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The Design Inspirationalist

~ Inspiring Ideas | Spectacular Creations

The Design Inspirationalist

Tag Archives: succulents

Portfolio: Summer Succulents

14 Wednesday Aug 2019

Posted by melissaoconnor in Portfolio

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Tags

babyshower, babyshowerinvite, graphicdesign, momtobe, mycreativebiz, natureinspired, paperlover, stationery, stationerydesign, succulents, summerbabyshower

Another custom design shipping out tomorrow. I created this pretty baby shower invitation for a previous client who is one of the hostesses. It features greenery and succulents (the mom to be’s fave) paired with elegant text. The celebration will surely be a beautiful day with the ladies.

Birdbath Garden

15 Tuesday May 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Crafty Ideas

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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!

It’s All in the Details

16 Monday Jan 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Wedding Decor Ideas, Weddings

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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 

Garden Sanctuary

01 Wednesday Jun 2011

Posted by melissaoconnor in The Home

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Tags

cactus, earth, elf, garden, gardening, moss, nature, plants, succulents

Now that summer has arrived get out your green thumb and show the Earth you care. Displaying plants and flowers in your home is a great way to liven up any space. This year I wanted to create something unique so I put together a garden sanctuary by the brightest window in my home. Instead of using traditional materials I chose vintage crates, birdcages and old jars. I included some branches and other accessories that matched my theme.

For the plants I chose some succulents and moss I purchased on Etsy, lemon verbana from a local garden center and some rocks. I LOVE how it came out!

 

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