A mini tutorial just in time for May Day and Mother’s Day

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For some reason, I didn't do much shopping at Miss Frenchie's myself.  I missed out on some great items, and am kicking myself about some vintage lace curtain panels thatDebbie had.  I guess that when I go to a show, I am in a selling mode, not a buying one.

There were a few little souveniers I picked up for myself, though. One of these great "Miss Frenchie's April in Paris" candles from Debbie, and from Beth, this Eiffel tower.  I might glitter it up. When I get caught up.  If that can ever happen. 

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Part of getting caught up was cleaning up around the house a bit, (with me away 4 days in a row, and life going on without me to pick up after it, the house got a little – no a lot- messy). And I have neglected my yard getting ready for this sale, so I took a couple hours today to tidy up and hit dandelions with Round Up. I adore that stuff. I should own stock in the company I use so much of it.

The bundles of pansies and violas that I used as props at the sale needed to be potted, so I planted them, and used the moss I'd had for the sale too.

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People at the sale seemed to be taken with the bundles of pansies, and I got a lot of inquiries about them. So,  I thought I'd do a mini tutorial for you. With May Day and Mother's Day both around the corner, these are a handy and inexpensive little gift.

Start with a 4 pack of bedding plants and try to get a good one, with lots of blooms on it.

Remove from the pots and soak the roots in water.  (you can add root starter if you'd like)

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Wrap the wet root ball in a paper napkin.

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Wrap the wet napkin-ed roots in a piece of Saran Wrap, making sure you have it covered well, so it won't leak.

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Select paper to tie up the plant in. I used pages torn from an old book titled "Art in Every Day Life" because I liked seeing those words across the top of the package.

You could use scrapbook paper, lace paper doilies, gift wrap, just about anything you'd like.

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I chose a wide, ivory ribbon to tie around my plants.  Raffia, rickrack, lots of things would work.

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Since I was going to a show and needed greenery for my tables, I made up quite a few of these.  There was no leakage, and 5 days later they were still in good shape to plant.

These bundles look so pretty and it is a nice presentation that takes little time or money.  Sometimes, I add one to a gift bag to stick out of the top.  Its like a bouquet with a bonus, because they can be planted later and enjoyed for a long time! 

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45 thoughts on “A mini tutorial just in time for May Day and Mother’s Day”

  1. Thanks so much for the tutorial! They will be perfect for the class of little kids I teach in church to take home for their moms. Oh, maybe I will have them draw pictures of their moms and wrap them in that! It is going to be cute-thanks!

  2. Kathy in Chicago

    Ahhh…..a breath of spring. We are having snow flurries today. huh?? I think I’m going to make these for all of the staff for our library staff in-service which is on May day. The ladies (well, there ARE two men..) will love it! A May day surprise. Too-too cute. Thanks for the great tutorial, Karla!
    Kathy in Chicago

  3. Great idea Karla! Gotta love cute, quick and cheap! Thanks so much…I can think of lots occasions to this one for.
    So when is your book coming out?…wink

  4. I love your Effiel Tower. Your centerpiece looks great with it. What a great idea those pansy bundles are. They would be a great favor for a luncheon. Have a great day.
    Jean in virginia

  5. just love your eiffel tower….i’ve been wanting to get one sooo bad.
    those candles were amazing. i should’ve picked up one too.
    have a great day.
    chasity

  6. Love the idea in your tutorial. I will try that! Your table looks GREAT!!!! The balls looks great too!!!!!!!!!!

  7. What a fabulous idea! I love the “art in everyday life” for the papers — good thinking!
    Your Miss Frenchie takeaways are lovely, too! Relax a bit, Ms. Karla — whomp on those dandelions, have a glass of wine and take a breather — you deserve it!

  8. Deborah Woodrow

    Gosh ! Karla, you never cease to amaze me, with your ideas !
    I read your blog, daily to see what you’re up to next !
    Love everything ! Every idea is lovely !
    HAPPY SPRINGTIME !!!
    Love,
    Deborah
    Colorado

  9. Karla! This looks awesome! Shucks …. it’s so simple, too. I’m going to share this idea with some friends who have a show coming up soon. It’s a great “prop”!
    Hugs!
    Betty 🙂
    ps — great idea about the root starter … keeps the chance of shock low …

  10. Oh my goodness – I love this. My grandparents now live with my mom {grandpa has alzheimers and grammy had a hard time alone} … these 2 special ladies would love such a sweet gift. Thanks for inspiring me!!

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