Blooming Pretty Up Cycling
I don’t know if it’s my natural affiliation to the Shabby Chic style or because I’m too lazy to properly arrange flowers in a suitable container, but I’ll take a jam jar, soft drink bottle, jug, junk shop tea cup or quirky tin can anytime over a fancy-schmancy vase. A pretty posy takes on a whole new level of charm when it’s plonked into something that had a totally different purpose just a few days ago, plus it gives me an excuse to horde the packaging that I love. And, of course, you’re doing your bit for the planet by up cycling instead of throwing things in the garbage. Oh, and it’s a really cheap and chic option. The ideas in these pics really appeal to me for everyday display, but brides-to-be might want to take note too for alternative ideas for table centrepieces.
Oversized tin cans are the ultimate in rustic cool and can be spray painted (see the copper-coloured versions) for a personalised statement.
As any Coca Cola addict will tell you (PS: I am one), nothing tastes better than Coke out of a baby glass bottle. And they’re worth hanging onto for their fabulous display qualities – en masse is even better.
I was like a crazed person when these bottles first came out. I’m not an iced-tea fan but the Arizona range still has some of the prettiest packaging around.
Not that any sane person needs an excuse to eat more toast with jam, but if you’re looking for motivation, jam jars score high on the cute and quirky scale-o-meter.
Have you tried the Fentiman’s range? It’s divine. You can find it at delis and selected PnP stores. And when you’re done drinking these olde school soft drinks, display the Victorian inspired labelling and beautiful bottle shape along with a posy of something sweet-smelling.
