The Homesteading Cottage: Thrifty and Frugal

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Saturday, October 13, 2012

31 Days :: Prepare for Halloween with 10 Wreath Designs - Day 13

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It's Day 13 in our 31 Days Challenge which means Halloween is right around the corner and we've been busy collecting inspiration to get the creativity flowing! First we shared how we've prepared our cottage for the holiday, then we threw out a few pumpkins ideas and yesterday was all about Halloween curb appeal. Today we wanted to show some great wreath designs that can be used both inside and outside of the home.

I absolutely adore black feathers this year!! Use them as a wreath or garland for the banister. The feathers are simple, but can hold their own especially with a bright background color.

Melissa from The Chic-Adee Shop did such a great job with this creation...love the green!

Who doesn't love burlap? The damask bow on the side is a nice touch (;

If bats are a passion for Halloween, you can't go wrong with this wreath! Very cute!

I'm a little biased on this one...this is our wreath made by a dear friend (; I wish I could get a better picture because this photo doesn't do it justice! The sheer black ribbon with green and orange glitter polka dots give a hint of green and my favorite is the black bird and glittering beware sign (the black bird is hard to spot, but he's there).

This was made by spray painting a grapevine wreath and then adding moss, a black bird and spooky signage. Very simple to do, but oh, so charming.

Little Birdie Secrets has a great tutorial on how to make this tulle wreath.

Berries are a favorite! Add a black bird or maybe a plaque with a spooky message and you're set! Then when Halloween is over, simply remove those items and you're ready for Thanksgiving!

Isn't this burlap boo wreath beautiful (; If you'd like to make your own, Lacy from The Inspired Nest can show you how!

And we had to include this happy mesh wreath for the finale...

10 Halloween wreaths in all!! That should get your started if you're still searching for inspiration. Come back tomorrow for our indoor Halloween decoration preparation. We'll be sharing 23 DIY elements that can be used to create great Halloween displays. Incorporate a few into your Halloween design this year or use them all...the options are endless!

I hope you'll continue to join us for our 31 Days of Preparation journey. Enter your email below and each post will automatically be delivered to your inbox. Don't forget to stop by the many other 31 Dayers for additional inspiration!

Ÿ Day 1 Ÿ Day 7 Ÿ Day 12 Ÿ Day 17 Ÿ Day 22 Ÿ Day 27

Ÿ Day 2 Ÿ Day 8 Ÿ Day 13 Ÿ Day 18 Ÿ Day 23 Ÿ Day 28

Ÿ Day 3 Ÿ Day 9 Ÿ Day 14 Ÿ Day 19 Ÿ Day 24 Ÿ Day 29

Ÿ Day 4 Ÿ Day 10 Ÿ Day 15 Ÿ Day 20 Ÿ Day 25 Ÿ Day 30

Ÿ Day 5 Ÿ Day 11 Ÿ Day 16 Ÿ Day 21 Ÿ Day 26 Ÿ Day 31

Ÿ Day 6 Ÿ Day 12 Ÿ Day 18 Ÿ Day 1 Ÿ Day 22 Ÿ Day33

In Gratitude,

New to The Homesteading Cottage? Don't miss a post and subscribe here...

Thursday, October 11, 2012

31 Days :: Prepare for Halloween with 24 Pumpkin Ideas - Day 11

It's Day 11 in our 31 Days Challenge and since Halloween is right around the corner, I thought it might be nice to share a little pumpkin inspiration to get you prepared for the holiday...24 pumpkin ideas to be exact (;

Growing up we always carved the traditional jack o'lantern, but there are SOOO many more options out there especially when your creativity is in play! Paint them, glitter them, decoupage them, stack them, stencil them...oh, the choices (;

I love the idea of hanging a pumpkin on the door in place of a wreath...very cute! Don't forget the raven and bittersweet!

If carving isn't your thing and you'd like something a little different, try painting! Go buggy or give animal prints a shot!

I thought this idea was adorable and very simple! Use buttons to communicate a spooky message and then top it off with coordinating ribbon.

This is a neat way to countdown the days to Halloween. Cover a pumpkin in chalkboard paint and let the kids change the numbers each day! So fun (;

Create a Welcome Wagon! Who wouldn't love to see this on trick-or-treat night? Cluster a few pumpkins together and paint a special message to make your guests feel right at home. Include a few gourds and bittersweet for an additional fall touch.

If you love polka dots, then you'll love this simple idea from Shannon over at Madigan Made. Add vinyl stickers in different sizes and then top off your design with ribbons and tags.

Get your spook on with white boo pumpkins perched on pedestals, accented with black berries and a glittery skull (;

Have you ever heard of a pumpkin tree? Create one with an extended painted design of several pumpkins displayed on a bookshelf.

A black cat and a few rats are always a welcome sight for Halloween fun (;

For a classic or traditional touch, use your favorite font to stencil a monogram on your pumpkin. Hop over to Leigh Anne's site for her Monogram Pumpkin Tutorial.

To carry the monogram idea even further, carve the initial of each family member onto individual pumpkins for a collective impressive glow!

Now, this has to be one of my absolute favorites!! Flaming pumpkins...yes please (; If you don't have a working fireplace, this is warmth and fun all rolled into one!

For a big impact, use large pumpkins and carve small holes to spell out a message...

Have a favorite pattern or color? Slap it on a pumpkin for a different Halloween twist.

A pumpkin topiary is great, but what about one adorned with glitter?

If you're good at carving, vines and leaves offer a hint of glowing elegance.

I love white pumpkins because they're gorgeous in their own right. Add ribbon to the stems and maybe a custom note or message inscribed on one or two smaller pumpkins in a coordinating color.

Create your own haunted village by painting on spooky black houses...make sure to cut out the windows so they can glow when the lights are low.

Add a little sparkle to your pumpkin with gemstones. Spider webs don't have to be creepy (;

Instead of using only large pumpkins, let mini pumpkins be the focal point of your Halloween display.

Ever wonder what to do with that empty birdbath? Add some moss, a jack o'lantern and a few mysterious ravens (; LOVE this one!!

I love the look of these glowing haunted houses. I'm not a great carver, but the same look can be achieved with paint. Find a silhouette you like, trace, paint and then cut out the windows. You can find the templates here.

If you'd like even more design, Crystal from A Pumpkin and a Princess has a great tutorial on how to decoupage pumpkins with strips of your favorite fabric.

And we can't forget our pets!! This one looks exactly like our little doxie...so cute!! Masterpiece Pumpkins has this and many more.

So there you have it! Enough inspiration to get you out of that normal jack o'lantern rut. Think out of the box and don't get stuck with the same old tried and true styles. Grow your design a little and have fun with it!

I hope you'll continue to join us for our 31 Days of Preparation journey. Make sure to come back tomorrow for inspiration on Halloween curb appeal. Enter your email below and each post will automatically be delivered to your inbox. Don't forget to stop by the many other 31 Dayers for additional inspiration!

Ÿ Day 1 Ÿ Day 7 Ÿ Day 12 Ÿ Day 17 Ÿ Day 22 Ÿ Day 27

Ÿ Day 2 Ÿ Day 8 Ÿ Day 13 Ÿ Day 18 Ÿ Day 23 Ÿ Day 28

Ÿ Day 3 Ÿ Day 9 Ÿ Day 14 Ÿ Day 19 Ÿ Day 24 Ÿ Day 29

Ÿ Day 4 Ÿ Day 10 Ÿ Day 15 Ÿ Day 20 Ÿ Day 25 Ÿ Day 30

Ÿ Day 5 Ÿ Day 11 Ÿ Day 16 Ÿ Day 21 Ÿ Day 26 Ÿ Day 31

Ÿ Day 6 Ÿ Day 12 Ÿ Day 18 Ÿ Day 1 Ÿ Day 22 Ÿ Day33

In Gratitude,

New to The Homesteading Cottage? Don't miss a post and subscribe here...

Saturday, October 6, 2012

31 Days :: 5 Easy Steps to Create a Welcome Basket - Day 6

Yesterday we shared 10 Simple Steps to Prepare for Guests with step 2 being to create a welcome basket. We wanted to go into a little more detail on how to do that and show examples of inspiring ideas for you to create your own!

Putting together a basket filled with thoughtful treats will not only make your guests feel special, but it's the perfect way to ensure they have everything they need for their stay.

Here are some easy steps to create a wonderful welcome basket that your guests will remember for years...

1. Choose a container
A traditional basket is nice, but we love this idea of including the welcome basket on the door so it's the first thing your guests will see. Wire baskets, hat boxes, a canvas bag or picnic baskets are also great ideas.

2. Include snacks and something to drink
Store bought goodies are great, but homemade goodies are the best! Include treats that bring back memories of fun times together. Don't forget to double check on food allergies beforehand. Water is a must, but you could also add a favorite soda, lemonade or tea.

3. How about a good read?
A little down time is good for the soul and including a good read in your basket will offer food for the brain during those relaxed times. Think of favorite novels, magazine or even books showcasing your hometown.

4. Add in products to pamper
Don't forget a little bit of luxury. Soaps, bath salts or lotions will help your visitors feel pampered and cared for. Focusing on all-natural products lessens the possibility of allergic reactions.

5. Personalize it
Personalize those bottles of water, make cute tags to describe the snack packets or leave notes of thankfulness for your guest's visit. Simple touches of personalization show you went that extra mile.

Many people like to include extra towels in their gift baskets, but we prefer to place those on a bench at the foot of the bed. We then top the towels with soaps and washcloths and place them next to the welcome basket.

To recap, here are the 5 Easy Steps to Create a Welcome Basket...

Choose a container
Include snacks and something to drink
Don't forget a good read
Add in products to pamper
Personalize it

The cost to create a welcome basket can be minimal by using items you already have on hand, especially if you stock a gift closet. Your welcome gift doesn't have to be overflowing, it's the thought that counts. By putting a just little bit of time and effort into creating a welcome basket, your guests will know they are cherished and will feel right at home.

Have you created a welcome basket before? What goodies would you include inside?

I hope you'll continue to join us for our 31 Days of Preparation journey. Tomorrow we'll talk about how to prepare your day with The 7 Daily Do's. Enter your email below and each post will automatically be delivered to your inbox. Don't forget to stop by the many other 31 Dayers for additional inspiration!

Ÿ Day 1 Ÿ Day 7 Ÿ Day 12 Ÿ Day 17 Ÿ Day 22 Ÿ Day 27

Ÿ Day 2 Ÿ Day 8 Ÿ Day 13 Ÿ Day 18 Ÿ Day 23 Ÿ Day 28

Ÿ Day 3 Ÿ Day 9 Ÿ Day 14 Ÿ Day 19 Ÿ Day 24 Ÿ Day 29

Ÿ Day 4 Ÿ Day 10 Ÿ Day 15 Ÿ Day 20 Ÿ Day 25 Ÿ Day 30

Ÿ Day 5 Ÿ Day 11 Ÿ Day 16 Ÿ Day 21 Ÿ Day 26 Ÿ Day 31

Ÿ Day 6 Ÿ Day 12 Ÿ Day 18 Ÿ Day 1 Ÿ Day 22 Ÿ Day33

In Gratitude,

New to The Homesteading Cottage? Don't miss a post and subscribe here...

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

31 Days :: Preparing Your Home for Fall - Day 2

{Nook behind front door}

Welcome Fall (; The season is in full swing and the leaves are already beginning to change. This is my favorite time of year! The air is filled with that lovely seasonal scent and the evenings are crisp and cozy.

We chose Preparation for this year's 31 Days Challenge because our homes begin to change during this time...there's an internal and extrenal switch that happens. It's harvest time and we begin to live differently when the days become cooler and longer. Warmer textures are displayed, soft blankets abound for a quick cuddle and the glow of twinkling lights fill our windows as the sun sets earlier in the eve.

Since it's Day 2 in our 31 Days of Preparation, I wanted to share some of the ways we've been preparing our Homesteading Cottage for fall. Today we'll focus on decor. Everything used were items we already on hand and found throughout the cottage.

Our normal fern display at the front door was replaced with a white pumpkin topiary made by a dear friend. She used items from her many bins of fall decor to embellish the layers. Of course the critters wanted to share in the photo love too (;

The credenza faces the front door and greets us each and every time we enter the home. We placed pine cones, berries, autumn fruits and decorative pieces in the baskets on the bottom shelf. The woven suitcases on the right are perfect for additional storage and add a nice balance of textures.

I LOVE this pumpkin...the texture and touch of sparkle speak to me. We perched it in the center of an old wooden box found in the shed and then surrounded it with natural autumn elements like pine cones and dried fruit. The lovely porcelain birds on either side have a deep richness of red and really finish things off...love them!! (You'll have to forgive the over glow of yellow in the photos...the living room is quite dark and it's hard to take a good picture)

The mantle is simple. A few white pumpkins and gourds flank a tray of small mercury glass candle holders adorned with bittersweet and mini pine cones. The larger candle lanterns are filled with coffee beans and when the pillars are lit...oh, the aroma of coffee fills the air!!

This witch plate is a favorite in our kitchen and it makes me smile every time I see it (; Always surround yourself with things that make your heart happy.

We added a few pops of orange and some spooky, glittery green to this little wall piece in our bay window area.

And here's the bay window nook...it's a sad little neglected spot with odds and ends from other parts of the cottage. The owner told us it was intended for a dinning area, but since we already have a dining room, we decided to let it be more of a reading and cozy curl-up space.

In preparation for fall, we're going to be adding curtains to the windows, recovering the chairs (which were freebies), covering the window seat cushions, creating seasonal pillows, possibly adding a table between the chairs and doing something to the rug. Yes, we're going to repurpose that $5 garage sale rug into something lovely, unless we find another alternative that works better (;

The chandelier is also getting a tweak...isn't it a beast?! The owner doesn't like it at all and wants a change. I think we can do something to make it more pleasing to the eye instead of having to totally replace it. We can't wait to share the before and afters when they're completed!

So those are a just a few of the things we've done to prepare our cottage for the fall. What are some ways you prepare your lovely abode to welcome the autumn season? Do you have traditional favorites that come out each year or do you celebrate by making new creations?

I hope you'll join us for our 31 Days of Preparation journey. Tomorrow we'll be talking about how to prepare our hearts and the steps that have helped us during challenging times. Enter your email below and each post will automatically be delivered to your inbox. Don't forget to stop by the many other 31 Dayers for additional inspiration!