Made For Walkin'

Maybe it's the fact that I have grown up and lived in Texas for the majority of my life, but cowboy boots have not been on my list of must-haves. Don't get me wrong--I went through a phase in my childhood when I owned a cowboy hat and boots and ran after the calves in the rodeo. (This is a big step for me to admit on a public website!)

After that phase had passed, I despised anything that resembled  a cliche homage to Texas. I knew it would be all the more difficult to explain to my out-of-state friends that we all don't ride horses here in Texas!

(Image via CJs Lucchese Boots)

No doubt cowboy boots are beautiful. They are a Civil War-era art form that has remained as a strong staple.

Just like brussels sprouts have transformed from a hatred to a love as I've aged, so have cowboy boots. Each time my hubby and I go swing or country dancing, I worry about my toes getting squashed or my nicer dress boots getting scuffed. I need something rugged! Enter: Cowboy boot.

And that's what they are--rugged style that works on and off the dance floor. I have been spotting them everywhere the past few years. Dressed up or down, cowboy boots work their magic with everything...

On the streets of New York City. "New York City???? Get a rope!"

(Image via New York Times)

Partnered with a vintage silk 1960s dress.

(Image via California Pixie)

Coveted by brides.

(Image via Elizabeth Ann Designs)

A musician's staple, a la rock.

(Image via imgfave.com)

Fashion designer Marant Blackson toughens up the sweet lace.

(Image via style.com)

Leather biker gear.

(Images via thatgossipsite.com and streetphoto.com)

How Wreath It Is (Part 2)

Here we are, arriving at another holiday in our fall series of madness. Speaking of series, I am bringing to you another Cheapskate Tip for creating your very own Autumn/Thanksgiving holiday wreath. This tutorial stems from my last post, featuring the spooky Halloween wreath.

Tutorial:

1. Take your wreath that was decorated for Halloween and break it down as far as you want to take it. For my wreath, I only removed the postmortem sock monkey. 
2. Add any textile you wish. The more textures, the better. I completely covered the wreath by wrapping burlap fabric around the entire parameter.
3. When you are wrapping your wreath, determine how it will hang. Here, I created a loop at the top with the burlap, and knotted it in the back. I then took narrow black ribbon and tied it perpendicular to the loop to create my hanger. I then covered the black ribbon with the rhinestone satin ribbon with hot glue, to add that holiday bling we all love.
4. Affix items that remind you of fall and Thanksgiving. The best part about this wreath is that I found this amazingly large maple leaf on the ground while walking my dog during a beautiful autumn evening. I allowed it to dry naturally and painted the veins of the leaf with silver paint. Allow this project to open your eyes to the outside world. LOOK FOR GOODIES ON THE GROUND!
5. We had an old pine cone ornament with a wire inserted into it. I straightened the wire and secured the pine cone to the leaf by way of floral tape.
6. Again, I encourage you to work with items you find and already own to create your style. That said, you will have to figure out a method to affix your items to the wreath. I used orange satin ribbon that was laying around and wrapped the stems to the wreath with a crisscross action. Tie a knot to keep the boys and girls in place.

There you go! A Thanksgiving holiday wreath for under $5. In my case, this was FREE. Slow down, enjoy your surroundings and thoughtfully display the things that resonate with you. Happy Thanksgiving and until next time!