Eco-Friendly Eggs!

Courtesy of Kayla Kitts
Photography by Kim Foren

Hi Friends,

These eggs are surprisingly dyed with items in your pantry. It's just as affective and has no toxicity, is Eco-friendly and easy to do. The best options are yellow onions, beets, turmeric and other herbs. Try them with your kids!

Let's all try to reduce our carbon footprint; this is a small way you can help this Easter...

Happy Easter from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Send Guests Home With a Treat!

Courtesy of Jessica Dodell-Feder (Created by Rachael Weiner)
Credit: Alison Gootee

Hi Friends,

Send your guest home with a treat. Paint small terra-cotta pots with pastel chalkboard paint, then write a name on each with white chalk. Fill containers with shredded paper and chocolate bunnies.

The cost is minimal:
$6.00 Paint (6 ounces)
$4.00 Chocolate Easter Bunny
$1.00 3" Terra-Cotta Clay Pots

Your guest will appreciate the effort and touched by your thoughtfulness...

Happy Easter from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Whip Up Holiday Pancakes!

Courtesy of Jessica Dodell-Feder (Created by Rachael Weiner)
Credit: Alison Gootee

Hi Friends,

Get your home hopping and morning started with these adorable Easter mini pancakes; perfect to decorate your table and fill your tummies this springtime holiday. Place Easter-shaped molds on a preheated pan and fill with batter. When the bottoms of the pancakes are set, remove the molds by their handles, then flip them to finish cooking.

An easy way to show love for family and friends.

Molds available at williams-sonoma.com, approximately $15 for a set of 3.

Bon Appétit...

Happy Easter from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Washi-Taped Eggs

Courtesy of Kayla Kitts

Hi Friends,

Washi tape can be used for both decorative and everyday uses, but now, it's being used on Easter eggs, too. To get the look pictured, simply use a standard roll of washi tape in the color or pattern of your choice and begin cutting small pieces at a diagonal. Adhere the pieces to form a mosaic effect. You can also use strips of washi tape and overlap them vertically at the top and bottom.

Let your creative juices flow...

Happy Easter from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Doodled Eggs!

Courtesy of Kayla Kitts

Hi Friends,

Calling all artists! Freehand your favorite patterns, designs and words onto plain or dyed eggs for a one-of-a-kind look. Here, trendy ikat and floral designs provide a sophisticated look in metallic gold. Invite the kids and friends to create their own personalized and fun designs for a collection that will be remembered for years to come...

Happy Easter Artists...

Happy Easter from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Marbleized Eggs for Easter!

Courtesy of H. Camille Smith
Photography by H. Camille Smith

Hi Friends,

Add a fun, multicolor twist to plain eggs with a marbleized effect. Simply add olive oil to the dye solution to create an unpredictable, mottled look to your eggs. Below are instructions to marbleize your Easter...

How to Dye Marbleized Easter Eggs

• eggs
• liquid food colors (red, yellow, blue and green)
• olive oil
• distilled white vinegar
• mugs or small bowls (one for each color)
• paper towels
• fork (one for each color)
• teaspoon
• tablespoon
• 1/2 cup measuring cup
• large pot with lid
• tongs or a slotted spoon

Hard-Boil Eggs
Place eggs in a single layer in a deep pot. Fill the pot with cold water — the eggs should be completely covered by one to two inches of water. Bring the pot, uncovered, to a rolling boil then remove the pot from heat and add the lid. Allow the eggs to continue to cook for another 12 minutes. Using tongs or a slotted spoon, carefully remove the eggs from the pot and place on a towel to cool.

Mix Oil, Water and Dye Solutions
Add 1/2 cup water to mugs or small bowls (one for each color), then microwave until water boils. Remove from microwave. To each mug add 1 teaspoon white vinegar, 1 tablespoon olive oil and at least 20 drops of food coloring. Stir to mix. Because oil and water don't mix, the olive oil will float on the surface.

Roll Eggs in Oil
Use a fork to break up the floating olive oil then carefully roll an egg in the oil before submerging it. Tip: The olive oil will form globules on the surface of the egg which prevent the dye from penetrating the shell. This creates a mottled effect.

Remove Dyed Eggs and Allow to Dry
Leave eggs in the dye solution a short time for pastel colors or longer for more saturated shades. Use a fork to remove eggs from dye; place them in a paper towel and gently wipe excess olive oil off the eggs' shells. Set dyed eggs aside to dry.

Double-Dip Eggs for a Multicolor Effect
If you're happy with the single-dyed eggs' appearance, you're done. For an interesting two-tone effect, repeat the dying process in a second color. Tip: If eggs aren't achieving the same mottled effect they did with the first color, add another tablespoon of olive oil to the dye solution.

Proudly Display

Display your marbleized eggs in a shallow dish or basket. Note: The FDA recommends that cooked eggs be refrigerated or consumed after only two hours at room temperature. When properly refrigerated, hard-boiled eggs can safely be eaten up to one week after cooking.

Happy Easter Egg Decorating from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Fun and Easy Easter Egg Decorating Ideas: Paint & Glitter Polka-Dot Eggs!

Courtesy of Kayla Kitts

Hi Friends,

Take your Easter egg decorating to the next level by adding jewels, washi tape, colorful dip-dyed designs and more. Your spring tablescape will never be the same. Want to preserve your Easter eggs for years to come? Blow out the interiors of each egg before decorating, then hand-paint with various shades of acrylic paint. Once dry, use a liner brush to paint polka dots, swirls or other designs with glue onto painted eggs. Then sprinkle the wet glue with glitter. The end result will be a batch of glamorous and glittery eggs to display for spring guests. Below are instructions to blow out eggs; it's really easy...

How To Blow Out Eggs:
Use an upholstery needle to make a small hole in the bottom of an egg (Image 1). Insert a metal skewer into the egg and stir to break yolk (Image 2). Puncture a hole in the top of the egg with an egg-blowing bulb (Image 3) and gently squeeze to force the yolk and egg white into a small bowl (Image 4). Rinse the eggs with water and allow to dry completely. Tip: Make the exit hole on the bottom of the egg larger, if necessary.



Easter is just around the corner; have a decorating party with family and your closest friends for enjoyable quality time...

Happy Easter from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Happy First Day of Spring!

Courtesy of Allison Norton

Hi Friends,

Spring is the most hopeful season of the year. Along with the warmer days and budding blooms that symbolize spring also come the hopes of dining outdoors, and the exciting feeling of trying new activities. Be an advocate of making seasonal to-do lists in order to keep life interesting. Here are a few ideas that will have you ready to embrace any adventure that comes your way before Labor Day. Without further ado, here are 10 Spring adventures that should go on your Spring bucket list…

10 Things to Try This Spring

1. Go to an outdoor music festival.
In the past few years, I have come to associate the month of April with Coachella. If you have never been, there is no better time to go than now (the lineup this year is amazing!). And if you’ve been before…do I even have to convince you? For those of you who don’t live in Southern California, be sure to look into Mile High Music Festival, Outside Lands, Lollapalooza, and Bonnaroo, which are all in the summer.

2. Go on an impulsive weekend road trip.
The best kinds of road trips are the ones that happen in a spur of the moment decision. Pick a place you have always wanted to visit (I’m dying to go to Big Sur), grab your best friend or boyfriend, and just make it happen. Be sure to bring a cool camera to take snapshots along the way.

3. Create a cozy patio set up for springtime entertaining.
My apartment has a darling little back patio that is just begging to be used for an al fresco dinner party. This spring, I vow to add outdoor furniture, twinkle lights, and potted succulents to make the space inviting and useful. If you have a patio, I encourage you to do the same!

4. Springify your closet.
There’s nothing like a bit of spring-cleaning to help get you excited for new warm-weather wardrobe staples. Donate items you haven’t worn in a while, and reorganize the clothing and accessories you plan to keep for a fresh perspective. It will give you a good idea of what to add to add to your spring shopping list.

5. Hike to the highest spot in town.
Los Angeles has some pretty amazing hiking spots that are especially enjoyable on a gorgeous spring day. This season, take advantage of getting a good workout and enjoying the view by hiking to the highest spot in your town. You might even see your city in a whole new light.

6. Volunteer once a week.
Volunteering once a week this spring (and beyond!) is so rewarding, and it will enrich your life. I highly recommend researching a food bank, soup kitchen, or inner city school closest to you and lending a hand. It doesn’t even need to be once a week—even going once a month will make a difference, and it will make you feel good in return.

7. Learn how to nurture.
Practice cultivating something this spring… Whether that means planting an herb garden, bringing home your first goldfish, or buying a puppy, learning to take care of something else will give you a broadened outlook on life.

8. Learn how to bake a pie.
I’ve always wanted to learn how to bake a pie from scratch, and this season I’ve decided to make it happen. Bake a pie with seasonal spring fruits like rhubarb, strawberries, or cherries.

9. Add a flea market addition to your home.
While you may be quite familiar with the flea markets in your area, a vintage splurge might not happen every time you make the trip. Promise yourself one special purchase at your local flea market that you will love in your home. It will refresh your décor for the changing seasons and get you excited about adding more new pieces in the future.

10. Add a few sun kissed strands to your hair.
In my opinion, one of the best parts about spring is that it leads into summer! Get your tresses beach-ready by adding in a few highlights. If your hair is chestnut brown, throw some golden strands into the mix. If you’re a redhead, try a bit of strawberry blonde. And if you have golden locks, bright blonde is the way to go.

These are just a few ideas to get your started, compliments of Allison Norton but if you might also be inspired by Malavika Suresh with Spring Inspiration.

Spring Inspiration: Things to do this spring...

1. Go on a detox/cleanse.

2. Spring clean your home.

3. Have a yard sale (or an e-bay sale) to get rid of what you don’t need anymore.

4. Rearrange the furniture in your home. Feng Shui up your life and bring in a newer and fresher energy.

5. Have fresh flowers in your home.

6. Take care of your legs (it’s time to get those bad boys out!) and toes. Get pedicures and manicures often.

7. Update your Spring/Summer wardrobe.

8. Learn some new hairstyles.

9. Detail your car.

10. Start a brand new project.

11. Plan a summer trip.

12. Start a reading list.

13. Get a new hair style.

14. Take more walks in beautiful places.

15. Ride your bicycle.

16. Have a picnic.

17. Start running again.

18. Drink more water.

19. Wear lighter colours.

20. Start an outdoor hobby.

Both list are great, but whatever you decide to do this Spring have fun with family and friends...

Check back for more great ideas and enjoy this Spring from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Check back for more great ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

How to Make an Egg and Moss Wreath for Spring!

Courtesy of Marian Parsons

Hi Friends,

Create natural and classic-looking faux eggs by applying a splatter effect to paper-mache eggs. Use an artist's brush to apply beige acrylic paint to paper-mache eggs. Mix dark brown acrylic paint with a water-based faux glaze. While wearing gloves, dip a toothbrush into the mixture and run your thumb through the bristles to splatter the dark glaze onto the eggs.

Create a moss and egg wreath with paper mache eggs and light green Spanish moss for a simple and natural spring look.

Materials Needed:

• 12" grapevine wreath
• light green Spanish moss
• 12 paper mache eggs
• beige acrylic paint
• dark brown acrylic paint
• water-based glaze medium
• 1" artist brush
• empty egg crate
• toothbrush
• hot glue and glue sticks
• latex gloves

Paint Eggs
On a protected surface, apply two coats of beige acrylic paint to each egg with a one-inch artist brush. Tip: Acrylic paint dries in about 10 minutes; paint one side and allow to dry, then turn the egg over and paint the other side.



Speckle Eggs
Mix dark brown acrylic paint with water-based faux glaze in a 1:3 (paint:glaze) ratio. Don gloves; dip a clean toothbrush into glaze mixture, then run your thumb through the bristles to splatter glaze onto the painted eggs. Turn the egg to splatter all sides and place it in an egg carton to allow the glaze to dry. Tip: For a realistic look, splatters should vary in shape and size. To achieve this effect, vary the amount of pressure you place on the bristles.



Apply Moss to Wreath
Preheat hot glue gun. Apply hot glue to the wreath in small sections (Image 1). Pull Spanish moss apart into loose handfuls. Immediately push moss into hot glue and hold it in place until glue cools (Image 2). Repeat the process till front of wreath is covered.



Glue Eggs to Wreath
Decide placement of eggs on wreath (Image 1). Gently create a hole in moss to nestle eggs into. Apply hot glue to wreath and attach eggs where desired. Tip: Eggs will look best when placed individually or clustered together in groups of three (Image 2). To display, hang wreath on the wall, front door or over a mirror. It will also add a cheery spring touch propped on a bookcase, foyer table or buffet.



Enjoy your Spring wreath and make it a family project, quality time with a beautiful wreath at the end...

Check back for more great ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

6 Fast-Growing Spring Veggies!

Courtesy of HGTV

Hi Friends,

The wait for fresh, tasty spring veggies can be minimal — just 30 days from seed to table. A fast and easy spring crop, radishes are ready to harvest 25 to 30 days after sowing. In fact, if you wait too long to pull them up, they become pithy.

Kale
Although most varieties of kale take 50 to 65 days to mature, the tender baby leaves can be picked 25 days after sowing.



Leaf Lettuce
Most varietes of leaf lettuce mature in 40 to 50 days. This crop is four weeks old and almost large enough to sample.



Green Onions
Green onions and bulb onions both come from the same type of sets (small bulbets). It takes up to six months for onion bulbs to mature, but if you just want green onions, prepare to pluck them out of the ground three to four weeks after you plant the sets.



Turnip Greens
Depending on the variety, it can take anywhere from two to three months for turnip roots to develop, but many cultivars need only a month or so to produce delicious leaves: 'Just Right', 28 days to harvest for greens; 'Alltop' and 'Topper', 30 days.



Spinach
Spinach is typically ready to harvest in 45 to 50 days. Plain-leaf types are easier to wash and tend not to retain soil particles.



Happy planting...

Check back for more great ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Courtesy of The Holiday Spot

Hi Friends,

Found some history on St. Patrick from The Holiday Spot and thought we would share this information about the patron saint of Ireland with all of you.

Enjoy!

History of St Patrick
St Patrick is known as the patron saint of Ireland. True, he was not a born Irish. But he has become an integral part of the Irish heritage, mostly through his service across Ireland of the 5th century.

Patrick was born in the later half of the 4th century AD. There are differing views about the exact year and place of his birth. According to one school of opinion, he was born about 390 A.D., while the other school says it is about 373 AD. Again, his birth place is said to be in either Scotland or Roman England. His real name was probably Maewyn Succat. Though Patricius was his Romanicized name, he was later came to be familiar as Patrick.

Patrick was the son of Calpurnius, a Roman-British army officer. He was growing up as naturally as other kids in Britain. However, one day a band of pirates landed in south Wales and kidnapped this boy along with many others. Then they sold him into slavery in Ireland. He was there for 6 years, mostly imprisoned. This was when changes came to him. He dreamed of having seen God. Legend says, he was then dictated by God to escape with a getaway ship.

Finally, he did escape and went to Britain. And then to France. There he joined a monastery and studied under St. Germain, the bishop of Auxerre. He spent around 12 years in training. And when he became a bishop he dreamed that the Irish were calling him back to Ireland to tell them about God. The Confessio, Patrick's spiritual autobiography, is the most important document regarding this. It tells of a dream after his return to Britain, in which one Victoricus delivered him a letter headed "The Voice of the Irish."

So he set out for Ireland with the Pope's blessings. There he converted the Gaelic Irish, who were then mostly Pagans, to Christianity. He was confident in the Lord, he journeyed far and wide, baptizing and confirming with untiring zeal. And, in a diplomatic fashion he brought gifts to a kinglet here and a lawgiver there,but accepted none from any.

Indeed, Patrick was quite successful at winning converts. Through active preaching, he made important converts even among the royal families. And this fact upset the Celtic Druids. Patrick was arrested several times,but escaped each time. For 20 years he had traveled throughout Ireland, establishing monasteries across the country. He also set up schools and churches which would aid him in his conversion. He developed a native clergy, fostered the growth of monasticism, established dioceses, and held church councils.

Patrick's doctrine is considered orthodox and has been interpreted as anti-Pelagian. Although he is not particularly noted as a man of learning, a few of his writings remain extant: his Confession, a reply to his detractors, and several letters. The Lorica ("Breastplate"), a famous hymn attributed to Patrick, may date to a later period. By the end of the 7th century Patrick had become a legendary figure, and the legends have continued to grow since then. There are many legends associated with St Patrick. It is said that he used the three-leafed shamrock to explain the concept of the Trinity; which refers to the combination of Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. Hence its strong association with his day and name Legend also has that, Saint Patrick had put the curse of God on venomous snakes in Ireland. And he drove all the snakes into the sea where they drowned.

True, these are mostly legends. But, after some 1500 years, these legends have been inseparably combined with the facts. And together they have helped us know much about the Saint and the spirit behind celebration of the day. Patrick's mission in Ireland lasted for over 20 years. He died on March 17, AD 461. That day has been commemorated as St. Patrick's Day ever since. The day's spirit is to celebrate the universal baptization of Ireland. Though originally a Catholic holy day, St. Patrick's Day has evolved into more of a secular holiday. Or, rather, 'be an Irish Day '. And the Irish has borne it as part of their national tradition in everywhere they populated and prospered. The Catholic feast day for this most loved of Irish saints has become a holiday in celebration of the Irish and Irish culture. The leprechaun, a Celtic fairy, has become entrenched as a chief symbol for this holiday, as is the shamrock, an ancient symbol for the triple goddess Brigit. It is fitting that this holiday should fall at the time of the year when the return of spring begins to seem at hand.

Happy St. Patrick's Day from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

How to Make a Balloon Arch and Balloon Columns Without Helium!

Balloon Arch


Balloon Columns

Hi Friends,

Let me begin with a special thank you to tacefadmin for these easy-to-follow instructions on the art of making balloon arches. I'm confident we will all have fun and share the experience with friends and family; thank you!

Balloon arches are festive stage decorations at birthday parties and other events. Balloon arches are normally created using helium inflated balloons forming a shape like an arch. Because helium is costly, you may need to find alternative options on how to make a balloon arch without helium. Creating a huge balloon arch will cost you hundreds to thousands of dollars. You can use a regular air-filled balloon and a frame to support the top of the arch. Learning how to make a balloon arch without helium will enable you to create a beautiful and festive stage decoration or entry for events, parties, and other occasions.

What are the Things that You Need?

• PVC Connector
• 2 Pieces 10ft long PVC Pipes with 1/2-Inch diameter
• Drill
• PVC Glue
• Two Wood Blocks, 2-Inch thick each
• Balloons

You can also use metal or wood as a frame for your balloon, but these materials are expensive and heavy. You may need to use additional materials to hold up the weight of the frame, which can cost you more. PVC pipes are lightweight and inexpensive, and you can still use them after the balloon arch is not needed anymore.

Steps on How to Create a Balloon Arch without Helium

1. Attach the ten-ft long PVC pipes together using the PVC pipe connector. Make sure to put glue on the connector prior to adjoining the two pipes to ensure that they will not pop apart from one another.

2. Make a 1/2-inch hole at the center of the woodblocks. Get the PVS pipes and insert the both ends to the hole of the wood blocks. Make sure to put glue on the hole before inserting the pipes to ensure that they are kept in place and will not pop apart.

3. Bend the PVC pipes to form an arch. You can use sandbags or any similar weights on both ends of the arch so that it will not tip over.

4. Now that you have the arch, you can start working on the balloons. Blow up 2 balloons with regular air and tie them up closely. Tie the ends of both balloons together and you now have a double regular-air filled balloon, and attach it to the arch. Repeat creating double balloons until there’s enough to cover up the arch.

5. Attach the double balloons on the frame of the arch. Wrap the entire arch frame with the double balloons that you made. Do not forget to twist them simultaneously to ensure that they are securely attached on the frame. Do this step again with the other double balloons until you finally make a balloon arch.

Also, you can use an air compressor to inflate the balloons. This will help improve the speed of your project instead of blowing them up using a regular air pump. Aside from that, you can also adjust the length of the PVC pipe. You can increase its length or decrease its length depending on the size of the balloon arch that you want to create.

Click HERE for Step by Step How To video instructions on making a balloon arch by Sandi Masori from Balloon Utopia.

Click HERE for Step by Step How To video instructions on making a balloon column by Sandi Masori from Balloon Utopia.

Click HERE for Step by Step How To video instructions on making a balloon arch by David Saker.

Spring in the air and Summer on the way, it's the perfect time to dazzle your friends and family with your new talent at the next event...

Have fun!

Check back for more great ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

How to Make a Balloon Arch!

Courtesy of wikiHow

Hi Friends,

Oh how lovely they look, arching gracefully over an entrance - but how in the world did the decorators get those balloons to stay in an arch shape? Follow these steps to learn how to do it yourself from scratch.

Method 1 of 2: Simple Method

1. Buy an arch. You will use this as a base for attaching balloons. Ready-made arches can be found in various sizes at garden supply and rental shops. An arch made of thin wire is a safe bet. Just make sure the arch is wide and tall enough to meet your needs – a backyard birthday party and a wedding reception are likely to require arches of very different size.

2. Alternatively, make an arch. If you want or need to make your own arch instead, use rugged, flexible plastic tubing and two cinder blocks. (Other anchor-weight items, such as heavy-duty plastic buckets or table umbrella bases, can also be used.) Place the cinder blocks at either edge of the arch, and bend a length of tubing, such as thin-walled PVC pipe, into each block so that an arch is formed between them. Fill in the holes in each cinder block with sand or gravel to add stability.

• Even with a sand-filled base, a tube arch may be prone to flopping over. If this seems like it will be a problem, look for nearby trees or posts to which you can tie each side of the tubing with festive ribbon. Pull the ribbons taut before tying them to ensure maximum stability.
• To ensure an arch of proper size, buy more tubing than you think you will need and begin with all of it. Each time you check the size of the arch, if it is too large, take one end of the tube out of a cinder block and saw off about 6 inches, then readjust the arch and check it again until you reach the size you want.

3. Inflate your balloons. For this type of arch, either helium or normal air can be used, as the arch will stay upright independently of the balloons. Inflate half a dozen or so balloons to start and eyeball how they will fit around the arch, then make a rough estimate of how many you will need and finish inflating. Remember that the balloons should go all around the arch and hide most of the structure from view.



4. Fasten your balloons. Using string or adhesive tape, secure the base of each balloon to a free spot on the arch, starting at one end and working towards the other to avoid missing any spots. Wrap colorful ribbon around the arch to hide the tape or string. Reserve leftover balloons to be used as decorative elements elsewhere, or to replace any balloons on the arch that pop. Your arch will be bright and colorful, rustling in the breeze while remaining stationary overall.



Method 2 of 2: Elaborate Method

1. Acquire rope. Purchase the lightest weight of rope you trust to keep a garland of helium balloons secure, because this is exactly what the rope will be used for. Lay out the rope on the ground in an arch shape and adjust it until you have the size you want for the finished arch, then cut it to the desired length plus a few extra feet so that it can be tied securely at both ends.

• To save yourself trouble later, consider tying a loop into each end of your rope right now for easy fastening.
• Twine or even fishing line can be used for smaller displays. Parachute cord or thin nylon rope is better for larger arches.

2. Tie it down. Secure one end of the rope to a base element. As with the plastic tubing method outlined above, a cinder block is a cheap, reliable, and portable anchor. Landscape and accent elements of appropriate weight or tenacity, such as trees or statuary, can also be used if they are available and it makes sense to use them. Be sure the rope is fastened firmly to prevent it from floating away. The other end of the rope can remain unsecured for now.



3. Inflate and attach your balloons. Using a helium tank, fill one balloon at a time and then take it to the rope and firmly attach it. Florist's wire is a good choice for securing helium balloons, as it will not stretch or loosen. Strong adhesive tape such as electrical or duct tape can also be used.

• Have plenty of attaching material on hand and use plenty of length to tie down each balloon, wrapping the wire or tape several times to prevent loosening.
• As before, work methodically, starting with the end farthest from your anchoring element. The rope will rise into the sky as you work towards the anchored end, lessening the chances that any of your balloons will scrape against something and pop.

4. Hide the fastenings. For this type of arch, crepe paper is superior to ribbon due to its extraordinarily light weight. Wrap crepe paper streamers all along the rope, starting at the anchored base and working your way down to the floating end. Not only will this hide your tape or florist's wire, it will enhance the festive look of the arch and can be easily coordinated with the colors of the balloons.



5. Finish the arch. If you have wrapped crepe paper all the way to the end of the rope, you should now be holding it in your hands. Cut or tear the crepe paper to end the wrapping, and tape it with a piece of transparent tape to keep it from unraveling at that end. Attach this end of the rope to your other anchoring element. Finally, if you are anchoring the arch with cinder blocks or similar items, use decorative items to obscure them. Your arch will sway back and forth with the wind, and stay upright thanks to the helium in the balloons, creating a festive, eye-catching motion effect.

• Although floral elements are too heavy to run along this type of balloon arch, they are ideal for hiding the cinder blocks at either end.
• Each anchoring element can be dragged to create a taller and thinner or lower and broader arch, so experiment until it looks right to you.

Check back next week for video instructions on "How to Make a Balloon Arch" and "How to Make Balloon Columns" from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Mason-Jar Terrarium!

Courtesy of HGTV

Hi Friends,

No budget for a new planter? You can turn a basic mason jar into an indoor green space with these simple step-by-step instructions.

How to Create a Terrarium

Terrariums are a wonderful way to display plants indoors. They differ from conservatories in that the plants are inserted directly into the soil layered in the terrarium rather than placing small pots of plants under glass. Like a conservatory, a terrarium creates a beneficial humid environment for plants.

Gardening expert Colleen Mullaney demonstrates how to create your own terrarium, using any clear glass or plastic container that admits light.

Steps
1. Since the terrarium is sealed, it is important to keep the base and the soil sterile. Either run a glass container through the dishwasher, or wipe down all surfaces with rubbing alcohol and water.

2. Build your terrarium by starting with a base level of gravel for drainage.

3. Next, add a layer of chipped charcoal, which keeps the soil clean and helps with any odors. It is available at gardening stores.

4. A layer of potting soil goes next. It should be damp, but not wet. If it is too wet, it will promote disease.

5. Create an interesting landscape with plants by choosing a variety of colors and textures for your terrarium.

6. Arrange plants still in their pots in a pleasing display before putting them into the soil. Take into account any height variations of the cover. Fill in around the plants with more soil.

7. Place the terrarium near a window but not in direct light, since that will produce too much heat and humidity, which promote disease.

8. Instead of watering plants, mist them. This cleans the foliage off and starts the moisture process. The water will recycle itself. Wait about 12 hours before covering the plants so the water dries off the foliage completely.

9. If plants need pruning, simply lift the cover and snip.

Happy planting...

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Daylight Saving Time Begins...

Hi Friends,

Just a friendly reminder to set your clocks ahead Sunday, March 9, 2014 at 2:00am...

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Live well,
Yvonne