Fairy Garden/ Mini Garden ideas roundup.

My 5 year old daughter loves "pink" "fairies" "princesses" and all that "girly stuff". These ideas are not only for girly girls though. Many of them are great for even the "blue" (or green) loving boy (Man) or girl (Teen, Adult). They don't have to involve gardening, although they can :) They don't require a lot of space. They are generally easy to make from upcycled items and easy park/ backyard finds.

*why not make some fairy garden items and include them in a hamper for a "DIY" kit gift. With or without plants (could be grown from cuttings). Consider a basket (second hand shops have loads of these) or a pot, extra points if it is "pre-aged" ( been sitting in your shed for years.)

http://kleas.typepad.com/kleas/2011/07/fairy-garden-embellishments.html

I love these "mushrooms". For a brighter look they could be decorated with nail polish or paint. Blu tak would work in place of the hot glue gun.

This cottage is so much simpler to make then it looks. directions here.

Why note make a
 "built your own mud brick fairy/ gnome house" Kit.
 Include directions and embellishments (broken jewelery, feathers, pebbles, shells, glitter etc) Directions and the ingredients. (Taking photos of you helping make it together and framing them would add to the memory the gift would create.)This cute swing is simple to make. Directions.
 (The chain could be a broken necklace.)

Directions for this cute and easy chair made using the wire cage from a bottle of champagne.

http://www.shabbybeachnest.com/miniature-accessories/ Has this fairy bed and more.

This wonderful bucket came from here. (Which is written in Chinese) Thankfully the directions are clearly photographed. This site has many other useful, usable ideas so please take the time to check it out. Thank goodness for
Translator. (automatically shows under toolbar).

I love the bunting and the tire swing. Using a dead branch makes maintenance of the garden easier. I cannot find the original source of this picture...I found it on pinterest here so if it is yours please let me know so I can credit it.

This is so cute and the instructions are lovely and clear.
http://thejuise.blogspot.com.au/2011/08/make-faerie-well.html

This quirky snail shell idea was found over at http://www.recyclart.org/2012/08/diy-snail-shell-mini-garden/
Which also has an inspiring picture of succulents planted in snail shells.

http://thejuise.blogspot.com.au/2011/08/broom-for-faeries.html has an easy to follow step by step guide on these brooms. A note about the wire, a frugal option to consider is these ties that come with freezer bags, just strip the paper or plastic off the top of the wire and your ready to go.
 Thank you to Lauren over at http://www.foliesdubonheur.com for letting me use this photograph she took. (above).

* A great source of fairy garden items is second hand shops, look for fish tank finds from bridges to pebbles, small novelty toys and Kitchenware/ porcelain wonders.     

I found this inspiring picture here. It doesn't have any directions, but I've included it to offer inspiration...what a great use for a bit of old wood fencing.

This is full of great ideas for items to create:
 http://thejuise.blogspot.com.au/2011/09/our-fairy-garden-tour.html

This site is in Swedish (thank goodness for very clear picture tutorials and translator). Well worth the time.

Twig and Toadstool has wonderful directions for this sweet little tea set.
 http://twigandtoadstool.blogspot.com.au/2012/06/fairies-for-tea.html
Inspiration can also be found here at the ideas gallery. I love this idea because it is so simple, just cut up a twig with secateurs, then cut some lengthwise to give a "cut wood" look.

 http://www.decorating-ideas-made-easy.com/snow-village-lamp.html

The idea for pinecone shingles came from the site above, it doesn't have much by way of directions but the. picture is fairly self explanatory. If you don't have a hot glue gun then check the shed for other adhesives, or you could use chewing gum...yep, it sticks to everything and dries solid (but not clear).

* a coconut shell could be used in many ways pond, boat, hut, roof of dwelling, "pot" for garden and so much more.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/FaerieNest has some wonderful inspiration, if you cannot afford to buy that's ok but with respect to the creator please help spread word of mouth, and social media about this wonderful etzy shop. (I haven't included any photo's because I feel it would be "cheating" the shop.)

A DIY kit gift idea on it's own here or use the how to guide for cutting the bottles and then cover with, moss/ glitter/ pain/ permanent marker/ pebbles/ shells/ pinecone or whatever.


I'd love to see/ hear your ideas, projects.

Quick tip - save time make double...or triple

Many Mothers will tell you to cook double what you need, and freeze for later.

This is because it often costs a lot less to just double a recipe, in time and $$$. When you need it you have an almost "instant" meal ready and waiting.

Same goes for gifts. Why make one when you can make 2 or 20 or 100 with very little extra time and effort. Things to keep in mind:
* How long will it last, does this product go "off"?
* Where will you store it?
* Will this be a gift others will like?
* Is this labour/ time intense? Essentially is it worth making many at once?

Baked goods? Many cookie doughs, cake batters etc can be frozen.

Print this today . com

This is a gem of a site, worth a whole post to draw your attention :) http://printthistoday.com/ It has all sorts of looks/ styles and includes labels, and so much more all free :)

Charm Jars. Very cute.

These are very easy to make using common household items.
*Broken jewelery,
*baby food (and other small) jars.
 A small toy can be reinvented.
 From Fairies to under the sea to gothic scene and everything in between.

Click on the picture above for a simple video to get you started.

These cute jars are available @$6.21 for 20 (aprox 30 cents AUD each) here.
http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/jar-of-pearls-cell-phone-charm

I love this snow globe bottle charm over at: (The fish in a jar is cute too.)

http://www.brandywinejewelrysupply.com/blog/4-fun-diy-bottle-charms/

"Doctor Who Tardis in a bottle", this could work with star trek, footy teams, graduation "certificate" oh the ideas...
 http://www.doodlecraft.blogspot.com.au/2013/11/doctor-who-tardis-in-bottle-necklace.html

63 frugal handmade gift ideas @ Melissa's

If you haven't visited www.frugalandthriving.com.au before then now is the time :) She has many wonderful round ups and frugal gift-able ideas.

Butterfly candle jar.

I couldn't find the original source of this picture tutorial, if it is yours please let me know so I can credit it. (A "fake" tealight candle could also be used.)

Freebies: worn / stained clothes, curtains, and other textiles.

Use material from broken stockings to turn a pringles can into a stocking tidy. Just stick plain or coloured paper (or the paper from a brown paper bag) over the print then roll the stocking leg over the top.
24 ways to upcycle sweaters

Nalin over at The kiss of life has so many great round ups and ideas. check it out here. 

ThreadBanger- on you tube. Basically threadBanger is filled with creative geniuses...some are a bit, ummmm, "original" but don't be scared off. They have done the hard work for you. Many easy step by step video guides for upcycled (use what you have for FREE) textile items here. 

Along with a fun filled informative experience. Bring on the laughs.

Heated rice bag. 

Placed in the fridge these can be cooling too :)

Remember many of these "sewing machine" projects can be hand sewn...which is easy to learn! 

Many "no sew" projects are also available. Basically anything made of textiles (material) can be used as an upcycle the same way as store bought. Any pattern. So check out You Tube for fun, easy, free advice from all over the world.

 (Internet is often available free in public libraries...so if your on limited internet keep that in mind.)

You can learn a lot of useful information about fabric identification and types here.