Friday, June 11, 2010

Gettin' Crafty Outdoors

We've been enjoying some blissful weather here in South Jersey during the past week with temperatures being in the 70's and not a cloud in the sky.



When the weather is this nice so early in the season, I tend to spend as much time as I can outside.  I just love looking at the flowers as they continue to grow more vibrant with each day.   And I've been trying to create a welcoming environment on our rather large patio, adding lots of planters and some new pieces of furniture too.

One addition was this old plant stand I recently purchased at a yard sale for $1.


Not much to look at, I know.

But with a little bit of this......


It now looks like this.


A little better, huh?

While I was at A.C. Moore getting the spray paint, I picked up this.


A terra cotta planter to go on my new red stand.  I spotted the marker next to the planters.


So I did this.


Cool, huh?

Put it all together, and you get this.


Course now all I need is a plant to go in there and we can really celebrate!

I love how the colors match the fabrics in the chair.


Btw, that's the chair I trashpicked a few weeks ago.....hehe.  The pillows and chairpad I purchased at Walmart.

Here's another look at the patio.


This is just a small portion of it.  On the other side are more planters and our table and chairs for eating.

I just got this chiminea from Craig's List yesterday for $50  I think it's a nice addition to my outdoor "room".


The planters on the other side.


We get full sun during the day, so petunias work best.


These are mini-petunias and this is the first year I planted them.


They tend to droop over the sides.


Not sure what this guy is.  I got it as a shower favor and just stuck it in the planter with the minis.


A mix of purple petunias.


Lemonade anyone?

Back to the opposite side of the yard along the fence.


Hubby added the large stained glass window as an accent piece after I couldn't sell it on CL.  It's not real stained glass, it's some sort of plastic material.






daylillies getting bigger




wreath from a yard sale last weekend.


My impatiens growing ever so patiently out front.  These will get huge by the end of the summer.


Also out front.


Mr. Dragonfly wanted to get his picture taken too.


Such a ham!


Little birdhouse from Michaels.


I'm linking up to Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch and the Sunday Showcase Party at Under The Table And Dreaming.

25 comments:

Rory from Tools Are For Women Too! said...

Just found your blog today and am your newest follower! I'd love for you to share your pot and plant stand project on Modern Craftswoman Monday! Rory

Carrie @ Cottage Cozy said...

Oh my goodness...everything looks so gorgoeus. I mean it...just beautiful. We have relatives in Passaic, Cranford and North Caldwell NJ! I want some of those pens too...how cool and fun!

btw...How much is the lemonade?

Traci@ Beneath My Heart said...

Your patio looks gorgeous!!!
The flowers are so beautiful. I was at Walmart last night looking at those same chair cushions and wondering if they would look good with my patio furniture. I love that flower pattern!
Wish I could stop by and sip lemonade with you on your patio!
:0)
Blessings!

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Loving your patio and gardens. You have given me some new ideas. I am trying to add to mine and I like your planters.

Isaac Rubinstein said...

Wow!!! I also live in NJ, but our flowers are nowhere as nice as yours :-) You're a pro.
If you ever feel like sharing it with others, you can list your art for sale online on www.privategaragesale.com
It's totally free – no markup, no commissions, no fees whatsoever.
You sell your work and keep all the money. You should do it.

Mary Ann said...

your project turned out great! and your garden is just blooming. hope you are having a great weekend! thanks for stopping by...verbena cottage

sanjeet said...

everything looks so gorgoeus.
PPC Advertising India

Allison Shops said...

I left you a comment on this last week for Outdoor Wednesday, but it's not showing up. Wonder why?
Anyway, great colors! Really brightens up the garden.
Dropping by from Met Monday, 18ft island kitchen.

Allison
Atticmag

Anonymous said...

I like that marker on the pot!

Patti @ Pandoras Box said...

Lovely flowers in your yard!

Cecily said...

What a great outdoor space! I love all the touches, especially the lemonade stand and the dragonfly. :)

DesignTies said...

Everything looks so lovely in your garden and yard! We've been working on landscaping our yard & gardens and it's hard work! We have a lot more to do, too!! Luv the new plant stand... great buy and it looks terrific in red! Fun terra cotta pot, too. :-)
Victoria @ DesignTies

Anonymous said...

Your gardens, yard and deck are just perfect! Love your transformations and spray paint is marvelous, isn't it? Great job and enjoy your nice weather. It's already so hot and humid here - I'm staying in with the AC on! :)
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Angela said...

The stained "plastic" looks perfect there. I wouldn't sell it, especially since it won't rot in the garden. Love all your whimsey. Very well done.

Decor To Adore said...

This is a truly wonderful transformation. So creative and clever!

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

I love your red planter with your happy pot on top. How creative you are. Your gardens are gorgeous. What a deal you found off Craig's list.. hugs ~lynne~

Marti said...

What a difference a little red paint makes! I also love, love, love your yard and flowers. Can't wait to see more.

SouthernGal said...

What a wonderful patio and yard you have. Love your pretty new red plant stand. It is another great detail among many great details in your outdoor retreat!

Christi @ A Southern Life
http://asouthernlife.com

Kimberly said...

Hi Kim, just back from ACMOORE. got a terracota pot and that marker!! Will post when I am done with it.

Gloria said...

What a lovely job you have done with all of your flowers, planters and furniture and other decorations outside! Everything looks gorgeous!
Best regards,
Gloria

Sherry said...

You have a lovely yard and I am sure you enjoy spending time outside. I love what your did with the planter. Spray paint is an amazing thing, I hadn't seen the terra cotta markers before, thanks for sharing.

Stephanie Lynn @Under the Table and Dreaming said...

Love the red plant stand - fabulous choice of color! I have never seen the terra cotta markers - how cool are they! Thanks for sharing - You planter looks great and your yard is simply beautiful. {your hostas are gorgeous!} Thanks so much for joining The Sunday Showcase. I greatly appreciate it! Hope you have a wonderul week! ~ Stephanie Lynn

Christie said...

These patio is so beautiful! I love to decorate and to be outside with my family...so many great ideas from your post! Thank you! I am new to blog, check out my garden shed! http://www.threepixielane.blogspot.com/

Tasha Anderson said...

Loved you great ideas! Makes me want to be out doors more. Thanks for sharing at my blog party:) I'm a new follower:)

Kaitlin Saenz said...

Love the transformation! I love what a simple paint job can do! Saw your blog over at my dear friend Tasha's blog Frugalicious! I'm a new follower!