Fall Mantel

This year I decorated the mantel very simply for Fall. Madonna wouldn't approve but I did however add some dried hydrangeas from my garden. I only recently discovered that if you cut the hydrangeas as they start to turn a greenish-brown, they will dry naturally in a vase/container. I have 'em everywhere!

Beginnings and Endings

With the Summer coming to an end and Fall beginning, we are busily wrapping up a few projects; one of them being this pergola. The plan is to eventually build a deck off the top of the pergola into the hillside. From there a path that wraps around the back of the house to the 'spa deck'.  Not to mention a staircase to the top deck...Quite ambitious, no?

So far this is what we have completed:

 We were able to 'collect' the slate and rocks for the patio from one of our hikes up here in Montana.  Let me tell you, that sucked!  Free is always a good motivator.

We planted grapes in the background, and hopefully in a couple years they will climb up over the top.

Concrete Hurricanes

This weekend I decided to tackle making a set of outdoor candle hurricanes,  a project that I found on Knockoff Decor. The detailed tutorial can be found here at In My Own Style.

I followed the exact instructions and couldn't be happier with the outcome. The only difference is that I used a 10" tube, and split into two.

Ta Da!  The hurricanes turned out awesome!  I have to make them more level on the ground once they're a bit drier, and I think I will also seal 'em. I was almost thinking of doing a stripe affect with a gloss sealer.  We'll see..