Check out these cute ideas and find out how to keep the plants inside thriving!
So September.
It's a month with one foot in summer and the other in fall.
Makes it a little hard to decorate, doesn't it?
Oh sure, if you love autumn, then it's time to break out the pumpkins.
Here in my neck of the woods, that would feel a little premature.
You see, we get all four seasons around here and we get them in full force.
So in early September, the pool is still open, the beaches are still packed and the schools are still closed.
It's just not pumpkin time yet.
Unfortunately, it's not really popsicle season either.
The flowers have all lost a bit of their sparkle, you need a sweater at night and it would seem odd if I broke out the watermelons and flamingos ~ well, if I had any.
But you get the picture.
Instead, in September, my home decor dances somewhere in the middle.
I'm slowly transitioning away from summer and moving toward fall with a few season-less crafts, things that would be appropriate for any time of the year.
For example, today, I'm sharing planters that I made from thrift store finds.
Tea Cup Planter
First up, tea cup planters.
I have always had a love of tea cups, unfortunately, I don't have a lot of storage or display space in this tiny cottage, so if I buy them, I need to use them and a planter is a perfect way to do just that.
My stinky thrift store always has a great supply of tea cups, saucers and mugs.
They're usually less than a buck apiece and are available in a multitude of styles from rustic to elegant. Just grab any one that suits you and you're in business.
Since there are no holes in the bottom of a tea cup and I was not about to add any, I sprinkled a few small pebbles in the bottom for drainage before I added soil.
Next, I poked around my garden for something that would look good in the cup, with the design and colors and planted it inside.
They're usually less than a buck apiece and are available in a multitude of styles from rustic to elegant. Just grab any one that suits you and you're in business.
Since there are no holes in the bottom of a tea cup and I was not about to add any, I sprinkled a few small pebbles in the bottom for drainage before I added soil.
Next, I poked around my garden for something that would look good in the cup, with the design and colors and planted it inside.
It looks super in my kitchen and since it's from my garden, it's a hearty plant and I have half a chance of keeping it alive.
Fingers crossed.
Old candles, half burned, in pretty pots are also available in bulk at thrift stores and yard sales.
The brand new candle came home with me intact, but the one in the yellow bowl wasn't as new.
I simply placed the entire thing in the freezer for a bit, and once the wax froze it just popped right out.
Then I washed the container out and placed a plant inside, using the same technique I used with the tea cups.
A hot little idea and no flame needed.
Fingers crossed.
Old Candle Holder Planter
Old candles, half burned, in pretty pots are also available in bulk at thrift stores and yard sales.
The brand new candle came home with me intact, but the one in the yellow bowl wasn't as new.
I simply placed the entire thing in the freezer for a bit, and once the wax froze it just popped right out.
Then I washed the container out and placed a plant inside, using the same technique I used with the tea cups.
A hot little idea and no flame needed.
Scouring Pad Holder Planter
Next up, is my scouring pad holder planter.
Yup, you heard me right, I made a planter from a decorative scouring pad or sponge holder. Call it what you will.
Yup, you heard me right, I made a planter from a decorative scouring pad or sponge holder. Call it what you will.
I found this cute guy at the thrift store, too.
He was a total impulse purchase and frankly a little pricey, but since I have a thing for frogs, he came home with me.
Initially, I had visions of him living in my cottage style garden.
Mouth open, waiting for a few flies...or birds to pop by.
He was a total impulse purchase and frankly a little pricey, but since I have a thing for frogs, he came home with me.
Initially, I had visions of him living in my cottage style garden.
Mouth open, waiting for a few flies...or birds to pop by.
Turns out, he's going to reside inside. Too sweet to part with...
Not into frogs?
No problem, these little scrubby friends apparently come in all shapes and sizes.
I even saw an adorable cow for all you farm fans out there.
Of course, they are less expensive in the thrift store.
No problem, these little scrubby friends apparently come in all shapes and sizes.
I even saw an adorable cow for all you farm fans out there.
Of course, they are less expensive in the thrift store.
Now, the openings on these kinds of holders are actually very large and there's no lip to keep the dirt from spilling out.
So, I put a teeny, tiny clay pot in his big mouth to solve that. I had one on hand, but any small container will do.
So, I put a teeny, tiny clay pot in his big mouth to solve that. I had one on hand, but any small container will do.
Again, just add dirt and a plant of your choice.
I hit my garden and grabbed some more of that same creeping ground cover and a smidge of a flowering plant for some color.
I hit my garden and grabbed some more of that same creeping ground cover and a smidge of a flowering plant for some color.
Red. Of course.
And there you have it.
Inexpensive, easy and nondescript home decor.
For whatever season you've got your foot in.
Happy September!
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the frog planter is awesome..
ReplyDeletePlease visit: http://from-a-girls-mind.blogspot.com
Thanks so much, super easy to make!
DeleteThe little frog planter is making me smile and giggle this morning....he is darling! I'm not quite ready to bring out the pumpkins yet, either, although I wouldn't mind smelling some pumpkin spice!
ReplyDeleteI want to start putting some of my summer decor away, so I might go with apples or something.
Enjoy your Labor Day weekend!
xo,
RJ
I am with you, RJ, apples, yes, pumpkins, not quite yet. Frogs are apparently just fine! 😉
DeleteHappy September Kim . . .
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your little planter creations . . .
Mister Frog looks great with a bit of color and greens!
Thanks Lynne! He was too cute to pass up!
DeleteI love these ideas! The little frog turned out so cute! Did I tell you that when I was a little kid, I bought my mom a frog similar to yours at M.E. Moses which was a dime store. :)
ReplyDeleteHe was so cute just sitting there at the register, Stacey. He was begging to come home...and I miss dime stores, don't you. They had everything!
DeleteMy best friend in high school collected frogs. I always smile when I see them! Your frog planter is adorable, and I love the tea cup planter as I definitely love those!
ReplyDeleteI am a frog junkie, Deanna. Something about their faces are so sweet...maybe it's a Kermit thing, hooked from childhood. 😉
DeleteHi Kim, your tea-cup planter looks so sweet and I love the little frog. I think you made the right choice of having him outside, rather than in the kitchen..Happy Weekend..Judy
ReplyDeleteI need to get more tea cups now, Judy. I am just addicted!! Of course, I have no place to put them and the poor plants are probably doomed, but they are just too pretty to pass up.
DeleteLove this frog. Adorable have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteKris
Thanks Kris and he really is cute!
DeleteHappy Labor Day weekend, Kim. Very cute frog. He (she?) adds a touch of whimsy to your cottage. Love the teacup, too. I'm not ready to decorate for fall. Our temps have been in the 90's all week. Today it's supposed to get up to a 100 degrees, and then above 100 this next week. Don't know when it's going to cool off. No signs of autumn here at all. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Nancy! Yes, can't get into fall decor when it's 100 degrees outside. I hope it's begun to cool off in your neck of the woods, my friend. Hugs!
DeleteGreat ideas, Kim! Love the tea planter and, of course, the frog planter! They are beautiful, my friend!
ReplyDeleteThanks Mia!!
DeleteI am hoping September does it's usual warm thing for awhile. You don't know what to wear or how to decorate but it is nice when the summer holds on. Your planters are very cute. I had a frog soap dish like that a long time ago...where is that thing?! I used mine for brillo pads :-)
ReplyDeleteSummer is holding on here, so far, AnnMarie and I am not complaining. Thanks so much for the kind comment and I hope you find your frog. He would look great in your charming garden or on your porch!
DeleteI LOVE that frog! What a score! A huge smile like that is worth every penny (isn't that what we tell ourselves about braces???). Do you happen to know what kind of plant you put in the tea cup? I have some old tea cans that I was going to put succulents or cactus in, but I rather like the leaves spilling over. Thanks, Kim!
ReplyDeleteThat's so funny, Audra, I just went and found out as someone else asked too. I believe it is called Creeping Mazus, by a company called Jeepers Creepers. It was literally a buck at the nursery several years ago. Love it.
DeleteGreat ideas, I like the tea cup idea. I did this with some succulents and I plan to do some more the first turned out so cute.
ReplyDeleteSucculents...yes! Great idea!
DeleteI love the frog pot in which you have kept a flowering plant. It was a different idea...
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! He was just calling out for plant with that big mouth of his! 😉
DeleteLove the frog, I couldn't wait, I have started my Halloween Decorating!
ReplyDeleteI bet it looks fabulous, as always! ❤️
DeleteI love using unique containers for planters! What is the green leafy plant you are using in both containers? I really like it and it doesn't look familiar to me!
ReplyDeleteMelanie, I just investigated. I believe it is called Creeping Mazus, by a company called Jeepers Creepers. We bought it at the nursery years ago as ground cover near the pond and it took off. I think I paid a dollar for it and it was in a tiny pot. Great bargain for sure.
DeleteHi Kim, I love these cute ideas to decorate the house with the frog planter and the tea cup! I too do not have up any decorations yet for fall but soon. The weather is a little crazy with one day feeling like fall and the next day like summer.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this at C&C with J&J.
Enjoy the week.
Julie xo
Thanks for the party, Julie and the visit! I really enjoyed making these and it was a fun way to stall fall a little longer!
DeleteSo cute, Kim - I love the frog, he's adorable!!
ReplyDeleteThanks! And I can't argue Debbie, I am smitten.
DeleteGreat ideas! I'm always looking for a pretty tea cup to use as a planter. Nothing has struck me as just right, yet. Love your cute little frog.
ReplyDeleteThere were so many pretty tea cups at the thrift store, I could've come home with an armful. I just have no place to put them in this tiny house! Probably better for the plants that way!! 🤣
DeleteHow cute is Mr Frog!! He was made for your plants!!
ReplyDeleteHe was!! I totally agree, Sam!
DeleteI love that frog planter! He is super cute. I will have to get one. Love your inspiration!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! He just stole my heart.
DeleteOh that frog delights my heart. You are so clever and creative!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful week.
Thank you so much! He really is fun to look at.
DeleteOh my...that frog planter is adorable. Thanks for sharing this with us at the Waste Not Wednesday link Party. Looking forward to seeing you back this week.
ReplyDeleteThanks Denise and thanks for the party!
DeleteI love all your unique ideas Kim. That's so my style. I believe if a plant will fit inside then it's a planter and it always adds so much character to a garden when there are odd little planters. We even have an old bedpan planter nailed to a tree :D
ReplyDeleteThank you, Michelle! I totally agree, a little interest in the garden always makes me smile. Sounds like your bedpan would fit that bill!!
DeleteI have a thing for frogs (and turtles) too, but I've yet to plant one! This is adorable Kim!
ReplyDelete