project list: mini-garden part 2

A few weeks ago I wrote my first post about my early attempts at a mini-garden on my balcony.  I had planted swiss chard seeds, strawberry bulbs, and potted already grown basil and mint.  However, not long after that a sudden snow occurred.  I saw the forecast predicted the sudden weather change and didn't think much of it so imagine my surprise when I wake up and see my pots buried in snow.  The herbs were completely gone.  After a few more days I realized the bulbs were shot too.  Luckily the chard was tough enough and actually sprouted the day of the snow.  But I knew I had to pretty much start over.

project list: mini-garden part 1

Today I finally started on my "Mini-Garden" project.  I was never really much of a gardener but I knew it would be a great start to dressing up our, otherwise sad, balcony.  Eventually Josh and I want to have seating and maybe even a bar out here but for now little plants will at least add a feeling of Spring.

Because I have such little experience with this matter I turned to friends for advice.  While I originally intended to plant flowers or succulents everyone suggested various foods (Swiss Chard being the most highly requested) so I changed my plan slightly.  When I went out to pick up supplies my new idea was to get chard, one or two herbs, and fill the extra space with flowers.  Once I was actually in the store my plans changed again.  I got the chard and herbs as planned, but dropped the flowers idea and picked up some strawberry bulbs instead.  The idea of picking fresh strawberries seemed so appealing to me.  I know I won't be able to pick massive amounts, having such a limited space, but I am excited none the less.

Back at the apartment I preceded to make a huge mess while I planted seed and transferred the herbs into their own pots.  In one pot I put the sweet Basil in the other, Sweet Mint.  While I liked the idea of having a wide variety of herbs to cook with the truth is I am still fairly new with cooking and wouldn't even know when to use most of them.  Basil and Mint are ones I love and will use frequently.

I want to do more to make the whole arrangement look a little more interesting: decorating the pots, finding an interesting set of shelves or table to display everything, and just general interesting pieces.  I will post more photos as I develop everything.

project list: shell shadow box

Early into the moving in process Josh and I agreed to have a Nautical theme for our master bathroom and bedroom.  Looking for forms of decor other than anchor pillows and cartoonish sea creatures I knew I wanted to do some kind of shell-based wall decor.  Last Summer he and I went down to South Carolina where we managed to collect many beautiful shells.  Growing up in/near New Jersey I never really found many full shells on the shore when I was younger so finding all of these little beauties was very exciting.  I had a jar full for nearly a year waiting for something to do with them.

I chose to go with the case I had found back in February since it had that worn wood look and the shells all looked nicely framed when I arranged them.

The first thing I had to do was re-attach the backing to the frame as well as some sections of the frame. . Once those were all set and dried I started to place and arrange the shells within the frame.  This part was very much like putting a puzzle together.  While the standard shells fit nicely in the square-shaped compartments I didn't have enough long shells to fill the more narrow areas.  I started to see if I could find extra tiny shells which were similar colors or shapes and lining them up to better fill up the spaces.

Once it was all set and Josh gave his own input (after all it is his room as well) I glued each one down.  This project ended up being a lot easier than I expected.  I had considered painting it a different color but ultimately the natural wood look gave it an appearance I felt was more beachy than had I painted it white or cream.

I have really been enjoying these DIY projects.  Not only is it a little something to do other than watching TV, but it adds such a nice touch to the place.  It makes this little apartment all the more personal and all the more ours.