Four For The Fourth

Here's four simple ideas to decorate for the Fourth of July.

DISPLAY IT!

Nothing shows your patriotism more than displaying the American flag.
So hang it in a window.Drill one hole, or more, in a finial and stick in a flag.Place a bunch of flags in a vase or urn.

FRAME IT!

A simple idea---put a flag in a frame.Frame a flag in an old window.

GROUP IT!

Display your patriotic collections in a group for more visual punch.
Like these Uncle Samsor these barn stars.

DECLARE IT!

Find yourself a piece of wood, some paint and a brush (or scrapbook paper and vinyl) and paint a flagor a word.

Susan's Surprise

I recently worked with Susan rearranging and styling her home. On my second visit I asked her to bring out all of her decorations and accessories that she had stored away but that she wanted to find a place for in her home.

I love this part of my job!

To me it feels like Christmas morning with new toys for
play and imagination.

One of the items that appeared from her box was this
decorative iron piece. I immediately saw it's possibilities!
I told Susan the items she needed to purchase,
then she gave me the opportunity of pulling it all together.

First I cut a piece of cardboard to size then
I adhered floral foam using hot glue. Next I dressed the foam with plenty of moss
and slipped the entire thing into the metal piece. Then came the real fun!

I started with the fillers,
a beautiful backstage of greenery.

Next I placed the florals,
pretty poppies in red and yellow.

I attached a metal wire to the back for easy hanging.

Now Susan has a beautiful arrangement
to hang on her door or in her home,
made from an item that she had stored away.

Do you have something hidden away
that with a little transformation would become
a beautiful accessory?

Light Delight

My love affair with lighting
can be found throughout my home.

There is my newest in the bookcase.One candle-type light in a little vignette
atop a suitcase stack (another love).Lights are
tucked inside the crown moulding
above the front doorand living room windows.A small strand of Christmas lights is
nestled behind the frames
on the mantle creating a pretty glow.The firebox is lit with Christmas twinkle lights
snuggled amongst faux candlelight.The main bathroom is always illuminated
with a small silicone candle bulb.The kitchen windowsill now hosts a small lamp,
perfect for radiating just enough light for small tasks.
Are you
delighted by lights too?

Eggstra Special Centerpiece

This little egg basket
almost didn't make the cut this year in my Easter decorating. I was about to toss it back in the bin when I had an idea.
I decided to think inside the box.
I crammed it inside a vintage suitcase,
clipped off the painted criss-cross branches
and surrounded it with moss. I thought it would be fun to place a couple of chicks,
appearing to be newly hatched from their nest. Add in a tulip, another sure sign of spring.Of course it needed a little sparkle to prevent the whole mix
from looking like it was transported from an antique store.
Silver candlesticks and a tray would do the trick,
completed with cream colored candles.And within seconds I had
an egg-stra special centerpiece
anchored by an item that I almost chose not to use.Do you want to copy this idea
but you don't have the same ingredients?

Modify it!

*Try crumbling up newspaper or plastic bags as a filler in the bottom of the suitcase. Then add moss and plastic eggs.
*If you don't have a vintage suitcase, try a basket, lunchbox, bowl, urn, pail, or even a cake stand. Any container will do.
*Substitute a bunny. Or simply scatter a few more eggs around the base.
*You don't have silver candlesticks? Any candlestick will work.
*If you don't like using candles in your decor, try topping the candlesticks with small nests or an egg with a little moss tucked underneath.

If you can dream it,
you can create it!

A Light Transformation

A few months back my heart skipped a beat when I found this gorgeous chandelier for ten dollars at the thrift store. It looks right at home in our foyer.There was just one problem with updating the foyer light.
The dining room light now looked a little tired and dated. I love the fixture itself and knew that with just a little transformation it could look fresh and new.
These socket covers can be found where light fixtures are sold. I am drawn to the warm color and the details that resemble a burning candle. I've used them before on our master bedroom chandelier. It's a simple fix. Simply pull off the old socket cover and replace it with the new---but first measure the length of the existing covers to be sure they'll fit.
The new covers and some pretty crystal (that are actually Christmas ornaments) are all this chandelier needed to give it new life.

The Process

I truly enjoyed your comments on yesterdays post! You made me laugh, and you motivated me to keep cleaning. You are awesome. Thank you! I would show you the finished closet. . .if it were finished. I only cleaned my side. Hubby's side still is a crazy mess. Which brings me to question, am I the only wife who's husband owns at least twice as many clothes and about five times as many shoes as she does?!?!
Since I won't show you our closet, I thought I'd at least include you in the process I go through while trying to change up an area that's a bit more visible in our home.
Not too long ago I showed you the top of the vintage dresser that sits in my living room. Even though I am a gal who loves her layers, I'm ready to lighten things up a bit.I start the process by removing almost everything, keeping only a few items that I love and I'm not tired of. Then I think about the feeling that I want to have when I see this area. Right now I would enjoy light colors with a tiny hint of spring. Although I'm not ready for nests, eggs, and frilly flowers. Those can wait a month or two.
I grab a few things that are close by to see if a small change is all I need.Nope, I'm craving a little more. It's time to search in the storage room! I noticed beautiful orchids in the store the other day so when I discovered three faux orchids in my basement (yes, I do tend to forget what I have down there) I knew I was on the right track. I added the big book for layers but when I stood back to take it all in, it still seemed a bit too heavy visually.I love the lighter look of the silver tray and the way it contains the orchids so they have more importance. You know I can't stop there though.I added these elegant candle holders for height. It's almost there, but do you see what's wrong? The balance is off. I make a few minor adjustments so it isn't lopsided. Then add the small decorative ball and a ceiling tin replica to incorporate yet another layer and a few more touches of green.

Now, it's perfect!