Our Workshop

Our kitchen is beginning to resemble a workshop (an odd place for a workshop but with a foot of snow outside, it's warmer than the garage). We've been hired to decorate for a December wedding. The young couple will be having both a reception and an open house. We're decorating for the open house which will be less formal. I'm thrilled because I've been able to be more unconventional with the design. We'll be using an old door and weathered wood to build the backdrop and more weathered wood for crates that will hold bare branches.

These boxes made from rough cedar are a part of the centerpiece design.They'll be topped with wire trees that I'm creating.It's so exciting to be given the creative freedom
to make what I see in my head!

Pretty Pumpkins

I have been having so much fun making pretty little fabric pumpkins to give as gifts. They're so easy and yet so cute!First use a plate or anything circular to make a pattern on light weight fabric.Cut the circle and sew a running stitch around the edge.Stuff with a layer of beans and then fiberfill (or use all beans or rice, or all fiberfill). Pull the thread to close the opening and make a few more stitches to keep it closed.Hot glue on a real stem from a pumpkin or squash and that's it!I added a few hand-stamped tags to give to friends and neighbors with the idea that they could gather their family and pass the pumpkin while sharing the things they are grateful for.These sweet little pumpkins were so fun to make that I couldn't help but make a bunch in all different colors and sizes just for me.

My Italian Reward

Meet my little Italian reward.

The other day my husband needed me to rescue him from locking his keys in his car. Afterward I found myself with a little time, a little money, and in close proximity to a thrift store I rarely visit. When I walked in the door this Italian gem was there calling to me as if to say, "Hello, I am your reward for doing a good deed today"----and he said it with a beautiful Italian accent.

(translation: for family use)

How could I resist!

Never Say Never

Lately I find myself drawn to the warm tones of aged brass and antique gold. Funny thing, I distinctly remember writing the words "I'm not a gold kinda gal" in a makeover post about two years ago after I gave a gold item a fresh coat of black paint.Now, while others are relieved to send their "outdated" brass to the thrift store, I'm giddy with glee when I pick up a beautiful piece like this owl bank.Isn't it wonderful that, just like design, we can evolve, change, and reinvent ourselves! And even more wonderful, we can do it despite the choices of others.

Ingredients of a Fall Mantle

Start with a substantial piece like an old window,add in a few pumpkins, and turkeys,
and layers and layers of leaves and berries.Mix them together to form the perfect fall mantle.

A Contrast and A Winner

Outside my door is the look of winter. Contrast that from the look of fall inside. Today I will enjoy both looks. And just for fun I might listen to

a little Christmas music.

Congratulations to Crystal!
crystal said...

I love sunflowers even the ones growing along the road in summertime

would love to see them in winter.Thank You for all your delightful designs.

She's the winner of the Sunflowerguy bouquet.
(Crystal please email me for the details)

SIMPLE JOYS

I'm starting a series of posts, perhaps once a week (. . .if I can be that organized). I want show a tiny part of my world that brings me joy---those glimpses of life that one should stop to embrace, the reminders that it's the small and simple things that make life beautiful. It's those little details in the day that are often overlooked, like the sacrificial apple in the fruit basket. The one apple designated to take on all of the other apple's labels so that they could be enjoyed to the full measure of their creation.

What simple joy have you stopped to embrace?

Savor or Rush

I am one to savor all the months of fall. I know there are many who have already rushed into decorating for winter
and Christmas, but November still means autumn to me.
It's the month to slow down, relax, enjoy,
and take time to contemplate all of my blessings.

How about you?
Do you savor or rush in November?

Getting and Giving a Bouquet

***GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***

I was contacted by Sunflowerguy.com asking if I'd be interested in reviewing their flower delivery service. I'm not one to turn down a bouquet of beautiful flowers so I said Yes!I went on their site and picked a gorgeous bouquet. They have bunches of sunflowers in all different pretty arrangements. I picked my favorite and placed my order.
I was excited to see a fresh flower delivery on my doorstep!I followed the instructions for opening the box and found a lovely bouquet inside.I must admit that although the flowers were beautiful, they were smaller than what I had anticipated from how they appear in the photos. They came packed in moist florist foam ready to be placed in their vase. You pick the color of vase included with the flowers. Mine turned out to be an odd color of green. Of course we all know that a little spray paint can fix things---unless the original paint wasn't applied correctly (oops!). The plain galvanized vase would have been a better choice.
Oh well, my bouquet looked even more elegant in a vase from my collection.The flowers have an eight day guarantee. Mine didn't quite last the full eight days, but they did last longer than others I buy.

I enjoyed my pretty bouquet from Sunflowerguy.com and now
here's your chance to try out their fresh flower delivery. Go to their site and have a look around.
While you're there register to win a year of fresh flowers
(who wouldn't love that!). Then come back here and leave a comment.
On Friday I'll announce the winner.
Good Luck!