Many of you may have noticed that for the last few months terrariums have been trending on online sharing sites such as Pinterest and also on Etsy, one of the world's largest handmade markeplaces.  Terrariums are everywhere and for good reason!
 
Also trending on Pinterest (and something I’ve been dying to try my own hand at for the longest time now) is how to create your own cake/ cupcake/ jewelry stand out of found objects such as old candlesticks, plates, bowls, and any other object you can figure out how to stack on one another. All you need is E6000 glue and cast-away objects found at your local thrift store.

One day my thoughts collided in the most delightful way (after a great and educational visit to local plant store and terrarium experts, The Urban Planter) and I knew what my next project was going to be – a terrarium in a unique, made by me container.

I learned from my favorite design blog, Design Sponge, that modern-day terrariums actually trace their history back to the Victorian-era when an obsession with all things plant and nature-related were a must.  Victorians fixation with all things botanical appeared in all facets of daily life.  Therefore, it was only natural that creating a tiny, little ecosphere all of its own would be a huge craze that continues to this day.  Please check out this LINK to an excellent article from Design Sponge on further history of terrariums and for some terrific inspirational photos of dream terrariums and terrariums that are within everyone’s reach.

Here in the Upstate of South Carolina we are lucky to have a local plant store, The Urban Planter, who has excellent (and knowledgeable) owners and staff who can help you create your own terrarium. They do an excellent job!  I made my first one the other week as a Father’s Day present and my mother just loves it!  It now has a name – “Terry the Terrarium” and is growing, growing, growing.  You will see pictures below of the “cake stand” container I created from pieces found at my local Habitat for Humanity store, pictures of the small plants I picked out, the “building” stage, and the finished product.

While I am new to this century-old trend, I am thrilled to have stumbled upon a way that I can have my own piece of “green” in my small home (it’s like this wonderful, magical, fairyland where everything is so green and lush….I imagine small, woodland people running around amongst the plants in their new found utopia) and best yet…..if you go the closed container route it’s kitty proof!  What more could you ask for?  Go visit The Urban Planter and create your own terrarium today!  I bought pieces today for my next one (a present) and am on the hunt for the perfect large glass dome (for me).

 
Back in January as I was preparing to make brownies for a church circle gathering, I could not find my “nice” name
engraved brownie pan but instead ran across my old, rusted, and rather pathetic looking brownie pan that was
originally purchased when I was in college.  The poor thing had seen better days.  As I pulled it out of my cabinets and
thought I would just throw it away or donate it to a local thrift store, I stopped.  I put the pan on top of my dryer and let it sit. 
I felt sure I could make something anew out of this old pan.  I thought of making it a clock or something else along those
lines when I ran across something on Pinterest which in turn gave me an idea.  A pin from the fun home, design and
lifestyle blog, Madigan Made, showed using metal stove burner covers (cookie sheets or pizza pans) from the dollar
store to create your very own custom magnet board.  (Click HERE for the original blog posting that I viewed on Pinterest. 
Also, be sure to check out Madigan Made’s other posts – it is full of great ideas for your home!)

Seeing this post made my wheels start to turn!  I now knew what to do with my discarded brownie pan and this would
be way simpler in terms of time and tools than a clock project would be.  I simplified my version and instead of using
decorative paper went for a solid color.  I used spray paint and grosgrain ribbon and ta-dah have a great bright new
magnet board from something that was headed for the trash!

 I made this magnet board for my sister’s birthday and she was really pleased!  Just think of all the design possibilities
that you can create with this project………it’s quick, simple, super inexpensive, and turns out a great finished product!

 Below are pictures of the board I made for my sister's birthday.  Enjoy!
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Step 1: Find an old pan or something metal that will work to make a magnet board.
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Step 2: Pick spray paint color of your choice and get to painting. Let dry.
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Step 4: Add fun magnets to your finished magnet board. My sister with her new present!
Like the magnets you see?  I made the yellow bunny rabbit magnet (click HERE to go to my Etsy shop .... more rabbits are on the way in the next few weeks).  The other magnet I bought from the Etsy Shop Not Made In China.  Click HERE to visit. 
Be sure and check out this shop – it is full of great, funny, and oh-so clever gifts that hi-light living in the Southeast and all with a great sense of humor!

Has this post inspired you? Leave a comment or post pictures of your own projects.  I want to see what you’ve created, too!  


 
In my previous post I was getting ready to be a part of Hub-Bub's 7th Annual Arts with Hearts and it went great!  I was really excited to be a part of this event and I was not let down!  We had an excellent turnout -- several hundred people in attendance (even though it was super chilly that night!) and it was a very charitable crowd.  I sold 13 pieces and donated $114.00 to The Haven Homeless Shelter here in Spartanburg, SC.  My small heart canvases were by far my most popular item of the evening -- I think it being the weekend before Valentine's had something to do with it!

Below are pictures from the evening.  Enjoy!

Did you attend this event?  If you did, leave a comment and let me know what you thought!
 
This is my first blog post EVER but I can't think of a better way to start other than announcing that I will be one of 8 local artists featured at Hub-Bub's 7th Annual Arts with Hearts event.  I'm so excited and am honored to be surrounded by such great artistic company! 

Please make plans to attend and purchase some art!  40% of the sale of each piece will go to  the  local charity of the artist's choice.....so feel free to pick up a piece of new art!
    Picture
    Photo Credit Jennifer Gaida

    Elizabeth Bagwell

    A native of Spartanburg, SC, Elizabeth has been creating from the moment she could grasp a pair of safety scissors in her hands.  A graduate of Presbyterian College with a degree in history and minor in art administration Elizabeth has been crafting since the age of 3.  She has a passion for design, calligraphy, fine stationary, 20th century social history, Alfred Hitchcock, ballet flats, Nancy Drew, layers of pearls, Shiny Brite Christmas ornaments, and bacon.  Her recent obsessions includes simple silhouettes in bold colors incorporating upcycled materials.   

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