Time for a Terrarium

Today I attempted a creation I've been wanting to try for some time ...a little Terrarium. I've seen lots of different versions of them around and been hanging out to make my very own. Starting with a small design for my first go I went with a honey jar for the vessel. The project was quite a simple and fun process and turned out very cute. So for my next one I will go bigger and better!

Some of the designs I've seen and would like to try include a variety of plants with the addition of moss and some quirky ornaments. It really is up to your imagination if you want to go for a elaborate or minimal concept.

The materials needed for this project are as follows: A vessel of some sort, stones, potting mix or good quality soil, plants, scoops or a spoon, and water.

Firstly a layer of stones needs to be placed inside the base of your chosen vessel to encourage good drainage

Secondly a layer of potting mix/soil is then added on top of the stones 

Then you can add whatever plants and accessories you like. I used 'String of Pearls' in my terrarium

A little watering in should get your plants off to a happy start in their new home. Spray some water into the container every so often and place in a slightly sunny position and your Terrarium will keep in good health. I love succulents as they are super self sufficient and require little care. The plants in these arrangements are inside recycled jars

Air Plants are another option and look fab in these round tealight hangers

This Terrarium has a 'Venus Flytrap' inside

Lots of beautific Terrariums were displayed at the 'Melbourne International Garden and Flower Show' this year

Who got their haggle on?

Garage Sale Trail day last Saturday was a bit of a wash out but that did not deter the Beatnik crew from bargain chasing and treasure scouting. Armed with our list of local sales, spare change and haggle hats we hit the streets with spirits keener than mustard! It really was worth sporting our parkas and braving the rain as some lovely pieces were snapped up. The Garage Sale Trail is a great concept that creates many different benefits relating to sustainability, community and charity. The event involves lots of people participating in garage sales all on the same day Australia wide. The perfect opportunity for a vintage rummage and shopping spree!

A pit stop for brunch at my fave new cafe gave us the pep up we required to keep trudging on in search for vintage finds. 'Kitchen Table Cafe' is a breath of fresh air in the beach side suburb of Aspendale. It has a fabulously styled interior that is never without beautiful blooms, has a cool kids corner complete with blackboard wall, delicious food and espresso as well as great service. Not a package that often gets delivered all at once!

My star Garage Sale Trail find are these 'Mac's San Remo' wooden crates that I cheekily negotiated from 'NOT FOR SALE' into 'FOR SALE' win!

'Mac's San Remo' wooden crate which is currently housing my growing 'Fowler's' preserve jar collection

Old wooden crate = handy storage and shelving solution

Lovin' the vintage industrial metal numbers turned clever wall calender at 'Kitchen Table Cafe' 

www.garagesaletrail.com.au/

www.facebook.com/kitchentablecafe

After Store

Cute shop alert! A quick trip into Melbourne brought me past a quirky little shop called 'After Store' that I just had to have a squizzo in. 'After Store' have an interesting collection of wares sourced globally and locally with an emphasis on quality craftsmanship and fair trade. Lots of vintage and handmade beautific pieces. Mmm mmm!

http://afterstore.com.au/

Not Quack but Genious

The famous Dr. Seuss often comes off as crazy with his quirky style of poetry. As a child he engaged me with his play on rhythmic writing and imaginative illustration, and now continues to do so in my adulthood as I share his trippy tales with the baby beatniks.

'Mad' man or 'Rad' man if you dig deeper into his play on words you will discover some invaluable lessons in morality delivered in his stories. A viewing of the recently released Lorax film got me all warm and fuzzy and appreciative of his insightful take on the important things in life. Such as preserving our precious environment.

Penned many years ago the story of 'The Lorax' is forefront in it's validity today. 'The Onceler' character within the story derives from a shallow upbringing and carves a path of environmental destruction supported by thoughtless consumerism at a cost to the environment and the quality of life.

Seuss paints the ugly picture and outcome of a world fuelled by greed and disregard for the preservation of nature. An incredibly fitting message for the present world we dwell in today. Cheers to the unconventional Dr.Seuss for his much required prescription of environmental respect and planting the seed within our little ones minds to save the world one tree at a time!

http://www.seussville.com/

http://www.catinthehat.org/history.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lorax

More MIFGS

As promised some more 'Melbourne International Garden and Flower Show' pics. My favourite displays amongst the many were by 'North St. Flowers' and 'Cecilia Fox'. Both of the outstanding installations had a rustic and vintage feel throughout. Lots of recycled, vintage and quirky props were used in the styling, merchandising and arrangement of the flowers. Terrariums, succulents and air plants were also popular throughout the show. This is really a step in the right direction towards a more Eco friendly Floristry/Horticultural industry and sustainable design I think.

Strolling through the garden displays outside I wandered into a stall that had some really amazing homewares and industrial pieces. 'Mulbury Gallery Direct'. After chatting to the lovely ladies, eyeing off some of their gorgeous stock (a teeny purchase) and scoring a nice little 20% off voucher, I can foresee a little shopfest at their new Fitzroy store! Mulbury pride themselves in using Eco friendly practises and materials to craft there beautiful and unique pieces.

http://www.melbflowershow.com.au/

http://www.northst.com.au/

http://www.ceciliafox.com.au/home

http://www.sinikka.com.au/

http://www.mossflowerandhome.com.au/

http://www.mulburygallery.com.au/

Livin' Green

Just have to share some of my recent vintage finds. Seems I am living in green lately and not just in the Eco sense. I've been picking up lots of vintage delights in a forest hue. Laminated retro table and Hessian memo board were picked up from the 'Waverly Antiques Bazaar' during a quick visit last Sun when I temporarily misplaced my 'Mandatory Mantra'! The Typewriter a lucky find at my local Op shop!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Waverley-Antiques-Bazaar/166171176803699

The Carnival is over......

What a week it's been! The week of MIFGS - The Melbourne International Garden and Flower Show. I tells ya I could of pitched a tent at the 'Carlton Gardens' they were looking so extra beautific! As a budding floral designer I decided to participate in the intermediate floral competition which involved styling a table for two. This task was to be completed within a 90 minute period adhering to a few conditions including no pre preparation of horticultural materials.

My self chosen theme was a 'British Afternoon Tea' styled in 'Industrial Vintage Chic'. Vintage props were collected, an industrial sculpture was designed and of course lots of lovely blooms were selected to arrange.
So many amazing displays were cleverly created within the gorgeous 'Royal Exhibition Building' and the best part was being able to view them all! The garden aspect of the show was also inspiring to look at, accompanied with the blessing of the fab sunny weather that lasted over the five day duration of the show. There are some truly talented designers out there in the horticultural world, and as a first timer I can picture many more years of MIFGS attending ahead, taking it all in. The carnival is over but the memory lives on and I have a stash of designing ideas tucked away in my mind to utilise. More pics of MIFGS delights to come!

'A British Afternoon Tea' styled in 'Industrial Vintage Chic'.

The industrial centrepiece was constructed out of recycled machinery parts. 

 Succulents and air plants (Tillandsia Butzii) were placed under wine glasses for a terrarium type effect. Then surrounded by wreaths of Dodda Vine.

Roses, Cymbidium Orchids, Dianthus, Rosehip, Chrysanthemums, Succulents, Lisianthus, Snapdragons, Hyacinth and Berzelia were all used within the vase arrangements. Spanish Moss was draped on the rear side of the sculpture.

 

Moss was adhered onto the interior of the letter 'E' with floral glue.



A panel of moss was attached to the industrial sculpture also with floral glue. 'Lambs Ear' was then wrapped around water vials containing 'Cymbidium Orchids' and wired to the piece. 

Tiny hand picked succulents were added to the spoons with a sticky clay type of product called 'Sure-Stik'.

http://www.melbflowershow.com.au/