Autumn Decorating

Now that October is here, 

I have been busy 

adding some autumn decorating

to my little cottage in the foothills.

It's so nice of you to stop by, 

Dear Friends, 

won't you come inside?

I crafted this wreath using silk leaves,
faux berries, and strawflowers
hot-glued to a grapevine wreath.

It only took about an hour!

Let me take your coat...

My Dear Father made the 'village' coat rack. 

I keep his favorite wool jackets there. 

This time of year, we wear bright colors

whenever we take walks, as it is hunting season :(
Wearing my Father's coat is so comforting. 

I crafted the forest weaving years ago. 

I used to sell them at craft fairs. 

My Father also made the flying ducks on the beam.

He was a life-long tool and die maker

and was president of his local steel-worker's union. 

These are made from cast aluminum.

Aren't they perfect for fall? 

My Dad passed away in 2012 after

a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. 

I love having these sweet tokens of his love. 

I've changed the artwork over my mantel,

replacing a summer scene in greens and blues

with this painting of fall flowers. 

Ramblin' Man put a fresh coat of black paint

on the wood-stove recently.

Soon we will be warming ourselves by the fire. 

Simple pottery, gourds, vintage books, 

and brass candlesticks decorate the mantel. 

This vintage hand-painted wooden tray

was a gift from my sweet sis-in-law. 

Some beautiful autumn gatherings. 

We've had lovely sunshine lately, 

with temperatures in the 70's. 

I have been enjoying these 

last warm, golden days. 

Autumn is so bittersweet. 

xo

Ramblin' Man built our home....

xo

The wonderful basket was my Dear Mom's.

These rest on top of my tall pine cabinet.
The television and stereo hide inside. 

I won the burlap flower pillow

 in a blog give-away a couple of years ago

 from the talented blogger, Brandi,
from the blog, Don't Disturb This Groove.

I love rustic pottery. 

This was a thrifty find :)

My clay urn from Pier I Imports

holds eucalyptus and cattails from
the market.

The scent of the eucalyptus fills the whole room.

You can see them in the mirror xx

I had to find a place for some white pumpkins, too!

My entry table was the perfect place.

The hydrangeas are from my garden.
My four children in the photo above <3

I love playing Scrabble!

Come into my kitchen and I will put on the tea-kettle.

More hydrangeas from the garden fill the
vintage wooden crate.

Can you see Ling-Ling by the glass door?

My table runner is actually a curtain valance
and matches the one at the window.

It's the perfect length for my long table.

I like changing the artwork, curtains and pillows
for the different seasons.

I am always on the look-out for seasonal
art wherever I go.

All are inexpensive flea market, garage sale,
or thrifty finds.

Another pottery vase with my collection of stone birds
 gather on the crate table.

I keep table linens inside.

Living in a small cottage forces
me to find creative storage :)

My hutch was hand-made by someone
named 'Bruce' in the 1960's.
(It's signed and dated)

It was in a little cottage we rented
as newlyweds. When we moved,
the landlord sold it to us for $100.

I made the curtains and painted
and decoupaged
the cupboard doors.

Kai looks on.

These hand colored pen and ink
drawings are two of my favorites.

They are from the 1950's.

A small collection of vintage bottles
glow in the sunshine.

I made the fall leaves out of oven-baked clay
and real autumn leaves.

You can see how I made them Here.

Strawflower wreaths hang from
the back of chairs.

My enamel top vintage table
has a sweet outdoor faucet drawer handle.

I grew and dried the strawflowers.

The tea kettle is whistling, won't you sit down
for a cup?

Whitey Bear relaxes nearby.

Do you take cream and sugar?

Would you like a cupcake?
*smile*

Thank you for stopping by,
Dear Friends!

I always enjoy your company!

xoxo

"Autumn, the year's last, loveliest smile."

- William Cullen Bryant -

Today I am linking with:

Julies Lifestyle - Cooking and Crafting with J&J

The Enchanting Rose - Roses of Inspiration

Ivy and Elephants - What's It Wednesday

My Salvaged Treasures - Vintage Inspiration Party

Rooted in Thyme - Simple and Sweet Fridays




Won't you join the fun?