Dressing up the Pumpkins

As you all know I am in love with fall and I have been dressing pumpkins for years.

You can choose to spray paint your pumpkin a color, or leave it au natural.
I am a big fan of coppery colors, and since the two places where I'm likely to put this pumpkin, the fireplace mantle or the dining room table, are dark, copper works well (in fact, any metallic color works well to bring light to an otherwise dark area).

Next I looked around my studio for ribbons and stuff to add to the little critters. What you see is the end result.

I used sheer ribbons, red gold from our Luxor Collection, and double faced satins. You can pin or glue your creations onto your pumpkin neck. Tying works well too, but if they are moved much the tying sometimes slips and moves around.

Spray painting doesn't seem to affect the life of a pumpkin, in fact it may lengthen it; it seems to seal it as long as there are no blemishes.

Another helpful tip is to be sure to add ribbons on both sides it it is a true centerpiece. If it is only viewed from one side this is not necessary.

You can choose large or small pumpkins, all size pumpkins, you can even choose an artificial pumpkin.

I have used them as an inexpensive centerpiece for charity events, as decorations on my table, as place card holders etc.

Add some fall leaves or some fall garland to give them a little extra punch.

Jodie and Bill are having their wedding here on the mountain this week, I will be showing you pictures of their dressed ladies next week, a real variation on a theme.

A Beautifuly Wrapped Package

Hi everyone. I find May and June to be big gift giving months. I love to wrap packages. There was a time when I thought I would like to operate a package wrapping service, but then I thought about the time involved and wondered if, at the end of the day,  I would still enjoy wrapping packages.

This week I wanted to show you a lot of packages, but alas alack, I ran out of time, so I picked my favorite, the bridal shower package.

It is wrapped with our double faced satin ribbon, two of our sheer ribbons, two widths of ivory double faced satin, and a " pin wheel" backdrop of Luxor silver metallic ribbon.

I liked the idea of something old incorporated with the ribbon. I used a vintage sterling silver serving pieces. Two small tea cups would be a great addition, a cake or pie server, a vintage juicer, a beautiful handkerchief the bride could use on her wedding day.

The finished product has something old, something new, something blue. I missed the borrowed, so if you have ideas on the borrowed aspect, e-mail me.

When wrapping a package you want the recipient to say "It's too pretty to open!"  I think a beautifully wrapped package adds excitement to the gift. It's so much more fun , and it says I care about you, rather than giving a gift in a paper bag and saying excuse the wrapping. ( That happened to me, I won't name names.)

In order to make a bow, refer to my Christmas video on You Tube on how to make a bow for a wreath. same process, different ribbons and sizes.

Now I need to see your pictures, and hear your creative ideas.  Feel free to send your pics here

Alice

The Ribbon Lady