The wind is whipping leaves off the trees today, making fall live up to its name. I’m ready to button up the garden and pull out some new decorations, but the autumn decorations stored in the garage are looking very…tired.

Last week I was on the lookout for new autumn inspiration when I walked by a window display at Picture This in Eagle River, AK. And there it was, a new idea—feathers. Metal feathers, wooden feathers, feathers dipped in gold paint. Feathers!

Home with a bagful of new inspiration, I began to think about silk and feathers. Using the “hearts” technique we explain in our Paint A Scarf Premium, I started with caramel paint and whipped out some basic feathers. Then taking red, turquoise, emerald and sapphire, I threw in a bit of color. Black touches gave the feathers more distinct shape. Then I washed the whole scarf in caramel, spraying water to keep it closer to parchment.

It was just the thing needed to tie those feathers together.

What inspires your fall decorations this year?

He will cover you with his feathers,

    and under his wings you will find refuge;

    his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. — Psalm 91:4