Spring Projects Compilation

Forced Forsythia [credit]

With less than 10 days away from the official first day of Spring, I am more than ready to start on all of the fun projects I have lined up.  With a toddler to "help", I have limited myself to easy, but effective DIY's that can be done in very little time.  The more time consuming ones will have to be done during his naptime.  :)

My first project is one I do every year:  Forcing flowering branches to bloom. Unfortunately, our newer home has no flowering shrubs or trees from which to gather these early drops of sunshine.  So this year, I'll plant a flowering tree instead of forcing.  But if you want to try this easy project, here is what you'll need:

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  Branches of budding tree or shrub (forsythia, cherry tree, rosa banks rose)
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  Clippers
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  Hammer (to crush the place where you cut the branch for water uptake)
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  Large container filled with water

All you do is gather the branches, hammer the end where you made the cut, place them in water, bring it inside to a bright location in a warm room, and wait for it to open up and make you happy for several days.

A very easy project that can be done with small children (just watch that they don't get a hold of the candy unsupervised).  All you need are pastry bags, jelly beans and some ribbon.  These would look so lovely on your Easter/Spring table. It will easily coordinate with whatever color scheme you have planned.  You can get any flavor you want online here.  For Martha's instructions go here.

I'm not planning on doing these just because I have lots of other outstanding projects right now, but aren't these just so adorable?  I found them at To Be Charmed.  They have several examples of this japanese Washi Tape project, including using paper cups for containers.  Very cute.  For the "how to" go here.

I found this picture at Torie Jayne's blog.  I am not sure if this is the styling done by Pottery Barn or herself, but I LOVE the way it all looks and will probably do a tablescape that includes books tied up with string, bunnies, and daffodils tucked in very simple containers. Just lovely.  Keep reading to find a delicious recipe from Torie Jayne as well.

Now, would this be a lovely idea for a Spring Shower?  The bunny banner is a fun, kid friendly project too.  Go here for instructions.

Here they are, the mouthful and I am sure delectable Toffee Apple Cupcakes from Torie Jayne.  They are easier to make than they look and only require a handful of ingredients.  The sugar nests are ready in a jiff once you learn to work fast.  :)  You could cheat with the icing and buy it ready made... Hmmm cream cheese icing anyone?  I'll try them this weekend.

Here is a fun one... I have a corner of my garage where I could fit a potting station...  I might add a sink since the connections are already there.  Isn't this such a joy to look at?  Lots of fun can be had here. Yeah, that's as exciting as it gets around here. 

If I had a little girl, I'd be hopping all over this one...  If you celebrate Beltane, and want to learn how to make a crown of flowers, go here.

The un-contain-able Tracy Porter shows us how to make this beautiful basket, which she hangs IN the house.  While you are watching the video, make sure you notice her handpainted peacock curtain panel hanging between rooms. I want one for the entrance to my study.

If you are passing out gifts this Spring, do it in high style.  A Gift Wrapped Life, one of my very favorite blogs, has a write up inspired by what the very talented Sande Chase saw on the runway for Spring 2010.  Don't forget to stop by her shop and look at the fabulous goods she has collected and at the fantastic selection of wrapping paper and accessories all put together for our convenience.

Alright everyone, I hope you enjoyed these projects and decide to try a few of your own.  I would love to hear what crafty things you guys have planned for Spring.  Have a wonderful weekend!