Q: I want to make all my ugly plastic planting pots look like concrete pots. How can I do this?A: There's an easy way and a not-so-easy way to accomplish this look. Let's go with the easy way. There are several products on the market that can be sprayed on to create that concrete look. One I like in particular is a spray paint from Krylon. Simply clean and dry the pot, then spray the surface. You will have a concrete look in no time. If you want to be a little crafty and add some dimension, spread on a plaster compound and cover it with sand. Let that dry, and then paint the entire pot.
Q: How can I dress up my patio party set inexpensively?
A: With the use of scrapbook papers and stickers! You may not have thought about using these items in this way, but it works perfectly.
1. Take out the plastic liner and decorative plastic insert from the ice bucket. You're going to use this as your template for the replacement. Tape two pieces of white cardstock together and trace the decorative plastic insert onto the white cardstock. Then cut out the pattern.
2. Use a translucent paper called vellum to cover the cardstock, and trim away the excess. Make sure you place the vellum correctly so there is no overlap or gap. You want a smooth finish.
3. Cut border strips from scrapbook paper to stick to the top and bottom of the vellum-covered cardstock. Cut out five small rectangles from coordinating papers and evenly space them on the cardstock, then glue them in place. Add stickers to the centers of the rectangles.
4. For coordinating napkin rings, simply loop a strip of scrapbook paper and glue the edges together. Apply a sticker to the paper. Now you have an inexpensive, updated set.
Q: I have pruned branches from an apple tree that I want to keep. How do I make a sculpture planter?
A: Sculptures made from preserved branches are a fun and easy way to enhance any corner in your home.
1. Start with a terra-cotta pot. Spray-paint it any color you like, or leave it natural.
2. Line the pot with aluminum foil.
3. Fill the pot halfway with plaster of Paris and let it set up according to package directions.
4. Arrange the apple branches in the plaster and line the top with floral foam for stability. Cover with moss to create a finished look.
