When I was a little girl my mom shared a story about a friend who had fresh flowers delivered to her home on a regular basis. She was rather well off and her home was her haven, so she would drop several containers off at the florist each week and they would return them to her brimming with color.
I always thought that was the coolest thing.
Now that I'm a big girl and I own my own home, I have flowers in every room, every week, too. And I'm no millionaire.
There are plenty of cheap and easy ways to decorate with flowers and real or not, they all add something very special to the spaces they're added.
Let's start with some faux flower ideas, shall we? Now, I know I've stated that I'm not a huge fan of fake, but let's face it, they do have their place. Until there's a cut flower that will last for over a month or a they make a cupcake wreath that will keep, they are the best option for crafts.
I usually hit the dollar store first, because...well, the flowers are a dollar...and for that dollar you get a pretty substantial stem of blooms and they always have a wide selection that changes with the seasons. If I need something very specific, I go to the hobby store with that 40% off coupon in hand.
Then I grab my glue gun and get crafty.
This is one of my favorites. I used my kids' old rain boot and stuffed it with some tulips. It was a fabulous way to welcome spring and I was able to display a keepsake that reminded me of the "little" days. Whimsical and sentimental. I've also put cut flowers in boots. Go check it out.
These rings started out as a triple wreath for Valentine's Day, but on a whim I dressed the candles with them and I fell in love with the look. Cupid's magic I suppose. It's a super simple DIY and much less expensive than buying them pre-made rings...IF you can find them at all.
It was a very long winter and a very rainy spring. When it was clear that Mother Nature was not going to provide the sunshine, I made my own. Tracking these flowers down was the most difficult part of the project...what a run around. Yikes.
With a few of the leftover flowers, I made another sunny sign, a welcome sign from an old fan blade. The flowers give the simple sentiment a little punch of color! Hello!! They also distract the eye from my crafting goof. Shhh...
Of course, when I am looking for real burst of color, nothing beats a cut bunch of flowers. They bring life into a room, brighten the space and add a little romance and decadence into an otherwise ordinary area.
What kind of flowers? How should you display them? Well, that's up to you, but here are a few ideas for inspiration.
Tulips are my all time favorite flower. They define casual elegance, sweet, simple and if you pick them up at the grocery store, you can get a few bunches for under $10. Check out my tips on how to make them last longer and what color is the heartiest in the vase.
Several years ago, I popped some roses into an old cookie jar and fell in love with the results. This trick works with any kind of cookie jar for any season or occasion....and with any flower you choose. Pick one up at the thrift store and the jar and bouquet will certainly come in under $10.
Glass vases are plentiful at second hand shops and they are always, always cheap. Of course, they're usually pretty boring, too...but you can change all that with a simple vinyl decal. Slap on a serious sentiment or a whimsical word and you have a unique decor piece for a bargain price. And perhaps a good laugh, too.
Cut flowers are a safe choice for me, because I can't kill them. However, every now and then I do get the urge to plant something. It's usually because I have come across some darling item that is just screaming for some dirt...like this frog scrubby pad holder or a darling tea cup. And you know they weren't ten dollars! Although I probably overpaid for this frog...
These recycled tea tins are another example of cuteness that lured me to the dark side. I just had to put some flowers inside them. Poor little pansies. Luckily everyone is still blooming. I think that may be a record. And a good reason to drink more of this delicious tea.
Of course no round up would be complete without one of my beloved banners. This one was hand painted with a technique I used to use with my kindergarteners. So easy...and you can customize the colors to match your decor. Best of all, it's under ten bucks and even I can't kill a painting!! 😉 Win, win!
My goodness, that was a whole lot of flowers, but since there's no such thing as too many blooms, I know you'll love a few more pretty posts from my friends. Best of all, they're all under ten dollars from my Ten On The Tenth gals.
It's when we share all sorts of fun ideas for under $10 on the 10th of each month. How fabulous!
Pandora's Box
You are quite clever!! The frog made me smile, that idea is very unique!! Also love the idea of the hello paddle from the fan blade!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Patti! Live plants are dicey prospect for me, but I think they have a better shot of making it in a cute container!
DeleteKim, these are all super ideas. The tulips in the boot and the pansy in the tin are my favorites. I do think you have a knack for using faux flowers that make them seem less "fake". Perhaps it's because you don't just throw them in a vase or basket and call it good. You take the time to be creative with them. I like that. Have a sunny, flowery Sunday, my friend. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Nancy!! Growing up I saw plenty of those fake flowers in a vase and they always made me sneeze. I think I am more offended by the dust than the look. I think they gather less when hung! I appreciate the sweet words and hope you have a flower filled da,y as well! Hugs!
DeleteI think my favorite is still the tea container! Flowers make everything better.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lisa! Considering those tea tins were free, they'r my favorite, too!!
DeleteWell there you go! You have the best ideas and a roundup is the perfect for Ten on the 10th. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Stacey! I didn't realize how many flower projects I had. I actually cut out many. Maybe they'll be a round two! 😉
DeleteAll pretty ideas Kim. I just bought a cute new pair of kid size garden boots that I am going to stuff full of flowers. Have a great Sunday.
ReplyDeletexoox
Kris
Thanks Kris...and the boots sound just darling. I know they'll look fabulous in your pretty garden. xo
DeleteGreat ideas. Dollar Tree has some great faux flowers sometimes. Faux are a great way to go but I like fresh the best too.
ReplyDeleteFresh is best, Katie, I totally agree. They just make me smile...
DeleteYou are so creative! Not sure which one I love more or want to start first! It's a toss up between the adorable rain boots and the fan blade. So stinkin cute! Thanks for sharing you fun ideas.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Cindy! I really enjoy crafting and I'm glad I can inspire others to do the same. ☺️
DeleteKim, real or not, your flower arrangements are always stunning. I stuffed a faux yellow daisy plant into Jake's "little" black boots but didn't take much care with it. Will have to do over to give those little boots the status they deserve! For a fresh flower that really lasts I go to Alstromeria. Comes in array of colors and looks really pretty with greens from the garden. They do outlast most fresh flowers..Happy bright colors to you, sweet friend..xxoJudy
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the sweet words, Judy! ❤️I will have to check that flower out. I am all for long lasting...off to Google it now! I love a good tip. Thanks! xoxo
DeleteYou are so right, there is nothing like beautiful flowers in your home! Such beautiful ideas as always.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Tammy!! You are super sweet.
DeleteI remember many of these Kim & I'm like you...my fave will always be the one with the rain boots. I don't think I've seen the red ones on the glass candle holder yet, but like that one too. Good job with your round up.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Florence. Yes, those boots have a piece of my heart for sure. I love the fact that even though I don't have little feet to put inside anymore, I can stuff them with flowers. A pretty decent consolation prize. ☺️
DeleteKim, thanks *so* much for the cookie jar idea! I have an antique white cookie jar of a rocking horse. Most of the painted details have worn off it, but it would come to life with a couple of colorful store-bought bunches of wildflowers in it. The top is the horse's head, reins, and back and I'd just lay it on the diningroom table in front of the jar. This will be a splurge for me, but entirely worth it. Thank you for making my day!
ReplyDeleteCindy, you just totally made MY day!! 😍 This is exactly why I share...in the hopes that others may find some inspiration to use in their own homes. Your idea sounds fabulous and I just know it will be beautiful. I would definitely check the grocery store for cheap bouquets or better yet, with everything in bloom, you may have something appropriate in your garden or in a generous neighbor's. Thanks so much for taking the time to comment and I hope you have a wonderful afternoon!
DeleteThese are such great projects, Kim!
ReplyDeleteFlowers in the house are a must, faux or real!
Thanks so much, Deanna! And I totally agree!
DeleteOh this was such fun! The frog just makes me smile and I can never get enough of the Tea Tins!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Jemma! I'm pretty smitten with that frog, too. I originally thought I paid to much for him, but I think I've certainly gotten my smile's worth!
DeleteAll these ideas are perfect for me who can look at flowers but cannot touch them for fear they will wilt. I am all for flower crafts if it keeps my home pretty and full of color.
ReplyDeleteMary, I am right there with you, I am no friend to the flowers. I try hard, I really do, but somehow it's always a giant fail..
DeleteSo many pretty ideas for flowers! Love them all.
ReplyDeleteThanks Eilis! ☺️
DeleteFlowers are always a nice addition to decor, whether they are real or faux. Pretty little projects Kim.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Linda! I just love the color they bring in...
DeleteThese are some adorable ideas, Kim! I do a mix of real and faux flowers (and plants) around our home, depending on the season. About the only "real" things growing here right now are Vincas and potato plants, but both are much better suited to the great outdoors. We are soon to get a Trader Joe's close to us, and it's my favorite place to buy fresh cut flowers....they always have great prices. So, fresh or faux, flowers add so much to a home.
ReplyDeleteI just think flowers add so much to a home, Carol, both inside and out. In the winter months I need them to for cheer and color, in the summer months, the house looks naked without them. Since I am a terrible plant mother, cut and faux work well for me. And I've never bought flowers at Trader Joe's but I've heard their selection and prices are fabulous. Enjoy!
DeleteYou know how I feel about flowers. ;-)
ReplyDeletexx oo
Carla
Right there with you, Carla!! 💕
DeleteAll great idea, Kim! Fresh or faux, I love to have something floral in every room!
ReplyDeleteFlowers are fabulous, Cecilia!! No room is complete without them.
DeleteFaux or fresh, I don't care, flowers just make everything look better. Love the tulips inthe little rain boots and that frog is still the cutest thing ever.
ReplyDeleteI still love that frog, too, Michelle!! He's a cutie.
DeleteLoving the flowers . . .
ReplyDeleteI will never ever stop loving flowers in my midst . . .
I prefer real . . .
Especially walking through the yard, scissors in hand!
I like a bouquet of fresh greens too . . .
Off I go!
Sounds dreamy, Lynne! I adore doing the same thing. Nothing better than a bouquet grown at home. Makes me feel like a real farm girl.
DeleteGreat ideas! Love the froggy....they fly out of my shop whenever I find them! Now there is a new way to use them!
ReplyDeleteThey are so cute, it's easy to see why you can't keep them around. Rrrbit!!
DeleteSuch fun ideas. I have a lot of plants around the house but I like having fresh flowers as well. I should get myself a frog as I don't see myself using my tea tins, I like them too much :-)
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
The frog is my favorite, Amalia! I highly recommend getting one...and I know you would have a super story to tell about him, too!
DeleteI just love flowers!
ReplyDeleteSuper ideas here, thank you.
All the best Jan
Thank you so much, Jan!! You are so sweet...
DeleteI like that frog....super cute and amusing. I use fake flowers a lot and just change them up with the season.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Ronda! That from makes me smile every time I peek his way.
Delete