Design "on a dime"

It's kind of is a funny saying, "design on a dime."  I haven't figured out how to design for only $0.10, but I can design for a few dollars.  There is a wall in my living room that doesn't have any windows or any major pieces of furniture on it(there is a bench with cubbies for storage).  I could hang up a generic piece of art work, a mirror, or anything else that's been done before.
I wanted something different and fun.  I LOVE family photos, so I got a bunch of frames and made a photo collage on my wall.  I pick of picture frames all over the place; yards sales and thrift stores mostly.  It is very easy to re-paint a frame.  Each frame is different, and I NEVER pay full price for a frame.  Right now, I have 9 frames in my collage, I will be adding more soon.

my picture collage! 

Today I bought the wall decals that are around the pictures.  I bought the decals for $1 at the dollar store.  The decals are dandelion designs in a grey/silver color(dandelion wishes happen to be one of my favorite things...).  When buying wall decals, go for something simple; you want the pictures to be the focus of the wall.  Also, you do not need to spend a lot of money on the decals!  Dollar stores sell decals, as well as craft store.  

My favorite thing about my picture frame collage is that it gets the photos off the digital camera and computer, and onto the wall for everyone to see!  There really is something great about viewing photos in an "old fashion" way.  It's a nice alternative to the Facebook photo albums and digital picture frames.  

  

a new take on flowers

I think I've posted about flowers and saving money before.  I LOVE fresh cut flowers, so I couldn't help but post some more tips and ideas.  I've seen this trick on design shows and news show segments.  So why not try it?

I bought carnations at the grocery store, cost about $6.  Carnations can look really cheap, like $6.  But it is easy to dress them up to look very pretty and sophisticated.

Take a large bunch of carnations, all of the same color.  Tie the stems together just below the blooms to form the illusion of one larger flower.  

I used a round, fish bowl like vase for this bunch.  It normally works best in shallower or shorter vases.  

Carnations are also very long lasting flowers, that come in a variety of bright, vibrant colors.  This bunch has been sitting on my kitchen table for about 8 days now and they still look great!  To allow your flowers to last longer, change the water ever few days.  

Enjoy!  Happy Spring! 

Backyard garden on a budget

I recently moved into a new house with a great backyard.  I had a great idea to plant a veggie garden this year, even though I have never done anything remotely close to successfully growing veggies.  I decided to go for it anyway.  I spent a few hours working in the garden this morning; weeding, edging, planting seeds.  I did not want to spend a lot of money on my garden; my goal for the garden is to get produce without spending a lot of money and learn how to garden in the process. 

My tips for gardening on a budget:

1.  Use what you have!  There are two flower beds in my yard that are lined with rocks; I picked through the rocks and found extra ones to create a boarder/edge for my garden.  I also found some old wood planks to use to create walkways between rows of veggies.  

2.  Don't have any materials around?  Ask neighbors, family members, friends; you never know what other have that you could use!  

3.  Plant seeds.  Seeds are much cheaper than starter plants.  If you want to use starter plants, buy the smaller ones because they are normally cheaper.  Also look for sales.  Only plant the veggies you know you are going to eat.  Don't let the veggies go to waste!  

My garden, as of today

There is no need to spend a lot of money to create a garden bed in your backyard!  So far I have planted green beans, cucumbers, carrots and sunflowers.  

Good luck and happy gardening!