Hello there! Kelly here from succulentLOVE and yes, please design. I am super thrilled to spend the week with you. Let’s get acquainted. You: super fabulous 100 Layer Cake reader. Me: Purveyor of all things lovely. As a floral designer and event/paper goods designer I am a sucker for the pretty things in life. I do cartwheels for the aesthetically pleasing. Twirl for beauty in any form. With spring in the air and Earth Day right around the corner, I am inspired by finding beauty in the unexpected. This week I’ll be sharing projects that involve using (and in some cases upcycling) everyday objects to create the loveliest of centerpieces.
Without further ado, let me introduce you to the natural beauty of the Railroad Tie…
You can find these treasures at most hardware stores. I got mine at Anawalt Lumber on Highland. These railroad ties are mighty heavy, so you may want to recruit some help for this one. My help came in the form of my super handy mister. First, we sawed through the width of the piece to form a 7x9x6” chunk for our centerpiece. You can get about 3 vessels out of one railroad tie.
Said mister then took his handy tools (namely a 2 1/8” Forstner bit) and drilled down about 2” to create a cubby in the wood. Then, using a 1/8” drill bit, he drilled a much smaller hole about 4” into the wood. When he handed me my canvas I squealed with glee. To finish the centerpieces, I took a medium sized succulent and nestled him into the larger hole. Then I took three dried craspedia balls and arranged them in the smaller hole for a pop of yellow.
Lean a vintage metal number against the block and you’ve got a modern rustic centerpiece. Lovely isn’t it?
22 comments
These are really cool. I like the rail road tie idea. Reusing something is almost always a good idea.
thank you to kelly and thank you for sharing this creative and quite simple diy! looks so cool!
absolutely lovely!
Railroad ties are typically treated with a chemical compound called creosote and can give off a toxic, strong odour. Might want to avoid those kinds of ties! : )
Kelly!! Love this great idea! Thx for sharing!
love it!!!
LOVE THIS!!! Wish I could start over on my centerpieces now.
hi maaike – thanks for your comment. for those ties treated with creosote you can clear coat the block after drilling the holes.
This project dulls your chain saw and removes a guy from his Saturday and Sunday activities…….golf! Buy a pot!
This is so cool! I can imagine this at a gorgeous country reception.
This is so super cute. I love how succulents are becoming beautiful and simple wedding favors and centerpieces.
My wedding is in December and I’m currently LOVING succulents…will they be out of season when its time for me to buy?
Genius and brilliant. I particularly love the contrast between the brown and yellow. It feels really earthly but not too much dark. Impressive work of art.
Great idea. I’d probably not go with a railroad ties though because they are treated and don’t smell all that great. But it’s a fantastic way to create beautiful centerpieces out of old logs. Thank you for the terrific idea!
Hi Kelly – this is amazing!!! Where did you get the metal numbers from?
thanks AugustBride! The table numbers are from Anthropologie last season. But check out your local flea markets for vintage house numbers for the same effect.
in love with this centerpiece! so clever.
LOVE this!! I have become totally obsessed with billy balls and succulents…such a beautiful, fun yet sophisticated combo! And the added wood…just lovely!! Thanks for sharing and inspiring. I actually posted a little pick of your bouquet on my own blog a last wk
this is such a lovely idea and looks great – another one for my scrapbook
Interesting design..
Amei! lindo demais.
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