Etceteras: eucalyptus pods

Awhile back I noticed that a Eucalyptus tree was being trimmed at a nearby park. I asked my teenage son to get me a branch next time he was over that way –you know, because you never know when you may need a Eucalyptus branch.

Actually, I was thinking maybe a few twiggy branches to put in a vase or to make a pretty wreath.

I didn’t realize that he gathered some friends and on their skateboards they all dragged several large 10 foot-plus branches home for me. More Eucalyptus than I could use in a lifetime.

Sadly, the branches weren’t usable because they had some sort of bugs. The boys didn’t seem to mind. I think they thought it was pretty funny skateboarding down the street dragging huge branches.

I was able to salvage the pods and used them in this vase to prop up my candles.

Thank you boys! The Eucalyptus pods smell great and are a nice fall touch. 

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Etceteras: sea fan prints

Shells, coral, starfish and other pretty things from the sea are popping up everywhere.

I love the way these creatures from exotic waters can add a decorative touch to a home. But often times they’re very expensive. You can buy a preserved sea fan on a matte board at Restoration Hardware for $550.00.

 

Or, you can make your own print of a sea fan.

Even if you don’t paint, this is an easy project. All you need is a kitchen sponge, water color paints and a small paint brush.

• Cut your sponge into a small oval shape.
• Mix your water color to a desired color and dip you sponge into the paint.
• Stamp your sponge onto a piece of paper until you have a sea fan shape.
• With your paint brush, add a stem and some veins.

Once you’re done with your print, you can frame it and hang it up.

 

If you want a collage of sea fans, scan in your print and make a photo collage. I used the same sea fan painting but changed the tint to create four images for this collage.

Or, print out your tinted images and frame them. A fun, easy alternative to buying the real thing.

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Etceteras: diy bell or cloche jars

Bell jars or cloche jars are all the rage these days. They adorn mantles, counters and knick knack shelves.

Photo courtesy of Art and Artifact

Photo courtesy of the Company Shed

Did you know that “cloche” is the French word for “bell”? Cloche jars were originally hand-blown jars used to protect plants from cold and frost.

Decorating with some cloche jars has been on my list but I haven’t run across any to purchase so I decided to make some of my own.

I found these votives at the dollar store. I also found these flat glass marbles.

I glued two marbles together (flat sides together) and then glued them to the bottom of the votive. Turned upside down and the votive becomes a cloche jar. I don’t have a lot of experience gluing glass objects but I used Beacon 527 Multi-Use Glue and it dried crystal clear and seems to be holding nicely.

Now the fun part…deciding what to display in your cloche jar. Here are some ideas that I came up with.

 

 A woodland floral arrangement

 A single beautiful flower

 Succulents

A precious photo

 A collection of sea shells

Vintage objects

I’m so happy with how these turned out, I’m heading back to the dollar store to get some more votives.

Etceteras: I {heart} twine

I made these twine and rag garlands for my little shop and decided to also share them here because honestly, I have a mild obsession with all things twine.

This is a great way to use up the tiniest bits of scrap fabric. Simply tie your scraps onto the twine and it instantly changes the look.

I made garlands using pink, blue and multi tones. These would be nice to hang in a child’s room to display precious artwork and photos. 

There are lots of uses for this twine. Wrap it around a pin board or use it to wrap a gift. 

Twine is so versatile. It’s no wonder we in the crafting world have an ongoing love affair with the stuff.

Don't forget, tomorrow is my second link party.

I can't wait to see what you've been creating!

 

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