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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

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September 12, 2013

How to Make a Popcorn Kernel Wreath

I think I might have gotten too big for my britches in the wreath-making department.

How to make a spray painted popcorn kernel wreath from atthepicketfence.com

I’m pretty sure the root of this problem stems back to a corn husk wreath I made and how proud I was that the first wreath I had ever attempted actually turned out ok.

So, I told myself that making a popcorn kernel wreath would just be a piece of cake compared to the strenuous activity involved in creating a corn husk masterpiece. I mean, you just drop a bunch of popcorn kernels onto some glue, right?

popcorn kernel wreath supplies

Well, I was quickly knocked off my wreath high horse when I realized that this would require just a little bit more delicacy than I had originally thought. Oh sure, it wasn’t all that complicated.

Just a bit more…well…sticky!

making a popcorn kernel wreath

 You have to work slowly, taking it section by section and making sure you get complete kernel coverage. And you have to ignore the crows circling overhead eyeing those corn kernels on your deck.

popcorn kernel wreath

But after you give it a couple coats of white spray paint, you love it so much that it makes it worth the effort…

…and the stickiness…

…and the possibility of reenacting a scene out of a Hitchcock movie as the birds circle overhead.

How to make a popcorn kernel wreath atthepicketfence.com

Now, the funny thing is, instead of humbling me so much that I would bid farewell to my wreath-making days, I found myself making ANOTHER popcorn kernel wreath!

And I’m going to give you a sneak peek of where both wreaths ended up.

white-popcorn-kernel-wreath atthepicketfence.com

You’ll be able to see the rest of my fall living room and tour more of my home as well as Heather’s home all decorated for fall when we participate in the Finding Fall Home Tour next week!

finding fall graphic

And if you are looking for more popcorn kernel wreath inspiration you should check out this beautiful creation from Ashley at Cherished Bliss!

Popcorn-Fall-Wreath1

Oh, and by the way, my little ol’ corn husk wreath? The first wreath I ever made?

Well, it just happens to be featured in the latest edition of Cottages & Bungalows Magazine!

Yep…there’s me in all my cheesy glory.

me with my wreath

In fact, Heather and I BOTH have projects featured in the October Issue of Cottages & Bungalows! Heather shows how to make her beautiful book page pumpkins.

cottages and bungalows feature

Maybe this means I’m on a make-a-new-wreath-only-once-a-year system.

Who knows, next year I could be showing you a popcorn kernel corn husk wreath?!

Oh the possibilities! 😉

1553F4F30A9801A6AFB3E9C624118E7B

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Feathered Nest Friday

17 Comments Filed Under: Autumn, Crafts, Decorating Tagged With: cheap crafts, crafts, decorating, fall, fall crafts, fall decor, wreath

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Comments

  1. Pam says

    September 12, 2013 at 5:42 AM

    I love the popcorn wreath. It would look especially beautiful painted gold. I may try that as soon as I finish the other 18 projects I’ve got lined up! We just moved to a different state, different house and I’m having a ball making a lot of decor myself instead of spending a large amount of money on store bought items! Thank you!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 12, 2013 at 4:45 PM

      I’m so with you Pam! There are so many budget friendly ideas out there and it definitely makes you feel proud when you can decorate your home without breaking the bank! Thanks for coming by!
      Vanessa

      Reply
  2. Yvonne @ StoneGable says

    September 12, 2013 at 5:47 AM

    Your creative girls! A big hug and congrats to both of you!!!!! Will you sign my copy?
    I love love love both of your wreaths! I must admit… I am such a popcorn addict that I just might hoard the kernels for popping!!! xo

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 12, 2013 at 4:46 PM

      Awww…thanks sweet friend! We are popcorn addicts around here too and thankfully I had some left over from making the wreath!

      Reply
  3. Leslie Stewart @ House on the Way says

    September 12, 2013 at 6:59 AM

    Love the popcorn kernel wreath! And congrats on the magazine feature! You both rock!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 12, 2013 at 4:46 PM

      Thanks so much Leslie! 🙂

      Reply
  4. Ceekay says

    September 12, 2013 at 3:54 PM

    congrats on the articles! I think I will leave the popcorn wreath up to you girls….!!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 12, 2013 at 4:44 PM

      LOL!! Thanks so much!
      Vanessa

      Reply
  5. Kim says

    September 12, 2013 at 4:35 PM

    Love the popcorn wreath and congrats to both of you for the features.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 12, 2013 at 4:44 PM

      Thanks so much Kim! 🙂

      Reply
  6. Julie says

    September 12, 2013 at 5:52 PM

    Love, love, love it! It can be used for so many different seasons too. Congrats again on your mag. feature! Xo~ Julie

    Reply
  7. Becca says

    September 13, 2013 at 8:03 AM

    Haha! It’s funny you mentioned The Birds. That’s exactly what came to mind when I first saw your post! The wreaths adorable though. Thanks for sharing! Stop by my Friday’s Five Features and link up this post (and others)! diy-vintage-chic.blogspot.com/2013/09/fridays-five-features-no-8.html

    Reply
  8. kristin says

    September 13, 2013 at 2:52 PM

    THis is so adorable!! Easy too, I have old wreath from easter a few years ago and the malt balls are finally falling off, I might have to try this out.
    XO
    Kristin
    Oh ps congrats on the feature!!!! YAY

    Reply
  9. Shannon @ Fox Hollow Cottage says

    September 13, 2013 at 7:20 PM

    HI girls! Congrats to you BOTH on the awesome mag feature!!!! So fun. Happy Fall to you right 🙂 The wreath is really cute Vanessa! I bet getting all those little buggers to stick was a chore 😉 It’s a qt though!!

    Reply
  10. Heather says

    September 14, 2013 at 5:23 PM

    I love both of your wreaths! Chic elegance all the wa y- just like you my friend!! xo Heather

    Reply
  11. Debra@CommonGround says

    September 18, 2013 at 4:25 PM

    wow, this is so wonderful, this is a new one for me, but that texture, then painted white looks fabulous!!

    Reply

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  1. Our Fall Home Tours ~ Finding Fall & BHG - At The Picket Fence says:
    September 19, 2013 at 4:20 AM

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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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