DIY Planter Challenge: Gorgeous Glass

Summer's nearly here and it's a tight race for competitors in our DIY Planter Challenge. For weeks Facebook fans have been voting for their favorite homemade planter, and everything will come to a head June 30th at 11:59pm. Whose planter will receive the most votes? Only time will tell.

Before you visit our Facebook page to cast your vote, try making your own planter. We've already showed you how to make Karen A.'s printed pipe and William Brown's perfect printer, but what about some gorgeous glass? This lovely creation, submitted by our Digital Marketing Director, Joanne C., looks wonderful and is a snap to make. Add some subtle beauty to your indoor space with a planter like this one. Find out how to make it below!

What you'll need:

• Glass bowl (or any other glass container you want to use for your planter)
• Alcohol inks
• Sponge
• Shellac spray
• White acrylic paint
• Plant (Joanne used a Kalanchoe)
• Potting soil

Directions:

Step 1: Gather your supplies. Remember to put on your rubber gloves and cover any work surfaces you don't want stained as alcohol ink is hard (impossible!) to remove.

Step 2: Holding up the glass bowl, splash one drop of ink at a time and blow it around the glass until the entire surface is covered. Alternate using different colors until you see the desired effect.

Step 3: Let dry for a few hours or overnight.

Step 4: Once the ink is fully dry, spray it with shellac to seal the color. Two or three thin coats of shellac will ensure the ink doesn't rub off.

Step 5: To make sure the ink colors will still be visible when you have dirt and a plant inside your planter, paint the inside with white acrylic paint.

Step 6: Let the acrylic paint dry overnight.

Step 7: Fill with your favorite plant, (Joanne chose a Kalanchoe), and put it in your favorite space.

We adore this beautiful, stained glass inspired planter. Though one of the more complex on our list, you can recreate it at home in just a few simple steps. Love it as much as we do? Make sure to vote for it on Facebook.

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DIY Planter Challenge: Perfect Printer

The DIY Planter Challenge is in full swing and the competition is getting fierce! To help get in the spring spirit and prepare for summer, Marketplace Events team members crafted some fun planters, and now the online voting has begun. Whose planter will receive the most votes and be crowned the winner? It's up to you (and our other Facebook fans) to decide.

Before you visit our Facebook page and vote for your favorite, why not try making your own planter? We've already showed you how to make Karen A.'s printed pipe, but what about William Brown's perfect printer? The Landscape Coordinator for Marketplace Events and owner of William H. Brown Landscape Inc. made this unique piece using an old printer. Here's how you can make one.

What you'll need:

• Printer
• Tinfoil
• Potting mix
• Variety of plants

Directions:

Step 1: Find an old printer and remove its ink cartridges and any other extraneous parts.

Step 2: Using tinfoil, create a tray for some plants in the middle of the printer. Fill it with potting mix.

Step 3: Add more plants of varying height and style to any additional compartments your printer may have to create a lush "printer-scape".

We're big fans of this creative upcylced planter. Not only is it a great way to find new use for that old printer you've been hesitant to throw away, but it's a truly unique and original piece to display in your home or garden. Love it as much as we do? Make sure to vote for it on Facebook.

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DIY Planter Challenge: Printed Pipe

To help put a little spring in all of our employees' steps, we challenged our Marketplace Events team members to a friendly DIY competition. Folks had just over a month to create a cute, original planter. There were no restrictions on size, style, or influence - it just had to be homemade.

Check out the full list of entries on our Facebook page and vote for your favorite. But first, learn how Karen A., Exhibit Sales Consultant for the Birmingham Home + Garden Show, created her fabulous printed pipe planter.

What you'll need:

• PVC sewage elbow
• Grinding disc
• Glue (Karen used Goop)
• Stylish duct tape (Karen used leopard print)

Directions:

Step 1: Start with a trip to your local hardware store to grab supplies. Karen went to Habitat for Humanity and bought a PVC sewage elbow and grinding disc. Total cost for both was $2.

Step 2: Using a sturdy adhesive, (Karen chose Goop), glue the disc to the bottom of the PVC.

Step 3: Cover the PVC in stylish duct tape. Karen used leopard print to give her planter a funky look, but you can use any style.

Step 4: Fill the planter with the plant of your choice. Karen selected an air plant from her property, but any species would look nice.

We love the simplicity of this craft. A few dollars can go a long way when it comes to making planters. What do you think of Karen's creation? If you're a fan, make sure to vote for it in our DIY Planter Challenge. Visit Facebook to cast your vote today!

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DIY Planter Challenge

With spring in full swing and summer just around the corner, we wanted to help our Marketplace Events coworkers add some green to their space. And what better way to do so than with a friendly DIY competition? Employees from every department across the US and Canada were invited to try their hand at making a cute, original planter. There were no restrictions on size, style or influence. Employees were encouraged to be as creative as they could, with just under a month to make their entry.

Here’s where you come in! 

We need our beloved fans to help us choose a winner! Please visit our Facebook page to see all the planters we created and vote for your favorite. Voting will run until June 30, 2016 at 11:59pm. The employee whose entry receives the most votes will win some serious bragging rights and a pizza party for their entire department.

What are you waiting for? Check out the planters we made and vote for the one you think deserves to win. And don't forget to Like Us after you vote. Our Facebook fans get lots of perks - like exclusive show content, fun contests, ticket deals, and more!

Want to learn how to make some of the fabulous planters we've featured? Watch for instructional posts to teach you how to create some of our favorites, including Karen A.'s printed pipe, Joanne C.'s inspired alcohol ink piece, and a playful printer from William Brown of William H. Brown Landscape Inc.

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End of Summer Bucket List: 5 Things to do Before Labor Day

Labor Day is fast approaching and although we all love a long weekend, there’s always something bitter sweet about this one. Yes, we get to stay out on Sunday and sleep in on Monday, but once it’s passed, summer is essentially over. School will be back in session, most will be back at work full time, and the season will begin to change. The sun’s already setting earlier and rising later, Labor Day just makes it more official.

Don’t be sad. You’re forgetting one very important thing: it isn’t Labor Day yet. So let’s make the most of the final days of summer. To aid in this pursuit we’ve come up with our Top 5 things you have to do before September 7th. Check it out below and soak up summer before it’s gone.

Color Fight – Learn how to make colored powders while it’s still warm out and challenge friends and family to a color fight. Much like the Hindu festival of Holi, where participants dance, play, chase, and cover each other in colored powder, you and yours can run around throwing colorful powder on one another. This activity makes for great pictures and great memories to keep you warm as the seasons change.

Image via Dukes & Duchesses

Water Balloon Slip ‘N Slide – Most of us have had a turn down a Slip ‘N Slide at least once, but it probably wasn’t covered in water balloons. This unique idea looks like an absolute riot, and perfect for the sizzling days of August.

Image via Hallmark Channel

Friendship Bracelets – This activity is a little bit of a throwback, but we’ve got to admit we’re really into it. If you’ve ever been to summer camp (day or overnight) you’ve most likely toiled with embroidery thread or gimp to make bracelets for your BFFs. Try making some for family and friends, and wear them as a reminder of better, warmer days.

Image via Honestly WTF

Star Gazing – Grab a kiddie pool, some blankets, and your kids or significant other and head outside to watch the stars. This is a great date for the whole family, presenting a fun opportunity to bond and reminisce about the summer while getting back to nature.

DIY Planter – Celebrate the end of summer by make something you’ll enjoy all year ‘round: a planter. We can’t stress how much we seriously love this craft. One of the many reasons we’re fans of this DIY is that it’ll add a little green to your space during the bleak winter months. Plus, its little freckly face is beyond cute. They’re using this planter for herbs, but you can use it for just about any small plant.

Image via By Wilma

We hope these activities help you make the most of the final days of summer. Do you have an end of summer tradition? Make sure to share it with @HomeShows on Twitter or Instagram!

Don’t be too sad after Labor Day ends. Sure, summer will be over, but fall means it’s time for Home Shows! Embrace the new season by getting 2-for-1 tickets to the Marketplace Events Home Show nearest you. Check out our Facebook page to take advantage of this exclusive deal.

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Succulent Style: DIY Planters & More!

Are you looking for a fun way to brighten up your office or home? Consider succulents. These on trend plants continue to grow in popularity and could make a lovely addition to your space. The term succulent can refer to many different species of plant, one of which is cacti. So not only are these plants super cute, most of them are also easy to care for. 

Read on to discover the many ways you can bring succulents into your space. We’ve found cool and creative DIYs you can try to really set these plants up in style. Check ‘em out below and get ready to get crafting.

Pretty in Pink – Layer some bright pink rocks on top of your succulent’s soil and see what happens! We’re loving the way the pink mixes with the soft green, it’s such a great color combination. Not a fan of pink? Try using a different color rock like purple or blue.

Image via Lauren Grant

Playful Pots – Don’t want to rock the boat? Try jazzing up your succulent’s pot instead. How cute is this gold leaf DIY? It’s so easy to do and the end result looks amazing!

Image via Miss Renaissance

Lovely Letters – We adore this fun project. Monogrammed planters are such a clever idea! And once you’ve got your frame together, actually planting the succulents is pretty easy. They’re a great way to add a personal touch to your space!

Image via House & Fig

Subtle Sand – Making your own sand really allows you to get creative when it comes to the colors and textures that will surround your succulents. You can explore vibrant hues or more subtle tones, and even mix colors together!

Image via Glitter and Bubbles

Hanging Out – Lacking surface space? Try stringing your succulents up. These cute ombre pots and the plants inside them will look great in your window!

Image via For The Makers

Stool It – Ok, so this stool can technically be used for anything, but we really like the idea of setting your succulents on top of it. The fun neon accents work well with the lush greens of the plants. It doesn’t take up too much room, and can add a nice pop of color to your space.

Image via The Casual Craftlete

Not everyone has the room or time for a garden, so we hope these succulent ideas help bring a little more green your way regardless of your outdoor space. Make sure to share your succulent snaps with @HomeShows on Instagram and Twitter – we want to see what you create!

Speaking of green, right now you can save some on tickets to the Marketplace Events Home Show of your choice. Connect with us on Facebook to get 2-for-1 tickets. What are you waiting for? Don’t miss out on this great deal!

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Boosting Curb Appeal With Cynthia Bee At The Deseret News Home Show

Whether you’re preparing to put your house on the market or simply want to upgrade and improve its look and feel, boosting curb appeal is the best place to start. Curb appeal is the message your house sends to those who view it. It can also transform your house into a much more inviting and warm home. If you are preparing to sell, improving the exterior is relatively inexpensive but extremely effective. 

Cynthia Bee of Vintage Bee Paint is an expert in DIY home transformation, and she is excited to share advice on boosting curb appeal for your own home. She'll be presenting on everyday curb appeal at the Deseret News Home Show. Join her on the Design Stage on Saturday, October 11th and Sunday, October 12th to get advice for boosting your curb appeal on a budget and improving the facade of your home. But before you see Cynthia at the show, we asked her for some quick clues to a cuter curb. Get five simple tips below, then head to the show for more inspiration.

1. Play with the entryway - Creating a front door focal point that is both beautiful and functional is the number one way to boost curb appeal on a budget. Add a fresh coat of paint to the door - even consider a vibrant pop of color - and repair any imperfections on or around the door. Also experiment with decor, such as wreaths, plants on the stoop, interesting fixtures and seating near the front door, to create an inviting entryway even before setting foot inside.

2. Perfect pathway - A messy or unfinished pathway to the front door can send the wrong message. The path to the entryway should separate the driveway from the front lawn and the front lawn from the front door. Adding exterior ground lighting to illuminate the walkway or placing bushes and potted plants is a simple way to create a distinct separation and improve the overall appearance of the front of your home.

3. Front yard seating - If your front porch or entryway is fairly small, you might want to consider designating a portion of lawn as an outdoor seating space. Replacing a patch of lawn with concrete tiles or gravel and placing colorful chairs and even a small table within that space can transform the front of your home. This curb appeal option is a bit pricier than others, but the return on investment is potentially huge. 

4. Revive planter beds - The appearance of the front garden can really work in your favor when boosting curb appeal. Begin pruning and weeding old planter beds and add new plants where they are needed. It may be helpful to consult with a landscaping expert, even if you do all the labor yourself. He or she can offer advice about the best plant based on the specifics of your yard and your desired look. Also, consider upgrading the borders of your garden beds to stone or decorative cast concrete.

5. Replace gutters and downspouts - If the gutter system on your home is old and in need of repair, it should be replaced immediately. Nothing decreases curb appeal faster than rusty or damaged gutters and chipped downspouts.  It’s also important to consider the efficiency of water transfer from your roof through the drainage system. New and reliable gutters and downspouts help maintain the structure of the home. 

The Deseret News Home Show takes over the South Towne Expo Center October 10-12, 2014. Join us for an event full of home improvement and decor advice, celebrity presentations, and local experts. Grab your tickets now to get the best deals - right now you can get two tickets for the price of one when you like us on Facebook. We can't wait to see you at the show!

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Vancouver Exhibitor Spotlight: Atlas Pots, The place for planters!

If you have a green thumb you’re going to love Atlas Pots’ booth at the Vancouver Home + Design Show, happening next weekend at BC Place Stadium. Known as “the place for planters,” Atlas Pots has a mandate of bringing you high-quality, durable, contemporary planters. We’re tilling the soil of Vancouver’s ultimate design, entertaining and home improvement showcase with a giveaway on our website.

:: GIVEAWAY ::

Click here to enter to win two stone-coloured eco-resin Francis Vase planters valued at $330 from Atlas Pots. These environmentally friendly planters, made from resin, ground stone and jute fiber, are any garden aficionados dream come true!

We sat down with Maninder Tennessey from Atlas Pots to learn more about the company and their products.

Tell us how Atlas Pots started.

We started in early 2006 with the opening of our first location in Point Grey. My husband Tarie and I came across a ceramic-only planter store and we were both inspired by the uptapped possibilities of container gardening in Vancouver. Through trial and error, Tarie and I developed our products into what they are today – sleek, sustainable and highly functional. However, we never stop experimenting! The process still continues with our sights set on new materials, shapes and colours specific to fall and spring 2014.

What inspires Atlas Pots?

We are inspired to create a great product that helps people enjoy their homes. We love to assist our clients in putting together beautiful outdoor spaces and gardens.

How many years have you been involved with the Vancouver Home + Design Show and what is your favourite part?

We have been a part of the Vancouver Home + Design Show since 2009. Whether we are showcasing the planters or other exhibitors are, Atlas Pots is always present at the show in some form or another. We always look forward to the adrenaline rush that comes during the frenzy of setting up for the show. Most importantly, we can’t wait to show visitors our quality products.

How would you describe Atlas Pots in just three words?

Stylish, durable and lightweight.

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Stop by the Atlas Pots booth at the Vancouver Home + Design Show to learn more about their amazing products. Purchase your tickets online today and save $3 off regular adult admission.

Stay up-to-date with Atlas Pots and their preparations for the show by finding them on Twitter and Facebook or by checking out their website.

For 2-for-1 tickets to the show order HERE and save today! 

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