Burlap Table Runner--PB Look @ DIY Price

A few weeks ago I was in Pottery Barn and found a jute table runner.  I had been looking for one and was very happy to find it on sale.  I brought it home and it was way too big for my table.  I love the texture of jute, burlap, etc and kept looking for one, but didn't want to pay lots and lots.... Last night I saw this post by Kristen @ Ella Claire Inspired and was so excited to make a runner myself.

I went to JoAnn's today and bought 4 yards of burlap.  I followed Kristen's directions and it turned out great!

I started out by washing it with Tide and some bleach to get rid of the smell.  I had to do a second load with a little more Tide and two rinses.  It still smelled a little, but wasn't horrible.  I took it outside and draped it over some chairs for about an hour.  Before I brought it back in the house, I really tried to shake it out.  There were burlap fibers flying everywhere!  :)

I then did a rough measurement of it, pulled a string from it and cut carefully along that line.  I cut it down the middle with the same technique.  Because it was so long, the string broke a couple of times.  I put on my reading glasses (haha!) and used a pin to find the string and started carefully pulling it again.  Once I had it out, I again carefully cut lengthwise.  I made it about 20" wide by 90" long for my 80" table.



I ironed it with my eurosteam.  I tried to use a normal iron set on Silk, as Kristen did, but wasn't getting anywhere.  It came out nice and smooth this way.

I set it on the table and did a final measurement.    I cut it so it'd hang a few inches over the edge of the table.  After that, I carefully pulled about 8 strings off, one at a time, to make the fringe.  This part was really easy.

And that was it!! 

I paid $10 for the burlap and can make two runners.  $5 for a runner is perfect in my book!  It sure beats paying $50 for the one at Pottery Barn.  Thank you Kristen!

I was in Michael's today and found this bird/candle holder for 90% off. 

I added some topiaries that I made and now have a simply decorated table for fall.  Now if I can just keep the cat out of there....  :)

Thanks for your visit! 

Pam

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Some Simple Updates

I have had this metal bird decoration for several years.  Recently it occurred to me that I needed to hang some things from the hooks on it.  (Sometimes I'm very slow!!)  :)

I got the watering can and birdhouse in the Christmas clearance section at Target last year.  I cut the lavender from my yard and the key was from a set that I bought from Hobby Lobby.

I recently found these miniature Mason jars on ebay.  OMG, I was so excited!  Unfortunately it's hard to see the details, but they are adorable in person!

Last week when I found the old scale and typewriter, I also found this bright blue, green and yellow birdhouse.  I loved the galvanized roof and dragonfly on it, but didn't love the bright colors.

 I sanded most of it down and taped off the metal parts.

 I painted it white.

 Now I like it much more by my front door. 

Thanks for your visit! 

Pam

Recent Fun Finds

Since I started working full time at the beginning of the year, my shopping/blogging/redecorating time has been cut significantly...  I was off the other day  and was able to hit a few of my favorite stores and even had some time to peruse ebay.  

I found a couple of old scales.

 

I found this cupcake stand and cloche and think the bird looks cute in there.

 These seed packets are so colorful.

I plan to put some chalkboard stickers on these canisters.  I think they'll look really cute.

What fun things have you found lately?

Thanks for your visit!

Pam

An Adorable Town and a Winner!

Last week my husband's step-mother passed away.  We quickly flew to Illinois to be with his family.  On the first day, we had a little extra time before everyone got off work, so we spent some time in the cutest little town, Geneva.  I learned about this place from Jennifer Rizzo's blog.  (whom I might add is one of the nicest bloggers out there!) :)   Even though my husband isn't totally thrilled with shopping in cute stores, he was a trooper. 

 I loved this bike in the middle of a planter!

 

 I didn't get a great picture of this statue, but it's right at the end of the main street and is so cute!

 The businesses all look like this.

 This was such a neat wine store!

 

This was my favorite place!  I love the magnets on the door announcing that they are open.

 

The store was FULL of great things!  And they had a couch for my husband to sit on.  :)

 I love this ottoman!

 

 And this canvas print.

 Because we were traveling and had very limited space, I only bought this little bird, but am so thrilled with it!

 

If you're ever in Illinois in the west suburbs of Chicago, you need to check out Geneva!  

Thank you to all who entered my giveaway. 

The winner is:  Joy2Journey 

Thanks for your visit and comments!

Pam

Birds on a Branch Box Update

 

I made this box a few months ago and stenciled our house numbers on it.  I liked it, but didn't love it and already had our house numbers on our front door, so it was time to redo the box.

I turned it around (and love this beat up side)!

I found these birds at Hobby Lobby. 

I attached them and suddenly had a much different looking box.

I added some pansies and I was done! 

Thanks for your visit!

Pam


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French Country Cottage's Feathered Nest Friday 

Fluffing our Empty Nest

We just got back from taking both of our kids to college.  It's a very strange feeling to be empty-nesters!  In the spirit of this, I came up with this simple "nest-themed" tablescape.

 I used my Mom's silver.  She purchased it piece by piece when she was 18.  I am so thrilled to have it!

I found these square bowls at TJMaxx on clearance.

I found this nest at Twig.   I LOVE her stuff!

I made these napkins this summer.  HERE  is the link to learn how I made them.  Jane at Cottage at the Crossroads told me about the grapevine napkin rings she found at Hobby Lobby.  I think they look great and were really cheap there!   (on sale for $1.25 for six!)

 

I made these topiaries a few weeks ago.  HERE are the directions for making them.

 

  

I found these birds at TJMaxx for $1.99 each.  

A little bit of brown paint and they look so much better!

I have to keep the doors closed if I have the table set so Bailey the cat doesn't come in.  :)  He is sure the table is set for him! 

Thank you so much for visiting!

Pam


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