Crafty Woman: Flight Chandelier

Lighting is such an important aspect of interior design and décor that I wonder how so many people manage to neglect it so. The right light bulb(s), the perfect fixture and an ideal location make for a happier and more productive environment.

I usually use a bunch of lamps around my room but I also have a standard ceiling fixture that I wanted to make the most of. I really do love the classic crystal chandeliers out there but I was hoping to make something a bit more in line with the whimsical and crafty character of my room. So, voilà!

I had been seeing some gorgeous paper plane mobiles around Pinterest and Etsy but it was only when my friend suggested it, did I realize this could be translated into a chandelier! And it was actually really simple to create:

1. Cut out a whole lot of different sized rectangles from parchment paper (I think I used almost 100 to cover a 12" wide fixture! But it didn't take more than a couple hours of folding in front of New Girl to get to this.). I wanted two different styles and sizes so I cut about half my pieces at 10cm x 10 cm and the others at 15cm x 10cm.

2. Then I folded the smaller pieces according to this basic style, for narrow planes. And the wider ones were done according to this tutorial.

4. I used Weldbond to put a dot of glue on on the main fold of each plane to just help hold it together.

5. I strung each plane by alternating styles with about 4 planes on each string. You can use white string (like I did) or fishing line—either should be fine! Just double knot the end of each string and thread through the planes with a needle.

6. Lastly, I just hung all these strings from the frame of my standard ceiling fixture, adjusting the height of each string by eyeballing it before tying the knot at the top to secure each string.

And there! An easy and fun little chandelier-thing to brighten up your room. I used parchment paper planes because I love travel and the translucent paper worked best for my room. But you could use pastel tissue paper flowers, origami boats and cranes or maps folded into planes—anything really! It's such a versatile craft so…no excuse for a desolate standard light fixture!

—Sabbie

The Mean Reds

Confession: I wear wayyyy too much red. Especially in cooler weather. So much so, my friends have made it a game to count the number of red things I have on me every day. But can you blame me for this obsession? Red is the perfect colour.

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But not any red will do, I usually prefer deeper, richer shades. A nice cherry red, a burgundy, a wine shade…I love them all! But bright orange-red (like on a yard sale sign) can be a bit garish to me. One of my all time favourite reds is Raven Red by Revlon. It is exquisite and I spent years looking for the perfect red nail polish until I found this beauty.

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I absolutely adore red poppies in a clear vase on a white table and am looking for some realistic faux stems. Also, my room is basically a medley of whites, greys and reds—further reinforcing the idea that my favourite colour is red (which it actually isn't! I'll always love green best!)

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Illuminated

Holy moly! I just discovered a whole new world!

…The world of lighting!

I've been at this interior designing stuff for a while now but obviously, I'm an amateur. 

Even more so for not exploring lighting ages ago!

I have always appreciated lighting and it definitely plays a ginormous role in my designs and life but I never really gave much though to the actual fixtures. I mean, every once in a while, I'd come across some cute DIY chandelier or something but I never once actively searched for designed lighting fixtures.

But I did today. And boy, was it wonderful! Just feast your eyes on these beauts! (Quite enthused, huh?)

Chandelier (left) and Satyr (right), both found on Eurolite

These are both so enchanting! I've always had a passion for medieval-like chandeliers, and that setting is so inspirational and dreamy! The lampshades though, is something I've seen much, much less of! I just adore it! So rich in history!

Love Comes Again (By Ilfari)

I actually gasped when I saw this! I thought it was a castle at first! But isn't it SPECTACULAR? I imagine a child looking up in complete wonder at this.

Birds Family, found on Eurolite

And the one above is such a work of art! I was drawn to it instantly, it's just so quirky and fascinating. Really reminds me to stop looking at light as just light, but also as an opportunity.

57.7 by Omer Arbel

This last one just mesmerizes me! It is loosely based on rain clouds and ingeniously employs a method of glass moulding that is usually reserved for industrial use. Oh, I just can't stop looking at it, it's so wonderfully strange!

—Sabbie

Stripes, Not Just For Convicts...

L to R: Modcloth, Boden, Iceberg, Thom Brown

Stripes are right up there with polka dots as my favourite patterns ever. Just like polka dots, they can be classy, conservative and sophisticated, and then they can be cosy, fun and playful too! They are simply some of the most versatile patterns out there. I definitely turn to stripes whenever I feel that adult Sabbie  is getting the best of me.

L to R: source, source, source

See what I mean? Instant fun! Aren't these socks just… MARVELLOUS? Can't imagine feeling sad while wearing these beauts!

L to R: source, source, source

And I certainly love stripes in a home! Here you can see three totally different takes on stripes—all of which I'm torn over…Okay, I pick the Union Jack blanket! It's bloody brilliant!!

L to R: source, source, source

I usually despise nail art (sorry!) but these amazing nails are all so tempting! And all of them involve stripes at their subtlest, classiest best!

Well, I hope you liked some of those stripes! My own faves are the socks! Seriously, I own a lot of colourful striped socks but they have got nothing on the ones up there!

—Sabbie

Lost At Sea

Hi there,

So, the blog world seems really nice and kind and supportive and I'd love to share something that really feels like its eating away at my soul in every waking moment.

*melodrama*

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You see, I am so (sooooo) torn over my life: between work and well, everything else. I get that I am young and in college and this is my chance and so on and so on. But… it just doesn't feel right! I mean, my program is great but the work load is…conflicting!

I suppose school is meant to be tough (ugh) but does the rest of my life have to be too?

You see, I can't seem to get away from people just endorsing hard work and success, no matter the cost for your health or spirit. Everyone from my favourite authors to YouTubers to relatives to professors are forgoing sleep, exercise and all the lovely little nothings that make my life good, so that they can be successful.

Ok, even for the lucky ones (myself included, I guess), the ones who are pursuing the "great love of their life"—be it acting or painting or business or science—we are encouraged to completely dedicate ourselves to our chosen professions. Like, it's not enough for me to be a good interior designer or even just a totally average interior designer. Nope. I have to be the next Brian Gluckstein or something.

It's reached the point where I don't even know if want

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to be successful. Certainly not if it means late night after late night. Or not working out for a week. Or having to take lighting fast showers everyday. Or sacrificing my lazy weekend mornings. Or having to live in the freaking city. Yikes.

I don't mean to be difficult. Really. But I'm just petrified that my life will stay like this. Interior design, just like many other professions, can be really demanding. It's stressful with all those ruthless deadlines, nerve-wrecking legal considerations and a whole tsunami of other responsibilities.  Also, I suppose I have been impacted by a recent family loss, as I was so busy working to let myself be with my family when they needed it…that's a whole other book of regrets! Point is, all these fears make me feel like I'm a slacker.

A stubborn slacker for not wanting to work.

I'm torn. For me, work is work. No matter how much fun it can be sometimes, it's never going to be the greatest priority in my life. I'm not looking for greatness, after all. I dreamt of wealth, fame and all that when I was younger but now…I don't know. 

I mean, it would be nice to have funds for all my dreams and adventures but…

Well, I can't find a solution!!

But the internet did offer me some wisdom…if only I could make something of it.

Create a life that feels good on the inside. Not one that just looks good on the outside.

Simplicity. Less stuff, less work, less expense. It means more money, more time, more joy. Less equals more.

Travel as much as you can. As far as you can. As long as you can. Life's not meant to be lived in one place.

People wait all week for Friday. All year for summer. All life for happiness. Stop waiting.

So, anyone out there reading, have you ever felt this way? And did you ever find an answer?

—Sabbie

P.S. I'm trying to go tech-free this weekend! I'm loving away my phone and my laptop :) No social media, no texting, no Pinterest (!) and not even blogging! Just me, Vivaldi and Jane Austen. So, I guess I'll see the world again on Monday! xx

Seeing Green

Haha, Seeing Green. I'm quite witty, aren't I?

Maybe not. Well, green is actually my favourite colour but I couldn't exactly incorporate it into my blog's name as "Seeing …", could I? Hm, maybe that could have made for an interesting blog, after all…

In the meantime, I'd just love to share the beauty of green here, anyways! It's such a wonderful colour! I think I once read that, as humans, we are wired to look for green and feel calmer when surrounded by it. It's easy to see why, since some of the world's most important things are green! Green is life, energy and wellness. Most of us gravitate towards it and I definitely know how happy I get looking at just the right shade of green! So, here's some green for all of you lovelies!

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Words cannot express how much I am loving this sofa right now! And I can't
miss that awesome lamp or those perfect plants on the windowsill. White rooms
with a green thing or two are absolutely, fabulously and wondrously refreshing!
(A great big thank you to the great connoissuer behind Dustjacket Attic, for posting this today and inspiring me to do this post!)

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Ah, thank you Pinterest. For blessing my life with this crazy beautiful ship! 

Isn't this just captivating? That shade of green is just brilliant...And now I'm 

listening to more pirate songs, again.

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Green dresses are extra special to me. In my life, red or green jewel-like 

colours are the clear winners for any gown! Sophisticated and fun, at the same time.

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In pretty much all the historical fiction I've ever read, my favourite heroines all wore a green dress at some point or another. Usually made of velvet. Probably why I was drawn to this painting in the first place...

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I pretty much hyperventilated when I found this little treasure online. 

That marvellous green! It just works so well with the colour and intricacy of the metalwork!

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Okay, this is definitely on my list of most magical wardrobe moments in history. 

Keira Knightly swishing her way to the library….or was it dinner? 

Who gets to wear a dress like this, just for a dinner? Might attract a James McAvoy, though!

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Apple green suede shoes! Every girl deserves a pair. I actually bought myself new "elf" flats.
Dark green suede, scalloped edges and a pointed toe. But these boots are still
super high on my list of footwear-heaven!

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Gosh, just add this to my list of things to envy redheads for...I've always wondered 

why gingers don't wear green more often? I mean, green must have been made for them!

—Sabbie

As The Lights Twinkle

Aren't fairy lights magnificent? I just ADORE them!! They are so whimsical and sophisticated at the same time. So fun and versatile, you can bring them out during the holidays or a wedding and keep them up all year long! You can entangle them somewhere in your backyard or drape them in your bedroom. Where ever I find these beautiful, beautiful lights, I just fall in love!

Fairy lights. My kind of party lights!

Warm fairy lights just add instant warmth to any space at all! Isn't this

nook crazy comfy looking?

I usually insist that warm lights are the way to go but the cool lights on 

the left are too wonderful to say no to!

Sometimes a lot of fairy lights are in order!

But a simple string is so enchanting!

Isn't this an easy way to add to your sweet dreams?

—Sabbie

P.S. It's kind of random but the first time I actually noticed and appreciated fairy lights was in this little moment from 17 Again:

Crafty Woman: Making Chandeliers!

Hi there!

So, as I tried to point out in my last post, I try to keep my room evolving. You know, keep up with new ideas, new phases, etc.

My next move, I think, will be to install a new light fixture. Even my little brother can distinguish that there is something lacking in the current set-up: A great blank, white expanse of popcorn ceiling only punctuated by an out-of-proportion run-of-the-mill little lamp fixture. Yeuck!

However, interesting light fixtures are often ridiculously overpriced. It's way too easy to fall for these amazing chandeliers that one just can't afford. Luckily, the internet offers a plethora of DIY alternatives! There are literally ways you can make replicas of your favourite designer fixtures! The best part? You can take pride in knowing that you not only (cleverly) saved yourself some cash but you got to flex your creative muscles and can take pride in what you made yourself.

Above: Capiz Shell Chandeliers are quite beautiful but also pricey. The one on the left is from West Elm and the one on the right was made by LisaRoy. I am actually making a smaller version of this chandelier for my room (and also following these slightly different instructions). Isn't it cool that the DIY is made of wax paper?! I actually began it by ironing the sheets together and began painstakingly cutting the "shells" with scissors. Yikes, I know. I'm looking for a hole-punch now!

Above: And, of course, rope chandeliers are ever-charming! The one on the left is from West Elm again. It's quite nice and has a geometric quality to it, but I actually prefer the DIY one created by Remodelaholic. This is a really interesting way to have both a traditional, formal shape and a trendy, casual material. Lovely!

Above: Lots of people admire the classic crystal chandelier, right? But I've always dreamed of making my own and am planning on following The Pink Little Notebook's instructions to make something similar to her project, as shown above, for my parent's room.

So those are my own top three DIY favourites, all found on a fab little index that I totally encourage you to take a look at!

20 DIY Chandeliers to Brighten Up Your Space

My top pick for ingenuity on that index? The Test Tube Chandelier! :

It's just so fantastic! Just imagine someone walking into your space and seeing this… I couldn't actually find instructions for this piece, just a sold-out message on Etsy, though. But maybe I'll figure it out one day!

Happy Crafting,

Sabbie

P.s. Come find me on Pinterest at: http://www.pinterest.com/sabbienarwal/ 

I'm building it up but I have found some pretty neat fashion, interior design and vacation inspiration!

Changing Faces

Hey!!

So, this is my first official blog post on here and I am sooo excited!!

I could have started it a long while ago but I was always too lazy or too full of doubts to actually go through with it. Luckily, this time, I've somehow pushed myself into actually getting down to putting my ideas, thoughts and life out there! So, here's to a brand new year full of trying new things! :)

Being an interior design student, I have always expressed a penchant for doing artsy things and personalizing everything. Naturally, my room was an outlet for this creativity, my blank canvas. I am grateful my parents encouraged this, even praising the time that (as a ten year old) I took Magic Markers to my walls and glue gunned things everywhere.

My family moved in 2006 and I was jumping for joy at the prospect of a new blank canvas, so, here is what I did then:

2007: Amateur attempt, I know. And rather stark and awkward. But I promise it aged gracefully!

2010: This was my pride and joy! I painted it myself and hit up IKEA (forever, my love) while salvaging and redoing some older pieces. This was a very colourful stage!

July 2013: I was pining away for a loft bed for years when it suddenly dawned on me that I would not be getting one (size and availability options sucked!), so my brother spontaneously suggested a shuffle of my room layout and…I loved it! Opened up so much space!

August 2013: An awkward in-between stage, here you can see elements of the old room giving way to what would be. As beautiful as all the colours had looked, I was tired of them and found that style too visually overwhelming for my own room, so I broke out the grey!! And I love it so much...

January 2014: My pride and joy again, walking into my room at the end of a hectic day is a real relief. Before college started, I decided to purge everything (visual and physical clutter) to create a serene getaway that complements (not overpowers) my life and mind. I love this style so much: it's endlessly beautiful to me and oh-so-practical!

So that's a quick look at the transformations my room has undergone over the past seven or so years! It's been a frustrating, confusing, overwhelming, exciting and inspiring journey. But it was necessary for me to explore all the different ways of creating my environment. And I can honestly say that my room is a true extension of myself, and looking back at it's phases, it's a looking glass right into my own life. That's why I'm mad about my room :)

One quick question, though, (I always find it interesting to hear the varying opinions on this): Which phase looks better: 2010 or 2014? Or maybe July 2013? Let me know in the comments!

Happy New Year!

—Sabbie

P.s. I'm planning on posting a little bit about how I actually went about creating these looks, so that should be fun! And I've been getting a few requests from family and friends for design help, so that should make for a some exciting posts this spring!