Always on the search for cool ideas

I'm a Gemini. This explains why I very rarely settle for something 'ordinary'. I will come up with an idea for our house or garden and it ends up being either very rare or very epensive or both.

Since I've been at home for the past two months, my creative juices have started to bubble over. I'm grabbing at ideas that I see everywhere and just looking for something different.

Enjoy my blog. I hope I figure out how to get it looking nice as I am clueless with technology, but give me a few months and enjoy the cool ideas and stuff that I have found!

Claire x

Wednesday, 8 October 2014

Natural weed killer from your pantry

With Spring officially upon us here in South Africa, so too are the weeds! I've got them everywhere in the paving and I like my bugs so I'm using a natural weed killer made with ingredients that we all have in our pantry cupboards.

Good news is it works fast and is better for the bugs and the eco-systems in your garden.....and it works out to about half the price than those horrible toxic weed killers in the shops.

You'll need:
A spray bottle (mine is about 500ml)
Vinegar ( I use white spirit vinegar)
Salt (the fine table salt is good)
A dash of dishwashing liquid





Put a cup of salt into the spray bottle. Fill the bottle up with the vinegar and add a squirt of dishwashing liquid (this helps it to stick to the paving).
Give it a swirl and spray onto those pesky weeds when the sun is shining. It works better and faster when the sun is out as it zaps them like a blow torch.

The vinegar kills the weeds and the salt prevents them from regrowing.

Happy gardening.....I'm off to kill weeds now with my evil laugh as I do so!

Claire x

Thursday, 25 September 2014

Magazine crafts

Everyone keeps telling me that magazines are phasing out due to e-mags, websites and well, blogs! I say poo to that idea. Some of us still like to feel the pages between our fingers while absorbing all the delicious pictures. Once I'm done drooling over beautiful images, here's a few ideas that have inspired me to use them up:

Enjoy
Claire X

1. Coiled magazine coasters. 
I would use felt on the bottom and apply a clear coat to protect on top.  



2. Typo art. Cut out words and phrases from mags and turn them into instant artworks. 



3. Rolled or coiled magazine pages into a collage. Let your imagination flow.



4. Rolled or coiled magazine pages into mirror frame.



5. Rolled magazine coils joined to make basket.
6. Upcycled bangles covered in colourful magazine pieces. Don't forget to seal afterwards.



7. Rolled magazine waste paper basket.




8. Coiled magazine coasters. I'm busy with my first one so far.



9. How to make a paper basket. Have a look at the pinterest link below for bigger images.
10. Magazine bowls. This is my next "to-do" project once I'm finished with the coasters. 



11. Altered magazine paper using orange de-greaser. I'll have to look for it here as I'm not sure we get the specific degreaser in SA. 


12. Collages - I love the colours and I'm sure you could use old magazine images to create your own, unique effect.

Wednesday, 17 September 2014

Old wood repurposed

I hate the idea of cutting down trees for anything really.....so I looked at making some cool things using old, reclaimed wood and tree branches...here's what I found:

Enjoy the inspiration

Claire X

 1. Colourful painted tree stumps - maybe for wall art? - www.trendhunter.com




2. Reclaimed wood panels into artwork...$625 - what?????? www.etsy.com



 3. Tree branch coat hooks - could also work for kitchen - www.funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com



4. Driftwood tables or stools -www.bleunature.com



5. Reclaimed bar stools or site tables - www.sirenelisewilhelmsen.com



6. Branch and twig slivers on a coat hook, great way to use up all the bits after pruning - www.recreatedesigncompany.com



7. Timber slice flower vase. So elegant and delicate - www.19bis.com




8. Attach reclaimed wood to outside of old drum - instantly cool planter - www.instructables.com



 9. Painted twig heart joined with wire. I'm thinking great gifts for granny or teacher - www.ellensdailyheart.blogspot.ca



10. Letters and numbers from reclaimed timber glued onto back frame and then cut out - I'm thinking of possibly using this technique for my house number - www.etsy.com



11. Beautiful flooring from reclaimed wooden pallets - how amazing! www.pinterest.com

Monday, 15 September 2014

Moss Graffiti art

So I'm going to try the recipe for moss graffiti for my house number.
I'll paint it straight onto the wall and see what happens........will post pics and method in about 2 weeks time if I see it works.

I'm using this recipe:
Handful of moss
2 x cups of buttermilk or plain yoghurt
2 cups of water or beer
half a teaspoon of sugar or corn syrup........

wish me luck

Claire X


 

Wednesday, 10 September 2014

What to do with those old denims?

As I'm posting these awesome ideas, I'm realising that I have to learn to sew! Would make such great presents.....Christmas is coming!

 1. Denim Door stop - www.sylabubble.co.uk


 2. Denim potholder - www.whatsinstorekitmat.com


3. Denim artwork - www.craftgawker.com


 4. Denim patchwork dog bed - www.freepeople.com
 5. Denim plait basket - www.zulily.com



6. Denim fish - www.flickr.com


 



7. Denim covered storage boxes - www.cutoutandkeep.net



 8. Denim coasters - www.etsy.com



 9. Denim basket - www.kidspacestuff.com



 10. Denim Slippers - www.thebamboodesign.com



11. Oven mit - www.etsy.com




 12. Denim pot holder - www.aarnilintu.blogspot.com



13. Woven Denim bag - www.themagazinea.com