francois_et_moi on LTK

Paper accordion garlands remind me of the ones we used to make as kids. I heard someone describe their favorite decorations as those that feel like a memory, and that’s stuck with me. These feel like a memory. You can use old sheet music, thicker newspaper, any construction paper, or comment LINK and I’ll send you the link to the paper and ribbon I’m using here. And the angel garland at the end is in honor of my kitty angel, Gideon. ❤️ I’ve been feeling very reflective this week, giving myself space to feel sad when I feel sad, and happy when I feel happy. Grief isn’t linear, and that’s ok. The bustle of the season is keeping me going—i hope the Holiday season is bringing you joy too. handmademodernhome LTKSeasonal LTKHoliday LTKHome

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Vintage Burgundy Velvet Ribbon, 1 Inch X 25Yd | Amazon (US)

DCWV® Vintage Cardstock Paper Pad, 12" x 12" | Michaels Stores

Filler flowers are the unsung heros of wreaths and garlands because they’re cheap and easy to find. Remember my baby’s breath wreath from Christmas? Same, same.

I can’t say I’d pick this flower for a solo vase arrangement, but as a wreath, it’s 10/10. Here’s the skinny on filler flower wreaths:

Materials:
•Green floral wire cut into 3-4” pieces
•Wreath form: wire or grapevine
•Several bundles of your chosen fresh filler flowers. I used 6 bundles.

Create several mini bouquets. Trim most of the long stems off and group a few flower stems together. Wrap with a piece of floral wire at the base to secure.
Attach bouquets to the wreath frame with floral wire, overlapping the bouquet stems as you go until the entire form is covered. I think it’s helpful to bend the floral wire into the shape of a ‘U’ when attaching the bouquets to the wreath form. Make sure the bouquets are all facing the same direction for a cohesive look.

#watchnow #spring #springdecor

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I made candy wands for my daughter’s 8th birthday—note the ‘8’ made of peachy rings at the top—and they were a huge hit with the kiddos! Candy skewers go for quite a bit on Etsy, so I decided to make them at home and you can too!

My biggest tip in making these is to soak the wooden skewers in water prior to sliding on the candy on. If you skip this step, the gummies won’t slide on easily and may tear before they make it into place.

I placed the skewers in a 9x13 glass baking pan filled with a 1/2” of water and let the skewers soak for 10 minutes. Then I pulled them out one at a time wiping them off with a paper towel or lint-free cloth before skewing the candy on. #kidsparty #kids

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I always appreciate seeing how paint colors read in other people’s homes and also seeing how they work them with color schemes, styling, etc. Of course with photo filters and simply the difference in lighting from space to space, it’s hard to tell how a color might actually look in our own homes. But nonetheless I still find it helpful in narrowing the paint search sometimes, so here are our paint colors. If you have questions, let me know!

Mudroom Wainscoting: Kilz, International Gray. We did a flat finish, but highly recommend at least semi-glass for durability on wainscoting in a mudroom/back hall.

Treehouse Bathroom: Behr, Swiss Coffee, Satin Finish

Leo’s Room: HGTV Home by Sherwin Williams, Interesting Aqua, Satin Finish

Main Bath Wainscoting: Benjamin Moore, Horizon Gray, Semi-gloss Finish

Living Room/Dining Room: Benjamin Moore, White, Satin Finish — Yes, you read that right—just plain old ‘White’.

China Cabinet: Fusion Mineral Paint, Bedford

Playroom: Walls—Behr, Whisper White, Satin Finish (our kitchen is this color too). Bookcase—Fusion Mineral Paint, Seaside

Family Room: Behr, Whisper White, Satin Finish

Desk Makeover: Fusion Mineral Paint, Oakham

#watch

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I don’t know about you, but I need a shot of color around the house this time of year! The Culver Rug from @joonloloi ‘s collaboration with @lonefoxhome is inspired by vintage European ceramic tiles and brings lovely personality (and spill-camouflaging capabilities!) to the dining room.
When it comes to color, I love blue because it feels classic to me, like a favorite pair of blue jeans that goes with everything. 🙌 #gifted

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No big renos at the moment, instead small and affordable, yet impactful upgrades that make the ‘everyday’ just a little easier and fun.

The plate racks and night light outlet covers we added a few years ago and both are still going strong. The others we just added this year and have been great additions so far!

#LTKHome #LTKFindsUnder100

A look around 👀
Leo’s color-washed room is like a big hug when you walk in. We recently converted to a big-boy Jenny Lind bed that my friend @northhouseagenda generously let us Buy-Nothing from her. ❤️ Leo is so proud—Can’t wait to show you.

Also, my Christmas amaryllis bloomed for the 2nd time and the paperwhites grew up, but never bloomed? I’m kiiind of ok with it though because I don’t actually love the smell of paperwhites flowers. It’s the greenery I enjoy the most. Anyone else tepid on the scent of paperwhites?

#LTKHome

This post brought to you by someone who never gets rid of good stuff (just in case!) 😄
Do you remember this amber cafe curtain I made for our bathroom 10 years ago? It’s still one of my top performing blog tutorials. And since I’m not *great* at getting rid of things, 😬 I still had the curtain folded amongst my fabric stash and pulled it out to make a box pleat lamp shade for our new-to-us piano. More on that coming soon!

Creating the Box Pleat Lampshade ‘Skirt’:

You’ll need quite a bit of length to wrap the lampshade as the box pleats eat up a-lot of fabric! To determine how much fabric you need, measure the circumference of the top opening of your lampshade. Multiply the circumference by 4 to determine the length of your fabric.

Since I was repurposing my curtain fabric, I cut my fabric horizontally across the middle, sewed the two pieces end to end to create one continuous looong rectangle and hemmed the raw edges. Once hemmed, my rectangle of fabric was 80”W x 8.5”H for a lampshade with a top circumference of 19.5”.

Box pleats are essentially created by folding a forward-facing pleat followed by a backward-facing pleat, pinning and ironing them in place as you go. Repeating this process until the length of the fabric is fully pleated. Next I sewed two stitch lines along the top edge to hold the pleats in place.

Then I fit the pleated fabric on my lampshade, pinned the ends together, and made little tacks with my sewing machine to connect the two ends.

@mollyinmaine has a very detailed and helpful tutorial on her blog on creating box pleated shade slipcovers PM. So highly recommend checking her out if you’re wanting to make one!

I love the character this little shade brings to the marble lamp on the piano! And the amber/marigold feels just right nestled in with neutrals here. 🧡

Linen fabric is from Etsy. Color: Amber

#LTKHome #LTKStyleTip

I’m pumped to share my friend, Jenni of @ispydiy’s rug collection with Orian Rugs. They’re made in the USA, the Louise Rug 👆 is especially soft and the 2x3 is $20 bucks! #gifted

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Infusing some warmth into this corner in more ways than one! Draperies, soft accessories and organic elements like bittersweet vines bring visual warmth and personality. AND lined drapes help keep out cold drafts at night. 🥶

I have a love/hate with these old windows! The charm is unmatched, but of course, they aren’t the most energy efficient. Lobbing out 50k+ on new windows makes my head do this though: 🤯. So insulated drapes it is for now! 😂

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Getting back into things after what’s starting to become an annual longer-than-expected-holiday break!

The metal floor grates we had throughout the house were dicey on little knees and I’ve wanted to swap them out for matching wood ones since we moved in 10 years ago. So.. carpe diem! This is the easiest 10 second switch ever!

Also, who had a Topsy Tail in the 90s?! I just found mine and it’s just as fab as I remembered.

Things to keep in mind when ordering wood floor grates:

Your wood floor species.
Before ordering grates it’s important to know your floor wood species so you can order grates to match. Many of the homes built in the first half of the 20th century in Minneapolis, have red oak flooring (including ours!). If you’re unsure if your floors are red oak or white oak, red oak tends to be a little pinker tone with a slightly more prominent graining than white oak.

Wood Floor Stain
If you’re unsure of your stain you can test swatches of stains on the back of the grate. Our flooring does not have a stain.

Wood Floor Polyurethane: Oil vs. Water-based
These grates arrive unfinished so at first you may be thinking, these aren’t actually going to match, but poly will enrich and darken the finish to help match your existing floors. Oil-based has a slightly yellower finish than water-based, so I’d recommend testing a swatch on the back of the grate before sealing the topside.

Also keep in mind, all wood species darken and often yellow over time, though the darker the stain, the less noticeable the change. As you can see our flooring is slightly more yellow than the grates despite matching the species and polyurethane, but the difference will become less noticeable over time.

#LTKFindsUnder50 #LTKHome

On the coffee table this time of year, I like doing potted bulbs, such as paperwhites in a low-slung pot or footed bowl. They’re incredibly easy to grow and are a fun statement to watch as they sprout up quickly through the season. Then I’d round things out with a pair of large hardcover books stacked next to your potted bulbs. Top the books with a special winter candle and candle snuffer, and you’re all set! Festively styled for under $50.
For large hardcover books, use favorites from your existing collection, thrift from 2nd hand stores, or find heavily discounted used books on Amazon. And if you don’t love the look of the book covers, try wrapping them with kraft paper for a more neutral look.

I’ve included Josh Young’s new book here in my round up (even though it puts us over our $50 budget) because it’s one of my favorites!

#LTKFindsUnder50 #LTKHome #LTKHoliday

We’re one month with our @twopagescurtains drapery in the living room, and I’m still riding high. They’ve really helped balance the space, and it now feels so luxe and cozy—I very much recommend. Use code ERINFRANCOIS for 15% off your order.

Here’s exactly what I ordered:
Jawara Collection, Color: Oatmeal J401-3
Triple Pleat Header
Room Darkening 117gsm Liner
Memory Trained

#LTKHoliday #LTKHome #LTKSeasonal

There’s no mantle to decorate over here so I’m taking it out on the mirror. 😄 I love the luxe, drippy look of this garland and it’s so easy to do.

Attach heavy duty (15 lb) command hooks above both top corners of the mirror.
These will give the illusion of the garland being beautifully draped over the mirror. Meanwhile the bulk and weight is actually supported by hidden hooks.

Start with faux garland. I’m layering a Norfolk garland and faux cedar garland.
Create floral wire loops around the garland & hang on your hooks.

Layer the garlands running opposite directions.

If you’re feeling extra, create little bouquets of fresh pine, berries, and pinecones and tuck them into your garland. No need to wire them. Pine, in particular, smells amazing and doesn’t dry out super fast.

Finally add a little sparkle with twinkle lights!

#LTKHome #LTKSeasonal #LTKHoliday

Dressing up the windows before the tree 🎄comes with curtains from @twopagescurtains! #gifted Miraculously, they’ve demystified the process of ordering custom, pleated, high-end-looking drapery . The cotton/linen blend fabric is memory trained so it’ll stack back up beautifully even after opening and closing a hundred times, and the adjustable ring hooks ensure the perfect custom length. 🤌 10 years in this house, we finally have drapes on all 4 living room windows, and I finally feel like an adult. 😊 #twopageshome

Comment SHOP for drapery and hardware links! Everything is also linked in stories.

Here’s exactly what I ordered:
Jakarta Collection, Color: Oatmeal J401-3
Triple Pleat Header
Room Darkening 117gsm Liner
Memory Trained

#LTKWatchNow #LTKHome

It snowed here all day yesterday! The light, ornamental kind of snow that just makes you sooo excited and ready for the Holidays! It’s melting today, but I’m still riding yesterday’s high. 🤗 To be clear, I’m very much a snow-for-Christmas-but-melt-in-January-kind-of-person, but I know that’s wishful thinking! Where do you fall on the subject of snow? And do you have any where you are?

For deets on the winter greens situation here at our front door, comment GREENS and I’ll DM you all the links. They happen to be 25% off right now!

#LTKHoliday #LTKSeasonal #LTKHome

I’m hosting thanksgiving for the first time this year. It will be small, but I’m sooo excited! For this table spread, I was on the hunt for unique glassware like this pitcher, goblets and cut crystal, an interesting vass and mix n match dishware. It seems like there is never a shortage of cream/beige/offwhite in the dinnerware aisle!

I’m linking the napkins and placemats which aren’t vintage as well as dupes for some of my thrifted finds in case vintage isn’t your thing!

#LTKHome #LTKHoliday #LTKSeasonal

Cuties 🍊, mandarins, kumquats—whatever your grocery has fresh. I have a faux evergreen wreath I re-use every year and I’m kind of obsessed with adding citrus to it!
The scent was amazing as I was attaching these, and I can only imagine how the combination of a FRESH evergreen wreath + citrus would smell! Gah!

To attach the citrus, thread 18-gauge floral wire through the center and twist the wire ends together closely around the fruit to hold it in place.Then wrap the wire ‘tails’ around your wreath, twisting them together at the back. Make sure to tuck the wire ends back down into your wreath so they don’t scratch the door or wall when you hang it.

#LTKHoliday #LTKSeasonal #LTKVideo

Planting Amaryllis for the holidays has become a tradition over here! They’re easy to grow—believe me, if I can do it, you can do it! Here’s the scoop👆on how and when to plant so you have those beautiful trumpet blooms in time for Christmas.
Most garden centers have amaryllis bulbs beginning in November, (like Bachman’s and Tangletown Gardens, if you’re local). Look for firm bulbs with lots of roots at the bottom. And whatever you do, don’t buy them on Amazon (obviously). 😄 I did that one year because I needed them early, and it didn’t go well. Happy blooming, my friends!

#LTKSeasonal #LTKHome #LTKHoliday

I found this desk in my neighbor’s trash across the alley and I just couldn’t help myself. It had chipped veneer and loose top, painted hardware and general wear, but was still 👏 a 👏good 👏 desk 👏 and those the leg details! 🤌
Hop back a few reels for part 1 & part 2 of the project process.

Also how great is this desk chair that I found on Facebook Marketplace?! It’s metal, but with bamboo detailing. 😻

#LTKHome #LTKSeasonal #LTKVideo

Well I’m here to redeem myself after the unintentional, incredibly phallic spiral candles earlier this year. 🫣 I’m using a slightly different mold and pure, dye-free beeswax this time because it holds its shape better than soy wax, is cleaner burning than paraffin, and doesn’t have the fleshy coloring of the last batch of candles. 😬

We use tons of candles throughout winter months. They bring so much cozy, so I like to make a batch and use them throughout the year. Here’s how I made them:

Supplies: (See my ‘LikeToKnowIt’ for direct links)
• Silicone Spiral Taper Candle Mold
• Cotton Wick
• Brown Packing Tape to home the mold closed
• Bobby Pin
• 1 Cup Pure Beeswax chips for two candles
• Parchment or Wax Paper. I prefer parchment because it’s compostable.
• Old Saucepan
This silicone mold does NOT require a release spray. Woo!

1. Cut wick a few inches longer than the length of the mold. Then thread the wick lengthwise into the mold.
2. Tape the mold securely closed around the sides.
3. Melt beeswax chips on stove with the lowest heat setting. Stir constantly until just melted.
4. Cover your work surface with parchment or wax paper. Stand the mold opening on end up and pour wax into mold.
5. Use a Bobby pin to center the wick in the opening.
6. Let dry for 12-24 hours. Then carefully remove candle from mold & trim wick ends.

Unless you have two of the same molds, you’ll make one candle at a time. However, I melt enough wax for two candles at once. After you pour the first candle, the leftover wax will harden in the pan. Just re-heat over the double boiler when you’re ready to pour the next candle.
#handmademodernhome

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Desk Dumpster Dive PART DEUX: Keeping the dream alive with our dumpster-rescued desk, I’m adding a block print-esque liner for a bit of the unexpected. And it’s peel-and-stick which makes things easy.

I’m nestling the desk right here in the living room and adding some favorite pieces that have been biding their time in the basement for their moment to shine. My kids are finally old enough to know yanking the lamp tassel would be very bad news for all. 😂

Draperies are forthcoming (!!) and also I’m on the hunt for a desk chair. All in good time though. These finds can’t be rushed!

#LTKStyleTip #LTKVideo #LTKHome

I’ve been lusting over bittersweet vines for YEARS and just went for it this month—ordering some off Etsy since I can’t seem to find it locally. And may I say, it definitely doesn’t disappoint! I ordered a 6 foot vine and way more than that arrived. I had enough for a big vase arrangement too that I’ll share soon.

But back to the wreath. Here’s how to make one for your home. The bittersweet source is linked in LTK, or comment LINKS, and I’ll DM you everything!

Materials:
18” round grapevine wreath form
Bittersweet vine
Floral wire cut into 3-4” pieces

1. Loosely wind vines in a circular shape attaching them to the wreath form with floral wire. Allow vine ends to protrude out for a wild, unkempt look.
2. Continue layering vines until you’ve reached your desired fullness.

#LTKSeasonal #LTKVideo #LTKHome

Part 1: I spotted this desk in the alley that my neighbor had put out in the trash, so I picked it up and waddled back to my house with it.

I patched the top with wood filler, removed the paint from the hardware, and painted it an earthy bronze color. More to come on this baby!

#LTKVideo #LTKHome

NYC Try-on: Sizing can be hard when buying online. For reference I’m 5’2” + 125 lbs.
• The Sezane Gaspard Cardigan runs large. I’m an XS for more fitted look or S for a roomier fit.
• Madewell Perfect Vintage Jeans run large compared to other denim brands. These are size 25, but I’m a 26 in other washes.

#LTKFindsUnder100

Making the bed helps me feel productive first thing in the morning and sets the tone for the day. As we head into cooler months, I’m leaning into the warmth and familiarity of Jewel tones and cozy heirloom patterns.

The Stillwater quilt (gifted) with its vintage-inspired floral pattern creates a beautiful pattern-play layered with gingham sheets. As a textile nut, I’m over here geeking out at the delicious matelasse construction!

Rounding things out with a steely blue-green lumbar pillow. I can’t be trusted to arrange several throw pillows every morning, but tossing on a long lumbar is very doable. And finally, a little bit of outdoors above the bed! Shop these pieces for your own fall reset! #ad

#LTKSeasonal #LTKHome #LTKVideo

Just over here preparing for Fall’s chauffeur schedule. 😅 But in all seriousness, with two kids in activities and one that can now read, I wanted the schedule up where we can keep tabs on what our days and weeks will look like. I love the autonomy it gives the kids.

I picked this calendar specifically because it’s magnetic 🧲 and can live discreetly on the fridge without having to drill into kitchen wall space (that we don’t have). And if color coding is your jam, this board set also comes with 3 dry erase color markers too.
#handmademodernhome

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Anytime I need fabric for a curtain, pillow, or anything, really, Etsy is the first place I look. They have a ton artisan and handmade textiles and just different options our local JoAnn.

I’m tagging these fabrics and more in stories and LTK! Where’s your favorite place to shop for fabric? #handmademodernhome

If time for browsing the thrift store isn’t in your future, get a similar look with this roundup! The napkins, placemats, cake stand, chairs, and rug are all the exact pieces in this video!

#LTKVideo #LTKHome

The bathroom window had its moment this spring, and now it’s the door’s time to shine!
The chipped veneer needed patching with wood filler. Next came primer, then paint the same color as the wainscoting. For the smoothest finish without a sprayer, I used a foam roller and it worked great. Smooth like butter!

I can’t believe how much more finished it feels in here. Little by little, this bathroom is coming together—1.5 years in the making.😬 #handmademodernhome

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Stills of Leo’s room that I completely forgot I’d taken! 😄 I’ll forever love this blue hue we picked for his walls and trim though. It instantly wraps you up in a hug when you enter. 🤗 All sources are tagged in stories and through LTK. Radiator cover, rug and sailboat are vintage finds.

Walls & Trim Paint: HGTV Home by Sherwin Williams, Interesting Aqua.

#LTKKids #LTKHome

I found the prettiest eyelet fabric on Etsy for the foyer window! This room is pretty neutral so I could have gone color in here but I wanted to do something simple and restrained. I used the same pleating tape and hooks I used on Leo’s drapery, but created a single pleat this time which I think works well here.
The window has the original curtain rod hardware, so it was just a matter of adding antique brass rings I found on Amazon. I’m linking everything in stories and LTK if you want to check it out!

Between the bathroom, Leo’s room and now the foyer, this might just be the summer of curtains for us, but about time we got something we love on these old windows!

#LTKVideo #LTKSeasonal #LTKHome

I waited years to refinish our veneer table thinking surely you couldn’t sand down veneer. Turns you definitely can and my only regret is not doing to sooner!

My biggest tip is to use a somewhat fine sandpaper so you take the old finish off a little at a time and don’t accidentally sand through to the plywood underneath. I used an orbital sander with 120 grit sandpaper.

Also, if you use your table often, skip the water based poly and go for oil based for a durable finish that won’t scratch easily or cloud up with heat! Typically, the higher the gloss level, the more durable the finish.

#LTKHome

I turned these $27 panels into pinch pleat drapery panels for Leo’s room with curtain pleating tape, hooks and rings and I think they turned out pretty fab!

With this pleating tape, you can turn any curtain panel—rod pocket, tab-top, even grommet top—into pinch pleat drapes.

For being so affordable, these drapes are surprisingly great—a nice weight and lined! Now all that’s left is to hem them!

#LTKHome

I’m in my tablecloth era! 🤗 Since refinishing the table I’ve been doing more tablecloths just as a way to help protect it from the wrath of a 3 yr old.

Though I’m definitely not above throwing raw cut yardage in as a tablecloth, i wanted to be able to wash this one without raveling, so I busted out my sewing machine and hemmed up the edges.

#handmademodernhome

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