Category: Seasonal Inspiration

Seasonal Inspiration

Simply, Fall

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!

a mess of mums . . .

A pot of mums in your largest vessel makes a statement, lasts longer, and is less expensive than cut flowers.

a ball of blossoms . . .

Poke holes in a plastic orange or Styrofoam ball and insert trimmed flowers (all from the Dollar Tree) for a happy ball of blossoms.

                    and an assortment of acorns (+ 1 rogue pumpkin)

all make for a dose of the season without the overhaul.

Happy, simple, Fall.

Seasonal Inspiration

DIY Jeweled Heart

Lisa

Does anyone else ever wish we still dressed up for things?  I remember my grandmother talking about wearing a hat and gloves to go shopping.  Shopping.  Ahhh, the romance (she says while gratefully clad in a t-shirt and jeans!).

These are casual times, so I decided to put my costume jewelry to work for Valentines.

Supplies:

picture frame, minus the glass (mine has a 5 x 7 opening)

cardboard insert (the one that comes with the frame is fine if it fills the opening; or cut out your own)

fabric or scrapbook paper

pins, earrings, rings, bling!

scissors

clips

tape

pushpin

scrap paper or cutout of a heart

Instructions:

  1.  Dig up those kindergarten memories and cut out a paper heart.  Check to see that the size works well with the opening of your frame (ie. not too big, not too small).
  2.   Arrange jewelry on your paper heart until you get a combination you like.
  3.   Cover cardboard insert with fabric or scrapbook paper.    Secure with tape (or glue—tape was just faster and when finished, the frame holds it in place.)
  4. Clip paper with heart-shaped opening onto fabric/paper-covered cardboard. 
  5. Transfer pins, earrings, etc. from your practice heart to the heart shape on your cardboard. 
  6. Remove clips and paper pattern.  Place cardboard insert back into frame and bend in tabs to help keep it in place.  Voila!

Tips:

  • The more textured the fabric, the more forgiving it will be if you need to make new holes and hide old ones.
  • If your cardboard is pretty stubborn or your earring posts are bendy, a starter hole with the push pin will help.
  • I had more control of the shape by placing the larger pieces first.  Smaller items can help fill in gaps or clarify the outline.
  • Secure earrings with backs if enough of the post is sticking through the other side.  (Most of mine just stayed in place on their own– as long as I didn’t turn the whole project upside down.)
  • I used a ring when the supply of earrings grew slim.  It required a healthy slit with a utility knife. (Not easy to hide if you decide to move it, so choose wisely!).

Who says we need a man to have bling? 😉 Let me know how yours turns out!

Seasonal Inspiration

Winter Whimsy

Lisa

Ahh, isn’t the start of a new year refreshing?

My daughter looked a bit forlorn as we dismantled all the Christmas decorations.  She would miss how “warm and cozy” they made the house feel.  I, on the other hand, was relieved.  Cozy turns into cluttered for me around January 1st, and we were well past that.  I was eager for all things clean, fresh, and new.

Returning your home to it’s normal state after the holidays can be refreshing and therapeutic or just depressing.  To tip the scales toward the positive, inject some

warmth and whimsy.

Showcase white with flowers, dishes, candles, and linens to mirror the freshness a new year offers.

The reflective quality of silver will also infuse needed light in this oft-dreary season.   Add some cozy blankets to the couch or your favorite chair and increase the chances of snuggling up with a good book or loved one.

Starting a new year usually inspires clarifying of one’s goals and priorities.  Why not include some inspiration toward that purpose in your decor?  Funny, profound, or encouraging–our most familiar surroundings have extraordinary influence on our emotions.  Fairy lights and sparkly snowflakes inspire lightheartedness and are fitting of the wonder we should embrace as we step into this year of new

possibilities!