More Splash than Cash Decorating» Donna Babylon’s sewing and decorating tips

Sew News Article

admin — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 19:34:31 +0000

Just received my copy of the June/July ‘11 issue of Sew News magazine hitting new stands now. My article answers common bedding questions. On pages 20-21, I explain the difference between a coverlet, comforter, duvet, bedspread and quilt. Includes tips on how to measure the mattress, comforter or duvet to ensure the proper fit. Check it out!

Donna Babylon is a DIY and sewing guru. Her latest book is Decorating Sewlutions: Learn to Sew as You Decorate Your Home. Learn more at www.MoreSplashThanCash.com

Decorating Sewlutions Preview

admin — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 09:00:14 +0000

Here is a brief promo video on my book Decorating Sewlutions. It explains that only 3 basic and super easy sewing techniques that I explain to you in great detail are all you need to make over 100 projects for your home. And, a lot of decorating tips are sprinkled through the book. Check it out!

Celebrate! Celebrate! Dance to the Music!

admin — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 06:00:19 +0000

Putting together a book is a long, loving process. For example, it took me two years from start to finish to publish my book, Decorating Sewlutions. That’s because when you self-publish, you do everything! And, I mean everything. Many times I (think) I would have gladly packed up the manuscript and sent it off to another publisher to complete. But then again, I have done that and didn’t much enjoy the process. I guess I am too much of a control freak.

Anyway, after months of blood, sweat, and yeah, don’t forget the tears, the book was sent to the printer.

Then the hard part starts. You have to start marketing and selling the book (’cause that’s how I make a living). The fun part is over. Now we really have to roll up the sleeves.

: My friend, Julie snapped this photo of my book in her local JoAnns store.

So, it’s always nice to be noticed. My friend Judi saw my book in her local Joann Fabrics store. She was so excited for me that she snapped a photo and sent it to me. There it was—smack dab on the shelf.

So glad I didn’t give up.

Bringing a Room to Life

admin — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 09:00:29 +0000

Photo excerpted from Learn To Sew as You Decorate Your Home

Sometimes, it’s the simple things that can take a room from being so-so to becoming sensational. Consider these suggestions for creating an interesting room.

Determine what shapes dominate the room you are decorating. Look at the shapes of your sofa, television, tables, bed, dresser and so on. If the majority of the lines are squares or rectangles, add some interesting accessories that are circular in shape.
Do you have either (1) a lot of fabric-covered items in the room or (2) a lot of matching wood surfaces? This sameness can be boring to the eye. An easy solution is to introduce other surfaces or textures such as smooth glass, shiny metallics, or even baskets and rugs. Consider using opposite textures within the same room: rough and smooth, dark and light, shiny and dull.
Arrange the accessories in the room so they are different eye levels. For example, use two different-sized table lamps in the same room or group together some accessories that are of different heights on a shelf, mantel, or side table.
Make sure to include area rugs that are in proportion to your furnishing. They will tie the room together.
Include plenty of green plants in your decorating scheme for texture and a touch of nature. Make the plants part of the grouping-don’t place them off on their own.

Donna Babylon is a DIY and sewing guru. Her latest book is Decorating Sewlutions: Learn to Sew as You Decorate Your Home. Learn more at www.MoreSplashThanCash.com .

Decorating with Fabric

admin — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 09:30:05 +0000

Mix, match and mingle fabric to your heart’s content! Part of the fun in decorating is to pick pretty fabrics and think of creative ways to use them. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

One of the easiest fabric flourishes is to include a profusion of pillows in your decorating scheme. Select your favorite fabrics and accent them with trim of all kinds.
Fabric accessories make an inviting dining table. Include napkins, place mats, table runners, a tablecloth, and chair cushions.
Cover a lampshade with a coordinating fabric–a perfect accessory for any room!
Slipcover your sofa and chairs for a fresh new decorating scheme.
One of the most versatile furniture pieces in a home is an ottoman. use it for extra seating, to rest your feet or as a coffee table.
Add a mantel scarf to make your fireplace a colorful focal point.
For privacy, make a roman shade from your favorite fabric print.
A reversible table runner is an easy way to do some quick-change decorating.

From fabric...

to fabulous!

Donna Babylon is a DIY and sewing expert. Her latest book Decorating Sewlutions: Learn to Sew as You Decorate Your Home. Learn more at www.MoreSplashThanCash.com .