faux terra cotta pumpkins + tutorial

the decor is simple on our porch this year...

just a few select elements combine to give our entryway a fall mood.
(no, that's not a photo of our porch! i'll probably share that on Insta) 

however, real pumpkins are not an option when it's still over 100 degrees.

my solution to that dilemma was to gather up the pumpkins we have on hand

(plus the new-to-me 'Funkin' faux pumpkin that i found at a thrift store

and used in my recent fall harvest scarecrow project)

and give them a cohesive look... 

and i did that with paint, of course!

continue reading for my easy 'faux terra cotta' paint' tutorial...

boho lace pumpkins

i am always trying to find new ways to create pumpkin decor to enjoy in the fall...
i'm game to try anything to see if it will work.
i recently came across some photos of this past project, never shared here on the blog,
and thought i had better do that before the window of opportunity for fall decor closes!

these are a fun way to create pumpkins with a bohemian style vibe,
perfect in combination with the neutral hues, macrame' accents, and wood textures
in the 'of the moment' boho modern fall decorating.

continue reading for details on how easy these are...

fall flip: guest room update

back in August, i shared the no-cost makeover i created in our guest room - 
a cool, refreshing boho mod style in tones of greens and accented with succulents.

no one has come to stay with us since then, but i've just updated the decor...

and even though there isn't a pumpkin or a leaf in sight,
adding the color orange really works to to bring in a 'fall' mood.
(it's still hot here. but it's October now, so i have to accept the inevitable!)

continue reading to see how a few small changes made a BIG difference

 in the way this room feels...

fall harvest scarecrow

an unexpected find of a two dollar faux 'Funkin' pumpkin at a local thrift shop

was the impetus for this quick, easy fall decor project... perfect indoors or out!

(and no, i wasn't shopping. or, rather, i didn't PLAN to be shopping! i went to the thrift store to drop off three bags of used books.

but the door was open... and i was weak... and so.... i came home with a pumpkin. and three MORE bags of books. but i digress...)

that lightweight foam pumpkin became the head of this cute fall scarecrow.

made with items already on hand - including grass trimmings from our yard -

he came together really fast.

continue reading to see what's holding him up!

make a tiered tray the easy way!

the decorating trend of the moment seems to be tiered trays!

they make arranging a selection of small items a breeze, 

pulling them all together in one display to make a big impact.

i've seen loads of great styling ideas shared all over social media,

but i came up with an approach for the tray itself that i thought might inspire you...

that tiered tray in the image above? not a tray. i didn't buy it.

i made it - using some things that i pulled out of cabinets & cupboards,

and a few drops of hot glue.

not only was it an easy project, it will come apart when i am ready for it to.

continue reading to see my easy way to MAKE a tiered tray...

funky junky pumpkin!

this project has an interesting beginning:

i was taking our garbage cans out to the curb for pickup one morning.

and there at the curb was my neighbors' trash can...

with a fabulous, huge, ORANGE metal floor fan sticking out of it.

as i discovered upon further investigation, it was just a fan housing. no inner parts.

meaning the hard work had been done already - 

so how could i NOT snatch this thing up and repurpose it?!!!

especially when my whoooooole quarantine mission has been

to NOT spend money on craft or decor supplies. to just use what i have.

this thing shows up right in front of me, on my street. what am i supposed to do?!!!

i thought you'd agree.

so yes, in just a few seconds i did grab that fan housing right outta' his garbage can!

and i knew exactly what it was going to become...
last year, i made some junky fall pumpkins from similar salvaged metal parts.
and this version is even better!

continue reading to see several versions of 

the giant junk pumpkin that i made from it...

early fall floral tablescape

ah, September... a fickle month that can't decide if it's summer or fall!

even between seasons,
nature never fails to delight me with new color combinations and moods,

providing endless inspiration for decorating...

inspired by a piece of fabric that evokes a late summer garden,
this tablescape includes some fall elements along with summer flowers and herbs.
it's easy to pull together a pretty table - just look outside for inspiration!

continue reading for some easy table decor tips...