Cozy up!

1) Naturally! - A dried Hydrangea wreath and immature green pumpkins provide a perfect mantel display!

2) Pick 'em up! - A simple bowl full of acorns, seed pods or nuts, will add a nice organic touch to any fall vignette!

3) Bois d'ark ( horse) apples - provide stunning color anywhere!

4) Dried Hydrangeas - in a white ironstone bowl, makes a stunning centerpiece

5) Mini Pumpkins - Fill a container with a lot of these for simple interest.

6) Pumpkin Bread! You'll find a good recipe at Coachette's Kitchen( my newest blog), so quick and easy, you can bake some today!

Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures. Henry Ward Beecher

"I still find each day too short for all the thoughts I want to think, all the walks I want to take, all the books I want to read and all the friends I want to see."- John Burroughs

"Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree."
Emily Bronte

"The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leave of Autumn. -John Muir"

"To be alive, to be able to see, to walk, to have houses, music, paintings - it's all a miracle. I have adopted the technique of living life miracle to miracle."- Arthur Rubinstein

Just ran across these amazing pumpkins at www.oldwillowfarm.blogspot.com/ and knew you'd enjoy them too! Stroll through the pages of this lovely blog and you'll feel like you've spent an afternoon in the country.

You'll even find step by step instructions on how to make this Feedsack Scarecrow.

I'm not entirely sure about the process used to create these engraved pumpkins,

but I think while the pumpkin is still on the vine, a steady and artistic hand scratches a word into the flesh. Then as the pumpkin continues to grow, a

protective scabbing occurs which creates the embossed effect.

I can hardly wait to try this next year. Never mind that I don't live on a farm and have never grown pumpkins....I can try can't I?

Woo! $17 dollars! Even more incentive...

Wherever you are, I hope you are enjoying Autumn... and all that comes with the changing of this beautiful season.

For the truth about God is known to them instinctively. God has put this knowledge in their hearts. From the time the world was created, people have seen the earth and the sky and all that God made. They can clearly see His invisable qualities-His eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse whatsoever for not knowing God. Romans 1: 19-20

Christmas at Scoop

For those who love clean lines and cool colors head over to Beth's design blog SCOOP! She is holding a give-a-way for a free Christmas card design of your choice from her latest line The 12 Designs of Christmas. They're pretty fabulous just like her!! What are you waiting for?? Now scoot on over to Scoop!

Stokes Chic Antiques!

There are so many things I like about Abilene, Texas and high on the list is friend, Dalia Stokes. This beautiful young woman, amazing in so many ways, has one of the loveliest stores I've ever seen! With an artistic eye for quality, design and display, Stokes Chic Antiques is a treasure trove on any given day. However, when I walked in the door today the addition of holiday sparkle and glitter had me snapping pictures with my new iphone. That's right I was thinking of you, because I know how much you like pretty things! So enjoy your stroll and if you see something you need, give Dalia a call and she'll send it your way. Okay!...off you go!

Isn't it beautiful? Truly a reflection of sweet, Dalia! Stop by and see for yourself, or for more infomation visit http://www.stokeschicantiques.com/ . Also, you can find her again this year, at the Junior League Christmas Carousel.

Check it out!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGo3avsUHTg

If you were in Abilene last Thursday, I hope your were able to grab a basket and skip on over tothe Quaint Marketplace!


Due to a 60% chance of rain, the market moved to Hannah Jane's @ Treadaway and South 14Th. A "BIG THANKS" to Homer Hillis for his willingness to let us move in with only 2 days notice. You are generous beyond words!

Practically overnight, twenty talented women moved their wares into the vintage warehouse and arranged them ever so well! Below, from left to right, was 'glitter queen' Brandy Faulkner, the lovely and talented Jana Thacker, and the amazing and gracious Molly Yarger, of Molly B's.

Just look at these fabulous burlap pillows! Great Christmas gifts!

Yours truly....flanked by Kay Noles, baker extraordinaire (aka Sugar Fairy) with her signature pink boxes!

...an old tray with a favorite quote from childrens book, The Best Nest.

Brandy, below, has been featured in several magazines and has a successful Etsy business. Click now to see her fascinating kits and crafts!

With patience and an eye for detail, Brandy creates modern day treasures!

Even ordinary becomes special with her touch.

There was a little bit of everything from furniture to feather trees, from pillows to pound cakes, from handmade clothing to clutter!

Below, are the darling frames and crosses by Kristi Perry. Your favorite photos are easily displayed on these frames. Check out her site for more information!

Nancy Davis, of Ella Ellaine had an attractive display of 'brown tone' primitives! Beautiful stuff artistically arranged, drew a large crowd to her table. Nancy, has her own business in McKinney, Texas.

The term 'rustic elegance' takes on new meaning, at Ella Elaine's!

Farm parts and pieces, burlap and southern engineering.

Signature frames.

Even a rusty bird cage looks glamorous.

Jo Carol Spurlock, who specializes in whimsy, out did herself with a smashing variety of handmade goodies. These vintage Christmas ornaments were a big hit!

.....as well as these handmade greeting cards, which were once upon a time old bingo cards.

Lot's of birds and nest....

cute bird magnets!

..and artist Mary Gregory had the cutest magnets,

crosses, and art items......

and these wonderful, large houses made of clay! I love these! Wedding gifts, anyone???

Jana's precious printings....brown ink on cotton diaper shirts and burp cloths. So sweet! A perfect baby gift.

...even pillowcases for sweet dreams!

Rachel, a young and talented mother of two, sews vintage pillowcases
into little girls dresses. So pretty and unique! See her beautiful display at Classic Collection, on Butternut!

It was a great day and we had so much fun! Inspiration was in the air for all who were inclined to grab hold! Creating is fun so don't delay!

If you see something you must have, just leave me a comment for more information!