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?

Friday’s Top 10 List: 5-17-13 {DIY Recycling Inspiration}

I’ve been on a recycling kick lately.  Perhaps it comes from all the unfinished projects I’m finding in my garage.  
Have fun with the list!
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We’ve all seen those big, bulky entertainment centers at the thrift stores or on the side of the road with a huge FREE sign attached to them.  Pick one up and create this.
Organize your craft ribbon using cans.
Vintage suitcases are very popular in my Mom’s shop.  I came across this article with tons of inspiration.
Before you throw away any furniture check and see if you can transform the pieces into something for the herb/flower garden.
Using Mod Podge, patterned paper, and a few other oddities you can make these unique little tins.  Business card holder, sewing kits, small gift boxes, etc.  Their uses are endless.
Drink a lot of wine?  Reuse those corks!
Skip the jewelry box and go for one of these!  Recycle those oddities that you have around the house tucked away in a box.
Alphabet block magnets.  Good idea.
If I owned my own Bed & Breakfast I would create a different theme for each room.  Here’s some ideas for repurposed headboards.
Garden tool table and chairs?  Love this idea!
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Until the next word…
~Jennifer

Friday’s Top 10 List: 7-27-12

Wednesday morning I grabbed the huge white mixing bowl and filled it up with fresh veggies from the garden.  I was planning to harvest the green peppers, but this bowl is getting lighter after each meal.  I’ll save future picks to freeze.
Fresh salad ingredients, veggie tacos, throw-ins for my breakfast skillets, and toppings for my veggie sandwiches.  I LOVE this time of the year.  Despite the heat wave, my garden is doing well. 
Plans for the weekend?  Several projects in my studio need some attention.  Last weekend I was ill, so praying for a productive day tomorrow.  
Fan of the Olympics?  Are you watching or attending?  I’m looking forward to the swimming competition on Saturday.  Go USA!

I shared the photo above on Facebook today, but I must share here as well.  How cute is this?  I woke up and found the boys toys arranged on the floor.  Kind of looks like they were building their own set of Olympic rings.  Not sure which one made this, but I’m pleased with their sense of creativity (they get it from me).
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LEGO fans, check this out!  It’s on display at the Nicholson Museum in Melbourne, Australia.  My nephew would love it!
Have you heard of the Daily Chuck?  I can’t remember how I discovered this Mom Blogger, Heather Armstrong, but if you click on the link for the daily chuck you’ll see what I love her site.  She blogs about her life and topics in which some people wouldn’t dare mention in a public forum.  I watched The Talk yesterday and who was one of their guests?  It was Heather Armstrong.  “Hey, I read her blog!”  May sound silly, but I was excited to see someone from the cyber world on tv.
I rent an old house with hard water.  We’ll see if this cures the rust stains.  I wonder if it’ll work for toilet stains as well.  With gloves on of course.
For the love of music, right at your feet! 
University students combining their knowledge to create devices like this one.  Using the eye-tracking software they developed a machine to help the disabled and elderly feed themselves at home.  Kudos to them.
I’ve got everything for this recipe in the garden and in my seasoning cabinet.  Paired with a bag of chips and I’m all set to browse through the Netflix categories.  
Crunchy pasta?  I’m hungry and this looks good.  So here’s another vegetarian recipe.
Fan of New Order?  They will be touring this fall.  Thanks to my friend Jason who runs, Rediscover the 80’s blog for sharing this on the social sites.
I was spending a “little” bit of time on Pinterest the other day and came across this awesome DIY project.  I’ve decided to make one for all six of my nieces and nephews.  I’m adding a couple of steps to the project and I’ve got a few ideas on ways to display them.  All inexpensive (Dollar Store finds) of course.  I’ll post how it turns out on the blog when I get the first one done.
November 16, 2012.  No explanation needed, just click that link!
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Until the next word…
~Jennifer

Friday’s Top 10 List: 7-13-12

©Jennifer Schulting Photography 2012

The storm clouds look fierce today.  It rained briefly this morning, but we so desperately need more.  Plans for the weekend?  I’ll be working in my studio.  I have several DIY projects piling up on my table that need attention.  The smash books are moving along and I’ve got a lot of photos to edit.  AND, I’ll be adding some Christmas in July items to my vintage Etsy shop.

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How cool are these?  You can eat the candy buttons.  They would also add a nice touch of color to any room when placed in a bowl.  *Creative Etsy Artist*

The fourth customer (yes, I’m counting) just walked in the door with this shirt on.  Their website is full of unique merchandise which helps children overcome poverty, violence, and illness.  And they cater to Crazy Dog Mom’s such as myself.

Have you ever come across a radio show and thought, Who writes this stuff?  When I’m not spinning my classic vinyl I’m listening to the Sixx Sense show.  The topics are wild, funny, and informative.  When we listen to radio, no visuals are included.  But I guarantee after listening you’ll create your own visuals.  Their crew does a good job of finding what’s new in music (rock) along with playing the Classics.  They’ll keep you tuned in and coming back for more.  I recently connected with Kyle Chrise via Twitter.  He’s a writer/producer for the radio show.  He’s also a stand-up comic, and the bassist for the indie rock band The Teenage Prayers.  Their music is available on iTunes and look for a new release later this year.  I LOVE to discover new music!

I will turn 40 is less than two months (it’s getting easier to say).  To celebrate I “might” get my first dose of ink.  What subject?  Photography of course!.  Maybe a piece of film?  Now to find the body part that is the least painful area to drag a needle over.  Suggestions?

Shut the front door!  Pizza & Grilled Cheese, together.  Here’s the recipe.  I’ll be substituting the meat with fresh veggies from my garden.  Yum!

So, today is Friday the 13th.  Are you superstitious?  Here’s 13 Freaky Facts to entertain, educate, and freak you out.

A classic game show from MTV.  Gotta love the 80s.

People often ask me where I get my digital prints developed.  I use Walgreens a lot.  For two main reasons:
  1.  They are local, roughly two miles from my house, and open 24 hours.
2.  They offer online specials all the time.  Free 8×10 prints cover the walls of my house.
{Okay, perhaps that’s four reasons}

And for professional digital prints I use Miller’s Professional Imaging. When I want to go above the 8×10 format size I use the professional lab.  They ship fast and orders over $10. ship free.  I have awesome 16×20 prints of my photography in my living room.

When I go back to using film I’ll need a resource for developing the rolls.  So, if you have one that is within an hour of travel time from my location please leave me a comment below.  I reside in the middle of the Tri-State area (IL-WI-IA).

Creative way to use pipe cleaners when adding the tag to a gift.  I will be trying this.  Personalize the package by using the recipients favorite color or coordinate for the holiday.

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Until the next word…
~Jennifer

Friday’s Top 10 List: 6-29-12

I took this photo this morning.  
I’m enjoying the “fruits of one’s labor”.
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I will always be a Google Geek!  I WANT one!

Add a splash of red to your outdoor landscaping.
My boys (dogs) will not be sporting these.  Cute for girl dogs.
Celebrity divorces don’t surprise me.  He can be my wing man any day!
Dogs and Physics, have you seen Maddie the Coonhound?
Just observed a lady with this shirt on.  Cute!
Fun handmade projects!
Looking for ways to beat the heat?  Here’s 25.
We all need a good parody every now and then.  Star Wars meets Gotye!  And then watch the original video.  Do you agree with me that he looks like Sting when he sings?
If you ever plan a trip to my part of the world (IL).  Make sure to visit Galena, IL.  Visit their history, annual events, LOTS of shopping, live entertainment, and awesome restaurants.
Until the next word…
~Jennifer

First Day of Summer

First day of summer and it’s 92 degrees outside.  It could be worse (snow) so I remind myself to keep the complaints to a minimum.
These photos are from the garden.  They were taken 10 days ago.  Cherry tomatoes and banana peppers.  YUM!

All of the hot weather is helping everything grow so fast.  I would truly appreciate some rain to help water the garden.  
I love to watch the garden grow from day to day.  So thankful for the dog kennel that I got from the neighbor.  Recycling at it’s best!  Although the dogs would love to get in and eat everything up.
Enjoy your day!
Until the next word…
~Jennifer

Friday’s Top 10 List: 6-15-12

My lily plants are growing so fast.  I’m considering getting a couple more to put in this year.
It’s Friday!  My sister and her family will be arriving tomorrow for a visit.  Haven’t seen them in two years, so yes I’m looking forward to their arrival.  I plan to experiment with some photography with all of my nieces and nephews.  Working with a point shoot camera will make it interesting.
If you missed my post last week about my Top 10 List, click here to catch up.  Something new for the blog.
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I’m gathering my supplies to make smash books for Christmas presents for the little ones.  I’ll be blogging from start to finish so feel free to join in and make one.
Do kitchens really stay this white?
Books and Dogs unite.
Open to Vintage Lovers everywhere.  A page dedicated to nothing but VINTAGE!
I’m obsessed with the alphabet.  I have several (some may say I have too many) font stamp sets and stencils.  And I love this idea.  Step away from the traditional to/from tags and create these monograms for the package.  I’m all for recycling a mac-n-cheese box for some letters.  Add a nice touch to those Birthday, Get Well, Retirement, Just Because, and yes Christmas gifts. 
Something from my “want list“
Today my sister’s family will be visiting Wall Drug in South Dakota.  Have you ever been there?
Yesterday was Flag Day.  How did you celebrate?  Having one of these would of been perfect!  Maybe I’ll make one for the 4th of July festivities.
Twilight fans? Need a laugh?
Rock of Ages.  Any movie buffs out there?  With these hot temps here in the Midwest a nice comfy theater seat and a bucket of popcorn sounds tempting.   I’m digging the KISS tshirt that Alec Baldwin wears.  Would come in handy for my trip in September.  What do you think about Tom Cruise singing?  Overall, he did the songs pretty good (from what I’ve heard in the trailers and on the website).  Definitely a roll that varies from other parts he portrayed.  He’ll always be “Maverick” to me.
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Until the next word…
~Jennifer

DIY Garden Inspiration: Recycled Dog Kennel

Last year we scored a handful of dog kennel panels from a neighbor and recycled them to serve as a barrier around the garden. I say barrier because that’s what we need to keep the dogs out of the food source.  Something tall to prevent them from jumping over. We grow a lot of tomatoes and onions which aren’t good for their belly.  Chicken wire wasn’t doing the job, so we needed to try something else. 
These were perfect! 
It took us a couple of weeks to get the dirt ready to plant.  No rototiller here.  We use a shovel to turn the dirt.  It’s very relaxing and a great stress reliever. 
Almost ready.
Every year I use the fabric landscaping in the garden.  Love this stuff!
This collection of plants and flowers was my Mother’s Day gift this year.  I like using starter plants for the tomatoes, green peppers, various hot peppers, cabbage, and broccoli.  The spinach and collard greens are started from seeds.  There is limited space inside the house and three nosy dogs who would probably dig in the pots if we would attempt to start everything from seeds.
While we were planting Disco was having fun rolling in the grass with his football.
Our neighbor allowed us to chose the panels that we wanted.  We found a gate in the pile and it works great.  Adam positioned the plants according to their height and away from the door.  In previous gardens we were stepping over plants to water other plants and realized we didn’t leave ourselves enough leg room.  Another benefit of using the fabric landscaping.
Everything is growing except my spinach.  I’ve had trouble with this in previous years.  Not sure what I’m doing wrong, but oh well. Next year I’m planting kale in it’s place.
I’ll be sharing more pictures as the garden progresses.
If you have dogs and need a solution to keep them out of the garden, look for a kennel.  Check your local paper, recycling center, or Craigslist for a used one.  Some use the kennel to contain them in one place.  We’re using it to keep them out of one place.
So, do you plant a garden?  

I Love Bacon!

Three facts about me:

1.  I collect vinyl (classic & new).
2.  I am a vegetarian (since 1985).
3.  I love bacon (in reference to vinyl).

If there are any fellow vinyl collectors out there who are reading this, you’ll know exactly what I’m speaking of. When I say that I love bacon, I’m referring to the sounds you hear when an old record is playing.  They resemble a pan of frying bacon.

A couple of weeks ago I was in Best Buy and saw that they carry vinyl.  Cool, but then I read the manufacturer label and it said………….the classics, digitally remastered for excellent sound quality.  The album cost $19.99.  The same record is in the used record shop up the street for $15.00.  I will be going back for the used one.  Not because it’s cheaper, because I want the original version.  I want the bacon!

Alright, back to fact #2.  The garden is growing so fast.  I’m compiling my photos to share the process with you.

P.S. One more fact.  It is Tuesday, but still feels like a Monday.

~Jennifer