What do all of these things have in common? Well, they are all things that have been a part of my life over the past few days.
I’ve been working on Halloween projects for HGTV.com for next year. I’m trying to get it all done before I leave to visit family on Monday. I want to be able to come home and enjoy Christmas decor only! I usually don’t decorate for Halloween, but I’ve had a blast working on these projects. Here’s a look at the table scape I put together to shoot some place card holders I made. Can you guess what this wooden centerpiece is?
It’s a fresh fruit topiary form. I bought this piece for $.50 at a yard sale and it was perfect for a slightly spooky table setting. I bought the glitter birds on clearance, so they were about $1.00/each.
Some branches, tarnished silver, candles, pressed leaves and pine cones keep this table from looking too “theme-ish.” I like sophisticated holiday decor. I wish I could show you all of the projects I’ve done, but you’ll have to wait until they are published next year. Mean, I know!
Yesterday, I was very excited to receive this pretty box in the mail…
…and the contents? Sweet. Lisa Leonard makes amazing jewelry and I now own one of her pieces. I am not one of these girls who go nuts over jewelry, but I love the simplicity and beauty of her work.
Tomorrow I am going to Wild Rose Marketplace and Co for their holiday open house. If you live in this area, you should stop in for yummy snacks and beautiful gift and decorating ideas. Check out the retailer information on my sidebar for directions.
Lastly, but certainly not least, I am so excited to announce that I will be writing DIY tutorials for Cottages and Bungalows magazine. AHHHHH! I must say that I am having trouble sleeping at night because I am so wound up about all of the things I have going on. I could just burst!
Thanks so much to all of you for your encouragement about my book and for cheering me along in this amazing journey. Some of you have been faithful followers since I was just a wee little blog and I truly appreciate it.
24 Responses
Wow! What a dream job! I bet your head is just spinning with so many fun ideas. You'll do so great!
Congratulations!! You sound very calm for someone who is heading towards the bright lights. Best wishes!
XO,
Jane
Cottages & Bungalows?! Congratulations!
All of those vignettes are great! I love the Halloween one. I'm like you in that I usually don't decorate for Halloween, other than a pumpkin on my porch to let people know we're giving out candy.However, with all the good ideas I've seen in blogland this year for it, I think I'll actually do it up right next year.
Congrats on all your successes. I'm keeping up with you, but mostly in my reader since I only have the late hours of the night or the wee hours of the morning. Just wanted to take the time to stop on the actual blog to tell you how excited I am for you.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Hahaha!! You're amazing! Long gone are the days when someone may have said, "Who's Marian?" 🙂
Keep showing us how it's done, friend!
Donna
I just read your post on your book in progress! It looks wonderful and I'm so excited for all that you have going on! Love the title for your book…just perfect for you!!
xo,
Debra
I'm up way to late working on Christmas projects and decided to check for updates,boy am I glad I did.Your news gets better everyday I'm so happy for you Marian.Hard work really does pay off. Congratulations!!!
Congratulations! That's great news! I am still amazed at how much you can accomplish!
Blessings to you, and prayers for some good sleep!
Missy
Congratulations on all that is going on for you!!
I love it- it's all happening for you.I can so relate to you not being able to sleep- your mind must be buzzing with ideas and excitement!! Take could care of yourself and pace yourself- I know that is hard, but I am convinced there is much more coming your way !! Have a great weekend you kind and lovely and multi talented lady!!
Congratulations Marian – we love you. I have to admit watching all of this evolve has been some of the most fun your Dad and I have had in a long time. Each and every day we are amazed at this 2 year journey. Almost this time 2 years ago – I was sitting in the van entertaining a baby and a toddler while you took your painted ornaments shop to shop praying someone would let you sell them there. God is blessing your efforts and it is so much fun to be along for the ride. See you and the family in 4 days. WAHOO Mom
Wow…so many exciting irons in the fire…Congrats!!
Congratulations Marian!! It's well deserved!
Cottages & Bungalows was smart to snap you up, I know you'll do an awesome job for them!!!
You truly have a lot to be thankful for and such an exciting start to a new year! It's exciting for us on the outside looking in to see you accomplish so much with all your hard work. You are so creative and deserve all the success that comes your way! Happy weekend and Thanksgiving to you and your family!
Congrats Marian!!! So awesome, and I am sooo happy for you, you deserve it, cause you ROCK!!
Yes! A book. YOU really rock young lady.
Your Halloween decs look gorgeous! So, I take it they are for NEXT year on Hgtv.com?
Crazy! I'll be decorating next Monday and Tuesday before we leave to visit family for Thanksgiving. It will be so nice to come home to a house already ready for the holiday!
xo,
kate
Congrats! Your very talented, it's great your being recognized for all you do!
Please don't burst, we'd miss you too much! I hope you get some relaxation next week – a fruit topiary?? Blessings, friend.
The Music Man has a song about Marian the Librarian. We should sing one about you, Marian the Craftarian. I love your take on Halloween (or what little we could glimpse of it.) That is a really nice apple topiary. They usually are not so detailed. A DIY on that would be nice also.
Remember your depths of doubt in August? Can we say "We told you so!" yet? I don't get Cottages and Bungalows, but I will be sure to get a subscription now. I think you need to sign up another day of baby sitters so you don't stress out. Loved the book idea, would you get Funky Junk to work on hers also? I couldn't be prouder if you were my own kid. Ann
congrats on your book. Love your glittery Christmas tree and that pretty package. Something about that tiffany box blue ribbon that makes a girl squeal with delight even when it doesn't even come from tiffany's gives the feeling of something really nice.
Debbie
Things certainly do go your way..congrats.
Congratulations on everything you have going! I'm very excited for you!
Have a blessed Thanksgiving!
Super Excited for you!!! God is SO good!!!!