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Elizabeth Wistrom is the creative force behind FrugalDeisgnGirl.com. Although she is not a design professional, she does obsess over home decor magazines on a regular basis. Her husband, three children, sister and BFF are all relieved that she has finally found an outlet through which she can discuss various shades of brown paint and wallpaper patterns for hours on end.

Frugal Update: Decorative Wall Maps at Joss & Main

Remember my post the other day about using maps to decorate? Well, it appears to have been quite fortuitous!

Look what I found on sale today at Joss & Main! Several terrific world maps!

The one above lists a retail cost at $150, but Joss & Main is offering it for $89.

And, as if THAT is not enough…this Route 66 Map lists at $98, but is on sale for $61.

What a frugal finds, indeed!

NDI at Joss & Main – On Sale Now

Floral arrangements are like icing on the cake – they offer a sweet, and finishing touch.

Now, FDG is NOT suggesting that readers should run out and buy the fake stuff they sell at your local craft supply store. BUT – when done well – faux arrangements can be just what your decor needs to boost it from fab to FAB-U-LOUS!

It doesn’t get any more high-end than NDI…and right now, they are offering items through Joss & Main!

Don’t get me wrong – these are not, technically, a “frugal find.” One of these arrangements WILL set you back a pretty penny. However, finding them at a discount IS something to blog about!

Check out some of the gorgeous designs they are offering:

Summer Time = Parties!

Now is the perfect time to earn a little extra income by launching your own business! Join Stella & Dot’s growing team of Stylists! Stella & Dot creates flexible, work from home business opportunities for entrepreneurial women. And, for a limited time, Stylists who sign up between now and June 30th will receive an extra $100 in product credit for a fabulously frugal start! To find out more information visit www.stelladot.com/stylist. Get started today!

Decorating with Maps

FDG has a friend with an interesting habit: She collects maps.

It didn’t begin as a hobby. Instead, she suddenly noticed one afternoon that a large collection had amassed – most likely because she hesitates to throw anything out.

You see, this particular friends has a wonderful eye for the unique. She understands that anything can become art – even an unintended pile of maps.

Maps are a fun, and often FREE, accent to any decor. Here are 10 ideas for decorating with maps:

1. Creating a grouping is one of the first thoughts that comes to mind when decorating with maps. Even if your maps are distinctly different, you can pull the look together by using frames which are similar in size, shape, and/or color.

2. If you are really creative (or a whiz at Wordle), you might be able to create your own map. How cool is this?????

3. Martha suggests hand-stitching a route taken on a favorite trip and then framing it.

4. Fill an outline of the general map shape with important locations or memories. I love this piece of art from Ashley Johnston Design on Etsy

5. Use your maps to create an chalkboard outline, like Dirtsa Studio has on Etsy.

6. Place maps in unexpected locations. Map wallpaper used in a child’s room is expected – map wallpaper in your first-floor bathroom is not.

7. Take a standard map, and draw it over by hand for a more personalized and unique look.

8. Create a stencil from your map, splatter some paint on the inside, and you have instantly frugal (and original!) artwork for your walls.

9. If your maps simply aren’t “display worthy,” Church Street Designs has you covered. Check out her tutorial on how to make this rolled map container. Adorbs!

10. Or, another idea is to use your maps like the gals over at Classy Clutter did. They created a map wreath using a tutorial that originally was designed for vintage sheet music. Now that is clever!

What’s your favorite idea for decorating with maps? FDG and her readers would love for your to share….

What Makes You Happy?


Pinterest

The beauty of owning your own blog, is that you get to write about something for no other reason than because it makes you happy.

Like this room.

The play of pattern and color is just plain fun, and it is FDG’s opinion every house should have at least one room that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

What makes you happy?

Frugal Update!

Talk about divine timing! I’ve got a fabulously frugal sale alert!

The other day, I wrote about the intersection of fashion and interior design, and used some of my favorite pieces from a Stella & Dot trunk show to illustrate.

THIS MORNING, I find out that in June, it pays to shop with Stella & Dot!

For every $50 you spend you will earn $25 in Dot Dollars to redeem for yourself in July. You can apply the $25 Dot Dollars for every $50 you spend between July 3rd-11th, 2013.

The best part? You won’t have to worry about forgetting your Dot Dollars, because on July 3rd you’ll recieve an e-mail with your promo codes and each code will represent a $25 Dot Dollars award.

Below are a few of my favorite pieces . . .


Odyssey Ring


Cleo Fringe Earrings

Fashion and Home Decor

Inspiration can strike at any time!

Recently, I was invited to a Stella & Dot jewelry show at a friend’s home, and it reminded me of just how closely fashion and home decor are entwined.

Home decor trends often follow the latest looks from the runway. For that reason, clothing patterns and color combinations can be a great – and free – resource when it comes to decorating!

Jewelry is no exception. You may have noticed that pieces are trending bigger and bolder – utilizing fun, bright colors!

Take a look at this eye candy I found at the show:


Bahari Necklace


Eleanor Bangle


Wanderlust Triple Wrap


Bamboleo Necklace


Capri Chandelier Earrings

Any one of these color combinations would be great for paint, throw pillows, layering accessories, or even combining artwork.

(BTW…if you are looking for a way to earn an extra income, Stella & Dot is a growing company worth considering! To find out more information visit www.stelladot.com/stylist.)

Awesome Felting: Artists on OKL

One Kings Lane often features the work of up-and-coming artists, or artists working with unique medium. This week, OKL is featuring the work of one of the most inspiring and awesome felting artists: Maryanne Quinn.

I love the colors that she uses, and the overall simplicity of her designs.

Does this inspire you to try a little felting of your own? Creating original artwork is one of FDG’s favorite ways to be frugal!

It’s Even Monogrammed: School Backpacks and Storage


Pinterest

LOVE this idea for organizing the kids’ crap essential school items.

An added plus, is that right now I am into ANYTHING that is monogrammed! School backpacks are, basically, the bane of my existence. I seem to trip over one at least daily!

This is a total “I think I could make that” kind of project. Cork board may be purchased at your local big-box store, and rummage sales are a great place to pick up in-expensive picture frames. Even if they are not the same size, or shape, you can still make a cohesive display by spraying them a uniform color. Or, you may choose to highlight the differences and spray them each in a different hue.

Seriously…there are no rules. EXCEPT that if I am going to go through all the trouble of painting frames, adding cork, and making them monogrammed…school backpacks MUST be hung up!!

Do you have a clever – and frugal – idea for storing kids’ backpacks? If so, FDG would love to hear about it!

Decorating a Bedroom: Off-Center Window Placement Dilemma

There are many obstacles one might encounter when decorating a bedroom: Off-center window placement is one of them. Yet, you would be surprised at just how often this dilemma is encountered!

Anne, from jill of all trades, offers the perfect solution! Take a look at her before and after transformation:

Houston…we have a problem! Anne’s not the only one whose OCD alarm was beeping loudly. But, that clever girl didn’t let it ruin her dreams of slumbering bliss! Instead, she covered her ears and tackled the problem head-on

What to know how? Lucky you…she offers detailed instructions in her blog.

Thank you for sharing, Anne!

Do you have another solution for decorating a bedroom with off-center windows? If so, FDG would love to hear about it!

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