Since the "Derecho of 2012" caused me much drama during the week of the 4th of July, I never got this blog entry posted. My Independence Day decorating efforts were curtailed as we lost power here at the lake for over 7 days.
But I wanted to share with you what I did accomplish.But I wanted to share with you the wreaths I made for the 4th of July and put up for all of 1 hour before they had to come back in due to the storms.
This is my front door wreath:
I made this simple wreath by wrapping a straw wreath base (found at Goodwill for $1) with red ribbon (also a post Christmas deal). Then I covered it with Memorial Day/4th of July holiday garland from a dollar store, added a large bow and two small flags. I made the bow using a Bowdabra. (This is the only way I can make these great bows.) Note the wreath hanger - I spray painted a cheap brass door wreath hanger red to match the wreath.
Here is my backdoor wreath - it's basically the same idea and construction:
I also threw this cute little decoration together. I put in on the table outside.
I also have to share my neighbor Rox's creation - her 4th of July tree:
I was with her when we bought this small blue tree at the annual Harbor Hills neighborhood garage sale. She paid $5 for the tree and even got the red and white decorations at another house.
I kick myself for not buying the tree myself, but it would have been just one more thing to store. Perhaps next year....
December 24, 2010
I think I secretly want to be a florist.
I collect vases in hopes of having abundant arrangements of fresh flowers on my table everyday. I study arrangements in magazines and on websites with the thoughts of reproducing them in my own home.
Alas, I've come to the realization that 1.) I just really lack the flower arranging talent and 2.) I live in an area where beautiful flowers are just not available or are prohibitively expensive.
In the spirit of the holidays, I've dug deep into my creative soul and attempted some arrangements based on some inspiration:
Arrangement in Family Circle magazine:
My attempt:
The greenery was purchased from Strader's for $2.99 a bunch. I think they were cast off trimmings which explains why the branches go in all different directions. Both vases, the white milk glass and the silver vase, were purchased at a thrift store. I even made the glitter ball ornaments - won't even go into the process that took!
I also LOVE, LOVE, LOVE reading Eddie Ross' blog. Here is the picture that inspired me:
Here is what I was able to achieve:
I couldn't find a small enough wreath (needed a 12-inch) to fit the cake stand. The best part of this arrangement was the wreath only cost me $3.99 and the candle was $1.79 on sale at Michaels's. I had the hurricane for a previous craft project (and was also bought at a thrift store.)
In the end I had fun trying to be creative but I won't be quitting my day job to become a stylist or florist anytime soon!
