Painting a Purchased Pot

I purchased this pot on clearance at Michael's Craft Store. I liked it's shape and size. It cost me about $18.00, pretty good for a 18" tall pot. I forgot to take a before picture, but the color was similar, a light gray.

Since the finish was not shiny I could start right in painting. I painted it with Behr Ultra, a paint and primer in one. The color looks chartreuse (to see my post on chartreuse, click here.) and is called Leapfrog. I used two coats in an eggshell finish. The surface is quite pitted, so I didn't try to get in all the holes. I like the effect of the gray showing, gives it a little more dimension.

Here it is on my deck, looking a little more yellow outside. Being late in the summer the selection wasn't the best for flowers, but I don't mind the orange against the chartreuse and the darker green foliage looks nice. Next summer I'll use something different. Total cost was around $30.00 with plenty of paint left over to paint a lamp (next project). Next to it is my planter from last summer, to read that post, click here.

Creative Ideas for Patio Umbrellas

image via Sunset

Remember the plastic umbrella stands that you fill with water or sand? This diy idea for mounting a patio umbrella in a large pot  really puts that to shame. Wish I had the gorgeous backdrop in this photo - are those redwood trees? 

image via jadeflower

image via apartment therapy

image via Martha Stewart

I wouldn't have thought to drill a hole in a small table for an umbrella. I like the  plain stand, it just blends in.

image via Martha Stewart

These diy lights are a charming idea

Goodwill Hunting

Last night I made a quick trip to the Goodwill in my neighborhood. I always check out the pictures for art or frames. I was pleased to find a print that I really like. I'm going to have it reframed as the frame has some big chips in it and the print is not a standard size. I think a different color frame will set it off better too.

I just have it propped up here. The colors are more vibrant than the photo shows.

Since my last post was about galvanized metal I wanted to show a galvanized tray that I bought thrifting awhile back. I'm not sure what the original use for it was (probably changing oil), but I've got it on this chest for now. 

I bought this old milk can at a thrift sale last fall for $10. I like the worn patina of the metal. I wanted to use it for a plant stand, but the lid has a grip on it that I couldn't get off. So I put it on an asian plant stand and keep maps and prints in it. The wood statue and planter are past thrift finds, making everything but a print or two in the milk can secondhand finds.