Category Archives: etc.

5 Ways to DIY – Wooden Trays

March 27, 2015

Way to go! We made it to the weekend. And even better for me – it’s Spring Break here in California!!!! What better way to spend a little time off then with some great DIY projects. If you saw Monday’s post, DIY Triangle Patterned Tray, then you’ll know I teamed up with 4 awesome bloggers to show you 5 Ways to DIY a wooden tray. I love how everyone’s personal style and taste came out in this project. These ladies made this little $10 tray look pretty darn great.

A Bubbly Life // Sarah Hearts

The Crafted Life

Oleander + Palm // Pars Caeli

Do you feel inspired to DIY this weekend? Why not make customize a wooden tray.

I love this new series, 5 Ways to DIY. Would you like to see more? What would you like to see us DIY next?

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DIY Shell Pattern Print

March 20, 2015

This post was sponsored by HP Sprout. Thank you for supporting the companies that help make this blog possible.

For those of you that are new to Oleander and Palm, one important bit of information about me is that I grew up in Papua New Guinea. I’m an island girl at heart. I have many treasures from living there, put some of my most precious ones are my sea shells that I collected on beaches and bought from children in villages.

And you might also know that I am married to a real live nerd. Lonnie, my husband, is a High School Biology teacher and he is pretty passionate about all things of the natural world. And we recently were given a bunch of shells. The nerd spends a lot of time studying the shells (no really he does). So, I thought it would be fun to create a little shell art piece for his enjoyed (and yours if you’d like).

The new HP Sprout computer is such a cool new too. The Sprout has a built in image scanner and even a 3D scanner. You can easily take 3D objects and convert them to useable images in a matter of seconds. I created this shell pattern print in very short order.

I started by placing a couple shells at a time on the touch mat. Then I used the “capture” function to take pictures of the shells.

The Sprout automatically separates the individual objects and creates images for each one. It takes away the background, so you are left with just the shell object.

Once I had all the images “captured”, I simply swiped the shells I wanted to use from the touch screen to the touch mat, by swiping down. Then I placed my shells in rows by moving them and resizing them with my fingers on the touch mat. I easily copied and pasted the shells in multiples with the easy to use editing tools on the right hand side of the touch mat.

When I had all the shells where I wanted them, I printed it on nice card stock. I printed mine at Kinkos Fedex, because their printers do such a great job compared to my little home printer (and a 8×10 only cost 52 cents to print).

I placed in in a simple frame with a nice wide mat board. I’m quite pleased with how it turned out and even more importantly, the nerd LOVES it.

If you’d like to print a copy of this Shell Print, feel free to download a copy for yourself HERE.

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Fun and Creative Door ideas

March 19, 2015

As I’m slowly getting moved into my studio, I’m trying to find some unique ways to make the space mine. I thing I’d love to do it spruce up one of the doors in the space. There is one interior door that is just asking to be painted or patterned in some way (probably triangles). But, here’s a few really cute door ideas for a little inspiration.

Polka Dots, Color Blocked Barn Door

Gold Stripes

Color Block / Grey Stripes Barn Door

Is there one her in this mix that you like more then the others? What do you think would be a signature O + P door? I’m thinking grey, green and triangles. But, I’d love to know you thoughts.

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Weekly Cleaning Schedule

March 17, 2015

The Persil® brand provided me with a sample of Persil® ProCleanTM laundry detergent in exchange for a product review. However, all the opinions expressed here are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that help make this blog possible.

Well, it’s Spring for sure here in California and I have Spring Cleaning Fever. It feels like our little house fills up so quickly, and I’m ready to purge and clean. I’m definitely a bit of a clean freak. I can’t rest or chill out if there are messes in the kitchen or piles of laundry waiting to be done. I can relax when my home is clean. So, technically, I never relax (ha ha). I go through phases and plans for keeping up with all the jobs that have to be done at home, but mostly it feels like the job is NEVER done. When I get one area clean another is waiting for me.

In the early days of my blog, I shared a weekly cleaning schedule that I was trying to stick to. Here’s that plan. I’m sure I stuck with that plan for a few months, but I haven’t thought about it in years. So It’s time for a new plan. I’m assigning a job to each day of the week. To take the pressure off myself of having everything done all at once, I’m going to focus my cleaning attention on one specific area per day. And the other jobs can wait for their day. Anyone else feel like they never are done?

I’ve created a printable chart for my laundry room wall to help keep me on track. And if this idea appeals to you, feel free to download a copy for yourself. I’ve made a copy in black, mint (as seen on my wall), and blush as well. Now I need to try to keep myself from taking on more than the day’s task at hand.

Laundry is probably my favorite household chore. I love to sort the clothes by color, I like the sound of the machine running and I don’t even mind folding. I love tackling stains and the satisfaction of seeing crisp white and a pile of neatly folded towels. It’s weird, I know. But, you have to love what you’re doing sometimes, and maybe see the beauty in the simple everyday tasks. I’m loving this NEW Persil ProClean line. I’m impressed with the results I’m seeing in my washing machine. And the new Persil Power-Pearls work wonders on my whites. Recently I threw out a bunch of ugly old towels, it was time. I’ve chosen to go back to all white towels. You definitely know when they’re clean. The Persil line is keeping them crisp, white, and spotless. These easy to grab bottles fit perfectly in my window sill. Persil also has a great resource for stain removal. Check out this chart, I’m pretty sure it covers any stain you might encounter. I’m pinning this for future reference.

Is there a household chore that you don’t mind doing? If you could have a maid, which job would you hand over first?

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Thrifting Thursday – Feeling Lucky

March 12, 2015

I love thrifting for holiday decor. There’s no need to spend big bucks on all the fun new stuff that hits the shelves of Target every season.You can find unique things, that no one else has in their homes for a fraction of the price.

I couple weeks ago I came across this pretty shamrock glass dish for just $3. I’m going to enjoy taking this out every St. Patrick’s Day.

I’m filling it with my new favorite green treat, dried kiwis. My sweet friend PJ, of A Girl Named PJ, sent me a big bag of these. They are soooo good. She bought them locally in New Jersey, but don’t worry, I’ve found some online for you.

OK, so what how you found thrifting lately? I also scored this gorgeous mint green pitcher and glass stirer for just $8.50 this week.

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BIG NEWS for Oleander + Palm

March 11, 2015

Well, I’ve got some news. Oleander + Palm now has a studio downtown Bakersfield!!!! Yep, I’m taking a big leap and moving off the dining table and into a studio. I can’t tell you how excited I am. It all happened really quickly. A couple weeks ago you might have seen me post about trying to make room for a desk in our bedroom. I think I do pretty well working from home. We do have a small house and I was working off the dining room table. It wasn’t easy to be always dragging out stuff, making and shooting and then having to put it all away so we could eat dinner. I felt like I was wasting so much time. Plus, all my craft stuff (or craft crap is what I usually call it) was stored all over the house because I didn’t have one place to fit it all. My sewing machine was in Dylan’s closet, my Cricut was under my bed, party supplies where in the laundry room, and I had an assortment of styling props in drawers in both my living room and dining room. Needless to say, this blog was taking over my house.

We rearranged the bedroom and thought through how I could at least have a desk in the corner. Then, about a week ago we decided to drive around downtown and see if we spotted any possible spaces for rent. Just to see what is out there. We found one in the perfect building downtown, right above a coffee shop. And in just a day, decided to take a risk and try something new. I have felt like I needed to make an investment in my blog in order to push myself forward and really be successful. My husband, Lonnie and I are naturally risk takers (that’s kind of how you end up living in Yemen with two little kids). I think there are friends and family members that think we are crazy. But, what the heck, you only live once. I want to live with no regrets and try everything at least once. Success isn’t going to come with me sitting on my butt waiting for something good to happen. I’m going to be out there giving it my all and doing what I love. Success doesn’t look like me making lots of money, sure I would love to be able to pay the bills, but I just want to be happy and love what I’m doing. So, here was go – Oleander + Palm Studio!

It’s a small space, but it’s all mine. Don’t worry, pictures are coming very soon. It needs some TLC, so I’ll be sharing the process. It’s a bright white room with big windows, I think it’s going to really make taking pictures so much easier. Plus, I can have a dedicated workspace all to myself. I can leave unfinished out and I’ll have all my supplies in one place. And even though it’s small, I want to begin hosting regular craft workshops. If there is anything I like more then making, it’s getting to make and create with others. I’ll be hosting my first workshop on March 19th. These are going to be fun, relaxed events with just 6-8 guests at a time. You know I love to host a party, so there will be treats and goodies for sure. If you are local, stay tuned to more information on signing up to attend.

Well, here goes nothing. Now if I can just get my girls feeling better again, so I can get out of this house and get to work on my new studio.

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DIY Modern Decorative Plates

March 9, 2015

I love plates on the wall as decoration in dining rooms. But, instead of hanging your Grandma’s china, which I’m all for as well, why not make some custom plates that are clean, modern and in colors that compliment your home.

These DIY Modern Decorative Plates were a breeze to make and I got to play with two of my favorite materials spray paint and fabric.

The possibilities are endless for the patterns and colors you could make these plates in. I stuck with my green and pink combo and added a touch of metallic gold (of course).

Here’s what you’ll need:

Clear glass plates (I found these are Hobby Lobby)

Scraps of fabric

Scissors

Foam brush

Mod Podge

Spray paint in a couple colors

I started by picking out my favorite Design Master paint colors – Prairie Grass, Coral, Basil and Brilliant Gold.

Start by cutting out fabric shapes that you’d like on your plates. I played with triangles, half oval shapes and little rectangles.

Using Mod Podge, cover the top of the piece of fabric completely and place on the back of the plate. When all the fabric pieces are in place, brush on another coat of Mod Podge to cover the back of the plate.

When it is completely dry, spray the back of the plate with spray paint. Make sure the plate is on a flat surface so that none of the paint makes it onto the front of the plate. You can paint the plate all one color, like I did with the coral and mint plates, or you can layer the colors like I did with the green and gold paint.

For the two-toned plate, I painted half of the plate gold first and then layered the green on top. It gives a nice faded look from one color to the next.

Then, to protect the beautiful paint job, brush on another layer of Mod Podge. When they are completely dry, you can display them on the wall or set them out just as decorative pieces on dressers and table tops.

It’s hard to see in these pictures, but the layer of Mod Podge gives the plate a fun texture. It’s easy to see with the metallic gold paint. I love the lumps and bumps that give these plates a unique, handmade feel.

Be sure to check out the some of the other fun DIYs of created using Design Master Spray Paint – DIY Faux Copper Vase, DIY Ombre Give Thanks Banner, Metallic Dipped Taper Candles, Dala Horse Salt Dough Ornaments and the Gold Dipped Yarn Hanging.

I buy my Design Master paints and my local Michaels and Joann Fabrics. Design Master paints can paint the most delicate of surfaces, such as silk and fresh flowers, fabric, ribbon, tulle, lace, paper, foam board and Stryrofoam TO the sturdy hard surfaces such as wood, metal, masonry, terra cotta, ceramics and plaster. Design Master is a great resource for products and ideas. Be sure to check out all the craft and project ideas on their blog.

This post is sponsored by Design Master. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make this blog possible.

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Book Giveaway!

March 8, 2015

How about a little giveaway to make the weekend even sweeter. Victoria of A Subtle Revelry has just written a beautiful craft book, Materially Crafted. If you love to make, then you will love this book. You can order a copy for yourself now, or enter to win a copy below.

This gorgeous book is packed with beautifully photographed DIYs. Each chapter of the book focuses on a specific material and some creative ways to craft and make with it. Here’s a fun little trailer for the book.

LOOK! There’s my wrapping paper placemats. I’m so honored to be a part of this gorgeous book.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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5 Stylish Shamrock DIYs

March 6, 2015

I really don’t know how march is here already. But, St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner. I’m not Irish, even though I look like I am. I just love the color green, so this holiday gives me an excuse to play with my favorite color even more. And because I’ve visited the beautiful country of Ireland, I feel the need to celebrate it’s special day.

I’ve gathered 5 stylish ways to show your Irish spirit. So, bring on the luck of the Irish with these lucky DIYS.

Buttons // Geometric Shamrock

3-D Shamrocks

Shamrock Floats // Wooden Shamrock Cake Topper

I hope you have a fabulous weekend. We are on our 3rd week of sick kiddos. Poor Denali has Pneumonia. I feel so bad for her. Hopefully she is on the mend finally. We are looking forward to a quiet weekend at home (if that is possible). A little Spring cleaning and some yard work is all we have planned.

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Thrifting Thursday – Dishes and Decor

March 5, 2015

It was a good week for thrifting here in Bakersfield. Actually it took me all of 12 minutes to score these treasure at my local Salvation Army on Monday afternoon.

I got all of the items seen here for less then $12.

Lonnie calls these black hexagonal dishes ash trays, but they totally aren’t. The bottoms of them say France and they aren’t ceramic, they are black milk glass ( I found these on etsy that are just like them).

I love this set of 6 milk glass ramekins, they will go nicely with my milk glass juice cups (seen here). It’s time to make creme brulee!!!!

These vases were a fun non-vintage find. These two vases are from West Elm and they still had the $16 price tags on the bottom of them. I paid $3.84 for the pair.

And the finally find for the day, was this pretty pearlescent and gold plate. For just a $1.84, I’m sure you’ll see this plate in a photo shoot or instagram image soon. I love styling images and rooms with inexpensive thrifted treasures.

What have you found lately? If you share a pic of your finds on instagram, be sure to tag them #thriftingthursday, I’d love to see what you buy.