Recycle, reuse, repurpose your existing decor

LJWorld.com weblogs Shop Talk with Jenn and Julie

Posted by Julie Anderson October 4, 2011 at 7:56 p.m.

Fall decorations. by Julie Anderson

Reuse, repurpose, recycle. It doesn't matter how you say it, it's great advice, and this week I used this mantra in my fall decorating.

As soon as the weather starts to change and fall approaches, I tend to feel a renewed energy. I use this energy to get inspired with my fall decorating.

I tend to reuse my decorations, but of course, I usually can't resist purchasing a few new items. This year, my goal was to use only items I already own. The only thing I really needed was ribbon. I was hoping to find burlap ribbon, but settled on a mesh ribbon I bought at Hobby Lobby for under $5. I wanted to create new looks by using what I have in different ways or in different areas of the house.

Earlier this spring I purchased lanterns at Ikea really cheap.

Earlier this spring I purchased lanterns at Ikea really cheap. I bought 4 — two large and two smaller. Through summer, I just put a candle in each and placed on the mantle. However, I needed a change for fall. So I started with a large lantern. I removed the candle and placed Spanish moss at the base, then I added fall type artificial filler that included pine cones, mini gourds and pumpkins. I kept the candle in the other large lantern and added a little Spanish moss and some pine cones. The small lantern stayed as is with just the candle, and I tied brown and orange mesh ribbon to the top for added color. Then I filled in the rest of the mantle with some pumpkins and leaves. I used real candles in the lanterns, but don't light them. If I want the ambiance of lit candles, I would use the battery operated candles.

I have a mirror above the mantle. This year I decided to take the swag that is usually on my front door, and hang it on the mirror. Instead of hanging it in the center of the mirror, I placed it to the side along the frame. It gave me a totally different look, and again at no cost.

So get creative, and use what you already have in new ways for different looks and bring new life to your old stuff.

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