Succulents in a Shell

Photo: Succulents in a Shell

My friend gave me this beautiful succulent arrangement that she made herself!  I love how she arranged the succulent cuttings in this large shell.

Garden in a Bottle

Creating the garden

The first step in bottle gardening is to clean and wash the bottle thoroughly with running water and soap. Using a paper funnel made of newspaper, place a thin layer of charcoal, a layer of pebbles and then coarse as a drainage medium....

To learn more about how you can create your own garden in a bottle, click on the following link
http://ph.news.yahoo.com/garden-bottle-062421162.html

Original Post: Manila Bulletin

Recycled Magazine Makeup Brush Holder

Photo: Recycled Magazine Makeup Brush Holder

I finally got around to trying that recycled magazine project I blogged about earlier this year.  I decided to create a makeup brush holder by using pages from my Glamour magazine to decorate a tin can.  It was a lot easier than I thought, and it took me less than a couple of hours to complete this project.  Continue reading to see step by step instructions on how to create this makeup brush holder.

Materials

• Scissors
• Magazines
• Ruler
• Pencil
• Tape
• Rubberband
• Tin Can (cleaned and dried)
• Elmer's Glue
• Glue Gun

Directions

1. Tear out pages from your magazine that has a lot of pretty colors, prints, text and/or images. 
2. Measure your tin can's height.  Then cut strips from magazines that are the same height.  For example, my tin can was about 4.5" so I cut sheets of paper that had a height of 4.5".     
3. Then lay a single sheet down, and fold the rough edge of the paper about 1/4" so that you have a straight edge.  Then take the pencil and roll it so that the magazine wraps around the pencil.                                           
   
   
4. Secure the tube with a small piece of tape (i.e., about 1/4" of tape).  Repeat this process until you have enough tubes to surround the entire tin can.                                                                                   
5. Wrap the rubber band around the tin can.  Then slip the tubes of magazines under the rubber band to see if you like your design.                                                                       
6. Plug in your glue gun, and place two droplets of glue at the top and the bottom of the can (See Photo with yellow stars below).  Then place the first tube down.  Make sure that it is align with the bottom of the can.  Then place a thin layer of glue on the side of the tube (See Photo with pink start below).  Place another thin layer of glue on the tube, and then place two more droplets of glue on the can.  Then secure with another tube.  Repeat this process to the end. Secure with a rubber band until project dries. 

Better Homes and Garden Holiday Store

One of my favorite magazines, Better Homes and Garden (BHG) has a Holiday Store! Currently, you can get $3.95 shipping on any order, any size.  You can shop by issue or by topic.  They also have holiday exclusives! For example, you can get 40% off holiday fruit boxes and get free shipping as well.

DIY Tailored Pelmet Window Treatment

Photo Credit: BURCU AVSAR, styling by Laura Fenton

There is an article in the Good Housekeeping magazine (August 2011 Issue) on how to create an inexpensive, tailored pelmet to hide those not so pretty curtain rods.  See photo above.  To learn how to create this window treatment, visit their website at http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/crafts/diy-window-treatment.

Windowsill Basil Planter

Photo: Windowsill basil planter.  From left to right, cinnamon basil, opal basil and sweet basil.

The Smith & Hawken Basil Grow Pot I started a while ago is growing very nicely.  I am surprised by how flavorful and fragrant the leaves are!  Although I have basil growing in the yard, I do enjoy having some inside the house.  

Click here to view my earlier post on how to easily start grow pots, and to view the steps I have taken to start this grow pot.   

Painted Aspen Print by Matthew Lew

I am in love with this Painted Aspen Print by Matthew Lew.  On his CB2 profile, he has a low budget decorating tip that is suitable for renters.  He suggests making a mosaic statement on an accent wall using 8.5"x11" black and white photo copies of a repeated image.  You can use adhesives that will not damage your wall, and the the project will cost under $25 depending on your wall size. 

Recycled Paper Baskets

Photo: Recycled Paper Basket.  Normally $39.95, but on Sale for $29.99!

I saw these beautiful handmade paper baskets at Plow & Hearth.  These handmade recycled paper baskets are made by skilled paper weavers in the Philippines, providing needed income to families while reducing the impact on the earth.  This tote is sturdy enough for a full load of magazines or newspapers.  This particular tote measures 12"L x 6"D x 13"H, but there are other shapes and sizes.  The regular price of the baskets cost about $35 to $40, but the recycled paper basket featured above is on sale for $29.99.  You can also save an additional 15% off your purchase of $75 or more at Plow & Hearth by using coupon code LNKPH15. 

Photo: Recycled Waste Bin.  

Photo: Round Recycled Paper Basket

I lack the skills to make the totes featured above, but I liked the idea of recycling or upcycling old magazines and newspapers into beautiful, eco-friendly new products.  I found this neat YouTube video on how to make a recycled magazine holder out of a shoe box and coiled magazines.  The instructions look simple enough.  I may attempt to make one in the future.        

Update 12/28/2011:

[YouTube Video was removed by Owner  :(  ]

I did end up creating a makeup brush holder out of a tin can and sheets of magazines rolled into tubes.  Click here to see how I did it.

Succulent Wreaths

Photo: Succulent Wreath at Home Depot

Home Depot is selling succulent wreaths!  If you would like to create your own, Better Homes and Gardens (BHG) has a great slideshow with pictures and instructions here.    

Hanging Succulent Baskets

I saw these moss covered hanging baskets filled with an assortment of succulents at Home Depot.  I love that you can hang these planters on the walls.  You can bring plant life to your apartment or home without using up any precious outdoor floor space.

Our local Home Depot are selling them for $29.98 each.  This price is hard to beat if you had to purchase each component separately (i.e., individual plants, soil, moss, twine, and basket).  You could create a similar piece by filling a coco fiber lined wall basket planter or hanging basket planter with artfully arranged assortment of succulents. 

Tips:

Prior to filling the basket, attach the moss to the basket exterior with twine or omit it all together if you prefer the look of coco fiber.

If you choose a deep basket, consider filling the bottom half of the basket with clay balls, ping pong balls or some other light, airy material.  Most succulents have shallow root systems, and this will prevent the basket from becoming to heavy.

Whether you are hanging your basket on the wall or from the ceiling, make sure that it is secured to the stud(s) instead of drywall.  

EcoSphere Pods

Photo: A couple of my live shrimp resting on coral

I recently received a really unique and wonderful gift and I had to share it with you.  This clear glass container holds a self-sustaining, mini-ecosystem with live miniature shrimp.  Only light is needed to keep their world in a perfect plant-and-animal balance: algae and bacteria are eaten by the shrimp whose waste supports their regeneration.  It is the perfect addition to my desk and a nice stress reliever!

Photo: Round EcoSphere (left); Pod EcoSphere (right)

If you would like an EcoSphere Pod, you can find them on Amazon or at Wind and Weather.  They have them available in different shapes and sizes with prices that range from $59.95 to $149.95.  Wind and Weather's site says to allow 1-2 weeks for delivery, and that a delivery signature is required.

DIY Blooming Gifts Under $25

I have seen potted bulbs in flower catalogs sell from $60 to $90.  Even inexpensive, hardy bulbs like daffodils have been sold for hefty prices.  You can easily create such a gift by potting some bulbs in a planter of your choice.

I chose to plant some daffodils in a light weight and inexpensive 10" golden yellow fiberglass pot.  The blooming daffodils were about $3 per pack at Home Depot.  I planted a bunch closely together to get a more dramatic, rich effect.     

Double Duty Wall-Mount Jewelry Armoire

1.  Wall-Mount Photo Frame/Jewelry Armoire

Worthington Antique Walnut Photo Collage

Sick of the clutter on my dresser, I decided to chuck my eclectic collection of jewelry boxes and opt for a jewelry armoire.  I chose a wall-mount jewelry armoire that doubles as a photo frame, and I am very happy with my choice.  By utilizing my wall space, I freed up space on top of my dresser.  My jewelry is still organized, easily accessible, and neatly tucked away.

 

2.  Wall-Mount Mirror/Jewelry Armoire

SEI Wall-Mount Jewelry Armoire with Mirror, Walnut

I have a friend who has a wall-mount mirror/jewelry armoire.  She loves it.  Her wall-mount armoire stores all of her jewelry, and she can easily try on her accessories in front of the mirror.

3.  Wall-Mount Photo Frame/Mirror/Jewelry Armoire

Wall Mounted Jewelry Armoire with Photo Frame in Antique Black

Here is a wall-mount jewelry armoire that combines both photo frame and mirror.