Hi-Low Highball

So, we've all seen some version of the High Low Project where designers try to re-create a high end look using products that appear very similar, if not identical to their more expensive counterparts. I love trying to recreate an expensive look on a limited budget and even if cost wasn't an issue, I think trying to get a 'look for less' forces creative thinking. Some of my very best ideas have come from not having a large budget! Even if you can't make it yourself, there is always a less costly alternative on the market. Take for instance these glasses from Nason&Moretti out of Murano, Italy.

Available Here

Gorgeous, right? They better be @ a set of 12 for $1,140. Okay, they *are* Murano mouth blown crystal, but I would probably be afraid to drink out of them for fear of having to wash them...by hand... and dropping them from my slippery, wet, soapy hands to shatter into pieces. $95 bucks down the drain. Now, if I knew how to blow glass, I would attempt to make these myself, but since that is not the case, I get my drinking glasses from other sources.

I've had a long standing tradition to buy only one or two glasses at a time, creating a mismatched collection that are all alike in the fact that they are all different. I usually get mine at places like Homegoods, Ross, Pier one and World Market. In fact, I recently picked up a pair at Pier One on sale. They were originally $7.....

Good....

Better....

Best!

Only $1.68 each and in case you don't have a calculator handy, that's a savings of $93.32 per glass over the Murano tumbler set! Wowza...I could buy 678 of these for the same $1,140!!! But of course what would I do with 678 glasses?! Hmmm....I *could* start that party planning/decorating business I've been thinking about........food for thought.

Here are a couple of shots of my collection of drinking glasses me and my kids use every day, not one of which I paid more than $3.99 for at any one of the stores mentioned above.

I find them to be just as beautiful and ever more usable than their Hi-Ball cousins.

So just remember, you CAN have it all....for less! Now I'm off to find a glass-blowing class...

Cheers!

Feature this...

 Hey everybody, super exciting news!! Today, one of my projects is being featured over at *Remodelaholic*
yes, *Remodelaholic*!!! Hop on over to Cassity's blog to check out which project she featured! While you're there, check out the rest of her super ideas and features! Thanks Cassity! I'm still doing my happy dance......

Glass Grapes and Raindrops

Anyone that knows me knows I'm a Goodwill devotee. I'm usually in there twice a week because you just never know what you'll find.  Last Monday, there I was, cruising the aisles but not seeing much I had to have.  I was just getting ready to leave but decided to check the knick knack aisle again on the way out.  Something round and cobalt blue caught my eye.  I went over to check it out and discovered it was a cluster of glass grapes like the kind that used to be popular in the 70's.  They must be regaining popularity because I'm seeing them everywhere!  Anyway, there were two sets and I instantly picked them up and put them in my basket.  I had no idea where I would use them and they did not have a price tag so I thought if they were anything above $2.99 a piece, I would walk away without them.  I took them up front, pointed out that they were not priced and the cashier said "$1.99."  So.... each, or for the pair?  "$1.99 for the pair."  Cool!  So, I scored a pair of glass grape clusters, but still had no idea how I would use them.         

The blue just glows in the light!

I got home and started playing around with them and noticed they were strung together with wire and if cut apart, I would have a whole bunch of cobalt blue pendants to string up somewhere.  My first thought was out on the patio, where the sunlight would make the blue glass glow.  But for some reason I wanted to use them inside.  I looked around and decided over my kitchen island would be the best place.  I found a length of bamboo I had left over from some other project, some screw-eye hooks and some fishing line and got to work.  I wanted to have it look like giant raindrops falling indoors.  I really love the color it adds, the unexpected element, and the fun!  My kids have decided it is a giant Newton's Cradle and I will frequently catch them standing on the island playing with the hanging jewels.  I love the way it turned out and it goes to show....from glass grapes to giant raindrops, you just never know what you will find!

Happy Hunting,