Autumn Mantle

A couple of weeks ago, inspired by the changing colors outside, I painted a new painting for the mantle:

I dug out my orange velvet pillows out of storage, and, instant coziness! (I'm noticing that these lanterns need to be adjusted.) 

Now, I'm thinking of the Winter look, so I'll probably change it up again soon. :)

Have a great weekend!

Before and After-The Built In Bookcases

Several weeks ago, I showed a before and after of my fireplace wall, and the moulding I painted that was on the brick. I was contemplating painting all my built-ins on this wall, but I was afraid of painting over all the wood and lowering our property value. The wood was just oak, but you know how some are about wood. :)

Well, after staring at it for too long imagining how it would look, I went ahead and painted the built-ins. Here is a picture of the built-ins in April of 2009:

Then in the Fall of 2010:

Fall of 2011:

Now, with the built-ins painted:

And because I always love a wider room shot even if it doesn't look as good as the closer view:

I am still tweaking the mantle and the shelves for Christmas. I have to say I have absolutely no regrets over painting the wood. I love the new look, and visually, it really opens up the room!

Thanks for visiting. I will post some more Christmas decor in the next few weeks, but for now, I really need to do a little Christmas shopping. See you next week!

Linking with Miss Mustard Seed & Between Naps on the Porch

The Fall Mantle and Other Fall Touches

Hello All! I just wanted to share some seasonal decor changes in the home.

As most you all know, being an artist, I am always revolving my artwork on the mantle. Here is the latest of my blossoms series with the colors of orangey, persimmon, pumpkin, and coral. (Are there any other orangey color descriptions? :) I added my dried Chinese Lantern plant I saved from last year. I've also added my old books on the built-ins.(most are Reader's Digests with the colorful binding)

Here was the mantle in the spring/summer. Another painting in my blossoms series. That painting is really off-center!

Remember this pillow I made that I showed you in a previous post?

Here below is another Fall pillow. This was a simple pillow to make. It is 2 Crate and Barrel placemats that I sewed together, with a zipper at the end. The placemats were purchased several years ago, with the intention of making them into the pillows. Why did I wait so long to do this? It literally took 10 minutes.

I put some of my "warmer-colored" photographic work into my photo art wall. (I will be selling these soon in my shop.)

In the entry, I added some of my cut crabapple branches from the yard, and added the lamp, the candles, and photos of the children when they were younger.

I will buy some pumpkins soon, to complete the Autumnal feel in the home.

What about you? What are you working on?

By the way, I'm linking this post to the Nester's Fall Mantle Party. Thanks for visiting - I'm going to check out some more mantles at the Nester!

Pillow Love

I adore these pillows! Ness Lockyer of Marley and Lockyer, made them. The designs replicate those of the grain sack fabrics of yesteryear that are so popular these days. I think they are both simple and elegant! The Oat Sack pillow above is one of her latest designs.

How cute is this Eye Chart pillow?

For a splash of color:
Now, how to choose one for my newly painted bedroom? Visit Ness at her Etsy site to view more of her special pillows.

Twigs Interiors

I get so giddy thinking about Christmas decor! I love visiting my favorite shops to see how they are decorated, and pick up an item or two. One of my favorite shops is Twigs in Centennial Colorado. The "rooms" are beautiful, and their realistic florals are absolutely gorgeous.