Fish bowl Centerpiece and cooler

It is officially summer and the outdoor entertaining continues.

Lots of picnics and gatherings with food, ice cream and lightning bugs!

Anytime there is an event, I like to decorate. When I discover something that doesn't take a long time to do but adds impact to the decor, I jump on it.

This project is one of those times!

I have never used water beads before. While I was shopping I discovered these. They come in different colors too. They are normally used for flower arrangements but not this time.

I wanted a beachy feel.

I came up with an Aquarium Centerpiece Cooler.

This little project is not only great for adult tablescapes but children's parties too.

I started with a few supplies I found at Old Time Pottery.

1 Trifle Dish

1 bag of seashells

1 fish gems

2 waterbeads

LED lights optional

shell tablecloth

Fill trifle dish with about an inch of shells to cover bottom and come up on sides.

I love the variety of color and texture. There is enough in the bag to add more. 

Then pour the two containers of water beads in the bowl on top of shells.

These are so awesome! I love the color too. Perfect for the water of the aquarium.

Then I found these adorable fish gems

I pulled out all of the fish shapes. There were all colors. I stayed away from the blue ones because they didn't show up in the water. I pushed the fish along the sides of trifle bowl down into the waterbeads. I alternated colors and put them all around the sides.

Now for the best part!

I added a bowl to fit the top. I experimented with cooling the water beads. First I put them in the refrigerator. That worked! Then I decided to try the freezer. That worked too! I was able to put some pasta salad in the bowl above and keep it cool for the picnic! DO NOT mix the beads with food.

I added the shell print tablecloth to complete the look.

You can add the LED lights for night time parties. Push them down in the middle of trifle bowl.

Love this idea and cannot wait to use these water beads again!!

There is still a lot of summer left to enjoy this. Hope you give it a try!

Paint Stick Flag

With Memorial Day around the corner, I wanted to add something to the picnic area in the yard. I always hang an American Flag in the back. It is the best decor for this day!

I was playing around with paint sticks......
I know you are saying " she's at it again!" I love thinking up things with paint sticks. It will be hard to top my utensil organizer seen here 
But this is something fun for Memorial day or any day. A folky/beachy looking distressed flag.

It's real simple but you need paint sticks! 7 to be exact! Don't worry they are FREE!


Red, White and Blue paint and antiquing glaze
two eye hooks and wire
clay
glue

Gather 7 paint sticks

I didn't cut handle but you can if you want a sharper edge. Paint red and white. Make sure you start and end with a red one. Paint a blue square in top left corner.

start distressing with antique glaze

I added a little ink too!
The get some clay and and sculpt a starfish. I used the back of a small paintbrush to texture it. Then glaze it.

Add eye hooks to the top and wire for hanging

Glue star on blue square

Since we are having a round of bad storms coming through I am unable to hang it out side.
I'll update later when it clears up.

Update:


Hope you like it! Since I had the clay paint and hangers this was a free to me project!