{DIY} birdcage chandelier

Ever since I spotted these Birdcage Chandeliers from Restoration Hardware, I have been completely infatuated and couldn’t wait to use one in a room! Although a worth-while investment for an amazing statement piece, it would quickly eat up the budget for most rooms so I set to the task of creating a DIY piece with a similar look.

What you need:

1. Metal Birdcage – try Etsy or a Vintage/Antique shop.

2. Small Chandelier

3. Rope – if you can’t find this at a local craft or hardware store, try a fishing supply shop.

4. Florist wire or fine gauge picture wire & super glue.

How to make it: The steps are relatively simple. If the base of your birdcage is closed, make sure it either can be removed or that the door is large enough to maneuver your light fixture inside.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

birdcage ($42.99, etsy). chandelier ($58, Urban Outfitters). rope.

Step 1: Remove base of birdcage (if needed). Secure chandelier to inside top of the birdcage using hooks or wire. Feed cord from light fixture through top of birdcage.

Step 2a: (For a functioning light) Cut rope to about 2.5 times the length of cord. (For example, for a 4′ cord, you would need 10′ of rope). Loop rope through the top ring of the birdcage, twist, and secure with glue & wire.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

birdcage ($59.99, etsy). spiral chandelier ($79.99). rope.

Wrap strands of rope around the length of the cord, camouflaging it as much as possible. Secure ends with wire & super glue.

Step 2b: (For a non-functioning light) Remove cord if needed, cut rope to desired length and secure it to metal ring at the top of the birdcage.

Step 3: Mount using hooks and enjoy your beautiful project!

So there you have it, a Restoration Hardware-inspired Birdcage Chandelier for a total cost of less than $200, a bargain compared to the $2000+ price tag of the original. Happy DIYing!

 

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and then it was gone… {missoni for target}

If you were fortunate enough to score some of the much anticipated {missoni for Target} collection, you know that there were more beautiful pieces than could possibly fit in one basket! Much of the collection disappeared as quickly as it came but a few great finds are still available online and (if you’re lucky) in your local store.

A few of my favorites…

clockwise from top left: looped throw pillow. vase. baby blanket. maxi skirt. knit onesie. set of 2 crib sheets.

Stay tuned for some inspired IKEA finds for toddler rooms + more nursery inspiration!

On a personal note – if you want to know a little bit more about why I’ve been a bit silent on the blog lately, check out what’s been going on with us here

 

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{9.11}

For a special post on remembering 9.11 and why we should celebrate today, visit us over at bortland.com.

Forgive the layout… it’s still a work in progress!

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custom book jackets {inspired design}

Whether you use these books with lovely customized jackets in a nursery, kids room, or even your living room they are fabulous means of making your current book collection cohesive with your home design or simply a great way to add some attractive literary influences in your little one’s room.

Available from Juniper Books Custom Collections, they work with you to create a collection of beautiful books (either by recovering books you already own or handpicking a selection for you) in any custom covering they offer!

Another resource for beautifully covered books, Penguin Classics offers a selection of “the world’s favorite books” in a variety of linen patterned cases. At $20 a book, this is certainly a great collection to build upon perhaps by creating a tradition of adding one every birthday or Christmas!

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{gilt picks}

It’s been quite awhile since I shared some of my favorite goodies over at Gilt so here are a few of my top picks for this week!

aden + anais swaddling blankets. rosie pope maternity ‘olivia’ top. BASQ skin care.

Also – be sure to check out Gilt’s sales on Babyletto nursery furniture, Ella Moss & Splendid kids clothing, and the fabulous collector Barbies!

 

 

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{styling the bump} maternity from Topshop

Maternity from Topshop? Yes, it’s true! I nearly had to pinch myself to believe it but I am happy to give this maternity collection high marks! While I am always an advocate of taking your existing wardrobe and finding creative ways to make it work throughout your pregnancy, it is certainly worth investing in a few key versatile pieces to keep you stylish and comfortable through all stages of your growing bump.

I’ve put together a few fab looks from the collection to take you stylishly through fall from work to play and everywhere in between.

wool duffel coat w/faux fur trim. pointelle panel sweater. raspberry super soft skinnies. enamel stack rings. leopard flats by french sole.

cream knit cardigan w/black trim.  animal print top. black skinnies. metal three strand necklace. jade suede shoes

stripe top w/black lace inserts. blue pencil skirt. marbled stone ring. pewter & black glitter ballet flats.

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{nursery inspiration} road to india

Back in 2002 I had the opportunity to travel to India and I don’t know how else to describe it aside from saying there was simply something there that I fell in love with. Life was fast-paced and vibrant; the colors were bold and intense. It was as if you could almost hear whispers of the past coming from the buildings, from the stones paving the streets and the alleys weaving in and out out of the markets. It inspired me then and it still does.

That said, I have quite the soft spot for furniture and decor that remind me of that trip and today I am so excited to share a beautiful collection of textiles and apparel that do just that! Enter: Rikshaw Design“hand block printed textiles for your bohemian life”. My favorite – the “Taj” collection boasts little mokeys one one side and elephants on the other without the design looking cartoonish in the least.

Although I often play favorites with mid-century modern pieces, there is nothing I love more than combining touches of old hollywood glam (think crystal chandeliers) with exotic textiles and details; a hand-knotted persian rug for example. Perhaps that’s because part of me really wishes I lived in one of the old Hope/Crosby/Lamour “Road to” movies… but that’s another story!

Today’s nursery inspiration started with this beautiful crib blanket from the Taj Collection.

wall stencil, Royal Design Studio ($39) photo via Vintage Revivals. curtains, Anthropologie ($108). birdcage chandelier, Restoration Hardware ($2195). crib, Argington ‘Bam’ ($585). baby lounger, Bloom Coco ($220). blanket, Rikshaw Designs ($68). rug, Anthropologie ($498). dresser/changer, World Market ($252). mobile, ‘Flying in the Skies’ ($70).

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