Purple . . . for Autumn??

Posted on October 24, 2018 by Cheryl @ Artzzle

Each week things improve and recently a bit of ambition struck. I decided to paint my dining room area. It’s an open space between the living and family rooms. There are two smaller walls and one large, and so far the large, accent wall and one small area are done.

Hubs was a wonderful assistant and made things easier. Odd as it may sound, the most difficult part of the project was deciding what color to choose. In fourteen years, these walls have gone from the builder beige, to a deep taupe, a warm burgundy, a deep blue/green and most recent, a deep, warm brown, seen below.

Lighting gives photos glare, but you can see the brown. The print is something my husband and I picked out for that wall when we first moved in to this home. He is very patient with all of my changing and rearranging, but the one and only time I moved the print to a different room . . . well let’s just say, he nicely ~~requested~~ made it clear he wanted it to stay where it had been. And I’ve been fine with that.

Adjusting to all the recent changes in our lives, I just needed a new look, something brighter to get me through the coming winter. New colors were narrowed down to a mustard gold, or a blue tone from the water at the right of the print. I’m not much of a blue gal, but all the gold samples seemed too harsh and we jokingly referred to them as looking like baby poop 😀 . And I DID want a big change.

We brought home several samples and are very pleased with the results of our choice. I don’t think I could have gotten any closer to the purplish blue of the print’s water. It also works very well with the lamps in the adjoining family room. Bringing in blues, glass items and adding plants, it was easy to pull the two spaces together.

And of course, when you change one thing, there are always others that pop up. The table cover and the chair seat covers were very (normal) Fall colors, with oranges, beiges and deep burgandy. At the moment, we’re using mismatched chairs and covers.

While healing, I’ve also been slowly chipping away at reorganizing my studio/office, and rounded up all my fabric samples. While it isn’t perfect, I did have a large sample of a modern paisley print in many shades of blues, a light off-white and a touch of two shades of green. It looks bright and fresh, so I covered my chair seats.

Oh, nice. I just noticed a touch of dark brown here and there, so that helps unite the woods in the furniture and the print frame. This time I used the same fabric on both styles of chairs.

To finish things, there is just enough fabric left to make a table runner. Until I get to that, I’m using a square scarf that plays well with everything.

Regarding the work in the office, well it’s at the “it has to get worse before it gets better” stage! I DO have all the shelves and cabinets in the closet done. Now it’s a matter of seeing what I can donate, sell or throw.

I had one wall in the office repainted, before I went into hospital. There’s one big and one small wall left to fill, sand and paint. I’m REALLY trying to cut back on furniture pieces and all my craft stuff in there.

Luckily for me, I have two neighbors who are 3rd grade teachers and I think they may like quite a few of my supplies.

A quick health update. I have two more surgeries coming up, and hopefully both can be done by end of year. I want to think of it as 2018 – the year of the knife, but hoping that 2019 is the year of a new life!

Finally, before closing, I am noticing that several people are sharing my posts on facebook, 22 the last post. That is all fine AS LONG AS YOU ARE CREDITING ME FOR MY POSTS AND PHOTOS. I ask that you please leave a comment on my posts that you share. That will mention your site as well, and give us BOTH exposure, and me, the credit due me. Thank you for your understanding.

As I’ve noticeably skipped Halloween topics this year. just go to the search window and put in Halloween, Fall, Autumn and like terms to see my many previous posts.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope to post again before Thanksgiving, but if not, enjoy your holidays. Stay safe and stay positive.

– Cheryl _

Friday the 13th! Quick, a Craft!

Posted on October 13, 2017 by Cheryl @ Artzzle

Who could waste a perfect title like that? Great time to share a quick craft with you too. It’s easy, low cost and fun to do!

All you need is

My FREE HALLOWEEN PRINTOUTS HERE (pictured above) that
Paper and/or paper lunch bags
Scissors & Glue
String (any kind – yarn, thread, fishing line)
One cup hook or large head screw
A small branch from a shrub or tree

Could this be any easier? Below are two “Done” ones

HANDOUT Bags for HALLOWEEN

See the “TO DO’s” HERE and HERE.

Find LOTS Fall projects by going up to the search bar & typing in the following words (one at a time) .

Fall and/or Autumn
EZ-PZ
Mums

That’s it for this freaky Friday 😀

Whatever you do, don’t stress out … just start!

Later – Cheryl

Have to Admit It … Fall is Here

Posted on October 1, 2015 by Cheryl @ Artzzle

Okay, okay … I’m finally willing to say … it’s Fall.

The days are shorter and even the nights are changing, with temperatures dropping down after dark. Weather has been wonderful though, allowing time to finish up outdoor “summer chores” that still sat undone.

After playing on polyvore this week, Fall finally kicked into gear for me. It was prob’ly all that gorgeous orange! Ya know how I love my oranges and browns.

So … today, we “Autumn-ed up” the place a little.

The orange vase was already in the table look, but with Summer’s tail end florals.

An easy switch here, simply using some of my spectacular seedums, a few colorful shrub branches and some rose hips from the garden.

Another quick change, was replacing the middle plate on this wall rack, from summer green to autumn burnt orange.

The hand painted plates, top and bottom, will work right up to Christmas, so they stay.

A bright lamp and one of my glass birds keeps company with more of the artisan pottery set, featured in the table arrangement … and on the coffee table.

Hubs’ favorite wildlife print has moved from over the fireplace, and now resides in the living room, along with an Edna Wolfe water color.

The blues, sands and browns in the painting, play nicely with the room’s orange, brown and aqua accents.

A large strand of silk Autumn leaves, was divided and included in several vignettes throughout the open living spaces, uniting the entire area with a continued look and theme.

Some of the leaves, a different scarf beneath and some earthy pieces now sit atop the piano. The fun, scalloped table cloth is a mainstay, featured with most every arrangement there.

Remember when we switched rooms around a while back?

Below is the newest look for the fireplace grouping, now in what was once the dining area.

The painting is one of mine … an acrylic, with subject and colors that keep the current look going.

TIP: Remember Mixing = Maximum Interest.

My group here, has a few larger pieces at varied heights; woods and metallic are combined with glass and pottery items in finishes that – to me – complement each other.

More silk leaves were brought in, and a bit more of turquoise and orange are smuggled in, with the mini vases and fresh flowers (the only blooms left in the garden).

Mom’s copper cannisters were moved from countertop to cabinet top, for some sparkle up there.

Of course, I couldn’t exclude the hutch. Ooh look at the “O” here!

Featured on a bottom half shelf is part of a cute pottery set I found at DISCOVERY THRIFT. It was love at first site, but I only wanted the creamer and sugar bowl. Wendy made me a terrific deal on the entire group; eight covered soup bowls, teapot, creamer and sugar … NEW in the box … $12.00. Had to take it!

TIP: Using only glass and china items in a hutch isn’t necessary, and may not be the best way to display.

When all is shiny and bright (especially with the mirror backing), everything just melds together and you don’t see the individual, unique pieces. Mixing and separating a few groupings, keeps the eye interested and moving to see what’s next.

Some favorite books, a metal, pinecone paperweight and the beautiful walnut mallet Hubs made, occupy the other half of that bottom hutch shelf. Oh and those cute, vintage bookends.

The front door WREATH was changed out a bit. Some of the silk maple leaves were added … but the sparkly butterfly stayed. I couldn’t part with it yet.

Recently, I purchased two indoor/outdoor rugs from BALLARD DESIGNS during one of their great sales. One is for the entry area right by our front door and the other, a runner for our bathroom (I refuse to use those shaggy toilet rugs!)

As we have no actual foyer, I cover the builder’s vinyl with a nice rug (here, my Ballard Sale rug) and have a small scale chair nearby (ready for taking off those boots). For Fall, I’ve used a mid-century side chair and used orange & white chalk on my message board

Before closing, a final update. The two end-tables in the family room got identical little arrangements. I always keep these small, to allow for frequent use in the seating group.

That was my day. So, what awesome autumn decorating have you been up to?

Remember, stress less and start more. And lately, I’m trying hard to stay positive, as it helps me be productive. Maybe it’ll work for you too 🙂 Have a great weekend.

Later – Cheryl

Mum’s The Word

Posted on October 8, 2014 by Cheryl @ Artzzle

Yay, my camera is BACK! Seems it just needed to dry out.

So there’s new stuff today and MUM’s the WORD.

Chrysanthemums are everywhere in Fall. I bought four plants for $6; two mid size @ $2 ea and two smaller @ $1 each. But I didn’t plant them outside. I’m using them for some quick indoor spruce ups.

A favorite thing of mine is in-house shopping. This time I rounded up some “Fall-ish” colored scarves,

a basket, a pretty copper tray, some silk flower odd’s and ends, and fruit.

Lots and lots of fruit AND veggies. Real ones, glass and wooden F & V’s.

These make the collectibles list because

1. They’re small enough to easily store
2. Fruit and veggie themed pieces are generic and can work year round in so many displays
3. Everyone can relate; it’s a comfortable item

Now, get ready … this is a 1-2-3 DONE project.

Line the basket with plastic wrap.

Pop in two mum plants.

Stuff in your silks and berries, for interest, height and filler.

Spread scarf on table and top with tray.

Add finished basket and finally, some small items for pop and more interest.

TOLD YOU it was quick and easy.

Next I just added a small mum to existing vignettes through the house. This one also includes some rose hip berries, clipped from my garden. Plants are a wonderful, live pop of color anytime of year. Mums relate to Fall so there you go.

SUMMING UP

TIPS for working with live plants.
1. Protect your surfaces from water seepage.
2. Water frequently, especially with very small containers.

These are important for any plants, but I left my mums in their flimsy plastic pots, which dry out in two minutes, so daily checks are an absolute. I also added a little extra potting soil in some where needed. The plastic wrap basket liner, and the tray are good protection for my table.

HINT: With these little mums, if they do start to droop, remove them from your containers, set them in the sink, and gently water, letting water drain through well until the soil is good and wet. They should perk up quickly for you.

More fun soon. Hope this was helpful.

SEE, you really don’t have to stress about decorating, just do something … I keep telling you it’s easy 🙂

P.S. re: CAMERA

I had left my camera outside … yes, overnight … I know, DUH.

I put it on a shelf for a few weeks, gave it another try and seems to be fine. My daughter dropped a hint for next time though. Put your camera … or in her case, your kid’s phone, in a zip-lock bag filled with rice (uncooked of course). Zip it up and let it sit a day or two until it works again.

PLEASE leave a reply. I LOVE to hear from you. Mark to follow the comments and you’ll see my note back to you!

Later -Cheryl

EZ PZ Fall Decor for Whatever … Wednesday #3

Posted on September 30, 2014 by Cheryl @ Artzzle

EZ PZ décor projects this Wednesday. You can accomplish these with everyday items and just 15 minutes of your time – or less!

Autumn is the theme today, as we decorate a grapevine wreath.
But colors and pieces can easily be changed up closer to Halloween,
for all you tricksters out there. This is a Make-Do project for me.

Last spring a friend gave me two grapevine wreaths from a yard sale.
One was huge, the other smaller but a bit misshapen.
You know how I love things that are a little imperfect,
“whonky” if you will, so I’m using the small wreath today.

Last week I cut hips (orange berries) from my fading rose bushes, and I also found some cute mini gourds at a garage sale … 25 cents each or 5 for a dollar. My ribbon stock is slim on Fall colors, but I thought this bright metallic gold would work.

And finally, two sheets of fun patterned paper from my stash.

Which way is up? Now I had to decide how to hang the wreath. A more horizontal position worked better because of its’ “Whonky-ness”

Next the ribbon was secured, winding it through some of the branches,
with the end tab on the back side.

Then, it was easy, wrapping the ribbon around the wreath,

and gluing the two end tabs together, again on the back of the wreath.

Now I played with the berries and gourds,
deciding where I wanted to place them on the wreath.

Continuing, I pierced each gourd with the wooden skewers;

one for the smaller pieces, and two skewers for the larger, heavier piece.

After those were attached, I simply wove in stems of the rose hip berries
wherever they seemed pleasing.

You don’t have to be a florist or packaging genius to make a decent bow.

Here I chose this approach, because I didn’t have a lot of ribbon left to use. If you want a different look, just google BOW MAKING INSTRUCTIONS for oodles of other ideas.

Just follow the pictures. I used twist ties to tighten the ends.
These never hold on garbage bags but they work great for things like this!

Once secured, just play with the ribbon to fluff up the bow.
This is wired ribbon, but the process will work with most other types as well.

After attaching the bow, I wanted to add a bit more color and interest.

Shapes and little flowers in Fall colors, were cut from the paper
and attached with a dab of glue.

Voila, the finished project, hanging on the front door. The photo isn’t true to the paper cutouts colors. They’re more orange and greens. They look dark pink and tans here.

NOW REMEMBER … this is a HOW-TO post and I’m making do with what I have already at home. You may not care for these colors or materials but now you have the process down, and you’ll be using what you have available, making it personal to your style.

At the gourd garage sale, I also found tons of other fun. Like this metallic gold star. I am crazy about star shapes, and not just at Christmas. Just adding it with these glass pieces on my piano, turned out lovely, especially in the morning sunshine!

You may remember the wreath I made last Fall..

Below is the 2014 version.

You can get complete instructions here.

A couple very easy projects here, and the rag wreath for those long, cool evenings that will soon be here!

So don’t stress about it, round up your stuff and start one!
And ya know how I love hearing from you so leave a comment.
Be sure to check “follow this post” so you can receive and see my reply.

Later – Cheryl

Fun Fall & Halloween Ideas

Posted on September 22, 2014 by Cheryl @ Artzzle

Dang! The camera is still acting whonky!
What a shame too, because Autumn’s beauty is busting out everywhere.
My mailbox today is full of emails that say people are sharing many of
my Hometalk and former Artzzle posts about Fall and Halloween.

One of the favorites (mine too) seems to be my WREATH FOR ALL SEASONS.
Though time consuming, this project is so easy to make.
At present, I’m working on a “tree” version in this process,
that I’ll share closer to Christmas.

Hometalk traffic has been good as well,
on my FREE HALLOWEEN PRINTOUTS from last year …
that can be used many ways, like THIS and THESE.

You all know that I love paper & gift projects but my talents don’t include food prep …
i.e. cooking or baking. Imagine my excitement when I recently discovered THIS BLOG.
Barb Schram not only has pretty paper ideas … but look how easy her cookies are to make! And YES, I signed up to follow … so check it out!

You know my favorite decor projects are when I can use (or reuse) things I already have.
You’ll see a little of that HERE

Enough fun for today … here at least.
I’m going to close and head over to Barb’s blog to see what I can find there!

Hey, DON’T FORGET … I love reading your comments, so feel free to leave a reply 😀

Meanwhile, try not to stress over it, just start that project.

Later – Cheryl

*** This original article “Fun Fall & Halloween Ideas” appeared first on Artzzle.com. No included content or photography can be used elsewhere without specific permission and accreditation. Outside sources are marked when available.

Last Look at Summer

Posted on September 9, 2014 by Cheryl @ Artzzle

September is here
With Autumn so near
I wanted a
Last Look at Summer

Very trendy this year … Orange and Pink

Coleus are pretty too, don’t you think?

Is it red or orange … who can be sure

This lily is striking … in no way demure!

So much texture and interest in thistles like this

But a simple petunia’s beauty is hard to miss

Though a common flower, geraniums have such power

Obedient Plant … elegant simplicity

Attractive, plump seedum blooms

Are special favorites of the bee

Ornamental grasses of shiny green and white

Even a weed among blooms seems just right

Don’t know what, but it just looked fun

A final shot of a prairie plant … and I’m on the run.

If you enjoyed this post, sign up and stay,
to see what else is on the way.

Meantime, remember … Don’t stress about it, just start that project.

Later – Cheryl

*** This original article “Last Look at Summer” appeared first on Artzzle.com. No included content or photography can be used elsewhere without specific permission and accreditation. Outside sources are marked when available.

Small Changes ….

Posted on November 12, 2013 by Cheryl @ Artzzle

… can make a Big Difference.

Anyone feeling anxious or rushed yet? You know … those holiday hurries and worries that usually start about now? Before the big boys come out; those crates and boxes of lights and lovelies, try to keep calm. There are still “easy little” things you can do to spruce up a bit for Thanksgiving.

1. Add FLOWERS or a COLORFUL PLANT

Our piano is always the “elephant in the room”, but I love it, and it’s actually very easy to decorate with.

Here this nice, big plant adds brightness and draws the eye to the colors and themes in the photography wall grouping. This was a quick buy at the local Big Box store, for under $10.

TIP: BE SURE to have something under your plants to protect your fine furniture from any moisture or spillage. Mine is both in a plastic lined basket AND I have a clear plastic plate beneath the basket.

WIth the piano, a dramatic change comes with simply opening the lid (and I get a lot more “oohs and ahs” with the lid up)!

2. Swap out Wall Art

Refresh your main rooms quickly by swapping your wall art with something from a different room.

In the above photo, note that the wall display photographs have been changed. Below, both the wall art and plant are new. A larger watercolor (mine) is now paired with one of my silk floral arrangements.

3. Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

Don’t sweat it but don’t forget it either! Switch out your accessories from room to room.

Yes, Thanksgiving is still Fall, but if you’re tired of pumpkins and Halloween colors, try trading the orange lamp in the living room for the lighter one in the den. Put the pumpkins out on the front steps and bring different Autumn colors into your rooms, with glass, metals and books.

Earlier Autumn version of living room.

Quick change shot.

Credenza before …

… and after

Coffee Table before …

… Two different vignettes for Coffee Table. These are nice examples of how colorful scarves make easy accessories for decor and fashion. Nice double-duty items there, and very affordable at your favorite thrift stores. I never pay more than $2 per scarf.

A few new, colorful kitchen towels and pot holders are always an inexpensive and quick refresher. Likewise, a new bath towel set or two.

Items above were all purchased new at Wal-Mart and my area Discovery Thrift store for between $1 and $1.50 each. I began buying one or two a trip, a few weeks before the holiday season, so no big financial bite all at once.

Replace throw or accent rugs if they’re showing wear. Especially around holiday seasons, many of the major department and big box stores have fantastic sales on household items.

The end of year holiday seasons are also the “colds” season. It’s a good idea to have tissue available for guests. Buy a few pretty boxes while you’re at it. Just another simple way to add color, so why not?

Final TIP: Books are always wonderful decorating accessories. Yes, use them for their colors, but I like to display several picture books as well. People seem to enjoy having something fun to do during those “slow periods” before and after the holiday meal.

That’s it for this time. Remember my articles aren’t absolute must-dos … just suggestions and ideas to get your imagination going. I hope you’re sharing your favorite posts with friends. I’d love to have them join us too!

As always, don’t stress, just start.

Later – Cheryl
This original article “Small Changes can Make a Big Difference” appeared first on Artzzle.com.

No included content or photography can be used elsewhere without specific permission from said originators.

Fun Fall Decorating

Posted on October 9, 2013 by Cheryl @ Artzzle

Autumn is upon us, and it’s a favorite season for decorators. There are lots of inexpensive and even free accessories out there, that make it easy and fun to add a little Fall flavor to your home. And if all that comes to mind is black and orange, remember that Halloween is just a small part of the season.

Above, several collected items are grouped for a table arrangement. The artificial orange berries add some texture and Fall color. The table is covered with a shimmery leaf patterned fabric, and then a Fall colored scarf centered to ground the vignette.

Bring natural elements in. Branches of colored leaves, pumpkins, gourds and even pretty rocks. Below, the same arrangement is adjusted a bit with a vase and multi-colored branches, adding height, texture and more interest.

The grand piano is opened to display beautiful glass pieces and colored leaves.

A wooly scarf serves as a runner on the coffee table. A pretty orange plate holds a tiny pumpkin, unusual rock and and petite vase with berries. A few little books to the side balance the vignette. Toss pillows in colorful textures and patterns keep the Fall colors going.

Red twig dogwood branches below stretch from a brown glass vase, and are accompanied by a plant in a colorful container (a thrift store bargain at $0.25), a glass pumpkin and some green walnuts right off the tree.

A corner shelf unit presents an interesting collage of items in Fall subject and colors.

Note how many arrangements here work from three main pieces. Again, the magic number 3 is so helpful. Employ everyday items like scarves, books and plants. Just use your imagination and have fun with it.

Let me know if you have comments or questions. Email followers will have a Reply section at the bottom of this post. Online visitors can click the little bubble at the top right of the title to reply.

Thanks for visiting. If you enjoy Artzzle.com be sure to spread the word about us.
And try not to stress too much with any project, just have fun and start!

Later – Cheryl

Tuesday Talkin’ on Fall Decorating

Posted on September 10, 2013 by Cheryl @ Artzzle

Hey everyone,

Are those Fall colors coming to play at your place yet?

Karen over at Dogs Don’t Eat Pizza started a great Tuesday Talk group, and today’s topic is about Decorating for Fall.

Give yourself a little fun time and head on over. I did 🙂

Later – Cheryl

ARTZZLE

Helping with the Pieces in Life's Puzzle of Art and Design

Tag Archives: autumn

Purple . . . for Autumn??

Friday the 13th! Quick, a Craft!

Have to Admit It … Fall is Here

Mum’s The Word

EZ PZ Fall Decor for Whatever … Wednesday #3

Fun Fall & Halloween Ideas

Last Look at Summer

Small Changes ….

Fun Fall Decorating

Tuesday Talkin’ on Fall Decorating

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