Keeping With The Times

living, learning, and keeping with the times

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Bath Salts DIY and a Free Download

September 27, 2017 by Barb 20 Comments

Here’s a little bath salts DIY for you! I know, I know, there are tons of ideas for bath salts on Pinterest and yes, I even went there myself ;) but every recipe is a little different and I thought I’d add mine to the mix because I actually use and love it (plus I have a label download for you.)

It all started the other day when I was browsing my favourite book store (a bookstore that shall go unnamed) and I came across a display of spa products. They were absolutely delightful and I spent several minutes sniffing my way around the bath bombs and various soaps.

And although I enjoy smelling the smells, I don’t really love using scents myself (strong ones anyway.) So when I spied the bath salts I started to get a bit more interested. The packaging alone was enough to draw me in. But then I saw the price and (gasp) over $20.00 for a little test-tube size bottle (I kid you not!) of what really amounted to Himalayan Pink Salt.

I’ve never used plain old salt for bathing, but I always use Epsom Salt:

Epsom salt, named for a bitter saline spring at Epsom in Surrey, England, is not actually salt but a naturally occurring pure mineral compound of magnesium and sulfate (Saltworks) (this site has a ton of interesting information about bath salts.)

There are many claims made of Epsom Salt and it’s health benefits and I cannot agree nor dispute any of them. I just know that when I use a cupful of these salts in my bath it makes the water feel softer and I’m not squeaking around in the tub ;) so it’s more relaxing. I also throw in a squirt of unscented Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash. Please note: this is not an ad! I just really use these products.

So I’m thinking … I already have Epsom Salt and I also have a bag of Himalayan Pink Salt which I picked up at a discount store, and that I use in cooking, and I also have some fresh Rosemary still growing in the garden. Time to get my DIY on!!

DIY Bath Salts, Fresh Rosemary, Barb Brookbank, Free Download

DIY Bath Salts with Rosemary

  • 1 cup Epsom Salt
  • 1/4 cup Himalayan Pink Salt
  • 2 tablespoons rosemary, chopped finely (if you don’t have fresh rosemary, just leave it out)
  • Combine and throw into your bath as the water is running. Add a squirt of your favourite body wash, ease into the bathtub, and enjoy!

This would make an awesome hostess gift or dare I say (Christmas) gift! Just don’t put any fresh herbs in the bottle if the salts are not going to be used right away.

You could include a small potted rosemary plant with the jar of the salts and when packed in a pretty jar with a hand printed tag like mine * your recipient will love it (you:)

Include directions on how to use them together.

DIY Bath Salts, Fresh Rosemary, Barb Brookbank, Free Download

*Please feel free to download the tag (for personal use only please :)

There are two versions: one with rosemary, one without.

Label #1

Label #2

Pin for later ;)

Filed Under: DIY AND CRAFTS Tagged With: bath salts, diy, freebie, printable, rosemary

Pretty Easy DIY Herb Pot

May 14, 2017 by Barb 4 Comments

Hello … I’m just popping in with a little Happy Mother’s Day wish, and an easy DIY herb pot using Mod Podge and wrapping paper.

mothers are like buttons
they hold everything together (perhaps like Mod Podge too ;)

This little pot of  Lemon Thyme smells divine … I wish you could smell how truly lemony it is …
DIY Herb Pot using wrapping paper and Mod Podge, Keeping With the TimesAnd how cute is that terra cotta pot?

After I opened a gift from my oldest daughter, I couldn’t stop admiring the soft tissue-like paper that it had been wrapped in. Rather than sending the pretty paper to the recycle bin, I used Mod Podge to adhere it to the pot. As you can see, I didn’t worry about wrinkles (wish I could say that about myself ;)

Pretty Easy DIY Herb Pot

  • Tear a piece of pretty wrapping paper or tissue paper the size of your chosen pot
  • Using a brush or sponge, apply Mod Podge to the entire outside surface of the pot
  • Place paper over the pot, gently smoothing into place, folding the edges underneath about 1/4 inch
  • Let dry completely
  • Using sandpaper, sand the top edge of the pot for a rustic finish
  • Plant herbs in a plastic container that fits inside the pot and place inside

If you enjoyed this post, you may also enjoy these:

.

31 Creative Ideas
30 Ideas to Make June Magical
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Pretty Easy DIY Herb Pot, Keeping With the Times

Filed Under: DIY AND CRAFTS, LIFE Tagged With: diy, garden, herbs, paper, terra cotta

DIY Plant Markers for Herb Pots

April 12, 2017 by Barb 15 Comments

Today I have the easiest DIY plant markers you are ever going to attempt to make! Placed in pots of herbs, they make fantastic little gifts for Easter, Mothers’ Day, or simply as a hostess gift.

You can purchase tiny pots of herbs and either put them in special clay pots such as I did here, or wrap the original pot in a bit of newspaper tied with a piece of string (it all depends on how much you want to spend.)Thyme, Easy DIY Plant Markers, Plant markers for pots of herbsIt’s the addition of the handmade plant markers that really makes this gift special. These are so inexpensive they’re practically disposable!

DIY Plant Markers for Herb Pots

What you need:

  • clothespins
  • paper
  • glue
  • sandpaper
  • stamps, ink

How to:

  • Cut strips of paper approximately the same size as the clothespin. You can use scrapbook paper, newsprint, or vintage book pages. I used some old music sheets I found at a garage sale. The strips do not have to be cut perfectly; we’ll take care of the edges later.
  • Using white glue, glue a strip to each side of the clothespin making sure to get right to the edges. Let dry completely.
  • Using sandpaper, sand away the edges for a distressed but clean edge.

Easy DIY Plant Markers, Plant markers for pots of herbsUse alphabet stamps and scrapbooking ink to add the names of the herbs to little brown paper flags, clip them to the clothespins, and voila!Easy DIY Plant Markers, Plant markers for pots of herbs

Thanks for being here!

If you liked this post, you might like these! Please have a peek ↓↓↓↓↓

Partial Shade Gardening, Keeping With the Times
Top 5 Perennials for Shade
Hope Springs Eternal, Anemone Bulbs, Still Life, Flatlay, Barb Brookbank
Anemone Bulbs
Succulent Love, Keeping With the Times, How to Grow Succulents
Overwintering Succulents
Garden Cleanup
Sunday Sundries, Keeping With the Times, Photoshop Template Download
Preserving Peonies

xo

Filed Under: DIY AND CRAFTS Tagged With: diy, gifts, herbs, spring

Willow Wreath DIY (Mini Me Style)

April 1, 2017 by Barb 10 Comments

Today I have a long and complicated willow wreath DIY for you!

  • Purchase a tiny willow wreath at your favourite craft store.
  • Pick a few pussywillows.
  • Insert into tiny wreath.

;)

Tiny Willow Wreath DIY, Keeping With the TimesTiny Willow Wreath DIY, Keeping With the TimesThen I got to thinking, what could I do with these tiny mini-me wreaths?

Hmmmm, how about an Easter centrepiece (topiary-style) …
Tiny Willow Wreath DIY, Keeping With the Times

Tiny Willow Wreath DIY, Keeping With the Times

Or simply placed on a side table …
Tiny Willow Wreath DIY, Keeping With the TimesDoesn’t everyone leave side table drawers open? with linen serviettes hanging out of them :)

If you make one of these, leave a comment. I’d love to see your creations!

PIN IT

Tiny Willow Wreath DIY, Keeping With the Times
You may also like my post Home Decor Styling Tips

 

 

Filed Under: DIY AND CRAFTS Tagged With: diy, easter, pussy willow, wreath

Wood Photography Background

November 19, 2015 by Barb 6 Comments

I’m always on the lookout for new wood photography background ideas. I dare say a person cannot have too many choices … one day you may feel like using barn wood, the next day you may feel like using an old rusty old drawer … and the next … well, nothing seems right.

And what if you aren’t home and don’t have access to your “stuff”? We travel between two places and of course it’s not possible for me to throw my chippy potting bench into the trunk along with my suitcase … hmmmm, or is it? … nah. not.

Anyway, as I’ve been staying in my “city home” the last few days, I needed something small and easy to carry, so I made a quick trip to Michaels where I found a 28″ x 11″ piece of wood (and it’s light as a feather – bonus).

I have no idea what it’s really for … a sign perhaps? I quickly scooped up 2 pieces and a small container of Martha Stewart’s Vintage Decor Paint with a matte chalk finish.

Here’s the before:
Wood Photography Background… and here’s the after …
Wood Photography BackgroundSince I was going for a rough finish, it took me about 15 minutes to paint both boards. Initially I was going to give them 2 coats but decided it wasn’t necessary (I must say Martha’s paints are very thick and easy to apply).

There was also a lot of paint left over, so I’ve been painting up a storm … more backgrounds to come … .

You may also like 5 Photography Background Ideas, or Rustic Photography Background.

Wood Photography Background, Easy "how-to" paint a photography background, Keeping With the Times

Day 19 #nablopomo

Filed Under: DIY AND CRAFTS, Photography Resources Tagged With: diy, still life

Upcycled Toolbox Planter

June 11, 2015 by Barb 12 Comments

About two years ago I purchased a rusty old toolbox for $5.00 at a garage sale, thinking I would use it as an upcycled toolbox planter. I felt a little sheepish when I got home (especially when the hubs told me he thought it should have been free … haha … I thought so too.) But at the time I had a plan … a plan that did not materialize for two years … in fact, this spring the toolbox almost went to the dump because I couldn’t figure out how to fit any plants into the shallow trays.

But, miracle of miracles, something happened to stop me in my tracks!

upcycled toolbox planter, Keeping With the Times

upcycled toolbox planter, Keeping With the Times

I was at the garden centre at Home Depot when I spied a sedum mat … I’d never seen such a thing and was quite intrigued … it hit me right away how perfect it would be for the old toolbox …

upcycled toolbox planter, Keeping With the Times

upcycled toolbox planter, Keeping With the Times

I basically cut off chunks and stuffed them into the partitions … and quite unceremoniously too …

So my junky toolbox …

was saved from the dump!

upcycled toolbox planter, Keeping With the Times

… at least for another year.

An Upcyled Link Party at Funky Junk Interiors

Featured at Rodale’s Organic Life

Pretty funky …


Upcycled Tool Box Planter, Keeping With the Tiimes

Filed Under: DIY AND CRAFTS, GARDENING Tagged With: diy, junk, junque, succulents, toolbox, upcycle

Hapa Zome Book Mark for Mom

May 7, 2015 by Barb 17 Comments

The technique of “Hapa Zome” just blew me away when I first discovered it on the Terrain blog.

Oh my gosh! the possibilities!!

Make one for your mom, a friend, yourself … it’s so easy, make one for a stranger!
Hapa Zome Book Mark, Mother's Day, Gift, watercolour, watercolour, pansies, botanical, Keeping With the Times

I didn’t follow the directions exactly, but what I did worked beautifully:

  • Set a flower face down on a piece of watercolour paper.
  • Cover with some parchment paper.
  • Pound with a mallet.
  • Peel away paper.
  • Peel away smashed flower … that’s it.

Hapa Zome Book Mark, Mother's Day, Gift, watercolour, watercolour, pansies, botanical, Keeping With the Times

PIN IT

Hapa Zome Bookmark, Keeping With the Times

Filed Under: DIY AND CRAFTS Tagged With: diy, flower, flowers, pansies, Tutorial

Hyacinth Print Download

April 9, 2015 by Barb 6 Comments

Just popping in with a quick note to let you know I’ll be including the full resolution file of my “Hyacinth and Tulip Fling With Spring” in my next newsletter as a free download.

It’s approximately 8″ x 8″ and I printed it on plain white photo paper using my colour laser printer. I was pretty pleased with the results.

It now brightens up the table at the entrance to our condo.hyacinth print free download

Original:

Hyacinth Willow and Tulip, Texture Tuesday, Keeping With the Tiimes

Then of course I had a bit of a play in Lightroom using Kim’s presets, and because you will have the full resolution image, you could edit it too.

hyacinth_b

How fun! I’d love to see what you do with it!

Please use it any way you want – as a framed print, card, journaling material … all I ask is that you use it for personal use only, and give credit to me if you post it online.

So, if you haven’t signed up for my newsletter and would like to have this print – check the sidebar for details!

Have a wonderful Thursday!

Barb

PS … my copyright won’t be printed on the image …

Filed Under: Artful Photography, Still Life Tagged With: diy, flower, freebie, home decor, hyacinth, newsletter, still life

Home Decor Styling Tips

April 1, 2015 by Barb 23 Comments

April made a typical entrance again this year: Friday, March 31st … one of the most beautiful days ever … warm, sunny, calm, and then … boom. Overnight the winds picked up and by morning they were absolutely howling. At 6:30 am the power went out and by 9:00 am snow was being driven sideways across the yard. Yep … spring in Alberta … aaarrrgh.

Lucky for me I had risen early and made my coffee, so I was sitting on the sofa, bundled up in fleece blankets, sipping a hot cuppa, and feeling grateful.

As the first slivers of morning lit up the sky, I watched the outside world come into my view. The barnwood tables and benches that I had set up on the deck in preparation for the new season sat sturdy and solid … waiting.

Earlier in the week I’d picked a ton of pussywillow. Some I’d set in a stoneware pot and was happy to see it hadn’t blown away. The new wreath I’d made was safely stowed against the house, under the overhang, and was no worse for the wear. Whew!

So even though our first day of April was atrocious (weather-wise) I spent it happily creating my spring willow wreath vignette, and came up with some home decor styling tips while I was at it!

I love an uncluttered look, but even so, there’s a lot going on here.

The wreath is hung in the centre of the wall with a small vintage chest and chair underneath. I placed the yellow birdhouse on several books to give it height and then used a yellow/green runner to draw the eye across and to the yellow pillow. Can you spot the repeating shape here?

So here’s my little still life mimicking life … or is life mimicking still life?

Home Decor Styling Tips, Keeping With the Times

Home Decor Styling Tips, Keeping With the Times

Do you not just love the little botanical print above the chair? Adore!

I was searching for books at Amazon and came across this little gem “Instant Wall Art – Botanical Prints: 45 Ready to Frame Vintage Illustrations for Your Home Decor.” So cute and fun! Botanical prints are hot by the way … .

Home Decor Styling Tips, Keeping With the Times

Side note: I saw pussywillow branches for sale at Terrain for $48.00/bunch! Gah … choke … eek …

Home Decor Styling Tips, Keeping With the Times

Try to incorporate meaningful items in your vignettes. A few of my favourite books include “In Detail”, “A Life Less Ordinary”, and “Vivian Maier Street Photographer”. I have so many amazing books, I could have stacked a dozen more, but it would have ruined the effect—less is more.

Mix old and new, organic and inorganic elements, but keep colour tones similar.

Home Decor Styling Tips, Keeping With the Times

Making a pussywillow wreath is super simple! Buy a ready-made willow wreath at any craft store and proceed to stuff it with pussywillow branches! If you need a little more detail, check out my instructions here.

Home Decor Styling Tips, Keeping With the Times

And last but not least, I’ll be sending the link to a full resolution copy of my little botanical print “Hyacinth, Willow and Tulip Play” in my next newsletter!! If you haven’t signed up, check the sidebar for details!

Thank you ever so much for stopping by!

All images edited in Lightroom
Presets by Kim Klassen
kk_breeze
kk_within

 

Spring Willow Wreath Vignette, Willow, Pussywillow, Wreath, DIY, Decor

 

Filed Under: HOME DECOR Tagged With: diy, lightroom, pussy willow, spring, still life, Tutorial, wreath

Pumpkin Plant Pot Display

October 3, 2014 by Barb 17 Comments

I’m so thrilled with my little pumpkin plant pot display! This week I found some cute little ceramic pumpkins at Home Sense and I thought they would make great plant pots for this time of year. They look great in a simple display, but also fit nicely with a Thanksgiving tablescape I’m working on.

Pumpkin Plant PotSucculent in Pumpkin Pot_3 Succulent in Pumpkin Pot_2 Succulent in Pumpkin PotSo what else did I find this week? I found that sometimes I feel like I’m on fire, and other times I feel like I have a wet blanket draped over me. This past week was the wet blanket week. I have a project hanging over me and I’m dragging my feet, and consequently I don’t even feel like working on the fun things. When I read Kims post this morning … well, oh man … how does she manage to hit the nail on the head every time?! I really needed to hear her gentle encouragement today … I’m going launch Microsoft Word right now, and start writing.

Filed Under: DIY AND CRAFTS Tagged With: autumn, diy, friday finds, lightroom

Using Coconut Oil as a Moisturizer

December 29, 2013 by Barb 13 Comments

It’s winter in my part of the world, which means central heating… which means dry, dry, dry… super dry…

Yes, we do have a humidifier and it does help (a lot) but I need to moisturize daily and for that I use Aveeno products. However, I’ve found that two moisturizers are better than one – especially when that moisturizer is coconut oil. It goes on a bit oily at first, but after a few minutes the oiliness vanishes and it leaves my arms and legs feeling silky soft. Believe it or not, I even put a bit of it in my hair.

I have a gigantic jar of it (from Costco) and every day I was going to the pantry, scooping out a little bit with a spoon and heading back to the bathroom. I finally got the bright idea to put a little bit in a container to keep handy by the bathtub (duh).

coconut oil moisturizer

I found a tin that used to hold some scrapbooking supplies, peeled off the top sticker,  gave the tin a good washing with soap and water, then glued a piece of new, pretty paper to the lid.

coconut oil moisturizer

Because the oil is in a semi-hardened state, I gently heated some and then poured it into the tin and let it re-set (I like things to look pretty).

coconut oil moisturizer

Pretty, simple, and effective. It may even make a nice little gift!

coconut_0014-copy

Filed Under: DIY AND CRAFTS, LIFE Tagged With: diy

What To Do With a 10 Pound Wheel Hub?

December 10, 2013 by Barb 26 Comments

Why yes, yes I did haul home a 10 pound rusty wagon wheel hub…
Wagon Wheel Hub turned vase, Keeping With The Times

who could resist such a thing?

Wagon Wheel Hub turned vase, Keeping With The Times… so, what to do with it?

Wagon Wheel Hub turned vase, Keeping With The Times

well… you turn it into a vase…

Wagon Wheel Hub turned vase, Keeping With The Times

Isn’t it amazing how objects can be made to look so old and rusty? The hub is authentic, the star… not so much…

Wagon Wheel Hub turned vase, Keeping With The Times

I thought it looked pretty with my vintage baking powder tin (this is about as close I have gotten to baking anything this season)…

Wagon Wheel Hub turned vase, Keeping With The Times

I found this cute little light spray at one of our little shops in town. Boy they can sure get you when you walk into a store and see all the pretty, sparkly displays…

Wagon Wheel Hub turned vase, Keeping With The Times

… pretty… I actually have this little arrangement set up on a side table in the dining room/living room and it looks warm, so warm… but because there’s a mirror behind it, it’s impossible to photograph. I haven’t figured out how to do that yet without getting myself and and all the other reflections in the picture as well.

Wagon Wheel Hub turned vase, Keeping With The Times

But, there you have it…

Wagon Wheel Hub turned vase, Keeping With The Times

… that’s what you do with a 10 pound wagon wheel hub!

Update: In response to TexWisGirl who suggested I could use it as a weapon:

Yes…
It was Miss Barbara…
In the Dining Room…
With the Wheel Hub…

:)

Filed Under: DIY AND CRAFTS, HOME DECOR Tagged With: diy, home decor

Turn an Antique Grater into a Flower Vase

November 14, 2013 by Barb 37 Comments

When I saw a rusty old grater at my favourite junque store, it didn’t take me but two seconds to scoop it up and tuck it under my arm. If anyone else was looking at it, they were going to have to fight me for it…

The tag suggested that it could be used as a candle holder, and yes, that would work, but I had other plans. The globe thistles (echinops) that I had harvested from my garden and were drying in our basement were crying out for a home.
antique, flower vase, echinops, barb brookbank, keeping with the times

I knew instinctively that the rustic style and greyish tones would be the perfect complement to these quirky, spiky flowers.

Antique-Grater

I was quite surprised at the top of it. What would this grid have been used for?

antique grater, flower vase, barb brookbank, keeping with the times

Well, no matter. I saw the perfect flower frog! What a treasure!!

I donned my (thickest) garden gloves, stripped away most of the very prickly leaves, trimmed the stems, and stuck them into the grid. I put the tallest stems in the middle, and the shorter ones at the edges. Piece of cake.

I love it when a project comes together so easily. I couldn’t wait to post until Friday so here it is today…

Have a wonderful Thursday! and see you tomorrow!

Party Junk at Funky Junk Interiors

Filed Under: DIY AND CRAFTS, HOME DECOR Tagged With: diy, flower, friday finds, kim klassen, photoshop

A summery new look for my Hoosier cabinet

June 16, 2012 by Barb 18 Comments

Many, many, years ago my hubby’s parents gave us an old Hoosier cabinet that they didn’t want any more. It was at their lake cottage which they were in the process of updating. I was more than willing to take it off their hands. Being in love with all things ‘antique’ I was ecstatic!

Over the years it has served as storage for my crafting supplies plus anything else that I didn’t quite know what to do with. It has mostly been tucked away in a small room – quite out of sight. The reason being that, even though I loved it – it was sort of an odd brown colour with an orange interior. And when I say orange, I mean ORANGE. That just doesn’t ‘go’ with anything, ya know . . .

Well, here is my new and revitalized cabinet. I bought some standard sort of off-white paint and proceeded to slap on two coats – inside and out. It was fun to paint – I wasn’t at all concerned about it being perfect, since the cabinet itself is far from perfect. If you happen to see some paint drips, it may or may not have been my doing . . .
. . . the finished cabinet – sitting there so pretty . . .
. . . love it . . .

 

I’m storing my gardening books and eclectic collection of old vases in it . . .
. . . more gardening books . . .
. . . my gardening journal . . .
.
. . . my newest old jar . . .
. . . notice the roll-top . . . I broke it in the painting process, but hubby to the rescue – all fixed now . . .
. . . some pretty meadow rue from my garden . . .
. . . chipped and sanded . . .

UH OH – get your sunglasses! here’s the original:

. . . I loved you even then . . .
. . . now doesn’t that feel good?
. . . incredible transformation! sanding the edges – now that was the most fun . . . it kind of finished it off perfectly . . .

A Hoosier cabinet (also known as a “Hoosier”) is a type of cupboard popular in the first decades of the 20th century. Named after the Hoosier Manufacturing Co. of New Castle, Indiana, they were also made by several other companies, most also located in Indiana.

Houses of the period were frequently not equipped with built-in cabinetry, and the lack of storage space in the kitchen became acute. One particularly distinctive item is the combination flour-bin/sifter, a tin hopper that could be used without having to remove it from the cabinet. A similar sugar bin was also common. (Wikipedia)

Filed Under: HOME DECOR Tagged With: diy

Valentine hearts topiary

February 1, 2012 by Barb 30 Comments

 

my lovely Valentine topiary
brightening up a corner in my dining room
gracing my nesting tables
love . . .
love . . . love . . .
I wanted to make something for Valentine’s Day but just didn’t want it to be a lot of work or cost too much. Coming up with the idea is what took the most time since I was feeling less than inspired. Luckily, I had to run into town to get some batteries (that’s my story and I’m sticking to it . . .) and as I was browsing around, I saw some packages of these creamy paper-looking flowers. They were with all the pot-pourri items and were very inexpensive. I scooped up a couple of boxes and sped home, ideas forming as I drove.

It was time to re-purpose my Victorian Inspired Topiary that I had made about 15 years ago! Oh the dust that flew as I tore it apart! What satisfaction! I saved the pot, the stem, and the styrofoam all in one piece and simply hot-glued the white flowers onto the styrofoam until it was completely covered. However, when I was finished I wasn’t completely blown away (to say the least).

It needed something ‘Valentine-y’.

Hearts. Little tiny punched paper hearts strung on a piece of thin twine and wrapped around and around. OK, now I’m getting somewhere! For the finishing touch I put some pot-pourri inside the pot. Looks pretty and smells pretty too!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Filed Under: DIY AND CRAFTS Tagged With: diy, home decor, valentine

A woodland welcome

December 3, 2011 by Barb 38 Comments

I’m embracing all things natural for my Christmas decorations this year and I’m calling it my “Woodland Christmas”.

Moss Wreath Tutorial

I got the idea for my moss wreath when I was out and about driving down our country roads and I spied a whole bunch of it growing in a north-facing ditch. I screeched to a halt (well, not really), I pulled over to the side of the road, donned my garden gloves (which I have with me at all times) and started to carefully pull some of it up – it literally came up in sheets!

It only took me a few minutes to fill a garbage bag full of it and off I went. What a score!

When I got home I searched around my yard for things to use as accents. I found some fungi (baby robustus conk, I think), dried rose hips, lichen-covered twigs, and pine cones. I had a grapevine and wire garland (from my autumn banister) and I knew it was the perfect thing to secure the moss. I then tied a little gold-edged burlap bow at the top, slightly off-centre. The final touch was a cute little bird that I already had.

Moss Wreath Tutorial

Moss Wreath Tutorial

Moss Wreath Tutorial

Moss Wreath Tutorial

Moss Wreath Tutorial

I made it before the snow fell – just laid everything on the ground and secured the moss to an old twig wreath with dental floss and wire.

20111102_6153-copy

20111102_6154-copy

Moss Wreath Tutorial

Easy!

 

 

Filed Under: HOME DECOR Tagged With: diy, twigs, wreath

Vintage paper trees

November 30, 2011 by Barb 76 Comments

I first saw these frilly little trees from hgtv (Pinterest) and knew I had to have one (or three). They are super simple to make and have such a delicate presence sitting there on my little china cabinet.

Speaking of my china cabinet – I gave the top a new look this year. It started when I saw this old window frame with the mirrors in the panes. I was casually shopping around at The Country Pumpkin for little ornaments when I turned around and saw it. I was smitten . . . I felt dizzy . . . I needed air . . . When I came around I made the decision to leave the store for an hour or so to think about it – how responsible is that! Anyway, you can see here that the rest is history. It’s home with me where it belongs, sigh . . .

Dictionary Paper Trees, vintage, christmas

Pure frilliness!

Dictionary Paper Trees, christmas, diy, vintage

To make the trees, I started with 3 styrofoam cone bases.

I wanted to vary the heights of my trees (two styrofoam bases are the same size and one is smaller) so I bought three little vintage books for one to sit on – is it not a.ma.zing that they match the runner to perfection? Oh my . . .

Dictionary Paper Trees, christmas, diy, vintage

I swear, I did not see that word Kindle when I was making these trees – honest! Is that not ironic?

Dictionary Paper Trees, christmas, diy, vintage

Love the layering going on here…

Dictionary Paper Trees, christmas, diy, vintage

I placed a little bowl full of antique ornaments into my vignette. They came to me after we lost our sister (many years ago).

Dictionary Paper Trees, christmas, diy, vintage

Lovin’ this window!

Dictionary Paper Trees, christmas, diy, vintage

 

OK, so back to reality! Here’s a mini tutorial.

Start with styrofoam cones. Take pages from dictionary, cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces then cut lots of little frills into them, careful not to go straight to the edge.

Dictionary Paper Trees, vintage, christmas, trees

I used a thick skewer to curl them.

 Dictionary Paper Trees, vintage, Christmas

I found the shorter ones easier to roll.

20111130_6985-copy

Starting at the bottom of the cone, glue the curled pieces around it until you get to the top. I put the glue on the styrofoam base first and stuck the paper to it – it just seemed easier to handle.

Dictionary Paper Trees, Christmas, vintage

These little gems are light as a feather and so, so delicate. Find a special spot for them, sit back, and enjoy! Happy decorating!

 

Filed Under: DIY AND CRAFTS Tagged With: dictionary paper, diy, home decor, mantel

Texture Tuesday – the Gratitude e-Dition

November 28, 2011 by Barb 28 Comments

Yesterday I was rummaging around in my decorations and took a hard look at the garland I was planning to use for our tree, and deemed it to be hideous!

What to do? Hmmmmm. I loved the dictionary wreath that I just made . . . hmmmm . . . why don’t I make my own garland – just the simple, old-fashioned chain link garland the likes of what children make at school?

First, I made a small string of it and ran it by hubby – what do you think of this – is it too weird? No – I think it looks neat. That’s my hubby! So I was off – cutting and gluing again.Dictionary Paper Garland

When I opened the book to start (gently tearing) out some pages, I saw the leaf…

Dictionary Paper Garland

It made me stop and think about the person who owned this dictionary. It gave me a sense of timelessness. How many leaves have I slipped into books and forgotten?

Dictionary Paper Garland

The name written on the first page was Mrs. Wm. A. Campbell – no doubt the Wm meant William, most likely her husband.

As I looked through the pages I came across the rules of etiquette. What a treasure trove of fun reading!

on Introductions:

A gentleman must never put his hat on in the presence of ladies. At morning calls he must put his hat on in the hall, but should any ladies be present, he will instantly remove it; or should he be the last visitor, he will not forget to hold his hat in his hand until he has reached the pavement.

on Calling Cards:

A married lady should always use the Christian name of her husband on her card.

Married ladies should use a size of card between that of a  Mr. and Mrs. and Miss card. This is not strictly observed, though it is considered a good thing to do. HUH?

Don’t you just love it?! I could go on and on.

Anyway, I’m grateful that I picked up this thought-provoking dictionary and that it is going to grace my Christmas tree this year.

I used Kim Klassen’s ‘Poetic’ on soft light. How fitting!

Filed Under: DIY AND CRAFTS, HOME DECOR Tagged With: dictionary paper, diy

Burlap inspired banister

November 26, 2011 by Barb 36 Comments

Decorating with natural materials is what I love best. Burlap, pinecones, and antiques. It just doesn’t get any better than that!

It was fun, but egads, I took the banister apart two times and finally settled on the third version. Enough, I say! Cutting strips of burlap, stitching up the edges (yes, I had to – or else they would disintegrate) and tying the bows wasn’t hard but took me the better part of a day. (I have since found burlap ribbon with stitched edges… arghhh). I love the sparkly lights with the rough textures.
Burlap Bows on Banister

Many years ago, my son-in-law gave me this authentic, antique duck decoy. I have to say I was pretty touched. It’s one of my most cherished pieces.

Antique Duck, Burlap Christmas

My mother-in-law gave me all of her old jars – complete with lids. Treasures!!

I filled them with tiny birch cones that I picked from the banks of the river that we used to live on.

Antique Jars Pinecones

Love.

AntiqueDuckBurlap2-copy

I’m incorporating more natural materials in my decorating this year but that is not to say I’m not adding some sparkle – I think a combination of the two works quite well, don’t you? Happy Decorating!!

Filed Under: HOME DECOR Tagged With: diy, home decor

Welcome! I'm Barb, and this is where I practice my mantra to "learn something new, try something different". It's my hope that something I do here may inspire you! Read More…

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