• 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
  • Shop My Home
  • 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

January 24, 2012

Valentine’s Day Garland and Vignette

DSC_0627-1

Ok, so there are many wonderful things about having a designated Play-Room in our house.
An extra space where my rascals can wreak havoc play.
Plenty of storage for all of their junk toys.
The fact that it has a door which I can close and pretend that it doesn’t look like a tornado came through.
But, who am I kidding?
What I REALLY love about it is that it gives me another place to do some fun seasonal decorating!
And, when I spotted these little fabric heart ornaments in the Christmas Clearance bin at Michael’s, I knew  exactly what I would make with them and where it would end up.

DSC_0543-1

These were 10 cents each folks…10 cents!!
God bless Clearance bins.
A bit of twine and some hot glue and I had myself a super sweet little
Valentine’s Day Garland for the Playroom!

DSC_0629-2

DSC_0654-1

My 80 cents garland inspired me to create a little 
Valentines’ Day vignette on top of the dresser in the Playroom. 

DSC_0630-2

The sweet red wooden chair was mine as a little girl and it just fit so perfectly there that I may leave it on top of the dresser all of the time!

DSC_0639-1

A white lacy bucket from Ikea and felt hearts from the Dollar Tree tucked inside rest on the seat.
I love the charm of the wear and tear and the fond memories it holds of my childhood.

DSC_0625-1

These plaques hang on the wall of the Playroom and fit in just perfectly for Valentines’ Day.
I think I’m hoping that by hanging them on the wall their message will somehow seep through my children’s brains through osmosis or something.
Some days it works, others…not so much!

DSC_0637-1

Now, I have something super special planned for that darling little cupboard but….

DSC_0641-1

…you will have to wait to see what it is when we join in the fun happening here with our sweet friend Ashley over at Cherished Bliss!

Cherished Bliss
Now, be sure to come back tomorrow when I will be revealing my
MUDROOM MAKEOVER!!!
Until then, thanks so much for joining me today at the Fence,

1553F4F30A9801A6AFB3E9C624118E7B

This post is partying here:
You’re Talking Too Much: Meet Me Monday
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia: Tuesday’s Treasures
A Stroll Thru Life: Tabletop Tuesday
A Wee Meenit: Wait a Wee Meenit Wednesday

Email Updates
Facebook Page
Pinterest

24 Comments Filed Under: Crafts, Good Ideas, Holidays, Valentine's Day

Subscribe

Get the latest goodness straight to your inbox!

Previous Post: « Welcome to Inspiration Friday #48!
Next Post: Mudroom Makeover »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. debbie refresh restyle says

    January 23, 2012 at 2:21 PM

    Great idea on the garland! Everything just says Happy Valentine’s Day!
    debbie

    Reply
  2. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

    January 23, 2012 at 2:58 PM

    Super cute garland & vignette Vanessa!!

    Reply
  3. michelle says

    January 23, 2012 at 3:11 PM

    What a sweet garland and I love the bucket! I kick myself every time I see one for not getting some when I was there.
    The room looks so full of love. 🙂
    xoxo

    Reply
  4. ❀❀❀Ðαωᾔ❀❀❀ says

    January 23, 2012 at 3:25 PM

    That is just darling:)

    Reply
  5. Grammy Goodwill says

    January 23, 2012 at 3:49 PM

    Your banner looks so cute. I can’t believe you got such a bargain on those hearts.

    Reply
  6. Pam - diy Design Fanatic says

    January 23, 2012 at 4:21 PM

    Your 80 cent garland is so cute and makes for a lovely accent in your vignette!

    Reply
  7. Michelle Paige says

    January 23, 2012 at 4:52 PM

    Adorable and what a bargain! I can’t wait to see your mudroom!

    Reply
  8. NanaDiana says

    January 23, 2012 at 5:44 PM

    Vanessa~ What a cute garland. It is great to have a room like that..where the kids can go and make a mess and it doesn’t drive you TOTALLY crazy! lol I can’t wait to see your little cupboard makeover. I hope you have a wonderful day! xo Diana

    Reply
  9. Judy says

    January 23, 2012 at 6:05 PM

    Your garland is super cute. I really can’t wait to see your mudroom. I’m sure it’s going to be fabulous!!

    Reply
  10. Good Time Charlie says

    January 23, 2012 at 6:09 PM

    Love the little hearts in the cute bucket. I would put that anywhere in my home!

    Reply
  11. Bonnie ~ a wee Meenit says

    January 23, 2012 at 6:30 PM

    I wonder if there are any hearts left, I love that they are puffy & not flat!
    I would love for you to come and link this to my party, I have a giveaway on the same page too!!
    https://aweemeenit.blogspot.com/2012/01/wait-wee-meenit-wednesdays-link-party-1.html
    Thanks!

    Reply
  12. Magnolia Cottage says

    January 23, 2012 at 7:25 PM

    I love your Valentine’s Day Vignette, super cute! I wish I had a childhood chair …heirloom! Love the plaques about LOVE! When my kids were little I would place sign language and things they could learn about on the playroom walls from teacher’s toys! You would be amazed at what they pick up, little sponges! Thanks for sharing!

    Lisa

    Reply
  13. Fox Hollow Cottage says

    January 23, 2012 at 7:51 PM

    Cute~cute~cute!
    BUT…
    I can’t wait for that mudroom reveal! I’ll live through you, since I don’t have one =)

    Reply
  14. Full Circle Creations says

    January 23, 2012 at 9:05 PM

    Clearance items are the best!!!

    Holly

    Reply
  15. Kim @ Cheap Chic Home says

    January 23, 2012 at 10:17 PM

    How cute, Vanessa. Those hearts were the perfect find, I really like them used as garland.

    Reply
  16. Kindra-At Home With K says

    January 23, 2012 at 11:38 PM

    You are such a good mommy to decorate the play room for your kiddos! I love that white bucket! So cute to add the hearts for a little love cheer!
    Thanks so much for linking up to the Be Mine Bonanza event!

    Reply
  17. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    January 24, 2012 at 12:18 AM

    Love your creativity. The garland is adorable..Don’t you just love Ikea?!..The nearest one to me is 2 1/2 hours away, so a full day trip..Need to plan one in the near future.

    Reply
  18. Debbiedoo's blogging and blabbing says

    January 24, 2012 at 1:27 AM

    What a bargoon! So cute too Vanessa! I love crafting for Valentines day.

    Reply
  19. Lorna says

    January 24, 2012 at 2:00 AM

    Cute and inexpensive, couldn’t ask for anything more. Great job!

    Reply
  20. Crystal @ Ordinary Days says

    January 24, 2012 at 2:09 AM

    Adorable! I think I need to make a Michaels trip!

    Reply
  21. Amy @ Five Kinds of Happy says

    January 24, 2012 at 6:35 AM

    So cute! You did a lovely job! Lovely valentine setup

    Reply
  22. marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says

    January 24, 2012 at 3:11 PM

    What great ideas. I love it. You’ve done such a great job of creating such cute Valentines decor. Thanks for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty

    Reply
  23. Ashley says

    January 25, 2012 at 3:28 PM

    Hi! Thanks so much for “pinning” my free Valentine Day Printable. I’m one of your newest followers! Also, I adore your Valentines Day decor!

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. At The Picket Fence Valentine’s Day Recap… says:
    January 29, 2013 at 3:31 PM

    […] things Valentine found around the picket fence this month! Up first, Vanessa shared this sweet Heart Garland she made from clearance Christmas items! And this wasn’t all! She fashioned a gorgeous Tear […]

    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!

  • A New Look for the Family Room

    A New Look for the Family Room
  • Honey Tea Cake Loaf with Lemon Glaze

    Honey Tea Cake Loaf with Lemon Glaze
  • The Slow Exit

    The Slow Exit
  • Honed Quartzite Kitchen Counters Reveal

    Honed Quartzite Kitchen Counters Reveal

Sign Up and Never Miss A Post!

Must Reads

layered rainbow twirl spring skirt

Latest Recipes

Strawberry Muffins with Lemon Glaze

Honey Tea Cake Loaf with Lemon Glaze

Apple Bread Pudding

view more recent recipes

Recent Posts

  • Decorating a Sofa Table May 31, 2023
  • Strawberry Muffins with Lemon Glaze April 19, 2023
  • Console Table Refresh March 24, 2023
  • Laundry Room Makeover February 23, 2023
  • Winter Decorating Ideas January 27, 2023

Footer

Stay Connected!

Instagram

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?
Load More... Follow
Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · Divine theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2023 At The Picket Fence