Upcycle // Egg Carton Succulent

Like many before me, I love succulents. They are pretty, unique and, if you forget to water them… no big deal!

It's usually the silvery, flower-like echeveria imbricata (aka hens and chicks) that most people get     excited about… especially brides and bloggers. We have these guys and their cousin, agaves, planted throughout our backyard and they do really well in our mild, drought-like, Mediterranean climate.

HOWEVER, they like to be outdoors and once you bring them inside they turn into a spindly, sad looking mess. I've tried putting them in our sunny west-facing window with the rest of my succulents and they just don't do well. They won't die overnight, but eventually… It.Will.Happen.

Since I have an abundance of egg cartons and, with Earth Day coming up in April, I thought I'd try my hand at making a flower-like succulent out of a plain ol' egg carton. It's not easy copying Mother Nature, but I figure a handmade version is better than killing off another one of her offspring. ;)

Click "Read more" for the full post

Upcycle // Papier Mache Roses from an Egg Carton

I'm craving flowers. Which can only mean one thing… Spring is almost here. Next week, March 20th!! With the kids' schedules and my own responsibilities, I haven't had much down time lately. I'm definitely someone who needs some quiet time in order to function properly and it just hasn't been happening lately. So, after several weeks of feeling uninspired and burnt-out, when a little free time presented itself, I knew it was time to remedy the situation. For me, the remedy usually means "creative therapy" --  Forget all the other stuff for a bit and create something.

On Monday morning at 8:00 sharp, right as the kids were being carted off to school by my hubby, I pulled out some supplies and got to work. I didn't feel like waiting for the stores to open, so I dug into a bag of recyclables that I've been saving for a future project. Since Earth Day is next month, what better time to start an upcycle project.

At first,  I didn't have a clear plan, but I did know that I wanted a hands-on project that is easy to make, uses recyclable materials, and breathes a little Spring into our home. I think these egg carton roses hit all the marks.

Click "Read more" for the tutorial

bliss bloom blog // Favorite Projects

A compilation of some of my favorite projects...

Click "Read more" for the full post

[Upcycle] Moss Vases

I love repurposing recyclable materials-- they're sturdy, usually come in nice, simple shapes and more importantly... they're FREE!   I've repurposed a few bottles for past projects, but I think that these moss vases are my favorite yet.  They're simple and, with the natural elements and texture, make an interesting focal point.

Click "Read more" for the full post

Floral State of Mind...

[Make] Felt Flower Pin

This was a last-minute birthday flower for one of Smarty Pant's teachers.  I literally put it together in 15 minutes, so it's a winner in my book!

[Make] Flower Heart Wreaths

After the bright and shiny Christmas decor comes down and after all the holiday hoopla, I usually find myself yearning for simplicity-- simple shapes, soothing colors... anything calm.

I had wanted to hang small wreaths in our windows this Christmas, but never got around to it. Since I'm impatient and can't wait a whole year, I decided to adapt the idea for Valentine's Day.  However, since I'm not quite ready for my home to look like Cupid's lair... I decided to go with simple white flowers.

Click "Read more" for the tutorial