Our home has a Frenchy, Old World charm, but lately I’ve been wandering around, thinking something is missing. Since we are in what seems like forever “rebuilding” mode due to the economy, I needed to find cheap solutions that didn’t look “cheap.”
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As much as I love these Ballard boxwood topiaries, $50 a pop isn’t in the budget.
I made a trip to Ikea, and found these and added them to a garage sale wire (thing?) that was pink but that I spray painted oil-rubbed bronze.
This basket adds texture and is also functional.
This basket adds texture and is also functional.
Ikea has great greenery for $5. I added it to a basic clay pot and gave it a makeover…with the Ballard pots as my inspiration.
With some lightweight spackling (joint compound would work better, I just didn’t have any), I smeared it on heavy.
After it was dry, I sanded it smooth and painted it in an off-white I had on-hand (BM Muslin).
Next, I mixed some glaze with Raw Umber Universal Tint($6 at the big orange box and will last forever).
Brushed it on, and wiped it off. The left is brushed on, the right is wiped off
(and we all are taken aback to our crush on Daniel-son):
(and we all are taken aback to our crush on Daniel-son):
Now you will realize how cheap I am forevermore. I didn’t want to fork over the $5 for a styrofoam ball, so I made my own using notebook paper that I smoothed into a ball with some packaging tape. Newspaper would have been better, but we don’t get the paper.
Again, economy.
(This is what 18 months of unemployment does to a girl.)
Again, economy.
(This is what 18 months of unemployment does to a girl.)
I chose moss that was in between bright green and brown, then sprayed the back with foam & fabric spray adhesive and put it on the el-cheapo, paper ball.
I am very pleased with the bang I got for my buck.
It’s not exactly like the Ballard greenery, but I think it has the same feel.
It’s not exactly like the Ballard greenery, but I think it has the same feel.
See the frame in the background? It was once a smooth, black frame that now looks rustic and old.
It was a fun project, and there is a tutorial to come!
Linking to my favorites
Love it. I made topiaries out of paper balls covered with moss. It works great. The pot looks wonderful too. Hugs, Marty
You are very clever and creative, Christa! I love that pot. It may have to be my project for tomorrow. I was looking around today for ways to spruce up a bit without spending a lot of money. Did you use the spackle on the frame, too? I love the old rustic look it has. Thanks for the inspiration.
very cute i marked as favorite i love what you did with your pots.
How clever you are! I like your ideas for adding texture and the do it yourself ways you came up with.
Wonderful post, great idea for the balls. I am certainly going to give this a try!
Love the textured pot. thanks for the idea!
Kathy
great idea! love the Styrofoam ball alternative!!!
some great ideas here! thanks for sharing!
I adore the spackle covered pot! I'm going to have to think of something to used that technique with.
You are such a clever (and frugal!) girl! Love the texture.
Love it!!! I think I might have to give this a try.
What a clever girl you are!! Who would'ave thought……
Great job on a budget! Happy MM to you!
xoxo laurie
I like how you texturized the pot – very clever – and the whole thing came out great!
Wow I love your style and this looks amazing!
http://www.theelephantsblog42.blogspot.com
What a great little project with the pot! I love all your baskets.
What a great idea! Never thought to use the spackling!!
Thanks for sharing!
Ooo, I love the pot and think the moss is the perfect color!
Oh my gosh the paper ball is ingenious. I have been wanting to make a topiary for a while now and like you dont what to spend the money on the foam ball. Thanks for the tip!
Gack!….the wad of paper ~ I love it! I've always wondered why styrofoam needs to cost so much. Good job.
I'm trying this project out! I will be posting it on my blog in the next week or so with a shout out to your blog as well if you want to keep an eye out for it. I just discovered your blog and you have amazing talent and I think your blog is great!
Oh my blog is simplyheidisthoughts.blogspot.com
Thaaannnk you! I’ve been searching the web for “cheap” alternatives to hidden but expensive craft items.