Thursday, March 19, 2015

#BestofDIY--Spring Pussy Willows

Welcome to the #BestofDIY spring party!  25 home bloggers sharing 25 DIY projects.  Be sure to take the time to visit each one, you won't be disappointed!
beyond the picket fence, spring, mantel, projects http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2015/03/bestofdiy-spring-pussy-willows.html
It was time to spring up my mantel and built-in shelf.  My painted ice cream bucket filled with bare branches needed a touch of spring.
spring, paint, pussy willows, branches, mantel, beyond the picket fence, http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2015/03/bestofdiy-spring-pussy-willows.html

Let me start by saying that in general I am usually anti household items being used as decor crafts.  In my mind, toilet paper roll crafts, plastic cup crafts, and cotton swab crafts belong in preschool.  Which, coincidentally I did previously teach preschool and would do this particular craft on construction paper in the spring. 

So why does the preschool craft make the transition into home decor for me? Because cotton swab pussy willows on real branches displayed up on a shelf look real...no really!  Even my ever-critical 18 year old son though they were real.
spring pussy willows, DIY, bloom, spring projects, http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2015/03/bestofdiy-spring-pussy-willows.html
Start by cutting off the tips of 100 or so cotton swabs. Put them in a plastic bag and shake them up to puff them up.  Generic brand cotton swabs seem to puff up better.  
pussy willows, craft, spring DIY, beyond the picket fence, http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2015/03/bestofdiy-spring-pussy-willows.html
Add some dark grey eye shadow (from the dollar store) or milk paint powder to the bag and shake more.
#bestofDIY, spring project, mantel, ice cream bucket, spring branches, beyond the picket fence,http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2015/03/bestofdiy-spring-pussy-willows.html
Hot glue the cotton swab tips to some bare branches.  Use a hair dryer to get rid of hot glue spider webs.  
spring branches, decor, DIY, pussy willows, beyond the picket fence, http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2015/03/bestofdiy-spring-pussy-willows.html
If any "pussy willow" buds need more grey, add it with a small paint brush. I included the word bloom with these awesome old, handmade, nailed together wooden letters I picked up in an antique shop a few years ago.  I wanted to spell out spring, but I don't have a G so BLOOM it was.  
bloom, old bucket, spring, mantel, decor, vintage, shabby, repurposed, DIY, http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2015/03/bestofdiy-spring-pussy-willows.html
I got rid of my red decor and added some pretty blues for spring.  Simple, springy--makes me smile.
spring decor ideas, best of DIY, beyond the picket fence, paint, bloom, pussy willows, bucket, candlesticks, http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2015/03/bestofdiy-spring-pussy-willows.html
LOOK at all of these fabulous (not to mention good-looking) bloggers who have DIY'ed it for YOU!
Check out the links below and enjoy!


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14 comments:

  1. Angie @ Knick of TimeMarch 19, 2015 at 7:27 PM

    I love this, Becky!!! I can't find any fresh ones near my house, so your version is the next best thing!

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  2. Kerryanne @ Shabby Art BoutiqueMarch 20, 2015 at 4:30 AM

    They sure look real to me Becky. What a fun DIY project.

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  3. BeckyMarch 20, 2015 at 7:31 AM

    I've bought fresh ones from a local shop but she didn't have any this year so I definitely want to try this. Great idea.

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  4. Yvonne @ StoneGableMarch 20, 2015 at 3:29 PM

    Oh my goodness! So creative! Who knew? They look so real!

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  5. HomeroadMarch 20, 2015 at 4:59 PM

    They are adorable! They look so real! (and I love Preschool crafts!)

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  6. Paula@SweetPeaMarch 21, 2015 at 8:10 AM

    You are so clever! These stems looks so realistic and I love that they are inexpensive to make.

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  7. UnknownMarch 21, 2015 at 2:48 PM

    Becky these are adorable and definitely look real. Love the trick with the eye shadow too. have a great weekend, Lisa

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  8. Christy @ Our Southern HomeMarch 22, 2015 at 7:45 AM

    Girl, you are so clever!! What an affordable way to get the look. I'm so trying this!

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  9. AnneMarch 22, 2015 at 11:37 AM

    Oh my....I love this! Truly what a creative idea, and looks like the real deal! And they look beautifully displayed in your gorgeous bucket!

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  10. Artsy Chicks RuleMarch 22, 2015 at 1:39 PM

    I am so impressed with everyone's creativity ....this is awesome....truly creative.
    Love it.
    Nancy

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  11. Christy JamesMarch 22, 2015 at 9:58 PM

    They really do look real! I never would have thought of this. Love how they look on your mantel!

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  12. MarianneMarch 23, 2015 at 9:23 AM

    Oh gosh, that looks actually doable! Great tutorial, even better project.

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  13. UnknownMarch 23, 2015 at 9:48 AM

    Oh My Gosh! Perfect and lasting pussy willows. I thought the lettering was the project and the pussy willow were real! I'm so doing this! Jeanette

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  14. Http://whatmeeganmakes.comMarch 30, 2015 at 2:29 PM

    What a perfect idea! I can't wait to make my own! Thanks for the inspiration and creativity, Becky.

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Thanks so much for taking the time to comment, I really appreciate your kind words!

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