By LIN ELLIS
DavidsonNews.net

From the Humane Society, here are a few dog facts:

. There are approximately 78.2 million owned dogs in the U.S.
. 39% of U.S. households own at least one dog
. Most owners (60%) own one dog
. 28% of owners own two dogs
. 12% of owners own three or more dogs
. The proportion of male to female dogs is even
. 21% of owned dogs were adopted from an animal shelter
. On average, dog owners spent $248 on veterinary visits annually
. 78% percent of owned dogs are spayed or neutered

Bottom-line, in the United States, we love our dogs! I certainly love mine ~

Read the full story

By LIN ELLIS
DavidsonNews.net

Tufting is the process of drawing a cord through a deep cushion giving high puffs of padding & small low valleys where the cord is drawn. Does not sound very sensual, but tufted furniture sure can be ~

Read the full story

By LIN ELLIS
DavidsonNews.net

NBC adopted the peacock as its logo in 1956 to reflect the network’s increase in color programming. From walls to rugs & fabrics to accessories, feathering your nest with the intense hues, patterns & images this most striking of birds is a trend for 2012 ~

Read the full story

Did you know your photos can be printed on canvas for decorating?

By LIN ELLIS
DavidsonNews.net

Today I will be working with one of my clients, selecting pictures and mementos to create a gallery wall in her family room. I believe that what you select to display on a gallery wall should evolve as new memories are made and lives evolve. With the holidays upon us, most of us will be taking tons of pictures to capture the special moments, so if you already have a gallery spot in your home, consider making some changes or updates. Did you know that it is easy to take a digital photo and have it turned into a canvas print? Read the full story

By LIN ELLIS
DavidsonNews.net

Christmas is a little more than a week away & most of the homes around our gorgeous Lake Norman area are decorated, but if you are looking to change things up a little this year, I am posting a few ideas that are a little different than the tried & true.

Don’t retire your summer outdoor lanterns yet ~ incorporate them into your holiday decor ~

Read the full story

By LIN ELLIS
DavidsonNews.net

There is tremendous satisfaction from making things yourself. And making your own wreath is not very complicated, can impart a lot of personality to the entrance of your home & if properly stored, can last for years & years. Here are a few of my favorites ~ if you click on the links above each photo, you will find the assembly instructions.

First up, from the quintessential crafter, Martha Stewart, is a paper-doily wreath that is beautiful & easy to do ~

Read the full story