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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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September 17, 2011

A Harvest of Ideas and a Feature!

We were so honored when the lovely sisters of Wayward Girls’ Crafts asked if they could feature us as part of their Saturday Sister Spotlight Series! Say that 5 times fast! It is just so neat to connect with other sisters who blog together and we were more than thrilled to be included in this fun series.
But then, they put a little twist on the Feature by issuing us a Challenge!
They give us a Theme. We come up with the Craft.
Our theme was: Harvest
Heather immediately began “pinning” ideas on Pinterest while Vanessa began to sweat. You see, over the years, Vanessa has loudly and proudly declared herself to be somewhat Craft “Challenged”. So to be issued a Craft “Challenge” caused a bit of anxiety. But, as all good big sisters do, Heather talked her down from the crafting deficient ledge and encouraged her to take a look at the board of ideas she had “pinned”.
Up first…Vanessa’s Harvest Challenge!
Did anyone see pigs flying overhead last week? Because I, who swore I would never do this in my lifetime, finally caved to the crafting pressure.
I made a WREATH!!
Those of you who know me well can pick yourselves up off of the floor now.
And I didn’t tackle just any wreath.
I aimed high!
This is my version of the Martha Stewart Harvest Wreath.
It only took about an hour to complete it and I absolutely love how something as simple as folding cornhusks (which have been soaked in water to make them pliable) in half and layering them on top of each other can look so elegant!
Not bad for a Grand Total of $10!
All it took was a straw wreath form ($4), one package of cornhusks with LOTS left over ($3)
and a box of tacks ($3).
Pin It
Now, we won’t be holding our breath for another wreath from Vanessa anytime soon, but now she can finally say she did it and survived!
Let’s take a look now at what Heather has been up to!
Wow! Harvest…so many ways you can run with that.  Since I like to kick off my fall decorations with my mantel (it tends to set the stage) I thought I’d create a simple and easy craft to add a fresh new look this year! White pumpkins are all the rage and well…I LURVE them!
monogramed-pumpkin-4
I wish I could tell you this was a complex and detailed craft but well…that would mean me lying and my blogging integrity might be brought into question. grin. This sweet little pumpkin couldn’t have been easier or cheaper to make…cheap as in $1.00!
Fall Photos1
Pin It
I picked up a little carvable pumpkin at my local Dollar Tree. Now these pumpkins don’t even remotely look “natural” in their well… natural state.  They’re a pretty garish orange.  But with a little white and brown paint I had on hand and a simple monogram. This Dollar Tree pumpkin could almost pass as real. I love it on my mantel. It really personalizes my fall display.
Fall Photos
It’s so easy to monogram anything with a little paint and a stencil…even a pumpkin! Happy Harvest!
We’d love you to visit us over at Wayward Girls Crafts to meet these lovely sisters and see our Feature! Come on over and say “hi!” and a big thanks to the Wayward Girls for our Saturday Sister Spotlight!
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Our weekly Inspiration Friday Party is still going strong and we would love to have you share some of your own projects and ideas with us there!
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This post is partying at:
Project Queen: I Turned The Daunting Into The Doable Tuesdays

My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia: Tuesday’s Treasures
Savvy Southern Style: Wow Us Wednesday
DIY By Design: Sizzle into Summer
No Minimalist Here: Open House Party

22 Comments Filed Under: Decorating, Good Ideas, Guest Posts

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Next Post: Corn Husks…they’re not just for Tamales! »

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Comments

  1. Lori says

    September 17, 2011 at 1:17 PM

    Omagah! I saw those the other day and I need white pumpkins for a bridal shower. I’m going back today, and the monogram thing will be just the right touch.

    Thanks for the inspiration.

    Reply
  2. Kelly says

    September 17, 2011 at 1:51 PM

    I love both of those ideas. I haven’t begun to decorate for Fall yet, but I’m enjoying seeing everyone elses. I particularly like that pumpkin idea. I’ve even seen white pumpkins each with one letter that spells out BOO staggered down front porch steps for Halloween. So cute.

    Reply
  3. https://findingsecrettreasures.blogspot.com says

    September 17, 2011 at 1:55 PM

    I love both projects! I’ve started my decorating, but have plenty of space to “copy” these to add, Thanks for the inspiration!

    Lorrie

    Reply
  4. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    September 17, 2011 at 3:14 PM

    Hi Ladies, I love seeing all these wonderful new Fall projects popping up on blogs now. This has me anxious to start decorating for Fall. Great job!
    Hugs,
    Sherry

    Reply
  5. Marla and Steve @ Always Nesting says

    September 17, 2011 at 3:30 PM

    Looks like we’ve all scarfed up those dollar tree pumpkins! Great minds think alike 🙂 I have to say, my creation does not look near as classy as your creation but it is white. My hat is off to you for getting the monogram to look so good working with those ridges.

    Reply
  6. marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says

    September 17, 2011 at 5:19 PM

    Oh my word, you both did a fabulous job. Love the cornhusk wreath. What a great idea and it does look so elegant. I love the monogramed pumpkin also. I really need to buy some stencils. Your mantel looks fabulous. Hugs, Marty

    Reply
  7. Michele Smith says

    September 17, 2011 at 6:30 PM

    Beautiful wreath! I just ordered a vinyl monogram for a pumpkin on my porch after searching michaels for stencils.
    Thank you for the inspiration.

    Reply
  8. NanaDiana says

    September 17, 2011 at 8:06 PM

    You girls both did a GREAT job! Wow! Vanessa-for being UNcrafty you did pretty darned good! LOVE it! And Heather-GREAT job! Love that little monogramed pumpkin!

    Happy weekend, girls- xo Diana

    Reply
  9. sissie says

    September 17, 2011 at 9:09 PM

    Ooh, the cornhusk wreath is stunning….love it! And the little white pumpkin is adorable. Love the monogram.

    hugs
    Sissie

    Reply
  10. Jordan McCollum says

    September 17, 2011 at 9:17 PM

    Thanks so much for participating! I love both your crafts. I pinned the corn husk wreath earlier this week, even though I’m anti-wreath, too!

    Reply
  11. Just Jaime says

    September 17, 2011 at 11:29 PM

    Awesome job on our challenge! So glad you stopped by! I love that wreath! I got one of those Dollar Tree Pumpkins too!

    Reply
  12. Karen says

    September 18, 2011 at 12:34 AM

    loving the cornhusk wreath~ just where did you find the cornhusks? I haven’t seen any.

    Reply
  13. Catie @ Catie's Corner says

    September 18, 2011 at 2:19 PM

    Hi Ladies, Lovely wreath Vanessa! I can’t believe that’s done with corn husks. Just gorgeous. And Heather I love your painted pumpkin. I’ve already been pinning a few myself. My daughter wants one spray painted hot pink! That should be interesting. ; ) Hope you two are having a great weekend!

    ~ Catie

    Reply
  14. Lori says

    September 18, 2011 at 3:38 PM

    Yesterday, I got all nine pumpkins that $ tree had left! Painting today! I’ll post. Lori

    Reply
  15. Liz says

    September 19, 2011 at 1:23 AM

    The corn husk wreath is so festive for fall, I absolutely love it! XO ~Liz

    Reply
  16. Marianne says

    September 19, 2011 at 1:15 PM

    You ladies never cease to amaze me with your creativity. I just love that corn husk wreath. I was reading this blog post the other day so I ran to the dollar tree yesterday and bought some of those lovely $1 pumpkins…..hope you don’t mind if I copy! The poor dears do need some sprucing up…and I’m a bit tired of waiting for the real deal to be ready for picking. So I’m off with my pumpkins and some white paint!
    Marianne 🙂

    Reply
  17. Shannon@vintagerestyled says

    September 22, 2011 at 2:05 AM

    I am running to Dollar Tree! Love it!

    Reply
  18. Judy says

    September 27, 2011 at 10:29 PM

    Heather, I just love those monogramed pumpkins. I will be featuring them tonight at my Fall into Fall party (formerly Sizzle into Summer). Please stop by and pick up an I’ve Been Featured Button. Thanks so much. BTW I think I will be doing this with my kids this weekend…it’s really too cute.

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. A Tale of 3 Pumpkins … Pumpkin One: Book Pages says:
    January 27, 2013 at 5:38 PM

    […] Tree pumpkins! I shared with you a couple of weeks ago my first use of a Dollar Tree pumpkin, my Monogramed Pumpkin.   I have since found three more ways I just love!  Up first, the Book Page Pumpkin! I first […]

    Reply
  2. Corn Husks...they're not just for Tamales! - At The Picket Fence says:
    August 6, 2013 at 6:57 PM

    […] to use $3 worth of Corn Husks! 1. Make a Corn Husk Wreath On Saturday, we showed you two of our Harvest projects and I shared with you that I, after years of saying that I would NEVER make a wreath, […]

    Reply
  3. Dollar Tree Valentine’s Day Ring of Roses Wreath - At The Picket Fence says:
    August 24, 2013 at 7:14 AM

    […] for me here At The Picket Fence. It started with my Dollar Tree Pumpkins! We came up with a Monogramed Pumpkin, A Faux Nail Head Pumpkin, A Ribbon Pumpkin and the most popular one my Book Page Pumpkin. For […]

    Reply
  4. Dollar Store Pumpkins - Done 25 Ways - A Night Owl Blog says:
    September 15, 2013 at 2:22 PM

    […] Monogrammed Dollar Store Pumpkin / At the Picket Fence […]

    Reply

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I’m never.going.back to stressful, time-consumin I’m never.going.back to stressful, time-consuming seasonal decorating. When I think back on the years where I would feel all of the pressure to come up with something fresh and creative I’m seriously embarrassed. Truly. Because it was such a waste. A waste of my time, my energy, my resources. Something clicked with me a few years ago. I was just done. I needed to simplify. I needed to not spend an obscene amount of time looking at fireplace mantels on Pinterest and trying to figure out how to make mine look amazing. I needed to put it all in the proper place in my heart and my mind. Which meant, it had to go waaaaayyyy down on the priority list. So far down it almost wasn’t on it. And I needed to confess to the Lord that I had allowed it to become an idol. 

Yes, I want to have a home that I enjoy. Yes, I love pretty things. But something really amazing happened when I finally released it all. When I decided to not give into the pressure and panic I would feel when I would scroll through my Instagram feed. When I just laid it all down and said…enough. There was this incredible irony in it. Because, the less time I took to decorate my home for each season, the more I found myself loving the results. I think that all along I had just been getting in my own way. It’s really taken a lot of time and prayer for me to finally be at a place where even though I still struggle with insecurities and I still have doubts from time to time, I’m becoming increasingly more confident in who God created me to be. And, just like my home, I’m finding that as I relax into myself, letting go of the comparisons and the pressure, the more I can actually lean into the calling He has placed on my life. 🍂

Leave a comment if you can relate! 

#wearethehomemakers #homemaking
“As the alluring song of September begins to whi “As the alluring song of September begins to whisper in my ear, my passionate spirit yearns for the splendor of its promise.” (Peggy Toney Horton)

Happy September dear friends! While I’m not quite ready to let go of summer and I plan to make the most out of the lingering, warm days, I’ll admit to starting to think about my fall decor this year. And one way to get inspired is to take a look back at previous years. Here’s just a glimpse at some of the ways I’ve welcomed Autumn to my home! 🍂

#september #falldecorating #falldecor #falldecoratingideas #wearethehomemakers
Labor Day weekend might mean that we’re turning Labor Day weekend might mean that we’re turning the corner and getting closer to fall but I’m not quite ready to let summer go. So I’ll just be over here continuing to whip up some super simple summer meals for my family that frankly can be enjoyed in any season. These shrimp rolls I made the other night were definitely a hit and would be great for any of your upcoming holiday weekend gatherings!

Shrimp Rolls 🍤

Ingredients
1-2 lbs of shrimp that is peeled, deveined and tail off (If using frozen make sure it’s thawed completely)
1/3 cup mayonnaise 
1/2 of a lemon
2 Tbsps chopped scallions
1 Tbsp chopped dill
1 Tbsp chopped Italian parsley
1 Tsp of Old Bay seasoning (more if you like!)
pinch of sea salt and pinch of black pepper
Hoagie Rolls
Softened butter

Directions: Gently pat the shrimp with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Roughly chop the shrimp and place in a bowl. Add mayonnaise, squeeze half of lemon and stir to combine before adding in the scallions, dill and parsley. Stir to combine and then add the additional seasonings. Spread butter on hoagie rolls and toast in the oven until lightly browned. Pile on the shrimp mixture and enjoy! 

#shrimproll #foodie #weeknightdinner #easydinner #seafoodlover
Today has been a very Monday-ish kind of Monday. W Today has been a very Monday-ish kind of Monday. We woke up to the sound of chainsaws and rushed downstairs to find that our backyard neighbors were having two of the huge trees that line our shared fence removed. These trees have been here longer than the neighborhood and no, they weren't dead or causing damage to roofs, foundations, etc. They were beautiful and gave us wonderful privacy. We had no notice of this happening so this came as quite a shock. Because we were given no notice, we didn't have the chance to cover our outdoor furniture or plants and everything is now coated in a thick layer of sawdust including the fresh bark we recently put in the garden beds. And now our lovely privacy is gone, replaced by a direct view of an above ground pool and RV. I know, I know, it's totally a first world, privileged kind of problem to have. But, now we have to spend thousands of dollars on plants to try and recapture some semblance of privacy. Now we have days worth of clean up to do after we had JUST done a massive freshening up of our backyard. My overarching feeling has just been weariness at the way our world is today.

I think about how often we try to do right by people, to be respectful and courteous. To be thoughtful and considerate. And it’s not reciprocated. How its starting to seem more and more like people have just given up on those seemingly small niceties. And my soul just feels heavy. Because I feel like so much of what used to be common courtesy is not so common anymore. Drivers on the roads are angrier and more reckless than ever before. Red lights being run are an everyday occurrence around town. On our recent family vacation, I heard more people using the F word out in public than ever before even while around children. Where are manners? Where is kindness? I'm finding myself being surprised when someone is thoughtful because it seems like a rarity. And that's just all on a micro, local level. Don't even get me started on the insanity in our world/culture. After I returned from grocery shopping (which can also be soul crushing), I found myself desperate for a reminder of the truth. 

*Part 2 continued in the comments.*
How often is it in our lives that we don’t fully How often is it in our lives that we don’t fully grasp our strengths or our weaknesses until we are put to the test? Little did I know how much I would love my role as a wife, mother and homemaker until I became one. And that in my endeavor to do those roles to the best of my ability, it would bring to the forefront gifts and talents and blessings that I use outside of these walls.

As I water others, I’m watered too because it brings such joy to care for those around me. But it can also make me see more clearly the areas in which I’m lacking and be a very humbling reminder of how much I still need to grow and learn.

Proverbs 11:25 says, “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched and one who waters will himself be watered.”

Have you done any ‘watering’ of others this week? How has it blessed and ‘watered’ you in return?
“Mom, this is one of my favorite meals that you “Mom, this is one of my favorite meals that you make.” Statements like this from my kids fill me with so much joy and such a sense of assurance that my role as the maker of this home is one that makes an impact on them in both big and small ways. It’s not just sheet pan shrimp boil. 

It’s nourishment
It’s time together around the table
It’s laughing as we try to get the butter sauce out of the pan
It’s a memory
It’s an imprint on their lives 

The ordinary act of making a meal becomes EXTRAordinary. And I try to keep that in mind as I do this task day in and day out, year after year. 

***

Ingredients: 
1 pound baby red or yellow potatoes
Green beans or corn (4 ears cut in half) whichever you prefer
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
1/2 tsp coarse sea salt and pinch of black pepper 
1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 (12.8-ounce) package smoked andouille sausage, thinly sliced
Crusty bread for dipping 

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly oil a baking sheet or coat with nonstick spray. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook potatoes until just tender, about 10 minutes. Put potatoes, shrimp, sausage and green beans or corn on baking sheet. Pour butter over top. Sprinkle with old bay seasoning and salt and pepper. Mix well to combine. Bake for about 12 minutes or until shrimp is pink. 

#shrimpboil #sheetpandinner #sheetpanmeals #homemaking
Temperatures in the 100’s call for fresh and lig Temperatures in the 100’s call for fresh and light cocktails! My husband is my own built in bartender and he put this together the other night. 

2 jiggers of gin (you could also use vodka) 
*you should do a jig when using a jigger 😉*
Crushed ice 
Grapefruit tonic 
Squirt of lime 
Sprig of mint 

Easy and so refreshing!! ☀️

#cocktails #summercocktails
There is something magical about the late summer e There is something magical about the late summer evenings. Maybe it’s because we have a greater sense of the fact that these long days are slowly shortening and we want to savor them as much as we can. I know I intend to do just that. 

I hope you’re having a wonderful August so far dear friends!
Variations of this recipe are on repeat at our hou Variations of this recipe are on repeat at our house all summer long. We’re big on the ‘build your own’ method of making dinner especially on very hot days. Simplicity for the win! 
#recipes #easydinner #easydinnerideas #homemaking
In music, rhythm is a regular repetition or a grou In music, rhythm is a regular repetition or a grouping of beats. No matter what else a piece of music has in terms of its pitch or tone, the rhythm never changes. Its the stabilizing force and brings order to a composition that would be completely chaotic without it.

The same can be said of rhythms in our lives and in our homes. When everything else feels out of control, rhythms and patterns provide us with stability and something that we can rely upon to give us a sense of security in a very insecure world. But, too often, we associate the rhythmic things we do in our lives as merely tasks to be gotten through rather than gifts which provide much-needed balance.

Whether it’s making the coffee every night before we go to bed or doing my devotional in the morning before the rest of the house wakes up or watering my garden, these simple tasks provide a rhythm to my day that is truly grounding. 

What’s something that you do that you would classify as a rhythm or pattern in your week?
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