Cute and Crafty

Sitting at the dentist office yesterday I picked up a magazine and realized all the cute yard decorations you can make with little to no money! Here are a couple items that are cute, crafty, and easy to make.

Use an inexpensive grapevine wreath and a flowerpot saucer to create a refreshing spot for feathered friends. A snap to assemble, this project is perfect for any child who thinks that bathing is for the birds!

CRAFT MATERIALS:
3/8-inch manila rope
15-inch grapevine wreath
10-inch terra-cotta saucer
Artificial grape leaves (optional; available at craft stores)

Time needed: 30 Minutes or Less

1. Cut three (5-foot) lengths of rope and knot them together at both ends. Nestle the wreath inside the ropes, as shown.

2. Place the saucer inside the wreath. If you like, tuck grape leaves into the wreath and wind them around the ropes.
3. Use more rope for hanging the birdbath, if needed.

This friendly mama owl and her baby bring a bit of cheer to your yard with their oversize basket bodies and bright faux-flower eyes.

CRAFT MATERIALS:
4 large artificial flowers
Floral wire
2 large baskets (we used grapevine baskets, 4 by 11 inches and 4 1/2 by 9 inches)
Yellow craft foam
Stapler
Paintbrush
Yellow acrylic paint
2 sturdy forked sticks (ours were about 15 inches long)
2 whisk brooms

Wooden stake or another stick

Time needed: About 2 to 3 Hours

1. Remove the stems from the flowers. For each eye, loosely fold an 18-inch length of floral wire in half and twist the loop end tightly around the flower. Position the flower on the bottom of the basket, threading the ends of the wire through to the other side, then twist the ends to hold the eye in place.

2. To make each beak, cut a kite shape from the craft foam. Fold a 14-inch length of floral wire in half and twist it to form a small loop (a). Fold the foam over the loop and staple it as shown (b). Attach the beak as you did the eyes.
3. For the mama owl's feet, paint the sticks and allow them to dry. Place the sticks in the ground and set the larger basket on the legs, securing it with floral wire if necessary.
4. To make the owlet, place the smaller basket on the whisk-broom feet and prop up the basket with the wooden stake or stick.