Time Out on the Playing Field

Pause button, yellow flag on the field, man down.... home buying has been put on hold to do a reset on the play. We're not giving up. We're just need to reset the play. It was going good and we probably could have won the game but not by much.

Why now you ask? Well I can't answer that question. I guess the saying "better late than never," applies here. Actually, I can really only be upset with myself - I should have seen the handwriting on the wall. There has been apprehension every time we got close to actually getting a home - you know bid submission and waiting period. I could tell that while excitement was in the air, the underlaying tone was worry. How are we going to do this? What about new cars? How soon can we get the basement done? How soon can we purchase this or that? 

Usually, I am much better at recognizing the signals but not this time. Too wrapped up in the "American Dream" and the opportunity to get a home. Knowing that someone has that type of worry, has to be addressed. So we met the fork in the road last night. Hours after submitting a bid on a home, we had our realtor rescind the offer. As much as it pained us to make the decision. It was absolutely necessary. The market is rebounding, the house prices are increasing, and we do not want to settle. So we need to pause and reset. Reposition ourselves, get rid of some more bills and save up more money to be in the type of house we want. 

So here's what we passed up..... 

Source: Zillow

Isn't she a beauty! I had such high hopes. Projects lined up and visions were flowing for all the beauty this home could have. Just check out my inspiration folder. I envisioned dinners in the morning room, cozy fires in the great room, a real master suite... and so much more. I am prayerful that one day soon, we will be in a home just like this one. Just not as soon as we had hoped. 

What you saying, will she do with all those items purchased. I will still be working on DIY projects, furniture up-cycles, organization posts, and general updates. Just not in a home... our lovely apartment will need to be spruced up a bit to accommodate us a bit longer. We are kind of busting at the seams. So I hope you will stick with me while we take this timeout and reset our play.

-Kim

Fall Project: DIY Burlap Wreath

DIY Fall Burlap Wreath by Vintage Soul Modern Spirit

So as you know, my weekly round-up was all about fall decor and front door wreaths. My obsession with burlap and the round-up inspired me to venture out and make my own. During my trip to Hobby Lobby (by the way, I love this place!) I came across this beautiful printed burlap. Prior to heading to the store, I had been thinking a chevron print would be really pretty. I was planning to paint a chevron stripe myself on the burlap, but HL had several different types and colors of burlap.

As you can see it I ended up with a cream colored burlap with a black chevron print. So I didn't have to paint a thing and I actually ended up with a lighter color burlap than I thought even existed. And HL was offering 50% off burlap rolls last week. Win-win situation! Yeah!!!

You will need a few supplies to create this wreath.

• Wire wreath form - I used the second to largest form available to create mine.
• Burlap roll (15ft) - I used three for a full and fluffy look but you could use two rolls.  
• Scissors  
• Pipe cleaners - I used black but you should get a color that matches your burlap.
• Patience! This a bit time consuming.

To begin, you will want to cut each pipe cleaner into thirds. You will end up with sections that you will use to secure the burlap to the wreath form.

Take the end of the burlap roll and one of the sections on the form that has a crossing bracket.

Next, you will want to begin fluffing the burlap into little rolls. You will want to play with the height and width of each ruffle. I like a little drama, so my fluffs where a bit exagerated. Once happy with the fluff, you want to pull it down and secure it to the form with a pipe cleaner piece.

And then you keep going. Rotating between the different wire rows of the form. Create your own rhythm but if you need help getting started - you start in the middle, so then you can go down and then back to the middle and then up, and so on.

Continue working your way around the form. As you go to attach a second roll the previous, just blend them end. It won't matter if you don't secure this next roll to the middle section. You just don't want to see the end. (Sorry, I did not get a photo of this).

Now this step is optional, once your done you can start playing around with the ruffles and move them to get a more consistent flow. But imperfection is just as pretty. In addition, you can stitch some of your parts together to close any gaps that you see the form through. I used a simple needle and all purpose thread to do this.

But again, totally not necessary. Just me being an obsessive DIYer. Whenever I do a craft, I become obsessed with getting it right or close to the inspiration as possible. Although, I am probably the only one that notices. At least that is what James tells me all the time.

Can't wait to add this to the door of our new home. It is a bit big for our apartment door but I wanted to show you how fabulous it is. And there it is! A beautiful burlap wreath. I am thinking of adding some fall faux flowers and possibly the letter "D" for our last name. I have seen many versions that just added a beautiful bow in a contrast color that were really pretty.

I couldn't decide on anything when I was at the store. I searched and searched but found nothing. I would like to add a pop of color but I am not sure what color would be best. I think it may be easier to find something now, that the wreath is complete.

So what do you think? Should I add flowers, our an initial, a bow, or something else. If you make it, please sure yours with me.