Dress Up Some Skates for Christmas

November passes with a whirlwind.  I think I was out of town every weekend.  Needless to say, not much got accomplished around here.  So tonight I whipped out three projects and I'll post about all of them soon.

My Christmas tree is up but has no ornaments on it.  I'm ready for my house to start looking more Christmasy so I started with a Christmas project.

I found a pair of old ice skates at an antique mall this summer.

I love the red pom pom on the toe!

I decided to use them as a container for a holiday bouquet.  So I picked up some dry floral foam and some Christmas picks at Michael's and set to work.

The floral foam was a cube and wouldn't fit into the skate so I had to cut it down.  

It cut easily with a kitchen knife.  When I was finished trimming it, it looked like this:

I stuffed it down into the neck of the skate and then laced it up.

Next it was just a matter of sticking the floral picks into the foam.  I decided to go with two different themes.

The first was a very metallic, contemporary look.

The second skate was adorned with classic winter greens.

I think I may leave this one on the mantle!

Sharing here:

Savvy Southern Style

It's Fall, Ya'll

The calendar says that yesterday was the first day of autumn.  My allergies certainly know that fall is in the air.  Someone forgot to change the thermostat, however.  It was 95 degrees here in Texas yesterday and today.  So to help get myself in the mood, I planted some mums and decorated the mantle.

When I bought my house years ago, this rock fireplace was my favorite feature.

I keep it filled with vintage ironstone and change out the accessories for the seasons.

I've had these wooden pumpkins for years and they're perfect to pile in a shabby urn.

This red watering can is my most recent addition.  It's got great patina and will carry on into Christmas.

Who says a wreath has to hang?

It's starting to feel like fall inside.  Now if outside would just cooperate!

Not For Sale

This past weekend I got a two-fer.  A trip to Austin for a conference and some serious shopping and junking time.  Part of that time was spent at the City Wide Garage Sale, an antiques flea market that's held monthly.  I perused the isles, picking up treasures to add to my shop, when I turned the corner and there she was...  She took my breath away!  Seriously!  

Isn't she to die for??  A full, 3-D zinc arrow.  No holes. Perfect patina.  Vintage industrial chic in all her glory.  Be still my pounding heart!  This must be Cupid's arrow!  It was love at first sight!

Dare I ask how much she was?  Absolutely!

She was high, but worth it.  Not outrageous like so many one-of-a-kind pieces can be.  Still, not something I could likely make a profit on.  I knew I had two choices, bring her home or pass and regret it.  I don't like living with regrets so I brought her home!

Her large size (almost 3 feet long) command center stage.  Where else to put her but the mantle?  

I'm sure a day may come when I'll tire of her and be ready to part ways, but until then.... she's not for sale!

Ready for Spring

I've spent the week away from home, taking care of a grandson and a grandson on-the-way.  I'll post pics of Jay's nursery soon.  Anyway, sure was glad to get home and sleep in my own bed!


Today I decided to do something for myself and decorate my mantle for spring.  The header on my blog is my winter mantle.  It was time for a change!

I decided to mix in with my white ironstone some turquoise (are you surprised?) and lime green.

And a spring mantle just isn't complete without a bird's nest and bird!

I just wish I had another week off to spruce up more spots in my house!

I'm linking up this week!

The TablescaperRemodelaholic
WhipperBerry