I went to a Garden Party...

"I went to a garden party to reminisce with my old friends..."  Just the other day, I heard Ricky Nelson's 1972 hit on the radio, which gave me the inspiration for this art project and post.  Planting flowers and vegetables seems to be the "in" thing to do in my neighborhood.  In fact, my next door neighbors have a wonderful garden right in front of their house with everything from kale to strawberries.  They tend to it everyday, enjoying the fruits (and vegetables) of their labor.

Apart from my throwing flowers into a few pots, the only gardening that I do is in the form of art!   I have created an altered artworks garden pail --I know it pales in comparison (ooh, sorry!) to my neighbor's garden, but as they say, it's the thought that counts! And that's exactly what this is: a thoughtful and personal handmade gift for a friend, Mom, aunt, teacher, or even your next door neighbor!  This is the finished project:

Here's how you make it:

Start with a clear acrylic pail bought at your local crafts store.

Choose colorful, fun scrapbook paper

I used a garden motif.  Cut a 3-1/4" x 12" strip of paper, and mod-podge it (hey, Amy -- is "mod-podge" an actual verb?), wrapping the paper around the circumference of the pail, leaving a 1" space at the bottom.

 

The pail is about 1/2" smaller in diameter than the 12" paper, so I just added a 3-1/4" length of 1/2" ribbon to cover the gap.  You can also just add an extra inch of the scrapbook paper, and believe me, no one will be the wiser.  Cut a 3" circle and mod-podge this to the lid. After a few minutes, apply additional Mod Podge over the paper.

I added a punched tag (using EK Success' new Journal Plate punch) , a cute bug charm, and spelled out "Mom" with my label maker.

I continued adding colorful, coordinating ribbons to the handle, a chipboard bird, flowers, a brad, and finally a chipboard tag (stamped with a picture of a watering can with flowers).

 

The next step is to fill a clear cellophane bag with potting soil, and place it inside the pail making sure you can see the soil at the bottom.

Then add a brightly-colored shovel, a few packets of flower and vegetable seeds, several plant food stakes, and you have a personal gardening gift!

Of course, you can add anything to the pail such as gardening gloves, a coupon "good for one day of helping plant the seeds" (great for kids to give to their Mom or Grandma) and maybe even some herbal mint tea bags.  

 

Coincidentally, while I was writing this blog, the door bell rang and it was my wonderful neighbor, Kay, with a beautiful bunch of sweet peas for us! I think her ears must've been ringing!  Now I know exactly who's receiving this garden pail.

A New Look and a New Project

We just love when Elysa is home for spring break -- it's so nice to spend time together, and catch up on her busy college life.   That is, when she's not sleeping til noon!  Anyway, our little Scottish Terrier, Coconut, decided to sleep in Elysa's room all week.  He knows a good thing when he sees one!  Is Kaylee jealous? Yeah, just a little... 

And speaking of spring, here in Los Angeles, we only have two seasons: fall and summer. While most of you in the country are enjoying springtime, we are feeling the warmth of summer -- well, it seems like it with 80' weather and a sunburn from a two-mile power walk on the beach!   Well, with the new season, I thought it was time for a new look -- not for me, for my blog (although I could use one, too!).  I took advantage of Elysa's PhotoShop knowledge, and she helped me create a new blog header! And with a new look, comes a new project:   Here are photos of the altered canvas I made for my Mom.

 8" x 8" and 8" x 4" canvasses tied together with ribbon;

each canvas painted and then decoupaged with designer papers;

Photos added.

Yes, that's really me, minutes after I was born.

Note the year:  1956

(Ahhhhh!  Am I THAT old?)

Scrabble tiles spell out "DAUGHTERS"

Chipboard used to spell "LOVE" 

Further embellishments:  chipboard scroll, button and

silver heart charm tied to "E"

Then added ribbon, brads and flower

Finally, current year of bottom photo:  2010

I had so much fun creating this wall hanging canvas for my Mom. 

With Mother's Day coming up, I think my Mom will be quite pleased with her new artwork.

 

[Editor's Note:  It is now 2013, and my Mom requested an updated photo of my daughters & me.

Well, mostly a new pic of my daughters...]

 

Partying along with:

 

 

 

 

Cheap Crafty Mama

Cappuccino Cash Stash

Ahhh! The first sip of my afternoon latte tastes so good. It's just what I need to get me through the afternoon, a kick-start to the second half of my day.

Do you have a daily liquid indulgence? Maybe a mocha or Americano? Or a delicious, exotic green tea? Whether it's a non-fat, iced grande, extra foamy cappuccino, straight-up cup o' Joe, or your favorite tea, do you feel guilty splurging on this daily treat, when you think you shouldn't spend the money? Well, what if it's "play money"?

Which brings me to the question, "What do you do with your leftover change?" You know what I mean: those annoying pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters that bulk up your wallet or are tossed into the bottom of your purse, never to be seen again. Except for an occasional parking meter, what good is the heavy metal anyway? The creative solution: Your very own Coffee Cash Stash -- a place for your extra change, while turning it into your "play money.”

Gathering a smorgasbord of my favorite coffee-themed embellishments and paper, I re-purposed an empty can into a beautiful Coffee Cash Stash! First, I mod-podged the can with designer papers and ribbon. Then, I created a label using my Slice and an old coffee sleeve. I stamped the coffee sleeve with the sentiment, "Coffee Run!", edged it, and mod-podged the label into place on the front of the can. I then adhered brads, layered flowers and added stamped images of coffee beans. After making a slit on the lid of the can, I mod-podged the lid with matching paper. I then glued red hemp around the lid, slid the coffee-sleeve tag (which I made using a punch) on it and tied it into a ribbon. I finished the tag with buttons and a flower and finally tied two coffee bean buttons at the bottom of the ribbon ties.

The only thing missing now is the heavy metal. Now, where did I put my purse? Meet you at the coffee shop!

I shutter to think of the possibilities!

A few years ago, we replaced the shoddy, water-damaged wood shutters in our den. 

I couldn't just toss out these worn out window coverings, so I stuck them up in the attic.  Recently, one of my crafty friends came over.  We tried to think of something unique to alter.  It was then that I remembered the old shutters I had stored away.  Well, one trip to the craft store to pick up some magnet sheets, hooks and sandpaper, and we were off and running! 

We each created a beautiful, useful and artistic note holder/message board.  After sanding, painting, stamping, nailing, and mod-podging, it was time for the embellishments:  a few Prima flowers, faux leaves, buttons, ribbons, antique cup hooks, and chipboard letters.  Voila!  Not only is it useful, it really jazzes up the side of our kitchen cabinet!  

                                                                        

     

Hop on over to these par-tays:

Funky Junk Interiors Salvaged Kitchen Decor Ideas

Domestically Speaking Power of Paint Party

One Artsy Mama

Our Delightful Home

My 1929 Charmer

The Thrifty Home Penny Pinching Party

I Heart You! Valentine's Projects & Workshops

How do I love thee?  Let me count the ways -- with altered art of course!  There are so many creative ways to say "I love you" -- especially with candy!  Whether it's chocolate kisses you crave, candy hearts, jelly bellies, always tasty m&m's or old-fashioned cinnamon hearts, I'd like to share a few of my ideas on ways you can package sweet treats for the special people in your life. 

The first project is an altered tin mailbox.  It sure is mundane, but such an altered artworks opportunity!  I began by choosing beautiful designer paper which I applied directly to the metal using Mod Podge (of course).  Then I pulled out a few of my favorite embellishments including an ivory Prima flower (which I just bought at CHA), a bright red button, three kinds of ribbons (I am the self-adorned ribbon queen), and a fun silver lock and key I borrowed from a second hand necklace.  The key is then tied to a small ceramic heart button adhered to the flag while the lock is tied onto the front end of the                                                                                                 mailbox. 

The completed altered Valentine's Mailbox

I filled the mailbox with my favorite candy and raised the flag.  

Now all I have to do is hide it until February 14.

You can also think "outside the box" and fill it with other Valentine's theme goods including scented candles, colorful tissue packets, memo pads and key chains. Wouldn't this make a nice gift?

Want more Valentine's themed ideas?  Check these out:

I'm NUTS about you!

Be My Valentine

You had me at Hello

Partying with

From My Front Porch To Yours

Great Cafes and Good Bargains

On our new year's vacation, we strolled up and down Oxnard's downtown shopping corridor in search of great cafes and good bargains. I found both! After sipping a delicious latte on an outdoor patio, I happened upon a busy thrift shop. In less than a minute, I found this sad-looking wooden box marked down to $1.50, with its original store tag still attached. Well, I couldn't exactly leave it on the shelf in its sorry state, so I bought it, and vowed to put it to good use.

After a light sanding, I chose bright red and chocolate brown acrylic paint to cover the entire surface. When completely dry, I mod podged a vintage-style dotted paper on the long edges and a mini print on each end.  Another coat of mod podge, added a few tags and ribbons, and...voila!  I reincarnated this drab box into a stylish tea and candy tray.  I can't wait to use it at next week's book club meeting, although I doubt the chocolate candy will still be there (yum).

My 2010 Resolutions

What would a new year be without a few resolutions? After a wonderful 3-day get-together with close friends to bring in 2010, it's time to pack away the holiday decorations and clean the wax out from the menorahs. I really do not want to find this year's wax next year! Or is it last year's wax this year? Whichever the case, it is time to begin the year anew.
Living in Southern California, it is difficult for us to imagine snow flurries, icy roads and cold, cold nights. We are enjoying 70' sunshine in shorts and tank tops. Believe us, it is not our first choice as California is in desperate need of rainfall. I would like nothing better than to sit by a warm fire, sipping on hot buttered rum while working on my altered art. However, until we get some rain, I will make do with the sun's rays creeping through the window in my tiny craft room.
This brings me to my first resolution AND my first altered art project of the year: My 2010 Resolutions post-it note holder. Starting with a piece of cardboard, which I cut into three pieces, I covered it using two of my favorite papers. I then adhered my post-it note pad inside, and then embellished the cover with polka dot ribbon,red & white flowers, brads, an acrylic frame, and using my handy Dymo-label maker, printed "My 2010 Resolutions" as the title. A little Mod Podge and voila! A beautiful note holder that can be tucked into my purse, tossed in my car, or kept right by my phone-- a place to write down all my resolutions, thoughts, lists and more. Happy New Year!

Egg Nog Anyone?

So here it is...the countdown to 2010--a new decade. Weren't we just celebrating the New Millennium? Do you think time is just marching on while we go through the motions? That is why I am hosting one more altered art workshop this year -- a time to relax, have fun, and create some last-minute gifts. And I'll even whip up a batch of spirited eggnog.

You are also in for another treat: Elysa is home for winter break and will be showing us how to make some beautiful and versatile greeting cards.

So don't delay -- RSVP now by emailing me at Dozeedo@gmail.com with the subject "Creative Therapy".

And if you just cannot carve out a few hours, stop by for some quick last-minute gifts. I have many already-made projects for sale, ready to be wrapped at bargain prices. Hope to see you Sunday.

Happy Holidays!