Burlap Wreath Fail?

As I was perusing my daily blogs that I follow I incidentally found another blog with a tutorial on how to make a burlap wreath. This was perfect! Because as I played around downstairs with our new fireplace mantel, I was feeling that it lacked softness and warmness. So I figured there's no better way then to jazz it up then with burlap!

Sophie (my friend down the street) happen to have some burlap left over from a project she did (read about it here). So thankfully to her I didn't have to go and purchase anything for this project!

I followed the instructions on how she made the burlap wreath - it was pretty simple. Cut pieces of burlap in the desired length you want, weave onto wire hanger until you get the desired look you want. Easy enough right?



So as I'm doing my thing (and watching Glee at the same time of course) half way through ... I just wasn't feeling it.  I held it up to the mantel, got a "what is that thing?" look from my husband, and realized it just wasn't going to work. It wasn't big enough for the fireplace and quite frankly, I was done with the whole wire hanger thing.



But then I remembered that I had some jute twine in the basement that we used when we cut branches outside. I grabbed it, took off all the burlap on the wire hanger and did the same process but with the jute twine, and I really liked it. It was easier to do, and when it came time to place it on the mantel, it was easier to work with.



So that's my burlap wreath fail, however I think I scored some burlap garland that if cared for well, can be used for years to come. I think burlap is quickly becoming one of my favourite things to decorate with this year. I have lots of ideas of what to use it for when we go to decorate for Christmas (yes Christmas ... I said it ... it will be here before you know it!).

I will post what the mantel looks like now very soon - even though I don't feel like its 100% compete, it still looks better than it did before. Stay tuned folks! 

Lovely Wreath

I'm attempting this. If you are interested in this tutorial it can be found here

Fall Fireplace Mantel

I gathered up materials from around the house in hopes of creating a warm and cozy fireplace mantel in our family room. I'm scowering the internet for inspirational pictures in hopes that I can create something nice! Wish me luck! I will post pictures when I get it juuusssttt right!

Tips I found for decorating mantels:

1. Balance does not always mean symmetical. With your focal piece in the middle (usually on the wall) you will arrange your groupings on either side. Three smaller items grouped together will balance a large vase on the opposing side.

2. Occupied space is the key in balancing different items on your mantal. Don't look at each particular item but look at the space it occupies as a group. Three candlesticks can balance a tray of seven assorted meaty candles.

3. Add varying heights for energy and interest. Small items can be highlighted by lifting with books or boxes. Tip a candlestick over or lean a book this is tremendously creative and makes your display come alive.


4. Layer your items. Pushing back and bringing forward, pulling in front and placing a little behind these subtle moves unifies the pieces as a group.

(Sources)



I love a good cable knit pillow or blanket.  I love them even more when the blankets are extra big like these ones, and the pillows are extra soft! So warm and cozy!



Nothing says "Fall" to me like cable knit.

(All sources found on Google - Link here)

Look what arrived this weekend at casa Decleir ...

These babies are from my parent's neighbour's yard. Behind their houses they are widening the road so they had the option of keeping their fences or allowing the city to just remove them and take them away. The neighbour graciously offered us her fence since it was in good condition still, and naturally we accepted it!



Of course we won't be able to install these before the winter. We just don't have the time or finances yet - plus we would need to add some boards, drill some posts into the driveway ... remove a whole bunch of stuff ... uuugghhh, but that's okay. The important thing is that we have them, and we save a little $$$.



Burlap & Singing

Nothing says Tuesday night like Glee and DIY'ing a burlap wreath. Ahhhhh bliss!

Sunday Mornings.

Happy 75th Birthday Grandma Maertens!

It was Derek's Grandmother's birthday party this past Sunday. We were having the party at the beautiful Elm Hurst Inn. I've never been there before, but have heard that its a great restaurant. It was a great day, and the restaurant was beautiful! Alexis was in a much better mood than the last time the family saw her (she was cutting molars). Here are some pictures from the day.

It was nice to see Derek's grandmother open up her gift. The family all put in money to go towards buying an airplane ticket to go see her other grandson who lives in Grand Prairie (clearly a great distance from here!). She's never been on a plane, so she was quite happy and thankful! In case you're wondering too, the woman to the left of her is her twin sister as well. Her side of the family was there as well. It was a lovely day to celebrate two very important birthday's!



Life As We Know It ...

This movie looks hilarious ... the name isn't too shabby either eh?

Learn.Dream.Play.Laugh.Love.

So I finally finished the word wall in the playroom. This is another cheap and easy way to update a space and add some whimsy.

I had a friend with one of those fancy critcut machines cut out the letters, then just used double sided tape to adhere them to the wall.  

It took me less than half an hour, I didn't use a tape measure, I didn't level them - I eyeballed the whole thing, but it works.

What do you guys think?

Go Ahead and Be A Follower!

Not sure if some of you noticed, but I added the little "follow me" doodad to the blog. Please feel free to add yourself and follow the blog! It's super easy, just make an account - and it takes no time at all! Don't be shy now!



Phew.

Had a very busy day today. That's very sad since it is Sunday. Isn't it suppose to be the day of rest? Oh well. We had Derek's grandmother's 75th birthday to whom she shares with her twin. The whole family gathered at the Elm Hurst Inn to celebrate and have brunch. It was nice, and there was a photographer, who snapped pictures of everyone.  I took some pictures so I will share those sometime this week when I upload them onto the computer. Then we went to my parents for dinner (can't say no to a free dinner - and Sunday dinners there are pretty common for us). Then back home to put the babe to bed, unpack from everything today, and put a load of laundry in. I'm resting my bones now sitting on the couch with a cup of tea and watching House of Bryan (love this show, and their big house!). This will be a busy week for me as well, I have school stuff due next Monday so each night I need to work on it a little bit, plus all  my blogging, as well as my favourite shows. Anyways, hope you all had a great Sunday, ta ta!

I just wanted to post something here on the side ... I was looking for something today and came across a site for celebrity houses, and incidentally I was watching Tori and Dean Home Sweet Hollywood (don't judge okay) and found these amazing pictures of her house.



Bottle Love

(Sources Martha Stewart Living, Better Homes and Gardens, Dreamy Whites Blog, West Elm)

Word.