French Bench

I finally had this great bench reupholstered.  The transformation is amazing.  I paid $60.00 for the bench and $200.00 to reupholster.  I am happy with the result.  I used the reverse side of the fabric for the piping and buttons.  I like the mix.  I also painted the legs white.  Since I have hardwood floors, there would not have been enough contrast had I kept them natural.

Don't be afraid to bargain shop and have things reupholstered.  Customizing pieces to fit your decor is what creates that eclectic look.

In The Christmas Spirit

We went to Berkley for dinner before heading to see Bob Seger in concert in Oakland.  I was so inspired by the celebration of the season.  I wish my own town went to such trouble.  It was beautiful and got me in the mood for this special time of year.

More Christmas Ideas

I love the old pictures of me and my family with Santa.  A fun way to display them is to frame them and prop them in front of each persons stocking.  Its a great way to display the photos and adds decoration to your mantel.

Creative Christmas Card

I have this reoccurring competition with myself to outdo the Christmas card from the past year.  This year was easy because I didn't like last years.  I was in a time crunch and just did it even though I wasn't happy with the result.

The background is pretty enough, but the picture is fuzzy and boring.  I got inspired while watching a decorating show.

This is a picture off the TV so the quality isn't great, but you get the idea.  I shared this with my neighbor, who happens to be a photographer and that got the ball rolling.  This was the result.

The photographer has a program that makes the picture look like a painting.  It looks a little like a Norman Rockwell of modern times.  I hope this inspires  you to think outside the box and get creative.

Christmas Decorating

So sorry I have been gone so long.  Life is getting in the way, but I am back doing what I love.  Here are my favorite things to decorate with for the holidays.

• Bottle Brush Trees
• Mercury Glass
• Ball Ornaments

I am not a huge lover of red so this is my contribution to the traditional Christmas colors.  Of course, I paired it with my favorite color, turquoise.

This is my buffet in my dining room.  I love glass domes.  This one was a steal at Marshall's for $19.99  compared to the usual price of $80.00.  I have it sitting on a salvaged piece from an old porch.  A column rested on this pedestal.  The bottle brush trees and mercury glass I just buy when I see them for a good price.  The picture above is the only Winter  one I hang.  I just love it.  It has all my favorite colors.  I found it at antique store some time ago and bring it out every winter.  I hope you got some ideas.  I will post tomorrow with more.