Table Decor for Just Over 4! (dollars)

Yesterday our youth hosted a brunch after church for our pastor’s final Sunday. We usually grab decorations from the closet for the tables, but wanted to kick it up a notch for this event. Of course we had to keep costs at a minimum, but didn’t want to settle for unoriginal pre-made arrangements. So combining my favorite things of thrifting, strategery and crafting with friends, we pulled off these! Since I already had a few of the supplies and paint/glue, the cost came out to approximately $4.25 each! Hope this provides you with inspiration for an upcoming event. Do share your rendition in the comments below.

Life is like…. Live Floral Table Arrangements

Supplies (for 12 arrangements):

Plastic Containers ($1 each from Dollar Tree), 6 vine plants ($3.50 each from Wal-Mart), 12 Juice Jars ($0.25 each at a thrift store), 12 Frames ($0.50 each at a thrift store), 2 packages of 12 wood shims ($1.47 each at Home Depot), Bag of Potting Soil ($8.49), Popsicle Sticks, Gravel

I’ve been hooked on old frames lately. You can buy them for next to nothing at the thrift store, and they provide an easy piece to practice random paint combinations on. Plus – use it, gift it, repaint it when you’re finished! I removed the backing and glass from all of the frames because I thought it would be fun to use them as a trellis for a vine. Be careful because the glass is often nicked, chipped and very sharp (hence why they ended up at the thrift). I also like to remove any staples with needle-nose pliers, so you just have the wood frame. I painted them with two coats of Barn Door, Sunflower and Lily Pad. Remember to paint the backs and sides since people will be sitting all around the table!

The highlight of the day was definitely teaching two high school girls the beauty of Modge Podge. Or, de-coo-pahhhhhhhhggggeeee as we came to call it. Using the shims, we (Claire & Sarah AKA Clarah) adhered black & white printouts of a poem that relates the changing of life to a winding vine (poem was product of a beach walk). Once dry, we (Sarah) hot glued the shims to a popsicle stick. Only one ended up stuck to the plastic bag and table – woo! They were a little stark with the white paper, so I came back with Semi-Sweet and dry-brushed over the paper and exposed wood for some faux wear and tear.

          

Finally, we compiled all of our pieces. We started with a layer of gravel in the bottom of the containers to take up space and provide drainage. To save a bit of $$$ I dissected the plants into 2. Ivy grows fast, so I’m sure they’ll be back to full size in no time. I wedged the frames into the gravel for stability, covered with dirt, and did the same for the juice jars and markers. You could also use baby food jars or Starbucks Frappacino bottles. These “mini-vases” will let you switch out live flower clippings as your vine continues to grow through the seasons.

It was a wonderful afternoon. I love spending time with these girls, so sharing one of my passions with them was great. It was the first time I got to “Gather ‘Round the Table” at the store, and I look forward to many more occasions!

The morals of this story:

1. Rethunk Junk paint is NOT just for furniture.

2. If you let Modge Podge dry on your hands, it is fun to peel off.

3. You can get substantial, custom arrangements for just a few dollars.

4. DON’T let Sarah get a hold of your car keys.