Trends We Love: D.I.Y. Fall Decor

Here are 5 easy projects you can easily do yourself!

1. A Knob Coat Rack

2. A Fall Wreath

3. Leaf Candles

4. Lace Table Runner

5. Burlap Bed Skirt

1. A Knob Coat Rack:

 Simply choose some drawer knobs, I found some great antique ones and some from a local craft store to get my combination. I then measured and drilled holes in a wood plaque. Screw in the knobs and TADA! 15 min later and you have a great piece that can hold; mittens, hats or scarves and the weather cools.

2. Fall Wreath:

Pre-made wreaths can be anywhere from $40 or more, however most craft stores will carry the items you need to make your own amazing wreath for under $20. First choose a base for your wreath, in this case I chose a twig circular bundle. Then choose your fall foliage. A mixture of flowers, berries and leaves will created a beautiful arrangement. Just take a walk outside for some inspiration. The pine cones, flowers and foliage could be great additions to your wreath. Then decide what saying you want on your pumpkins. I chose the word "welcome" and then used a paint pen to write it across the pumpkins. The best part about this project is you can move pieces around until you get the look you want. Chose some great coordinating ribbon and attach it to your door.

3. Leaf Candles

All you need is some foliage, basic candles and some mod podge. Score up the area on the candle you will be attaching the leaves too. That way they will adhere better. Apply the leaves with some mod podge. And there you are! A little something extra for your home.

4.Drop Cloth Table Runner

Cut a strip for a table cloth about 18" x 65". Hem the sides and then apply some lace to the edges. Fold in the ends and sew a 1/2" hem on the ends. Now you have a table runner that is easy to clean and looks great too.

5. Burlap Bed Skirt

Burlap is a great organic material, perfect for fall. Measure the diameter of you your bed and and the height from the top of the box spring down. Cut your burlap accordingly. Sew a line across the bottom to prevent fraying. apply Velcro to the top and to the box spring ( this allows you to easily change your bed skirt without having to lift a heavy mattress.) Adhere your bed skirt and now you have a new look for the new season!

There you go! Now you get D.I.Y-ing with some new looks for this Fall!

The 80's Can Still Have Luxury

If you ever had the luxury of living in the 80's, you've probably seen... or had, a lovely geometric chandelier, in brass, with tinted, beveled glass.  I know I did.  Just when I thought that natural selection had taken care of all of the aforementioned lighting fixtures... The previous owner of my house had so generously preserved the last of the 80's dynasty.  This chandelier owes it's life to an issue of "House Beautiful" magazine. 

 

 Just as it was headed to the local donation center, I happened across a spread in the magazine that showed a living room with a beautiful fixture in wrought iron, with... the same shape, just no beveled glass; this one was $1300.  I promptly pardoned the chandelier from death row with the hope of re-purposing it in my dining room.  I broke the tinted glass out of the frame.  When I was through with that therapeutic process, I taped off the sockets and sprayed the whole thing in a satin finish, fiery orange.  In order to fit the fixture in my dining room I had to add a length of cord and chain.  Once the fixture was installed, I wrapped a natural burlap ribbon around the cord to hide the mismatched cord and chain, from the extension process.  To remedy the issue of 8 blaring light bulbs, blue burlap ribbon was affixed in a band around the chandelier, creating a shade. 

 Total project time:...  about 3 hours. 

 Total cost.:.. free ninety nine!!! Well, I spent $15 on paint, hardware, ribbon and light bulbs (the light bulb were the most expensive part).

Far Too Chic To Be Shabby: Repurposed Door

 This door cost...wait for it...wait for it...only $5 at a local thrift store! Steal of a deal! However it was older than old and very rough around the edges. But sometimes its whats on the inside that counts. After sanding down a layer and applying some accessories, this door now functions and a great coat rack.

Some tips and tricks about this door:

• Your local hardware store can cut mirror in any custom size as long as they can cut glass.
• A thin layer of wood sealent will prevent your coats from getting snagged on the older wood.
• It looks great leaning against the wall, but can also be secured with a few L-brackets for a more permanent fixture.

Here's a look at it in use. This piece has definitely been utilized this winter season...not to mention helping me not to loose my keys!

-B.Petersen