Hearth & Haven

Hello Hello!  Well, it seems September has slipped in through the back door and Autumn is just a whisper away.  I'm detecting a hint of it on the wind and have noticed some of the trees have started to turn color.  Time to finish up our summer outdoor projects and plan some indoor ones.  Because . . . Fall is short.  And there's no time to waste when it comes to fall fun and cozy decorating. 

I don't actually do a whole lot of decorating, just small touches here and there--for inspiration sake.  It's a good incentive toward clearing out all the summer clutter and starting fresh with the coming season. 

I'm still finding a ton of ideas from my old magazines, which I've been endlessly scanning and preparing to part with.  I made a seller account called, HEARTH & HAVEN on Bonanza HERE.  Gosh, I really LOVE the mechanics of this site, listings are free and forever, but there's not a lot of traffic there.  So, I'm mentioning it for anyone who is interested in some back issues of women's magazines.  If you just want to browse and enjoy some pretty pictures that's fine too.  I've already uploaded quite a few to lend inspiration!  So anyway, that is where I am parking most of these lovely magazines for the time being. 

And although I didn't think my Etsy shop was the right venue for magazines, the first test listing I put up sold quickly, so I may add a few more over there too--if there's an interest.  I do have lots more and not just decorating issues, but crafts and food; some older 'Taste of Home' back issues (with Ted's Toothpick challenge) and ZAKKA Japanese crafting...is that still a thing?

Overall, I must say, it's been very entertaining looking back on all the decorating trends.  Some have endured while others have evolved.  I think my home style is pretty much the same as it's always been with a few modifications.  I still like bold color and pattern on pattern.  Still mad for plaid and Laura Ashley and English Cottage and Country French.  Having said that, at this stage in my life, I'm leaning a little more toward the less is more aesthetic with simplicity and comfort as the guiding factors.

Creative Home Fall 2003

 "Simplicity and comfort" . . . being a matter of interpretation, of course.  I still love this!

And so, with all the focus on  hearth and home, the new PatternBee Bonus transfer for September went straight to the heart.  This cozy cottage can be stitched as a framed picture to adorn the wall or made into a cushion to feather the nest. 

The original old motif (shown above) has been reproduced at about 8" x 10" and can be done using basic embroidery stitches.  A pleasant fall project to pick up when you are seeking a quiet diversion from modern hectic daily life.

On another note, I don't remember where I found this online image, but I thought it was such a great idea for curing onions.  In the past, we had just laid them out on a table covered with newspaper.  That works, but this is much better.

I looked around and discovered the bottom shelf of a workbench my husband had constructed years back, was perfect for a small crop of onions.  I was so tickled about it!  Hey, it's the little things, right?

Speaking of little things.  Just look at this perfect patch of chamomile flowers.  So pretty!

 

Comments

[Dianna]

This is the loveliest, fall-iest blog post I have seen this month! Your comments on past decorating trends are interesting as well, and your garden is lovely!