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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

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October 10, 2011

Corn Husk Garland, a Giveaway and an Anniversary x 2!

Confused by that title? Well stay with us!!
We promise it will all be clear by the time you get through this post!
First things first.
You didn’t think I could possibly be done coming up with ways to use corn husks in my Fall decor now did you? I’m pretty sure the produce guy gave me the stink eye when he saw me coming. It didn’t help that I took the last 2 bags of corn husks but, what’s a girl to do when she has another corn husky idea?
I give you my version of a Corn Husk Garland!
Now, please don’t judge my slightly unorthodox crafting skills.
I am part of the “winging it” breed of crafters!
I tried many different ways to get those corn husks (you’ll need 2 bags) attached to a piece of twine and some of them weren’t pretty…believe me!
But in the end, I found that good old fashioned staples did the trick.

I simply began layering them on top of each other and stapling them to the twine as I went.
As I added a corn husk, I positioned it to cover the staple in the previous one and so on and so forth until I ended up with this winding its way around my dining room.

To add texture I picked up a bunch of wheat from a local garden center.

I gathered them into smaller bunches and crossed one over the other forming an ‘L’ shape and then bound them together with twine.
It added just the right touch of natural texture to my Fall front porch!
And, here’s a peek at some more!
A simple wooden box with a square of linen tucked down in holds an assortment of autumnal treasures.
A lantern filled with sparkly pumpkins and a string of
battery operated lights gives off the perfect subtle glow at night.

I dressed up my outdoor pillows with some leftover orange whispy twine and a felt leaf.

Wrapped up like a present, the leaf almost becomes like a gift tag!

Thanks for letting me share my Fall Front Porch with you today!
And now….about that Giveaway!
Are you following the Picket Fence on Facebook?
Well, if not, now is the time to do it!
In honor of reaching over 1,000 Facebook Friends, we wanted to say a special thank you to those of you who helped make that a one-of-a-kind community. And, for still liking us even though we have been known to discuss everything from potty-training failures to DIY nightmares!
So, we are offering you a chance to win a
$30 Pottery Barn Gift Card!
Head on over to our Facebook page (located in our sidebar) to find out all of the details on how to win!
Let’s see…there was one more thing wasn’t there?
Ahhh…yes…something about an Anniversary x 2.
Did anyone notice the new Profile pictures in our Sidebar?
Well, you see, we sisters here at the Fence have a lot in common.
We both drive Honda Pilots.
We absolutely must talk with our hands.
We sound exactly alike on the phone…and in person for that matter.
And, we share the same
Wedding Anniversary Date!
Yep, we just have to share everything.
(Acutally, we just thought it would help our hubbies remember the date by having it on 10/10)
Heather and her Bama Boy were married 19 years ago today
and
Vanessa and her Yankee were married 13 years ago today

Happy, happy Anniversary to our wonderful husbands!
We love you for so many reasons, including your willingness to put up with the endless phone calls, texting, and face-timing that goes on between our 2 homes.
Don’t think we don’t notice you shaking your heads as you hear us howling with laughter from the other room! But, despite our craziness, you encourage our sister bond and we are grateful to you for it.
You are the loves of our lives…
well…not both of you to both of us….just Bama Boy to Heather and Yankee Boy to Vanessa…ummm…errrr…you know what we mean!
Happy Anniversary(s) Boys!

Love the girls at the fence,

This Post is Partying Here:
You’re Talking Too Much: Meet Me on Monday
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia: Tuesday’s Treasures
DIY By Design: Fall Into Fall
Savvy Southern Style: Wow Us Wednesday
No Minimalist Here: Open House Party
French Country Cottage: Feathered Nest Friday
2805: Potpourri Friday
Common Ground: Vintage Inspiration Friday
Stuff and Nonsense: Friday’s Unfolded

45 Comments Filed Under: Decorating, Good Ideas

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Previous Post: « A Simply Sunday Special Guest
Next Post: A Tale of 3 Pumpkins … Pumpkin Two: Faux Nailheads »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Richella says

    October 10, 2011 at 1:39 PM

    Your porch looks beautiful, Vanessa! And it’s so cool that you and Heather have the same anniversary. 10/10 is a great date, isn’t? I’m guessing that both 19 years ago and 13 years ago October 10 was on a Saturday. Good thing you got married six years apart! 🙂

    I’m obviously a follower of y’all’s, but I’m not sure if I’ve ever “liked” you on Facebook–off to check that out right now! 🙂

    Reply
  2. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    October 10, 2011 at 1:47 PM

    Happy Anniversary, ladies! Time sure flies when you’re having fun, doesn’t it?

    Reply
  3. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    October 10, 2011 at 2:04 PM

    Love the husks garland and happy anniversary to you both!!

    Reply
  4. Lakeshore Cottage Living says

    October 10, 2011 at 2:04 PM

    Happy Anniversary to both of you!! Your wedding pictures are so beautiful…they look like something from a cover of a Harlequin Romance book!

    I love your front door Vanessa. I knew you would come up with something else that had to do with corn husks. They really are fun to work with and your garland is wonderful. I am going to have to try that too. LOVE the idea of putting the lights inside the lantern…I have been wanting to add something to the outside of the house like that for Halloween.

    It is rainy here (finally) and I am so glad to stay inside today and catch up on blogging! It is so fun to visit!!

    Reply
  5. Judy says

    October 10, 2011 at 2:05 PM

    Heather -I was married in the same year as you…only three weeks earlier. Love the front porch. Happy anniversary to all four of you!

    Reply
  6. Marsha says

    October 10, 2011 at 2:10 PM

    Happy Anniversary!
    Love your fall porch. Great ideas-the garland, pillow and lantern are wonderful. I really like your wreath, too.

    Reply
  7. Susan (My Place to Yours) says

    October 10, 2011 at 2:28 PM

    Autumnal touches … you’re just not running out of them are you, Vanessa? Looks like you’re having fun!

    Happy Anniversary to both of you and your two guys! 10/10 is an easy date for me to remember; it’s the day my firstborn arrived – 29 years ago today. Happy celebrating to all!

    Reply
  8. Gina says

    October 10, 2011 at 3:03 PM

    I love your corn husk garland & I especially love the wheat corners. They add the perfect finishing touch.

    My hubby & I are celebrating our anniversary today too! Like Heather, it’s 19 years for us as well.
    Happy Anniversary to you both!

    Reply
  9. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

    October 10, 2011 at 3:08 PM

    Happy Anniversary Girls!! Vanessa your front porch looks fantastic and I love the corn husk garland you made! Have a great week, Martina

    Reply
  10. Lisa @ Before Meets After says

    October 10, 2011 at 3:34 PM

    Happy Anniversary! That is too funny you share the same day 🙂

    Reply
  11. Coley says

    October 10, 2011 at 3:34 PM

    The garland is gorgeous. Happy Anniversary! Have a wonderful day 🙂

    Reply
  12. Kelly says

    October 10, 2011 at 4:15 PM

    Really love that corn husk garland. That looks like something you’d read about in BH&G magazine. The added wheat at the corners is the perfect touch too.

    Reply
  13. Debra @ Common Ground says

    October 10, 2011 at 4:34 PM

    Happy, happy Anniversary Gals! Love your fabulous wedding photos! Have a wonderful day you guys! xoxo

    Reply
  14. Honey at 2805 says

    October 10, 2011 at 4:40 PM

    Happy Anniversary to you guys and dolls!

    Reply
  15. Kristin says

    October 10, 2011 at 4:58 PM

    How sweet is that?
    You share a very special bond indeed!
    Happy wishes to you both!
    Love the pix!
    XO

    Reply
  16. Robin says

    October 10, 2011 at 5:51 PM

    Congrats and Happy Anniversary!

    Reply
  17. All About Vignettes says

    October 10, 2011 at 6:20 PM

    I love your porch. I’m definitely stealing the pumpkins in the lantern idea. Thanks.

    Kathy

    Reply
  18. Myric says

    October 10, 2011 at 7:06 PM

    Good Monday!

    You sisters remind me of my mother in law and her sisters. They are hilarious when they are together. All of them are very special women. I love love love them.
    I think the idea of having the same wedding date is soo cute!

    xoxo
    Myric

    Reply
  19. Sue says

    October 10, 2011 at 7:08 PM

    Vanessa, You crack me up! Happy Wedding Anniversary to ALL of you~ Sure do like your front porch and all of its trimmings. The door garland is precious. I try to get my corn husks from the farmers. I cut the stalks down with my trusty loppers and then take any corn left on the stalks up to the pigs! LOL

    Reply
  20. Michele Smith says

    October 10, 2011 at 7:46 PM

    How great is that! Happy Anniversary to all of y’all!
    Your garland is fabulous!!!

    Reply
  21. Val says

    October 10, 2011 at 8:12 PM

    You make Fall look so glorious!!! Happy Anniversary and cheers to a lifetime of happiness!

    Reply
  22. Debbiedoo's blogging and blabbing says

    October 10, 2011 at 8:40 PM

    Beautiful Garland, and Happy Anniversary to you sweet girls…gorgeous pictures!

    Reply
  23. Sheets on the line, love in my heart. says

    October 10, 2011 at 9:21 PM

    happy anniversary!! love the corn hush! what a great idea!! you are amazing!
    blessings,
    rebecca

    Reply
  24. debbie~refreshrestyle.com says

    October 10, 2011 at 11:37 PM

    I said it on FB, but Happy Anniversary to both of you sweet girls and your wonderful husbands! Your wedding pictures are great!
    And that front door looks great, the garland and all the fall touches are perfect!
    Debbie

    Reply
  25. Cindy says

    October 10, 2011 at 11:48 PM

    Happy Anniversary to both of you! I love your fall porch, it is so pretty! The swag is gorgeous and so creative. I have a screen door and so I cannot do something like that, unfortunately.
    Hugs, Cindy

    Reply
  26. The DIY Show Off says

    October 10, 2011 at 11:56 PM

    The garland is so creative and what a welcoming entry way!

    Happy Anniversary, girls!

    Reply
  27. Marianne says

    October 11, 2011 at 12:33 AM

    Happy Anniversary to both of you. How cute is that…you both have the same anniversary! You both made gorgeous brides, but I just love brides and wedding. I cry no matter who is getting married…enough with the mushy stuff.

    That front door of yours is pretty amazing…what a great use for corn husks. Oh, and I stole your pillow wrapped in twine idea, hope you don’t mind. Didn’t want to buy new pillows for the autumn porch so I just tied mine up!

    You guys are just so much fun!

    Marianne 🙂

    Reply
  28. Debbie says

    October 11, 2011 at 1:13 AM

    Beeee-yooo-tee-ful Brides! Both of you! I think it’s so wonderful that you have the same anniversary. I like the 10/10 date, too.

    I love your corn husk garland. Since you got me all husk addicted, I keep thinking of ways to use them too.

    Stink eye… lol

    Reply
  29. Kathryn Ferguson Griffin says

    October 11, 2011 at 2:12 AM

    Love all the fall decor! And, Happy Anniversary to both of you! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

    Reply
  30. Cindy says

    October 10, 2011 at 10:13 PM

    Beautiful garland 🙂 and HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO BOTH OF YOU!!! Beautiful pictures!
    Blessings,
    Cindy

    Reply
  31. Becca says

    October 11, 2011 at 10:14 AM

    Happy Anniversary !! What beautiful brides you were (and still are) !! And, Vanessa (a/k/a “Corn Husk Queen), I’m totally lovin’ your fabulous Fall front porch. The garland is genious … you make it look so easy and the wheat was a great addition to it in the corners. And, of course, I love the pumpkins in the lantern. Oh, and, for a second, your watermark looked liked you had added a vinyl “At the Picket Fence” across your front door! LOL … go look … actually looks kinda cool. xoxo

    Reply
  32. Linda Jordan says

    October 11, 2011 at 1:38 PM

    Happy Anniversaries! 10/10 is a great date, hehe [it’s my birthday, lol]. Also, your front door looks amazing!

    Linda
    https://lasteve1.blogspot.com

    Reply
  33. Youaretalkingtoomuch.com says

    October 11, 2011 at 4:04 PM

    Happy Day AFTER your anniversary! Thank you for sharing this at the “Meet Me Monday” linky party! Love your garland and I cannot wait to see if I can think of anything crafty to do with corn husk! You are no longer the non-crafty kind of girl. You do know that right? Great job! Love, Me http://www.youaretalkingtoomuch.com

    Reply
  34. Karen says

    October 11, 2011 at 5:08 PM

    Happy Anniversary to you both! Kinda late on the wish ~ Vanessa the corn husks are getting even more popular. Great look!

    Reply
  35. Leslie says

    October 11, 2011 at 9:23 PM

    Oh, Vanessa, I DID notice the new pics in the sidebar first thing!
    19 years! 13 years! Congratulations!
    It’s hard to forget each other’s anniversary, isn’t it?
    I drive a Honda CR-V, talk with my hands, and sound like myself, so can I be the little sister?
    I found corn stalks at the local nursery here, and decorated outside with those. I’ll be sharing that as soon as the rain stops…
    I love the natural look of the corn husks!
    Pretty pretty!
    TGIF!
    Thank God It’s Fall!
    ~Leslie

    Reply
  36. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    October 11, 2011 at 2:29 PM

    Love the garland Vanessa and Happy Anniversary girls!! How fun that you got married on the same day!!! I love that! You two really have a special friendship as well as being sisters. Love it. I keep trying to talk my sister into blogging with me… maybe one of these days 🙂

    Reply
  37. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    October 12, 2011 at 12:50 AM

    Hi Vanessa, Your Fall decor is wonderful and I love the idea of the corn husk. Happy anniversary to both of you ladies and the men that won your heart. Thanks for linking to my party.
    Hugs,
    Sherry

    Reply
  38. Babs says

    October 12, 2011 at 1:40 AM

    Very creative corn husk garland idea, and I LOVE it! I really like the addition of wheat at the corners. Cute idea with the lantern, too.

    Reply
  39. Lina - Fancy Frugal Life says

    October 12, 2011 at 1:48 AM

    Just wanted to say Happy Anniversary ladies and this porch is fantastic! I love the corn husks :)Thanks for all your beautiful comments on my blog 🙂
    Always,
    Lina
    Fancy Frugal Life

    Reply
  40. once in a blue moon says

    October 12, 2011 at 1:55 AM

    your decorations are darling, love how you pet them together~

    Reply
  41. Kim@todayismysome-day says

    October 12, 2011 at 3:36 AM

    Love that you used the corn husks as a garland. And hey staples or whatever works, I say!

    Reply
  42. The French Hutch says

    October 12, 2011 at 11:59 PM

    Wow, so much to celebrate here with you. I love the corn husk garland, creative idea. Love your fall decorations, the flowers, and the pillow with the leaf, love it. Congratulations to you both. My son, a bama boy celebrates his anniversary today with his FL bride. I couldn’t have gotten a sweeter DIL. Love y’alls wedding pics………Happy Fall

    ~Emily
    The French Hutch

    Reply
  43. Brandi says

    October 13, 2011 at 7:54 PM

    Happy Anniversary ladies! You both are gorgeous! I just made a corn husk wreath and have lots of husks leftover, so your garland idea is perfect!!!

    Reply
  44. Honey at 2805 says

    October 14, 2011 at 5:47 AM

    Stopping back by to say I appreciate you linking to Potpourri Friday and help to make the party a success!

    Reply
  45. The Tablescaper says

    October 16, 2011 at 4:28 PM

    Congrats to both of you, or rather all 4 of you. While I like the husk garland, I’m really liking what you did to the pillow. Why don’t you come and link your post to Seasonal Sundays?

    – The Tablescaper

    Reply

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We had two back to back days of sunshine (the most We had two back to back days of sunshine (the most we’ve had in a LONG time) and now we are back to pouring rain. This has officially confirmed what I’ve know to be true for awhile now.

I’m a MUCH better version of myself when the sun is shining! 🤪 So I’ll just be over here today plotting and planning how my husband and I can be snowbirds someday when the kids are out of the house.

If you could spend your winters (and apparently most of spring too!) in any part of the country, where would it be?
Happy weekend sweet friends!! We’ve had a LOT of Happy weekend sweet friends!! We’ve had a LOT of rain lately (which is saying something when you live in Oregon) and I’ll admit that it’s affecting my moods a bit. I feel like I’m dragging and struggling to find the energy to get stuff done. So don’t mind me if I’m over here looking at photos of my garden in the summertime and finding that it keeps me hopeful about those days to come. They will come, right?! 🤪. 

What are your favorite plants that you look forward to seeing in the summer?
We’re going to be giving our laundry room a make We’re going to be giving our laundry room a makeover soon. It’s LONG overdue! In fact, the folks from the counter company were just here taking measurements. While we have made some simple, inexpensive updates over the years, it still has many of the original elements from when the house was built in 1992.

Two of our bathrooms are also in need of major makeovers. And we’ve saved up enough money over the years to tackle those projects. But, for the most part, we made the decision to use the bulk of that money in another way. While we knew that it was financially wise to invest in our house, we also knew that the greatest investment we could make was in our children. 

I’ll admit, there are times where I see other people doing massive overhauls of their entire home in a matter of months and I feel a prick of envy. But, we decided that if our choice was between waiting a bit longer to enjoy a renovated bathroom or going on adventures as a family, we would choose adventures every time. And we don’t regret that decision for a single second. It’s not that we haven’t tackled home projects (we’ve done a lot!). It’s just that it’s been a slow and steady process. 

Most recently, we let our son pick where we would travel for spring break since this is his senior year of high school and we are trying to make up for lost time. With so much of life ‘paused’ for two years, we have appreciated these moments more than ever. And, since he’ll be heading to college in the fall, we are very aware of how important it is to spend this time together while we still have a modicum of control over everyone’s schedules.

We have many years left to remodel our home but only so much time left to make memories with our children.

And, while I’m always happy to look around my home and see rooms that are updated and more reflecting of our style, it doesn’t compare to the joy I feel when I look around my home and see the people I love the most who have been shaped by the many adventures we’ve experienced together.
Happy Saturday!! After endless days of rain (and h Happy Saturday!! After endless days of rain (and hail and snow) we are finally getting some sunshine and warmer temperatures. I’ll be honest, it’s really affected my spirits having one gloomy day after the next. So this is a much needed reprieve. Our cherry trees are showing off outside my kitchen window and we plan to get outside and make the most of these days while we have them.

What’s the weather like where you are?
“The devil, darkness, and death may swagger and “The devil, darkness, and death may swagger and boast, the pangs of life will sting for a while longer, but don’t worry; the forces of evil are breathing their last. Not to worry…HE’S RISEN!” (Charles R. Swindoll).

Happy Easter! He is risen indeed!
Who has believed our message? And to whom has the Who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?

For he grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of parched ground; he has no stately form or majesty that we should look upon him, nor appearance that we should be attracted to him.

He was despised and forsaken of men, a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and like one from whom men hide their face, he was despised, and we did not esteem him. Surely our griefs he himself bore, and our sorrows he carried; yet we ourselves esteemed him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 

But he was pierced through for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the chastening for our well-being fell upon him, and by his scourging we are healed.

All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; but the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on him. (Isaiah 53)
I try to always remember to put a water bottle in I try to always remember to put a water bottle in my car before I go to pick up my daughter from school. She didn't ask me to do this, but a few months ago I began to notice that she was often thirsty when she would get in the car. Her water bottle filled up at the beginning of the day was empty by the time school got out and she would ask if she could have some water from my hydroflask. So I make sure to have one waiting for her. It's just a simple thing, really. But, I want her to know that I'm paying attention, that I see her.

Isn't it amazing how small gestures can make us feel less invisible? Knowing that someone is thinking of us and takes the time to meet a need that we might not have even realized we had? These little acts can have big impacts. What is something that someone has done for you recently that made you feel valued and seen?

What have you done for someone else to remind them that you are paying attention to their needs?

“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.”
― Charles Dickens
“The next day the large crowd that had come to t “The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!’ – John 12:9-19
#palmsunday
When the Lord blesses you with a glimpse of the pa When the Lord blesses you with a glimpse of the payoff of your investment in your children, it is truly one of the greatest gifts. We had that experience twice this week with our 18 year old son and were overwhelmed by this opportunity we had to watch as he handled two very different situations (one personal and one professional) with grace, maturity, integrity and courage. Those of you mamas of little ones, don't ever minimize the job you are doing in raising this next generation. 

Every story read at bedtime
Every correction made to strengthen character
Every outdoor exploration
Every nose wiped
Every bandaid applied
Every time you say no when the world says yes
Every night of helping with homework
Every difficult conversation
Every prayer uttered

The final pieces of the puzzle of his childhood are falling into place and the picture revealed is one that is more wonderful than we could have imagined. And we know that it is only by God's grace on us as we sought His wisdom and guidance that we have come to this point. We have been FAR from perfect parents, but one of my most sincere prayers for the past 18 years was that the Lord would stand in the gaps that were surely to be revealed by our imperfections. And He has answered those prayers again and again. He's taken my humble petitions and most sincere intentions and knocked our socks off with the young man we are so privileged to call our son. And we can’t wait to watch as his future unfolds!
Happy Saturday!! I haven’t posted all week (exce Happy Saturday!! I haven’t posted all week (except for in stories) because I was soaking up the sunshine and time with my family in San Antonio for spring break. One of our favorite activities was a bike tour of the missions and I found myself obsessed with all of the beautiful architecture, especially the doors. What is it about doors that is so fascinating? Is it knowing that these were so lovingly hand carved? Is it thinking about how many people have crossed through them? Whatever it is, I couldn’t get enough of them and had to stop and admire each one. 

I hope you are having a wonderful kickoff to spring too dear friends! 🌸
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