Saturday, September 30, 2017

FALLING FOR GRAY

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No. Fall is not, not my favorite season. I get that it is all about cooler weather and sweaters. Some even think it is the best season of all. For me, it is a sign that summer is drifting away (sigh) and that winter is rapidly approaching (ugh). A transition to the holidays. A time to gather before I hibernate. Bittersweet. So, to make this passage a little easier, I am shaking up fall a bit with a nod to the white pumpkin craze. Here is my new take on fall, let me introduce... the GRAY PUMPKIN. Applause. It’s soft, calming, welcoming and gentle. And, of course, beautiful. So here it is, gray. Might be all the magic some of us need to fall in love with fall.


Gray, like an extra long hug.


This is what you need-
Small, Medium and Tiny White Pumpkins
Paris Grey Chalk Paint
White Craft Paint
Silver Metallic Paint
Small Container
Small Paint Brushes
Led String Lights
Pennant Garland (Directions Below)
Galvanized Tray


Roughly divide the pumpkins up into three groups, several of each size in each group. I used three medium, three small and eight tiny pumpkins total. You can add more or less, if you like.




Paint all of your pumpkins in the first group with Annie Sloan Paris Grey chalk paint. I purchased a sample pot of paint to make sure I liked the color. It is a nice soft gray, perfect. Carefully paint around the stem with a small craft brush. Switch to a larger brush and finish painting the body of the pumpkin. When the all the pumpkins are dry, roll over onto their side and paint the bottom.




In a small container add equal amounts of white craft paint and Paris Grey paint. Mix.



Paint all the pumpkins in your second group with the new light gray paint. Cut in around the stem, the body and finish the bottom when dry.



With the remaining pumpkins, paint with silver metallic paint. You can use any craft metallic paint. I had a leftover jar of this metallic paint, a good stir and you are good to go.


One of each.


I think there is nothing more pleasing than pairing monochromatic colors together with textures of similar hues. I chose to mix this galvanized pennant garland with my gray pumpkins and tray. I don’t believe the garland is still available, but you can make this faux paper pennant garland that will give you the same look and feel.


This is what you will need for your faux galvanized pennant garland-

Silver Cardstock
Scrap Cardstock
Silver Floral Wire
Pencil
Scissors
Tape Measure
Straight Edge
XL Needle, Tiny Hole Punch or Awl




On a scrap piece of cardstock, draw a straight line with a straight edge. With a tape measure, mark with pencil three lines, one inch apart .


Measure up 2 1/2" from the middle line and make a mark.


With a straight edge, make a triangle by connecting the three marks as shown.

Cut out triangle.



Trace 36 triangles on the back side (the white side) of the cardstock.


Cut the triangles out.


Place two dots at the top of one triangle as shown.


Carefully punch the two dots out with your needle, awl or punch.


Line up another triangle under your first triangle, make sure it is the back side (the side without color) of the triangle. Mark a dot onto the back of each triangle through the holes, Repeat for all triangles.

Punch small holes through all the dots.

Measure and cut the wire about 6’ long.


Sandwich two triangles together with the silver side out.




String your triangles together as shown. Repeat for the remaining triangles.


Not a bad looking faux galvanized pennant.


I used a galvanized tray to center the pumpkins. A gift from a dear friend. They come as a set, I used the smaller of the two. You can purchase them…Link here.



Place the pumpkins randomly in and around the tray.



Weave battery operated LED string lights through the pennant garland. Run the garland and lights over and around the pumpkins.


Add a few tea lights.


On your table...


At a place setting...


Line the mantle...


Or a ledge...


And the doorstep...


Maybe this year will be the most beautiful fall of all...




Falling for gray.








Saturday, September 16, 2017

CHARCUTERIE CHARCUTERIE CHARCUTERIE

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Shiplap. Charcuterie. Chalkboard. Three little trendy words that go perfectly together like peanut butter and jelly. A natural combination of casual, sophistication, grace and youth all wrapped up in one practical entertaining staple. If your house is where they all gather, you need this sweet little tray. The easiest and most creative way to start a party. Simple to make and simple to use. Makes entertaining look effortless. 


Quite the conversation piece.


This is what you will need-
Wood Boards, Four, 4" x 1/2" x 4'
Trim Boards, One, 1" x 1/2" x 9'
Tape Measure
Square
Pencil
Power Saw
Gorilla Glue
Small Finishing Nails
Hammer, Drill, Nail Punch (unless using a power nail gun)
Wood Filler
Fine Grit Sandpaper
Latex Primer
Flat Latex Paint
Painter’s Tape
Chalkboard Paint
Paintbrushes
Liquid Chalk Pen
Safety Goggles





Start by measuring each of the  4" x 1/2" boards. Mark and cut into 32” lengths.



Sand all edges. Soften edges and corners as shown.


Lay the four boards down on a flat surface.





Lay a piece of the trim across the end of the four boards. Draw a line where the trim meets the four boards. Repeat for the three other sides.





Measure the space between the pencil lines, the width of the four boards. I measured 13". Cut two boards 12” long from the excess of the 32" boards. This will become the cleat.


Place the newly cut piece, the cleat, across the four boards to check to see if it fits between the trim pencil lines.


Line the four boards together, making sure they are close together and the ends are even. Add glue to one side of each cleat and place on ends, making sure this board does not extend beyond the pencil lines.


Place a heavy object on the cleat and let dry about 30 minutes.



Measure the length between the two end boards (14") and cut two 14" lengths from the trim boards.


Glue in place, one on each end.


Measure the space between the two end trim boards (30") and cut two 30" lengths.


Glue in place. Let dry about 30 minutes.





Flip the board over. Attach the face boards to the frame with either a nail gun or drill pilot holes and tap in small finishing nails, two on each end, see photo.



Fill nail holes with wood filler, let dry and sand smooth.


Paint all sides of your new tray with primer. Let dry.


Paint two coats with flat latex paint, let dry completely between coats. Let dry overnight.




To make the chalkboard opening, measure and mark a line 3/4" up from the bottom of the board. With your pencil and straight edge, mark the length of the board. Then mark a line 1 1/2/" above the first line and mark a second line the entire length of the board. 



Run your painter’s tape on both sides of the opening. Press firmly in place.



Paint opening between the tape with chalkboard paint. Let dry.


Paint a second coat of the chalkboard paint on your board. Let dry.




Remove tape.



Flip your board over and add felt furniture glides on the four corners.


With your liquid chalk pen, write anything you like on the chalkboard strip.




To remove writing, just wipe with a lightly damp paper towel.

And you are done. Ready to party.


Set the tray…


Pour the wine…


Invite your friends…


Effortless