There are two that are similar.

I had sprayed them pink and yellow and white. I had daisies on my mind. And this one is a little simpler

As you can see, they have begun to rust and have seen much better days.

Alabama sun and weather are absolutely brutal on your garden decor. Inevitably, everything fades and rusts. This being the second time to refresh these flowers, they have just about run their course. That said, I’m not buying new fence decor at the beginning of the season. So, I grabbed the spray paint and gave these sad flowers a much needed refresh.

Welcome! I’m sharing this post today with some friend in the Creative Craft Hop. This fabulous group of creator’s share monthly posts to help feed your love of all things crafty. If you are joining from Modern on Monticello…I know you enjoyed Donna’s patriotic florals. You will find all of the other posts for this month at the end of this post. Be sure to check out all of the great projects!

Let’s Upcycle Some Metal Garden Decor

First step is to prep your piece by removing any debris like leaves and vines that tend to grow on our fence where these flowers hang. After removing the debris, I gave each flower a good wipe down. It is also a good idea to give the item a scrub with a wire brush. This will remove and surface rust. And for more advanced rust, use some sandpaper and give the piece a good spot sanding. Then I grabbed the spray paint.

My go to spray paint is Rustoleum 2X with primer. It constantly does the job quickly and effectively with great coverage. I have a collection of vibrant colors from previous projects so I grabbed those.

The backs of the flowers were rusty so I started there with a heavy coat to mitigate the rusting process. I suppose the last time I concentrated on the fronts of the flowers and may have failed to spray multiple coats on the backs. Not this time. I layered quite a bit so they should be good for a while.

I am going with a multicolor look on these flowers so I sprayed the first flower and allowed it to dry. Then I laid the second on top and sprayed that. I repeated this process with the third flower. I gave each a nice thick first coat.

When the first coat had dried, I started over again with a second color. I concentrated on any areas I had missed with the first coat. I simply sprayed a spot here and a spot there and created random color. I used the layering method again until all 3 flowers had a second coat. I used 2 primary colors (pink and yellow) during this process.

Time for the 3rd coat where I used two other colors (purple and teal) as a highlighting or tertiary color.

This was a super quick project. I recommend this quick refresh for any outdoor metal decor that is still quite sturdy and exhibits minimal rust. Rustoleum colors are fabulous and the 2X coverage is incredible.

I placed the flowers back on their screws on the fence.

And I added some flowers in colorful pots to the galvanized shelf that I made a few years ago. I need to touch it up again since the Alabama heat has cause some more surface rust.

Did you know that in Alabama, portaluca will often return the following spring/summer like perennials? They don’t return after an abnormally cold winter but most winters are not brutal so we can get several years out of our portaluca. And being in the succulent family, they thrive in the Alabama summer. I have several posts about succulent and fun containers I’ve used over the years.

Updating the colors on your metal garden decor is helpful in several ways:

• Provide a new look to your preferred decor by simply changing the colors.
• Protect and extend the life of your favorite metal garden decor with Rustoleum.
• Upcycle gently used and inexpensive finds at yard sales or thrift stores.
• Make your decor items into a lovely vignette of complimentary colors.
• It’s hard to not justify thrifty upcycles!

So grab your spray cans and get to work!

Here are the rest of this month’s projects! Head over to Cecilia at My Thrift Store Addiction for some fabulous homegrown gift ideas!

Patriotic Flower And Decor Arrangement For Wired Basket Table

Crochet Necklace

Terrain Style Taper Candle Cuffs

Rooted with Love – Crafted Homegrown Gifts

How to Refresh Metal Garden Decor – That’s ME! You are here!

The post Refresh Metal Garden Art – Part Two appeared first on Shop at Blu.

Can you believe that Fourth of July is right around the corner? I know time goes faster as you age but how did we get to July in a blink? I am rounding up my past patriotic DIY projects to celebrate Fourth of July in today’s blog hop with some creative friends.

Carol at Blue Sky at Home is once again our gracious host!  Be sure to stop by her blog at Blue Sky at Home to show her some love!

If you are following along in order and just arrived from Libby’s incredible blog at A Life Unfolding, I know you have your patriotic drink in hand. We have some great DIY and decor projects, a tablescape, and refreshments for you today! So let’s get to some more patriotic DIY projects!

Shop at Blu Patriotic DIY Projects

My absolute favorite way to decorate for patriotic holidays is with Old Glory herself. Sprinkling red, white, and blue around your home is the easiest way to add some patriotism into your decor. Grab a few flags and get to work!

You can grab flags in so many different sizes. This post, Easy Ways to Decorate with Patriotic Red, White, and Blue Decor, gives you some great sources and ways to show off Old Glory!

My antique fetish began with a healthy obsession of my MIL’s rusty and primitive decor. Flo loved all things Primitive an Americana. She really was the queen of patriotic DIY projects. Back in the 80’s, Flo made a picnic table out of a giant industrial wire spool. She was amazing! I carry her influence with me along with her beautiful collection of vintage American flags. Here is one displayed on a blanket ladder.

And these are Flo’s flags by our shed in our yard.

That little American corner screams FLO!!! I upcycled that little red garden table with this corner in mind in my More Updated Metal Garden Decor post. Everyone needs a little tribute corner to provoke fond memories, don’t you think? And this is the perfect place for your patriotic DIY projects.

Barn Metal American Flag

Keeping with Flo’s Americana/Primitive influence, a friend gave me a pile of antique barn metal. I put it to great use and created this large Barn Metal American Flag.

This is one of my favorite projects. When she goes up on the deck, you know it is Fourth of July!

As always, remember to use all of your scrap materials. These smaller barn metal flags are about 4″ X 8″ as look just darling tucked into or in front of a plant. Just scatter them around the garden.

I have several pieces left and plan to pull them out this weekend for another flag project. Look for that one next week for Thrift Store Decor Team’s second Wednesday’s monthly post

We can’t forget our Fourth of July cookouts! We always need a sweet treat and I’ve got a few!

Who doesn’t love some refreshing jello? So many colors available these days but red, white, and blue is my favorite!

Of course my patriotic desserts revolve around the kids and our pool. So something icy and refreshing is a great treat for the barbeque.

And of course, the Thrift Store Decor Team has so many patriotic posts! Click on through for this round up of 60 projects!

Celebrate the Holiday Blog Hop

Which brings us to today’s special projects for today’s hop!  Be sure to comment on what you like about each post.  We love to know what you like to see.

I hope you have a wonderful Fourth of July this year.  Despite the political turmoil, we have much to be grateful for.  Here’s to patriotic holidays!  And an extra day off!

The post Patriotic DIY Projects appeared first on Shop at Blu.

It all started with this Valentine’s Day Mantle Decor!

Today, I am joining some of my blogger friends from The Amazing Creators for a Valentine’s Day Blog Hop offering a variety of Valentine’s Day oriented projects! If you came over from visiting Linda at Bushel and a Pickle, welcome! And a warm special welcome to all of you who are new to us here at Blu. Next on the blog hop is Libby from A Life Unfolding. I hope you have time to visit everyone. This wonderfully creative group shares unique ideas to help make your home fabulous. From endless DIY and home decor tips to food and drink recipes, from product tips and crafting instructions to thrift store makeover…you are sure to find some inspiration here! It seems we are feeling the love and hearts this month. Check out all of the fabulous projects that are linked at the end of this post.

What Inspired the Creation

When the Dollar Store is stocked with new holiday decor, I grab any decorations that range from 8″ to 16″. So when I saw these fabulous hearts for Valentine’s Day at the Dollar Tree, I knew I could use them to add a great burst of love inspired color to my mantle. They are bigger than they appear, at about 14″ X 14″.

But how would I incorporate these hearts???

I didn’t want to glue or tape them to the mantle. If only I had something removeable that I could attach them to, and then attach the removeable whatever to the mantle. Where could I find such a gadget? I was trying to think of a source when I realized that I could build the removeable whatever that I had in mind. You can read all about how I fabricated this incredible hanger by clicking on the heart photo below.

Once I created my hanger, I started using it for just about every holiday,

Valentine Heart Decor Mantle Hanger

Such a simple idea that added such character to my mantle decor!

Here is another photo of that first Valentine’s Day mantle:

Here is a St. Patrick’s Day Mantle using the hanger:

And this is my fall mantle from this past October. I draped my pothos across the hanger.

I’ve used the hanger for winter decor as well.

And after this past fall, I moved the pothos to my kitchen.

Creating a Design

With a glue gun, some Dollar Store holiday decor, and creativity, you too can create a fabulous mantle for any holiday or occasion. Alternate colors and styles, size and textures to really make a statement. For added interest, add some smaller glittered or metallic items. Add some garland for fun. The process is very forgiving. If it doesn’t look right, remove the decor and start again. Very forgiving!

Now, I always grab holiday decorations from the Dollar Store and layer them together to create an expensive looking holiday mantle. You just can’t been the convenience and value of Dollar Store seasonal decor items. With $8 to $10 dollars, you can create expensive and high end looking mantle decor.

Here is a brief video of the process of attaching the Valentine’s Hearts.

This large heart swag is sure to be the focal point of your mantle. And the hanging tool will surely become a favorite for every holiday.

Show me your Valentine’s Mantle! Share with me on Social Media! Tell me what you have created lately!

The Amazing Creators

And here are the projects from my very talented friends in The Amazing Creators!

The post Build a Reusable Tool for your Mantle Decor in Time for Valentine’s Day appeared first on Shop at Blu.

Sarah – SADIE SEASONGOODS

I am starting with the literal queen of repurposing. Sarah has the keenest eye for repurposing thrift store finds. One glance at her blog and you will be amazed at how she visualizes and nails a transformation. With a mid century modern flair, Sarah reinvents new purpose for simple old things. Look at this paper towel holder. Am I right? Be sure to browse her upcycle and DIY projects…and yes, you are welcome!

Gail – MY REPURPOSED LIFE

While Sarah may be the queen of transformations, let’s call Gail Ms. Fixit. In every DIY project where she upcycles a piece of furniture or accessory, you will find a lesson in how to repair, resurface, or stabilize an item. In the midst of the how to lesson, you will be introduced to some fabulous paints and DIY products. If you find a fabulous items with great bones but some small issues, scour Gail’s pages and you will find the quickest solution and a guide to the tools you need.

Christy – OUR SOUTHERN HOME

If you are looking to upgrade your decor, Christy is your girl. She will walk you through the process of creating Pottery Barn style decor from your everyday thrift store finds. Spray paint truly is a girl’s best friend. Take a stroll through Christy’s beautiful home. You will be amazed by the thrift store projects sprinkled through out the beautiful rooms. Take these lovely Christmas village houses as an example. You will find Christy’s detailed DIY project tutorials easy to follow. And the end product…so rewarding!

Kathy – PETTICOAT JUNKTION

Kathy’s projects are always very simple but stately! She has a knack for quick projects that simply light up a corner. Take this project with thrift store vases…such an easy way to make a big statement anywhere in your home. With a little bit of spray paint, some painter’s tape, and thrift store vases, you are all set! From the front porch, to the guest bathroom, to the living room, Kathy’s upcycles are practical, useful, and beautiful!

Pam – HOUSE OF HAWTHORNES

Pam always hits a home run with her repurposed items. With a pension for vintage and an eye for practical use, you never know what she is working on but you always know Pam will find a creative new way to display her vintage beauties. In this project, she pairs two of my favorites…vintage kitchen items and succulents! Check out Pam’s projects for new ways to cherish your vintage finds.

Kristin – MY UNCOMMON SLICE OF SUBURBIA

You tell from Kristin’s succulent, garden, beach themed, and garden projects that she is a West Coast girl! Her projects always leave me longing for sunny weather and outdoor beauty. While many of her projects are perfect for your patio or outdoor rooms, Kristin has completed some fabulous DIY projects in her home. From painting, to room renno to easy tips to get things done, you will find a fabulous mix of DIY and beautiful decor on Kristin’s pages. My favorites, of course, are her succulent projects and her fabulously thrifty decor upcycles.

Enjoy reading through the projects we have gathered for you! I can’t wait to see that new skills, tips, tricks, and always fabulous upcycles the new year will bring for us all!

Enjoy! And Merry Christmas!!

Here are links to the last 2 year’s “Best Of” projects:

The post Thrift Store Decor Team Best DIY Projects of 2024 appeared first on Shop at Blu.

Grab a puzzle from the closet, the thrift store, the dollar store or a yard sale. This is a great way to use those old puzzles that are missing some critical pieces. Repurpose!

Did some one say REPUPOSE??? That’s right! It’s THRIFT STORE DECOR TEAM Wednesday so it’s time for some thrifty repurposing projects! Remember to check all of the team projects at the end of this post.

Here is my inspiration photo from Pinterest:

I needed to make a cardboard heart shaped base on which to glue my puzzle pieces. But I decided to prime the puzzle pieces first so the paint could dry while I was creating my heart base. 

Spray Paint of Choice

I grabbed a variety of spray paint in Valentine’s colors from my garage. I suggest using at least 3 different colors to create depth and interest. I always recommend using colors in shades of 3. That third color really adds dimension to any project. I used pink, red, and white. And while any spray paint will do, I recommend Rustoleum 2X with primer. You will need less coats (most likely just one) as the coverage is phenomenal.

Separate your puzzle pieces into 3 piles. Start with your first pile and spread the pieces flat on a large surface. Remember to protect your surface from overspray. I often use a large piece of cardboard that I keep in the garage for projects just like this. But this time, I used a pizza box, a shoe box and some other cardboard that was in our recycle bin. 

As I said, my spray paint of choice is Rustoleum 2X paint with primer. It is my life’s goal to have a can in every imaginable color. If you don’t use a paint with primer included, you should first hit your pieces with a light coat of primer. This will reduce the number of coats of color required to cover the puzzle pattern. This is especially important if you are using white spray paint to cover a commonly used water or bright colored floral pattern that seem to be the preferred subjects of puzzle creators.

Apply several light coats of spray paint allowing the pieces to thoroughly dry between coats. The force of the spray paint was quite strong to I had to apply the spray paint with short quick spraying motion to prevent the puzzle pieces from being propelled around the room. This short tapping motion was successful and probably prevented me from excessive overspray and puddling of the paint. I was able to cover the original puzzle patterns with two coats of spray paint. Repeat for the remaining groups of puzzle piles. Spray lightly, allow to dry, repeat until you can’t see the pattern beneath the layers of spray paint. 

Create a Heart Base

While the paint was drying, I moved on to create my heart base. I used a piece of cardboard from our recycle bin. Just draw a heart and cut it out. I folded my cardboard in half and just cut out the half heart shape. This ensured my heart was symmetrical. I have never been able to draw a totally symmetrical heart. One side is always fat and one side is always tall. No lop-sided hearts for this project. I followed the outer line of the heart to remove the smaller heart from the center. so I was left with about a 2″ base for my puzzle pieces. If you don’t have cardboard in your recycle bin, you can use cardboard from a cereal box or even an old gift box. And if you are a planner, you can buy always buy a heart form from the dollar store or craft store.

I used the cardboard side without the design as the base for my heart.

Start Layering

Grab the Elmer’s glue and get started randomly gluing your puzzle pieces to the heart. There really is no hard fast rule. Just dab some glue on the back of your puzzle piece and plop it onto the heart. 

Continue all around the heart until you have one solid layer. Then start your second layer on top of the first still alternating colors. Keep adding alternating colored puzzle pieces until you have filled the heart shape. 

I used 3 layers but you can keep going or stop at two. Continue until your heart is sturdy and you are happy with the appearance.

Aren’t the colors magnificent? This would be a fun project for a St. Patrick’s Day shamrock shape too!

TIP: Here is where you can learn from my mistakes. You should spray paint your cardboard heart form with one of your selected spray paint colors. I didn’t and you can see the cardboard base if you look closely at my heart. So remember this step!

You can glue a piece of ribbon to the back of the heart and hang it on an interior door. I suppose you could use it outside but my front door gets direct Alabama sun all day so it would fry and fade. You could coat it with some Polycrylic to protect it from the direct sun but you would also need a stronger glue than Elmer’s. Use an exterior glue or maybe liquid nails. So indoor use is my choice.

She looks fabulous against the white door with or without a ribbon.

And she looks pretty cute just hanging out with this primitive snowman on the mantle.

I’d like to make some smaller versions to use as ornaments on my flocked tree as those colors would be incredible against the flocking. 

This was an easy project and would be fun with kids. Speaking of which, I had a little buddy crafting with me. This was an easy project for my grandson to complete. He made a heart for his sweet mom. I forgot to snap a photo. But we did continue our crafty Saturday morning by making this Valentine’s house from a left over Gingerbread house kit from Christmas.

Do you have a Saturday morning crafting buddy? I highly recommend them. They bring a whole new level of intensity and fun to Saturday morning crafts.

DIY Hobnail Milk Glass Candle

DIY Floral Mosaic Side Table

Winter Scenes in Silver Plate

Metallic Gold And Clear Glass Vases 

Updating a Thrift Store Lamp

Teak Wooden Bowl Makeover

Bar Stools Into Nightstands

Valentines Puzzle Heart Decor

Here is my favorite Valentine’s craft from last year:

The post Valentine Puzzle Heart Decor appeared first on Shop at Blu.

Some of the new skills we shared with you this year are mastering numerous paint techniques and finishes, creating garden art, working with cork fabric, creating frames for mirrors, altering and repairing furniture, restoring finishes on furniture and creating faux finishes, creating interest with stencils, using transfers, honing your decoupage skills, how to upholster. 

Here is peek back at some of the Team’s favorite Thrift Store Decor projects for 2023. I’m sharing my favorite project from each team member. At the end is a compilation of all of our projects from this year.

Renewing Family Furniture

There is just something about taking a well loved piece of furniture and transforming it into something fresh to love all over again. This really is the essence of this group. And my MIL’s bench is a perfect example. I guess at the holidays approach, these sentimental items mean a little more. This little bench sits at the piano in our living room among our 3 full sized Christmas trees. Flo loved her holidays. It’s only fitting that her bench be prominent where our family gathers.

Why I Love the Thrift Store

I can’t share a roundup of 100+ thrift store decor posts without talking about the thrift store and the art of thrifting! While I don’t get out to the thrift store all that often any more, writing this post rekindled my love for used and vintage things. Check out this post for some great tips and insights to wandering the aisles of your favorite thrift store.

Vintage Jewelry Art

The one thing every thrift store has in common is an overflow of common things. So many picture frames, candle sticks, kitchenware, furniture and decor items. But it’s the odd things that catch your eye. And it is the low prices that encourage you to return. Couple this with a taste for the creative and you have yourself a passion. So, when my friends and I are inspired by some of these fabulously priced common items, we love to share how we used them for practical and thrifty use in our decor. Hopefully, you will find some inspiration!

Speaking of picture frames.  I used some thrift store vintage frames to create custom art with old costume jewelry.   

Thrift Store Picture Frames Customized

Never again buy a brand new picture frame. Christy from Our Southern Home teaches us how to customize thrift store picture frames specifically for your home. Whether making a frame darker or adding some gold accents, you can transform a frame in just minutes while saving big bucks at the same time.

Cheese Dome to Decor

Pam from House of Hawthornes has a knack for grabbing the everyday item and transforming it into something fabulous.  Her choice of colors and seasonal items really makes her projects shine.  From garden decor to wall art, Pam can repurpose literally anything.

I mean, this cheese dome could be used for any holiday by switching out the chachkies and paint colors.

Upholster a Chair

I couldn’t resist sharing this additional project from Pam. Grab those worn chairs with great bones and create something stylish and lovely!

Side Tables and Stencils

Side tables and accent tables are more items that are always plentiful in thrift stores. Carlene from Organized Clutter has mastered the art of transforming that ugly dated table into something chic and fabulous. Her secret is great paint and highlighting the piece with a stencil to really make it unique. No thrift store item is off limits to Carlene when it comes to stencils. You will be amazed at how a single stencil, be it simple or ornate, can add interest to a project. Looking to take an item to the next level? Get your ideas from Carlene!

Custom Artwork

Sara from Sadie Seasongoods is that hip chick strolling the thrift store aisles with an eye for Mid Century Modern meets practicality. Her blog should be renamed Sara Sees because she can see into the soul of a thrift store item with one glance and restore it to a new and unimagined purpose. Sara’s vision is amazing and her ability to take a mundane item and transform it into contemporary fab is incomparable. And, she has a fabulous talent for creating artwork from unlikely sources in the thrift store.

Hanging Candy Dish

Kathy from Petticoat Junktion has a true love of things vintage and/or rusty. I love when she takes an item intended for specific use and juju’s it up. Take something simple and use it in another manner. She shows you how to change the color or cover the rust and revitalize you well loved and well used vintage treasures.

Thrift Store Decor Mirror Update

You can completely change the look of an item with just a little paint. Maryann from Domestically Speaking shares all of the tips and tricks and insights she used to create a stunning focal point out of a drab and dated mirror. Use these tips to paint just about any thrift store decor find and create your own stunning accessories. With a little practice, you can become a pro. No more walking past those old and ugly mirrors. Look at them with renewed interest and renew that finish!

Vintage Rattan Trunk

Gail from My Repurposed Life knows her way around any power tool, spray gun, and workshop. She is the master of simplifying building projects and can transform salvaged furniture pieces into something practical and useful with a just few screws and some wood glue. Here is another simple makeover with all of Gail’s detailed instructions. Gail has a knack for detailed tutorials that are super easy to follow. I don’t know why, but after reading one of her tutorial posts, I always feel like I can build a tiny house in my driveway. Be sure to scroll through her other projects!

Succulents! Succulents! Succulents!

You know I can’t complete a round up of my favorite projects without a succulent project. Kristin from My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia made the most darling succulent display. This is definitely on my list for spring.

And that brings us to the team highlights! Click on each of my friends to see their favorite projects. At the end is a compilation of 100+ favorite thrift store decor projects from 2023. Here’s to many, many more!

My Repurposed LIfe

Petticoat Junktion

Our Southern Home

House of Hawthornes

Sadie Seasongoods

Domestically Speaking

Organized Clutter

My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

The post A Year of Favorite Thrift Store Decor appeared first on Shop at Blu.

I have joined a few friends to share our designs with our King of Christmas products. Hopefully, you will find some inspiration as you get ready to decorate for the holidays! Just click on the photos to see each post. So many ways to use the Christmas flock tree and set. I’ll start with my decor.

Fall Christmas Flock Tree

This beauty is currently the focal point in my living room. I just could not start the Christmas decorating while the temperature was still 85 degrees here in Alabama. So I used some natural elements and got started anyway. The end result was a Christmas Fall Flock tree that turned into a Thanksgiving Tree. I can’t wait for my guests to see this Fall Christmas Flock Tree!

Last year, I received a 4 piece Flock set. It contained a gorgeous flocked garland, two small trees and a beautiful wreath, all of which were lighted and had the option of using electric or battery power sources. I loved the set so much, that I decorated early for winter and then again for Christmas.

The Peacock Tree!

My friend Liberty from B4 and Afters decorated her flock tree with a Peacock theme last year. The tree is just such a lovely shape and so full, even for a slim tree. There’s a bonus in Liberty’s post as her daughter also decorated the tree a second time. Which is your favorite? I am partial of course to the Peacock tree because, well…BLUE!

Mantle Decor Without a Mantle

Liberty also used her Queen Flock® Collection 4-Piece Set with lights in her dining room. Proof that you can use your 4 piece mantle sets just about anywhere. I love the versatility of this set. And Liberty uses hers to deck out a gorgeous hutch. This post is chock full of creative ideas to help you decorate without spending a ton of money. You won’t believe the inspiration behind her pink Christmas accents in her dining room. It is amazing what speaks to us enough to decorate a room around, right? The pink reminds me of Europe and has a beautiful renaissance flair.

Winter Wonderland

Kristen from The 5th Sparrow No More created a beautiful winter wonderland with her King of Christmas’ Queen Flock® Collection 4-Piece Set with Lights. It is amazing to me how lovely the set looks in so many different rooms. Get ready to be dazzled by Kristen’s trendy makeover of some thrifted skis. This cozy mantle makes me want to grab a good book, some chai tea, and a fluffy blanket.

Three Looks with One Set!

Donna from An Organized Season really shows the diversity of her beautiful King of Christmas’ Queen Flock® Collection 4-Piece Set with Lights. What makes this brand so fabulous is the quality of the products. The items are well made and easy to take from box to full on display. Donna shows us the three different ways she uses this beautiful lighted set…Fall, Christmas, and Winter. I use my set from Fall well into the New Year. It’s beautiful bare and you can completely change the look by adding different colors and elements. Of keep it minimal, like Donna, So Classy and yet so fun! I love the 4 piece set surrounding the entertainment center. Just beautiful!

French Country Christmas Flock Tree

You won’t want to miss Kristy’s, from At Home With Kristy, French Country Christmas Tree. Be still my French loving heart! It has all of the glitz and charm of my favorite decor style. She is minimally decorated (something I need to work on) with the perfect blend of color. Now it looks like I have to add another tree to my home this year. Mr. Blu will be thrilled (wink, wink)!

I will leave you with a few more of my photos of my KOC decor. I’m also adding links to past Christmas post with tips for decorating. Do yourself a favor and grab some King of Christmas decor. They are having great sales right now. You won’t be sorry. Thanks for joining us today!

The post King of Christmas Flock Tree and More! appeared first on Shop at Blu.

I actually set her up right after Halloween. She stood just like this for several weeks. As we approached Thanksgiving, slowly I added some natural elements. She is now ready for Thanksgiving and I am sharing all of the stages of her beautiful evolution.

King of Christmas

If you have followed me for a few years, you know how much I love the Haven Conference. Several years ago, King of Christmas was a sponsor. This company make the most beautiful Christmas trees. Last year, I was lucky to be gifted their 5 piece Queen Flock set. I had the best time decorating my mantle for the holidays. Here are a few of the many looks she sported last year. The mantle was the focal point of our living room

This year, I was once again thrilled when this showed up.

I selected the Noble Fir Flock Tree with 500 white lights.

Every tree arrives at your front door in a manageable box. Inside are instructions and everything you need to get your tree upright and ready to decorate. There is a remote control for the lights with so many different setting. And, of course, there are KOC’s signature red gloves included to keep your arms from getting scratched or tickled when fluffing your tree branches.

Honestly, it was still 85 degrees outside here in Alabama when I set up my fall Christmas tree. So it was not difficult to resist grabbing the Christmas ornaments from the attic. I was barely fall. So, I went with a nature theme and use some of nature’s favorites to decorate my tree.

I created pine cone garland with pinecones gathered from my yard.

The dark color of the pinecones was a nice contrast with the flock tree limbs.

I finally dried some oranges in the oven. This process was so easy. Click on the orange slices below to read about that process.

It was so much easier than I had imagined. And, I will admit that I am a bit obsessed. I will be sprinkling these beauties everywhere this winter. Why did I wait so long??

Next, I sprinkled some loose pinecones on the branches.

She stayed like this for a few days.

Then I added some berry garland. I draped it loosely on the branches.

Again, I enjoyed her as such for a few more days.

But, alas, she needed some more color so I added some fabric ribbon as garland.

I place a piece on the tree to see how I liked the look. And yes, it worked!

So I added the two darker colors loosely draping the ribbon around the tree. I added a piece of burlap around the base as a tree skirt. And she was finished!

I can’t wait to show her off to the family on Thanksgiving Day!

The beauty of this fall Christmas tree is really in the simplistic ornaments and the natural accents.

She looks a little bit different in the daylight versus the evening.

So it’s kind of like having different personalities! Makes the holiday more fun!

Simba approves.

And so does Mia.

Happy Fall and Happy Thanksgiving!

The post A Christmas Tree but for Fall! appeared first on Shop at Blu.

This picture makes the fabric look pretty good. In reality, it was stained and very thin. It had seen better days indeed. So I stripped out the fabric. The hoop had some residual glue along the edges so I used a utility knife to scrape it off.

I’m sharing this project for Thrift Store Decor Team Wednesday. That’s right! It’s the second Wednesday of the month and time for our monthly share of thrifty decor projects.

As always, at the end of this post, you will find links to all of the other team projects for this month. I can’t wait to see what skills the team is sharing for their projects.

Now, back to the creation of a thrift or dollar store DIY spring wreath!

Supplies

• Large embroidery hoop or similar shaped wreath base
• silk flowers and greenery
• glue gun, paddle wire or florist tape (either will work)
• ribbon (optional)

I like the natural wood on this hoop so I decided to leave it as in instead of applying paint. You could paint it, wrap it with fab or ribbon, embellish it with jute or other items. I am going with simpler is better for this wreath. So natural finish it is!

I stopped by the Dollar Tree and grabbed some colorful spring floral stems. I couldn’t resist the faux ferns either.

The next step is very, very important. Be sure to have your assistant inspect the flowers and suggest a design. Maybe you are lucky, like me, and your assistant has a good eye for design.

I laid the hoop on a flat surface and simply placed the greens and florals around the hoop until I had a design that I like. You can make the wreath as full or as simple as you like. I was going for a thin wreath with heavy floral design on one side of the wreath.

Start with a base of greens.

Then add your individual stems one by one.

Continue adding more colors and flowers.

Once you are happy with the design, start to secure your florals to the wreath. You can use hot glue, floral tape, or paddle wire.

I am going to use my wreath on my front door which gets full on southern sun ALL DAY LONG. Because of direct exposure to and the high heat of the sunlight. I opted not to use the hot glue.

Wrap the wire around and through the stems to secure them to the hoop. Just keep wrapping the wire over the stems and under the hoop until the flowers are securely fastened to the hoop. You can also wire your florals and greens together into one large unit and then wire the entire floral unit onto the hoop. Both methods work. Just use whatever method you are more comfortable with.

The wire is green so it blends with the greenery.

Most of my flowers are on wire stems. I can bend and shape them in whatever direction I desired. So I didn’t have to be overly careful on how I wrapped the wire around the stems and hoop. If the flower wasn’t in the optimal spot, I twisted the stem to make the flower more or less visible.

Final Step…Or Not

The last step was to add a bow. I decided on a whimsical and arty look. This ribbon is from Old Time Pottery. At $2.99 to $4.99 per roll, it was quite affordable.

There are many ways that you can make a bow. Or you can simply buy one! I made my own bow.

But, it was little too busy for this wreath.

I just couldn’t get the look I was going for. I even tried the bow on the other side of the wreath.

Remember what I said earlier about “simpler is better”? Whew! I had really added too much to this wreath. So I stripped it down.

I put the bow aside and removed the white flowers.

Much better. Don’t be afraid to start over! I can’t tell you how many times I have walked away from a project in order to return with a clearer vision. Take a break. Clear your mind. Or simply take a break.

I’m really happy with these vibrant colors. I still think they would look great with the black and white whimsical ribbon. I’ll have to think on a project to showcase those combinations. Do you like to combine colors that don’t traditionally mesh

And here she is on the front door.

Will you be using bold colors this season?

Thrift Store Decor Team Projects

And here are this month’s Thrift Store Decor Team Projects. Let me know if you try any of these! We love to hear what you are working on!

Domestically Speaking

My Repurposed Life

Petticoat Junktion

Sadie Seasongoods

Organized Clutter

Reinvented Delaware

Shop at Blu (that’s me…you are here)!

The post Thrift or Dollar Store DIY Spring Wreath appeared first on Shop at Blu.

What’s in YOUR Recycle Bin – potential craft items?

My recycle bin is filled with all of the normal items like cans, plastic containers, cardboard, plastic bottles. I am using containers in various sizes and shapes and of different composition. Some are plastic, some are metal and I’m also using glass. So you don’t need to buy anything for this recycle bin craft project. Just grab your trash!

With spring on the cusp of bursting forth, we’ve been in the garden getting things ready for the planting season. It won’t be long before the flowers are in full bloom. I plan to expand my cutting garden this year. So I will need some additional vase like containers to hold my cut flowers.

I’m not being all that creative in selecting some of these items for the expected reuse as vases. But it is absolutely a re-purpose that literally everyone can execute. The process is super simple, inexpensive, and perfectly striking. Have some fun and use some odd shaped containers as well. Let’s make some vases -a recycle bin craft – from your recycle bin items!

Prep Your Containers

Of course, you will clean your containers. The large protein powder containers had labels that peel off very easily. The large cans didn’t have labels as their labels were painted labels. The jars and cans had paper labels that were sealed with glue. For those vessels with labels that didn’t peel off easily, I soaked the entire unit in warm soapy water.

I would suggest Dawn dishwashing liquid. This is my go to not only for dishes, but for my paint brushes!

After some time, the paper labels pretty much wiped off of the glass and metal. Even the residual glue wipes off easily after a warm soapy bath. Allow the containers to dry completely. You have just completed the hardest part of this project. The rest is simply painting your containers!

Note: I didn’t include any photos because, let’s face it…we all know how to use warm soapy water.

Tips for Choosing Paint

• I find that the best paints for this type of project is chalk paint or mineral paint. These paints don’t need a primer and cling naturally to almost all surfaces.
• You can definitely use latex or craft paint if that is what you have on hand. But, if you are using a latex or craft paint, I would use a primer for glass, metal and plastic surfaces.
• A quick wipe down with TSP will help prep your surface for better paint adhesion.

Remember, You don’t have to buy paint that costs $45 per quart. Home Depot even has spray chalky paint. I haven’t tried it yet, but a few friends have given it good review. You can find very reasonably priced chalk paint at Walmart in the craft section. Look for the Waverly brand.

My personal choice of paint is Black Dog Salvage Furniture paint which is a paint line specifically designed for salvaged and antique/vintage materials like architectural surfaces. An added bonus is the vibrant color choices of this fabulous paint line. Coverage is incredible and you can pretty much create any color you desire from their 13 pre mixed signature colors. You can check out their fabulous colors and are welcome to a 20% discount on their products by using my affiliate link HERE.

Now, JUST GO!

Decide on your colors and start painting. I had a few of the BDSFP signature colors on hand from recent projects so I used them to created more variations! I used a rainbow of colors that I created from combinations of Go Green, Keep It Teal, I Need A Bandage, and Clean Canvas, I created Watermelon, Jadite, Emerald City, The Grass is Always Greener, Retro Blue, and my own pale pink.

I just couldn’t stop mixing colors. Before I knew it, I had more that enough colors for my vases. I had to open some more cans. Then I grabbed some tulips and had more fun. It ended something like this…

Remember to seal you last coat with a protective coat. I love BDSFP’s Show Dog topcoat and their Crab Coat (made especially for outdoor use). The come in various finishes as well. I did not seal my vases because I do like the matte finish for this product and I did not have any matte sealer on hand. So I will be very carful with these until I can get some.

What an easy way to really add some dimension and custom color to your decor.

Remember, decor does not have to be expensive. Use what you have. Do what you can. Add some creativity! The sky is the limit!

Here is another project using tin cans to make a wall pocket planter.

And, as promised, here are the posts from my creative friends on the Thrift Store Decor Team! I promise, as usual, you will be blown away!

My Repurposed Life DIY Upcycle Ideas from Your Recycle Bin

My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia DIY Wine Bottle Tiki Torch

Sadie Seasongoods Upcycling a Coffee Canister with Cork Fabric

Organized Clutter Recycling Bin Propagation Station

Shop At Blu Recycle Bin Craft for Earth Day

Petticoat Junktion How To Upcycle Aluminum Cans Into Vases

Here are a few more projects using salvaged items:

The post Recycle Bin Craft for a Happy Earth Day appeared first on Shop at Blu.