie on Etsy.

A native of New York and now living in California, the very talented Rebecca Varon, shop owner of Nushkie on Etsy was inspired by her daughter to make natural toys. She uses organic wool, merino wool fibers, silk fiber, and wire to make her wonderful creations. Rebecca will also make you a custom fairy.

Needle Felted Wool Fairy by Nushkie on Etsy

You can see examples of Rebecca’s work below and more of her work here.

Ethereal Crystal Winter Fairy by Nushkie on Etsy

Sophie Streit owner of LivelySheep on Etsy UK

Sophie started needle felting just after the birth of her first daughter and quickly became hooked. She has recently moved to Irland where she makes exquisitely detailed, Waldorf style faires, inspired by nature.

Needle felted Flower Fairy by **Sophie Streit** owner of LivelySheep on Etsy

Here are some more stunning examples of needle felted fairies, made by Sophie and other European fiber artists on Etsy.

Forest flower Fairy by Sophie Streit owner of LivelySheep

Moon Fairy Mobile by Tiziana Bernhard owner of Giodali on Etsy

Garden flower Fairy by Sophie Streit owner of LivelySheep

Spring Summer Fairy by Margot van de Wiel owner of FilzartShop

Waldorf Inspired Needle Felted Standing Fairy by Sarah, owner of WillowthewispUk

Needle felted fairy by Galia Borozdina owner of
DreamsLab3

Fairy Gift Ideas No 2 | Fairy Books

Books make wonderful gifts for children. I think I am not the only person who still owns a few much-loved childhood books. Richard Scarry‘s Animal Nursery Tales is one of my keepsakes. I loved the illustrations (still do) and I also have a very old, but beautiful copy of Alice in Wonderland – passed on to me by my mother, from her childhood.

So if you’d like to give a gift that a child might want to keep forever, what book could be more worth treasuring than a Flower Fairies book?

Cicely Mary Barker’s Flower Fairies books have delighted children and adults for almost 100 years.

And no wonder. First written in 1923, her books were filled with botanically accurate illustrations, and her fairies were all based on the sweet faces of real children that she sketched at her sister’s nursery school.

I think she has a very sweet face too, don’t you?

Accompanying each fairy illustration is a short song or poem – admittedly they are very old fashioned, but still charming.

Flower Fairies Books on Amazon US and Amazon UK

You can meet Cicely’s fairies on the Flower Fairies website, and if you’d like a free coloring activity, you’ll also find a selection of black and white illustrations to print off.

Eight of her books are contained in The Complete Book Of The Flower Fairies that you can see below.

The Complete Book Of The Flower Fairies is available both in the US and the UK.

The Pop Up Books

When I was a child I loved pop-up books. Pop up books made me feel part of the story itself. The flower fairies series also has a selection of completely enchanting pop-up versions of the flower fairy books.

If you are in the US you can view them on Cicely Mary Barker’s author page here. If you are in the UK, you can view them here.

Fairy Gift Ideas No 3 | Fairy Costumes

We couldn’t have a fairy gift ideas guide without a few fairy costumes.

Children love to play at dressing up and rather than buying a cheaply made outfit that falls apart and looks a mess, you can find stunningly beautiful, handmade fairy dresses that are completely affordable.

Ideal for a party or special occasion, these dresses won’t go back into the closet to be outgrown before they get the chance to be worn again.

And did we mention how affordable they are?

So there’s a range of prices depending on what you go for, but if you compare some of the prices from FuzzyDucklingDesign‘s range to this one on Amazon, you’ll get the idea of what I’m talking about.

You can see more of Lisa Garcia’s wonderful creations at FuzzyDucklingDesign.

Woodland fairy costume by Lisa Garcia from FuzzyDucklingDesign on Etsy US

There are some beautifully handcrafted fairy costumes on Etsy. Above, is the Woodland fairy costume by Iowa, based designer and maker, Lisa Garcia from the United States.

And here is a stunning LILAH flower fairy tutu by British maker and designer Jade, owner of AramintaBoutique.

You can add some wings here.

Small Fairy Themed Gifts to Capture Children’s Imagination

For this section of our fairy gift ideas guide, we’ve put together a selection of small fairy related items to spark a child’s imagination.

Fairy Doors

I would have loved one of these when I was little, I think every bedroom should have one, and there are some that you can place in the garden.

And here is a selection from UK based sellers on Etsy.

The Goblin Fairy Door from a selection by Little Lodgers on Etsy UK

Personalised pink Fairy door by mapleandgrace on Etsy UK

Grey Personalised Fairy door set with accessories by Littlelandfairydoors on Etsy UK

Another idea from mapleandgrace, I love the description on this listing “perfect for writing notes to the fairy behind your fairy door”

And lastly, (until we add some more finds).

We all know that fairies have a very important job to do. So we’ve added some tooth fairy kits for girls and boys, from LittleLetterUK to our fairy gift ideas guide.

Tooth Fairy Little Letter Gift from the fairies with Magnifying Glass and Tooth Chart from LittleLetterUK

Personalised tooth fairy Kit for Boys from LittleLetterUK

The History of Fairies

Though little is known of the true origins of these sweet little spirits of nature, they have endeared themselves to us over the years and ignited the imaginations of both children and adults alike.

I just wanted to show you this painting below, I think it’s completely stunning and sadly one of way too few famous paintings by women. Sophie Gengembre Anderson entitled the painting Take the Fair Face of Woman, and Gently Suspending, With Butterflies, Flowers, and Jewels Attending, Thus Your Fairy is Made of Most Beautiful Things.

A portrait of a fairy by Sophie Gengembre Anderson (1823 – 1903) painted (1869).

If you’d like some decorative butterflies of your own, you can find some really pretty ones like the ones shown below.

Some Famous Fairies – A Fairy Timeline

1595-96 | William Shakespeare writes A Midsummer Nights Dream and everyone – apart from Samuel Pepys ( I’ll put his comments below, reading them always makes me laugh)* – is mesmerized by the fairies in the play. Peaseblossom, Cobweb, Moth, Mustardseed, and Puck. Puck is technically a sprite and he serves Oberon and Titania (the Fairy King and queen).
1697 | Charles Perrault writes a version of an age-old tale – Cinderella. But his version which is a lot more palatable than some of the other (gruesome) tales of the time, includes the adorable fairy godmother (and pumpkins).
1911 | J. M. Barrie publishes Peter Pan, and we are delighted by Tinkerbell.
1917 | The famous Cottingley fairy hoax hits the headlines of the day. Two little girls who claim to have seen and photographed real fairies caused a huge stir and convince many, including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle that the photographs were proof of the existence of fairies. (Everyone knows they can’t be captured on film).
1923 | Cicely Mary Barker is inspired to write a series of Flower Fairies books with more than a hundred botanically accurate illustrations. Drawing the faces of real children she sketches at her sister’s school, she brings the characters of her fairies to life.

_{* An extract from the Diaries of Samuel Pepys Monday 29th September:}

_{“and then to the King’s Theatre, where we saw “Midsummer’s Night’s Dream,” which I had never seen before, nor shall ever again, for it is the most insipid ridiculous play that ever I saw in my life.”}

We hope you found this Fairy Gift Ideas guide helpful. If you think there is anything fairy related that we should add to this list just let us know.

Black Friday Deals 2020 on Crafts, Mid Century Modern Furniture, and Comfy Things

November 24, 2020 by Comfy Zen Leave a Comment

Who doesn’t love a bargain? We’ve put together a list of the Best Black Friday Deals on Crafts and Stylish MCM Furniture available for products we have reviewed here on Comfy Zen.

Mid Century Modern Furniture

Here are a few offers for the mid-century modern furniture that we have featured here in recent months.

Kardiel

Kardiel are offering 20% off sitewide. So if you looking to save some money on a really good womb chair replica. The Kardiel one is our Top Pick.

Offer: 20% off sitewide Promotion Dates: From November 26th through November 30th. Discount Code: None Required

Eternity Modern

Eternity Modern are running a sale until the end of November. They have a fabulous range of womb chair replicas.

Use code BLACK12 for 12% off sitewide at eternitymodern.com. The sale runs from November 24th through November 30th.

Manhattan Home Design

Manhattan Home Design will be discontinuing their range of Eames Chair replicas very soon. So now’s the time to grab one while you can.

Use code BFMHD for an extra 10% Off Sitewide and get a Free Coat Rack at Manhattan Home Design.

Urban Furnishing

Don’t forget the special code we have for you to use at Urban Furnishing on their fabulous Eames chair replica. This one is our Top Pick.

Black Friday Craft Deals

Etsy

Etsy is my favorite place to shop right now. It’s like a Pinterest full of beautiful things but that are actually available, and best of all, affordable.

Starting Wednesday, November 25th, you can find some great Christmas bargains with deals up to 60% off.

Blick

Blick.com has some great offers on their range of craft products and supplies in addition to the current offer below.

We’ve found they are often cheaper than Amazon, so we have linked to them for a few different craft products, such as pottery wheels and weaving looms, etc.

But they also sell so much more, so if you are artistic, they are definitely worth checking out.

Black Friday Fitness Deals

We featured LifeSpan in our under desk treadmill reviews, LifeSpan will be having the following sales:

Thanksgiving Day Sale: November 26th

Black Friday Sale: November 27th – 29th

Cyber Monday Sale: November 30th

Comfy Zen

Our Top Pick

The Carmine

By Maiden Home

Runner Up

Willoughby Two-Cushion Sofa

By Anthropology

Another Worthy Mention

The Jackie Sofa

By Kardiel

Cleaning a Copper Sink

But Will My Copper Sink Eventually Start to Turn Green?

How to Choose a High-Quality Eames Lounge Chair Replica

Materials: The Importance of Quality

Construction: What to Look for in a High-Quality Replica

Pricing: How to Choose the Right One for Your Budget

Size: Standard or Tall?

Shipping and Returns: What to Expect

Assembly: Do I Need a Degree in Rocket Science?

Customer Reviews

Top Eames Lounge Chair Replicas

RECIPE VARIATIONS

INGREDIENTS

Method

Photos of the Process

RECIPE VARIATIONS

INGREDIENTS

Method

Photos of the Process

1. Mood Boarding: The Fine Art of Bringing Your Vision to Life

2. From Monochrome to Rainbow: Choosing the Right Color Palette

3. Choose Your Style Elements Like a Boss

4. House Rules: Picking the Perfect Decor for Your Home’s Architecture

5. Accentuate the Positive: Add Some Flair to Your Decor

1. Time for a Paint Job

Tips For Painting Furniture

2. Rustic Refinishing: From rough to smooth

Editor’s Tip

3. From Drab to Fab: How to Transform Your Chair with Fabric

4. Dip and Strip ‘Em

5. DIY Upholstery: Fabric to the Rescue

Editor’s Tip

5. Dress it Up: From Drab to Fab

Editor’s Tip

Authentic Eames: Is It More Than Just a Designer Label?

The Price of Owning a Piece of Furniture History

Eames: A Legendary Design

Dimensions Classic:

Dimensions Tall:

The Great Eames Debate: Herman Miller vs. Vitra

The Look You Love at a Fraction of the Price

Don’t Be Fooled: Advice on Finding a Great Eames Reproduction

Top Pick: Succulent Hoop Wreath by IdahoWreathMaiden

What We Like

Things to Consider

Also Great: Hanging metal bucket with faux succulents by AndSucculentsDesigns

Also Great: Extra Large faux succulent arrangement centerpiece in a black metal container by AndSucculentsDesigns

What We Like

Things to Consider

Also Consider: All-Weather Leather Fern Bush 28″ Wide 7 Sprays of Lifelike Leaves Indoor Outdoor Use by FloralHomeOnline

What We Like

Things to Consider

Another Worthy Mention: Artificial Boxwood Panels by FloralHomeOnline from Etsy

What We Like

Things to Consider

Editor’s Pick: Nearly Natural 46” Boxwood Artificial Topiary UV Resistant

What We Like

Things to Consider

Another Great Option: Northwood Calliger 4.6’ Artificial Topiary Triple Ball Boxwood Trees

What We Like

Things to Consider

Another Great Option: Two 56-Inch Outdoor Artificial Boxwood Double Ball Topiary Trees

What We Like

Things to Consider

Another Great Option: Two 4 Foot 3 Inch Artificial Cypress Spiral Topiary Trees by Silk tree Warehouse

Art and Crafts Resource List:

ART

Bead Weaving and Jewelry Making

Candle Making

Fiber Art and Yarn Crafts