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‘sprucing’ things up

November 15, 2019

basketdetail

After my outdoor mum arrangement died with the recent frost, my friend Wendy suggested I cut some greens from an outside tree to make something to replace it.  So, that is what I did!

I collected a few items to create my arrangement – some white berries I had in with my gift wrapping supplies, a ribbon I had saved from an old wreath because the colors were so great – so neutral!   I thought I needed a little something else so while I was at the craft store, I looked around and found these pod-like things in the natural element section and picked them up.  They were the size I thought I needed to fill the space and they were a nice neutral shade.

basket closeup

With what I already had, my supplies cost me under $3. Actually, the worse part of the project was cutting the greens – not that it was hard to do, but it was so cold outside when I did it!

bow closeup

The small basket that contained the mums did not need many greens to fill it.  I kept the dirt in the basket from when the flowers were planted in it and simply poked the greens in!  Then, I shaped the ribbon the way I wanted it  – securing it with a bent-up paperclip (I know – but I couldn’t find any wire so I had to MacGyver it!) and attached it to the basket.

outside decor

I love the way it came out!  Simple and natural looking!  Thanks for the tip Wendy!

I hope today’s post will inspire you to create something of your own for your holiday décor, using materials from outdoors!

Have a fabulous weekend!

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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edible birdhouse ornament

November 12, 2019

finished bird house feeder

I recently had a fun evening creating birdhouse ornaments with a group and today I am sharing this super cute idea with you.  This is a great activity to schedule in place of a cookie swap or a wonderful craft to make with children (though a wee bit messy).

These ornaments are simple to create.  Decorating a small, inexpensive wooden birdhouse from the craft store with seeds, corn, and millet creates a feeder for the birds when placed outdoors.  Use your creation as indoor décor on your holiday tree.  I put a little bird on mine!  Or, use it to decorate a holiday wreath – it would look sweet in the middle of a wreath!  After the holidays are over, place it outside as a treat for the birds!

bird feeder

Purchase small wooden birdhouses from the craft store.  In addition, you will need bird seed to decorate the houses.  Also, disposable bowls to make ‘glue’ to adhere the decorations to the house and disposable foam brushes to apply the glue.  Here is the recipe for the ‘glue’ – totally edible for your fine feathered friends!

Edible ‘Glue’ recipe is: ¾ cup flour, 1/2 cup warm water, 3 Tablespoons corn syrup, and 1 package of Knox unflavored gelatin.

To make the ‘glue’, pour the flour into a disposable bowl.  Add the water and mix.  Add the corn syrup and mix again.  Stir in the gelatin and whisk together until the lumps have smoothed out.  Reminiscent of paper mache paste, this mixture adheres the decorations to the birdhouse.

Smear the mixture you have created heavily onto the birdhouse and attach your decorations, aka bird food.  We used sunflower seeds, dried corn, and millet.  (Millet is sold at pet stores for parakeets).

creating a bird feeder

If you cover your workspace, use disposal bowls for the ‘glue’ and apply the ‘glue’ with small disposable foam brushes, cleanup will be simple!

Let your creation air dry for 24 hours.

I hope you are inspired to create an edible birdhouse ornament!

Have a fabulous week!

Thanks for stopping by.  Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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diy mini metallic pumpkins

October 18, 2019

a trio metallic pumpkins in bowl

I diversify my velvet pumpkin making each October by introducing a new fabric to replace the velvet.  My original creations were velvet fabric pumpkins accented with real pumpkin stems.  In recent years, I have used cashmere and chenille in addition to assorted colors of velvet.

metallicfabrics

As you saw in a previous post, my first pumpkins of the year included one made from tulle.  Today, I am sharing photos of my newest pumpkins – mini metallic pumpkins!

gold pumpkin with beads

My mom gave me the idea when we were together recently.  At my mom’s suggestion, I planned on trying metallic pumpkins and white leather pumpkins.  I found some great metallic fabrics, but unfortunately, the fabric store I visited had no white leather.

coppermetallicdiy pumpkin

So today, I am sharing my mini metallic pumpkins!  They are made in the same way as the original velvet pumpkins – just a switch of material.  Fun!  What do you think?

a trio of metallic diy pumpkins

Thanks for stopping by!

fun with metallic diy pumpkins

Have a fabulous weekend and remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie  

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updated mahogany secretary

October 15, 2019

detail of inside

Graphite and old white are the Annie Sloan Chalk Paint colors I chose to update an antique solid mahogany secretary.  I think the dark charcoal color adds a little more sophistication to the desk than a solid black would.

Before desk photos

This piece is one I am doing for myself, so of course it has been on the back burner for some time!  I plan on using it for my stationery – I think I am one of the few that still uses it!

ASC Gray

I didn’t use any fancy painting techniques on this piece, but the job was extremely time intensive because of all the little nooks, crannies, and secret compartments!  I started by putting a shellac coat on all the interior parts to be painted in the old white.  I needed to seal the mahogany so none of the color would seep through the white – an orangey yellow often comes through white with this type of piece if it hasn’t been sealed.

painting ASC Gray

The outside of the piece was straightforward painting – I used the graphite and painted two coats.  After a coat of shellac on the inside, I painted two coats there as well.  After the painting was complete, I added a coat of Annie Sloan clear wax.  I did not do any distressing on this piece, but I did put a second coat of wax using Annie Sloan dark wax.  I wanted to give the graphite a deeper color and I also wanted the old white to look really old.  I was sure to rub dark wax into some of the nooks and crannies!

before and after graphite secretary

I used all the original hardware.  I really like the old, dark hardware with this piece – the inside hardware looks especially nice against the old white paint and in combination with the graphite paint on the outside.

 

showing after photo of inside

I am so happy to have the piece completed and ready to store all my paper products.  I see a Felix Doolittle order in my immediate future!

Thanks for stopping by!

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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first pumpkins of 2019

October 4, 2019

velvet pumpkin on book

In case you were wondering, yes – I did start making pumpkins.

For today’s Friday field trip I am sharing my first creations of the season!

My very first pumpkin of the year is a simple gray velvet.

gray pumpkin on log

So far, I’ve only made two.

The second was an experiment.  I made it from velvet, but added a ‘top coat’ of tulle.  The tulle is a very special one…it was taken from my mother’s wedding dress!  (It’s the pumpkin in the first photo in this post.)  I want to try using the tulle in a few different ways, but the overlay idea was my first one.

pumpkins with shutter

I hope you are inspired to make some pumpkins of your own, maybe using some fabrics that are special in some way to you.

velvet pumpkin with plaid

Thanks for stopping by!  Have a fabulous weekend!

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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and so, the pumpkins begin

October 1, 2019

white pumpkins in chenille

Well, it is October after all!  Even as I write this, I haven’t officially started making pumpkins yet this year.

white pumpkin in velvet

I did put a few out that I made in past years though.  Today will start the beginning of this year’s pumpkin making!  Chenille was new last year…I need to come up with something new for 2019!

velvet pumpkins

Happy October!  Thanks for stopping by!

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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apple pie fudge

September 24, 2019

make fudge apple pie flavor

Recently, while in Mystic, CT, I bought some ‘flavor of the day’ fudge which happened to be the flavor of apple pie.   “Interesting.”  I thought.  I figured fudge is like cheesecake.  You start with a basic recipe and then alter it according to taste.  I can honestly say I never thought of making apple pie fudge, but it sure sounded very seasonal.  It tasted seasonal as well – very much like an apple pie!

About a week after I had tasted the apple pie fudge, I decided to try making some myself.  I knew mine would taste just as good based on seasoning alone.  I only use Penzy’s brand seasonings because no other brand is as flavorful!  (So, if you decide to make my recipe and you don’t use Penzy’s, you may have to adjust the seasoning!)

So, I looked at as many fudge recipes as I could and adjusted by adding apple pie spices and some apples.  I decided fresh apples would be too hard so opted for the apples from canned apple pie filling.

apple pie fudge recipe

I was planning on making a gingersnap base, but without any artificial color, the fudge was very light in color and that made me decide to put the gingersnaps on top instead to add a little variety in color.

I think my apple pie fudge came out better than the inspiration fudge!  Try it yourself or be inspired to come up with your own flavor!

Apple Pie Fudge

  • 3 cups sugar
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp nutmeg
  • ½ tsp allspice
  • ½ cup canned apple pie filling
  • 3 cups white chocolate – chips or broken into small pieces
  • 18 gingersnap cookies, crushed into small pieces with a rolling pin

Line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper and set aside.

Measure out ½ cup of apple pie filling.  Cut the apples into small pieces and remove most of the ‘liquid.’  Put into a heatproof bowl with the chocolate and set aside.

Heat butter, cream, sugar and spices in a large pan over medium heat while stirring often.

Bring mixture to a rolling boil and continue to cook, while stirring constantly, for 4 minutes.

Remove from heat and pour immediately over chocolate chips and apple pieces.  Stir until chocolate is melted.

Pour into the baking dish and spread evenly.  Sprinkle the gingersnap pieces over the top and press down lightly to set into mixture.

home made apple fudge

Refrigerate overnight.  Cut into small pieces to serve.  Tastes best when eaten at room temperature.  Store with a lid in fridge.

Thanks for stopping by.  Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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plenty of eat

August 23, 2019

eat sign

What do you think of my new metal eat sign?  I thought it was perfect for my kitchen!  The colors, size, and texture are super!

It certainly makes a statement – don’t you think?

There is another reason I am sharing this photo with you besides showing you my sign…this photo gives a hint of the next furniture redo project I am working on.  It is in Annie Sloan charcoal gray and I can’t wait to finish so I can give you the full reveal!

Have a wonderful weekend and remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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vintage dresser before & after

August 20, 2019

top of dresser after

Do you remember the vintage dresser I was refinishing?  I finally took a few photos of the ‘after’ to share with you.  It is an old mahogany piece – I’m sure you’ve seen similar pieces.

before and after dresser

Most of the furniture I refinish is for others, but this piece is staying with me!

left corner close up

Here are the steps I took to transform the piece:

  • Stripped the finish off the top
  • Sanded the top with fine grade sandpaper
  • Stained the top (in ebony) – I used 2 coats
  • Sealed the top – I used 4 coats
  • Painted a sealer over the rest of the dresser (to prevent the stain from bleeding through the light color paint)
  • Painted the dresser in Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Old White – 2 coats
  • Waxed with Annie Sloan clear wax (all but the top)
  • Lightly distressed
  • Waxed with second coat of Annie Sloan wax in clear (all but the top)

I retained the original hardware without altering it since I love the dark color in combination with the ebony stain on the top of the piece.

birds eye view after

Isn’t it beautiful!?  I love it.  I ended up styling my entire bedroom around this piece.

nest collection

I put a buffalo plaid duvet on the bed and combined a couple of my favorite motifs (with my collections – old books and bird nests) to style this vintage dresser.  The crowning jewel was to add a mirror.  I thought the mirror that originally went with the piece was too ‘matchy matchy’ for my taste.  I originally thought I would just go without a mirror, but I soon found out I really liked having a mirror in the bedroom, so I set out to find a vintage looking piece.

old books and nest

I didn’t really expect to find anything I liked to fit my budget until Ballard Designs had a 40% off sale with free shipping and I was able to purchase the perfect piece!

mirror

My biggest bargain in the room was the bedside wall lamp.  Every one I liked had a price tag over $100.  And I had all but given up on the idea of including a lamp in my room until I came across the perfect one for $19.99 at IKEA!  Score!

bedroom details

The dresser ends up being my favorite piece of furniture!  I hope you enjoyed seeing how I transformed this old dresser!  Thanks for stopping by!

dresser side view

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

P.S. Click here to see how I refinished the mahogany side table that matched this dresser.

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ring my bell

August 9, 2019

Quote details

If you follow my blog, you know by now how much I enjoy details!  I used one of my California photos with an Angier quote to include in today’s post just to emphasize this thought!

The reason I mention it is because the smallest of details made my day and I want to share for today’s Friday field trip!

What small detail?  A new doorbell!

Yes, I got excited about a new doorbell!

If you look at the old one:

old doorbell

You can see it is nothing to get excited about!  I knew I needed to replace it with something I could enjoy looking at!

So, I did just that!

Now I really love my doorbell!  What do you think?  Cute?

new doorbell
I hope today’s post will inspire you to change one little detail this weekend that will put a big smile on your face!

Thanks for stopping by!  Have a wonderful weekend, Jackie

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