copycat fall tablescape

28 September 2010

I needed to escape one night after the kids were in bed. You know those days when you just have to get out of the house and you don’t care if it’s just down to Kroger to stuff your face with a Dove bar to grab some milk and bread? I was wandering down the magazine aisle and this one caught my eye:
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I started thumbing through it and I began devouring every page. I was going to toss it into my cart, but I saw the $10.99 price tag and there was no way I was going to pay that for a magazine. And you can probably guess the rest of the story. I couldn’t stop thinking about it~there was so much good stuff in there. So, I went back a few days later and bit the bullet and bought it. And that’s part of the reason I’ve over budget this month. But it was worth it! It is brimming with great ideas and pictures.
There was a living room/dining room that Heather Chadduck designed that I fell in love with. Especially this tablescape:
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I drank in everything about it and thought about how I could re-create it in my home.
Here is my version:

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I’ll give you more details in a later post, but here is the cost breakdown:
lampshade (awesome church yard sale) $1
small clock~I found it does work!!  (yard sale in Texas) .50
urn & pumpkin ~don’t remember how much, but they were 75% Target clearance and yard sale, so let’s say $2 total.
weathered pot (awesome church yard sale) .50
real live topiary! (from Walmart in May) $11
painting from Goodwill I turned into a chalkboard with some leftover paint: $6.99
TOTAL: $34.94
I would have loved to have found a big chunky print like Kristine@ The Painted Hive did, but this is good for now.
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I wish I had cute, crafty handwriting, but this is a favorite quote that is on the chalkboard:
"If we thought of life as a gift, we might not demand nearly as much from it. And if we lived more graciously, giving of ourselves more freely to the well-being of others, many of our personal concerns would disappear, and life would become easier for all."
— Lowell Bennion
fall is creeping in to the house, slowly…

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I cannot tell you how excited I was to find this lamp.september 2010 027 1 Doesn’t it look similar to this Robert Abbey lamp for $220?robert abbey edgar lamp $220 Okay, even if you don’t think so, just play along and nod yes.
I didn’t want this topiary to die over the winter, so I brought it in. I hope there is enough sunlight by the window. And I hope I can remember to water. And that it doesn’t get broken by a hurling ball across the room.

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Thanks for coming by~

76 comments

  1. Great job Melissa! Love it - and so smart!

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  2. I too cried a little when I saw that $10.99 price tag! I didn't go back for it though:(

    LOVE it all...especially done on a budget. But you have to make up for that $10.99 magazine somewhere right? :)

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  3. I love it! Especially the lamp. Wow, that's an expensive magazine. Maybe I can talk some friends into us all sharing it.

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  4. It looks wonderful! The lamp is fab. I love the chalkboard too. Okay, I love it all. :)

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  5. BEAutiFul! LOVE the chalkboard & saying, LOVE the lamp and clock, LOVE the topiary, and really Love the gorgeous console!

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  6. Love your artwork!! I was blog hopping tonight - a favorite pasttime haha - and love what I found here! I'll be back. Happy Fall!

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  7. Looks great. I've been a Southern Living subscriber for a long time, and remember that "Arkansas football chalkboard" from several years ago. It caught my eye then, and you've done an awesome job re-creating it :)

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  8. I'm nodding and I AGREE! That lamp is divine! I started spray painting my white and started dripping OF COURSE! so I sanded it down and it is less noticeable but I was so bummed! Still working on it - LOVED this little set up and don't you just love white pumpkins? Love 'em!

    Hugs, The Lady

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  9. I just love that quote! Congrats on the awsome find :)

    ~Emily N. from "too Blessed to Stress"

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  10. G.O.R.G.E.O.U.S......

    melissa .....

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  11. I LOVE this!! The saying ... the chalkboard ... the lamp ... ALL of it! I have a chalkboard in my dining room, too ... haven't posted it yet for fear of it not *working*. It's not nearly as wonderful as yours, but I'm inspired now. Thanks for sharing, *Becca*

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  12. Oooops! Sorry, I drooled on your topiary. :)
    So pretty.

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  13. Oh, I love what you did! I agree, I wouldn't pay that for a magazine either.....I'm here from the nesters mantle party! Great job!!!

    Cindy

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  14. Love it! so cool! Wonderful idea~stopping over from the Nester.

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  15. I love the simplicity of it. Clean and beautiful!

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  16. You have a great eye! Love the lamp and I can't believe you got it for $2.95. The console was a great find as well. I'm visiting from the Nester's mantel party. Glad I stopped by.

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  17. Looks great! I love how CLEAN yet very FALL it is

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  18. your tablescape looks great, i do LOVE that lamp. it is the perfect color, it's an in between color, to me. your interpretation of the photo you liked is spot on!

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  19. Love your blog...you do such a great job with it! And HELLO I'm loving your table scape...super, super cute. I just love all the inspiration you give me:)

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  20. Love how you created your own vision from what you saw in a magazine. One of my favorite things to do is to grab a coffee at Starbucks and head over to Barnes and Nobel to look through their dĂ©cor magazines. I’m sure they love when I it do it too….;o) . I do usually end up buy one or two that I can’t live without.

    Love the big chalk board and the real topiary . How luck are you to have one real one!!

    Kendra aka "Domestic Princess in Training"

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  21. Melissa, love your version! I have had your inspiration photo saved for ages - love that room - especially the big chunky chalkboard. I can't believe you recreated that look on a budget - it looks great!

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  22. Oh, my gosh, I LOVE your interpretation of that inspiration photo. Everything is so pretty. Thanks for joining my party and sharing it with us, Melissa! :-)

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  23. Stunning...and on a budget! I LOVE IT!

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  24. It's looooovely!!! I haven't seen that issue of SL yet, Melissa. I think I would have been tempted as well. ;) But I have a STACK of mags that I need to go through. :s

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  25. Melissa! I'll be completely honest--I like your version better than the one you copycatted! And I can't believe how you pulled it together for so little cash. Even if you throw in the $10.99 cost of the magazine, this arrangement would be a budget-friendly deal!

    I think you must be a magician. With a very, very big black hat. And I'm definitely a member of your fan club!

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  26. can you come do that in my house??? i love the whole set up- fabulous!

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  27. Oh man, I should add the cost of the magazine into it,huh? But what if I'm going to use it for inspiration all over my house? Can I divide the cost up? :)

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  28. I love the restraint of it all. That's my new decor motto - restraint! I think you executed it beautifully.

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  29. Love the look and holy cow did you chalk, (get it?0 :) bargins galor. I'm a sucker for white pumpkins and your's looks perfect in the urn. Thanks for posting your pictures

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  30. Nice take on that inspiration photo.... It's a great quote, too. I may borrow it! Thanks.
    ~ Sue

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  31. This looks great, Melissa! I love it! I saw that magazine and didn't get it - yet. Although I might not now that I know it's $10.99!

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  32. I love your version! and your topiary is waaay better than their plant! I cannot believe you found that lamp for such a cheap price!

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  33. LOVE it!!! Wow - I am blown away with how gorgeous it is and for that PRICE!!

    I shared it on my TT&J FB and linked to you. Awesome job!

    xox
    Jen

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  34. Your tablescape turned out so pretty! I love that quote! And the lamp is beautiful!

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  35. I like your lamp so much better than the other one, would kill for one just like it!

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  36. they had the Hogs schedule on their board?! Ah-mazing! Woo Pig!

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  37. I love it, looks great! I think the urn with the pumpkin is my favorite part.

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  38. That is impressive! I love quote, too.

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  39. Melissa, your version looks gorgeous! Love how you recreated the look, without a big price tag. You know I'm all about that too. Good job!

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  40. I am totally in love with the lamp. I actually have 2 of the Robert Abbey lamps and I would proudly place your Goodwill lamp in a room with them. It's a good looking little lamp!

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  41. Job well done! So very pretty and yes, I have seen that mag too but sadly enough have not broken down and purchased it but I just might have to soon!;)

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  42. Oh My WORD! I've been saving that issue of cottage living now for FOREVER! I loved every part of that little article! I made a chalkboard after seeing that one... http://sugarandspicemommy.blogspot.com/2009/04/message-board-project.html

    now I am currently trying to piece together the look of the pew with the pictures in my mudroom!

    Seeing this post has seriously made my day! HA!

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  43. I like what you did! I did the same thing with that magazine....walked away....walked back and bought it. It's a great reference magazine. Linda

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  44. I love it. It looks great. Don't you hate that the home decor mags are so expensive. I've been in the store before and almost bought one then to saw the price tag.

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  45. Fabulous!!! Love it, Melissa!!

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  46. Great vignette and such great deals! I love the topiary in the weathered pot. It might make you feel a bit better to know that in Canada it would be $15.99. I just gave in and bought the latest Country Home fall 2010 Meredith specials for $15.99 plus tax. Ouch. Lots of great ideas though.

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  47. Looks lovely Melissa! Your version is so much better than your inspiration photo and you are very talented. And yes, that is a killer lamp! xo

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  48. I LOVE It!! I so go up the road to CVS and just hang in the magazine rack all the time when I need a milk and bread break. I too hate when I love a magazine that is 9.99 or up!!! Sometimes they are just absolutely necessary! I can't believe you got that rockin lamp at goodwill. i never find good lamps at goodwill in our town.

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  49. love this post. Love that you spent less than $40 to get the expensive look. Happy Fall!

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  50. I think your tablescape looks better than the original! And a live topiary..I am jealous!!

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  51. Wonderful quote! Great job on the makeover too.
    I also plunked down my money for the magazine, better get to work following your example. tfs

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  52. Fabulous...everything...fabulous!

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  53. The lamp is amazing, the topiary is gorgeous, and the chalkboard is adorable. I need to have more a vision to do something like that chalkboard when I see things at Goodwill, etc. Great job!

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  54. AWESOME!!!
    I go to the library to read most magazines, but like you HAD to splurge. I bought the summer and fall Country Home magazines. I'm trying to think of them as books/reference materials/decorating items....justifying their price....
    Love your ideas and thrifty shopping!
    Hugs from Iowa,
    Michelle

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  55. Ok, I gotta tell ya... I like your version WAY better! That lamp is awesome... I had to scroll up and down several times to see if it was the same lamp that was in your inspiration photo!! That little pumpkin is so cute nestled in the urn too, great job!!

    Tania

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  56. Love! Love! Love it! Perfect, simple fall decor!

    * I also broke down and bought the magazine this summer....totally worth the $$$!

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  57. I can not believe how expensive magazines have gotten! The only mag I will pay that much for is a Sommerset. Very cute table scape!

    Taylor
    www.maryjanesandgaloshes.com

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  58. Im the same way... see that price tag and wont buy it.... think about it for days.... go back and buy it.

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  59. Hopped over here from HOH. I have that magazine too! It's become one of my faves. (I didn't even look at the price, just bought it!) Although, they make it seem like reupholstering all of these old pieces of furniture is somehow a cost saver and usually it's not. I do love how it features so many different fabrics though. I am a fabric junkie!

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  60. LOVE it all! Gorgeous and now I am heading out to buy the magazine. I subscribe to SL and I know that I will love this magazine.

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  61. Well done. I love the quote and the decor.

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  62. I love it, and I want to go to the yard sales with you!

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  63. Hey, I wish MY handwriting/printing looked like yours! Love the saying and the decor. Thanks for sharing.

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  64. I am so inspired to run home and recreate this. I have all these old frames that I was already planning to turn into a chalkboard, but this idea makes it every day functional and fun. Will it be overkill to place one in every room. Ok maybe the liv room and kitchen, for now.

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  65. tamichel08271/8/14, 1:15 PM

    Hi Melissa.  I featured this post on both of my blogs tonite, Scribbles and Swirls and Curb Alert?  I would love for you to take a look and follow me as well.
    http://tamiscribblesandswirls.blogspot.com/2011/11/framed-quote_02.html
    http://tamicurbalert.blogspot.com/2011/11/frame-love.html
    Thank you for the inspiration!
    ~Tami

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  66. tamichel08271/8/14, 1:15 PM

    Melissa, I featured this post tonite on my blogs, Scribbles and Swirls and Curb Alert!  Please take a look and follow me as well. 
    http://tamiscribblesandswirls.blogspot.com/2011/11/framed-quote_02.html
    http://tamicurbalert.blogspot.com/2011/11/frame-love.html
    Thank you for the inspiration!
    ~Tami

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  67. Just so you know, yours is a lot better than the one in the magazine. =)

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  68. Found this on Pinterest! You rock!!!!! Your version is even better! Love that lamp too. XO, Pinky

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  69. You are hysterical!!!  LOVED the post and the awesome ideas!!!  

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  70. Aghhh....I've died and gone to what I want my new blog to grow up and be one of these soon coming days.  I LOVE your blog - JUST up my alley.   Beautiful, beautiful decor for AMAZING finds/deals!  

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