FALL HEADBOARD WITH WHITE ACCENTS

Just adding seasonal décor to other rooms adds a bit of extra warmth.

Last winter, I arranged evergreens on the top of the headboard mantle.

During the spring and summer, I placed vintage books and distressed porch post decorations as bookends.

In order to keep the soft off white colors, I introduced my cream porcelain pumpkins to the mantle.



Fall is now present in the bedroom.

REFRESHING THE BEDROOM WITH HINTING BLUE PAINT

Now that one of our girls is off to college year round, it was time to give the room a bit of a refresh.

I knew that I wanted a retreat for visitors traveling here and froe.  I also wanted to give it a bed and breakfast feel even though it isn't very large.

I pulled a few pictures and vintage mirrors from my collections to use in the room.  At this point, I'm thinking of possibly changing up some of the frames, but I need to let that simmer for a bit.

I also wanted to bring in my updated luggage rack not necessarily to be used with suitcases, but because it was the right color and it could serve as an additional tray to put things.

I think that for a long time I have loved the calming, soothing color of pale blue, so it was an easy choice to bring in the updated drum table with 2 chairs for sipping a cup of coffee in the morning.

And finally, here is a swatch of my color choice.  I think that the Hinting Blue paint will set off the white crown molding.

This dresser, which I redid ages ago needs a freshening up also.  The stain bled through, so it's time to clean it back up.

I can't decide about the bookcase, but for now it will stay in the room. 

I purchased this cross ages ago, but I thought that it would compliment the updated room.

The bedside table that I would use is the one their Dad made them for Christmas 10 years ago.  The white, shabby look is perfect for the new guest room.

Every other day or so, I go into add special touches to the still unpainted room.

I honestly can't tell you how soon we(because I can't finish a job without Mr. Thrifty) will have the reveal because this has been a very busy time for him. 

I promise you, it will be worth the wait.  Why don't you think of refreshing one of your rooms?  Paint is an easy fix--that is if you have a painter on hand.



FALL COFFEE TABLE TRAY 2017

Since fall is upon us, I wanted to update the tray for the coffee table.

This summer I used the gray damask pattern in the tray.

I found this beautiful print on the Internet.

Using a weave like looking scrapbook paper, I cut it to the dimensions of the tray insert.



I laid the botanical print on top of the weave paper. 

Last fall, I collected a bunch of leaves from the maple trees out front.  It is a pretty easy  method to place them in a book and rubber band them to allow them to dry flat.

With the tray done, I added a necklace and bracelet(with a gold heart) to my sweet girl bust.  Placed on a gold tray with a few compacts stylized the spot under the gold filigree mirror. 

Back to the coffee table. I brought out one of my sewing drawers to place the TV remotes and coasters.

I couldn't seem to get a sharp, clear picture of the tray itself because of the glass on top.

It feels good to introduce a bit of fall back into the Great Room.  I think I am going to begin introducing more botanicals into my decorating.  Access on the internet is plentiful.



MAKING A LETTUCE BAG

I came up with this wonderful idea after visiting my friend Mary.  While we visited her house for a Sunday meal, I noticed a linen towel bag that held her previously cleaned lettuce leaves.  After inquiring about the sack, she explained that the lettuce stayed fresher that way.

So the next day at home, I decided to sew up a few of the bags myself.  I bought a package of three linen towels and washed and dried them.

The first thing I did was to cut the towel in half lengthwise.  Then I folded it as you see in the picture, turned it inside up and sewed the two sides.  Notice the flap on the right size.  This will fold after inserting my cleaned lettuce leaves.



This was a quick 10 minute easy sewing project.  In the long run, it will save me money keeping my lettuce fresher.

WEDDING CARDS 2017

This spring, I have made numerous engagement, shower and wedding cards.  I made each of the cards in line with the brides' tastes.

 

I take it as a challenge to make a card personally for a bride and her bridegroom. 

I hope they enjoy these mementos of their happy day.



ORIENTAL PORCELAIN MANTLE 2017

I love to use my Oriental porcelain anytime I can in my decorating.  This year, the mantle is full of treasures that I have acquired.

The first piece I placed on the mantle was my vintage birdcage that I received from a dear friend. I gathered some of the smaller pieces to insert into the cavity of the birdcage.

A ginger jar, a planter and a vase anchored the left side of the mantle.

A large jar holding dried tiger lily stems sits on the floor to give some balance.  You will notice that I added our West Point plate(which isn't Oriental) and another vase by the mantle clock.





The plant is placed in the perfect spot to get the morning sun.

I would be happy to leave this mantle up until Christmas.  You might just see some pumpkins pop up in the fall.  The oranges and deep blue marry so well together.