Ta-Dah... The Completed DIY Kids Succulent Garden Projects

So a couple weeks ago I put a post up: 

Get Gardening w/ your Kids: DIY Recycled Succulent Projects

where my goal was to encourage parents to get their children playing in the dirt and planting succulents to create a work of art. I found some pretty fun recycling, eco-friendly ideas and also posted the simple steps to accomplish the container gardens. You may want to clink on the link above and check it out if you haven't seen them yet.

If you read up, you know I was making these projects with our co-op 4h club. The kiddos picked their own containers and I provided the soil and succulents. I must say the children did a FABULOUS job.

I snapped a few quick pics of my classes projects that they will hopefully be entering in the Fair this summer. The first pic is my sons old dump truck filled with rocks, dirt and succulents. Didn't he do a great job? It did shift around a little in transit from the church to our house - like the dump truck literally dumped 1/3 off the end...ugh. Nate pretty quickly got it reassembled and here is how it stands.

It is mobile on the wheels - so I need to come up with a creative way to PUT ON THE BRAKES.

Here are most of the others. A few of the kiddos ran off with their finished product before I could snap a frame. {Missing projects: One was in the cutest little cracker tin. Another one was in a galvanized tub / bin with wooden handles and finally there was an adorable one in an enameled bowl.}

The kids had a lot of fun picking the perfect placement of each plant. They took a lot of time selecting which ones they REALLY wanted to make sure they had in their pots. Paying close attention to the textures, colors, if they would hang over the edge or stand tall,  they ended up with a wonderfully finished garden pot. 

Now, they just need to give them some loving care throughout the summer with a few drops of water and some sun. By August they should have pots brimming with fully established succulents.

-Simply Sublime

New Uses for Old Ladders: DIY Upcycled / Reclaimed Home Decor

I LOVE old ladders. Especially ones that have years of paint splatters, weathered wood with cracks, rusty hardware. Think of the stories these beauties could tell. They have been stepped on and used- over, and over, and over. Without complaining with one little word! They have taken a beating & been tossed around for years. Think about it...when is the last time you appreciated your ladder? See what I am talking about?

Well, I just LOVE 'EM! Today is the day...I am speaking up on behalf of all of the unappreciated ladders out there. So, I am making it the official - Love of the Old Ladders Day. 

Let's CELEBRATE!

{source: Maps & Raps}

This one I am thinking of doing for beach towels. Great way to have them ready to use and get them drying when the kiddos are done swimming. Although I do love the contrast of the aged wood with the cozy neutral throw blankets. hmmm - what to do.

{source: cupcakesand cashmere.com}

Need creative lighting for an event? These are beautiful - and who would have thought? Well, obviously someone did. 

{source: Bertjan Pot}

Bookshelves.

{Source: dandelion express}

Love this bookshelf with the corner wrap.

{source: coolitdoc.com}

Shelving and clothes rack for a room without a closet.

{Source: http://atcasa.corriere.it }

Suspended shelf or pot rack in the kitchen.

{source: javic homes}

side table

{Source: homeadesimple.com}

wall shelf

{Source: homeadesimple.com}

Aren't they fun? I know I am inspired to find a way to bring honor to atleast one old ladder. 

Please share if you have any other fabulous uses for the Ole' Ladder. 

-Simply Sublime

DIY Projects: Salvaged Table Legs

{Source: Homegrown Country Girl}

I have quite a few projects rumbling around in my brain. I am in the pack up the junk and prettify mode. My particular style is no doubt eclectic. (This would explain the "pack up the junk" comment.) Eclectic quickly turns to chaos if not kept under control. I think I just came up with a new name for my style... 

Eclechaotic

Now that is a word everyone would be eager to come home to right? Yes, it is definitely time for me to whisk away some clutter. 

Well, in the cleaning process I always uncover some of my trash tipping stash I have collected on my journeys. I have SEVERAL salvaged table legs and spindles from treasure hunt travels. Oh, the goodies I can't seem to pass up when focusing on the word: REDEEMED. The potential & possibilities are endless. 

My family will quickly agree it is time to de-clutter and find purpose for those items of little value waiting to be redeemed into something of greater worth. They may even question the labor of attempting to re-purpose honestly. Usually, by the end of the process the doubters have converted.

So far I have, along with my dear hubs help, completed one DIY project. A Spindle Jewelry Holder. It was one of my first posts, so bare with me on it. I need to recapture better images of the little lovelies to post, but for now you will get the basic idea if you click on the link above.

For some fresh inspiration I have been searching a few of my favorite blogs. I'll show you a bit of what I have uncovered so far. Gotta share the love ya' know!

This Table would be PERFECT in my living room or bedroom. Isn't it charming? I love the soft colors with the vintage appeal, a perfect pairing. 

{Source: Ruche blog}

Vintage suitcases are another treasure piece worth salvaging. If you find one you think is beautiful snatch it up while you can. There are so many creative ideas for using them nowadays. My Daughter has made some incredible projects out of them. That will have to wait for another day though. For now I will try to stay focused.

I think these are the CUTEST Table Leg Cake Stands EVER!!! 

Imagine the possibilities.

{Source: The Rebuilding Center}

...and Tiered Trays made with plates.

{Source: wattlebird}

Old Coffee Table + Fabric= Ottoman

for this one you can save yourself from removing the legs,

 if you happen to score a table waiting to be salvaged. 

{Source: Tulip & Turnip}

Now aren't you ready to slip on your gloves & galoshes for dumpster diving? I know I am. If it wasn't so late I would hop in my car and go right now. After all there are priceless treasures just waiting to be redeemed.

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field- Matthew 13:34

-Simply Sublime

How to make an Upcycled SCRABBLE PENDANT Necklace

How to make an

Upcycled Scrabble Pendant

What you will need:

Old Scrabble Game Piece

Paper / Fabric (I used thick scrapbook paper)

Acrylic Lacquer (Diamond Glaze or another brand)

Glue-on Bail

E6000 glue

scissors

Items you will need

I also am using a small bead to embellish - see photo below

Trace scrabble size onto desired location of paper.
Pay attention to what you want the pattern to be
on your pendant. 

Trim the paper to just a hair smaller than your scrabble piece.

Notice I am working over a plastic work area - this becomes important during the glazing phase.

Add a line of the glaze on the plain side of the scrabble
piece

Use your trimmed paper to smooth the glaze into a thin, even coating on your scrabble piece. Then place the paper on top. Gently smooth the surface of your paper with your fingers to make sure all bubbles are removed under the paper. If some glaze oozes out the sides simply wipe off. 

Now it is time to add a coat of glaze over the top of  your paper.

Make sure not to have any bubbles. Don't shake the bottle of glaze.

The glaze in now applied.

This is where I like to add an embellishment of some kind. It could be a small pearl, bead, crystal.

I was impatient so I placed the bail under it for this photo - but usually you would wait until the glaze has completely dried to apply your bail. The milky appearance of the glaze will disappear when it is dry...it will be clear.

This is the glue you will want to use to affix the bail to the back of the scrabble piece. It takes about a pea size drop or smaller, depending on the size of your bail. 

Is this about the simplest project you've seen? Once you have these supplies you will begin thinking about all kinds of variations on how to use them.

-Simply Sublime!