Painted Hydrangea

I LOVE decorating with hydrangea because it's so easy and arrangements looks great all year long.  I simply picked clusters after they turned green (the dried stage) and lightly spray painted them maroon to match the décor in my room.  That's it!  So easy and so pretty!

FYI:  If I pick clusters when they first bloom (white), and put them in a vase with fresh water,  they will last a week or so.  If I pick them after they turn green, they last all year with NO water.  I can also pick them after they turn brown for the same affect.  This Christmas I plan to spray paint brown clusters white to imitate a light dusting of snow.  I might decorate a wreath or use them in a display on my fireplace mantle.  Either way, it will be fun to bring "the outside in" and stay cozy warm in the process!

Brighten Your Outside Table

I LOVE family celebrations (which always involves food) and I LOVE spending time outside.  So when the weather finally warms, I wash the table, put up the umbrella, and light the candles.  My family fills their plates and we all head outside for the patio - only to find that my candles have blown out.  So when I recently saw a pin of a table centerpiece with holes drilled in driftwood for tea lights, I got an idea to decorate my table and solve my windy day problem.

This is what I did:

I found a piece of slab wood (30" long) with natural bark, but any piece of wood would work and any length to fit your table.  It would look nice with Spanish moss glued to the surface.

I had my husband drill five 1 1/2" holes in diameter evenly spaced approximately 1/2" deep.

I hot glued two air plants in small shells and placed moss around them to help keep the plants moist.  I then hot glued them in two of the drilled holes.  I chose air plants because they do not require soil and can flourish in small containers when watered and/or misted weekly.  My small shells fit nicely in the drilled holes.

I hot glued shells to the driftwood and placed battery flickering LED lights in the remaining three holes.  It was fun to display my small collection of shells - a reminder of warmer days ahead!

Decorating With Birch

I LOVE decorating with natural elements.  So when my husband trimmed a large birch branch that was hanging over our house, I willingly helped with the cleanup.  I had plans for these beautiful gifts of nature! 

This project would work with a variety of tree or bush branches and would look nice naturally or spray painted white.

This is what I did:

1. I brought two 7 foot branches into my house, tied them together with fish line (so it wasn't noticeable), and leaned them against the wall in my dining room.  I think it would also look nice leaning against my fireplace but I was looking for something to fill an empty space and create symmetry.  I didn't want to spend a lot of money on an expensive artificial plant  and many are not as tall as I wanted. I didn't worry about bringing in insects with my branches because we trimmed a healthy limb.
2. I planted a Jade plant in a small pot and nestled it in the crook of the branches.  I chose a Jade plant because it requires medium light and infrequent watering.  I then secured it with jute rope to prevent slipping.  I didn't like the rope visible so I hot glued some dried moss aound the rope and bottom of the pot.
3. I also hot glued jute to some pinecones and draped them over limb.

During the Christmas season, I wired some red berries to my branches and perched a small bird on a limb which complimented my theme.

I also LOVE decorating outside and so last summer I leaned some branches  in a corner of my deck to add some pop!  A robin gifted me with a beautiful nest and I nestled it too in the crook of some branches.  I considered hanging a bird house on one of the limbs but didn't want the mess if a bird moved in.

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This Spring I might add some white lights to brighten up my deck.  In the mean time, I'll try to be patient and wait for the snow and ice to melt!

Honoring Birthdays

My family LOVES to celebrate birthdays, but busy schedules often make it difficult to find a date that works for everyone.  So instead of celebrating each person's birthday individually, we often celebrate two or more together in the same month.  Next month (March) we have three, and I decided to honor each one by displaying his photo on a table centerpiece. 

This is what I did:

1. I bought three 4" x 6" clear frames for $.95 each.
2. I had each person's photo printed for less than a quarter and put them in each frame.
3. I found the base of my Lazy Susan (I want my centerpiece to twirl so everyone seated at the table can see all three).
4. I put non slip shelf/drawer liner on top of the Lazy Susan to prevent objects from sliding when turned.
5. I placed my lucky bamboo plant, my battery operated LED stick lights (I bought them earlier from Michaels), and three glittery shamrocks (I paid less than a dollar each from Michaels) in a small basket and put them in the center of the Lazy Susan base. 
6. I covered the top of the basket with dried moss that I bought from the Dollar Store.
7. I filled the empty spaces with pinecones (left over from Christmas), dried hydrangea from my garden, and more moss. 

When the party's over, each honored guest can take his framed photo home.  For the next birthday gathering, I'd LOVE to use fresh spring flowers!

Make A Simple Corsage

Are you planning a celebration for a special person?  Whether you're hosting a shower, birthday, or anniversary party you can honor that person with a corsage or boutoniere you make yourself. It's so fun and easy!  So instead of making a trip to your favorite florist, make one to a local store and choose a bouquet you LOVE.  I recently did just that.  I went to the floral department at Cub Foods and purchased three bunches; a colorful bouquet of flowers, a bunch of greens, and a bunch of Baby's Breath and I only paid $15 for all three.  With a few supplies I had on hand at home, I created a corsage, centerpiece for my dining room table, and a small bouquet for my bathroom. 

                                                                
This is what I did:  
      

I gathered supplies:  a plastic bag, a scissors, a pearlized pin, floral tape, 1/8" wide ribbon 24" long, a 6" wire (I bought pins, tape, ribbon, and wire from Michaels or Jo-Ann Fabric And Craft Store), a piece of greenery 6" long, a stem of Baby's Breath 6" long, and a red carnation 6" long.

I made a small ribbon bow by wrapping it in a circle and wiring the center.

I placed the Baby's Breath on top of the greenery, the carnation on top of the Baby's Breath, and the wired bow on top of the carnation.  I trimmed the bottom of my stems and wire.  Then starting under the bow, I used floral tape to wrap the stems and wire.  As I wrapped, I slightly stretched the tape to make it stick, continuing to the end of the stems.

I stuck a pearlized pin in the back of the wrapped stems for attachment to clothing.  I sometimes add an extra pin.

I placed my finished corsage in a plastic bag, sprayed it lightly with water to keep it fresh (try not to get the ribbon wet), and stored it in the refrigerator until the party. 

TIP:  I've made a variety of corsages using several kinds of flowers and greenery.   I recommend keeping it fairly simple and light so the corsage hangs nicely on clothing. 

Make A Table Centerpiece

I LOVE fresh flowers. So whenever I host a party for friends and family, I create my own table centerpiece.  It's fun, easy, and inexpensive.  With a few supplies I had on hand, I recently made a centerpiece, corsage, and small bouquet for only $15. 

This is what I did:

I gathered my supplies:  a ceramic container, a scissors, a knife, wet foam (I puchased a package on sale from Michaels for a centerpiece I made earlier), water, fresh flowers, greenery, and Baby's Breath.

I used the knife to cut the foam to fit snuggly in my container.  I poured water on the foam until it was well soaked.  I then cut Lilies 10" tall and stuck them in the center of the foam.  I keep my centerpieces low so that guests can easily see over them.

I cut other flowers 10" tall or shorter inserting them in the foam at an angle from the center.

I filled in empty spots with pieces of greenery and Baby's Breath.  When I LOVED the end result, it was ready for my table! 

Add Some Ambiance

 I LOVE the soft glow of candles so whenever I entertain, I light up some tapers for my table.  I've learned that a little preparation goes a long way!

This is what I did:  

 

 I bought two 10" tapers from the Dollar Store, both for one dollar. I put them in the freezer.                                                                                                                                                

        

Shortly before my guests arrived, I took my candles out of the freezer.  (I recommend keeping them in the freezer for 24 hours or longer).  My candles did not fit snuggly in the holders so I wrapped the bottom of each of the tapers with aluminum foil and inserted them in the holders.  I got a nice tight fit and the foil was not visible to anyone.

I lit my candles and was ready for my guests.

My tapers burned cleanly for five hours!  No drips!  This has worked for me every time with only one exception.  I tried this with expensive candles I bought from Crate & Barrel and had a drippy mess.  They burned a much shorter time too.

Get The Picture?

I LOVE framed art, especially when it's "up close and personal."   Most of my favorite wall decor is made from photos taken by myself or other family members.  I just group photos together in a single frame or in a group of two or more with each group having a common theme.  I have no formal training in photography, but I sure LOVE my Canon digital camera!  It allows me to create and display special memories and also save money in the process.

This is what I did:

My son took these photos of coins when in a high school photography class.

I took these sunset photos out west when visiting my brother and his family.

1. I bought inexpensive frames or found them on sale.  I only paid $15.00 for the bottom matted frame.  None of these frames came with non glare glass (which is quite expensive), but I found old frames with non glare glass at thrift stores and I used the glass for the three frames in the top photo.  I paid less than $2 for each one.
2. I had the photos printed at Walmart for less than $5 each.  These are all 5 x 7.  The top photos are black and white, but the bottom is in color.  I've also had 8 x 10 photos printed in sepia tone for other groupings in my home.
3. I put them in frames and hung them up.

It's fun to display new photos seasonally so hopefully I'll soon be replacing my snowy winter photos  with budding, green Spring time images!  Can't wait!

If you don't enjoy taking photos but want expensive looking wall art at inexpensive prices, you might consider buying a poster you LOVE, cutting it into a grouping, and framing it up as I did. 

Safari Wall Art

I wanted a large piece of artwork to put in my twins' room that goes along with their Safari/Animal theme. I saw a large cork board at the thrift store for $3.00 and couldn't pass it up. My daughter wanted a picture of a monkey and my son wanted a picture of a cheetah, so this is what I came up with!

This is what you need:

1. A large cork board
2. Paint (I picked it up at the recycling center for free)
3. A computer or coloring book
4. Construction paper (I used black)
5. Pencil
6. Scissors
7. Paint brush
8. Tape

 

This is what I did:

1. I picked out paint to apply to the cork board.
2. I then painted three rows (I tried to make it look like a safari sunset).
3. I went online and Googled "safari coloring sheets". I picked out sheets that were easy to cut out.
4. I then cut out the animals and placed them on black construction paper.
5. I traced the animals, cut them out, and placed them on the cork board with tape. 
6. I drew the tree free hand, cut it out, and also placed it on the cork board with tape.

 My twins LOVE it!

Zebra Dresser

My boy and girl twins LOVE animals and are currently sharing a room. I have been looking for jungle themed items to decorate their room and have had trouble finding items. I have found items that are either designed for babies, or very life like and a bit scary for my almost three year old's. I decided to create my own adventure safari themed room. I started with painting a dresser.

Here is what you need:

1. A dresser
2. Sand paper
3. Paint
4. Paint brush
5. Pencil

Here is what I did:

1. I purchased the dresser at a garage sale for $5.00.
2.  I lightly sanded the dresser.
3.  I picked up recycled paint for free from the Recycling Center and painted the dresser all over in white paint.
4. I then waited for the paint to dry overnight.
5. I lightly sketched lines in pencil to look like zebra stripes and painted the lines in with black paint.

 My twins LOVE it! It is helpful to have the dresser painted like an animal. When I have them put their shirts in the zebra dresser, they are more willing to help out and put things away. I LOVE that!

Chalkboard Frame

Faith, Hope, and Love.  The greatest of these is LOVE ! (I Corinthians 13:13) I decided to stay home with my kids about a year ago.  Now that I do, I've taken a greater interest in changing my home decor to reflect the season.  However, I now stay at home with my kids so my budget is a bit more limited!  I grabbed an idea from a friend (who has a beautiful home and a great eye for design - Amanda are you reading this?) and created a chalkboard frame to hang over my mantel.  When I hosted the family Christmas party my brother-in-law thought I bought it!! :)

This is what I did:

1. I purchased a cheapo frame at Walmart.
2. I purchased a small bottle of black chalkboard paint from Walmart too.
3. I painted the back of the frame with the  paint.  It took two coats to cover it completely.
4. I've been changing out the saying.  For Christmas it read:  Joy to the world!  The popular:  Faith, Hope, and Love is for Valentine's Day.  I'm not sure what will be next!

This spring and summer I think I'll try to find non-reflective glass at a garage sale or the thrift store!  Like my reflection in the glass?  LOVELY!

Honoring Your Child's Art

An organizational rule that I like to follow is:  Only Touch a Paper Once!  My kids LOVE to do projects - at school, at home, at friends' houses, EVERYWHERE!   The papers can be overwhelming. So, I try to only touch them once (OK, maybe twice) I took an idea from pinterest to help me organize.  Here is the link: Here             

This is what I did:

1. I bought matted frames and a cafe curtain rod at Walmart.  Walmart Homepage
2. I put my favorite kids' paintings in the frame (change 'em out periodically).
3. The kids put the rest of their work on the cafe rod (hung by shower curtain clips).
4. After their work has been displayed for awhile, I either throw it away, take a picture, or put it in the baby book.

I LOVE that I am able to honor their efforts by having a place to display their work.  My boys love to flip through their art and put different projects in front.  It also provides a conversation peice when friends and relatives visit the house.  I also LOVE how brave I was to hang the cafe rod.  My husband doesn't really like to have holes in the wall.  I had never used a drill before!  While he was at work, I just did it!  Unfortunately, he is going to have to re-do it at some point because I didn't actually hang it the correct way...something about anchors?  :)