Furniture Feet Pumpkins.....?

Yesterday I shared my fall mantel here on the blog with a little teaser that I had a confession to make.

I've said in the past that nothing in my house is that valuable; therefore nothing is really sacred.  So, when I noticed that the feet of the ottoman I am currently reupholstering would make great pumpkins - well, off they came.

They are just perfect with these candlesticks.  I get bored decorating with candles, so these feet made me happy - and they gave Edward a good laugh when he realized what they were.

Luckily, I had a spare set of feet in the garage, so the poor ottoman can still stand tall.  Don't you just love them as pumpkins, though?  They're such a great color.

Fall Mantel

Yesterday, I shared how I'm trying to simplify my decorating as the seasons change.  I don't want to spend days decorating for a particular season, because there are so many other things I want to do instead.

Except for the mantel! 

This is my fun space.  

My let's-get-creative-and-do-something-totally-new space.

My favorite thing in the world with decorating is to take something that is totally junk, and make it at home with lovely, pleasant little things.  

(I have some rusty furniture springs I really, really wanted to incorporate - but they just weren't working.....at least not yet.)

Our home is pretty formal by nature, but we are not.  I guess adding a little junk is my way of not taking this house, or decorating, or myself too seriously.

I can't say my dear husband is as enthusiastic about the cast-offs as I am, but it has become a source of intrigue and humor for him.

I bought this picture for the frame, but the painting is so perfect  for this time of year.  Isn't it pretty?

In the 2nd picture above if you look at the bottom of the large frame, it is damaged and most of the ornamentation is missing.  However, it is quite old - and I love its character!

I have a crazy little confession about this vignette.  If you come back tomorrow, I'll tell you what it is!

Summer Sea Decor - Shopping My Home

If you saw my post yesterday here, 

I shared my mantel made up sea worthy items.

I thought I'd share a few more -

An interesting frame from Goodwill - changed up a bit

Shells glued around an old mirror - 

kind of looks like shark teeth!

An old book from a library book sale

A piece of ratty, old rope wrapped around a candle

Various sea shells and a glass Christmas bulb
 that reminded me of a float

A broken lantern that I added a recycled

bacon bits jar and filled with shells

I think decorating with found items is my favorite!

Thanks for stopping by the Tub!

Ellie

Seaside Summer Mantel

Central Oklahoma is not near an ocean.......

But I wish it was,

for that is a place I truly enjoy.

My boys walking on the beach at Galveston, TX

For now, 

I shall be content to scatter seashells over my belongings

and imagine I can smell the sea breezes.

  

Maybe next summer, sigh.....

Thanks for stopping by the Tub,

 Ellie

Pillows Made From Recycled Sweaters

I know this is nothing new, I just thought I would show you mine.

 

Oh, I love not throwing perfectly good things away.

This taupe sweater (below) was not tall enough, so I used 

pieces of the sleeve to stitch across the top. 

Lavender Tub Tips:  Make the pillows to fit tight since they have a lot of stretch.  This doesn't mean to stretch them out, but you might make a test pillow first to give you an idea how loose or tight it will fit before you cut several at once.

Also, when stitching the bottom opening closed, do a fairly loose hand stitch.  I stitched my first nice and tight like I normally would, but popped the stitches when I tugged on them to shape the pillow.

If you have a serger definitely use it.  

The pillows pieced together like a dream using my serger.

Thanks for stopping by the Tub!

Ellie

Come Quickly Spring Mantel

I know it won't be long before it is blazin' hot here in OK, but the weather report is predicting yet another ice/snow storm tonight.  Well......this is about to be me!

 In hopes that spring really is right around the corner, I went ahead and put a few things in place, so it would feel nice and Welcome.

While this is want right now.........

All through the long winter, I dream of my garden.
On the first day of spring, I dig my fingers
deep into the soft earth.  I can feel its energy,
and my spirits soar.
Helen Hayes 

And this what I must face........

In the Spring, I have counted 136 different

kinds of weather inside of 24 hours.

Mark Twain

 

There is much joy in the anticipation.

Thanks for stopping by the Tub!

Ellie

Silhouette - Spring & Burlap

I'm working on my mantel, trying to bring some spring to these parts.  I've had my "Let It Snow" (see it here) banner up and decided I really don't mean that anymore - something has to be done to shoo this cold out of here!

I downloaded this split monogram "S" and then added the word "SPRING" to it.

Since I couldn't find a paper I liked to cut it from, I used a dark brown.  It had to have a kind of "mossy" look, so I spray painted it a blotchy green and stamped it with different color green inks.

I hope you'll come back to see the rest of mantel in a few days!

I feel renewed already.

Thanks for stopping by the Tub.

Ellie

Winter Mantle

Spray an old window rescued from a curb with frost

 Cut out a banner/snowflakes with your cutting machine

 Glitter up the snowflakes

Add some mercury glass and Christmas balls

Dress it up with beads, crystals, willow branches

tuck some lights behind the window

and finish with some really cute kids!

What could be prettier?

Love ya,

Ellie

1929 Prairie Home - Living Room Reveal

Happy Thanksgiving, Lavendears!!!

We have had an amazing Thanksgiving - 

I hope you have as well.

After eating lots of everything, 

I decided to just sit for a while and edit pictures 

of our Living Room to share with you today.  

Everything is all ready, 

so come on in and make yourself at home.  

I hope you enjoy our little tour.

 This 24' x 15' room has solid oak flooring 

 framed with wide mahogany baseboards.

The ceiling is also framed with 

solid mahogany crown molding.

With 9.5 foot ceilings and large windows, 

this room is beautifully lit by warm, lovely, natural light.

An original  1920's Batchelder tile fireplace 

visible from the front door makes a classy 

statement for the entire house.  

I think it is my very favorite feature.

To learn more about Batchelder, check

out my post, here. 

We have classic "built-ins" all throughout the house.

This bookshelf features original mahogany shelves and trim.

 This is the view from one of our sofas.

 The tile displays such an array of gorgeous color.

Isn't this detail magnificent?

Our family has spent so many hours watching movies, homeschooling, playing music, building legos, and 

snuggling in this room.  I will miss it so.

Thanks for stopping by our Living Room today.  

We have loved having you here!

Ellie

Parties I Will Be Linking To:

Sunday - The Sunday Showcase Party at Under The Table and Dreaming, DIY Project Parade at The DIY Showoff   

Monday - Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch

Tuesday - Show Me What Ya Got at Not Just a Housewife,  

Wednesday - Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style, 

Thursday - Open House Party at No Minimalist Here,   Catch As Catch Can at My Repurposed Life

Friday - Furniture Feature Friday at Miss Mustard Seed, Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage, Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home, Weekend Wrap up Party at Tatertots and Jello