Welcome to Covet Collective!

A harem of girls who love crafts, antiques, design, and anything aesthetically pleasing. Come on in and read about what we've purchased, what we've found and what we covet.

We also have fun finds and handcrafted items for sale on http://www.etsy.com/. Once you are on the Etsy site, simply search Sellers (in the dropdown menu) and type in "covetcollective".



Thursday, December 2, 2010

Build your own igloo

Okay, bear with me during this post because I swear it has potential.  Last night I went to a holiday boutique and came across a booth that caught my eye.  Now, the idea is great if you tweak it a bit.

This..........


with this inside......

Equals this...


Now, I am sure I lost you with the last photo.  It's the only one that was somewhat decent in my Google search but imagine the block without the trees and wording.  They'll look just like glowing ice cubes.  I'd stack three of them on their side in somewhat of a pyramid style and have them atop of a table in a nest of greens.  I think they'd look fabulous.  Not kitschy like the photo but sleek and wintry.

The hard part is cutting a hole in the glass cube.  After some research I have found out how to do it (see below).  Note the cubes can be purchased at Lowe's for cheap or online with pre-drilled holes.  Strand of lights should be 50 bulbs and they are super cheap at places like Big Lots. 

Hole: "Get a 3/4 Diamond bit, use water to cool and wash away the dust. When drilling use slow speed and lots of pressure. Start drilling at 45 degrees then 90. I was drilling 3/4 inch holes in 2 minutes."

-Tina

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Mod Cloth

For those who have never heard of Mod Cloth you must shoot over to their site here.  They have amazing dresses and accessories for you and your home.  This will be a good place to start for your holiday party outfit!

A few of my favorite home accessories....



And here is an outfit I have picked out.....

 






-Tina

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Holiday Crafts for Adults

I love the holidays.  No, seriously, I LOVE the holidays.  Anyone who knows me, knows that this is my time of year.  As proof, I have not gone a single year without a live 7ft tree.......I live alone. I always decorate the house the weekend after Thanksgiving......always. Christmas music is on the radio at all time...in the car, in the house, and at work.  I realize it's a bit obsessive but hey, at least it's not hoarding cats or collecting owl figurines.

I'm a crafty gal but it's hard to find adult holiday crafts that aren't tacky.  There are plenty for the kiddos, of which I have none, so I searched the net for crafts that aren't too kitschy.  I plan on working a few of these and hope to use the outcome, good or bad, for a future blog.

Some ideas that I love......


Etched glass stemware.  How chic this is and it seems pretty easy.  For the how-to click here.


This is so cute. Imagine the possibilities of colors and adornments.  For the how-to look here.  Seems very easy.



It's made out of paper cupcake liners so it's inexpensive.  Change up the liners to funky colors and this could be a kids craft.  The how-to here.


This pine cone garland is sweet and simple.  I read the how-to here and it's super simple.

Well all, I hope your Tuesday is going well and cheers to you all.

-Tina

Monday, November 29, 2010

Industrial Chic

Covet Collective hopes everyone had a delightful Thanksgiving.  It's such a treat to have time off to spend with family and friends.  I personally enjoyed twice baked potatoes and the sprinkling of Christmas cheer.

In addition to Christmas cheer and gorging on food, I had homework for an Interior Design class project. I love it so much, it's hard to consider it work.  My project consists of putting together three story boards for a "client" selling a design I've come up with for their living room.  I chose a masculine industrial chic look and I love how it turned out. In my hunt for accessories and furniture I perused Restoration Hardware. I can't tell you how in love I am with their entire line of Industrial goods. 


Imagine this cart in front of a comfy feather filled cream color sofa.


and this wine barrel table next to a leather club chair......


and these old gears on a bookcase......


and these vintage looking globes on a console table atop leather bound books.......

See the Resto collection here.

I also came across Hudson Goods.  You can find them here.  I want one of everything!    Wonderful recycling and upcycling of goods.

Here are some of my faves from Hudson Goods.







-Tina

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Travelers

I am sure many of you are on the road traveling today to get to your Thanksgiving destinations.  It is a good time to reflect how thankful we are for everything good we have.  There are so many little blessings in life, so just take a moment and give thanks.

Tomorrow, my husband and I are headed to my homeland.  Since packing is on my mind, I wanted to post a few travel accessory options for you all to keep you organized as you head to the controlled chaos that typically goes hand in hand with family gatherings.

In a world of laptop bags, I have had my eye out for a cute travel carry-on bag that could stand out.  This Metro Bag from Tanner's Alley Leather caught my eye.


Once you are on the plane (or in the car), it seems like everyone has a gadget to keep them occupied.  I even see 4 year olds pulling out smart phones!  With that in mind, this fun little sleeve from Fred Flare brought me a smile.


Though I am not an iPad owner, I couldn't help but love these covers from Twelve South that give an old school look to a new fangled toy.



When going out for dinner, I hate trying to find a place to put my purse that doesn't involve leaving it on the floor.  Lately, I have been seeing these purse hooks everywhere!  There are a lot of design options out there, but this one from Red Envelope can be monogrammed (gift idea, anyone?).


And finally, this pouch from Simbiosis by Julia on Etsy is the perfect little bag to bring a pop of color into your life.  It can be used for your makeup or to store those little necessary items in your purse.


I like the blending of the sophisticated leather travel bag (above) with this whimsical little pouch.  Keep them guessing!

Safe Travels,
-Katie

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Pigeon Toe Ceramics

Here are some beautiful and unique items made by Portland-based Pigeon Toe Ceramics. 

A clever “half full” line inside the Optimist cup. 

This ceramic cast of a Kerr jar is so beautiful with a candle inside.

Loving this for displaying airplants

Tripod planters in a variety of colors.  Their tableware also comes in these colors.

Holiday cog ornament


You can purchase their items through their website or through their etsy shop.

-Lana

Monday, November 22, 2010

Read Between the Lines

I was searching on Etsy the other day for artwork for my apartment.  I have been in a frenzy lately to upgrade my walls.  The problem......I'm cheap.  I like expensive looking items but want inexpensive pricing.  After half an hour I came across exactly what I was looking for - simple, upcycled, inexpensive and vintage looking.  The prints are on old dictionary pages!  I love them and you can't beat the price from $7 to $12! 

Find the Etsy store here for this print.


Not a fan of the black frame but the prints are phenom.  For these prints and more like them, visit the Etsy shop here.

Lastly, a third Etsy store with colorful prints on dictionary pages.  You can find them here.

Cheers!

-Tina