Salesman Sample Bag for Fall

I've had this big brown leather bag for I don't know how long. It's always sat at the bottom of the stairway, and often it's just been something to trip over. It's pretty worn in some places, so it's been better at gathering dust and being in the way than being a focal piece.

But I  was determined to do something different downstairs for the coffee table in my little sitting area, so I decided I would try to make this work. These are often confused with doctor's bags, but these salesmen's sample bags are bigger. Doctor's bags are most always black, and have a lower profile even though they are similar.

I wedged an old book between the metal frame of the hinges and stashed in some Faux Fall flowers and bushes. That's one thing I love about Fall, you can take bits and pieces of Fall leftovers and group them together, those wonderful colors and textures are so forgiving!

That's my ceramic pumpkin from the early 80's. 

It's seen better days, but I drag it out each Fall to enjoy one more season.

My red floral sofa is now sans slipcover,

as I was tired of it looking messy. 

Better red than sloppy.

Hope you're off to a great weekend,

rainy and cool today,

The Holiday Cupboard tomorrow!

xoxo,

Today's Sponsor

French Bleu Vintage

Be Inspired #159: Farmhouse Porch Decor

Welcome to Be Inspired!

Right now I'm sort of in "limbo" with the roof overhaul. The roof is done and it turned out great, but the new gutter system won't go in until next week, so that means that I STILL can't do any outdoor decorating! I'm so thankful for the new roof, but shoot, it's messing with my outdoor Fall plans!

So I'm having to live vicariously through all of you out there. When I saw Denise's amazing Farmhouse Fall Porch Decor from Pink Postcard, I just had to imagine sitting out there and enjoying it all. So many fun areas and elements on her porch: from the wonderful porch swing with great Fall pillows to the Baker's Rack. I love it all!

How fun is this? 
Amber's found deer looks right at home in this great vignette.
Check out the Harvest Mantel and Woodland Pets at
Junkaholics Unanimous.

Suzanne from Bits of Me used beautiful drying Hydrangeas and naturals
with this great old tin, for an amazing floral arrangement.

You'll want to check out this mega Barnwood Chalkboard from
Stephanie at Rose Petals and Rust
love the ladder too!

Peggy from Garden House Living rescued an old basket
 with a great burlap and stenciled liner.
Love that ribbon fringe!

And here are two fun Fall "Wreaths":

Grain Sieve Wreath from Melinda at The Refeathered Roost

and Julie from Tattered Tiques

with her wreath made from Bushel Basket Lids
I've not seen this before and I thought it was super cool way
to use a vintage base for something unique and different.

Elizabeth from Pine Cones and Acorns

has my mouth watering for Pumpkin Tortellini.

And take a look at Kathy's Autumn Spice Cake

from A Delightsome Life...yum.

thanks gals, for all the inspiration!

And, thanks so much to each of you who took the time to link up with a backlink already in your post last week. It was so nice visiting, seeing a link there. I don't like having to jump through hoops, so this week I'm going back to the regular link up. Please, just take a minute to link back to this post. Remember, I can't feature you if there isn't a link within your individual post.

Hope you'll join in for the Fabulous Fall Fun!

Have a great weekend,

Today's Sponsor

Bel Monili

Top Visited links from Be Inspired

You know what Wednesday is...

time to see the Top Visited Links from last week's Be Inspired Party!

Here they are, if you haven't dropped by for a visit,

 go check out these great posts!

Linda from Itsy Bits and Pieces shared some wonderful finds

 including these beautiful black transferware dishes.

Kris from Junk Chic Cottage shared some changes on her mantel 

with this perfectly Fall, Harvest Blessings sign.

Cristina from Shabby Criss

told us how not to print on fabric;

An amusing post with a great finished project!

and Trudy from Looks Like White 

gave us some magazine inspiration from an 1820's Cottage.

thanks gals for sharing the inspiration!

See you tomorrow around 11 Central for

xoxo,

Today's Sponsor

Rusty Fall Garland

Happy Happy October everyone, 

my favorite month of the year!

A couple of weeks ago on one of my Fall Open House excursions, I found this wonderful little Rusty Bird and Butterfly Garland. You know, one of those things you have to have, but don't know for sure where or how you'll use it?

I think I must have tried at least a dozen ideas, then set it aside hoping the right spot would show itself. So yesterday I decided it was time to do something seasonal on the sofa table in the living room. Well... technically, it's not behind a sofa, but it's still such a great little side table which hugs the wall, and offers yet one more surface to decorate.

This table was painted  "off white" a few years ago 

when I went on my furniture painting rampage,

where I painted over 20 individual furniture pieces white.

Usually this spot doesn't get changed up much, but yesterday I was feeling the Fall Decorating Mojo, which has been squelched due to not being able to do anything outside because of the new roof. (which is now done, but today new gutters are being fitted. So that means hopefully, at some point, I'll get my front porch and deck back!)

Love this original oil painting, of an old farmhouse in Europe.

So here are some close ups of the rusted birdies. The rusty garland is intertwined with a faux bittersweet garland, and I cannot remember what these little mini pumpkin pods are called, but they have some cinnamon oil mixed in.

 mmmmm...what a heavenly aroma.

Rust and Fall just go together...

I honestly cannot remember where I found this marble based candleholder, but it weighs 10 tons, so it always stays here. And this interesting old tray has tapestry fabric on it. Looks like "Fall" to me.

This is a hard spot to photograph since one of the twin sofas is sitting in front of it. A talented florist and designer friend made the topiaries for me for Erin's wedding, 15 years ago. And believe me, they have 15 years worth of dust on them, too. ( I hate to dust and will put it off until I can write my name in it. The floors are another story. My OCD floor cleaning fetish always makes everyone nuts.)

If you're local you'll want to make it to the Ozark Art and Crafts Fair this weekend in Ozark, Missouri, starting Friday morning.  There are always some great things to see, buy, and eat... none of which are good for you. 

I'll be joining in on these great weekly parties!

Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style, 

Centsational Girl 

Inspiration Gallery at Ella Claire      

DIY by Design    

TTT at StoneGable   

Everyday Home

Share Your Cup at Mrs. Olson's   

The Charm of Home

French Country Cottage    

Rooted in Thyme     

From My Front Porch to Yours   

Craftberry Bush    

Jennifer Rizzo                                              

The Marketplace: Etsy and Boutique Showcase

What a great link-up we had here at The Marketplace last week! I think it was our biggest yet! And what makes it really great is seeing new people and shops, then checking out the links finding items have sold. I appreciate each of you who comes to share their wonderful goods, and then those of you who stay for shopping! Here are a few fun items from last week:

I'm totally in love with these 2 Owl Prints 

from Folk Art by Donna

Perfect for Fall Decor

Beautiful Italian Florentine Wood Tray

The Screen Porch

Such a sweet little model!

Love this adorable face on this Halloween Black Cat 

 all dressed for Halloween.

She's even holding a Halloween Banner.

Morning Brew Soap

from Soap n Such

I just received some of Judy's wonderful Vegan Soaps.

can I say Heavenly?

OK, Heavenly and Amazing!!

Vintage French Kitchen Canisters

from La Croix Rosion
Be sure and check out Liz's wonderful shop full of French loveliness!

And this Altered Halloween Bottle
looks like the perfect potion for romance.

from Marionberry Cottage

Today's Sponsor for The Marketplace is Rose from Rosekraft. Hope you'll run by and browse her shop for wonderfully framed authentic Victorian die cuts and cottage garden decor.

thanks, Rose!

This link-up is for anyone with an Online Store or Etsy Shop, Please only link items that are for sale. You can link up to three items from your shop, and if possible to the individual item. You don't have to have a blog to join in for the fun. Thanks so much for coming by, and remember this link will be open all week, so check back by for new items being listed!

Have a great week, everyone,