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FALL TRADITIONS AND FALL INSPIRATION

By
Carrie Bachmayer
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I wait all year for Fall and by the time my birthday rolls around the end of August I am in full Fall mode! Instagram and the craft stores start back in June and July and I am secretly thrilled! I don’t dare open my mouth then or everyone looks at me like I’m nuts! There are some of you that welcome the start of the end of year holidays as early as I do…you are my people! Let the Fall inspiration begin!!

It’s so funny that I start so early and yet why do I always feel like I’m behind? I think it’s because I pack all my Autumn, Fall, Winter and holiday traditions into 4 months and trust me I pack them all in! Seriously, its exhausting but so much fun at the same time! I’m going to just talk about Autumn and Fall in this blog…but of course my mind is in full Christmas and holiday mode and just waiting for that exciting transition from Fall to Holiday!!

So let’s get the Fall inspiration started with some of my favorite traditions…we all have them…here are a few of mine….waiting for Hocus Pocus to surface is my favorite and that’s when I know the holidays have officially began. Halloweentown and Good witch are more favorites. Getting out my Halloween décor brings back so many memories over the years! Scary farm is another favorite and I love it when I spot that first bag of candy corn in the store! The gourds and fall flowers and all the different size pumpkins. I always find old and new Halloween crafts and projects and start upping the baking.

The pumpkin farm is a must and I love picking them out! I do most of my shopping at Trader Joes and I love the day I walk in and they have gone completely pumpkin mad! Everything in the store is pumpkin flavored; pumpkin cookies, pancake mix, candy, pasta, sauce, drinks, tea, wine and beer, bread, snacks and all the fall fruits and vegetables you can eat…and let’s not forget they have the best squash, gourds and pumpkins!! Krispy crème comes out with their pumpkin spice donut, Starbucks launches their pumpkin spice latte, and Bath and Body works brings out Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin and all my Fall favorites!

This is also the time of year I pull out all my faux fur throws and blankets and move my flannels to the front of my closet. I leave some of my faux fur pillows out all year, but I love pulling out more coziness! Nothing makes me happier than to put the summer stuff away!!

Things to do…. I want to do it all; apple picking is usually the first trip in September and kind of kicks off the season for me. The picking is fun, but its really all about the apple pie! If I can travel to go see the trees change that’s another favorite, there’s nothing like it! There are so many yearly favorites and then every year it seems like they add something else!

This year I taught a floral workshop and one of the items we made was succulent pumpkins and it was so much fun! They had a Hocus Pocus outdoor movie which will be a new fav to add on my list. The haunted houses open, I get out all my Halloween décor by Sept 1st. I love haunted houses but not scary movies….so I wait for all the cute Fall and Halloween movies on Netflix and Hallmark and anywhere else I can find them. Hallmark channel is a blog for another day but I love how they keep up with the seasons!!

I must make a pumpkin pie in October, why I wait all year to make one is beyond me, but we do…shopping for Fall fashion is so exciting and usually starts back in August. Shopping…one day you just go into the stores and its full of all my favorites; plaids, flannel, boots and sweaters! Let’s not forget the excitement of coming up with this year’s costume!

I saved my very favorite for last…. I really start to get busy with all of my designing…events, gifts, products…parties are being planned, everyone wants something, or wants something done and I love spreading the holiday cheer, so I go into full design mode. I start getting orders for my rhinestone wreaths, frames and arrangements and everyone wants their home or office decorated…

So that’s a few of my favorite things I love about Fall….do any of these sound familiar? What are your favorite things to do or favorite traditions?

Happy Fall!!

Carrie

XOXO

Whimsical and Romantic Wedding Floral Design

By
Carrie Bachmayer
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I just love doing weddings!! Anything romantic or wedding related count me in! It was so much fun to be part of these romantic, whimsical floral designs for this beautiful wedding!  My friend Marita of Marita Floral Designs is a true creative genius! We arrived about 1:00 flowers, bouquets, centerpieces, boutonnieres, corsages and flower basket in tow…along with bags of greenery, buckets of flowers, and tools. There is just something about starting with a blank slate and designing a space and creating the perfect vision for a bride and groom. Don’t get me wrong it is a lot of work…the design, the ordering, days and days of planning and creating designs…I love creating anything visual…OK so I’m obsessed with creating and designing….there’s just something about bringing a vision to life!

Handtied bouquets, handmade greenery, extra-large aisle arrangements with pampas grass…one of my favorites… and that arch! The arch was the center of attention! The arch and the aisle arrangements were constructed on site. Carefully implemented layers transformed a plain wood frame into a creative design. As the handmade greenery was laid across the tables, we added the flowers and layered the tables with tall floating candles and smaller candles. After the wedding the arch became the focal point behind the sweetheart table and as day turned to dusk a new ambiance was created with the strings of lights and candle glow.

You have to go outside the traditional box to get that wow factor. That’s where a great floral designer comes in. Weddings are for wow factors. The decor, the floral, the cake, the dress everything!

So next time you want to create a wow factor at your next event…step outside the box. If you have a vision do it and don’t let anyone hold you back….it will definitely pay off!!

Don’t forget your wow factor at your next event!!

Carrie
XOXO

Add a Touch of Fall Anywhere

By
Carrie Bachmayer
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Kids are back in school and labor day is in a week so I decided I would give you a sneak peak of some new fall products I found!
These are cute 6″ x 6″ hanging metal and wood signs that I’m selling at www.thestripedbarn.com only $7.00! Perfect for any space or decor! Two different sayings to choose from:
“Farm Fresh Pumpkins or”Pumpkin Patch Pick Your Own”
A cute, inexpensive way to add a touch of fall anywhere! They are going fast and I haven’t even listed them yet! You can also message me if you’d like one!

Floral Design

By
Carrie Bachmayer
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This was such a fun week of floral design! Even though I also love to bake and had an order go out for over 100 cupcakes, my favorite part of the week was all the flowers! You have to admit there’s just something about walking into a space that’s filled with fresh flowers! The smell, the beauty…it just instantly lifts your spirits no matter what your mood is! I honestly don’t know anyone who wouldn’t want to get flowers!

This fall bouquet with black and white striped ribbon is one of my favorite inspiration photos and I get it out every year about this time as I transition into fall design! So, as I wrap up a lot of the summer events to make room for September and the cool weather that’s to follow…yay!  I wanted to share a few pics of my simple arrangements from this week… even though you can’t smell them or touch them, maybe the pics will lift your spirits!

Boutonnieres and corsages are always cute in their own understated, simple way…but the flower crown always gets the “cuteness” award!!

I hope that at least gave you a little boost…next time your at the store grab a bouquet of flowers and your mood will instantly change I promise! I love them all but have my favorites depending on my mood and the occasion…

What are your favorite flowers?

Carrie

XOXO

Sparkling Holiday Wreath

By
Carrie Bachmayer
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Its that time of year again and we are now taking orders for our famous rhinestone wreath! Every year this stunning wreath becomes more and more popular! We make these year round for weddings and other events but Christmas and the holidays is when it gets crazy! Our Pinterest pin starts circulating around, we all start googling everything Christmas, and when you see anything sparkly and shiny you just have to have it! You know what I mean…its the holidays! We even have an option to add LED lighting!

I started making these years ago from old brooches I had and as others saw them I started making more using new brooches, new trims and individual stones. From there I designed other rhinestone items such as crosses, frames, glasses, custom letters and more! Each individual brooch is hand wired and then loose stones are also added for more fullness. The base is a silver grapevine wreath and the brooches and stones are added to the front side. The back is grapevine and has felt circles so as not to scratch your wall or door while hanging.

Rhinestone Cross $125
Rhinestone Frame $150 as shown – others available

Our standard wreath shown measures about 18-22″ finished, and is loaded with lots of bling! Remember at The Striped Barn we love to mix sparkly and shiny with old and distressed so if you have farmhouse or rustic decor like me this is the perfect addition for a pop of vintage glam!

Sparkling Rhinestone Wreath $250

Its hard to see the sparkle in the photos, but these are show stoppers and sure to be noticed! Each item is custom and even though they will look similar, each one is unique and one of a kind!

Items available under “Decor” at the top of the page or email us today for details, other sizes or for shipping costs and get your holiday sparkle on!

A New Twist on Old Decor

By
Carrie Bachmayer
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This year try something new and buy a blue pumpkin! For me, it’s not about being “on trend” and having the same thing everyone else has, it’s about finding the things that nobody else has!  If you’re that person you know this can be a blessing and a curse. If you can’t find it your mind starts to figure out how to create it…that’s where the creativity part comes in. It can be frustrating or magical! As professional designers, creatives and artists we listen to our client and create their vision by providing the ideas, sources and throwing in some creativity.  Our payoff, besides the money, is the “ta da” moment and a happy client. But when we are designing and creating for ourselves, there are no boundaries and no rules…only imagination!

Go ahead admit it, you love it when your friends say, “that is so cute where did you get that”? They say that because they haven’t seen it. Then when the trend catches on you quit hearing it because everyone else has it. It’s OK to buy whatever the mannequin has on at the mall or the same sofa that every store has…we all need our basics, but true creatives are always on the hunt for treasures! Etsy, Instagram and Boutiques are among my fav’s because they are full of creative people and products!

Are you creative? If you like flea markets, antiquing and vintage style you are a creative person. You may not think of yourself as one, but you are. Why else would you spend hours, days, weeks, months, or even years searching for one of a kind items? OK so there is a slight chance you just like to shop or you’re an impulse buyer…it’s all right we’ve all been there.

Yes, I am now in full swing designing new products for Fall and Holiday… I have decided to put a new twist on farmhouse signs, and I have been adding different elements such as themed paper and embellishments. See my previous post for a sneak peak. https://thestripedbarn.com/2019/07/21/fall-sneak-peak/ Like this wood sign with Swarovski crystals…Let’s face it… you aren’t going to resonate with everything I design but someone will see it and think they found the holy grail. That’s the beauty of unique pieces, they speak to the right person!

Use your imagination…is there a word or phrase that speaks to you when you see this? A color or pattern you might want in the background instead? Let me know, I will design it and you will have a one of a kind piece!

This year maybe buy a fun pumpkin that isn’t orange?

What treasures have you found?

Carrie
XOXO

August Brings September

By
Carrie Bachmayer
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Yes, its August, but that brings September and so on and so on. Even the mention of the word September brings the holidays to mind! You’re either a holiday person or not. If you’re not, please enjoy the rest of August before you finish reading!

I’m so excited…The stores are full of fall! I just tried to get some last-minute pool party themed décor and went to 4 stores couldn’t find anything amongst all the Halloween and Thanksgiving. So yes y’all, it is here!

I happen to be a big holiday person so I can’t wait for August to be over! That and the fact that it also gets us closer to cooler weather… Yea!

Here’s some great inspiration from Pinterest from holidaylettings.co.uk that just might start you thinking about cooler weather without going too holiday just yet. When I saw this room it just screamed cozy! Yes, there is snow in the view outside the window but it’s still cozy even without it. I could be in this room in the middle of summer with the air on and it would be the perfect cozy space. The architecture, and lighting are amazing!

Holiday inspiration comes in all different forms. A picture, a room, colors. It just takes one little thing to start you thinking about them. Even the back to school fashion is all over. I am crazy about plaid, so I am in heaven with fall fashion.

Have you started thinking about fall yet? Any new ideas?

Carrie
XOXO

Flowers Everywhere

By
Carrie Bachmayer
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Hey y’all its August and for me that means summer is coming to an end…yippee! So, this is my last summer design as I happily dive into Fall! I have already been in Fall mode for a little while, but I can now officially say it without sounding like a crazy person…. I’m lucky I am in the design world; I get to stay one step ahead of the next holiday season!

Today is 85 degrees so you may not be thinking about a jacket right now. But I just had to share this cute one I just finished. Its embellished with scraps of fabrics, lace and hand sewn pearls. I wanted a soft, romantic design and I just love how it turned out! I am working on more along with some fall and wedding designs!

Mixing textures created the wow factor while soft patterns and colors captured the cuteness factor. Pearls always add the romantic factor. This is a perfect example of what I talked about in my previous blog “A New Twist on Old Farmhouse Decor” about having something unique that no one else has! Even though this is my last summer design, these jackets would be adorable for a wedding party. I can also do custom flowers and embellishments and send them to you to sew on your own jacket.

Keep an eye out for new fall and holiday designs to hit The Striped Barn soon. In the meantime, here’s a little Pinterest inspiration to get you in the fall mood! If you aren’t ready to let go of summer and want to gradually change over to fall, remember fall doesn’t have to be orange…try some other deep fall colors to get you going!

Check back for lots of fall floral ideas coming soon! Whats your favorite type of floral centerpiece?

Happy Decorating!

Carrie
XOXO

Fall Sneak Peak

By
Carrie Bachmayer
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Fall Sneak Peek!
Custom, custom, custom…..Distressed farmhouse signs have gone up a level since last year! Now were seeing metal, framed wood, new fonts, color and new sayings!


Since I tire easily and yes, get bored with things….I am always thinking of the next thing that is different and exciting. I am still playing with my paper technique which allows me to customize sign backgrounds with different colors and patterns so I am crazy with new Fall and holiday ideas!

The striped barn also loves a touch of bling, and we love to mix it with anything distressed! You can view our custom rhinestone products on our website. Wait until you see our new distressed sign design with Swarovski crystals! That’s more of a winter design but its finished and I’m going to roll it out soon! Our crosses, frames and wreaths will be popular again this year and so will events with natural greenery and a touch of bling!

I am so excited that black and white buffalo plaid is still huge this year for the holidays since I did everything in it last year! I’ll just bring it out again and incorporate something new with it to mix it up! The buffalo check Mr & Mrs signs have been such a hit this summer! I can’t wait to see them at all the winter weddings, they will be so cute!!


I get it if your not ready for Christmas in July, but you might think about Fall…back to school is next month and you know what happens after that…the holidays are right around the corner!

In my world July means we all get started on Fall, winter and holiday designs, products, and especially events! Its always my busiest and favorite time of the year!! But if you still need to ease into it then how about this cute boho farm animal distressed piece in some muted colors? Think of it as a summer into Fall transition piece.

Do you have any ideas or requests for this upcoming season? Let me know and lets get started!!

Carrie
XOXO

TENNESSEE BARN WEDDING

By
Carrie Bachmayer
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I’m back from doing a destination wedding in Tennessee! Y’all know Tennessee is one of my favorite places…. all that Southern hospitality! This time I ventured further south of Nashville towards Chattanooga and spent 6 sun and fun filled days in Sale Creek at an amazing lake house! Sunrise, sunburn, sunset, repeat!

Believe me I wasn’t in any rush to get back to reality, especially since I was missing the CMA Fest by a week…but I also couldn’t wait to get back and tell you about the venue we worked with for the wedding! It’s called The Barn at Drewia Hill in Sale Creek, Tennessee. It was the cutest, most amazing, authentic barn venue I have ever worked with!

We drove up the dirt road and I was still taking it all in when I spotted the barn and it was immediate barn envy!  Little did I know what would be inside…. when those barn doors opened there it was…that high vaulted, exposed wood beam ceiling that I know you all love as much as I do! As you know the ceiling alone creates barn charm, but when you add soft draped fabric, and romantic twinkle lights… it takes it to a whole different level, and its magical!

The Barn at Drewia Hill Tennessee

There were vignettes and accessories set up all around the inside and outside, showcasing unique, vintage, rustic pieces! I saw old windowpanes, vintage luggage, antiques, metal signs, wood signs, candles, an old typewriter, and antique pieces of furniture! Old doors with vintage hardware, glassware, lanterns, wood and metal walls and ceilings, mirrors and frames, chandeliers, wine and whiskey barrels, and lots of twinkle lights! The bars inside and out are vintage trucks, there’s a trailer outside and even an old bathtub! There were hundreds of rustic accessories and so many things I don’t have room to mention…. literally enough to fill a barn…ha-ha pun intended.

Vintage, Rustic, Antiques

The brides vision fit right in! She had collected vintage colored glass vases and bowls for each table, the dessert bar and the cake tables. The vintage glassware was filled with colorful, assorted wildflowers and placed on large aged doilies. The wildflowers were drop dead gorgeous! They hung from the archway outside, they made up the most beautiful bridal bouquet I’ve ever seen and even Mollie strutted with all four paws down the walkway with her wildflower collar.

Vintage Vases and Wildflower Centerpieces

So here I am taking all this in thinking I was either in heaven or a Hallmark movie….and the big barn doors swung open revealing not only the picturesque green countryside, but an old vintage truck parked outside in the distance… It just doesn’t get any more authentic than that… the truck belonged to the venue and has even been in the family for generations!

Talk about Southern hospitality, Kris the owner/manager is one of the nicest, most accommodating people you will ever meet! Just one of the reasons I love the South, everyone is so nice! She personally catered the food and it was amazing all the way around. Bundtinies, a candy table and a pressed wildflower cake fit right in! Fun fact; I actually made the cake the morning of the wedding…ha-ha no pressure there!

It was a, successful, beautiful, rustic, Southern wedding from the confetti kiss and the all-night dancing to the after dark sparklers. Even with a few unexpected surprises like the heat wave and the bee that flew up the bride’s dress….it was absolutely perfect!

If you need a rustic destination The Barn at Drewia Hill has it all! www.thebarnatdrewiahill.com

And if you need a destination wedding planner, or ideas, don’t hesitate to contact me at The Striped Barn….. we have lots of Southern hospitality to share!

Hello from Tennessee

What was your favorite rustic event?

Carrie
XOXO

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Carrie Bachmayer
Carrie Bachmayer
"Welcome, Friends of The Striped Barn! You've found the perfect spot for styling, staging, and celebrating. Let's connect, get creative, and share some inspiring ideas!"
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