Easter Pallet

My new thing is storing pallets that are put together so I can decorate with them. I used them for my paper flower and for mounting various merchandise that I get in the store. 

It has been fun getting in all the spring items that past couple of weeks. It is hard not to go home with everything I love.

I found the cutest bunny and I knew I was going to have fun decorating with him. I wanted him to be the centerpiece for the spring season

A pallet bunny was what I decided. Bunnies are one of the things I think of when I hear spring. 

Every spring growing up meant getting the bicycle out and enjoying the fresh air and beautiful blooms that surrounded our home.  I had some glorious days on my bicycle. I would ride everywhere. We didn't worry about all the things we worry about today.

This project brought back those memories.

Outside Decor and Garden Art

 The past couple of days have been beautiful and the sunshine has felt so good. That is my cue to work outside. Last month I started on my front porch adding some color. Now I want to add a little garden decor. Problem is that it is still a little early to get the flowers I want.

 I was thinking of using succulents for this project but they weren't available yet. I did, however, find some beautiful cactus. So, I decided on a cactus garden with a whimsical watering can for the garden art. I will have to bring these in when cold or at least till more flowers come in season.

To see how to make this head over to Old Time Pottery Blog!

Porch Redo

Spring cleaning doesn't just start inside the home. Concentrating on the outside of your home is important too. It is time to get the winter grime and holiday leftovers cleaned up. 

I put all the holiday things away but there are always remnants that linger. I even found some glitter lying around on the porch. It looked like a thief came in the night and stripped the porch of all its pretty.

I have to say when it is cold I really don't even want to go outside never mind clean! It was starting to look really bad around here. The doldrums was taking over and the grey of the winter days was seeping in.

So how do you freshen up for spring when winter is still around?

You add color!

Cleaning the cobwebs and sweeping the dead leaves were the priority on the porch. There was even tape leftover in the walls from Christmas decorations. I cleared all of the garbage and fixed the furniture in a better position.

I can't believe it looked this bad! I was still finding leftover decorations. I moved the porch furniture in a better position and cleaned the door window .  I added my umbrella wreath I made last year and the color was already making me happy.

Pillows and cushions change things up. The color on this porch is a cream and with the white chairs it was just getting lost. I found the prettiest black and white cushions for the bottom of the rockers. I added some bright pink pillows for some color. I can change the color anytime throughout the year by switching out the pillows. Right now I was looking for something vibrant.

I also found some lawn art to put near the bushes. It is too cold to plant colorful flowers for color so I just inserted a few of these metal pinwheels.

I love the movement of the flowers.

I added some silk hydrangeas to the planter urns till I can plant some beautiful flowers.

Just a few key moves and freshening up with color and this front porch came alive even on this grey day.

I added a few accessories to the vintage trunk. A preserved boxwood wreath on an old window gave me some more green. I found some iron work and mounted it on the top of an old door to give it an architectural detail. Moved the theater seats to the entrance and it was a good start of a complete change. I would like to add an outdoor carpet under the rockers soon.

The front door got a fresh doormat. Now it is ready for guests!

The front porch came alive and it is so inviting now. 

Just a little time spent cleaning and adding some color will make the last few days of winter more bearable. This spring I can continue to add other features to enhance the look like carpet, wall hangings and fresh flowers.

I hope this redesign inspired you!