Christmas Crafts

I think the burlap trend is so cute, but anything pre-made is always so pricey.  I found these banners (pendants?  Not sure what they are called.  Triangle things.) at a craft fair for $1 each, and I painted them myself. I bought acrylic paint and stencils from Michael's.  I am sure I could figure out how to make them myself, but this was easier :)

Decorating for Fall

Autumn is probably my favorite time of year.  I love the warm (but not hot) days and the cool mornings, the beautifully colored leaves, pumpkins, football, boots and scarves, and so much more.  I also love decorating the house for fall. 

 These are some Longaberger basket pumpkins that I have wanted for years and finally got! I haven't found the perfect home for them yet. 

 My future jack-o-lantern :)

 A variety of gourds.  I got them from Wal-Mart, actually!

 Candle holders from Cracker Barrel

 An applique hand towel from a craft fair back in Franklin.  I have one for all the seasons.  :) 

Beautiful fall mums. 

High Museum of Art

Today I went to the High Museum of Art in Atlanta with a few friends.  I went to see Vermeer's Girl With a Pearl Earring, a painting I LOVE! It was so beautiful in person, and I am so happy I was able to see it.  Afterword, we went to eat at the Vortex.  Atlanta is so fun, but I don't explore it nearly as much as I should.  I could not take a picture of the "main attraction"  (although I thought about sneaking one!), but I did take a few photos of other beautiful art at the museum. 

Graduation

Yesterday I graduated with my EdS (Specialist) in Social Studies Education.  Of my ten years in Athens, 8 of them have been as a UGA student.  In some ways I am relieved to be done, but I am also sad. I have learned a lot, gone to many football games, and grown accustomed to being a part of the UGA community.  I know the Lord has plans to fill my time in great ways, but it is a little odd to never go to class again.  My family came to celebrate with me, and we had a good time!

Etsy Inspiration

In my summer boredom, I have been stalking etsy a lot...A LOT.   I found some adorable painted canvases that I was going to buy, but then I decided to try to make them myself.  My handwriting is  not as cute as the girl's on etsy, but I still like them!

Outdoor Adventures

Now that I think we are frost free (hopefully) I decided to begin my garden.  I can only do a few pots at a time, but here is what I have so far: 

Hopefully they will flourish this spring and summer! As I was gardening I noticed a lone flower among the crazy weeds in the backyard.  It was once in a pot last summer, but it died in the heat.  How it got to the ground I do not know, but I moved it to the hanging basket above.  Flowers are a mystery to me sometimes. 

And, we finally have a bird's nest! Last year we had so many and I was looking for one this year! Here it is: 

I am grateful for these beautiful signs of life around me, and I cannot wait to see this fragile egg become a precious baby bird!

New Finds

A few weeks ago I found this great coffee table at a decor/antique market in Peachtree City. It has been refurnished and has a chalk board top! I really like the style! 

I also bought a hyacinth. I have never had one before.  I left in my house to bloom and then recently planted it in my garden. It smells great, and I hope it does well outside!