Upon a closer inspection I found that it was a garden planter. It had been weathered to say the least. It was covered in dirt and mildew. The rim around the planter was chipped and pitted. Hey, other than that, it didn't look to bad. LOL!
So I quickly shot a couple of pictures thinking, "This might make a Junk to Gem project in the New Year". So trying to pick it up without touching anything to slimy - Ooo yuck - I carried it inside and went to work. The first order of business was to kill that mildew! So out comes my trusted friend - CLOROX - after spraying down the planter (thanks, honey) with a solution of bleach and water, I let it set overnight to give the solution time to kill whatever was lurking on the surface.
My next task was deciding what to do with the planter. At first I thought about using it as a candle holder, but because the planter had been weathered and pitted, a candle would not sit level. So my next option was to fill the recess with textured orbs as a decorative touch. Didn't like that either. There just wasn't enough color. So finally I pulled out materials to design a floral arrangement with in the planter. Since it's still winter, I wasn't ready for a spring floral mix so I opted for English Ivy and Red Roses with a few green and white pepper-berry floral picks. To finish the look, I used some twigs I had spray painted white last year at Christmas and just tucked a few in randomly.
I am pretty happy with the way this project turned out. Once I had completed the arrangement I began to think of what possibilities were available to use this little guy in my winter decor. It suddenly hit me that he would be the perfect centerpiece for my Valentine's table. Without wasting a minute, I began pulling dishes and linens out of storage and contemplating a Valentine Dinner Tablescape. I'll share just a peek today but if you want to see the final table, you will have to visit again next Tuesday!
So I quickly shot a couple of pictures thinking, "This might make a Junk to Gem project in the New Year". So trying to pick it up without touching anything to slimy - Ooo yuck - I carried it inside and went to work. The first order of business was to kill that mildew! So out comes my trusted friend - CLOROX - after spraying down the planter (thanks, honey) with a solution of bleach and water, I let it set overnight to give the solution time to kill whatever was lurking on the surface.
The next morning, I was ready to wash and clean it up with laundry soap and warm water. After allowing the planter to air dry for several hours, I was set to try my hand at restoring it's beauty. At first I thought about spray painting the entire planter gold but after some consideration I decided to use a pewter paint instead. It took roughly three coats of paint for adequate coverage but 1 can of spray paint was more than enough.
After the pewter paint dried, I went back with a small hobby-sized paint brush and painted the hair and drape metallic gold. I wanted just enough gold accent so that where ever I decided to use it, it would blend with other accents.
My next task was deciding what to do with the planter. At first I thought about using it as a candle holder, but because the planter had been weathered and pitted, a candle would not sit level. So my next option was to fill the recess with textured orbs as a decorative touch. Didn't like that either. There just wasn't enough color. So finally I pulled out materials to design a floral arrangement with in the planter. Since it's still winter, I wasn't ready for a spring floral mix so I opted for English Ivy and Red Roses with a few green and white pepper-berry floral picks. To finish the look, I used some twigs I had spray painted white last year at Christmas and just tucked a few in randomly.
I am pretty happy with the way this project turned out. Once I had completed the arrangement I began to think of what possibilities were available to use this little guy in my winter decor. It suddenly hit me that he would be the perfect centerpiece for my Valentine's table. Without wasting a minute, I began pulling dishes and linens out of storage and contemplating a Valentine Dinner Tablescape. I'll share just a peek today but if you want to see the final table, you will have to visit again next Tuesday!
10 comments:
Amazing flower arrangement in this little cherb. I love the valentines idea.
Blossom
Great J to G!
Looking forward to your mantels tomorrow
Hi Alisa,
You are amazing to be able to transform the cherub like that!
I could never get that lucky to find something so beautiful for free.
I love the Valentine Tablescape even before it's done. Red roses are my favorite flower.
I'm sure the finished results will be lovely.
How's the guest bath?
I'll bet that is turning out really pretty.
~Melissa :)
Beautiful transformation and floral arrangment! Super!
~KD
Oooo, Laaaa, laaa! Sweet! Looking forward to Tuesday!
How cute that is, Alisa! I would have grabbed it out of the trash too, but I would probably have left it in the shabby state. I just like the old and worn look, but what you did looks so pretty. What a nice Valentines Day table.
It turned out great. Can't wait to see the full reveal of the table!
Alisa,
I don't have email addresses here, but if you email me, I can reply to your address.
I want to go home.
That is just darling. I love the pictures all the way through the process. Really cute!
Beautiful! What a great find! You did a wondeful job transforming the junk to treasure!
Have a great week!
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