Category Archives: Outdoor Decor

Weekend DIY: Garden Stones

Garden Spaces, Outdoor Decor, Weekend DIY

For many, gardening is a way to relax, forget about life’s craziness and release some anger on those weeds! While you’re out in the garden, it’s can also be nice to reminisce about the things you planted and how they came to be. Maybe that hydrangea the with bright pink blooms was once your grandmother’s and reminds you of how sweet she was or the time you spent gardening with her when you were young. It’s great to bring memories into your garden – and with this fun and easy DIY project from the blog Prudent Baby, we’ll show you how to make a garden stone that will inspire you to continue to garden for years to come.

diy garden stone
(Image Source: Prudent Baby Blog)

Here is what you’ll need to get started: a small amount of cement (or stepping stone kit from a craft store), a mold (a bread pan for example), oil, and stone stamps (can be found at a craft store). You could also get creative and use other tools to engrave your stone, such as pebbles or your children’s hand or foot prints.

Here are the basic instructions – (for more detailed instructions, refer to the blogpost from Prudent Baby.) Step 1: Mix your cement according to the directions on the kit or package. Step 2: Spray or spread oil into your mold. Step 3: Pour cement inside the mold, smooth the surface out, and tap the pan to remove air bubbles. Step 4: If you want to add objects to your stone, do so now. If you just want to engrave, wait 30 minutes before doing so. To see if the stone is ready for engraving, scratch the surface and if you get a “dry mark” you are ready to go. If it’s still a bit liquid-y, wait a little while longer. Step 5: Let stone dry for at least 24 hours before removing from the mold.

diy stepping stone garden ston

diy stepping stone garden ston

diy stepping stone garden ston
(Image Source: Prudent Baby Blog)

And there you have it! Display your stone for all to see – or make it a tradition to add something new to your garden each year.

Happy Weekend!

Rain Chains: Cool & Functional Art

Gardening, Outdoor Decor, Store

rain chain function and purposeful art

Rain chains are a unique yet still functional way to add style to your gutters and yard.  The Japanese have been using rain chains for hundreds of years, which makes them a critical part of any Japanese garden. The original rain chains were simply links of chains that would hang from the roof to the ground. Even these primitive versions provided a calming and pleasant sound, however were not nearly as decorative as the new and improved ones we enjoy today. Originally, rain chains were used primarily for functional purposes, such as catching the water as it ran off a roof and collecting into a large barrel for use later for various household purposes.

The design of rain chains has come a long way since they were first introduced. Present-day rain chains feature a series of cups that work to funnel the water, creating less splash while still guiding the water down the chain to the basin. Rain chains can actually be used in place of a traditional downspout to incorporate great style and uniqueness into the landscape. Most rain chain cups and links are constructed from copper, adding a classy and distinct look whether the copper is new and shiny or weathered showing a bit of patina. Another feature that we love about rain chains is that the cup styles vary, so you can match them to the look of your house, garden and personality.  While style is always important in terms of accessories for your house, your home should also primarily be a place of enjoyment and relaxation. A rain chain can add a wonderful sense of relaxation on a rainy day. The soothing sounds of raindrops slowly trickling or abruptly splashing through the chains and links can add extremely pleasant sounds and sights to your outdoor room . Enjoying these little things in life and being able to appreciate something as simple as rain flowing through a copper chain can really help to clear the mind.

Besides the many style choices, rain chains also offer many choices for where to direct the water to after it has made it down the chain.  You may choose to catch the water in a large decorative pot with no drainage holes…you could even add water plants such as Water lilies or Umbrella Palms to the pot for added color and flair! Another option would be to place a rain barrel or other type of basin at the base of the chain. Then use this water on your garden plants! They’ll love being watered by the water that collects in this barrel as it contains minerals essential for healthy plant growth and your pocket book will also appreciate it since you will be using less water from the hose!  If you are thinking of installing a rain chain and would like to keep it simple, it isn’t even necessary to catch the water in any kind of container. The rain can be funneled down the chain and go directly into your garden! Simply be sure to select water-loving plants that are good for your climate such as Ligularia, or Sambucus under the chain so they can benefit from the additional water.

rain chain uses and ideas
(Photo Source: 1. WorkBench 2. Trendir 3. Willard & May 4. Houzz)

Rain chains can be hung from the gutters in the front of your house, near a patio, by the garden shed or even incorporated into the garden.  The best part is that these stylish copper “downspouts” are easy to install. First, remove the existing downspout.  Second, insert the rain chain into the gutter. The rain chain will come with a large “V” on top of the chain that rests on each of the gutters at the opening of the downspout. Complete the look with your decorative pot, rain barrel, rocks or just leave it to empty into the garden! Now, just wait for that perfect rainy day to enjoy the soothing and tranquil sounds of your newly installed and beautiful copper rain chain!

rain chains for sale at willard and may

You can find 3 styles of Copper Rain Chains and some fun large pottery to get you going on your new simple water feature at WillardandMay.com (1. Cute Cup Rain Chain 2. Flower Petal Rain Chain 3. Widelip Rain Chain)

 

Weekend DIY: Door Mat

Outdoor Decor, Store, Weekend DIY

Not only does the color of your front door give your guests a first impression of your style and personality but so does a welcoming door mat! Door mats have a tough life, getting stepped on all the time and you may think, “Who cares? It’s just going to get dirty anyways!” But that is no reason to go without one or put a less attractive one out for they serve a very important purpose and can add to the look and feel of your entryway.

Do yourself, your home and your future guests a favor and create a unique and vibrant DIY door mat! This do-it-yourself door mat comes from Lowe’s Creative Ideas, a site which features an abundance projects and ideas to improve your home inside and out. Visit their website for the low-down on all the supplies, instructions, and helpful tips to create this unique door mat.

diy door mat(Photo Source: Lowe’s Creative Ideas)

To put our own spin on it, we’d suggest not using the entire rainbow of colors (unless that fits the style of your home), but instead pick a color scheme that matches well with your home. For color scheme ideas, visit this helpful website: design seeds. There are hundreds of options! We picked out the following:

And if you are not a DIY-type of person, check out the new Door Mats that are available at Willard & May. (1. Blue Blossom Door Mat 2. Scroll Rubber Door Mat 3. Tulips Door Mat)
willard and may outdoor rug door mats
Happy Weekend!

Before & After: Backyard Patio

Before & After, Curb Appeal, Gardening, Outdoor Decor, Pin Inspiration

Don’t you just love a transformation – whether it be on those hgtv shows or extreme makeover? Sometimes it just takes a little effort to make a huge impact. The bloggers of Young House Love know all about diy transformation, and how updating just a few things can bring about a whole new life.

Check out their before & after of their backyard patio from their first house. The simple things such as redoing the stone, adding some soft landscaping, bringing new outdoor furnishings and adding a fire pit, made a huge makeover. Read even more about their backyard makeover on their blog.

young house love backyard makeover before
young house love backyard makeover after

Have a Before & After you’d like us to share? Let us know by leaving a comment below!

Weekend DIY: Rock Box

Before & After, Outdoor Decor, Outdoor Party, Weekend DIY

Remember those good ol’ summer days you’d spend as a kid in the sandbox, building castles, creating roads, and riding your toy dump trucks around? And if you didn’t have a sandbox, then you were missing out – don’t let your kids miss out either! It’s time to get out your tool belt and get to work! Many parents, mothers especially, cringe at the thought of sand because once you play in it for a whole minute, it is in every nook and cranny of your child – not to mention those outdoor cats that sometimes use your sandbox as a litter box (so gross!).

If those things concern you, why not try this unique idea of building a Rock Box to avoid the mess! This project comes from the blog Young House Love, in which a mom and dad duo write about DIY improving your home on the inside and out.

diy rock sand box

Their idea for this rock box came when they had just finished building a sandbox for their daughter – after doing so, they realized how messy it was, and were concerned with the materials within the sand that they used. To keep their daughter safe and mess-free, they replaced the sand with pea gravel rocks and now call it a rock box. Their little girl now loves the rockbox even more than the sand – who knew?

To make a rock box for your child(ren), here is what you’ll need: (2) 2×10 framing lumber (cut down to 5′ lengths – they can do this at the store for you), 4 smaller pieces of wood to use as stakes, waterproof deck stain, weed block, square ruler, shovel, pea gravel (20 bags), a drill and decking screws.

For the complete how-to and tips, read their “Sandbox Chronicles” on how to make the rock box. They also have a post on how to make a cover that securely attaches to their fence. Also, read their reasoning for replacing the sand with pea gravel. Here are a few photos from their blog on building the rock box:

make a sand rock box
make a sand rock box
make a sand rock box with a lid cover
rock box diy
rock box diy
(Photo Source: Young House Love)

Happy Weekend and happy rock box building!

Chimeneas – Outdoor Fireplace

Furniture, Garden Spaces, Outdoor Decor, Outdoor Party, Store

Create the neighborhood evening hot-spot in your own backyard by adding a Chimenea! You may ask, “A Chima-what?” I’m sure you’ve seen these patio ornaments during your last trip to Mexico or in western movies…the Chimenea actually originates from Mexican Tribesmen who developed a way to simultaneously keep their families warm and cook, all while keeping the rain off of their fires. Recently, these Chimeneas have gained popularity in the world of outdoor decor since they also make a wonderfully affordable fireplace/firepit. Also, unlike the Mexican Chimeneas, Chimeneas today are crafted out of durable deluxe clay and are made to last and use outdoors year-round – even in the northern areas.

mexican fireplace chimenea garden chiminea

Chimeneas are an easy way to add warmth, light, and comfort to your backyard space. The long-lasting Chimeneas from Willard & May can be enjoyed year-round when placed amongst your garden, on your patio or deck, in your pool area and even while camping. Use your wood burning outdoor fireplace to add an inviting ambiance, warm-crackling flames, and a delightful wood burning aroma to your backyard space. You can also burn pinion woods (a hardwood pine found in the mountains of the southwestern United States)  as a natural mosquito repellent!

CHIMENEA CARE TIPS
– Use the included metal stand as this helps to prevent the clay from retaining moisture. Your Chimenea will last longer if kept above the ground and allowed to breathe.
– Use a 2-3″ barrier of sand or pea gravel in the base of the wood burning area. Do not build a fire directly on the clay.
– Cure the Chimenea fire pit by building 2-3 small fires prior to regular, prolonged use. Allow the clay to cool completely between firings for at least 4-6 hours.
– Use newspaper or kindling to begin all fires. Never use starter fluid, charcoal, or artificial logs in your Chimenea.
– Keep your Chimenea free from water by protecting it during rain or freezing weather. If water does find its way inside, replace the sand and allow it to dry completely before starting another fire. Apply a non-flammable water-based sealer annually.
– Chimenea will get very hot during and after the burning process. Children should be supervised in the vicinity. Also, keep Chimenea away from roofs, overhangs, and branches and take care when using on a wood deck.

To properly see how you should care and handle your outdoor Chimenea, view the complete Chimenea Care Instructions here.

mexican fireplace chimenea garden chiminea from willard and may store

Included with our Willard & May ceramic Chimeneas are the powder coated stand, the cap, metal grate, and care instructions to get the best enjoyment from your Chimenea. There is no assembly required, just plain ol’ fun and easy! Check out all the different styles available for sale now!

Weekend DIY: Backyard Water Feature

Garden Spaces, Outdoor Decor, Weekend DIY

Everyone is familiar with the tranquil environment that a waterfall and stream creates – it’s so peaceful, yet most people don’t have the luxury of enjoying one in their own backyard. However, that can change within just two weekends! Even though it may seem like a daunting task, perhaps you’ve decided to be adventurous and create a water feature in your backyard. Great! We’ve found some great step-by-step instructions that will help you achieve a great looking waterfall and stream with only a little bit of elbow grease.

Here are the supplies you’ll need: Level, Wheelbarrow, Rubber mallet, Spade, Utility knife, Large waterfall pump, Hose kit and connections, PVC primer and cement, Ball valve and clamps, Sewage basin (18” x 30”) and lid, Two hole saw bits (2” and 1”), EPDM pond liner, Underlayment fabric, Waterfall foam sealant, Gravel, Field boulders, Decorative boulders, Hand tamper, Scissors, and a Ball cart (for moving boulders).

Here are the simplified steps, but refer to The Family Handyman for the complete step-by-step DIY waterfall instructions. Step 1: Understand how waterfalls work in a backyard setting. Step 2: Plan out your waterfall. Step 3: Purchase the stone materials. Step 4: Map the waterfall and stream and dig. Step 5: Complete the lower basin. Step 6: Dig out or build a long staircase. Step 7: Arrange liner and layout the stones. Step 8: Add additional stones and fill gaps. Step 9: Add gravel and clean the system. Step 10: Enjoy!

Here are a few photos of the process:
easy backyard waterfall diy(Photo Source: The Family Handyman)

As additional inspiration, we’ve included some photos below from one of our very own team members. She has created many water features in others’ yards as well as her own! Here are a few of her tips to create your own backyard oasis:

If you build it into the ground and lay layers of thick weed barrier under the liner, it will last a lifetime. Shade is helpful in keeping algae at a minimum. You may also want to purchase an algaecide to help. Maintenance will be less than a flower bed! Dig the width of the stream wider than your finished desired width as rocks will fill it in a lot. Also, purchase a waterfall pump that is designed for the height & width of your design (its more than just gph).

create a water stream in your backyard
how to create a waterfall in your backyard diy backyard waterfall diy backyard waterfall
diy backyard waterfalldiy backyard waterfall

Maybe you don’t have two weekends to create a waterfall, but still love the serenity one creates? Why not try a small water fountain in your backyard like this from Willard & May:

 

Happy Weekend!

Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Gardening, Gifts, Outdoor Decor

Mother’s Day is coming up – and we have a question for you! What do you love most about your mother? Maybe it is the way she loves you unconditionally or that she will always support your decisions. Or is it that she’s your best friend? What about that sixth sense of her’s – that she knows everything? Throughout the many seasons of life, the reasons why you love your mother may change but one thing remains the same: no matter how old you are, mother’s still love to feel appreciated – and you should never stop showing her how much you care.

We’ve put together this handy Mother’s Day Gift Guide for you to make shopping for her a bit easier this year! Whether she likes to garden, host outdoor parties, or just enjoy a quiet evening on the patio, we’ve got some great gift ideas for that special lady in your life.

(1. Herb Dryer Rack 2. Butterfly Hanging Basket 3. Chalkboard Herb Pots 4. Vine Planter 5. Butterfly Pot Holder 6. Outdoor Hook 7. Key Hinder)

Pin Love: Paint the Floor

Outdoor Decor, Pin Inspiration

Calling all Low-Maintenance-Lovers: We have an idea just for you! We came across this pin on pinterest today from HGTV for painting the floor (deck, wood, cement, etc) to add the look of a rug to your outdoor space without actually having a rug! We love that they used a bright, bold color too.
(Photo Source: HGTV)

Do you have any out-of-the-box outdoor ideas? If so, share them below!