Home Design By Lili Klein
Painted Pumpkins & Glittery Gourds
Most years the extent of my Halloween decorating is two big jack-o-lanterns that my husband and I carve and set outside so that trick-or-treaters know we’re open for business. This year, I was feeling crafty. I also am participating in a desk decorating contest (with a cash prize!) at work and things can get pretty competitive around my office so I’m bringing my A game. Turns out this was actually a super easy and fun project and in one afternoon I made enough pumpkins to decorate around the house as well. I started with around 10 pumpkins and gourds (courtesy of our very own vegetable garden and a trip to our local market). You’ll also need fine crafting glitter, multi-surface spray adhesive, spray paints (and I suggest primer) and acrylic paints and brushes if you plan to paint designs like I did.
I started by clearing out my garage and laying down a big old tarp that I was ok with getting paint and glue all over. I painted all the pumpkins first with spray primer and paint, let them dry, then hand painted designs in contrasting acrylics. I used gold, black and bronze spray paint and contrasting white, black and silver designs. For the glitter pumpkins I applied spray adhesive then sprinkled two shades of gold glitter to completely cover the pumpkin’s surface.
A few minutes to dry and voila! I think they came out really neat; my favorite is the bright gold pumpkin with the silver polka-dots. With the solid black one I plan to carve a jack-o-lantern and we saved a couple big ones for carving also so don’t you worry, the neighborhood kiddos will still know we’ve got candy! I also love how many of these can be used for decor throughout the autumn season too, not just for Halloween. I’m already picturing my Thanksgiving centerpiece!
It’s Time! How to Prep Your Home for Winter
I can always tell that winter is fast approaching when I find myself reaching for my Uggs every morning and wishing I didn’t have to drive to work in the dark. And if you’re like me you start panicking about now that you don’t have adequate warm clothing to make it through the coming months. (Who’s to say you won’t freeze to death without that beautiful wool jacket you’ve been eyeing?) Even if it isn’t all that chilly yet where you’re at, now is a great time to start preparing for the colder temps and rising energy bills to come. Luckily, the folks over at Freshome Interiors are here to help. I know what the Hubby and I will be doing this weekend!
Check out the article for some tips about how to get your home ready!
- Assess your home now for energy leaks: Now is the best time to determine where energy leaks are occurring. Whether they are air seeping from underneath your doors or around your windows, replace weather stripping and caulk around all penetrations. Under your exterior doors, ensure door sweeps are sealing properly. Consider having your electric company perform an energy audit of your home. You may be losing heat through loose baseboards, poor insulation in your attic, or through poorly sealed heating ducts throughout your home. An energy audit will help you locate the energy-sucking culprits!
- Repair and clean: Similarly to spring cleaning when your home has been sitting dormant all winter, fall cleanup prepares your home for the winter season as well as ensures that all components are in good working order. Repair any cracks in your foundation, pressure wash exterior brick and concrete, and get mechanical equipment serviced. If you have a snow blower or other mechanical equipment used for the winter, take it to an authorized repair dealer in your area. Clean out your garage, storage shed, and areas used to house tools. Check your snow shovels, and other tools to see if they need replacing from last winter.
Head over to Freshome Interiors for the rest of their tips.
