Oct 20, 2013
As most of you know, it’s been a rough couple of months around my house (if you’re lost, you can catch up here and here). So I decided that this Halloween, I would focus more on happy, fun and colorful- definitely not black and death. Old books make me happy, and I have a bunch of them, so that’s part of why I went with the #booksandbirds theme. Since I’ve already shared that, I thought I might go ahead and show a few more decoration/party details as well!
From now until Halloween, I’m going to share the details of my own little Halloween get-together ( really, I mean LITTLE – just a tiny party of just a few close gal pals this year). Even with a small crowd, I can’t help but put a little effort in the details – that’s all the fun for me! So in this post I’ve decided to do a “step-by-step” of my table centerpiece. {Stay tuned over the next week and a half for other fun party ideas and recipes if you’re interested.}
1. With a blank table as my slate, I layered two tablecloths. First a black one, then a vintage “lace” one.
2. Then I gathered a few books (pretty much my entire Zane Grey collection that I got at an estate sale – it’s been “filler” in my favorite hallway for awhile, so I knew I could use them and not disrupt my general “book order”.) I also collect old glass milk jars, so I thought those might be great for adding flowers (and color) to the centerpiece. I used a few I had on hand as place-fillers here.
3. Next, I added a few crows, candle holders that I got at an estate sale ($5 for the set!) and white candles.
4. Finally, I wrapped a few cobwebs (and plastic spiders) around the entire display. I also added some flowers to the milk jars in a loose arrangement. For these I used mostly yellow blooms, with some textural greens and “odd stems” (such as Safflower and Billy Balls) which I got from my friend Pam at Box of Rain.
I love how the whole thing turned out, and it was pretty easy to do (bonus)! Do you spy the place card books I used? A post with details on that is coming up soon!
Oct 19, 2013
… just in time for Halloween decor!
Mercury glass is such a classic and spooky look, it’s just perfect for Halloween! When I decided to start this project, I had no idea it would be so simple and fun (and messy)… but a little bit of a challenge to find materials. It took me awhile to track down the Krylon Looking Glass Spray paint, but I finally found some on Amazon.com (after two trips to Hobby Lobby and Michaels, plus calling to Lowe’s and Home Depot and Ace Hardware).
These are the materials you will need:
Krylon® Looking Glass® Mirror-Like paint
Flat black spray paint
A spray bottle with vinegar
1. Shake the Krylon® Looking Glass® Mirror-Like paint vigorously for 3 to 5 minutes.
One thing to note is that the Krylon® Looking Glass® Mirror-Like paint behaves differently than regular spray paint. Instead of applying it to the outside of the glass object, you get the “mercury glass ” look by painting the inside. It’s a bit thin, so it’s best to apply in quick, short bursts inside the glass, then swirl the paint around until it’s almost dry (just a few minutes).
2. Continue adding coats, (from 1 to 5), letting each one dry for about a minute (continuously swirling) before applying the next. Remember to continue to shake the can intermittently while you work (this is the part that I thought was messy – some of the paint got “slung” around a bit). As the paint dries, it quickly changes from dull and cloudy into a bright, reflective sheen.
3. Real mercury glass has a finish that looks cracked and damaged. To mimic that effect with the paint, you can use the vinegar in a spray bottle. Lightly spray the vinegar directly onto the semi-wet paint and let it sit for a bit. You’ll want to do this AFTER several coats of paint have been applied as it will “eat” through most of those layers. { I sprayed a lot of vinegar so you could see the effect a little better}
{see how cool that looks – on the right? Apparently, the vinegar affects the paint by allowing it to “break” when you rub it.}
4. Distress the glass as much or as little as you like. To add another layer of depth, I used a light coat of flat black paint (to make the “distressed” areas even more dramatic)
I found this particular technique great for using leftover glass vases I had lying around, as well as candle and wine glasses for a tablescape. I think they’re going to help make a spectacular Halloween centerpiece when filled with white or orange flowers and greenery!
Oct 18, 2013
Warning: This post may be graphic and appalling to fish activists (if that’s a real thing), but let me say this: Although the fish in these photos WAS harmed, it was cleaned respectfully and quickly. And it was thoroughly enjoyed. So its life was complete (in the grand scheme of things).
At first, I thought this post might be too gruesome to publish, but I decided that long-term, I really wanted to document my granddad’s method . He’s been doing it well (and in his own, unique way) for many years, and here I’ve broken it down into steps so that I (and other family members) can remember each one for future use.
I’m not gonna lie, one of my favorite things about fly fishing in Missouri with my grandfather is when we go to clean the fish after the bell tolls. There’s a “community cleaning station”, and I NEVER get tired of the amusement it gives me to watch grown men struggle with cleaning a fish, while my grandfather glides effortless through it (preserving more meat than most). Honestly, it’s laughable. I want to tell them, “Hey, if you would just watch and learn, you wouldn’t be wasting so much fish!”… All of these guys with electric knives and their manly “cut off the head ways”… If they were to just take a moment and learn from my grandfather, they would a) make it a lot easier on themselves and b) have a lot more fish meat to enjoy. Seriously, he’s the best, and that’s why I’ve chosen to document it. This is the only way I’ve ever been taught to clean a fish, and I must say, it works. Even for beginners.
Note: Please forgive my photos for this post. My camera battery died and I only had my cell phone, which yes, I had to clean fish guts off of after this. Ha!
First, let me say that I love that my granddad keeps his own “cleaning supplies” in the bed of his pick up truck at all times. Those supplies include: a Tupperware container, a good cleaning knife, Ziploc bags and a small piece of silestone (he simply doesn’t trust the cleanliness of the “provided” workspace at the park cleaning station).
1. Hold the rainbow trout by the front gills using your thumb. With a sharp knife, cut a slit in the belly of the fish from the bottom fin to just below the mouth.
2. Use the knife to cut a slit directly underneath the mouth of the fish. There are two fleshy parts on either side, you want to cut through one to the other here.
3. Firmly grip the inside of the fish’s mouth and the lower part of the jaw that you cut the slit in (#2).
Pull the jaw/mouth down, thereby expelling the fish’s guts in one fell swoop.
4. Snap back the head of the fish and continue to pull the skin off from the outside, working along the fins closely as needed to loosen the skin from the flesh.
5. Pull off the fish skin in one fluid motion and discard.
6. On both sides of the fillet, cut a slit at the front of the fish’s spine, on either side.
7. Carefully, using the fish’s spine as a guide, use the knife to cut the meat away from the bone.
8. Turn the fish over and repeat step 7 for the other side.
9. Discard the fish spine/bones and then use your knife to trim away any excess bones from the fish flesh.
Look at that beauty! No butchered, not mangled. Gorgeous, delicious rainbow trout!
10. Place the fileted fish in a ziploc bag with water – this makes it super easy to cook for dinner or to freeze if you want.
There you go, Rainbow Trout cleaning at its finest.
Thank you, Granddaddy, for teaching me such a great and efficient way to enjoy beautiful rainbow trout!
Coming Soon: Rainbow Trout Recipes (yum)
Oct 14, 2013
This week we’re supposed to have some cooler weather (hooray!) so I thought I might feature this super cute gift idea – the coffee cozy (and optional gift card)! It’s perfect for the transition into fall – functional AND adorable!
Next time you need a quick gift for a co-worker, teacher or friend, simply hide a coffee shop gift card inside an empty cup (they’ll give you one if you ask for it) with a coffee cozy on it. This would be a great hostess gift too – just print a little card that says something like, “Your kindness warms my heart! Thanks for throwing me a shower!” {they’ll just think you’re so clever}
Do you have a “stash” of gifts in your closet to give on a moment’s notice? If so, this idea is the perfect addition to your grab-and-go options! With a few cozies on hand, when you need gift in a flash, you can swing by your favorite coffee shop (even on the WAY to the party,perhaps?) get a gift card, an empty cup and lid, and you’re good to go! {With a cute gift in- hand, nonetheless.}
I sell these particular coffee cozies at my store, but if you love to sew, you might enjoy making your own cozy (love this tutorial for a fabric version).
Cheers! Happy, easy-gift giving this fall!
Oct 5, 2013
Since I already shared a small part of my transition into fall decor, I thought I might show you the completed Halloween mantle look. Each year I slightly change up the “theme”, and this time I decided to go with Old Books & Birds (well, specifically, crows). Even though I annually change the theme, I still like to re-use/re-purpose bits and pieces from previous years. Last year I created this “mirror” to fit a frame I found at an estate sale and made the paper bunting to spell out “All Hallow’s Eve”. This year I added the crow, glitter skull and potion jar. Everything else is part of my normal, everyday decor.
On the left side, the paintbrushes were from my grandmother (who was an artist) and the artist brush washer container was from my other grandmother (who just thought it was cute). I added the crow inside the glass box just for fun. The books, clock, and candle sticks are usually on the mantle anyway (just in a different spot).
On the right, I brought in one of my favorite items- a vintage birdcage- more books, cardboard ampersand, glittery black skull and potion bottle. Instead of the typical orange and black, I thought it might be more fun to have a little extra color this year – so I swapped out the usual black books for some colorful ones. For some reason it amuses me that the bird is in the box and not the cage (ha, I know I’m kinda weird). I might still add a couple of tiny pumpkins to the mantle shelf, but other than that, I’m calling it done- trying to keep it simple this year. So what do you think? Do you switch up your mantle look or stick with what you know already works?
Sep 9, 2013
In preparation of creating the Tailgating Guide for Calligraphy Etc., I’m not gonna lie – I needed a little help. Well, a lot of help, actually. 
From the prepping of the food to gathering the props in 95 degree heat (thank you Suzanne!), the styling of the shots for the guide, this project ended up being more work than I originally envisioned. I am pleased with the result, but I can’t take all the credit for how smoothly the project went. I dealt with the products to feature, but I also enlisted a few talented ladies to tidy up the details for me.
I feel so SO blessed to have had the opportunity to collaborate on this project with two fabulous ladies – Allison Fannin (Two Thirty Five Designs) and Linda McMillan (Linda McMillan Photography). They’re fun gals, they both have a great energy, and they’re super easy to work with. Plus, they’re totally on my creative “page”, so I can just give them my initial idea and let them each run with it! For creative-types, that’s not easy to find (and it’s such a relief). There’s nothing more exciting than knowing that others “get” your idea and make it even better (and nothing more frustrating than those that JUST. DON’T. GET IT.)
Allison is a local fashion/DIY/design blogger and Linda is one of the few local photogs that I recommend. If you don’t know these ladies yet, you should! Feel free to show them a little love across the social media-verse:
Allison’s Facebook Instagram Twitter Email Pinterest
Linda’s Facebook Instagram Twitter Email Pinterest
3. Next, I added a few crows, candle holders that I got at an estate sale ($5 for the set!) and white candles.
4. Finally, I wrapped a few cobwebs (and plastic spiders) around the entire display. I also added some flowers to the milk jars in a loose arrangement. For these I used mostly yellow blooms, with some textural greens and “odd stems” (such as Safflower and Billy Balls) which I got from my friend Pam at Box of Rain.
I love how the whole thing turned out, and it was pretty easy to do (bonus)! Do you spy the place card books I used? A post with details on that is coming up soon!
