Creating Sanctuary by Jessica Bloom

Available November 27th

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Creating Sanctuary is a first a truly beautiful book but is it also a wonderful reference for many levels of gardeners
 If you are interested in learning about creating a sacred space or even just a tranquil space in your backyard, this book has wonderful ideas for that. If your interests lie in creating a kitchen garden or an apothecary garden this book is for you. The way it is laid out and the writing encourages you to take what information you need to create your own place in your own time, and allows you to have a space that works for you. It's not a cut and dry blueprint, everyone has their own needs and this speaks to that part of a person that needs healing.
Bloom encourages the reader to use all of their senses, not just sight or smell but also touch and hearing and to use those senses to bring times to your garden that a uplifting and comforting to all five senses. She points out that we should be aware of how colors or scents affect us, is it a positive thought, do certain plants evoke memories?  I know I will always associate some plants with my grandmother and I find that I add those to my garden every year, just to feel close to her.
Other parts of the book discuss what kind of garden you are trying to create, all garden can be beautiful but why not create an area with a deeper meaning., Such gardens could be for memorials, spaces for healing, energizing you mind or just relaxation, a space to escape from the stress of the everyday world.
If you decide to delve into the world of plants for apothecary purposes or even kitchen purposes, the author shows how to harvest, preserve and collect seeds for the next growing season. Then there are recipes for teas, tinctures, essentials oils and lotions.
Over all a garden means so many different things to different people, and this book is a wonderful resource for creating your own Sanctuary. Becoming more attuned to the natural elements around us will help us to leave the stresses of daily life behind and enjoy our time just a bit more.  It is not just for the advanced gardener since it has information how to have an intentional design in mind, what to plant and where to harvesting your seeds. Creating Sanctuary is a great resource that I plan on adding to my library.

Thanks to Timber Press and Net Galley for an Electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Extra Vases and What to do with them

Vases, old, new, clear, colored, we all have a few hanging around. Mine are under my kitchen sink and laundry room sink and it's quite possible that there are a few in the barn. It's not that I have gotten so many flowers in my life time but but I've inherited some and some were left over from other projects and some have been filled with flowers. But what to do with them other than let them take up much needed space? I've done the research and I'm ready to share it with you, so pull them out and get ready to repurpose.

Most vases have a lot in common, they are glass and they are clear, they don't a have lot of personality going for them so they end up hidden away. One easy fix is to give them a little notoriety with some paint and some embellishments. Then you can group them and different sizes and styles work together because they have something in common, color!

I love everything about this idea from Vera Morae

Can you believe these were once just clear glass from the thrift store?

Madigan Made tells you exactly how she got this cobalt color 

Are your vases a little on the plain side? No worry you can add some interested with Twine.

  Teach Craft Love used A bit of twine and some hot glue for a interesting display 

Here's an interesting tutorial on decoupaging with Lace by Urban Comfort, that would be great for adding a bit of Shabby Chic to a plain vase

Not looking to add more items to your counter top, how about using those vases in your garden? 

Add a bowl and you've got instant whimsy for your garden. 

If these mushrooms aren't enough for you how about slipping a vase over those not so pretty solar lights to turn them real decor like they did at My Frugal Home. How pretty would this be at night?! And if you have different types or shapes all the better/

No matter what you do with them, there are lots of ideas out there that will fit your style and budget. I hope this helps to get those gears turning to help clear out some of that cabinet space that those old vases are taking up.

I can't believe we are in the home stretch of the A to Z Challenge and I'm going to finish this year. I hope you all have had as much fun as I have and if you've learned something along the way so much the better. W is for Windows and I've been collecting these ideas for a while, so be sure to come back tomorrow and see what all the fuss is about!

Upcycling Jars for J in the A to Z Challenge

As a Canner I use jars for everything, especially since I always have them hanging around. And I do like to store in glass instead of plastic so that's a bonus. But what do you do with all of those jars that aren't canning jars, put them in the recycling bin? Well that's one thing but how about prettying them up and using them all around the house.

It doesn't matter if  you have big jars or small jars, decorative jars or simple pickle jars there is an idea for it.  Scroll down to see how others are saving money and adding storage and interest to their spaces. And what's even better these don't generally need more than some basic tools, paint and  a glue gun.

 While a jar is a jar, and it's made for storing something not much you can do about that, the easiest change you can make is with the lids. Adding a knob, finial or even a little plastic animal can turn plain into chic.


 
Ideal Home                                                                                      Torie Jayne

A little paint can go a long way towards creating something new out of something old


Create Craft Love                           Attainable Sustainable


With a small amount of effort you can go all out and create something truly remarkable
How about Apothecary Jars, they can be very expensive but are the rage for all kinds of decor

Say Not Sweet Anne  used jars, bowls and candle sticks to get this great arrangement. I don;t know how many if these items I've seen at yard sales and auctions for very little money.

Love the idea but want a little less Bling- Check out A Diamond in the Stuff version

Candle Sticks, Mason Jars and a Finial- Add a little paint and glue and a bit of nature for inspiration

And last but not least if you are really handy or want a bigger project, try your hand a lighting

You can start with Candles, Luminaries are a great idea, fill the bottom of the jar with your decor of choice, sand, pebbles, stones or marbles, then add your candle. they can be hung, placed on shelves or just set along a path.

Rae posted this tutorial over on A Southern Fairy Tale

Then you can work up to LED or solar lights also as luminaries or as outdoor lighting

Fairy Twinkle Lights? Lightn' Bugs? I'll take them!

Thanks to All Things Heart to Home for this idea

Are you feeling you want a bit more? Here are two ideas for Chandeliers, one is on the simpler side and the other will require a bit of electrical know how.

Here Comes the Sun took an existing light and just added jars. Love the new colored jars Ball is coming out with, look for these blue, green and even purple jars.

IkeaHackers took some everyday items and made some eye catching lighting for the kitchen!

This one used premade light cords but there is a bit of electrical work in tying it all together.

No matter your level of craftiness, there is a jar project just waiting for you! Have you upcycled some jars, used them for storage or just for display? Le me know how it went!

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to check out all of the other bloggers who are doing the A to Z Challenge this April!

Tomorrow my K got started in the Kitchen but it can't be contained! I'll see you tomorrow for more ideas...

Upcycling Colanders for the C

Day Three of the A to Z Challenge is here and I'm headed into the kitchen for my next upcycling idea!

C is for Colander, we all have them right? But do you have an older metal one just sitting around collecting dust and rust? Drag it out and get ready to make something fun with it!

I have two, both were my grandmother's and I use them regularly, they are very simple but in great shape, so I'm still on the look out for one to use for this garden project, this is a easy one and would be great for kids to help with too!


Just in time for Spring-Colander hanging baskets! I mean why not add a bit of whimsy to your porch? I think this makes a great addition to any area. I love hanging baskets and I have them in the garden on poles as well as on the patio and porch. It's a great way to bring in a bit of color to liven up a space. They can also attract birds and repeal bugs with the right combination of plantings.

Countryliving.com

I know a majority of colanders I've seen are in a dull tin color, but there are so many options of spray paints out there that do a great job on metals. Pick a color that works great for your house or garden.

Inserts can be used in these, such as coco liners cut to fit or moss sheets. All kinds of hangers would also work, here they have wrapped twine around the handles and connected them to a ring at the top for hanging. You could also use macrame, chains or premade hangers, whatever suits your area. Water like any other hanging basket and fill with lots of color.

If you are feeling adventurous and looking for another idea for these handy items, how about heading back into the kitchen  (laundry room or craft room, the ideas are endless) and using them as a light fixture?

Find out how to make your own right here at Practikideas

                                                 or a porch light- courtesy of  Living Small

                                           This one looks just like mine! I love the star patterns..

Love the look but your just not really handy. Check out Etsy, lots of listings for ready to go lights!

Have you added one of these ideas to your house? I'd love to see how it turned out and how you did it. Leave me a comment and Help me decide exactly what I want to do with mine! 

Can't get enough of blogging A to Z? Check out the Master list and find something awesome, but be sure to come back here tomorrow for another great idea starting with D..