This project comes from a friend, Lisa Poulin.
We've worked together at the paper for several years, and, during that time, we have always giggled over our contrasting characteristics. She's the hot-cocoa type, I prefer double espressos, etc.
One day, we attended a home show at Phoenix Civic Plaza. In one corner there was a bright faux fur comforter with gaudy trimmings. I squealed in delight as I ran my fingers through it. I think I embarrassed Lisa with my excitement because she disappeared into another exhibit booth.
The next aisle featured an Americana living room with red, white and blue rustic designs accented with country wildflowers. This time, Lisa's eyes were the ones that lit up. Throughout the rest of the show, we each began pointing out things we knew the other would like.
"Hey, look, Kathy! There's some weird barstools over here. They're covered in rhinestones!"
"Lisa! Come here!" I shouted back. "They have gobs of dried flower arrangements!"
It turned out to be a fun adventure. One thing we noticed was that despite our differences in decor, there is one passion we share: crafting. These days, whenever one of us comes up with a new idea, we share it. When I saw Lisa's sunflower-in-a-pot idea, I couldn't help but share it with you.
Supplies:
1 thin wood dowel, 6 inches long
1 metal tart pan
Yellow, green, red and brown acrylic paint
Paintbrushes
Thin black permanent marker
1 flower pot, 4 inches wide
Green foam
E6000 craft glue
Green moss
Thin scraps of fabric

Directions: Glue dowel to back of tart pan. Paint the tart pan in the following combination -- brown with red highlights in the center circle, yellow on the inside and outside ridges and green on the center back of the flower. Paint the dowel green. Set aside to dry.
Use the marker to draw small dashes around the top of the pot. Cut a piece of green foam and press firmly into the pot. Put a dab of glue around the bottom of the dowel and insert into the center of the foam. Spread glue on top of the foam and add moss to cover. Tie colorful scrap fabric around the stem for leaves.
Tip: Always glue materials before painting; otherwise the glue will not hold because you are gluing paint to paint. If you want multiple sunflowers, use a larger pot and an extra dowel and tart pan for each one.
* For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: home decor, inside