Fall Mantle

Yesterday's project - my paint chip garland, was a part of my overall fall mantle.  I was going to wait (out of laziness) to do my mantle, but got so inspired by the weather this week, I just couldn't stop! 

After taking a tip from a reader, I decided to leave the window as it was - I'm so happy I did!!  One side is white - and the other brown - perfect for a fall changearoo!!  All of the stuff on here I had around the house, and went and got the box of fall decor out the other night as well.  

I bought that bird last year - and he has kind of been through the ringer.  Put it this way - I have to keep him up high on the mantle, otherwise our cat Vinnie will have his way with him, lol!

So, this mantle will stay up until October 1st - then it's time to break out the Halloween Decor!!!

Have a great weekend!!!

Linking up here:

Paint Chip Fall Garland

 I have been dying to make something out of paint chips - ANYTHING!!  I got my shot in the bootie when I found out that there was a contest to come up with a make-and-take for the Southern B.L.O.G.S. conference.  The winner will receive a free trip, and I couldn't pass that opportunity up!!  I am dying to attend this event - there are so many great bloggers in the south - lots of ladies I have been dying to meet in person!!  This event just looks like so much fun!!  This was the best time for me to come up with an idea for the contest, as well as some cute fun fall decor for my mantle. 

I started by going over to Home Depot and basically clearing out their orange and green paint chips.  I had no clue what size I was going to need, so I grabbed a ton of every size.  I felt like I was stealing - I grabbed a stack, and shoved it in my purse, moved on to the next section and repeat.  I felt like I was going to get busted by the guy behind the paint counter!

Once I got home, I messed around a bit and decided to go with the largest of the bunch - the Behr Premium Plus Ultra Chips.  These are the supplies I used:

Choose any shade of orange you like - I went with two coordinating shades - I knew I wanted to alternate them in my pumpkin to add dimension.  I also grabbed a few green to make my pumpkin leaves.  Also needed are:  Twine, leaf punch, brads and a hole punch (not shown here, but I ised my trusty cropodile).

The next step is to cut 1/2" strips of the chips - you should get six from each color chip, but you'll only need 3 of each for each pumpkin.

Next. I stacked them together, alternating colors, and punched a hole in the center, top and bottom,  If you can, try punching them while stacked so the holes line up.

Then, with your leaf punch, punch two leaves out of the green, and punch a hole through the center of those.  (if you don't have a leaf punch, you could just draw some freehand and cut them out).  

Once that is done, layer the leaves on the center hole of the strips, and secure with a brad.

Fan out the strips, and turn it over.  From there, start pulling together the strips - from each opposite end.  Go around and secure with a brad.

Finally - you are left with these cutie pumpkins!

I just strung them with twine, and tied a knot as I went to hold the pumpkins in place.  Here's the finished product!!

Hope you liked it!!  The pumpkins would also be cute to toss in a bowl on display.  Voting opens tomorrow - so head over to Southern B.L.O.G.S. tomorrow to vote for my project!!!!  Wish me luck - I hope I win!!!

XOXO

This Project was Featured at

Linking Up To These Fabulous Parties:

 
 

Friday I'm In Love....with FALL!!

I Heart Fall

There has been absolutely no shortage of fabulous fall projects out there recently.  Just as with the first days of spring, I think everyone just gets an energy when they feel that cool blast of air!  Ahhhhh!  This week has been gloriously cool here in GA, and I have been loving every minute.  All of the windows are open, and to be honest - I was getting kind of tired of wearing shorts.  Time to break out some of the fall gear and the BOOTS!!  Oh how I have missed my boots.

I have been working on some of my own fall projects, which I will start to share later today.  But first - let's look at these beauties that I found in blog world.

I was swooning over this September Calendar from Kiki Creates.  The colors and patterns are so perfect - she even shares a free download so you can make your very own!  This would be such a great teacher's gift!!

Lolly Jane is one of my favorite blogs, and I remembered these Painted Patterned Pumpkins from last fall.  I just had to share them in my Fall Favorites post.  Aren't they adorable?  

I found these fabric pumpkins on Pinterest.  Danielle from Thompson Family-Life shared the tutorial on how to make these beatuies - I am so trying to attempt these!!  These are stinkin' cute!!

Stacey from Embracing Change gave her family bench a fresh coat of red paint - isn't she gorgeous?  What a beautiful way to welcome guests - LOVE it!!  

Using some dollar store goodies, Deneen from Dreaming In Color, made this gorgeous Flower Covered Pumpkin.  What an interesting twist!  This would make such a great centerpiece or mantel addition!!!

All of these are so inspirational - I can't wait to start making more stuff!!  If you were featured, feel free to grab a button from my sidebar.  Tune in later for a fun Paint Chip project!!!

Zebra Print Fun!!!

I recently had a customer contact me for zebra and hot pink luggage tag favors for a bridal shower they are throwing.  I shared my prices with her, and because she had a lot of guests, it really wasn't in her price range.  I came up with the idea to design some printable luggage tag favors for her.  That way, I could just email her the file, and she can print and assemble them herself!

I think that I may be onto something new for my Etsy shop.  Over the last year or so, I have lost a few orders due to price.  My prices are reasonable, but I think between the economy right now, AND with the rise of so many talented DIYers - people just want to do it themselves!!  So, I am working on designing some different types of printables that I want to offer in my shop.  I'll be sure to share them with you once they start to come along!  Maybe I'll even have a few freebies to share as well!!

Have an awesome day!

"I Really Need To Blog"

These words have been repeated in my household over the last two weeks.  I feel like all I have done is apologize over the past month about how bad I have been at writing - I know you are sick of hearing it.  I have a reason for the lack of posting, that I will be able to share soon, and I think then it will all start to make sense.  Until then, however, thank you for being so wonderful and understanding!!

You may have noticed this weekend that Saturday Social was a no show.  It has been really hard to get consistent participants, so I have decided to put the party on hold for a bit.  I think that I need to re-think it - maybe just do it once a month, or move it to a different day - not sure.  Any suggestions?

That's all really.  Just wanted to write to tell you that I am still alive.  I still love blogging, and am working on some fun fall projects that I will be sharing very soon.  Anyone else getting in the fall mood?  The weather here has finally dipped below the 90's, and it's absolutely glorious!!!  I'm definitely getting in the fall spirit!!!

XOXO