Thanksgiving DIY Decor: Bean and Seed Balls Craft

Image via: BHG

[ad#co-1]

Supplies

• Styrofoam balls (or old tennis balls or other similar items)
• Spray paint and old newspaper (optional)
• Sharpie pen (optional)
• Beans, seeds and/or berries (great choices: split peas, red kidney beans, navy beans, black beans, lentils, green berries, cranberries, corn kernels, whole pepper seeds etc.)
• Crafts glue (thick and white)

Image via: Pinterest

Directions

• (Optional) Cover your working surface with newspapers and spray paint the balls to make it easier to hide any blank spots. The color of the spray paint you’ll choose should match the color of the produce you want to use. Let them dry completely.
• You can use the sharpie pen to draw some guide lines on the ball.
• Place a little glue on a small area of your ball and glue the beans/seeds/berries onto the ball, trying to make a pattern or just keep them in horizontal or vertical rows. You can use a little more glue to put on each seed/bean if necessary. After the glue on that area has dried completely, move on to the next area, until the ball’s entire surface is covered. Repeat with the other balls until you have the number of seed and bean balls you want.
• Fill a bowl, vase or even cornucopia with the finished seed and been balls!

Image via: Bayberry Creek Crafter

This Thanksgiving DIY Decoration craft is really easy to make, taking a little of time to complete because of the seeds that need to be glued on the ball, but well worth it. And it’s inexpensive, too! Think about using small nuts as an alternative, mixing some glass beads into the patter and you even could spray paint the finished bean and seed ball to match it with your overall décor, keeping the interesting texture of the seeds and beans. And for extra sent, sprinkle some essential oil of your liking onto them!

Wouldn’t they make a wonderful and original centerpiece for your Thanksgiving Table?

Staying on budget is one of the biggest challenges facing any couple on their way down the wedding aisle. However, taking a cue from the time of year can make things easier. Not only do seasonal items cost less, but they will fit effortlessly within the theme of your wedding, leaving no one even considering the cost. Affordable spring wedding favors are easier to find than you think. Take a look at these easy ideas that your guests will love!

Image via: Moxieq

[ad#co-1]

Affordable Spring Wedding Favors

These affordable wedding favors will add fresh pop to your spring nuptials.

Image Via: The Wedding Chicks

Share Some Seeds:

Since it’s officially growing season, seeds are the perfect choice for a budget-friendly wedding favor. Individualized packs will set you back just a dollar or two, but buying in larger quantities will get you an even better deal. Our recommendation: Buy seeds for your favorite flower in bulk, package them in organza bags tied with colored ribbon, and add a sentimental message such as, “Spread the Love,” along with your wedding date. 

Image Via: Thomas Reid

Focus on Flowers:

If seeds are a bit too rustic for your taste, flowers might be just the right fit. Find an vessel that fits with your theme – pots, repurposed watering cans, even simple paper wrapping – and grow your own flowers from seeds. Match them with the floral arrangements that will be at your wedding. This is one favor that will leave your guests thinking of you and your event over and over again.

Image Via: DIY.WeddingBee.com

Think Infused Booze:

This idea may require a bit more legwork, but is well worth the extra effort. To do this, start with plain vodka. (Since you’re going to be adding flavorings, it doesn’t necessarily have to be a top shelf variety.) Then, choose an in-season flavor-packed ingredients like strawberries or herbs. To assemble, fill an airtight container one-fourth of the way full with your flavoring of choice. Then, pour vodka all the way to the top and seal completely. Best of all, the longer this sits, the stronger the flavoring will be. So feel free to do it way in advance of your special day.

Image Via: Etsy

Give Mints a Go:

Not everyone is DIY-oriented and that is absolutely fine. If the idea of putting together your own wedding favors makes you cringe, feel free to outsource the task. Think about buying prepackaged mints. Here’s the deal: Mints are a great option because not only do they offer spring freshness, but they are also extremely customizable. They can be made in a variety of colors, inscribed with a personal message, and they are sold by a plethora of venders. Make sure to price shop to find a company that meets your needs.

Remember, that picking a wedding favor shouldn’t be stressful. Just choose something simple and personal that highlights your love. Feel free to use these affordable spring wedding favors to get you thinking. Whatever you decide, your friends and family will be happy to be included in your celebrations.

Did your wedding feature an affordable favor that was to die for? If so, let us know in the comments. We always love hearing from you.

For more wedding ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Entry #65, April 14, 2010

Last week I showed you how to get your kids interested in gardening by starting to sprout seeds with coffee filters.  This week HGTV Canada has an article on sprouting seeds indoors. A good step by step guide. – Article by Veronica Sliva

Getting Started
First, you’ll need a container. Plastic flats are available in garden centers, but any container will do if it can hold 5 to 7.5 cm (2 to 3 inches) deep of growing space. Soggy roots mean death to most seedlings, so drainage holes are essential for excess water to escape.

Soil
Do not invite disaster by using soil from the garden. Garden soil is not sterilized and may harbour all sorts of insect larvae, bacteria and possibly disease. Sand is also a poor choice. It’s best to use only a sterilized soil. You’ll find a wide range of different mixtures designed specifically for starting seeds in the garden centres.

Start by moistening your soil. Most seed should be sown to a depth of twice its size. Some seed like impatients requires light to germinate, so you press them into the surface of the soil. Always read the instructions on the seed packet because some seeds have specific needs. 

Humidity, Temperature and Light
A humid atmosphere encourages germination. You achieve this by covering the container with plastic which traps moisture and prevents evaporation. If light is needed for germination, use clear plastic.

Soil temperature affects the rate of germination too. Most seed germinates faster with bottom heat. Special heating cables are available for this purpose, but the top of the refrigerator works very well too. Once germination occurs, plants must be moved to a bright location.

As for light, fluorescent lights are great, but a south or west window works too, provided that the sun’s light is not so direct that it damages the tender new seedlings.

Visit HGTV Canada for the rest of the sprouting from seeds article.

Now that I’ve moved, I’m finally in a home that has a great yard, and plenty of mature flowering shrubs and trees.  With the onset of Spring, I’m ready to start thinking about a garden! I can admit (don’t like to, but will) I don’t have a green thumb. I can keep a few houseplants, but once we get to the garden, I need help!  I’ve read a few great blog posts over the weekend for some gardening assistance.

At Home At Home, has a post about the vegetables and herbs she’s going to plant in her garden.  Just looking at her pictures makes me want to get started!

So now I’m looking for a step-by-step guide, fool-proof method to get started. Petit Elefant has a post on “How to plant a vegetable garden”! Was she reading my mind or what?!

To follow her easy steps, read below and visit her post. I need more egg cartons! Maybe I’ll use paper Dixie cups instead? This is usually why my gardening goes south, quickly!

Step by Step Guide – Article by Allison Czarnecki

Step 1: Egg Cartons

I start saving egg cartons in about January. Yes, really. They make the perfect little sized containers to transplant your plants once the ground is warm enough outside. Egg cartons are biodegradable, free {well, you know what I mean}, and you’re recycling. Win-win-win.

Step 2: Seeds

I don’t buy my seeds from catalogs, I just pick them up at the local grocery store, for 50% off their listed price {read: I rarely pay more than $1 per seed packet}. Get ’em wherever you like, and whatever variety of vegetables you’ll enjoy. I try to branch out a little more each year. Here’s what’s on the menu this season: Carrots, Beets, Peas, Spinach, Cucumber, & Onions.

For more gardening ideas on Stagetecture, click here.