Fall Leaf Wreath

Inspired by:

Source: Thrifty Stories

Items Needed:

Leaves (can be real or fake)

1 Flexible hanger

DIY Backyard Citronella Mason Jar Candles

This week's post is all about an easy to do project. I love being outside in my recently renovated backyard but I hate the bugs. The bugs love me. With just a couple of easy to find items, you can create your own citronella candles from mason jars. I estimate that each costs $3.75 and will last you the entire summer. 

I imagine these to be perfect for a backyard wedding. They can serve the purpose of table decor, yet they keep the bugs away from your guests. 

Items needed:

Mason jar(s)

Citronella oil (purchased at Kroger but can also be found at Lowe's or Home Depot)

Rosemary (substitute any herb that smells good)

Lemon slices

Floating Candle

Ribbon (optional) 

Load up your ingredients in your mason jar (or decorative vase), oil, rosemary and lemon slices before topping with your floating candle. In just order three minutes you can have the perfect outdoor centerpiece that does double duty! The smell is fantastic and will keep you outside for hours on end. 

Carving Pumpkins with Power Tools

I like any excuse to get out my power tools. I like using my jigsaw and my drill bits to create beautiful pumpkins for Halloween.

 I recommend having assistance when carving with power tools as it's hard to hold the pumpkin and tool at the same. For a more precise design I recommend drawing your design with pencil first then carving. Lastly, I worked on funpkins (foam pumpkins) and actual pumpkins and the tools were great on both.

Weatherproof just about anything

I hate that as consumers we feel limited to keep indoor items inside and outdoor items outside. Break the stereotype! You can weatherproof just about anything if you have the right products. 

Thompsons Water Seal: Ideal for Wood, Concrete and Brick

This product is so simple to use and can be applied to any furniture piece you'd like to keep outside. It helps to prevent water damage and says "it allows wood to gray naturally." Do not use on plastic or recently painted items.

Scotch-gard Water Shield: Ideal for Fabric, Clothing (aprons, jackets, etc.) canvas, umbrellas and patio furniture. 

I LOVE this product. You are no longer confined to "outdoor" fabric for your cushions. This product repels rain, snow and moisture.  It allows fabric to still breathe while quickly drying after water exposure. I would suggest doing three even coats when first applying and another coat each season.

Rust Stop Outdoor Paint (any brand): Ideal for metal products

You can easily coat any metal product with rust stop (outdoor rated) paint. You can prevent peeling, chipping, heat damage, fading, and more from weather rated paint. You'll be wasting your time and money if you use indoor paint for items that will be exposed to the elements. You can now bring your home decor items outside. I have painted my wood rack, metal folder chairs, house numbers, mailbox, planters and more. The possibilities are endless! 

Create Modern Concrete Planters

I adore the simple things in life. I think concrete planters are beautiful. In one afternoon, I created several beautiful planters that could also function to best fit your needs.

Items Needed:

1 tub/bag of concrete (1 tub was $7)

Multiple lightweight  plastic containers or milk cartons

Optional:

Succulents

Cement Color  

Build your planters, cups, bowls or other items to size. I used multiple juice boxes, recycled plastic and more to create various depths and widths. In a disposable bowl or cup, mix together your cement and water based off the package instructions.  Pour into your designed container and let dry in the sun for 3 or more hours, based on the size.

Lastly, Brody helped me plant beautiful succulents into my planters. He's so helpful.

Another option is to paint the planters.

Ruffled Blog





Benson Veranda AFTER

All we have left is to furnish, decorate and enjoy.

Completed:
#8 landscape beds, new driveway path, removal of two retaining walls, removal of 7 trees and multiple bushes, removal of asphalt and stone, new fencing, irrigation, front steps and built-in bar top.

All work was completed by Infinity Design Group. 

Benson Veranda WORK IN PROGRESS