Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Great Read: The Crafty Minx


A little while back I was reading through Kelly Doust's great book 'The Crafty Minx'. While it is a book filled with inspiring creative projects, the parts I liked even more were Kelly's introductions to each chapter of the book (which is arranged by season) in which she provides insight into how each season impacts upon homely life and how we can translate this in a practical sense into everyday living. The two quotes below stood out in particular to me...


"Homes should reflect the personality of their inhabitants and provide a space for them to be surrounded by pieces that 'speak' to them."


"To my mind there's nothing more stylish or comfortable than a home lovingly furnished with pieces that have been acquired over time. Trinkets picked up on foreign holidays, handmade anything, the occasional ultra-modern design piece saved up for and bought and items scoured from auction houses - all fleshed out with flea market finds and an affordable storage solution or two from Ikea."


These quotes sum up the type of feel I am gradually aiming to create in our own home. Here are some images from my inspiration folder that I believe truly demonstrate Kelly's definition of a 'home'.

For more of Kelly's inspiration, visit her blog here or see her own home here on Design Sponge.









Image sources: #1 and #4 #2 #3

18 comments:

  1. Hi Amanda, I just stumbled upon your blog - hi! That first picture caught my eye...I think it's the French Doors leading to the backyard - how I dream of that in my home!

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  2. Thanks for the tip Amanda - looks great and I'm off now to check it out! K xx

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  3. She sounds like my kind of girl. Thanks for pointing me to the book and blog.

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  4. Hi Maria, thanks so much for stopping by :)

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  5. hi Amanda it is a great book I agree and she has done a children's one too! Just released a month or so ago. xoxo

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  6. Hi Amanda, lovely post. Both those quotes are just gorgeous. The second one describes what I am aiming for at my place too. Hope your having a great week. Michelle

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  7. Jane - yes I spotted The Crafty Kid at our local bookstore recently - it's a pity Grace isn't a bit older so I'd have an excuse to buy it :)

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  8. I love both her books...the pictures are so inspiring and i love the quotes you used.

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  9. I really feel the same way, especially the last quote. I don't think home interiors should look like they've come from the one store. I like a mix of old and new but I must say, it does take a little patience to wait for those perfect pieces to come along :)

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  10. I haven't read this book- thanks so much for the links! Emma. PS. Love your embroidery- can't wait to see it all finished too!

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  11. Hi lovely,
    I like the way she thinks... A home is such a mixture of comfort, style and life!
    Flick ;)

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  12. I love the quotes, I couldn't agree more! The pictures are so beautiful, love that first one! I hope you have a wonderful week!
    XOXO
    Kristin

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  13. Hi Amanda, I love the quotes from Kelly's book! Definitely a girl after my own heart. Thanks for the beautiful pics and the introduction. Hope you have a wonderful Wednesday ~ Tina xx

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  14. I got that book for xmas -- love it!! and I believe she has another one that is crafting for kids, must check that one out...... so far, have only read book, not much productivity yet!!

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  15. Hi Amanda, hope you're having a great week, i haven't seen this book but it sounds great. I think I'd agree too, I always try to have 'me' things around my place, although sometimes i think living by myself makes me a bit indulgent, it would be nice to have someone else's pieces to balance it all a bit, maybe one day : )

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  16. I'll have to pick her book up - just know I'll LOVE it!

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  17. Those are great quotes! I love design. I get a lot of great ideas from the design section of www.graphic-exchange.com.

    Great blog!

    -Mandy

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  18. I agree with the quotes as well. So true. I also saw your comment about the bed spread. I like it very much! I miss IKEA so much. It's hard to live in a city with no IKEA! I find your way to decorate very similar to mine or should I say I could see myself decorating like you. I spotted Abby's comment. It's fun to see people I know comment at other blogs. Kaho

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