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How to Make Doily Pumpkins

September 19, 2020 by

I just love decorating for fall, it’s so much fun! Today my daughter Abby and I are showing you how to make doily pumpkins. This project is so cute but it’s also super easy!

Pumpkins are synonymous with fall decor. They speak of harvests and Halloween jack-o-lanterns. They great thing about pumpkins is that they make great decor in their natural form but they are also adorable in so many other designs. Velvet pumpkins are making a big splash this year, plaid pumpkins are always a big hit, and here in the vintage world, doily pumpkins fit so well with our style. In the video below we show you how to make doily pumpkins and I just know you’re going to love them!

How to Make Doily Pumpkins

If you’ve been with me for awhile you know that I looooove vintage doilies! There are so many great ways to enjoy and display them. Today’s project is a great way to use doilies and the best part is you don’t have to sacrifice them forever. There is no cutting, sewing, or gluing with these pumpkins so when fall is over you can easily disassemble them and use your doilies for something else. As you probably know, every doily is going to be a little bit different so each pumpkin will be too. That’s one of my favorite things about vintage decor!

I have a huge stack of doilies in my collection but if you don’t I’ll tell you where you can find them. Craft stores often sell them if you want your doilies in a rush. If you have time to peruse though, check thrift stores like Goodwill and any vintage markets in your area. You can also find them in online shops like Etsy and Ebay. Finding them in physical stores is my favorite though because you can really gage the quality and authenticity better that way. Wherever you find your doilies they will work perfectly for this project!

The inside of these pumpkins are just Styrofoam craft balls. I left mine white because I love the contrast of a little bit of white poking through the doily. There are a couple of other things you could do with the balls though if you wanted. You could paint them either a color similar to your doily or a color you’d like to pop through. You could wrap them in muslin first and then add the doily. I also thought it would be neat to wrap them in a colored fabric before putting on the doily. There are so many fun things you could do with this project!

Doily Pumpkin Supply List

3 White Styrofoam balls (I used three: 4.7″ 5.7″ and 6.8″)
3 largish doilies
Muslin shreds (I had previously died mine in tea to age them)
Additional vintage decor items to decorate your muslin bow: Brass tags, cabinet keys, skeleton keys, a broach, or buttons.
Cutting board
Bread knife (not your best one!)

Assembly Instructions

Take your first ball and lay it on your cutting board. Use the bread knife to cut a small portion off of the bottom of the ball. You only want to take off enough of it so that it lays flat. Repeat this process with the other two balls.
Next, lay a size appropriate doily flat and place a ball, flat side down, in the center.
Gather the doily at the top, pull it tight and get as much flounce at the top as you can. Use a muslin shred to tie the doily in place and then make a bow.
Repeat with the other two balls.
(Optional) add your little vintage decor items to the center of the bows. You can tie them on or you could use hot glue if need be.

The Wrap Up

And that’s it! An easy peasy fall craft project that you can make in minutes. I stopped once I added the muslin shreds but these would look so cute with some vintage embellishments added to the bow! You can use whatever small items that you have in your collection like a broach or buttons. If you need some little bits and bobs for this you can find Brass tags, cabinet keys, and skeleton keys in the shop. If you are into pumpkin spice, this is the perfect project to sip your fall themed treat to while you craft!

Looking for more decor inspiration? Be sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram!

If you love creating vintage treasures as much as I do you can also join my membership group, Tami Loves Creating Vintage Treasures. There you will get exclusive tutorials that will teach you how to create beautiful and unique pieces that will fit perfectly with your vintage decor!

How to Decorate a Mantel for Fall

September 12, 2020 by

The days are getting shorter and the nights are getting cooler. That can only mean one thing, it’s time to get out our fall decor! Today I’m showing you how to decorate a mantel for fall. And you know I’m keeping it vintage!

Fall is one of my favorite times of the year. The beautiful colors of the changing leaves remind us that, in order to have wonderful new beginnings, we also have to embrace endings. The beauty we witness in nature this time of year also gives great inspiration for crafts and decor! In the video below I show you how to decorate a mantel for fall using that inspiration. I transform my vintage mantel in one that is also ready to welcome in the cozy season. I just know you’re going to find something in it that you love!

How to Decorate a Mantel for Fall

The mantel in our house has to be one of my favorite spots to decorate. I love grouping my vintage pieces together and a mantel is the perfect spot for that. It is also so fun and easy to transform it for each holiday while still displaying some of my favorite vintage items. In the video below I show you how to take the loved items that you already have on display and add to them to create a beautiful mantel that is perfect for autumn.

Your mantel will look different than mine does when it it’s complete and that’s totally okay! One of the best things about collecting vintage decor is that there a so many unique pieces. Also, even though we are all vintage lovers, we are all drawn to different things. As you’ll see in the video, some of my unique items include a bread board, a cutting board, and a well used goat yoke that I just had to have. Just start with some of your favorite things and I’ll show you how to mix in the fall decor! For my mantel I use shades of purple, black, and cream but you could use any color themes that make your heart happy!

A Word about Symmetry…

I know that for many people symmetry is the name of the game when it comes to decor. Having everything balanced is what they strive for. I have to tell you though, I am usually anti-symmetry and I’ll tell you why. When you walk into a home and everything is symmetrical it is most likely beautiful but everything kind of blends together. If you arrange things slightly off center they really start to catch the eye. Because we aren’t expecting to see something that is off balance, it naturally stands out in our vision. I’m not saying that there shouldn’t be any balance at all though! When it comes to colors and textures, I wholeheartedly believe in balance. It just doesn’t need to be completely symmetrical. This may seem strange to you in the beginning but just give it a try, I bet you’re going to love the results. Just start small and see what you think!

How to Decorate a Mantel for Fall Supply List

Large greenery with purple tones
Purple thistle floral branches
Large purple flower
Large black flowers (3-4)
Penny eucalyptus bush
Black postal scale (optional)
Fall pumpkin greenery
French gray goblets (for displaying pumpkins)
Fur pumpkins and/or muslin pumpkins in cream
Black velvet pumpkins
Cream scarf

Instructions

Okay, here’s where it gets a little tricky. Decorating is more of a process than a set crafting recipe. It’s definitely more like cooking than like baking. You start with the suggested ingredients but make adjustments as you go. When you watch the video you will see how and why I chose to put things where I did. Let that be your guide and then go with your gut!

There are so many different ways that you can go when it comes to decorating your mantle for fall. My goal was to give you a solid example and instructions so that you could then make this project your own! I really hope that you enjoyed this decor tutorial and that you will find some fun inspiration in it. Happy fall to all!

Looking for more decor inspiration? Be sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram!

New Beginnings!

March 31, 2020 by

Happy New Beginning Day!

That’s what I’m calling today. I’m looking at things in a positive way, and hoping you all do, too!

So, our country is starting a new phase, why don’t we?

Is there something you’ve been wanting to try, decorating-wise? Do you have a longing to experiment with new colors or fabrics? Want to find some new gift ideas? Perhaps, there’s a class you’d like to see me offer but weren’t sure how to suggest it. Well…

Let me know!

I’d like you to message me on my Tami Loves Facebook page and ask me your questions or share your thoughts. I love when my customers and friends have decorating ideas or questions for me! That’s what this Blog is about…YOU. Let’s share ideas and have fun. I will respond, I promise!

This is our own community of friends, neighbors, and family…whether you live next door, next town, next state, or across our great country! We are all here to share our love of beautiful things for our homes, and our families. I’d love to hear from you!!

What’s On Your Seasonal Bucket List?

November 9, 2018 by

What’s on Your Seasonal Bucket-List?

I saw a sign that asked, “What’s on Your Seasonal Bucket-List” in the window of a travel agency recently, and it made me think for a bit. I never really made a seasonal bucket list! Why not though, it might be fun!! So here are some of the things I came up with to see if anyone else has any similar to mine!!

* Attend at least one craft show

* Buy a pumpkin and carve it for Thanksgiving! (How about “Grateful”?)

* Try a new recipe for Thanksgiving dinner

pumpkin

* Invite someone to Thanksgiving who might otherwise be alone

* Volunteer at a soup-kitchen

* Provide a meal for a needy family

* Bake pumpkin cookies and decorate them with a child

* Secretly leave some of those cookies on your neighbor’s front porch!

* Visit an elderly person in a nursing home

* Make a Thanksgiving card for a soldier overseas

* Decorate your porch or lamp post with cornstalks

fire

* String up orange lights

* Make a fire in your wood-burning fireplace

* Light pumpkin candles

* Instead of turning on the TV after Thanksgiving dinner, get out a board game and play

* Turn off your phone all day on Thanksgiving after everyone has arrived

* Let your kids help make pumpkin pies

* Bring out the orange towels!

* Put out a bowl of candy corn on the counter

* Bob for apples

* Make caramel apples

* Make some caramel corn

* Go Thanksgiving grocery shopping in a turkey hat

dinner

* Make a Thanksgiving video with everyone around the table holding handmade signs of what they’re thankful for, then send it to those who couldn’t be there

* Decorate with mini pumpkins and gourds

* Make place cards for those who are coming to dinner, and on the inside write why your thankful for each person

* Take a family hike

* Go to church

Find ways to enjoy this beautiful season on your own! Share them with me at Tami Loves on Facebook or TamiLoves.com

Tami Loves…being with family and friends, and celebrating in fun and different ways!

Is fall “leaving” you frustrated?

October 1, 2018 by

I mean, are all those leaves getting you “down”?

Seriously, I was talking to a friend the other day and she mentioned how this time of year just drives her nuts. She comes home from work, rakes and bags leaves, and then the next day there are even more, and she does the same thing. She said this goes on for a solid month, and makes her regret living where she does, surrounded by trees. She used to love fall, and now she dreads all the work it adds to her already busy schedule.

I guess I never thought too much about it for I don’t have a lot of trees in my yard, and part of the leaves we do get come from the neighbor’s yard, but that’s what living in the country is about, I guess. I suggested that my friend with the leaf problem try to just enjoy the beauty the trees bring, and maybe let the leaves go a few days at a time instead of doing them every night. She said if she waited, they’d pile up even more than they do already. Then I suggested hiring a teenager in her development to help her. Perhaps she could do some of the raking but when it gets really heavy, she could have a younger person take over, and help them make a little money in return. She said she never really thought about asking for help, but that there was her paper boy whom she could ask.

It got me to thinking about how many of us may actually not enjoy fall for similar reasons. I always delight in the season changes, especially fall! I miss my boots, and comfy sweaters for a good six months, and can’t wait to reunite with them! But I’m sure there are those of you who dread putting on the layers of extra clothing. And while you might not have a ton of leaves to rake, perhaps fall means other circumstances you dislike, such as winterizing your home, closing your swimming pool, cleaning up and turning under your garden, making preparations for holiday entertaining and travel, kids going away to school, an end to outdoor activities and baseball games, or even fall housecleaning! Whatever it is about this season that makes you cringe, try to see the positive side of things!

I drive by a lot of new homes that have absolutely no trees whatsoever, and I always feel sorry for the people who want trees so badly and have to plant young seedlings. I bet they’d trade a couple weeks of raking for some beautiful, big, colorful trees, and the shade they provide!

Imagine all those people hit by the hurricanes whom would give anything to be able to have their home intact and have to take care of it, their gardens, and start their fall cleaning. It really puts things in perspective when you think about all the work you have that someone without a home wishes they had. Be glad for your home and all the work that goes with it.

Since I mentioned the holidays, let’s face it, a lot of you are already stressing over family obligations of where to hold Thanksgiving, who is bringing what, who gets along with whom, the invitation list and who you’d rather not invite, etc. etc. It could drive you crazy if you let it. The trick is not to let it. Things seldom turn out quite as badly in real life as we imagine in our heads. It’s one meal, on one day. Imagine all the people who wish they could have another Thanksgiving Day with their family. Think about soldiers far away from home. Would they let a rude relative get in the way of their celebration if they could be at home with the family? No, and neither should you. We all have our holiday stresses. But we’re all human. It’s going to be probable that something will go awry, but it’s not the end of the world in the big scheme of things. Make that dish you enjoy making, wear the silly apron your kids make fun of, and invite the relative who makes snide remarks. Think of it as payback for having a wonderful home and family to call your own.

Enjoy fall and the events of it. Look past the work, and see the beauty. Really see the beauty in the yard full of downed leaves, the cover over the pool of summer’s fun, the warmth of layers of clothing that you can afford to own, the smiling faces of trick-or-treaters, the satisfaction on your college-kid’s face when he gets to make his own decisions, and yes, even the beauty of sitting at a Thanksgiving meal with a slightly dry roast, lumpy gravy, and an Aunt Cecily who dislikes your décor. It’s all worth it!!

Tami Loves…helping each other see the positive side of things!

Who Are You?

September 19, 2018 by

Who are you?

Do you put a label on yourself? I do. Sometimes I catch myself saying, “I’m just a mom” or “I’m just a painter”. But when I think about these statements, I realize I’m putting myself in a box, categorizing myself as “just” one thing. The truth is we are all diamonds!! We are all multi-faceted works of art!

close up of a diamond ring

So why do we label ourselves at all? Why do we feel the need to say “oh I’m just a girl?” Is there some reason we feel the need to be humble, and give ourselves just one identity? Are we ever “just” anything? The answer to that last question is a resounding “NO!”

Each and every one of us is a special, unique, and beautiful creation. That in itself is amazing. There is no one else on the planet exactly like you. So to refer to yourself as “just” anything is simply crazy. And still we all proceed to do it. Perhaps it’s a female thing. I don’t think I’ve ever heard a man say, “I’m just a dad” or “I’m just a coach.” But, I’m sure it’s happened. I think sometimes we feel we need to downplay ourselves in the eyes of others. Perhaps, too, we could be having a less than spectacular day, and we just don’t feel all that stellar. For whatever reason we claim to be “just,” deep down we know we aren’t.

silhouette of four people against sun background

There’s nobody else who can decorate a cake, tend a garden, or soothe a crying baby quite like you. God gave you specific talents and gifts that no one else has. Your unique combination belongs only to you. I just read a daily inspiration by Joel Osteen that dealt with competition and self-image. He said that in God’s eyes there is no need to compete with others, or be jealous that someone is better at something than we are. God gave us our unique talents and gifts, and we must be grateful for them, and use them to the best of our ability. That’s what makes us special, and God loves it when we shine! Delight in the special qualities that make you, YOU!

When someone asks you what you do, don’t go with the humble, automatic response of “I’m just…” Instead, smile and throw away the label. Tell them there isn’t just one word to describe what you do. You have a profession, a passion, a whole list of loves, and you’re a diverse combination of talents and interests. Don’t ever let yourself go to the “just” response again. People are more interested in talking to someone who has a positive attitude, and an upbeat outlook. Even on those days when you don’t feel it, believe it!! You aren’t “just” anything!

You’re bright, vibrant, fun, intelligent, witty, spontaneous, outgoing, shy, multi-talented, serious, demanding, anxious, exciting, loving, positive, happy, gregarious, etc. etc. etc. No one is ever one thing. Remember that diamond I mentioned earlier? Think of yourself as an exquisite diamond, a true work of art, created by God, with many facets and angles. In some ways you shine, and in others you don’t, but the true beauty of you is that you are unique, and if you’re “just” anything, it would be “AMAZING!!”

TamiLoves…discovering the talent and gifts we all have to share

shallow focus photograph of woman blowing pink powder

It’s Fall, Y’ALL!

September 6, 2018 by

Is everyone getting ready for fall?

It’s here!! Okay, so maybe it isn’t here weather-wise, but according to the calendar, it is. Fall is one of my absolute favorite times of the year! I love all the beautiful colors it brings- the golds, oranges, and reds. Driving out into the fall countryside is something that lifts my spirits. How can you be down when you’re surrounded by the beauty of the countryside, draped in her fall attire? Every bend in road presents an even more extraordinary view, than the previous. I can’t help but feel energized and inspired! Fall inspires me to create, make, and bake!! Truly!

baked pie

The smells I associate with fall, like fresh apples, cinnamon potpourri, pumpkin spice, or that deep, woodsy, campfire smell with roasting marshmallow, and spiced rum, remind me to get in my kitchen and bake up some wonderful homemade goodies. Fall means good food, and that usually means desserts!! Who can resist a homemade treat from a kitchen that smells like fall spices have exploded in it? That sweet spicy aroma permeates our noses and make our mouths water for its sumptuous taste!

But I am going on about food too much- fall inspires me to create more than appetizing cuisine! When the weather turns cooler, and the air is crisp, I want to decorate with all the color and warmth I can find. I race to get out my favorite autumn wreath to hang on my front door. Or perhaps I’ll see a new one on Pinterest, and decide to make a new one! Fall moves me to be creative with the things I already have, or to use them to create new and different designs. I long to decorate my customers’ homes in the warm hues of gold, and the splashes of orange and red, that delight the eyes with their inviting, vibrant highlights! Whether I’ve created an arrangement, or a vignette, I take great satisfaction in setting the stage for fall and all her glory in every home I enter! There are so many ways to create autumn’s brilliance. For some, it means bringing nature inside, like collecting leaves, wood, mums, gourds and pumpkins, or cornstalks. For others, it includes silk garlands of colored leaves, ceramic decorations, and candles. Whatever fall inspires in you, set it free and experiment!

Image result for fall decorating

Don’t forget about Halloween and Thanksgiving, too! Fall also gives us the opportunity to exercise our whimsical “spirits” with fun, and scary decorations like wicked witches, ghosts and the occasional skeleton. You can incorporate these, right into your fall décor, and then remove them once Halloween is over. Next, add in a cornucopia and some Pilgrims for your Thanksgiving table. You really can use the same base colors and items for a solid three months. All it takes is some basic anchor items, whether they be natural or artificial, and add your color here and there. Don’t overpower your whole house, because a little goes a long way, but it’s all up to you. The possibilities are endless! And… how about a little chalk-design sign by the front door welcoming guests to the clam-bake, trick-or-treaters to the candy, or individual name chalk slates for the big Thanksgiving dinner? Ask me how!

Need help deciding how to decorate for fall, Halloween, or Thanksgiving? Message or call me. I’m here to help you love the home you create! I have a ton of ideas!

Tami Loves…being inspired by fall to create a little magic!

pave covered on red leaf between trees

Comparison Chart

May 28, 2018 by

I’ve been working on this FREE printable for you. Be sure to print and take a copy when you’re house shopping and print one for each home you visit. It’s a great way to track things that you may forget when you get home.

If you’d like for me to show you a few homes I’d be happy to.

Just contact me at 740-319-1546.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Tami Neff – Tami Loves Real Estate

CAROL GOFF AND ASSOCIATES

Thank you!

How To Choose The Right Depth Of Color…

May 3, 2018 by

Choosing a color can be hard enough but changing the depth of the color can add warmth to any room.

The first thing to do is choose your color. Let’s say it’s a gray you are after. If there is a display strip of colors – all grays- light to dark. The lightest would be nice for furniture in the room. The lightest shade or white would be nice on the trim in a semi gloss finish. Look to the middle of the color strip for a wall color. Maybe a little lighter up the strip. Usually wall colors tend to fall about 3 or 4 colors down on the strip, however, every paint company is different so this is just guidance here, use your own judgement.

Keep in mind that a flat finish will hide imperfections on your walls like roller marks and will also be easily touched up. You can not wash flat paint very easily as it tends to shine if you scrub it as you are burnishing and buffing the flat dry surface. Normally we use an eggshell finish paint.

Ceilings are normally white flat. Lately textured ceilings are getting some shine to show off the texture, but we still paint most ceilings flat. Personally I love a color on the ceiling. Lighter walls and a warmer color on the ceiling. It’s that 5th wall you can have some fun with. Add a little drama by going darker. Choose the shade 2 below the wall color you chose. If your ceiling is 9′ or higher a darker color always looks great! Take that darker ceiling color into an adjoining room on the walls like a bathroom or dining room. A darker ceiling color makes the room feel more intimate.

Paint a table 2 shades darker than the wall color for a coordinating color and contrast.

I use these tricks every day in my job helping clients choose colors and deciding on which room to use them in. Keep in mind every color on the strip is simply a different shade of the same hue. You are assured to get great contrast and flow between each element and a neutral combination of shades that will go with almost anything you put in the room. Change shades from room to room for flow going up or down a shade on the paint strip.

Tami Loves…taking the fear out of choosing great color schemes for your home.

More Tips From Tami – On Getting Your House Ready To Sell…

April 26, 2018 by

Are you a motivated seller??? There are many things YOU can do to get your house ready to sell…

Here are a few more ideas for you:

6. Kitchen – Updated colors and counter tops are important here. Kitchens are the number one area where buyers want updates, followed by bathrooms. Don’t let your1980’s kitchen be the reason your home doesn’t appeal to potential buyers. If you aren’t sure, ask a realtor (like me) for their opinion on these areas. While you don’t have to go out and buy all stainless appliances or marble counter tops, there are some very affordable fixes that will garner you greater offers.

7. Lighting – People want to be able to see the rooms. Make sure the lighting is adequate and soft. You don’t want too harsh lighting, but you do want buyers to be able to see all there is to see. When you stage your home for showings, you’ll want the lights on, even if it’s daytime. Make sure all outdoor fixtures are working as well.

8. Purpose – Every room should be able to be identified as to what it’s function in. Don’t have a room with a sofa, a desk, a toy-area and a mini-fridge. Choose what the room’s function is. Is it an office, an extra bedroom, or a playroom? Don’t have a desk in the dining room or a jungle-gym in your office. Give your buyer an idea of what they can use the room for. Make it neat.

9. Depersonalize – Take down the family photos in the hallway, clear off the kids/ pictures form the top of the baby-grand piano. Buyers need to be able to see THEIR items in your home. If your African mask collection lines the walls of your study, you might think about taking them down, so that your potential buyers can envision their personal items instead. And this one is really important – clean off the fridge! Take down all artwork, magnets, calendars, cards, etc. Keep it clear and clean.

10. Curb Appeal – Don’t forget about the outside of your home. People won’t want to see the inside if the outside isn’t inviting. Clear all brush, dead grass and leaves. Pick up sticks. Tidy up flower beds and put down new mulch. Trim trees and bushes. Edge the sidewalks. Sow new grass seed if necessary. Saw off low hanging tree limbs. Cut the grass, but not to short. You don’t want any bald spots. Power-wash siding, decks, porches, outdoor furniture and patio areas, Arrange outdoor living areas as if you were entertaining, Put up the patio umbrellas. You want the outdoor areas to shine just as much as the indoor areas.

I know, I know it seems like a lot to do, but, if you try, it will show – and buyers just might remember your awesome home over another that “needs so much work!” That buyer may be yours!!! The effort will be worth the reward!

How to Make Doily Pumpkins