PFMs Do It Better: How to Create a Gallery Wall

We've been in our house for over a year, and between work and the holidays and life in general I feel we're finally settling into our sweet little abode. In the past I've shared my exterior paint job, how-to make your flat screen tv more attractive, and my lust for some seaside art, but the main floor has overall been a work-in-progress. I fell in love with the 1920's bungalow style of our beach house and its arched doorways, vaulted ceilings, and wraparound front porch. I had tons of inspiration around me to make this place our own. We decided to it was about time to liven up our blank living room wall and give it a personal touch...can we say gallery wall?

You need: 

a hammer

painter's tape

tissue paper (or newspaper)

tape measure, (level; optional)

picture hanging hooks, nails, screws, etc

 First- collect, collect, collect. Think about framing a favorite postcard, fabric swatch, or a record album to create an impact. I saved a wallpaper remnant that sadly never made it onto an accent wall...but it did make it into our gallery arrangement! A couple of works by our artist friends make this collection even more special to us.

mirror | bracket | sconce | bust | giant buttons | shelves | plate

Go beyond the frame. Add some depth, texture, and dimension!

That rhino bust...yep, I went there.

Play around with placement. To do this, lay the tissue paper on top of your pieces and cut carefully. Use painter's tape to try them on the wall in different arrangements...you won't end up with a wall full of holes before committing. A general guideline (not a must) is to hang pictures at 57" on center from the floor. This is "gallery height" and roughly the average human eye level. We loosely used the 57" line to dictate the center of this gallery-style grouping (meaning, the row with the Ferris Wheel is at this line so we can still hang more pieces below/above and it will work out oh-so-well.)

image via bitohoney

image via bitohoney

There is right or wrong way to do it. Uniqueness is built on imperfection! Still... creating a stylish arrangement can be intimidating, so here are some suggestions: 

~find an inspiring arrangement via the net or a magazine and make it work for you

 ~keep a few inches between all pieces for consistency

 ~make sure you hang dimensional pieces higher if you are curating a wall near heavy foot traffic

~when in doubt, just hang your most loved piece in the center of the wall and work your way out 

~vary the frame style for a diverse eclectic vibe

~unify the frame style for an updated contemporary vibe

~consider transforming an inexpensive frame with paint or tape

Leave room for the unexpected. I love the concept of an ever-changing and growing gallery wall. I've started small, but will be adding new pieces as I get them, eventually stretching this into a salon-style installation from chair rail up to ceiling!

(Clockwise from top left to right: Mirror-West Elm, Painting- gift from Anthony Santamaria, Savannah Story Bust- Anthropologie, Typography Art Print- Ashley G, Coney Island Ferris Wheel Print- Minagraphy, Print- gift from Ann Farrell, Salton Sea Print- Leah Giberson, Wallpaper Swatch- Anthropologie)

Have a great weekend and don't forget to enter our giveaway, it ends on Monday night!

PFM Obsession: Mother's Day, Francophile Style

It's a Mother's Day roundup full of gift ideas to add a bit of French Flair to your loved one's life. Mais oui! This was inspired by my favorite Francophile, my grandma Mimi; I've spent many holidays and birthdays looking for the perfect Parisian gift to give her. She has built up quite the collection by now. It's been a difficult week, I had to say goodbye to Mimi as she is going to live in a nursing home on the west coast. Difficult is an understatement. Mimi has lived close by to me my entire life, and we've never gone more than two weeks without seeing each other. I can't even begin to express how much I will miss her. But I'm lucky enough to have so many memories that will stay with me forever. Love-Love Mimi, and Happy (early) Mother's Day...this post is for you!

1. It's the Trench. Essential for chic Parisian style...an investment piece that will stay with her forever. I love this classic from French Connection.

2. I always throw in a quirky fun gift- this fits the criteria. Mimi loves to sketch and draw, so I think it's a must-have for that aspiring artist!

3. Ooooh a feminine chic French pink-lilac nail color. Can't go wrong.

4. All of these candles have French dessert scents...drool. Coconut macaroons are Mimi's fave! The jars are replicas of vintage Parisian pottery, and so charming that I personally want a few.

5. Mimi said she's going to miss the cats she had at home, so when I came across this shirt I knew it was meant to be. A vintage-style baseball tee with a playful image, labeled Noir- French for black.

6. Etsy has a huge selection of gifts for the Francophile. It was hard to choose between all the jewelry, clothing, and goodies for the home. But this sweet simple pillow would be the perfect touch to send some love to Mimi in her new digs.

7. Joeseph Altuzarra's Parisian inspired collection for J.Crew is now available! These cherry espadrilles are tres chic.

8. Splurge on a set of dinner plates for your hostess with the mostest! These Eiffel Tower Dinner Plates are vibrant, whimsical, and dishwasher safe...woohoo! Another pick from my favorite store- Anthropologie.

P.S. When in doubt, just turn to Chocolat. Not talking about the sweet treats, but (hint hint) who doesn't want to watch Johnny Depp in France?! Mimi and I have watched this movie together a bunch of times and it just keeps getting better. xoxo

Fresh Out of the Workshop: MavenMini - The Tom-Tom

Deep in thought...

Those baby rolls...I'm in love!

Long eyelashes and pouty lips...but he's still such a BOY!

Please...no more papparazzi!!!

This is not just a shameful ploy to show off the cuteness that is my new little nephew. Or is it? It was a hat created with lots of love for the soon-to-be newborn Thomas...appropriately named the Tom-Tom. Two big pom-poms for a special little Tom-Tom! I was inspired to go with traditional blue and cream for this cap, because I just knew that this baby would be the epitome of boy. We were supposed to have actual winter weather here in NY (not that I'm complaining!) and a little guy's winter wardrobe isn't complete without a skullcap.

Sure enough, he was born and exceeded expectations in so many ways. Tommy is too cute, too good, too lovable. And so big. He didn't even fit into newborn diapers, and he definitely wasn't fitting into the newborn sized Tom-Tom hat I had originally made for him. No problem, I recreated it bigger so that he could grow into it...and of course, model it! Here is Tommy's debut... I think he has a strong modeling career ahead of him. And this is not just a ridiculously proud aunt talking. But if you ask his parents, they will most likely say "football player." Ha.

The Tom-Tom is available in our store, and it can be made to order for little gals too!

Fresh Out of the Workshop: the Bow Skull Cloche

 I undeniably have a love for things that are a blend of vintage and modern...and you already know all about my ongoing hat love...these two loves inspired me to create this new crocheted accessory. I'm obsessed with 1920s fashion and all you have to do is turn on an episode of Boardwalk Empire to see why. The glitz and the glam!!! Gorgeous glittery drop-waist dresses and detailed beaded headbands...and a classic cloche was often the best bet. Sesheta and I are always rocking a bit of glitz 'n glam, yes- even for daytime. Embrace your girly side with this vintage-inspired twist on the traditional skull cap. The Bow Skull Cloche is lightweight enough that you can wear it indoors, and the oversized bow can be worn in the back or on the side...it's your call.


PS the rich color combo of bright red & royal purple is a favorite of mine!

Fresh Out Of The Workshop: Black Mamba Necklace

It's here, it's here! Something that I'm very excited to introduce- a mixed media piece born out of our love of crochet work and sparkly details... the Black Mamba Necklace. All of these contrasting materials are working in harmony to create something unique and modern with a boho vibe. Plus the namesake Black Mamba knew how to kick ass and rock black & yellow fashion like no one's business ha!

Now more than ever we are seeing chunky, bold statement necklaces being worn with everything from flannel button downs to v-neck tees, and it only goes to show this style ain't just for evening anymore!  This classic neutral combo of black 'n gold will be a wardrobe staple, and it happens to be a favorite mix of ours. If anyone owns a luxe black leather handbag with gold hardware, then you know exactly what I mean! 

I've been wearing mine on it's own and also layered up with another longer necklace from my collection. I can definitely foresee many different versions of this style in both necklaces and bracelets coming to fruition in the near future...inspiration is a beautiful thing!!!

Fresh Out of the Workshop: The Divine Turban Headband

This latest design came to be out of the desire for a stylish, vintage-inspired accessory that would keep ears warm and hairstyles in tact. Since I tried to shop vintage and couldn't find exactly what I wanted, it was time to create a la MavenFresh. Ta-da, introducing the Divine Turban Headband! It's cut wide and made of a lusciously soft fuzzy blend of mohair, alpaca, cashmere, and wool. So it's totally indulgent, and you deserve it. Turbans are taking on many different forms these days, but can they get you through cold-weather months in high-fashion style like this one can?!! Keep in mind this is not just a piece for outdoor wear; put on a blouse and some shiny jewelry and you're perfection at the office. If you're going to be prancing outside in the chilly air, pair it with a cocoon coat...this turban is divine!

I'm such a hat girl and this just adds to my growing number of toppers. And now you can get a head start on building up your own collection. This will be available in more colors, just click here and visit our etsy shop. You know you want to. 

Hot out of the Workshop: Lush Loops Collar

 

 

A collar can be a total fashion statement, a finishing detail, or a just a lovely addition to keep you warm. This one is all of the above! Introducing our latest creation, the Lush Loops Collar. It has a touch of vintage charm that we love so much. Crocheted by hand to appear a little bit furry, and a little bit fleecy, this could be your favorite accessory for the season. We're going to layer it over brightly colored wool coats, shrunken denim jackets and maybe even a dress or two. The collar is available in our etsy shop; be sure to order yours now for shipping in time for the holidays!

A few weeks ago I was browsing the sale section at the Gap and spotted this speckled tweed jacket in a rich cobalt blue. I knew immediately it would be the perfect compliment for my then work-in-progress collar. The jacket's rounded neckline ensured that Lush Loops would be the focus of the outfit. A friend of mine actually thought that that the collar was attached...that's what I call a successful pairing! Rich colors, lush collars, and a variety of layers- it's how to do ladylike the modern way! 

 (Wool Tweed Jacket- Gap {$10}, Top- Anthropologie, Silence & Noise Jeans- Urban Outfitters, High Heel Ankle Boots- Zara, Rain Drop Earrings & Lush Loops Collar- MavenFresh)