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! 

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.

Why should I buy a PAD?
If you’re asking me, I’d say you should buy a PAD because it would help this girl realize her dreams of quitting the corporate rat-race in favor of full-time, design-minded bliss…but, maybe you are looking for a reason a bit less altruistic. I created liliPADS because I can’t understand why, in a world of new media and online everything, people should be expected to hire in-person, professional (expensive!) designers to achieve a home that is beautiful, functional, stylish & personal. I operate under the assumption that my “clients” are proactive, well-intended folks who just need a little help in the “picking out” department. Basically, buying a PAD takes the hours spent browsing online and shopping in stores out of re-thinking your space. You get to skip straight to the fun part–unveiling your fabulous new pad to family and friends.

What do I get?
Purchase of a PAD comes with the design board along with a user-friendly shopping list with details and links to where each item in the design can be purchased online. You’ll also receive a description with tips about arrangement and do-it-yourself ideas.

How do I get it?
As soon as you complete your order you will immediately be sent an email with a PDF attachment containing the design board, shopping list, and description. If you have any problems viewing the attachment just shoot me an email and we’ll get you another solution right away.

Does it matter where I live?
We make sure that all the retailers we recommend ship anywhere in the US. Delivery fees vary but all of our retailers will detail the shipping options before purchase.

What if I am not happy with an item once I’ve received it?
Please review the return policies for individual retailers before purchasing.

What if a piece in the design is not available when I go to purchase it?
We do our best to make sure everything we show you is available. If you find that you are unable to purchase any item in your PAD, email me and I will send you a substitute option (or options!) right away.