Little Boy Bouquet

Occasionally I have the privilege of decorating tables for family dinners that follow a loved ones funeral. I volunteer to do this so it requires getting creative on a tight budget; making several centerpieces for under $20.These centerpieces were made to honor the life of a sweet little preemie boy whose earth life was too short.I wanted the bouquets to reflect the life of a little boy and what says "boy" more than sticks and stones, bear grass, snap dragons and baby blue birds.

A Walk Down Ruby Lane

Let me introduce you to one of my wonderful sponsors Ruby Lane.Ruby Lane is home to over 2000 independently-owned online shops from around the world, showcasing Antiques, Books, Vintage Clothing & Accessories, Vintage Collectibles, Dolls, Fine Art, Glass, Antique & Vintage Jewelry, Artisan Jewelry, Porcelain, Postcards, Pottery, Silver .
You can Relax while shopping -- the Ruby Lane AdvantageTM stands for Quality, Security and Excellent Customer Service. Find your favorite shop using our Shop Directory, or discover our Monthly Finds, or use our powerful Search to find all the items on Ruby Lane.Ruby Lane has made finding that perfect unique gift, for yourself or someone else, a
snap.

Here are some of the gifts I would buy myself from Ruby Lane.

CorbelsLarge Wooden BowlTurquoise Cornucopia Vase German Die-Cut Valentine

Granny Or Great

There she sat at the thrift store lonely and rejected. I watched her as another customer picked her up, examined her, then put her back after deciding that she was made by and belonged in a little granny's home.
I too picked her up to admire her handmade qualities; a floral pattern surrounded by diamonds on one side, and a geometric pattern on the other. I wondered how her maker had so seamlessly tucked a pillow form inside. Her one dollar price tag did not reflect the effort and love that had gone into her creation. It was then that I determined to adopt this little orphan and bring her into my home.
She now resides happily in my living room with my other thrifted orphans, each adding to the beauty and greatness that is my winter couch.

Magic Before and After

A few months ago I purchased a couple of candlesticks at the thrift store. They were a beautiful shape and size but the finish was a bit confusing. Were they tarnished brass that resembled silver or were they silver plate rubbed down to the brass. Either way I liked them so they came home with me.
Then I stumbled upon an article proclaiming the wonders of an inexpensive product that could easily be found in the automotive aisle. This stuff really is magic-----that is if you can get beyond the horrendous odor of ammonia. I wore my paint mask while scrubbing away with an old towel that quickly turned black as I rubbed and rubbed.But all of the odor and rubbing and elbow grease was worth it when the results are as dramatic as this little before and after. The new finish is a silver-ish with a gold undertone---a really beautiful combination.Now my thrifted treasures are a real treasure find!

Silver and Flakes

Even though the holidays are over
I kept out my silver mercury glass. Then I added a few flakes and some faux orchids to make my mantle look perfect for the snowy month of January.

Sweet Wreath Baby

Last weekend I was invited to a baby shower.

I brought a wreath for the baby---fun yet practical.
This is what I used:
Wreath Form
Diapers
Bibs and Baby Toy (optional and changeable)
Ribbon
Clear Elastic Bands OR a Helpful Extra Finger
First open each diaper and wrap
around the wreath form.Then tie a ribbon around each.
If you don't have an extra helpful finger,
you could secure the diaper first with an elastic.
I choose to use the finger belonging to my
fourteen year old son. After all, it made the
creating process much more fun to listen to
a teenage boy complain about having to
touch girly ribbon and baby diapers.
Be sure to skoosh the diapers together and
add on enough to completely cover the wreath form.Next tie on toys, bibs or whatever you choose.Finish with a pretty bow.Then be prepared to hear the
ooohs and aaahs
from the new mommy and shower guests.

Not Your Average Wedding Decor

Our friends hired us to decorate for an open house celebrating the marriage of their son and daughter-in-law. Since they would also be having a reception in another city this meant that things could be a little less formal (which thrilled me). I asked (perhaps begged) if they would trust me to design something fun and unusual. Fortunately they allowed me.

I was inspired by this photo of an outdoor wedding
that I saw circulating on the internet.(Stephanie Fay Wedding Photography)

This is how our version looked.
Entrance into the building. Entry and gift drop off. "Filler" decorations. Centerpieces. Backdrop.