tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13369097768552916662024-03-13T21:51:50.082-07:00Three Dogs in a Garden @ HomeJenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00116583212813729057noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336909776855291666.post-34010486819750225642017-05-19T10:14:00.002-07:002017-05-19T10:14:47.350-07:00Spilled Pot Gnome Garden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eX4GSDWFDxM/WRpN0aft-UI/AAAAAAAApn4/UJ94uYxT2oYCHdHq84BF4y2INbH_Up3yACLcB/s1600/Coverfinal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eX4GSDWFDxM/WRpN0aft-UI/AAAAAAAApn4/UJ94uYxT2oYCHdHq84BF4y2INbH_Up3yACLcB/s1600/Coverfinal.jpg" /></a></div>
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I sometimes worry that gardening will fade in popularity in the way that sewing has. Growing up my Mom made all our clothes, but who does that any more? Sadly, sewing increasing seems to be a lost art. </div>
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Experienced gardeners need to encourage a new generation of gardeners and I think fairy gardens are a project that appeals to young and imaginative minds.<br />
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<b>What you need:</b></div>
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• Gnome or fairy house (my house was purchased at Michaels)</div>
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• gnome or fairy figure (Again, I found my gnome at Michaels.)</div>
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• Tree with swing or any other decorative objects (Michaels)</div>
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• Tiny mushrooms (Michaels)</div>
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• Animal figures (I used 2 rabbits)</div>
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• Clay pot (mine was 4.5" deep and 9" across)</div>
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• Green sheet moss (from any craft store)</div>
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• Pebbles (Dollar Store)</div>
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<b>Tools & plants:</b></div>
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• Standard garden trowel</div>
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• 4 x 4" pots of alyssum</div>
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• 2 x 3" round pots of groundcover sedum</div>
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• 2 x 3" pots of Saxifraga rosacea</div>
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• 1 x 3" pot of Lamium 'White Nancy'</div>
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<i>Note: I also had purple violets and forget-me-knots blooming in the same area as I created my spilled pot.</i></div>
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<b>Step 1:</b> This project works best, if your garden has a bit of a slope. With your garden trowel, inset the pot into the slope and fill the bottom third of the pot with dirt. </div>
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<b>Step 2: </b>Disguise the dirt in the bottom section of the clay pot with a pieces of dried green moss (available at a craft store). In the picture above you can see the moss peeking out just behind the gnome's little house.</div>
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<b>Step 3: </b>To create a low groundcover in front of the clay pot, I used a two pots of magenta and two pots of pink Alyssum. Leaving space for a central pathway, plant the Alyssum to the left and right of the clay pot.</div>
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<i>Groundcover sedum and Alyssum </i></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><i>Saxifraga rosacea</i></span></div>
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<b>Step 3:</b> Plant your choice of annuals or perennials around the outer perimeter of the clay pot. Annuals will give you the best color throughout the gardening season. I used <b>Lamium 'White Nancy',</b> which has wonderful silver-green foliage. I also used a couple of unidentified <b>groundcover Sedums</b> that were inexpensive at Walmart. Finally, I planted two pots of <b>Saxifraga rosacea, </b>which has delicate, daisy-like flowers. </div>
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<b>Planting note:</b> The Sedum and the Saxifraga like good drainage, so I worked some fine gravel into my soil when planting these perennials.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mJDksiuCL5Q/WRpOTmlbHvI/AAAAAAAApog/Ock0HDJO8mkMaj-Y_MwDPTdBYapVg_FFwCLcB/s1600/Gnome%2Bwide%2Bcrop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mJDksiuCL5Q/WRpOTmlbHvI/AAAAAAAApog/Ock0HDJO8mkMaj-Y_MwDPTdBYapVg_FFwCLcB/s1600/Gnome%2Bwide%2Bcrop.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 4:</b> To make the pathway, I used decorative pebbles that I got at the Dollar Store. I placed a sprinkling of pebbles on the upper rim of the clay pot to cover any bare earth.</div>
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My props included a tree with a tiny swing, a few miniature mushrooms and two white rabbits.</div>
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The flowers on the <b>Saxifraga rosacea </b>will fade, but the plant itself should make a nice green mound. If it doesn't hold up in the heat of summer, it may be something I have to replace. The perennials should do fine and the annual Alyssum should provide color right into the fall.<br />
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Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00116583212813729057noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336909776855291666.post-84963991426065673772017-04-27T12:16:00.001-07:002021-04-15T16:12:29.107-07:00Super Easy DIY Window box<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last year my husband and I installed a large shed at the back of our property. For my husband, the shed is a useful structure where he plans to do his woodworking, but for me, it is a big, grey, box in the middle of my garden. It may be a utilitarian structure, but I want it to be at least a little bit pretty!</div>
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So I came up with this super easy window box idea that takes mere minutes to make up and install. <b>The best part about this project is there is no woodworking involved! Anybody who has access to a power drill can make this window box!</b></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7tLGWJRFHss/WQIndmiwSZI/AAAAAAAApag/u0loZMxTTw01rogk99I1DROWdhntGxwuACLcB/s1600/A%2BWindow%2Bbox%2Bcopy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7tLGWJRFHss/WQIndmiwSZI/AAAAAAAApag/u0loZMxTTw01rogk99I1DROWdhntGxwuACLcB/s1600/A%2BWindow%2Bbox%2Bcopy.jpg" /></a></div>
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Long metal troughs seem to be everywhere this spring. I have seen them at Walmart (under $10) in the housewares department and at the Dollar Store (only $4!). The one I used for this project is available at Loblaw garden centres here in Canada ($15). </div>
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The metal troughs at Walmart and the Dollar Store are unpainted, but you could easily get some multi-surface spray paint and fancy-up a plain trough.</div>
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To prepare your trough for planting, take a metal spike (or a large nail) and hammer holes into the bottom for drainage.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tZlzLQ__6_A/WQIlms6oKRI/AAAAAAAApaM/Bi9x3oAWwEY3i-LOdt-OPmTG7oZzUCwfACLcB/s1600/holes.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tZlzLQ__6_A/WQIlms6oKRI/AAAAAAAApaM/Bi9x3oAWwEY3i-LOdt-OPmTG7oZzUCwfACLcB/s400/holes.jpg" width="351" /></a></div>
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As you can see here, my husband punched a good number of evenly spaced holes into the bottom of the trough to insure my plants would have good drainage.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pZrZB7NyChw/WQIlj6O_hAI/AAAAAAAApZc/SdS1EAYF1mkgZmcr-wPF5xQRfHoTq3LQwCLcB/s1600/Combo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pZrZB7NyChw/WQIlj6O_hAI/AAAAAAAApZc/SdS1EAYF1mkgZmcr-wPF5xQRfHoTq3LQwCLcB/s1600/Combo.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>The plants I used are:</b></div>
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• 1 and a half trays of good-sized pansies</div>
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• 2 four-inch pots of variegated ivy</div>
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• 2 pots of daffodils (from the grocery store floral department)</div>
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• 1 tray of purple violas + a couple of plugs from a tray of yellow violas</div>
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The window box is at the back of the property well beyond the reach of a garden hose so I used Miracle Grow's Moisture Control Potting Mix. It absorbs up to 33% more water than basic potting soil. I will still have to lug a watering can to the back of the property to water the container planting, but at least I will have to do it a little less often. </div>
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<i>(<b>Note:</b> Another bonus of this potting mix is that it has built-in fertilizers that will feed my plants all season long.)</i></div>
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Planting up the trough took less than ten minutes. First, I filled the trough with a generous layer of potting soil (about half to three-quarters full). </div>
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<b>Then I placed the 2 pots of daffodils, plastic pot and all, at the back of the trough and worked them snugly into the soil. </b>This may sound like an unorthodox way to plant up a window box, but I have a good reason for not removing the daffodils from their plastic pots. </div>
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The daffodils will look great for a few weeks. Then the flowers will start to fade and the foliage will start to brown. Before my window box begins to look tattered, I want to remove the two pots of daffodils and replace them with something else (most likely some other annuals that I'll buy at a garden centre). <b>Leaving the daffodils in their plastic pots will make them easy to lift and remove.</b></div>
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<b>The daffodils won't be wasted. </b>I'll remove them from the pots and plant them out somewhere in the garden where their foliage can die back naturally. With any luck, they'll bloom in the garden next spring.</div>
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<i>(<b>Note:</b> Never cut back the fading foliage on your daffodils! If you want them to bloom year to year, you must allow the foliage to feed the bulb that produces next year's flower.)</i></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0CmyEbi2x_I/WQJAFj2bNyI/AAAAAAAApbg/JeEuvxFlbS0RueIy5a16IElwDvSB-3hVACLcB/s1600/A%2Bpansy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0CmyEbi2x_I/WQJAFj2bNyI/AAAAAAAApbg/JeEuvxFlbS0RueIy5a16IElwDvSB-3hVACLcB/s640/A%2Bpansy.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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Once the pots of daffodils were in position, I planted the pansies, violas and ivy as you would do normally– making sure there were no air pockets in the soil between my plants. <br />
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The pansies and other plants should look great well into summer. At that point, I may or may not want to freshen up the window box to see me through the rest of the season.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DymGQ2U3Csc/WQInlO1cSCI/AAAAAAAApak/c9m-SRMSWx4OUMVeWoinELxeGrVu7zJVwCLcB/s1600/A%2Bwindow%2Bbox%2Bsm.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DymGQ2U3Csc/WQInlO1cSCI/AAAAAAAApak/c9m-SRMSWx4OUMVeWoinELxeGrVu7zJVwCLcB/s1600/A%2Bwindow%2Bbox%2Bsm.jpg" /></a></div>
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Once it's all planted up, installing your window box couldn't be easier!</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m1q0QZKahjw/WQIybAQhKXI/AAAAAAAApbA/25fc6EEStO8Q3upYvgNAQzebI17eOoEoACLcB/s1600/Bracket.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m1q0QZKahjw/WQIybAQhKXI/AAAAAAAApbA/25fc6EEStO8Q3upYvgNAQzebI17eOoEoACLcB/s1600/Bracket.jpg" /></a></div>
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I purchased two 8 inch metal brackets at Walmart <i>(</i><b style="font-style: italic;">Note:</b><i> the size of your brackets might vary slightly depending on the size of your trough). </i>My husband installed the brackets with his drill and a few screws.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uD2Nra9gU8Q/WQIndeJCdFI/AAAAAAAApac/fGlBTcOZwOEFGDO7UQDZ8E6LoWcbEk8_ACLcB/s1600/A%2BHandles.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uD2Nra9gU8Q/WQIndeJCdFI/AAAAAAAApac/fGlBTcOZwOEFGDO7UQDZ8E6LoWcbEk8_ACLcB/s1600/A%2BHandles.jpg" /></a></div>
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The handles on my trough made it a snap to lift the window box into place on top of the two brackets. Even if your metal trough has no handles, it should still be a simple job to put the window box into position. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S-WUIECh3d0/WQIllyGRn-I/AAAAAAAApZ8/0T7Zk9ef9gcn88xrWtBAifg0tBl4LgoKQCLcB/s1600/Window%2Bbox%2Bwide%2B2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S-WUIECh3d0/WQIllyGRn-I/AAAAAAAApZ8/0T7Zk9ef9gcn88xrWtBAifg0tBl4LgoKQCLcB/s1600/Window%2Bbox%2Bwide%2B2.jpg" /></a></div>
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The weight of the container planting is enough to hold the window box in place. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xOEdjBF0wqU/WQIlkNER37I/AAAAAAAApZo/PcDqc2nbS3EUo5c-SFMsBcvFs4yxz4TowCLcB/s1600/Flowers.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xOEdjBF0wqU/WQIlkNER37I/AAAAAAAApZo/PcDqc2nbS3EUo5c-SFMsBcvFs4yxz4TowCLcB/s1600/Flowers.jpg" /></a></div>
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Watering the window box is easy too. Surplus water will run through the drainage holes in the metal trough to the ground below. No rotting wood!</div>
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I am super pleased with how this project turned out. It makes the utilitarian shed fit nicely with the rest of my garden.</div>
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Bookmark this post with a Pin.</div>
Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00116583212813729057noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336909776855291666.post-34855406788536333882017-04-14T20:08:00.001-07:002018-04-01T09:04:49.382-07:00Evertt's Painting and Murder<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Jy3jSxwlFJE/TTRhYd1ftkI/AAAAAAAACpM/yjDdDLQueTs/s1600/img035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Jy3jSxwlFJE/TTRhYd1ftkI/AAAAAAAACpM/yjDdDLQueTs/s320/img035.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">The roadside sign from The Illuminated Life of Maud Lewis by Lance Woolaver</span></i></div>
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<i>There is a new movie out about the life of Maud Lewis. To celebrate the movie's release and the life of an amazing woman, I am republishing this post.</i></div>
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Though Evertt Lewis' gaunt face and rail thin body seemed frail, his bright eyes had the sly look of a hustler about to make his mark. He shifted through a messy pile of assorted household objects and pulled out a thin art board, wrapped roughly in old newspapers and presented it to my father.<br />
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Evertt explained to my father that all of his wife's paintings had sold in the time since her death, but he had a painting of his own that he could sell to us. My father unwrapped the old newspaper, revealing a winter scene of two yoked oxen painted in near perfect mimicry of Maud's by then well known style.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Jy3jSxwlFJE/TSSyDvZwzGI/AAAAAAAACms/ED_oT-HZtxg/s1600/Evertt-paintingsm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Jy3jSxwlFJE/TSSyDvZwzGI/AAAAAAAACms/ED_oT-HZtxg/s400/Evertt-paintingsm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Maud's paintings very often included the figure of Evertt, so when Evertt did his own paintings, he sometimes included Maud. In the winter landscape Evertt showed my Dad and I, Maud could be seen standing beside the two oxen in her red coat. In the foreground, there where two identical brown rabbits munching on matching shrubs laden with red berries. Evertt was not been able to figure out how to properly mirror the rabbits on either side of the artwork, so he simply painted the same bunny twice. At the bottom of the thin art board was his signature written in an uneven, childlike hand.<br />
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Twenty dollars - that's what he told my father he was asking for the painting.</div>
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If my father was disappointed with the fact it was not a Maud Lewis original, he did not show it. He handed Evertt a twenty dollar bill and chatted respectfully with the old man.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Jy3jSxwlFJE/TR3mmPRV8XI/AAAAAAAAClE/QijfwyICk_Y/s1600/lewis_house_maud.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="473" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Jy3jSxwlFJE/TR3mmPRV8XI/AAAAAAAAClE/QijfwyICk_Y/s640/lewis_house_maud.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Maud in her red coat. She uses the coat's large floppy sleeves to </span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">hide her hands, which were crippled and deformed by rheumatoid arthritis. Photograph by Bob Brooks from the The Illuminated Life of Maud Lewis.</span></i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Jy3jSxwlFJE/TR3aEfIPIyI/AAAAAAAAClA/4fCkktXhL_g/s1600/AGNS_MaudLewisHouse+%2528Large%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Jy3jSxwlFJE/TR3aEfIPIyI/AAAAAAAAClA/4fCkktXhL_g/s400/AGNS_MaudLewisHouse+%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Maud and Evertt Lewis's home has been restored and stands on </span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">permanent </span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">display at the </span></i><i><a href="http://www.artgalleryofnovascotia.ca/en/AGNS_Halifax/about_us/collection/aboutmaudlewis/default.aspx"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Art Gallery of Nova Scotia</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">.</span></i></div>
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Standing behind my father, I looked up from the painting into the gloom of the tiny, one room house. Actually, it was more of a cottage than a house, measuring not much more than 10 feet by 12 feet. The cheerful spring flowers, birds and butterflies, which were painted on the interior walls and window panes seemed out-of-step with the messy stacks of papers and other household things that littered every flat surface and filled every corner. The furniture consisted of a ragtag assortment of wooden chairs, a table and a daybed. In one corner, a large wood stove painted with bright orange and red flowers, provided the only heat for the house. There appeared to be no bathroom, no running water, no electricity or phone.<br />
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The low-hung ceiling, not much above my father's head, pressed down on the whole scene and made me feel claustrophobic and anxious. At that point in my young life, I was thinking of studying art in college and then finding a way to earn a living as an artist. It made me wonder if my father had organized this visit as a cautionary tale. I couldn't wait for the conversation to end so we could leave.<br />
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(Take a tour of the house <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1Q4NrdthUU">here</a>.)<br />
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Not long after our visit that summer afternoon, Evertt was murdered.<br />
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Rumours had spread through the local community that Evertt, well known for his frugal ways, had money in a jar buried in the garden or stashed under the floorboards of his house. A young man broke into the house hoping to make off with some cash and Evertt died in the struggle.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Jy3jSxwlFJE/TTRhZFmbcKI/AAAAAAAACpQ/RARF9OOb8Rs/s1600/img036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Jy3jSxwlFJE/TTRhZFmbcKI/AAAAAAAACpQ/RARF9OOb8Rs/s400/img036.jpg" width="241" /></a></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Evertt gathers firewood for the stove, while Maud watches from the doorway. </span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Photograph by Bob Brooks from the Illuminated Life of Maud Lewis.</span></i></div>
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What makes the lives of Maude and Evertt Lewis so remarkable is that, out of physical hardship and extreme poverty, was born the most joyous artwork imaginable. The story of Maude's charming paintings really began when Maud met Evertt.</div>
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Over the years, Evertt told a number of different stories about his courtship with Maud. In the version he liked to repeat most often, Maud walked all the way from her aunt's home in Digby, Nova Scotia to his one room house in answer an ad. Evertt, a forty-four year old bachelor at the time, had placed the ad in local stores looking for a housekeeper. Apparently Maud refused to be a live-in housekeeper and insisted that they would have to marry, if she were to come to keep his house. As Evertt tells the story, he was initially undecided about her proposal. His dog, on the other hand, was <i>"... a pretty sharp dog, who wouldn't let anyone into the house. But when Maud came, he never said a word."</i><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Jy3jSxwlFJE/TTWxp4a_V7I/AAAAAAAACpc/f_kutwGF5kY/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Jy3jSxwlFJE/TTWxp4a_V7I/AAAAAAAACpc/f_kutwGF5kY/s320/images.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The more likely story is that Evertt met Maud when he came to the door of her aunt's home peddling fish. Maud was flattered by his attentions and impressed with his black model-T Ford (the black car figures in many of Maud's paintings).<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Jy3jSxwlFJE/TSSdHi2fUfI/AAAAAAAACmg/KRT86yV6A5U/s1600/Maud.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Jy3jSxwlFJE/TSSdHi2fUfI/AAAAAAAACmg/KRT86yV6A5U/s400/Maud.jpg" width="386" /></a></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Photograph by Bob Brooks from The Illuminated Life of Maud Lewis</span></i></div>
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Maud had been born with multiple birth defects that left her shoulders unnaturally sloped and her chin resting on her chest. As a child, Maud was often mocked by other children for her deformities. Her school attendance was irregular at best, and by the age of 14, she left school having completed only grade 5.<br />
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In the mid 1930's Maud's life took an unhappy turn, when her father passed away, followed by her mother two years later. Then Maud became pregnant.<br />
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As with many an unwed mother in the 1960's, Maud was sent in shame to a rural home to give birth to her baby in secrecy. After the baby was hastily put up for adoption, Maud's only brother Charles banished her to live with an aunt in the small town of Digby. Charles never saw or spoke to his sister again.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Jy3jSxwlFJE/TTRhZpv9mZI/AAAAAAAACpU/6N6TRk7oKOs/s1600/img037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="346" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Jy3jSxwlFJE/TTRhZpv9mZI/AAAAAAAACpU/6N6TRk7oKOs/s400/img037.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Maud did not let nature limit her representations of the world around her. In this painting, there are trees with brightly colored fall leaves in a winter landscape. From the Illuminated Life of Maud Lewis by Lance Woolaver.</span></i></div>
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Maud and Evertt married in 1938. Maud was pleased and proud to be a married woman despite the fact that Evertt lived in relative poverty. While her own childhood had been a comfortable one filled with loving parents, pet cats, music and art, Evertt had not been so lucky. As ward of the local county, he was boarded out to local farms, where he received food and lodging in exchange for work. This childhood experience taught Evertt to be a resourceful scrounger. He caught fish in nearby tidal pools and bartered the fish for produce. He dug for clams, trapped rabbits and grew his own vegetables in a small garden plot behind his tiny house.<br />
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If Evertt was hoping his new wife would do the cooking and the cleaning, he must have been disappointed in married life. By the time she wed Evertt her mid-thirties, Maud's hands had become so deformed by arthritis, she could barely grasp a paint brush in her fingers.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Jy3jSxwlFJE/TSSdIgLpf1I/AAAAAAAACmk/yZ0KXKvwjvs/s1600/Muad%2527s-handssm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="393" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Jy3jSxwlFJE/TSSdIgLpf1I/AAAAAAAACmk/yZ0KXKvwjvs/s400/Muad%2527s-handssm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Photograph by Bob Brooks from The Illuminated Life of Maud Lewis</span></i></div>
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As a child, Maud's mother Agnes had taught her how to paint Christmas cards, which they then sold door to door for five cents a piece. As she grew older Maud found cards time consuming, and they required finer work than her hands would allow, so she switched to painting.<br />
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Maud began each painting with a pencil sketch and then filled in the shapes with quick strokes, one hand supporting the other hand that held the paint brush. She painted the same scenes again and again like favourite songs: a yoked pair of oxen, horse drawn carriages, cats, birds and flowers. What is so lovable about her crude style is the bright colors and the underlying humour.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Jy3jSxwlFJE/TSSdF0UhbUI/AAAAAAAACmY/iPYLtp4LLXA/s1600/Catssm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Jy3jSxwlFJE/TSSdF0UhbUI/AAAAAAAACmY/iPYLtp4LLXA/s400/Catssm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Painting from the Collection of Bob and Marion Brooks from The Illuminated Life of Maud Lewis</span></i><br />
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When she was in her mid-sixties, Maud's health fell further into decline. She died in 1970 and was laid to rest in a child's coffin. By then her paintings had achieved notoriety through a series of articles in newspapers and magazines, as well as a feature on the CBC television program <i>Telescope</i>.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Jy3jSxwlFJE/TTWe95mK-LI/AAAAAAAACpY/DCgeFILywbQ/s1600/maud3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Jy3jSxwlFJE/TTWe95mK-LI/AAAAAAAACpY/DCgeFILywbQ/s400/maud3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> Painting from The Illuminated Life of Maud Lewis </span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">by Lance Woolaver</span></i></div>
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Evertt lived on another 11 years after Maud's death. During that time he became increasingly eccentric and suspicious of the world around him. Apart from his old age pension, the painting Maude did before her death were Evertt's only source of income. When the last of her paintings had been sold, Evertt began to paint his own artwork. The painting of the two oxen was one such creative endeavour.</div>
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Years after my father and I paid our visit to Maud's and Evertt's tiny house, I had stumbled across a trendy store in a well-to-do area of downtown Toronto. I stopped dead in my tracks, when I spotted, on the wall behind the sales counter, two paintings by Evertt Lewis. One was priced at $7000 and the other was $9000.<br />
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I thought back to the our visit to the little house and to the painting that my father had purchased for $20. Wouldn't Evertt, that sly old fox, have driven a harder bargain if only he had known what the painting would worth one day!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Jy3jSxwlFJE/TSSymndxIMI/AAAAAAAACmw/Shhh5zb10VQ/s1600/Evertt-and-Maudsm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Jy3jSxwlFJE/TSSymndxIMI/AAAAAAAACmw/Shhh5zb10VQ/s640/Evertt-and-Maudsm.jpg" width="458" /></a></div>
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The painting that my Dad purchased hangs in my dining room below a small print of one of Maud's winter scenes. I felt that their artwork should be together after all.<br />
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<b>References and Other Related Reading:</b><br />
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<b>The Illuminated Life of Maud Lewis</b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">by Lance Woolaver</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Photography by Bob Brooks</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Nimbus Publishing</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">This is a beautifully written book and my principal reference for this post. Here are the publisher's notes: Maud Lewis (1903-1970) was recognized and revered in her own lifetime, She offered her endearing images to the passing world through her roadside sign, "Paintings for Sale" and was rewarded by the enthusiastic response she received from both the community and tourists as well as from art collectors. </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></span>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Jy3jSxwlFJE/TTOxn3GZV4I/AAAAAAAACpI/9SWBuKFzBHc/s1600/0864923341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Jy3jSxwlFJE/TTOxn3GZV4I/AAAAAAAACpI/9SWBuKFzBHc/s1600/0864923341.jpg" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times"; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><b>The Painted House of Maud Lewis</b></span></b></span></span><br />
<b>Conserving a Folk Art Treasure</b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">By Laurie Hamilton</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Goose Lane Editions 2001:</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">For many years, Maud Lewis was one of Nova Scotia's best-loved folk painters. Between 1938, when she married Everett Lewis, until her death in 1970, Maud Lewis lived in a tiny one-room house near Digby, Nova Scotia. Over the years, she painted the doors inside and out, the windowpanes, the walls and cupboards, the wallpaper, the little staircase to the sleeping loft, the woodstove, the breadbox, the dustpan, almost everything her hand touched.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<br />Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00116583212813729057noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336909776855291666.post-36277581307947539882017-04-02T10:16:00.003-07:002017-04-02T10:16:41.523-07:00Simple DIY Pot Hanger that folds for Easy Storage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IBPzYzeofdE/WN272Ah0lXI/AAAAAAAAo8k/Tf4Gm9ypfeMkXtg-v5DgG6TA1qyJy3OQQCLcB/s1600/Cover%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IBPzYzeofdE/WN272Ah0lXI/AAAAAAAAo8k/Tf4Gm9ypfeMkXtg-v5DgG6TA1qyJy3OQQCLcB/s1600/Cover%2B2.jpg" /></a></div>
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This type of pot hanger is not particularly a new idea. Variations on this theme have been around for years. The advantage of our version is the quick way the whole pot hanger can be collapsed for easy winter storage. </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B8rxKOYagiE/WN3C-aEwNPI/AAAAAAAAo84/36K9jzMPU_guRq5LHl1DSNoQXJGjUQ7qQCLcB/s1600/%2BA%2Bnew%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B8rxKOYagiE/WN3C-aEwNPI/AAAAAAAAo84/36K9jzMPU_guRq5LHl1DSNoQXJGjUQ7qQCLcB/s640/%2BA%2Bnew%2B3.jpg" width="538" /></a></div>
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At the end of the season, simply take down the hanger and remove the plant pot. </div>
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Next, loosen the nuts on the eye-bolts on all four corners of the wooden frame. Remove an eye-bolt from one of the four corners. Fold the frame like a fan.</div>
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Reattach the eyebolt loosely to one of the corner pieces (just so it is less likely to go missing when you store the frame).</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VCokswoin9w/WOEjOtroYhI/AAAAAAAApAc/tvnJZQRNIJ48X8pOMs1B24AwkeTefDMBQCLcB/s1600/Finish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VCokswoin9w/WOEjOtroYhI/AAAAAAAApAc/tvnJZQRNIJ48X8pOMs1B24AwkeTefDMBQCLcB/s1600/Finish.jpg" /></a></div>
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Place the chains, the S-hooks and the folded wooden fame inside the clean, empty plant pot. Store the compact unit it away for the winter.</div>
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Here's how to make your own pot hanger:</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D6Z7sk-wyN0/V36gG69N_oI/AAAAAAAAlNQ/lE27rOcTH5sNcTALw8irsnCJr5SYu9xOwCLcB/s1600/What%2Byou%2Bneed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D6Z7sk-wyN0/V36gG69N_oI/AAAAAAAAlNQ/lE27rOcTH5sNcTALw8irsnCJr5SYu9xOwCLcB/s1600/What%2Byou%2Bneed.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>Materials you need:</b></div>
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• one plastic pot–7" pot with a total 9" diameter (including the lip) </div>
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• 1x 1.5" S-hook</div>
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• 4 x 1.25" S-hooks</div>
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• 4 x 2.5" eye bolts and nuts</div>
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• 4 x 14" lengths of chain</div>
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• 4 x .25" washers</div>
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• 4 x 9.25" pieces of 1"x 1" cedar</div>
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<b>Tools you need:</b></div>
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• measuring tape</div>
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• saw</div>
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• drill</div>
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• pencil</div>
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• pliers (optional)</div>
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<b>A few words about the Pot:</b></div>
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I don't recommend a terra cotta pot. It's likely to be too heavy. <b>I recommend a plastic pot with a lip for this project.</b> The lip sits on the cedar frame and holds the plant pot in place. </div>
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Pots with lips are pretty common, so I don't think you should have any difficulty finding one. I found the blue plastic pot you see here at the Home Depot for under $10.</div>
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<b>A few pointers about the Chain:</b></div>
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Do yourself a favour and don't try to cut the chain yourself. It is hard to do unless you have really sharp cutters! Ask the retail assistant at the hardware store to cut you four 14" lengths of half-inch sized chain.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-66KhUTMSMV8/V36mpYmaYaI/AAAAAAAAlNg/XhEFNdALmKYYTfiKoxkmcrFJlS2pEdBqQCLcB/s1600/Step%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-66KhUTMSMV8/V36mpYmaYaI/AAAAAAAAlNg/XhEFNdALmKYYTfiKoxkmcrFJlS2pEdBqQCLcB/s1600/Step%2B1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 1: </b>Cut four 9.25" lengths of cedar (1" x 1" cedar boards).</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nsfNyQcUdOw/V3672XIXLwI/AAAAAAAAlPY/gHfz3yOZVoI_ak94066hYlpxbaypPttPQCLcB/s1600/New%2Btwo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="353" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nsfNyQcUdOw/V3672XIXLwI/AAAAAAAAlPY/gHfz3yOZVoI_ak94066hYlpxbaypPttPQCLcB/s640/New%2Btwo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 2:</b> Place one piece of cedar on top of another and square the side and end of the boards as shown. Use the top piece of cedar to mark off a square on the bottom piece. </div>
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Repeat the process marking a square at each end of all four pieces of cedar. You will have 8 squares marked off (one at each end) when you are done.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tP4xG0lko7o/V36wvmNEQ4I/AAAAAAAAlOI/8AFaECm2vzU_GaWCoZEa3Zepo0aj_wVZgCLcB/s1600/Three.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tP4xG0lko7o/V36wvmNEQ4I/AAAAAAAAlOI/8AFaECm2vzU_GaWCoZEa3Zepo0aj_wVZgCLcB/s1600/Three.jpg" /></a></div>
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Next we need to mark the centre of each corner square.</div>
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<b>Step 3:</b> Using a piece of cedar as a ruler, draw a diagonal line from one corner of the square to the other. Flip your cedar ruler and draw a second diagonal line from the opposite corner. This is what you will have when you are finished:</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ObsXMIQ2Yt4/V36xfhpwXWI/AAAAAAAAlOM/8ufAhnuV7GMTOzwS6Q6e5Wk8dqXIShv9ACLcB/s1600/Corner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ObsXMIQ2Yt4/V36xfhpwXWI/AAAAAAAAlOM/8ufAhnuV7GMTOzwS6Q6e5Wk8dqXIShv9ACLcB/s1600/Corner.jpg" /></a></div>
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Repeat the process of marking diagonal lines on each corner of the four pieces of cedar.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X_ylUYFh4x4/V36zMJUGiSI/AAAAAAAAlOc/89pvDus4HwkgQcesxAV6nP3_9HkC47AtACLcB/s1600/Four.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X_ylUYFh4x4/V36zMJUGiSI/AAAAAAAAlOc/89pvDus4HwkgQcesxAV6nP3_9HkC47AtACLcB/s640/Four.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Step 4: Drill a hole at the centre of each X. You should have 8 holes when you are finished.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gj0-RPm7WqE/V360h_4YbWI/AAAAAAAAlOo/zSQBjsvLDm0QOCrpGb7YhC9_C3ZvlyDegCLcB/s1600/Five.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gj0-RPm7WqE/V360h_4YbWI/AAAAAAAAlOo/zSQBjsvLDm0QOCrpGb7YhC9_C3ZvlyDegCLcB/s1600/Five.jpg" /></a></div>
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Step 5: Place one piece of cedar on top of the other and line up the holes. Pass an eye-bolt down </div>
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through the holes.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ejtiHyCKQwo/V362eNjpNpI/AAAAAAAAlO4/XKVQ0wbvpmouutiPBHLC72bqReNTgifrQCLcB/s1600/Five_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="344" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ejtiHyCKQwo/V362eNjpNpI/AAAAAAAAlO4/XKVQ0wbvpmouutiPBHLC72bqReNTgifrQCLcB/s640/Five_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Turn the wood over and place a washer and bolt on the end of the eye-bolt. Tighten them as necessary.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IHPHgriE0BE/V363Vsj2vbI/AAAAAAAAlPA/ZFXkJxUtQYAT4hL6j42g86OhOa7hEPKZQCLcB/s1600/Four%2Bcorners.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IHPHgriE0BE/V363Vsj2vbI/AAAAAAAAlPA/ZFXkJxUtQYAT4hL6j42g86OhOa7hEPKZQCLcB/s1600/Four%2Bcorners.jpg" /></a></div>
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Repeat the process until you have all four corners together.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3-2t9iAxkS4/V364edzeHSI/AAAAAAAAlPI/ViO8jGA22IMgzUXP0c-_AkXATrISFavnwCLcB/s1600/Six.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3-2t9iAxkS4/V364edzeHSI/AAAAAAAAlPI/ViO8jGA22IMgzUXP0c-_AkXATrISFavnwCLcB/s1600/Six.jpg" /></a></div>
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Step 6: Slip one end of a S-hook into a corner eye-bolt. Connect a length of chain onto the other end of the S-hook. Repeat this step for each of the other corners. (Optional: Close the S-hook with a set of pliers.)</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5uwkrMQJV8o/WN2xp6RdhwI/AAAAAAAAo8U/KBjXvXJ6qGw-3XrX-AM_CMeCkOMkDc9xACLcB/s1600/A%2Bscrew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5uwkrMQJV8o/WN2xp6RdhwI/AAAAAAAAo8U/KBjXvXJ6qGw-3XrX-AM_CMeCkOMkDc9xACLcB/s1600/A%2Bscrew.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>A finished corner</i></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zz3PHkVsncA/WN2xjS7eUSI/AAAAAAAAo8Q/ID4m_RLhSUQsZp8PM-2ugyRLnxONaOVsQCLcB/s1600/A%2Bnew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zz3PHkVsncA/WN2xjS7eUSI/AAAAAAAAo8Q/ID4m_RLhSUQsZp8PM-2ugyRLnxONaOVsQCLcB/s1600/A%2Bnew.jpg" /></a></div>
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Step 7: Gather the four lengths of chain onto a large S-hook at the top of the pot hanger. (Optional:Close the S-hook with a set of pliers.)</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4RJjjvos9gE/WN28BBnevNI/AAAAAAAAo8o/hWo65s3SxzoGIMk1UBdbptrjz3UuPH5dwCLcB/s1600/Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4RJjjvos9gE/WN28BBnevNI/AAAAAAAAo8o/hWo65s3SxzoGIMk1UBdbptrjz3UuPH5dwCLcB/s1600/Cover.jpg" /></a></div>
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Place the plant pot into the frame and hang your finished project. </div>
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I left my S-hooks open and found the hanger worked well all summer. If you want to be able to remove the pot to deadhead the flowers or to water the plant however, you may find that it is better to close the S-hooks with a pair of pliers.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n4IAla0IhoA/WN3DS8JvbzI/AAAAAAAAo88/pYOLQO8DsN4Fbi60wthApRSkbFeiyswyQCLcB/s1600/Ivy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n4IAla0IhoA/WN3DS8JvbzI/AAAAAAAAo88/pYOLQO8DsN4Fbi60wthApRSkbFeiyswyQCLcB/s1600/Ivy.jpg" /></a></div>
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The hanger is great for outdoor plants, but there is no reason you shouldn't be able to use it for indoor plant as well. </div>
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<i>Here I used a hanger for a pot of ivy.</i></div>
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This project is easy-to-do with minimal carpentry skills. Not only does the pot hanger come together quickly, it looks attractive too!</div>
<br />Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00116583212813729057noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336909776855291666.post-55569942068160085792017-03-11T08:32:00.001-08:002017-03-11T08:32:27.297-08:00Succulent Terrarium<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A2ukFW7nPno/WMLTjsvYraI/AAAAAAAAof0/FQv-c6Pm_W8JFa_DXl6g0zEkxQrLstFyQCLcB/s1600/OPENER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A2ukFW7nPno/WMLTjsvYraI/AAAAAAAAof0/FQv-c6Pm_W8JFa_DXl6g0zEkxQrLstFyQCLcB/s1600/OPENER.jpg" /></a></div>
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While the gardening world seems to has gone crazy for succulents, I have been very slow to embrace the trend. Even so, I can see the attraction to these plants. They're easy-to-care-for, which is a bonus for budding green thumbs, who might have the interest, but not a whole lot of time to devote to indoor gardening. They're also pretty with their dusty-blue green hues and attractive sun-burst shapes.</div>
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Desperate for even the smallest signs of spring, I visited one of my favourite nurseries last weekend. There were pots of yellow daffodils, tulips and cheerful primroses, but it was the display of potted succulents and terrariums that caught my eye. "That could be a fun little project!" thought I. </div>
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The next thing you knew, I was loading an assortment of the cute little succulents, some potting soil and a wire terrarium into the backseat of my car. </div>
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Here's the <b>materials and supplies</b> you'd need to make your own terrarium:<br />
<b><br /></b>• An assortment of succulents<br />
• Potting soil with excellent drainage<br />
• Terrarium or shallow dish of your choice<br />
• Soft bristled paint brush<br />
• Decorative pebbles<br />
• Decorative object of your choice<b> </b><br />
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This is the terrarium I bought ($10 at <a href="http://www.terragreenhouses.com/">Terra Nurseries</a>). It comes with a convenient wooden tray that is already lined. The wire framework was black when I bought it, but I thought it would look nicer if it were green. Out came a can of dusty, sage-colored spray paint! <i>(I used multi-surface spray paint that is available at most hardware and paint stores.)</i></div>
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If you can't find a terrarium like this, try using a shallow ceramic bowl, pot or perhaps try one of the low metal trays I have seen at Michaels.</div>
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Step 1: Add a base layer of potting soil that is an inch or so deep (the depth will depend on your container). I used a specific potting soil that's created for cactus and succulents. It offers much better drainage than regular potting soil.</div>
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These are the succulents I selected for my project. I used two larger plants and four smaller succulents. The smaller plants were just $2.50 each and the two bigger plants were just over $5 each.</div>
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The two larger succulents went in first. They were originally potted up with lots of perlite. I tried to keep as much of the perlite as I could figuring it would improve the soil's drainage even more. </div>
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Next, I tucked in the smaller plants. I found a soft bristled paint brush was a handy tool to clean up any potting soil that accidentally got on the surface of my succulents.</div>
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Most rocks are free for the taking, so I always feel a bit like I have rocks in my head whenever I buy decorative stones. These pebbles were pretty affordable at the Dollar Store (just $3), so it made me feel a bit more sane when I bought a plastic jar full of buff and grey colored pebbles.</div>
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I have to say that the pebbles made a nice top dressing for the terrarium.</div>
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The final steps were placing the wooden tray back inside the wire terrarium and adding a decorative object. I used a snail, but you could add a fairy, a gnome or any other object that appeals to you.</div>
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I'm rather pleased with the way the whole thing turned out. All together this succulent filled terrarium cost me under $40.</div>
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I think the biggest challenge will be not to overwater my succulents. The lined wooden tray has no drainage, so I will have to be really careful not to get carried away when I water. Here are a few pointers I noted on caring for succulents:</div>
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• <b>Succulents like lots of light</b> (4-6 hours).</div>
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• Too much water will cause succulents to rot. <b>Succulents like it when the soil approaches dry before they are watered. </b>In a tray like this or a pot with no drainage, it will take a bit longer for the soil to dry out.</div>
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• <b>If you have one, use a water meter</b> to check the moisture level of the soil. Another trick is to <b>use weight to determine if your succulents require water.</b> Lift the terrarium in your hands after you water it and make a mental note of how heavy it is. When the soil has dried out, the terrarium will be a lot lighter.</div>
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• <b>Watch your succulents for signs there is a problem with soil moisture.</b> If your succulent's leaves are mushy, its probably getting too much water. If the leaves are wrinkled or limp, its probably getting too little water.</div>
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• Use an organic fertilizer (following the label's directions) during the plant's growing season. </div>
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Now that I have my first terrarium finished, I'm may try my hand at a few more projects using succulents. I may just have become the newest fan of these adorable little plants!</div>
Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00116583212813729057noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336909776855291666.post-77807545292159532932017-02-18T12:15:00.000-08:002017-02-18T12:15:07.330-08:00How to make your own Insecticidal Soap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Insecticidal soap is a safe, effective way to deal with an insect problem both indoors and out. Unlike pesticides, this simple soap solution is biodegradable, so it won't leave a residue that is harmful to birds or beneficial insects like pollinating bees. Sprayed on an infected plant, it kills only the targeted insects.<br />
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There are ready-made insecticidal soaps that you can purchase at most garden supply stores. To apply them, follow the directions on the label. You can also make your insecticidal soap.<br />
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<b>When to use Insecticidal Soap:</b></h3>
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The fatty acids in this simple soap solution work by disrupting the cell membranes and dissolving the natural waxy coating on soft-bodied insects. Unwanted pests suffocate as a result. Insects that can be treated with insecticidal soap include:<br />
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• Spider mites<br />
• Aphids<br />
• Mealy bugs<br />
• Thrips<br />
• Immature White Flies<br />
• Immature Leafhoppers<br />
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<i>Aphids. Photo by Ken Sproule</i></div>
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Here's the <b>materials and supplies</b> you need to make your own insecticidal soap:<br />
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• Measuring cup<br />
• Funnel <i>(optional– it just makes it easier to pour the liquids into the bottle)</i><br />
• Tablespoon<br />
• Pure all-natural liquid soap such as Castile soap<br />
• Empty spray bottle<b> </b><i>(look for one at the Dollar Store)</i><br />
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<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
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2 and 1/3 cup of water <i>(note: hard water can reduce the effectiveness of the soap)</i><br />
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1 tablespoon of <b>pure liquid soap</b> such as Castile soap <b><i>(Note:</i> <i>don't use dish soap, regular </i><i>laundry detergent</i><i> or any soaps with degreasers, skin moisturizers or synthetic chemicals.)</i></b><br />
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<b>Method:</b><br />
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Remove the top to your empty spray bottle.<br />
Measure the ingredients and using the funnel, pour the them into the spray bottle.<br />
Reattach the lid on the spay bottle and shake the contents gently to combine.<br />
<b>Label the bottle and make sure to store it out of the reach of children.</b><br />
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<b>Before you spray:</b></h3>
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Before you begin to apply your spray to an infected plant, there are a few quick things to note.<br />
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<b>• Some plants are sensitive to soap sprays, so do a test first. </b>Spray a few leaves or single branch of the plant. Wait a full day to see if there is any signs of burning before proceeding to spray the entire plant.<br />
Sensitive indoor plants include ferns, ivy, succulents, palms, lantana and azaleas. Outdoor plants that might be adversely affected include cherries, plum, Japanese Maple, Bleeding Heart, Ferns, Nasturtiums and Sweet Peas.<br />
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• Plants that are stressed should not be sprayed. Don't spray a plant that is wilted and thirsty for water.<br />
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• Spray your plant early in the morning when it is cooler and the sun is softer.<br />
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• Don't place a plant that has just been sprayed into the bright, hot sun.<br />
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<b>Using the Spray:</b></h3>
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If it is too cold to work outside, place your plant in the kitchen sink or the bathtub.<br />
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Gently shake the bottle to evenly disperse the soap in the water.<br />
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Your spray<b> will only work when coming into direct contact with soft-bodied insects</b>, <b>so spray your plant throughly with the insecticidal soap.</b> Turn the plant around in a circle and place the plant on an angle to try to catch all of the leaves <b>including the underside of each leaf.</b><br />
<b><br /></b><b>Thoroughly rinse the soap off after 10 minutes to prevent leaf burn.</b><br />
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Repeat the application of the insecticidal soap once every 4-7 days for a total of three applications to insure that the problem has cleared up.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Es7ZMi6rOYo/WKdeVVr_iGI/AAAAAAAAoMY/pQV8_vGGX0MYT405XqZ02FwstkWgahW9gCLcB/s1600/spider%2Bmite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Es7ZMi6rOYo/WKdeVVr_iGI/AAAAAAAAoMY/pQV8_vGGX0MYT405XqZ02FwstkWgahW9gCLcB/s400/spider%2Bmite.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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You might be interested in the article on<b> Unexpected House Pests by Jean Godawa</b> </div>
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on the main gardening blog. </div>
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<i>Many thanks to Ken Sproule and David Cappaert of Bugwood.org for </i></div>
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<i>providing the photographs of insects.</i></div>
Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00116583212813729057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336909776855291666.post-61240137604786159882016-12-16T06:23:00.000-08:002016-12-16T06:23:01.401-08:00DIY Holiday Gift Boxes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zM4ibOvxFRA/WFCBCDgP8dI/AAAAAAAAnNs/PuoWE_qZeZgktNwq5XCCnzKCL48hFpn_ACLcB/s1600/Bear%2Bcls_0038R.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zM4ibOvxFRA/WFCBCDgP8dI/AAAAAAAAnNs/PuoWE_qZeZgktNwq5XCCnzKCL48hFpn_ACLcB/s1600/Bear%2Bcls_0038R.jpg" /></a></div>
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What's the first gift they'll want to unwrap? The one in a box that looks extra special! Here's how you can take generic gift boxes from the dollar store and transform them into something magical.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8NRWTbnB3xU/WFLwSP6rLAI/AAAAAAAAnQo/lcqNeRl3qCAOHs7YGgSUM89e2ZP160rxwCLcB/s1600/Materials%2Bsm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8NRWTbnB3xU/WFLwSP6rLAI/AAAAAAAAnQo/lcqNeRl3qCAOHs7YGgSUM89e2ZP160rxwCLcB/s640/Materials%2Bsm.jpg" width="542" /></a></div>
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<b>Materials you need:</b></div>
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• Plain cardboard boxes of various kinds and sizes</div>
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• Figure or object for the box top (a little house, an animal-let your imagination be your guide)</div>
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• White acrylic paint</div>
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• Acrylic paint in a color of your choice for the body of the box</div>
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• Paint brushes</div>
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• Quick-drying craft glue</div>
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• Glue gun and glue sticks</div>
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• Glitter (optional)</div>
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• Epson salts (for the snow)</div>
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• Ribbon</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C5ZKwWxyFfo/WFLyZ23cZVI/AAAAAAAAnQ0/mLzZK9xxgh8SJphLYzc9vwJu7xM0b4HvgCLcB/s1600/Overall%2BRed%2BBoxes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C5ZKwWxyFfo/WFLyZ23cZVI/AAAAAAAAnQ0/mLzZK9xxgh8SJphLYzc9vwJu7xM0b4HvgCLcB/s1600/Overall%2BRed%2BBoxes.jpg" /></a></div>
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For this first set of boxes, I used plain brown cardboard boxes of various shapes and sizes.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zY9i5vZX0dQ/WFLy3BA8yRI/AAAAAAAAnQ8/OcjnEpsyVXwT47yRrjGUY6XPAoSxeoTnACLcB/s1600/Closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zY9i5vZX0dQ/WFLy3BA8yRI/AAAAAAAAnQ8/OcjnEpsyVXwT47yRrjGUY6XPAoSxeoTnACLcB/s640/Closeup.jpg" width="466" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 1:</b> Paint the body and the side of your box lid with acrylic paint in a color of your choice. I pulled the color red from the little houses I planned to use on the box tops.</div>
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<b>Step 2:</b> Paint the top of the lid with white acrylic paint. </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yd707-8K3kA/WFMCXBEeeUI/AAAAAAAAnRM/auEz6taQvoAvJ6y0zxhCOa1l3lMaRdRlgCLcB/s1600/Snowman%2Bnice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yd707-8K3kA/WFMCXBEeeUI/AAAAAAAAnRM/auEz6taQvoAvJ6y0zxhCOa1l3lMaRdRlgCLcB/s1600/Snowman%2Bnice.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 3:</b> Next attach the object, figure or animal onto the top of the box lid. (The little snowman was found at Walmart by the way.)</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TGkvqoMT0IM/WFLyzJDn_VI/AAAAAAAAnRI/1F6TaFPFDIooG8WxhmaJoOvrNIbqtBfPQCEw/s1600/Snowman%2Battach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TGkvqoMT0IM/WFLyzJDn_VI/AAAAAAAAnRI/1F6TaFPFDIooG8WxhmaJoOvrNIbqtBfPQCEw/s400/Snowman%2Battach.jpg" width="361" /></a></div>
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Depending on the object you choose, you may or may not require a glue gun to attach it securely. White glue alone wasn't going to hold this snowman, so I resorted to hot glue. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DCsIPL2DbG8/WFMDuy0cIuI/AAAAAAAAnRY/SXCyhsEVWKweL7Ly6l_ugvGK4jsAzo1MACLcB/s1600/Epson%2BSalt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DCsIPL2DbG8/WFMDuy0cIuI/AAAAAAAAnRY/SXCyhsEVWKweL7Ly6l_ugvGK4jsAzo1MACLcB/s1600/Epson%2BSalt.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 4:</b> You could leave the box top with just the white paint and that would look fine, but I wanted my lid to have the sparkle of snow. </div>
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<b>Warning:</b> <b>This is where this project gets a little messy! I recommend you lay down some newsprint for easy clean up.</b> </div>
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Once your object or figure is dry on the box lid, spread a generous layer of quick-drying craft glue on the remainder of the lid (I used a popsicle stick to spread the glue). Sprinkle epsom salts over the surface of the glue. Add a few glitter sparkles as well, if you like. Press down the epsom salt and sparkles into the glue with your fingers. Allow the lid to dry.</div>
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Once the salt and glitter is set, turn the lid on its side and gently knock off any of the surplus salt and glitter that did not adhere.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s-4rvIfqdR0/WFMC-2DG24I/AAAAAAAAnRQ/1IwjAQTKKycQSJ8-vkOBc6dWsrWVdsEcwCLcB/s1600/Snowman%2Bribbon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="333" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s-4rvIfqdR0/WFMC-2DG24I/AAAAAAAAnRQ/1IwjAQTKKycQSJ8-vkOBc6dWsrWVdsEcwCLcB/s400/Snowman%2Bribbon.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 5:</b> Attach a ribbon to your box. I used a bead of white glue under the ribbon to keep it in place. </div>
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This box had a deep lid, so I used a plaid ribbon and ran the ribbon around the centre of the box. (You can find similar vintage Christmas houses at Michaels craft store.)</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zvWojuHj_sU/WFMHnzsH6vI/AAAAAAAAnRo/NZds0HWAVjM1STyIHEyTev2mTRQdb17wgCLcB/s1600/Snowman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zvWojuHj_sU/WFMHnzsH6vI/AAAAAAAAnRo/NZds0HWAVjM1STyIHEyTev2mTRQdb17wgCLcB/s640/Snowman.jpg" width="430" /></a></div>
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On the two round boxes, I used a narrow gingham ribbon and wrapped it around the circumference of the lid.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QQP8zwj1mJA/WFMHceDUBHI/AAAAAAAAnRk/KJjCw9sdcX8J1Qfxx4BO80PT515WckIfACLcB/s1600/Church_0083RRR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QQP8zwj1mJA/WFMHceDUBHI/AAAAAAAAnRk/KJjCw9sdcX8J1Qfxx4BO80PT515WckIfACLcB/s1600/Church_0083RRR.jpg" /></a></div>
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To create this box topped with a church, I painted a plain cardboard box sage-green. Next I stenciled some snowflakes in a slightly lighter shade of sage. </div>
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To finish off the box, I ran white ribbon all the way around the lid (a fine bead of white glue under the ribbon secured it in place). Then I topped the white ribbon with a narrow band of gold ribbon (again a fine bead of glue holds the ribbon in place). At the front, I attached a bow in the same gold ribbon (I used hot glue to attach the bow).</div>
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This next group of boxes were even faster to create. These dollar store boxes already came with a nice silver print. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iz-SROT1ESQ/WFMLWc8ttCI/AAAAAAAAnR8/U2-vr3kn4UM8lnlXWvXByeR8g2ezrmM3QCLcB/s1600/Reindeer_0056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iz-SROT1ESQ/WFMLWc8ttCI/AAAAAAAAnR8/U2-vr3kn4UM8lnlXWvXByeR8g2ezrmM3QCLcB/s1600/Reindeer_0056.jpg" /></a></div>
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To top this box, I used a reindeer and some mini-Christmas trees (which mirrors the theme of the silver print on the box). All I did was paint the lid white. Then I attached the reindeer with some hot glue. </div>
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The next step was to add the epsom salt and glitter (see method above for attaching the salt and glitter).<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--_ut7K_EDTs/WFML7kjG_vI/AAAAAAAAnSA/a3K7GTRpOmszzBnjbEBdb8oieySWLBzjwCLcB/s1600/Trees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--_ut7K_EDTs/WFML7kjG_vI/AAAAAAAAnSA/a3K7GTRpOmszzBnjbEBdb8oieySWLBzjwCLcB/s1600/Trees.jpg" /></a></div>
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To secure the trees, I twisted off each tree from its cork base. Then I used the wire at the bottom of the tree to poke a small hole in the top of the box lid. </div>
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Next I applied a little hot glue to the base of the tree and inserted the wire trunk back into the hole. On the underside of the lid, I reattached the cork with a little hot glue.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LUa1E6BzxSc/WFCBCJ48oLI/AAAAAAAAnNk/6WlyjTVLZbUxtGnJ4Ah-CW9f5E5y-j62QCLcB/s1600/Select%2BBear_0047RR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LUa1E6BzxSc/WFCBCJ48oLI/AAAAAAAAnNk/6WlyjTVLZbUxtGnJ4Ah-CW9f5E5y-j62QCLcB/s1600/Select%2BBear_0047RR.jpg" /></a></div>
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Isn't this bear sweet? I think this box would make a great gift for a toddler or a baby's first Christmas.</div>
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Again my box had a nice silver snowflake pattern, so all I did was fancy-up the lid <b>(see working method above)</b>. Around the lid, I ran a pretty, baby-blue ribbon with a bow at the front <b>(again see notes above about securing the ribbon and bow)</b>.</div>
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I hope you've found some inspiration to make your own gift boxes extra special this holiday season!</div>
Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00116583212813729057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336909776855291666.post-40747714758400916392016-12-06T05:49:00.000-08:002016-12-06T05:49:49.655-08:00Diamonds & Pearls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TJQUtrr0KP0/WEMRo0vo_cI/AAAAAAAAnGc/ng60C4QrpL8eMU_9bj6YcTo71hNMQe-zQCLcB/s1600/White%2BsnowflakeRR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TJQUtrr0KP0/WEMRo0vo_cI/AAAAAAAAnGc/ng60C4QrpL8eMU_9bj6YcTo71hNMQe-zQCLcB/s1600/White%2BsnowflakeRR.jpg" /></a></div>
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This little craft idea couldn't be any easier! In fact these ornaments are so simple to make, you could easily do this project with the kids or grandkids. <i>(When working with kids just make sure to choose large stickers that are easy for little hands to work with.)</i></div>
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The list of materials you need is pretty short in all my examples.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-trpv5E-wY/WD4J0iPdUdI/AAAAAAAAnBs/j-xJhVOvvFI3ChzwJY-xAh3nsWRYvq3vACLcB/s1600/Snowflakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-trpv5E-wY/WD4J0iPdUdI/AAAAAAAAnBs/j-xJhVOvvFI3ChzwJY-xAh3nsWRYvq3vACLcB/s1600/Snowflakes.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>Materials you need for these DIY snowflake ornaments:</b></div>
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• a box of ornaments with a pearl finish </div>
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• snowflake stickers with a diamond-like finish <b>on a transparent backdrop</b> (I found my snowflakes at Michaels)</div>
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• a sheet of individual blue diamonds (not shown- also available at Michaels)</div>
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• pair of scissors</div>
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• ribbon or a metal hook to hang the finished ornament</div>
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<b>Step 1: </b>Detach a snowflake sticker from the transparent backing paper. Place the sticker on the face of the ornament, but don't press it down just yet! When a sticker is roughly tacked into position, it is still easy to lift and move. As you build your design on your ball, you may need to lift and adjust the spacing of your stickers. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0A_WLobKFyk/WD4PS6fY-EI/AAAAAAAAnCM/g0IIahudieQ-yG5aK1yICTodPPzJDXRNACLcB/s1600/Ball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0A_WLobKFyk/WD4PS6fY-EI/AAAAAAAAnCM/g0IIahudieQ-yG5aK1yICTodPPzJDXRNACLcB/s320/Ball.jpg" width="277" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rKpSta_WSeQ/WEMRy_VC_JI/AAAAAAAAnGg/8uBcZgbscL4dnoykXpSiq5uvwHVhG--XQCLcB/s1600/Snowflake%2Balt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rKpSta_WSeQ/WEMRy_VC_JI/AAAAAAAAnGg/8uBcZgbscL4dnoykXpSiq5uvwHVhG--XQCLcB/s1600/Snowflake%2Balt.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 2: </b>The fun in this project is creating your own snowflake pattern on the surface of your ornament. Once you are happy with the layout of your pattern, press the snowflakes down with your thumb to secure them in place.</div>
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Let your imagination be your guide in creating your pattern. </div>
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To create my ornament, I placed a row of snowflakes around the middle of the ball. On the bottom centre of the ball, I put a full snowflake. At the top of the ornament, I used fan-shaped sections, which I created by cutting up full snowflakes with my scissors. In between the snowflakes, I filled the empty space with individual blue diamonds. </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AifoagBVT-0/WD4K-9vScaI/AAAAAAAAnCA/sNDcYmSqMuMG1_2vvEVrDOU_ugsqAoEtwCLcB/s1600/Easy%2BDiamonds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AifoagBVT-0/WD4K-9vScaI/AAAAAAAAnCA/sNDcYmSqMuMG1_2vvEVrDOU_ugsqAoEtwCLcB/s1600/Easy%2BDiamonds.jpg" /></a></div>
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For this next group of ornaments, I used small individual diamonds and diamonds in a wave-like swirl.</div>
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<b>Materials you need for these diamond swirl ornaments:</b></div>
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• a box of clear ornaments </div>
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• stickers with diamond swirls <b>on a transparent backdrop</b> (I found these at Michaels)</div>
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• a sheet of individual diamonds (to fill in any gaps- also available at Michaels)</div>
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• pair of scissors</div>
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• ribbon or a metal hook to hang the finished ornament</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mxn2E8wXOIg/WD4JnmLn1WI/AAAAAAAAnBQ/LseZW8sSyx42LCYdyaLpBAg3I-Jw4GVYwCLcB/s1600/Diamonds%2Balt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mxn2E8wXOIg/WD4JnmLn1WI/AAAAAAAAnBQ/LseZW8sSyx42LCYdyaLpBAg3I-Jw4GVYwCLcB/s1600/Diamonds%2Balt.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NgVKQsGCU6o/WEMXhhaVxKI/AAAAAAAAnG4/KZn6Q9lr1dgRqoWxJyDhe7IA-yysl0eowCLcB/s1600/Pearl%2Bcls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NgVKQsGCU6o/WEMXhhaVxKI/AAAAAAAAnG4/KZn6Q9lr1dgRqoWxJyDhe7IA-yysl0eowCLcB/s640/Pearl%2Bcls.jpg" width="471" /></a></div>
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There are an amazing array of stickers on a clear backing available. You can find stripes and swirls as well as individual diamonds and pearls to personalize any plain ornament. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ow9Nz75mL40/WEMXh_lSa5I/AAAAAAAAnG8/CX1pe6njDFUdVCYSQzR2ayGAsQRC_yAiwCLcB/s1600/Pearl%2Bcombo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="388" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ow9Nz75mL40/WEMXh_lSa5I/AAAAAAAAnG8/CX1pe6njDFUdVCYSQzR2ayGAsQRC_yAiwCLcB/s640/Pearl%2Bcombo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xgewEI6I_Xc/WEMnhtIS_MI/AAAAAAAAnHM/DmDx3tNUDNMeUhCq98kz6G0ongbH2yuRwCLcB/s1600/Band.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xgewEI6I_Xc/WEMnhtIS_MI/AAAAAAAAnHM/DmDx3tNUDNMeUhCq98kz6G0ongbH2yuRwCLcB/s1600/Band.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>Materials you need for this ornament with bands of pearls:</b></div>
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• a box of ornaments with a pearl finish </div>
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• stickers with bands of pearls (I found these at the Dollar store)</div>
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• a sheet of individual pearls (to fill in any gaps -again from the Dollar store)</div>
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• pair of scissors</div>
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• ribbon or a metal hook to hang the finished ornament</div>
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For this ornament, I used a band of different sized pearls. Around the middle of the ornament I ran one long stripe of pearls ( two bands pieced together). Then I cut the band into smaller sections and used it to add v-shaped lines of pearls that run from the top and bottom of the ornament to the middle. If you have any gaps, fill them in with individual pearls like the ones you see on the righthand sheet.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gy5lbhBePug/WEMtcGHFn-I/AAAAAAAAnHg/q8ECrKW51_Ut2abWg_mjdAuEhRoijv2wgCLcB/s1600/Letters%2BPearl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gy5lbhBePug/WEMtcGHFn-I/AAAAAAAAnHg/q8ECrKW51_Ut2abWg_mjdAuEhRoijv2wgCLcB/s1600/Letters%2BPearl.jpg" /></a></div>
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Letters are a great way to tailor an ornament to a gift recipient. For the next ornament, I used a sheet of pearl letters. </div>
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<b>Materials you need to make the ornaments with a recipient's name:</b></div>
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• a box of ornaments with a pearl finish </div>
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• letter stickers with a pearl-finish</div>
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• pair of scissors</div>
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• ribbon or a metal hook to hang the finished ornament</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f0eOmNFiHGE/WEMXhhXqW4I/AAAAAAAAnHE/Rw8ac90pLj0TNXy_-3OOpNIYGXZVHsm_wCEw/s1600/JennyR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f0eOmNFiHGE/WEMXhhXqW4I/AAAAAAAAnHE/Rw8ac90pLj0TNXy_-3OOpNIYGXZVHsm_wCEw/s1600/JennyR.jpg" /></a></div>
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To frame the name, I used pearl swirls (see an example of one of the sheet of swirls later in this post).</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m1N3bN0ugjU/WEMxKfNa4rI/AAAAAAAAnHw/fNkxHfkbMp4RXBlUVb7mKCQBHQjz2-N9QCLcB/s1600/Letters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m1N3bN0ugjU/WEMxKfNa4rI/AAAAAAAAnHw/fNkxHfkbMp4RXBlUVb7mKCQBHQjz2-N9QCLcB/s640/Letters.jpg" width="517" /></a></div>
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If you don't care for the pearl letters, there are glittery options as well.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHYRN8HcmeM/WEMxdkixLpI/AAAAAAAAnH0/3ohhTazzCpI1ywZ9q4f74Mewz1RzJmLuwCLcB/s1600/Harold%2Bcl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHYRN8HcmeM/WEMxdkixLpI/AAAAAAAAnH0/3ohhTazzCpI1ywZ9q4f74Mewz1RzJmLuwCLcB/s1600/Harold%2Bcl.jpg" /></a></div>
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Place your finished ornament on a colorful napkin along with a sprig of fresh greenery and you have a keepsake guests can take home after a holiday meal.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1_v0ziiNh3M/WEMn_577CGI/AAAAAAAAnHQ/lFADSJ5VBNcYm8hiElgVNsS2HYhOcbF1ACLcB/s1600/Swirls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1_v0ziiNh3M/WEMn_577CGI/AAAAAAAAnHQ/lFADSJ5VBNcYm8hiElgVNsS2HYhOcbF1ACLcB/s1600/Swirls.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>Materials you need for these ornaments with a pearl swirl:</b></div>
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• a box of pearl ornaments </div>
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• stickers with swirls that have a pearl finish (I found these at the Dollar store)</div>
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• a sheet of individual pearls (to fill in any gaps)</div>
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• pair of scissors</div>
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• ribbon or a metal hook to hang the finished ornament</div>
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I found that the complicated swirls could be become a bit of a nightmare to deal with once you pulled them off the backing paper, so I cut the swirls into smaller sections with my scissors and pieced the sections back together on my ornament.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nv-N983lPjw/WEMXhhUu7HI/AAAAAAAAnG0/XSHYez9SZ9AtB_IazxwBSZrd8TwrzFIwwCLcB/s1600/Pearl%2BLg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nv-N983lPjw/WEMXhhUu7HI/AAAAAAAAnG0/XSHYez9SZ9AtB_IazxwBSZrd8TwrzFIwwCLcB/s1600/Pearl%2BLg.jpg" /></a></div>
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Super easy and really pretty, these ornaments are a snap to make!</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TpFeRBbl_Gg/WEa-67a_JVI/AAAAAAAAnJM/bkjooAep9mwl82-R3dWWOw9tfURjs0Y3ACLcB/s1600/Pin%2BOrnaments.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TpFeRBbl_Gg/WEa-67a_JVI/AAAAAAAAnJM/bkjooAep9mwl82-R3dWWOw9tfURjs0Y3ACLcB/s1600/Pin%2BOrnaments.jpg" /></a></div>
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Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00116583212813729057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336909776855291666.post-28700440196058518502016-11-23T06:46:00.000-08:002018-10-05T09:44:14.240-07:00Grape Harvest Wreath<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VKfcJnVDuOs/WDUEw_jg4VI/AAAAAAAAm5Y/V7YeWbvcCnI59AMnrFaGeRjQrwY7zXS8QCLcB/s1600/Alt%2Bside%2Bcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VKfcJnVDuOs/WDUEw_jg4VI/AAAAAAAAm5Y/V7YeWbvcCnI59AMnrFaGeRjQrwY7zXS8QCLcB/s1600/Alt%2Bside%2Bcover.jpg" /></a></div>
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I really admire the creative people who come up with original craft projects in magazines and books. It's a fun type of work, but it is not without its frustrations. Take this Grape Harvest Wreath. It got off to a couple of bad starts.</div>
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This odyssey first began when I came across bunches of yellow grapes at the Dollar Store. They were cheap plastic grapes, but in the sunlight, they had a lovely glow about them. So I bought all the bunches the store happened to have.</div>
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Then I went home and tried to hot glue them to a wreath form. What a disaster! Each bunch of grapes had so many moving parts (grapes)! By the time I had them glued down, there were wads of glue and yet they still weren't entirely secured to the wreath. Discouraged, I set the whole project aside until I could come up with a better idea.</div>
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Fresh inspiration struck. I decided to tie the bunches of grapes to the wreath with fishing line. This worked perfectly, but it wasn't going to be easy for someone else to replicate. Then I had another creative flash: pin the grapes down first and then secure them permanently with the fishing line! So much easier! This worked like a charm. </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NarSYDN_2sY/WDWoDka_fmI/AAAAAAAAm64/3iubBxfLp_MobqXCK5QrHr2M27ziJlxTgCLcB/s1600/Wreathon%2BwhiteR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NarSYDN_2sY/WDWoDka_fmI/AAAAAAAAm64/3iubBxfLp_MobqXCK5QrHr2M27ziJlxTgCLcB/s1600/Wreathon%2BwhiteR.jpg" /></a></div>
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In the end, I am really pleased with the way this wreath turned out. I hope my pictures do it justice because, in real life, the wreath is really pretty.</div>
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Here's how you can make this wreath for yourself:</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K_FUbN8HtbM/WDTFYmna-bI/AAAAAAAAm4E/Sj3HLKJN3aY6FDGVxyHZkwLrTbSf9izAQCLcB/s1600/What%2Byou%2Bneedsm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K_FUbN8HtbM/WDTFYmna-bI/AAAAAAAAm4E/Sj3HLKJN3aY6FDGVxyHZkwLrTbSf9izAQCLcB/s1600/What%2Byou%2Bneedsm.jpg" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b> <b><br /></b> <b>Materials you need to make a Grape Harvest Wreath:</b><br />
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• Assorted faux grapes (see notes below)<br />
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• Styrofoam wreath (size of your choosing)<br />
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• Fireline fishing line (10 lb weight)<br />
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• 18 gauge wire (to make pins to hold your grapes on the wreath form)<br />
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• Ribbon to hang the finished wreath<br />
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<b>Tools you need:</b><br />
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• Wire cutters<br />
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• Scissors<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SIsOVzmquBA/WDTGv46kQfI/AAAAAAAAm4M/z7WlLDNeetQ8bQ38c_ld-GJMSJlcZBTggCLcB/s1600/Grapes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SIsOVzmquBA/WDTGv46kQfI/AAAAAAAAm4M/z7WlLDNeetQ8bQ38c_ld-GJMSJlcZBTggCLcB/s1600/Grapes.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>A note about the grapes: </b><br />
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I used <b>two different sized bunches of grapes</b>. I found that the smaller bunches came in handy on the outside and insides edges of my wreath. I also cut a few of the larger bunches into a couple of smaller pieces.<br />
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I used a <b>mix of different colored grapes</b>, but you could easily reduce the palette to a couple of colors or even a single color. The grapes I used were yellow, off-white (seen above), medium red and dark red (seen above).<br />
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<b>As to the number of grapes you'll need that may vary according to the </b><b>size of the </b><b>wreath you select</b>. For my project, I was very generous with the grapes. For a 12" wreath I used:<br />
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<b>8</b> large bunches of <b>yellow </b>grapes<br />
<b>6</b> large bunches of <b>off-white </b>grapes<br />
<b>3</b> large bunches of <b>medium red </b>grapes<br />
<b>2</b> large bunches of <b>dark red</b> grapes<br />
<b>4</b> mini bunches <b>off-white </b>grapes<br />
<b>4</b> mini <b>medium red </b>grapes<br />
<b>4</b> mini <b>dark red </b>grapes<br />
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The wreath (10 inches) I have pictured in this how-to demonstration would use fewer grapes.</div>
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<b>How to make the wreath:</b></div>
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<b>Step 1: </b>Using your wire cutters, cut 2" segments of 18 gauge wire. Bend the wire segments into U-shaped pins. </div>
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<b>Step 2:</b> Using the pins you've made, start pinning the grapes onto the styrofoam wreath. <b>Try to catch the main branch holding the grapes together with each of the pins</b> to make your bunches are well fastened to the wreath.<b> I'd recommend using at least 4 pins for a large bunch of grapes.</b></div>
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<b>Step 3:</b> I worked with the large bunches first and tried to drape them attractively over the hump of the wreath. </div>
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<b>Step 4:</b> Go back and fill in any gaps with smaller bunches of grapes. </div>
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<b>Step 5:</b> As I indicated earlier, a single bunch of grapes has many small moving parts/grapes. Once you have all the grapes pinned to the wreath, you want to secure them so there is no way they can move and pull the pins loose.</div>
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Work a length of the Fireline fishing line in among the grapes on the face of the wreath and then gently turn the wreath over. Make a knot on the back of the wreath and pull it tight. Don't cut the ends!</div>
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<b>Step 6:</b> Circle round and round the full circumference of the wreath feeding the fishing line in among the grapes, so it disappears. The goal is to tie down all the grapes, so they are really secure and won't move. When you have finished wrapping the entire wreath, cut the fishing line and tie a knot to close the line.</div>
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<b>Step 7:</b> Make a loop of ribbon and a bow to hang your wreath. <span style="text-align: center;">Your done!</span></div>
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Hang and enjoy your Grape Harvest Wreath!</div>
<b><br /></b>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00116583212813729057noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336909776855291666.post-11655480142445627212016-07-29T12:43:00.000-07:002016-07-29T12:43:11.422-07:00How to Make a Dried Flower Wreath<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fzkNpsu9BF8/VDw3h0sCAYI/AAAAAAAAan8/UkT_9H3VXUs/s1600/Dried%2BFlower%2BWreath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fzkNpsu9BF8/VDw3h0sCAYI/AAAAAAAAan8/UkT_9H3VXUs/s1600/Dried%2BFlower%2BWreath.jpg" /></a></div>
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Now is the time to think about preserving some of summer's bounty and carrying it into the fall with a dried flower arrangement or wreath. </div>
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<b>Things you'll need:</b></div>
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• Dried flowers and a large bunch of dried Sea Lavender or <i>Limonium latifolia</i></div>
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• Wire wreath frame <i>(I got mine and Michael's. I was afraid that the dark green of the wire frame might show through, so I quickly spray painted it white.)</i></div>
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• Raffia, Spanish moss or some other material of your choice to fill the wire frame.</div>
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• Light gage florist's wire</div>
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• Scissors</div>
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<b>Find simple techniques for drying flowers in this <a href="http://threedogsinagarden.blogspot.ca/2014/10/simple-techniques-for-drying-flowers.html">blog post</a>.</b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sENRnAJpTus/VHyonWJ9SpI/AAAAAAAAbKM/VykB1pihbBo/s1600/Wreath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sENRnAJpTus/VHyonWJ9SpI/AAAAAAAAbKM/VykB1pihbBo/s1600/Wreath.jpg" width="604" /></a></div>
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Begin by stuffing the inside of your wire wreath form. The goal here is to fill the wire frame with some sort of material that will catch and trap the dried flower stems that you will insert into it. </div>
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You can use an array of materials including Spanish Moss (grey in color) or fine wood shavings (often used to line Easter baskets). I used Raffia for my wreath. Unlike the Spanish Moss, there are no issues with allergies, and it comes in a convenient coil that I simply unwound and placed into the reverse side of my wreath form.</div>
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Twist florist's wire into a knot on the outside edge of your wire frame. Wrap it around and around the frame to hold the raffia in place. Once you have gone the whole way around the circular form, twist the end of your florist's wire onto the inside of the frame to secure it.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_AyLHOzG77Y/VHyj73LirpI/AAAAAAAAbKA/M5cDMYh5WnQ/s1600/Statice2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_AyLHOzG77Y/VHyj73LirpI/AAAAAAAAbKA/M5cDMYh5WnQ/s1600/Statice2.jpg" /></a></div>
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Next you need to create a pretty backdrop for your dried flowers. </div>
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I would have preferred to use German Statice, which is very sturdy and easy to work with. In this instance, I was only able to find Sea Lavender or <i>Limonium latifolia,</i> which is much finer and more delicate. Its feathery branches can snap unexpectedly, if you are not careful. </div>
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<i>(A note about availability: Statice of varying kinds is commonly available most places you buy cut flowers. I have even seen it at my local grocery store in the floral department at this time of year. A local farmer's market is also a good place to look for it.)</i></div>
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You may find your dried Sea Lavender branches will shed some of the tiny blue flowers, so choose a smooth surface on which to work that will make sweeping up any flowers that drop fast and easy. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YmOrUBMxvhc/VHyq3aoe5wI/AAAAAAAAbKY/Kiwt2N2DS8A/s1600/Working%2Bwreath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YmOrUBMxvhc/VHyq3aoe5wI/AAAAAAAAbKY/Kiwt2N2DS8A/s1600/Working%2Bwreath.jpg" width="518" /></a></div>
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Break off short stems from your bundle of dried Sea Lavender that are approximately five or six inches in length. </div>
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Gather a few of the short lengths into a bunch and insert the them into the wreath allowing them to catch in the tangle of raffia.</div>
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Continue inserting small bunches of Sea Lavender, working your way around the wreath. </div>
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<i>(Tip: I found that it was best to work in a single direction, placing one bunch in the centre, then one on the inside edge and finally one of the outside edge of the wreath.)</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D9ek17k7dvc/VDxupjYVR8I/AAAAAAAAapU/sPyQ6vvpcEE/s1600/Statice%2Bdone%2Bsm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D9ek17k7dvc/VDxupjYVR8I/AAAAAAAAapU/sPyQ6vvpcEE/s1600/Statice%2Bdone%2Bsm.jpg" /></a></div>
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Here is the completed backdrop of Sea Lavender.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NYOIR27l3k8/VDwcR5ngWqI/AAAAAAAAank/AkxbFA3KCX4/s1600/Bunches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NYOIR27l3k8/VDwcR5ngWqI/AAAAAAAAank/AkxbFA3KCX4/s1600/Bunches.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="506" /></a></div>
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Next, gather together your dried flowers. Shorten the stem length to about a five or six inches by snapping the flowers off.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JFh8TvSt6ZI/VDxvK57BtTI/AAAAAAAAapc/zrgi20LdzV4/s1600/Statice%2Bpurple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JFh8TvSt6ZI/VDxvK57BtTI/AAAAAAAAapc/zrgi20LdzV4/s1600/Statice%2Bpurple.jpg" /></a></div>
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Work with the largest type of dried flower first. In my case it was the Statice, <i>Limonium Sinuatum</i>. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sp8PrAZwYUU/VHy_bIcte1I/AAAAAAAAbK0/wDXLK19PjLA/s1600/One%2Bcolorsm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sp8PrAZwYUU/VHy_bIcte1I/AAAAAAAAbK0/wDXLK19PjLA/s1600/One%2Bcolorsm.jpg" width="502" /></a></div>
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Insert the flowers into the wreath, again moving in a single direction around the circular wreath. Like the Sea Lavender, the flowers should catch in the raffia.</div>
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I placed all the white colored Statice (<i>Limonium Sinuatum</i>) first </div>
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and then moved on to purple flowers. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yubx7BC8q_w/VDm_4X6vXZI/AAAAAAAAalE/ThYWu67ofsc/s1600/Dried%2BFlowr%2BbnchRsm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yubx7BC8q_w/VDm_4X6vXZI/AAAAAAAAalE/ThYWu67ofsc/s1600/Dried%2BFlowr%2BbnchRsm.jpg" width="492" /></a></div>
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Next, I added in this pretty magenta Gomphrena.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i8fKGbOHmP8/VDxuDpsROfI/AAAAAAAAapA/PfUAzrzVNYc/s1600/Wreath%2Bclsup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i8fKGbOHmP8/VDxuDpsROfI/AAAAAAAAapA/PfUAzrzVNYc/s1600/Wreath%2Bclsup.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bEVtL_Q_JH8/VDnAZ5jAsRI/AAAAAAAAalU/vM8I0n6gBLM/s1600/Finished%2BWreath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bEVtL_Q_JH8/VDnAZ5jAsRI/AAAAAAAAalU/vM8I0n6gBLM/s1600/Finished%2BWreath.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a></div>
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The wreath with Statice, Limonium Sinuatum and the Gomphrena in place.</div>
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Now for the final touch, I added in the Strawflowers.</div>
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Here is the finished project.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6qPyHki_S64/VjelELtR3mI/AAAAAAAAhBo/WyJrW_y4bSI/s1600/Gomphera.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6qPyHki_S64/VjelELtR3mI/AAAAAAAAhBo/WyJrW_y4bSI/s640/Gomphera.jpg" width="503" /></a></div>
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When I was finished, I still had a small bunch of dried Gomphrena flowers left over. So I decided to make another wreath.</div>
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I snapped the flowers off leaving a half inch of stem on each. Then I hot glued the flowers onto a small grapevine wreath.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O73vkQ8wrUk/VIHikJk7NHI/AAAAAAAAbLU/0BP6ciMv7JU/s1600/Detail%2Bshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O73vkQ8wrUk/VIHikJk7NHI/AAAAAAAAbLU/0BP6ciMv7JU/s1600/Detail%2Bshot.jpg" width="544" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L3OSsk_VVI0/VIHh84eGwHI/AAAAAAAAbLM/JVgIgS4YnlQ/s1600/Select%2BWreath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L3OSsk_VVI0/VIHh84eGwHI/AAAAAAAAbLM/JVgIgS4YnlQ/s1600/Select%2BWreath.jpg" /></a></div>
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Here is the completed wreath.</div>
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Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00116583212813729057noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336909776855291666.post-72021360067661871962016-05-23T12:20:00.000-07:002016-05-27T10:23:54.017-07:00Romantic Ivy-Filled Birdcage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5IAqSt3I7jE/V0Jd2QlhBfI/AAAAAAAAkb8/Bmq1Dgq1ALU37HblhkKfJDdEYLZXFjG4wCLcB/s1600/Ivy%2BBurdcage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5IAqSt3I7jE/V0Jd2QlhBfI/AAAAAAAAkb8/Bmq1Dgq1ALU37HblhkKfJDdEYLZXFjG4wCLcB/s1600/Ivy%2BBurdcage.jpg" /></a></div>
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I've always wanted to make a birdcage planter for my front porch. This Victoria Day Weekend I finally got the job done! Here's how I made it:</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--vBUTwcgkeE/V0EjCCdd1TI/AAAAAAAAkZo/n0Pd5LZEpv0JGeQ1o6DZ5eB6ya5wq3CHQCLcB/s1600/Materialssm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--vBUTwcgkeE/V0EjCCdd1TI/AAAAAAAAkZo/n0Pd5LZEpv0JGeQ1o6DZ5eB6ya5wq3CHQCLcB/s1600/Materialssm.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>What you need to make this project:</b></div>
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• Decorative birdcage</div>
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• A selection of shade annuals: I used 3 small pots of ivy, one plug tray of trailing lobelia and one fuchsia</div>
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• A large bag of dried green moss (not shown above)</div>
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• A length of dried coconut liner</div>
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• Potting soil</div>
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• Scissors</div>
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• Permanent marker</div>
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• Garden gloves</div>
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Just a quick on the birdcage. Select a birdcage with a wire rather than solid bottom, if you can. The wire bottom will allow better drainage. I also chose a birdcage that opened from the top and came with a hook for hanging the finished planter.</div>
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<b>Messy project warning: This project does create a bit of a mess, so work outside or somewhere inside that will be easy to clean up afterward.</b></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yAUHZC0zB1M/V0EpRcNajRI/AAAAAAAAkZ8/2MJ2BprAsw0GyDXAZ1uCuBvS9cc4xQHmACLcB/s1600/One%2Btwo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yAUHZC0zB1M/V0EpRcNajRI/AAAAAAAAkZ8/2MJ2BprAsw0GyDXAZ1uCuBvS9cc4xQHmACLcB/s640/One%2Btwo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 1: </b>Roll open a length of the coconut liner. Place your birdcage on top, and with a permanent marker, trace the outline of the bottom of the cage.</div>
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<b>Step 2: </b>Cut out the shape of the birdcage with your scissors. Open the birdcage and place the coconut liner at the bottom of the cage.</div>
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My first idea was to use the coconut liner for the sides of the birdcage planter, but I found it cumbersome to work with in the tight space available inside the birdcage. </div>
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So to protect the roots of my plants and to fill in the sides of my planter, I used a bag of dried green moss that I purchased at the craft store. Moss makes the sensitive skin on my hands itch, so when working with it, I always use gloves.</div>
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<b>Step 3: </b>Working with the moss is where this project starts to get a bit messy. </div>
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With your birdcage open, begin to pack a thick layer of moss around the bottom two inches of the birdcage. Be generous with the moss! You don't want the soil in the birdcage to drain away every time you water the planter.</div>
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Now you are ready to incorporate the first of your plant materials. I wanted to hang my birdcage on my front porch, so I chose plants that would be happy in part-shade: ivy, trailing lobelia and fuchsia.</div>
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If you wanted to make something similar for sun, try a full sun vine instead of the ivy. For the flowers you could also use petunias, a small trailing geranium or any other full sun annual of your choice.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gnwcaA9fqh4/V0EzJSku27I/AAAAAAAAka4/UPKURs4ooLsxGQgUKZgzLJ7hfKFJCLavACKgB/s1600/Four.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gnwcaA9fqh4/V0EzJSku27I/AAAAAAAAka4/UPKURs4ooLsxGQgUKZgzLJ7hfKFJCLavACKgB/s1600/Four.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 4:</b> To begin the planting, start with the small plugs of trailing lobelia. I found it easiest to place the root ball of the lobelia inside the birdcage first and then work the tailing stems of the lobelia gently through the birdcage bars.</div>
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Once you have added the lobelia, put another half inch or so of moss on the sides of the cage. Place the ivy root ball inside the cage and tread the ivy through the bars of the cage as you did with the lobelia. Once the ivy is in place, build up the sides with the moss about another 3/4 of an inch. Add the small fuchsia to the centre of your planting. </div>
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Fill an spaces between the plants with potting soil.</div>
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<b>Step 5: </b>Next, hang up your cage, so you can see the sides clearly. Fill any gaps with moss. Don't discard any surplus moss! If any gaps appear with repeated watering, add a little of the surplus moss to fill any gaps.</div>
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<b>Step 6:</b> With a light spray of the garden hose, give the birdcage planter a good soak.</div>
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Hang the birdcage and enjoy!</div>
Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00116583212813729057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336909776855291666.post-21655551794403733822016-04-19T10:14:00.000-07:002016-04-19T10:14:31.137-07:00Faux-Succulent & Neutral Pistachio Nut Wreath<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In <a href="http://threedogsinagardenathome.blogspot.ca/2016/04/pistachio-florets-using-basic-technique.html">my last post</a> I showed you how to make florets with pistachio nut shells. In this post, we'll advance the technique and make a wreath.</div>
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<b>To make the Pistachio Nut Wreath you need:</b><br />
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• Wreath form<br />
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• Low heat glue gun<br />
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• Glue sticks<br />
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• Pistachio nut shells<br />
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<b>To make the Faux Sedum version of the wreath add these items to your materials list:</b><br />
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• 2 different colors of green multi-surface spray paint<br />
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• Small bottle of rose colored craft paint<br />
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• Paint brushes<br />
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• Old newspapers and some paper towel<br />
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• Mask (for protection from paint fumes while using spray paint)<br />
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<b>A note about hanging your wreath:</b><br />
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Before beginning this project, you may want to give some thought as to how you want to hang your finished wreath. For my wreath I simply created a loop of heavy duty fishing wire. Alternatively, you might create a loop of decorative ribbon and tie a bow on the top of the ribbon. You could also fashion a hanger with some florist's wire.<br />
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<b>Getting Started:</b><br />
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Step1: Eat some pistachios! Clean away any residual brown nut husks from the insides of the shells before you start your wreath.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ygcNPalzw78/VxFYsCFuKHI/AAAAAAAAj8o/mtoost4Q6cUrpPRewe38DIg9GCT6zoonQCLcB/s1600/Two%2Bthree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="403" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ygcNPalzw78/VxFYsCFuKHI/AAAAAAAAj8o/mtoost4Q6cUrpPRewe38DIg9GCT6zoonQCLcB/s640/Two%2Bthree.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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2. Using the technique that you learned in the last post, make your first floret on the styrofoam wreath form.<br />
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3. Shift down and to the left and make a second floret. Move down again and slightly the right to make a third floret.<br />
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Step 4: Go back and fill in the spaces between the first three flowers with new florets. When you are finished shift down and make the next three florets.<br />
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If it makes it easier, you can take a permanent marker and make flower sized circles on your wreath to serve as a guide.</div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Continue </span><span style="text-align: center;">working in a single direction </span><span style="text-align: center;">around the wreath </span><span style="text-align: center;">filling </span><span style="text-align: center;">it up with florets as you go.</span></div>
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I am sure you must be wondering what happens on the sides of the wreath form. Create full florets where you can, but where you don't have the space available, make semi-circular florets instead.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NH4b89s4dbs/VxY571BgAVI/AAAAAAAAj_A/-Xqoi9RxUUoT5RHbBwe2dzcqz2VpY4NrgCLcB/s1600/Cleaning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NH4b89s4dbs/VxY571BgAVI/AAAAAAAAj_A/-Xqoi9RxUUoT5RHbBwe2dzcqz2VpY4NrgCLcB/s1600/Cleaning.jpg" /></a></div>
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One of the somewhat annoying things about working with hot glue is all the fine web-like strands of glue you end up creating. </div>
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Clean away these little spider webs of hot glue with a soft paint brush. This is particularly important if you want to carry on and paint your wreath. The strands of glue will become more evident after you spray paint your wreath.</div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">If you want to leave the wreath a neutral color, all you need do now is hang it!</span></div>
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Transforming your creation into a faux-succulent wreath is basically a matter of painting it.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Zpf-rarPgs/VxZRQ_-7gwI/AAAAAAAAj_0/P8qW6WcE7a8DjgUMIGTckU3JiObZeY5MACLcB/s1600/Select%2BpaintR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="411" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Zpf-rarPgs/VxZRQ_-7gwI/AAAAAAAAj_0/P8qW6WcE7a8DjgUMIGTckU3JiObZeY5MACLcB/s640/Select%2BpaintR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I used two colors. One is a brighter green: <b>#85082 Tropical foliage</b>. The other is a dusty blue-green: <b>85084 Leafy Rise</b>. If you can't find these exact colors, just look for greens that are similar.<br />
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<i>The final painted look of the three colors together.</i></div>
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Move outdoors or to a well ventilated area. Lay down some old newspapers- this will get messy! Before you paint, put on a face mask, so you don't breath in any paint fumes.<br />
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Start with the bright green. <i>(Tip: Shake the can to mix the paint really well.)</i> Spray the whole wreath bright green. I moved around in a circle to spray the paint in a variety of directions. It may take a number of attempts before you have every nook and cranny of the wreath painted green.<br />
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Now comes the somewhat tricky artistic part of the paint process. <i>(But I know you have the talent to pull it off!)</i><br />
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Take the other can of blue-green spray paint and spritz it lightly here and there. These should be short, uneven bursts of paint. Basically, you are accenting the wreath with this second color.<br />
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Switch back to the brighter green and spritz a few bright accents on top of the last blue-green layer of paint.<br />
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For the final step, add some rose accents to the green wreath. Many succulents have a blush of rose and that is the look you are aiming to imitate. </div>
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To add these rose accents I simply used a bottle of rosy-pink craft paint.</div>
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The application of the rose paint uses a dry-brush technique. Put some paint on your brush. Now take a piece of paper towel and wipe most of the rose paint off the brush onto the paper towel. Then drag the "dry" brush across the surface of the wreath allowing the paint to catch here and there.</div>
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And that's it. Your done! </div>
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Hang your finished wreath and enjoy!</div>
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<br />Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00116583212813729057noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336909776855291666.post-69750189776478590702016-04-15T12:41:00.000-07:002016-04-15T12:41:01.277-07:00Pistachio Florets: Using the Basic Technique to make a Trinket Box<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wYs9iLOgTUY/VxFBU42PaRI/AAAAAAAAj7g/0SBvZyPQFoUd2yQBhAZ0YPi97JMafw2twCLcB/s1600/Trinket%2Bbox%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wYs9iLOgTUY/VxFBU42PaRI/AAAAAAAAj7g/0SBvZyPQFoUd2yQBhAZ0YPi97JMafw2twCLcB/s1600/Trinket%2Bbox%2Bcopy.jpg" /></a></div>
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My husband adores unsalted pistachios. He could eat the better part of a bag of them if I didn't stop him! </div>
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When he done, there is always a little pile of the discarded beige shells. Poking around on Pinterest one evening I came across a idea for making florets with pistachio shells. It was just the inspiration I needed to get crafty.</div>
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Because I had lots of shells available, I came up with a wreath project that takes making nutty florets to a whole new level. Before I get to my wreath design however, I thought it might to be best to demonstrate the basic technique for making pistachio florets with a simple project. Hence this little trinket or gift box project.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2H3su2QYDB8/VeuLlNrnzjI/AAAAAAAAgIk/KprwT2MNUGw/s1600/What%2BYou%2BNeed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2H3su2QYDB8/VeuLlNrnzjI/AAAAAAAAgIk/KprwT2MNUGw/s1600/What%2BYou%2BNeed.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>To make the Decorative Box you need:</b><br />
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• Either a cardboard or wooden box of your choice<br />
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• Low heat glue gun<br />
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• Glue Sticks<br />
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• Pistachio Nut Shells (clean and remove any residual brown nut husks from the insides of the shells before you begin)<br />
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• Multi-surface spray paint<br />
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• Mask (for protection while using spray paint)<br />
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<b>How to:</b></div>
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1. Pick out three small shells. The hollow curved part of the shells always faces inward. </div>
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Take your glue gun and make a small blob of hot glue in the centre of the box top. Place the three shells upright into the glue. You may have to hold the shells for a few seconds until the glue sets.</div>
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2. Make a semi-circle of glue to one side of the centre group. Into your semi-circle of glue, place three more shells at a less upright, slightly more open angle.</div>
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3. Make a second semi-circle of glue on the other side of the centre group. Into this newest arc of glue, place three more shells on the same angle.</div>
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4. To make the next row of petals, add yet another semi-circle of glue and use four shells this time. Relax the angle of these newest row of shells to be a bit more open. Use the same process to add four shells on the opposite side.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sEo_cWFdi6Q/Veuxkq2RFnI/AAAAAAAAgJY/ggAtxq0TEeI/s1600/Step%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sEo_cWFdi6Q/Veuxkq2RFnI/AAAAAAAAgJY/ggAtxq0TEeI/s640/Step%2B5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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5. Keep building out your flower until you are happy with its size. <i>(Tip: I tend to use slightly larger nut shells as I build out the flower. The angle of the shells should get more and more relaxed and open as you reach the outer petals of your flower.)</i></div>
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6. Move outdoors or to a well ventilated area. Lay down some old newspapers- this is about to get messy! Before you paint, put on a face mask, so you don't breath in any paint fumes. Then use a multi-surface ivory spray paint (or color of your choice) to paint your box.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ztb8vi6vIks/VxFBU0RJHsI/AAAAAAAAj7c/0NsRkiQ_V9I2Xq_ninzgjLspH6YZUAi_QCLcB/s1600/Trinket%2Bbox2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ztb8vi6vIks/VxFBU0RJHsI/AAAAAAAAj7c/0NsRkiQ_V9I2Xq_ninzgjLspH6YZUAi_QCLcB/s400/Trinket%2Bbox2.jpg" width="391" /></a></div>
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I kept my trinket box all one color, but you could always paint the flower a different color if you like. </div>
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This floral box could be a perfect place to store earrings or bracelets. It could also make a great party favour or gift box.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YQt6Ib8mQWg/Vw_HHLpI6eI/AAAAAAAAj5g/1LSRlMBnxW8L-4CEm7IFIBtIIs5o7cHqgCLcB/s1600/Tidbit%2Bsm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YQt6Ib8mQWg/Vw_HHLpI6eI/AAAAAAAAj5g/1LSRlMBnxW8L-4CEm7IFIBtIIs5o7cHqgCLcB/s400/Tidbit%2Bsm.jpg" width="309" /></a></div>
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Now that you have the basic technique down for making the florets, you may want to tackle a bigger project like this wreath.</div>
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I'll post full instructions shortly.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Raqdd_mhrZc/Vw_o8ROm0DI/AAAAAAAAj6I/BvvrSZ2fi7MwFlf0j3AAqSSvzimD1EMFgCLcB/s1600/Sedum%2BWreath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Raqdd_mhrZc/Vw_o8ROm0DI/AAAAAAAAj6I/BvvrSZ2fi7MwFlf0j3AAqSSvzimD1EMFgCLcB/s400/Sedum%2BWreath.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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With a little paint you also have the option to create a faux-succulent version of this wreath.</div>
<br />Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00116583212813729057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336909776855291666.post-9471604736871907612016-03-19T10:06:00.000-07:002016-03-19T10:06:21.183-07:00Gold Foil Easter Eggs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Over the last couple of years I have collected a few Easter bunnies that </div>
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look like foil-wrapped chocolate.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-S7rF-dVIk/Vu1bVnPSPcI/AAAAAAAAjYY/2ClCNOG70Wc-rREVX43GWYyYD0qodcTOQ/s1600/Rabbit%2BFace%2BBtrR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-S7rF-dVIk/Vu1bVnPSPcI/AAAAAAAAjYY/2ClCNOG70Wc-rREVX43GWYyYD0qodcTOQ/s640/Rabbit%2BFace%2BBtrR.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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They remind me of childhood Easter presents that included some chocolate </div>
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and a bright pink skipping rope.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j3X2ud28RP0/Vu2A2hpYw_I/AAAAAAAAjZQ/1myx-QVAWG4xZNYMxTLOwXoJFLt3uBCGA/s1600/Select%2BBunny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j3X2ud28RP0/Vu2A2hpYw_I/AAAAAAAAjZQ/1myx-QVAWG4xZNYMxTLOwXoJFLt3uBCGA/s640/Select%2BBunny.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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I found my Easter bunnies at Home Sense <i>(I believe the American equivalent is Marshalls)</i>.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9EXxMssKIVA/Vu2AJMW42jI/AAAAAAAAjY8/LUMAcVW9xW886KEBkbIPwP9L6Ydy1cWVA/s1600/Stocks%2Bnice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9EXxMssKIVA/Vu2AJMW42jI/AAAAAAAAjY8/LUMAcVW9xW886KEBkbIPwP9L6Ydy1cWVA/s1600/Stocks%2Bnice.jpg" /></a></div>
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To create a pretty display this Easter, I thought it would be fun to make some faux foil-wrapped chocolate eggs to sit in a dish or basket alongside my rabbits.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jXttnbMUYz0/Vu2AJGuNSgI/AAAAAAAAjZA/miIMEfhNlTUE3nIjeBDjlKyONFl9EWv-A/s1600/Slect%2BEggsR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jXttnbMUYz0/Vu2AJGuNSgI/AAAAAAAAjZA/miIMEfhNlTUE3nIjeBDjlKyONFl9EWv-A/s1600/Slect%2BEggsR.jpg" /></a></div>
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If you ever wanted to try your hand at gold leafing, this is an easy project with </div>
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which you can gain some experience.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zGA2FmaaRA0/VuNQhSeBvTI/AAAAAAAAjRI/UjYCqBTSkGIWpi-CtoINzbD2GhTQ2g8HQ/s1600/What%2BYou%2Bneed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zGA2FmaaRA0/VuNQhSeBvTI/AAAAAAAAjRI/UjYCqBTSkGIWpi-CtoINzbD2GhTQ2g8HQ/s1600/What%2BYou%2Bneed.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>To make these Easter Eggs you need:</b><br />
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• Plastic Eggs (I used an egg decorating kit that I bought at Walmart).<br />
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• A paint brush to apply the base coat paint, adhesive and sealer.<br />
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• A gold leaf kit (I found my kit at Michaels. You could also buy gold leafing materials separately if you prefer).<br />
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• A soft, wide brush to use to smooth the gold leaf.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gGs7vfw4v6I/VuNSJ_jCxII/AAAAAAAAjRY/Nu1bh-xdoVwuGi1c3FKjZhKCk8w6TGomA/s1600/Step%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gGs7vfw4v6I/VuNSJ_jCxII/AAAAAAAAjRY/Nu1bh-xdoVwuGi1c3FKjZhKCk8w6TGomA/s1600/Step%2B1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 1:</b> Apply a base coat of paint to your plastic egg. The purpose of the base coat is to fill an tiny gaps in the finished gold leaf. In the kit I purchased, this base coat was a burgundy color, but you could use any color you wish to have peak through the gold.<br />
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<i>(Tip: I found it easiest to paint one half length of an egg at a time, let it dry, and then do the other half. Paper towel was a good, non-slip surface to work on).</i><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1oTJg4Xwe3g/VuNVmiA_fgI/AAAAAAAAjRk/6wHy7qLL1JUc61zHZPtbNf6JkNkqbcSyA/s1600/Two.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1oTJg4Xwe3g/VuNVmiA_fgI/AAAAAAAAjRk/6wHy7qLL1JUc61zHZPtbNf6JkNkqbcSyA/s1600/Two.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 2: </b>Apply the adhesive with a paint brush. Again, I did a half length of each egg at one time just to make things easier.<br />
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<b>Step 3:</b> Let the adhesive dry and become tacky. This glue will catch the thin gold leaf and attach it to the egg.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lQhS766V-4o/VuNWtk_tMUI/AAAAAAAAjRw/ZHn2enT6mfcVy5KRdJH2JbWx6xcuDyM0g/s1600/Step%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lQhS766V-4o/VuNWtk_tMUI/AAAAAAAAjRw/ZHn2enT6mfcVy5KRdJH2JbWx6xcuDyM0g/s1600/Step%2B4.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 4: </b>Detach a sheet of gold leaf and the wax paper backing.<b> </b>Smooth the gold leaf over the surface of the egg with your fingers or a wide, soft brush.<br />
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Small pieces may break off as you do your smoothing. I used these smaller pieces to fill in any gaps in the gold leaf.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZpUCK29NSVQ/VuNQXPzqDyI/AAAAAAAAjRE/B3FZZZEnL48rlW4h4npj5OUu7T7u2MI_w/s1600/Step%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZpUCK29NSVQ/VuNQXPzqDyI/AAAAAAAAjRE/B3FZZZEnL48rlW4h4npj5OUu7T7u2MI_w/s400/Step%2B5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 5:</b> Now all you have to do is apply a sealer coat to protect the gold leaf and your done!<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DcHtaojclrY/Vu2AJPFokeI/AAAAAAAAjY4/ZTGR7TAxAYk2tZih2Jwb-TjxRL0v50xwA/s1600/Selct%2BBunny%2B2R.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DcHtaojclrY/Vu2AJPFokeI/AAAAAAAAjY4/ZTGR7TAxAYk2tZih2Jwb-TjxRL0v50xwA/s1600/Selct%2BBunny%2B2R.jpg" /></a><br />
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Have fun decorating for Easter!</div>
Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00116583212813729057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336909776855291666.post-38766634033775247182016-02-29T10:52:00.000-08:002016-02-29T10:54:40.963-08:00DIY Cloche Stand<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KSnQA5ALelI/VtSGbR-2PkI/AAAAAAAAjHQ/7vReGTRlIBE/s1600/Owl%2Bselect2R.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KSnQA5ALelI/VtSGbR-2PkI/AAAAAAAAjHQ/7vReGTRlIBE/s1600/Owl%2Bselect2R.jpg" /></a></div>
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When I found this owl in a local shop it looked a little like a wood carving, but in reality it was plastic. It occurred to me that the owl might look more elegant, if it was painted it. So I spray painted it ivory (using one of the new spray paints that adheres to plastic).</div>
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The glass dome or cloche came from a tacky thrift shop clock. </div>
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When I put the owl under the glass dome it seemed unfinished, so a came up with a little DIY stand. Here is how my husband and I made it:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IOI-2qGVyoM/VjD-x2oam1I/AAAAAAAAg-w/b4vvHYe2I3A/s1600/Start.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IOI-2qGVyoM/VjD-x2oam1I/AAAAAAAAg-w/b4vvHYe2I3A/s400/Start.jpg" width="368" /></a></div>
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<b>A Note about the Materials:</b> The wooden circle and <a href="http://canada.michaels.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-MichaelsCanada-Site/default/Product-Show?pid=C_10353224">pedestal</a> were purchased at Michaels in their wooded craft isle.<br />
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<b>A few Notes about the Method:</b> You could simply glue the two pieces of wood together with a good quality wood glue, prime and paint the finished stand, but the bond between the two pieces of wood wouldn't be particularly strong.<br />
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If you have the patience, this longer<b> more sturdy method </b>of joining the two pieces of wood will create a much stronger finished piece.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T1Bd2Mg2vow/VtR_YBWYq_I/AAAAAAAAjG0/dNQJIz7GuYQ/s1600/Step%2B1R.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T1Bd2Mg2vow/VtR_YBWYq_I/AAAAAAAAjG0/dNQJIz7GuYQ/s1600/Step%2B1R.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>To make the Cloche Stand you will need:</b><br />
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• A wooden circle with a routed edge (Michaels)<br />
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• A wooden pedestal (Michaels)<br />
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• Gorilla or Wood Glue<br />
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• 1/8" Dowel<br />
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• Measuring Tape<br />
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• Pencil<br />
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• Punch<br />
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• Electric Drill and 1/8" drill bit<br />
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• Wire cutters<br />
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• Primer (if you aren't using a paint & primer in one)<br />
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• Latex Paint in a color of your choice (I used ivory paint).<br />
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• Varathane Professional Clear Finish 'Satin' (water based)<br />
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<b>Step 1:</b> You could use the Michaels wood pedestal as is, but I thought the it was a bit high for my purposes, so I had hubby twist the bottom section off. The original pedestal was held together with a light bit of glue, so the it easily broke into two sections with a few twists of the wrist.<br />
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Set aside the bottom section of the original pedestal for some other project. Turn the remaining half upside down. What was once the pedestal's top, now becomes the pedestal's bottom.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3cTbyjnvjnM/VtSBLkr0-JI/AAAAAAAAjHA/N7wS6ZUOoEg/s1600/Three%2BFourR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3cTbyjnvjnM/VtSBLkr0-JI/AAAAAAAAjHA/N7wS6ZUOoEg/s640/Three%2BFourR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 2:</b> Prime the pedestal and the wooden circle. The circle will be used to make the top of the finished stand.<br />
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<b>Step 3:</b> Next you have to calculate the centre of your pedestal top. Do you remember your high school geometry? Me neither! Thank goodness this isn't as hard to figure out as it looks!<br />
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Turn your wood circle over so the underside is facing up.<br />
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Take your measuring tape and swing it in an arc around the circumference until the markings on the tape measure line up with the outer edge of the circle. My tape measure lined up at 6" making 3" the centre of my wooden circle.<br />
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<b>Step 4:</b> Repeat the process on the diagonal. Make another mark with your pencil to create an X to indicate the circle's centre.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2867ytaY9YI/VjDlJRlTLUI/AAAAAAAAg9o/eEWe4NIU7zQ/s1600/Five%2Bsix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2867ytaY9YI/VjDlJRlTLUI/AAAAAAAAg9o/eEWe4NIU7zQ/s640/Five%2Bsix.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 5: </b>A drill can easily slip, so it is a good idea to use a punch to make a shallow hole to guide for the end of drill.<br />
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<b>Step 6: </b>You don't want to drill a hole all the way through your top, so it is also a good idea to look from the side and get a basic idea of how deep the drill needs to sink into the wood.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7a3iO_WJuuk/VjDpR_VQx2I/AAAAAAAAg90/wQz7FSk47Sw/s1600/Seven%2BEight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="412" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7a3iO_WJuuk/VjDpR_VQx2I/AAAAAAAAg90/wQz7FSk47Sw/s640/Seven%2BEight.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 7:</b> Drill a hole to a depth of approximately 3/16".<br />
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A small piece of dowel linking the top and pedestal base will create a strong join.<br />
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<b>Step 8: </b>Now you need to calculate the length of the dowel required to make the join. Insert the end of your dowel into the pedestal and mark the depth of the drill hole with a pencil.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rTniRW2h9a0/VtSR2tHT0pI/AAAAAAAAjHw/Fi77Mywc5J8/s1600/New%2Bnine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rTniRW2h9a0/VtSR2tHT0pI/AAAAAAAAjHw/Fi77Mywc5J8/s1600/New%2Bnine.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 9</b>: Add another 3/16" (which is the depth of the hole you drilled into the stand's top). Mark the combined depth you need to accommodate the top and pedestal base with a pencil.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l0IdtllA2oc/VtSSWfT-ewI/AAAAAAAAjH0/--tEz9sSKP4/s1600/New%2B10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l0IdtllA2oc/VtSSWfT-ewI/AAAAAAAAjH0/--tEz9sSKP4/s1600/New%2B10.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 10:</b> Take a pair of wire cutters and twist the dowel to score the final pencil line. Now cut the dowel with the wire cutters.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UJ0-3UO1U50/VjDxBgHO0DI/AAAAAAAAg-U/GBr1N2K22pU/s1600/Eleven%2BTwelve.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UJ0-3UO1U50/VjDxBgHO0DI/AAAAAAAAg-U/GBr1N2K22pU/s640/Eleven%2BTwelve.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 11: </b>Put some glue on the end of the dowel and insert it into the top of the pedestal.<br />
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<b>Step 12:</b> Once the dowel is in place, put more glue on the exposed end of the dowel and on the underside of the circular top.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jf7BEygyZ0A/VjDySNCbT2I/AAAAAAAAg-g/Wxpa1xAnGbM/s1600/Thirteen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jf7BEygyZ0A/VjDySNCbT2I/AAAAAAAAg-g/Wxpa1xAnGbM/s1600/Thirteen.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 13: </b>Join the circle top and the pedestal together. Twist the top piece with a circular motion to spread the glue. Set the finished stand aside and allow the glue to dry.<br />
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<b>Step 14: </b>At last you can paint the finished pedestal stand!<br />
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<b>Step 15:</b> Optional: I like to add a clear top coat just to make the finished piece more durable. If you opt to do this as well, brush on a top coat of water based Varathane. Allow it to dry.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-apZQsgSgzWk/VtSMF1vMsMI/AAAAAAAAjHg/MITIWjr9DoQ/s1600/Alternate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-apZQsgSgzWk/VtSMF1vMsMI/AAAAAAAAjHg/MITIWjr9DoQ/s1600/Alternate.jpg" /></a></div>
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And there you have it! A nice stand that can give your cloche that extra bit of style!</div>
Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00116583212813729057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336909776855291666.post-29294539728330542062016-02-14T06:21:00.001-08:002016-02-14T06:21:37.492-08:00How to make a Wreath with Dried Roses<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S4gx7DxeP70/VmdilS8Lv1I/AAAAAAAAhkk/8I8Ec9nIET0/s1600/Rose%2BWreath%2Bart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S4gx7DxeP70/VmdilS8Lv1I/AAAAAAAAhkk/8I8Ec9nIET0/s1600/Rose%2BWreath%2Bart.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>What you need to make this project:</b></div>
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• 12 dried sweetheart roses</div>
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• one bunch of dried Seeded Eucalyptus</div>
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• an 6" grapevine wreath</div>
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• scissors</div>
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• glue gun and glue sticks</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wzOr67M0Pqg/Vr_v3x8pNQI/AAAAAAAAiqw/O159JmUuyYc/s1600/Roses%2Bmulti.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wzOr67M0Pqg/Vr_v3x8pNQI/AAAAAAAAiqw/O159JmUuyYc/s1600/Roses%2Bmulti.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>How to dry your Sweetheart Roses:</b></div>
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One way to give Valentine's Day roses a second life is to dry them.</div>
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It really easy to do. Gather your roses into a bunch and secure then together with a rubber band. (The stems shrink a little as they dry and rubber bands adjust nicely to the changing size of your rose stems.)</div>
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Use a loop of the elastic band to hang your roses with the flower facing downward to dry.<br />
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If you are drying more than one bunch of roses, allow space between them so the air can circulate.<br />
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Depending on humidity levels, a bunch of roses may take a week or two to dry. Dried correctly, the stems of the roses will be stiff and hard. The roses should be somewhat crisp to the touch.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bdw4csZWGJU/Vr_1YIq27PI/AAAAAAAAirE/GwNVKpOBsgw/s1600/Seeded%2BEucalyptus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bdw4csZWGJU/Vr_1YIq27PI/AAAAAAAAirE/GwNVKpOBsgw/s1600/Seeded%2BEucalyptus.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>How to dry the Seeded Eucalyptus:</b><br />
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Seeded Eucalyptus is fairly easy to find. I found this bunch at the grocery store, but it is also commonly available at most florists. </div>
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I fastened the stems of my Eucalyptus together with an elastic band and hung them to dry. They are quite dry to begin with, so they should be ready to use within a week or so.</div>
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<i>(If you can't find Eucalyptus ask your florist to recommend some other greenery that might be dried. You could also use silk greenery from the craft store in a pinch.)</i></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uO7tn8uVuj0/Vr_6kN_F3mI/AAAAAAAAirU/bogZ-90jOwA/s1600/Rose%2Bart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uO7tn8uVuj0/Vr_6kN_F3mI/AAAAAAAAirU/bogZ-90jOwA/s1600/Rose%2Bart.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>How to make the Rose Wreath:</b></div>
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Begin by breaking your bunch of dried Eucalyptus into stems that are six to eight inches long.</div>
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Take your grapevine wreath and insert a branch of Eucalyptus into the wreath and allow it to catch in the tangle of grapevines.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dhm9QCVLnbg/Vr_9SX64R6I/AAAAAAAAiro/4-nYhtuBS3I/s1600/Start%2Bsm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dhm9QCVLnbg/Vr_9SX64R6I/AAAAAAAAiro/4-nYhtuBS3I/s400/Start%2Bsm.jpg" width="386" /></a></div>
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Working in a single direction continue inserting branches until you have made your way around the full circumference of the wreath. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XOmM2FkNHV4/Vmdk73dHBCI/AAAAAAAAhkw/NKLXIUVBwAg/s1600/Cut%2Bthe%2Brose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="378" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XOmM2FkNHV4/Vmdk73dHBCI/AAAAAAAAhkw/NKLXIUVBwAg/s640/Cut%2Bthe%2Brose.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Use your scissors to cut the stems of each of your roses 1/2" below the head of each flower.</div>
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Apply a generous glob of your glue to the base of your first rose.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQpOzP8uKKc/Vr__nDFVz9I/AAAAAAAAir0/15le_nRHVXo/s1600/Mid%2Bway%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQpOzP8uKKc/Vr__nDFVz9I/AAAAAAAAir0/15le_nRHVXo/s1600/Mid%2Bway%2Bcopy.jpg" /></a></div>
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Again, working in a circle around the circumference of your grapevine wreath, attach your roses one at a time taking care to vary the angle of each flower slightly.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6oseV7U3Kow/VnNKRzPtzfI/AAAAAAAAhrg/AFeS-xZCMcA/s1600/View%2Bfrom%2BsideR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6oseV7U3Kow/VnNKRzPtzfI/AAAAAAAAhrg/AFeS-xZCMcA/s1600/View%2Bfrom%2BsideR.jpg" /></a></div>
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As a final step, I went back and turned the wreath on its side and added a few more Eucalyptus branches to fill out the greenery just a bit more.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H_TWuxAsJtU/VnNLCFiknVI/AAAAAAAAhrs/5Htgm7omyQ4/s1600/Rose%2BWreath%2BselctR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H_TWuxAsJtU/VnNLCFiknVI/AAAAAAAAhrs/5Htgm7omyQ4/s1600/Rose%2BWreath%2BselctR.jpg" /></a></div>
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And here is the final project. </div>
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I think a wreath like this is a pretty way to prolong the romance of Valentine's Day roses! </div>
Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00116583212813729057noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336909776855291666.post-29323535844047238332016-01-26T10:47:00.000-08:002016-01-26T10:47:38.766-08:00The Interior Design Show 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gsWWgWmfVDU/VqZZYtJVIZI/AAAAAAAAiNQ/lZvbYNTigb0/s1600/Rug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gsWWgWmfVDU/VqZZYtJVIZI/AAAAAAAAiNQ/lZvbYNTigb0/s1600/Rug.jpg" /></a></div>
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If you were decorating a living room, and money was no object, where would you start?</div>
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Most designers would probably tell you they'd start with a fabric or a key piece of furniture. Me, I'd start with a great piece of art. </div>
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I know, I know, this is backwards thinking to the way most designers work. Whenever I see those decorating shows on TV, artwork is practically an afterthought. Most good designers wouldn't go so far as to choose artwork that matches the sofa, but co-ordinating a piece of art with the decor seems to be foremost among their thoughts.</div>
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For me, it is a little deciding on a red sports car because, the red car will work perfectly with the style and color of your house when it sits in the driveway. </div>
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Artwork is always such a personal choice and has such a dramatic impact on a room, I'd always put it first.</div>
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One of the next things I think I'd purchase is an amazing rug. These were rugs I saw yesterday at the Interior Design Show in downtown Toronto. I thought they were a fabulous colors mix of colors!</div>
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With a statement making choice like one of these rugs, I'd keep the sofa and chairs quiet and neutral. I'd even be tempted to keep accessories neutral. For a person like myself who loves color, this would call for some restraint, but I think it would let the room's key pieces really shine. Wood furniture for my imaginary room would be an curated mix of modern pieces and antiques. </div>
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It's fun to daydream isn't it? Certainly there was lots of inspiration at IDS to fuel those imaginings.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hNOe2um_3uU/VqZZKSKkvmI/AAAAAAAAiLk/uc-Soh8AWT4/s1600/Ceasarstone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hNOe2um_3uU/VqZZKSKkvmI/AAAAAAAAiLk/uc-Soh8AWT4/s1600/Ceasarstone.jpg" /></a></div>
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We arrived at Toronto's IDS in the afternoon on the final day of the show. Our furnace <i>(which is actually a boiler, as we have hot water heating)</i> began making loud rumbling sounds at 3 am the night before.</div>
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It honestly sounded like the boiler was about to explode! My husband made a panicked trip to the basement only to find one of the boiler's pumps was overheating. Even though Harold flipped off the switch to the boiler immediately, the smell of the burning pump filled the house. Calls to the gas and heating company in the wee the hours of the morning ensued. We finally crawled back to bed around 4am, only to have to get up to greet a repairman at ten.</div>
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By the time we made it downtown for the interior design show, it was late in the day. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-po9E4lwIMak/VqZZJYieZRI/AAAAAAAAiLQ/AXDfNpRyIRE/s1600/Andrew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-po9E4lwIMak/VqZZJYieZRI/AAAAAAAAiLQ/AXDfNpRyIRE/s1600/Andrew.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>Andrew Richard Designs usually has a huge display booth. This year's effort was </i></div>
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<i>modest in comparison.</i></div>
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What were my impressions of the show? </div>
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To be brutally honest, IDS 2016 seemed somewhat diminished in scale and ambition from past years. </div>
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These recessionary times seem to have really taken a toll on large industry shows like this. Nobody seems to have the budget any more for the expensive show displays. I noticed lots of retailers (like Ikea) were missing from previous years. </div>
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There also seemed to be a noticeable lack of show displays.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-To7w-AzpuO8/VqZZXzGNjRI/AAAAAAAAiME/9tc5xgnaepM/s1600/Kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-To7w-AzpuO8/VqZZXzGNjRI/AAAAAAAAiME/9tc5xgnaepM/s1600/Kitchen.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>Urban Barn's casual dining display</i></div>
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I hate to be overly negative however, we had a good time at IDS. What booths and displays we visited, we did enjoy seeing.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5A-Nu99aQlg/VqZZZqhi14I/AAAAAAAAiNI/g24BSZVWkyM/s1600/Urban.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5A-Nu99aQlg/VqZZZqhi14I/AAAAAAAAiNI/g24BSZVWkyM/s640/Urban.jpg" width="438" /></a></div>
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<i>Urban Barn: Reclaimed pallet-style furniture, rustic signs, pops of orange </i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5e6s2jXpbj0/VqZZJagY3HI/AAAAAAAAiLU/RjGhLRNrJOw/s1600/Bedroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5e6s2jXpbj0/VqZZJagY3HI/AAAAAAAAiLU/RjGhLRNrJOw/s1600/Bedroom.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>Urban Barn's bedroom display</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DUdyR70Yh_Y/VqZZZp0fe9I/AAAAAAAAiNA/D4B7784cE0U/s1600/Urban%2Bbarn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DUdyR70Yh_Y/VqZZZp0fe9I/AAAAAAAAiNA/D4B7784cE0U/s1600/Urban%2Bbarn.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>More Urban Barn, this time with a garden theme.</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-InRTaVPt0zk/VqZZZbHkgoI/AAAAAAAAiNE/fERxBBadwTU/s1600/Stick%2Bleg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-InRTaVPt0zk/VqZZZbHkgoI/AAAAAAAAiNE/fERxBBadwTU/s1600/Stick%2Bleg.jpg" /></a></div>
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What trends did we see? Big scale light fixtures seem to continue to be a hugely popular.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_AHnJYeUk-c/VqZZYbN3q1I/AAAAAAAAiMQ/RJmbikOUQi4/s1600/Light.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_AHnJYeUk-c/VqZZYbN3q1I/AAAAAAAAiMQ/RJmbikOUQi4/s1600/Light.jpg" /></a></div>
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These large scale metal fixtures had an almost organic feel that made me think of molten bubbles.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ef_fm9g37_g/VqZZYZiH5eI/AAAAAAAAiNM/vtc2oqNo3wI/s1600/Lights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ef_fm9g37_g/VqZZYZiH5eI/AAAAAAAAiNM/vtc2oqNo3wI/s1600/Lights.jpg" /></a></div>
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These glass light fixtures reminded me of the ones you used to see in old department stores or industrial spaces. I could imagine them in a large entryway. </div>
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I am calling this trend "stick lighting". Spiky starbursts and stylized twig fixtures seem to be one of the most popular mainstream trends in lighting. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Spcy4OKo8FU/VqZZXwtgTAI/AAAAAAAAiM4/XrsGkQCXzzE/s1600/Legs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Spcy4OKo8FU/VqZZXwtgTAI/AAAAAAAAiM4/XrsGkQCXzzE/s640/Legs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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One of House and Home's <a href="http://houseandhome.com/video/top-10-design-trends-of-2016/">Ten Trends for 2016</a> is peg-leg furniture. </div>
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Chairs with skinny legs were certainly in evidence at the show. I not sure that peg-legs are a trend though. I think that its more likely a fad that will come and go quickly.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YJTBl_ll-0o/VqZZKTbe30I/AAAAAAAAiLc/dVJjzQ5FWqc/s1600/Chairs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="416" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YJTBl_ll-0o/VqZZKTbe30I/AAAAAAAAiLc/dVJjzQ5FWqc/s640/Chairs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Furniture inspired by the 60's and 70's has been trendy for a few years now. </div>
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Unlike the chairs with skinny legs, I see this as a trend that is more likely to have a long term appeal.</div>
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The two-man furniture company Coolican & Company seems to be a Canadian success story. I remember seeing their stools in the up-and-coming section of IDS a few years back. This year they were in the main part of the show with a big display.</div>
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Not everyone will like their spare aesthetic, but there is a certain classic appeal to their furniture designs.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dQGopYdJZPM/VqZZZI5J49I/AAAAAAAAiMs/eifElE3sxAY/s1600/Sixties.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dQGopYdJZPM/VqZZZI5J49I/AAAAAAAAiMs/eifElE3sxAY/s1600/Sixties.jpg" /></a></div>
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More evidence of that retro-modern look is still hot amongst the under-forty crowd.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fptj8hFV-rc/VqZZJcl41eI/AAAAAAAAiLY/59pUG1lUNQk/s1600/Bath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fptj8hFV-rc/VqZZJcl41eI/AAAAAAAAiLY/59pUG1lUNQk/s1600/Bath.jpg" /></a></div>
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The trend toward patterned ceramic tiles and patterned rugs doesn't seem to be losing any steam. </div>
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Same is true of these free-standing tubs. For those of us who have long dreamed of having one, the price seems to have become a bit more affordable in recent years.</div>
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Before we move away, look at the size of the shower stall in this display bathroom! I find myself at a loss for words.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vksMDW_ZJm4/VqZZKBwZg4I/AAAAAAAAiLo/T6DNBB7g1Lw/s1600/Best%2Bbooth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="465" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vksMDW_ZJm4/VqZZKBwZg4I/AAAAAAAAiLo/T6DNBB7g1Lw/s640/Best%2Bbooth.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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There was a time when barn door hardware was hard to find. Now it seems to have </div>
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found its way into the mass market.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xi16GymTMrA/VqZZKoW8A8I/AAAAAAAAiLg/rIwFBvJbNec/s1600/Design.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xi16GymTMrA/VqZZKoW8A8I/AAAAAAAAiLg/rIwFBvJbNec/s1600/Design.jpg" /></a></div>
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One of my favourite parts of IDS is the young designer area of the show. There is always something amazing to see there. </div>
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One minor complaint however: Why, oh why, do young designers routinely throw comfort out the window in favour of style? </div>
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None of this furniture looks comfortable!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YdTmeeFdftc/VqZZYiSgZSI/AAAAAAAAiMc/fh79D0VTTAU/s1600/Linda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YdTmeeFdftc/VqZZYiSgZSI/AAAAAAAAiMc/fh79D0VTTAU/s1600/Linda.jpg" /></a></div>
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In conclusion, I hope IDS manages to stay a strong show despite the economy. IDS gives up-and-coming young designers an important chance to showcase their designs. </div>
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And the show is always great way to fill a wintery January weekend!</div>
Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00116583212813729057noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336909776855291666.post-71299939017576331692016-01-09T06:50:00.001-08:002016-01-09T06:50:47.833-08:00How to make a Lavender Sachet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-htkn3_3qYWA/VpAuwTKQefI/AAAAAAAAh4g/0DkO8qDA3hE/s1600/Lavender%2BR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-htkn3_3qYWA/VpAuwTKQefI/AAAAAAAAh4g/0DkO8qDA3hE/s1600/Lavender%2BR.jpg" /></a></div>
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Last year I purchased a lavender plant and nurtured it through the summer. By the end of the season, I had a small harvest of lavender buds. </div>
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I love the fresh scent lavender can add to fine linens and lingerie, so I decided to make a small number of sachets with my modest haul of lavender. When I looked online, I couldn't find a potpourri recipe suitable for a small quantity of lavender. So I made one up. </div>
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This post is the result of my experiment.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zG22kxFn0Bg/VpAppQx5D5I/AAAAAAAAh38/oGXF7P7PPbY/s1600/Sachet%2BMain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zG22kxFn0Bg/VpAppQx5D5I/AAAAAAAAh38/oGXF7P7PPbY/s640/Sachet%2BMain.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<b>Materials you will need to make a sachet:</b></div>
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• Sachet bags <i>(I found sheer white satin bags at Michaels. Look for them in the aisle with the wedding stuff.)</i></div>
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• Ribbon flowers <i>(Again, I found these at the craft store.)</i></div>
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• Needle and white sewing thread</div>
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• Scissors</div>
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• Paper bag <i>(This will be used to cure the lavender.)</i></div>
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• Blue ribbon <i>(If you plan to hang the sachet.)</i></div>
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• Orris Root Powder <i>(Orris Root Powder is a natural fixative that helps the lavender flowers retain their fragrance. Look for Orris Root Powder at your local health food store.)</i></div>
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• Lavender buds</div>
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• Lavender Essential Oil and an eyedropper <i>(Essential oils can be found at health food stores, craft store and online. I purchased the eye dropper at the same place I got the essential oil.) </i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E7UGrcY_6PM/VpB2QaYJD0I/AAAAAAAAh5E/GPmBE2DG8hI/s1600/Lavender%2Bnice%2Bovrl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E7UGrcY_6PM/VpB2QaYJD0I/AAAAAAAAh5E/GPmBE2DG8hI/s1600/Lavender%2Bnice%2Bovrl.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i><b>No Lavender flowers of your own to work with? No problem, there is still a way for you to make some lavender sachets!</b> </i></div>
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<i>You may be able to find Lavender flower buds at a local store that are already scented and ready for use. <a href="http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/">Whole Foods</a>, for instance, sells bags of lavender flowers in their cosmetics department. All you need do in this case, is to fill your sachets.</i></div>
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<i>Lavender flowers are also available for purchase online. With minimal effort, I was able to find an Ontario source for Lavender buds in a matter of minutes: <a href="http://www.weirslanelavender.ca/collections/all/products/lavender-buds-dried-flowers-non-culinary-200-grams">Weir's Lane Lavender Farm.</a> I am sure if you poke around on the internet a bit more, you'll find plenty of other alternates.</i></div>
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<i><b>A Brief Note on Essential Oils: </b>Not all Essential Oils are created equally. Look for a good quality oil that is 100% pure and has no added ingredients. You can find essential oils at health food stores and there are a multitude of online sources.</i> </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b6_jyNmORwc/VoxLozQLQEI/AAAAAAAAh2M/-Jw7l6sn6iY/s1600/Lavender%2BbunchR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b6_jyNmORwc/VoxLozQLQEI/AAAAAAAAh2M/-Jw7l6sn6iY/s1600/Lavender%2BbunchR.jpg" /></a></div>
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On the main gardening blog, there is a post with tips on growing your own lavender. If you plan to dry your own lavender in the future, it is best to harvest it when the buds are out, but the flowers are not completely open. Cut the lavender flowers at the base of each stem just above the foliage.</div>
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Fasten bunches of lavender together with an elastic band. An elastic band is preferable to string because, the elastic band will adjust and tighten as the stems shrink during the drying process. <i>(Tip: The elastic band should be taunt, but not so tight that it crushes the stems.) </i></div>
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Hang the lavender upside to dry in a cool, dark place. <i>(Sunlight will cause the flowers to fade and lose their color.) </i></div>
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Lavender will dry in 2 to 4 weeks.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6lN6tUkDT7A/VpAppJLTEJI/AAAAAAAAh30/cOeKvuOENps/s1600/Lavender%2Bflwrs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6lN6tUkDT7A/VpAppJLTEJI/AAAAAAAAh30/cOeKvuOENps/s640/Lavender%2Bflwrs.jpg" width="542" /></a></div>
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Once the lavender is dry, you can remove the buds and begin to make your sachets.</div>
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Before you begin, it is a good idea to lay down a sheet of parchment or wax paper to catch the falling flower buds. </div>
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The lavender buds on a stem of lavender grow in an upward direction. To strip the buds from the stem, I found it best to run my hand in the opposite direction. Simply run your fingers down the stiff stem and the flowers should come away pretty easily. </div>
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The dried flowers will retain a faint scent. The next step will enhance the fragrance.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XCk8vBu-nkY/VoxHjxw5YGI/AAAAAAAAh1s/m-D-hWm4Zz0/s1600/Lavander.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XCk8vBu-nkY/VoxHjxw5YGI/AAAAAAAAh1s/m-D-hWm4Zz0/s1600/Lavander.jpg" /></a></div>
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Gather the flowers into a small bowl. I had exactly 1/4 cup of flowers. Adjust this recipe depending on the quantity of flower buds you have available.</div>
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Add 1/2 teaspoon of Orris Root and stir it into the lavender flowers. Natural Orris Root is a fixative used by the perfume industry. It will help the lavender flowers to hold the scent you are going to add next.</div>
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With an eyedropper add 3 drops of lavender essential oil. Mix in the essential oil with a spoon.</div>
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Pour you lavender flowers into a paper bag. I ended up using a parchment paper bag that generally has culinary uses. <i>(Note: the bag must be paper, which will allow the lavender to breathe. Don't use a plastic bag!)</i></div>
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Tuck the bag alway in a dry place to allow the lavender to cure for 2 weeks.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wywvOi3SE4k/VoxHj02X20I/AAAAAAAAh1w/5mCsbNS_MfQ/s1600/Sewing%2BSachet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wywvOi3SE4k/VoxHj02X20I/AAAAAAAAh1w/5mCsbNS_MfQ/s1600/Sewing%2BSachet.jpg" /></a></div>
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Once the lavender has cured, you are ready to assemble your sachets. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E5RHmAIYxFo/VoxHvoC-ITI/AAAAAAAAh2A/zH3GAMP9Fx8/s1600/Roses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E5RHmAIYxFo/VoxHvoC-ITI/AAAAAAAAh2A/zH3GAMP9Fx8/s1600/Roses.jpg" /></a></div>
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Sew a little flower onto the front of your sachet just below the drawstring. I found these ribbon flowers at the craft store.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2m1fa5ky5WE/VpB1Fse6ftI/AAAAAAAAh4w/Tr6OitfB43s/s1600/sachet%2Bonly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2m1fa5ky5WE/VpB1Fse6ftI/AAAAAAAAh4w/Tr6OitfB43s/s640/sachet%2Bonly.jpg" width="508" /></a></div>
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Fill your sachet with lavender and pull the drawstrings to close it. Tie the bag's drawstrings into a bow.</div>
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Your sachet is ready to place in your linen or lingerie drawer. It should keep your fine linens smelling fresh for a couple of months.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nY0utpAFsSI/VpARfqQFHZI/AAAAAAAAh3A/YpAZqHA-oYc/s1600/Door%2BR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nY0utpAFsSI/VpARfqQFHZI/AAAAAAAAh3A/YpAZqHA-oYc/s640/Door%2BR.jpg" width="502" /></a></div>
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Lavender sachets can also be used to freshen a room. </div>
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I like to hang a sachet on the back of a bedroom or bathroom door. </div>
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To make this sachet modification is easy.</div>
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Guesstimate the amount of ribbon you will need to hang the sachet. This may vary according to the size of your doorknob. <i>(Tip: It is better to error on the long side. You can always trim the ribbon down, but you can't add to it. I cut my ribbon to be about 10" long.)</i></div>
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Once you have determined the length you need, cut the ribbon with scissors.</div>
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Turn your sachet over so the flower on the front is face down.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BufBVR_dqQo/VpAYMBhNHYI/AAAAAAAAh3Q/nuKgTnNcX04/s1600/Close%2Bup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BufBVR_dqQo/VpAYMBhNHYI/AAAAAAAAh3Q/nuKgTnNcX04/s640/Close%2Bup.jpg" width="514" /></a></div>
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Determine the midpoint on your ribbon. Place the ribbon at its midpoint on the centre top of your sachet. With a needle and white thread do a few quick stitches to attach the ribbon to the back of the sachet just above the drawstring. </div>
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<i>(Tip: Be careful to only catch the back of the sachet bag with the sewing needle. You don't want to sew the bag closed!)</i></div>
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Turn the sachet over and fill the sachet bag with lavender. Tie the sachet's drawstrings into a bow to secure the lavender in the bag. Finally, tie a bow at the top of the ribbon. </div>
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Use the bow to hang your sachet.</div>
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Take a tour a garden filled with lavender and heather on the </div>
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gardening webpage of <a href="http://threedogsinagarden.blogspot.ca/2016/01/a-garden-filled-with-lavender-heather.html">Three Dogs in a Garden</a>.</div>
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Have a wonderful weekend!</div>
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<br />Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00116583212813729057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336909776855291666.post-72333183330974820072015-12-17T10:47:00.001-08:002017-11-25T10:02:55.027-08:00Pretty Paper Rose Ornaments for the Holidays<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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These little rose ornaments are easy to do and they'd make great last minute gifts.<br />
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Here's what you need to make your own flower ornaments:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MxYj6n8XSeA/Vm8WYXZodPI/AAAAAAAAhmQ/_6GKHS2wm7A/s1600/Materials.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MxYj6n8XSeA/Vm8WYXZodPI/AAAAAAAAhmQ/_6GKHS2wm7A/s1600/Materials.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>Materials and supplies you need to do this project:</b><br />
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• clear glass Christmas balls<br />
• paper roses<br />
• sprigs of seeded eucalyptus<br />
• scissors<br />
• wire cutters<br />
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• low heat glue gun and glue sticks<br />
• ribbon, decorative string or metal ornament hanger<br />
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Just a few words about the materials in this project: Glass ornaments can be found in a variety of shapes at craft stores. I bought round balls and glass hearts.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2jLaI7Z2XY/VnHZZKxerpI/AAAAAAAAhoc/gmfhFYrev2M/s1600/A%2Bpink%2BHeartsm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2jLaI7Z2XY/VnHZZKxerpI/AAAAAAAAhoc/gmfhFYrev2M/s1600/A%2Bpink%2BHeartsm.jpg" /></a></div>
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For the flowers I chose roses, but you could use any type of paper flowers.<br />
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Paper roses can be found at craft stores, but I have also found them at the Dollar Store for a much cheaper price. It pays to shop around!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0ic40A0EfBY/VnHeOFWyZoI/AAAAAAAAhpA/m5AvN0adIic/s1600/Rose%2Bback%2B2R.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0ic40A0EfBY/VnHeOFWyZoI/AAAAAAAAhpA/m5AvN0adIic/s640/Rose%2Bback%2B2R.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Step 1: We are going to begin this project by making rose buds and individual petals.<br />
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Moving around the circumference of a paper rose, gently push back on the outer row of petals until the rose and the row of petals become separated. Snip off the wire stem and set aside the rose bud. Altogether you will need 6 or more rose buds.<br />
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Don't discard the outer row of rose petals and leaves!<br />
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Separate the leaves and rose petals by gently pulling them apart. Cut the two sections into individual rose petals and leaves.<br />
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Step 2: Remove the top of your glass ornament.<br />
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Take your wire cutters and snip away the stems of 3 or 4 roses as cleanly and neatly as you can.<br />
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Fill the ornament with roses and the petals you made in step 1. <i>(Tip: I glued a couple of roses back to back so they'd way always be facing out from inside the ornament.)</i><br />
<i><br /></i>Place the top back on the ornament. Now you are ready to decorate the exterior.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G5yBD_fhFgg/VnLxpWRsiLI/AAAAAAAAhpc/MP4kYHP4zO4/s1600/A%2Bnew%2B3%25264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="346" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G5yBD_fhFgg/VnLxpWRsiLI/AAAAAAAAhpc/MP4kYHP4zO4/s640/A%2Bnew%2B3%25264.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Step 3: Put a dab of hot glue on the back of a rose and attach it to the top front of your ornament. Flip the ornament over and attach another flower on the top back.</div>
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Step 4: Centre two more roses in between the first two flowers.</div>
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Step 5: Tuck two of the rose buds you made earlier in between the roses at the top of the ornament to fill in the gaps. </div>
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Place one last rose bud just below the centre rose to create a bit of a cascade down the front of the ornament. Repeat on the back, adding a bud just below the centre rose. </div>
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Finish with a couple of green leaves at the sides of each bud.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dl4QNp4zlus/Vm8WtU_zQtI/AAAAAAAAhmY/8f_l0E1uYno/s1600/Seeded%2BEucalyptus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dl4QNp4zlus/Vm8WtU_zQtI/AAAAAAAAhmY/8f_l0E1uYno/s1600/Seeded%2BEucalyptus.jpg" /></a></div>
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The final step is the most finicky and involves working with small pieces of Seeded Eucalyptus. </div>
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Seeded Eucalyptus is fairly easy to find. I found this bunch at the grocery store, but it is also commonly available at most florists. </div>
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I fastened the stems of my Eucalyptus together with an elastic band and hung them to dry, as I plan to use the Eucalyptus for other projects. For this ornament project however, we are going to use just the seeds and not the foliage. The seeds of the Eucalyptus are so dry I think you should be able to use them right away, without taking the time to dry bunches of Eucalyptus first.</div>
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Step 6: Cut a large branch of seeds into small sections that are about 1/4" long <i>(on the lower right hand side of my step 6 picture there is an example of these small stems)</i>. </div>
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Touch the seed's stem to the end of your glue gun to pick up the tiniest amount of hot glue. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3QiuueosuAA/VnL0jshUoFI/AAAAAAAAhp0/itkP3rJ6L3A/s1600/A%2BBerry%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3QiuueosuAA/VnL0jshUoFI/AAAAAAAAhp0/itkP3rJ6L3A/s1600/A%2BBerry%2B6.jpg" /></a></div>
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Tuck the seeds in among the paper roses.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MxmVD1q04xQ/VnHX6zsMnPI/AAAAAAAAhno/ivBmQBdLuwI/s1600/A%2BHeart%2BBlue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MxmVD1q04xQ/VnHX6zsMnPI/AAAAAAAAhno/ivBmQBdLuwI/s640/A%2BHeart%2BBlue.jpg" width="506" /></a></div>
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Use some ribbon to create a hanger, or even easier, attach an ornament hook.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j5vSM9bdEzc/VnL9vd1nKTI/AAAAAAAAhqg/iV27pZaL7IQ/s1600/A%2BPresent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j5vSM9bdEzc/VnL9vd1nKTI/AAAAAAAAhqg/iV27pZaL7IQ/s1600/A%2BPresent.jpg" /></a></div>
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These ornaments would make a great stocking stuffer, hostess gift or present for your child's teacher.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p8hyjwccq3A/VnL8USVvk8I/AAAAAAAAhqY/zvSI0UusQIg/s1600/A%2BPresent%2B2New.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p8hyjwccq3A/VnL8USVvk8I/AAAAAAAAhqY/zvSI0UusQIg/s1600/A%2BPresent%2B2New.jpg" /></a></div>
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Put your ornament in a pretty box and use more flowers instead of a bow. </div>
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<i>(I hot glued my flowers onto my gift box.)</i></div>
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I am sure any recipient would be thrilled with this heartfelt gift.</div>
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Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00116583212813729057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336909776855291666.post-15769357246096280512015-12-02T08:28:00.000-08:002015-12-02T08:28:36.373-08:00DIY Wooden Christmas Ornaments<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KfLLhUcpPN4/Vl3fYcrdDKI/AAAAAAAAhbI/4b7UxldyBkc/s1600/Three%2BSnowflakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KfLLhUcpPN4/Vl3fYcrdDKI/AAAAAAAAhbI/4b7UxldyBkc/s1600/Three%2BSnowflakes.jpg" /></a></div>
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Aren't the best tree ornaments always the homemade ones? </div>
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It's the ones your kids made at school out of popsicle sticks or the ornaments you made yourself that end up having the greatest meaning and hold the best holiday memories.</div>
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This year I found some wooden ornaments at the craft store and inspiration struck! Here is what I created:</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dms1S-f-nzg/Vl3fYXVUZxI/AAAAAAAAhbM/5BVWNmRo9AU/s1600/Snowflake%2BFn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dms1S-f-nzg/Vl3fYXVUZxI/AAAAAAAAhbM/5BVWNmRo9AU/s1600/Snowflake%2BFn.jpg" /></a></div>
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My first ornament makes use of old chandelier crystals.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xxjmcQnuRVk/VkSL1jIvYEI/AAAAAAAAhGs/64I0QpFD9mk/s1600/One%2BTwo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xxjmcQnuRVk/VkSL1jIvYEI/AAAAAAAAhGs/64I0QpFD9mk/s640/One%2BTwo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 1:</b> Start with a wooden ornament. <i>(I happened to find these wooden ornaments at Michaels craft store.) </i></div>
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<b>Step 2:</b> Paint it white using craft paint or any left over white latex paint you have on hand. (<i>Note: I removed the rough twine hanger the ornament was purchased with to make the painting process easier. I attached a new ornament hanger as a final step in the process.)</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XrzPZSmucqA/VkSOq48TFdI/AAAAAAAAhG4/TXBZDKEAM00/s1600/Three.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="348" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XrzPZSmucqA/VkSOq48TFdI/AAAAAAAAhG4/TXBZDKEAM00/s640/Three.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 3:</b> Paint the edges of the snowflake turquoise. Don't worry of you get some turquoise on the white part of your snowflakes while painting the edge. This is actually part of the look you are going for. </div>
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You can always do a little touch up with a second application of white paint if you are unhappy with any section of the snowflake.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ScQyKV64qL8/VkSPUiPv0EI/AAAAAAAAhHA/4GDRTshc2BA/s1600/Snowflake4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ScQyKV64qL8/VkSPUiPv0EI/AAAAAAAAhHA/4GDRTshc2BA/s1600/Snowflake4.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 4:</b> Finish with a top coat of transparent glitter paint to add a bit of sparkle to your snowflake.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XENewuMTY7U/Vl37Ss8K85I/AAAAAAAAhcM/b6LLJX6UiJU/s1600/Five%2BSix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="374" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XENewuMTY7U/Vl37Ss8K85I/AAAAAAAAhcM/b6LLJX6UiJU/s640/Five%2BSix.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0PlappQMY8U/Vl38BhMQy4I/AAAAAAAAhcU/sSR771Fp3ck/s1600/A%2Bcloseup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0PlappQMY8U/Vl38BhMQy4I/AAAAAAAAhcU/sSR771Fp3ck/s640/A%2Bcloseup.jpg" width="568" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 5:</b> Using a fine drill bit, drill a hole on an angle into the bottom of your snowflake. It is important to work slowly and carefully as the wooden snowflake is delicate.</div>
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<b>Step 6:</b> Insert a piece of fine string, fishing line or fine wire into your freshly drilled hole to tie on your crystal. We used a loop of fine wire, which we twisted closed. (<i>Tip: If you don't have a chandelier crystal, search for a similar type crystal in the jewellery section of your local craft store.) </i></div>
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<b>Step 7:</b> Add a Christmas ornament hanger to the top.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qywHccGp6mc/Vl3gmA-kzcI/AAAAAAAAhbg/q5QwBs-Wl4E/s1600/Crystal%2BR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qywHccGp6mc/Vl3gmA-kzcI/AAAAAAAAhbg/q5QwBs-Wl4E/s1600/Crystal%2BR.jpg" /></a></div>
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Hang your handmade ornament and enjoy that sparkle that only crystals can add to your tree!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eYFTkrOJvZ0/Vl4BQ_-K2SI/AAAAAAAAhco/yfQtZDqIBjs/s1600/Tassel%2BFinal%2BR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eYFTkrOJvZ0/Vl4BQ_-K2SI/AAAAAAAAhco/yfQtZDqIBjs/s1600/Tassel%2BFinal%2BR.jpg" /></a></div>
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I also created a star ornament using a small tassel.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ufLAU1hu3SY/VkSVetUcO3I/AAAAAAAAhHU/QwmWR_VPFQI/s1600/Star%2BBig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ufLAU1hu3SY/VkSVetUcO3I/AAAAAAAAhHU/QwmWR_VPFQI/s1600/Star%2BBig.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>To make the Star:</b></div>
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<b>Step1:</b> I removed the rough twine hanger the ornament was purchased with to make the painting process easier. </div>
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Paint the wooden star colors of your choosing. I used three non-traditional colors: pink, orange and red. Add a top coat of transparent glitter paint.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ofOCDxyNshA/VlXUnfFKvyI/AAAAAAAAhY8/prLfjv7qhrM/s1600/Tassel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ofOCDxyNshA/VlXUnfFKvyI/AAAAAAAAhY8/prLfjv7qhrM/s640/Tassel.jpg" width="602" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 2:</b> I found this cord and tassel at the Dollar Store. I cut the cord down to a suitable length for the bottom of my ornament.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OhvnK7ndCaI/VkSWSHMdbhI/AAAAAAAAhHg/pwpayNMm350/s1600/Step%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OhvnK7ndCaI/VkSWSHMdbhI/AAAAAAAAhHg/pwpayNMm350/s320/Step%2B1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I put a dab of hot glue at the bottom of my star and used the glue to attach the tassel. <i>(Tip: Hold the tassel in place for a few seconds to allow the glue to set.)</i></div>
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Then I cut a length of the red cord and used it to hang my ornament.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZCj_zgBoKcE/Vl3_W1ON9II/AAAAAAAAhcg/-85iTeAMLhg/s1600/Working%2BTassel%2BR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZCj_zgBoKcE/Vl3_W1ON9II/AAAAAAAAhcg/-85iTeAMLhg/s1600/Working%2BTassel%2BR.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HlLfZhoM7_Y/Vl30SFZ113I/AAAAAAAAhb8/SPFKnFeU0o0/s1600/Jingle%2BBell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HlLfZhoM7_Y/Vl30SFZ113I/AAAAAAAAhb8/SPFKnFeU0o0/s1600/Jingle%2BBell.jpg" /></a></div>
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One final variation on these wooden ornaments. </div>
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This time, I wanted to add the potential for a pleasant jingle.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ylLJkpJ7kg8/VkScWcE35RI/AAAAAAAAhH4/Af0l9R3Ybd0/s1600/Ball%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ylLJkpJ7kg8/VkScWcE35RI/AAAAAAAAhH4/Af0l9R3Ybd0/s1600/Ball%2B1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>To make the Ball:</b></div>
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<b>Step1:</b> Paint the wooden Christmas ball colors of your choosing. I used a mix of blues and green. Add a top coat of transparent glitter paint.</div>
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<b>Step 3:</b> Using a fine drill bit, drill a hole on an angle into the bottom of your Christmas ball. Work slowly and carefully as the wooden ball is delicate.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T2H6il-2zlw/VlXdpOHQxAI/AAAAAAAAhZM/KWc8nOabvwQ/s1600/Attach%2Bbell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="338" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T2H6il-2zlw/VlXdpOHQxAI/AAAAAAAAhZM/KWc8nOabvwQ/s640/Attach%2Bbell.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 3:</b> Using a piece of fine string, fishing line or fine wire to attach a silver jingle bell to your ornament. For my Christmas ball, I used a fine silver string. I looped it through the hole and tied a reef knot to secure my bell.</div>
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<b>Step 4:</b> Attach a Christmas tree ornament hanger to the top of the finished ball.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-72Y7LnR0qoo/Vl3jCd02xbI/AAAAAAAAhbs/tup89vaxhoA/s1600/Bell%2BFn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-72Y7LnR0qoo/Vl3jCd02xbI/AAAAAAAAhbs/tup89vaxhoA/s1600/Bell%2BFn.jpg" /></a></div>
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Happy crafting for the holidays!</div>
Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00116583212813729057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336909776855291666.post-88389120535254170892015-11-19T08:34:00.000-08:002015-11-19T08:34:42.459-08:00Snowy Owl Holiday Wreath<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1uDmSTfX_Kw/VkuBE3BuoaI/AAAAAAAAhNs/94KsFRIpobc/s1600/Snowy%2BOwl%2BWreath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1uDmSTfX_Kw/VkuBE3BuoaI/AAAAAAAAhNs/94KsFRIpobc/s640/Snowy%2BOwl%2BWreath.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
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<b>To make this wreath you need:</b></div>
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• basic store-bought evergreen wreath</div>
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• sharp scissors or pruners to cut branches</div>
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• wire cutters</div>
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• light gage florist's wire</div>
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• 3 eye screws 3/4" in length</div>
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• two types of faux snowy branches</div>
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• 3 snowy owls (mine came from Loblaw grocery store and were about $6 each)</div>
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• snowflake ribbon with wired edge (craft store)</div>
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• small blue & silver jingle bells</div>
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• 3 large silver jingle bells</div>
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• floral pics</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QUbM0TBcs3k/VkuBPlscfKI/AAAAAAAAhN0/hxcde3r2LuM/s1600/Before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QUbM0TBcs3k/VkuBPlscfKI/AAAAAAAAhN0/hxcde3r2LuM/s640/Before.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
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Before you start, turn your wreath over and create a wreath hanger with a loop of florist's wire (if there isn't a hanger already). </div>
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I also removed the original bow and pinecones from my store-bought evergreen wreath.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rmEGhdrhLUE/VkTLEwTficI/AAAAAAAAhIU/4oCaNiuIhsw/s1600/Cut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rmEGhdrhLUE/VkTLEwTficI/AAAAAAAAhIU/4oCaNiuIhsw/s1600/Cut.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 1: </b>I used two different faux snowy branches: one pine and one glittery twigs (seen at the top). Take each set of branches and cut the stems into several smaller sections. <i>(I made mine 6-10" in length. If you cut them much shorter, they will be too short to work with.)</i><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DPWi7yJg0ic/Vkn0lVvVgBI/AAAAAAAAhNc/2SCIhJZ6oL0/s1600/Snow%2Bbranches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DPWi7yJg0ic/Vkn0lVvVgBI/AAAAAAAAhNc/2SCIhJZ6oL0/s640/Snow%2Bbranches.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 2: </b>Working in a circle, insert the first type of snowy branches into your wreath and allow them to catch in the mix of evergreens. <i>(Tip: Inserting the branches at a low angle helps them </i><i>to catch </i><i>best in the evergreens.) </i><br />
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Loop a length of florists wire through the wreath to hold each branch in position. Twist the wire at the back of the wreath to keep your branch secure.</div>
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<b>Step 3:</b> Again, working in a circle, insert the second type of snowy branches and allow them to catch in the mix of evergreens.<br />
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Loop a length of florists wire through the wreath to hold each branch in position. Twist the wire at the back of the wreath to keep your branch secure.<br />
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Hang the wreath to make sure the branches are evenly dispersed and you are happy with them before you move further.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GsAbBlAX9SE/VkTRtjuteVI/AAAAAAAAhIk/C-a6yP2Sd84/s1600/Snow%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GsAbBlAX9SE/VkTRtjuteVI/AAAAAAAAhIk/C-a6yP2Sd84/s1600/Snow%2B4.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 4: </b>Make a bow. I chose a blue and silver snowflake ribbon that I felt worked with my theme.<br />
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Turn the bow over and run a length of florist's wire through the bow's centre knot.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pV472wXrLQ8/VkuIjmRa0lI/AAAAAAAAhOg/Bvl5G4Uwk2E/s1600/Ribbon%2Bbtr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pV472wXrLQ8/VkuIjmRa0lI/AAAAAAAAhOg/Bvl5G4Uwk2E/s1600/Ribbon%2Bbtr.jpg" /></a></div>
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Poke the ends of the wire through the wreath and twist them into a knot on the wreath's reverse side to fix the bow in place. </div>
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Trim away any excess wire with your wire cutters. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z-Fq8I_B8CM/VkTSqkm1unI/AAAAAAAAhIw/h-7P5EUvUh4/s1600/Owl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z-Fq8I_B8CM/VkTSqkm1unI/AAAAAAAAhIw/h-7P5EUvUh4/s1600/Owl.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 5:</b> (<i>Depending on what you are able to find, you'll have to adapt your method for attaching the owls. The owls I found had a foam backing.)</i></div>
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Turn your owl over. Insert an eye screw into the foam and thread a piece of florist's wire through the eye. Twist the wire with a circular movement to knot it to the eye. <i>(Note: I started with the small eye screw you see here, but found it did not hold well enough. In the end, I went with a much larger screw that was 3/4" long. I thought the method was clear enough, so I didn't reshoot the picture.)</i></div>
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Place all the owls on the top of your wreath to determine placement. Remove two of the owls once you know approximately where you want them to sit on the wreath. </div>
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Now attach the first owl. Poke the ends of the wire through the wreath and twist a knot on the reverse side to fix the owl in place.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P8d7x_qbWgE/VkuJMODETkI/AAAAAAAAhOo/GY2W31--pes/s1600/From%2Bside%2BSnowy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P8d7x_qbWgE/VkuJMODETkI/AAAAAAAAhOo/GY2W31--pes/s640/From%2Bside%2BSnowy.jpg" width="492" /></a></div>
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Add back the other two owls, one at a time.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TwZ2X2VlA08/VkuHnmQ8qkI/AAAAAAAAhOQ/58d_PcJ3oQ0/s1600/Bells%2Bcombo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="416" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TwZ2X2VlA08/VkuHnmQ8qkI/AAAAAAAAhOQ/58d_PcJ3oQ0/s640/Bells%2Bcombo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 6:</b> Wire smaller blue and silver jingle bells onto flower pics (you can find floral pics at the craft store) and insert the pics into the wreath.<br />
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I also used a length of wire to attach a number of larger silver bells directly.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9mqsnt-w4kg/VkuIEr-25KI/AAAAAAAAhOY/1wYsTwTjoIQ/s1600/Owls%2BHowto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9mqsnt-w4kg/VkuIEr-25KI/AAAAAAAAhOY/1wYsTwTjoIQ/s1600/Owls%2BHowto.jpg" /></a></div>
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You're done! Just hang up your wreath and enjoy it.</div>
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Happy holidays!</div>
Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00116583212813729057noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336909776855291666.post-24531369722861216892015-11-19T08:25:00.000-08:002015-11-19T08:25:57.596-08:00Teddy Bears & Toys Holiday Wreath<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-85JRNVdAeVo/VkufUfq4zBI/AAAAAAAAhP8/q5z-ZTDr2Zs/s1600/Teddy%2Bopener%2BR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-85JRNVdAeVo/VkufUfq4zBI/AAAAAAAAhP8/q5z-ZTDr2Zs/s640/Teddy%2Bopener%2BR.jpg" width="569" /></a></div>
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<b>To make this wreath you need:</b></div>
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• basic store-bought evergreen wreath</div>
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• berry clusters </div>
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• wire cutters</div>
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• light gage florists wire</div>
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• wooden holiday ornaments</div>
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• glue gun and glue sticks</div>
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• teddy bear ornaments (mine came from Sears and were about $6 each)</div>
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• red gingham ribbon with wired edge (craft store)</div>
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• floral pics (craft store)</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QUbM0TBcs3k/VkuBPlscfKI/AAAAAAAAhN0/hxcde3r2LuM/s1600/Before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QUbM0TBcs3k/VkuBPlscfKI/AAAAAAAAhN0/hxcde3r2LuM/s640/Before.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
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Before you start, turn your wreath over and create a wreath hanger with a loop of florist's wire (if there isn't a hanger already). </div>
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I also removed the original bow and pinecones from my store-bought evergreen wreath.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-do16wXp-3fU/VkuZBE9OM2I/AAAAAAAAhPI/l_Zd2ciMNeE/s1600/Berry%2Bclusters%2Bcombo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="416" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-do16wXp-3fU/VkuZBE9OM2I/AAAAAAAAhPI/l_Zd2ciMNeE/s640/Berry%2Bclusters%2Bcombo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 1: </b>I was able to find ready-to-go berry clusters wrapped in floral tape. If you can't find something similar, cut a larger branch with faux berries into smaller pieces (about 6-8 inches long). </div>
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Working in a circle, insert the berry clusters into your wreath and allow them to catch in the mix of evergreens. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8F6kjhsZZn4/VkTWocviuYI/AAAAAAAAhJA/uRw3Uqf2-Lk/s1600/Gingham.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8F6kjhsZZn4/VkTWocviuYI/AAAAAAAAhJA/uRw3Uqf2-Lk/s1600/Gingham.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 2: </b>Make a bow. Turn it over and run a length of florist's wire through the bow's centre knot.<br />
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Poke the ends of the wire through the wreath and twist a knot on the wreath's reverse side to fix the bow in place. </div>
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Trim away any excess wire with your wire cutters. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EjrrE6Id3YA/VkTY4ptHdOI/AAAAAAAAhJM/339r5VRtkgE/s1600/Teddy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EjrrE6Id3YA/VkTY4ptHdOI/AAAAAAAAhJM/339r5VRtkgE/s640/Teddy.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 3:</b> Remove the teddy bear ornament rope hangers, if there are any. Turn your teddies over. Insert a safety pin into each bear and fasten it <i>(Note: I used a giant safety pin so it would be easier to see in this demonstration. You can use a much smaller one.) </i><br />
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Attach a length of wire to each safety pin.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H1ZWTD9Ovek/VkuZBe6lozI/AAAAAAAAhPU/1wKSGDThvyk/s1600/Teddy%2Bcls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H1ZWTD9Ovek/VkuZBe6lozI/AAAAAAAAhPU/1wKSGDThvyk/s640/Teddy%2Bcls.jpg" width="470" /></a></div>
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Place all the teddies on the top of your wreath to help you to determine placement. Remove all but one, once you know approximately where you want them to sit. </div>
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Now attach the the first bear. Poke the ends of the wire through the wreath and twist a knot on the wreath's reverse side to fix the teddy bear in place.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1SZ6O2ice6c/VkuZBmrxjbI/AAAAAAAAhPY/vCKYhUOOGBo/s1600/Teddy%2Bfrom%2Bside%2Balt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1SZ6O2ice6c/VkuZBmrxjbI/AAAAAAAAhPY/vCKYhUOOGBo/s640/Teddy%2Bfrom%2Bside%2Balt.jpg" width="516" /></a></div>
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Add back the other teddies, one at a time.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8HB_M6V04gk/VkuZB2CV6MI/AAAAAAAAhPc/LqLVtYT-oU8/s1600/Toy%2Bcombo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="405" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8HB_M6V04gk/VkuZB2CV6MI/AAAAAAAAhPc/LqLVtYT-oU8/s640/Toy%2Bcombo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Step 4: I used small wooden ornaments to make my "toys".<br />
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Remove the hanger from the ornament. Place a generous glob of glue at the base of the wooden ornament and insert a floral pic into the glue. Hold the floral pic in place for a minute to let the glue set.<br />
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Place your toys on the wreath in between the teddies and the berries.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E_XNIFS8IQg/VkudWBQnq-I/AAAAAAAAhP0/WSN0vqYLR6Y/s1600/Teddy%2BWreath%2BFN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E_XNIFS8IQg/VkudWBQnq-I/AAAAAAAAhP0/WSN0vqYLR6Y/s1600/Teddy%2BWreath%2BFN.jpg" /></a></div>
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You're done! There is nothing left to do now, but hang up your wreath and enjoy it.</div>
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Happy holidays!</div>
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Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00116583212813729057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336909776855291666.post-33658406566291068262015-11-19T08:17:00.000-08:002015-11-19T08:20:15.779-08:00Butterfly Holiday Wreath<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-72V0oTpiu1U/Vku1MDUL1nI/AAAAAAAAhQM/OgsVy0Ur_As/s1600/Opener%2Balt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-72V0oTpiu1U/Vku1MDUL1nI/AAAAAAAAhQM/OgsVy0Ur_As/s640/Opener%2Balt.jpg" width="523" /></a></div>
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<b>To make this wreath you need:</b></div>
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• basic store-bought evergreen wreath</div>
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• faux red berry branches</div>
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• wire cutters</div>
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• light gage florists wire</div>
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• assorted colored butterflies</div>
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• red ribbon with white stitches along the edge</div>
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• floral pics</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QUbM0TBcs3k/VkuBPlscfKI/AAAAAAAAhN4/hB4kYWgnN58/s1600/Before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QUbM0TBcs3k/VkuBPlscfKI/AAAAAAAAhN4/hB4kYWgnN58/s1600/Before.jpg" /></a></div>
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Before you start, turn your wreath over and create a wreath hanger with a loop of florist's wire (if there isn't a hanger already). </div>
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I also removed the original bow and the pinecones from my store-bought evergreen wreath.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6jwk4hipDGc/Vk30CS9_lXI/AAAAAAAAhUM/azCEem3jZfc/s1600/Berries%2Bin%2BWreath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="386" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6jwk4hipDGc/Vk30CS9_lXI/AAAAAAAAhUM/azCEem3jZfc/s640/Berries%2Bin%2BWreath.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 1: </b>I started with one large bunch of faux berries and<b> </b>cut the stems into 2 smaller branches. <i>(I made my smaller branches about 10" in length)</i></div>
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Leave a spot at the bottom of the wreath for your bow. Working up either side of the circle, insert the berry branches into your wreath and allow them to catch in the mix of evergreens. Tie each branch in with a length of florist's wire.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PVc-skR62Zk/VkTcmLmk32I/AAAAAAAAhJY/ithQLI-JGGs/s1600/Red%2Bbow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PVc-skR62Zk/VkTcmLmk32I/AAAAAAAAhJY/ithQLI-JGGs/s1600/Red%2Bbow.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 2: </b>Make a bow. Turn it over and run a length of florist's wire through the bow's centre knot.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9j7ilJwbLhs/Vku2rgSpZ3I/AAAAAAAAhQg/UkmV7YVuq5k/s1600/Red%2Bbow%2Bbutterfly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9j7ilJwbLhs/Vku2rgSpZ3I/AAAAAAAAhQg/UkmV7YVuq5k/s400/Red%2Bbow%2Bbutterfly.jpg" width="323" /></a></div>
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Poke the ends of the wire through the wreath and twist a knot on the wreath's reverse side to fix the bow in place. </div>
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Trim away any excess wire with your wire cutters. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HI9lt7KfP2s/Vku2fa20fPI/AAAAAAAAhQY/ppC_J4A8SQw/s1600/Butterfly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HI9lt7KfP2s/Vku2fa20fPI/AAAAAAAAhQY/ppC_J4A8SQw/s640/Butterfly.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 4: </b>The butterflies I purchased where already wired. You could use them as is, but I decided to make mine more sturdy by wiring them onto a floral pic.<br />
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Working your way around the circular wreath, insert the butterfly pics every couple of inches. Vary the angle of insertion and alternate the color of the butterflies as you work your way around the wreath.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cfER2tQAQD8/Vku3hQDl1pI/AAAAAAAAhQo/aDLo4uu727M/s1600/Butterfly%2BWreath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cfER2tQAQD8/Vku3hQDl1pI/AAAAAAAAhQo/aDLo4uu727M/s1600/Butterfly%2BWreath.jpg" /></a></div>
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And you're done! There is nothing left to do now, but hang up your wreath and enjoy it.</div>
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Happy holidays!</div>
Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00116583212813729057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336909776855291666.post-18023160894139484002015-11-19T07:57:00.000-08:002015-11-19T08:20:34.898-08:00Holiday Bell Wreath<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Ab1xSL43Lc/VkyfaVmHCTI/AAAAAAAAhSQ/UrfzHz11oBU/s1600/Bell%2BOpener.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Ab1xSL43Lc/VkyfaVmHCTI/AAAAAAAAhSQ/UrfzHz11oBU/s1600/Bell%2BOpener.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aPt1VLfbTFY/VkycZRIBK5I/AAAAAAAAhRk/MEefwAJ-pAg/s1600/Before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aPt1VLfbTFY/VkycZRIBK5I/AAAAAAAAhRk/MEefwAJ-pAg/s640/Before.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
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Before you start, turn your wreath over and create a wreath hanger with a loop of florist's wire (if there isn't one already). </div>
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I also removed the original bow and the pinecones from my store-bought evergreen wreath.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-id4W-sIT3WU/VkydJM5pYeI/AAAAAAAAhR4/GkowY5VelpQ/s1600/Wreath%2Bfrom%2Bside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-id4W-sIT3WU/VkydJM5pYeI/AAAAAAAAhR4/GkowY5VelpQ/s1600/Wreath%2Bfrom%2Bside.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>To make this wreath you need:</b></div>
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• basic store-bought evergreen wreath</div>
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• glittery eucalyptus branches</div>
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• dried magnolia branches </div>
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• wire cutters</div>
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• light gage florists wire</div>
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• several snowy pinecones</div>
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• set of three holiday bells (I found mine at Michaels craft store)</div>
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• plaid ribbon with wired edge (craft store)</div>
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• 3-5 large red jingle bells</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qkpym0Ky5jg/VkyRNi9caHI/AAAAAAAAhQ4/gm9qKQ1ovIw/s1600/Branches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qkpym0Ky5jg/VkyRNi9caHI/AAAAAAAAhQ4/gm9qKQ1ovIw/s1600/Branches.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 1: </b>I started with one large branch of glittery eucalyptus and<b> </b>cut the stems into several smaller branches. <i>(I made mine 6-10" in length)</i></div>
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Working up either side of the circle, insert the eucalyptus into your wreath and allow them to catch in the mix of evergreens. Create a loop of florists wire to tie each branch into the wreath.</div>
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<b>Step 2:</b> Cut a length of wire. Loop it around the knot holding the bells together. Poke the ends of the wire through the wreath and twist a knot on the wreath's reverse side to fix the bells in place. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K1B9XZ9iObI/VkyaE9XElBI/AAAAAAAAhRI/bSNwwsdctUw/s1600/Bells%2Balt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K1B9XZ9iObI/VkyaE9XElBI/AAAAAAAAhRI/bSNwwsdctUw/s640/Bells%2Balt.jpg" width="494" /></a></div>
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<i>(Note: The set of three bells that I purchased came with a hanger, but the rough twine holding the bells to the hanger were too long for my purposes. I cut the bells off the original hanger and reattached them together on a shorter lengths of rope.)</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-frDOIb1XRE8/VkyacOxBrSI/AAAAAAAAhRM/qbkhpoZsZus/s1600/Bow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-frDOIb1XRE8/VkyacOxBrSI/AAAAAAAAhRM/qbkhpoZsZus/s640/Bow.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 3: </b>Make a plaid bow. Turn it over and run a length of florist's wire through the bow's centre knot. </div>
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Poke the ends of the wire through the wreath and twist a knot on the wreath's reverse side to fix the bow in place. Trim away any excess wire with your wire cutters. </div>
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<b>Step 4: </b>Cut your Magnolia branches into 8"- 10" lengths. Insert them into the wreath on either side of the bow and allow them to catch in the tangle of evergreen bows. Add a loop of florist's wire to tie them firmly into the wreath.</div>
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<i style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bYhC3nHappo/VIIfua3n-SI/AAAAAAAAbO4/Pl2bZCse2sk/s1600/Pinecones.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bYhC3nHappo/VIIfua3n-SI/AAAAAAAAbO4/Pl2bZCse2sk/s640/Pinecones.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="472" /></a></span></i></div>
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<b>Step 5:</b> Add a few snowy pinecones in among the evergreen branches. <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">To make the pinecones, take some white craft paint and dry brushed "snow" onto the pinecones. Allow the paint to dry. </span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Cut a length of </span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">light gage </span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">florist's wire </span>(approx. 10-</i><i>12")</i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">. Wrap the florist wire around the base of your pinecone and twist a knot to close the wire around the pinecone's base. Use the wire ends to attach the pinecones to the wreath.</span></i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kGpMDVH9U74/VkybvNwsHiI/AAAAAAAAhRc/RWUvWOtMKks/s1600/Pine%2Bcone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kGpMDVH9U74/VkybvNwsHiI/AAAAAAAAhRc/RWUvWOtMKks/s640/Pine%2Bcone.jpg" width="534" /></a></div>
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Step 6: Wire some large red jungle bells in amongst the branches.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xnM-tB_9Hb4/VkycLaFusFI/AAAAAAAAhRg/or_xrPszCw8/s1600/Bell%2BWreath%2Bmain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xnM-tB_9Hb4/VkycLaFusFI/AAAAAAAAhRg/or_xrPszCw8/s1600/Bell%2BWreath%2Bmain.jpg" /></a></div>
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You're done! Just hang up your wreath and enjoy it.</div>
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Happy holidays!</div>
Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00116583212813729057noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336909776855291666.post-85334102023502040832015-11-19T06:38:00.000-08:002015-11-19T08:20:50.310-08:00Antique Rose Holiday Wreath<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P7PaQ2zpb-4/VkypHPOzT4I/AAAAAAAAhSs/fzCa294XcCY/s1600/Rose%2BOpener.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P7PaQ2zpb-4/VkypHPOzT4I/AAAAAAAAhSs/fzCa294XcCY/s1600/Rose%2BOpener.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>To make this wreath you need:</b></div>
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• basic store-bought evergreen wreath</div>
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• branches of dried magnolia, cedar, sprigs of boxwood and a few glittery branches</div>
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• faux antique roses </div>
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• faux spray of mini roses</div>
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• light gage florists wire</div>
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• ribbon for your bow</div>
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• red berry clusters</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aPt1VLfbTFY/VkycZRIBK5I/AAAAAAAAhRo/ZX5SFtZOid4/s1600/Before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aPt1VLfbTFY/VkycZRIBK5I/AAAAAAAAhRo/ZX5SFtZOid4/s640/Before.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
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Before you start, turn your wreath over and create a wreath hanger with a loop of florist's wire (if there isn't a hanger already). </div>
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I also removed the original bow and the pinecones from my store-bought evergreen wreath.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3zeJzlZyiFY/Vkyv6g3wOiI/AAAAAAAAhTA/FWbbw9CsEX0/s1600/Greenery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="527" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3zeJzlZyiFY/Vkyv6g3wOiI/AAAAAAAAhTA/FWbbw9CsEX0/s640/Greenery.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 1: </b>Of all the wreaths I made this wreath had the greatest mix of branches.<b> </b></div>
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I used fresh cedar, glittery branches, dried magnolia and some boxwood that I snipped from the garden. I made each branch about 6-10" in length <i>(most of my branches were a little longer than those shown here)</i>.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VIGMIftQhkU/Vkyxt6kPn2I/AAAAAAAAhTQ/25mOeKkizEY/s1600/Basic%2Bbackground.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VIGMIftQhkU/Vkyxt6kPn2I/AAAAAAAAhTQ/25mOeKkizEY/s1600/Basic%2Bbackground.jpg" /></a></div>
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Working from the base and moving up each side of the circle, insert the branches into your wreath and allow them to catch in the mix of evergreens. You'll notice that a left a bit of a gap at the bottom for my bow.</div>
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Create a loop of florists wire to tie each branch into the wreath. This is a little fussy and time consuming, but it will make your wreath hold together better.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2q72ktjHEMs/VhgMJcHLFkI/AAAAAAAAgys/hy4UG0j4vP4/s1600/Red%2BBow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2q72ktjHEMs/VhgMJcHLFkI/AAAAAAAAgys/hy4UG0j4vP4/s640/Red%2BBow.jpg" width="517" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 2: </b>Make a bow. Turn it over and run a length of florist's wire through the bow's centre knot.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bVnnrEnyJNE/VkyokJDqLOI/AAAAAAAAhSo/UXHu6lZlRgs/s1600/Bow%2Bfloral.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bVnnrEnyJNE/VkyokJDqLOI/AAAAAAAAhSo/UXHu6lZlRgs/s640/Bow%2Bfloral.jpg" width="584" /></a></div>
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Poke the ends of the wire through the wreath and twist a knot on the wreath's reverse side to fix the bow in place. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fASW80Ico9o/Vkyyn7TfjII/AAAAAAAAhTg/euRxDILdHG0/s1600/Roses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fASW80Ico9o/Vkyyn7TfjII/AAAAAAAAhTg/euRxDILdHG0/s1600/Roses.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 3: </b>Working your way around the wreath, insert the larger antique roses. Create a loop of florists wire to tie each branch into the wreath.<br />
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<b>Step 4: </b>Now insert the smaller clusters of white roses in between the larger roses. Again, create a loop of florists wire to tie each branch into the wreath.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A8gMg2U-Z5I/Vky0LOzGdUI/AAAAAAAAhT0/jhsOn_fECRU/s1600/Berry%2BCluster%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A8gMg2U-Z5I/Vky0LOzGdUI/AAAAAAAAhT0/jhsOn_fECRU/s640/Berry%2BCluster%2B5.jpg" width="472" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 5:</b> Insert a few red berry clusters in amongst the roses. <i>(Note: I was able to find ready-to-go berry clusters wrapped in floral tape. If you can't find something similar, cut a larger branch of faux berries into smaller pieces that are about 6-8 inches long). </i><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9YB6mRuU9L4/Vky0-3NCodI/AAAAAAAAhT8/j84FYcjEHJY/s1600/Rose%2Bmain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9YB6mRuU9L4/Vky0-3NCodI/AAAAAAAAhT8/j84FYcjEHJY/s1600/Rose%2Bmain.jpg" /></a></div>
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You're wreath is done! There is nothing left to do now, but hang up your wreath and enjoy it.</div>
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Happy holidays!</div>
<br />Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00116583212813729057noreply@blogger.com0