Accessories That Last
by Nikki Willhite
www.allthingsfrugal.com
Choose Accessories for your Home that Have Meaning
One of the biggest wastes of money that I see in decorating
homes is people doing projects to decorate their home that I know they are going
to get tired of, and want to get rid of in 6 months to a year.
At the present time, there are more crafts out there than I can
keep up with. Some of them will stand the test of time, while others will look
as dated as a macrame owl in a few years. I suppose if you enjoy doing a craft,
and it brings you relaxation, you could justify the cost. If not, how much
better to surround yourself with things that will last your lifetime.
How do you know what will last? If you want to keep your hands busy and be
creative in your home decor, what should you do?
Of course you should do things that you enjoy. However, if you want something to
last, or be passed down to your children someday, ask yourself how you will feel
about it when it is done? How much sentimental value will it have?
You do not have to surround yourself with the things that are displayed in the
stores. The most comfortable, warm homes reflect the special hobbies and
interests of the people that live there. Things don't have to match. It doesn't
matter. If you love the things you surround yourself with, they will all blend
together in your eyes, which are the only ones that really matter.
Try and be creative with the things that you treasure or have meaning to you.
That special letter or card your spouse wrote you when you were dating would
look great framed and matted on a board with some dried flowers and other
creative touches.
Your children's artwork would look nice matted in a frame.
Everything from your grandmother's tatting to autumn leaves look good matted and
framed.
Treasure anything from the past, whether it is your first baby
shoes or old postcards. Think of them as art, and try to find a way to display
them.
Quilts, whether small wall hangings or bed size, made of scraps
of your children's clothing grow in value and sentiment over time.
If you like cross stitch, make your own design from something
significant to you, like your house. At least buy a kit that reflects your
family's interests.
The greater the sentimental value, the more pleasure your
project will bring. Think of the things you owned in the past. Wouldn't you love
to have some of the thing today that you had as a child? I don't just mean
baseball cards or comic books (although I would love to have mine). Many of the
things we owned as children would be treasured items today.
You are in the process of making memories for your family. Try and visualize how
important something may be in the future to you or your children.
Also, remember- anything you make TOGETHER with your children
will have great sentimental value to them someday! (Have them paint part of that
birdhouse!)
So there is the challenge. Whether you are making bird houses or
Quilts, find a way to make them very personal. Your efforts will not be wasted.