Not just a jello mold

About a month ago, I was perusing the blogs on my feedly and came across the PERFECT project for some small jello molds I bought over a year ago. Artsy Vava created a super stinkin' cool welcome sign with a similar mold.

I was not good  I didn't take a single picture of the steps to this project but the reality is, I was in a bit of a rush to get them done due to having little time to complete them once I decided to make them.

The first of these flowers was made for my mom's birthday. The past few years, I have tried to have something I have made to give to her. I actually thought of her when I first saw this idea.

Isn't she purty? Mom mentioned that the big colors in clothes at one her favorite stores this season was turquoise and brown and how she had to buy something in those colors because she didn't have any. So I decided to make her flower in those colors of course! I made hers much more rustic than the others, because we share the taste for that style. The wood base (as with the other two) were edged and stained by hubby. I pretty much just told him the size I needed them to be and he went from there. It should also be noted he helped me glue them all together with epoxy.

This little lady is my Steeler's inspired flower. Sadly, we said goodbye to an awesome coworker last week as she left to take on another position in the field. I was sad to see her go and when we all decided to gather together a goodbye basket for her, I knew what I had to make. She is a huge Steeler's fan and I figured she can either display this at her new job, or in her recently purchased home. One of a kind for sure.

This last little number was made for part of a raffle to raise money for Breast Cancer Awareness month at work. Last year I made these to donate. When the email came out asking for donations again, I decided I could make a pretty pink inspired flower. I hope whoever wins this in the raffle is a happy camper and makes it a nice little home :).

I couldn't be happier with how these turned out and might have to look for other jello molds in the future. In fact, I already have another idea brewing that will come out at Christmas provided I can find what I have in mind.

What was the best thing you re-purposed?

Spooky Faux Mantel

I have said it a lot, but this is seriously my FAVORITE time of year. A few weeks ago I was off work and even though it seemed a little early, I decorated for Halloween and fall simultaneously. I didn't think I would really have the chance so I spent the afternoon/evening decorating it up!

I don't have a real mantel but when we moved into our current place, a really cool piece of furniture was given to us which is the perfect place for decorating.

Since I am a glass bottle/jar/whatever hoarder, I decided to stage a little spooky apothecary scene.

First step, scour the internet for some fun labels to use. Wind up here.
Second, go to the basement and find the perfect items to "labelize"

Third, crinkle up the pages of labels.

Fourth, Brew some tea

Fifth, squeeze the water out of the tea bags, leaving just a little. Use the tea bag to rub randomly over the paper to make the little "antique" and dirty look.

Sixth, go out to dinner and have a good time with your friends while the pages dry.

Seventh, come home, cut out the labels and use adhesive of your choice to put the labels on.

Finally- arrange your bottles and other glass pieces to your liking.

Even better, the fun little witches hat and the one bottle came from TJ Maxx last year for $2 a piece at the end of the season. 

I saw these bottles around quite a bit but never got the chance to make them. Even though I am typically more of a fall/autumn person, I am really happy how they turned out and glad I made them!

When do you start to decorate for fall/halloween?