The Coffee Table.

Have you ever wondered what a group of zebras would be called? Or hippopotamuses? The folk at Woop Studios have answered these questions and many more with the publication of their first book, A Zeal of Zebras. 

Woop Studios has illustrated these quirky phrases, creating a series of truly stunning art that has been collected here for the first time. The colourful introduction to animals and the alphabet is accessible for young children, while the whimsical art and clever word play make it perfect for design-savvy parents and hip gift givers. Each of the illustrations is available as a limited edition print also - see here for details.

 

I think this would be a great after-dinner conversation starter!

The written word

This set of 'quote' pencils from Paper Boat Press 

took my fancy this week, as I was beginning to check out 

their gorgeous ceramic Christmas decorations (darn, I said the C word already!)

"Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart" - Wordsworth

here 

 Team them with one of these fabulous journals from 

Live Inspired

"say things to the world that are true"

here 

For her

"She gave her deepest hopes much love, many kisses and simultaneous 'attagirls'"

here

For him

"Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air..."

here

Or go for vintage whimsy with one of these french notebooks or journals

from Laughing Elephant

By the way, the ceramic decorations I was originally looking at??

 here!

That's all for now - Happy Homemaking and Happy Halloween!

The Bookends.

D.I.Y Decorating Tip No.2

[Source]

Kick start a new use or two for a diner-style napkin dispenser: Turn it into a entertaining frame that doubles as a bookend. Locate a chrome holder at restaurant supply stores or at bakedeco.com ($6.25 and up). Get a portion of cardboard, outline the dispenser's shape onto it, and cut it out. Tidy your photo so it is of identical size. Double sided tape them as one, insert the piece into the holder's opening, and enjoy.

Read more at Good Housekeeping.

 

The Mantelpiece.

D.I.Y Decorating Tip No.1

[Source]

 Arrange books both horizontally and vertically on your mantelpiece,

together with collectables, mirrors, plants and anthing that suits your home.

This creates a carefully chosen look, rather than chaos.

It's also a nice conversation piece, and adds a touch of spring with the colder months gone.

Check out thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com for some inspiration on inexpensive mantel ideas.