Bringing Fall to the Back Porch

October 7, 2019October 5, 20194 Comments

Good morning! I know I have been away for a bit and I am trying to get back in the swing of teaching and blogging. So far, teaching is winning out! 🙂 I have all sorts of projects spinning round in my head, but by the time I am done teaching, I don’t have much energy left. Thanks for sticking with me though. I will be trying to get a few more projects out to you all!

I was looking back through my posts from last year and saw this one. I liked this one so much, I thought I would share it with you again.

A few weeks ago, I bought a variety of pumpkins, both small and big. I had to buy them at the supermarket, since our pumpkin patches weren’t open yet. Lol.

I used them on my back patio. I actually see my back patio more than the front, and I wanted to be able to enjoy the fall decor all season.

I used little white pumpkins along with faux leaves and acorns in a glass container.

I added a couple more pumpkins to my potting bench too. I made my acorn garland a few years ago, using the acorns from the oak tree in our old backyard.

There are so many ways to decorate with pumpkins all over the house or outside. I like setting one on top of a terracotta pot for the different textures.

I hung up this old window from the edge of the patio. I love the chippiness and the charm it brings to my outdoor space.

A big orange striped pillow, a soft throw, and a few pumpkins make this a cozy place to hang out.

Aren’t these mugs adorable?! I found these at #HomeGoods. They had dogs on them, so I had to get them!

The dogs enjoy being out here too!

I kept things really simple. Just adding small touches here and there.

Tucking a small pumpkin into your potted plants is a great place to add fall to your decor too.

It’s so nice to look out the window and see touches of fall. Thank you again for stopping by!

Non-Carved Pumpkin Round Up

September 27, 2019September 24, 20194 Comments

Hello! How has everyone’s week been? I took a day trip up to Yosemite with a friend of mine which was super nice and fun. We had a wonderful time up in the mountains away from the heat so it was relaxing.

This week we are showing off some really cool pumpkins that don’t require any carving. These are the kind of pumpkins I like because I absolutely despise carving. I cannot stand gutting a pumpkin so I much prefer decorating them. So here are some cute ideas if you are like me and can’t stand carving. Enjoy!

Crayon Drip Pumpkin from The Swell Designer

Confetti Pumpkin from Cloudy Day Gray

White Pumpkin with Flowers from Finding Zest

Candy Corn Pumpkin from Craft Project Ideas

Frankenstein Pumpkin from Plaid Online

Painted Pumpkins from Think Make Share Blog

Striped Pumpkins from Makely Home

Thumbprint Pumpkin DIY from Handmade Charlotte

Glow in the Dark Pumpkins from I Love to Create

Fox and Owl Pumpkins from Home on the Corner

Thrift Store Pumpkin Makeover

September 23, 2019September 22, 2019Leave a comment

Good morning! Now that’s it’s officially fall, are you experiencing fall weather? This week we have a few cool days, a couple hot ones, and then it cools down for the weekend. I do love the cool nights and being able to cuddle under the blankets!

I found this paper mache’ pumpkin at a thrift store this past week. I liked the size, but didn’t like the shiny finish on it.

I took the stem off and then used some of the chalk paint I had on hand. I used what I thought was a cream colored chalk paint, but it was actually wax. I thought I would try it and it ended up working out.

I used a couple of coats of the wax and I like the chalk look much better.

I used Waverly ‘Mineral’ and Americana Decor ‘Heirloom’ and used a small paintbrush to brush small strokes of paint all over the pumpkin. I made sure to add some in the recesses, to give some shadow.

I also painted the stem with the ‘Mineral’ and ‘Heirloom’ paint and then glued it back on the top of the pumpkin.

I added the pumpkin to my mantel along with a couple of lanterns and a large pumpkin canvas I painted last year.

Just a few touches bring fall into the room!

I also bought a new candle from Bath and Body Works, Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin. Mmmm! It smells so good!

I love when I can take a thrift store item and remake it to be usable again! I also love when I don’t have to spend a lot of money to bring something ‘new’ to my home. What items have you made over? I would love to hear about it!

Mod Podge Crafts

September 20, 2019September 19, 20192 Comments

Hello! How has everyone’s week gone? Did anyone doing anything exciting? I just worked…thanks for asking!

This week we are getting crafty with Mod Podge. Mod Podge is one of the easiest things to use for crafting and it isn’t super expensive either. So here are 10 ideas to get your creative minds turning. Enjoy!

DIY Map Pumpkin from Home on the Corner

Mod Podge Flower Pots from DIY Joy

DIY Mugs from Pretty Life Girls

Mod Podge Nautical Magnets form Crafts by Courtney

DIY Tile Coaster from DIY Danielle

Mod Podge Key Chain from Home on the Corner

Star Wars Lampshade from Craft Your Happiness

(Short note on this: You may notice the picture has a different website name on it. The website Craft Your Happiness was formerly Our Peaceful Planet. So the link does go to the correct website. That’s all!)

Wood Photo Keepsake from S&S Worldwide

Sheet Music Mason Jar Centerpiece from Mod Podge Rocks Blog

Decoupaged Flatware Box from Home on the Corner

Make Your Own Rice Bag Hand Warmers plus Free Printable

September 16, 2019September 15, 20192 Comments

Good morning! Glad you stopped by today! I have a very simple project for you to make for yourself or as gifts. The holidays are coming! I’m sure you have seen rice bags around and now you can make it yourself.

Supplies:

small pieces of cotton fabric
ruler
thread to match and needle
sewing machine or fabric glue
rice
funnel

I always wash my fabric before using it to make sure all the shrinkage is out. Then I cut my pieces into 4 inch squares. You need two matching ones for each hand-warmer, or four for a set.

Place your squares right sides together.

I sewed my squares together, but you can also use fabric glue. I sewed around the edge, about 1/4 in. seam, leaving about 1 inch open at the end. Be sure to back-stitch the beginning and end so the sewing doesn’t come undone.

Turn your square right side out, using the small hole you left open.

I use regular long grain rice to fill my bags. I also fill my bags over a large bowl to catch any overflow.

I placed the funnel inside the hole in the bag and used about 1/2 cup of rice for each warmer. You don’t want the bag too full or empty. When mine are filled, they lay nice and flat. There are no empty spaces and no bump in the middle.

Once the bags are filled, fold in the open edge and stitch, or glue closed, with coordinating thread.

I tied up each set with baker’s twine an added a small tag with instructions.

I’ve included a PDF so you can print your own tags too! There will be a link at the end of the blog post to click on.

You can warm these up in the microwave and then place them in your pockets to warm your hands. Sometimes I even place them in my bed to warm the sheets on a cold night. They can be used on sore muscles too. You can also keep them in the freezer for boo-boos or to cool you down when it’s hot. There are so many uses for these cute little bags.