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26 March, 2012

Spring on the Porch

Spring seems to be arriving early this year, so I thought I'd better get going on bringing a little touch of it to the front porch! I have really enjoyed my lanterns...great finds at TJ Maxx several years ago. For spring, I decided to fill them with some pretty seasonal (faux) flowers. And...you cannot have spring without a bunny...

...and this one is such a cutie! Just look at his sweet little face!

On the other side of the porch...more faux daffodils fill the lanterns. My porch gets so hot in the afternoon that I have had to find some creative ways to decorate with things that won't melt or die! The boxwood in the background has stood the test of time...a great anchor for the porch.


On the door...a great basket (a Goodwill find that looks almost identical to one I saw in a high end catalog) filled with curly willow and faux forsythia...also from GW!

I have to share this with you...the imprint of a leaf in the cement on the porch! Don't you love it? You can see every detail!

My daughter found these wonderful geraniums for me...love the hot pink! I have been hesitating to plant them, but I think I may live dangerously this week and go ahead. I keep waiting for Mother Nature to zap us with that last freeze, but I am beginning to think it might not come! (fingers crossed)

And I hope not since everything is blooming and filled with little tender shoots and buds! My flowering cherry is no exception. And...hey!...I was downloading this photo when I saw something that I did not see when I took the picture. Do you see it?

Yes...a little caterpillar making himself at home among the petals! I guess I am going to quit holding my breath and finally believe that spring has arrived! What about you?

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you enjoyed a little peek at my spring porch! 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)
Mary at Boogieboard Cottage for Masterpiece Monday
Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday
Rhoda at Southern Hospitality for the Spring Door Decor Party
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

Anita at Cedar Hill Ranch for Cowgirl Up on Tuesdays
Kristin at My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia for Tuesday’s Treasures

Kim at Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesdays
Judy at DIY by Design for Swing into Spring and the Bunny Blog Hop

Gina at The Shabby Creek Cottage for Transformation Thursdays and Spring Linky Party
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

Heather and Vanessa at At the Picket Fence for Inspiration Friday
Debra at Common Ground for Vintage Inspiration Friday
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 March, 2012

My Rustic Box Dressed for Easter

You knew this one was coming! I have filled my favorite shabby box with Easter goodies just in time for the approaching arrival of the Easter bunny!

page You may remember that I have been decorating it for each season since I found it at Joss and Main…a fun and versatile centerpiece!

085 At the heart of it all…this wonderful coco fiber bunny! Isn’t he adorable? I found him at Tuesday Morning for only $6.00! Gotta love those big soulful eyes! Behind him…my cabbage (we’re going to call it lettuce for Easter, though) Bordallo plate and a cute German Easter egg depicting more bunnies.

010 And since I have a thing for little animals wearing clothes, I added more of those German Easter eggs…cute, huh? I also found them at Tuesday Morning at $2.00 each. Love the one with the little bird!

022 A bunch of cute carrots form Pier One fill the lead crystal urn. I tried to use more neutral colors and lots of textures this time. 

025 I had to add another egg and my sweet little bunny and chick salt and pepper…a gift from my sister several years ago.

052 And just in case you are wondering what our handsome co-host is doing, it seems he is too busy grooming to pose this morning. It’s almost time for the neighbor’s cat to peek in the back door for her regular visit!

So there you have it…my favorite little shabby box all dressed for Easter! What do you think?

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you enjoyed a little peek at my Easter centerpiece! 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)
Mary at Boogieboard Cottage for Masterpiece Monday
Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis 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

Anita at Cedar Hill Ranch for Cowgirl Up on Tuesdays
Kristin at My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia for Tuesday’s Treasures

Kim at Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesdays
Judy at DIY by Design for Swing into Spring and the Bunny Blog Hop

Gina at The Shabby Creek Cottage for Transformation Thursdays and Spring Linky Party
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

Heather and Vanessa at At the Picket Fence for Inspiration Friday
Debra at Common Ground for Vintage Inspiration Friday
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!

17 March, 2012

Blue and Yellow Easter Mantel

014With Easter quickly approaching, I decided that it was time to do a little tweaking and get my mantel ready for the holidays! For me, that was really easy because…

021 …I already had some wonderful urns filled with daffodils from my springy blue and yellow mantel. All I had to do was make a few changes…

007 …and voilà! Almost instant Easter! I still have my favorite blue and yellow color scheme…

013 …but the Staffordshire dogs have been replaced by a pair of paper mâché bunnies found at Goodwill several years ago for $1.91 each. (Don’t hate me!) They have been sitting in my stash just waiting for the perfect place…and I think I have found it!

012 In the center, the double happiness jar has been replaced by  a collection of mis-matched blue and white candlesticks (also all GW finds) topped with candles and bird’s nests filled with bright yellow eggs. Oh….wait! Those are lemons! lol

026 I love the contrast of the bunnies with all the blue and white…just Eastery enough without being too cutesy!

006 And just in case you are wondering about the where-abouts of our illustrious co-host Baby Kitty, he is taking advantage of a sunny afternoon and sneaking in an extra nap! Hmmm...not a bad idea!

006 And there you have it…one final look…my mantel all dressed in its Easter best…just waiting for the real Easter bunny to arrive! 

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you enjoyed a little peek at my Easter mantel! 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)
Mary at Boogieboard Cottage for Masterpiece Monday
Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis 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

Anita at Cedar Hill Ranch for Cowgirl Up on Tuesdays
Kristin at My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia for Tuesday’s Treasures

Barb at Grits and Glamour for the Spring Mantelscape Party
Layla at The Lettered Cottage for the Spring Mantel Party
Kim at Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesdays
Judy at DIY by Design for Swing into Spring and the Bunny Blog Hop

Jaime Lyn at Crafty, Scrappy, Happy for Crafty, Scrappy, Happy Me on Thursdays
Gina at The Shabby Creek Cottage for Transformation Thursdays and Spring Linky Party
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

Heather and Vanessa at At the Picket Fence for Inspiration Friday
Debra at Common Ground for Vintage Inspiration Friday
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!

14 March, 2012

My Favorite Spring Tablescape

IMG_5481Today I am revisiting one of my favorite posts…my sunny spring tablescape. And I am betting you will recognize some of the photos because they have become my signature…

IMG_5477amy blue and white plates topped with green pears! They were taken in March, 2009…when I had only been blogging for about 4 months. The afternoon sun was pouring in through the Palladian window, creating interesting shadows.

IMG_5480If you were blogging then, I am sure you will recognize the bunny on a stick! lol They were all the rage! I don’t think Pier One could keep them in stock. And…do you know that they still have them? Yep. I saw them again just the other day!

IMG_5556 At the center, one of my favorites…my pumpkin-shaped tureen. I love those funny legs and the handles! And…peeking in from the left…those infamous Target birdie salt and pepper shakers that even got their own linky party! (One of my favorite posts ever!)

IMG_5511 But my favorite photos were…and still are…of my wonderful pierced blue and white plates topped by spring green pears! You will recognize them from my header.

IMG_5512 Each one is different. I later found candlesticks to match this one.

IMG_5513 I think this one is the prettiest because, unlike the others, the center is not white, but patterned.

IMG_5514 However, this photograph is my all-time favorite. I love the effect of the shadows…creating a lacy pattern on the white plate underneath. Yes…this one is me…my avatar, the little photo image that represents me!

IMG_5483 And finally…here’s a look at the whole tablescape, with the afternoon sun pouring in across the table, bringing back memories of an earlier spring day. Ahhh! Come on, Spring! We are waiting!
For more details, you can visit the original post here.

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you enjoyed a little peek at my spring tablescape! 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)
Mary at Boogieboard Cottage for Masterpiece Monday
Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis 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

Anita at Cedar Hill Ranch for Cowgirl Up on Tuesdays
Kristin at My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia for Tuesday’s Treasures
Kim at Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesdays
Judy at DIY by Design for Swing into Spring and the Bunny Blog Hop

Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday
Debbie at reFresh reStyle for the Spring Tablescape Party
Jaime Lyn at Crafty, Scrappy, Happy for Crafty, Scrappy, Happy Me on Thursdays
Gina at The Shabby Creek Cottage for Transformation Thursdays and Spring Linky Party
Sherry at No Minimalist Here for the Open House Party on Thursdays

Shirley at Hospitality Designs for the Spring Tablescape Party
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

Heather and Vanessa at At the Picket Fence for Inspiration Friday
Debra at Common Ground for Vintage Inspiration Friday
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 March, 2012

Botanical Découpage Eggs

I’ve been at it again! Découpage is becoming one of my favorite things to do! This time I used pretty table napkins with a springy botanical theme to create some Easter eggs.

010 It looks as though I will be alone on this project, though, since our co-host Baby Kitty is busy spying on a flock of blackbirds gathering on the front lawn…a hopeful sign of spring’s imminent arrival!

pageI find that my découpage skills seem improve with practice. However, it’s OK if the result is not perfect. I tell myself that just adds to the charm! Here's what I did but you can also find a few tips here.

1. I started with some pretty napkins that I found at Party City…$1.79 per pack. Next, I spray-painted some Dollar Tree plastic eggs an ivory color just in case a little background shows. I also used matte finish Mod Podge for this part of the project.

2. I used two methods to cover the eggs. The fastest, but most challenging is to use one image for the job. Just cut a rectangle a little wider and longer than the egg. Next, remove the second plain layer if the napkins are two-ply as mine were. Then cut part way in on either long side, removing every other tab. Use a brush to add some Mod Podge on a section of the egg surface and smooth the paper on, using the brush dipped in more Mod Podge and folding the little tabs over each other at the top. Work quickly and touch the egg as little as possible, working on one section at a time. Let dry.

3. Another method is to use smaller cut-outs of elements in the napkin and add them one at a time. Don’t forget to remove the second plain layer if they are two-ply. You will find that you have to work in a small section, let it dry and then work on another section. Keep your hand as clean and dry as possible so that the cut-outs do not stick to them. Work until the egg is covered.

4. Finally, let the eggs dry overnight and then brush with a coat of luster finish Mod Podge, first coating one half, let dry and then coating the other half. Let dry overnight.
 147 And here they are! Aren’t they just so springy? I'm displaying them in my vintage ironstone sugar scuttle. I'll show you more of it another time.

103These eggs were made by adding small cut-outs one at a time….little purple flowers for one, and leaves from the tulips for the other. 

142 This one was created from the tulip…one image covering the entire egg.

059And my favorite…this one is made from the single image of a rose.

080 Here’s a final look. What do you think? I am becoming addicted to découpage and looking around for my next project! What can I say? I love the smell of Mod Podge in the morning! lol

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you enjoyed a little peek at my botanical eggs! 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)
Mary at Boogieboard Cottage for Masterpiece Monday
Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis 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

Anita at Cedar Hill Ranch for Cowgirl Up on Tuesdays
Kristin at My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia for Tuesday’s Treasures

Gina at Random Thoughts for the Spring Craft Party
Kim at Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesdays
Judy at DIY by Design for Swing into Spring and the Bunny Blog Hop

Kate at Centsational Girl for the Spring Craft Party
Jaime Lyn at Crafty, Scrappy, Happy for Crafty, Scrappy, Happy Me on Thursdays
Gina at The Shabby Creek Cottage for Transformation Thursdays and Spring Linky Party
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

Heather and Vanessa at At the Picket Fence for Inspiration Friday
Debra at Common Ground for Vintage Inspiration Friday
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!

10 March, 2012

Vintage Bird's Nest Cloche with Burlap and Chalkboard Sign

053 I am excited to show you this project because I am using some of my favorite treasures and Goodwill hunting finds! Spring is just around the corner and the bluebirds are inspecting my nesting boxes, so what better theme than nests!

071I was inspired by Miss Mustard Seed (Gotta love her!) to put together my own little version of a nesting cloche vignette. One look in my stash and I knew I already had all I needed…so it was free! Here are my basic elements…vintage books, a sheet music wreath and some little nesting-themed accessories!  A tutorial for making the sheet music wreath can be found here.

015 Our co-hostess Miss Kitty reminds me that I have forgotten the most important part…

023 …a clutch of tiny bluebird eggs and the wonderful little box where they usually stay!

040 Several years ago, Mr. Bluebird had a very high maintenance wife who could not be pleased. He built her lovely nests in several of my nesting boxes but none of them seemed to suit her. She even laid an egg or two in the boxes, but finally abandoned them all before sitting on them.

042So finally in the fall, I carefully gathered them up and stored them in this wonderful little box that I found. I love the bluebird egg blue interior…so appropriate, don’t you think? They have been there for several years now…my secret little treasure!

060 Another treasure is this sweet statue of an oh-so-frenchy little boy holding a nest with two tiny baby birds hungrily opening their mouths. I found it at Goodwill for under $4.00…one of my favorite finds!

033 The little sign was fun to make…a piece of poster board covered with burlap (attached with rubber cement) and another smaller piece sprayed with chalkboard paint and attached in the same fashion. Punch holes, add twine and voilà! Easy peasy!

page2And here is the copy cat shot…not identical, but of the same spirit! I’ll be posting this one at Debbiedoo’s for the Spring Copycat Party!

071 And there you have it…my springy, vintage-look nesting-themed cloche! What do you think?

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you enjoyed a little peek at my nesting vignette! 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)
Mary at Boogieboard Cottage for Masterpiece Monday
Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday

Debbie at Debbiedoo’s for the Spring Copycat Party
Marty at A Stroll Thru Life for Tabletop Tuesday and the Spring Cloche Party
Beth at The Stories of A2Z for Tutorials and Tips Tuesday
Linda at Coastal Charm for Nifty Thrifty Tuesday

Anita at Cedar Hill Ranch for Cowgirl Up on Tuesdays
Kristin at My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia for Tuesday’s Treasures
Kim at Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesdays
Judy at DIY by Design for Swing into Spring and the Bunny Blog Hop

Jaime Lyn at Crafty, Scrappy, Happy for Crafty, Scrappy, Happy Me on Thursdays
Gina at The Shabby Creek Cottage for Transformation Thursdays and Spring Linky Party
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

Heather and Vanessa at At the Picket Fence for Inspiration Friday
Diann at The Thrifty Groove for Thrifty Things Friday
Debra at Common Ground for Vintage Inspiration Friday
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!