Create Pumpkin Votive Candle Holders

Transform munchkin pumpkins into organic votive holders to illuminate an autumn table. Snap off each pumpkin's stem, and position a candle in its depression. Cover with a clear glass hurricane shade. Insert floral U pins to hold the shade in place.
For more PUMPKIN INSPIRATION check out Delish.

Hit a Home Run and have a Philadelphia Phillies Christmas

The mere fact its Christmas doesn’t need to detract your focus from your favorite baseball team, the mighty Philadelphia Phillies. Rather, you should use this opportunity to further express your undying support for your team and make your Christmas a Philadelphia Phillies Christmas. Show your team pride with one of our contemporary and stylish baseball design- Phillies decorative ornaments.

A Survival Kit For Motherhood

For The Best Times In Life!

Band-aid: To fix hurt feelings.

Tissues: For drying little alligator tears.

Cotton Swab: To clean out little ears-for better listening.

Marble: For when you've lost yours.

Rubber Band: To stretch you beyond your limits.

Sweet & Sour Tarts: A reminder that the good comes with a little bad, but the good overcomes!

Button: A reminder to button your lips and count to 10 when angry.

Toothpick: To pick out the good in lying situations.

Lifesaver: For when you've had one of those days.

Flower: A reminder that dandelions mean more than a lavish bouquet.

Star: A reminder of how motherhood makes us shine.

A Kiss: For the little ones to make everything all right!

A Great Gift for New MOMS! Put all of the contents into a bottle or gift basket, tie with ribbon and wish a new mommy a lot of good cheer! As all moms know motherhood is one of the hardest jobs on earth, but the most rewarding of all!

A New Yuleblog Update? Really?

Yeah, really! Let me see if I remember how to do this...

Several months ago, I decided to make a few changes in my life. I wanted to work less behind the computer, get into a diet and exercise regiment to lose some weight, work on ten different projects that I have neglected for far too long, and participate in two special projects with two lucky rolls of the dice.

My batting average so far: 3 for 14 = .214 average.

I succeeded in working less on the computer and did start working out at the gym right before school ended and summer began. Have you ever tried to take your three kids to the gym for a workout? It ain't pretty. However, a month ago, my youngest daughter began kindergarten and I've been hitting the gym pretty regularly. It's a work in progress.

The ten projects I wanted to accomplish are mundane things like what to transfer to DVD from my 1,500+ VHS tapes in my collection, etc.. There were a few Christmas projects on the list as well: transfer new Christmas albums to digital, start burning some of the 100-125 Christmas albums I downloaded over the past two years, etc..

This would have meant spending a significant amount of time - you guessed it - behind the computer. So I went 0 for 10 in this respect - a big fat goose egg.

As for the two special projects. The first came and went in May. It was a disappointment that I wasn't included in the project but after hearing from people about the final result (what a sad, sad story), I'm glad I wasn't involved. And to quote Mr. Gump - "That's all I have to say about that."

Now to the second special project. Towards the beginning of 2009, several of the higher ups at the theater group I volunteer for knew of my love for all things Christmas. They approached me and asked if I would be interested in collaborating with them on a Christmas play.

Throughout most of the summer, I've been gathering material suitable for a church theater revue. Tracking down the sheet music for obscure Christmas songs has been daunting at times. I've also been writing skits, researching Christmas origins and traditions for adaptation, and squeezing all of it into a two hour show.

One of the highlights for me has been contacting several of the artists of the songs I wanted to use. Mona Abboud, the woman behind the song "The Pretty Little Dolly" (ignore the video and listen to the song), gave me her blessing to use the song in the show.

Larry Nestor, the clever gent who wrote and performed "Santa Doesn't Smoke Anymore", sent me a trunk load of songs to use for the show. Two of his songs (including his anti-tobacco holiday ditty) will be used. Larry has promised to even drive down from Chicago to Fort Wayne to see the show!

Last but certainly not least, I made the decision to include "Green Chri$tma$" into the show. Several phone calls were placed to Stan Freberg's office but I got no response. I was ready to remove it from the show when a voicemail on my cell phone in July changed all that.

I'm pleased to announce that we have permission to dramatize his 1958 masterpiece - quite possibly for the first time on the stage. Uncle Stan also confided to me a never before told story behind the making of "Green Chri$tma$" that will be revealed on stage as well (Thanks Stan and Hunter!).


For those theater people around Northeast Indiana and Northwest Ohio, auditions for the show will be held Saturday, September 26, 2009 at First Presbyterian Theater (downtown Fort Wayne) at 1 PM. We're looking for 25 to 30 people in the cast (all ages) and eight to ten children (ages eight to fourteen). Hope to see you there!

Since I'm going to be extremely busy with this show in the next several months, this means the yuleblog will be subdued leading up to Christmas. I will be posting some pictures from rehearsals of the show and what really goes on in the green room backstage (future cast members: you've been warned).

I have about five or six new Christmas albums ready now to add to the sharity list. I don't expect to be posting much more than that. I will attempt to post some new vintage Christmas ads that I've rediscovered sitting in my basement but can't promise a thing.

To the good people in the record industry who sent me new Christmas releases last year: I thank you for sending me the CDs and I didn't review as many as I wanted to. I will do everything in my power to review new submissions to my P.O. Box BEFORE the calendar reaches December 25 even if this means banging them out at show rehearsals (hey, I know the director, okay?).

Now you're caught up. Maybe I can start production on my annual Christmas CD now...

Thanks for visiting and reading!


Capt

A New Yuleblog Update? Really?

Yeah, really! Let me see if I remember how to do this...

Several months ago, I decided to make a few changes in my life. I wanted to work less behind the computer, get into a diet and exercise regiment to lose some weight, work on ten different projects that I have neglected for far too long, and participate in two special projects with two lucky rolls of the dice.

My batting average so far: 3 for 14 = .214 average.

I succeeded in working less on the computer and did start working out at the gym right before school ended and summer began. Have you ever tried to take your three kids to the gym for a workout? It ain't pretty. However, a month ago, my youngest daughter began kindergarten and I've been hitting the gym pretty regularly. It's a work in progress.

The ten projects I wanted to accomplish are mundane things like what to transfer to DVD from my 1,500+ VHS tapes in my collection, etc.. There were a few Christmas projects on the list as well: transfer new Christmas albums to digital, start burning some of the 100-125 Christmas albums I downloaded over the past two years, etc..

This would have meant spending a significant amount of time - you guessed it - behind the computer. So I went 0 for 10 in this respect - a big fat goose egg.

As for the two special projects. The first came and went in May. It was a disappointment that I wasn't included in the project but after hearing from people about the final result (what a sad, sad story), I'm glad I wasn't involved. And to quote Mr. Gump - "That's all I have to say about that."

Now to the second special project. Towards the beginning of 2009, several of the higher ups at the theater group I volunteer for knew of my love for all things Christmas. They approached me and asked if I would be interested in collaborating with them on a Christmas play.

Throughout most of the summer, I've been gathering material suitable for a church theater revue. Tracking down the sheet music for obscure Christmas songs has been daunting at times. I've also been writing skits, researching Christmas origins and traditions for adaptation, and squeezing all of it into a two hour show.

One of the highlights for me has been contacting several of the artists of the songs I wanted to use. Mona Abboud, the woman behind the song "The Pretty Little Dolly" (ignore the video and listen to the song), gave me her blessing to use the song in the show.

Larry Nestor, the clever gent who wrote and performed "Santa Doesn't Smoke Anymore", sent me a trunk load of songs to use for the show. Two of his songs (including his anti-tobacco holiday ditty) will be used. Larry has promised to even drive down from Chicago to Fort Wayne to see the show!

Last but certainly not least, I made the decision to include "Green Chri$tma$" into the show. Several phone calls were placed to Stan Freberg's office but I got no response. I was ready to remove it from the show when a voicemail on my cell phone in July changed all that.

I'm pleased to announce that we have permission to dramatize his 1958 masterpiece - quite possibly for the first time on the stage. Uncle Stan also confided to me a never before told story behind the making of "Green Chri$tma$" that will be revealed on stage as well (Thanks Stan and Hunter!).


For those theater people around Northeast Indiana and Northwest Ohio, auditions for the show will be held Saturday, September 26, 2009 at First Presbyterian Theater (downtown Fort Wayne) at 1 PM. We're looking for 25 to 30 people in the cast (all ages) and eight to ten children (ages eight to fourteen). Hope to see you there!

Since I'm going to be extremely busy with this show in the next several months, this means the yuleblog will be subdued leading up to Christmas. I will be posting some pictures from rehearsals of the show and what really goes on in the green room backstage (future cast members: you've been warned).

I have about five or six new Christmas albums ready now to add to the sharity list. I don't expect to be posting much more than that. I will attempt to post some new vintage Christmas ads that I've rediscovered sitting in my basement but can't promise a thing.

To the good people in the record industry who sent me new Christmas releases last year: I thank you for sending me the CDs and I didn't review as many as I wanted to. I will do everything in my power to review new submissions to my P.O. Box BEFORE the calendar reaches December 25 even if this means banging them out at show rehearsals (hey, I know the director, okay?).

Now you're caught up. Maybe I can start production on my annual Christmas CD now...

Thanks for visiting and reading!


Capt

Chandelier Make Over into a Shade Garden!

Take a chandelier from boring brass to a customized country charmer with a fresh coat of paint and textured shades that mimic handmade paper! A new thick and slow-drying paint product(Paper Perfect) contains paper fibers and can be embedded with fashion yarns and dried pressed flowers. Coat white clip-on shades with Paper Perfect and press no natural trims, then paint your chandelier to match your cottage-garden theme.


Materials: Five white clip-on chandelier shades, Deco Art Paper Perfect in desired color, Palette Knife, Three different kinds of yarns that coordinate with your flowers and paint, scissors, wooden skewer or piece of think dowel and sharpened end, Assorted dried and pressed flowers and leaves, acrylic paints in your choice of colors, two artist brushes, clear-coat sealer.

Tip: Before tackling your shades, experiment with the paint, yarn and flowers on a piece of cardboard.



A. Apply a thick coat of paper paint to the shade with a palette knife. Work on one section at a time until the entire shade is covered. (see photo A) The paper paint should extend just beyond the top and bottom edges of the shade and should be thick enough to accept pieces of yarn and flowers.
B. Select various sizes, colors and styles of yarn and an assortment of flowers and leaves to embed in the wet paper paint. Cut yarn into manageable lengths and work with one type at a time. Lay a length of yarn diagonally from the top to the bottom of the shade embedding it securely in the paper paint at each edge, then trim excess with scissors. Push the yarn into the paper paint, making sure it is securely anchored in the paint but still clearly visible.
C. While the paper paint is still wet, work on one section at a time and apply dried and pressed flowers and leaves in a balanced arrangement. Position pressed flowers and leaves and push the centers down using your finger of the wooden skewer(photo C). For dried flowers insert the flower stems into the paper paint. Cover all of the shade.

Note: The paper paint will take between 12 and 24 hours to dry. Let dry overnight.

Finish painting the Chandelier with desired paints and trims! Apply a coat of clear matte sealer to protect the finish. Let dry. Insert light bulbs and clip the Finished lampshades in place!

Welcome Friday!

Cheers to FRIDAY! It's time to celebrate! Jump In and Come along for the ride! Who doesn't love a Fireplace or Mantel to embellish with Home Treasures and celebrations of FALL!

I have always had a great LOVE for Fireplaces! It takes me back to Home Sweet Home! There is something magical about a glowing fireplace, especially when its cold outside!

I have always been fascinated with the different looks of Fireplaces and Elevations that can be CREATED!

Mantels also look great in the Kitchen!

These last few pictures were taken from the Davis County Parade Of Homes in Utah! I know we've been there before, but I can't pass these up!

Since Fall is approaching, I'm sure many of you are getting out the Fall Decor and re-decorating your Fireplace Mantels! If you have visited my home, you will see my love for Fireplaces, which is pretty comical considering where I live!

What are you doing to your Fireplace for Fall? I am currently working on my fireplaces!

Deck the Fireplaces with JOY!

CREATE Sweet Arrangements

Instant Eye Candy: Christmas Candy isn't just for kids anymore--it can turn a basic clear glass cylinder into a whimsical surprisingly chic vase! Use one as a stand-alone arrangement on a side table, or run a series of them across a mantel for BIG BOLD COLOR!

Directions:

Begin with one or more clear cylinders each measuring at least 3 1/2 inches across and 6 inches tall. Insert a slender bud vase (no taller than the cylinder)inside, and fill the space between the two containers with candy. Stack red and white gumdrops in a striped pattern, line one with peppermint sticks standing straight and tall, and simply fill another with red hots--good for tight or irregular spots.

Next, add water to the bud vase about half full. Cluster a handful of flowers, fastening them near the top with a piece of ribbon or raffia. Cut stems short and insert them into this inner container. Add water every other day so flowers stay fresh!

Deck The Halls Of HOME With "SWEET" JOY!

Inspired by the Seasons Colors and Textures

Here's a seasonal display based on "make it simple" rule of holiday decorating! Not only is it a snap to put together but it's versatile and long-lasting! With a few quick changes you can convert it from a Fall arrangement to a Christmas arrangement!

Gather The Goods:
20-by-14 inch tray
3 (3-by 7) inch pillar candles
3 clear glass hurricane lamps
florist foam
water picks(from craft stores or florists) if needed for fresh materials
Seasonal materials pumpkins and other gourds, apples, colorful leaves, pine cones, etc.


Arrange candles on a tray, slip hurricane lamps over the candles.


Add an assortment of colorful gourds and pumpkins around the hurricane lamps, placing larger gourds or pumpkins near the center and filling in with smaller ones. Build a second layer for added interest!

Slip or tuck the stems of colorful fall leaves (use water picks if needed) and berries or other decorative fall picks around the hurricane lamps!

Deck The Halls Of HOME With JOY!

Fall into Green Apples, Sunflowers and Candy Canes!

So SIMPLE to CREATE!

Here's the Recipe! Easy as Apple Pie!

Ingredients: One large clear glass container
15-20 green apples(artificial) depending on size of glass container
Wide Floral Decorative Ribbon, I used bright ORANGE !
10-12 Sunflowers

Place Green Apples in Glass Container, tuck the sunflower stems into the green apples, arrange in a circular design. You can add tall sticks and other fall floral stems. I kept mine simple. The ideas are endless! (Save your 40% coupon for the glass container!)

The best part: You can use your glass container and green apples for the up and coming Holidays! Last year, I found long tall candy canes from Walmart. I tied ribbons around the candy canes and brightened up the glass container with ribbon and decorated my Dining Room with a Candy Cane theme! I was lucky to have this candy cane quilt that I made a few years ago! I love to decorate with quilts! I have a glass top over my table so I can use my quilts to change with the seasons. It is also great with kids!

Deck The Halls Of HOME with JOY!

Stay Tuned I will be showing more Bountiful Harvest Floral Arrangements this week!

Welcome Fabulous Friday- Jump In and Come Along For The Ride!

Every Friday is an adventure at Deck The Halls! It's time to welcome FABULOUS FRIDAY! Every Friday, we are going on a road trip to find something great to CREATE, something CREATIVE to Share, or someone COOL to meet! So-JUMP IN! If you want to FOLLOW, that is fine too! (ha ha)

Today on the road, we're stopping by There Is Sunshine In My Soul Today. We are going to make some fabulous PUMPKINS for FALL! If you are PASSIONATE about PUMPKINS, you will love these adorable PUMPKINS!

You can make these pumpkins with all different textures of fabrics and colors! Great for Fall Decor!

Follow the map (tutorial) they are easy to make, great for beginners! Let me know how they turn out! Thanks for coming along! I'll pick ya up next Friday! Have a great weekend!

Atlanta Braves Merchandise

Are you a loyal follower of major league matches? Then, you are sure to be amongst the ones who’ll want to grab the Atlanta Braves merchandise, which includes Atlanta Braves jewelry, Atlanta Braves accessories as well as the Atlanta Braves gift items, which all boasts the team logo. Atlanta Braves merchandise is just great for showing your support and devotion to your favorite team. Atlanta

Gratitude for Fall!

Welcome September 1st! It's so nice to see you! We welcome you with smiles of cheer! Fall is coming soon! It's time for pumpkins and all the festivities of Fall! I have always loved the beauty of Fall. Every year I Welcome this day with a little happy dance of JOY! It also means cooler temperatures for the Southwest!

I love to DECORATE for Fall! "Home is where you make your nest"!

The colors of Fall are also my favorite colors! My home is filled with the colors of Autumn! What are your favorite colors in your home?

I have written about this quilt in the past (The Great Art Of Quilts)When I look at it, I think of Fall! The Inspired Room is celebrating Fall with a lot of ideas to decorate for Fall!