mixed greens Christmas tree

December 11, 2014 | circadee

Last week I shared our front door decor for the holidays which is relatively simple and traditional. Less seems to be more this year…

I’ve been utilizing what nature has to offer as winter approaches. We’re seeing beautiful holly, dried marsh grasses and bushy cedar beginning to take center stage. A brisk walk in the woods will provide you with enough supplies to make your very own mixed greens tree.

If you’ve read the December issue of Better Homes & Gardens, you may know where I am going with this project…

There are two very important tools that you’ll need to construct this tree: Florist wire and a tomato cage. An upside down tomato cage creates the perfect cone shape! You’ll need to find some sort of base for your tree. I used a vintage enamel pot. The handles were perfect for the tomato cage to sit on. Wire the 3 “legs” together on top to create the point of the tree form.

I started creating the tree with cedar cuttings first and followed the lateral lines of the cage, wiring each piece on as I went. Besides the top point, I wired all greens facing down (stems up) so it looked natural.

After all lateral lines are wired, it looked kind of hairy. Perseverance pays off. Keep going! I wired greens on the horizontal lines starting with the bottom first, making sure to overlap the enamel pot. Each subsequent layer covers the stems and mechanics of the previous layer.

Finally, fill in your cage so it looks like a nice, full tree. I stuck holly branches in without even wiring them. I also “decorated” the tree with dried grasses and a burlap ribbon remnant.

My DIY mixed greens tree is a little bit wild but it was fun and free to make! It took about 30 minutes to complete. And what else was I going to do with my tomato cage in December?

I have been back at milk painting holiday themed signs and boards as well…

Oh deer!

chestnut hill, here we come

October 23, 2013 | circadee

I have always loved the Chestnut Hill section of Philadelphia. It is situated in the northwest corner of the city and boasts lots of historic charm on either side of Germantown Avenue. I grew up in the suburbs to the north and my first grown up home was in the Philadelphia neighborhood of Manayunk, just south of Chestnut Hill. To me, Chestnut Hill has always been a sweet spot between the suburbs and the city – literally and figuratively. The are large, historic homes and mature trees plus its very own flavor of urban flair found on Germantown Ave. which is lined with unique small businesses.

Last spring when I found out that Clover Market would be venturing to Chestnut Hill for one day, I was all over it. One of my favorite neighborhoods in the area? Plus my favorite vintage market where I love being a seller? In beautiful, crisp October? Yes, please!

Circa Dee will be at Clover Market in Chestnut Hill on Sunday, October 27th from 10-5. The market is located at 25 W. Highland Ave. off of Germantown Ave. For information on this new location and parking, click here.

It is our last market of the season so we are bringing it! I am talking about the goods we have been hoarding for months if not years. Some never seen before and some of my favorites from my own collection are going to be up for sale too.

Like this 1940s enamel kitchen table in a rare large size with 4 chairs and 2 cutlery drawers with glass knobs.

1940s enamel top table

My beloved painted antique piano stool. Tear.

piano stool

This mid-century swivel club chair.

mid-century swivel chair

And these vintage library chairs which sadly I have no use for…

Library Chairs

Can you tell I am itching to do some redecorating this winter? Or at least make room for Christmas decorating. Yes, I went there. Speaking of Christmas, Clover is a good place to get started on your holiday shopping with over 100 art and antique vendors.

Is there anything else you’ve been coveting that I can be talked into selling?! Not my dog or husband – everything else is negotiable! Will we see you Sunday at this new Clover Market location?

the john

June 24, 2012 | circadee

Remember my dad the antiquer? He’s also my dad the plumber. And when those two worlds collide you end up with an antique toilet.

True story.

The past week has been crazy busy and full of developments for Circa Dee. I can’t wait to share all of them with you as the time is right. In the midst of all of this great activity we spent a couple of days in Cape May. My parents joined us and we set out antiquing on Saturday morning. On our journey we encountered the aforementioned toilet. Of course I encouraged my dad the antiquer/plumber to get it. How could he continue to live without a Victorian era john?

My mom, on the other hand, was repulsed by the idea of the toilet taking up residence in her house. Obviously she was overruled. And being the ornate oak vessel that it is, my dad has big plans of displaying the piece in their living room. I’m fairly certain he will be overruled in that category.

Did I mention that he plans to put a plant in it. Seriously. Without prompting he said he’s going to put a plant in the enamel can. In the living room. I will have to keep you posted on where the toilet ends up. I have a feeling it may be the basement. (Honestly the can really does gross me out and you know how much I love enamelware…just not this pot.)

In the meantime, my dad and I had a good time having a photoshoot with the ancient vessel. My mom all the while kept shouting for us to wash our hands and not to touch it.

Good times. So how was your weekend?