Holiday Decorating

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

When decorating for the Holiday Season, I like to incorporate nature in my design ideas.  That way your decorating will last through the winter, after the Holidays are done, and still look great.  Not to mention it really helps keeps the cost down, you can gather materials in your backyard for free!

I filled my flower pots with boughs, branches  and anything
interesting I could find outside.

My Porch

A wreath like this can be reused year after year,
just by adding a few new branches.

Lanterns line my sidewalk with flameless candles
that come on at dark.

A "splash" of red!

Ok, so here is my latest project... my only regret, that I didn't take a before picture.  I alway forget that, I'm too excited to get started, and then I think of it when I'm done!  Oh well, what I started with was a mirrored bi-fold closet door in my entry way.  The door was not staying on the track anymore, and I decided I wanted to do something different.  So here is what I came up with...

I got a 6panel solid unfinished pine bi-fold closet door
from Menard's for under $100.  Then I painted it a "barn red" color.
I've always like the look of a red front door, but didn't want to
commit to it. So this is a fun alternative, it's right inside the entry
way, and gives the welcoming feel of a red door.

This photo isn't a good representation of the color (the picture above shows the true color better),
but I wanted a close-up of the handle I chose.  I found this "old looking" door knob ($12) to put on the door
instead of the cabinet hardware that is usually used.  It gives the door a real high end look.

Check out these cute Windows!

 So yesterday I helped Morgan with her store front windows at the Scarlet Poppe.  I think they turned out super cute... totally "Morgan"!  We used fabric from her store to create an  oversized "bow" in the window, and some pretty snowflakes.  Unfortunately my photography skills aren't that great, but here are some pictures.  You'll have to stop in to see it in person because the photos don't do it justice. 

While I was there I also managed to snag a really super cute sweater to wear to the State Farm Christmas party last night for only $7.00! 

The Soiree was super fun, I was excited to get a lot of really great feedback about Melting Pot Designs!  I even sold a few pieces, which was a bonus.  I did a drawing for a free consultation, and Liz Gay won.     I'm really excited to work with her!  Watch for before and after pics.!

I am running a Holiday Special... If anyone wants help with their Holiday decorating, I'll come take a look at your space, get some ideas, we can uses what you have, or if you want maybe add a few new pieces?  I do outside work too, porches are my favorite.   Just let me know if your interested... $50

I'm also taking orders for winter arrangements... each one is individual, they average about 3feet tall, and are filled with all natural things I've collected.  I can fill a container you already have ($35) or use one of my own ($50).

Here is an example of one I did.

 So, another Thanksgiving under my belt!  Derek and I hosted at our house again this year, we had a great time.  We had his Mom and Dad, his Sister's family, my Mom and Dad, my Aunt and Uncle, and all of the kiddos (16 altogether)  Everybody pitched in and brought things, and everything tasted great.  Best of all I got to use my dishes that belonged to my Grandma Arlene, and were passed down to me. (Unfortunately, I didn't have quite enough for our big group so I had to mix in some other pieces.)   God knows she cooked enough Thanksgiving dinners in her day, (served many on those California Ivy dishes).  I'm sure she was tickled looking down on us that day!

I went to the Rookery in Cable on Saturday night... the food and the company was amazing (as usual)! I just had to share this, since I'm a sucker for pretty things.

I had the special, pheasant with a yummy sauce, glazed pears, over wild rice.

Ladies Night!

So, I went to Spooner's "Ladies Night" with some really fun girls last night... although none of us won the $1000.00 grand prize, it was a blast.  The event was to kick off Holiday shopping, (which I did, but couldn't help buying a couple of things for myself).  All the stores had appetizers, desserts, and wine for their customers.  If you made a purchase you could fill out an entry slip to win a $1000.00 shopping spree.  I was not aware of all the great stores in downtown Spooner. Some of my personal fav's were, Dahl's Home Store, The Copper Horse, and the Rusty Bucket.  I will definitely be visiting these stores  again soon.  If you've never been to this annual event, you should check it out next year... it makes a fun road trip!

By the way...

I'm so excited to be a part of the Soiree this year (hosted by the Scarlet Poppe)... to kick off the holiday season, I will be displaying ideas for some winter arrangements, and decorations.  These items will also be for sale if anyone is interested.  I will also be having a drawing for a free consultation, I can come help with holiday decorating, or maybe you have a room that you need some fresh ideas for...

Here are the details for the Soiree...

The creative juices are flowing...

I've been working on my winter arrangements all day (with two year old in tow), trying to get ready for the Soiree.  Here is a sneak peak at just one thing that  will be on display (and for sale) that night...

Most of the materials used to make this wreath came from our very own Northwoods  Craft and Variety (always be BenFranklin to me) on Main Street in downtown Hayward.  Nice selection of realistic looking materials.

             
I did however take a break from putting my displays together this afternoon to go shovel horse manure for about an hour... a sunny 50 degree day in November, you've got to take advantage.  A creative designer one moment... a ranch hand the next!  Never a dull moment around here.  My wonderful husband even got out there and helped me ( I think he enjoys the animals more than he admits)!

Fabric adds so much to a room...

I found these great curtains for my mom's living room... they added so much warmth, and made the room really cozy.

Welcome!

So, I've decided to start a new endeavor... Melting Pot Interior Designs.  

Just about anyone who knows me well, can attest to the fact that I've been in love with anything "home" since I was a little girl.  In 2001 my husband Derek and I were blessed to be able to build a home in my "hometown" Hayward WI, in the same neighborhood I grew up in.  I was the general contractor on the project, and over the years have continued to remodel and redesign as my family has grown, and my style has changed.  

In addition to what I've done with my own house, I've assisted many friends and family with remodels and rearrangements.  I appreciate all different house layouts and design styles.  I enjoy refurbishing old or worn out pieces and updating them with maybe some new paint, or fabric.  I love blending style with functionality, and making things dual purpose.  I pride myself in being able to create a high dollar look for less.  I believe you can achieve a beautiful home with any budget. 






Here is a fun project that my sweet hubby helped me with... I used chalkboard paint, and some old barn wood to make a message center. (Derek made the frame)