Friday, May 25, 2012

My shop, House Vintage in the Cedros Design District


I wanted to share a few photos of my Store, I opened it 15 years ago! It keeps me running all the time!
I recently changed the name from Out of the Blue to House Vintage.
Over the last 15 years I started bringing in more and more vintage items and wanted to transition to selling only things that are vintage, handmade or both.


the only new items I sell are supplies to repurpose or make things with...


like CeCe Caldwell's amazing non toxic paint! It's made in the US,  and you can paint anything without sanding, stripping or priming!
I have a few video tutorials on Youtube using this paint!
as matter of fact I painted the front of my shop with one container of Santa Fe Turquoise!


My shop is stocked full of vintage goodies and paint! Drop by and say hello!
Sincerely, 
Debi

If you have never been before, we are located at 315 S. Cedros Ave. Solana Beach, Ca 92075

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Starfish Chandelier Tutorial


I wanted to create a light fixture that had all of the wow factor of a chandelier dripping with crystals but without the big price tag....


I used 36 white starfish and about 10 yards of crystal chain
and about 10 yards of rhinestone chain.


If you would like to try making this project you can order many of the supplies in my Etsy store,
here is the link 

http://www.etsy.com/shop/debisdesigndiary



and of course I made a video that shows you how I made this!
I have to say that every project I dream up has it's challenges and this was no exception. 
Here are some important tips I discovered along the way....
Use a small dremel if you have one, it is much easier on the delicate sea stars and you will have more control when you get to the part where you need to drill the extra holes as the starfish are hanging on the chandelier.
Lay your starfish out in a mock set up to determine how many to use and how they will hang, I used a total of 36 starfish,( 12 strands of three). six of the stands had 3inch links of chain a at the top to attach to the metal ring and the other six 1.5 inch links. I did this to stagger the starfish so they would not bang into each other or overlap too much.
Keep in mind that the bottom starfish on the strand only needs one hole but the rest of them will need two or more.
E600 is the glue I used, although it  is messy and needs to be used in a well ventilated area it works well. You can find this glue at Walmart or Michaels.


I have the rhinestone chain for sale by the yard and the spool on Etsy as well as the starfish by the dozen!
I will be adding other creative supplies too!
I am also selling the chandelier I made in this video, (there is just the one)
it took me about two days to make this!
it is has a 12 inch diameter and is approximately 21 inches long.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/debisdesigndiary

If you make a chandelier please send a photo to my Facebook page with your comments, my hope is that my tutorials will be inspriring and easy to follow,  I really want to know what you discover as you try my projects if there is anything I missed please let me know.



I am so excited about all the wonderful comments I have received on my videos on Facebook and Youtube! I am so glad you are enjoying them, it truly makes my day!
Sincerely,
Debi Beard