• About
  • Visit Gray Star Design
  • Minted Collection
  • Design Services
  • Contact

The Design Inspirationalist

~ Inspiring Ideas | Spectacular Creations

The Design Inspirationalist

Tag Archives: birds

Birdbath Garden

15 Tuesday May 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Crafty Ideas

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

art, birdbath, birds, crafts, garden, gardening, plants, succulents

If you are like me, then you love nature.  Especially, plants.  Bringing the outside in is a great way to provide cleaner air in your home.  It is also proven to keep you happier. Plants are amazing for a number of reasons, but the fact that they look cool and can add a natural touch to any room is a reason all of its own to buy them.

A few years ago I stopped by a garage sale and noticed a beautiful bird bath they had on the lawn. When I asked if it was for sale they said it was $20. For that amount of money how could I let it go!

Birdbaths can be pretty pricey and finding one you love that is affordable and in good condition rarely happens. At the time I didn’t have a back yard but I was thinking of how I can get creative and use it inside my apartment. First, I thought of making it a table by filling it with rocks and shells and then topping it off with a piece of glass. Definitely something you should try  But I was trying to make this a cheaper project so I thought of the next best thing, a birdbath garden.

Birdbath Garden - Copyright 2012 Melissa O'Connor

Now, since the birdbath is not that deep you can only use certain plants in it.  I find that succulents are the best way to go because they don’t need a lot of dirt to live and you only have to water them like once a month.  So, I was on my way to creating a little haven of desert plants. Here is how I did it:

First, buy a couple of bags of rocks, any will do, and place a half inch layer on the bottom of the birdbath.  You need to do this for drainage.  Then buy some organic soil (unless you have some around the house) and fill a thin layer over the rocks and make sure they are all covered.

Now, plant about four to five plants with a couple of inches in between them.  Give them some room to breathe.  I purchased my succulents at Ikea (they are only $4 there) but any garden center or Home Depot type store should have them too.  Usually, everyone has a store or nursery they like to go so feel free to do what you like or shop around.

Birdbath Garden - Copyright 2012 Melissa O'Connor

Once you have the plants placed where you want them to be, fill in the spaces with some more soil so they are safe and secure.  You don’t want the roots sticking out!

Last but not least, place another layer of rocks or sand on top so you don’t just see dirt.  This will be the finishing touch that will make your birdbath garden look awesome.  Now make sure you keep your garden by a window because succulents need lots of light. I wouldn’t want your new buddies to die to soon!

Birdbath Garden - Copyright 2012 Melissa O'Connor

If you’re wondering where the birdbath is now, I will gladly tell you it is in our backyard in a small garden where the birdies play and explore. Finally, it has a place to really call home and is surrounded by nature and adorable little creatures.

I hope you have fun shopping around for the elements that will make this DIY project a beautiful addition to your home.  I promise it will look amazing and end up being a cool conversational piece to any room.  Good Luck!

Color, Patterns and Paper, Oh My!

06 Tuesday Mar 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Art & Design, Color Inspiration

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

anthropologie, balloons, basic grey, birds, blue, butterflies, flowers, french, green, lace, letters, nature, paper, paris, pink, red, wallpaper, white

Oh, do I love paper. Even when I was a child I had a special relationship with it. I loved stationary and would always want my Mother to buy me new pads and notebooks, just so I can have plenty of paper to write and draw on. Today, I simply adore it.

Being an artist you learn how to appreciate paper more. Most of my handmade crafts are made with it as well so I have used more as the years passed. Searching for unique patterns and designs is easy thanks to all the talented people out there creating such beautiful work. From tissue paper to wallpaper, there is something to be found for everyone.

Here are some cool finds I came across upon my searches that I would like to share with you. Get lost in the magnificent glory of all these fun and gorgeous items and let them inspire you, like they inspired me.

Color, Patterns and Paper, Oh My! - Monsoon

Color, Patterns and Paper, Oh My! - Amy Butler

Color, Patterns and Paper, Oh My! - Anthropologie

Color, Patterns and Paper, Oh My! - Anthropologie

Color, Patterns and Paper, Oh My! - Basic Grey

Color, Patterns and Paper, Oh My! - Basic Gret

Pinterest - My Love Affair with Paper

New Art Inspired Palette – Arcane Arts

25 Wednesday Jan 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Art Inspired Palette, Awesome Shops, Color Inspiration

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

adrienne vita, arcane arts, art, birds, bright, colorful, design, drawing, etsy, illustration, watching over

Adrienne Vita is an artist from Portland who studied animation and design. Her organic illustrations really got my attention not only because they are unique but colorful as well. Look to her work for inspiration on designing cheerful events such as weddings, birthdays and celebrations. The combinations of color she uses go so well with each other which makes the piece even that more awesome.

Check out her shop on Etsy, Arcane Arts, to see more of her work!

arcane arts - watching over

It’s All in the Details

16 Monday Jan 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Wedding Decor Ideas, Weddings

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

antique, birdcage, birds, decor, decorating, details, events, flowers, fun, items, paper flower bouquet, party, succulents, toys, vases, vintage, weddings

When creating a successful wedding, it all comes down to the details. Even a large event such as a wedding relies on a theme, palette and unique decor that tie into the chosen scheme with ease. You don’t want to overdo it just as much as not doing enough, which can easily happen with a small budget. Knowing what you want is a start. Being able to put it all together is what will make or break the overall design.

I feel the biggest problem most people have is seeing the bigger picture. Some can have a great idea but not a strong enough vision to pull it together or even see the end result . Getting help shouldn’t be hard. That’s what designers are for. But sometimes, if you can combine fun items you like, those details that are so important come alive. Then being able to cross the finish line and look back at an amazing event is priceless.

Here are some fun party items for all events that I hope inspire you to create the party, gathering or wedding of your dreams. Remember to relax, be open minded and stay true to who you are. This is the fun part!

Beau coup – Baby Dot Cupake Wrappers $12 {set of 12}baby-dot-cupcake-wrappers-500

Tree Beginnings – Bird Seed Heart Favor $1.79+ each
97-Heart-Bird-Seed-Favors-Unique-NEW-3991

Wedding Things – Oatmeal Kraft Box Wedding Favor $0.95
oatmeal_kraft_favor_box

BHLDN – Birch Placeholders $24 {6}
birch placeholders

Sparkle – Sparklers $45 {box of 288}
sparklers

Paloma’s Nest – Ringbearer Bowl $48
ringbearer bowl

BHLDN – Blue Bird Table Number Cards $44 {15} & Place Cards $10 {18} 
blue bird cards

Le Box Boutique – Wool Acorns $15 {set of 12}
wool acorns

Postscripts – Rustic Dessert Stand $39.99+
rustic dessert stand
The Lonely Heart – Personalized Linen Ribbon $5 {2 yards}
personalized linen ribbon

At Company b – Cake Banner $24
cake banner

Succulents Galore – Succulent Corsage $32
succulent corsage

BHLDN – Proprietor’s Keys $18 {12}
Proprietor's Keys

Marry Me Rosie – Paper Flowers Bouquet $149
paper bouquet

BHLDN – Urchin Shell Vase $16
urchin shell vase

Cake Vintage – Bon Appetit Placemat $22
bon appetit placemat

Flutter – Tin Music Box $8.50
tin music box

Anthropologie – Ivory Epoch Pot $10
ivory epoch pot 

The Blushing Apple – Metal Birdcage and Feeder $21.99
metal birdcage and feeder 

← Older posts
Newer posts →
color in films sound in color art inpsired palettes
art and design the home events and parties weddings real weddings color inspiration film-reviews historic places news and updatesminted






minted.com

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Archives



martha

Magnolia Rouge

Screen Shot 2014-04-23 at 2.29.10 PM

Etsy

Screen Shot 2014-04-23 at 2.18.10 PM

logo

Screen Shot 2014-04-23 at 2.42.13 PM

P&PBlogHeader

wedding chicks


ruffled

Screen Shot 2014-04-23 at 2.47.49 PM

Screen Shot 2014-04-23 at 2.16.32 PM


lauren-elle-photography

jenlombardo

logo_website

site-logo1

kelly_dekenipp_logo

homelogo

Website Powered by WordPress.com.

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy
  • Subscribe Subscribed
    • The Design Inspirationalist
    • Join 1,379 other subscribers
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • The Design Inspirationalist
    • Subscribe Subscribed
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Report this content
    • View site in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar
 

Loading Comments...