I moved into my new desk space in my home office/library last night, and it feels like a whole new world.  Throughout this remodel process, I was committed to the idea that I was not going to use anything industrial to hold my office supplies.  That aisle at Staples filled with black plastic letter holders and ugly paperclip dispensers makes me shudder. 

Months ago, I began collecting pretty little containers to hold my supplies because I wanted to surround myself with things that inspire me.  I pulled from thrift stores, antique stores, and discount stores to achieve a high end elegant look, without the cost. 

Here’s a peek at some of the non industrial containers at CG Central.

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When I was a girl, we lived in a cottage.  In the living room was a built in daybed.  In that daybed, I would bury myself in cozy pillows and blankets for hours while I read the latest Nancy Drew mystery.  It was enchanting.  Some of my fondest memories are there. 

Whether it’s a lazy summer afternoon, or a rainy winter day, I’m still crazy about the idea of lounging in the mid afternoon in a daybed.  There’s something about a bed, out in the open, beckoning you to lie down with your favorite book, with the likelihood that you will indeed, and eventually, drift off to slumber land.   

These days, with two small and energetic children, a nap in the middle of the day is my idea of a serious vacation.  But at least I can dream of drifting off to dream in some of these favorite cozy spaces.   

House Beautiful, March 2009

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I love branches, especially as accents and I once saw a designer spray paint gigantic branches in a hot coral color, and place them in an urn on top of a piano in a very grand living room, it was stunning.  While this look is a bit over the top for some, I have always wanted to spray paint branches to make them sculptural.  So I was pruning my wild oak tree last weekend.  It should be no surprise that I decided to use one of the Charlie Brown branches to make a jewelry holder.

Here’s a peek:

I was inspired by these versions available online by Urban Outfitters.

I really am a Pollyanna.  I like to hang sparkly things in front of windows and watch the light reflect throughout the room.  So I decided to make my own version of a jewelry tree with a few supplies I had in my garage.

Step One:  Find the right branch.  Nothing too flimsy, nothing too heavy.  Find a branch that has both interest and balance.  You have to be Goldilocks and find one that’s just right.  Pluck off all the leaves and allow it to dry out for a few days.

Here’s my wild oak branch Before:

Step Two:  Build your base.  I asked my mister to create a base by cutting some scrap alder wood.

Step Three:  Screw the wood together on the bottom, then drill a hole into the top of the base with a drill bit.   Use spackle or wood filler to fill in any seams or gaps in your wood.

Step Four:  Fill your hole with wood glue, stick your branch in the hole, and let it dry for 24 hours.  Give your base a light sanding.  If want a rustic quality, then consider painting only the base.  But if you want color, then give your branches a coat of primer.

Primer helps to seal the wood.  Allow it to dry.  Use whatever spray paint you wish to give your jewelry tree the color you desire.  One tip:  Get up really close to the branches when you spray so that it almost drips.  Don’t spray from far away – it’s pointless and you’ll waste a lot of paint.

To give my base more staying power, I anchored it to an old square mirror with some silicone rubber sealant.  Lighter earrings hang on the more delicate branches, while the bigger branches support your heavier necklaces or bracelets.  It’s a bit of a balancing game, but it’s fun nonetheless.

I love its sculptural qualities, its wintery whiteness, and its organic genesis.  And I also love the fact that it cost me nothing.  Now I hope you’ll be looking at tree branches in your yard or neighborhood with new interest.

For Father’s Day, Mr. CG wanted to go wine tasting and have a picnic at some of our favorite wineries along the Highway 12 corridor that connects Kenwood to Glen Ellen in Sonoma.  Ah, June.  The sunshine could not have been more perfect today. 

Our first stop was Ledson Winery, known to the locals as ‘The Castle’.  This Gothic French-Normandy structure

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