The Repurposed Fish Bowl

So, numerous years ago I acquired some glass retro fish bowls at a yard sale for super cheap. I've always had aquariums and figured they may come in handy for back-up, water changes, disciplining naughty fish . . .

Somewhere along the way, one has been misplaced. Perhaps it broke. I can't recall. The other has been sitting quietly in my basement for years in plain view, yet I never really paid it much mind . . . until recently.

A few months ago I wrote a post about simple and stylish, plain glass being used in home decor. I had purchased some cool, vintage, glass gallon jugs which prompted that post. A big trend I'm sure you've seen is repurposing those vintage jugs into table lamps or hanging pendant lights among other creative uses.

Since I was focused on clear glass, that plain fish bowl sitting in my dark basement suddenly seemed a whole lot more appealing. I figured I could use it in a new way. Albeit quite simple, if you have a spare fish bowl laying around, you have a great container for displaying items such as these natural accents - some bought, some made.

A nice mix of decorative spheres made from natural elements such as various vine, grasses and jute rope.

Thanks to Pier 1 for this excellent coffee table.  I bought it many years ago but have yet to grow tired of it.

A vintage vise (foreground) makes an excellent table accent.

Great earthy colors from both the coffee table top and the displayed accents.

Keep your eyes peeled for vintage fish bowls at yard sales.
I know I'll be looking for more now! 

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Tuesday
Coastal Charm - Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
At Home With K - Terrific Under Ten Tuesday
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia - Tuesday's Treasures
Sassy Sites - Trash 2 Treasure Tuesday

Wednesday
Someday Crafts - Whatever Goes Wednesday
The Thrifty Home - Penny Pinching Party
Savvy Southern Style - Wow Us Wednesdays

Thursday
The Brambleberry Cottage - Time Travel Thursday
The Shabby Creek Cottage - Transformation Thursday

Tree Bark Bowl

While out and about the property yesterday I happened upon a large tree in the woods that is sadly dying. It has been shedding large sections of bark for awhile and many thick pieces lay strewn at its base. Although sad to see a tree in this state, I couldn't help but be immediately drawn to the organic beauty and texture of the bark and knew I had to "save" the memory of the tree (  now I want to listen to Enya) the only way I knew how . . . to incorporate a piece of it into my home.

I have used large random sections of bark before in my landscaping. It is a great addition placed on top of mulch located on steeper hillsides as it minimizes mulch "erosion" and also adds interest to the landscape.

Once I carried the large piece (measuring over 3 1/2 feet) up to the house, I immediately knew what I wanted to do with it. Although the bark's texture is incredible to look at, I realized that the backside (inside) was just as interesting. When placed bark-down, the piece naturally has a slight concave shape, making it a fitting "bowl" or tray of sorts.

Although I've been in love with my "level-headed" tea-light display, it was time for a change. So, my new bark bowl has replaced the level and it looks great. A few moss balls which I made a week ago seemed like a highly appropriate accompaniment to the bark.   What do you think?

Another use of "trees" added to my arsenal. 

  "En Garde Pottery Barn!"

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The Shabby Nest - Frugal Friday
At The Picket Fence - Inspiration Friday
Chic on a Shoestring Decorating - Flaunt it Friday
Simply Designing - Simply Link Party
Happy Hour Projects - Freestyle Friday
A Little Knick Knack Link Party
Redoux - Friday Link Up Party
The Charm of Home - Home Sweet Home
Be Different, Act Normal - Show and Tell Saturday

SNOW to SURF???

Well, it's been cold and snowy here in South-Central PA. Perhaps that is why my mind has been wandering toward thoughts of warmer days. I had taken a trip to Michaels last week for some supplies. It's always amazing how I end leaving with much more than planned. Oh well . . . more project stuff I suppose.

Although very unlike me and my usual design style, I got into this "beachy" mood and motif due to my mindset and some products I purchased. I actually did have a premeditated idea of going this direction and was on the look-out for the perfect elements. In keeping with the organic appeal I desire, I purchased some burlap garland. I also found some great, decorative accents that look like the inside of sea shells. I purchased those in an appropriate "beachy" blue/green color.

A clear glass hurricane/vase was my base material to work with.

I first cut a piece of burlap garland to fit around the circumference of the vase. I used spray adhesive on the burlap and then carefully attached it to the vase. After that dried, I used some reclaimed, rusty metal pieces from leftover springs to wind around the upper and lower edge of the burlap. I love that rusty element coupled with the organic jute of the burlap.

I then began placing out the design for the front with the blue/green elements and adhered them once satisfied. To finish it off, I created a hanging charm from leftover metal scrap and attached a starfish using more elements from the springs.

A tea light shines nicely from within and looks great through the "netted" pattern of the burlap garland. I was so pleased with this project, I may make a few more for my Etsy store.

Are those of you in the colder states ready for SUN, SURF and SHORE too?

Sharing this at:
Crafts Keep Me Sane - Motivate Me Monday
Nifty Thrifty Things - Nifty Thrifty Sunday
Boogieboard Cottage - Masterpiece Monday
C.R.A.F.T. - Making Monday Marvelous
Coastal Charm - Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
Sassy Sites - Trash To Treasure Tuesday
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia - Tuesday's Treasures
House of Grace - Twice Owned Tuesday
Ginger Snap Crafts - Wow Me Wednesday
Funky Junk Interiors - Party Junk

GO GREEN in 2012

Do you resolve to go green in 2012? Make your home a green home. Learn to conserve energy and use less water. Recycle products and repurpose old items as decorative solutions around your home. And of course introduce some GREEN into your color scheme this year through the use of wall paint or accents.  It's a soothing color that I can't live without.

Please visit the Frugal Interior Design Website to browse some of the featured "Green" topics

. . . and a HAPPY NEW YEAR to you!