I have been purging for months, am not even close to being finished and have made a vow to not add to my "stuff" until I am done purging.
But, if I can't get an item out of my head, I usually give in and break my own rules.
I saw these striped table runners a few months ago and couldn't forget them so last week I headed to the shop to buy one.
At the last minute, I thought about how Steve tends to spill red wine on everything I put on the table and sometimes candles melt onto a runner, so I left the striped runners in the shop and went home to make my own version.
Quickly painted stripes transform a remnant of drop cloth into a runner that looks nice on the table, but I will not be upset if wine and wax drop onto it.
In my purging, I came across a bunch of wooden bead necklaces and bracelets that are no longer worn, but I just didn't want to toss them out.
So, the beads have been restrung and I am probably going into bead overkill in my vignettes, but I don't care.
I like the colors in this cloth bead necklace my sister bought me in Prague a few years ago.
The centerpiece on the dining room table is perked up with beads from 3 different bracelets -
red, black and gold wooden beads work beautifully with a bag of gourds I bought at the grocery store.
What I didn't mention when I showed great restraint in not buying the table runners was this metal basket that refused to be left at the shop.
Actually, it was a "think about it" purchase and I waited a whole week before heading back to the shop .
Right now, it's holding hydrangeas, but I can't wait to see it filled with Christmas ornaments in December.
I really didn't need the metal basket, but sometimes rules need to be broken.
Actually, it was a "think about it" purchase and I waited a whole week before heading back to the shop .
Right now, it's holding hydrangeas, but I can't wait to see it filled with Christmas ornaments in December.
That is a REALLY GREAT old basket. I love it and probably would have broken my rule, too. I have not been buying anything new for the house here either. I have to GET RID OF stuff before I bring anything new in. (at least that is what I am telling myself today). xo Diana
ReplyDeleteThat is a gorgeous metal basket with hydrangeas in it, and it will look nice at Christmas with ornaments in it. I can see why you had to break your rule for it.
ReplyDeleteThat is a lovely old basket. It will look wonderful with Christmas ornaments in it.
ReplyDeleteHave a great week ~ FlowerLady
You're doing really well at limiting your buying, Carol! I try to wait a week or two before I buy something at our local shops. Usually the item is still there and my urge to buy it has passed. I'm selling the rest of my vintage stash in my daughter's pop-up sale next weekend. It's going to be freezing and she lives 15 miles out in the country, but she's already had inquiries about the items she's listed on Facebook. I hope we sell everything! Maybe you should give Facebook Buying and Selling a try. Although I'm not on it, my friends that are say it's a great way to sell.
ReplyDeleteI do love that chippy green metal basket. :o)
I love your logic. Great decisions and looks, all.
ReplyDeleteI love that metal basket! So many great uses for it. I also think it's very smart of you to make your own table runners. I also think those beads add some color and texture to your vignettes and hold some memories also. I'm home and tired but I had a good visit with my daughter.
ReplyDeletehugs,
Linda
Sometimes ya just have to go with your gut and grab it! I know that feeling. I spent the morning purging my closet of clothing I don't wear. Now I have piles to take to the Goodwill.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
Sometimes rules are meant to be broken. I love that green metal basket! You can never have too many baskets is my motto.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea on the beads! I have that same giraffe necklace and the clasp broke but its like 24 years old so guess thats to be expected! Lol
ReplyDeleteYou did great job repurposing. Storage items don't count. You just gotta be organized right.
ReplyDeleteRules are made to be broken (sometimes)! Love your version of the table runner and that basket is great! Have a super week, Carol! Blessings, Cindy xo
ReplyDeleteI so agree with you!!! What a clever use of those wonderful beads!
ReplyDeleteI don't blame you for not being able to resist your green basket.
ReplyDeleteBesides I think you deserve it since you are doing such a good job of purging!
Definitely would have gone back for the basket, too. Love it!
ReplyDeleteI have my runners, too. Where hubby sits at the table I roll it up. Ha!
Jane
Carol,
ReplyDeleteNatures Miracle takes out red wine stains. It's an enzyme spray for pet accidents. Long story short - I spilled a glass of red wine on my dining room light grey area rug just purchased from Pottery Barn. Well I figured I had nothing to lose at that point so I tried the enzyme on it. It worked matter of fact works on all protein based stains and is safe. Nearly 2 years later you'd never know that spill occurred!
Your basket is a great find, enjoy. Hey when I saw the wooden animals from your old unused jewelry I saw them being repurposed to fun napkin rings for a dinner party in my mind's eye.
Enjoy your week ahead.
xoxo,
Vera
I love the basket! And I'm with you on table runners...I make them and then I don't mind if they get spilled upon.
ReplyDeleteYour metal basket is fantastic. I love it! And your beads in the vignettes are fun. You are so creative!
ReplyDeleteI like your new table runner and the idea of using your beaded jewelry in your decor is perfect. The metal basket is a wonderful piece and I can see it used for many displays inside and out. Have a lovely week.
ReplyDeleteIf you were still thinking about it after a week, it was a must have! Enjoy it!! :) And what fun are rules if you don't break them every now and again!
ReplyDeleteLove the metal basket Carol and your runner is super cute. Hey rules are for breaking RIGHT??!!
ReplyDeleteKris
Lovely little metal basket, it will be so useful for lots of photo styling so well worth breaking your rule for! Love the textures of the beads with the pumpkins in these gorgeous photos. And the painted runner is such a good idea.
ReplyDeleteHappy new week Carol.
Helen xox
Carol, You are so good at using the little things that just add the cutest touches. I love the new runner. LOL. Blessings, xoxo, Susie
ReplyDeleteGood for you to break the rules. Do love your home made table runner--better than the one at the store. And repurposing the jewelry--perfect! You have such a good eye for beauty.
ReplyDeleteI am in the process of purging too since trying to get the house back in order. Your hydrangeas are so pretty and reminded me I have several to clip and bring inside. i would of had to go back for that metal baset too! The beads add a real earthly look to your vignettes...
ReplyDeleteCarol, you rule breaker you, you are a bit of a rebel, LOL. Love the runner you made and that metal basket would have come home with me too
ReplyDeleteCindy
Well, if you're going to break the rules, you might as well break them with style! Love the gourd vignette!
ReplyDeletePoppy
I shop very similarly, Carol. Making decisions immediately is often hard for me but if I still remember something and pine for it a few days later, I go back. I love your green basket and you were so smart to make your own runner. :)
ReplyDeleteYou're only human. You had no choice but to bring that beautiful basket home with you.
ReplyDeleteIt really does feel good to purge, but sometimes you've just got to hang on to certain things. Love the way you've sprinkled your beads around your vignettes...they look perfect in your fall displays.
ReplyDeleteMary Alice
I love that basket. It's so cute! I love what you did with the beads.
ReplyDeleteI love how you made the runner...very pretty...and I love your new basket, too!
ReplyDeleteLove that basket! Just my style :)
ReplyDeleteLike your chairs also...
Have a great day and take care.
Titti
Love that basket. Your beads look great with the gourds.
ReplyDeleteI know exacting how you feel. I am purging also and I keep giving away things and wish that I could just wish it away. I am finding things that I totally forgot about.
ReplyDeleteLove how you used items that you found - they look great.
Have a wonderful week. Loved the rain.
Mary
Rules are made to be bent a little and sometimes they just break. Oh well.
ReplyDeleteI love the way you re-purposed the jewelry. They hydrangeas are perfect in the metal basket too.
Hi Carol, I agree sometime we just have to break the rules. I've been purging too and it's so freeing. Love your table runner and that metal basket was meant for you.
ReplyDeleteHappy decorating. xo
You have got good will power girl! But I agree, the basket could not be left behind. I'm surprised you were able to wait a week. If I did that it would not be there when I went back. In fact, today I was at Home Goods with my sisters and a friend. They came up from down South. I saw these darling Johnson Bros. turkey plates. Knowing how I do not need more dishes I really debated. Soon, however 12 of them were in my cart. At the check out the cashier informed me that a lady was in route right now to get them. I said, "oh my gosh, I'm sorry; I took all but one". She said, that's how it is. You snooze you lose. She then told me that she had been in earlier and later called to see if they were still there. I just happened along between the phone call. Sorry, but how was I to know? I would have had them hold them for me.
ReplyDeletehugs,
Jann
Fabulous patina type metal basket that came home with you and the beads are really a great idea to use in fall decor. Missed you much and working my way back to blogging. xo
ReplyDeleteI'm a lot like that, too...cleaning stuff out and vowing I won't bring anything new home, but sometimes I still do. I really give a second thought to things I bring home now though. When I am cleaning stuff out and purging, I put out bags to put things in for donation. You could do that with your necklaces or any other items that are too nice to just throw away. Another idea is to sell things through OfferUp. I've been doing a little bit of that lately, too.
ReplyDeleteI need to do some purging too . . . I have no more for anything new. That doesn't always stop me though, LOL.
ReplyDeleteThat is a great idea in regards to the table runner...and oh that metal basket. I would not have been able to pass that up either!
ReplyDeleteI love your idea of not buying and than painting it on your table .What a GREAT idea . and the new basket is a MUST . Who else has a better place for it
ReplyDeleteLove all your pictures Carol. Last week I was in France . I loved it .
Happy weekend
Oh my - I have that exact necklace. What a great idea to "re-purpose" it.
ReplyDeleteRules are made to be broken, and that rule was a harmless one to rebel against. I like the repurposed beads.
ReplyDeleteI love your little felted mouse!!! He's just adorable! Your idea of not doing much is my idea of a very, very full day and week; love looking at all your images, so full of sunshine and light!
ReplyDeleteCarol always enjoy seeing your photo essay and reading your message in each post. Although some may not understand this comment I know you will. Finding balance for me has never been an issue or problem... I am laser focused and have excellent time management. Matter of fact I used to teach time management to sales reps. My struggle isn't balance, its acceptance in understanding great loss of loved ones. OK, just keeping it honest in my comment,
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Vera