DIY: Peep Topiary

I've been busy making peep trees! No, this is not a joke. More officially, I suppose they are called peep topiarys. I found my inspiration at The Hungry Mouse where she made the CUTEST centerpiece from peeps. Check it out to see all the how-to details. Below is some of what I changed or added.

Although on my first tree I used 3 blue peeps for the center, on my 2nd tree I learned that 4 might actually be better. By the time I was finished, I needed about 8 boxes of peeps. I also used a 6inch ball instead of 7, simply because I couldn't find a 7inch at Michaels Craft Store.

I also painted the dowel/stake green and pulled faux leaves from a flower I had on hand, and painted them with the same color. I hot glued them onto the stake. I also added plastic wrap between the Styrofoam in the pot and the jelly beans so the beans are projected and still edible. I also waited until the last minute to add the jelly beans, so they were yummy to eat.

I gave my topiarys as spring gifts. They were a huge hit!

Happy Easter!

Weekend Paint Project: Polka Dot Flower Pots

I've been ready for spring since before December 1st, but now that we've had almost a straight week of 70 degrees + weather, I've really got spring fever! After saving some basic flower pots from the dumpster at work, I went to Hobby Lobby and got some brightly colored acrylic paints.

Maybe red and black don't seem like a natural choice for spring? Well in that case, you must not live in North Carolina and you must not be a WOLFPACK fan?! After all, it is March Madness and they did just win their way to the sweet sixteen! My bracket is nearly destroyed, but I'm actually glad to see it!

Just because it's chipped, doesn't mean it's ruined.

A little paint goes a long way! (sometimes two coats)

Add some polka dots.. I recommend using round foam brushes. They're inexpensive and work really well.

Cute, huh? This is a great project for kids, too!

Think about using these for Easter baskets. Candy easily fits inside, and it's a lasting gift that can be used for everything from flowers to pencils and supplies for your desk at work.

GO WOLFPACK!

Spring Wreaths in February

Okay, okay, so it's possible I'm getting ahead of myself with this whole "spring is coming" thing.. but seriously, I'm tired of the cold, and we've only gotten one snow delay once this entire winter.

And in the words of Lauryn Hill, "after winter must come spring".. in my mind (my super planner, Type A mind) I'm totally justified in getting ready early.

I may also be over eager since I made something like 4 winter wreaths (Check them out here and here)..none of which for me, so my door had an autumn leaf wreath on it from October until a few weeks ago.

The two wreaths below are very similar, yet customized for exactly what you like.


I love the idea of putting your house number on your wreath, it's so cute and practical. the flowers are both hot glued and wired in. I pulled the leaves off the flower stems and hot glued them separately.

Ribbon wrapped house numbers- as easy as it sounds. All you need are the simple wooden letters from your local craft store (I think these were $2.99 each at Hobby Lobby?) Start on one end and hot glue your ribbon to the back. wrap several times, then glue again. Keep going until you've wrapped the entire thing. Hot glue the end.

Here's a closer look:

Since I don't have a house number, only a letter, I didn't want to go that route for my own wreath. Instead I got the long vine-like stems (also from Hobby Lobby) and inserted them in to the wreath, starting each at a different point.I pulled leaves off the flower stems and added them to make it look more full.

Consider this:

Why wood wreath forms are great-

1. they're generally cheaper than Styrofoam wreath forms ($4.99 compared to $12ish)

2. It's easier to make your stems stay put!

3. It gives a more natural looking final product