Autumn Subway Canvas

When it comes to seasonal decor, I tend to stick to Winter/Christmas. And by “stick to” I mean Make It Look Like Santa’s Workshop / A Wintery Wonderland Exploded In My House. I. Love. Christmas Decor.

But, I have to admit that I’ve recently had a hankering for some Fall-inspired touches around the house. In the past, I think I’ve been turned off by the predominantly brownish color palette of Fall decor, but with the recent metallics trend… now that’s a seasonal bandwagon I can get on! Whoo! Whoo! (wait, sorry, that’s a train sound. What sound does a bandwagon make?)

Anywho, I came across this seasonal Subway art on Pinterest…

from Antsi-Pants blog

and decided this was totally something I could decorate around. She’s even got glittery pumpkins right next to it! Yessss!

This is actually a printable that can be downloaded (for free!), but I had a Craft Itch that needed to be scratched. I decided with some paint and scrapbooking accessories, this could easily become a personalized piece. So I made a trip to Michael’s, picked up some supplies, and got to work!

I picked up an 11″ x 14″ canvas and figured I’d need at least eight words/phrases to cover it. I made a list of all of the Autumn-related words I could think of, then narrowed down to the ones that best represent what I love about the season.

I wanted a variety of fonts, so I purchased stencils and 3D sticker letters. I also decided to free-hand some of the words, which I saved for last so that I could fill in remaining spaces as needed. I started with the stencils, tracing them lightly with a pencil.

Then I added the 3D sticker letters, free-handed in the remaining spaces, and added a few “accessories” in the form of the sunflower, pumpkin and leaf stickers. Just to add some extra pizzazz!

I’m surprisingly pleased with how it turned out! And how relatively easy it was to do! A little bit more time consuming (took me about 2-2.5 hours from start to finish), but fun and worth it.
I already have plans for a Christmas one 😉

It hasn’t found a permanent home yet, but I have a few other Fall ideas in my mind that I’m hoping to pull together this weekend!

Where do you stand on seasonal decor?

Update: found this fun Fall Decorating Link Party from The Lettered Cottage! Check out all of the other bloggers’ awesome fall decor ideas!

The Lettered Cottage

Weekly Wishlist: Watercolor Art by Jessica Durrant

I’ve been spending a lot of time recently on Etsy, searching for a few special prints to include in our family room gallery wall. In my hunt, I came across artist Jessica Durrant, and her gorgeous watercolors.

My absolute favorites are her “Wanderlust Inspired” travel illustrations. I just think they are incredible – the colors, the subject matter, and the beautiful drips and smudges that just accent the hand-done quality of her work.

I did inquire about having a custom watercolor done of the Cincinnati Skyline, but it was a bit more than I want to spend on this project. Maybe in the future… for a special occasion or gift…

See all of Jessica’s beautiful prints in her shop.

Coaster Crafting

I have a fun little DIY to share today! This project requires just a few supplies and is relatively quick to assemble, once you have everything laid out.

I originally found this craft on Pinterest last year (this original link is broken; you can find similar instructions here), and had wanted to make them for Christmas gifts. But time got away from me. I dug it out last week over the Labor Day holiday weekend, when my friend Katie and I decided to have a Girl’s Night In and craft (maybe I’m just getting older, but this is really an ideal way to spend a Friday night, haha!)

Supplies:

– 4×4-inch ceramic tiles (mine were leftovers from the kitchen backsplash in our previous home)

– Mod Podge

– Foam brushes

– Clear acrylic spray sealer

– Scrapbooking paper (could also use wrapping paper, wall paper scraps, greeting cards… whatever floats your boat!)

– Sticky-back felt or felt furniture pads

Directions:

Cut paper(s) into 4×4-inch squares; or trace your tile onto the paper for a more accurate measurement. Apply a layer of Mod Podge to the tile, then lay a paper square on top and smooth it over. At this point, I flipped the tile over and trimmed off any excess paper. Once trimmed, apply another layer of Mod Podge over the paper. Let dry. Once dry, spray tiles with the clear acrylic sealer according to sealer instructions. Add felt pads to the bottom, and voila! You have a new set of coasters to keep or gift!

Bonus idea: Gift them with a mason jar of home-made hot cocoa or chai tea mix. Yum!

I got too caught up in wine and girl talk to remember to take pictures of the “During” process (sorry!). But here are some “glamour shots” of the “After”:

A Little Light Reading

Came home from work the other day to find the Restoration Hardware Fall 2012 catalogue in my mailbox! I never requested one, so it was a happy surprise indeed. Some of their pieces aren’t my style, but some of them, including their 1920s Odeon Glass Fringe Chandeliers, are just incredible. I could easily spend the entire weekend poring through this tome of home furnishings!

I am an Austen fanatic. I have at least 3 copies apiece of Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility. Rereading these novels is like visiting with old friends.

Have a wonderful weekend! Do you have any new or favorite reads that you’re planning to curl up with?

(You can follow me on Instagram @ONUwriter06)

Weekly Wishlist: Mirrored Chests

This week finds me wide-eyed over some absolutely stunning mirrored chests. I think a piece of mirrored furniture adds instant elegance and interest to a room. An immediate conversation piece with loads of class.

If you’re apprehensive of taking such a glitzy leap, start small with an accent table. Me? I’d go straight for a giant chest of drawers! These three selections were found via Horchow. You can find even more options (including console tables, accent tables, and mirrored mirrors) on my Pinterest board here.

The wood detail on this is so beautiful, this chest only needs simple accessories to set it apart in any room – a simple vase of flowers or a favorite piece of art leaned against a wall. That way you’d get all colors reflecting on the top!

This is such a stylish, elegant chest. I love the shape, how the drawers are staggered to give it depth. And legs looks like prisms!

This one literally took my breath away! The detail is incredible. The website description states that it is covered in 240 individually beveled mirrors in a basketweave pattern. In-cre-di-ble. And of course, I love the name 😉

 

Want to try to DIY your own mirrored furniture? Check out how Kristin of Bliss created her own mirrored pedestal table!

What’s on your wishlist this week?