create Archives - Linda Nelson

GO BACK TO THE SHED!

December 20, 2014

In my previous post I shared an idea for repurposing flowering vine trellises. Upon completion I still had 3/4 of a trellis left to play with (I actually have about thirty trellises stashed in my shed, he-he-he….).

Ta-da!

©Linda Nelson 2014

Now, aren’t these little gift tags just too stinking cute? I had a few cut “shorties” leftover and didn’t have the heart to toss them. I had the ink stamp on hand, a clearance purchase from a craft supply store a few years back; but I never used it. This was the perfect opportunity to christen it. The cotton twine is attached with tiny U nails; sanding smooth the back side of the tags creates an ideal surface to write on.

©Linda Nelson 2014

I do hope this post triggers a few ideas in your head, and motivates you to create something original yourself.

There you have it.

Now, grab a trellis and get creative.

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NOT YOUR KIDDY’S PAPER PUMPKIN

September 16, 2014

Have I got a few resourceful, rustic and simple to make little pumpkins for you. Today’s post features not your little kiddy’s paper bag pumpkin, but a rustic, yet sophisticated lady’s paper pumpkin. The neighboring ones in this photo will be showcased in tutorial posts to follow.

©Linda Nelson 2014

You likey? Well, here’s what you do –

Crumple and scrunch a lunch paper bag until it’s wrinkly and soft to the touch, taking care not to tear it. Stuff the bag (pack it somewhat densely) just over half full with shredded paper, pillow stuffing, or something similar. Create an inward facing rolled cuff with the top half of the bag, rolling until you meet up with the stuffed half.

©Linda Nelson 2014

Take a 5 ft. piece of twine and make a loop knot at one end; tape the other end to a bamboo skewer. The skewer is your “needle”. Pass the skewer down the center of the bag, carefully piercing through the center of the bottom of the bag.

©Linda Nelson 2014

Pass the skewer through the loop knot, then tug the twine to create your first pumpkin groove. Continue around until you have six evenly spaced grooves with just the right amount of tension to give the pumpkin its characteristic shape.

©Linda Nelson 2014

Securely tie the twine off at the bottom of the pumpkin. Find or make a stem, then glue it into position. You may be able to forego glueing the stem on if it is long enough to be gently twisted and nestled in.

©Linda Nelson 2014

Add your embellishments, then place your newly created pumpkin among the other fabulous, decorative things around your home.

There you have it.

Now, get creative. And, do stay tuned for some more pumpkin making tutorials!

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A FRESH CUT BEACH BEAUTY

July 5, 2014

A few hours from now I will be attending an Independence Day weekend barbecue taking place at a lovely cottage overlooking the bay. These types of gatherings prompt me to create a little something for the hostess. What is more charming, summery and appropriate than fresh cut flowers? All from my garden. A handmade vase tag finishes the look, and only takes minutes to make.

A piece of snow fencing, twine, florist’s wire, scrap fabric and some acrylic paint are all that’s needed. I simply smear a few drops of paint onto the wood with my finger, rub it in, then paint the letters with a fine detail brush. A thin Sharpie pen works nicely for outlining the lettering. When the flowers wither and need to be tossed, the jar becomes the perfect little vessel for beach combing findings.

This sunny bud vase will stay at home with me and adorn the windowsill above my kitchen sink.

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BUNNY TAILS AND BIRD SEED

April 15, 2014

Here’s a bird friendly alternative to the children’s classic Easter egg hunt. In lieu of candy, fill the eggs with bird seed, pure cotton balls (bunny tails) and excelsior or natural raffia. Have the children create little nests, fill them up, then place them about the yard as an offering to our feathered friends. The birds will eat the seeds and use the rest to build nests. Kids will enjoy constructing the nests and strategically tucking them about in trees and shrubs.

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