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Creepy Crawly Pumpkin Ornaments

October 29, 2009 By Kelly 1 Comment

pumpkin ornaments, halloween home decorationsHalloween is all about scary witches, spooky ghosts, happy go lucky jack-0-lanterns and anything creepy crawly. However, if you are looking for something a little different that will set your decorations apart from all the others, these pumpkin ornaments may be just the answer.

The spider pumpkin ornaments are very simple to use:

1. Clean out the inside of the pumpkin and carve the face you desire.
2. Push the spiders into the pumpkin using the spiked barrel attached. (edges can be sharp so be careful with young children)
3. Once the hole has been created, remove the spider and clean the pumpkin residue from inside the barrel. This will allow the light to shine through and illuminate your spider.
4. Place the spider with the clean barrel back into the hole.
5. To illuminate your pumpkin, place tea lights, small flash light, glow sticks or battery operated candles in the bottom of the pumpkin.

There are so many creative uses for these pumpkin ornaments.

• What a fun centerpiece on your dining or party table. The spiders are sure to give all your guests the creepy crawlies.
• We all enjoy displaying lit pumpkins on our doorsteps. But imagine how delightfully frightened your trick or treaters will be when they see spiders crawling all over the pumpkins.
• Placed in a windowsill, the lit spiders will add additional light and color to your Halloween decorations.
• In your entry way they offer a spooky greeting to your guests.
• As a “prop” these spiders will add a bit of fun and whimsy to your Halloween photos.
• Use several pumpkins with spider ornaments as luminaries to line your walkway or driveway. Just remember to be careful with a lit flame and choose the correct type of illumination i.e. battery operated candles, flash light etc. for your pumpkins.

These Halloween pumpkin ornaments can be used year after year and will turn an ordinary gourd or pumpkin into a unique decoration that is sure to delight children and adults alike.

To purchase pumpkin ornaments as a Halloween decoration or as a gift visit www.PYOB.com

Filed Under: Featured, Holidays & Crafts, Top Ten Posts Tagged With: , , , , ,

Indie Home Fashion

October 26, 2009 By Kelly Leave a Comment

indie home style, chandelier made with re-use spoons and tea cupsThe term “indie” is popping up all over the place and no one really seems to know exactly what the term is referring to. However, there are two definitions that can apply to the home fashion industry.

• Furniture manufacturers from Indonesia use the term “indie” as an abbreviation that represents the style of furniture and decorative wood products they offer.

• Indie can also be short for independent and reference “home start up” companies such as home fashion businesses. These small, independent businesses are moving away from mass produced products and prefer to offer recycled and/or handcrafted items. To attract those buyers interested in the green crafting movement, repurposing items like architectural salvage or using recycled materials to create their artwork is common.

The chandelier pictured here is a perfect example of how to take something old and make it new again. Vintage teacups and spoons have been wired together to create an artistic yet functional light fixture that is sure to be a conversation starter in any home.

The do-it-yourself (DIY) industry is booming. Not only does it save money, but you can be proud of something you made yourself. Investing in a sewing machine will allow you to create items for your home such as drapes, curtains, light upholstery and throw pillows. These new sewing machines can embroider, create monograms and add special features such as whip stitching etc.

If DIY decorating is not your thing but you are interested in unique items for your home, there are websites such as Etsy.com that allow artists and other craftsman to sell their items on line.

Remember, before you throw something away, think of ways to reuse those items. A little thought and creativity will make it possible for you to truly customize your home. You might even start up a new “indie” decor business of your own.

Filed Under: Antiques, Architecture, Art, Decorating, Eco, Featured, Holidays & Crafts, Home Improvement, Kitchen & Bath Tagged With: , , ,

Red and White Christmas Decor

October 23, 2009 By Kelly Leave a Comment

red white christmas decorations, flowersThe combination of red and white during the holidays conjures up visions of candy canes, peppermints, Santa’s suit and even Rudolph’s nose. But there are other, more sophisticated ways to use these colors that will last during the holidays and into the early days of winter.

Flowers are a fresh and simple way to decorate for the holidays. There are several varieties to choose from during the winter months.

• Poinsettias are the most common flower associated with Christmas. These hardy plants actually come from Mexico and can last for several months. Legend tells a story of a poor young boy who picked a weed to give to the newborn Christ child and that weed turned into the beautiful red and green flower we know as the poinsettia. Hence, the association with Christmas. These plants will bloom year after year if properly cared for.

• Folklore also tells a tragic tale of how the amaryllis plant came to be. However, with its vibrant red blooms, the amaryllis plant is a natural choice for holiday decorating. As with the poinsettia, this plant originates from the warm climate of South America. It is grown from a bulb that, with proper care, will re-bloom year after year. Along with red, this flower can be found in soft shades of pink, orange and color combinations that include red and white.

• There is actually a plant called the peppermint carnation. This red and white color combination actually looks like a piece of peppermint candy. Carnations are easy to maintain and can last a long time in a fresh cut flower bouquet.

• Combining red and white roses, red and white tulips or red and white gerbera daisies with fresh evergreens will give your home an instant holiday feel.

• Potting a beautiful and fragrant white narcissus in a red enamel pot and surrounding it with fresh greenery creates a beautiful centerpiece for your table or mantel.

There are other quick and easy ways to add red and white to your Christmas décor.

• Switch out your throw pillows for solid shades of red and white
• Replace your kitchen canisters with clear glass jars full of candy canes and other holiday candy.
• A bowl filled with red and white ornaments looks great on a coffee table or entry way chest.

Use your imagination to find other ways to use these cheerful colors in your home during the holidays.

Filed Under: Entertainment, Flowers & Garden, Holidays & Crafts, Top Ten Posts Tagged With: , , ,

Festive Outdoor Lighting | Illuminated Flowers

October 12, 2009 By Kelly Leave a Comment

outdoor lighting, illuminated flowers and branchesWho says you can only use festive outdoor lighting during the Christmas holidays? It is now possible to find themed lighting and LED lights for Hanukkah, Easter, Valentine’s Day and Halloween. Many of these lighting “themes” are not necessarily specific to a holiday, making them appropriate for use throughout the season.

For example, these lit willow branches are perfect for year round use. They will brighten up a dark corner in your home or offer a pleasant greeting to your guests when placed outdoors. They are also available as pussy willows for use in the summer or plum branches that would add a beautiful springtime look to any home.

Beautiful floral centerpieces are a nice touch any time of year. However, in the evening they tend to “disappear” in a dark or unused room. You can now have “lit” centerpieces that include flowers such as Chinese lanterns, roses, calla lilies and orchids. Even illuminated bonsai trees are available. It is nice to have the option of decorating with flowers without having to worry about a strong scent. And you never have to water these flowers! Imagine the soft glow of these centerpieces in your dining room when it is not being used. They are also a lovely way to greet guests in your entryway or you can use them as a nightlight in the bath room.

It can be difficult to light an outdoor area when you are entertaining. In place of candles, consider using one of these lit centerpieces on your patio table or next to an outdoor planter. Instead of luminaries lighting your outdoor walkway, you might want to place a beautifully lit Chinese lantern plant every foot or so. This will create an unexpected and almost magical entry to your home during any holiday season.

You have the option of using the power cord and an electrical outlet or you can place batteries in the battery pack for use outdoors. This gives you the ability to decorate spaces that do not have electrical power available. For example, a screened in porch, a gazebo, a dark interior hallway, even poolside. With batteries you will receive up to 12 hours of illumination. That should outlast any party you may have!

Filed Under: Entertainment, Flowers & Garden, Holidays & Crafts, Outdoor Living Tagged With: , , , , ,

Today’s Interior Designer | The Value Engineer and Negotiator

October 6, 2009 By Kelly Leave a Comment

interior design | interior designersIt is easy to turn on your television set and find a decorating show that tells you how to completely redesign a room in your home for under $500.00. If you are interested in saving some money or just enjoy working on projects, there are plenty of DIY shows and books that will guide you through the process of building a custom bookcase, for example. And many “trade only’ showrooms have been opened to the general public. For these reasons you may be asking yourself “Do I really need an interior designer?” Of course, the answer to that question is up to you and determined by the scope of your project and your budget.

There are many ways to use an interior designer’s services:

• A designer can assist you in creating a color scheme, assessing furniture needs and choosing fabric. Having a design plan in place before you begin your project will help you avoid costly mistakes down the road.

• As we watch the real estate value of houses decline, we have become cautious about making costly improvements to our homes. An interior designer can offer advise on the cost/benefit of undertaking large projects such as room additions, kitchen remodels etc. This will help you avoid over-improving your property which could result in a loss when it comes time to sell your property.

• While you may feel comfortable making decisions regarding color, upholstery and fabric, if the scale and placement of your furniture is incorrect, your room will just not look “right”. A designer has been trained to assess scale, proportion and placement based on the space allowed and the function of the room. Getting this type of advice is valuable and well worth the cost.

• Even though many showrooms are open to the public, a designer often receives a larger discount than what is being offered to you. Depending on the arrangement you have with your interior designer, they are often able to pass these discounts on to you and negotiate, saving you even more money.

Using the “trained eye” of a professional designer will allow you to make informed decisions, stay within budget and get the results you want; a beautiful and comfortable home for your family and guests to enjoy.

Filed Under: Architecture, Decorating, Designer, Eco, Featured, Home Improvement, Kitchen & Bath Tagged With: , , ,