10 EASY Colorful Kid Friendly DIY's Just in Time for Valentine's Day

Yes… I mostly design large scale hospitality projects, like restaurants, motels, inns, vacation rentals and bar projects… BUT I also like to do smaller (instant gratification) DIY crafts as well. :) It‘s fun, easy and relaxing for me. This weekend, sit down with the kids (or your gal pals) and make some easy crafts — that would make for some AMAZING VALENTINE presents. Hint…Hint…

Most of these DIY CRAFTS you can make from stuff you’ll find around the house — even better! A few of these projects I made for DIY NETWORK…so you can link through. Others… I just made because I’m addicted to making things…

Happy Valentine’s Day to you!

LOVE CRAFTS. LOVE DIY. LOVE HANDMADE.

But mostly, LOVE the TIME YOU SPEND TOGETHER MAKING SOMETHING.

XOXO Joanne

Hanging Fabric and Ribbon Bohemian Stars. Cardboard, Scissors, Scraps of Ribbon and Fabrics. You can make lots of shapes…Hearts, Crescent Moons, Fish… HOW TO DIY NETWORK

Memory box made from a cardboard perfume or chocolate box. Add shells, costume jewelry, whatever makes you happy in how you want to decorate your memory box. Don’t forget the LOVE NOTE that goes inside before you give it as a gift.

An old tire rim, some ribbons, Grandma’s dollies, and some yarn and you can hang these beauties above any bed.

Hardware store magnets, hot glue gun, some fabric, old earrings and maybe a rock or two and you have instant refrig dramatic presence.

Mix a second hand store lamp with some colorful pom poms— and voilia! Instant happy lamp for the kids room!

Keep those color pencils upright — with a slice of a log, and a few holes. A drill and a wide drill bit…perfect time to teach the kids how to use power tools :) DIY NETWORK

Don’t throw away that moth eaten sweater. Create plant cozies… Hand stitch on some hearts or words and these make the perfect Valentine’s Day gift. HOW TO HERE

Simple! Left over yarn and a glue gun and a really cool stick or two. Do a little at a time and take these times for catching up. DIY from my second book, Salvage Secrets Design and Decor

Rainy day fun! Simply cover a piece of cardboard with fabric, paint some clothes line clips and add your favorite pictures — hang anywhere. HOW TO HERE: DIY NETWORK

The Hearts Have It. Making crafts makes me my heart happy and when I can bring in my friends or family to join me — it grows three sizes :) This driftwood heart — is so easy to make — a piece of stiff cardboard with pieces of driftwood hot glued to it.

Have fun collecting, making and displaying.

Sign up for my newsletter to see what’s happening and get more DIY ideas. THANKS! Joanne

Lawson's Finest Taproom and Retail Space, Another Great Interior Design Project Completed

I find myself still in awe of this amazing project and the owners of Lawson’s Finest Liquids, Karen and Sean Lawson. It was hands-on from start to finish and I enjoyed every moment of it. The architect, Austin Designs, created this incredible timber frame design, that Mad River Post and Beam built, that I planned the interior design from… the layout of the bar, bathrooms, seating and retail store. Working hand and hand with Karen and Sean, Austin Design and Ruggco Builders, together we created a warm and inviting welcoming environment for guests to enjoy their craft beers.

Everything from paint colors, to types of wainscoting, to finishes, fixtures, seating, custom lighting and more…there were hundreds decisions to make. Being able to incorporate numerous local sources and artisans was extra special. Warren Pieces for the custom wood furniture and bar, Conant Metal and Light for the two custom light fixtures, Simon Pearce for the hand blown glass (which Karen and Sean got to blow themselves), Erin Bundock for the commissioned artwork piece, Sparky Potter Design Group for all the signage and painted sun on the retail doors, Vermont Verde for the incredible slab stone pieces, Vermont Slate for the retail store and entrance flooring, along the bar wall and railing and Select Design for the branding pieces. There were many more local companies we worked with and we appreciated their skill and talent.

Karen and Sean started Lawson’s Finest Liquids in 2008, and Sean has been brewing for over 25 years which he began in college at UVM! Their beers are highly rated in the national craft beer scene. They are best known for their luplin-laden India Pale-Ale, Sip of Sunshine.

THIS IS AWSOME… No tip policy - Lawson’s Finest Liquids has chosen to pay their staff generous living wages with full benefits. There is no tip obligation when guests come to the taproom. However, if guests choose to leave a gratuity, 100% will be donated to local charitable endeavors. Since they have opened their charitable program has donated to Mad River Valley Food Shelf, Mad River Valley Community Fund, Mad River Valley Seniors/Meals on Wheels, Mad River Valley Ambulance Service, Green Mountain Club and the current organization is the Washington County Mental Health Services. To finish out the month of January all proceeds will go to VT Adaptive Ski and Sports. Since October 2018, the Lawson’s Finest guest charitable program has donated over $84,000! Kudos to you guys!

So happy that Karen and Sean were not only a joy to work with, but very open to my creative ideas — including the light fixtures and sunshine retail counter!

Creating unique seating spaces throughout the taproom was a little challenging, because not only did I have to think about maximum capacity, but flow for seating and ordering (for a very busy space) and having seating for groups and individuals alike. Between the bar seats, the chairs by the fireplace (near the kid’s play area), the 4 top tables by the windows, and the higher two-tops by the bar and the beer hall picnic tables and the bar rails…I’m hoping we have it covered.

The Contant Metal and Light and Simon Pierce Glass custom light fixture is one of the WOW factors in the space.

Cheers Folks! To another fun project completed. Now time for that beer!

All Photos by the Talented Alana Cushman, Marketing Coordinator at Lawson’s Finest Liquids.

Thank you! Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

Our Short Holiday Letter :)

As always...the year flew by... Gabrielle is now in her second year at the University of British Columbia working on a degree in Biomedical Engineering and enjoying Vancouver. Thankfully she came home for the summer and worked as a launch driver at the yacht club (and getting all her wisdom teeth out but still managed to retain her wisdom!). Steve is now a bionic man with a new hip (I have realized my nursing skills only last about a week...although he needed about four weeks to recover -- thank goodness he made his own meals and froze them -- if you haven't heard about my cooking skills -- that should make them very clear).

And just to make this a proper holiday letter... our car was stolen (oh yes...in Montreal...never to be returned...), we had an evasion of little bugs from my bird seed bag (that was fun), and many other trials and tribulations (like everyone else), but some to close to the heart to mention.

Which makes us appreciate the good stuff even more... Gabrielle traveled through Peru with a friend staying at hostels and exploring for two weeks before she started her summer job (she and her friend planned the entire thing and paid for it themselves).She took some amazing pictures (and I'm not just saying that because I'm her Mom) and posted them on her Instagram site, Gabrielle Goes Global. Steve sailed all summer long...and if you know how long Vermont winters can be -- you would too! ;) My twin travel adventures continue--Rosanne and I went to Italy (hiking, eating, drinking the wine... and the shopping...finding antiques and salvage in every stop). My new book, Styling with Salvage, came out in April, and I spent some time zooming across the nation, giving presentations and book signings, including Rejuvenation in Portland, Oregon, Vermont Distinguished Authors Series and all five Country Living Magazine Fairs--from Nashville to New York to Ohio (twice) and Atlanta--always a thrill! The response to the book has been phenomenal! Thank you! 

Tons of great press, dozens of articles and mentions, including Country Living Magazine naming me one of the top creative people in the nation and DIY Network calling me a "creative genius" in a recent feature article.  (Genius is not a word I am accustomed to being called...but I'll take it!)  And amidst it all, I had so many great design projects.

Thank you for all your support and for following me on this crazy journey called life. I really hope that you get to spend time with your family, relax and enjoy each other's company. I've posted a few HOLIDAY DIY'S on my Instagram. A family that crafts together...well, I don't know...but it's a lot of fun! 

I wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah!
xoxo Joanne  (cin cin)

25 Days of DIY Christmas and Holiday

With all these Black Fridays, Cyber Mondays, Discount Tuesdays…I’m getting a little overwhelmed. So when that happens, I sit down with my family and friends and make crafts! Seriously— get your family or a gaggle of girlfriends together, spill out all your left over beads and have some fun! Here are 25 days of Holiday Craft DIY ideas that will bring you all closer together during this holiday season. There are 12 pictures here but the links will bring you to dozens more in each gallery! Have fun. :) xoxo Joanne

BOHO SERIES FOR DIY NETWORK. LINK HERE TO SEE THE WHOLE GALLERY.

Go for a walk with the family and pick up scrap birch bark (from the ground only). Here are some birch bark ideas…

Another gallery of ideas. DIY NETWORK 19 Rustic Easy Holiday DIY’s, like this vintage creamer and sugar set turned into mini holiday planters.

Still one of my all time favorites I’ve done for DIY NETWORK. STEP by STEP here.

Step by step for this yarn ball wreath. Super simple and fun!

Make your own gift wrapping paper out of vintage fabric— part of 14 DIY Red Country Holiday DIY ideas on Great American Country

Yes…there is a whole series of Retro-Inspired Holiday DIY’s as well, including this picture frame redo! See them here.

Have some old costume jewelry? Well, here are a few upcycled and inexpensive holiday ideas for you. Holiday Ornaments here!

Super simple, 15 minute wreath! I had some left over fluffy yarn, a few feathers and some faux beads and I made a cardboard ring to wrap it around.

I call this my wreath of Misfit Toys…I found all the broken ornaments, holiday bulbs, left over stuff from wrapping paper and ribbons and glued it all onto a wood floral frame. I’m sure you don’t even have to leave the house to make this. Make a cardboard ring if you don’t have a wooden one.

Have some HOLIDAY DIY FUN. :) Simple picture frame and paint your own picture.

Family Photo Coasters… recycled tile, two part epoxy and some black and white copy prints. Here are pictures of Gabrielle and I… :) Happy Holidays!

XOXO Joanne

5 FEEL GOOD GIFT GIVING IDEAS...FROM $18- $55

Here are 5 things that are not only cool — but make a difference. Have Fun Shopping! xoxo Joanne

BUY A SAVE THE GIRAFFE T-SHIRT - FOR LITTLE AS $55

Giraffe T-shirt (Hers)

WORLD WILDLIFE ORGANIZATION… EXCERPT for the T-SHIRT… Make a donation to WWF in support of our conservation efforts around the world and choose a socially responsible T-shirt as a thank-you for your generosity. These soft tees, made of 70% organic bamboo and 30% organic cotton, feature graphic wildlife designs. Yours for a donation of $55 each.

(DONATION OPTION as well…)

EXCERPT FROM THE NATIONAL RESOURCE DEFENSE COUNCIL…

Giraffe populations have declined almost 40% over the last 30 years, mostly because of hunting for bushmeat, habitat destruction and fragmentation, and the international trade in giraffe bone carvings and hunting trophies.

That’s why, conservation groups—NRDC, along with the Center for Biological Diversity, Humane Society International, and the International Fund for Animal Welfare—today petitioned the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to help protect giraffes by listing them as Endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act.

Such a listing would have several important benefits for giraffes. For example, it would:

• Ban most imports of giraffe parts into the U.S. and limit exports. This is critical since our country is actually a significant importer of giraffe parts and products, with more than 21,400 giraffe bone carvings and 3,000 giraffe skin pieces imported into the U.S. over the last decade.

• ​Help regulate our country’s domestic trade in giraffe trophies and parts,which appears to be growing. NRDC and its partners found at least 1,224 giraffe parts found for sale online in the U.S. in less than a month.

• Help reduce trophy hunting of giraffes. Currently, the U.S. is a significant importer of giraffe hunting trophies, with, on average, more than one giraffe trophy imported to the U.S. every day.

  DONATE TO NRDC — FOR AS LITTLE AS $35.

4 OCEANS BRACELET…$20

EXCERPT FROM 4OCEANS..

The story begins when Alex and Andrew take a surf trip to Bali Indonesia that would inevitably change their lives and the fate of the ocean. Devastated by the amount of plastic in the ocean, they set out to find out why no one was doing anything about it. One afternoon they came across an old fishing village where fishermen were literally pushing their boat through piles of plastic that had washed up on shore. The two surfers realized that the proliferation of plastic threatened both the ocean environment and the fishermen's livelihood. Could the fishermen use their nets, they wondered, to pull the plastic from the ocean? This idea stuck with the 2 surfers and they knew it was time to hit the drawing board. After realizing that the demand for seafood was driving the fishermen to focus on fish instead of plastic, they knew they had to create something that could fund the desired cleanup efforts. This is how the 4ocean Bracelet was born.

Made from recycled materials, every bracelet purchased funds the removal of 1 pound of trash from the ocean and coastlines. In less than 2 years, 4ocean has removed 2,234,116 pounds of trash from the ocean and coastlines.

STYLING WITH SALVAGE BOOK…$18.27

EXCERPT FROM AMAZON… Discover the secrets of styling your home with reclaimed materials Joanne Palmisano is passionate about the joy and importance of reuse in home decor. Whether it's reclaimed, repurposed, recycled, salvaged, or antique, Joanne will show you how to turn an old piece into a stunning decorative object. Styling with Salvage is an essential guide for those who can't walk by a secondhand store or salvage yard without taking a peek, or who just want to decorate in a more mindful way. Joanne provides an aspirational-but-achievable template for all who wish to bring some character, style, and soul into their home.
Includes:

• Top tips on the best places to look for items like vintage lace or old balusters

• Ways to design with salvage when you seek to add color, or are working with monochromatic palettes

• Inspiration on styling and displaying collections, whether it's vintage glass, leather boots, or bottle tops

Filled with Susan Teare's gorgeous photography, this book will inspire everyone who picks it up to reclaim their spaces with reclaimed materials. More than 200 color photographs

CLASSIC REVIVE SIP SET - STRAIGHT CLASSIC GLASS STRAW + MASON LID + BRUSH…$19.50

EXCERPT FROM SIMPLY STRAW

In 2012, the Sladics' family began “Simply Straws”, a reusable drinking straw alternative to the common plastic straws. With a passion to educate the public on the effects of plastic pollution, and a commitment to work with organizations minimizing plastics-we began.

"After 31 years as a Dental Hygienist I discovered that I was always adapting mediocre products to help my patients with dental problems such as teeth sensitivity, staining and erosion issues.  I felt compelled to provide a product for my patients that was safe for them and the environment," says Cyndi Sladics, mother and co-founder of Simply Straws. "Talking this over with my family we all agreed it was time to make a product that I was confident to recommend and know it was the best of the best for my patients. We took my knowledge of science and health, my husband’s love of creating, my son's youthfulness energy and my daughters’ passion to protect the environment to provide for you our reusable drinking straws. A solution to a problem that effects all of us."

 It's Not Easy Being Green

We didn't stop at straws. Our sleeves are carefully crafted from fair-trade hemp, flax, and organic cotton. Our web hosting and printing are powered by eco energy, and we use non-toxic dyes and FSC-certified 100% post-consumer recycled paper for business materials. Oh, and all of our packaging is compostable. If we were any more green, we'd be a tree.  One percent of all proceeds goes directly to our non-profit partners, all of which give us that warm and fuzzy feeling.

PARKS PROJECT POSTER… $25.00

EXCERPT FROM PARKS PROJECT…

Each product purchased contributes directly to one of over 30 different conservancies across the USA, providing vital funding for the ongoing care of National Parks. For all that these places give to us, we want to give something back. Cofounders Keith & Sevag both believe we can all do more to support our amazing parklands.

Purpose: Youth Education

• Printed on fine art paper

• Archival, acid-free pigment

• Made in the USA

TRAIL CREW // USA

How many have ya been to? Show your support for our National Parks with our National Parks Vintage Poster!

Posters cannot be exchanged or refunded, so please double check the size and style. 

Posters not eligible for expedited shipping.

Frame not included. 

For every 10 products sold from our Trail Crew and All Parks Collections, $10 is donated to make a national park experience possible for a kid through the National Park Foundation’s Open Outdoors for Kids Program. Open OutDoors for Kids creates pathways for kids to enjoy, understand and connect with nature in exciting ways by facilitating outdoor activity, experiential learning, and cultural heritage exercises.

PARTNER: National Park Foundation