Decorating Something Different

This year I'm adding something different to my Christmas decor. It never occurred to me to decorate a lamp fixture, but I thought it might look nice and add a focal point to the dining room table. It didn't cost much and added a nice feature to the room.  I picked up some silk red berries, gold poinsettia's, some wired evergreen, red bows and gold icicles.  Everything is added to the light fixture so that when Christmas is over, it's easy to remove. I thought it came out pretty nice.

Every year this concept could change with a different theme. I sort of gravitate to the more "classic" Christmas style, hence the colors and items I chose.

Have a great Christmas!!

Christy01 02 12

Halloween-A Day Late and a dollar short....

I had the best of intentions!! Unfortunately, I didn't have enough time........

I planned on making these pumpkin candles for my screened in porch several months ago. I purchased the orange & black tissue paper and the glass containers (dollar store) a long time ago, but I just lost track of time and got too busy. So here is the best I can do-two completed candles (and honestly, I finished one up while answering the door last night).

I'm pathetic......I know.......

If you are interested in making these candles follow the directions here. I made 8 of these for the spring and they came out great. I do plan on making 6 more of these pumpkin candles to complete the set, each with a different face. I'll leave them out until Thanksgiving. What the heck, right?

I enjoy making them and love the way to turn out so I'll be making 8 more for Christmas. I had better start soon....

Here they are completed.

I also made these headstones-thought they would look cute on the table for Halloween next to everyones plate.......never finished them either. ugh.........

They did come out cute though. I used some scrap wood and cut them out using a scroll saw. I purchased myself one of these saws a year ago and I continue to experiment, create and just have some fun with it. So maybe I'll use them next year. Yes, there is always next year.

I spray painted these tombstones white and then hit them with some grey. Now, I'll hand paint some RIPS with names or something. They all have a small piece of wood glued behind them to keep them standing up.

Christy

01 02 12

Fall Decorating

Some great decorating tips from Andrea Evans, owner of In The Pink Boutique. Andrea's retail building serves the upscale areas of Arcadia, Biltmore and Paradise Valley located in Arizona. Andrea has years of experience in interior design and her passion includes unique jewelry, home furnishings, collectibles and gift.

Below are 5 great ideas!

“Fall” into Decorating for Autumn!

By: Andrea Evans, Owner

www.InThePinkBoutique.com

As summer fades out and we cross into autumn, it is time to transform your home to capture the spirit of the season by adding spice and warmth. This year, take a look at the beauty of nature’s fall wardrobe by using the all the colors of the autumn palette such as, deep reds, warm browns, pale mauves, vibrant purples, and, as always, the traditional oranges and yellows of pumpkins and other fall vegetables. Whether you are spreading gourds and pumpkins around your kitchen, bathroom, or porch; or garnishing your sofa with soft, warm blankets, you'll find that it is small touches that go a long way when decorating your home for the autumn season!

stylish-living-roomideas.com

1. To bring charm to your entryway add golden, red, and orange maple leaves to a plain wheat wreath for your front door, and plant red and orange mums in outdoor planters.

bhg.com

2When purchasing furnishings for your living room, look for furniture that is neutral and warm in color and fabric. Gold, brown, and mocha couches work well for all seasons, especially fall. Steer clear of couches with too much design, because neutral couches can be decorated with colorful, seasonal pillows. To create a warm, cozy feel, decorate with a few wooden furniture accents that complement the couch such as a coffee table and end tables. Only use three or four pieces in your living area to avoid clutter.

countryliving.com

3. Use strategic fall accessories to bring elegance to each room. Place autumn berry vines in the window sills, and autumn colored throw pillows and blankets on the couch. Colorful candles, simple pictures, and wooden pumpkins give your living space a charming feel.

saratoga.com

inthepinkboutique.com

4. Set your table. Using placemats, table runners, and tablecloths in rich shades of the fall palette provides an instant glow to your table, and is an inexpensive way to decorate your dining room. Create a centerpiece out of small pumpkins, Indian corn gourds, maple leaves, dried flowers, berries and seed pods. Hang berry rings on kitchen cabinets, place a basket of apples on a countertop, and embellish empty spaces with berry vines and candy corn dishes.

m happeningsandholidays.com

twirlandtaste.com

5. Don’t forget candles! Carve out the center of fruits and vegetables such as apples and pumpkins to create votive holders, and use larger pumpkins for pillar candle holders. Swap out your summer pillar and taper candles with fall colored pillars and tapers. Even when not lit, candles bring warmth and beauty in their season’s colors.

Happy Decorating!!!!

01 02 12

Decorating For The Season

With Halloween past us, Thanksgiving is the next holiday we get to enjoy. Decorating in this season is usually pretty inexpensive. Lots can be done with supplies that are available in your backyard. Just look around and you'll see what I mean. Right now my backyard is a cornucopia of colors and items that can easily be used for decorating.

Here are some photos I found that give us all ideas for the home.

photo: courtesy of www.rentaldecorating.com

photo: courtesy of www.interiordec.about.com

photo: courtesy of http://www.interiordec.about.com/

photo: courtesy of www.buildinggreen.tv.com

photo: courtesy of www.bhg.com

photo: courtesy of www.interiordec.about.com

photo: courtesy of www.southernliving.com

photo: courtesy of www.celebrating-thanksgiving.com
photo: courtesy of www.hgtv.com

A beautiful centerpiece for your Thanksgiving can be as simple as a cake plate, apples, some acorns and several autumn leafs. Cheap enough.

01 02 12

Halloween Week

Halloween Week

Halloween week is upon us and before you know it, the little trick or treaters will come knocking on your door. I've pretty much got the house looking tastefully creepy and all that's left is to buy the candy. Since Halloween falls on a Friday this year, I'm assuming that the kids will be out in force and will stay out longer.

Like most people, I search out bargains after the holidays. I also look around during the year at places like Goodwill and other thrift stores for decorations that other people have gotten tired of. I admit, that using the same decorations year after year for the different seasons and holidays can get boring. Do you feel that way when you pull out the boxes? Same old decorations year after year..........

So every year I try and get rid of the old stuff and look around to replace them with some new, more interesting ones.

You would be surprised what people get rid of. During the year I always find some neat little items, very cheap.

These two items I found in a thrift store last year, but this will be the first year that they make a debut at my place.

I picked up this little pumpkin carriage for $3.00

I especially like this candle holder. Cost $2.00. So for 5 bucks, I got myself two new additions to add to my collection. So when you are out, make sure you check the thrift stores for decorations. You'll be surprised what you will fine.

01 02 12

Decorating For Halloween

Halloween is One of My Favorite Holidays

My three kids are getting a little old for all this stuff, but they still love Halloween. Over the years I have accumulated all sorts of things to "get festive" with.

This year it's the mummy cling on in my front window.

He is gigantic and takes up the entire front window of the house. With a light placed strategically behind him, he really comes to life at night. In fact, when you drive by the house, he is all you see. Pretty cool, huh?

Here are some very pretty and creative ways to decorate for Halloween.

photo: courtesy of www.countryliving.com

Lots of pumpkins involved here, but very cute on a front porch.

photo: courtesy of http://www.countryliving.com/

A very warm and inviting front entrance way. photo: courtesy of www.countryliving.com

This arrangement adds a real impact. Little pumpkins all arranged decoratively and carved.

photo: courtesy of http://www.countryliving.com/

This is some very involved decorating, but tastefully done and very festive. I can just imagine handing out candy from this area.

photo: courtesy of www.spookynight.com

Complicated, but spooky! I love the use of the netted fabric.

photo: courtesy of http://www.spirithalloweencom/

This photo shows the vinyl clings that I used in my window. They are pretty cool especially when lit from the back. Cost: around $19.00.

photo: courtesy of www.hgtv.com

Gourds, white pumpkins, flowers all make festive arrangements. The small gourds I saw in Walmart this morning were just under $4.00 for a bag of six.

photo: courtesy of www.hgtv.com

These pumpkins look great, but I'm sure they took lots of time to carve out.

photo: courtesy of www.hgtv.com

This wonderfully decorated home belongs to Mary McCarthy of Centreville, Md. She has included all the elements including a fog machine, staring eyes, gargoyles, a graveyard and even a bat belfry. Her neighbors refer to her as the "queen of Halloween"-I can only imagine why. This Victorian home was built in 1881 and is perfect for a Halloween presentation.

photo: courtesy of www.stolloween.com

If you want to see some of the most creative and imaginative Halloween props ever, check out this site. http://www.stolloween.com/ This guy gives you the best step by step directions on creating paper mache pumpkins, skeletons, zombies....etc. Unbelievable!

01 02 12

Fall Decorating

Autumn is here and it's Time To Decorate

photograph:courtesy of www.creativenecessities.com

Tis the season for those ubiquitous earth tones of red, oranges,brown and gold. I love this time of the year and everything it symbolizes. Autumn is football, Halloween and Thanksgiving. It's family time all season long. Most of my home is decorated in earth tones, so all the fall colors blend very well, but these colors look good in any house.

Decorating is pretty easy for this time of year. Adding some fall floral arrangements, table clothes, napkins and centerpieces is all it takes. If you're ambitious, you can even decorate the front porch with most of those items.

photograph:courtesy of www.thelinendoctor.com

A very simple and inexpensive natural tie wrapped around a napkin can add to your table decor and give the people sitting at your table a real feel for the fall season.

photograph;courtesy of www.hgtv.com

Candles can add to the overall seasonal warmth.

photograph: courtesy of www.bhg.com

A seasonal wreath displayed on the front door. The wreath below does not scream Halloween or Thanksgiving. It's beautifully generic and fits with this time of the season.
photograph:courtesy of www.hgtv.com

photograph: courtesy of www.bhg.com

It's not fall unless I have planted some mums in my front yard. I found huge mums in "Aldi" supermarket for $2.99 each. I could not believe my eyes. The same mums were over $10.00 in Home Depot and Lowe's. Aldi's is regional and you may not have one by you, but if you do, go in and check it out-great buys.
photograph: courtesy of www.rugbydirt.com

Ok....I know, this is looks disgusting, but I laughed like heck when I saw it. The puking pumpkin and you better believe there will be one on my porch. Just imagine how it will gross out all the little kids-ha!! I love it.

photograph: courtesy of www.premierephotographer.com

Enjoy this time of the year when the air turns cool and the inside gets warm.

01 02 12

Decorating For Mardi Gras

One place I have always wanted to visit is New Orleans, so when the opportunity arose I jumped at the opportunity to go. The experience lasted four days, included picture perfect weather and memories I'll never forget. Many people have mixed emotions about New Orleans: some hate it and some love it. The key is to go and take in the many sites with an open mind, in which case you are likely to really enjoy it.

I loved it!! The people were wonderful, funny and engaging. The culture, scenery, architecture, food and music were the highlights. There was so much to do and experience.

It was a very inspirational trip which gave me so many creative ideas to bring home. I have never decorated for Mardi Gras and quite frankly haven't paid much attention to it, but my visit certainly changed that. I decided that we will include a small Mardi Gras tree in our home. Why not?......the Christmas decorations are all put away and the house looks kind of dark and quiet. I miss the lights, so what better way to bring them back.

When I got home I went to Hobby Lobby after Christmas and purchased a 5 foot tree. Get this: it's regular price was $59.00 with 80% off, so I paid $12.00 for my little Mardi Gras tree. I was shopping with my mother and she looked at me like I had lost my mind. Just more "stuff"........Yeah, she is probably right.

Perhaps I have lost my mind but this is just another way for me to decorate and for the family to get involved. Most of the ornaments are store bought but several are hand made. I got the kids (teenagers) involved with it and to my surprise they really had fun helping make some ornaments.






It's a fun way to celebrate the holiday.

The ornaments pictured here were purchased in New Orleans in a Christmas store.

The ornaments we made were fun to create and even the kids helped. I just experimented using different things and came up with this. I think that these could be expanded upon in many ways.

Supplies:

• smooth styrofoam balls


• Modge Podge


• Decorative tissue


• glue gun


• flexible wire, gold is nice


• acrylic paints (optional)


• medium sized wood balls


• medium sized wood rings ( available in wood aisle of craft store)


• brush


• brush on sparkle
  
  Most of these items are optional. You could use beads, feathers, sequins, etc.

Where did I purchase my supplies? All available at Joann's Craft store.

Pictured to the left is the styrofoam ball, a small wood ring and a wood ball. Notice the wood ball has a hole in it. That's where you can place a wire so this ornament can hang.

To the right you see that I used a glue gun to fasten both pieces to the ball.

Here is another glued addition. Another use for small wood appliques. Use your imagination and glue whatever you want to on your ornament.

Here is application of Modge Podge with the first small square of decorative tissue.

Here are three finished ornaments. I added gold bows and brushed on sparkle paint. I made a few more of these using the Mardi Gras colors of purple, green and gold. You can do so much with these. I wanted to hang some crystals at the bases but wasn't able to find exactly what I wanted. I'm still looking......

Just one reminder: the styrofoam balls must be the smooth ones. I used flexible wire that I wrapped around a pencil for shape and hot glued it into the top. Now the ornaments can be hung.

With the addition of some randomly placed acrylic paint the ornaments look like they were made for Mardi Gras.

If you are interested in Mardi Gras history and the traditions, here is a link:

http://www.novareinna.com/festive/mardi.html

Next post: Another "Scratch & Dent" item. How much is cost and what it took to repair it.

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