文章
Abigal
2017年02月23日
This is a great time of year to tackle some of those bigger #garden projects that have been on our “want” list. A bigger project doesn’t mean that it has to be complicated, however. Arbors can be used in the garden as an entry, a focal point, or even as a swing structure! Here are some easy instructions on building a #DIY garden arbor that even a beginner can handle. No complicated carpentry instructions here!
Supplies
2 10 foot long pressure treated 4×4’s
2 6 foot pressure treated 2×6’s
Optional: pressure treated 2×2’s for decorative elements
Galvanized screws
Drill
Saw (preferably a hand held circular saw)
Gravel
4 bags quick setting concrete
Level
Step One:
You are using ten foot long 4×4 posts so that you can dig them at least two feet into the ground, preferably three. This is necessary to keep the structure stable, especially where the ground freezes. Using a post hole digger, dig two holes five feet apart where you would like the arbor to sit.
Add gravel into the bottom of the hole to ensure good drainage. This prevents the post from rotting. Add the posts to the holes. Add two bags of quick setting concrete to each hole. Partially fill with water, then use the level to make sure the posts are…well, level. Fill the rest of the way with water as per directions on the concrete bags. Continue to periodically check the level until the posts are firm. Allow concrete to set several days to harden well. You have to work fast here, keep leveling as the concrete does harden quickly. Do one post at a time.
Step Two:
Measure up each post seven feet from the ground and mark. Hold up one of the 2×6’s lined up with the marks you just made, then use the level to make sure it is level across and make any adjustments to your marks as necessary. Use a saw to cut off both posts so they are the same height. Do I have to say it? Do NOT be careless here! Especially if you are using a power saw. If power saws scare you or are too heavy for your to hold, (I feel you ladies…) use a sharp hand saw. It will work, it will just take longer!
Step Three:
Using screws and a drill, attach each 2×6 to the side of each post at the top, as shown in the photo. Make sure they overhang the same on each side. You will need an extra hand for this part of the project. (I actually think an extra hand for the whole thing is a good idea!) The photo shows bolts but you can use screws.
Step Four:
If you want, you can create more decorative details by cutting the ends of the 2×6’s at an angle, or adding equal lengths of 2×2’s or whatever size you prefere, to the top as shown in the large photo. Also feel free to leave it simple…you know what you like.
That’s it! Plant a wonderful vine at it’s base to make a dramatic focal point in your garden that you created yourself. Yes, you can do this project! Build yourself a simple garden arbor and enjoy it for years to come. What do ya say? Got the guts to give it a try?
Here are some more garden arbor ideas to inspire you! You might want to try one of these depending on your abilities.
Here’s a great idea of using old doors and a tutorial here.
Here are a couple modern and contemporary arbors.
Supplies
2 10 foot long pressure treated 4×4’s
2 6 foot pressure treated 2×6’s
Optional: pressure treated 2×2’s for decorative elements
Galvanized screws
Drill
Saw (preferably a hand held circular saw)
Gravel
4 bags quick setting concrete
Level
Step One:
You are using ten foot long 4×4 posts so that you can dig them at least two feet into the ground, preferably three. This is necessary to keep the structure stable, especially where the ground freezes. Using a post hole digger, dig two holes five feet apart where you would like the arbor to sit.
Add gravel into the bottom of the hole to ensure good drainage. This prevents the post from rotting. Add the posts to the holes. Add two bags of quick setting concrete to each hole. Partially fill with water, then use the level to make sure the posts are…well, level. Fill the rest of the way with water as per directions on the concrete bags. Continue to periodically check the level until the posts are firm. Allow concrete to set several days to harden well. You have to work fast here, keep leveling as the concrete does harden quickly. Do one post at a time.
Step Two:
Measure up each post seven feet from the ground and mark. Hold up one of the 2×6’s lined up with the marks you just made, then use the level to make sure it is level across and make any adjustments to your marks as necessary. Use a saw to cut off both posts so they are the same height. Do I have to say it? Do NOT be careless here! Especially if you are using a power saw. If power saws scare you or are too heavy for your to hold, (I feel you ladies…) use a sharp hand saw. It will work, it will just take longer!
Step Three:
Using screws and a drill, attach each 2×6 to the side of each post at the top, as shown in the photo. Make sure they overhang the same on each side. You will need an extra hand for this part of the project. (I actually think an extra hand for the whole thing is a good idea!) The photo shows bolts but you can use screws.
Step Four:
If you want, you can create more decorative details by cutting the ends of the 2×6’s at an angle, or adding equal lengths of 2×2’s or whatever size you prefere, to the top as shown in the large photo. Also feel free to leave it simple…you know what you like.
That’s it! Plant a wonderful vine at it’s base to make a dramatic focal point in your garden that you created yourself. Yes, you can do this project! Build yourself a simple garden arbor and enjoy it for years to come. What do ya say? Got the guts to give it a try?
Here are some more garden arbor ideas to inspire you! You might want to try one of these depending on your abilities.
Here’s a great idea of using old doors and a tutorial here.
Here are a couple modern and contemporary arbors.
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文章
Abigal
2017年02月22日
We have some of our favorite #DIY garden projects that we have found around the web. Enjoy these great ideas from our favorite blogs!
I LOVE the pot wreath from ‘Bees Knees Bungalow’! Filled with herbs for fall, or violas for spring?… Read for the full tutorial… this is a budget project too!
Want a cool fire pit for your back patio? This one has a modern vibe that we love, and would update any #garden décor. It’s smooth lines go well with nature. Full tutorial here from ‘Man Made DIY’.
From ‘Tatortots & Jello’. Stamped silverware as garden markers! What a great idea! Check out thrift stores near you for flatware. Here’s the tutorial
I love this idea for a garden pond! If you don’t relish digging a hole and laying down liner (which can leak eventually, BTW…) this is the water garden for you. Check out the tutorial here courtesy of ‘Pam Penick’.
This last one is pretty cool…all I’m gonna say is fall leaves.
Thats it! Tgg’s fav five for the week… Love those DIY garden projects!
I LOVE the pot wreath from ‘Bees Knees Bungalow’! Filled with herbs for fall, or violas for spring?… Read for the full tutorial… this is a budget project too!
Want a cool fire pit for your back patio? This one has a modern vibe that we love, and would update any #garden décor. It’s smooth lines go well with nature. Full tutorial here from ‘Man Made DIY’.
From ‘Tatortots & Jello’. Stamped silverware as garden markers! What a great idea! Check out thrift stores near you for flatware. Here’s the tutorial
I love this idea for a garden pond! If you don’t relish digging a hole and laying down liner (which can leak eventually, BTW…) this is the water garden for you. Check out the tutorial here courtesy of ‘Pam Penick’.
This last one is pretty cool…all I’m gonna say is fall leaves.
Thats it! Tgg’s fav five for the week… Love those DIY garden projects!
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文章
Abigal
2017年02月22日
I love stone! Just do. So many of you loved our post “Got Stones?” that we are doing a #follow up with more great ideas for easy projects with stones and rocks. All of these are beginner projects, are simple, inexpensive, and creative…and best of all, you may have the stones right in your back yard!
Stick and Stones
Use bundles of branches or sticks to create a garden post, then top with decorative rocks from your #garden . Love this!
Gabions
A gabion is a box or container made of wire mesh or fencing, and filled with a material for stability. In this case, wire mesh is used to create a tall box, filled with rock, then used as a decorative column. You can create tables, benches, even retaining walls with this method. Its a trendy and modern way to re-purpose in the garden, and its so creative!
Spiral Garden
Use rocks and your fav plants to create a spiral garden.
Create a Mural
Got an ugly fence or wall that could use an artistic touch? Use rocks and stones and a construction adhesive from the home improvement store to create simple murals. This community garden has it right!
And just because it’s fun, here are some more inspirational photos with stone and rock!
Stick and Stones
Use bundles of branches or sticks to create a garden post, then top with decorative rocks from your #garden . Love this!
Gabions
A gabion is a box or container made of wire mesh or fencing, and filled with a material for stability. In this case, wire mesh is used to create a tall box, filled with rock, then used as a decorative column. You can create tables, benches, even retaining walls with this method. Its a trendy and modern way to re-purpose in the garden, and its so creative!
Spiral Garden
Use rocks and your fav plants to create a spiral garden.
Create a Mural
Got an ugly fence or wall that could use an artistic touch? Use rocks and stones and a construction adhesive from the home improvement store to create simple murals. This community garden has it right!
And just because it’s fun, here are some more inspirational photos with stone and rock!
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文章
Abigal
2017年02月16日
Flower Pressing is a wonderful hobby that combines nature, science and art. Popular projects include framing, greeting cards and notecards but the uses are only limited by your imagination. Here, I present 9 creative ideas for using your dried, pressed flowers.
1. Coasters – Start with some plain vinyl coasters and arrange your pressed flowers on them before glueing them down. Laminate with clear contact paper. As a finishing touch, glue a length of twine around the edge.
2. Photo Album – Personalize your photo albums by decorating them with your pressed flowers.
3. Pressed Flower Art – Sketch a picture on a sheet of drawing paper and “colour it in” by gluing a selection of dried, pressed flowers to it. Add a wooden frame to complete. You can find some beautiful examples at flowerox.com.
4. Bookmarks – Decorate a piece of card with your pressed flowers and laminate with clear contact paper to create a pretty bookmark.
5. Candles – Nothing quite enhances the look of a plain candle than an arrangement of pressed flowers. Due to the curves of a candle, it is important to make sure the edges are glued down securely. Melt another candle over the stove and seal the pressed flowers by covering them with the melted wax using a paintbrush. Be sure to do this quickly as the wax will dry fast.
6. Plant Pots – Decorate your flower pots with the preserved flowers that were once in them. When you have glued the pressed flowers in place, coat the pot with varnish to seal them. Once dry, apply a second coat of varnish for good measure.
7. Lampshades – Apply a thin layer of glue (diluted with water is best) to a plain lampshade and arrange your pressed flowers on it. Attach a layer of rice paper around the lampshade while the glue is still wet and add another layer of glue to the rice paper. After the glue is dry, the flowers will be visible throught the rice paper.
8. Jewelry Box – Give your jewelry box a personal touch by sticking a selection of dried, pressed flowers to the sides and lid.
9. Paperweights – Wash a rock or pebble and arrange and glue your pressed flowers to it. Cover the whole rock/pebble with a layer of glue to secure the pressed flowers in place (a technique known as decoupage). Add another two or three layers of glue, waiting for the previous layer to dry before applying. Depending on the glue you use, you may want to dilute it slightly so that it brushes smoothly over the object.
I hope these ideas have inspired you to do more with your pressed flowers. Remember: the possibilities are endless and the only limit is your imagination.
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