*(disclaimer: I have received product and compensation for this post, but all opinions
and ideas and spilled decoupage medium are my own.)
It has begun.
The Great Frenzied-Fall-Decorating-Festival at The Everyday Home.
I have always found it interesting that some people get depressed and
see this time of year as the “end of Summer.”
My Mama said she didn’t want Summer to end.
I am the exact opposite. Each year, I can’t wait for Summer to end
because I know that my beloved Fall is near.
I jumped for joy when I was asked by Martha Stewart Decoupage
to create a project with some of her new designs. I didn’t even have
to think twice to know it would be something for Fall.
Fall is strangely – the time when I come alive. Maybe it’s because
the Southern humidity is finally letting up and I can open the windows
and enjoy some much-welcomed cooler air.
But, mostly – I love the colors. The warm yellows and golds and rusts
and browns. The pumpkins and mums and cotton.
The design that I opted to use above is called Botanical Birds.
There are several designs available, with a diverse range of options –
from lace to trims and paper and fabrics. All of these products are
available at Michaels.
As you can see from the picture above, the paper cut-out designs
were applied to plates and cups and napkins, too. The cool thing
about these products is that they are durable and dishwasher-safe too,
after the curing process.
I made two projects. The first project was a cloche.
I applied the botanical birds design to the front, added some dots of
green paint throughout the leaves and branches to look like berries,
and painted the knob with the same green paint.
One of the things I loved about the paper designs is that they were
so easy to work with. You basically pop the chosen design out, apply
the Decoupage Medium on the back with a brush, then lay it on the
surface and gently press down to secure.
To create the “berries” I mixed green paint with some stain, and used
the end of my brush to apply the dots aka “berries.”
But, I couldn’t stop there. If you know me at all, you know I am bird
and twig and leaf crazy. As in fanatical. As in borderline obsessed.
I’m pretty sure that Martha has been to my blog and toured my home
and picked up on my bird fetish. That is why she sent me this particular
design.
{That’s my fantasy so please just roll with it.}
So, I decided to cover two books, as well.
Remember back in high school, when all the really cool kids covered
their books with paper and decorated the fronts with hand-drawn
designs and wrote quotes using a calligraphy marker? Ok, maybe I
was the only one who did that. I was voted “Most Likely to Blog.”
I used my high school book-covering skills, and with some brown
craft paper and tape – I created a great surface for decoupaging.
I started on the spine of the book, and worked my way around to the
front. It was so simple, but I truly love this project.
Once I had both projects completed, I couldn’t wait to start pulling
it all together in my first Fall vignette. I usually start with my Dining
Room mantel, but this year – the Frenzied-Fall-Decorating-Festival
started in the Living Room.
I grabbed one of my new burlap runners, which are now available in
my online shop, Farmhouse Decor.
Next, I added two rusted-Frenchy style buckets filled with mums
and fall plants. Mini heirloom pumpkins, cotton and grapevine
completed the look.
I am thinking there may be more covered and decoupage projects
in my future.
Have you started decorating for Fall yet? This weekend will be the day
I put on the pot of mulled cider, turn on my Autumn in New England cd,
and let the Frenzied-Fall-Decorating-Festival begin in earnest.
And I don’t care if its still 90 degrees outside.
Check out the following sites to see what products are available
from Martha Stewart, Plaid and Michaels.
You can also visit:
Follow Plaid Crafts on Twitter
Follow Plaid Crafts on Pinterest
Check out the Paint Me Plaid Blog
Have a fabulous weekend, my friends!!!
xxoo, Barb
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Mary@athomeonthebay says
I love what you did Barb! Those birds are beautiful!
View CommentJenna says
Very cute indeed! I’m sure Martha has been to your house, isn’t she kind of like Santa, she visits everyone? I can certainly feel her presence when my house is a mess! Shaking her head and tsk tsking! I love the decoupage on the cloche! And that you added paint!
View CommentJenna
KATHYSUE says
Very clever Barb, Loving the books. I am with you when it comes to birds!! Fun project!!
View CommentKathysue
Nana Diana says
You had me at Martha! I love your ideas, Barb. What a fun project. I am like you- I come alive in Fall! xo Diana
View CommentMeegan says
Love, love, love the birds! The books came out fabulous! Thanks for sharing. Pinned 🙂
View CommentYvonne @ StoneGable says
Such a great idea, Barb! I always covered my books! So your embellished books make my heart sing!!! Doesn’t Martha have the best stuff!
View CommentYou sure know how to style a pretty vignette for fall!
JaneEllen says
I am a bird nut also along with leaves, the whole bit. Also thrive in the Fall with colors, etc. Love how you prettied up your cloche and the books. I have got to get some of that MS decoupage stuff in a hurry. Will be perfect for any Fall stuff I might do. Every thing you did is gorgeous, sure got me inspired, wasn’t that part of point of this post? I have to pin all this, so awesome.
View CommentMartha’s products might be little more than others but they are always quality, that much any crafter can bank on. Worth the extra.
Happy weekend
Marty@A Stroll Thru Life says
Barb, you are definitely the most creative person I know. I love this. Thanks tons for linking to Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty
View CommentSharon @ Elizabeth & Co. says
The botanical feel is perfect for fall! Nicely done!
View CommentChristine says
Love this idea….soo many possibilities to apply it too. Great job and very creative!
View CommentSharon says
Can you use that decoupage on anything? Daughter loves camo and would love to somehow make her some camo plates with camo material I have found.
View CommentBarb says
Sharon,
View CommentYes, it is meant for glass and fabric and paper. It would be perfect for that. 🙂 Good luck!
Carmen Whitehead says
I love to decoupage! Great look, TFS!
View CommentConfessions of a Plate Addict says
Hi Barb! Just wanted you to know that you were featured at The Scoop this week! Gotta love Martha! 🙂 Thanks so much for sharing!…hugs…Debbie
View Commenthttp://confessionsofaplateaddict.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-softer-side-of-fall.html
Jennifer @ The Jenny Evolution says
I wanted to invite you to the Friday Flash Blog Party, the best linky in town! I hope you’ll join us and link up. Who knows. You may just get highlighted!
The party goes on ALL weekend.
Jennifer @ The Jenny Evolution
View Commenthttp://www.thejennyevolution.com
Debra@CommonGround says
LOVED the cloches with the birds, but the book covers are equally as wonderful!!! I have to get some of these and try them out!
View CommentSherry says
What a great project! I just love the book covers! I will feature it today at HSH!
View CommentSherry
Ella says
Impressive you have brought up the natural element to fall decor .What a lovely treat to enjoy the FALL…so different yet equally beautiful!
View Comment