Sometimes I feel like my design is all over the place, because I like so many different looks and mediums, but one thing remains the same: group like things together. Case in point is the Christmas table centerpiece that I arranged. 

Looks impressive (if I do say so myself), but simple simon, really. Just follow the rule: like things together. Here is how you can recreate the look!

1. Buy a dozen roses at a discount store, and another bouquet, but make sure the second bouquet has at least two large, or three medium flowers that are identical. Also, I bought a bundle of tree greenery since it was Christmas, but you can use fern or something similar.
2. Since the flowers were purchased at a discount store, you have to slice off all the thorns and the bottom leaves. Fill your kitchen sink with water and cut each stem under the water. You might have to trim them again when you are actually arranging to get the exact length you want, but ALWAYS cut under the water. 
3. Use a container the same shape as your table, I used a ceramic rectangle. Tuck in wet florist foam and put in water and florist food (powder you get with your flowers). Foam should be soaked, but not covered in water.
4. Stick greenery in the foam around the outer edge, and when using a rectangle, the longest pieces should be on the end.
5. You have completed your bottom layer. Think of this arrangement as four layers.
6. Take the two or three identical flowers, (in my case, two large green cabbage roses) and center in the middle of the bouquet. This is your top layer.
7. Follow with a dozen roses surrounding the large center flowers. Remember you may have to recut the roses to the length you want.
8. Inbetween the greenery and dozen roses, position any other flowers you might have. I grouped small lime mums together and worked my way around, using like flowers in clumps and any single flowers that came with the bouquet. Fill in as needed.   
9. Viola, you are done!
10. Water daily. I make my arrangements the day before, but it should last 5-7 days if you purchase fresh flowers. Ask the store what day they get shipments. Some places will actually pull out the flower colors you want and save them for you!

Think dinner parties, Valentines Day, or look ahead to Easter!

Blessings, Ele

As Blue as the Sky

"Hello Table, you're looking blue today, but I must say it looks good on you. Did a piece of sky fall on you and douse you with it's magnificent blueness?"

"Oh chair, you must have walked through the flower garden. You are kissed with blossoms."

"I must say, you two look good together. It was almost as if you were made for each other."

An Inexpensive Project With a Great Look
CRAFT TIP: Give 2nd hand furniture new life with spray paint. Furniture can be acquired for a song at thrift stores/rummage sales. You might even have a willing participant in your garage. If your piece is raw or stained wood and you want the piece to last awhile, first spray on a coat of Kilz spray paint. This will keep knots from bleeding through the paint. My little table had already been painted, so a coat of Gloss Sky Blue was all it needed. I masked off the legs and they were spray painted black.
A great feature of this table is that it comes with a tray-like top. My plan is to have a piece of glass cut that will fit on top of the groove, (see close up of picture below). I can put pictures on the top of the table and place the glass tray on top. Any other ideas?

I also gave my patio furniture, (eeeeek) a well needed fresh coat of paint.

Looks much better.
For this project, I used hammered paint. It gives the metal patio furniture a textured look that I like.
Remember when using spray paint, use fast even strokes. If you stay in one spot too long, you will end up with runs and drips.

Blessings, Ele

Halloween Party

Welcome to the party hosted by A Fanciful Twist. Visit her right hand sidebar for more participants.
Since my camera is unavailable at this moment, we will be visiting some rooms posted at Rate My Space.
You can NEVER go wrong with black and white. Classic style mixed with a little glam. Take a look!

I'm not a huge fan of skulls, but I like this glittery gal hanging by a bow, on the mirror.

White pumpkins that say, "boo" make a grand entrance. Simply draw or stencil a design on with black permanent markers. Easy as pie, (pumpkin pie that is!).
Adding a little color to a predominately black and white color theme looks great. The black and white grounds the look, and a little bit of color makes the arrangement pop. My favorite decor item, a glass jar. Grouped together with a little splash of orange.
Purple is also a good choice for an accent color with black and white. The silver goblets and candleholders add a sleek texture to this tablescape by Steph at Angelic Accents.
Orange....what is fall/Halloween without orange? Even if you prefer the classic black and white look, somewhere in your home you have to have orange. Just look at how inviting these large vases look filled with water and apples.


  HAPPY FALL!