APRIL SHOWERS, MAY FAUX-LOWERS: CHEAP, CHIC & CUSTOMIZED!

WEDNESDAY, MAY 28, 2014


Hello friends!

This morning I got to hang with a pal for a few hours.
A true accomplishment.
We see each other weekly
but haven't hung out since LAST year!

Baby and I met her at our nearest Starbucks
for some caffeinated fellowship, YA!
She had her usual Peppermint Mocha & I tried the new Caffe Espresso Frap.

Let me just say, it was a punch to the senses,
a jolt to the mouth,
a super charged concoction I indulged in.

FYI I make sure to drink plenty of water(at least 1/2 my weight) throughout the day
and MORE when consuming coffee, especially due to baby.
I'm a responsible "addict", for reals.


I still haven't gone out much so this was a real treat!

////////////////////

Anyway, here's an easy, inexpensive project
 that has allowed so much variety in my home.

I've slowly been building up my flower stash. 

That's right, they're the goods.

Beautiful flowers, most colors, inexpensive & classy if done right,

readily available and NEVER need watering,

fresh water or life for that matter.

Can you tell that I can't keep plants/flowers alive?

Well, I love that I and maybe you too, 

can have beautiful flowers each season, without breaking the bank.

 They aren't expensive because I've purchased them at Dollar Tree

but like many purchases there, can add up quickly.

Since they aren't a necessity, I've limited myself each visit.

This is how I've maximized their use,

by separating the bunches,

customizing the length to my needs,

and creating realistic arrangements.

So I say,

I'm no florist so don't quote me haha

You be the judge.

These are some of the bushes & stems I used.

I believe they are Orchids, Roses & Zinnias

+ Pussy Willow & Magnolias(5th photo below)

You can see the variance in size and how just putting them together

wouldn't work.

ITEMS

Paper towel, newspaper or wax paper(works best)

Flowers-Dollar Tree

Wire cutters-Dollar Tree

Craft Paint- Green in stem color

Bamboo skewers-Almost anywhere, really cheap

Foam brush-Dollar Tree/Michael's

Floral Tape-Dollar Tree

Scissors

Paint a bunch of skewers, they don't need to be perfect.

It's best to do more than you'll need,

 so that they'll be ready for next time.

While the skewers are drying, begin to cut each flower at the bottom of the stem.
(wire cutters are decent to work with)

You can decide to keep or remove some of the leaves now.

I chose to remove some for later use.

Cut floral tape in 3"-4" pieces, slightly stretch as you begin to wrap skewers 

and stems together.

For extra long stems like the Orchids, just bend stem to shorten.

TIP:

1. You can variate the length of a stem by placing skewer closer up to

flower or midway and taping.

2.You can adjust by repositioning skewer, trimming like real stems or leaving off entirely.

3. You can also cut skewer in half and use on 2 longer flower stems.

Now comes the fun part.

Arrange how you like.

Use as many or as little flowers to create height, width & color.

That's it!

What do you think? 

TABLE DECOR
ITEMS
2 Placemats-Thrifted
Drink container, Canning jars- Salvage sale
Moss 2 varieties, Bird- Dollar Tree
Polka Dot fabric-Thrifted bed sheet
Leaves- From stems

I'm already working on some white Tulips

and can't wait to get some more summery flowers to work with.

Have a great Wednesday!