Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Decorating for Fall with French Farmhouse Finds...Fall Projects for the Kids



Hello!
I hope you are all enjoying your week.
Fall has always been my favorite season...
I love to bring in small doses of bright colors during the autumn season, along with a few earth tones.
I thought I would share a few pictures of an area in my living room I decorated with a few colorful french farmhouse finds for fall.
Since I live in a newer modular home, I like to always use some sort of architectural 
piece on this particular wall in my living room.  I think architectural pieces are a great way to add instant character to a new home....
For fall I changed out the mirrored door for an antique french door...
I love how this door has natural wood showing through the creamy white paint...
I think it helps add some warmth to the room...


I added my favorite bright mustard colored french confit pot....

I set a french farm table in front of the door.

I paired a french drying rack with an alabaster lamp...



This is one of my favorite bottle drying racks.
I was told it is from the late 1800's... I love the shape of the legs.
These are great for holding your favorite mugs on....


I added a red striped grain sack to the table.
I love the color and texture of this particular grain sack.


My mom recently made this lampshade for me.
She used a scrap of linen I had left over from an antique french linen sheet.


I love how it turned out.
Thanks MOM!


I kept the same pillows on the couch.
{I get lots of inquiries about this particular fabric.
My sister actually made these pillows for me from French fabric that dates back to the late 1800's,
unfortunately I haven't ever found anymore of this particular fabric.}


I used the shutter and bistro chair to add a pop of apple green color to the space.


I wanted to use mostly french farmhouse items for this particular wall.
I did add some pumpkins and branches to other areas of my living room.


I added a few birch branches to one of my zinc tubs.
 I also added some manzanita branches amongst the birch branches for a little color.


I will share more pictures of my living room, once I am finished decorating it for fall.


On another note....
I wanted to share a fall project I did with the kids today.
I found this idea from the fall issue of 
You can subscribe to Heather Bullard's Newsletter for free, by visiting 


I loved this project that Heather Bullard shared in the newsletter.
I couldn't wait for the leaves to change so the kids and I could give it a try.
It is a project we can all do without running to the craft store....
All you need is a few red leaves, a hammer, and some scrap linen.


The kids had so much fun doing this project....


 I loved seeing what each one decided to create with their leaves.


My youngest son, Austin, decided to do something a little different...
He said it was a sunflower : )


We turned this piece of fabric into a small lavender pillow....
I will try and take a few pictures of what else we decided to create with their works of art.


On a final note...


It is another fun fall project to do with the kids.....
You can find out more about how to make the pumpkin bird feeder by visiting my blog...
I also shared this project on Yanet's blog, 3 Sunkissed Boys.
Thanks for having me Yanet!


There is also still time to enter my Cabbages and Roses Giveaway.
I promise I will share the cupcake and Italian cream soda recipes when I announce the winner....



I hope you all enjoy the rest of your week.
Take Care,
Maria


72 comments:

Frøken Jægers Hus said...

Looooove!! Beautiful and smart! Somthing to give to thhe birds in Norway as well.

Love your photos and your colors.. have a good week! Regards from Norway.

Helene

Unknown said...

votre maison, vos objets, vos images.. tout est magnifique!!

Simple Daisy said...

Love it all!! and the pumpkin birdfeeder is just adorable and so simple to do :):)


ps...i'm having a little jewelry give-away on my blog. Stop on over if you get a minute:)

Baú da Dadá said...

I loved your post! The lampshade is wonderfull! Have a nice day and thanks to make my day better with your photos.
Renata

Vitt hus med svarta knutar said...

I love all your beautiful, beautiful pics!! And thank you for the great ideas, the use of autum leafs and the nice bird feeder.

Wish you a nice day! Hugs from Sweden,
Regina

Heather said...

love the bird feeder!

LizlovesVintage said...

I love all the ideas! Beautiful photos of your home.
xxx Liz

donkey and the carrot said...

Maria Donkey loves you
http://donkeyandthecarrot.blogspot.com/2011/09/fall-decoration-ideas-and-2-amazing.html

Katherine said...

With pretty things like this it would make any season special. You managed to make Autumn soft and pretty.

Lori @ Katies Rose Cottage Designs said...

Ohhhh so very beautiful!!!

Ricki Treleaven said...

Maria, your living room is so lovely. I love the door, and I do think it warms things up a bit! Thanks for posting the crafts for kids. I love the bird feeder....it is brilliant!

*super post*

xoxoxoxo,
Ricki Jill

Ness Lockyer said...

Doesnt matter what the season Maria, it is always stunning. Cant wait to try the leave thing with our boys!
Ness xx
Marley & Lockyer

Tricia said...

As always, everything looks so soft and pretty. I really love that pillow fabric too. It would be perfect for my daughter's room. Best wishes ♥

High Street Cottage said...

I've fallen in love with the fallen leaf project, and the lavender pillow is amazing, think those should go in your shop as well, they're simply charming. I recall the bird feeder too, from last year, I love it. Your home as always is inspiring, and beautiful. tami

Anonymous said...

Hi Maria,
I love your old chippy door, I have one that's similar and it is definitely a favorite for decorating.
Thank you for the fun project idea, I'll have to try it with my boys. I love the one your son made, so creative!
Hope you have a beautiful day.
Sincerely,
Melinda

Susan Durup said...

Just love your pictures... and that lampshade is SO nice.
Have af nice day.
greetings

Anne Lorys said...

Everything looks so pretty, Maria.
I remember the bird feeder project, I think that's a great idea!

primjillie said...

Gorgeous as usual! I could look at your house all day!

Rhonda said...

Dreamy indeed, this is a gorgeous post. That bird feeder is genius.
Happy Fall!

Shannon said...

Beautiful Maria! Love that lamp and your vintage door. Your kids art with the leaf stamping is adorable and I especially love that sunflower ;)

Debra Hall said...

Love everything Maria!! Your new door addition is gorgeous....I so want to get one for my home just like it! You are such an inspiration and I LOve seeing your beautiful children's faces in your posts.....
Ps. Tell your Mamma she does beautiful work :)
xo Debra

Lorrie said...

Beautiful autumn touches.

Mary said...

i LOVE your beautiful fall touches. i can't wait to try the bird feeder idea and the leaf project with my kiddos! thank you so much! ;)

Fresh Vanilla For C said...

Hi Maria-

Thanks for inspiring me again. I hope you are having a great week:)
xo~Cheryl

BiancoAntico said...

Delicious!
Adoro il tuo stile.
Ciao

Viviana

Lulu and Co. said...

Maria, all your fall touches are so lovely! really your home is so soothing and inviting! Thank you for reminding me about the pumpkin bird feeder... absolutely love IT!
Happy fall to you and your family,
xo,
Lulu

Britt @ Dreamy Spaces said...

That mug holder is very cool! Could come in handy in my place where space is very limited. Especially when mugs are essential! I absolutely LOVE the pumpkin bird feeder!

SoSoBella said...

i just love everything, every picture in this post. so lovely, so dreamy. love it.

Rachel Noelle Pallas said...

As usual French Farmhouse perfection~Love the lavender grain sack from the leaves project~ Have a great day! xo Rachel

French Farmhouse 425

Rachel Noelle Pallas said...

Also, love the lampshade your mom made~ your entire family is so talented! :)

Bente said...

Beautiful post and I LOVE that old door.

Have a nice evening

Hugs

the vintage bricoleur said...

As usual everything looks so pretty! I love the craft project that you did with your children, but most of all the fact that you did something WITH them. I would like to try it with my three. Anyway, I am hoping to see you next weekend at Remnants of the Past, As Trinidad said last time, "Get that Cowboy husband of yours to saddle up his horse and bring you on over!" :) Have a good week, Terry

Arabella said...

I really do love everything you decorate and photograph. I can't really pick a favorite thing because I love it all so much - everything is well thought out and the finished design is perfecto!

Happy Autumn :O)

A Cozy Cottage in the City said...

I really love fall in your living room!!! And those easy crafts project(s) look like something my little one would enjoy. Once again, thank you for the continued inspiration. Have a fantastic day!


XOXO's,
Jessie

à la parisienne said...

You have such a talent for styling and a unique decorating style. Thank you for kindly sharing it with the world. I see that you inherited this lovely gift from your very talented mother and you are passing it down to your sweet children...Thank you for sharing these fall projects.
Your birdfeeder idea is perfect for fall and so beautiful.

Mandy

aimee said...

such gorgeous pictures, so beautiful xxx

TheCrankyCrow said...

What a refreshing and beautiful interpretation of fall Maria - truly beautiful! And oh how I LOVE your pumpkin bird feeder....Absolutely a must-do!! Hope the day has been good to you....Smiles & Hugs ~ Robin

Anonymous said...

love the leaf art! last year i saved the pictures of the pumpkin bird feeder hoping to make one this year - i'll let you know if that happens. beautiful lamp shade! your home is perfection! ruby wand

Yanet @ 3 Sun Kissed Boys said...

The pumpkin feeder is one of my favorite of your projects. Thank you for sharing it.

Brooks Interior said...

Love the pumpkin feeder. What a beautiful photo of your daughter (?) pouring the beautiful seeds into the feeder.

And the lampshade..... so unique.

Deb said...

Love your fall decorating Maria...especially your antique door! ~Deb~

toves sammensurium said...

I Was about to eat breakfast now,But your post provided me with an excellent dessert instead!What a delight to look at your pictures:)
Tovehugs:)

Fiona, Lilyfield Life said...

all so gorgeous! looks all so fresh and autumn-y! We're starting spring here. just posted photos of my garden - loving it!
cheers Fiona
www.lilyfieldlife.blogspot.com

andrea@townandprairie said...

Wow, I just love that bird feeder! The unexpected whimsy of a swinging pumpkin filled with grain has got to be amazing for a little bird! andrea @ townandprairie

La Grise Souris said...

L'idée pour le potiron pour les petits oiseaux est géniale !
Trés beau blog, chapeau !!!!

designchic said...

What a lovely room with such a soothing color palette and the pop of green in the chair is perfect!! Must make a pumpkin birdfeeder this weekend ~

summersoul said...

I love that feel that old door gives to the space. And the green bistro chair adds just the right amount of color I think. It is beautiful Maria.
MC

Atelier de Campagne said...

Oh Maria, you are such an inspiration. Hope to see you soon! Hello from all of us!

Trinidad

Taylor Greenwalt said...

What great ideas. Love the pumpkin bird feeder.

helen tilston said...

A beautiful post

I particularly love the bird feeder, quite ingenious.

Henelxx

Burlap Luxe said...

So BEAUTIFUL Maria...Sigh!!!

But everything you do in your peacefulness is beautiful :)

Bravo!
~Dore

Cindy said...

Every photo is amazing, your house is so beautiful. The leaf thing looks really cool, and pretty, i will love hearing how it's done!

Cindy

Elyse said...

hi maria,

fab ideas presented beautifully. lovin' your great pumpkin bird feeder!

xo
elyse

Meriland´s Cottage said...

Hi Maria,
such a beautiful post - such a beautiful blog :-)
lovely greetings from austria
Meri

nádya said...

Lovely pictures!!! And the kids' projects look so fun and easy to do!!! Thank you!!!
Have a nice week-end!!
Blessings,
Nádya

vintage-rose Cottage said...

Ohhh what a lovely blog,,my english is very bad but i love your beautiful pictures and Stil...i wish you a very nice weekend Belinda

Sandra Montgomery said...

Hi. I absolutely love the look you have created for your home. Very fresh and inspirational.

Vintage Home said...

great looking room...also loved your pumpkin bird feeder & the leaf sachets!....

Anci said...

The photos are wonderful and I really love the style !

XX
Anci

vosgesparis said...

cute as always chez toi! Just wanted to share my new blog with you, The vosgesparis concept page! with beautiful scrapwoodwallpaper of Piet Hein Eek to win and some French realted goodies... running from tomorrow till end of the year
Join the fun and pleas spread the word.. there is a cute banner with serge gainsbourg and Jane birkin in the sidebar :)
bisous
desiree

lisa Moran, Bilancia Designs said...

What a lovely post, Maria...
The pumpkin birdfeeder is so clever--I have to do this with my kids.
Your style in decorating seems so effortless and you do it with such great "style".
Autumn is MY time of the year...and when I seem to be the busiest. So many projects going on at once (I'm sure you can relate).
Hope you have a wonderful week...
Warmest wishes~
Lisa
Bilancia Designs

Lore♥ said...

amor puro!
me encanta el ambiente blanco, los almohadones
todo!
hermoso
abrazos
Lorena

GlamfortheRestofUsInteriors said...

love the fall photos! Your pics have such a dreamlike quality to them; so beautiful.

Emilie's daughter said...

These pics are a dream! I am having guests this weekend and will use them as inspiration!

"Cottage By The Sea" said...

I love the pumpkin bird feeder. It would be fantastic in my Magnolia tree this fall. I'm off to your tutorial, thanks!

Claudia..Malatesta Maison said...

E tutto bellissimo, le foto la tua casa, gli oggetti, tutto perfetto, complimenti...

Home Decors said...

Love it all white. I can almost smell the air of fall. Beautiful!

Between You and Me said...

Hi Maria!
I come by but don't always leave comments anymore....it was taking up too much time. :(

Anyway, I love all of the most recent pictures that you've taken and I pinned some of them to pinterest. :)

Jeanine (Wayfaring Girl) said...

Oh my. I simply adore your photography. What lovely feelings they invoke. That pumpkin bird feeder is divine. Just stumbled upon your blog and so glad I did :)

Jeanine :)

wayfaringgirl.blogspot.com

safety cabinets said...

That mug holder is very cool! Especially when mugs are essential! I absolutely like the pumpkin bird feeder.

kimberly said...

LOVE the bird feeder Maria! The boys and I will be trying that this weekend~
xx

French Furniture said...

Your sitting room is gorgeous. I love the textures that you have gone for. Soooo interesting and fresh .