Throughout the year we have two matching paintings hanging on either side of our dining room window. However, when Christmas comes around I take them down and replace them with hand-crafted wreathes. This year’s wreath is pictured to the right! Unlike last year’s wreath, this one features red bows and bulbs in different colors. I use a plain faux wreath (found at craft stores) and decorate them differently each year. Try using items you already have (bulbs, bows, tinsel, etc.) to decorate your wreathes. Not only does this let you match the decor throughout your home, but also lets you create a unique piece each year. No matter how you decide to decorate your wreath, you’ll be sure to create one that looks great in your space!
Category Archives: design
A Fall-Inspired Chair
As I was trying to figure out what I was going to do with the trees I created for Thanksgiving, I began to remove some of the maple leaves from the wall. I decided to stick the leaves on the chair I was standing on (so I didn’t have to keep climbing up and down the chair). Once I was finished, I got off the chair and noticed what turned out to be a brilliant decorating idea. As pictured on the right, I accidentally created a beautiful fall-inspired chair! Isn’t it amazing what can be discovered by accident? This would be the perfect pop for a dining area. Simply affix small maple leaves, poinsettias, snowflakes, or any other holiday-related item to your dining chair. This is not only an inexpensive way to temporarily update your furniture, but also serves to show off your creative genius!
Thanksgiving Decor: Part 4
In this final Thanksgiving post I’ll be sharing how to dress up your table! Since my family only use three of the six chairs at the dining table, that allows me to decorate the half not in use. Below you’ll see a few pictures from this year’s table. I have our traditional poinsettia tablecloth adorned with various decorations.
I have pumpkins, leaves, a festive flower arrangement, and a turkey. The majority of the decorations on the table were purchased at craft stores. The glass pumpkin in the center of the table was purchased at a glass studio. You can find great pieces at reasonable prices at many glass studios, so keep your eye out for pieces that can be used both year-round and on special occasions.
At the center of the table I have a vase filled with various autumn foliage and a small turkey. The foliage brings together all the elements in the room, and the turkey adds a bit of whimsy to the table.
I hope you enjoyed my Thanksgiving decor and found inspiration for your own space. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Thanksgiving Decor: Part 3
In my previous two posts I concentrated on decor in my living room (accent wall and above the window). In this post, I’ll be showing you how I decorated the dining room. I’ll start by showing you the space above our painting. This space is great for decorating, so I usually put something in this area for major holidays. As seen below, I use Happy Thanksgiving signs, foliage, and autumn food to decorate this area.
Next, we’ll look at the chandelier and window. Like the living room, I used garland to decorate the space above the window. I also used a smaller, shorter garland and wrapped it around the chandelier. When decorating a chandelier, it’s important to use light-weight items and make sure they don’t come in contact with any of the lights.
I hope you enjoyed this post on Thanksgiving decor. Check back for more ideas on decorating your home for Thanksgiving!
Thanksgiving Decor: Part 2
Welcome to my second post on Thanksgiving decor! In this post I’ll demonstrate how you can easily dress up the space above your window. As seen below, I added two autumn garlands, along with a fanciful turkey, above the windows in the living room.
This is an easy, inexpensive way to dress up a window and add a bit of interest to an otherwise blank space. As in my previous post, the garland is affixed to the wall with painter’s tape. This type of garland can be found at craft stores, and similar turkey decorations can be found at big box party stores. Remember, adding interest to a window is a great way to dress up your space and create a cohesive feel throughout your home!
Thanksgiving Decor: Part 1
Thanksgiving is one of the holidays where I like to decorate the house! In this post I’ll show you how I decorated a wall in my living room. I like to decorate differently every year and was trying to decide what to do with the accent wall in the living room. I had several packages of faux maple leaves, and decided that this year I’d create a tree! As seen below, the accent wall was plain except for a large mirror.
After about $20 worth of supplies (cardboard paper, faux maple leaves, and painter’s tape), I now have two beautiful trees! The final result is shown below. This was an inexpensive project that was completed in one day. Since the entire project is affixed to the wall with painter’s tape (I fold it over so it’s like double-sided tape), it’s easy to remove and won’t damage your walls.
So what are you waiting for? There’s still time to update your holiday decor, so go create an art piece that not only embodies the holiday, but also displays your creative genius!
The River in Fall
I’ve posted pictures of this river in previous posts, but nature’s scenery tends to change with the season. The river is now swollen, the rapids are larger, leaves have fallen off trees, and the foliage has changed color. This gives me an idea for a project! Have a place you like to explore year round? If so, take a few pictures in the same area during each season. At the end of the year, you can take one photo from each season and hang all four on your wall. We’ve all seen similar photos in galleries, so why not create your own personalized version? This is definitely a long-term project, but it’s also totally worth it. So what are you waiting for? It’s not too late to start your own season-by-season project, so get out there and capture nature’s seasonal beauty!
The Concrete Cannon at the Beach
On my second trip to one of my local beaches I was pleasantly surprised to see that the tide was out. This allowed me to explore more of the beach than I had on a previous trip. After walking a few minutes and enjoying the sunshine something caught my eye. As I approached this oddly shaped piece of concrete I walked around it to see what it was. While I still don’t know what it was, I realized that from a certain angle it looks like a cannon-so I snapped a picture! I think it’s cool when an object looks completely different from what it actually is. If you like this type of look, you can easily get the same sort of photo. First, pick an object that you think looks interesting. Next, try taking pictures of it from various angles and distances until you get a photo you like. You may have to take several shots and use multiple types of items, but you’ll eventually get a similarly unique shot. Once this is accomplished you’ll not only have an interesting photo to display, but also a great conversation piece for all your guests to enjoy!
The Water Through the Trees
Once you’ve gone through the forest and come towards the end of the path, you see a peek of water beautifully framed between two trees. What a sight! It makes the creepy trees and mud worth the trek. I love how the brightness of the sun on the water contrasts with the shaded section of forest I took the photo in. This is the type of photo I’d frame and put on a table or desk, or hang on a wall within a grouping of similar nature photos. Want a similar look for your space? Try taking a photo at your favorite locale from a shaded area on a bright day. Not only will you get to enjoy the great outdoors, but you’ll also have a unique photo to showcase your talents!
The Path Through the Trees (Literally!)
Remember that post I wrote a few weeks ago? I mentioned how at one point the path I was on literally went through a tree trunk. Thought I was joking? As you can see from the picture on the right, the park’s designers just cut through the trunk and continued the path down towards the beach. I really like this picture and all the symbolism it represents. It reminds us that although obstacles might try to stop us, you have to keep going! This is the type of image I’d put on a Thinking of You card. Images like this can not only benefit the one who captured the photo, but also those going through a rough patch in their life. Have an inspiring photo? Use it to bring joy, comfort, and a bit of style, to yourself or those around you.
Inspiration In A Photo 