hanging pumpkin how-to

Step 1: Cut out 2 identical pumpkin shapes using muslin or a similar fabric. We used pinking shears, so we didn't have to finish the edges. (take a break to drink some coffee and chat...)

Step 2: Sew together pumpkin and stuff with fiber fill. (take another break to eat some of the delicious pumpkin bread that was just served...)

Step 3: Let the kids go to town painting the entire thing orange.

Step 4: Let the pumpkins dry out in the sun. (use this time to make lunch, put some kids down for naps, color with others, look through decorating books, finish sewing bunting, etc...)

Step 5: Pull out bags of scraps and start in on decorating the pumpkins any way you like.

Step 6: Hot glue or stitch on your embellishments, then enjoy your little bit of homemade halloween decor...

How would you decorate yours? If you try it, send us a picture! We would love to see how yours turns out!

getting ready for fall

Last week my daughter-in-law, Sara sent us a picture of a beautiful fall leaf she found while out on a walk in their Chicago neighborhood. I responded that we were not jealous at all and we could go buy plenty of fall leaves at Michael's. Ok, so perhaps, I am a little jealous... So, this weekend I headed over to my daughter Christine's house to play with the kids and make some fall decorations. We made an extra big fall bunting to hang across her front porch and then we took the fabric scraps and simply tied them in little bunches to hang as a garland across her fireplace (so charming, so easy and an excellent use of fabric scraps). The kids helped us make fabric pumpkins to hang on the front door and we got out Christine's little fabric pumpkins from last year. And, wa-la! Our own little bit of Fall in Phoenix. The beautiful weather, the kids running around the yard and sitting outside eating Christine's delicious pumpkin bread rather helped the mood as well.

Didn't these pumpkins turn out cute? Check back in tomorrow and I'll share our secrets for how to make your own...

So, do you live somewhere that has a beautiful Fall? If not, what lovely little things do you do to help yourself get in the Fall spirit?

friday madness!

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fall has arrived at the willows!

If you live in Phoenix, or anywhere else that doesn't ever quite get that "Fall" we all dream about (you know, chilly September days and leaves changing colors), at least we can all imagine fall is here by bringing it into our homes. We ladies at the Willows have all been in heaven at work since we set the store for Fall. It really feels as if the seasons have changed when you walk in our front door. Please, come see for yourself...

And, one of our very favorite holidays to decorate for is also just around the corner. Come to the Willows for all your Halloween treats (and, perhaps a few tricks)...

Do you love decorating your home for new seasons as much as I do? What are some of the creative ways you welcome in a new season?

Do you want to jump into that bed as much as I do? Snuggle up and pretend it is a blistery fall afternoon? And, of course, ignore the sign. Locals or not, we welcome you all!