Editor’s note: In addition to the content I produce for Pencil Shavings, I also write for other publications including Better Homes & Gardens, and now for Carlton Landing’s blog on all things decor & design.   Fall wins the prize for my most favorite season. Bring on all the pumpkin bread, pumpkin spice, pumpkin lattes, […]

Imagine me, in full Oprah voice, “It’s PUMPKIIIIIIIN TIIIIIIIIIIIIIIME!” Opening up my box of velvet pumpkins from last year was maybe better than pulling out the Christmas decorations. I find the color combinations endlessly fascinating. I’m especially intrigued by the role the neutral tones play. They’re necessary, you know? There has to be some break […]

Pumpkin of the week time! Are we tired of fall decorating ideas yet? I hope not ? because there’s so much more good stuff to come. It’s go big or go home around here. For this week’s version, I asked bestie Rita Ortloff if she’d paint up a couple pretties for me to photograph and she […]

As much as I love Halloween for the dress-up and candy, I’m always on the lookout for fun, kid-friendly and creative ways to decorate for fall. Pumpkins, gourds, jack-o-lanterns — I love them all! But I’m all about pushing it to the next level of clever and cheeky. With my youngest only 20 months, I’m more […]