Recycling to create an Outdoor Chandelier
11 May 2012 4 Comments
in Home, Outdoor Designs, SPRING!, SUMMER, Uncategorized Tags: candle, candlelight, Candles, chandelier, light, lighting, Outdoor, painted, patio, Recycle, upcycle
This is what I started with – a $4.98 chandelier from a thrift store
And here’s how I took it apart to turn it into an outdoor chandelier
Avoid rust (from moisture inside cups) by coating with hot glue and then time to paint!
Hang your new recycled creation wherever you need some beautiful, (non-electric) eco-friendly, outdoor lighting to create instant ambiance and…
ENJOY! 
Last Minute Gift Idea (for Birthday, Grad, Mother’s & Father’s day, etc.)
29 Apr 2012 1 Comment
in Birthdays, Father's Day, GIFT BASKET IDEAS, Mother's -and- Father's Day Tags: Baby Shower, Birthday, Birthday Gift, Father's Day Gift, Gift for Graduate, Gift Idea, Grad gift, Graduation Gift, Grandparent, last minute gift, Mother's Day gift, retirement gift, Wedding gifts
This (last minute) gift idea would be fun to give just about anyone!
One of my sons lives in a different state and is the Head Women’s Lacrosse Coach at a college located there. Because his busy season runs into spring, he hasn’t been able to come home and celebrate his birthday with family in a long time. But this year, his season ended early, enabling him to head home for his birthday (as part of trip to scout local, stand-out high school players) and I was able to give him a HUGE hug and wish him a HAPPY BIRTHDAY, in person…. YAY! The last minute dilemma: I had already decided to pitch in on a birthday gift he’ll receive once he returns, which left us without a small gift to actually hand him on the one year he would finally be with us…. figures! LOL
Anyway, not to be defeated, I thought of something creative & fun, but as low cost as possible I could pick up for him… last minute. Remembering my umbrella gift idea (http://seasonalhome.wordpress.com/2010/08/16/one-of-the-best-traditions-in-my-book/), I came up with a new twist on it! Because they are always open, I ran up to our local convenience store and purchased the same amount of scratch-off lottery tickets as the age he was turning. Then, using double-sided tape, I temporarily adhered each of them along the length of a long piece of curling ribbon. 
I cut the ribbon end and tied it to a 
balloon weight (you can find these at dollar stores, if you don’t have one hanging around) and placed that into the bottom of a gift bag, feeding the ribbon ‘o lottery tickets in behind it. Then once I was done, I tied the other end of the ribbon to the top of my gift bag and added a note of “what to do” instructions, made on my computer using clip art and a text box.
Needless to say… he really liked it and that made me happy too!
Enjoy the Creativity!
Eileen
Mother’s Day Brunch in a Up-cycled Garden
17 Apr 2012 1 Comment
in FAMILY, Mother's -and- Father's Day, Outdoor Designs, SPRING! Tags: black, brunch, bubbler fountain, cedar, Clay Pot, dessert, farmhouse, fountain, Garden, Garden Design, garden room, Gift, Green, lawn furniture, Lime, lowes, Mother's Day Idea, Mother's Day lunch, Mother's Day table idea, Mother's Day tablescape, Outdoor, outdoor furniture, pergola, recover, Recycle, salad, sam's club, shade, upcycle, vegetables, window
[Click on any photo for a larger view]
This post is a double-feature… an idea for a Mother’s Day celebration AND some up-cycling ideas for your garden!
First, the Garden ideas. I’ve been busy this spring, up-cycling some items (I already own) to stay within my budget. Before I talk about those projects, I have to share with you a bargain I found last fall. 
I got SO lucky and spotted this gorgeous, cedar pergola at Sam’s Club (on sale) for around $200. Have you priced these things? If you have, you’ll understand what a bargain this was! So, my advice is to watch the post-summer sales at the shopping clubs and grab a deal for yourself.
Now that I have a garden focal point, in my pergola… it’s time to add a fountain! I was inspired by a blue ceramic, bubbler fountain at Lowe’s. But, at $130, I decided to up-cycle my old birdbath (that I had turned into a planter years ago),
using my glue gun (to close the drainage holes I had previously created), blue spray paint, a small pump, “Welcome” rock (from my front garden) and 2 bags of smaller rocks from the Dollar Tree to turn it into a simple, blue fountain. 
HINT: spray paint the pump electrical cord the same color to camouflage it. 
I hung an old farmhouse window (from the back side of the pergola), above the fountain, to create a “back wall” to my new garden room and gathered all of my larger clay pots, spray painting the 2 white ones (blue) also. And I filled several of my large pots with lettuce & tomatoes so I can have a homegrown salad soon!
You might also recognize the garden outdoor furniture set I up-cycled and featured in a post (last year) by spray painting it black and recovering the cushions. 
And since a portion of my first glass gazing ball holder disintegrated, I removed the ball and replaced it with a clay pot, highlighting one of my pretty plants.
I also wanted to create some shade because it gets HOT in Florida! (LOL) 
I found a pre-made cover at Lowe’s for $99, but it had no tethers or weights to keep it in place…. hmmm… the first wind will turn that into a sail! Luckily, Lowe’s also carries the shade fabric (cuts sun & heat by 75% and is super-easy to sew, but you could also use velcro to create a customized cover) by itself for a lot less, 
I decided to make my own. I measured, cut & sewed the lightweight fabric to match the dimensions of my pergola roof and added a pocket (on each end) so I could insert a 
piece of poplar wood (the least expensive way to weight each side down). 
By the way, Lowe’s will also cut-to-size any piece of wood for about 25 cents… what a deal! The fabric works AND looks great! 
[check out my $7 paper lantern too]. The rug is one I found (last year – post summer) and because it’s small enough to roll it up and store, I just bring it out for special occasions like this one. Speaking of that — I can also roll up & remove the shade cover if a storm is headed my way (yay!)
And now, for the Mother’s Day celebration idea – creating a little bit ‘o Heaven in my backyard (on a budget) inspired me to invite my Mom over and spend some time with her going through old photos, reminiscing and enjoying some lunchtime treats for Mother’s Day…. an “ahhhhhh” day for both of us… with no standing in line and no reservation required!
Happy Mother’s Day and -
enjoy the Creativity!
Eileen
Spring Table Scape
05 Apr 2012 Leave a Comment
in EASTER, SPRING! Tags: bird, Bunny, Candy, Centerpiece, chicken salad, chocolate, chocolate nest, EASTER, ice, iced tea, mint, nest, sixlets candy, SPRING!, Table, Table decoration, Table scape, Table Setting
Spring is the perfect time to sneak in a relaxing, lunch with friends. Even if it’s main purpose is a planning meeting, it can still feel special if you pull out your pretty dishes & serve something easy and yummy. So today, I did just that… pulled out my light blue glassware and made some of my favorite recipes – Fruited Chicken Salad,
which is a great Spring, Easter or Summer meal (I just added the “how to” to my RECIPE section) and for dessert, I used my old 10-minute (from start to finish) standard…. Oatmeal Fudgies…. and added some Six-lets candy in the center as they were cooling to create little chocolate bird nests (Fudgies recipe also in RECIPE section of this blog). 
Two things to remember -
- If you have a pretty tablecloth that doesn’t cover your table, turn it so it lays in a diamond shape in the center of the table. Everyone will think you did it on purpose and
- Don’t forget to add a sprig of fresh mint to each glass of iced tea… it tastes SO refreshing and mint is very good for you!
Enjoy the Creativity!
Eileen
Unique Easter Baskets!
03 Apr 2012 1 Comment
in EASTER Tags: bag, basket, children, container, cooler, Creative gift wrap, EASTER, Easter Basket, family, Gift, Gift basket, Gift Wrap Idea, grown, lunch, office, storage, tote, Tradition
Receiving an Easter Basket is so much fun for young children and I know some parents stop this gift-giving tradition once children reach their teens. My children are grown, but I still love to give them a few goodies (mostly things they need) at Easter, like new toothbrushes, modest gifts cards (to help out with lunch on their tight budgets), etc. And now that some of them have S.O.s (significant others – lol), I’m including them too!
Once kids reach their teenage years, it doesn’t make sense to hand them woven baskets, so I prefer putting their gifts into a container that is also useful, which then… becomes part of their gift. In case this gifting idea works for your family as well, below are a few container suggestions that I’ve utilized in the past – as well as this years. And here’s a helpful hint – if you choose a LARGE gift-container, simply use boxes, plastic bags, tissue paper, etc. to fill up the bottom, so your gifts can rest near the top, on a bed of Easter grass.
Always keeping my budget in mind, I never pay more than $5.00 for a container, so I keep an eye out for inexpensive or clearanced items, all year long. Today, I walked into Walmart and they had just marked down their large, canvas totes (office supply dept.) to $3.50…. SOLD! 
[see it in use below].
Enjoy the Creativity!
Eileen
Click on any photo for a larger view
Over-the-shoulder Cooler
Lidded Storage Containers
Collapsible Canvas Storage & Insulated, Personalized Lunch Bag
A Passion for Purple at Easter!
22 Mar 2012 6 Comments
in EASTER Tags: bird, Bunny, Decor, Decorating, EASTER, Egg, Eggs, Flowers, front door, Front door decoration, hat, Idea, jumping bunny, nest, Peep, Pier 1, purple, SPRING!, Topiary
For my front door area, I was eager to reuse my black footed planters (to create a similar look to last years) for Easter (http://seasonalhome.wordpress.com/2011/03/28/3759/). But of course… it had to be a brand new look AND on a budget (translation – make it myself!) I also had a definite passion for purple this year and here’s my inspiration….
PURPLE PEEPS!
Before I could create the entire look, I first had to create a duplicate of my inspiration – the Marshmallow PEEP Bunny.
Using a 50% off coupon, I purchased a sheet of (apx.) 2″ x 12″ x 36″ white styrofoam, drew and cut a PEEP shape and used one of the discarded pieces (as a file) to create nice, clean edges on the finished product.
Next, I painted my PEEP shape with a styrofoam-friendly brand of spray paint (Design Master) in lavender and then while damp, sprinkled it with a light coating of iridescent glitter for a sugary look. I also painted a bamboo wood dowel that I had cut in half and once that was dry, I inserted both pieces into the bottom of my PEEP shape, to create a stand. Chocolate brown (my name – not the manufacturer’s – but I thought that might be more helpful) acrylic paint and a small paint brush helped me create the face. Don’t they have the cutest faces?!! Couldn’t you picture several smaller versions of these in your front yard (maybe in different colors?)
Ok, back to the project (lol)…. I spray painted one of my footed, black planters white, and even reused a styrofoam circle (note the hole made by last year’s pvc). Then, I placed & gently pushed my PEEP’s bamboo legs into the styrofoam circle to secure it in the planter, slipped a purple-themed spring wreath over his head and added extra flowers to camouflage the styrofoam.
I added a bow to my bunny and placed my large, purple yard eggs and several other decorations around to bring my purple PEEP passion together, including using one of my outdoor greenery plants. And I love the mossy, jumping bunnies I found at Pier 1 this year. See what you think…
CLICK on any photo to view it larger.
Don’t forget to check out my entire EASTER category for even MORE creative ideas and…
Happy Easter!
Eileen
FREE Easter Prizes-a-Plenty on Facebook!
20 Mar 2012 1 Comment
in EASTER, SPRING!, Uncategorized Tags: Banner, Bunny, Carrot, chocolate, EASTER, Easter Prize, Egg Hunt, Facebook, Prizes, SPRING!, Teapot, The Seasonal Home, Watering Can
If you enjoy my blog, you should definitely check out and consider joining in on the fun over at THE SEASONAL HOME Facebook Community Page. Click on the FACEBOOK link at the bottom of the right hand column (of this page) for quick & easy access. Every holiday season, I share ideas, bargain tips and even more creativity. Plus, I give away fabulous FREE PRIZES and you could be our next winner.
[NOTE: you will need to be a FACEBOOK member and a U.S. resident].
Check out the prize packages I’ve given away so far during the Easter 2012 season:
And there is one (1) more Easter Prize Package… here it is (check out the box of fake jellybeans!):
THE SEASONAL HOME Facebook Community loves to share their creativity too (so more ideas to enjoy!) AND winning contests all year long. And the BONUS – the shipping is ALSO on me! So, follow me on FACEBOOK and don’t miss out on any more prize packages…
See you there!
EILEEN
Using Paper products to help decorate your fireplace for Spring & Easter
20 Mar 2012 1 Comment
in EASTER, SPRING! Tags: apothecary, aqua, artificial grass, basket, bird, Bunny, butterflies, butterfly, candle, candlestick, Clay Pot, cushion, Decor, Decorate, Decorating, Dept. 56, EASTER, Eggs, fireplace, Flowers, Garden, Garland, Hallmark, Hobby Lobby, Idea, ideas, Joann's, lettuce, mantel, Mantle, nest, Old Time Pottery, pastel, pattern, picture frame, polka-dot, Recycle, Repurpose, ribbon, SPRING!, tails, Topiary, Walmart, Wreath, yellow
In today’s marketplace, paper comes in so many forms and is a perfect fit for my creative, yet budget-conscious, brain. So, if you’re looking for new ways to transform your fireplace from Winter to Spring (and Easter), read on because I think you’ll like the creative way I found to incorporate 3 different paper products to create 2 new designs.
IDEA #1
For the first fireplace look, SCRAPBOOK PAPER helped me create an “Art Comes Alive” look above The Seasonal Home’s family room mantel.
Tracing around a wood butterfly shape (Hobby Lobby – 50 cents) created the large butterflies and a cookie cutter (I already owned) helped me create the smaller butterflies. Because I have a hard surface surrounding my fireplace, I was able to use dots of hot glue, from a low-melt glue gun, to attach my butterflies to this surface. You could also use “Tack It” (office supply dept.) or COMMAND strips to attach them to more delicate surfaces.
I found the vintage frame at a thrift store ($3), lightly spray painted it white and placed it on the mantel. [NOTE: Typically, these are reasonable if they don't have artwork in them]. The yellow clay pots are a recycle from a look I created last Easter (http://seasonalhome.wordpress.com/2011/03/07/yellow-at-easter-its-not-just-for-chicks-anymore/ )… so, “zero” dollars. 
The aqua, polka-dotted bunnies ($3.99 each) and the yellow, polka-dotted candles ($4.99 each) are both from Old Time Pottery. The yellow vine came from a clearance section of one of my favorite local stores ($6.75) as did the aqua birdie ($1.99). I picked up the yellow gingham ribbon (see clay pot trim & mantel inset) at Joann’s, etc. for only $1.75 with a 50% off coupon and the large aqua flower at Hobby Lobby for $1.99. If you’re familiar with my blog, you’ll recognize my white candlesticks, bird nests and eggs because they roam somewhere different, every year, in The Seasonal Home.
For Part #2 of this look, I wanted to transition my fireplace hearth from Winter to Spring. In keeping with my nature look, I thought it would be a great idea to make a cushion, flanked by some green topiaries from around the house, to create a park bench feel and also, add additional seating for my Spring and Easter guests. The aqua gingham fabric, buttons, yellow bias tape & rope insert as well as the 2 bed pillows – $15.00 (Walmart). So, this entire idea cost $47 to create and I love the fresh look!
IDEA #2
For the second look, I used two different paper products – Green, plaid Hallmark gift wrap (love this stuff because the lines on the opposite side make it easy to cut straight! lol) and white poster board (50 cents), both from Walmart ($4). I taped a large piece of gift wrap to the back wall & upper inset of the fireplace and removed the logs/grate, to replace it with 
Dept. 56 artificial grass ($14), edged out with artificial lettuce leaves, to create a base for my 2 sitting, Mom & baby bunnies and used fuzzy Christmas snowball ornaments for their tails. 
Finally, I dotted the grass with a few small daisies and also sprinkled them on the mantel and around the large, white bunny cookie jar (sitting inside the cabbage plate) to create continuity. 
CLICK on any photo to enlarge
On the mantel, I used items you’ll also recognize from previous posts, including the wreath, which is the yellow & white daisy wreath from the post I shared above. I simply added a few different colored flowers to it. And of course, I simply cannot decorate for ANY holiday without filling up one of my apothecary jars. This time I added a set of glittered Easter Eggs.
On the side table, you’ll recognize another one of my white candlesticks, on top of which I placed a small clay pot of pink daisies. You can place SO many different things on top of candlesticks during different seasons, so I highly recommend investing in a set of these to help with your decorating.
This look would be hard to price out for you because I used many items I already had, but it turned out to be one of my favorite looks because it’s so bright & cheery!
Enjoy the Creativity & Happy Easter!
EILEEN
Put a little “Spring” in your (Boot) Step!
10 Feb 2012 2 Comments
in SPRING! Tags: bandana, boot, boot embelishment, boots
Peeking into The Seasonal Home’s closet…. here’s an idea for channeling your inner country girl to take your boots into Spring. Tie 1 or 2 bandanas around them to match/coordinate with your cute cotton dresses this spring!
Spring Garden Project
10 Feb 2012 2 Comments
in Home, Outdoor Designs, SPRING!, SUMMER Tags: adhesive, bowl, cup, Decoration, floral, Flower, Garden, glass, Handmade, homemade, plate, saucer, vase, votive
Do you have some mis-matched plates, saucers, bowls, cups or votive cups tucked way in the back of your cabinets? Or, maybe you have a chipped or cracked plate that you inherited from a relative and just can’t throw away? Even if you don’t have any of these items, you can still enjoy the following project, I saw at my local garden shop, by shopping for the ingredients at thrift stores or garage sales and the end result will be an adorable keepsake for your garden.
When looking for the ingredients to make these flowers, the best combination is typically a dinner-size plate, bowl, tea cup, votive cup, old vase or salt-cellar. Tap into your own style & creativity, however, keep in mind that coordinating colors makes for the best & most attractive combination. Also consider colored glass (as one of the pieces) to create the most artistic drama in the sunlight.
Sometimes, people drill holes in the center of each ingredient and then bolt them together, however, it is much easier to glue each of the ingredients together using a weatherproof, clear adhesive called GE silicone II for Windows & Doors. The flowers above were professionally made and the artist went to the trouble of crafting green metal leaves to weld onto a green metal stem, but that is totally beyond my own capability and I’m guessing yours as well. So my solution is to purchase re bar (available at hardware stores) and spray paint it green. I also love the ease (shown in photo on right) of gluing a small, straight-sided vase to the back plate of your flower (upside down) so your creation can be easily propped on top of your newly green, re bar stem before placing it in the garden. 
Some helpful hints:
- ONLY work in a well-ventilated area (like outside)
- Protect your work surface
- Have a cloth rag handy to wipe any excess glue, especially off of you (lol)
- Practice first! Put your combinations together, before gluing, until you are happy with the completed flower look you create
- As you place your combinations together, use chalk, a pencil or masking tape to mark around the outside of each area where the glue will attach, so you won’t have to re-position the pieces
- Apply the adhesive to the back of each piece, at the highest, protruding point
- Press each piece gently & firmly in place and wait at least 10-15 minutes between placements for the silicone adhesive to set up. If it doesn’t set up in apx. 10-15 minutes, it may be old and you should return it to the store.
- Wait 48 hours before placing the finished flower in the garden. Use this time to spray paint your re bar green!
- Consider using several different lengths of re bar to create different flower heights in your garden
Below are some closeups, you can click on to see a larger view and more detail. Hopefully, they will inspire your own creations… they certainly inspired me!
