Contractor Chandelier Terrarium

I posted on instagram a picture of one of those contractor grade glass brass chandelier that I scored from Habitat ReStore for $15.

I had a completely different idea for it when I bought it...

Terrariums have become very popular over the past couple years, they are popping up everywhere, magazines, pinterest, in stores. They are a great way to add a little green into your home.

Better Homes and Gardens

Real Simple

I don't have much of a green thumb, anything I touch usually dies within days. Plants are just not my thing I either over water them or forget completely. But terrariums, they are great for beginners or people who don't have alot of space. You can make terrariums out of practically anything.

Pinterest.com

Pinterest.com

pinterest.com

We have been working on our porch for what seems like forever now, its one of those projects that gets pushed off and we just add to it when we get around to it. 

Well this past weekend we finally had something to add. 

I knew when I saw the chandelier at the ReStore that it would be perfect for a terrarium to put on the porch. 

Jeffrey has a HUGE green thumb and can make any sort of plant look loved. So, the plants and gardens around the house are left to him. 

He was excited to take on the challenge of taking apart the light and create our largest terrarium yet. Of course the kids wanted to help...

We purchased our succulents at Lowes $2.99-$3 a piece and also picked up special cactus/succulent soil $5.99. Just like any living thing they need water, but cacti and succulents are desert plants that are made to live in dry climates. Cactus/ succulent soil allows for maximum drainage. A soil that remains wet for long periods of time can quickly kill most succulent plants. 

P.S- I forgot to mention that the top of the light, which for the terrarium we made the bottom, since it was made to hang the top part was enclosed with just holes for the wires. So, it will allow for the water to drain out the bottom of the terrarium.

We love the new addition to the porch. The porch needs alot more work but just like anything, it will take some time.

 

Do you have any terrariums around your house?

E

  

Repurposed Table and Chairs

Hi,

So, remember Darcie's great backyard? Well, with the fourth of July holiday fast approaching, and a great party planned in Darcie's backyard, with fireworks included we wanted to share with you a project that Darcie and Al completed with just some scrap wood and hardware.

Isn't it great.

The table is very ideal for the outdoors, its heavy and solid which makes it perfect for the uneven ground and the wood had already been treated so it can withstand this crazy spring weather we are having.

Materials:

A. 6  4x4 boards measuring 78 1/2 inches for table top
B. 2  4x4 boards measuring 71 1/4 inches for table top
C. 4  4x4 boards measuring 28 inches for table legs

2 1/2 inch threaded rods measuring 29 inches long
4 sets of 1/2 inch washers, nuts and locking washers to fit rod ends
8 1/2 inch stove bolts measuring 8 inches long

Step One:  drill 5/8 inch holes thru the 6 long boards (A) 20 inches from each 
end

Step Two:  drill 5/8 inch holes thru the 2 long boards (B) 16 1/2 inches from 
each end

Step Three:  Assemble table top by lining up boards in this order:  A, B, A, A, 
A,A, B, A and running the threaded rods thru each board and lightly secure with 
a set of washers and nuts

Step Four:  Place table top right side down on the ground, place leg pieces (C) 
in the corresponding spaces. Lightly secure with stove bolts on both sides of 
table top   

Step Five:  Use wood glue on all joining surfaces and completely secure all 
bolts, nuts, etc.  

The wood we used was ‘rescued’ from some shipping crates.  We chose to leave the
wood rough for a real country flavor but you could easily finish top.  I think 
it might look really great painted black or green.  We use it for a serving table 
at parties and for backyard picnics with an unmatched set of wooden chairs 
painted different shades of green.

 the collection of small baskets were collected over time at flea markets and the Habitat Store.  

Average cost 50 cents.

                    

- E & D