Eightymillion

A DIY craft and photography blog. Dogs included.

DIY Fall Inspiration: Recycling Cement Bricks Into Flower Pots

Are you looking for an easy DIY project to celebrate Fall? Do you enjoy gardening? Then keep reading.
The weather here in the Midwest has been absolutely gorgeous! So, I’ve been using my time wisely outdoors splitting and transplanting plants around my yard.
I have these cement bricks lined up along the edge of the sidewalk in an effort to prevent my dogs from jumping off the ledge. I usually plant a spring flower in them, but this year I didn’t. Truthfully, they’ve sat empty for a couple of years. The last time I used them was here.
This week I decided to plant some mums in them. Perfect for Fall and you can’t go wrong with mums. Instead of buying additional dirt, I recycled some from a planter that was no longer in use.
I lined up where I wanted each plant to go.
Using a garden trowel, I loosened the dirt that was left in the bricks. After placing the mum in each spot I added some additional dirt as needed. Tip: Give them a good drink of water when your done.
I LOVE HOW THEY TURNED OUT!
The boys watched from start to finish. I guess you could say this is there smile of approval.
Until the next project…

Gardening Tips & Ideas: Part 2 of 2

On last week’s garden post, I shared a few tips and ideas that were used with this year’s garden.  If you missed that post click here. I’m happy to report everything is doing awesome!  Please excuse the color variation from photo to photo.  They were captured with different cameras throughout the days of documenting the garden’s progress.
Patiently waiting for crops.
Once the plants started to grow, cages were placed around them.  As you can see the tomato plant on the left has a stick in the center of it.  It was growing way to big for a cage, but needed some additional support. Actually, it was an old broom stick I had in the garage that wasn’t being used. (recycling tip)
After the cages are in place keep an eye on the plants.  You’ll want to make sure as it grows to keep the leaves on the outside of the cage.
The tomato plant continues to grow.  As you can see in this photo the first support stick is invisible, so a second one was positioned according to what branches were the heaviest.  Then I cut up a t-shirt (recycling tip) into strips to be used as a rope.  You want to use a cotton t-shirt that way it’s soft against the stems.  A robe may cause it to break.
Keep an eye on the straw in the garden.  If the newspaper starts to show through, add another layer. The birds are having a blast stealing pieces to build their nests with.  I don’t mind sharing with the condition that they stay away from the vegetables.
This has been the biggest tomato plant ever.  Perhaps it’s because I opted not to place a cage around it. The photo shows another support stick, but at present time there are three sticks supporting its branches.  Lots of tomatoes!
My favorite part of the garden is the recycled pallets.  The leafy vegetables are doing well in them. Snipping off what I want and more comes in right away.
The collard greens have their own section in the garden.  Adding the strip of straw down the center has proven successful.  No weeds anywhere!  And it makes a nice walkway in between the plants.
Have you ever harvested green peppers?  It’s super easy.  Click here for the details.
I captured this photo a couple of days ago and shared it on my Instagram account.  They smell as good as they look.
So, I ask you.  What’s in your garden?

Gardening Tips & Ideas: Part 1 of 2

This year we planted the garden on Memorial Day.  Why so late you ask?  First, it was the only day my boyfriend (Adam) and I had off together.  And second, it was the first day of the season that Mother Nature decided to give us nice weather.
Adam did a lot of research into different techniques that could be used in the garden.  He usually tills the garden by hand with only a shovel.  Last year we borrowed my Uncle’s rotary tiller.  This year we chose not to do either.  Keep reading.
We spent Memorial Day weekend pulling out all the weeds that have accumulated since last year’s garden.
Now it was time for a quick road trip.  I won a contest ($50. gift card to Home Depot) that was hosted by LA’s How2Girl, in which I was to submit my favorite DIY projects for the garden. A couple weeks later, my prize was in the mailbox.  They don’t have a location here in town, so the closest one is in Cedar Rapids. Well worth the trip.
Everything on our list was on sale.  Perennials for $2.50, vegetable starter plants for $3.33, seed packets for $1.50.  We always do a mix of starter plants and seeds for our garden.
We filled up two carts, loaded the truck, and headed home to get started.
First we positioned the plants in the garden.  Then brought in two pallets.  I had seen several ideas on Pinterest and wanted to try it myself.  I hate weeds and refuse to use chemicals in the garden, so this was one way to control them.  Refer to this article when looking for pallets to use.
Using the leftover fabric landscaping from last year, we cut enough to cover the bottom of the pallet to secure the dirt inside. Leave extra fabric along the edges to staple up the sides.
Depending on the construction of the pallet you may use less fabric to secure the sides.
Using a staple gun, Adam secured the fabric to the pallet.
We put the starter plants in first, mixing the dirt with some miracle grow.
All of our leafy vegetables are planted as seeds.
Funny story.  We recycled a dog kennel that my neighbor gifted us to keep the dogs out of the kennel.  It works!  They enjoyed watching from the other side.
I filled the pallets with dirt and then planted one with leafy vegetables and the other with herbs.
The cilantro and basil were starters.  In between we planted garlic chives and green onions (seeds).
Using a sharpie I marked what was in each row.
Next, using a Rubbermaid tub filled halfway with water, we dipped the newspaper in, enough to dampen it, and then placed it all around the plants.  Skip the sale ads, that paper is to glossy.  Instead of cutting holes in the paper it was easier to just rotate the paper around the plants.  Your goal is cover all of the exposed dirt.  Read more here about newspaper weed control.  We did three layers of paper.
After the newspaper was in place we added a layer of straw.  And last watered the entire garden. That’s it! The garden is in.
I’ll be posting part two of this post to show how everything is turning out.  Including a couple more tips to help you out.

DIY Refrigerator Pickles

Here’s a recipe just in time for Spring.  It’s easy and inexpensive.  Have you ever made refrigerator pickles? I’ve come across different versions but this one is by far my favorite.  Pretty soon our local farmer’s markets will be offering all the fresh produce from the garden.  These pickles will make a great addition to your summer picnics and barbecues.  New neighbors?  Gift them a jar.
Supplies:

Quart mason jars with lids (3)
Large mixing bowl
Batter bowl
Pinch bowl
Colander
Cutting board
Knife
Whisk
Egg Timer
Ingredients:

5 cucumbers
1 large white onion
1 cup sugar
2/3 cup white vinegar
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. celery seed
1/2 tsp. mustard seed
Salt
Instructions:

Wash the cucumbers and slice.  Don’t peel them.  Slice up your onion.  In your large mixing bowl soak the cucumbers and onions in salt water for one hour. 
In your pinch bowl, mix together the garlic powder, celery seed, and mustard seed.  Set aside.  Whisk together the sugar and vinegar in the batter bowl.  Add the dry seasonings and mix together.
Drain the cucumbers and onions from the salt water and start packing them into your mason jars.  I left a little room at the top because you’ll be shaking them once everything is in the jar.  Pour the liquid mixture over the top until all is covered. Tighten the lid and shake until the sugar is well dissolved.  Do the same with the other jars until the cucumber mixture is gone.  I only used three mason jars for this batch, but depending on the size of your cucumbers you may use more/less. 
Store in refrigerator.  I was told to wait 24 hours before consuming, but that didn’t work.  I was snacking within the first hour. Vinegar based foods are my favorite.  My boyfriend has used them on hamburgers and hot dogs. They’re tasty on subs.  And you can chop a few up and toss with your salad.  Or just grab a fork and dig in!
This recipe was given to me from a friend.  I asked him for their shelf life and he laughed at me.  He said don’t worry, you’ll eat up them rather fast.  He was right. 
Enjoy! 

DIY Monogram Photo Collage

Here’s a fun, easy, and inexpensive DIY project that you can make for anyone.  I mailed my last Christmas package mid January (don’t judge), so that means I can share the “how-to” with you here on the blog.
Hobby Lobby has all of my favorite papers, embellishments, and tools on sale all the time.  And that’s good when your crafting on a budget.  This project only cost me $1. to make.  That’s not a typo.  Keep reading and I’ll tell you how to make your own monogram photo collage. 
Supplies Needed:

*Chipboard Letter (This one measures 7 3/4″)
*Various sizes of photographs
*Mod Podge
*Spray paint
*Foam brush
*Scissors
*X-acto knife
*Fingernail filer (metal ones work best)
Hobby Lobby always has these chipboard letters on sale for 50%.  With the discount you only pay $1.  The spray paint I had on hand, but this particular brand was from Walmart and I believe it costs a little over a $1. You don’t have to use a name brand for this project.

When I first made these monogram collages I attached black cardstock paper to the backs.  Spray painting them is so much easier! Remove the price tag from the back, place down a barrier in between your work table and the letter, and then apply one layer of spray paint.  Make sure that you hold the can about 6 to 7 inches away from the letter.  That’ll prevent the paint from creating puddles on the chipboard.  Use any color you like.  I choose black because the photos are in black and white.  Let it dry for about 30 minutes.
Do you have an account with Walgreens online photo lab?  I use them all the time.  If you signed up for the promotional emails they send out frequently then pay attention to them.  Every now and then you’ll get one for a free collage.  Watch the dates that they are valid.  Their offers are usually only good for three days or one day only.  The black and white collage above was obtained through one of their free offers.  You can upload 20 photos.  The range of sizes are perfect for this project.
While your waiting for the spray paint to dry, cut out all of the photos and lay them on your crafting table.
Arrange them in the order you want them to be attached to the letter.  I alternated depending on the age in each.
I always use double faced tape for my adhesive.  You can also use Mod Podge for this part.  Attach the photos to your letter so that all of the chipboard is covered.  You will find that overlapping them is helpful. I attached the larger images first and then utilized the smaller ones to fill in the spaces.  When the whole letter is covered I take an x-acto knife to trim off the excess and then use a fingernail file to smooth the edges.
If you used Mod Podge as your adhesive, let it dry for about 30 minutes to an hour before doing this next step.  I used the double faced tape so I’m ready to move on.
Using a foam brush apply a layer of Mod Podge to the entire letter.  Gloss or matte, whichever you prefer. After the first coat is dry I added one more layer.
When it’s completely dry I flipped it over to sign and date it.  
All done!  I’ve made six of these so far for gifts to my nieces and nephews.  A nice keepsake for the parents as well.  Get creative with this idea.  You could also use the last initial for your family and incorporate family photos.
Until the next project…

DIY Inspiration: Outdoor Patio Idea

I look at my yard as an extension of my house.  Complete with all the comforts on what’s inside. Here’s a simple DIY project I put together in less than 10 minutes. 
Along with the comfort comes the maintenance.  Adam purchased a brand new grill last week.  I wanted to come up with an idea to not have to move it off the lawn every time the grass was cut.  It was such a hassle to do last year.
I love patio bricks.  All the creative shapes and colors.  I went for the simple look here.  Picked out twelve of them and placed them in a square. 
They were laid in the grass right after I mowed it.  If you want you could remove some of it to help them settle into the ground a little more.  I figure over the years they’ll do just that along with help from the weight of the grill.
I left enough space that the lawn mower can move comfortably around each side.  And it works like a charm.
Pretty easy!  And it costs less than $25.

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