A mini tutorial just in time for May Day and Mother's Day

 

For some reason, I didn't do much shopping at Miss Frenchie's myself.  I missed out on some great items, and am kicking myself about some vintage lace curtain panels thatDebbie had.  I guess that when I go to a show, I am in a selling mode, not a buying one.

There were a few little souveniers I picked up for myself, though. One of these great "Miss Frenchie's April in Paris" candles from Debbie, and from Beth, this Eiffel tower.  I might glitter it up. When I get caught up.  If that can ever happen. 

 

Part of getting caught up was cleaning up around the house a bit, (with me away 4 days in a row, and life going on without me to pick up after it, the house got a little - no a lot- messy). And I have neglected my yard getting ready for this sale, so I took a couple hours today to tidy up and hit dandelions with Round Up. I adore that stuff. I should own stock in the company I use so much of it.

The bundles of pansies and violas that I used as props at the sale needed to be potted, so I planted them, and used the moss I'd had for the sale too.

 

People at the sale seemed to be taken with the bundles of pansies, and I got a lot of inquiries about them. So,  I thought I'd do a mini tutorial for you. With May Day and Mother's Day both around the corner, these are a handy and inexpensive little gift.

Start with a 4 pack of bedding plants and try to get a good one, with lots of blooms on it.

Remove from the pots and soak the roots in water.  (you can add root starter if you'd like)

 

Wrap the wet root ball in a paper napkin.

 

Wrap the wet napkin-ed roots in a piece of Saran Wrap, making sure you have it covered well, so it won't leak.

 

Select paper to tie up the plant in. I used pages torn from an old book titled "Art in Every Day Life" because I liked seeing those words across the top of the package.

You could use scrapbook paper, lace paper doilies, gift wrap, just about anything you'd like.

 

I chose a wide, ivory ribbon to tie around my plants.  Raffia, rickrack, lots of things would work.

 

Since I was going to a show and needed greenery for my tables, I made up quite a few of these.  There was no leakage, and 5 days later they were still in good shape to plant.

These bundles look so pretty and it is a nice presentation that takes little time or money.  Sometimes, I add one to a gift bag to stick out of the top.  Its like a bouquet with a bonus, because they can be planted later and enjoyed for a long time! 

Comments

[chrisitne]

Thanks for the tutorial. They would be great in May baskets.

Blessings,
Christine

[cherry]

I am so happy I found your blog...it is just gorgeous. I will have to add you to my blog roll. cherry

[Karen Young]

Karla, what a fantastic idea and thank you for the tutorial. I think this would also make a lovely hostess gift as well.

Hugs Karne

[debi @ life in my studio]

What a wonderful idea!! Those could be used for so many different things...on a spring dinner table...a little gift for a sick friend...the possibilities are endless! tfs

[Kara Ward]

I would arm wrestle you for the Effiel Tower...divine!!!!!

[mari]

i was thinking of doing this very same thing!

[stephenie]

Karla, what a great idea...Thanks for sharing. I am so doing that to...Have a wonderful week..
STephenie

[michelle]

Thanks so much for the tutorial! They will be perfect for the class of little kids I teach in church to take home for their moms. Oh, maybe I will have them draw pictures of their moms and wrap them in that! It is going to be cute-thanks!

[Elizabeth Shea]

These are just adorable. I love this idea- simple and beautiful. Thank you for sharing it.

[Diane]

Darling little bundles Karla I love how your creative mind works!
Hugs, Diane

[LiLi M.]

I love these Karla, I'll show this to my daughter well in time for mothers day hehehe!

[Marianne@songbirdisnesting]

What a lovely idea! Thank you very much, now all I have to do is think about who to give them to.

[Zita - Mlle Magpie]

Thanks Karla! Those pansies wrapped in vintage book pages are such a wonderful idea!!!

[Pam]

Beautiful pics! Thanks for the fab tutuorial!

[Lori]

Karla, those flower bundles are the sweetest idea!!! thanks for the tutorial:)

[vivian]

great idea karla. they would look cute at place settings for a wedding or baby shower too wouldnt they?

[barbara]

I love these, too - and I've got about 10 thousand French dictionary pages I could use without guilt!

[Shawn]

Bethany is so excited to make may day baskets today!! We bought some really cute paper yesterday. See you in a few hours :)

[Sonia]

Thank for the tutorial Karla. It is a very good idea.
Sonia

[Kathy in Chicago]

Ahhh.....a breath of spring. We are having snow flurries today. huh?? I think I'm going to make these for all of the staff for our library staff in-service which is on May day. The ladies (well, there ARE two men..) will love it! A May day surprise. Too-too cute. Thanks for the great tutorial, Karla!
Kathy in Chicago

[Andrea Villarreal]

What a great idea! I haven't read any blogs in the last 5 days and I have missed sooo much. Well I have some reading to catch up on;) Miss Frenchie's looks WONDERFUL!!

[kana conger]

Thanks for sharing this great idea. They look good in the photos of your booth.

[Samantha]

Great idea Karla! Gotta love cute, quick and cheap! Thanks so much...I can think of lots occasions to this one for.
So when is your book coming out?...wink

[Jean Eakin]

I love your Effiel Tower. Your centerpiece looks great with it. What a great idea those pansy bundles are. They would be a great favor for a luncheon. Have a great day.
Jean in virginia

[Chasity]

just love your eiffel tower....i've been wanting to get one sooo bad.
those candles were amazing. i should've picked up one too.
have a great day.
chasity

[Diane]

Love the idea in your tutorial. I will try that! Your table looks GREAT!!!! The balls looks great too!!!!!!!!!!

[jeanie]

What a fabulous idea! I love the "art in everyday life" for the papers -- good thinking!

Your Miss Frenchie takeaways are lovely, too! Relax a bit, Ms. Karla -- whomp on those dandelions, have a glass of wine and take a breather -- you deserve it!

[mary]

i am so appreciative of this tutorial...i had looked closely at these on the photo previously:) thank you so very much!

[Deborah Woodrow]

Gosh ! Karla, you never cease to amaze me, with your ideas !
I read your blog, daily to see what you're up to next !
Love everything ! Every idea is lovely !
HAPPY SPRINGTIME !!!
Love,
Deborah
Colorado

[Sammy Girl]

Karla! This looks awesome! Shucks .... it's so simple, too. I'm going to share this idea with some friends who have a show coming up soon. It's a great "prop"!

Hugs!
Betty :)
ps -- great idea about the root starter ... keeps the chance of shock low ...

[Pearl]

Love those Tutorials, what a sweet idea.

[Louise]

What a cute idea, they would be great as little May Day gifts for teachers and friends....

Thank you for sharing,
Louise

[barbara burkard]

WHAT A SWEET IDEA!!! thanks for the tute!!

hugz and love!

[Andrea]

Thanks so much for sharing this idea with us...it is soooo cute!

[Jeanne]

So cute. Thanks for sharing. I hope the show was a huge success for you!

[Irma's Rose Cottage]

What a great idea! Thanks for sharing.

Hugs :)

Irma

[jen R Sanctuary arts at home]

great idea Karla!

[Kerryanne English]

Oh, such a great tutorial Karla. I just know I will use this one.
Thanks honey.
Hugs ~ Kerryanne

[Linda Richter]

Great idea....as usual from you!!!! Thanks...I'm sure I'll be doing this one.

[DeniseLynn]

Oh my goodness - I love this. My grandparents now live with my mom {grandpa has alzheimers and grammy had a hard time alone} ... these 2 special ladies would love such a sweet gift. Thanks for inspiring me!!

[Tess]

What a wonderful tutorial. These would make great little gift packages for the tables at church on Mother's Day.

[Kelee Katillac]

Hi Karla!

Thank-you for stopping by The Katillac Shack!!

Lovely blog you have--beautiful images! Lovely post--period!

I hope you make my porch --your porch!

[Heather ~ Pretty Petals]

Karla, I LOVE this little tip. I have done this with flowers before but never thought to use the ones in the little 6 packs! that is brilliant!

xoxo Heather

[Lisa]

Girl, you never cease to amaze me with your creativity. Genious plain and simple!

[Jenny Fowler]

I love how earthy and natural the flowers look tied up like that. That's a great gift idea.