Farewell, October



The Tradition Continues

My fingers on my right hand are very tired after using a tiny saw to carve this
year's jack-o'-lantern. Cutting the tiny parts to the spooky house and tree was not easy due to the thickness of the pumpkin. But once the candle was lit to see the result, I was happy.  

  
I rubbed some petroleum jelly around the cut edges as recommended to keep the carved pumpkin looking fresh longer. 

Plain to Glamorous

I have a notebook where I keep seasonal ideas and pictures from magazines.
Thus the notebook is divided into four sections for the four seasons. One of the easiest and best suggestions came from an article "Crafts for your Party."

Take a plastic orange pumpkin.

Paint it with a gold metallic washable acrylic.

Ready to fill with candy or use as a decoration. 

I have selected the design for this year's jack-0'-lantern. Sure hope it turns out. Before I go a few outdoor pictures here at home.

 

 

Have a happy and productive weekend.  I'll be carving. Will you?

Decorating for Halloween

Seasonal favorites came out of the closet.

I sat the glittery owl with the pumpkin on top of a stack of colorful books. 

 

 Trick or Treat sign is back on the hall tree. 

 

This little owl is new from Marshall's. 

  

This cute pumpkin is also new. It's a handmade gift from my friend Mary.

Love the twig stem! 

Can't believe Halloween is only days away.

Are you ready?  

Like the Look

After seeing Mamie Jane's(http://mamiejanes.blogspot.com) recent post about the look you get from removing book covers, I decided to try it. I used a few old college books and saved their covers for future projects. I really was pleased with the worn look. 

  

Addicted

I think I now have an addiction to inexpensive forgotten treasures. These finds usually turn up at antique malls, thrift stores, Goodwill, Salvation Army, and yard sales.

The little standing lamb was too sweet to leave behind. With three lambs I have the start of a collection. Actually I think I have a few more packed away with Christmas boxes. 

This dark wood plate I debated about in my mind, but the quote by Helen Keller was the deciding factor. Also liked the tree and bench in the scene.

What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love becomes a part of us. - Helen Keller 

The horse clock continues to run, and I am getting used to it on the wall.

These two prints I have had since the  1970's. I never tire of the storefront or the bookstore.

I am reading a good book that I don't want to end. It's a story of enduring friendship. 

I have another Kristin Hannah book to read after this one. I'm also pouring over the pages inside this Country Living decorating book.  

Autumn days are meant to be enjoyed so let's you and I remember to take the time to savor the sights, smells, and activities of fall.    

Loose Ends

These Halloween tags were easy and fun to make, thanks to Keri at http://shakentogether.blogspot.com/.

The Happy Fall garland sold at the booth last week so I took this one and draped it out across one of the bookcases. If it doesn't sell I will bring it back home for Halloween night.

A few days ago I told you about an unusual purchase for five dollars. Well, here is that something -

The crackled finish is what I liked best about this clock. And with a fresh battery it works! 

Little Things

One of my favorite places to browse is the Goodwill store in my area. I stroll along the home decor aisles in search of tiny treasures.


I found these small objects and decided to put them together on a desk in the guest bedroom. 

• pottery jar
• brass butterfly clip                                             
• small brass tray                                             

I want to add more pens and pencils to the jar, but they will cost more than the two dollars I spent on three object arrangement. 

"find beauty in the small"

I admired this bird ornament, especially the five words.

My sweet daughter-in-law secretly bought it for me.

Thanks, Pennee, for surprising me by slipping the ornament into my store bag once we were back at the apartment.

This was the California shop that delighted Pennee and me with its array of decorative pieces. Paperweights, magnets, bookmarks, plaques, statues, and ornaments by Kelly Rae Roberts grabbed our attention.  

I chose this hanging butterfly for its colors and important word on the wing.

The phrases on this plaque drew me to this artistic piece.

She now resides in my studio and so does the butterfly on the chain.