Sweet and Simple

It's an idea that's been around for years. Take a candle holder (glass, porcelain, or metal---it doesn't really matter). Use a strong, clear glue (I use E6000)

to adhere it to a pretty plate.Let it dry for a few hours
and you have a sweet and simple gift.

The only way to improve it is to top it with a cloche. . . and perhaps something delightfully delicious to eat!

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)