Mardi Gras Survival Bag

Chet Chat February 2014

Chet on Fox 8 - How to Display Mardi Gras Treasures

Displaying Mardi Gras Treasures

If are lucky enough to have caught a special Mardi Gras throw such as a coveted Muses Shoe or Zulu Coconut, you probably want a good way to show off your prizes year long. Below are some display ideas:

Display items in a domed cloche or acrylic box. This will insure that your throw will not be touched by jealous observers 

Display Zulu Coconuts in a bowl if you are fortunate to have caught more than one. If you have a single coconut to display, cut and paint a paper towel roll to create a quick stand or use your favorite cup.

Did you know you can melt Mardi Gras beads? You can make light fixtures and bowls buy melting beads in a well ventilated area. 

Gallery Wall Ideas

A gallery wall is an easy way to display loose art or photos that you have collected throughout the years. There are a few ways to display a gallery wall:

Same Color

Keep all frames the same color. Even though your art and photos are all different colors, they will all work together because they are all framed in the same color.

Same Size

An easy way to display photos is to keep all the frames the same size. This way, you don't have to think about placement.

Horizon Line 

This technique works well with frames that are all different sizes or if you have a narrow/long wall. Hang frames so that they all follow the same line.

Picture Shelf

Similar to the horizon line technique, this is a great way to keep your wall looking neat and tidy.

Cover the Whole Wall

Use large pieces to cover the whole wall. Walls look taller if you hang art higher.

In the Corner

Do you have a bare corner? Or not a lot of wall space? Install your gallery in the corner.

On an Angle 

 
This is not a technique that is used a lot. But it can look quite striking with the right pieces.

The Eclectic Wall

You can use all different sizes of art and frames. Make sure to keep the same amount of space (usually 2-3 inches) around every piece for a cohesive look.

Wrapping the Perfect Valentine's Day Gift

Buying the perfect gift can be very stressful at times. Wrapping can be just as difficult, don't allow an ugly wrap job overshadow your thoughtful gift. Follow the tips below for some wrapping tips:

• Mix and match paper. Wrap boxes individually for coordinating paper.
• Group presents together with pretty ribbon. 
• Recycle and reuse! The presents above were actually wrapped with leftover wallpaper samples. You can also wrap presents with newspaper comic strips and craft paper. The "roses" in the photo above are made from old magazine pages. Check out this LINK for instructions.

DIY Mardi Gras Deco Mesh Garland

Deco mesh is easy to work with, light weight and water proof. Deco mesh garlands are perfect for railings, around doors and along fireplace mantles. Follow the instructions below to make your own garland:

What you will need:

• 2 large rolls of 10 yd Deco Mesh (I used Mardi Gras colors for this garland)
• 1 Small roll of 10 yd Deco Mesh
• Wire
• Pipe cleaners 
• Scissors 

Join tables together so that you have a long work surface.

Unwind the wire and secure it on either side of the work surface. This makes the garland much easier to create. I secured the wire to a door handle and a chair.  

Use pipe cleaners that match the deco mesh in your garland. Cut the pipe cleaners in half.

Attach the pipe cleaners to the wire leaving a space of 12" between each pipe cleaner. 

Bunch and gather the deco mesh and twist the pipe cleaners to keep the mesh in place. Make sure you use the same amount of deco mesh for each bunch.

Continue forming puffs without cutting the deco mesh. 

Once you are done with the first color, you can start on the second.

Use the same process to create the second line of puffs. 

Now you can use the smaller size deco mesh to add a third layer.

Deco mesh will keep its shape if you secure it well.

Happy Mardi Gras!

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Chet in Saint Charles Avenue Magazine - Feb 2014 Edition

Pops of Bright Color

Transform your home with bold color. Color can completely alter a room, whether you are painting an accent wall or simply adding pops of color with accessories. Check out the photos below for some striking color ideas.

Paint your Built Ins.

 The photo above is a great example of how you can use this year's IT color, Radiant Orchid. Mount colorful art to the outside of bookshelves to break up space and create a unique display.

Paint your Ceilings. 

If you are lucky enough to have high ceilings in your home, this is a great wall to emphasis and bring attention to them.

Paint an Old Piece of Furniture

Paint a traditional piece of furniture with a bold color to help it fit into a more modern room.

Make your Windows Pop.

Install bright window coverings to highlight the colors of nature outside your windows.

Modernize with a Mural 

A wall mural can be a fantastic way to show off your personality.

5 tips on how to update your bedroom