This is a simple project. One I’d been planning to do for some time, but just didn’t get around to it. Do you have those projects? I’m sure you do. You know, the ones that take no time to actually complete? The ones that you keep putting off? The ones that are so rewarding once you finally just go for it? This was one of those projects!

I picked up these plain white teacups at a local thrift store for under $1 a piece. I knew I wanted to embellish them with some doodles. Originally I’d purchased them to use as vessels for making candles. Since, I am not making candles anytime soon, I decided to use them for a couple small succulents who needed some cozy containers to live in. Perfect!

MATERIALS

Old teacups, bowls, mugs or any vessel in need of a facelift
Paint pens in various colors*
Small succulents
Potting soil
Small rocks or pebbles

*I used Craft Smart paint pens. These are acrylic, non-toxic and water resistant. Ideal for wood, plastic, metal and glass. Purchased at Michael’s.

INSTRUCTIONS

- Wash and dry your vessels.

- Follow directions for paint pen. I had to shake, shake, shake it. Test on a scrap of paper.

- Start doodling! I drew on the teacups without a plan. You can sketch out ideas if you’d like or use a stencil if you aren’t feeling up to freehand. I made mistakes, but that’s ok. Don’t be afraid! Mistakes are beautiful. A lesson I’m learning…

- Let the designs dry. I waited an hour before planting. This was really difficult!

- Place some rocks or pebbles in the bottom of your vessel, and top rocks with a bit of soil in before centering your succulent.

- Hold the succulent in place while packing in soil all around it. Water well, add more soil if needed.

- Now, place you lovely custom planter in a sunny spot and enjoy!

I’m kind of addicted to this project. It’s so simple. What a lovely housewarming gift, no? Can’t wait to make lots more of these! I also plan to doodle on other dishes. It’s so much fun.

Have you tried this? I’d love to see your creations. Send me a link!

Why keep your hats tucked away? Here’s a fun way to both store and display your favorite hats!

I used GRUNDTAL hangers from IKEA, but any hook or large nails/screws would work.

Have a Happy Weekend!

Found this on Craigslist. Our budget was $200. This was $180 with the chair, AND the seller delivered it to us! Has a few dings and scrapes, but nothing that bothers me. Good condition with lots of character. I’ve been searching for one of these for a long time. So happy to have found it!

Not sure where we’ll place it yet, but Bonsai seems to like it. The movers, however, will not when it’s time to transfer again. At least we have an elevator in the building!

Yesterday, we made our way to a local Salvation Army to drop off a load of items for donation. It was so amazing how much we stuffed into our little ‘72 Super Beetle that even one of neighbors who say the pile of junk before we loaded it up said, “You guys fit all of that stuff in there?!”

I had high hopes of finding something wonderful between the Salvation Army and the nearby Goodwill store, but it was such a let down. We’ll have to check out some other areas of town before we find our gold mine.

I did score this nice lampshade in spectacular condition for a whopping $4.50, so it wasn’t a total bust. I think it replaces our ratty old ORGEL shades from Ikea nicely! Those shades that have lasted us through five moves over the last five years. What do you think?

Now, I just need to score another nice lampshade for our second ORGEL lamp and I’ll be a happy lady.

I’m also not sure where I’ll place this “new” lamp yet. I have been moving it around our new place hoping it will speak to me when it’s found it’s home. It hasn’t spoken yet.

We got the keys today for our very first loft! So exciting. Can’t wait to move our stuff in tomorrow, and share more photos with you of the space. The 38 foot wall of floor to ceiling windows is by far my favorite feature!

For now, we’re adjusting to life on the West Coast with much ease and happiness. Seriously, what’s not to like about this perfect San Diego weather? Not to mention having In-N-Out at our fingertips!

I have so much more I want to share with you, but we have a very loooooong day tomorrow. It’s bedtime. Nighty nite.

Are these not the coolest?! Tracy Melton of focuslineart on Etsy.com creates these lovelies. These original pieces are painted on dead elm trees which the artist cuts down herself with a chainsaw. I love when an artist can take something from their surroundings that is otherwise expired or useless and turn it into such a beautiful item full of new life.

Each an every one of Tracy’s paintings is so gorgeous. Good luck deciding which set of 3 you’d like to purchase! I know I can’t. While I’m particularly drawn to the cooler paintings, I would be thrilled to own any of these beauties. Aren’t they just perfect placed over the bed? I’d love to add a set to my home.

A guilty pleasure: style quizzes for the home. This one, again, I found over at How About Orange. I turned out to be Vintage Modern (83%) with a touch of Zen (17%). Pretty much dead on. It’s super easy, just pick the rooms according to your tastes! Enjoy.

Oh, and have a great weekend!

P.S. I’m trying my hand at my first Flourless Chocolate Cake. Will let you know how that turns out!