Monogram Pumpkin Place Card Tutorial

This monogram pumpkin served as a place card and then as a small gift for the guests of our table at the Elegance of Fall Event.  They were super easy and extremely affordable at only $2 a pop. AND... I live in the South, so as you might imagine, they were a huge hit!!

I couldn't find any all white pumpkins that I liked so I bought the bronze version at Michael's and just applied a coat of ivory spray paint.  I had the stem taped off but decided I hated it bronze so I took a Silver Sharpie Paint Pen and went over the stem. 

Once this is done you are ready to get started on your monogram.  I just made a simple monogram for everyone in Word. It took me a minute to get the size right for my pumpkin but once it is done you just have to plug each persons in and print. 

Directions:
1.  Print each monogram and cut it down to a manageable size rectangle.

2. Using a pencil trace and color in each monogram ON THE BACK OF THE PAPER.  You should be able to see right through your paper without anything special but if not tape it to a window and the light coming through will help.

Partially filled in ON THE BACK of your image using a pencil

3. Tape it to your pumpkin and using a blunt edge (I used my Sharpie with the lid on for this) go over your entire monogram applying gentle pressure.  When you remove the paper your should have an image of the monogram.

Tape or just hold it on for this step.  Just DO NOT let it slip!

 

The transfered monogram

 

4.  Using a Sharpie or paint pen (I used a Silver Sharpie Paint Pen) trace and fill in your lines.  (This is the point at which you will be glad you used a simple monogram!)

All done!

5.  It dries fast.  I suppose you could put a clear coat of sealer on top but mine have held up just fine.

Done. Now you have your duel purpose craft of the day! Place card and a take home gift for your guests all in one with plenty of time left to browse Pinterest!

Kandi

Linked up here: Domestically Speaking, 52 Mantles, Between Naps on the Porch, My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia, Savvy Southern Style, DIY by Design, Not Just a Housewife, Shabby Creek Cottage, Tatertots and Jello, A Stroll Through Life, French Country Cottage, No Minimalist Here, The36th Avenue, Bacon Time, It's Overflowing, At the Picket Fence,Shine on Fridays, DIY Show Off, House of Hepworth, Homemaker on a Dime, Stuff and Nonsense, 52 Mantels, I Heart Nap Time, The Frugal Girls,Six Sisters Stuff , Fine Craft Guild

Elegance of Fall Fundraiser: A Collection of Fall Tablescapes

I was honored to attend a fundraiser to celebrate the life of an amazing woman who our community tragically lost just a little less than two years ago.  It was a wonderful evening full of laughter and tears, but also beautiful and inspiring winter tablescapes.  My girls night out group sponsored a table.  Each table had to be 100% clothed from linens to flatware along with a center piece to be auctioned off. 

We went with an creamy white and silver themed table.  This table included white pumpkins, white roses, mercury glass, Lenox china, and some amazing silver!  The center piece to be auctioned was a white pumpkin filled with silk flowers in shades of cream that could be used year after year for fall table settings. 

 

 

I used each persons monogram on faux pumpkins I sprayed white to act as place cards and also a little gift for everyone.  I'll do a tutorial on these tomorrow.

 

One of my favorite designers, Renee McCurry (who we got to know at the Finders Keepers Sale), was also there and put together a stunning hunt themed table.  From the buffalo check and paisley table clothes, to vintage trophies and pheasants ... her table had it all and was incredibly gorgeous! 

 

Here are a few more shots of other tables.  Inspiration can be gathered from each one if you look closely!

 

All in all it was one of those nights where you leave feeling blessed to know such amazing women and honored to be a part of celebrating and remembering a woman whom we could all take a lesson from.  Volunteering and being a part of your community, especially this time of year, is so important.  The organizations that need you are endless!  Here is one of many website that help you find a place http://www.volunteermatch.org/.

 

Kandi 

 

Linked up here: Savvy Southern Style, DIY by Design





Goodwill dresser turned dining room buffet

I'm not sure where the room makeover started?  Maybe with the new art I picked up at Goodwill, maybe with the new dining room chairs, or was it the curtains?  I just can't remember!  My mom did pick up this pretty amazeballs Drexel dresser at Goodwill for.... wait for it........  $40!  I kid you not.


BEFORE

It was in amazing shape on the inside but the the top had some major water damage and the front drawers had peeling veneer.  I'm not sure what might have happened to it but it was bad!  I didn't take on the painting of this one.  My sweet step father did and he is so much more of a perfectionist than I ever dreamed of being so this dresser turned buffet is absolutely perfect. 

 

It took lots of sanding and filling and more sanding on the top to get it smooth and perfect.  A few coats of paint later and wallah!

We reused the original hardware since it was not only gorgeous but also the gold ties into my light fixture beautifully.

It is now officially full of dishes, linens, candles, etc.  Thanks Pops!!

The full room reveal will be....uhhh...soon (commitment issues...)!

Kandi

 Find me at: Between Naps on the Porch, My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia, Savvy Southern Style, DIY by Design, Not Just a Housewife, Shabby Creek Cottage, Tatertots and Jello, A Stroll Through Life, French Country Cottage, No Minimalist Here, The36th Avenue, Bacon Time, It's Overflowing, At the Picket Fence,Shine on Fridays, DIY Show Off, House of Hepworth, Homemaker on a Dime, Stuff and Nonsense, 52 Mantels, I Heart Nap Time, The Frugal Girls,Six Sisters Stuff , Fine Craft Guild

Handmade Christmas Stockings

Arriving next week at Woven Home in Lynchburg, VA will be a selection of these handmade Christmas stockings! There is a little something for everyone here.  Stockings that would be rockin in a college dorm room or a playroom to plenty of neutrals that would slide right in with any ones Christmas decor.  Head over to Woven Home and grab a few before they are gone!!!  There are limited quantities of all that you see pictured here.  If you are too far away feel free to email us at wovenhome@hotmail.com for custom orders.

So funky!  Finished inside with a fun coordinating Frenchy fabric.

Recycled Sweaters finished with burlap rose detail.

 6.5 weeks people!!!!!!!!!!  Does that mean I can put my tree up... hmmmmm?!?

Kandi
 

GO VOTE

It seems like our generation can tend to be disconnected from politics or feel their vote doesn't matter.  IT DOES!!  I won't put my political opinions on this blog but I will implore you to GO VOTE TODAY! 

My house kind of has the opposite problem and my husband has been out working the poles since 6:15 a.m. He believes in his candidate and has done (TONS) of research.  It makes me proud of him.

I stood in line with both of my kids for 45 minutes to vote.  They had fun.  We brought lots of Halloween candy with us and I bribed them with McDonald's if they were good.  Hey... it is America!  :-) 
 
Here is a link to find your polling place.

Blood Orange Martini Recipe and Girls Weekend

It was girls weekend here in NC.  Do I feel bad that I wasn't in VA helping Rebekah open the first ever Woven Home store front.... why yes, yes I do.  BUT.... when one of your oldest dearest friends is having her first baby you gotta make tough decisions and Girls {Baby Shower} Weekend it was!

In case you were wondering, Rebekah ROCKED IT!!  The store looked absolutely amazing and the response was overwhelmingly positive.  Which means... we need to get shopping for more amazing merchandise and fabric.... that is a problem we are willing to take on!  Blessed!  If you are close enough head to  4925 Boonsboro Rd, Lynchburg VA and check us out!  Our regular store hours will be TUESDAY-SATURDAY 10-5.

Woven Home store display and window displays.

 

For a couple full recaps of the weekend visit my friend Jenn over at Unmadebeds or Beth at Clothes and Cocktails. 

It went something like this... eat, massage, ice cream, shop, eat, drink, talk, talk, talk, {minimal} sleep, coffee, talk, talk, talk. 


We did have a theme drink for the weekend made by yours truly... it is a must try!  And, no worries, the pregnant girl was drinking skim milk all weekend...

Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas; Styling: Lydia Purcell
Original picture source here.

 

Blood Orange Martini

1 shot vodka

1/2 shot triple sec

1/2 shot Malibu Rum

1 shot Blood Orange Juice**

1 shot lemonade

Shake it over ice and enjoy***

 

**I found the Blood Orange Juice at Harris Teeter with the tonic and seltzers**

***In case you can't find a shaker a Nalgene bottle works even better... for real!  Try that too!***

 

Kandi