Urban Comfort

Moroccan-Inspired Hurricane Lanterns

I'm back. I hadn't planned on such an extensive blog departure but I've been dealing with cat scratch fever for the last month, which for me involved a month of fever and the kind of exhaustion I haven't felt since my son was a newborn. It's good to start feeling human again, though I've got a lot of catching up to do, so posting may continue to be spotty for a little while.

At any rate, I thought I'd jump back in with a project I did for my column in the November issue of Family Circle. I've been inspired by aluminum sheeting for a long time, but this was the first time I'd worked with it. The most specialized tool I needed was tin snips and they were a dream to work with (and not more expensive than a regular pair of scissors). Cutting metal isn't nearly as difficult as it would seem.

Another recent discovery is black primer, which I like to use as paint. I love the matte finish and it eliminates a step since I'm priming and painting at the same time. Of course you can put your own twist on these and paint them any color you like. Just prime first, then topcoat with the color of your choice.

Aluminum sheeting, for the most part, is sold in large sheets and you'll be able to make several hurricanes from one sheet. However, if you like the eclectic look of varied patterns this is a good project to share with a friend or craft group so everyone gets a mix. The only note I want to make - the magazine took a little creative license with photography. Use these hurricanes with votive candles housed in glass or with the candle on a small plate. 

For directions on how to make your own hurricanes, visit Family Circle's site here.

Find aluminum sheets here.

 

Photograph by James Worrell

Moody Texture Photos

I like to take photos of textures to have on hand for projects and I've gathered a collection that feels appropriate to the season. Just click on the photos for a full size version. Enjoy!

 

Texture 1:

 

Texture 2:

 

Texture 3:

 

Texture 4:

 

Texture 5:

 

Texture 6:

 

Texture 7:

Texture 8:

Texture 9:

 

Foxed Glass

I have long been enchanted by foxed glass mirrors. Completely impractical, no longer serving their original function, I desire them for their beauty alone. Most of the ones I find are very large, very old, and very expensive. But I came across this small, vintage Eastlake mirror and it was within my price range. Still, I gave myself a cooling off period, and when it was there a couple of months later and still in my thoughts, I decided it was meant to be. (Perfect timing, too, since we're clearly having a little fun with it for Halloween.) 

I've wanted to do a DIY version though, ever since I found the tutorial pictured here. I come across a lot of inexpensive mirrors in thrift stores, which means I can afford to take a few risks. But who knows when I'll actually get around to it, so I've posted the tutorial here for any intrepid crafters who want to get their hands dirty. 

 

Patina varies from mirror to mirror, but this is an example of what natural aging looks like.

 

DIY TUTORIAL:
(Note: I found this tutorial paper clipped in a thrift store. It clearly comes from a book, but I'm not able to determine what book or the date it was published.) 

Click on photos to enlarge

Finished DIY Version

Fall Inspiration

I needed some fall inspiration today and I thought you might, too.  Happy Monday!

 

I love the unexpected hit of blue in this palette! It's so simple and yet it takes the traditional and turns it into something fresh. A great accent color to consider. From Design Seeds

 

 

This is a no brainer for the coffee table. And just like the blue in the first photo, I love the addition of glass to traditional fall foliage. It adds a certain ethereal note that seems right, especially if you're caught between seasons (like I am). From bhg.com.

 

 

Wallpaper is featured on a single wall, which creates a focal point for the bed. If you're looking for more of a seasonal wall treatment, you can cover MDF panels with wallpaper and mount them for a removable, temporary display. From Living Etc.

Definitely on my list of crafting projects. It's a simple project - the greatest challenge is finding the appropriate yarn. (Tip: If you find a pumpkin with a great stem, keep the stem and use it in place of the rope shown here.) From Martha Stewart Living. 

 

 

I like the casual, organic nature of this display. A great way to use up scrap papers or old book pages. Sheets of textured watercolor paper (trimmed to size) would work well for this, too. From Houzz.com.

 

 

 

Unusual pumpkins and gourds have finally gone mainstream (I don't think I've ever seen white pumpkins at Walmart before this year), giving you more decorating possibilities than ever before. A display like this is simple to put together and will easily carry you through Thanksgiving.  I found pumpkins and gourds this year at Whole Foods, too. They had a selection that easily rivaled any farm stand. From HGTV.com.

 

 

 

Felt and wool fabric leaf bowls. Pretty, practical.  I want to make them!  From Martha Stewart Living.

 

 

This is another craft that I've been meaning to try. I have jars of acorn caps, gathered in Central Park during numerous fall seasons. And I just love the whimsy and color the felted balls add. I'd scatter them along the table or use them to create place cards. Via Flickr. 

A Sad Day

 

Comfort Food

I have been sick with fever for the last nine days, which has slowed me down considerably. The upside to this unexpected leisure (grasping at straws, here) has been the opportunity to get some real reading done, a once daily indulgence that's been slowly turning into a luxury. 

The book I've been reading all weekend is Life, on the Line by the chef Grant Achatz. It's a memoir not only about food and becoming a chef, but about overcoming advanced stage tongue cancer (of all things). I'm not finished yet so I can't give you a full review, but I'm greatly enjoying it and recommend it. 

At any rate, I started thinking about my favorite food/chef memoirs and how they've changed my life over the years. I have never aspired to be a chef, not even a pastry chef, but these books have changed the way I've thought about food, changed the way I eat, given me a deeper appreciation for artistry and craft, and inspired me on multiple levels. It also helps that chefs tend to have colorful lives and eccentricities that can't help but entertain.

Without further ado, here are other food related books I couldn't put down - my comfort food over the years. They can all be found on Amazon, along with detailed reviews. As for me, if I can't get off the sofa anytime soon, it looks like there are plenty of other recent, well-reviewed chef and food memoirs to keep me sated.

 

Life, on the Line by Grant Achatz & Nick Kokonas

 

 

Tender at the Bone by Ruth Reichl

 

 

The Making of a Chef by Michael Ruhlman

 

 

The Soul of a Chef by Michael Ruhlman

 

 

Heat by Bill Buford

 

 

Blood, Bones, and Butter by Gabrielle Hamilton

 

 

Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain