Re-purposing for Fall

My sweetie and I decided it was time for a new look in our home, so while he is away for a few days, I'm going out on a limb and doing a makeover! Have I ever told you how much I love to decorate? I can't believe I've gone this long without touching anything. I started scouring antique malls/stores and even went shopping in our house. A lot of the stuff I already had, but it was just not in the right place, or needed some sprucing up. I'm so happy with how things are coming along. Since summer is coming to an end, I wanted something that would transition nicely into Fall, my favorite time of year. I'm coming up with sort of a 'bohemian chic', but more chic than bohemian (term borrowed from my nephew's friend). I love paint and more natural fibers and woods. Most all of it can stay year round if I wanted, but I'm thinking I'm going to change things up a bit more often, since I'm having so much fun with it! My inspiration is coming from a good friend of my nephew, who is an interior designer. Molly is currently living in Europe with her husband, and is lucky to have access to some of the coolest things!!! Oh, and she is also an awesome photographer!

I thought I would share some snippets of what I've done so far, and maybe you will be inspired to get out those Fall decorations and have some fun! Grab a cup of coffee or a beverage, and I hope you'll enjoy!

I already had the vase (see? shopping in my house and garage), books (the smaller one on top is my poetry reader from grade school in Alabama), and the little scarecrow figurine. You don't have to spend a fortune if you just take a look around at what you already have and re purpose it. I spent about $30. on some new flowers and pumpkin picks at Hobby Lobby, and anyone can do this arrangement. I learned a bit of floral design from working at a florist many years ago, but there are many tutorials out there if you'd like to do one of your own. I'm quite pleased with how this turned out!

Here it is on the mantel. The mirror was an old window that you can get at a flea market or antique store, and I wouldn't pay over $25. for it. This one already had the mirror in it though, so I paid $50. for it. I just love how the original paint has chipped off! A little hard to see in this photo, but you get the idea. Re purposed! I already had the two silver candle holders, the clock in the middle, and the small bottle to the right of it, which is my Lamp Bergere (you can google it). I paid $6. for the other burgundy bottle and $ 4. for the starfish. So, under $100. for a completely new look for us...not too shabby!! Oh, the other old window on the hearth, the crocheted throw hanging from it, and the two picture frames, I also already owned. I purchased that old window at a flea market a few years ago when I was living in Kentucky for a mere $12. How could I resist that!?!? The crocheted cloth which I have actually used as a tablecloth was crocheted by a friend many many years ago who was from Taiwan. She insisted I have it and it's beautiful. It's all size 20 crochet thread and is amazing! The picture frames I bought a couple of years ago at an antique mall and had intentions of using them for something...just wasn't sure what at the time. Now I'm thinking maybe some chalkboards in the kitchen?

 



I will leave you with one other idea before I go today...I'll be back with more of what I've done another day.

 

Remember how I said I'm really digging the natural fibers and woods right now? Molly has a wreath like this, and even though she did hers a bit differently, I'm achieving the same effect. Hers is actually a bit more rustic as her burlap was fraying, which makes it quite messy....and itchy! I found this burlap ribbon with wired edges, and the wreath frame at Hobby Lobby. This wreath is costing me around $10-$15. to make, depending on how full I want it. Molly took a wire clothes hanger and formed it into a circle, leaving a sort of loop on one end to fasten it when she was done threading her burlap ribbon onto it. I wanted a bit bigger wreath, so I went with at least an 18" (there was no tag indicating size) form. Molly then began 'threading' her ribbon onto the wire staying in the middle of the ribbon and bunching it up. When she finished, she hung it from an old shutter (with chipped paint!), and it's adorable! I'm 'threading' my burlap ribbon (which is a 3"wide ribbon) in an in and out weaving of the wires on the form, and squishing it up. Even though it's a bit more time consuming than Molly's, it's worth it. I am loving it so much, and can't hardly wait to hang mine! I'll post photos when I do....

Well, I hope this inspired you a bit to get your Fall groove on and dig out those pumpkins and don't forget to toss in some of those delicious scented candles for some ambiance!!!

Until next time...stay well and be happy!