DIY Last Minute Decorations

How to Upscale a Fabulous Fall Wreath

Time to get out your old wreaths. What do you find? You wonderful wreath has missing flowers, fruits and ribbons.

That is exactly what happens to me every time, because the glue loosens over time. Plus the wreath could use a little sprucing up.

Well, let's take a look at what I have done.

17 Outrageous Wind Chimes

Summer isn't over just yet! There are many good days and nights, especially now that it is almost fall. There will be a nip in the air and sitting outside will be delightful. I am not a fan of heat and humidity, my hair doubles in size and it curls in some unnatural ways. I must say I love fall! I do hang out outside a bit more in the fall so I like to add a little color. Wind Chimes are a good way to add color and some of these are a work of art, so, let's take a look. Some of them you can use as inspiration and some you will just have to droll over on pinterest.

1.

 

50 Inspirational Sea Shell Projects

Here are some great projects that are easy for your decor.

Red, White and Blue Deco Mesh Wreath Tutorial Part 2

When starting the second layer of ruffles, just choose a twist and un-do it, making sure the first ruffle stays in place, it will.
Lay your next ruffle right down on top of the first, choosing a contrasting color and re-secure the twist with a couple of turns…..not by the balls remember)))
Because of the number of twists, working around the wreath in a red, white, blue pattern didn’t necessarily come out evenly…..at some point we had to chose a different color.

This is our wreath with three layers of ruffles on the outer and inner rings. Nice)))
You may be wondering why we went around the wreath three times when we could have just held three ruffles in the hand and secured in the twist one time and been done with it. And you could do that, but it takes extra hands!
Also when we finished the first layer…..it looked like the silver balls on the ends of the twists were going to stick out of the wreath too far…..but after the third layer was added, they seem just right.

There are so many options to use once you’ve completed the base wreath. The base wreath looks great without anything else actually…..or you could add some sprays…..a sign…..glittered words…a bow with some tails.
We chose to add some Royal Blue and Red Polka Dot (This ribbon is sold out, but you can use other styles of patriotic ribbon.) wire edge ribbon. This ribbon is a very nice royal blue polished cotton fabric with red glittered polka dots on one side and red metallic on the bottom. It’s 2.5″ and 10 yards in length. You’ll find this ribbon in our Polka Dot section. Your choice of ribbon or ribbons can absolutely make the wreath. Sometimes it far better to use a more modest style of mesh or other material and use more expensive ribbons for a finishing touch.

We measured the depth of the wreath to determine how long we needed to cut our ribbon strips. If the depth of the wreath measure 7-8″ you need ribbon strips at least 14″ since they will be pinched in the middle and attached to the strips. You want the tips of the ribbons to stick out beyond the mesh a bit so they will be more visible.
It’s always best to try the length of ribbon you think you’ll need before cutting it.

One the ribbon strips were cut, we folded the ribbon in half and made a cut across the folded side of the ribbon.

 Pinch the ribbon in the center.

 Continue adding ribbon. For this wreath, we added ribbon to each twist, but you don’t necessarily have to. We also considered using two types of ribbon but elected to just use this one because it showed up so well.

 Once you’re wreath is finished, hang it up and take a look. Fluff out the tips of the ribbon strips, cut any loose strings. Actually to have 54 pieces of mesh cut, we had practically no strings to cut which is pretty amazing. The more you handle Deco Poly Mesh, it will ravel, but this project went great with next to no raveling.
I love it…..love this style. The base wreath came out very regular without gaps or holes. No wire frame showed at all and the Pencil Wreath with Balls added a little more sparkle which will be great for Memorial Day or the Fourth of July. Hmmmmm…..and we can lose the star and add something that screams Hotty Toddy for our Rebel fans )))
Remember……no twisting by the balls……lol (sorry….it’s the end of the day…..I’m tired…..and ready to call this one done! )

Until we meet again,

Claudia

Stop Bullying in the Work Place, Now!

 

Let's go on a luxury vacation in St Lucia



The Hibiscus House

Have you ever wondered where celebrities vacation? They rent homes with full staff like this one which is on St Lucia.

 

 

 

 

 



Nestled between lush green hills and turquoise Caribbean waters, Hibiscus House inhabits one of the prime plots on the exclusive Cap Estate. Built in classic colonial style and adorned with latticework that reveal a hint of Easter influence, this enchanting villa is perfect for those seeking St. Lucia’s best features in opulent surroundings.
 

 http://www.luxuryretreats.com/destinations/caribbean/st--lucia/cap-estate/hibiscus-house-109155 

Read more about this home at the website,

until we can afford a vacation like this just dream 

Until we meet again,

 

Claudia



Bliss Lights

Bliss Lights

 

Are you ready for the holidays starting with lights.

Bliss lights are a projector style lighting system that isn't cheap but sometimes you can catch them on QVC for less and a bargain. One can purchase them at Home Depot.

Yellow, red, green, purple, blue--Why choose? With the BlissLights Garden Accent Light you can choose between 16-colors letting you express whatever mood you're in. Live life in color!

Think of a Halloween Party!!!

Having a cold drink in your backyard

I think that they are vey creative and you would be the talk of the neighborhood with landscaping like this!!!
until we meet again
Claudia

If I were going to have a dinner party- Friday

If I were going to have a dinner party- Friday

Have you ever played Dinner Party? One would tell who they would like to sit next to at a dinner party and why?

Let’s play!!!

Where: 

 

My backyard (I wish)

Who: Now that is a great question-who would I like to sit next to or in between at a dinner party? Today I am in a fun mood so I would like to sit in between.

 

George Clooney. He can bring Amal, (his finance) she is an International Attorney, and can you imagine the conversations. She deals with human rights, criminal law, and extraditions. I think that she would be amazing and would enlighten the conversation. I hope that she is funny, also.

 

Brad Pitt. He can bring Angelina but maybe leave the kids at home.

Why? They both are quick witted. 

         

I think that the night would be filled with humor and intellect. 

Food: Recipes for Bbq.

  

Grilled Swordfish with Saffron Garlic Sauce and a strawberry and macadamia nut salad with asparagus.

 

Recipe: Ingredients

• 1/2  cup fresh bread crumbs Bread French baguette, crust removed
• Pinch of saffron threads, crumbled
• 1 tablespoon hot water
• 2 large cloves garlic, smashed
• 1 egg yolk, preferable pasteurized
• 1 tablespoon roasted red pepper
• 1/2  teaspoon smoked paprika, hot or sweet
• 3/4  teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/8 - 1/4  teaspoon cayenne, optional
• 4 swordfish or salmon steaks, about 1-1/2 pounds total
• 1/2  teaspoon ground black pepper
• 4 lemon wedge

http://www.recipe.com/grilled-swordfish-steaks-with-saffron-garlic-sauce/

  

Desert: Crème Caramel- it is easy and light for a summer’s night party.

 

Recipe:Ingredients

• 1   recipe 

Basic Caramel

• 2   cups whole milk
• 1   cup heavy cream
• 2/3  cup granulated sugar
• 1/8  teaspoon table salt
• 4 large eggs
• 2 large egg yolks

• 1   teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Basic Caramel:

·         1cup granulated sugar

• 1/4  teaspoon fresh lemon juice

http://www.recipe.com/classic-creme-caramel/

Ok now, this is make believe so here is my dress. Did I mention that it was casual?!

 

 

Wow I look good!!

What is your party? Let me know at claudiebasinger@yahoo.com

Until we meet again

Claudia