Oh Fall, Where Are You?

Table Top

I am officially done decorating for fall. Like I said, not that much room to decorate, so it's pretty easy to do. Though I love the wreath that I made, I don't really get to enjoy it since I usually inside, not outside. However, I have recently discovered how much I enjoy candles and knew that I wanted to use them in my fall decor. There is something about the flickering flame and the relaxing aromas that just makes the world seem simple. Plus it makes the space feel cozy, homey, and warm...the perfect adjectives for fall. I found this really fantastic pine cone spray at Hobby Lobby and knew it would go well on the top of my table. I have a round table, so unfortunately I can't really do a long display (which can be really amazing). This spray had leaves, nuts, berries and because I do like a little bit of shine, tastefully glittered pine cones. I bought three small glass votives that I randomly (but strategically) placed within the spray. The candles were apple fig tart scented and they smell beyond amazing! I anchored the display with an ivory candle that also happens to smell spicey and very fall like.

Coffee Table

Last year I used apothecary jars filled with dried beans, popcorn kernels, and nuts. I like the layered look that it makes, but wanted to do something different. I found this really fun vase filler at Hobby Lobby that was different sized mini pine cones and glittered acorns in orange and gold. The glitter is done in a sophisticated manner and adds a nice pop of color. I put this in a medium vase and tied a piece of raffia around it. I used a smaller bowl and filled the bottom with white popcorn kernels and used the leftover leaves and acorns from the wreath on top of that. That created a nice blend of textures and colors that coordinated with the other vase. The magic number in decorating is three so I did a high vase that I layered with more kernels and small dry red beans. I used the green leaves off the reddish/orange/yellow mum flowers I bought and then added the flowers. This way I can always enjoy the flowers without them dying. The trick to creating a visually appealing grouping is to use things with various shapes, sizes, and heights, but to use things that tie them all together. When you use small elements and carry them over that creates the cohesive look that makes it all come together.

I had some of the dry red beans and popcorn kernels leftover, so I decided to use the polka dot votives I bought from One Kings Lane (see One Kings Lane post) again. I told you that they were very versatile and could be used all year round. I divvied up the filler between the three and then placed one of the apple fig tart votives on top. If you have votive holders that are too tall for the candles you have, this is a great way to fix that. Just make sure that you are using something that won't catch on fire. So now I am officially ready on the inside for fall, but I am just waiting on the weather to catch up with me. Let me know how you get your home ready for fall and what great ideas you have in store.

Falling in Love

I can't believe that Labor Day is right around the corner, but it's still 90 here. Nonetheless, I figured that is was the time to break out the fall decorations. I don't have much room to decorate, but I still like having something. I had made a beautiful fall wreath last year, but due to some unforeseen circumstances I needed to make another one. After making a (dangerously tempting) trip to Hobby Lobby, I ended up with ribbon, a twig wreath, some flowers, and a pine cone spray. Usually when I start a craft project I have an initial idea and part way through I begin to realize that it is taking a different direction. I learned that it works out better to embrace the change and realize that my creative "juices" have set in, rather than trying to stick with my original idea.

The sprays I bought were leaves and acorns. I decided to start with the leaves and add the acorns later. I removed the leaves from the branch and then began hot gluing them to the wreath. The leaves were shades of red, orange, green and a deep bronze. Making the wreath isn't a hard task, (though there is some danger when using a glue gun) it is just somewhat time consuming. The trick is to hot glue the stems to the sticks of the wreath so they are weighted. There can sometimes be quite a bit of wind outside and so you want to make sure that the leaves aren't getting ripped off.

Another thing to remember is that you want the direction of your leaves to follow the curves of the wreath. When you change the direction of the leaves, don't worry if it looks a little weird. It will be hidden by the bow. I would suggest holding the wreath up every once in a while to see how the leaves are laying. You don't want to stick a leaf in and then see it sticking out.

On a side note, don't be afraid to make florist bows. They are much simpler than you would think. All you do is start with a tail and make and initial loop. It's better to leave the tail longer because you can always cut it. Continue making loops on one side and then the other, while pinching the center together. When you are done take the tail and tie it in a knot. Fluff and hot glue the bow in the center and you are good to go.

I wanted to keep the wreath simple and natural looking. I left the acorns off and used them as a vase filler. I know that wreaths can sometimes be overwhelming, but when you make your own you don't have to worry about seeing it on someone else's door. Beside by premade wreaths can be expensive. I usually go for ones that end up being about $75 and up so I figured I should try to make my own. Stay tuned for my other fall decoration projects. If you need any advice on your wreath or are looking for someone to make a custom one for you, please let me know ad I would be more than happy to help!