Tagged: How-To
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A Container Recipe
May 17, 2013
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A Flowering How-To with Studio Choo
May 8, 2013
We were thrilled when we first heard that Alethea Harampolis and Jill Rizzo of Studio Choo's artfully unruly flower workshop were going to share some simple tricks-of-their-trade in a Flower Recipe Book, and happier still when we recently got a chance to talk with the ladies themselves. Telling us a bit about the book, their tips for buying fresh cut flowers at market, and what they're giving Mom this year, Alethea and Jill were also kind enough to share one of their favorite flower recipes: a "Hyacinth with Company", for those of us still on the lookout for a handmade addition to our Mother's Day gift.
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How-To: Mother's Day Posies
May 2, 2013
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Inspired by our big, fresh-from-the-farm bouquets of peonies, we recently pulled a few stems from the bunch to create a thoughtful, DIY gift for Mother's Day. Simple and sweet, our spring posies are a one-of-a-kind way to celebrate Mom, Grandmom, and all the ladies in our lives. Finished with twine ties and sprigs of feathery dianthus, fresh-cut posies make easy gifts or colorful additions to packages and the brunch tabletop.
To create our posies, we chose a variety of blossoms-- some fully open, and some nearly ready to bloom. After snipping the stems to around 7 inches, we filled out each arrangement with fresh dianthus. A quick, knotted wrap of twine around the stems completes the bouquet. Any favorite bloom, from meadow wildflowers to the bright ranunculus we chose above, also makes for a perfect posy.
Foreground: peonies, dianthus; Background: ranunculus, dianthus
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How-To: Spring Bulbs in Weck
April 18, 2013
One of our favorite signs of spring's arrival, we love the burst of color that bulbs like hyacinth, daffodils, and tulips bring to the garden. So much, in fact, that we wanted to invite their fresh greens and vibrant pastels indoors, too. Eschewing a traditional planter, we thought up this simple how-to for a windowsill bulb garden using another of our favorite things—shapely Weck juice jars.
What You’ll Need:
Blooming bulbs (approx. 2.25” diameter)
Weck juice jars
Water1. Remove a bulb from its pot and carefully brush all soil from the roots, rinsing in water to remove as much soil as possible.
2. Place the bulb into the Weck jar—it should rest at the point where the neck of the jar is narrowest. Note how far down the roots reach into the jar.
3. Remove the bulb and fill the jar with water until the roots will be covered, then replace the bulb.
4. Place in a sunny spot and refresh the water as necessary. Our suggestion—line a kitchen window with a row of blooms for an instant indoor garden.
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Big news fans of Design*Sponge! We have not one, but two projects in the works this month with our D*S friends. The first, a partnered Pinterest board we can't wait for you to see. Inspired by their April gardening theme and our own observations and excitement around returning outdoors for the early days of spring, we'll be pinning all this week right here. Hope you'll stay tuned!
And what's more? In a little less than two weeks, Design*Sponge managing editor Amy Azzarito is stopping through terrain at Styer's to share a craft from her new book of decorative arts history and modern DIY projects: Past & Present. Fans of her D*S column of the same name and new readers alike will no doubt be charmed by Amy's smart, insightful writing style and eye for design, along with the dozens of crafts she shares from some of our favorite contemporary designers. Today, she joins us here for a preview of her visit and a quick DIY.
*To register for Amy's 4/14 workshop at Styer's, visit our events page here.
"Although I love this time of year when we're finally getting some warmer weather, I also love chilly days of sitting around the fires at terrain with Hudson Bay and other Native American trade blankets. I love how this project celebrates those beautiful blankets. On a practical level, if you're like me and gravitate toward neutrals, when it comes to tabletop, I love how easily and affordably this project allows you to bring a little pop of color to your table." - Amy
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Willow in the Garden
March 27, 2013
In recent weeks, terrain's nursery team got into the spring spirit by weaving with willow shoots to craft natural structures that ranged from garden walls to rustic baskets. Our favorite willow creation came in the form of tall topiaries that will continue to grow as spring turns to summer. As evidenced by our snapshots from the greenhouse, the possibilities for shapes, styles, and embellishments are abundant, and these tips from our resident willow expert Meredith L. will help you kickstart your own projects for the garden.
Before weaving, place your willow in water and store in a warm location until it roots. Rooted branches are easier to plant for topiary.
When planting your willow branches, pack the soil very firmly so the topiary doesn’t shift.
“Think in threes”—make an easy triangular trellis by braiding or twisting three columns of willow and tying them together at the top.
To make the base of your topiary even, place a bucket, log, or pot in the center of the planter and space the branches around it.
Don’t panic if your willow wilts at first. Some leaves might die off, but with sufficient watering and patience hardy willow branches will rebound.
Keep your willow warm. House topiaries inside until the weather is consistently warm for best growth. In late spring, they can be planted directly in the garden.
Want to learn more? This April, designer Shane Powers will visit both of our stores for willow weaving demonstrations. Find details of the where and when on our Styer's and Westport event pages.Comment -
How-To: "Sunprint" Easter Eggs
March 18, 2013
Inspired by classic sunprints, this Easter we tried our hands at sunprint-style designs on dyed eggs. With a few sprigs of fresh green and a batch of natural cabbage dye, we crafted these simple, indigo silhouettes using an even simpler how-to.
What You’ll Need:
White eggs
Lightweight nylon (we snipped squares from white nylon stockings)
String or twine
Small leaves, petals, or fern fronds
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How-To: Ranunculus Row
March 13, 2013
Seeking something more creative than a traditional bouquet for Easter centerpieces, the long, low profile of the galvanized trough planter caught our eye. Shaped with spacious dinner tables in mind, this narrow vessel seemed just right for pairing with springtime flowers. Planter in hand, we plucked a few ranunculus blooms from the garden to create a playful centerpiece, in which open space and a touch of green highlight the colorful blossoms.
What You’ll Need:
Galvanized trough planter
Wood plank: 47.5”L, 4.5”W, 0.25”D
Floral foam or potting soil
Small finishing nails
Ranunculus flowers (approx. 15)
Clump moss
Baby’s tears1. Choose your ranunculus blooms. Snip the stems to the desired height (ours are between 6 and 10 inches). Remove all leaves, leaving only the flower behind, and set aside in a vase of water.
2. Cut a piece of floral foam that fits the trough to support the flower board, leaving space at the top so the board will be flush with the lip of the trough when placed. Alternately, fill the trough with potting soil to the same level.
3. Cut a piece of wood to fit the trough (47.5”L, 4.5”W, 0.25”D). Around half an inch of space should remain between each side and the sides of the planter.
4. Decide how you would like to space your blooms, then drive nails upwards through the bottom of the wood in the appropriate places.
5. Place the foam in the trough, then tuck clump moss and baby’s tears around the edges and secure by placing the board, nails facing up. If you filled your planter with soil, plant the moss and baby’s tears around the edges before placing the board.
6. Carefully slide the stems of the ranunculus onto the nails.
7. Place on your table to cheer gathered family and friends!
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