Oct 10, 2011

Autumn Porch

I love the Fall!  Maybe its the illusion that, after a busy summer, life will begin to slow down.  But, who am I kidding?  With all the school events and holidays, it probably speeds up!  But, nonetheless, I love the colors and the crispness in the air.  So, in honor of this beautiful time of year, I decided to decorate the front porch.


If you can believe it, my Dad tried to get rid of this old bench (formally known as his "chainsaw-cutting firewood" bench) until I protested and hauled it home to my house.  I don't know if my husband saw the beauty in it...probably still doesn't, but oh well!


The shutters were on our original house...years and years ago...and I've kept them for use in decorating.  These are actually the back side of them.  I liked the multi-colored "white washed" effect.


The bandana bunting was made by cutting the corners from four different colors of bandanas.  I then pressed the raw edge over about 1/2".  Next, I simply tied them together, alternating the colors.  Raffia was tied in a bow around each knot.  Simple and fun!


The bench is made from two ladder-backed chairs fastened together.  Wood strips were added to form one continuous seat. The cushion is a thrifted pillow sham. 


 The black and cream pillows were made from some thrifted corduroy fabric and buttons.  I was lucky enough to score a whole bolt of fabric for just $5!  The little gold pillow was in my stash.  I just added some raffia and a red button.


This rustic chair sits next to the bench.  It was a freebie.  I like the patina so I haven't painted it.  These pillows were just 50¢ each at a thrift store.  I just added a button and a band of fabric.


An old tea kettle with pansies sits nearby.


I love the old paint on this wheelbarrow!  I picked it up for a few bucks from a garage sale years ago.  It holds a few treasures...


a duck decoy...


an old shovel head...


and, a very rusty metal suitcase!

Happy Fall!!

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12 comments:

  1. Everything looks so gorgeous. They look perfectly put together.

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  2. What a warm welcome for your guests! It looks great and I love the bandana bunting. You certainly have an eye for salvaging treasures - good thinking not letting your dad trash the "chainsaw-cutting firewood" bench!

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  3. Truly beautiful and so welcoming! I love every element and the soft warmth of it all!

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  4. So pretty! Would LOVE it if you would link this up at my turquoise lovin' party going on right now!! http://www.sweetlittlegals.com/2011/10/turquoise-lovin-8.html

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  5. Your porch looks so inviting! And the bunting is super adorable. And I have two chairs I want to turn into a bench now. Thanks for the inspiration! :)

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  6. Beautiful! I love the shutters.

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  7. My kind of decorating I love it!!! Very rustic and I do see the beauty in the bench nice save!!! I am you newest follower love your blog!!! Sue

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  8. I just noticed I am you 200Th follower how exciting!! XOXO

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  9. Everything is so perfectly chippy and "old" (in a good way). Glad you rescued that bench!

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  10. It is beautiful! I am loving the bandana bunting. I think it would be so cute at a cowboy party or a backyard bbq!
    I would love it if you would share this at my "It's a Celebration" link party.
    Christina
    www.inspirationforcelebration.com

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Thanks for taking the time to comment. I appreciate the feedback and always look forward to reading what you have to say! Susan