Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Blooming 'Brella

OK, we've all seen adorable vintage umbrellas adorned with faux flowers for Spring. (nothing new for the Pinterest crowd) I DO love me a fun umbrella. And I AM kinda sorta experiencing a faux flower withdrawal over here at the smaller house. This last weekend whilst packing (yes, the never ending job I'm involved in at this moment in time) I spied my Spring floral umbrella in a pile of "stuff" waiting to be put away in one of many large plastic tubs marked "Spring". 





It had to be rescued. If you guys could see the boxes of holiday decor and seasonal faux flowers, branches, twigs and the likes, you'd think seriously about having me committed. But it's one of my vices that I'm working on. You know the kind of personality that sees a container and wants to fill it with SOMETHING! There must be a "disorder" that could be slapped on me.



So, the umbrella came home with me. There are no nails in doors around here, and I'm not going to lose a security deposit over a door wreath or something else. It will do hanging from the kitchen transferware cupboard, brightening up my sitting room.



I wanted a nest in it to go with my old garden tools, but made do with a petite whitewashed clay flower pot instead. My birdie has taken up residence in there.



I'm trying to round up all my "garden decor" and vintage garden goods out on the sunporch, because it all needs to be packed together.  Believe me, I've moved enough that I know the hazards of packing things where they lay. I've found strange things in boxes a year after a move.


I'm having to be content with a few touches of Spring around here, and not create a full blown "explosion". I found one basket with faux hydrangeas that had been in the storage room, that had so much dust on it, it literally became a white cloud when I decided that it was time for it to be dismantled. I'm hoping to learn some life lessons through all this. Hey, I'll write a book entitled "One Woman's Lessons Learned from Downsizing".



I smell a bestseller in the "self help" section. Right now, I'm just trying to figure out how to get it all done without going bananas. And to not make my husband bananas, too. I've also been cleaning and downsizing my closet, but then that's another whole chapter...


partying with these gals:



love you guys,



50 comments:

  1. It's absolutely Adorable! Better than any that I have seen on Pinterest! Well done!

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  2. Debra,
    Post Retailer's Syndrome is the condition you have, dear one!!!
    I suffer terribly from its clutch. Once we leave the full~blown employment, we still feel the need to rotate every holiday and Season with abundant merchandise. No known cure. However, continual rotating of vignettes within ones own space does help reduce the symptoms. The only Rx that helps is to empty tubs on a regular basis and relabel!
    Seriously. . .a book would be most helpful as many of us are facing now or in the near future the "Going Downsizing without Going Bananas" ordeal!!!
    The umbrella is marvelous creativity!!! I adore the Spring color palette and the terra cotta pot with the bird is adorable!!!
    I agree, Packing With Precision( now there's a chapter title for you) is a MUST!!! We have been here nearly 12 years. Moving from one side of the Prairie to the other needed just that. We went from our home, to the duplex rental, to our home now!!!
    Sending you Springtime greetings and wishing warmer, sunny days in your future!!!
    Fondly,
    Pat

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  3. I never knew an umbrella could look so pretty and spring like! I'll buy the book if you write it! Can I make a suggestion, don't call it the "smaller" house, every time you say it it reenforces a smaller home being a negative. It really isn't, just an adjustment. Hopefully you will find the positives of small homes!

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    1. my only problem is that our rental is only 1/5 the size of our house we're selling. Believe me, I really do see the virtues of a "smaller" house. I'm just having a rough time with the transition. LOL! If I could snap my fingers and be "there" I'd do it in a heartbeat. Years in the antiquing biz has taken it's toll on me, and I'm ready to be "freed" from the hoarding mentality of a shop owner!

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  4. That cute umbrella had to come with you to your rental. It's so pretty and really brightens up that charming cupboard.
    Mary Alice

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  5. Debra. This is so beautiful and so so creative! It really brings Spring indoors!

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  6. Hi Debra,
    Your umbrella is so adorable. I had one last year out on my porch. The weather did a number on it but after seeing yours I think I may have to make another one for this spring. Too cute.
    Kris

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  7. Debra, your umbrella is just so pretty! What a happy picture.

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  8. Really cute idea - turned out great! Blessings, Cindy

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  9. Debra - what a wonderful idea for an umbrella - I love it and I love the pot and little bird.
    Patricia

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  10. Oh, Debra....I think that's the cutest "umbrella-do" I've ever seen....the rusty, yellow trowel and birdie are what makes it stand out for me! I must go pin it!
    JP

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  11. LOVE that umbrella all dressed up for SPRING:) Have a blessed day dear friend, HUGS!

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  12. When you're finished with yours, will you please come over and help me do mine?????

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  13. Gorgeous umbrella... I love how you added the vintage garden tools ...

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  14. Love your brella! I've been going to do this, but not sure that a black brella screams spring! Ha!! I am downsizing and I'm not moving...just tired of all the stuff, but there are treasures that I do not intend to part with...ever. lol Good luck!!
    Blessings~

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  15. Very pretty, Debra! I've seen them on pinterest and magazines and love the look. I use an over the door hanger for my wreaths and things on the front door. I was using Command Hooks but they only last so long before they fall off. I think it's because we get full sun for a good part of the day that hits the front door.

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  16. Such a pretty umbrella Debra! I love it hanging on your cupboard! I think your book would be a big hit!!! I'd buy a copy! LOL!~~Angela

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  17. What a fun and cute idea. I love it. Hugs, Marty

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  18. Such a fun and charming display. I love it.

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  19. LOVE it! Your bloomin' 'brella is so pretty and a wonderfully creative idea. Love, love the addition of garden tools and little flower pot and bird.

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  20. Love love that umbrella. I have such an attraction to old umbrellas that cannot be explained :)) -- Next time I see one at the Thrift I can buy it and do you DYI --- thanks so much for sharing and making my day a little brighter.

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  21. Beautiful umbrella, and the perfect place to hang it!! I'm thinking there is surely a 12-step program for gals like us!! I'm the same way, bin after bin of "STUFF"! I guess I'll be looking for a pretty umbrella now.....lol! Thanks for sharing the beauty!

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  22. Fear not.........I have that same disorder!!! Can't pass up faux flowers and decor when they are so realistic!!! My basement is full also!!! The umbrella is darling!!

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  23. I love your spring bouquet and it looks beautiful right where it is!

    Gigi @ Old World Patina

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  24. Debra, that is just too cute. I am glad you found it and are displaying it.

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  25. Debra it is beautiful! It is a great disorder to have!

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  26. It's no disorder, Debra...you are a floral designer at heart! So charming!

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  27. Hi Sweetie!
    Love your Spring umbrella! Such a lovely and cheery design element! I would expect do no less from you, my friend! I love how you're making this new space your own as much as possible. We always have to find contentment where we are, don't we? Have a wonderful rest of the week, and know that you're thought of often!
    Hugs and Joy,
    Becky

    Oh...I'll be waiting for that book!! :o)

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  28. I feel your pain. We are trying to downsize our stuff while staying put in our home. It is a bit freeing but a lot of work. I love your darling umbrella. How about one of those wreath hooks so you don't have to put a nail in the door?
    Blessings to you as you continue to pack and purge.

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  29. You have such pretty ideas! Your Spring umbrella is just lovely!

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  30. I love the garden tools, pot and bird tucked in your brella! And now you can enjoy it all the time, once things are on my front door I never get to enjoy them!
    Jenna

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  31. Love the umbrella Debra! Thanx for sharing it over at THT!

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  32. What a fun idea. I love it, and I think it looks great hanging on the cupboard.

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  33. Well done Debra! I’m amazed how this idea created. I already feel the spring and you brought one in my own home. I think I can make one out of this exquisite blooming ‘brella. Classy!

    Sebastian of
    Bali Hut Super Store

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  34. Hi Debra, I love the umbrella and the birdie looks so cozy in there. I'm just stopping by to say how delightful your blog is. Thanks so much for sharing. I have recently found your blog and am now following you, and will visit often. Please stop by my blog and perhaps you would like to follow me also. Have a wonderful day. Hugs, Chris
    http://chelencarter-retiredandlovingit.blogspot.ca/

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  35. That is just gorgeous Debra - hmmm- I have an old umbrella - there you go -
    Smack in the middle of reno's - I'm going to fill an umbrella now -
    AND I have that disorder - it's called HAFTAFILLOMANIA - just in case you haven't been diagnosed yet :)
    XOXO

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  36. Your Spring umbrella is sooo cute! Love the birdie and the gardening tools in there ;)

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  37. Your Blooming Brella is a beauty! Love the idea, cute and pretty.....I like how you tucked in the little flower pot, bird and the garden tools....looks adorable, perfect for spring!~hugs, Poppy

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  38. One of the best variations I've seen. Love it!

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  39. I also loved that green umbrella with the pink flowers pic on Pinterest, but your's is equally beautiful! I don't think it is only a retailers syndrome btw, because I never owned a shop (but secretly always wished for it) but I'm hoarder and collector of beautiful decorating items, wether they are old or new, too. I never owned a big house so, just my small row cottage, but that never hindered me lol I'm sure you will adjust to your smaller home with time. It has it advantages too. Anyway looking a the huge herd of ca. 40 different kind of bunnies that is just sitting on my living room table waiting to get decorated in pretty Easter vignettes, I wish for more space too lol and I don't want to stop collecting but I think I must :(

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  40. I LOVE this umbrella creativity! And the basket on top of the cabinet...I think I have some laundry baskets that look like that, and a large white cabinet...hmmm. You just gave me some ideas. Thank you! My white cabinet...
    http://judypimperl.blogspot.com/2014/02/who-would-want-this-stuff.html

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  41. so creative and perfect for spring! thanks for sharing at my link party!

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  42. Oh, Debra, I totally love the umbrella floral arrangement for a door, it would be great for a baby shower party idea, and your book idea is a great one, in fact I too had to down size from a very large 4,000 sq foot home to 1,400 sq ft this is why I pull things out and say oh well I guess I will hang it in the kitchen, like my French mirror. Sometimes small can be so calming and so cottage sweet.

    Love this posting idea, I am so going to make one for my front door for a ladies lunch :)

    Xox
    Doré

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  43. Debra,
    Love, love, love your spring umbrella with the vintage garden trowel and coordinated bird in the clay pot! Like others, I may have to copy you to greet upcoming guests, my monthly book club the first week of April. Now, I'm thinking I should make some kind of banner/sign that says something about April showers bring May flowers....

    Judith

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  44. Just gorgeous! What a wonderful idea! Happy Spring!
    Jennelise

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  45. How fun and festive is your umbrella!!! makes me excited for spring to arrive.... I love the little hand-tool in there.... Great little touch....
    :) Have a happy week!!
    “hugs” Crystelle
    Crystelle Boutique

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  46. Debra, your umbrella is really cute! I made one a couple years ago and still like it. I like how you've adorned it. I hear ya about packing things together. Makes it so much easier when the season rolls around. I'll be looking for that best seller. lol! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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  47. This is a really cute look. It looks perfect here on your cupboard. Thanks for sharing.
    Sherry

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