Decorate For Autumn with Sunflowers

I think sunflowers are beautiful and just add a cheerful color to any centerpiece or room. As we approach the Fall holidays, we begin looking for colors and arrangements that will add the warmth that make our homes warm and inviting. Thoughts turn to a fire in the fireplace, warm and snuggly blankets, hot chocolate, comfort food, raking leaves, and company. We want to avoid the "dreary" and utilize the strong colors of Fall, and the sunflower gives us this brightness.

Here are shops that offer sunflowers in a variety of ways.  Let your imagination think outside the box and I know you can come up with the most beautiful and unique decorations ever.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/78937378/sunflower-photo-11-x-14-summers-colors

http://www.etsy.com/listing/81905812/sunflower-print-womans-retro-apron-with

http://www.etsy.com/listing/80751681/fall-sunflower-wreath

http://www.etsy.com/listing/81050855/sunflower-glass-cast-bowl-fused-glass

http://www.etsy.com/listing/75509249/can-customize-flowers-and-colors-ivory

http://www.etsy.com/listing/64606157/orange-sunflower-coasters-travertine

http://www.etsy.com/listing/75400748/unique-handmade-paper-quilled-sunflower

http://www.etsy.com/listing/55161934/gift-tags-favor-tags-hang-tags-place

http://www.etsy.com/listing/71006094/sunflowerbrass

http://www.etsy.com/listing/82282777/lampwork-earrings-beautiful-golden

http://www.etsy.com/listing/80032116/fall-sunflower-magnet-glass-set-of-six-1

http://www.etsy.com/listing/62768931/garden-stake-flower-yard-decor-sunflower

http://www.etsy.com/listing/46230820/1-black-headband-with-yellow-sunflower

http://www.etsy.com/listing/51797284/sunflower-personalized-notecards

http://www.etsy.com/listing/77554737/van-goghs-sunflowers-bracelet

Included in these examples are items for you to wear, items that can be used as invitations, as well as yard and home decor.  I hope you enjoy this little gallery of sunflowers and have tons of fun getting ready for the Fall season.

Pepper

Painted Pumpkins by Susie Harris

Continuing the Fall harvest theme, I'd like to introduce you to Susie Harris and her wonderful blog.

http://www.susieharrisblog.com/2011/09/diy-painted-pumpkins.html

 Here is her tutorial for painting pumpkins, in her own words: 

Want blue/green pumpkins but hate to spend the bank?

You can change your old ones as easy as ABC.

I started with some craft paint. Celery green was my base color for this pumpkin.

I just painted one quick coat with a foam brush.

It's ok if your orange shows... We will paint layers and orange is good ;)

Between layers I hang them to dry like this..
After my first coat dried, I used slate green. You can get real creative with your colors. I tried to stay with colors close to my decor.

This time instead of using a foam brush I used this round blotter. I'm sure it has a fancy name but I have no idea... ;) Just a tip...before you blot your pumpkin, blot it a few times on a paper plate. This will give it a more realistic look.

I left the cracks of the pumpkins the darker shade for some contrast :)

See how a little orange showing through looks nautral?

Have fun with it! On a few I even added a little grey/black. For shiny pumpkins, I sprayed on a little clear coat.

This was such a fun project! Just think of the possibilities.... Have fun! susie~

Thank you so much Suzie for sharing this DIY pumpkin project with us.  I'm anxious to get to the store and pick up a few pumpkins to paint for my own home.

Pepper