Showing posts with label SPRING TRENDS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label SPRING TRENDS. Show all posts

Jun 3, 2016

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.

May 18, 2016

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.

May 13, 2016

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!

May 11, 2016

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.

Mar 27, 2015

After a long, harsh winter, it's safe to say that most of us are ready for warmer temperatures, sunnier days, and the lush greenery and beautiful blooming flowers that come with spring. Whether you're celebrating Easter or simply welcoming guests round your table to mark the start of a new season, we've got some fun ideas to help transform your dinner party and dining atmosphere. Try using some of these sweet settings and we're sure you'll wow your company.

Say Yes To Doilies - Freshening up your table doesn't have to be a complex or extensive project. A simple doily and string help to give this basic but beautiful floral arrangement a hint of rustic elegance.

Image via Brit + Co

Lapin Napkin - Get playful with your napkin arrangements. This charming bunny shape is easy to replicate and is a great way to bring the Easter spirit to the table without going overboard.

Image via Martha Stewart
These little guys are a must-have if there are children joining you; they'll love them!

Don't Pass On The Pastels - These gorgeous blush-hued roses and sweet pastel eggs combine to make a lovely centerpiece.


Tiers Of Endearment - Centerpieces can be created with items you already own! Try turning a cake stand into an ode to spring. We love the colorful eggs they've used here.

Image via Midwest Living

Remember Your Chairs - Dressing up your seats is a cute way to further showcase your theme. It doesn't have to be extremely over-the-top, but a minimal tail and sash highlight the Easter spirit.

This is an especially useful idea if you've had to bring in extra seating to accommodate your party and now your chairs don't all match.

Run Away With Burlap - We love this burlap table runner. It incorporates the rustic feel and wholesomeness associated with spring and it also ties the table together very nicely.


Eggcellent Arrangements - There's very little that's as sweet and simple as these eggshell flower arrangements. They're an eggceptional way to bring spring to your table.

Image via Martha Stewart

We hope these decor ideas help to add a little spring to your step and your table. For more sweet ideas, make sure to follow us on Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram - we've always got tips to share.


Mar 9, 2015

For Halloween we drape cobwebs and plastic spiders, for Christmas we deck the halls with boughs of holly, and for spring we add a breath of fresh air! As the weather starts finally getting warmer, the snow begins to melt, and we set out clocks ahead, it's clear that spring is on the way. To help welcome this much missed season into our hearts and homes, check out our list of Do's and Don'ts for refreshing your home decor.


Do:
  • Brighten your spaces. Something nice and easy you can do is update your window treatment to a sheer, light, flowing fabric that will let the light in and sway with the breeze. You can also try putting a slipcover of a lighter colour on a dark sofa to change the feeling of a room.
  • Add some new pieces. Spring makes us think of bright colours, organic lines, and floral-inspired patterns. Incorporating these trends with a few throw pillows on a sofa can add that extra detail to make your room pop!
  • Get creative. It's no lie that opposites attract. Experiment by combining different textures, finishes, and fabrics to see what you like.
Don't:
  • Hold on to clutter. 'Tis the season for spring cleaning! Having a clean and organized living space creates an oasis to come home to and relax after a long day. For those small items that we all inevitably need to keep, consider creative storage options like vases or decorative boxes.
  • Remove your own character. Your home should incorporate the pieces that speak to your interests and hobbies, and all the things that make you happy. Continue to incorporate those conversation pieces that tell a story about you and where you've been.
  • Forget about functionality. At the end of the day your home has to work for you. Keep the staple pieces that make your home functional, like a bench seat at the front door, but consider updating them with a brighter fabric or sleeker design for the season.
Interested in getting more advice and ideas for your home decor? Don't miss the Ottawa Home & Garden Show, March 26-29 at the EY Centre, where Beth Carbonneau, publisher of Our Homes Magazine, will be participating in this year's Ask The Expert Zone, answering questions in intimate, one-on-one chats. Haven't bought tickets yet? Right now you can get 2-for-1 tickets on Facebook. What are you waiting for? Pick up a pair today and start getting ready for the show.




Feb 24, 2015

To celebrate the arrival of the Calgary Home + Garden Show, taking place at the BMO Centre & Corral from February 26 to March 1, 2015, we're giving our lucky readers a chance to walk away with a spring cleaning + home decor prize pack valued at nearly $700!


Spring is on its way, and with it comes a fresh start, new ideas, and much-needed decor inspiration. We've teamed up with some of our exhibitors at the show to get you into tip-top shape before the season comes around. The Calgary Home + Garden Show spring prize pack includes:

To enter, simply follow @HomeShowAB on Twitter and tweet @HomeShowsAB your favourite thing about spring with the hashtag #CHGS15Giveaway! Contest closes Thursday, February 26th at 12PM MT. Valid for Alberta residents only. You don't want to miss out!


Feb 11, 2015

At this year's Calgary Home + Garden Show, it's all about spring inspiration for your home - both inside and out. In anticipation of the show, we've rounded up our top five favourite home trends to embrace for 2015. From marble to rose gold, authentic wood to simple succulents, these trends are here to stay.

Marble Furniture

Marble has made a comeback once again, and the trend is more popular than ever. From classic white marble countertops to tabletops in every size, kitchen accessories, and birch-like coat racks, this timeless, muted material is sure to brighten up any room.

 
Images via Design Milk and artnet
Rose Gold

Gold has returned as the go-to metal for everything from fixtures to hardware, but its copper-toned cousin has been introduced to the home like never before, including kitchens, bedrooms, and dining areas. Sleek, sophisticated and bold, this metal screams trendsetter.

Images via Dorn Bracht and Brit + Co
Organic Wood

Organic, raw wood has never gone out of style, but mixing this authentic look with different materials and colours adds depth and dimension to an otherwise drab space. Pair with sleek, modern Eames chairs or a glass tabletop for an ultra-modern mix.

Succulents

Succulents have been on the scene for a few seasons now, and they're not going anywhere. Popular for their effortless maintenance and simplicity, these plants will give any room an instant refresh, appearing brighter, cleaner, and modern.

Indoors Outdoors

HGTV's Carson Arthur, this year's Main Stage celebrity presenter, is all about bringing the indoors outside. Creating livable, relaxing outdoor spaces is his forte, as seen through his work on HGTV's Critical Listing. Furniture choice for your outdoor space is key to making the space feel like an extension of your home.

Image via Carson Arthur

For more tips on how to create the perfect outdoor space, don't miss Carson on the Main Stage at the Calgary Home + Garden Show on Saturday, February 28th at 3pm and 7pm, and on Sunday, March 1 at 12pm. Remember to buy your tickets early for the best deal! Right now, get 2-for-1 tickets on our Facebook Ticket Deals. We can't wait to see you at the show!