I’m back home from Vegas, a wee bit tired,
This is a rather blurry iPhoto of the gang.. ( or maybe it’s my eyes that are blurry? )

I love these girls.. and the three that couldn’t make the trip.

♥
BUT.. I came home to learn that it is our turn to have the family over for Canadian Thanksgiving this weekend.

So as they say..  no rest for the WICKED!

♥

I went on a rampage through the house again (no, not in Vegas!)
moving things here and there.

I loved the simplicity of three candlesticks with red candles, pomegranates and giant pinecones.
..all neutrals, red and black,
but I decided to add the wee little garden flowers for more color.

Just this crow is my newest addition from Pottery Barn. I think I should name him, any thoughts?

I loved this old black crow but he is a bit creepy, don’t you think?

He’s not a very welcoming Thanksgiving guest,
I might have to stash him away until Hallowe’en.

How about this tablescape then.. much more appetizing with a wee autumnal bird and my birch candles added in..

Isn’t he adorable? I found him at Magnolia Flower Shop, they have a few more there..

When I plan tablescapes, I like to consider textures.. a fall tablescape needs the texture of birch but the softness of the little bird makes everything more appealing.

♥

A few twigs and fur blankets added here and there..

Some bright green apples and pumpkin-orange tulips,

♥

I know I promised you a Birch Bark DIY craft before I left for Vegas and I always keep my promises.
This is a pretty natural looking candle.. after Vegas I felt like I should be sprinkling glitter all over everything!

You don’t need much, just birch bark, candles, pieces of leather, jute string, leaves.. a melange of fall!

I found the strips of bark came off quite easily from my stash of fireplace logs I have in the backyard.
My bag of firewood is just one of those bags you pick up at any gas station.

Note: While I used regular candles, battery operated might be a lot less flammable and safer!

♥

Birch Bark Candle

Materials

large candles, any size, preferably battery operated
birch bark strips
one large elastic
leather string
glue gun (optional)

Directions

1. Wrap the elastic loosely around the candle.

2. Tuck the bark inside, overlapping to cover the candle. Cut to the height of the candle.

3. Continue adding pieces until the candle is covered.

4. Wrap leather string around a few times, knot and trim ends.

5. If end pieces are sticking out, just dab a little glue and press into place.

6. Remove elastic.

Once you’ve made the birch candle, you might want to make a wee Cinnamon Bark Candle.

The method is the same, just use a smaller candle that won’t be taller than your cinnamon sticks.

How about a little fall twiggery added in for color?

{ I think this one’s my favorite }

Or a burlap version with jute string?

What can I say? I drank a ton of coffee this morning!

I kept going and made this sweet little nest covered with pine cones.

But I think it looks best with a bird tucked inside..

No instructions are needed here, just gather pine cones and glue gun them to the base and around the sides of the nest.
It does take a little fiddling to get it to sit flat, though.

♥

I decided before I left for Vegas to move my home files upstairs away from my real estate desk,
it’s nice to keep things separate I think..

So after another cup of coffee.. I added a little fall in there as well.

I painted this Autumn|Winter landscape a while back.. it’s one of my favorites because of the colors in the trees.
I tend to paint more blues and neutrals, so this was a big change for me.

Then I just scattered faux leaves, a pumpkin, more birch bark, small garland, another candle and old books around it.

I think a version of this would work as a mantel too?

♥

And.. now I’ve got to start planning the menu.. and it’s time to get back to work..

Like I said..

No rest for the WICKED!!

♥

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend to all my Canadian friends.. and a wonderful weekend for the rest of you!

I’ll be popping in soon for a visit!