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:)

Monday, September 21, 2009

Cheap and Easy



The ladies above have graciously hosted two wondeful events for us. These events help us save some money, use our creative sides and get things done. Click the logos above to visit and see who else is using these events and showing what they are doing....
This is what I did...
Have you ever bought a package of potpouri because you loved the look and when you opened it...could not handle the smell? Or...have you got some potpouri that you loved...but it has lost it's smell but still has such pretty shape that you don't want to get rid of it? Have you ever seen those wonderful textured wreaths and candle holders that are just so pricy that you can't justify pruchasing them but would love to have one? Worry no more....Tootsie has an idea!
I bought this potpouri at Wal Mart for $1 per bag. I loved the textures and shapes and colors...I won't say that the scent is fantastic...but you get what you pay for right? lol
I had been coveting a hard wreath type piece at a local shop and just could not justify $30 a piece for the small candle holder size...so I was keeping them in mind (so to speak) when an idea hit me like a box of flower seed....why not make my own?
I used two bags of the questionable scented potpourri, some white glue/podgy...mod podge whatever you have on hand...a drain tray from a plant, and a plastic bowl to make a center hole...
I did spray a little non stick cooking spray on the "mould" to make removal easier...and mixed just enough of the glue to make the potpourri sticky all over...but not running off.
Poured it into the make shift mold and let it dry until hard and clear.
This is my finished product!
I used a votive in this one...it is smaller...and the votive is a little worse for wear, but you get the idea...lol
They are not perfect...but how many hand made items can you find that are? (or even factory made for that matter...)
I made them in two sizes....in total I used one bag for each small one, and two bags for the larger one. I think I am liking these...You could use them as centerpieces...make smaller ones as napkin rings, votive decorations for candles...hang them on the wall....oh you could make different shapes and sizes...you just need to use your imagination!
Yes Justine...this candle is still in it's plastic wrapping since last winter...lol (I know I know)
I quite like them...they were easy to make, and the possibilities are endless as to what you can use, make or shape them into...and best of all....they are CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP! and made by me!
Would you know I made them if I didn't tell? Will you make some? What do you think?
Stop and leave me a comment before you head over to see what the others are sharing this week! I love it when you weigh in!

37 comments:

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

Well...I think you are smart as all get out! Especially when they cost THAT much each! It doesn't matter if they smell good or not...just spray some pumpkin room spray around...and there ya go! :)
They look very Fallish...and no one, certainly not me, would ever guess you made them yourself! And..so what if they did! They would just want you to do some for them! :)
The name of the deep red glass pieces is Mosser. I spelled it Mosher..a type O. Sorry!:) It comes in a lovely Valeline yellow too...and the green is gorgeous..but..of course Red is the chosen color. :)
Hugs...
I love it when we find a way of doing things for ourselves and...it saves so much money!
For the Mosser...I have no clue how to get around that one! :)
Mona

Anonymous said...

Tomorrow is my day in town, I am heading to the Bargain Mart, they have potpourri for 4 for $1.00. How about that . I love that idea and had not tried to make anything I have seen yet. I think Ima is making your pumpkins. I went seeding yesterday and have envelopes full of seeds. I love it. Found another piece of myself in the garden yesterday, thanks to you.
QMM

Its So Very Cheri said...

Be sure to come by tonight around 9pm (Eastern time) for the announcement so you don't miss out. I promise-it good-really really good.
Cheri
Its So Very Cheri

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

What a clever idea, Tootsie! I am now thinkng about that bag of unused Christmas potpourri I just put in the box to go to Goodwill...better get it out! Thanks for the great idea! Happy week!...Debbie

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

I love them. How clever to think to just make a mold and then glue them together. I think they look very professional, and what great centerpieces. The price sounds good to me too. Trying hard to be a little more thrifty. Hugs, Marty

Karen at Nittany Inspirations said...

That is a great idea. I thought you were going to glue it to a base, but it's just holding together on it's own. I never would have thought of that.

Thoughtfully Blended Hearts said...

What a great idea....you could paint them, you could use them on the wall as a frame,etc....gotta stop my brain from spinning...

Sonia said...

Hey Miss Tootsie,

No I couldn't tell they were homemade..they look professional to me...actually looks like a granola mix and I got hungry for some nuts and oats just looking at your pictures! LOL Very pretty and fall- like! Great job! Miss Bloomers

Pat@Back Porch Musings said...

Great idea Tootsie! Thanks so much for the inspiration!

Dawn Marie said...

unreal that you thought of that...I surely wouldnt. Yes I like it,and Yes I would do it. What I have done in the past with potpourri that stopped smelling was just stick it in a container in my bathroom for awhile. Now that I make my own body products and have alot of essential oils on hand, I can also "re-scent" the potpourri.

Catherine@AGardenerinProgress said...

I love how they look. I would never have been able to come up with an idea like that, that's why I like reading your blog so much. You are full of great ideas.

onlymehere said...

Tootsie, I do love them and just may have to make some!

Scooterblu's Whimsy~Rhonda said...

Hi Tootsie! Great idea! Pretty and cheap...my kind of project! ~hugs, Rhonda :)

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

This is too cool for school Toots...WOW arenn't you the very clever daughter...I wished I could think of these things...I just home from Folsom street faire...100 today I'm exhausted my friend...But didn't to tell you how great this is...Love ya girl...Hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

Barbara Jean said...

Great idea Tootsie.
blessings
barbara jean

Susie's country cottage said...

That's a really good idea and they look so autumnal and perfect for this time of year! This is what I love about blogging...you get so many inspiring ideas from fellow bloggers. I'm off to find some cheap potpourri now!

marilyn said...

Very Creative. Thanks for sharing.

santamaker said...

Fantastic idea, Tootsie! Those candle rings look great and I bet it was a lot of fun to do as well. The most "creative" thing I've ever done with potpourri is sprinkle it on top of the soil on my house plants, so it would hide the dirt!

Anonymous said...

Oh! I forgot to look at the project, I am in AWE of your garden. How did you do that? Are you a master gardener or just someone who tried and learned? Or what? I am seriously almost in tears. It's like a dream flower garden! SO BEAUTIFUL!

http://theshadesofpink.blogspot.com/2009/09/room-month-is-back.html

CiNdEe's GaRdEn said...

How awesome is that!!!! These would make wonderful Christmas gifts too!

The JR said...

They turned out great. Pretty and smell good too!

Ramona

{Bellamere Cottage} said...

So, let me get this right here....you have THE MOST beautiful flower gardens I've EVER seen and you can whip up inside stuff too? WOW...WOW...Wow. You go Tootsie girl.

Hugs,
Spencer

"Blossom" said...

HOW DO YOU COME UP WITH ALL THESE WONDERFUL IDEAS! This idea is so easy and cute........I have to tell one of my neighbors who makes candles this would be an awesome idea for her. Thanks for sharring toots. Have a wonderful week.

Inspired Comblogulations said...

Now that is using your noodle!
I love it.
Lee

Anonymous said...

Well look at Ms. Clever! I love this! Who would have thought to do this. Yours looks so much better than the ones I've seen in stores. Yours is so nice and full! You're the smartest one, Tootsie Wootsie!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Darla said...

Here you go again!! Ms. Crafty of the Year!! Love it and I can just picture the colored ones too!! Yes, I will be one of the many bloggers to copy you on this one!!

Carol............. said...

Love this idea!!! You clever gal, you!

Thanks for your comment on my page re: hubby on the ranch!

Erin said...

Okay, my friend, we're having a tough Monday at the Nagle household, but I think you are so awesome that you were the entire focus of my post today! Hugs!

http://nagle5.blogspot.com/2009/09/make-it-yourself-monday-tootsie-time.html

Betty said...

What a neat idea and yes I have potpourri that fits the bill. Hmmm, yes I may just try this.

Judi said...

Hi Tootsie
Thats a new idea...I've never seen one like that. It looks like you had fun and a great way to use up the potpourri you didn't care for. Thank you for sharing.

Hope you are doing well and the kids are enjoying school and the weather is nice. We're having rain today and will for the next 3 days after 21 whole days with none...woo hoot!

have a great evening
Judi

Judi said...

Hi Tootsie
Me again. Where is your lilsista? Is she not blogging any longer? I haven't seen her for a looong time and I went back to an old comment of hers and it didn't take me to her blog. What is her blog address?
have a nice evening..
Judi

Its So Very Cheri said...

That looks soooo good. You did it again, with another great idea.

Thank you so much for participating, it has been nice getting to know you.

Cheri

Its So Very Cheri said...

Don't stop your FABULOUSNESS because you got featured AGAIN.

Cheri

Bonnie said...

I love this idea. I can't wait to use it.

Jeanne said...

This is a wonderful idea! But thewn I don't think I've ever seen you posat anything here that I haven't loved! I even think I have all the atuff to make them stored in my basement.

Hopefully one day soon (now that I have a computer again) I will get up the gumption to return to my blog and I can show pics of things that I have done to emulate you and your wonderful projects.

Four Paws and Co said...

You are just unbelievably clever! They're gorgeous! I dump my old potpouri in the flower beds! ☺

Embellished Bayou said...

What a unique and interesting project, I love it! This is great for fall and Christmas, you could even get fancy and spray paint some gold or silver. So glad you became a follower so I could see all your wonderful posts (your garden is beautiful by the way)! Have a great weekend!