Materials:

• LINIT® Starch OR LINIT® Starch-n-Crafts™ Stiffener
• Fabric
• Clean sponge or paint roller
• Pan

Process:

1. Wash the wall to remove any dirt or film.
2. Lightweight fabrics, such as polished cottons, ginghams, and chintzes, are easiest to use. Measure from the floor to the ceiling and add a couple extra inches.
3. Cut the fabric accordingly. If fabric has a design, be sure to match the design before cutting the next panel as when using wallpaper.
4. Pour starch into a clean pan or paint pan or spray on if using stiffener (see Tip section if using spray stiffener). Apply starch to the top half of the wall with a sponge, paint roller or spray on if using spray stiffener.
5. Smooth fabric into place at the top of the wall, leaving about one inch to be trimmed later. Use push pins to hold the fabric temporarily in place. Apply more starch going down the wall as needed until you get to the floor, leave approximately one inch overlap at floor level.
6. Apply starch to the top of the fabric, brushing and smoothing the fabric in place to remove bubbles and wrinkles. Be sure the starch penetrates the fabric evenly.
7. Work your way down the panel, continuing to sponge or spray starch onto the wall, smoothing the fabric, and applying more starch.
8. Position the second panel, matching the design along the edge. Repeat steps.
9. Around windows and doors, leave a one inch overlap as with the ceiling and floor.
10. Fabric overlap should be cut when the fabric is completely dry. It will then cut clean and easily and any shrinkage will have occurred before you trim.

When Using Stiffener in Spray Bottle: Be sure to mask edges of ceiling & floor to avoid over spray.

To Remove Fabric From Wall: Peel one corner loose, then gently begin to peel the fabric off of the wall panel by panel. If the fabric does not peel easily, dampen the fabric with water using a wet sponge and it should come right off.

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Wallpapering can be tricky. Tending to be a visual learner, I found this how-to video a good reference guide.

How to Wallpaper from ferm LIVING shop on Vimeo.

With a bit more effort, you can create your own tufted headboard:

TOOLS & SUPPLIES:
1/2″ Plywood
1×4″ Lumber
Foam (at least 2″ thick)
Polyester Batting Upholstery
Fabric
Upholstery Thread
Upholstery Needle
Button Kit and Buttons
Scissors
Spray Adhesive
Wood screws
Bolts

Staple Gun and 1/2″ Staples
Tape measure
Drill Hammer
Optional but helpful: Rubber Mallet Electric Knife

STEPS:
Step 1: Take Measurements Width: Measure the width of your bed frame. The headboard should be about 1″ or 2″ larger in width than your mattress. Height: This is up to you. If you are planning on leaning against it while in bed make sure it is tall enough. Measure from the top of the mattress to the height you want the headboard to be. The legs should be about 2″ above the floor and within 5″ of the top of the headboard.

Step 2: Buy Your Supplies: You can buy plywood in large sheets. Have the hardware store cut it to size. (Most stores will do this for free.) The sheet probably won’t lay exactly flat, but it isn’t a big deal. Buy your 1×4′s and have them cut as well. You may know of a better source for foam but I bought mine at JoAnn fabrics for 50% off. I had to buy two pieces because their foam only comes in one width and this accounted for about half the money spent on the project. When buying your batting and fabric, make sure you have enough to wrap around the front and secure to the back. (I wouldn’t recommend a patterned fabric for your first try.)

Step 3: Put It All Together:
1. Find a clean, well-ventilated work area.
2. Determine how many buttons you will use and where you want them to go. (Just a heads up the tufting was by far the most time consuming part.) Mark the board and drill small holes. (Just small enough for the upholstery needle to pass through, this will help keep the buttons lined up.)
3. Lay the plywood down and spray one side with adhesive and adhere the foam. Cut off any excess foam so that it is exactly flush with the plywood. There should be no overlap. (This is where that electric knife comes in handy.)
4. Spray the foam with adhesive and hold one side of the batting while your friend holds the other side and pull taut. Place on top of foam. Make sure there is no puckering because it will show through the fabric.
5. Flip the plywood, foam and batting over and lay it flat on the ground. Wrap the batting around to the backside and staple in place.
6. Lay fabric on the floor wrong side facing up. Place plywood, batting side down, on top of fabric. Wrap fabric around to the back of the headboard, pull tightly and start stapling, working from the middle of each side outward. Trim any excess with scissors.
7. Use the button covering kit to cover your buttons. (Look online for tutorials.) This part is a pain. The smaller the button, the more difficult it is to cover them. (A rubber mallet will be helpful. I ruined my button maker with a hammer.)
8. Double thread your upholstery needle with upholstery thread and poke through one of your pre-drilled holes from the back to the front. Don’t pull all the way through! Make sure to leave some thread hanging out of the back. Slide the button onto the thread and poke the needle back through the same hole. Push the button on the front of your headboard into the foam while your friend tightly secures the thread on the back with a bunch of staples. You will need a hammer to bang in the staples, so that the thread will stay secure. (There is probably a better way to secure the thread but this is how I did it.)
9. Continue along and tuft each of your holes, smoothing the fabric as you go.
10. Measure and attach 1×4′s to the back of the headboard with screws. Place the headboard against the bed frame and bolt 1×4′s (one on each side) to pre-existing holes in the bed frame.
11. Step back and admire your work.

Hey, a mirror headboard! Mirrors tend to be expensive if purchased new, but cheap and unique finds can be found at thrift stores, yard sales and vintage furnishing shops.

This method is as cheap as paint and a good way to tone down the impact of an especially bright and bold color.

Weekend headboard:

Friday evening: Shop for paint and supplies.

Saturday: Move furniture, clean and prep the area. Paint the walls white. Stop, pat yourself on the back and let dry fully overnight.

Sunday: Take your time and measure up from the floor approx. 3 feet (give or take a bit, depending on the height of your bed/pillows), at regular intervals of approximately a foot along the entire length of the wall, marking the three foot spot with a pencil . Run good quality masking tape CAREFULLY along the marks, with the top of the tape hitting the marks. Paint the upper portion of the wall with your gorgeous color- don’t overload your roller, especially near the tape. Resist the temptation to fuss with the tape too early – let it dry well before attempting to remove it. Remove tape. Clean up. Return furniture, admire your fabulous job and sleep well in your newly spiffy bedroom!

Color is in full bloom and I’m reveling in its myriad expression. There’s such aliveness and vibrancy at this time of year. This seasonal essence–bold, bright, brilliant–is fleeting, so I invite you take time to enjoy and imbibe the full-spectrum through all your senses. And incorporate a bit more of it into your space.

Some things I love: graph paper, aesthetically stimulating books on food/architecture/design and interesting chairs. Composition has all this and then some. One of my secret thrills is flipping through the carpet squares–you can build your own floor, square by square in various colors and textures. Too much fun!

It’s one of the few DIY projects that little ones can be a part of from (nearly) start to finish.

You will need:
3 parts water (3 cups)
1 part cornflour (1 cup)
natural food coloring
saucepan

Bring the water to boil in a saucepan. Remove from heat. Dissolve cornflour in a little cold water and add to hot water, stirring constantly. Boil until clear and thick (about one minute). To make fingerpaint, add desired food coloring. This mixture will be very smooth. A tablespoon of glycerine may be added to make it glossy. A ½ cup of Lux soap flakes may be added to give fingerpaint a lumpy texture. Store in refrigerator as it spoils in hot weather.
(source: http://www.ohdeedoh.com)

A most relished daily ritual is covering myself head-to-toe in MoonDance. And, judging by the comments I often receive (i.e. “Dang, you smell good!”), others enjoy it too.
I was first introduced to the healing, hydrating and heavenly products of MoonDance via my friend’s birthday spa party (wine, cheese, chocolates and a luscious self-administered guided facial with fresh, hand-made cleansers, steams, exfoliants, masks, spritzs and moisturizers!). Now I’m a full-on addict. This adorable botanical apothecary is definitely one of the most nourishing, delicious and delightful places to treat the mind, body and spirit!

Consider a few…

+Relieve some of the symptoms of jet lag by shining blue light to the back of the knees.

+Reduce the symptoms of migraines by exposing yourself to blue light for 30 minutes and violet light for 15 minutes twice a day.

+Increase metabolism by drinking red solarized water. Make sure the water has been energized by the sun for at least three hours before drinking.

Source:

http://www.ehow.com/how_2031571_relieve-common-ailments.html

What’s better than taking in your freshly cleaned home at the end of the day? Not also taking in a lungful of nasty chemicals! Housegreening won’t just get your home clean, they’ll get it squeaky green clean.

Red is an erotic color linked with passion and sexuality. It has been shown to increase blood pressure and stimulate the adrenal glands increasing strength, stamina and promoting courage.

Pink helps muscles to relax and induces feelings of calm, protection, warmth and nurture. It can lessen irritation and aggression as it is connected with feelings of love. While red is more lusty, pink is associated with unselfish love.

Green is the color of the heart chakra. It aids the heart in bringing equilibrium and relaxation; helps the breath to slow and deepen; creates feelings of comfort and calmness.

Purple, especially a deep purple, is quite sensual. The depth and richness of a purple meeting red can effectively set a sultry kind of mood. It’s linked to royalty, power and mystery. When I think of purple, I often think Prince, Mr. Erotic with his raspberry beret and Purple Rain, .