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about




what people are saying about homewardfound:

"Found objects turn into home decor for every season in the hands of stylist, writer, and artist Debi Ward Kennedy. homewardfound inspires others who like to decorate on a time-and-money budget to discover new creative direction."
~ Beth LivesayRomantic Homes Magazine February 2013

"I want to tell you how inspirational I find your blog! Your happy, down home, God driven world view is so refreshing!! There is always some gem in there for me. If I'm ever feeling blah, your writing often gives me that kick to throw on an apron and refocus on my husband, family and home. Thank you for that!!"
Mary Breen DeVries September, 2014
 
"Your writing and creativity inspire me so much in my own home decorating! In fact this year, thanks to your inspiration, I have added more of my lost love of vintage items in with my love of modern/contemporary. So I now have a wonderful eclectic look to my home."
Monet Keitzman November, 2013

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"I think you're sharing great and wonderful tips for people - real people. And I love that you're stressing using every day items. It makes stylish decorating possible for everyone!"
~ Michelle Litell, MyChimelle Designs October, 2012 

homewardfound decor content included in these
print + online publications:

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homewardfound decor is for all who love to decorate, but have a 'time and money budget'.
it's to help you to find inspiration to express your creativity 
through simple & affordable decor that doesn't come from a store.

i design DO-able seasonal home decor projects and crafts.
i share EASY processes with paint, paper, fabric, and yes - sweaters!

It's about creating your own style at home - every season of the year.
We're using (and RE-using) stuff that's been... stuffed.... into closets and drawers and garages. 
Forgotten stuff. Collected stuff. Hand-me-down stuff. Stuff from thrift stores. 
Let's "Shop The House" and USE that stuff!
Let's look at it all from a fresh perspective, 
using our creativity to see and use it in a NEW WAY!
let's personalize and customize it just for YOU.
because who wants a home that looks like everyone else's? not me!

That's kinda' my thing - re-purpose. re-use. re-imagine.
I hardly ever use things the way they are intended to be used!
I love sharing how I do that 
so that you can see your stuff, your rooms, your home, in a new light.

I share new decor ideas and new tutorials that will help you create a home you love!


I'm the girl power and creative engine behind homewardfound decor ('the homewardfounder'!)
 - professional writer, decorator, + visual designer Debi Ward Kennedy

Wondering who I am and what 'qualifies me' to put my ideas 'out there'??
My entire life and career have been spent in the exercise of creativity...

As a kid who surrounded herself with art supplies,
won a city-wide art contest at age ten,
and started a newspaper at her school in fourth grade. 
(they're still publishing it, too!!!)

My mom was my earliest inspiration. she's the one in the neighborhood
who painted the front door of our brown & white house BRIGHT ORANGE -
then planted orange marigolds in orange-painted window boxes & planters in the front yard.
She spent a full week decorating our house for Christmas each year.
and Easter. and Halloween. and summer.
Clearly, my passion for decorating is in my DNA!

I've really ALWAYS loved to decorate, letting nothing stop me...

I once spent my allowance on crepe paper printed with flowers -
then spent days cutting out every last flower and 
taping each one to the walls in my bedroom,
because I wanted wallpaper and my Mom said no!


Early on, I figured out that I could get the effect I wanted
with effort and imagination, instead of money.


That's where my decorating philosophy of 'Fast, Cheap, & Easy' began
and was honed over more than 45 years working as a creative professional...

As a retail display designer & stylist 

at vintage shows, winery events, gift shows, retail boutiques, and even Disneyland -
including designing some award-winning show booths and store designs.

As founder & owner of creative businesses
Paint the Town, Red! designing & painting murals and a line of home furnishings,
Retreat Home designing & creating home decor products from vintage and 'found' materials,
participating in vintage shows, craft shows, and running retail shops.

Contributing my own regular column in shelter publications
as a contributing columnist & writer for Creating Vintage Charm and FOLK magazines
and Joyful Home & Life online,
focusing on creating seasonal decor on a budget.

Writing regularly for national business publications
Entrepreneur, Design Sponge, Vintage Indie, SHEknows Canada,
Broadway & Thresher, Country Business, Gift Shop Retailer, One Coast Retailer,
Smart Retailer, Gift Beat, Snap*Retail, Puget Sound Business Journal + affiliates,
on the subject of retail visual design & display.

Creating a six-video series for retailers
for the Gift & Home Channel (see them on my YouTube channel)

Speaking about retail design and home decor
at conferences, seminars, and events
for national gift shows, industry conferences, and vintage shows

Learn where my passion for creative decorating came from in this post 

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Thank you for joining me here for a journey
of creativity, imagination, play, and inspiration. That's why I blog!
(also because creativity, crafting & decorating are therapeutic,
and help keep anxiety from consuming my thoughts)

I blog because I love sharing inspiring, fun, accessible diy ideas.
I blog because I love to make things, and take photos, and write stories.
I blog because I love the connection, encouragement, and camaraderie of
an amazing creative community - the makers AND the readers! 

I'm an old gal (60!) with a young spirit (25?!) who loves to share inspiration.

I'm not trying to keep up with trends or other people.
I don't have ads, I don't monetize my blog, I don't sell things (very often).

homewardfound is not a 'business' - but it IS a brand, 
and you best believe that I protect it.

occasionally, I take a break and stop blogging. not normal, I know.
sometimes life just demands that I focus on one thing at a time.
sometimes I lose my creative mojo and need to step back to re-set.

I'm just being me. Hoping to help you be you -
to explore your own creativity and make your home all that you want it to be!




all content on this blog is the original (unless otherwise credited) property of 
homewardfound and Debi Ward Kennedy|Deb Kennedy, 
protected by copyright + trademark 2012 - 2023.