Earlier this week we had the first few days of spring where the sun is finally shining and, even though there is still a chill in the air, you know that the long-awaited turn of seasons has finally arrived.  There is nothing better than a nature walk on a day like that so the boys and I set off for a stroll through the woods.  We have been down this path over and over but today I happened to notice a little somethin’ somethin’ on the side of the trail…

What could it be but an old CAR SEAT {I guess that’s what it is} hiding in the grass & vines.  I’m guessing that a few weeks from now it would have been devoured by the brush and lost for another season of summer.  Once I got it free from the earth I lugged it back down the trail… {Photo BELOW by my four year old, Gunner}

I really had no idea what to do with the old piece of rust but it had tons of character with its whimsical curly springs and vintage appeal. I have seen a few projects where people will take these apart and use the springs for recycled art ~ a clever idea if that’s your thing. I just wanted to find a way to use it right away and it seemed that reusing it as another kind of seat made good sense.

So we hung it in a corner of the Cactus Creek Store… added a board to the “seat”… threw on some pillows & blankets… and it’s just as cute as can be {if I do say so myself}.

This old car seat probably wouldn’t make a great Porch Swing for a long afternoon with a book & some sweet tea {oh, those springs, ouch.}, but it’s a great FREE way to add some character to your front porch, or a corner of a ROOM that’s needing some VAVOOM. It’s also about saving a relic of the past and giving it a new life, not to mention getting trash off of the nature trail!!

Recycle * Repurpose * RE~LOVE

This idea will be featured this morning on the Junk in my Trunk Radio Show {JIMT} which airs every Monday, Thursday & Saturday from 10am till 11am on Kansas City’s 1140am KCXL & 1160am KCTO. You can also LISTEN LIVE on the Internet… visit JunkMafia.com and click on the Little Red Radio at the bottom of the page.

** Click HERE for more JIMT ideas!! **

** Click HERE for more OUTDOORS **

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With 4th of July just a few days away our family is gearing up for our annual 4th of July Picnic out at the farm. Farm picnics are always fun because you never know who is going to show up, what they’re going to bring or how the day will end. One thing you can be sure of a beautiful setting to enjoy wonderful food and lots of good times.

While the hubby is on the grill, I’ll be making the table look pretty… here is my INSPIRATION.

{Western Interiors, June/July 2007, Photo by Dominique Vorillon}

This is not the first time that this house has INSPIRED us {see the Shabby Santa Fe Living Room we admired in April}.  I think it is the simplicity of white that makes this look so endearing.  It is easy to say, ’I could do that… all I have to do is grab some white sheets or muslin and I’m good to go.’  But then you start thinking about the kids, and the dog, and suddenly this simple palette is much more complicated. But it’s awfully pretty… and there’s always BLEACH.  hmmm, maybe we should go for it!!

{Country Living, April 2004}

Who says you can’t pull the dining table out to the yard??  This classic pine turned~leg table gives your outdoor dining a solid base… linen table runners are working double duty as placemats… a combination of chairs and a bench keep the setting real.

I found a dining table in the clearance section of a local furniture warehouse not long ago that I LOVED… even though we’re not in the market for a dining table I should have bought it to use outdoors for something JUST LIKE THIS!!

{From the book Serving Kansas City: Tablescapes and Celebrations (2007), dk publications}

I created this outdoor dining~scape for a show that Cactus Creek did back in 2007. My favorite part of this table was the straw bales used for seating. I had these cushions made to fit perfectly on the straw, then used big leather chairs on each end of the table to balance the bold look. For place settings I used small pumpkins as place card holders. I could eat every meal at this table {but I get to sit in the leather chairs!!}.

What are you doing for 4th of July?? A BIG picnic or a small gathering?? What is your favorite thing to make your Outdoor Dining look pretty??

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Earlier this week I posted pictures of a few Cactus Wreaths that are a lovely diversion from the normal front door wreath.  Well, this afternoon I made a Cactus ‘Planter’ that I think you’ll dig…

Let me start by saying that this is not really my thing, I prefer to buy crafts and gardening projects that are already complete.  That said, this was super easy and *cheep*!!

Here is what I used:

• birdbath {new or found}
• the plastic lid to a large trash can
• 3 LARGE succulents/cactus plants {each one a different variety}
• 3 small HANGING succulents
• a couple hen & chicks
• polished stones
• spanish moss {Wal Mart}
• floral moss {Wal Mart}

Aside from the mosses, which I purchased in Wal Mart’s craft section, I was able to find everything else at Lowes.  Even in the Midwest we are lucky enough to have that large hardware store that sells succulents.  If you can’t find them locally then check out
Cactus Limon ~ they are an online retailer of cactus & succulents and they can ship anywhere!!

To put the arrangement together…

1. First  I drilled holes into the bottom of the plastic trash lid & set it in the birdbath.
2. Then I filled the lid with the three LARGE plants.  {you might need some extra soil to fill in between the plants}
3. Next I added the HANGING succulents and spaced them evenly around the LARGE plants.
4. I then added the hen & chicks, floral moss and polished stones to fill in and give the planter a finished look.
5. Finally I wrapped the edges of the plastic trash lid with Spanish Moss. OILA.

** Click HERE for more LINKS to **
Rustic * Western * Vintage Outdoor Decor

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Designing landscapes for the Western * Rustic home can prove challenging to those of us who live north of Zone 8.   The classic succulents used in arid climates don’t have a chance here in the Mid West and Northern regions.  A workable solution for myself and my Western * Rustic Decorating clients is native grasses, stonework and simple flowers.  Another solution, whether you live in Zone 10 ~ or Zone 1, is Desert Steel… their sculptures will add a whole new dimension to the quest for Western * Rustic landscaping.

It seems strange to be talking about landscaping as I sit here staring at our snow covered front yard, but perhaps this vendor from my trip to Vegas will remind us of warmer days to come ~ in just a few months we’ll be in the yard again, mowing grass and planting flowers.  
That said, Desert Steel’s sculptures definitely aren’t limited to the outdoors, you can see what a statement this one makes in the interior image BELOW.

I plan to travel to Desert Steel’s manufacturing facility after the first of the year to learn more about their history, and the process of these sculptures.  In the meantime, as you begin making your spring budget, consider exploring Desert Steel and all they have to offer.  Just one or two of their pieces will add soaring drama and a distinctive vibe to your landscape.  Stay tuned for more from these folks in the next few months!!  In the meantime you can see the quality and detail of the sculptures in person at any of these upcoming events:

** Click HERE to see more of the VEGAS VENDORS
from Cowboy Christmas **

** Click HERE to see our growing list of LINKS to
Rustic * Western * Vintage OUTDOORS **

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A few weeks ago I listed a few Western*Rustic*Vintage Mail Order Catalogs that you might enjoy.  There was one on that list that arrived in my mailbox this week, the super-fabulous At West End catalog…  {it’s been a good week for my mailbox – in addition to yesterday’s PBKids I also received my Western Interiors and Cowboys & Indians magazines – tune in next week for more on those!!}

The merchandise pictured in the At West End catalog, and on their website, is incredibly fresh and the photography has left me swooning.  Launched in August of 2006, At West End doesn’t have a brick & mortar shop – thank heavens for online shopping – or you can click HERE to request a catalog be sent to your snail-mail-box. 

It is evident that creative passion is being poured into each item – no doubt that these are pieces meant to make your home smile!!  Here are just a few of the things I just LOVE!!

The yard sign {ABOVE} is only $39 – what a great gift for those of you headed to a friend’s lake house this summer!! {there is also a Merry Christmas sign & even more choices in the catalog}

The Rustic * Vintage finish on many of the products makes them both friendly and also usable.  Both of the Candle Holders {ABOVE} could find a home in almost any decor, especially with the current trend of adding a rustic touch to even the purest of traditional and modern interiors.

With temperatures rising I really enjoyed the cool approach to outdoor living and entertaining that At West End presented.  I am definitely putting the White Stoneware {ABOVE} and the Tilted Pitcher {BELOW} on my Wish List!!

I get this feeling in the pit of my stomach when I see, for the first time, some Rustic * Western * Vintage decor that is new to me.  Be it product, art, architecture, interior design, and definitely in a well-merchandised store ~ it’s similiar to the feeling of walking into a magnificent home and thinking “wow – this is brilliant – I could stay here forever!!”.  For me it is being in awe of the creativity, passion and commitment that people have to their homes and their stuff.  A big thank you to At West End for giving me that feeling in the pit of my stomach!!

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Technorati Tags: at west end, cowhide chair, lake gifts, rust letters, rusted candle holders, tilted pitcher, white stoneware

When the Hubby and I were first married we lived with his parents for a while in their KC home.  It was a big house with a large circular drive.  It always seemed like something was missing - a large sculpture was needed to go in the center of that circular drive.  They moved out several years ago but today I found the perfect thing for the front of that house!! 

Check out the art of International Sculptor, Bernie Jestrabek-Hart!!

Using Metal, Wire and even BARBED WIRE, Bernie creates beautiful sculptures.  The detail is extraordinary and they may be custom ordered – perfect for mascots or landmarks {and CIRCULAR DRIVES}!!

A pioneer in the use of barbed wire as a medium for sculpture, Bernie Jestrabek-Hart has become known for creating life-size sculptures like the one {BELOW}.

For a one-of-a-kind gift I love the small sculptures like the horse {BELOW}.

If you are interested in creating your own extraordinary sculptures Bernie offers her secrets through lessons in her workshop in IDAHO * she also offers her book, Creating Realistic Work of Art with Barbed Wire, on her website HERE.  

Bernie’s super-hip work has even been commissioned by the Kid Rock folks for use on his stage {check out the EAGLES below!!}

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Technorati Tags: Barbed wire art, bronze, horse statue, metal sculpture, rodeo statue, statue, Western

Here is a selection of furniture, all with patriotic colors, to keep you inspired until your week ends with a B**M!!  {can you tell that I’m really getting into this 4th of July thing??}

As I was looking through a website that is relatively new to me, Adirondack Furniture Direct.com, I was blown away by the large selection of Adirondack Furniture STYLES.  The bright color options and unique shapes inspire fresh ideas for outdoor seating areas.

The Adirondack Chair was originally designed by Thomas Lee while he vacationed at his summer home in Westport, New York in 1903.  In Lee’s design he used 11 pieces of wood, all cut from a single board. 

Lee’s Adirondack Chair had a straight back and seat, which were set at a slant to sit better on the steep mountain inclines of the area. It also featured wide armrests which became a hallmark of the Adirondack Chair. 

It is the large, flat armrests, that are suited perfectly for resting food and beverages, that have led to the popularity of using Adirondack Chairs as outdoor seating.  {I love, love, love this swing – ABOVE – I could definitely rest my beverage on the armrest and swing for a while!!}

The rounded features and rustic appeal inspired by the early Adirondack Chair has been translated to other pieces of furniture, from gliders to love seats, and even to bedroom furniture as pictured {ABOVE}.

Lee’s greatest contribution to the world of furniture is the unique, rustic design of Adirondack Chairs that invites us to sit back and stay awhile… Perfect for celebrating the 4th with friends and family!!

Technorati Tags: adirondack chair, glider, loveseat, Outdoor Furniture, rocker, white wood bed

Happy 4th of July week!!  This is a great time of year – summer nights and fire crackers!!  Love it…  {the only person more excited about this week than my kids, is my Hubby – he has spent an untold fortune on fire crackers…}

Living in a small town amplifies the nostalgia of the 4th of July as all of the neighbors hang out in their front yards and families congregate on the front porch. 

{Click HERE to order Online}

Here are few 4th of July decorations for your front porch - if you order RIGHT NOW then you can still get these gorgeous Antiqued Flags by Friday!! 

{Click HERE to order Online}

{Click HERE to order Online}

OR… You can order a flag for the house.  They are a beautiful reminder of our freedom and an inexpensive way to brighten up a room.  The pioneer of Rustic*Western*Vintage decor, Mary Emmerling, {my decorating HERO!!} has built her career on the simplicity of decorating with the American Flag. {check out this 1990 NY Times Article all about Mary right HERE}

Technorati Tags: 4th of July Decorations, Antitqued Flags, Mary Emmerling

After an absolutely phenomenal weekend here in the hometown, and with Memorial Day and 4th of July on their way, it is time for a Summer Picnic Guide.  Whether it’s a spur-of-the-moment lunch in a park with the kiddos, or a romantic dinner enjoyed alfresco, eating outside should be fun and leisurely, a welcome treat after being cooped up in the house after a long winter. 

Here you will find a few essentials, plus a couple of luxuries – all intended to get you ready for a summer full of spontaneous adventures…

PICNIC BASKET
What is a picnic without the requisite picnic basket??  Keep this basket in the car packed with a few essentials {blanket, wet wipes, plates and cups} for an impromptu picnic.  This one is from the perfect starting place for a Picnic Guide – PicnicWorld.net.  What a great site for stocking up for fresh summer fun!!

PICNIC BLANKET


A must-have for picnicking outside, this blanket has been on my wish list for a long time…  Perfect for softening the bleachers at summer rodeos or fall football games – this picnic blanket will be used over and over for years to come.  Click HERE to buy it the www!!




COWBOY SALSA

What’s a picnic for us wander-lustin’ Westerners’ without a little Cowboy Kick??  Try this recipe for Cowboy Salsa from Cooks.com …  D’Licious!!




BLUE ENAMELWARE

This Blue Enamelware is reminiscent of days gone-by when picnics by the chuck-wagon were a way of life.  Difficult to damage and easy to clean, enamelware is an excellent choice of dishware when you’re serving cowpokes and guests alike…  Click HERE to buy it on the www!!




BANDANNA NAPKINS


A rustic event – whether it’s a picnic or a bonfire – isn’t complete without a few bandannas tied around.  These are a great addition to your picnic fun.  They are easy to clean and get better with age.  Plus you’ll save a few trees by eliminating paper - how GREEN!!  Love em’…  Click HERE to buy them on the www!!




PICNIC BOOKS
Here is some “Recommended Reading” for getting ready for all that summer has to offer - Recipes, Menus & decor ideas for Picnics!!  HINT: Add one of these books to a Picnic Basket {like the one up top} for a great summer gift!!

  




CANDLES
There are several different ways you can go when planning a picnic – riverside, on a tail gate, or even a romantic evening with someone you love.  Any which way you go you will need to create some ambiance…

For a romantic excursion be safe with Battery-Powered Candles which will provide just the right mood for dining under the stars!!  {These battery-powered tealights are available when you Shop at Target.com.}

WESTERN PICNIC FIRE PIT
The mood is set, time to get the burgers cooked!!  How better to do it than over an open fire, just like in the days of the chuck-wagons…  This Horseshoe emblazoned Fire-pit from Great Rustic Furniture.com works perfectly with our picnic theme and comes with a grill insert!!





RARE – MEDIUM – WELL STEAK BRANDS
Hot off the grill, use these Steak Brands as a reminder of how your guests wanted their steaks and burgers cooked.  A fun addition to any outdoor picnic {also a great gift idea}, these Steak Brands will be a hit this summer!!  Click HERE to buy on them on the www.





WAGON WHEEL PICNIC TABLE



With all of this talk about picnics, chuck-wagons and summer fun I would be remiss if I didn’t include the quintessential Wagon Wheel Picnic Table.  A luxury?  Yes.  Great fun??  Absolutely!!  Click HERE.

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Technorati Tags: Bandanna, Chuckwagon Picture, Enamelware, Gift, Picnic Basket, Picnic Blanket, Picnic Decor, Steak Brands, Wagon Wheel Furniture, Western Fire-pit

I was thumbing through some old magazines today (the one thing I can never throw away) and came across a Feb 2003 Architectural Digest.  A must read magazine for the classic designer I am always impressed with AD’s broad coverage of design styles.  There is always a little something for everyone, no matter what your style.  (Subscribe here to Architectural Digest.)

In this particular issue the story ‘Adirondack Idyll’ reveals designer Stephen Shadley’s six little cabins in the Catskills that he re-created to be picturesque Adirondack style cabins.  My favorite tear was this shot of a dining table…

 
Architectural Digest, Feb 2003
I love the rustic simplicity of Stephen’s design.  Rich wood, vintage decoration, simple lighting and the piece de resistance for me…  the vintage lawn chairs. 

Where to shop for this look on the www:
 
Naturally shed elk antlers make a wonderful rustic display – perfect for top of an armoire, shelf or above the kitchen cabinets.  This antler is featured at YellowStoneAntlers.com.

I love the rustic simplicity of this light at LightingDirect.com.  It’s modest, rustic simplicity is ideal for a small space that doesn’t need a big statement chandelier.

My favorite www find for this post – a brand new (means no rust to sand down) 1950’s Retro Metal Lawn Chair from StacksandStacks.com.  Love it!!

Technorati Tags: adirondack decor, antler, metal lawn chair