Fall Garland and Bouquet

I am still in decorations mode for Thanksgiving, though I think these two things will bring my crazy fall crafting to a close. I made a yard of each garland below for the new shelves in the living room... I am excited to have another little area to decorate! (I used the same patterns as I did to make the wreath).

If you have been a reader of this blog, you already know that I don't allow real flowers in the house (1. I have bad allergies 2. They remind me of death). So, I do my best to make fun felt flowers to place around the house. This is my first year making them for fall. I was inspired by mums as I cut the felt and I think I captured the likeness...maybe.. oh well, they're fun either way!

If the sun decides to play nice, I will share some pics of everything in its place.

Are you getting excited for Thanksgiving?
Charlie

Easy Fabric Coasters

I am moving right along with making all the fall decorations. Since Thanksgiving will be at our house this year I am trying to make the things I have put off in years past like these fun fabric coasters. I just love these little owls!

They're super easy to make and come together quickly. I used this tutorial as a guide and it couldn't be more simple. These would be perfect for Christmas too if you have already started decorating, or an easy handmade gift idea. Next up, garland making!

Charlie

Thanksgiving Wreath

Am I the only one decorating for Thanksgiving? I feel like everyone is already decorating for Christmas (which is great), but what about the awesome holiday that happens before it? Thanksgiving is my favorite!

I made this wreath using two different printables I've used before: pumpkin garland and leaf window cling.

Charlie

Autumn Window Cling DIY

I am behind, but fall is finally gracing my front door. I love using contact paper to make window clings. Last year I used wood grain, this year I thought the frosted look was fun! What better shape for fall than maple leaves... I made a pattern for you to use too!

This is a super easy DIY. All you need is: 

Clear contact paper

Maple leaf pattern

Marker

Scissors

1. Trace your shapes to the paper side of the contact paper using the pattern

2. Cut out! Might be good to watch something while you do this since it take a bit of time.

3. Stick them to your windows, mirrors or even walls.

4. Enjoy!

If you make some of these I'd love to feature it. Email me a picture so I can show off all your hard work!

Charlie

Autumn is Coming

As of Sunday, it will be official... time to start pulling out the decorations! If you're in need of some ideas, check out this fall crafts round up on Babble.

I was lucky enough to be included with some other really awesome crafters. You should definitely take a peek! If you're looking for even more fall inspiration, take a look at what I have done in years past.

Charlie

Fall Leaf Template and DIY Inspiration

I know a lot of people are already pulling out their Christmas decorations, but not me! I like my house to have the look and feel of Fall through Thanksgiving. So, just in case I am not the only one... I thought I would share this leaf template with you and show you what I have done with it!

You can cut the leaves out of felt and use it to decorate a wreath, a pillow, or to make a garland!

I also cut some leaves out of woodgrain contact paper for window clings.

If you need some more Fall themed DIYs, click here for some from the past!

~Charlie

TEMPLATE (personal use only please :))

Thankful November

I am thankful for...

7. bubble baths.

8. brand new pillows.

9. heavy quilts (made by my grandma).

10. sunny warm days (70 degrees) in the middle of Fall.

11. our fireplace.

12. husbands random days off.

If you didn't catch the first post in this series, check here!

~Charlie

Thankful November

Sometimes I am blind to what I have, and in turn find it hard to see the things I should be thankful for. What better month than November to write down one thing I am thankful for each day? I will share them here once a week or so (because this is the best way to be held accountable).  Here are my first 6!

I am thankful...
1. For my faith.
2. For a husband who works hard so I can be home.
3. For slow days with nothing to do.
4. To have a home to decorate for the holidays.
5. To live in an area with such wonderful Fall color
6. For a fully stocked tea cabinet.

If you are interested, you should join in (leave me a link in the comments), or if you're already doing something like this I would love to read it!

~Charlie

November Goals

1. Make new Fall/Autumn decorations.  For me, Christmas does not begin until the day after Thanksgiving... I like Fall too much (but I make an exception for Christmas movies)!
2. Enjoy every part of Thanksgiving! It might be hands down my most favorite holiday. This means not getting caught up in any of the stress! (I am not sure if this is a legit goal, but I am going with it).
3. Bake something with apples.
4. Go for a walk on the trail by our house!
5. Crochet something!


October Goals:
1. Do a scary movie marathon with lots of snacks! Success - This one was easy because scary movies are one of my favorite things!
2. Make one comfort food type recipe I never have before. Success - I made my mom's southern fried potatoes (read patatas).  I put on my big girl panties and got out the cast-iron skillet !
3. Go on a walk with the camera once a week and capture all the color changes. Success - It helps that the weather was so unseasonably warm!
4. Make a new wreath for the front door.  My old one is looking old! Success - I don't love it, but here it is in all of its simple glory.

5. Go on a hayride. FAIL - Oh how I wanted to so bad.... and we never found the time!!! October, why were you so busy?!?!

Do you have any November goals?
~Charlie

Around Here

It has been unseasonably warm here (in the 70s) and I have been soaking up every last bit of the nice weather that I can.  Yesterday was a bit of a rainy day so I took the opportunity to start decorating the house for Fall.  I know I am a bit late this year, but to make an excuse... it has been busy.

I made the trio of pumpkins a while back using this tutorial. I made the really big pumpkin yesterday... cause who doesn't want a really big stuffed pumpkin?  I am currently obsessed with making felt leaves, so I made a pillow and garland and am thinking about making a wreath today!

I have been working on the chest/vanity for a while now, and last night we finally were able to move it into the living room.  I am still trying to decide how to decorate it for the season!

What have you been up to?

~Charlie

Sunday Drive

We found this little spot while on a Sunday drive... cliche, but true. It is so pretty here (in Michigan) right now that I thought I would share.

I can't get over the colors we are seeing right now.  It never gets old... every year it feels like it couldn't have been that good the year before.  I love it!

~Charlie

October Goals

Oh October, how I love you! I think this is the one month I could come up with a list of 20 goals, but I will be more realistic and stick with my usual 5. Anything else will just be a bonus!

1. Do a scary movie marathon with lots of snacks! 

2. Make one comfort food type recipe I never have before.

3. Go on a walk with the camera once a week and capture all the color changes.

4. Make a new wreath for the front door.  My old one is looking old!

5. Go on a hayride.

September Recap:
1. Cross a few things off my "Make This" list.  Fail - but I did organize the list and make realistic cuts.
2. Spray paint the vanity. Started - the base is done, just need to do drawers and the mirror!
3. Buy new glasses. Check - I love Coastal Contacts! I got these 1, 2, 3.
4. Organize my closet. Check - I now have a better system for all the sweaters in my life!
5. Crochet flowers. Check - I checked this book out of the library... love it!

Do you have any goals for this month?

~Charlie

Fall is Here!

Via

To me, there is nothing better than this time of year.  It is time for tights, boots and cardigans... walks through the leaves, cider mills and pumpkin patches! 

I love the quote pictured above from The Great Gatsby... it couldn't be more true. Here is to new beginnings and a fresh start in a new season!

I will be back soon with October Goals!

~Charlie

New Earrings in the Shop!

Just thought I would drop by and let you know that there are some new Fall pretties in the shop!

I am in love with the colors... they are all the perfect Fall shades! You should definitely check it out!

~Charlie
Oh! Don't forget to enter the Corelle giveaway!!!

Around Here

I have been making lots of earrings... I am loving all the fall colors... shop update coming soon!

I even made new business cards in coordinating colors.

I am also working very hard at my purging goal! Lots and lots of stuff has found it's way to the donation box, and it feels good.  I am even considering putting part of my vintage linen collection in the shop, along with some of my beloved vintage Pendleton skirts (gasp)! 

I have been doing all of this while listening to the Yellow Ostrich album non-stop, thanks to my penpal Amanda! I am in love with it... if you haven't heard it, click here to listen!

What have you been up to?

~Charlie

Fall DIY's of the past

I thought I would post some of the Fall DIY's I did last year, just incase you're in need of a few Fall crafty ideas still!

Yarn Ball Wreath DIY

Pumpkin Garland

Embroidered Dishtowel DIY (with patterns)

If you make something, I would love to see it!! Happy Crafting :).

~Charlie

Pinterest

I've been busy pinning Fall ideas! 

Click on the image to go to my boards!

Just another reminder... Don't forget to enter my lovely little giveaway!

~Charlie

Weekend Update

This weekend we went to the cider mill and got cider and donuts of course!

We bought mini pumpkins...

and fed baby animals :).

The goats knew exactly what was going on.

He/She was definitely my favorite!

It was a great way to enjoy the fall day.. and after at least 10 attempts we were able to get this picture!

It was a lovely weekend!

Right now my floor is covered in little chalkboard circles... to make a cute banner. 

I got the idea from here!

I also failed last month at reading two books.  They're both started, but neither finished, so it will be four books this month! I think I need to remember to turn off the T.V.

~Charlie

DIY Fall Kitchen Towels!

I love decorating the house for the different seasons! So I thought I would share my latest adventure in bringing fall into the kitchen :)

1. Get kitchen towels... you can buy them, make them, or give new life to some new ones you already have.

2. Figure out what fall image you want to embroider on them.  You can download some I drew here (pumpkins, leaves and acorns), or come up with your own!! :)

3. Trace your image onto your towel.  There are a few ways to do it, they can be found here.  I just traced it with pencil using a light box.

Sorry about the pictures.... I did this late at night!

4. Start your stitching and you'll be done in no time! If you need some help on the stitching look here!

I am excited to do the other two this weekend... I am going to do the big acorn and the falling leaves... I think... I will share pictures as soon as they're done! I hope you have fun with this... If you do this, let me know I would love to see what you do!!

p.s. remember to have fun with it... mix different patterns... maybe add some embellishments!! 

~Charlie

Yarn Ball Wreath DIY!

The wreath is done and I love it!  It was inspired by this wreath, but I wanted something more simple in all the fall colors I love!

I used a slightly different method than the one that was used in the tutorial.  Here is what I did!

1. I wrapped yarn around 12 2inch styrofoam balls.  While wrapping I would glue to insure that the yarn would stay (same as the other tutorial). It will dry clear. (I used Aleene's tacky glue)

2. I took a large tapestry needle and piece of embroidery thread and strung all the yarn balls together. Then tied it off tight!

3. Then I cut a circle out of a cereal box.

4. Using hot glue, I glued the circle to the back of the threaded together yarn balls.

5. Almost there.... To hang it I braided two of each of the yarn colors together.  You could use anything you wanted... ribbon, fabric strips.

6. Hang and you're all done!

Please remember this is not an original idea it was inspired by the wreath I saw here.  I just wanted something a little different and used the knowledge from reading that tutorials to create this one :).

Let me know if you decide to create this little wreath... I would love to see your take on it!

~Charlie