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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 6, 2012

Stenciled Fall Jar…autumn words of change

stenciled fall jar

Fall.  A Season of Change.

When the carefree days of summer slowly blend into the winds and whispers of falling leaves.

When children head back to school and moms remind them to grab a jacket because there’s a chill in the air.

stenciled fall jar

When the newly hatched chicks of summer leave the nest…leap into the unknown with the winds of autumn catching them and soaring them into a new world.

When children caught up in the hazy place between childhood and adulthood, pack up cars with belongings and books and fill their minds with the memories of home.

stencil, fall, jar, autumn

The words of Fall hold adventures and warmth and crispness and scents that no matter how far from home we travel, always bring us back to the hearths of comfort and familiarity in our minds.

fall, stencil, autumn, jar

Here’s how you can make your own Stenciled Fall Jar to capture all that reminds you of Fall.

Supplies:
jar (the color you choose will be your text color)
sticker letters in different sizes and fonts
painters or masking tape
spray paint in the color you want for your jar
Exact-o knife (to remove stickers)
Sharpie or Paint Pen to touch up letters

stencil, jar, fall, autumn, tutorial

My Autumn Jar will remind me everyday of all of the seasonal memories tucked away in my heart.  Of bonfires and leaf raking.  Of backpacks and hayrides.  Of pumpkin patches and a Power Ranger carrying a bucket full of candy and a chocolate smeared face under a mask.

My chick may be leaving my nest…but he will always be nestled in my heart.

stenciled fall jar

What are your favorite Autumn words?

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37 Comments Filed Under: Autumn, Crafts, DIY, Family, Good Ideas, Tutorials

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Comments

  1. Eileen says

    September 5, 2012 at 3:24 PM

    Lovely project. 🙂

    Reply
  2. It's All Connected says

    September 5, 2012 at 3:34 PM

    This lovely post reads like poetry, Heather! Such a pretty and meaningful pitcher. ~ Maureen

    Reply
  3. rita joy says

    September 5, 2012 at 3:38 PM

    Oh, what a beautifully written post. My “little chick” flew the nest this year, too. Your words put a lump in my throat… And, thanks for the creative Fall decor idea. Well done!

    Reply
  4. Cindy says

    September 5, 2012 at 4:01 PM

    Great project! I love the simplicity of it. Very lovely post indeed!

    Reply
  5. Maury @ Life on Mars says

    September 5, 2012 at 4:18 PM

    Love this idea! So cute!

    Reply
  6. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    September 5, 2012 at 4:27 PM

    That is so cute.

    Reply
  7. One bolt short of a toolbox says

    September 5, 2012 at 4:50 PM

    I adore this!

    Jan @Door251

    Reply
  8. 20 North Ora says

    September 5, 2012 at 4:56 PM

    Cute idea. Thanks for the shoutout on Facebook!!

    Judy

    Reply
  9. thistlewoodfarm says

    September 5, 2012 at 5:23 PM

    Heather….you are so amazing! I need this in a book with illustrations! And the best project ever! I totally pinned it 🙂

    Have an awesome day, rock star!
    karianne

    Reply
  10. Anonymous says

    September 5, 2012 at 6:15 PM

    What great memories we have of your “chick” who is leaving the nest – taking him to the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone National Park, Las Vegas, etc., etc. and of him playing in our barn – on the swing, the horse and the go-cart. What a treasure box of memories we have of him. Love that boy (I mean young man).

    Mom and Dad

    Reply
  11. Eclectically Vintage says

    September 5, 2012 at 6:23 PM

    Of course I’m pinning this because it meets my criteria: simple and fabulous!
    Your chick may be leaving the nest, but he’ll always come back.
    Now I need to go find my tissues – sob (my girls start school tomorrow).
    Kelly

    Reply
  12. marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says

    September 5, 2012 at 6:36 PM

    Oh what a great post. I love fall and autumn and all the memories that go with it. I need to make a jar. Thanks for the tutorial. Your chick leaving is such a bitter sweet time. So proud of them for the people they have become and so sad they are not “little” any more. A whole new world starts now. Hugs, Marty

    Reply
  13. Jen @ Creating with the J's says

    September 5, 2012 at 6:50 PM

    Fall is such a lovely time of year. I know you asked about favorite words, but my favorite thing about fall is the colors and the air (once it settles down and fall sets in and isn’t so harsh on allergies of course) Words like harvest, autumn, gather, friends, family are fun for me!

    Reply
  14. Okio B Designs says

    September 5, 2012 at 7:40 PM

    That is simply beautiful! Thanks for sharing the DIY. My favorite word for fall is a tie between cozy (as getting cozy under the blankets on a chilly day) and leaves. I love the falling leaves.

    Jeanine

    Reply
  15. Erica {let why lead} says

    September 5, 2012 at 7:58 PM

    Gorgeous, both the sentiments expressed and the end product!

    Reply
  16. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    September 5, 2012 at 8:10 PM

    I love a beautiful, simply stated, simple project and this one fits the bill…Love the Autumn jar!

    Reply
  17. Cristina Garay says

    September 5, 2012 at 8:34 PM

    Oooh! So Lovely! The jar and your post!

    Reply
  18. Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR says

    September 5, 2012 at 9:08 PM

    What a lovely jar! I love how you’ve used all of the words that symbolize the season. Thanks for the tutorial!!

    Reply
  19. Judy says

    September 5, 2012 at 9:10 PM

    What a pretty autumn project. I love the colors. Great idea.

    Reply
  20. Shelia says

    September 5, 2012 at 9:15 PM

    I love this and the pretty hydrangea sets it off.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia 😉

    Reply
  21. Anne says

    September 5, 2012 at 9:18 PM

    LOVE this project!And it looks perfect with your hydrangeas!
    xx
    Anne

    Reply
  22. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    September 5, 2012 at 10:00 PM

    I love this project, Heather! What a great way to get the wording on there, too. I may have to give this a try!

    Reply
  23. Debbiedoo's says

    September 6, 2012 at 12:32 AM

    You know I have a smile from ear to ear right now. LOVES it. Pinning now.

    Reply
  24. Jessica Kielman says

    September 6, 2012 at 12:44 AM

    Oh…it’s just perfect…simple, and pretty. My throat swelled up a bit, and a few tears may have escaped my eyes. I know your baby is leaving the nest, and mine isn’t far off. He seems like an incredible young man. Hugs!

    Jessica

    Reply
  25. Laurie Ritchey says

    September 6, 2012 at 2:20 AM

    Such a great idea, and it turned out so pretty. laurie

    Reply
  26. Honey at 2805 says

    September 6, 2012 at 2:20 AM

    Very pretty and such a good idea to do the wording!

    Reply
  27. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

    September 6, 2012 at 2:42 AM

    What a great idea and the wording reminds me of all my favorite things during my favorite time of year! Love it Heather!

    Reply
  28. Debra @ Common Ground says

    September 6, 2012 at 3:37 AM

    LOVE this, and love this very sweet sentimental post!

    Reply
  29. Heidi @ Decor & More says

    September 6, 2012 at 11:07 AM

    Awesome project, Heather! I’ll be praying that this transition for your son AND YOU goes smoothly!! I had such a hard time when my daughter went off to college last year…
    xo Heidi

    Reply
  30. Athena at Minerva's Garden says

    September 6, 2012 at 10:24 PM

    What a pretty project for fall, ladies. A favorite autumn word: gloaming!

    Reply
  31. The Tablescaper says

    September 6, 2012 at 11:22 PM

    Very neat!

    – The Tablescaper

    Reply
  32. Bethany says

    September 7, 2012 at 5:53 PM

    Thank you for sharing this! Such a nice version of how to do something like this. It seems like most everyone is using their vinyl machines, but I love that you used stickers for those of us who haven’t purchased a vinyl printer! THANK YOU!

    Reply
  33. Recreate and Decorate says

    September 7, 2012 at 6:03 PM

    Than you! Just linked my living/dining room ideas!

    Reply
  34. Kim Wilson says

    September 16, 2012 at 1:40 AM

    I love this jar! I need to make one ASAP! I even have a garden full of hydrangeas. I just featured it on my FB page. Thanks so much for joining the Countdown to Fall Party! Gorgeous project as always ladies!:)
    Kim @ Sand & Sisal

    Reply
  35. Laura from Top This Top That says

    September 18, 2012 at 2:27 AM

    sweet post and great project.

    Reply
  36. Debbie says

    August 28, 2013 at 9:10 AM

    How do I buy one? So awesome!!

    Reply

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  1. Easy Decorating Ideas for Fall says:
    August 19, 2013 at 10:29 AM

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The first weekend in December seems like a good ti The first weekend in December seems like a good time for my annual gentle reminder about this month. I don’t know about you but, for me, December is a month of mixed emotions, ranging from joy-filled moments to ones that have me wanting to pull my hair out.

There are so many expectations and we put so much pressure on ourselves to create magical memories. And for years I have felt the added weight of wanting to make sure my family had opportunities throughout the month to grow in their relationship with Christ.

We celebrate advent and read all of the appropriate Baby Jesus books and encourage a spirit of generosity and heavily emphasize the real reason for the season.

But sweet friends, I want to remind you today that one month out of the year does not a strong relationship with the Lord make. December doesn’t define our faith in Christ.

For our families or for us.

There are 11 other months in the year. 11 other months to live out our faith in front of our children. 11 other months to pray with them. 11 other months to help them wrestle through their questions and add depth to their walk with the Lord. 11 other months to encourage them to have generous spirits.

Let’s stop putting so much pressure on this one month out of the year. Let’s be surprised at the ways we might be able to celebrate the baby in the manger without a dozen countdown calendars. Let’s give our kids some grace when they are focused more on gifts because…well…they’re kids after all.

And while we’re at it, let’s give ourselves some grace too.

Grace when we think we should feel all the warm fuzzy feelings about Christmas but we really just want to take a nap. Or have a good cry. 

Grace that reminds us that this month will soon be over and we will have a brand new year ahead of us.

A new year filled with big moments and little moments and everything in between.

A new year to draw even closer to our Savior.

My hope for you is that, as you head into this season, you will be given fresh perspective and that you will give yourself (and your family) permission to just ‘be’. ✨
✨ The first Sunday of Advent is upon us and this ✨ The first Sunday of Advent is upon us and this year I created a super simple centerpiece for my dining room that incorporates the candles we will use each of the four weeks leading up to Christmas. While we will only light one candle each week, I used more than four so that the centerpiece would look a bit more filled in. In keeping with my goal to embrace a softer approach to my decorating, this arrangement works perfectly and helps to keep our focus on the beauty and the meaning  of the Advent season. For more ideas like this, check out my previous Advent post! ✨

#advent #adventcandles #simplechristmas #wearethehomemakers
In this season of motherhood, my soul is feeling a In this season of motherhood, my soul is feeling a bit more tender. When Christmas rolls around and I no longer have wish lists that include Lego sets or dollhouses, I find that I want my home to reflect this craving for all things gentle.

So our hot cocoa station this year is much more simple and done in a neutral color palette that just subtly blends in with the rest of the decor. It still feels festive and is definitely still “user friendly” but it’s just a bit less…well…less.

And, that’s ok. It’s not that this area won’t ever again have bright colors (maybe even pops of red!) but, right now I’m happy to have things this way.

With all that is going on in the world right outside our door, my desire is for our home to truly feel like a respite. I want it to be where we come and let our guard down, our heart rates slow and to be flooded with a sense of peace in knowing that here is where we can just simply be. I want it to be a place of rest. Rest from the constant onslaught of news and information. Rest from the seemingly small struggles of school and jobs that can so often feel like big struggles.

And, most importantly, we rest in the comfort of knowing the One who is Sovereign over all and is the reason this month is so very special and sacred.

Many blessings to you dear friends as we kick off this wonderful season! ✨
Next week is first Sunday of Advent. And contrary Next week is first Sunday of Advent. And contrary to popular belief, the celebration of Advent is VERY different from just simply doing a ‘countdown to Christmas’. It’s not about having little drawers filled with candy or doors to open with prizes inside. Those things are so much fun and definitely help to build anticipation as you head closer and closer to the big day.

But Advent, from the latin word ‘adventus’ meaning ‘arrival’ or ‘appearance’ keeps the focus completely on celebrating the arrival of the King who came in the form of an infant.

This is one of our favorite family traditions and over the years I’ve figured out how to incorporate the Advent candles into my decor without using the traditional wreath. I hope this gives you some ideas and inspiration as we head into this sacred season. 🌲

#advent #adventdecoration #wearethehomemakers
Why do I start decorating before Thanksgiving? Bec Why do I start decorating before Thanksgiving? Because it’s the Saturday after and my house is almost completely ready to start the season! So I’m sitting with my coffee and just soaking it all up knowing that now I can focus on shopping, hosting and preparing our hearts for the start of Advent. The only thing left to do is get our fresh tree for the front room and then the decorating is done. 

Starting early is a gift I give to myself and I’m always grateful for it! 🌲

#simplechristmas #traditionalchristmas
“I would maintain that thanks are the highest fo “I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” ~ G.K. Chesterton

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours dear friends! 🍂
Christmas has arrived in the family room where I k Christmas has arrived in the family room where I keep things simple but festive! We’ll get a fresh tree after Thanksgiving which will go in our front room bay window but this slim faux tree with its colorful ornaments tides us over for now. Which room in your home gets the Christmas treatment first? Or do you just start doing a little at a time in each room? 🎄

*pillow covers are from @jshhomeessentials
I share this recipe every year because it’s JUST I share this recipe every year because it’s JUST.THAT.GOOD! 

And I have a confession ...I’d rather have cranberry sauce smothering the turkey on my plate than gravy any day!! And this, this right here? Well it’s the best (and easiest!) cranberry sauce ever!! I eat on crackers and sandwiches and sometimes just by the spoonful. It’s so yummy! And I’m just so very thankful for all of you that I’m going to leave the recipe right here instead of making you go to the blog to get it. I promise you won’t regret having this on your Thanksgiving menu but be warned...you may find yourself up in the middle of the night sneaking some helpings of this deliciousness. Or maybe that’s just me!

Ingredients:
2 pounds fresh or frozen cranberries
2 oranges
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup white wine.

Instructions:
Wash and pick over berries, removing any that are soft. Peel and dice oranges removing any seeds. Combine all ingredients in a large pot. Bring to a full boil. Reduce heat and continue cooking until cranberries pop open and mixture is thickening.
For best flavor, prepare and let stand for several days before using.

Gobble, gobble!! 🦃
How do I want people to feel when they walk throug How do I want people to feel when they walk through my front door? That’s always at the top of my mind when I’m decorating my entry for each season, particularly at Christmastime. 

✨I want them to feel like my home is greeting them with a smile.

✨I want them to feel like this is a place where care has been given to details (but not to the point of being too stuffy or too busy or too overwhelming). 

✨I want them to feel like there is peace here.

✨I want them to feel like they are welcome…because they are. 

My home is a reflection of my heart and my heart is a reflection of the ONE for whom I live and try to honor and praise all of my days, but especially at Christmas.

How do you want people to feel when they come into your home? 

#christmasentry #simplechristmas #simplicity #wearethehomemakers
This is not a criticism of those who are sharing t This is not a criticism of those who are sharing their great new Christmas finds but rather an encouragement to those of you who are feeling a bit overwhelmed by it all and trying to resist the temptation to purchase more items than you really need.

Several years ago I felt a conviction in my heart about how much time and money I was spending on trying to create a new look every Christmas. I was not being a good steward of my resources and I was far too easily swayed by the peer pressure in this area. And a funny thing happened when I smashed this idol that had taken up residence in my heart. I suddenly found renewed joy in decorating for the season. By keeping things simple and maybe only buying something like a new spool of velvet ribbon, I actually realized that I could be far more creative reusing and repurposing what I already had.

In the coming weeks your news feeds will be filled with temptations for MORE. Maybe, this year, you too can find the joy in LESS. 🌲

#simplechristmas #simplicity #wearethehomemakers
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