Sunday, May 09, 2010

We Can Do That!



Take any white hand towel, shoot or download a picture of an object
and print out using iron on fabric paper.
Anthropologie price: $38

I decided to cruise the Anthropologie website to see what they have been up to and as I was looking through their pages from clothing to home furnishings, I saw more than one item that looked like a high-end craft project and I couldn't help but think, "I could do that!

Here are some items to think about doing in your spare time:

Any old bottle and soldered starfish.
Hot glue and jute string would work too instead of solder.
Anthropologie price $88

Scour the thrift store for men's striped dress shirts and
sew patched squares over a standard ivory tablecloth.
Anthropologie price: $98

They're selling this group of mirrors as one unit. How easy to collect these and make!
Anthropologie price: $698, really.

For some of you who like a challenge (and a glue gun).
Camouflage some old brass chandelier with a ball of thin rope.

Anthropologie price: $798

Use any 'ol lampshade and wrap with natural trims, the more abstract the better.
Anthropologie price: $148

Stencil numbers or letters on any simple dresser.
Anthropologie price: $998

This one will take a little work but by using a ceramic drill bit
a hole can be drilled through any china plate to make your own lamp using scrap dishes.
Anthropologie price: $198

Ladies, how many bags do we have sitting around we're tired of?
Add a giant fabric bow (denim stripe) for a fresh summer look.

Anthropologie price: $78

You can make this using an old chandelier frame or with metal cross stitch rings.
We sold a similar style in the store two years ago for $145.
Anthropologie price: $4,800!!

And finally, loop some chain through your favorite rings.
Anthropologie price: $158

16 comments:

Angela said...

Amen Debbie! Some of that stuff is so expensive! I really like the teapot lamp. Thanks also for the photo worthy write up. I admire you so much and it's nice to know what incredible amts of hrs and planning go into a magazine photo shoot.
I really missed going to Miss Frenchie's this year but I understand the circumstances. It was an enchanting experience for me and my mom last April. Have a blessed week!

Outofmymind said...

Holy Cow!!! You are so smart to see it and create your own knockoffs. Love it!!!

Jenny Danna said...

How do you have any time left over in your busy life to go to high end websites and notice items you could make yourself? I say go for it...I would buy some of it! Jenny Danna

Lisa Yates said...

Debbie,
So love to watch this website. Yes so expensive. I am in the process of reproducing one of their shower curtains. And love their skirts and blouces. But.........I am sure can make a lot cheaper too! Thanks!

Neida said...

I love, love your photos and ideas! I'm definitely gonna try the handtowel/iron on. I did see that towel at Anthropologie...one of my favorite stores!

Thanks for sharing, and happy blogging!

Neida @ Fari Blog

mythology said...

Love that table cloth! I'd better get sewing!

clustres said...

Love these inspiring ideas! Anthropologie has been one of my favorite places of inspiration since 1999 when I accidentally walked into the one in SoHo. Of course, I would love to accidentally walk into your shop, but I haven't made it yet. So glad for your blog!
Thanks,
Pam

RaisinCookies said...

That's insane! Knockoffs are definitely the way to go...

*The Beautiful Life* said...

LOVE this post! I was just saying to my daughter last week that I have this creeping-in feeling that there is a coming "revolt" against the tattered pretentiousness that is Anthro. I totally ADORE the place and it has been hot bed of inspiration for me and my own store more than once, but sometimes I do leave scratching my head wondering how they manage to pull off some of the prices they ask. :)
Thanks for the nudge to step up and attempt some of this ourselves! Fun!! :)

~Ruth

Stephanie said...

love this post! I collect frames from the thrift store whenever I can and I'm slowing building a photo wall. so far its cost me less than 50 dollars are I have stacks of frames!

Anonymous said...

Wow, what great ideas. My daughter has replicated some of Anthro's clothing by altering regular patterns. Same great look for a fraction of the cost.

Olivia~ said...

Ok.... who shops at anthropologie???? My goodness I giggle inside because it is sooooo much cooler to get the real thing even if that means to wait.... i'm just sayin....
hugs
Olivia
stop by for a visit sometime

Laura Ellington said...

Love this post!

Alice said...

Sweet! I love the chandelier!

Mitzi Curi said...

Those folks at Anthropologie really are on the ball with creativity! I have replicated a couple of their projects myself, with pretty good results. Thanks for the inspiring photos!

Contemporary furniture said...

Beautiful site. Loved it...