Real Decorating for Real People
Burlap is a forgotten fabric that has it’s place in the home in all sorts of creative projects from table runners to lamp shades. Perhaps you have a tired lamp that could use a breath of new life. The shade may be soiled or faded and it’s making the entire lamp look like it needs…
When a favorite sweater doesn’t fit anymore, don’t throw it away, turn it into a pillow cover and enjoy it years longer. That’s exactly what our friend Jennifer did with her baby sweaters. My Italian Grandma was a prolific knitter. For my 7 siblings and me, both of my parents, and countless others, she knitted sweaters,…
I’m not a wallpapering expert, but I have wallpapered many rooms and to my knowledge, none of it ever fell off!! So, I’m going to show you how I have been wallpapering for years, using the techniques I learned from my Grandmother oh so many years ago. The most important thing she taught me about…
Turn an empty corner into useful storage and display space with an easy to make corner cupboard. Shari and I have decorated numerous bathrooms, and all of them share one common problem – not enough storage. Typically, the only places to store items are the medicine cabinet and under the vanity, neither of which were…
I’ve completed several quilts over the years but this baby quilt is one of my favorites. I enjoy it because it goes together fairly quickly and when you machine quilt it, you can get it done months before the baby actually arrives!! This quilt is made up of 35 four inch squares with one inch sashing…
This pot and pan rack beats them all because it looks permanent and it has lighting inside to brighten up the counter top. A hanging pot and pan rack is perfect for kitchens with a lack of storage space and those looking for a focal point or a little bit of drama. This one is especially nice because it…
Looking for some instant charm? Well, the addition of beams to your ceilings will give your home great architectural detail and almost a sense of history! Try turning an ordinary ceiling in your family or living room to extra-ordinary with the addition of faux beams. This project isn’t for the timid; it requires some work, skill and…
Felt strikes again in this simple leaf garland for fall. This is a great project for kids to learn a little about the sewing machine too. Kids will get a kick out of putting together their own leaf garland to use draped over your curtain rods, wrapped around railings or columns, even used at the…
Nothing says fall like indian corn with it’s beautiful texture and warm rich colors, which, by the way, you can make into a lovely seasonal wreath. When the Indian corn arrives, so has fall! I mean pumpkins show up and you know Halloween is on the way, but Indian corn brings thoughts of the Pilgrims…
Carving dried gourds is almost a lost tradition with all of the new inflatables, illuminated signs and audible creatures that haunt today’s porches and landscaping. As you stroll through your neighborhood, aren’t you amazed by your neighbor’s Halloween decorations? Traditional ghosts and goblins have gone hi tech. Simple ghosts suspended from trees? No way! Today’s…
