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29 October, 2011

Thinking About Thanksgiving

036 I have a confession…I am already thinking about my Thanksgiving tablescape!  I find myself looking for inspiration in my favorite catalogs and magazines and playing with some elements on my table. Are you?

003 However, I already know I will be all alone on this post since this is my illustrious co-host’s favorite time of year. He stays glued to the window watching the leaves blow. He has been doing this every fall since he was a little guy!

PB antlerFirst stop for inspiration…Pottery Barn! I have another confession…even though I really am turned off by the real ones, I am really liking faux deer antlers! At Pottery Barn, they are $30 on sale…not bad! Restoration Hardware is featuring them, too…for $129…quite a hefty price by my standards!

PB Sooo….you will not believe what I found! Yes…faux deer antlers at Goodwill! Well, one at least! It had a funny metal thingy on the end that I managed to remove. Not sure what it came from, but I couldn’t argue with the price…$2.92! Woo hoo!

PB centerpiece I have also been admiring this autumnal centerpiece…also at Pottery Barn…with that striking candelabra! But it’s $129yikes! And…you need several deer antlers to achieve this look.

PB Here’s my version after finding yet another faux antler for only $6.00hmmmm. My candelabra was a flea market find two years ago for about $10 and I am afraid the price difference shows! Not doing this one!

Better-Homes-Gardens-October-2011-Magazine This cover of Better Homes and Gardens has been a favorite of mine this fall! Gotta love those white pumpkins with bittersweet…lovely!

036 And here’s my version! By the time I decided that I need more faux white pumpkins, they were nowhere to be found, so I spray-painted some of the orange ones from Walmart. Not bad, huh? I love the stem! And the pumpkins were only $5.00 each! I used ivory spray paint instead of white for a more natural look.

035 I am also starting to think about the dinnerware and linens. I found these acorn napkins on sale at the Williams-Sonoma outlet…love them!…but I don’t think they are available any more. That’s my bargain Chris Madden Felice dinnerware that I found at GW last year for $10 for a service for four…my favorite! On the table...twig placemats that I am considering.

IMG_4252And finally, here’s last year’s Thanksgiving tablescape 2010. I definitely think my burlap table runner will be back as well as the dinnerware. Beyond that…I’m still working on it. What about you? Are you starting to think about Thanksgiving?

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you enjoyed a little peek at my tablescape possibilities!  Please visit these wonderful bloggers and their beautiful blogs to see what they are up to and to find a list of this week’s participants!
Stephanie Lynn at Under the Table and Dreaming for the Sunday Showcase Party
Sarah at Thrifty Decor Chick for Before and After Monday (first Monday of the month)
Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday
Mary at Boogieboard Cottage for Masterpiece Monday
Debbie at Debbiedoo's Blogging and Blabbing for the Magazine Copy Cat Challenge
Marty at A Stroll Thru Life for Tabletop Tuesday
Beth at The Stories of A2Z for Tutorials and Tips Tuesday
Linda at Coastal Charm for Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
Kim at Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesdays
Judy at DIY by Design for Fall into Fall
Jill at French Cupboard for Voila!French Inspiration on Thursdays
Gina at The Shabby Creek Cottage for Transformation Thursdays
Sherry at No Minimalist Here for the Open House Party on Thursdays
Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday
Courtney at French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday
Honey at 2805 for Potpourri Friday
Diann at The Thrifty Groove for Thrifty Things Friday
Debra at Common Ground for Fabulous Fall Fun
Sherry at The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home Friday
Donna at Funky Junk Interiors for Saturday Nite Special
See you next time! A la prochaine!

22 October, 2011

Magic Pumpkin Seeds for You…from France!

041I can’t wait to show you my most recent little project…so cute and easy! And best of all…it’s French and free…my favorite combination!

011 It’s all centered around this wonderful wire cloche from Wuslu. Do you Wuslu? It's my new addiction! They sell one cute thing a day. Period. (It's not available at Wuslu right now, but I also found it here.) Honestly, Marty at A Stroll thru Life can tell you…I’m not a cloche person. But…this one is different! For one thing…it’s wire…gotta love that! I am just cloche-impaired when it comes to the glass ones!

015 And…it’s got a door! It’s sort of a combination birdcage without a bottom and a cloche with a door. Unique, huh?

019 On the inside...my vintage book bundle with a little baby pumpkin and something special that I will show you in a moment.

038 And if you know me and my obsession with mice, you know I had to have one of these from Pottery Barn…love it!

020 And here’s the French and free part…magic pumpkin seeds! Well, not the seeds actually…just the packet. I am always checking out the French websites for anything different…and this really is! I found it here on Marie Claire Idées among their Halloween ideas. Just click on Téléchargez le sachet illustré to download yours or I can email it to you if you can't get the link to work. Wouldn't this be cute for children? The front says Magic Pumpkin Seeds

022 …and the back says…Sow these seeds along the forest paths October 31st before midnight... They will become lanterns, ghosts or a carriage… Hmmm…

032 Kitty and Baby Kitty are saying…Whaaaat? What’s that got to do with Halloween? What can I say? It’s a French thing! (More likely they are saying...This is my mouse!...No, it's mine!)

024 Here they are again…love the vintage look! I had to buy the seeds at Home Depot. You should have heard the clerk giggle. Yes…I know they don’t have time to grow!

041 And here it is again…my little frenchy vignette with magic French pumpkin seeds! And…I think that after Halloween I can take away the seed packets and the mouse, add a few leaves and use it until Thanksgiving. What do you think?

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you enjoyed a little peek at my project!  Please visit these wonderful bloggers and their beautiful blogs to see what they are up to and to find a list of this week’s participants!
Stephanie Lynn at Under the Table and Dreaming for the Sunday Showcase Party
Sarah at Thrifty Decor Chick for Before and After Monday (first Monday of the month)
Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday
Mary at Boogieboard Cottage for Masterpiece Monday
Marty at A Stroll Thru Life for Tabletop Tuesday
Beth at The Stories of A2Z for Tutorials and Tips Tuesday
Linda at Coastal Charm for Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
Kim at Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesdays
Judy at DIY by Design for Fall into Fall
Jill at French Cupboard for Voila!French Inspiration on Thursdays
Gina at The Shabby Creek Cottage for Transformation Thursdays
Sherry at No Minimalist Here for the Open House Party on Thursdays
Michael at Inspired by Charm for Thrifty Thursdays
Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday
Courtney at French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday
Honey at 2805 for Potpourri Friday
Diann at The Thrifty Groove for Thrifty Things Friday
Debra at Common Ground for Fabulous Fall Fun
Sherry at The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home Friday
Donna at Funky Junk Interiors for Saturday Nite Special
See you next time! A la prochaine!

A Ruffled Burlap Table Runner for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and I am starting to think about my tablescape for this year. I know that my ruffled burlap table runner will be at the heart of it all, so I thought those of you who have not seen it might be interested in the tutorial that I did last year so that you can make your own. Even if you are accomplished at sewing, maybe the way I calculated my measurements will be helpful. That’s always the hardest part for me! Sooo…here goes…


runner tutorial
This diagram is based on the usual 48 inch width of burlap. First, measure the length of your tabletop and add 14 inches. You will use this measurement to calculate how much burlap to purchase. It’s good to buy extra, since burlap is sometimes not straight on the bolt. For my 68 inch table, I bought 2 1/2 yards and that was more than enough. The fold may not be at the center of the fabric, but unless it’s way off, that won’t matter. If it is, you will have to center it and press it.
  • First, cut the fabric to the desired length…your tabletop plus 14 inches. You can use this cut to get a straighter edge on both ends.
  • Next, cut along the fold, creating two lengths of fabric.
  • Then make another cut so that you have a length of 17 inch wide fabric plus a 7 inch or so remnant. You now have two 17 inch wide strips and two 7 inch wide strips.

IMG_4166 You will only use one of the 7 inch wide strips, so choose the one with fewer defects. (Burlap is just that way!) Cut the strip in half so that you have two shorter 7 inch wide strips.  Make a hem around three sides, using the selvage side and the two short sides. (Selvage is the edge of the fabric that has been finished so it will not ravel.) You will have to turn the shorter sides under twice to create the hem, pressing each time, but the selvage side will only need to be turned under once, since it won’t ravel. Repeat for the other strip. These are your ruffles.


IMG_4167 Now you are going to gather the ruffles. Burlap is too heavy to use the machine for gathering, so I used a doubled thread to hand stitch. I used a contrasting thread here so you could see. Of course, you would want to use matching thread so that you aren’t having to worry too much if any of it shows. You will have to tie the thread at the end, rather than use a knot, as it will just pull through.


IMG_4170 Gather the fabric on the thread, pulling as you go along.


IMG_4171 Fit it along the short end of one of your 17 inch wide pieces, adjusting the gathers, and then tie your thread at the other end. Pin the ruffle in place. I found it helpful to press the ruffle at this point. The hemmed side should be facing up with right sides together. (There is no real right side for the 17 inch strip. Just choose a side with fewer defects.)


IMG_4165 Be sure that you have left a seam allowance at each end of roughly 1/2 inch or so. Then stitch the ruffle to the 17 inch strip. Repeat for the ruffle at the other end.


IMG_4173 Pin the corners of the ruffles back so that they will not get caught in your next seam…


IMG_4174 …then pin the other 17 inch strip on top of the one you have been working on. Once again, you will want to put the prettier side down, if there is one.


runner tutorial 2 Stitch all the way around the fabric, leaving a 12 inch gap on one side. You will use this gap to turn the fabric inside out. I always back stitch at the beginning and end of the seam so that it will not ravel. Be careful at the corners, making sure to sew right next to the ruffle edge along the seam allowance, not getting the ruffle caught in the seam. Now, turn it right side out, pulling on the ruffles at the corners to be sure that the fabric is completely turned.  Then press with a steam iron.


IMG_4176 You will want to turn under and press the fabric along the 12 inch gap to give it a finished appearance. Finally, hand stitch that gap closed. If you wish you can top stitch the runner around the rectangular portion.


IMG_3891 And here it is! Burlap does have a strong smell at first, so you may want to air it outside for a while. Mine has been on my table for a couple of weeks now and has virtually no smell. It cannot be washed, but can be dry cleaned, so watch out for that cranberry sauce! I hope this tutorial was helpful! Let me know if you try it and tell me how yours turns out!

Remember to pin it!

16 October, 2011

DIY Vintage Eiffel Tower Book Bundle

CONFESSIONS OF A PLATE ADDICT Eiffel Tower Book Bundle I can’t wait to show you my latest project…my Eiffel Tower book bundle! Notice anything? The photo extends across all of the books! Love it!

003Sooo…my first task…find five books of the same size. I found a set of children’s classics at Goodwill for $3.00! Perfect! I knew I wanted mine to have a more vintage look, so I opted for brown paper to cover the books. I dusted off my very rusty school girl skills and managed that. Next, I found a photo that I liked of the Eiffel Tower on Google images and gave it a sepia tone. I printed five or so copies in a size that would work with the width and height of the book bundle and went to work.

018 Hmmm…it seems that my usually curious co-host is not into covering books. I am sure he will check in later when the camera comes out for some serious shots!

CONFESSIONS OF A PLATE ADDICT Eiffel Tower Book BundleI lightly drew vertical pencil lines on the backs of the copies spaced about an inch apart…the width of the spine…and used three widths for each book, progressively moving over one strip each time I cut. Now you can see why I needed five copies. The part that will show on the spine will be in the center each time.  Then I wrapped each strip around the spine of the book, using rubber cement to adhere them. I highly recommend using it since it doesn’t cause the paper to wrinkle and can be rubbed off if it seeps out on to the book.

CONFESSIONS OF A PLATE ADDICT Eiffel Tower Book Bundle And here is the finished product! I tied them with a little jute twine to add to the vintage look.

CONFESSIONS OF A PLATE ADDICT Eiffel Tower Book BundleAnd just as I suspected, our handsome co-host decides to join us for the photo shoot…such a ham!  Hmmm…either he’s really big or those books are really small..or both! lol

CONFESSIONS OF A PLATE ADDICT Eiffel Tower Book Bundle You could also display the books on the side…love this look, too! Now I am thinking…it would be easy to make another set with a different photo! Fun!

CONFESSIONS OF A PLATE ADDICT Eiffel Tower Book Bundle And here’s a final look at my Eiffel Tower book bundle…so easy and almost free! My only cost…$3.00 for the books! Not bad, huh? What do you think?

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you enjoyed a little peek at my project!  Please visit these wonderful bloggers and their beautiful blogs to see what they are up to and to find a list of this week’s participants!
Stephanie Lynn at Under the Table and Dreaming for the Sunday Showcase Party
Sarah at Thrifty Decor Chick for Before and After Monday (first Monday of the month)
Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday
Mary at Boogieboard Cottage for Masterpiece Monday
Marty at A Stroll Thru Life for Tabletop Tuesday
Beth at The Stories of A2Z for Tutorials and Tips Tuesday
Linda at Coastal Charm for Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
Kim at Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesdays
Judy at DIY by Design for Fall into Fall
Gina at The Shabby Creek Cottage for Transformation Thursdays
Sherry at No Minimalist Here for the Open House Party on Thursdays
Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday
Courtney at French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday
Honey at 2805 for Potpourri Friday
Diann at The Thrifty Groove for Thrifty Things Friday
Debra at Common Ground for Fabulous Fall Fun
Sherry at The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home Friday
Donna at Funky Junk Interiors for Saturday Nite Special
See you next time! A la prochaine!

13 October, 2011

Touches of Fall around the House

CONFESSIONS OF A PLATE ADDICT Easy Cinnamon Stick Candles Fall is slowly arriving…both in Georgia and at my house! I think we may actually have time to enjoy it this year, instead of jumping from summer straight into winter as it does sometimes. And I love fall decor because I get to enjoy it from September through November!

CONFESSIONS OF A PLATE ADDICT Easy Cinnamon Stick Candles You are greeted by this vignette when you enter…a pumpkin basket from Hobby Lobby filled with faux pumpkins, my Pottery Barn knock-off Indian corn candle holder and a silver tray with pumpkins and a homemade cinnamon stick candle.

031 Another cinnamon stick candle and a pumpkin greet you with a frenchy Bonjour from the little half wall in the foyer.

010 On the vintage drop leaf table behind the sofa you’ll find my latest thrifting find…this wonderful rooster vase from my favorite flea and antique market…a real bargain at only $10. I saw it online for $100 and on sale for $85. Woo hoo! It is made by the same company as a rooster vase that I have long loved in one of Charles Faudee’s books….but on a smaller scale and a better fit for my house. Those are my Country Living inspired découpage pumpkins beside it.

017 I’ve added a few white pumpkins to my vintage silver plate tea set for a simple hint of fall. I love the contrast!

021 A vine pumpkin topped by a fall arrangement and a tiger striped pumpkin bring a little fall to the demi-lune table.

023 My Pottery Barn inspired fall mantel is much the same as last year, but with one exception…I used vine pumpkins in the urns instead of the real  orange ones. It’s a little more subtle, I think.

025 My little frenchy boy is standing guard over a vintage book bundle topped by another baby pumpkin.

015 In the hallway, a wreath decorates the shabby French mirror…a $2.00 Goodwill find I have been saving since summer.

016 And below it on the shabby table you’ll find this vignette…an urn painted with an Anduze-style finish topped with another vine pumpkin, a structural topiary frame and vintage books topped by a white pumpkin.

028And on the back door, the always-present eucalyptus wreath…a Goodwill bargain…is sporting a faux orange pumpkin as a sign of the season. I am saving the front porch and a few other fall touches for another post.

037 But here’s my favorite sign that fall has arrived...my ginger lilies are blooming again! The blooms are not as abundant this year due to the drought, but the blooms that I do have smell as sweet as ever! And now I am doing my twilight walks around the house in search of their companion…the hummingbird moth. (See last year’s post where I actually photographed one!) Ahhhh…fall! My favorite season is arriving at last!

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you enjoyed a little peek at my fall decor!  Please visit these wonderful bloggers and their beautiful blogs to see what they are up to and to find a list of this week’s participants!
Stephanie Lynn at Under the Table and Dreaming for the Sunday Showcase Party
Roeshel at The DIY Showoff for the DIY Project Parade 
Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday
Mary at Boogieboard Cottage for Masterpiece Monday
Sarah at Thrifty Decor Chick for Before and After Monday (first Monday of the month)
Marty at A Stroll Thru Life for Tabletop Tuesday
Linda at Coastal Charm for Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
Kim at Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesdays
Judy at DIY by Design for Fall into Fall
Gina at The Shabby Creek Cottage for Transformation Thursdays
Sherry at No Minimalist Here for the Open House Party on Thursdays
Barb at Grits and Glamour for Keep It Simple on Thursdays
Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday
Courtney at French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday
Honey at 2805 for Potpourri Friday
Diann at The Thrifty Groove for Thrifty Things Friday
Debra at Common Ground for Fabulous Fall Fun
Sherry at The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home Friday
Roeshel at The DIY Showoff for the Fall Festival
Donna at Funky Junk Interiors for Saturday Nite Special
See you next time! A la prochaine!