Remember us?

Hi. Wow. Yes, it's been awhile. I can't believe our last blog post was about Valentine's Day. Imagine us with our fingers in the shape of an "L" on our forehead.

I can't promise you it won't happen again. But here's what we can do... how about three other ways to keep up with what the Scouts are doing?

You can hardly call us Social Media Mavens, but we do our best. We've got a little presence on the two big sites, plus another one you're gonna love.

Almost everyone these days is on Facebook, and the Scouts are no exception. Our FB page is the best place to find out on a day-to-day basis what's up at the Studio. Your bonus for "liking" us on Facebook- impromtu specials only advertised on Facebook. So scoot on over to our page, like us, and pretty soon there'll be something in it for you.

Technically, all the Scouts have Twitter pages. Some tweet more than others, so we'll link you to one and you can go from there. Twitter is a way to get to know the Scouts on a more personal level. Many of our tweets are about design, but here and there you'll get those other tidbits about random things we like or want to rant about.

Our newest online passion is Pinterest. Have you all heard about it? If not, get on the bandwagon- it's awesome! Pinterest is a place to collect all those inspiration photos you love, but don't know how to keep track of them. Kinda like a virtual bulletin board. Currently, Pinterest is by invitation only, so if you'd like an invite, comment that you would on our FB page, and we'll send one off to you. Scouts Dana and Debbie currently have Pinterest boards and we'd love if you'd follow us.

And we'll try to be better about blogging more often. Trust me, we've got good intentions; enough to pave a road to somewhere. While we're at it about blogging, what would you like to see us blog about? Projects we're working on? Stuff in the Studio? Topics other than design? Let us know.

Fondly, Your Friends, The Scouts.

Vintage Valentines

Happy Valentine's Day! The Scouts have some great ideas for unique Valentine's gifts for whomever your special special might be. When you incorporate a vintage element into your present, the recipient is sure to know you have put a lot of thought and love into your token of affection.A beautiful vintage pressed glass pedestal bowl filled with special conversation hearts, hand selected by you of course, makes a thoughtful present.An old unique box filled with love letters. Aahhhhh amore!Flowers are everywhere on February 14th. Why not place your stems in vintage milk glass for a gift that lasts even after the flowers wilt.

Even if your Valentine is of the four-legged persuasion, there is a gift for Fido as well... select a special breed from the Scouts' infamous kennel.

However you choose to celebrate and whoever you share today with, the Scouts wish you and yours a Happy Valentine's Day, and continued love throughout the year.

She wore...

Do I even need to say it? Just sing it with me... Blue Velvet. For awhile now, I've been enamoured of all things textural and really deep blue; as evidenced by the sofa I placed in my sister's living room last year. The indigo Crypton microfiber will stand up to anything they dish out. Plus, it's gorgeous (and reasonably priced!) Interior Design by Debbie Basnett, Vintage Scout Interiors. Photography by Tricialee Photography

Since then, I've been clipping photos with wonderful blue velvet (or like) upholstery. I found this one on Material Girls blog. The high gloss walls aren't bad either.

Look at these chairs specified by designer Steven Volpe. I'd cozy up by that fire. (especially today; brrrr it's cold here in Dayton) Sofa by Mitchell Gold. They seem to be fond of the blue velvet look too; I've seen quite a few gorgeous pieces by them. This one's by Room & Board. The four back cushions are a fun touch. Looks like you could stretch out and take a good nap on this one.

Tres chic! The Mercer chair from Canvas.

This one from Lonny Magazine is the perfect backdrop for all those fun pillows, including the Jonathan Adler "Liza". Don't you just know someone fun lives here?

Coordinating chair and chaise in this room have a scrumptious bouillon fringe on them. Photo from House & Home magazine.

OK- this one was for sale over on a UK Craigslist kind of listing! Some lucky Brit's gonna get a steal.

If you're not bold enough to do a major piece of upholstery, try some pillows. Another image from the Lonny archives.

I think the white painted wood makes this one pop! Chic little vignette on the console table behind it. You all know how I feel about foo dogs.

The ever wonderful Shine sells this one. Is there ever such a thing as too much nailhead? I think not.

And finally, if you just can't get that blue velvet out of your mind, why don't you just go to sleep in it. This stunning bed by Mitchell Gold will bring sweet dreams of Bobby Vinton singing you to sleep. You know the song.

Something To Occupy Your Time

You know, sometimes with weather like this, one can get a little stir crazy. That's where a good DIY project can come in handy. We've got one for you and it involves our beautiful Cavallini papers.For those uninitiated, Cavallini & Co. is a San Francisco company dedicated to producing the finest gift and stationery products. Each piece of beautiful paper is printed in Italy on heavyweight ivory laid paper. Designs are based on historical prints and maps. The obvious use would be gift wrap. They say the presentation is as important as the gift. We probably sell the most for framing. Each piece is a generous 20 x 28. Best of all though, these papers are wonderful for upscale craft projects! Try decoupaging a chest of drawers. Use them for mats on framing. Can someone say "drawer liner"? Each sheet is only $3.75, so why not try lots of different uses. With all the snow that's been falling over most of the country, I think we've all got nothing but a lot of indoor time our our hands.

Stop by the Studio at 60 N. Main Street in Historic Centerville to see our selection of Cavallini papers and let us know what project you have up your sleeve.