Blog a la Cart

DIY Barn Hex

Right before we went on vacation, James and I tackled a little art project that got bumped to the top of our TO DO list, primarily because it proved more interesting than building kitchen cabinets (which is really what should be at the top of the list). It’s a good thing that I’m not an emergency responder. Triage is clearly not my forté.

If you follow me on Instagram, you bore witness to the whole project unfolding.

A few months back, my father sent an email with a link to some barns bedecked in Pennsylvania Dutch “Hex” Signs, suggesting that one might make a colorful and appropriate addition to our little barn. Yes, I know we live in Vermont, but James has very strong ties to Pennsylvania, and well, heck, the Hex Signs are pretty cool, no?

When Design Sponge announced a contest for DIY projects using Scotch Blue Tape, James and I figured that this project would be a perfect submission. We were thrilled to learn this morning that we were selected as one of twenty finalists! Yay Hex Sign! And this is where we could really use your help. Please head on over and check out all these creative and brilliant projects, but then toss a vote our way! Or you can just go straight to voting here. Lord knows we could use the extra dollars from winning the contest to help support Ursa’s crazy expensive chemo treatments (round 3 coming up next week!).

Here are some snaps of the sign in progress.

It didn’t take more than a sheet of plywood, a straight edge and pencil, some paint, tape and a jigsaw to create our own.

We based the design on a star, a symbol of good luck when used on a hex. The center star has four axes, representing our family of four. And the outer points are to help give the effect of a wheel for Cartwheel Farm. We decided to keep the color palette simple with deep sunflower yellow as the pop of color, and two tones of grey. We have aspirations of repainting the house (which is currently green) in these three colors, so this was a step in that direction!

The best part of the process was the hanging of said sign. Let’s just say that James is one very patient man, with excellent balance.

A little to the left. Okay, now down. No, back up. A smidge to the right. Okay, hold it…

What do you think? Not bad, eh? I’m actually feeling very positive about the results, despite a few frustrations, doubts and tears during the process. In all honesty, I doubt there is a single DIY project I’ve completed that hasn’t involved these three elements. It was gratifying to see it up on Design Sponge today. So please, vote for us! Pretty pretty please!

Photos: Courtesy of Ashley Weeks Cart

Currently Quoting

Dropping some knowledge from the First Lady. Sometimes we could all use this reminder.

Style a la Cart // 1

I perfected my easy, breezy beach uniform during our Cape getaway. In fact, I was asked if I was going for the pajama look, and touché and right on! I look THAT comfortable, bordering, as always, on the homeless, hobo chic I so adore.

Basic white tee? Check! Cotton tie-dye shorts? Check! Floppy sun hat? Check! Statement accessory? Check! You’ll notice that my mantra for style is comfort, so typically my clothing is oversized and super loose. This look is no exception.

I found the shorts in a boutique connected to a bagel shop in Brewster, MA. Genius, no? While waiting for your breakfast, you can do a little shopping. Perhaps the prospect of a belly-filled with carbs steered me in the direction of these forgiving shorts, but whatever the motivation, I’m more than pleased with the purchase.

And the necklace/scarf hybrid is thanks to the wonderful design company, SAAKO. I’ve admired their work ever since they launched their international line back in 2009. These jersey knit accessories are created using scrap fabric from textile factories in Spain and Portugal. Better yet? Every piece is handmade by a local woman, and her story is included with each necklace she creates.

This particular style can be wrapped and worn in any number of combinations. And, the colors of this particular necklace complimented my wild shorts delightfully. And it gussied up my look so it was less pajama and more lazy summer day. Beach uniform perfected!

And now to let you join in the fun! Here’s how you can win an item of choice from SAAKO’s Spring/Summer Collection. That’s right ANY item you choose:

• Head on over to Facebook and ‘like’ SAAKO and Blog a la Cart on Facebook, then come back here and tell us you like us, you really like us! in the comments. It’s that simple!

Make sure you enter a valid email address in the email section of the comment box so I can contact you if you win! The winner will be chosen next Thursday, August 23 at 12pm EST. Open worldwide. Total Value: Up to $100.

GOOD LUCK!

**For more SAAKO styles visit http://saakodesign.com