Pretty in Paisley Fabric Prints

The 1960’s were a tumultuous decade filled with change, expression and influence. Or so I hear. After all, I was born in the 90’s. Anyway, one huge aspect of pop culture that the 60’s influenced was, you guessed it, fashion. Long skirts, braids, sandals… They’re still chic, or at least they are this spring. And with that, I ask: what is more 1960’s than paisley?

Before I delve into some do-it-yourself links and tips, let’s have a history lesson. According to The Quilter’s Muse on paisley, the pattern style originated in the Middle East quite some time ago. The pattern later gained popularity in the 1960’s and the 1990’s. Look at that! Perhaps my nostalgic paisley preference makes sense now. History lesson: finished.


Now for some ideas regarding what to do with paisley fabrics (like my personal favorite paisley fabric print carried at our very own Beverly’s Fabric & Crafts stores). Spring cleaning is always a great idea, right? Sure. So! Follow Design*Sponge’s little DIY to make a playful paisley fabric storage bin. If your affinity is less organization-oriented and more fashion-prone, sew a precocious paisley bowtie (just in time for Easter) with help from papernstitchblog.com. As always, don’t forget to browse our online store for discount paisley fabric to help you in your DIY adventure.

After all of this, what do you think? Should paisley stay in the 60’s? Or are you glad that it comes back in style so often?


-Danielle

About The Author
Danielle is a current art undergraduate studying mixed mediums and textile arts. Her writing focuses on fashion and interior design in regards to the growing independent, handmade and D.I.Y. movements. We are happy to have her as a guest blogger on Beverly's Fabric & Crafts Official Blog.

tag: allstores

Embracing Springtime In Your Home Décor

Spring has officially arrived. As a season of newness, organization, and all things creative, spring is one of the best times to showcase your artistic talents. Where should you start? Your home is the number one place where your personality shines. If you’re hoping and wishing you could change the feel of your home, but don’t quite have the budget, start small. The moods of your accents and decorations change everything.

You say: “My living room is boring.” I say: “Throw pillows!” You might laugh, but it’s true. Plain-colored couches look fantastic and fun when paired with uniquely colored or patterned pillows, and it just so happens that Beverly’s Fabric & Crafts stores have a lovely selection of fabric for your home. I must admit, I’m pretty excited about the discounted Amy Butler fabrics because they remind me of spring! And that’s what we were discussing, correct? See what I did there? Anyway…

As I dole out tips, tricks, and advice to you in adding a little spice to your décor, I will also say this: the Internet is an awesome tool for inspiration. Not only can you shop for supplies online, but you can also see what others are creating and see what you like! Spring is a wonderful season because it gets people out of their creative hibernations. Also, people love to share their projects through blogs! When I need some creativity-caffeine, I visit blogs like I Go By Katie, How About Orange, and Oh, Hello Friend.

Who will inspire your spring project, and what will your project be? Share with us in the comments below or on Beverly’s Fabric & Crafts Facebook Page!

-Danielle

About The Author
Danielle is a current art undergraduate studying mixed mediums and textile arts. Her writing focuses on fashion and interior design in regards to the growing independent, handmade and D.I.Y. movements. We are happy to have her as a guest blogger on Beverly's Fabric & Crafts Official Blog.

tag: allstores

Finding Home Décor Inspiration: Kids’ Playrooms

If there’s one thing kids’ rooms have in common, it’s color. When I was in elementary school, I decided my favorite color was yellow. Thus, I simply needed yellow painted walls in my bedroom. And no, not a reasonably muted, pastel, or pale tone. I wanted to go all out. Canary yellow? Sunny yellow? It didn’t matter, as long as it was bright. My incredibly tolerant mother agreed that we could redecorate my room for my 10th birthday, and the walls have remained the same color ever since.

These days, when I look for decorating inspiration, I sometimes find myself looking at pictures of kids’ rooms. Why? I’ll tell you: I like looking at cute playrooms because there are so many great D.I.Y. ideas! Like this cloud mobile from Crafted Love, which is absolutely darling and super easy to make.

Getting some inspiration from children’s décor adds youthfulness and an element of fun to the mix. Dressing up commonplace appliances is also something kids’ rooms can get away with. One example is this clock creature from Disney’s Family Fun website, made entirely from items like googley-eyes and felt that you can find at your local Beverly’s Fabric & Crafts store.

Last (but not least), lighting is always important. Consider upcycling an ugly old light fixture (say, from a thrift store) into something bright and colorful! DIY Home Decorating Ideas has several before-and-after photographs to help inspire your crafty side. Also, be sure to take a look at the free home décor how-to’s and free kids craft how-to’s on beverlys.com for even more ideas and inspiration.
Kids tend to be pretty “out there” with their personalities, so it makes sense as to why some children would be so certain of how they want their space to look. I mean, really, aren’t we all a little like that, even as adults? Maybe we’d skip the bright-yellow-bedroom-look, but we still like to make our space an expression of our personal taste.

Got your own unique idea? Share it with us and our community in the comment space below or on the Beverly’s Fabric & Crafts Facebook page! We’d be happy to hear about your latest home décor project.

-Danielle

About The Author
Danielle is a current art undergraduate studying mixed mediums and textile arts. Her writing focuses on fashion and interior design in regards to the growing independent, handmade and D.I.Y. movements. We are happy to have her as a guest blogger on Beverly's Fabric & Crafts Official Blog.

tag: allstores

Fashion Trends for Spring 2011

I’m not quite what you’d call a fashion-forward, jet-setting starlet, but that didn’t stop me from religiously following the previous New York Fashion Week 2011, in which designers showcased their most notable spring pieces. Admittedly, I kept up-to-date via the Internet’s myriad fashion blogs (like Fashion Chalet, The Man Repeller, and The Sartorialist), but I’d say I’m pretty informed about early 2011’s most noteworthy trends.


This coming spring, we’ll see a lot of neutral classics mixed with bold-colored statement pieces. Noticeable yet tasteful accessories are a must. Check out our Twisted Fabric Flower Necklace how-to with video. Also: metallic. In spring? Absolutely. This trend spans from jewelry to the actual clothing. Shine is in style.

What’s so great about all this? I’ll tell you: accessibility. Chances are you’re not about to spend several hundred dollars on a chunky bracelet, no matter how chic it is. So, why not take matters into your own hands and get creative? Find some poppy-red fabric or some pretty gold beads at Beverly's Fabric & Crafts stores, and you’re already on your way. Mixing colors and metallic’s can be tricky, but as long as you have a neutral piece to balance the whole look, you’ll look fresh and fun.

So, what about you? Even though you may be used to the normal spring pastels, do you think you’ll try something new this year?

-Danielle

About The Author
Danielle is a current art undergraduate studying mixed mediums and textile arts. Her writing focuses on fashion and interior design in regards to the growing independent, handmade and D.I.Y. movements. We are happy to have her as a guest blogger on Beverly's Fabric & Crafts Official Blog.

tag: allstores