Need something fast, easy, and inexpensive yet looks beautiful? Or a nice spring bouquet for Easter brunch? This may be the project that fits your needs. I have two different options for you. ..

option one
Find your local floral shop or grocery store that has great flowers (I tend to like Trader Joe’s; they seem to have everything you need). I got these Calla Lilies at Sequoia Floral for $10.50. Then I bought this simple vase again at Sequoia Floral for $2.95 along with the Jute Ribbon (40x10yds) for $8.49. On the way home, I ran by Beverly’s Fabrics and picked up the Round Pearl Pins (10 for $0.99). Now, you have all of your supplies and you’re ready to start. First take the Jute Ribbon and wrap it around you bouquet about 2-3 times making sure it’s tight. Then push your pins in about one every 1/2 centimeter. My pins were longer than the diameter of the bouquet, so I had to use wire cutters to cut off the sharp ends sticking out the back (FYI: make sure you do this in a place where you can easily find the sharp ends that you cut off. Mine went flying everywhere and took crawling on my hands and knees to find them!) Once your pins are in, cut the ends of the flowers so they last longer and place in your simple vase. Then there you have your beautiful bouquet!

option two:
Follow all of the directions in options one except place the bouquet in a mason jar (I got mine at Beverly’s Fabrics for $1.49) and sprinkle some dried lavender in the water before adding the bouquet. You usually can find the dried lavender at any flower supply shop or online. I got mine at Sequoia Floral for ½ lb for $7.95. You can also try Lavender Bee Farm.

supplies
– calla lilies or your desired flower
– jute ribbon (you usually can get at any fabric store. I got mine at Sequoia Floral)
– vase or mason jar (you can get at any fabric/flower supply store or just use on that you have sitting around. Both of these options were really inexpensive. I got the vase at Sequoia Floral for $2.95 and the Mason Jar at Beverly’s Fabrics for $1.49)
– round pearl pins (you can get at most fabric shops in the wedding/bridal section. I found mine at Beverly’s Fabrics for 10 for $0.99)
– dried lavender – optional (I found mine again at Sequoia Floral. You can usually find this at your local floral supply store or online. You might try Lavender Bee Farm.

Moving from a place with a huge garden to a townhome with a pretty small yard, my “green thump” side of me was starting to get a little unhappy. So you have to work with what you have, right? I saw a smaller version of this gutter planter online and got inspired. I thought this would be perfect. It’s right outside the bedroom and the kids can help me water and pick our fresh herbs for dinner. Who needs a big house to have an herb garden?

to get started:
First you should measure the space where you would like the gutter. Then take a trip to your local hardware store and shop for some gutters (I went to home depot and used these, sample gutters). You don’t need the most expense gutter, the one that I used was around $6/each. Make sure you also get some brackets for hanging. I recommend using bracing about every two feet because the soil and plants will get heavy, especially when filled with water. To make it the most efficient trip, you should also pick-up your herbs and garden soil. Then cruise home to begin!

First you’ll want to install the brackets, then hang the gutters attaching to the brackets. Now, the fun part! Fill the gutters with soil and plant your herbs. Make sure you leave enough space for them to grow, and don’t fill them too high with soil so they’ll have enough room to collect enough water. To make it “your own” you can add your own personal touch either with labels or ribbon. For example, I included Jute Ribbon about every four feet. Have fun, and without too much effort, you’ll soon be enjoying your garden!

things you’ll need:
– gutter (make sure you measure your working space to know how many gutters you’ll need).
– brackets (they’ll be right with the gutters. I would get enough to install every two-three feet).
– garden soil (you can get at any garden shop)
– herbs

supplies needed:
newspaper
tape
ribbon (I used a plain white and a hemp cord)
flower

supplies
mason jar (You can find at some grocery stores or most craft stores. I got mine at Beverly’s Fabrics for $1.49.)
nails or screws (You can find at all hardware stores. I borrowed mine from my husband.)
ribbon (You can find at any craft store. I just used a thin simple white ribbon.)
pencils (You can find at most grocery or craft stores.)

I know in an ideal world we all should use our own grocery bags, but for the times where we forget, why not make the regular paper bags useful?

supplies
grocery paper bag
ribbon
flowers

directions
Simply cut down one side of the grocery bag, and then cut the bottom off, leaving a long diagonal strip of paper to work with. Turn inside out. Next, wrap your package, tie ribbon, and simply place your desired flower under the bow or knot. Simple as can be!

Surprise your “Mr. or Mrs. Special” with a simple yet beautifully wrapped present. The décor is natural, simplistic and understatedly elegant. Enjoy!

you’ll need:
dried hydrangeas (see note below on drying instructions/tips)
thin white ribbon (I got mine at Michaels)
simple wrapping paper (You can always find some at Cost Plus, Michaels, or even Costco)

directions: Simply wrap your present nicely, wrap your ribbon around both sides, and tie off on the front with either a nice bow or a knot (I usually prefer). Next slip the dried hydrangea (either one or two, depending on the size) under the bow and there you have completed your simply beautiful package…

drying hydrangea tips: The secret to perfectly dried hydrangeas is very simple. Wait until they are ready before picking them. The timing is much more important than the method one uses to dry them. While it is tempting to cut the hydrangea blossoms for drying at the height of their color, this doesn’t work. Fresh, recently opened blooms, rarely dry well in the open air. Hydrangeas do best when allowed to dry on the plant before picking them. Experiment with harvesting from August through October. One can cut the blooms, strip off the leaves, arrange them in a vase, with or without water, and leave them to dry. It is not necessary to hang hydrangeas up side down to dry unless the stems are very thin and weak.