THE DESIGN The beginning to a great patio is a great design. Take your time with this process and set up the room with furniture and accessories you already have. Then, use the patio area to get a sense of what will work in the room, by exploring various scenarios and how they can work together to make a beautiful and functional design, fit specifically to your needs. By taking your time you will find whether you need more furniture or not. You will also have a better idea on the type and...

Tip: Do a Story Dream Board. Find your over-the-top Dream Patio. Find patios that intrigue you. Pick everything and anything you would love to have and include it on your board. Make it fun. Organize it. Write down what you like about each one. What would you change? Put in some color samples, and accessories that help capture the mood you're looking for. Keep it out so you can see it. Keep adding and subtracting. Tip: Make a Floor Plan. Use tracing paper to overlay different options....

Crafting the Word Craft Crafters know if you dive deep into any craft you will find a treasure trove of creativity, skill, and passion. Some creators have a certain need for reflection on the project which is not procrastination. I've never been a fan of labels which serve no purpose other than limiting possibilities! Furthermore, labels are inaccurate and damaging, not to mention stifling. At any rate, I am concerned how craft is considered to be insufficient, shrugged off as inferior, or...