Meet my very own Mélange Designs stamp!

As I possibly progress towards and entertain the idea of creating a fun little side business (more like a yummy hobby) associated with this blog - hence the name Mélange Designs - I'm trying to get together all of the fun and necessary start-up items/tools to do so.  Blog name & site - check!  Blog itself - check!  Logo - check!  Now, meet my latest addition; my new and very own, custom, hand-carved LOGO STAMP - check & check! 

This is all in good fun of course; nothing too serious, because I do have a real job, but while I'm at home recovering, what else do I have to do besides looking at and drooling over gorgeous interior design images on the internet?!?  ;)  Now back to the stamp! 

I searched high and low and finally came across this Etsy shop: Brown Pigeon, by Meagan Lewis.  Not only was she amazing to work with, but her hand-carved stamps are such great quality and really speak for themselves!

I simply contacted her, via etsy, and ended up sending her a b&w image of my logo.  After that, she began her magic and let me just tell you, she actually hand-carves these babies, from scratch!  For custom orders, it takes 4-6 business days until you get your proof, via email.  After you approve her proof, she then makes your stamp.  Can I just say what an amazingly beautiful job she does - so talented she is!  Thanks again, Meagan!  It has truly been a pleasure working with you and I cannot be more excited to begin using my new stamp!

Below, are a few pics of my latest addition, for you enjoyment.   

As you can see, Meagan's packaging is simply adorb!

Because I was so excited to see it, I seriously had to hold myself back from ripping this little box open, just so I could take this pic. 

     Top side of stamp, mounted to maple wood.  Your logo (or print) is also sealed onto said wood.
                                                
                                                                               

We're talking the epitome of carving perfection and talent, right here!

Here she is - the FINAL image of the stamp on paper - thanks again Meagan!

**Below is the link to Meagan's Etsy Store.**

http://www.etsy.com/shop/brownpigeon

Campaign Style

Campaign style furniture is something I have recently fallen in love with.  If you're not familiar with this style/term, here's some quick little background for you.  Campaign furniture was introduced in the 18th and 19th centuries and was made to travel with and breakdown easily.  It was an extremely popular choice for and highly demanded by the traveling soldiers during that time.  Probably the most popular piece of that time and what we are now starting to see again is what is called the chest of drawers, often referred to the campaign or military chest.  It has such a sophisticated and classic look to it, yet still somehow maintains a masculine elegance about it.     

If I ever find that right piece, I will be snagging it right up and making it over asap!  In the meantime, I will show you a few amazing DIY and hack versions that I have come across lately.

Vanessa de Vargas’ green campaign dresser as seen in Lonny

Before: DIY IKEA's Rast Dresser Hack

AFTER: Ikea Campaign Hack 

   

Before Version

AFTER Version!

OK, so these next 4 pictures are ALL of the SAME piece.  Yes, you read that right...  The first time around, it was refinished from black to white.  Then a few years later, the top (piece with shelves) was cut off.  The bottoms were then carefully and securely attached to each other and it soon became the most fab kitchen island, ever!  This is by far my most favorite of all the makeovers; what an amazing job they did!

Before Version

AFTER Version #1!

A Few Years Later - Campaign Kitchen Island - AFTER Version #2!!!

Campaign Kitchen Island - Another Shot of AFTER Version #2!

Campaign Blue

Black Campaign Chest

Red Campaign Style Desk

Flowers of Desire

Since spring is right around the corner, I thought I would share with you some gorgeous and inspiring flowers.  I love me some fresh flowers and especially love being able to go outside, cut a stem off, and put them in a lovely vase!  Flowers don't have to be complicated or expensive.  Even a single flower in a bud vase can add just that perfect touch.  Flowers are like sunshine in a bottle; they can brighten anyone's day!  Here's to you having a bright and fab spring!

Pink Flowers, Everywhere!

Container Garden

39 Cool Container Gardens

Lovely Potted Hydrangeas

Cabbage Rose

Cabbage Rose Bouquet

Pink Peony Bouquet

Hydrangeas

Lovely Hydrangeas in a Vase

Blue Hydrangeas

Gorg Potted Variety

DIY Lavender Candle Holder

Hanging Peonies in Mason Jars - LOVE!

Perfection in a Mason Jar

Lovely Display

Colorful Display

Lovely Pink Tulips

Boat Full of Flowers - I'll take them all!

Field of Sunshine - Unknown Photographer

Ranunculus Photo

Bouquet of Love

Mason Jar Arrangement

Flower Garden Birthday Party

Claiming My Blog on Bloglovin

Follow Me on Bloglovin - **Just doing a test post on a site I found.** 


OK, with that part out of the way, if you do happen to follow a good deal of blogs (like me), then this is actually a great website for you!  I just discovered it a few days ago and am already thinking, I'm really liking this!
It basically boils down to the following:  You can find and add ALL of the blogs you love and follow, and have them ALL in ONE place!  You won't have to go back and forth, between each and every blog site anymore, just go to your bloglovin account and there she is - all of them.  It will even show and tell you (on the blogs that you follow) which are new posts, that you haven't read yet.  Enjoy!

http://www.bloglovin.com/