I really wanted to participate in the Autumn talent scouting contest over at Whisperwood Cottage, but I didn't really have very many Fall decorations.
So I came up with 6 fun projects for under $6 a piece!
The first project is this big, fun "Pumpkins Apples Hayrides" sign. Believe it or not, this baby was FREE! I already had the paint and paintbrushes on hand from other projects, and the board/ cabinet door/ not sure what it is... was Free at a yard sale! I really loved the frame and the grooves in it, and I knew right when I saw it that I wanted to make a sign out of it.
{Update: Tutorial Here}
I actually have a tutorial in the works for this sign including a free copy of the design if anyone is interested in making it. I will be posting it soon.
{Update: Tutorial Here}
I have also had a few people ask for a tutorial of how I paint/distress wood to make it look like it is really old {like my lamp project here}. I love it when it looks like it has layers and layers of worn paint! That will be included in the sign tutorial as well.
My second Autumn decor idea was {of course-- I love them!} one of my vintage book page pinwheel banners. This time, I made it out of a book I already had in my stash with a really great patina, which I thought was perfect for fall decor {I just remembered that the guy gave this book to me for free because it was "ruined" haha...}. Did you know that a lot of the books that were published during WWII here in the United States have this patina? I heard that the quality of paper had something to do with the ration on paper at the time.
I already had all of these supplies on hand so this project was free for me as well. But, you can pick up books like this at thrift stores for a couple of dollars if you keep an eye out. So, if you are looking to make a banner with a lot of character and charm, you can find one of those fun WWII era books with a great patina and follow my tutorial here.
My third project was two of these vintage napkin pennant banners {tutorial here}. I made one out of a set of beautiful vintage white cut work napkins I found for $1 at a thrift store. The other one, I made out of another set of vintage napkins that I found at the same thrift store, for $1, with cute embroidered Autumn-colored flowers. The seam binding cost $1.88 a piece which put the project's total cost at $5.76. I tea dyed the seam binding for the embroidered napkins and it matched perfectly with the aged color of the napkins.
Here are a few pictures of my dining room in all of its Autumn glory :). I replaced some of the more summer-colored things with items that had more of a fall feel including the basket, pretzel tin, gourds, and my last three projects.
Linking up:
Keeping it Cozy
I'm not sure which project is my favorite! I love them all and your photos are just gorgeous. The sign is pretty special... looking forward to the tutorial!
Lorie V.
Love all these projects especially the sign.... can't wait for the tutorial!
Melissa
Love love love the sign... definitely looking forward to the tutorial. 🙂
xoxo,
Melissa
JohansenWest
I wish you could come and help me decorate/design my house... I'm a mess. Everything here is so gorgeous. I'm impressed, but not surprised. You're amazing.
Kristen {Ella Claire}
Charity, you are so sweet to me! Thank you so much! I would love to come over 😉
terrid614
i LOVE that sign and i totally want to make one! so cute! your blog and house is adorable! i am your latest follower!
Candace & Nicole
Everything is so pretty! I am loving your sign, can't wait for the tutorial! -Candace
tattered elegance
thanks so much for sharing! I gotta have that sign i can't wait for the tutorial! Im your newest follower so glad i found you love your blog your such an inspiration!!
Jen Kershner
That's amazing! I will be looking forward to the sign tutorial, although, it's hard for me to imagine that mine would look half that good!
Debra @ Common Ground
Love all your projects, I'm SO ready for Fall!!
Ranchgirl
Oh wow. You are so crafty, talented, cute, and creative you might have to rename your blog so it says this behind your name. I love the table runner! Fun stuff.
Bronwyn
Wow! What a coy little autumn scene! Your projects are delightful-my fave is the napkin pennants. I love the feel of your home and your photos. They are o welcoming and homey!
Claire @ a little something in the meantime . . .
Hi Kristen!
I just found your site a few weeks ago and absolutely love all of your beautiful projects and stunning photos. Pure eye candy!
I am anxiously looking forward to your tutorials for these projects because everything looks amazing (and definitely magazine-worthy!)
Thanks for sharing so much inspiration!
Heather
Your sign is gorgeous! I'm finally starting to get excited about fall 🙂
Audrey
Love the fall decorations! I want to make them all now! You are so creative! Can't wait for the tuts! 🙂
Kristin @ Simply Klassic Home
Seriously you are freaking amazing. You are making me want fall, and it's only July!
WhisperWood Cottage
Fabulous post, Kristen! I love the concept of 6 projects under $6! Thanks for linking up to The "Autumn Décor" Talent Scouting Party at WhisperWood Cottage!
Something Nice and Pretty
Your diningroom is so pretty Kristen! Love the tray and I really have to look for a WWII book now...I never knew that about the color of the pages, thanks for sharing!
Kristel
What lovely fall decorations you have made! Can't wait on your tutorial on distressing signs, and your wooden luminary is just adorable.
Jennifer
Love all of your fall projects, esp the sign. I can't wait to see your tute on it! Thanks for sharing with us!
Jennifer
cathywhatisoldisnew
Beautiful decorations-and the tray is great! Hard to believe we are starting to talk about fall already.