Designing your nest
Something fabulous that just screams “Welcome Spring!”
This is the time of year when I start getting excited about the warmer weather and longer days. It feels like we have turned the corner and left the winter blues behind! I don’t know about you, but I’m getting itchy to get going on some springy project …Something fabulous that just screams “Welcome Spring!”
Since April showers are prevalent (at least in Central Pa), why not embrace them by spending a rainy day doing a cute little craft for dressing your front door in spring floral glory? This is a simple project with a big payoff in spring color, and you don’t have to be an expert to pull it off.
If you are a thrifter, hit the local thrift stores to score an old-fashioned cane umbrella in a pretty fabric. Or you can spend a little time shopping online. I found several sweet little plaid umbrellas at Target.com and Storeseven.com for less than twenty dollars. There were dozens of florals umbrellas on Amazon for less than twenty five dollars and Shops.mountvernon.org had a stunning mixed print umbrella for less than thirty.
Next hit the local fabric or craft store for spring floral bouquets and ribbon. Choose your color palet with spring in mind. And choose colors opposite on the color wheel from the main color in the umbrella for the most dramatic look. For instance, a Blue Umbrella with Orange florals, Yellow umbrella with Purple florals, and an Aqua umbrella with Coral florals make for a dynamic display.
Start by hanging your umbrella by the handle. Arrange your flowers in the bowl of the umbrella. I like to let some flowers spill over the edge, but you can make it more uniform if you’d like. Then tie a ribbon tight around the middle. Sometimes, I use more than one thickness and color of ribbon. Let then ends drape down like a satin shower or if the ribbon has wire in it you can roll it and pull it out for a soft curl. I also think its fun to add a bird or a butterfly to the mix. You can stick one on the bow, perch on the edge of the umbrella rim or attach it to the handle if you wish.
The last step is to hang it on the door. I’ll bet your neighbors will be stopping to admire your own little salute to Spring!
Your decor should welcome you home with a big, warm, welcoming visual hug as soon as you walk in.
Magpie Interiors specializes in taking what you treasure most and incorporating it into a design that suits your lifestyle, so you can relax and unwind from the outside world faster.
The Magpie's nest is a gift shop located on Allegheny street in Bellefonte. You can find a variety of items for your home as well as gifts for family and friends.