The Easiest Ghost Garland

You already have everything you need 

to make this cute, easy ghost garland.

I just hung mine from the branches that 

are in the silver champagne bucket

 that's on the cobbler's bench.

I quickly made a bunch.

 You could also tie them to a jute string or

 black ribbon and use it as a garland. 

 I added felt cut-out pumpkins from

 The Dollar Store to the lampshade.

 I also ran some black wire Halloween 

garland through the silver tea set.

  Now, how did I make them? 

I just put a cotton ball in the center of

a tissue and tied it at the neck with thread, 

or you can use string. Then add 2 eyes 

with a Sharpie. Easy!

The cobbler's bench.

 This witch is guarding the booze.

BOOya!

Links: Facebook, Between Naps On The Porch

Summer Bears

The bears in the basket needed a
summer look.

They've been hanging out in a basket 

in the living room for months, so
they've had a few 'wardrobe' changes .

 I just took them out of their 4th of
 July duds. Very patriotic and so cute,
but...no picture. 

So for the summer, I just tied on blue & white
neck bandanas. Most of them are leftover
 fabric triangles from my sweet doggies, 

Lucky and Princess. Miss them still. Nice to

 see their little scarves being used. 

Here they are for Valentine's Day,

and Christmas. I think they will be fun to play
 with for the holidays coming up.
I guess you're never too old to play!
Cheers!

Links: Between Naps On The Porch

Playing With Pillows

 The slipcovered sofas in the living room 

 are made for a quick change. 

 I gathered all my toss pillows that
were blue and white and tried different 

arrangements. Large B&W floral.

 Navy shell print pillows.

 Added 2 B&W toile print pillows. 

The toile and shell prints are pillow covers

from IKEA. That makes them easy to change

and I store the extra covers in a drawer. 

I tried them with a geometric navy pillow.

I've always loved the fabric and fringe on the

 large center pillow. The blue and white 

Chinese pots in the pattern match the pots

I have in the house.

 Gingham and needlepoint.

I think I'll use the needlepoint.

 Add a hand crocheted blue granny square 

afghan  from my stash.

 A summer look.

 This Ralph Lauren tea cup, saucer
and dessert plate are part of an 

assorted collection I have of dessert
sets. Everyone could choose

 a different pattern for their tea. 

This one works for me today.

Cheers!

Links: Between Naps On The Porch,
Coastal Charm, A Stroll Thru Life,

Quote

“The ordinary arts we practice every day
 at home are of more importance
 to the soul than their simplicity 
might suggest.”

                            ― Thomas Moore

Happy Mother's Day...

DIY Halloween Spell Book Pages

Here's a quick, last minute Halloween
decoration. You still have time for this one.

I found the idea on Pinterest. Check out my
board for Halloween. I've been collecting
 lots of spooky ideas.

 I went to the blog source, g*rated and
printed out the 2 pages on cream paper.

I just tucked them into an encyclopedia book. 

which I had bought a whole set of for only 10¢ each.

I tucked in a black satin ribbon for a 

 bookmark and then took a bite out of 

an apple. This is my lazy version. 

You can follow Marie's directions

 for a more detailed version, 

........if you are so inclined.

Living room Halloween coffee table, done.

5 minutes-no cost. I think I'll cut
out some Halloween bats next.
Pinterest has cast it's spell!

Happy Halloween!

Links: The Charm Of Home,
Between Naps On The Porch,
Common Ground

Crystal Ball Paperweight Collection

I thought I'd show you my collection of crystal

 ball paperweights. Years ago I would pick up 

a ball whenever I found one for a good price. 

They are on the sofa table in the living room

The tall stands I'm using were glass votive 

candle holders. I saved the stands after the 

glass votives they came with broke. 

Some have colorful flowers.

Millefiori glass paperweight
The deep designs are 3 dimensional.

 Each has a unique design.

This one is blue, green, and pink swirls.

The bubble clear crystal balls are on their

own brass stands.

 Some have cut prisms.

  I have lots of blue ones...of course.

 Once you buy one you start seeing them everywhere.

 Blue and white.

 They are very heavy. When I pack them 

away at Christmas I can barely 

lift the box!

 They come back out again in January and I 

appreciate them as if they were new.

Of course I can always use one as a 

pretty paperweight. 

 Pretty at night with the Waterford

 lamps turned on.

I sometimes gather several and display them

on a silver tray under a cloche.

That's how these collections start, 

one ball at a time.

Cheers!

Links: Stone Gable,
No  Minimalist Here, Common Ground,
Savvy Southern Style
Between Naps On The Porch,
French Country Cottage
The Charm of Home, The Tablescaper,
My Romantic Home