I've been sprucing up my front porch a bit for spring the last couple of weeks. It's been so unseasonably warm that it feels like it's June back in the Pacific Northwest! I know that I need to just soak up these moderate temperatures before the heat of the southern summer sets in. I've been adding just a few potted plants, pillows, and touches of spring...
I know that I'll be adding lots more flowers and plants over the next few months to get my flower beds and flower pots filled up, but before I do that I have much research to do to see what grows in clay because that's all I have here...solid clay, yuck! As much as I enjoy the weather in the south, I do miss my fertile soil in my old flower beds! One thing that I've always, always LOVED is ferns! I just bought a few for the front porch for now, but I'll be filling my screened porch with these this month...
My front porch gets so much sun that I might have to move these to the shadier screened porch, but for now I put my daughter, Lily, in charge of misting them daily. She's much better at keeping plants alive than her mommy!
I also made this wreath a few weeks back from materials that I picked up at a great local store called, "Carolina Pottery". It's a lot like Hobby Lobby, but they offer a huge selection of florist supplies, outdoor furniture and cushions, ribbon, and other crafting supplies. I've been hooked since I moved here...
Including the grapevine wreath base, florals, and ribbon, the materials for this large wreath only came to about $20!
I had a fun time making it...I always thought it would be a fun job to be a florist and make all sorts of arrangements! I also hand-stamped the woven-linen ribbon with my antique stamp kit and a bird stamp I already had...
It was an easy-peasy way to customize blank ribbon...I think I'll be using this technique next Christmas for my banister and tree too!
Now to get busy thinking about some Easter table ideas... Easter dinner won't be at my house this year, but I'd like to do a nice brunch or something. My mom and step-dad also fly in tomorrow for a week-long visit! The girls are bursting at the seams to see them and we have a bunch of activities planned including a trip to the Outer Banks this weekend!
12 comments:
so pretty! I love that ribbon!
Lovely, Kristen! Love that ribbon! I also bought a couple of huge ferns yesterday and it is probably too early to trust them outside here in Ohio. We did have 70's and 80's the past couple of weeks, but today there was a chill in the air. I brought them in for the night, but I'm really eager to hang the one and plant the second in my urn!
Lovely..Hey you can amend your clay soil..Have it tilled then add in some other things. We do that here.
tammy
I love your wreath and your the way you decorated your front porch. Everything looks lovely.
Beautiful, creative.... you are truly bubbling over with creativity! What a great place to relax for the spring and summer!
dee dee
Oh make a whole tutorial on the ribbon love it so much and those pillows-did you make those too? Great job
Kristen, you are a floral designer! Not even a professional could beat the one you made. I love the hand stamping you did on the ribbon and that sweet little nest.... so adorable! I say you did a masterful job and have a very beautiful spring wreath! KUDOS to you! I have been very inspired here!
Yvonne
Love the stamped ribbon idea! I'll have to try that myself!
We moved to the Pacific Northwest just 8 months ago and I'm wondering what plants are best for here. Any favorites you could share with me? So far I've only planted some hydrangeas, mums, daffodils, and lavender.
This wreath is so beautiful! I love every little thing about it! I bought the same ribbon from my Carolina Pottery :) If you are interested, we would love for you to share this at our link party. I know our readers would love this!
Take care,
Trish
www.uncommondesignsonline.com
Hand stamped ribbon....what a great idea! I love it!
I always like creating wreaths and arrangements too. Your door is a lovely welcome for your guests.
I love your porch. And love that ribbon? Is that from Carolina Pottery too? I'm in Greensboro, but that's worth making a field trip for!
I'm wondering what kind of ink you used to stamp the burlap. Tried stamping some last week with my Stampin' Up ink, and it was too faint.
Oh, and as a longtime NC girl, I will say that our red clay, while hard to work with, doesn't seem to inhibit plant growth. I've planted bulbs, shrubs and other flowers directly in it, and it's been fine.
Be prepared to water those ferns a lot!
Amy
Such a cute wreath! Just stumbled upon your blog and I'm glad I did! Of course I'm gonna follow you on my way out! So hope we stay in touch!
Love, Olga
www.stardust-decorstyle.blogspot.com
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