Organic Fall/Thanksgiving Dinner Party Place Cards

A super cheap (we're talking $3.00) and easy idea for place cards. Simply use free real leaves from your own back yard and the paint pen of your choice (fine tip preferred). It is ideal to pick the leaves while they're still full of color. You can preserve the leaves by pressing them in a book or drying them in the microwave. I chose a white paint pen because I felt it would pop more, but they come in all colors, including silver and gold. (Detailed instructions below)


Easiest Method: Pick leaves day of dinner party. Write names on leaves and enjoy.:)

Second Easiest Method: If colored leaves will be gone by day of dinner party pick leaves now or wait to pick as long as there is still color. Write names on leaves. Let paint dry thoroughly. Press in heavy book. Remove from book on day of dinner party and enjoy.

Hardest Method: If colored leaves will be gone by day of dinner party pick leaves now or wait to pick as long as there is still color. Place one leaf at a time between 2 paper towels. Place in microwave. Microwave on high for 5 seconds at a time until leaves feel generally dry (not too dry or they'll be too brittle). Write names on leaves. Place in Ziplock baggie until dinner party and enjoy.

The eye of the beholder...

To me these beautiful aerial shots from Australian photographer Richard Woldendorp would make the perfect rug. One more "to do" to add to my list.

Organic Ocean Shellpearl Necklace

in just the right colors via Lejonklou.

Bigger is better...

Yellow green Italian calf suede bag from Stacy Leigh Design.

Sango Dinnerware

In case you haven't noticed during these hard economic times, Kohl's is having an outrageous 50% off sale, which includes their Sango Dinnerware. I especially love it in Charcoal. Current price is $49.99 for a 16 piece set. It includes 4 mugs, 4 cereal bowls, 4 salad plates & 4 dinner plates. For those who love their coffee and hot chocolate by the gallon, like me, there's a jumbo mug too, now $3.99.

Vicki Sher

Thanks for the greetings. I'm surprised anyone is still around. :) The endless election coverage is making me nuts, not to mention the downer that is our economy. So I thought I would focus on things that bring me enjoyment (hopefully you as well), and also try and help some independent artists out there make a few extra bucks during these hard times.

The above painting is by Vicki Sher.

My backyard...

Leaf swing by ENEA Studio. I want one.

Aviva Stanoff - Layers

I've been obsessed with layers and ruffles in clothing and home accessories ever since Christian Siriano won Project Runway. That obsession was perpetuated this year when Leanne Marshall introduced her architectural take on the trend. I am now fully under the spell of anything pleated or ruffled or layered and couldn't resist posting Aviva Stanoff's "Layers" pillow. For stockist information please visit her website.

Clubhouse

Oil on canvas by Hannah Blunden.

Hand Knitted Cushion

via moocowhandknits.

Yoko Vase

via Sprout Home.

Encaustic and oil on canvas....

by Marcus Andre.

Update

I want to thank you all for the many comments left. I wasn't feeling well for a time and had a health scare, which turned my attention to things in the "real world". Another Shade of Grey requires a considerable amount of my time and as much as I enjoy it I felt the need to step away for awhile. I don't really know what my plans are for this blog from this point forward, which is why I have hesitated to say anything at all, but I did want to let you know everything is well and I apologize for leaving you hanging. To make amends I share this fabulous hand printed gift wrap via rifferaff. Hope you enjoy! :)

When It Rains It Pours

by Jonathan Edelhuber.

Snail dishtowels

in trendy red via kraken.

Flowers in a can

via Fred Flare.

Cool number art

via otsutree.

Handblown glass vase

via corporanglass.

I am in love with

this sequined Ked's shoe but I detest that ridiculous bow. Is there anything we can do about this?

I dig

Alika Cooper's style.

Happy Pink and Green Pillow

from MrsWfromH.

Lime Block Earrings from Ghana

available via Scarlett Garnet for $15.00.

Landscape: Oil on Panel

by Kelly Neidig.

Bangle

made from recycled skateboard via 2ReVert.

Wood Grain Ceramic Architectural Tile

via Bryan Kerrigan.

Pink Fern Print

via Alicia Bock.

It Used to be a Forest

via yellowcanoe.

Morning Butterflies

via Blepharopsis. Several sizes to choose, canvas prints strethed and ready to hang or frame.

Spring in a Can

$10.00 via dandeedesigns.

Mary Kay Painting

Absolutely stunning organic paintings.

Eco Conscious Organic Dish Cloth

from beadid. Almost too pretty to use.

Perhaps If I Let Go

Print on canvas paper by Christina Romeo available for $20.00 via her etsy store.

Vintage knit purse

from gibbyloves for $10.00.

Fossil Ivory

via etsy seller GrizzlyMountainCache. Used for making jewelry, I would love to see it artfully arranged on a white background in a shadowbox. So lovely.

Alternative Vases

via Studio Mango.

Inspiration for Today, and Tomorrow and Forever

American painter Milton Avery(1885-1965).

Elke Munkert

creates some really unique jewelry, but this one is by far my favorite piece.

The uber talented...

Jason Rohlf.

Hand-thrown porcelain batter bowl with whip

via risingsky.

Vintage Fabric Pillow

via paperhill.

Vintage Wooden Box

via JuJuToo's etsy shop. If you're crafty, you could make your very own version of UglyKitty's Address File Box (bottom picture), which seems to be on back order. :)