DIY Garden Globes

Yes, I am still posting about garden stuff even though its October. In my defense it was sunny and 70s here in Minnesota yesterday. Im in denial that its autumn.
Today's project is a Pinterest Win!!! I saw a few tutorials on how to make your own glitter Christmas ornaments and I thought, well, why not turn that into garden art?!
I had purchased some plastic and glass ornaments at Michael's at the end of last season. I had grand intentions of making something cool out of them, but as a lot of projects go, I never got to it. I decided to use them for the garden instead.

 

Supplies you will need:
Variety of glass and/or plastic ornaments
Glitter
Pledge Floor Care Finish Cleaner (I was only able to find this at Wal-Mart)

Supplies not pictured:
Wood dowels that will fit inside your ornaments
Floral wire

To make the glitter globes is really easy. Pour a little bit of the floor care solution into the ornament. Pour a bit of glitter into the ornament. Cover the opening, swish and swirl around until the globe is covered. Add more glitter if needed. Do not add more floor cleaner though, it will make the glitter clumpy.
Set the ornament back in the try to dry. Repeat with all of them. I let mine dry over night.

  

To make them into garden stakes, I removed the hanger hooks and kept the cover piece for each ornament. I had to use my Big Bite Hole Punch to make the openings wider to slide the dowel through. I wrapped floral wire around the dowel, thick enough so the ornament piece wouldn't slide down past it.
Once secure, slide your ornament onto the dowel and into the cover. The dowel should hit the top of the ornament for it to sit right. Don't worry, I didn't have any problem with it ruining the glitter finish inside.
You may need to adjust where the wire/cover sit on the dowel.
Once this step is complete, insert your dowel into the ground and......

  

VIOLA!!! A beautiful glittery garden globe stake!

 

Pretty fun huh?

 

I am into quirky garden art so I made a few to go around my carousel horse too!
What kind of fun garden art did you make this season?

 

Pinterest Project: Dip Dyed Ombre Shoes

Earlier this season a couple of my girlfriends came over and both were wearing these super cute canvas shoes. They were different styles of course but I was having some serious shoe envy. I don't get shoe envy often and its almost never about casual shoes. I happened to be on Pinterest the next day and saw a variety of pins about DIY dip dyed canvas shoes. Low and behold Wal-mart was in stock of some simple white shoes for the wondrous price tag of $5.99! I couldn't help it, I had to try it out. So I picked up the shoes and some teal color dye.

  

Make sure to read the directions on the dye, and have any supplies for that. In this case I just needed water and salt.

   

I read several tutorials for how to do this. One them suggested putting Vaseline on the soles of the shoe to keep that part from being dyed. I decided that was the best option because I wasnt sure the rubbery sole would really absorb the dye.

    

From here, its actually quite simple, just dip them in!

    

At this point I used a scrap of old fabric and dipped it in the dye, I continued to layer it onto the shoes to blend the dip line and create the gradual ombre effect. There really is no magic method, just keep dipping and spreading until you get an effect you like.

   

I left the shoes to dry overnight. You can expect that the color will tone down quite a bit as the fabric dries. 

 

This is the end result!! I love them!!  

  

These shoes are super comfortable and I love the bright color and ombre effect! Super easy, inexpensive summer shoe! 

YAY! Pinterest Project WIN!

Pinterest Project: Ombre Flower Mirror

Pinterest....oh you devil you. Bringer of amazing ideas that I'll never be able to accomplish! I love when a Pinterest project actually comes together though. I found this pin for an ombre mirror made of spoons! Originally posted at Addicted to Decorating I had to try this project for myself. I already had some wooden wreath forms in the house, so on my next trip to the store I picked up a few boxes of plastic spoons. This was such a fun and easy project! The mirror really gives my hallway a pop of color.  

I mean seriously, can you believe that's all plastic spoons?!

This could become an addiction! I may end up with spoon mirrors all over my house. I can see it now, different size spoon mirrors lining my hallway. Perhaps a giant one in the bedroom! Oh plastic spoons, who knew you were so cool?!

Fairytale Direction Sign

I am so excited to share this project! We are having an unseasonably warm spring in Minnesota, so I have been anxious to get out in my yard. Its still to early to do much in terms of planting, so I got started on some yard art.  I fell in love with this pin:

Source: natashabailie.tumblr.com via Jessy* on Pinterest

(This pin's source isnt accurate. I've tried to find the original source without success. If you know it please message me.)

I have a small corner of my yard that could really use some landscape help this year. I decided to recreate this idea for my yard. (Don't mind the plants around it, I'm working on that later in the season!)

To make this sign, I first chose the names/locations from my favorite books, movies, and real life places. I figured out how many signs I wanted on the post. Fortunately we had lots of random pieces of wood in our garage from other projects. I gave everything a coat of white exterior paint. I searched online for free fonts that matched the places I picked. I adjusted the font sizes as necessary, printed them in the reversed mirror image so it would read correctly when I transferred it. I placed each name ink side down and I used rubbing alcohol to transfer the text onto each board. I just dabbed it on with a cotton ball. Carefully peeling the paper away you will have a light transfer of the text.  Enough to paint over with black paint. I used acrylic craft paint. I gave it a quick coat of sealant before constructing it all.

Do you know where all the places are from?

The Great Valley:  The Land Before Time, a childhood favorite movie for my family

Edinburgh: Scotland. I studied in a nearby town during college. Edinburgh is one of my most favorite places on the entire planet.

Hogwarts: Harry Potter....fan of the books and movies. My sister and I went to the midnight release for a few of the books and all of the movies.

Narnia: The Chronicles of Narnia, another childhood favorite that I loved even more when I read them again as adult. I also loved the movies that have come out so far!

The Ivory Tower: The Neverending Story, probably my most favorite childhood movie. Bastian had to try and make it to the Ivory Tower to save all of Fantasia.

The Shire: Lord of the Rings, books I actually red while studying in Scotland, so its duly sentimental.

Diagon Alley: Again, Harry Potter

Emerald City: Wizard of Oz, my goal is to get shoes just like Dorothy's!

District 12: The Hunger Games, my new love

Rivendell: Another Lord of the Rings reference. This was actually more my favorite place in the movies. It was beautifully portrayed.

Magic Kingdom: I have been to Disney World too many times to count. It is another one of my most favorite places in the world.

I guess you could say that this Pinterest project was a success!

Pinterest Fail: Tie Dye Roses

I love Pinterest! I find so much inspiration there. I came across this pin about tie dye roses and thought I would try it for myself!

Source: funguerilla.com via Tabatha on Pinterest

I did a little googling first and found that this whole concept of splitting the rose stem and putting each piece in a different glass of colored water was a pretty popular method. If it works, I'll end up with some awesome roses! So I stopped off at the store and picked up an inexpensive bouquet of white roses.

Using a box cutter I very carefully split the stems and placed in colored water.

Some instructions said to leave for 24 hours in the glasses.  Here is the progress about 6 hours later....

You can see they are starting to take some of the color in! How exciting! I was very optimistic.

However, 24 hours later this is all the color they had absorbed, and most of them were starting to wilt.  A few hardly absorbed any color at all!

Unfortunately I have to categorize this project as a Pinterest Fail. So why share it? Why not! Now you know, these are the kinds of results you may end up with.  Save yourself the trouble and keep your roses white and hopefully in better condition.  I had to throw mine out because they weren't even worth salvaging.

Has anyone else tried this project?  Were you successful?

Titanic Toilet Paper

I found this idea on Pinterest and decided to recreate it myself.  While my boyfriend took a nap, I grabbed some sharpies and got to work.  He woke up sometime later, and the house echoed with his laughter when he discovered my art. 

I've been dying to do this in a public restroom, but so far, I've only come across rolls without the perforations between squares.  *sigh*

Organized Measurement

Its true. Pinterest has some incredible ideas. I have put a few to use, my latest, is organizing my kitchen. I have a teenie tiny kitchen. I try to organize it as best as I can, but sometimes a girl needs a little "Pinspiration". I was inspired by this PIN and this PIN and now my measuring spoons and cups are organized! Thanks to a few command hooks Im no longer rummaging through drawers trying to find the right size measuring spoon!

Oh Pinterest, how I adore you!

Wonderfall Wine Tasting

Last week I needed to take a break from blogging. Life got a little crazy and I got a little burned out. But, things are settling back to normal, so let me share with you some of the things I've been up to!  Today, I'd like to share with you a wine tasting party I hosted.  Last year, I was doing my 1 party a month challenge and in November I hosted this Paris themed wine tasting party.  My friends and I had so much fun, we decided to make it an annual fall tradition.  The holiday season can be really hard for everyone to coordinate their schedules so we get some girl time in just before the insanity!

This year's theme was Wonderfall Wine Tasting. Okay, okay, so I didn't come up with the name all on my own. Hopefully Pier 1 isn't too mad I used their fall slogan!

For our wine tasting party this year, I planned a menu of appetizers and desserts and asked each person to bring a bottle of a certain wine. They were given their wine assignments and could choose any wine of any price within that variety.  This way, the stress (and cost!) is taken off of me, and everyone gets to contribute to the fun!

I set up this whimsical tasting table for us to sit, taste, and enjoy our food and company!

Over table I hung orange paper lanterns that were embellished with cardstock and floral wire to look like pumpkins. 

I also made these wine bottle candle holders! I found this PIN and followed the tutorial! One word of advice, use rubbing alcohol instead of nail polish remover.  And let it burn until it goes out.  Works waaay better and is a lot less frustrating!

Each place setting had a tasting notes sheet.  It indicated who brought the wine and a space to write in what the wine was, also what food it was paired with.  You could make notes as well as indicate a star rating.

For our final course I made mini pies for each guest.  I was inspired by this PIN for the leaf crust. 

We had such a fun time, and every single wine we tasted rocked! 

Thanks for stopping by!

Inspired Monday: Architectural Letters

I loooove the artwork made with photos of architectural letters.  I have grand ambitions of wandering around the city and spelling out my name in photographs. Or, I could take the easy way out! I found this on Pinterest and it has links to hundreds of letters, so you can easily make your own art with little effort!

Source: fullofgreatideas.blogspot.com via Jessy @ on Pinterest

I cant wait to get started!  What would you spell out with these?

Inspired Monday: Winnie the Pooh

This made me happy today.

Source: thechive.files.wordpress.com via Jessy @ on Pinterest

Are You A Trekkie?

I remember watching Star Trek as a kid, but I never really became a "trekkie".  However when I saw these cookies I could not help but laugh! Even if you've never really liked Star Trek, you have to admit, these are dang cute!

Source: bakingdom.com via Jessy @ on Pinterest

What were your favorite tv shows growing up?

Inspired Monday: Fall Leaves Pie Crust

One of my goals for fall is to work on my pie making skills. I've never really been that good at pies. This year, thats going to change!  I was inspired by this beautiful pie crust! I must recreate this!

Source: thestoryofkat.blogspot.com via Jessy @ on Pinterest

What is your favorite kind of pie?

Inspired Monday: Picnic in the Woods

David and I have been together 5 years this month, so I'm finding lots of romantic inspiration. I am in love with this woodland picnic. 

Source: greenweddingshoes.com via Jessy @ on Pinterest

I adore the hanging table.  Perhaps we need to recreate this for our anniversary! 

Inspired Monday: Pink Monarch Nails

I. Am. In. Love.

Source: None via Jessy @ on Pinterest

Guess who is trying this technique out soon?! Perfect for summer!

Inspired Monday: Pineapple Cream Cheese Spread

Can you believe its already the end of July?! I can feel the summer clock ticking away.  It makes me start thinking I need to have a summer party and fast! Today's inspiration is a pineapple cream cheese spread, check out how cool this looks!

Source: thehealthyfoodie.net via Jessy @ on Pinterest

I haven't tried the recipe out yet, but it sure looks delicious!  Do you have any fun summer parties planned yet?

Inspired Monday: Dreamy Garden Path

I've been working a lot in my yard this season. I'm beginning to cultivate some beautiful perennial gardens and I cant wait to see how they change and grow in the coming years.  I was also inspired by this gorgeous garden path.  I may have to recreate something like this in my gardens!

Source: gardenofsimple.tumblr.com via Jessy @ on Pinterest

Are any of you gardeners? What is your favorite plant or flower?

Inspired Monday: Perfect Dog House

I came across this dog house while cruising backyard landscaping ideas.  The article I was reading had reccomendations for landscaping a dog friendly yard.  They suggested creating a shady place for your dogs by having one of these:

Source: realestate.msn.com via Jessy @ on Pinterest

Dog owner or not, you have to admit the details on this house are adorable! The window box, the sun medallion, and the house numbers! Its so stinkin cute! I may have to consider this idea for my pups!

Inspired Monday: Goddess Cake

I was cruising Flickr today and  found this amazing cake. It literally took my breath away.

Source: flickr.com via Jessy @ on Pinterest

I am currently designing a small dessert table for my upcoming blogiversary and this is right in line with what I envisioned for a theme.  I would never be able to recreate it, but it sure is inspiring.  For more of my blogiversary inspiration check out my Pinterest board.

Inspired Monday: Anti-Theft Lunch Bags

Today's inspiration...Anti Theft Lunch Bags.....

Source: ffffood.com via lifeinthethriftylane on Pinterest

This literally made me laugh out loud! I kind of want one to take to work. Just to see if anyone in the office would notice my "moldy" sandwich in the office fridge!

Happy Monday!

Inspired Monday: Celtic Cake

You've probably already heard about the latest way to catalog things you love, Pinterest.  I've been on the site for a little while, but didn't really start utilizing it until recently.  Now I'm an addict! Come follow me, click HERE for my page.

I'll be sharing on here every week at least one image that I am inspired by.  Today it is this gorgeous Celtic Cake, found via Elizabeth Ann Designs

Source: elizabethannedesigns.com via Jessy @ on Pinterest

I love Celtic design.  The knot work is just so fascinating to me. I spent time in Scotland while I was in college so I am especially partial to Celtic art. This cake is an inspiration for me to try my love of Celtic  design in a dessert!

Have any of you been to Ireland or Scotland?