Oh the  challenges of decorating a large wall!  Well, if  you do not have large artwork—-consider grouping like sized accessories and wall art to create your own personal style in a big way!   This is my family room cathedral wall and believe it or not— the artwork is original (made by me!)  To create this vignette,  I gathered flea market finds and thrift store frames for a casual look.  Each frame was painted black and the photo mats were painted white (yes you can paint the mats!)   This gave me the ultimate opportunity to finally frame some vintage fabrics I found at a yard sale in New Hampshire years ago.  The road sign has sentimental value to me as it was one of the original signs in the neighborhood where I grew up.

The vase was a great steal at $2.00 from a church flea market and the two white bowls I found when I was featured on HGTV’s Longest Yard Sale a few years ago (another steal deal).  And the cow creamer was given to me over 20 years ago from one of my best friends.   What I like best about this decorating idea is that I got to go on a treasure hunt in my own home PLUS  it didn’t cost a fortune!

Stay inspired!  www.KathyPeterson.com

Here’s a pretty table top idea using yellow and grey for a charming Valentine setting.  Yellow roses are an ideal symbol for joy and friendship so spread the love with someone your courting.  The yellow stenciled cloth uses both my Lattice and Fleur stencil collections in several sizes and I love the contrast of the black and white animal print.

Stay inspired!  www.KathyPeterson.com

Here’s another idea for setting your tabletops.  By layering your plates and colors you will  instantly inspire your table plus add a lot of depth.  In this place setting I used 5 colors including pink, black, white, silver and grey.  I stenciled the tablecloth using my Kathy Peterson Inspired Vine Stencil.  I also added a stenciled backdrop using my Fleur inspired stencil just to give you another idea for serving horderves or drinks.  Notice how the black and silver fleur stenciled background really adds even more depth.  The flower I made using Faber-Castell Gelato’s on circles of canvas which becomes the guest party favor.

Stay inspired!   www.KathyPeterson.com

Here’s another spin on decorating the same table (see below post) using some of the same table toppers but with a few additions and a new twist!

I love, love the crisscross design of the serving spoons mixed in with more wooden elements like the salt and pepper shakers!  By adding a tiny bit of sparkle with the clear glass pieces, mixed in with a few more black accents, this table top would satisfy any appetite! 

 Stay inspired!  www.KathyPeterson.com

Question:  How do you find your own inspiration for decorating table scapes?  Well over the years, I’ve discovered that my best bet is either finding inspiration in colors and textures.  This table top design was initally inspired by the fabrics shown and the bamboo rolled place-mat.

By adding other design elements like these wooden serving spoons, the blue bucket, the fruit, the folliage and a blend of serving plate styles and textures gave way to an unfussy look with a touch of nature. 

Stay inspired!  www.KathyPeterson.com

Although this was originally a New Years Day table setting I did for CBN TV with former Miss America Terry Meeuwsen a few years back, I wanted to share this idea except change the celebration to a Valentine’s Day table setting.  By using the unexpected color combo’s of aqua, black and white instead to the traditional red, gold and pink,  you cam create an unforgettable and very colorful experience for your sweetheart or your guests if you’re hosting a Valentine’s dinner.

I started this table scape by  layering pieces of black and white fabrics, then added just a touch of aqua using ribbon and sequins.

To to top off each plate, I layered the plates then wrapped them with a satin ribbon and placed a ceramic flower onto the plate.  This flower can also be a gift to each guest or you could possibly use it as a place-card holder.

I layered the sequins onto a mirror for added glow and then nestled in some ceramic flowers to add more dimension to the table.  Oh and don’t forget to add a few candles!

 Stay inspired and have a great Valentine’s Day celebration!  www.KathyPeterson.com

I’ve gotten so many compliments on this wreath—can you guess what it’s made from?   Coffee Filters—yep—coffee filters!

Supply List:

• Grapevine wreath
• approximately 80 coffee filters
• Faber-Castell Pitt  Artist Pen Big Brush–Deep Scarlet Red 219***
• Butter knife or other blunt tool to tuck in filters

Step 1.

Randomly “doodle” circles and swirls on each filter.  NOTE:  It is easier to doodle on the filters if you leave them stacked.

Step 2.

Fold filters gently in half (without creasing the filter) then scrunch to form a flower shape.  Tuck each filter in between the grapevines to secure.  Use a butter knife to tuck filters in tighter gaps on the wreath.   

It’s really that easy!  Stay inspired!  www.KathyPeterson.com

It’s “sew” easy to make this vintage style pin cushion for that special seamstress in your life! Just gather up a jar lid, some fringe,, lace, vintage fabric,  cording, embroidery floss, poly-fill, string pearls, seed beads an various vintage buttons.  Simply glue (in order) batting to lid, then glue the fabric, lace, fringe and cording using the photo as a guide.  Next stitch in some embroidery floss, pearls, beads and buttons.    Although I made this pin cushion more than 15 years ago, it’s still timeless and on trend!

Stay inspired!  www.KathyPeterson.com

This Christmas add a little “charm” and sparkle to your table glass!  All it takes is just a few minutes using wire, beads and a charm!  Stay inspired!  www.KathyPeterson.com

From the scrapbook to the wall.  Here’s a great way to show off your scrapbooking talent.  This attractive series of 3 family photos were mounted on mattboard so I could share family memories in my mom’s apartment.  To the right is a partial shot of a frame with some scrapbook stickers that my Dad helped me craft.

Stay inspired!  www.KathyPeterson.com