Chimney Cap Planter

Hello.

So I have thinking about this idea for literally about 10 years. After seeing this in Home Depot, I thought, " that would make a cute planter..?" And guess what? It totally makes CUTE planter!

So pretty!

This is an aluminum chimney cap I snagged at Home Depot for about $10. I then picked up two 6-packs of pink, shade-loving impatiens and voila'!

Add some potting soil to the cap. The little 6 pack flowers fit perfectly side by side in the slanted aides of the cap.

I covered exposed roots with a little more soil.

Then water and done ;) 

Next day, the flower stems on the sides straightened up and it looks really cute :)

Enjoy!

xoxo

Ginger

I will be linking up to these awesome parties!

Art Journaling from a Thrifted Book

Hello.

So I came across a lovely online art journaling class that included a thrifted book! I was so intrigued!

The idea is that the book already contains text, imagery, binding and a hard cover...sounds like my kind of project for sure ;) I immediately went to my book shelve as I knew I had the perfect book to start out on my newest creative journal :)

As luck would have it, I had purchased this vintage indoor gardening book months ago. I saw it and was just drawn to it. I'm glad I didn't disregard it as a frivolous purchase :)

It has some beautiful imagery - not to mention that old book smell. It's perfect!

It had a dust jacket cover, but I decided to omit that from the journal itself and use this paper for collage purposes later on.

So now I have a beautiful hard-bound book to work with.

Next using regular craft paint, from Walmart or Michael's, I added some color to the pages of the thrifted book.

I also collaged several magazine pieces and various paper materiel onto the pages. Whatever struck my artistic fancy!

Materials used were:

magazine pictures

dust jacket material

brochures clippings

craft paint

oil pastel

markers

colored paper

I also used various items to create a painted pattern, such as bubble wrap or the eraser end of a pencil.

I also enjoyed cutting out letters from magazines to create text in a random note style.

I used several paper sources for collage material, to include:

Past plane tickets

mailers

packing materials

washi tape

I am particularly drawn to SKU numbers and bar-codes :)

So much at your finger tips! Any paper material can be recycled to create art in your art journal. I hope to see what you all journal about and create!

Enjoy.

xoxo

Ging

I will be linking to these awesome parties!

Repurposed Coffee Carafe into Terrarium

Hello.

So I know I've been coo coo for terrarium's lately as you remember from here and here. There are so sweet and cute! Plus there is potential to re-purpose items, like here :)

I've had this vintage carafe for a couple of years now. It's been on the back porch and has served many purposes, such as watering can to measuring device to even a seashell display.

It is now being re-purposed again for...you guessed it...a terrarium.

Here's what you need:

vintage carafe

natural decor rocks

moss rocks

Spanish moss

few floral sprigs

faux succulent

As you can probably guess, all of these items were purchased at the Dollar Tree. The carafe was a thrift store purchase.

In the end, I decided on a design that included only the decor rock, moss rock and succulent. But you can play with this and come up with so many designs.

First, I filled the bottom with an even layer of the natural decor rocks.

I then nestled a few moss rocks into the decor rock. Lastly, I added the succulent.

Very simple but turned out lovely :)

I soon hope to be adding a sweet bench and side table on my front porch. I hope to set this little terrarium out as well to pair nicely with my succulent wreath.

Enjoy!

xoxo

Ginger

I will be linking up to these awesome parties!

DIY Magazine Envelopes

Hello.

A few days ago, I made a fun care package for a friend :) She lives about 5 hours from me so its fin for us to send little packages to one another.

I chose to send her a necklace, DIY creative journal and some of my art :) I also included a little note in a DIY envelope I made from a magazine page with cool graphics on it!

Super cute, very creative and artsy and bonus... great way to recycle and upcycle!

Here is what you'll need:

magazine

couple mailers for templates

pencil

scissors

washi tape or scotch tape

stickers (optional)

scrap colored paper (optional)

clear packing tape (optional)

First carefully"open" the mailer envelope flat to use as a template. You'll also be mindful that the template is not larger than the magazine page ;)

Find a pretty page with some interesting graphics (or cool looking pictures) and carefully tear out. Or you could use a craft knife.

Lay your template out, making sure the front of the envelope would display the part of the page you want. Trace with a pencil and cut out.

Next you'll fold along the little indention's.

Easy peasy! Secure the flaps with tape. And then fold over the main flap.

Optional: Trick? Cover any unwanted lettering or text on the main side of your envelope with a pretty sticker.

Optional: Then add some scrap colored paper to the front so your mailing and return addresses can be easily seen.

Optional: As magazine paper could be rather thin, cover the entire letter in clear packing tape to ensure no damage during the trip ;)

Embellish with washi tape :)

Make several to have on hand for fun letters to friends or family :) Use newspaper, maps, scrap book paper, wrapping paper, etc to make tons of cute envelopes.

Enjoy.

xoxo

Ginger

I will be linking to these awesome parties!

Gamer-themed Altered Thrift Store Art

Hello.

With my two growing sons, video games are a regular evil thing in my home. LOL! I'm not a video game person. As an artist, naturally I am extremely right-brained. But my husband and sons, being very tech-y, are extremely left brained.

This makes for an interesting and lop-sided household! But I love them and wouldn't have it any other way :)

Several years ago, I came across an artistic genre that has really turned into a "movement" if you will. Altered thrift store art! It also goes by up-cycled art, recycled art, redirected art and so on.

It marries to great loves in my life - art and recycling. It also pairs awesomely with just about any subject matter! This is the most fun way to create quirky conversational art :)

 All you need is a fantastic old painting or event a vintage print from a garage sale, thrift store or even off the side of the road. This art style gives new life to old art and keeps it out of the landfill.

I've entered my altered art into several local art shows, sold to collectors and was featured in a local newspaper :)

The sky is the limit! I've done several games-themed pieces for my sons' game room.

Enjoy!

xoxo

Ginger

I'll be linking to these awesome parties!

DIY Candle Making

Hello.

In keeping with this candle theme this week, I wanted to share a DIY candle making tutorial. This is super fun and easy to do. I used to kinda be intimidated by candle making but it truly is not.

As you know, I am a very frugal person. I want pretty decor candles in my home, but I don't want to spend a ton of money.

I tried just shopping for candles only at Walmart or The Dollar Tree, where the price is right, but they are boring.

I finally had the light bulb moment, knowing that if I learned candle making I could literally make a candle out of any sensible vessel. As long as it sits firmly level and is not flammable, you can make it into a candle ;)

Today, I made this lovely yellow candle ;) and I absolutely loved how it turned out.

Its always fun to come across cute vintage mugs, or small pots signed by the artist!

And come Christmas time, I make several gifts from thrifted vintage Christmas mugs :)

Here is what you need:

soy wax

a vintage mug - I used this cute retro 80's one

candle wick

wick anchors

couple of empty metal cans - I used a smaller cat food can for the color wax

crayons

popsicle stick

essential oil

metal tongs

Start by removing the paper from the crayons. I chose yellow to compliment the black design on the mug. 

To remove them easier, carefully cut a knife to cut and peel, like you would an orange.

Then pour the soy wax into the mug and pack it down to measure how much you'll need to start off with. Then pour it into the larger can. Then fill your mug again with wax about half full and set aside.

The measure your wick adding about 2 extra inches. String the wick through the anchor and cut. Secure the anchor to the bottom of the mug with a little pre-melted wax so it doesn't move around.

Then place the can of wax onto the stove to melt over low heat as you stir with popsicle stick. As it melts, add the remaining wax you set aside. Then add about 10 drops of your essential oil.

I chose Nature's Truth Thrive Essential oil from Walgreen's Pharmacy. Lovely invigorating scent :)

At this time, melt the crayons in the smaller can. I wasn't paying attention and poured into the big can with the plain wax. It's better to melt each color in separate cans so residual wax colors don't show up in future candles.

Stir well.

Then using the tongs, very carefully pour the hot, melted wax into the mug, stopping about a quarter inch from the top. Seriously. It is lava hot. Be careful. 

Place the stick under the wick to keep it centered. Carefully move the candle where it won't get bumped and let set for 2 hours.

Then trim the wick, light and enjoy!

Now that you can make your own candle, you can refill your pretty decorative candles over and over when they burn down.

Enjoy.

xoxo

Ginger

Linking to these parties.