Welch House 1900

Cupid Wreath

Saturday, January 19, 2019

Today I wanted to share another Valentines DIY project. I love Valentines decor but sometimes its too cheesy for me. I want my Valentine decor to be elegant with a bit of sweetness thrown in.

I was elated when I spotted this tutorial on Pinterest to create this gorgeous cupid wreath, which is so my style! This wreath is the creation of the very talented Chloe of Celebrate & Decorate.

click here to see hers!

http://celebrateanddecorate.com/valentines-wreath/

I decided to make my wreath the same way, just adding in some different colors and ribbons.

My wreath form once was a mirror, but sadly it got broken. I was happy to find a new use for it!

I used two of my cherubs from my Christmas decor and added some sweet pink ribbons and pearls to their necks. I also found two tiny crowns in my craft stash for them!

Once I had everything hot glued on the cherubs, I then took a pipe cleaner, wrapped it around their wings and twisted to a few times to make sure it was secure. Once that was done I then wrapped the cherub with the pipe cleaner to the frame. I also used hot glue in spots to make it more secure for the cherub.

Next I found some Valentine ornaments that I've had for years and spray painted them gold because originally they were red. Once they were dry I hot glued a pearl to the front of each of them.

In Chloe's wreath she used ribbon the hang her hearts. I decided to use extra crystal strands from a chandelier that I bought instead.

Once I had everything the length that I liked and the hearts attached to the crystal strands, I hot glued each strand to the back of the frame.

I liked the outcome a lot, but something was missing, so I decided to add a simple pink ribbon to the top tied into a shoe string bow.

I think this was such a elegant and easy DIY and it can be easily customized to your tastes!

I spent nothing to create this.

Also, once I got done making the wreath I noticed that the frame was upside down...lol. Oh well, imperfection is beautiful.

I hope you enjoyed this post and maybe create a Cupid wreath of your own!

Happy Crafting!!

-Larissa

Vintage Inspired Satin Heart Wreath

Wednesday, January 9, 2019

Last fall I came across a beautiful vintage satin heart wreath. It was the perfect shade of blush pink and I fell in love with it instantly! The only downside was that it was way out of my budget. I've decided to remake it myself and share a tutorial with you!

What you will need:

-one wire heart wreath form

-approximately 6 rolls 1 1/2 in. x30 ft (10 yards each) Pink Satin ribbon

-scissors

I found all of my supplies at my local Wal-Mart. This project is so easy!

First thing that you will do is cut the ribbon in the length of your choice. Next just tie a simple shoelace bow around the wreath form. I was very random in my lengths because the original vintage wreath was created in that fashion, and I also liked the look of the various lengths as well.

As you are working, you will notice that the backside of this wreath is also very pretty!

That's it!! Just keep tying bows all around the wreath form. I like the tails of my bows to be left long, but you could trim them off for a more polished look if you wish!

This particular wreath also reminds me of my vintage pink valentine chocolate box. I love vintage heart boxes, I try to add to my collection each year.

I also think that adding small pearls or even a vintage brooch to this wreath would make it even more beautiful!

You could even display this wreath using the backside as the front instead. I think that look is very pretty too!

I will continue to use this wreath for many years to come. Hopefully as the years go by the pink satin will begin to fade just like the original 1950's wreath.

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and will make a keepsake vintage inspired Valentines wreath of your own!

-Larissa

For Auld Lang Syne

Sunday, December 30, 2018

For auld lang syne...

I love this song. I don't quite remember when I exactly first heard it, but somehow it feels as though I've always known it.

I must have first heard it as a chid of course, probably from watching "It's A Wonderful Life". I can still see George Bailey standing teary eyed in his living room, in front of so many family and friends who had been touched by his life, as they serenade him with "for auld lang syne".

When I decided to create a New Years mantel I wanted to incorporate "For Auld Lang Syne" into it.

I ended up writing it on my chalkboard and displaying it on my mantel.

I also used glittery garland and tons of candles. I just received this set of vintage brass candlestick holders for Christmas and I think they look magical all lit up for New Years.

Delicate white roses are a must on the mantel and I sprinkled some jingle bells throughout the garland.

I love the promise that the new year brings, but also feel the sadness of seeing the old year pass away.

When I was a child I always felt sad the first few minutes of the new year when everyone is cheering, toasting and hugging. It somehow felt like I had lost a dear friend.

As an adult I don't feel that way too much anymore. I always hope for a better year than the last.

At Welch house we like to ring in the New Year with goblets full of sparkling apple cider.

We usually eat around the dining room table with candles lit and the chandelier turned down low.

There are no rules on New Years Eve, we may even eat our dessert first. I love to watch my little boy sip his sparkling cider from the antique goblets.

He thinks its so special to eat by candlelight and sip fizzy cider at the fancy dining room table.

After dinner there will be laughter, board games (candy land) and card games ( five year old level) featuring Paw Patrol characters.

I hope our little boy remembers these simple New Years Eves together and looks back on them with happiness.

I want to wish you all a blessed and safe New Year. I pray 2019 will be a wonderful year. I can't wait to see what is in store for Welch House in 2019.

-Larissa

Christmas Eve Magic

Sunday, December 23, 2018

This will probably be my last post before Christmas. I can't believe tomorrow is Christmas Eve. As a child Christmas Eve was my most favorite day of the year, even more so than Christmas.

It was a day filled with anticipation and Christmas magic. Our house even seemed to feel different on Christmas Eve.

The lights on the tree appeared to be brighter, the house smelled of Christmas baking, and then there was the special excitement of knowing that Santa would soon be arriving.

I can remember trying so hard to fall asleep...my heart pounding fast with excitement for Christmas Day. I would usually wake up in the middle of night to sneak out of my bed and peer down the hallway into the living room just to see if Santa had already been there.

The house just felt magical when I saw the newly delivered Santa gifts under the tree and the stockings filled with candy.

The room felt enchanting to me because I knew that Santa had just been there.

Sometimes I would just sit quietly on the floor just soaking in the Christmas feeling.

I tried to capture that special Christmas magic with my night time photography this year. This is the first time I've ever photographed my home at night, and I'm pleasantly surprised with the results.

Even as an adult I will still sneak downstairs on Christmas Eve sometimes, and I must say the Christmas magic still exists.

I want to wish you all a very magical Holiday season and a blessed New Year.

-Larissa

European Christmas Mantel

Tuesday, December 18, 2018

Over the Summer I found the most incredible European cast stone mantel on Craigslist. My husband and I drove three hours one way to rescue it out of an old mansion in Kansas City, Missouri that was being modernized.

I have dreamed of decorating it for Christmas these past several months.

The mantel now graces our living room and truly is a statement piece. I decided to dress it simply with a faux cedar garland and simple pink bows.

The Deer statues were once black and I redid them in gold. I think they look beautiful in the candlelight.

The ironstone water pitcher is filled with pink roses that have dried but still retain their beauty.

The mantel features two beautiful maidens on each side and the craftsmanship is truly amazing. I never tire of gazing at it's beauty.

Candlelight, scattered books and ornaments decorate the marble stone slab in front of the mantel.

Our living room tree this year is an Old World European style tree that I purchased from Wayfair. I absolutely love it, and honestly, would love another one.

It is decorated with beloved pink ornaments from a dear friend and pink tulle pom pom garlands from Hobby Lobby.

This year I decorated the window seat. The trio of beautiful beveled glass windows each wear a simple wreath adorned with a pink bow.

I love the sweet pink velvet pillow that reads "Let's get cozy".

The presents are wrapped in vibrant pink wrapping from The Dollar Tree and tied with pink tulle. A single jingle bell is added for a touch or Christmas.