Creative Reuse for Curtain Rods

I've always lived life the alternative way, high school yearbook photo, clothes, hair., etc. so why make my home any different? With inspiration from around the web, I found an inexpensive yet timely, creative and unique approach to curtain rods for a large window.  Essentially it is; electrical conduit, spray paint, drawer pulls, wine corks (for the drawer pulls to go into then into the conduit ends) and then curtain rings with hanging clips. Cut the conduit to size (hacksaw was good), spray paint and let fully dry, add the curtains rings and then the wine cork connected drawer pulls. Clip your curtain, pleating as you like, hang, adore and love.

To pleat: gather an inch or so of the back of the curtain fabric (right where the 'hole' is to slide the rod through the traditional way is a good place to start, and repeat until you have the look you want. Mine is three inches apart but I'm going to make them closer soon. I have to say, the time  and effort was rewarding, especially knowing that my rods are strictly mine!

Bloomaker Recreated

Bloomaker Long Life Tulips

For mother's Day this year, my husband and I recreated a gift that I received on Administrative Professionals Day; Long Life Tulips from Bloomaker.

We searched and searched for these tulips and could not find any in the stores. So he and I went to work on recreating them. We picked up 2 potted tulips, 3 tall glass vases and 2 bags of river rock. Place the river rock inside each of the vases about 2-3 inches tall, you can always put more or less depending on how you want the tulips to rest. Meanwhile, take each bunch of tulip out of the dirt very carefully, rinse dirt off with cool water. Now divide the tulips among the vases, making sure that the roots are nestled around the rocks. Pour water to just under the bottom of the bulb making sure not to go over. 

There you are! Give away or enjoy!