It’s been a busy, productive week, and I’m happy to say the fire pit is finally finished :).
Here’s what it looked like Sunday morning.
And here’s what it looked like Sunday afternoon.
We had picked up the wheel rim at a junkyard a few weeks ago, and most of the rocks came from our yard, while a few others from the wooded areas surrounding our home.
On Sunday morning, Fisherman and I placed the stones around the rim, which took about an hour. We had quite a few stones left over, not to mention a TON of wood left over from some tree removal in the Spring, so we created a border around the pea gravel with them.
The entire project took us less than 3 hours.
I placed some wood slabs Fisherman had cut to a thickness of around 2″ in random places in the pea gravel. After looking at them for a couple of days I decided they didn’t provide as much of a contrast against the gravel as I would have liked so I stained them.
Notice the difference? Do you also notice the seat cushions are different in this next picture?
Maybe it’s the cooler, crisp weather we’re having, but Wednesday I was on a roll (more about that later). I sewed the two chair covers using a fairly traditional sewing method, but for the love seat I used a super easy, 10 minute method that doesn’t involve any sewing at all.
Basically, think of your cushion as a present and wrap it, using safety pins instead of scotch tape to secure it. This method works best when a pillow has straight edges, which is why I didn’t use it for the chair cushions (they have a bit of a curve). You can get a better idea of what the final product might look like here.
I used the same fabric I’ve had for a few years which I got super cheap at Joanne’s a while back. I don’t love it, but it’s definitely adequate for the fire pit area, and I love using stuff I already have.
Edited 7/25/2016
A year later, this is what the fire pit area looks like. We’ve added some tree stumps to be used as tables, a couple of plants, lanterns and lastly, grass. It’s become a space we use often, and it was definitely worth the small amount of time and effort it took to make it.
On Monday we ordered this raised garden bed from Amazon. It arrived Wednesday and we put it together Thursday. (Sorry, no pics yet of it in our yard but they’ll come soon.)
In addition to cleaning both the enclosed and open porch from top to bottom on Wednesday, sewing the seat cushions for the fire pit furniture and a bistro table on the porch, staining the wood slabs, and frosting a bathroom window, we managed to find some time Wednesday night to try out the fire pit for the first time.
We placed some inexpensive hurricane LED lamps on the wood posts, which give just the right amount of light.
Come on over! We’ve got a marshmallow with your name on it…
In other news…
After putting together the garden bed Thursday afternoon, I started making canned tomato sauce. I first used this recipe three years ago and have been making it ever since. I never seem to have enough, so this year I’m determined to fix that. It’s a LOT of work (and messy!), but worth it.
There’s still tons of work to do in the yard. Even though I said the fire pit is ready, there’s still a few things we’d like to add to the space. Some of the leftover wood from the tree removal will be utilized as side tables, and we will probably add some plantings next year. We plan on adding stone steps to the front of the house to coordinate with the stone wall we put together, and right now except for the fire pit the back yard is little more than a dirt pit. It’s a process that I’m sure will take a while to finish, but that’s ok, doesn’t everything?
Edited 7/25/2016
The stone steps are done! We also added some gravel to the driveway, walkway and a flower garden area. Everything is looking great!
Our daughter is in Greece taking a long-overdue honeymoon. Can you believe it took them over a year to get away?? They love Greece, and she said it’s definitely a ‘bucket list’ destination. Have you ever been?
Sharing At
carrie@northwoods scrapbook says
OH Doreen – it turned out BEAUTIFULLY!! I love how you did the wood around the edges and having the lanterns for light too. I just want to snuggle there with my vino and roast a marshmallow! Great work on the cushions too! 😉
I love the idea of the stone steps in the front to match the wall and using the wood for side tables in the pit area – and I think some plantings or pots with plantings around there would be so pretty too! I LOVE seeing projects like this come together – so fun!!
And I didn’t know you were related to Martha Stewart – you canning queen you! Rock on Sista!! I think that’s so cool and I bet it’s delicious!!
And congrats to your daughter finally getting to enjoy a honeymoon. Greece looks so amazing and I would love to go there one day too!! I’d want to go where I’ve seen photos of the colorful house on the cliffside overlooking the mediterranean – like in the movie Mama Mia with Meryl Streep. 🙂
Thanks for sharing – love it all!! xoxo
Kelly says
Congrats on finally getting your fire pit built! I know you must really enjoy using it now. My husband has been discussing his plans for our fire pit so hopefully soon he will start that project. Fall is near!
Brenda Kula-Pruitt says
Looks like a great place to sit at night and talk and maybe have a glass of wine.
Brenda
Poppy says
It looks great, Doreen! What a cozy place to sit and enjoy a glass of wine, by the fire, al freso style. You are such a savvy seamstress, as I’ve noted several times; those cushions look great! You and the Fisherman have had a lovely balance, I believe, of work and play this summer, no? And speaking of play, you’d better get to your bucket list and plan that trip to Greece! Yeah, you could say I’ve been there…it’s glorious and gorgeous and I miss it so!!!:((
Happy weekend!
xoxo
Poppy
Jeanette says
Love your fire pit! Lovely area you have laid out there!
Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow says
That is going to be so enjoyable over the years …love the night photos 🙂
Cindi says
OK, LOL! Carrie just said everything I was thinking!
Even about Mama Mia!
so DITTO her comment!
I love it all and I’m exhausted just thinking about it all!
Thanks for sharing!
XOXOXOXO
Emily says
Doreen, Y’all did a fabulous job on the fire pit. I love the rocks and pea gravel. I’ve never canned tomato sauce but I did put fresh veggies in the freezer yesterday. I will be glad if we ever get some relief from the heat so we can get outside to do much needed weeding and get the yard ready for fall. I’m sure your daughter is enjoying Greece. We hope to get there some day. I do hope you will share a few tidbits from her trip.
Wish I could drop by for that marshmallow some evening…………
Have a great day.
tammy j says
OH I LOVE IT!!!
i can just imagine sitting there sipping wine watching the flames…
listening to the crackling wood… one of my favorite things about camping!
and you have it right there!
and when you want to go to the bathroom … you just step inside your beautiful cabin home to an immaculate and modern facility! LOLOLOL!!! now THAT’S my idea of living.
and the only times i’ve been to greece are to visit poppy. she made it all so real and i always felt like i’d been walking with her.
i would LOVE to see the ancient ruins… sculptures… and ALL of it!
did you ever see the movie ‘shirley valentine’ ? i think that was the name of it. it was excellent. set in greece.
XOXO♥
andi says
LOVE! I can’t wait to be able to use ours…realistically it won’t be until next year. We have quite a bit of leftover brick from when the house was built and I think we’ll use that to build up the pit. But in case you didn’t notice, that first step down to our patio is a doozy…probably need to get some stairs put on the schedule…
xoxo
-andi
Debra Slagle says
I don’t know where you find time for it all, but it is amazing. I love the firepit area. It really looks great. We have talked about one, but so far that has all it has been. I guess I’m more the netted gazebo type anyways!
Jane says
Oh, this is fantastic, Doreen! You guys did a great job with not only the pit but in your making of the cute cushions. I like the LED hurricanes, too. Looks like you and hubby had a great evening. Love S’mores!!
I’ve never been to Greece but if I had a chance to go to Europe I would choose Greece or Spain. Sometimes I think I’ve heard so much and have seen so many pictures of Italy and France that the thrill is gone in visiting those countries. Well, I wouldn’t sneeze at the opportunity! lol! I hope the happy couple have a wonderful time!
Jane x
Jemma says
Good Sunday Afternoon, Doreen!
Wow!! This turned out amazing, I would love to join you for a toasted marshmallow and a glass of wine. It is such a beautiful setting, I bet you have to be dragged away from it all. I love things like this SO much!
It has been fun to follow along on your journey, and now to see it all complete gives me satisfaction too.
No sew projects are my kinda of gig-you did a great job and I am feeling your enthusiasm for all of your projects -love it pretty lady!
I have never been to Greece, we have friends who have and they loved it too. I think of the movies I have seen with the cliffs, and the gorgeous water, and I would certainly enjoy the opportunity to take it all in. It does seem like such a romantic place to visit-positively perfect for a Honeymoon!
xo
Jemma
Julie says
Hi Doreen, wow you and your husband did a great job with the fire pit and that seating area. Boy have you been busy. I hope you both have fun and enjoy that area of your yard. Making that sauce is a lot of work but worth it!
Have a wonderful week.
Julie
Marilyn @ Pink Paper Cottage says
What a neat area that will be (the firepit) for many years to come! You guys have sure been on a “work” kick for the last week or so! I’ve had yard firepits before and really enjoyed them… of course when I had teens living at home, THEY really enjoyed them more! Now it’s just hubby and I… but would still be nice to have one. right now where we live (Oregon) there’s a fire ban on with all the wildfires and forest fires happening in Oregon and Washington.. but come Fall.. maybe……. take time to enjoy it!
Linda says
I have always wanted to create a space like this for outdoor gatherings. There’s just something about sitting around a fire and toasting marshmallows! Enjoy your space!
Linda
mysewwhatblog
Linda Chapman says
This is FABULOUS!!!! We have a firepit at the ranch using a wheel rim. We are going back down there next week to start a deck in front of the camper and may have to move the fire pit. When we do – we are going to use a dryer drum from an old clothes dryer!
YOU have been BUSY, Lady!!! You are on a roll!!
Mimi says
Doreen that is AWESOME! I just want to be there, glass of wine in hand and snuggly rug over my knees! Can I come..huh…can I? Love Mimi xxx
Doreen says
Yes, you can ;).
Vicky Hunt says
Love the fire pit! Everything looks great! I must admit, I am quite envious of your cool weather! It is so hot here in Florida! How nice for your daughter and son in law to finally be taking a honeymoon. Greece is my number one bucket list destination! I have always wanted to go there. So beautiful! My daughter is LOVING Prague and is having the time of her life. Have a blessed and beautiful week!
Doreen says
I knew she’d love it Vicky! So happy to hear it :).
Our weather is enviable right now. I’m loving it!
xxx
Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouse says
so nice to enjoy an evening by the firepit after all that hard work you did outside this summer!
Feral Turtle says
I LOVE your fire pit. You guys did an amazing job. The lights and landscaping finish it off perfectly! Sounds like a wonderful honeymoon. Hope you post some pictures!
Jess says
Don’t you love Firepits?! We just made one and we love it!
Thanks for joining Cooking and Crafting with J & J!
Red Rose Alley says
Doreen, the fire pit turned out wonderful. You all did a fantastic job on it. The cushions look great too! How nice it would be to sit out there amongst the stars and relax with your family. You have your very own campground. Oooooo, yummy marshmallows. Haven’t had those in awhile. You have such a large area in your back yard to do whatever you want. So glad it all came about how you wanted.
Have a nice week.
~Sheri
Dewena says
Doreen, what a nice place you two have created! You know what I love about it? All that pea gravel would make me relax and enjoy the space because I could see if there were any snakes on the ground! I’m sure you will have great times there and it will be so relaxing after your hardworking days that you’ll have to drag yourself to bed.
Already planning ghost stories for around the fire?
Dewena
Doreen says
Your last sentence made me laugh because Saturday night we had friends over and we were trying to think of ghost stories. None of us could think of any but that didn’t stop us from coming up with a few stories…they’re just not fit to print ;).
(If I saw a snake I’d pass out! Thank goodness we don’t have many of those around here. Just bears lol).
xxx
Judy Clark says
What a wonderful back yard space to enjoy! I know you will have many hours of enjoyment with that special space.
Judy
Sue says
I was immediately taken with your firepit and going to file away how you made such a nice pea gravel area. I mean I have never thought of doing that before, so thank you and it looks great with a lot of room.
Amy @ Ms. Toody Goo Shoes says
My oh my, you were busy! Is there nothing you can’t do, Doreen? The fire pit is awesome! I’d never want to leave that spot. I’m crushing on the raised garden bed, too. Glad your daughter is enjoying Greece – one of my favorite places!
Doreen says
Thanks Amy, and yes, there’s LOTS I can’t do lol.
You’ve been to Greece too? Love to hear about your trip one of these days!
Benita says
We love sitting around a fire pit…so cozy, relaxing and wonderful. Not a word needs to be spoken, just the soft crackle of the fire to bring such a calmness over any calamity that might be going on! It looks so beautiful, y’all did a great job!
susan says
I love your fire pit, Doreen! You’ll be able to sit out there comfortably for a couple of months. And the chair cushions – well, all I can say is that you are amazing. I don’t think there’s anything you can’t do. Great job.
Doreen says
Thanks so much Susan, but believe me, there’s LOTS I can’t do!
I’ve been meaning to ask you…I don’t see a ‘subscribe’ option on your blog. Am I missing it?
handmade by amalia says
I see a lot of cosy evenings in your future, Doreen 🙂
Amalia
xo
Doreen says
We must have the same crystal ball Amalia :).
xxx
Ellen from Ask Away says
OMG i looooooove your firepit!
XO Ellen from Ask Away
http://www.askawayblog.com
Doreen says
Thanks Ellen! I appreciate you stopping by and commenting. I’ll be over soon to return the favor!
rue says
What a great space, Doreen! I’d love to come over for smores 😉
You certainly got a lot done just in this week! You need to slow down though, because you’re making me look bad. I’ve accomplished nothing this summer as far as projects, so STOP! :p
xo,
rue
Doreen says
No problem Rue! I’m too pooped to do anything for a while! Lol
Shirley@Housepitality Designs says
So happy that you finally have your beautiful fire pit…I could sit out there every night!!!….OK..pass me a marshmallow!….Love that raised gardens bed frame from Amazon…it is the prettiest one I have ever seen!!
Patti says
The fire pit is fabulous, what a great space! All the hard work is definitely paying off. Save me a marshmallow!
Hugs,
Patti
Amy @ StowandTellU says
I’ll be right over and don’t be afraid to burn mine, lol. Your whole fire pit and patio set up is looking so welcoming and rustic. You two have done so much to your yard this year. The hard work is really paying off, that is evident. Don’t you just love the led and solar lights out on the market these days? What a difference they make in safety and energy savings. Your’s look like they could pass for candles from this vantage point. Looking GOOD Doreen!!
Vashti Quiroz-Vega says
Hello Doreen! I love the fire pit area. It looks like a cozy corner in the woods. I would love to make S’mores and tell scary stories around that fire. Snuggling with blankets and some brandy on a cool night isn’t a bad idea either. I love it! 😀