How To: Asymmetrical Floral Arrangement

Loose, unstructured, asymmetrical floral designs are on trend right now.

Sweetwater Floral did the florals for a country wedding last weekend.  The bride asked for an unstructured bouquet and some added texture with little succulents tucked in.

Creating a loose, "messy" bouquet should be easy....right?
Not so much....it is actually more difficult to let the flowers cascade and flow than to tightly fit them together in the traditional nosegay!
I guess we pulled it off though!


Your vocab lesson: two words starting with A.

asymmetric: adjective. not identical on both sides of a central line; lacking symmetry:

armature: a metal framework on which a sculpture is molded with clay or similar material.

There are always a few flowers left after we do a wedding. I decided to use the leftovers along with a new bunch of carnations to create an asymmetrical arrangement to enjoy here.

I also wanted to play around with using a wire armature to support the stems and let them cascade. 

Flexible floral wire in pretty colors is available at the Dollar Store.

It is a simple matter to twist it around in a loopy way and tuck it into the floral foam.

This gives a pliable "frame" for the stems.

 This is the finished project.  

The stems could have just gone into the foam at an angle, but I like the way the wire supports the heavier flower heads that are cascading.

You can just barely see the wire....but I like the little glints of glitz!

I did not do a step by step of each flower...you are probably able to figure that out for yourself.

Here is a video to watch if you need "expert" advice

This is a nice text and photo tutorial from Janecanblog.com 

I hope you look at these beautiful examples of asymmetrical designs and the find inspiration to try something a little "messy" the next time you have flowers to arrange.

https://www.jennikayne.com/ripandtan/a-romantic-early-summer-arrangement-by-tinge-floral

 

My style still tends to be a little structured.....but I am trying to "loosen up".

And hey....the wire can be used again next time.

Have A Great Day! 

Why You Need to Know How to install a Zipper!

The Kate Spade design aesthetic is one that I have always loved.
My heart broke when this icon lost her battle with depression.  What a tragedy.

The other day I was at HomeGoods.

I was thrilled to find this pack of 4 wonderful brightly patterned cloth napkins with her label.

Here is something Kate Spade that I can afford!!!

I knew that this cheerful pattern called "Flower Box" would make great summer pillows for the living room.

Since these pillows will be seasonal, I decided to make removable covers for existing pillows.

It is also nice that they are removable because the pattern has a bright white background that could get dirty.








I am not going to bore you with instructions on how to make a pillow cover.
You can figure out that you put the right sides of the two squares together and sew around the edge.
You need to leave an opening along one side to turn the pillow cover right side out!

THAT is where knowing how to install a zipper comes in.
A zipper closure is the absolute neatest way to close the edge of a pillow.

Yeah....I know all the excuses you are coming up with to avoid this!

• "it's easier to just hand stitch the edge..."
• well.... actually...a neat hand stitch closer is pretty hard to get "right".
• "zippers are expensive....."
• well....actually....you can buy a whole bunch of zippers for less than a bottle of inexpensive wine.
  
  
  
  
  

• "I never remember how to install a zipper...it looks complicated...
• sew4home has put together the ultimate tutorial for installing a zipper
• plus you will learn some crazy things about the history of zippers.
• for instance: "Interestingly, Elias Howe, the same man credited with inventing the sewing machine, received a patent in 1851 for the first zipper, which he called: "Automatic, Continuous Clothing Closure."  Can you imagine trying to tell someone to "check your automatic continous clothing closure!!!???

HOW TO INSTALL A ZIPPER 

 Success!

Hey...wait a minute....there were only 4 napkins in the package.
How did I make Three pillows?

One pillow is made with two napkins back to back.



I "cheated" on the other two and used some nice white duck fabric for the backs.
(this is a great trick if you are making pillows with super expensive fabric)





I hope this inspired you to learn how to install a zipper.
If you already know how....I hope you are inspired to go make a pillow!

https://www.123freevectors.com/free-fashion-design-brushes-zippers-stitching/

Have A Great Day!

Dropped Ceiling Panel Update

The latest project here at Sweetwater is a cosmetic update of the lower level bathroom.

This turned out to be one of those projects that reminds me of the book If You Give A Mouse a Cookie. 
If you aren't familiar with the storyline....it goes something like this...
"If you give a mouse a cookie, he's going to ask for a glass of milk.
When you give him the milk, he'll probably ask you for a straw. When he's finished, he'll ask you for a napkin.
Then he'll want to look in a mirror to make sure he doesn't have a milk mustache. When he looks in the mirror, he might notice his hair needs a trim. So he'll probably ask for a pair of nail scissors...."  and so on and so on.

The Sweetwater version goes something like this!

Painting the INSIDE of the Kitchen Cupboards!

Cleaning and organizing the kitchen cupboards is a great project at this time of year.  I started to do just that at the beginning of the month.

In the process....I looked...really looked at interiors of the cupboards!
YIKES!

The melamine laminate has the scratches and scuffs that come from normal use over time. The original white has become dull and yellowed.

I decided that they need a fresh coat of paint.

Tips to save money on Professional Landscaping!

We built this house over 20 years ago.
We also landscaped around this house 20 years ago.

The gardens have changed through the years....

but the basic river rock around the foundation of the house has stayed the same.

These photos are about 15 years old.
The river rock is still pretty "clean".


Over the years, the rocks have "collected" lots of composted matter that is just perfect for "growing stuff"....and not necessarily "Stuff" that we want.

My adage of letting things "bloom where they are planted" had gotten out of hand

It was TIME to do something!
The more Mr. S and I talked.....the less appealing it was to think about dealing with the rocks ourselves.

We decided to (GASP) hire professional landscapers!

Add A Frame to a Canvas Print

This is a photo that the Sweetwater Son took when he was in Singapore.

We really enjoyed this spot when we were there last October.

The "ship" is actually a Casino!

The two glass structures are the Gardens By the Bay.  These huge "terrarium" like buildings house the Flower Dome and the Cloud Dome.



He and the soon to be Sweetwater daughter in law had the photo printed on canvas as my birthday gift.  You can imagine that I was anxious to find a good place to hang it.

HMMMM.....

Burlap Pocket Bulletin Board

I bought this burlap coffee sack at a little coffee shop a few months ago.

It was only $5.00.

I had no idea what I would do with it.....but the graphic look of the stencil was too cool to pass up.

I decided to update the message center in the kitchen with a pocket bulletin board.

The pockets on a board like this are a great way to have things right at hand without cluttering up your workspace or poking holes in photos or invitations.

Making the board is really simple.
Anyone who can use an iron and a glue gun can make one.

Use Your Printer to Create Custom Pillows

In this post I really will show you how to use your ink jet printer to make custom pillows. I will show you how to use muslin or canvas to make your own sheets of fabric to print on.  BUT....first I need to inject a public service announcement about the wonderfulness that can be found at your public library!
This is yet another reason to love your public library.

Did you know that you can check out digital versions of many popular magazines from your library?

FOR FREE.

Just hop on your library website and do a search for Zinio.  If your library supports Zinio then you can browse the collection of magazines just like magic.....a few seconds later you can read them on your phone, ipad or computer.  Follow this link to find out the specifics!

I used Zinio to check out the latest issue of Martha Stewart Living. (yes....you can read the newest issues of magazines)
I read an article, "Picture This", about using digital photographs in interesting ways.

 Oh, that is another cool thing about reading an emagazine.....you can take screen shots of the stuff you want to save!

 The ideas in the article were an inspiration for a couple of pillows I wanted to make.

I knew there were some different specialty printer papers in the cupboard.....hmmm....actually I have a LOT of different papers...

some for t-shirts
some plastic decal sheets
some post-it paper

then....aha....some canvas print "paper"!

Easy and Pretty DYI Insect Repellent Lantern

Minnesota in the summer means lots of outdoor fun.

It also means that if you are outdoors you will probably get "bugged" by Mosquitoes.

Repelling bugs has a pretty high priority around here!

Here is a tutorial for a DIY Insect Repellent Lantern that I put together the other night.

Source

Here was my inspiration.

I have a couple of gel fuel fire pots that are really pretty.

But.....that gel fuel is really pretty scary!

In fact, the pourable gel fuel has been recalled because of how dangerous it is!

I just knew I could find someone who had figured out how to recycle the gorgeous container into something practical. 

Supplies:
Citronella Patio Torch Fuel

This is about $10 at Home Depot
We had this in the garage so this brand is no longer available there.
Any brand will do.

 

Pea Gravel

 You can buy a bag of this at Home Depot for a couple of dollars.  The bucket of this has been in our garage for a long time.  I use it for lots of stuff.....it makes a nice landscape path for the Fairy Garden!

 

Torch Replacement Wick

This pack of 2 cost $4.00 at Home Depot.  They are long enough to cut into thirds enough for six lanterns.

Fireproof Container with some sort of lid 

I had 2 gel pots with inserts.

Then I got out an old cheese crock with a top that will work.

Mason jars will work too.  They are shatterproof.

Put the pea gravel in the container around the wick.

Pour the citronella oil over the rocks.

Light it up!

Looks and sounds like a pretty simple project!

Well......sort of!

I lit the wicks and you can see that the flame is a BIT out of control!

Here is what I learned!

More to the point.....this is what Mr. S who is a member of NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) taught me!!!!  Yikes....what was I thinking.....doing a FIRE related project when the "fire safety police" lives in the house!

The wick can't be too tall!

The rocks can't go right up to the top!

There can't be too much oil in the container!

You'd better check to be sure your container is high temp safe!

You probably shouldn't burn these on a wood deck!

After learning all of these safety precautions.....and fixing some of the problems.....the little lamps look great and let off a nice amount of citronella vapor!

 To make Mr. S happier...I will move these down to the fire pit ledge!  The bugs are worse down there anyway!

Here is a nice website with lots of ideas for Insect Repellent Lanterns!
Don't you love the simplicity of these Mason Jar Lamps?

 Last.....but not least....just so the Fire Safety Police know that I was listening and paying attention!

This site has some great safety tips for using oil lamps.

Have A Wonderful Day....

Hope NOTHING is BUGGING you today!

Link Parties
Savvy Southern Style   DIY By Design    
Crafty Allie  Dedicated House   
The Lemoine Family Kitchen    
The Bajan Texan   

Thrifty Patio Table Refresh!

The lovely April weather here in Minnesota this year is a bit deceptive!  Days in the 70's make it a joy to get out and start clearing the gardens.  My solution to ease the  "gardening aches and pains" that are a result of way too much bending and pulling and digging is sitting on the deck with a cool beverage! 

Photo of the deck in 2012

The deck truly is a three season extra room in/out of our home!

We love the seating area with chairs around a round table with a copper inset for a planting.

Well....while I was sitting there relaxing.....
I noticed the surface of the top of the table!

YIKES!  Minnesota winters are hard on things!

In other years, I used Gel Stain and Polyurethane to refresh the surface! (Click to see how I did that)

But after doing that a couple of times, the situation called for something more drastic!

Spring Herb Basket!

Home Depot is selling 5 little pots of herbs for $10 this week!

That is a great deal.....but it is way too early here in Minnesota to put plants outside!

In fact....yesterday, I drove to a meeting through snowflakes bigger than cottonballs...go figure!

Since the herbs were such a bargain...I couldn't pass them up!

I put together this nice little basket for a centerpiece on the kitchen table.

Here are a couple of things I did to "style" this little basket!

Simple St. Patrick's Day Art

I like to add a bit of seasonal decor to the Baker's Rack in the kitchen.

I gathered some GREEN!

A green depression glass measuring cup and lemon/orange squeezer...

A fun 1930's Rum Rill Pottery Candle holder....

A Fiestaware Pitcher...

A green placemat....

AND

The framed Shamrock leaning on the shelf that was super simple to make!

Drool Bibs For the Sweetwater Grandbaby!

"I can't think why mothers love them. All babies do is leak at both ends."   Douglas Feaver   

 Isn't that the truth?

I have been sewing up some pretty cute drool bibs for the Sweetwater Grandbaby!

There are tons of tutorials and patterns out there! 

The Bandana Bib seems to be popular.....but personally....I think all that fabric up by the baby face is cumbersome!  If you like that look...here is a link to a pattern and tutorial!

Since there are many tutorials out there...I won't bother to write one....so check out the links I have found!

Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree!

The plans for the Christmas Tree we are decorating for the Auburn Homes Festival of Trees are complete!

We are thrilled to be part of this fun event!

The day to decorate is next Thursday!

The theme this year is Christmas Carols!

The theme for our tree is

"Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree!

 

All of the components ready to go!

It is good that we did a lot of planning ahead of time!

WHY?

we are getting close to the due date for the Sweetwater Grandbaby!

Somehow I don't see the  Sweetwater Daughter able to climb around on ladders by then!

We will let her come and be the "decorating director" if she is still waiting to go into labor!

We have gotten some back-up decorating help from the Sweetwater Niece!

I thought you might like to take a peek at the things we have found to create a unique and fun take on the theme!

What a great score at GoodWill!

4 boxes of these 45s for $3.99 a box.

They will go on the tree using skinny black ribbon!

(note to self....buy some skinny black ribbon)

These "classic hot rods" are really cardboard food trays for a 50's party theme.

What a find for $1.50 each.

Source: nostalgiavilleusa.com

Won't they will make a big impact nestled into the branches of the tree?

We learned last year that larger objects on the trees add a lot of drama!

The records and the cars fill that bill!

We got some of these little cardboard Jukeboxes from the same place!

Not sure if the scale is right....so we may or may not use them.

What do you think?

A Poodle Skirt from Amazon will be the perfect tree skirt!

The black and white ribbon will reflect the "malt shop" theme!

Nothing says the 50s like black an pink!

Source:  CraftOutlet.com

These shatterproof pink ornaments and silver tinsel garland will complete the look!

The garland is from Amazon and the ornaments from Christmas Central!

I can't wait to put this whole thing together!

I think we have come up with a pretty unique take on the Christmas Carol theme!

We are still trying to figure out a tree topper.....any ideas would be most welcome!

Have A Great Day!

 

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Savvy Southern Style   

Custom Sized Rug "Use What You Have"

The Powder room at Sweetwater is little more than big enough to turn around in.....but it is on the main floor and handy....so I really shouldn't complain.

The floor space between the vanity and the toilet in this tiny room is an odd dimension....almost a perfect 3 foot square.

This makes finding a rug for the space difficult!  There aren't a lot of square bathroom rugs out there.

I found one at Target....but the colors aren't right.....

This one from the Company Store is okay....but it is $28....and looks a little too "bathroomy" for a main floor powder room.

1 Hour Rug Project!

I could have gone to the fabric store and found a piece of upholstery to make a new rug out of upholstery fabric!

Here is a link to a tutorial for doing just that!


But....shhh....don't tell Mr. S.....I really want to do some major stuff in this little room before we have the floors refinished in the fall....and I don't know what the color scheme will be....and I don't want to make a rug I love, love, love only to have it not fit that scheme....
ALAS....POOR ME!

Enter the "Use What I Have" Philosophy!