• Home
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
    • Collaborate
  • Blog
  • Parties
    • Children’s Parties Ideas
    • Holiday Parties
    • Adult Party Ideas
  • Holiday Ideas
    • Christmas
    • Easter
    • Fourth of July
    • Spring
    • Thanksgiving
    • Valentine’s Day
  • Seasons
    • Winter
    • Spring
    • Summer
    • Autumn
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Beverages
    • Desserts
    • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soups
  • Project Gallery
    • Crafts
    • Decorating
    • DIY
    • Good Ideas
    • Tutorials
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Bloglovin
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

  • Book
  • Speaking
  • Meet Vanessa
    • Featured

May 16, 2013

Place Mat Wall Art and a Bad Attitude

Place-Mat-Wall-Art atthepicketfence.com

I think it was the sweet peas that got me. I’ve always called me kids my sweet peas.

But, I might have been feeling a tad grumpy. Everything in my home was in upheaval as we prepared to have new carpet and hardwood installed. I was really excited about the new flooring but the process of having it done was reminding me of why I had put it off for so long.

Change…mess…unexpected flooring issues and decisions…moving most of my house into the garage…endless rainy days…it was all starting to wear on my last nerve.

So, I headed out to run some errands and made a quick stop at the craft store.

And saw the sweet peas.

wood placemat wall art atthepicketfence.com

Oh sure, they were on a wood place mat along with turnips, asparagus and eggplant.

And sure, I didn’t actually know what I was going to do with them. But they made me smile. And my smile got even bigger when I realized they were only $2 each.

I didn’t realize just how big a “deal” these simple place mats would end up being.

You see, I live a really blessed life.

Sure, I’ve had my share of bigger problems but on this particular day the only problem with me was…well…me.

I wasn’t handling my home upheaval with the best attitude. Here I was finally getting the flooring we’ve been waiting and saving to get for years and I was grumbling about what a pain it all was!

placemats as wall art www.atthepicketfence.com

I got home just as the flooring guys were arriving for another day of pulling, ripping, pounding and pounding and pounding and pounding and did I mention pounding?

And as they worked on the floors and as I worked in the kitchen I felt humbled.

Humbled that I have this home. Humbled that I could spend $8 on wood place mats that I didn’t really need. Humbled that we were able to pay for new flooring. Humbled that I’m not more grateful for the times when my problems are small.

place-mats-as-wall-art www.atthepicketfence.com

So, I hung those place mats on a narrow wall (using Command strips) in my kitchen, just around the corner from the dining room.

Most people will just walk past without noticing them.

Others will wonder why on earth I have place mats hanging on the wall!

Place-Mat-Wall-Art atthepicketfence.com

But when I catch a glimpse of those sweet peas, asparagus, turnips and eggplant I see so much more.

I see reminders.

Reminders to “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Reminders to have a healthy perspective on life and my “problems”.

Reminders of how truly blessed I am.

And maybe even reminders to get my own “sweet peas” to eat their vegetables!

I love having you visit with me here and so appreciate you stopping by today,

1553F4F30A9801A6AFB3E9C624118E7B

Sharing this here:
Grace Imparted

20 Comments Filed Under: Decorating Tagged With: creative wall art, hanging place mats on the wall, place mat wall art, place mats

Subscribe

Get the latest goodness straight to your inbox!

Previous Post: « Drop Cloth Chair Skirts
Next Post: Can’t Sew? No worries! {No Sew Round Up} »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. kathy, petticoat junktion says

    May 16, 2013 at 6:20 AM

    What a lovely post Vanessa. Thanks for the reminder to count my blessings, and like you I’m truly blessed. So I’m smiling and its a great day:-)

    Reply
  2. Shelley @ Calypso in the Country says

    May 16, 2013 at 6:45 AM

    Such a nice post and I also call my kids “sweet peas” sometimes!
    -Shelley

    Reply
  3. Marty Walden says

    May 16, 2013 at 7:07 AM

    I totally get this! I have been through those life shattering difficult days and yet, sometimes, it’s the ordinary frustrations that overwhelm me. I love your place mats, but more than that I love your heart. You are a blessing!

    Reply
  4. Jill Flory says

    May 16, 2013 at 7:10 AM

    I think they look great! And I so hear you on the attitude thing! I am so blessed to be able to be setting up shop at a big event and I have had a bad attitude the past 2 days because it has my house in a turmoil and mess that I can’t do anything about till the event is over! So silly – but I get exactly how you feel – I don’t like my house to be a mess! So happy for you that you get the flooring though – you will love it. I remind myself of this a lot: ‘once it is all done it won’t matter how long I had to wait for it to get done’!

    Reply
  5. Claire @ A Little Claireification says

    May 16, 2013 at 7:52 AM

    Such a sweet post Vanessa. Definitely a good reminder to us all. {And I think they are really cute, btw!}
    xoxo, Claire

    Reply
  6. Kim Gibson says

    May 16, 2013 at 8:06 AM

    What a lovely post. You are so right, and I needed to hear that today. I too am blessed.

    Reply
  7. Bonnie @ Uncommon says

    May 16, 2013 at 8:10 AM

    Beautiful! This time of year and the volume of activities always seems to bring out a negative attitude in me..thanks for the reminder! Also, the place mats are adorable and super clever! 😉 Bonnie

    Reply
  8. Cheryl @ The Creative Me and My McG says

    May 16, 2013 at 8:13 AM

    Lovely post – I will be on the lookout for some wooden placemats now – I think they look great – a cool idea for art!

    Reply
  9. Kristi says

    May 16, 2013 at 8:25 AM

    I think the placemats look great, and how wonderful that they can serve as a reminder to you. I love surrounding myself with meaningful items, and I think it is so important to remember to be thankful–hence by blog name, “Thankful Me.”

    Reply
  10. Richella @ Imparting Grace says

    May 16, 2013 at 9:12 AM

    There you go, Mom! Way to stop and observe your own behavior, learn a lesson, and share it!

    I think the placemats make great wall art; great idea! (I’m pinning it to my “Great Ideas” board!) And hanging them with Command Strips? Another great idea!

    Reply
  11. Joani says

    May 16, 2013 at 10:09 AM

    Your post hit the nail on the head today. I recently put new flooring in my hallway, kitchen, & front landing…love it. But, after a short trip to Las Vegas and returning to find my home broken into….it was very humbling that they didn’t trash the home. But, it sure has been hard to get back to being comfortable in it again. I’d move save for the fact that I’m 66 and have everything lined up. Thanks for sharing your post.

    Reply
  12. Michele/ Finch Rest says

    May 16, 2013 at 11:03 AM

    I JUST went through all new flooring and delays delays delays…you know my old floor was torn up from Feb to just LAST WEEK????? They ordered the wrong flooring and it took another 6 weeks to come in.

    I went from shock to anger to total depression. No company. No dishes. I couldn’t even play my piano! FOR MONTHS.

    So I feel your pain with this post. I get it.

    I kept telling myself no pain, no gain. I kept asking myself why on earth was I upset, I was getting my dream flooring, finally. I kept telling myself that it was a lesson in humble patience. And waited and waited and waited.

    And now, oh my word, it’s done and it’s awesome and I am a happy camper.

    The furniture is back. Life is savory. Sweet peas to you, dear friend! HUGS!!

    Reply
  13. Gwen says

    May 16, 2013 at 11:09 AM

    A beautiful reminder that we are truly blessed… your post was an inspiration during an incredibly hard week. Thank you…

    Reply
  14. Heidi @ Decor & More says

    May 16, 2013 at 11:14 AM

    I used that verse with my class last year (which as full of “complainers”!) and it’s one of my favorites! We have so much to be thankful for… love that you have visual reminders now!
    xo Heidi

    Reply
  15. Linda @ it all started with paint says

    May 16, 2013 at 11:26 AM

    Thank you for this post. I needed that reminder. And while my frustration with the house is nothing that will make it prettier, it will make it more comfortable on those steaming hot summer days. So it’s behind-the-scenes, expensive, and annoying because an old house comes with its own share of headaches (ka-ching) but we can take it on without great hardship …

    🙂 Linda

    Reply
  16. Ashley@AttemptsAtDomestication says

    May 16, 2013 at 5:24 PM

    Those look adorable! And I’ve totally done the same thing. When the world is a crumbling mess around me I have to stop and do something small, crafty and cute to get my life together.

    Reply
  17. Michelle says

    May 16, 2013 at 5:47 PM

    I love the way your new art looks, I don’t think you would know they are placemats if you don’t tell. Sometimes it is hard to remember we all have so much to be grateful for, it’s important to find the joy in the journey.

    Michelle. thebashfulnest.blogspot.com

    Reply
  18. Heather says

    May 17, 2013 at 6:40 AM

    I love how these look on your wall! Hang in there through your new carpeting installation! It will look so beautiful when it’s finished!

    Reply
  19. Thistlewood Farms says

    May 17, 2013 at 7:30 AM

    What a neat idea!!

    Have a great weekend!!

    Reply
  20. Laura S. says

    May 17, 2013 at 8:08 AM

    I love using placemats for various projects. I found one that I loved at a local store that was made with fabric that I love and it had pretty beads on the edges. I use it under my doggies food and water bowls. I had also purchased the matching table runner for me! You can easily change them out too, with the seasons.
    Thanks for always sharing your “sweet” ideas 🙂
    Hugs, Laura

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Search This Blog

Get the book!

Invite Vanessa to speak at your event!

Stay updated!

Must Reads

Recent Posts

  • Why We’ve Chosen Vacations Over Projects April 26, 2022
  • A New Look for the Family Room March 1, 2022
  • Christmas Kitchen and Family Room December 19, 2021
  • Christmas Home Tour Part One December 10, 2021
  • Easy Hot Cocoa Station November 21, 2021

Footer

Stay Connected!

Instagram

“Those who know your name trust in you, for you, “Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.” Psalm 9:10
This is one of my most favorite projects from my b This is one of my most favorite projects from my book Life in Season! 

Because, if heaven has a fragrance, I’m fairly certain it smells like lilacs.

I think that somewhere along the way the verse in the Bible that said, ‘heaven will smell like lilacs’ just got lost in translation. But it HAD to have been in there at some point, right?

When I bury my head in the blossoms (which I absolutely MUST do every single time I walk past them), I immediately feel a stirring in my soul.

It seems like I wait forever for my lilac tree to bloom. Every year I anxiously watch as the buds begin to form on the branches and then when the blossoms finally burst forth I begin that agonizing process of deciding the absolute perfect moment to snip them and bring them inside.

And then, after all of that waiting and watching it’s just over…done. Because, unlike heaven, lilacs don’t last for an eternity. So, making my own lilac room spray seemed like the perfect way to enjoy their fragrance long after the blossoms have faded.

Here’s how to make it! Ingredients: Water, Vodka, Lilac fragrance oil. Directions: Fill spray bottle with 50/50 ratio of water to vodka. Add 12 drops of lilac oil. Give it a shake, spray and if the scent isn’t strong enough, simply add a few more drops of lilac oil.

Once you’ve made this lilac scented room spray you will be very tempted to spray it in every room in your house. And someone may want to use it in the bathroom to cover up other less…ummmm….pleasing aromas.

But, do not, I repeat do NOT, let them.

You’ve captured the fragrance of heaven in a bottle and you wouldn’t want to go and tarnish it now would you? 😉
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
Load More... Follow
Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2022 · Divine theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2022 At The Picket Fence