Busy here on Garrison

We're loving these crisp autumn evenings and sunny warm days here on Garrison.  With the side door open, and the screen exposed, it's delicious to drink in the gentle breezes and sounds of acorns plopping    on the driveway, like popcorn in the cooker. I've never seen the squirrels so busy, getting ready for the winter.  Wow... where did the summer go???

I don't do too much Halloween decorating, but I'm enjoying a few sweet touches... with frilly crepe paper and cute little black cats.

I haven't blogged about my creative pursuits in several weeks... and it's NOT because I have been idle. I have been working like a bee making some Christmas surprises.  All kinds of  "parts" have arrived from ETSY... a favorite shopping source.  

These tiny jingle bells are adorable.

Can I tell you how much I adore ruffled crepe paper?

I've always loved pine cones of all sizes and shapes.  These just had to come to my house.  The packaging is as cute as the bitty cones themselves.

My studio looks like a cyclone hit, but it's all part of the fun of my creative process.  The final creations aren't yet to be revealed.  Some of the recipients of my efforts just might read this blog, and I would never want to spoil the surprise!  

After turning a year older a few weeks ago, I have spent time reflecting on the blessings of my life.  The "simple" things are really the "big things".  

This photo was shot by a local newsperson.  A day sitting in this swing...with this view...  What could be better???

"Fluffing" for autumn

With the chillier mornings and evenings of October, came a yearning to clean out the summer flower beds.  After a trip to the feed store, I had the car full of pansies, cabbage, kale and a bright yellow mum.

I pulled out this fun little garden pumpkin, and popped him above the sunny mum pot.

"Little foot", as my Mom calls him, is newly potted with pansies, too.

Overlooking it all is a sweet little fall flag. Of course, it had to have birds on it! 

I didn't stop with the outside of my "nest".  Here are some little metal birds on the mantle with a fall spray.

A while back I stitched up this funky bag and appliqued the wool pumpkin and black cat.  I plan to start carrying this one as I am out and about for the upcoming weeks.

Turning on the heat this morning made me think of "fluffing" in my closets, too... putting away the most summery clothes, and pulling out some jackets and warmer layers.  The year is speeding by so quickly, isn't it???  Enjoy these chilly days... They will quickly turn to the holidays.  YIKES!!! 

"Good Deeds" complete and some fabulous finds

A few posts back, I shared my love for the darling designs of Charlotte Lyons.  I have just completed my second sampler from wonderful Charlotte... this one called "Good Deeds Live Long".

I so enjoyed stitching  and then embellishing with some beading work. I decided to make this one a pillow top, nestled inside a chair...first trying it out in my family room.

And then again, it might reside in my living room.  Who knows??? I'm such a fickle decorator! 

I "haunt" my local TJ Maxx and Ross stores, always on the hunt for treasures.  I hit the jackpot twice last week.  I am such a lover of anything with birds and nests, so I was thrilled to find this delightful vintage-inspired piece that I added to my bathroom wall.  The vibrant colors put me in my "happy place".

The decor of my home is quite "cottage-inspired', in the style of my ever-favorite designer, Rachel Ashwell.  Last Saturday, while shopping with Mom, she spied this great, funky piece... buried behind some other items.

Of course, I had to get it!  It had the perfect "feel" to go in the corner of my living room.  Love love love the details...

I have such a passion for furniture and decor... always have... but my little "cottage" is filled to the brim... but I can't pass some things up... even my "corners" are filled!

Now that October has arrived, the days are getting shorter and it is a real comfort to snuggle in my nest... and it's time to start stitching on a new piece.  Some spicy, hot cider sounds yummy, doesn't it???