Mushroom Inspiration

I was out walking in the pasture one day this week and noticed something under the beautiful Deodor Cedar tree that caught my eye.  When I got up to the tree this is what I saw.

They stood so grand in the shadows.  They took me to a place of make believe.....fairies and elves, woodland creatures and soft cool places.  I don't know what it is about mushrooms that conjure up these images for me.  Maybe it's because of where they grow, maybe because they are so interesting looking.  Maybe it's because I just finished watching The Hobbit with my son...lol.

Not only did these beautiful little mushrooms (well, actually quite large mushrooms), cause me to daydream, they inspired a new arrangement idea.  I love how nature inspires and connects me with interesting ideas.

So, this is what I did.  I purchased a package of Sculpey clay from Hobby Lobby and made two mushrooms to use in my arrangement.  I shaped the clay and baked per the directions on the package.  I then washed them in watered-down acrylic paint.

This is where you can be creative. After letting the paint wash over the clay I added white polka dots with the end of my paintbrush. 

Next, I dug up some beautiful moss from under a tree. You can keep this moss in your arrangement for about a week.  Just mist daily with water...then put right back under the tree where it came from.

Here's the arrangement.  I found a quiet, little spot on a small secretary beside a reading chair.  I used a clear bowl so I could see and enjoy the moss.

I hope you have a very nice weekend.  Get out there, take a walk, and get inspired.  

I'm Linking To:
No Minimalist Here 
French Country Cottage 
Chic on a Shoestring Decorating 
Common Ground 
A Peek Into My Paradise 
My Romantic Home 
Funky Junk Interiors 
Fishtale Cottage 
Crafts a la Mode 
Craftberry Bush 
The Gunny Sack 
Worthing Court 
The Tablescaper 
Nifty Thrifty Things 
Sunny Simple Life 
That DIY Showoff 
Twigg Studios 
A Cultivated Nest 
Dwellings 
Boogieboard Cottage 
The Dedicated House 
Uncommon Designs 
Between Naps on the Porch 
A Stroll Thru Life 
Coastal Charm 
Lolly Jane
The Gunny Sack 
The Shabby Creek Cottage 
A Delightsome Life 
No Minimalist Here 
Lamberts Lately 

Friday Finds - Terra & Succulents

Mom's day was this past Sunday and on Monday I shared  my table with you.  Today, I thought I'd share this cute little gift I gave my Mother-in-law.

I found this wonderful terra-cotta planter at a local pottery shop, along with the terra-cotta garden marker.   It's French for "My Garden".  The planter didn't have any holes in the bottom, so I had to use my masonry drill bit to carefully add some drain holes.

My mother-in-law has a hot, sunny patio so I wanted to give her something that would be easy to care for.  Succulents are a little like cactus because they do not need very much water and like the hot sun.

 
At the end of the summer she can plant these in her garden, perhaps along a path amongst the rocks where they can fill in nicely.

You can purchase a flat of these small succulents at Lowe's.   I bought some for myself as well. 

If you know someone who needs a low-care plant, this is the way to go...with the extra bonus of planting them in their gardens at the end of the season.  Have a fabulous Friday and I'll see you tomorrow at Arranging Saturdays.

I'm Linking To:

 Chic On Shoestring Decorating

Rooted in Thyme 
Fishtale Cottages 
The Tablescaper 
The Dedicated House 
Boogieboard Cottage 
Thrifty Decor Chick 
Cozy Little House 
The Rustic Pig 
Shabby Creek Cottage