Vintage Easter

April 13, 2019June 20, 2022 Lisa

Easter is such a lovely occasion! It heralds new life and all that is good and right and possible. (Insert contented sigh here.)

If I’m at a home decor store during this season, I’m in trouble. (O.K., ANY season) So many “pretties” to be had! And who doesn’t love new?

However, I’m always delighted when I discover new ways to use pieces I already own. Obviously, this is the more economical option (three cheers for free!), but more importantly, it tells a story. At just a glance, I’m reminded of special people and moments, and my family is surrounded by heritage. What’s not to love?

SO WHAT if the silver isn’t polished. Use it!

How about “vintage” memories? My mother-in-law gave my daughter this adorable little bunny when she was just a toddler. We couldn’t part with him even after she outgrew him, so we added him to our Easter collection and get to enjoy his floppy little self year after year.

In a similar vein, showcase happy moments from Easters past.

These pictures of my kids are some of my all-time favorites. Tears and tantrums probably lined either side of this photo shoot, but these moments: priceless!

Easter is one of the few times many families are together and dressed up, so why not capitalize on that effort and display those special memories?

What is meaningful to you about Easter? Or Passover? Spring? New beginnings? Most holidays came into existence with the sole purpose of reminding us what is important–of truths that transcend the daily grind. Relish that significance in your decor.

Life isn’t complete without a healthy dose of humor and fun.

“How does the Easter Bunny travel?” “By hare plane!” Ahuh, ahuh.

Chalk at-the-ready encourages others to join in the corny jokes and puns.

Happy Easter!

DIY, Seasonal Inspiration

DIY Blooming Branches

April 13, 2019April 18, 2019 Lisa

I love the look of forced spring branches.

As winter comes to a close, people bring budding branches indoors to tease open the blooms and beckon a much-needed spring.

I’ve always wanted to try this, but I live in the desert. While the desert is beautiful, bringing in branches from my mesquite tree would declare “BBQ!” more than “spring.”So, I’m making my own. This arrangement only cost $2 to make.

Supplies:

1-2 bouquets of artificial flowers that speak “Yay! Spring!” to you. For the most organic look, shop for flowers which naturally have smaller blooms. Determined to spend as little as possible on this untested brainstorm, I found mine at the Dollar Tree.
Twigs or branches (presumedly free)
A large vessel. I used an antique ceramic pot, but a tall vase, metal florist’s bucket, watering can, or anything tall and sturdy could work.

Directions:

This is so easy to make, it’s hard to keep a straight face pitching this as a tutorial. Seriously. Two steps. Both rather obvious, but here we go:

Pull the buds off the stems.
Hot glue them to sticks and twigs.

Tips:

Arrange branches in your vase first. This allows you adjust the twigs into an even arrangement and see where blooms should be added to make the most natural looking display.
It helps to select twigs small enough to fit into the holes under the artificial blooms. Dab hot glue into that hole, and pop the bloom atop a twig. A few blooms in my arrangement are glued directly to the side of a branch, but the ones that fit directly on top of the twigs look the most natural.
I also glued the petals of some blooms together to look like younger buds.)

Admire your handiwork and a happy dose of spring anytime of the year!

Seasonal Inspiration

Simply, Fall

October 31, 2018November 1, 2018 Lisa

I love embracing the seasons–especially here in the desert where there is little else to tell you that a new one has arrived! However, it’s been a doozy of a year for this family and pulling out all the stops for Pintrest-worthy spaces is simply unrealistic. (Warning: a short soap-box moment ahead . . .) I think decorating and creating should be a soul-filling endeavor, a happy escape from the routines and mundane, and a reminder of the kinder, beautiful aspects of life. Anything else is a chore, and I don’t need any more items on my to-do list, do you? This year I’m merely aiming for a suggestion of the season, in a way that will translate from September through November and work for all the holidays therein.

So, this year, it’s simply, Fall . . .

a pile of pumpkins . . .

A combo of real & artificial pumpkins signal the season at the front door.

Any tray or shallow dish can be drafted to make a simple centerpiece.

Felt pumpkins (from Target)–just open the box and pour!

or three . . .

1. A combo of real & artificial pumpkins signal the season at the front door. 2. Any tray or shallow dish can be drafted to make a simple centerpiece; just add mini pumpkins, gourds, or acorns to a trio of candles. 3. Felt pumpkins (from Target) make an easy display–just open and pour!

Category: Seasonal Inspiration