I recently found this great round basket at Pier1. The weave and dark color are beautiful. Here I’ve used it as a tray on my coffee table to highlight my Fall decor.

Larger baskets are perfect for holding quilts for those nights when you want to snuggle up and watch tv. When you’re done, fold up your quilt and toss it in the basket.

Of course, when we think baskets, we think kitchens…or at least I do. Baskets are the perfect accessory to carry your food to a party or cupcakes to your child’s school. Presentation is key! I have several baskets that I use for various purposes such as holding magazines, but when I need to carry a casserole dish, I grab the basket and toss the magazines out!

Like a lot of you, I have baskets above my cabinets in my kitchen. This is one of my older Longaberger baskets paired with an old lantern and crocks.

Under my kitchen table, there is a shelf that I have placed another basket from Pier1. I have filled it with apples. Because the shelf is difficult to get to, (you have to practically crawl under the table) it is best to use that basket purely for decorative purposes.

In my dining room, I have this beautiful Welsh cabinet that I bought from my Grandmother. She had it custom build about 25 years ago. It one of my favorite pieces. I have a collection of baskets on the top shelf, which adds interest and texture.

Baskets are excellent to use solely as decorative items.

This example is a knock-off of an item I saw a couple of years ago at a popular home decor store. Their version was $500!!! For a glass jug in a basket!! I picked up my glass jug at Garden Ridge for around $12 and the basket at TJ Maxx for $7. It’s the exact same look! Their glass jug was clear and mine is brown…small difference in appearance, big difference in price!

Here, I have a very unique basket that I purchased at Arhaus. I have placed a gathering of candles in it and sat it on a table in my family room. This basket could be used in so many different ways. I love the size and shape of it because it is so different from other baskets. 

When shopping for baskets, think about how you will be using them. If you will be carrying things, like dishes or books, then you will need a stronger basket. Do you need a handle? Think about the size and shape that you need. Do you want to conceal something? If so, then you will want a tight weave. Maybe you’ll need a lid.

There are so many choices when it comes to choosing your baskets. My suggestion…get a variety! You can then pick and choose from your collection based on what your needs are at the moment!

On the Way,

Leslie

Related articles

• Fall Decor at “My House” (houseontheway.com)
• Longaberger at Home – Stylish Savings (rosesgiftideas.wordpress.com)
• Peterboro and Longaberger Baskets {Painting} (temptingthyme.com)

I’ve been contemplating my Fall decor for my front porch for several days. At the end of July, I did a makeover on my wicker settee, seen here. I knew that I would need some cute pillows for the Fall, because the ones I had on there were very “summer.”

Add to that all the amazing burlap projects going on right now…and I came up with these Burlap Bombshells…

I am SO in love with the striped one! It even came about at the last-minute. Sometimes, those are the best.

Here’s how I made them…

I picked up 2 burlap sacks at Tractor Supply and for my “stencil,” I went to Microsoft Word and printed off an “S” in the largest font that would fit on my paper. The font is Lucinda Calligraphy and the size was 500.

I had two old outdoor pillows that I had intended to throw away, so guess what…pillow forms. Placing the pillow inside the sack, I determined where the center would be for my initial and using an exacto knife, I cut out the letter and placed it in the center of the pillow.

I used Frog Tape to hold the stencil on the burlap and used paper to cover the remainder of the burlap, so that I could paint my “S” on the sack.

I used some cheap $.99 black spray paint. It was simply and on hand. The result…

The bag was somewhat see-through and my old pillows were red, so I folded the sack inside itself, to “double-layer” the fabric. The bag was already sewn on three sides, obviously, but I wanted frayed ends, so I made a stitch on the bottom and sides of the bag about 1 inch from the edge.

After I inserted the pillow, I hand stitched it closed and cut the edges with scissors.

Once the ends were clipped, I simply pulled away threads to achieve the frayed look. Easy…but burlap was everywhere!

After I finished my pillow with the initial, I went ahead and made another pillow, but left it blank.

Then I thought, “Nah. It’s needs something.” So I grabbed my Frog Tape and taped off the fringe and created some stripes. Sorry, but I don’t have any pictures of that. I got going and totally forgot!

I did the same thing…$.99 black spray paint…

I took the tape off and LOVED IT! I’m thinking another trip to Tractor Supply is in order. I’d love to have one more striped pillow.

I put them on my wicker settee to see how they’d look. I am so pumped about finishing my porch for Fall! These Burlap Bombshells are a great beginning!

One funny thing…my kids came home from school and asked what I was doing and I told them I was making a burlap pillow. My son said, “Who in the world wants to sleep on a burlap pillow?!?!?”

On the Way,

Leslie

Linking to: One Creative Mommy, Here Comes the Sun, French Country Cottage, Natasha in Oz, Serenity Now, Tatertots & Jello, The Frugal Girls, Be Different Act Normal, Create.Craft.Love, Flamingo Toes, Life on Lakeshore Drive, Lines Across, I Should Be Mopping The Floor, Alderberry Hill, DIY Showoff, Under The Table & Dreaming, Sumo’s Sweet Stuff, Between Naps On The Porch,

Related articles

• Window Shopping Wednesday ~ Pumpkins With A Twist (houseontheway.com)
• Best of Etsy: Burlap (confettistyle.wordpress.com)

One particular lighting trend that I am currently in love with is the Glass Bottle Lamp. When I saw these from Pottery Barn, I think I swooned a bit…

The eggplant is to die for! What a fun and whimsical color! That lamp speaks for itself…and it says, “I’m beautiful!” The inspiration for these lamps was an oversized wine jug. They have a mottled texture. At PB there are a variety of shades that you can pair with the lamp base. Remember, the shade is sold separately.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Take a look at the Gourd lamps from West Elm. I love the curving form of the hand blown glass base. They provide a very unique and exciting look. The colors available are Charcoal, Clear and Luster. Gorgeous! Bonus ~ They come with the shade.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Don’t want to fork over $149 + for a Glass Bottle Lamp? You can DIY!

I personally have not made one, so I will direct you to some tutorials by some very talented and smart bloggers who have achieved this look on their own…

Aaron from The Thrifty Abode gives a great tutorial on making a home-made Pottery Barn/West Elm lamp knock-off. She provides instructions and pics showing how to drill a hole in the bottle for the cord and tells you exactly the supplies you need, which she got at Lowe’s for $18. Look at her finished product! Pretty awesome!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If you’d rather not have to drill into glass, you don’t have to…Look at Kim’s version from Savvy Southern Style. She shows you what you need to do your lamp with the cord hanging from the bulb base and not the bottle of the lamp. That sounds good…I’m somewhat chicken when it comes to the thought of drilling glass…

If you do decide to DIY, be sure you study up on how to do it correctly! Check out Google and Pinterest. There are tons of ideas, Youtube videos and instructions on how-to DIY your own Glass Bottle Lamp. Lamp kits are available at Lowe’s and Home Depot or you can even take your glass bottle or vase to a lamp shop for conversion…let them do it!

The great thing about these lamps is that they are so versatile. They can fit in with just about any style of decor and if you choose a base in a clear or neutral color, you only need to change out the shade when you re-decorate!

Whether you choose to purchase your Glass Bottle Lamp or make your own, you can rest assured that it will definitely light up your life.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

On a separate note…I want to give a big shout out to Amanda at The Little Giggler for featuring my Headboard Makeover. I am honored and so excited to be featured! Stop by and visit Amanda’s blog and visit her new shop, The Little Giggler Shop, where she sells some of her handmade goods. Very cute! 

On the Way,

Leslie

Related articles

• Choosing Lighting & Choosing Lighting for Your Home | Pottery Barn (potterybarn.com)
• Let There Be Recycled Light! 5 Upcycled Lamps (apartmenttherapy.com)
• How to match lamp shades and bases (johnlewis.com)

As you know, Hancock Fabrics has all your sewing needs plus a bit of home decor. They always have a good selection of seasonal decor too. Another good thing about Hancock Fabrics is that most of the time, it’s on sale. Yesterday, all the seasonal decor was 30% off.

One thing that I’ve noticed this year is the trend of the non-traditional pumpkin. I use these unique pumpkin baskets every year. Gone are the days of the fake plastic pumpkin! Embrace the pumpkin of many textures…Look at the great pattern found on the green one on the left! The multitude of textures found in these raffia pumpkins are awesome! Texture is very important in your decor. It brings interest into your space.

They range in price from $9.99 to $24.99, based on size, but don’t forget that they were 30% off!

The raffia pumpkins are definitely nontraditional. I love the rich colors! The deep, warm tones will give your fall decor a new, updated look. They would look beautiful with navy, yellow, or even red. Think about your home decor and choose Fall items that will give you the look you want, to express the season, but will also complement your existing decor. Sometimes, orange is not the answer.

Greenery is always welcome! I love the size and shape of this topiary. It is $39.99. The good thing about this piece is that you can use it for your Fall decor and then use it the rest of the year! This would look awesome amid some baskets filled with pumpkins and gourds.

Here are a couple of other topiary that include some pinecones and green apples. They are not my favorite, but could work in the right setting. Check out the pumpkins make of twigs! Personally, I don’t care for the glitter on top, but the fact that it’s made from twigs is really cool.

Another trend that is hot right now…burlap! The burlap pumpkins below can give your home a classic Fall look, with the update of the burlap. They provide a more “country” look, but I don’t think you need to only have that style in your home to be able to use them. The detail is excellent. They also range in price from $9.99 to $24.99.

Okay…these next guys are not pumpkins, but they are cute! Aren’t they awesome? Owls are everywhere! They are entirely made from twigs, leaves and other natural materials.  Their eyes are very interesting. I’m not 100% sure, but I think they were around $12.99 each. (Sorry, but I can’t remember.) These owls could be used for Fall, Halloween and Thanksgiving!

I encourage you to take advantage of the current trends and use some of this new, unique Fall decor in your home. Some of it could make for some great DIYs! Check out Google and Pinterest…there are some great ideas and tutorials out there! If you’d rather not DIY, head to Hancock Fabrics. They have some great Fall decor that will fit your decorating needs, at a good price!

On the Way,

Leslie

Related articles

• Fall Decor at “My House” (houseontheway.com)
• A Glimpse of Autumn (confettistyle.wordpress.com)
• Best of Etsy: Burlap (confettistyle.wordpress.com)
• 10 Reasons To Look Forward To Fall (thoughtcatalog.com)

My features this week are three amazing furniture transformations! In fact, I sort of have a “dresser” theme going on today. Keeping looking and admire the creativity and talent of these great bloggers!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This dresser makeover by Karin at Art Is Beauty is absolutely gorgeous! The artistic detail of the fern that she and her cousin painted is beautiful! I love how it trails onto the top of the dresser. It is such a stunning piece! One-of-a-kind!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

There are some lucky girls at the home of  Kylie at Kylie M.Interiors!  She took this great armoire and turned it into a gorgeous, bright organizational center for her girls’ princess clothes! I love the pillows and the combination of the other bright colors with the piece.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This dresser transformation by Meg at Never A Dull Moment shows us the result of beautiful chalk paint and some hand painted detail. I love that she left the drawers and top a dark wood color, while painting the dresser frame the beautiful green color! Stop by her blog and check out the inside of the drawers!

Twirl & Take a Bow

*You must link directly to your post.

*You must link back to my blog using this link or my button found on the sidebar.

*Only home decor & design related crafts, DIY, how-to’s, decorating tips, etc. You get the idea!

*Visit one other party link. Share the love and the inspiration!

*No links to shops, Etsy or giveaways.

*By linking up your post, you are giving House on the Way permission to use a picture as a feature on the blog and other social media outlets.

Each week I will also be featuring a few outstanding inspirations from the week before.

On the Way,

Leslie

Related articles

• Twirl & Take a Bow Party #3 (houseontheway.com)

The winner is announced at the end of the post…

~~~~~~~~~~

Oneida

Have you shopped with Oneida lately?

Take a peek at Oneida’s website for all your tableware needs.

Oneida is having their Labor Day Special with 20% off your entire order until Sept.5th!

Stop by their website! You can find the coupon code below and on their site.

Congratulations to the winner of my Oneida Barware Set of 6 Coasters Giveaway…

Dana at Simply You and Me

Visit Simply You and Me and visit Dana! Such a cute blog! Congrats Dana!

On the Way,

Leslie

Related articles

• End Table…New Beginning…Plus a Giveaway!!! (houseontheway.com)

Have you ever started a DIY project and was so excited about it, only to slowly deflate as the project progressed??….Let’s discuss my adventure in the end table makeover…or is it the end table nightmare?!

A couple of weeks ago, I found this cute little end table at a yard sale for $20.00. It’s nothing fancy, but it is sturdy and I like the somewhat oval shape of the top.

I went back and forth, thinking about what I wanted to do with this little guy and finally decided I wanted to do something with a stencil.

Now, keep in mind that I am a stencil novice. In fact, I haven’t even attempted stenciling a piece of furniture or a wall in probably 10 years. There’s a good reason!…I can not do it right! It always bleeds and I make a complete mess.

But, I thought, “Come on! You can do this!”

So I gathered some of my paints and did a little mixing of some gray and yellow…in which case I ended up with basically an off-white/creme color.

I did a light sanding of the top of the table and the drawer front and then put on a coat of Zinsser’s. It’s great because It covers stains and really gives the paint something to which it can adhere. I’ve used it on this chair project and this other end table. 

For the stenciling supplies, I headed to Michael’s. Everyone raves about Martha Stewart’s stenciling brushes, etc, so that’s what I went with for the brushes. I also picked up some monogram stencils because I threw around some ideas with doing a monogram, but I didn’t use them. The stencil I chose was from Plaid.

Here we go…

The paint I used for the stencil is a Valspar sample that I had mixed at Lowe’s. The label did not say the actual name of the color.

I used Frog Tape to hold the stencil down and began “dabbing” the paint on, which is what the instructions on the brushes said to do.

First, I would like to say that this is very tedious work! I’m really not sure that I have the patience for stenciling…maybe that’s my problem! Plus, I have a hard time with the lack of precision involved. I like a really neat, clean paint job.

But I kept going…

About half way through the job, I got so frustrated with the bleeding and the mess ups that I said, “forget it!” So I grabbed the paint and started painting over the stencil job…and then I stopped…and looked…and thought, “umm. That’s interesting.” So, I went with it..

I finished the stencil on the table top and then layered on some of the creme colored paint using a dry brush. I also used a rag to rub the paint off a little in some spots and then after it had dried, I sanded it in a few places.

It almost reminds me of croc skin!

Here’s the final product…but I’m not sure if I like it enough to keep it this way!?!? It’s definitely different…

I am still struggling with the “imperfect” stencil paint job. I just am not good at stenciling! I need to take a class!

I’m considering going in a TOTALLY different direction with it!

I feel in love with this bamboo chest that Kate at Centsational Girl painted a peacock-blue. Isn’t it gorgeous! Click here to see her tutorial on creating this beauty!

What about re-doing my little end table in a color like that?!?!? Granted, my guy doesn’t have the detail of Kate’s lovely bamboo chest, but I was thinking I could replace the shabby knob with an elegant drawer pull…

What do you think?

I think I should go for it. You too?

Oh! BTW…If anyone has some great stenciling tips…SEND THEM MY WAY! Thanks!

On the Way,

Leslie

Related articles

• five, fabulous stencilled baths (designinspiration.typepad.com)
• DIY Stencil Project… (starfishcottage.typepad.com)

It’s September! Can you believe it?!?! Countdown to Fall…time to decorate our space with our Fall Decor. Which means money! But, don’t forget…school just started. Which means money! Let’s try to save some money! Dig out some of your old pumpkins, ribbon, etc and let’s get to work!

I want to show you how you can take everyday decor items from around your house and turn them into your new “Fabulous Fall Decor!”

Take for instance my glass bell jar…I have it sitting on a table with a bird’s nest underneath. 

To turn it into some Fabulous Fall Decor, I used some ribbon that I’ve had forever, which just so happens to be perfect fall colors! I simply tied it in a bow around the tip. It’s wired ribbon, so it makes the perfect bow. I also replaced the bird’s nest with a bowl of apples. To me, apples scream fall! 

What about the coffee table? I totally cleaned it off! Bye, bye…

I decided I liked the bell jar here. A girl can change her mind! I also added two pitchers in Fall colors and a little crock filled with some little berries. I found those cute little pumpkins in a drawer! By adding items that are shades of orange, red, yellow, green and creme, you are creating the traditional look of Fall decor. 

The pitchers were originally on my Welsh Cabinet. All I had to do was remove them and make a few minor adjustments in spacing. Using pottery, such as pitchers or crocks, gives the space a warm, homey feeling. 

To finish off the coffee table, I found this fabric pumpkin. Again, it’s the perfect colors to go with the ribbon and the pottery. It’s also a pumpkin…how much more “Fall” can you get?

Finally, let’s look at the mantle. Let me preface with…I hate decorating mantles! I don’t know why, but I do! To me, they are so hard! For the Fall mantle, I used more of my ribbon to tie a bow around two topiaries that I already had been using. I also had these great pumpkin “baskets,” that I purchased at Wal-Mart about 10 years ago! In the center of the mantle, I placed an antique tool box that previously was at the hearth. 

I have a thing for initials and monograms, so I added our “S.” An initial will go anywhere, anytime! 

More apples and another antique wooden box! A few good, basic things to add to your Fall decor are antiques, wooden items and baskets. When I think “Fall,” I think “apple orchards, cooler weather, sweaters and warmer, richer colors.” So naturally, dark woods, antiques and baskets go right along with that train of thought. 

I created my Fall mantle and coffee table using only items from my home and a few existing pumpkins and ribbons that I use every year. I am a firm believer in “shopping your home.” I talk about it more in this post. Shopping your home works great because we often forget things that we have or perhaps find a new way to use them. Look around your home…ask yourself, “which pieces remind me of Fall?” Then take those items and create your Fabulous Fall Decor!

Within the next few weeks, I’ll be bringing you more ideas on decorating your home for the upcoming season. We’ll explore some different ways you can create the perfect look for your space, in order to enjoy this time of year.

If you’d like to share your Fabulous Fall Decor, contact me! I might be able to feature your idea on my blog!

On the Way,

Leslie

Linking to:

Skip to my Lou, Claiming Our Space, A Stroll Thru Life, Bloom Designs Online

Related articles

• Is it Fall Yet? Festive Fall Hues (apartmenttherapy.com)
• It’s Never Too Early to Start Planning Your Thanksgiving Décor (proflowers.com)
• Fall 2012 Color Trends for Interior Design and Decor in Your New Home (soundbuilthomes.wordpress.com)

I found this table at Restore for $25 and knew that I wanted it as soon as I saw the “bamboo” look on the legs and the top. My thought was that it would be perfect in our vacation home. I was on the lookout for some “beachy” furniture.

This picture is after a bit of sanding had already taken place.

I had already decided that I wanted it a lot “lighter.” It had a glossy finish, so I started with a mild sanding. Next came the primer. I love Zinsser Cover Stain Primer. It’s by Rust-oleum. To be honest, you don’t always even need to sand with this primer! It’s that good! 

For the paint color, I literally mixed two shades of gray that I had leftover from my boy’s bedrooms. One was a little “bluer” than the other, so I mixed them till I was satisfied with the shade.

After the paint had dried, I rubbed on some cherry stain with a rag. I let it set for about 30 seconds and then rubbed it back off. I continued doing that until I had achieved the “weathered” look I was going for with the stain.

After 24 hours, I sealed the entire table with Minwax Polyacrylic.

I completed the end table by changing the hardware to this awesome, wrought iron drawer pull that I found at Hobby Lobby.

I love the detail on this table. I wanted it to have the weathered look, so I left some of the “imperfections” that it had. If there are imperfections, then there’s a story behind them. I like that! 

This end table is one of my favorite pieces. It’s a sturdy, good-sized end table that has been given a new life!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now For the Giveaway!!

One lucky winner will get this set of Oneida Color Burst, set of 6 coasters with holder.

I ended up with two sets of these coasters, so I thought I’d share! These coasters are heat-resistant silicone, which can be used for hot or cold drinks and they are dishwasher safe. The holder is made of brushed stainless steel. There are six assorted colors which are great to identify which drink is yours!

These coasters are great for outdoor entertaining! They are non-breakable and such fun colors!

Enter to Win:

*Make a comment below! That’s it! Easy!

Bonus: 

*You’ll get an extra entry if you are a follower of House on the Way! Just let me know in your comment how you are following. If you’re not a follower already, I hope you’ll join up! You can follow by email, RSS feed, Facebook, Twitter and Google+!

This giveaway is only open to those living in the continental US. 

I will be announcing a lucky winner on Monday!

This giveaway is now closed.

On the Way,

Leslie

Linking to:

Related articles

• Does The Makeover Need A Makeover? (houseontheway.com)

Here’s a beauty from Ballard Designs. It’s the Suzanne Kasler Sunburst Mirror.

Check out this one found at HGTV.

There are so many varieties and ways to make your own. Just take a gander at Pinterest. Ideas galore!

Here’s my version…

If you notice, the mirror itself is hexagon shape. I found it at Restore for $3. The “bursts” are wooden skewers! I glued them to the back of the mirror using wood glue. I clipped the pointed ends, after I practically stabbed myself! I then covered and taped off the mirror and spray painted the frame and skewers with Krylon “Gold” in Satin finish. 

I love the way it turned out! I took some inspiration from Ballard Designs and created this “Love” look…

Their mirror, that is similar in size, is $79.00 and their letters are 3 for $75.00. I got my mirror for $3 and used about $5 worth of wooden skewers. I got my letters at Hobby Lobby for 50% off of $9.95 each! Now that’s a deal!

Get the look for less! Always a plus and the sun will shine!

On the Way,

Leslie

This post was featured at:

Linking to:

Related articles

• Chinoiserie…Have you heard? (houseontheway.com)