Antique Persian Rugs

Old Decorative

Arts & Craft project for old wooden window shutters?

I picked up these old wooden window shutters, though they don't fit any of my windows I still want to transform them for other decorative use.
Can anyone offer any suggestions and technics on how to transform these shutters?

I did the same thing and have made a bunch of things with mine. I used two, put a lattice between them and a window box under the whole thing on a bare wall on the side of my garage. I grow vines in the window box which now have grown up the lattice and it looks like a little decorative window. I used 2 shutters cut in half to make a cupola for the top of my shed. I also used two inside my house on the sides of a mirror to dress it up. I used one placed horizontally at an angle above a window mounted on wrought iron baulstrauds as a kind of window valance to block the sun from coming in. I cut 2 in half, connected the four pieces together and made a planter box. I hope other people also come up with some neat ideas as I still have a few more taking up space in my garage...

Decorative Copper Colander - by Old Dutch $94.99 Like a shining star, this colander is ready to brighten your kitchen. This copper colander is the perfect decorative accent to your kitchen or table. Store your favorite fruits and more. This colander has a lacquered coating - while this coating keeps it looking pristine for decorative use, if you want to use it for food preparation (washing greens, draining pasta), you must strip the lacquer. No matter how you decide to use this colander, it's handsome details will keep it in your kitchen for years to come. Type: Specialty Cookware Color: Metallic

OLD IRISH SAYING DECORATIVE SIGN $19.98 Great self-evident truths lovingly silk-screened on hand selected pine. Ready to hang over a door frame or on a wall, 16'' x 3 1/2'' solid pine. This sign reads, Theres an old Irish saying that says just about anything you want it to.

Traditional Balconies and Decorative Facade in Old Town, Jiddah, Saudi Arabia $24.99 Chris Mellor Traditional Balconies and Decorative Facade in Old Town, Jiddah, Saudi Arabia - Photographic Print

Decorative Buildings, Male Namesti, Old Town, Prague, Czech Republic, Europe $29.99 Martin Child Decorative Buildings, Male Namesti, Old Town, Prague, Czech Republic, Europe - Photographic Print

Decorative Facade of House, Karlova, Old Town, Prague, Czech Republic, Europe $29.99 Martin Child Decorative Facade of House, Karlova, Old Town, Prague, Czech Republic, Europe - Photographic Print

Decorative Chair, Mexican Folkart, Old Town Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA $29.99 Walter Bibikow Decorative Chair, Mexican Folkart, Old Town Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA - Photographic Print

Windows and Decorative Tiles on a Typical Roof in the Old Town of Ribeauville, Alsace, France $29.99 Thouvenin Guy Windows and Decorative Tiles on a Typical Roof in the Old Town of Ribeauville, Alsace, France - Photographic Print

Safavieh OW115A8X10 Burgundy / Brown Old World Rug $3500 Safavieh Old World Medium Rug OW115A-8

Safavieh OW115A9X12 Burgundy / Brown Old World Rug $4725 Safavieh Old World Large Rug OW115A-9

Safavieh OW115A10X14 Burgundy / Brown Old World Rug $6125 Safavieh Old World Large Rug OW115A-10

Safavieh OW115A2.6X8 Burgundy / Brown Old World Rug $875 Safavieh Old World Runner Rug OW115A-28

Safavieh OW115A2.6X10 Burgundy / Brown Old World Rug $1093.75 Safavieh Old World Runner Rug OW115A-210

Safavieh OW115A4RND Burgundy / Brown Old World Rug $700 Safavieh Old World Small Rug OW115A-4R

Safavieh OW115A6RND Burgundy / Brown Old World Rug $1575 Safavieh Old World Medium Rug OW115A-6R

Safavieh OW1152X3 Red / Navy Old World Rug $262.5 Safavieh Old World Small Rug OW115F-2

Safavieh OW1153X5 Red / Navy Old World Rug $656.25 Safavieh Old World Small Rug OW115F-3

Safavieh OW1185X7.6 Gold / Wine Old World Rug $1640.63 Safavieh Old World Medium Rug OW118B-5

Safavieh OW1186X9 Camel / Wine Old World Rug $2362.5 Safavieh Old World Medium Rug OW118A-6

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How to Faux Paint : Old World Faux Decorative Painting : Advanced Faux Painting Techniques

Christmas Wreaths: New Ideas for an Old Tradition

When we think of wreaths, most of us typically envision a traditional wreath made of greenery.  This is usually accompanied by a bow of some sort and possibly pinecones.  While these traditional Christmas wreath will always be steadfast favorites, there are many other ways to decorate and use wreaths.  By taking a fresh approach to an old decoration, you can create something really unique and special that will be a centerpiece in your home for years to come.  Here are a few things to consider when you rethink your idea of wreaths:

Location
This will likely have the biggest impact on the structure and material of your wreath.  Obviously if the location is outdoors, it must be made of weatherproof materials.  Indoor wreaths are primarily impacted by their location in the home, as their construction and decorations will likely reflect their surroundings.

How Will It Be Displayed?
Traditionally, wreaths have been hung above fireplaces and on front doors.  However, the sky really is the limit on where your wreath might go.  Here are a few different ideas to consider:

Window: Facing outside, inside or both by using a double-sided wreath hanger, such as ribbon, chain, or rope.
On a mirror: The size of your mirror will dictate the size of your wreath.
From a lighted wall sconce: Anywhere in the home, even the bathroom!
Dining room chair: Small wreaths can really dress up the back of a dining chair when tied with bright ribbon.
Easel: Prop a large, lighted wreath on an easel in one corner of a room.  This works great when you have limited wall space, and can replace a tree in a small area.
Table: Lay it on a table and put candles or a bowl of fruit in the center.
Lighted hutch: A wreath propped up in a lighted hutch or curio cabinet is an unexpected surprise any time of year!
Tree: Wreaths of different materials can be used to decorate a Christmas tree for an added touch of elegance or whimsy.
Packages: Use a small wreath tied to a ribbon to dress up a special gift.

Size
The location of your wreath will usually determine its size.  Wreath sizes can vary greatly; however, most indoor wreaths range in size from 6 to 48 inches.  An outdoor wreath used as a focal point on a home's exterior might be as large as 72 inches in diameter.

Material
The material of your wreath will greatly impact its overall design and appearance.  While the options are endless, below are some ideas to start with:
Greenery: Fresh or artificial
Natural materials such as pinecones, nuts, wheat, straw, grapevines, fresh or dried herbs, fresh or dried flowers, shells, leaves.
Manmade materials such as Christmas balls, fabric, ribbon, paper or metal.

Decorations
Finally the fun stuff!  Your imagination is the limit when it comes to a wreath's decorations.  When decorating your wreath, it's important to consider the location (for example, an outdoor wreath should have weatherproof decorations), and who will be enjoying it.  Below are some ideas to help get you started.

Living Room: Same color and possibly same decorations as your tree.
Kitchen: Try decorating with cookie cutters, kitchen utensils, herbs, cinnamon sticks, etc.
Children's Room: Hand made ornaments, toys, candy canes, etc.
Hobby related wreaths: Sports team colors or paraphernalia, sewing or needlecraft implements, antique cars or tractors, gardening tools, etc.

Whatever your choices, remember to have fun and use your imagination!

Your finished wreath will be one-of-a-kind, and you will want to protect it so that you can use it in the future.  Be sure to consider this when you are storing it away by using products that are durable and convenient.  There are many wreath storage bags and boxes on the market today that will keep your wreaths protected while in storage.  By choosing an appropriate storage container, you'll ensure that your wreath can be enjoyed for years to come.

About the Author

Ellen Bell works for The Christmas Tree Storage Shop, a retail website offering seasonal storage solutions such as Christmas tree storage bags and Christmas wreath storage products. Visit us to find a wreath storage box or bag to protect and store your holiday wreaths.

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