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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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December 10, 2014

Photo Box Tree Topper & Giveaway!

I have a confession…I’m one of those people who will quite happily sit and watch those infomercials featuring the ‘Soft Rock Hits of the 60’s and 70’s’. I am a total sucker for The Carpenters and Barry Manilow, John Denver and even a little Captain and Tennille thrown in for good measure.

But, there is one song, one particular song, that will completely undo me each time. As in, turn me into a blubbery, weepy mess.

DIY photo box tree topper from atthepicketfence.com

Somehow, Jim Croce managed to capture exactly how I feel about the passage of time and my desire to just make it freeze for a moment.

If I could save time in a bottle

The first thing that I’d like to do

Is to save every day till eternity passes away

Just to spend them with you

If I could make days last forever 

If words could make wishes come true

I’d save every day like a treasure and then

Again, I would spend them with you.

Photo framed tree topper box atthepicketfence.com

At no other time of the year am I more aware of the passage of time than at Christmas. It’s almost like it becomes a mini time capsule of our lives and I find myself tearing up at the most random times. Just ask my kids who have found themselves rolling their eyes and saying “Mooommmm…are you crying again?!” and then I say, “But look at your little handprint on that paper ornament!”

Don’t get me wrong, there are a whole lot of ‘times’ that I do not want placed in a bottle. Like last week when I was fairly sure that my children were just out to wear me down until I waved the white flag and let them become the raggamuffins I know they really would like to be.

But, there are sooooooo many times, so many moments that I would love to just bottle up. And I think that is why I am determined to incorporate as much of my children’s growing up years into our Christmas decor.

So, this year, I took my sentimentality all the way to the top…of the Christmas tree that is!

photo box tree topper supplies

I picked up 4 photo frames from Michael’s, 4 small hinges and turned to my favorite new paint, Americana Decor Chalky Finish. I knew that I wanted to go with something fairly neutral so I chose the colors ‘Whisper’ and ‘Timeless’.

chalky finish paint

I began by marking the spaces where the hinges would be attached.

photo box tree topper step 1

Then I drilled the holes and attached the hinges to the frames.

photo box tree topper step 2

I worked my way around until they formed a box. Just a heads up that the last frame will be a tad tricky and will require some contorting of your arms and hands to get it attached! 😉

photo box tree topper step 3

Next, I put photos in each frame, using both recent and older photos of my kiddos. You could have fun with this and even do photos of your favorite Christmas moments throughout the years!

I alternated the colors on the frames with 2 of them painted in the American Chalky Finish ‘Timeless’.

framed for tree topper atthepicketfence.com

And the other two painted in ‘Whisper’.

frame2 for hinged tree topper

In the song ‘Time in a Bottle’ the line ‘but there never seems to be enough time to do the things you want to do, once you find them’ always stands out to me.

Because, there really doesn’t ever seem to be enough time! I feel like I have this constant voice in the back of my head whispering ‘slow down, slow down, slow down’.

And maybe that’s why at Christmas, the thing I most look forward to are those sweet, fairly uneventful moments. The ones where we’re just all hanging out together with no where to be and no expectations other than to just relax and enjoy our time together.

frame hinged box tree topper

Those are the ‘times’ I most want to bottle up!

Actually, what I really want to do is just bottle up my kids and put the cork on top and keep them little forever. But, alas, somehow I think that they won’t really go for that idea. 😉

So, I’ll cry over their little paper ornaments and make photo box tree toppers and on those days when they are still willing to hold my hand I will remember to look down and stare at how theirs fits into mine and emblaze it on my mind.

And as they get older, I will celebrate and marvel at the wonderful humans they are becoming. I will realize that time captured in a bottle might sound good in theory, but in reality, I don’t want that. I want to be in THIS time. In THIS moment. Not looking too far back or too far ahead. Just being in the right here and now. Because it’s the sweetest time of all!

Vanessa signature

Now, how about a GIVEAWAY?!

One lucky winner will receive 8 Chalky Finish Colors of your choice, clear and dark creme waxes, soft touch varnish, waxing brush and 2 stencils of your choice!

Chalky Finish Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Americana Decor Chalky Finish Paint is available at Michael’s in the wood and finishes aisle. Visit the DecoArt Chalky Finish website for more chalk paint ideas and inspiration!

51 Comments Filed Under: Christmas, Crafts, Decorating, Giveaways, Good Ideas, Holidays

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Comments

  1. JoeyfromSC says

    December 10, 2014 at 2:54 AM

    I have a dresser I’d love to re-do with the paints! Thanks so much for the chance to win!!

    Joey

    Reply
  2. Deanna Dobie says

    December 10, 2014 at 3:05 AM

    I would paint something for my home or next creative project! Heck probably both.
    Thanks for all your deco ideas too

    Deanna

    Reply
  3. Pattie says

    December 10, 2014 at 3:14 AM

    I love chalk paint and I am happy to learn Michaels has a line they sale. Love your tree!

    Reply
  4. Diane Swett says

    December 10, 2014 at 4:04 AM

    What a great idea I have 8 grown kids, numerous grandkids and great grand kids. What a great gift to myself to do photo pictures of each family and make them as one men’s on my tree.

    Reply
  5. Jill Nelson says

    December 10, 2014 at 4:34 AM

    Would love to try these. I’ve still only used homemade chalk paint!

    Reply
  6. Susanne says

    December 10, 2014 at 4:39 AM

    I have tons of projects to paint….frames, candle holders, boxes…etc. I love your blog. Thank you for the wonderful giveaway.

    Reply
  7. Alison says

    December 10, 2014 at 5:08 AM

    I have a dresser waiting to be painted.

    Reply
  8. Bridgot says

    December 10, 2014 at 5:20 AM

    I love how the lights from the tree illuminate the pictures! Even smaller frames throughout the tree would look awesome.

    Feeling the same way about bottling up my kiddos. I would if they let me!

    Reply
  9. Nicole says

    December 10, 2014 at 5:41 AM

    I love this tree topper! What a fantastic idea!!

    Reply
  10. Kay says

    December 10, 2014 at 6:12 AM

    I do some upholstery work and would love to give this paint a try on the wood part of the chairs I reupholster!

    Reply
  11. Carmen P says

    December 10, 2014 at 6:29 AM

    I have this big mirror that I’d like to paint and this would be perfect. (And I get all weepy from that song too!)

    Reply
  12. LaTanya says

    December 10, 2014 at 6:35 AM

    I would create a Merry Christmas banner for the holidays

    Reply
  13. April V says

    December 10, 2014 at 6:36 AM

    I have an old desk that I bought that would be beautiful painted with this!!

    Reply
  14. Robin says

    December 10, 2014 at 7:07 AM

    I love that you intentionally incorporate those childhood moments into your decorating Vanessa..and just reading the words to that song made me teary-eyed …this idea is absolutely brilliant!
    I also love chalky finish paint…I’ve used it on TONS of projects already! xo

    Reply
  15. Tina v says

    December 10, 2014 at 7:38 AM

    I would love to try this paint on a mirror I have!

    Reply
  16. Judy says

    December 10, 2014 at 7:40 AM

    i have a bench in my entry way that needs some love.

    Reply
  17. Gina says

    December 10, 2014 at 7:49 AM

    Oh my – EVERYTHING – it’s my favorite brand of chalk paint.

    Reply
  18. Mia White says

    December 10, 2014 at 7:50 AM

    I think I would hoard this paint for our next house, since ours is currently on the market. I might be so bold as to paint some cabinetry a fun color once we are settled!

    Reply
  19. Janice Fuller says

    December 10, 2014 at 8:45 AM

    Here’s hoping I can win this set of paints and all the “fixin’s” as I have projects going all the time…..Merry Christmas everyone!

    Reply
  20. Darla Bunyan says

    December 10, 2014 at 9:14 AM

    I LOVE this stuff! I recently re-did a nightstand in everlasting! I am so excited about this giveaway- fingers crossed!!! I have as garage full of furniture just waiting to be painted- this would help so much!

    Reply
  21. Sarah Adams says

    December 10, 2014 at 9:43 AM

    I love it! It’s going on my tree this year! My new love is chalk paint too:).

    Reply
  22. Pam Ballard says

    December 10, 2014 at 9:52 AM

    Thanks for such a lovely giveaway. I have just started with furniture and could use all the help I can get. Thanks for the chance.

    Reply
  23. dee says

    December 10, 2014 at 10:22 AM

    I think I know who the voice is you hear . . . wink wink!!

    Reply
  24. Alina says

    December 10, 2014 at 10:49 AM

    I’d love to do my coffee table with this paint.

    Reply
  25. Sean C says

    December 10, 2014 at 10:50 AM

    My breakfast nook table needs a li’l help and this would be a great way to make it come back to life.

    Reply
  26. Malia says

    December 10, 2014 at 11:49 AM

    Hpw clever, beautiful and meaningful! I absolutely LOVE it. xo

    Reply
  27. kristi@ishouldbemoppingthefloor says

    December 10, 2014 at 1:35 PM

    This turned out SUPER cute! I have some frames in my home that need to be repainted…would love to use this awesome paint for them!

    Reply
  28. Kelley @Miss Information Blog says

    December 10, 2014 at 2:10 PM

    This is so awesome I love it! I would use it on 2 wingback chair frames I am redoing!

    Reply
  29. martina says

    December 10, 2014 at 2:27 PM

    Super Super Cute…love this idea…love the whole tree!!

    Reply
  30. Sheila says

    December 10, 2014 at 2:45 PM

    What a super cute idea and I love that song too.

    Reply
  31. heather says

    December 10, 2014 at 6:18 PM

    I would use it on an old mirror.

    Reply
  32. t dolby says

    December 10, 2014 at 6:22 PM

    we just remodeled our dining room and would use to refinish some old picture frames

    Reply
  33. April LeCureux says

    December 10, 2014 at 6:50 PM

    I found y’all on Pinterest and LOVE this paint!! So much fun and so many projects!! Thank you for the giveaway!

    Reply
  34. taryn @ Design, Dining and Diapers says

    December 10, 2014 at 11:55 PM

    This project turned out SO SO cute! I love it. So personal and beautiful.

    Reply
  35. Kelly says

    December 11, 2014 at 8:50 AM

    Love this!! I would use it on some frames that need some new life 🙂

    Reply
  36. Sherry W says

    December 11, 2014 at 9:20 AM

    I just bought an old sled that needs a few decorating touches before I put it on my porch so I can see these paints coming in handy.

    Reply
  37. Dandi D says

    December 11, 2014 at 1:14 PM

    I would like to paint some shelves in the living room.

    Reply
  38. MARTHA says

    December 11, 2014 at 5:51 PM

    I have a bookshelf that needs a total do-over this would be it.. TY

    Reply
  39. donna says

    December 12, 2014 at 7:10 AM

    I have only used ASCP and homemade. I’d love to have the opportunity to give these a try. Thanks!

    Reply
  40. Ellie LaJuett says

    December 12, 2014 at 7:53 AM

    I love painting and love the photo idea !!!

    Reply
  41. Jan says

    December 12, 2014 at 7:45 PM

    My dining room table and chairs

    Reply
  42. Rebeccab says

    December 14, 2014 at 7:23 AM

    Such a cute idea! I’ve been dieing to try out chalk paint.

    Reply
  43. Lauren says

    December 14, 2014 at 2:01 PM

    I have four antique chairs from Germany given to us by our landlord years ago. We’ve moved them from place to place, but never used them because we’ve never had room until now. I’d really love to paint them and use them! Great giveaway! Thank you for the opportunity to win!

    Reply
  44. barb macaskill says

    December 15, 2014 at 10:35 AM

    LOVELOVELOVE Jim Croce’s Time In A Bottle!!! If I won I would tackle my poor unloved bureau and then watch out! I will be a chalky painting maniac!!! Lots of projects are screaming out for these paints and I would be in Heaven if I won them! Thank you for the chance to!!

    Reply
  45. Heather Thompson says

    December 15, 2014 at 10:39 AM

    I have some end tables that I need to re-fab. this would be awesome.
    great giveaway!! have a great holidays!

    Reply
  46. Johanne Lacombe says

    December 15, 2014 at 10:39 AM

    Beautiful project. I love it. Maybe I would try a project I saw once with picture frames too. You place them in a certain way and you can decorate them with paints and scrapbooking papers and embellishments. Thanks for the chance,

    Reply
  47. Gloria says

    December 15, 2014 at 11:58 AM

    I’ve got a small book/magazine side table waiting for chalk paint!

    Reply
  48. Jean Marmo says

    December 15, 2014 at 12:46 PM

    Such a cute Idea! I could see doing something like this for my mom!

    Reply
  49. Terese Webb says

    December 15, 2014 at 1:23 PM

    I love the chalk paint on your picture frame tree topper. I would paint frames I am using for a family gallery wall of our 4 kids, daughter-in-law, son-in-law, and two grand-daughters. I also am a sucker for songs of the 60’s, I like Jim Croche, but have to admit John Denver is my favorite. Merry Christmas to you and yours!

    Reply
  50. Kim Street says

    December 15, 2014 at 4:16 PM

    This is such a fun idea! Thanks for the giveaway.

    Reply
  51. Debbie S. says

    December 19, 2014 at 8:11 PM

    I’ve read a lot about chalk paint, but have never used it. What a great giveaway! I would love to try it. Thanks for the chance!

    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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