Real Decorating for Real People
Decorating is tough enough as it is without going into it blind. So, start with some research and you’ll be ahead of the game right from the start. You know, research is step one in just about any project you tackle around the house. It’s always best to be armed with the latest information when…
There is an art and a couple rules to mixing patterns and once you know them, you’ll be mixing patterns like a pro! You know, it took several years of working with Matt on color, pattern and texture before he felt comfortable giving up those terrible plaid pants and striped shirts! Ha, ha!! Just kidding. Actually,…
The steps are easy, but they do take some time, so be prepared to spend a couple weekends protecting a very important part of your home’s exterior. One of the first things that I want to do this weekend is to clean and seal my deck. Doesn’t sound like that much fun does it. Well,…
There are so many things you can do around your home to make it as green as possible, and yes, one person can make a difference. Sometimes, when it seems like a problem is overwhelming, we begin to think that we possibly can’t make a difference by ourselves. Well, when it comes to our environment, I…
One of the most enjoyable things about cool summer evenings for me is to sit outside and enjoy an outdoor fire with my family and friends. I have spent many an evening with Shari and her family, sitting around a cozy little fire. As with any type of fire, be it an outdoor grill or…
This felt project can ring in any season or announce any holiday with it’s colorful lettering and fun buttons, ribbons and patches. One of my most favorite fall projects is designing and sewing a “welcome autumn” banner. I love working with the hand stitching and creating the letters out of buttons and ribbons or contrasting felt…
Are you looking for a sewing project that will enhance your fall or Halloween decor? Try these easy instructions for a friendly pumpkin pillow. Autumn is one of my favorite times of year. I adore the colors of changing leaves, the pumpkins and gourds, and all the holidays from September through November. To celebrate, I…
Indoor wreaths work over headboards, on pantry doors, bath and bedroom doors, even as artwork on the wall. Believe it or not, many of the projects that we make for shows or specials don’t make it into the show at all. Well, this “any season” wreath was one of those projects! It was also lost…
If you are planning a party or small get together, why not display your cooking talents or table decor with these easy to build pedestals that are the perfect table top size. What a great way to show off your green bean casserole, or special pumpkin pie. Shari will be the first to tell you…
These wooden trays can go in the center of your dinner table and be filled with whatever is appropriate to bring in the atmosphere of the sesason. I find it interesting that when it comes to do it yourself projects we will sometimes go out of our way to make something new, look old and…
Pull out the grill, grab the tortillas and get rady to fill up that emplty tummy with mouth watering fajitas! I like to make these chicken fajitas because I have my husband go out and grill the chicken. The advantage to having someone else grill is that while that’s going on I can chop up and put all…
It’s easy to do, you get the exact type of pizza you want, nobody takes slices from you and they taste great, so why not learn how to make your own personal pizzas? I sure don’t know the numbers, but I’ll bet pizza ranks pretty high in the food category with just about any child…
Grab some sheets of your favorite colors and whip up a tic tac toe game for this weekend. It’ll keep the kids busy crafting in the afternoon and then the whole family can play in the evening! I know that you know that I LOVE FELT. Well, I’m starting to have the same feeling for…
Keep your child’s favorite book close at hand with this bed book pocket you can sew and let them read themselves to sleep! We have always made reading a priority in our home. It was easy for me as a kid and I’ve always spent time in book stores looking for the next great read….
To me there is nothing better than a good book, and kid’s books are no different. In fact, those listed are books I’ve enjoyed with my kids and will keep on the bookshelf ’til the grandkids have grandkids! Matt and I are voracious readers. He reads all sorts of adventure, humor, mystery, history, both fiction…
Now that there are no sew projects, there is no excuse not to have the prettiest tablecloths and napkins around! When the seasons change, it’s nice to do a couple things around the house each month so your home changes along with nature. Even in this Florida home, where yellows and peach-tones prevail, a darkening of those…
The unique extended tie tops on these draperies fall long enough to create the look of a self valance. I saw this extended tie top drapery in a magazine I believe, and I have created it twice now and just love it. The elongated ties add interest at ceiling level and for extra long draperies…
Yes, we can all be artists if we put our minds to it, especially if we are talking about abstract art! All right, you doubting Thomases. Yes, we can all be artists if we just put our minds to it. And, to go a step further, I’m going to proclaim that anyone can create inexpensive…
Sure they are gorgeous as accessories in your home, stacked, tucked in a bookcase, or placed on a coffee table, but consider them as gifts as well since they are functional and beautiful. I believe this is about the third ribbon top box I have made. I don’t remember where I saw it first, but…
A Sampler Quilt wall hanging gives you the chance to learn about quilting, how fabrics and colors go together, and find out if you are a quilter at heart! Many years ago, when my daughter was still a toddler, I felt the need to get back to something creative. I was working at Sherwin Williams…
In today’s world, being organized is key. It makes a day run more smoothly and can keep you from pulling your hair out! I use my French message board every day. I glance at it for all my important phone numbers, a list of my hundred user names and passowrds, special humorous comics that make…
Why do some containers of flowers look perfect and others falter? It’s all in the arrangement! As you can imagine, Matt and I have visited many homes over the past several years. In those visits, we’ve discovered that there is one accessory added to a home that always, and I mean always, makes an impression. That…
There is a process for hanging art that works everytime and knowing it can keep you from making hole after hole in your walls! Matt and I have become real pros at hanging art. We almost never have to move the nail over a smidge to hang a piece correctly! And, actually, hanging one piece…
The color wheel is how colors are organized, and knowing about it can help you select co-ordinating colors for your home. In the beginning, Newton discovered that color is light. All of the colors of the spectrum are within sunlight. Every time we see a color, we are seeing colored light. An item may appear…
