5.06.2009

D.I.Y. Simple & Cost Effective Centerpieces

For our upcoming MOPS Tea Party this week, I needed to make centerpieces for the mom's tables that I am contributing. Since we are on a budget, fresh flowers were not an option. Besides, I can use them over and over. I purchased the supplies from Dollar Tree (we finally have one close by! yay, before I had to drive way far to the nearest one!).

Sometimes with silk flowers it can be tricky to get a nice arrangement, because let's be honest - some silks look really cheesy-tacky, especially from a dollar store. So I just spent time pulling different bunches and putting them together to see what worked.


Photobucket

You can see the tin containers were originally an ugly green and orange brushed-on color. So I just sprayed painted the outside of the tins with my all-time fave spray paint white Kilz to get rid of the uglies. Keep that in mind when searching for cost-effective containers - "Can it be spray painted, if it needs a makeover."? Make sure your container isn't too big since it will have to be filled.

Each silk bunch stem got bent in half to fit the height of the tin. Then I bunched them together moved some of the colors around and tied securely with a wire tie. You could use florist wire, pipe cleaner wire or a chenille wire as well. Then I bent some of the flowers forward, so they would hang over the container edge.



Photobucket

Shoved it in the container, fluffed it a bit and boom, done. After the pic I did add some pink feather tufts that I cut-up from a boa.

Total cost for each arrangement: $4

Photobucket


I will show pics of the centerpieces at the tea party later!

13 comments:

Lisa said...

Way cute! Let's hear it for the Dollar Tree! And YOUR creativity (:

Lisa said...

Wow, $4 looks like a million! Way to go! I'll remember this post next time I make several little centerpieces.
Thanks!

Donna @ Party Wishes said...

I love the Dollar Tree! Looks amazing, as usual Risa!

Building Dave said...

I am in AWE! Wonderful job, can't wait to see the final product!

Lady Katherine said...

Love the little can painted, what a great idea for all the little centerpieces need! You always come up with something beautiful, from nothing.

Coleen said...

hmmmmm..I have not been to the dollar tree in awhile.......gotta go!!! Thanks!

Heart Hugs,
Coleen

Alison Gibbs said...

Cute idea
Alison

{oc cottage} said...

Fabulous!!!

m ^..^

Joani said...

So cute! I just discovered your blog and I'm excited to check it out on a regular basis!
~ Joani in Jacksonville, FL

Anita@Theycallmejammi said...

I love your blog...found so many cute ideas. I have linked you on my blog and look forward to many visits with you.

Anonymous said...

The floral arrangements look great. It has been a while since I have been to this blog. I love your header!!! What fun.

Jules of Whimsicalnotions blog said...

See now these are the bargain stories i like no bull just the truth.Great looking centrepieces.Have done that too but had to remove much clashing as our $1 store sells mixed bunches.The person who makes them has taste alright a lot of taste just none of it good hehe.

Anonymous said...

Hi Risa,
Post something. Anything. We all miss seeing your creativity. Please post. Please? Hope all is well with you and the fam.

Blog Widget by LinkWithin