Burlap Wreath

A friend of mine saw a burlap wreath at a local shop
 and asked me if I could make one for her.

So I looked up burlap wreaths on Pinterest
 and found a few different ones to choose from.

It was a very easy project. The hardest part was locating the supplies. Everywhere I looked was sold out on the type of wreath frame I needed, even on line! 

I finally found some at Hobby Lobby.

The other thing I needed was 10-12 yards of 4" burlap ribbon.

 I ended up finding that on line also, at Amazon, and buying it in bulk!

The directions were a little vague, but I just started playing with it.

Starting with one end of the ribbon, make a small loop 


  and push up it between the inner and middle ring of the wreath form.

Then just continue to do this all the way around,
working the burlap in between all the rings.

Push the loops together tightly and squeeze them in,
 because this will help them stay in place, besides giving it a really full look!

When you get to the end, cut the ribbon and tuck the end into the loops in the back.

 I used red burlap ribbon for the bow, but you can use any color or type of ribbon
 and have a spring, summer or fall wreath, as well.

New Year's House Project Resolutions

As I was packing up Christmas this year, I was also looking around and noticing all of the projects we were able to complete this year, as well as the things not yet finished.

Two things I hope to complete right away (since I have all the materials) are 

the kitchen island

and wing chair slipcover.

Next on the list is the family room ceiling. It's almost done, just needs the beams.

A light fixture for the kitchen is a must, since we took out the old broken one!

 (I have been wanting to try making a light, so maybe this is my opportunity)

There are numerous other projects to be started,including
a complete reorganization of the garage, remodel a bathroom and get started on the backyard,
 but let's just start with these!

What are your New Year's Decorating/House Project Resolutions?

Burlap Pillow

I found this cute pillow on Pinterest a few days ago, and within hours, there were dozens of repins. 

 http://www.thegoldensycamore.com/2012/08/embellished-burlap-pillow-tutorial.html

In a few days, there were 150!

That's when I decided I needed to make this pillow!

It looked pretty easy.

Using white felt, I cut out some petal shapes, just cut them freehand, some bigger, some small,

 a circle, about 4" and 5 more a little smaller.

Then I got out the little glue gun and began gluing the petals around the large circle,

 overlapping as I went.

To make the inside petals, fold a small circle in half, in half again, then once more.

Cut off the tip and glue to the middle of the circle.

Continue with 4 or 5 more.

Then use some of the smaller petals to fill in the space 

between the middle petals and the outside ring.

 The pillow itself is simple burlap. I cut a 15" square of burlap,
pinned ribbon 5" from the top, and sewed it on.

Because the burlap is open weave, I cut 2 pieces of muslin
 and sewed all 3 together, leaving one side open.

I put the stuffing between the 2 pieces of muslin and sewed up the opening,
being sure to get all 3 fabrics.

Last, hand sew the flower to the pillow.
 (this can be done before sewing all the pieces together if you prefer)

Christmas! Final Phase

Finally! I am in the home stretch with Christmas decorating!

The dining room is between the living and family rooms, so it serves as a more neutral zone

between a dominantly red living room and blue family room.

I try to remember that when decorating for a particular season, as well.

I really wanted to use this red and white quilt on the table,

 but I covered it with a square, white table cover to tone down the red. 

This goose came from Lancaster County many years ago and all he needs is a red and green ribbon.

On the Welsh dresser behind the table, I wanted to do something a little different.

I started with a giant pear and this wreath I just love, sitting on a cake stand.

I put a few more pears on the shelves, and it gave me an idea.

I added 2 "turtle doves" to one shelf,

 then opened a 12 Days of Christmas pop-up book to the 5 Golden Rings page.

I am going to try to add more 12 Days of Christmas items whenever I can find any.

I added garland and paper angels to the light.

Around the house, I added some greenery and miscellaneous decorations:

That's it, I'm done!

Family Recipes: Avacado Egg Salad

When I first saw this recipe, over 25 years ago, I wasn't sure I would like it.

Avocado and eggs?

But I needed a Christmas appetizer and the picture with the recipe showed it 

served in little cherry tomatoes, and it looked really cute!

So I tried it.

It has become one of my most requested recipes!

Here's basically what you need:

Avocados, eggs, cherry tomatoes.

Chop 3 hard boiled eggs.

Smash 2 avocados in a bowl.

Mix the egg with the avocado, add garlic salt, Italian spices, chopped green onion,

1 Tbsp mayonnaise and 2 tsp lemon juice.

To serve in cherry tomatoes, cut off the top of the tomato, scoop out the inside

(using a quarter teaspoon works best) and scoop in the avacado mixture.

It is delicious as a dip or spread on crackers.

I have also served it as a wrap or sandwich, just add lettuce and tomato!

Christmas! Phase 2

Phase 2 of Christmas decorating focused on the family room.

Because it is a blue and white room, I don't like to put too much red into it, 

since red is such a strong color.

If you noticed, in the living room, I used a lot of the traditional red and green,
 but the dominant color in that room is red.

Here I tried to use a lot of white, some blue and green, and just bits of red.

These candles were actually my 4-year old grandson's idea. 

He was helping me get things out while I was making a new banner using
 sheet music,and he took some of the leftover music and began
 wrapping it around some candles. I loved it!

I also love this little quilt, and even though it isn't really a Christmas quilt,

it works because of the theme and the colors work in this room.

Above the window, I hung a little painted stocking-hanger I made back in the '80s.

The wreath is wrapped with white burlap, so trendy this year!

This little corner of the room got the snowmen and snowglobe, 

and I added greenery and silver ornaments to the blue bowl.

I wanted something on this side of the room, but because it is already so busy,

I didn't want too much. I settled for a garland with pinecones and a birdhouse.

This little table just got a white Santa and Joy sign on the birdhouse.

 Here's Santa in closeup. He's been around since the '90s.

A small nativity,

 some carolers,

and of course, jingle bells.