9.09.2014

A Rustic Bridal Shower in the Garden

Gathering under the August skies.

Adding a single mop head hydrangea to a simple ball jar.  Our theme for the day and for the rustic wedding will be Burlap and Lace.

A simple basket placed aside the favors is filled with pre addressed wedding invitations.  Guests can bring their invitation home and the bride and groom save on postage.  Twisted pines grace the table (the name of the future bride and grooms lovely home).  Handmade pumpkin spice soaps, made and decorated by the grooms mother and little tags painted by opendoorstudio, rest on a tiered silver stand.

A hand embroidered burlap runner is adorned by the "Twisted Pines".  The bride and grooms initials and wedding date have also been incorporated.  The archway was covered in lace and burlap for a
romantic and rustic feel.


The bar was set including refreshments for all who attended, Fresh cucumber water, home made sangria and spiced tea are served in glass pitchers.

The garden blooms were plenty for the shower day.

Guests arrived through the secret garden arbor, while the old wolf dress form was the perfect fit for the grooms mothers 1979 wedding gown.

Reclaimed tables and chairs were clothed in ecru cloths with a burlap rectangle on top.  Glass plates were created with lace accents on the bottom.  Atop the plates sat a simple ball jar with a single stem hydrangea.  Simplicity ruled the day.  The white tent was the perfect space for the bride and groom to gather.
The table was set to receive the gifts.  To the left you find a vintage table covered in lace and an old rustic cart tucked underneath for a place to place gifts.  The matching white folding chairs have "rest" and "relax" painted on the back.  The spot where the bride and groom will sit to open their gifts.


Wil and Kristin opening their gifts under the tent.
(hint… lace sticks to the velcro on the tent!!! bonus time saver)


"Aunties" enjoying the beautiful garden.


The lovely bride to be.

Adirondack chairs were a castoff from a friend.  Tony, my husband, painted them the bright yellow we used on our shutters.  They lent a bright pop in the front yard amongst the flowers, trees and pond.
All day long butterflies and hummingbirds were flitting about in the garden… reminding us of those who had passed before and were able to attend in spirit.


The pond flowers bloomed for the first time on shower day… even the pond flowers loved the day!


Bridesmaids, moms and aunts lent a hand.  Everyone brought their favorite appetizer and a recipe card for the bride and groom so that they can prepare them at their own gatherings in the future!



Geli made this delicious Black Forest cake! Perfection… right down to the sprinkle shimmer hearts.

Under the lights in the garden the night before. 
We often gather with others in the front yard to celebrate birthdays, graduations and more.  We were so happy to have had the chance to host the Bridal shower for my nephew and his wife to be.
What a lovely day!


Congratulations to my nephew and his beautiful "bride to be" … on their upcoming wedding!

For more…check out instagram #wilkristin2014 and #twistedpines for more of the wedding day (in the future)   #opendoorstudio
















6.23.2014

Pendleton style…Shop OpendoorStudio in Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin

Coming to Baileys Harbor July 12th 2014… 
We are bringing our "Campy" style for your home or cottage.
Personalized Pendelton Style signage.  
I am able to add your special place in the world
... for only $22.00 each with $12.00 shipping.

They will be available at the show and I will be personalizing them there as well!
Add your street address or favorite vacation spot to hang on your wall.

Here is an example of a few of the things that will be coming with us to the show.
I have Vintage Cowboy boots, flannels, blankets, camp chairs, lanterns,
tables for your cottage, pennant pillows and more!  Miss Mabel will be taking the trip too!
Watch for her around the County.
Below, are a number of vintage plaid suitcases and train cases… they are perfect to pack with or to store things in … in your cabin or cottage. 
We can't wait to see you ! 

6.09.2014

Home trends : bold yellow exterior shutters


Be the envy of the neighborhood!

Presto-change-o ... Brighten your home by repainting your shutters and adding windowboxes full of blooms.

Maximum effect for little effort.

Add bold color to your exterior shutters
Color: Bold Yellow from Benjamin Moore


5.13.2014

Spring flower Collections from OpendoorStudio Zone 5


Spring flowers found around the "Studio" 
Blue bells
Viburnum
Lily of the Valley
Quince
Forget-me-not
Donald Wyman Crabapple
Montmorency Cherry


 

Deep Purple Tulip
Viola
Viola : mixed
Yellow and Red Tulip
Crabapple
Forget-me-not
Maroon and yellow Tulip
White Daffodil

What a beautiful Spring it has been.  The cooler weather delayed the blossoms, but once they arrived they lasted a bit longer.

4.08.2014

Springtime in the garden


Add Unexpected Color to your Space !



Spring is a time for cleaning, a time For freshening up. Here is a fun do-it-yourself project!  Brighten up your space!  Find some old branches from around the yard. Add your favorite spray paint colors to the branches.  Place them in a large vase and enjoy! 

3.11.2014

Homemade Cheesecake Recipe


This yummy and creamy cheesecake recipe has been in my personal cookbook now for many years. 
The original recipe is actually stapled in, written by the wonderful woman who shared it with me some 30 years ago.  Since then, I have only made it a few times, but that was before my kitchen aid mixer. It is so easy to make, I can't believe it has been so long since I last made it.  After revisiting this recipe, It is sure become my "go to" dessert to bring for a special occasion.  The recipe is simple and oh so delish.  I hope you love it and add it to YOUR personal cook book too!  Thanks go to Mrs. B for sharing this one long ago.


 Crust Recipe:
2 Cups Graham Cracker Crumbs
2 Tablespoons Sugar
1/2 cup Melted Butter

Combine ingredients in a large bowl and mix well.  Press into a glass pie plate. (approx. 11 1/2 inch plate) Allow to cool 15 minutes before adding the filling. Hint: you may use a pre made graham cracker shell, but it may be smaller than the recommended size.


 Cheesecake Recipe:

4 Egg whites 
1 Cup Sugar
1 teaspoon Vanilla
3 large packages of Cream Cheese.

Topping:

1 pint Sour Cream
1 teaspoon Vanilla
3 Tablespoons Sugar

Special Topping Suggestions:

Fresh Strawberries or Cherries
Canned Pie filling.

Shown with canned cherry pie topping.

Beat egg whites until stiff.  To the egg whites, add 1 cup of sugar and 1 teaspoon Vanilla. Once combined, add 3 large packages cream cheese and blend until smooth.

Pour the mixture into the crust (recipe and prep instructions above)  and bake 25 minutes at 350*

Remove from the oven and allow to cool.  

Mix 1 pint of sour cream, 1 teaspoon Vanilla and 3 Tablespoons of Sugar.  Spread on top of the cooled Cheesecake.  Return to the oven and Bake for 5 minutes at 475*.  Remove and allow to cool. 

Chill the cheesecake in the refrigerator until ready to serve.  Just before serving, add the topping of your choice to the cake.  I chose Cherries, you may choose just about any topping, homemade or canned.  Blueberries, Strawberries, Peaches, Apples… The possibilities are endless.

Slice and enjoy!

2.18.2014

Creating a Colorful Vintage Bookcase

I adore Vintage books! I tend to collect books in varied colors and contents.
Here, I have grouped blues and greens together in a white corner cupboard for an eclectic way to feature a special collection. I have included cameras and my original and found art work.
Favorite collections: Blue and green books

In the 1940's black lacquer bookcase below, I have grouped books by color.  I have created a chroma of books from left to right, some books with interesting cover colors have been featured, by setting them sideways within the shelves, it adds additional interest.


Colorful books in a bookshelf from the 1940s
Below is the complete bookshelf, with globes collected atop the cabinet and green and orange arrow chairs flanking the sides.  I adore color as you can tell, and in my home… color rules!


What is YOUR bookshelf style?  Share your link below in the comments section.