If you have a cutting garden or you like to gather natural materials, then having a flower press can be a great way to extend the use of your flowers. There are so many things that you can do with pressed flowers, ferns and leaves. Over the years I have pressed leaves and flowers many different ways. In fact, I was about 7 years old when I pressed my firstRead More →
Every summer I grow sunflowers in my garden. I don’t grow them to eat the seeds but instead I love to use the flowers in my bouquets. One benefit of all of the sunflower plants are the little birds that it brings to the garden. Little finches, wrens and sparrows love to feast on the seeds as they dry. So I decided to make a Dried Sunflower Wreath for myRead More →
When summer hits, and flowers are blooming, I like to make bouquets to give away. And that means I’ll need vases to put those flowers in. Throughout the year, I save glass food jars to use for my flowers. But just giving a bouquet in a pickle jar is not very attractive. So over the years, I’ve found ways to make these simple containers special. Here are some of myRead More →
I am a fan of chalkboards. You can frequently find them sprinkled around my house. They include a vintage kids chalkboard, a large picture frame chalkboard and lots of small chalkboards. For some time now, I have been wanting a chalkboard sign for Pinecone Cottage. So I want to show you how to make a garden chalkboard from an old tray. I found this tray several years ago at aRead More →
I’ve been working on a new craft project. One that I can use outdoors to decorate my garden for the season. I enjoy making banners, garlands, and bunting, but typically they don’t do well outdoors. So I decided to make this oilcloth bunting for my garden. Oilcloth is water-resistant and therefore can handle the moisture from the sprinklers. This fabric is actually made from vinyl with a cotton mesh backing.Read More →
Now that Spring is here it’s time to refresh our home decor. Time to replace heavier bedding and blankets. It’s time to set up the outdoor cushions. And it’s time to replace the sweater wreath. So let me show you how to make a new spring wreath for your porch or front door. There are so many wonderful spring flowers that you can use to make a new spring wreath. Read More →
I live in an agricultural area and that means that when you drive outside of town you will see crops growing. Many of them are easy to identify such as corn and wheat. But oftentimes I will see some plant that I am not sure what it is. Especially if it’s in the early stage of growth. And inquiring minds want to know! Sometimes the farmers will post labels alongRead More →
Today, I have another bird related craft to share with you. Spring and Easter both bring nests to mind. So I wanted to show you how to make my terracotta pot bird nests. I really am fond of terracotta pots. But they aren’t the best containers for plants because the pots dry out so quickly. However, they are great for crafts like these bird nests. For these nests, find someRead More →
Since we have been talking about bird decor I wanted to share with you my hanging birds. It is easy to take a few branches and fill them with paper birds. Choose a variety of decorative papers that coordinate with your home decor or with the season. Then make a bunch of these little birds to hang. This is a nice weekend craft that you can make for yourself orRead More →
Before spring weather makes it’s debut, I like to fill my house with flowers. My paperwhites are blooming and I have faux spring branches all around. One other thing I like to do pre-spring is to buy some potted flowering plants. Have you ever noticed how unattractive those little containers are? You know the plastic ones that they sell potted plants in at the garden centers. Over the years, IRead More →