Cross Stump

 This beautiful creation is in the yard of one of my friends.  As you can see, this once was a stump that had a rotten center.   I'm speculating that after the tree was cut down, the rot was cleaned out, leaving only the healthy exterior.  Four chunks were cut away, thus forming 2 crosses connected at the arms.

 

If I may, I would like to go deep with this post.  I feel like this stump is a unique symbol of Faith.  Sin eats away at our lives, causing deterioration and decay.  But if we hold fast Jesus, our faith will always remain and hold steadfast.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new CREATION.  The old has PASSED AWAY, behold, the NEW has come."

2 Corinthians 5:17

 

 

Repurposed Planters

 Use old cans, colanders, etc. for charming planters.  Simply cover with a fresh coat of spray paint and give old items a second life! Hang your planters from a shepherd's hook or from a fence.  It's fun to see how a fresh coat of paint can transform an ordinary object into eye-catching yard decor.

    However, after awhile, rust will start seeping through creating even more character on your planters.  Have fun!

 

    

Altoid Tin Desk Organization

 

Do you ever have that nagging feeling that you can some how upcycle those nifty little Altoid Tins into something resourceful and practical?  Here are a couple of options I have found to organize my desk and my purse. 

 

Upcycled Ceiling Tiles

 This past year, our church was blessed with a new wooden ceiling.  Hence, the old cardboard tiles were removed to install the wood.  After making sure there was no threat of asbestos, I rescued enough tiles to serve as perfect square canvases for our "shine" theme.  We painted the background blue. Each child painted a partial sun and added a spiral and dots.  Our theme Bible Verse was also added along the edge of the sun.  Finally, we painted paper using different colors to create a streaky look (think "Eric Carle.") After it dried we cut it into long triangles to make the rays of the sun.  We used the same technique to make the "shine" lettering using yellow, white, and orange colors.  Finally we cut out the letters and glued them on to complete the project.  I love how everyone followed the same directions, but no two look exactly alike. 

 

Summer Watering

I had an epiphany this spring for watering my potted plants this summer.   I have also found this to be helpful to "buy time" if you plan to be out of town for a few days.  Additionally, I live in a century-old house, which has only one outdoor spigot.  This leaves me with the options of wrestling with a long hose or packing water to my porches, and wilty plants at the end a hot summer day.  So, here is my solution:

1.) Use a plastic bottle and drop a stake inside, making sure at least an inch or two remains above the mouth of the bottle.

2.) If you are in a creative mindset, you can stake it in the grass and spray paint it, so it looks more ornamental among your flowers.

3.) Fill the bottle with water leaving about an inch of air so the water has room to expand as it freezes.

4.) Place the bottle in the freezer until it is frozen solid.  Steak the bottle in a flower pot.  As it gradually melts, the water will drop into the dirt.  

Other Notes:

•It takes about 24 hours for the ice to finish melting.  I have found that because of the gradual pace, my plants are less likely to wilt in the summer heat.

•Because it is such a slow process, you shouldn't have to worry about mold or root rot.  You also have a better idea of how much water your plants are getting.

•Because ice is lighter than water, it is easier to carry and prevents the water from slopping all over. 💦