Up-cycled Garden Orbs, DIY - using Whiskey Barrel Bands!

Nowhere is creative up-cycling more prevalent than in gardens.  One need only spend a short time searching Pinterest to discover a vast array of ideas for re-using almost anything in a garden.  Of course, personal style always plays a large part in one's garden.  Today, I'm going to begin a series of up-cycled garden posts.  Lately, I've been trying to improve the landscaping around our house; now that we've finally moved past the large, plastic toy lawn ornaments, that seemed destined to forever out-compete any and all flowers for "pops of color"!

The first thing I wanted to add to my garden beds was structure.  I like natural elements, (rocks, logs), and also intriguing, artistic objects, (wrought iron trellises, obelisks, orbs, etc.)  It doesn't take long, however, searching garden centers and online retailers, to learn that those lovely, park-like gardens I dream about cost nothing short of a small fortune!  So, how to begin creating my dream-park on virtually no budget.....

Whiskey Barrel Bands

Well, the first piece quite literally fell in my lap, or perhaps I should say, disintegrated onto my foot this past spring!  A number of years ago, my husband and I had put in a raised herb garden using half-whiskey barrel planters.  Now, many years later, those barrels were disintegrating and falling apart.  It was time to replace/re-create the herb garden.  As we were dragging and shoveling the old pieces of barrel away,  and I was stacking their steel metal bands off to the side, it occurred to me that these could make cool garden orbs.  "I wonder how hard it would be to attach these together?", I thought.  Insert handy husband here, and the answer turned out to be, "not too difficult!" 

Here's how we did it:
Materials:

• Old whiskey barrel bands (2-6, depending on orb, and whether making a base or not)
• Pop rivets, and pop-rivet tool (very technical, I know)
• Electric drill
• Drill bit slightly larger than the width of your pop rivets
• Clamps, c-clamps or vice grips (3 or 4 are helpful)
• Bolts (if attaching to a base)
• Saw (if making a base)
• Protective eye-wear and work gloves
• Splitting wedge and heavy mallet (if putting a base in the ground)
• Quick-crete concrete (optional) 

Drilling through the metal bands

Step One:
The Ball.  Match up similar size bands.  For this one, I used 4-same size med-lg bands, plus two smaller bands for the base, (6 total).  Place 3 circle bands together so that they all cross at the top and bottom, forming a ball shape, (you can measure, but I just eye-balled it).  Mark cross spots with a pencil or sharpie if desired, or just clamp together with tight clamps at the top and bottom.  Make sure your bands are evenly spaced to form a nice ball (2 bands will make a more open ball).

Inserting pop-rivets through drilled holes

Once tightly clamped, drill (slowly and carefully, wearing protective eye-wear and gloves) down through all 3 band layers.  Handy husband used a piece of 2"x4" wood, or section of pvc pipe at times to help brace the bands from the inside while drilling.

Once drilled through, insert pop rivet through hole and pop into place with pop-rivet tool!  Repeat the process for the bottom cross.  You now have a nice banded ball!

4th band pop-riveted on

Step Two:
For this orb, I wanted a 4th band running around crossing the circles middles.  So, I took the 4th matching size band and placed it around the other circles, clamping it into place.  Handy husband drilled 3 more holes (one on each band of the ball-we only needed to attach it in 3 places rather than all 6 bands it crossed), and pop riveted it on.  At this point I had a lovely criss-crossed sphere, and in fact, am now in the process of making another which will stay exactly like this, as a ball, nestled on the ground among some plants.  But for this one..

Crossed base pieces

Step Three:
The Base.  I wanted to raise this orb up, like some of those lovely "park-like" garden structures.  So...I took two of the smaller circle bands and handy husband cut them each open with a saw.  We then crossed them in the middle, clamped them together, and like before, drilled, and pop-riveted them together.  This gave me a crossed base piece.

Step Four:
Installation.  We're getting close now!  I placed the 4 base piece points/ends where I wanted them in the garden.  If you live in an area with soft ground, you may be able to push them down into the ground.  However, here in the south with our lovely clay, handy husband used a wood-splitting wedge and large mallet to hammer 4 holes into the ground.  We then pressed the 4 ends of the base into the holes and filled around them with dirt.  Just for good measure, we also poured some quick-crete concrete into the holes with a bit of water to set it.

Step Five:
Final Assembly.  Once the base was in place, I set my orb on top and lined up where I wanted it to sit.  We marked the spots and clamped it on tight.  Once again, handy husband drilled out two holes each through an orb band and base band.  This time we attached the pieces together with bolts, for extra strength as the orb would be subjected to pressure from winds and we didn't want it to snap off the base.  And Voila!!  Up-cycled Garden Orb!!

Garden orb bolted to base pieces

I have now planted ivy at the base of my garden orb and am hoping to get it to twine through the structure as it grows!

This project is easily adaptable for more or less bands, no base, or other bases, wherever your artistic whimsy takes you!  I am already planning other orb incarnations with my left-over pieces, and would love to see pictures of yours!   Enjoy and Have Fun!

Cheers,
Christine

www.out2lunchdesigns.com

Ready or Not

Photo: Stacy, Out 2 Lunch, LLC

Although it has been over 90 degrees for the past few weeks, and I would like nothing more than to spend my days at the beach and the pool, we all must admit at some point that Back to School time is here. If you read Christine’s last blog post , you know that Pantone has released their Fall 2016 color palette; stores are stocking up on school supplies and pumpkins; my fall loving friends are dreaming of apples and pumpkin spice.  As a native of Western New York, I fondly look back on the cool crispness of fall mornings, the changing leaves, the fresh pressed apple cider at Sanger Farms and peaches from Tom Tower’s Farm that signaled it was time to go back to school. Here in the south, it is without a doubt still summer when our children return to school.  Some of our friends in NC attend year round school, which means that they begin a new school year just after Independence Day, other schools across the Southeast begin between mid August and just after Labor Day.  Regardless of start date, southern children often transition directly from swimwear and sandals to school clothes – with plenty of beach and pool trips on the weekends. 

Hair Bows: Out 2 Lunch; Photo: Stacy, Out 2 Lunch

Whether Back to School means fall weather or an extension of summer, everyone enjoys the chance to purchase back to school clothes and school supplies. And as more schools (both public and private) have added uniforms, accessorizing becomes a great way for children of all ages to express their personalities.  Both Christine and myself have children that are full of personality and attend schools that require uniforms. This makes our Out 2 Lunch accessories the perfect way for all of their friends to express their styles.  Children, like our products, are truly one of a kind. 

 

 

 

 

 

Choosing Fabrics....

 

 

 

When I decided to blog about Back to School fashions, I  must have felt like fall was further away than it is was.  I decided that moving, finding new schools, and running a business wasn’t busy enough, and I added a little extra challenge to this project.  I put a call out to my children and their friends (ranging from rising Kindergarten to 5^th grade) and asked them to participate in a Back to School photo shoot – that part was easy enough, we had plenty of adorable models step into the limelight. From there I upped the ante a bit – I told the parents that I wanted each child’s clothing to reflect their personality, they could wear uniforms or not, and I would create accessories to compliment both the colors and their styles. My young models came through with flying colors – their personalities shine through, and I had a great time creating for some of my favorite people.

Below I will feature our products that are most commonly used as school accessories.  For those of you that are new to Out 2 Lunch I will also be giving a brief description of each item and its name.  When we began our business, we wanted to create accessories that would bring a modern twist to any “out to lunch” wardrobe (hence the name….) ranging from a formal garden party, to a casual picnic, to lunch out with friends. As we developed new products we named them after some of our favorite southern luncheon staples – items whose traits are reflected in the products.  I hope that you enjoy and can find some accessories that are useful and bring personality to your childrens’ back to school wardrobe! 

Hair Pin, Hair Bow and Organizer: Out 2 Lunch, LLC

Photo: Stacy, Out 2 Lunch, LLC

Fried Pickle (Tie Wallet) – Like one of our favorite appetizers, these little guys aren’t fancy or elaborate.  They are functional with a twist of fun.  There is some variation to the dimensions of these tie wallets, as there is variation in neckties.  Each wallet comfortably fits several standard size credit/gift cards, and secures with a snap closure.  These little wallets are perfect for holding earbuds, so that they do not tangle in backpacks and purses.  For older students, they are also perfect for carrying flash drives and student ID cards.

Organizers and Bows: Out 2 Lunch

Sweet Tea (Snap Pocket Organizer) - The most versatile carry-anything soft pocket you'll find! This one will show up everywhere! With its cute envelope styling, you can pack it full of sunglasses, make-up, art supplies, or use it as a pencil case! Just throw it in your backpack and you are ready for homework anywhere.   It's even cute and stylish enough to just grab and go!

Hair Pin and Purse: Out 2 Lunch

Lemonade (Denim Purse) - Comfortable and easy as your favorite old jeans - oh wait, they practically are! These denim "jeans" bags are cute, fun, relaxed and in the smaller sizes they are perfect for any age. Each has its dimensions listed on the website, has a magnetic snap closure.  They are perfect for an afternoon at the mall, and hardy enough to be carried in your backpack during the day.

Bow and Organizer: Out 2 Lunch, LLC

Divinity (Hair Bow) - Delightful, fun, and a little "nutty"; these hair clip bows bring a vintage twist to an everyday classic.  Bows vary in size.  Each is created on a covered alligator clip, and includes a piece of vintage jewelry as accent. There's something for everyone-  all ages and hair-styles -  to love!  Simply divine! 

Hair Pin: Out 2 Lunch, LLC

Praline (Hair Pin) - Fancy and everyday at the same time, these hair pins can dress up your day to day and add sparkle to any formal occasion as well.  A perfect accent to short hair or a dramatic updo!!

These products can be found for sale on our website (www.out2lunchdesigns.com) and are also featured on out Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram. If you are looking for a specific color group or style, please email us at out2lunch@out2lunchdesigns.com.  We can only feature a limited number of products on our website, as each is one of a kind, but we have a back stock and can help you find what you are looking for! In addition, the Fried Pickle and Sweet Tea will be on sale – 20% off!! -  through the end of August. 

I'd like to close with a special thanks to all my models, and their parents, that braved 90 degree temps, and what felt like 90% humidity.  I couldn't have done it without you, thanks for letting your personality shine through! You can see more of them on our website and instagram!  

Sophia: Gr 1, Lily and Louisa: Gr 2

Evelyn: Kindergarten

Ava and Clara: Gr 4, Makayla Gr 5

                          

Glimpsing Our Past, Through the Gates of Charleston

Looking back in time...
Photo Credit: Stacy and Christine, Out 2 Lunch, LLC

Photo Credit: AngelOakPhoto.com

learning history at Ft Johnson

Hope that everyone had a great holiday weekend.  This year we stayed home and had a low key cookout with friends.  It was nice to relax and enjoy the holiday from home, and to spend time with the children looking back on our favorite July 4^th memories of years past.   Over the past 11 years we have spent the holiday weekend in Charleston, SC.  Charleston is a place like no other – it’s a slower, more relaxed way of life; there’s something about it that touches my soul, when I am in Charleston I feel connected to all those who walked those streets before me. It is also a wonderful place to share with my children the history of our country. A few years back we spent July 4^th visiting the Angel Oak tree on John’s Island (an island just outside of Charleston).  The tree is estimated to be at least 500 years old, and its majesty can’t be truly captured in pictures.  We discussed the fact that this tree was a full grown 250 years old when our nation was born, that it stood sentry during the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, that it has seen things we can only read in history books.  For years we have watched fireworks at Ft Johnson, and last year had the opportunity to walk through and learn the history of the area.  It was amazing to think that we were picnicking where the first shots of the Civil War were fired!

Photo Credit: Stacy and Christine, Out 2 Lunch, LLC

Photo Credit: Stacy and Christine
Out 2 Lunch, LLC

What inspires most, however, is the city itself, the architecture and the wrought iron gates.  I have several jewelry pieces that depict different gates in Charleston, as well as some iron home décor that reflects their style.  They were even featured in the table numbers at the rehearsal dinner for our wedding!  The gates were one of the first things to catch my eye when I visited Charleston, years before moving there, and they continue to be a feature I show others when I bring them to visit (thankfully Christine shared my appreciation during our trip this spring and obliged me by taking several great pics!). There are some large, famous gates that everyone recognizes, but the small gates always seem to catch my eye – those almost hidden away on side streets, alleys and back gardens.   Amidst the grand and glorious homes of Charleston, these hidden gems show attention to even the smallest details.

Photo Credit: Stacy and Christine
Out 2 Lunch, LLC

The homes and streets of Charleston have featured decorative ironwork in some degree since about 1730. Although the gates, window grilles and boot scrapers have utilitarian roots, they are also timeless work of art.  During the history of the Holy City various artisans rose to the forefront of the decorative ironworks movements, and their styles are reflected in the gates about town.  The mid 1800’s, when other areas cities shifted towards the use of less expensive cast iron , Charleston residents  were fortunate to have a trio of talented German emigrant blacksmiths that were more than willing to continue working in decorative wrought iron.   Christopher Werner, J.A.W Justi , and Frederic Ortmann were the original creators of some of the most famous Charleston gates during the antebellum and early post-Civil War period.

Photo Credit: Stacy and Christine
Out 2 Lunch, LLC

Philip Simmons, perhaps the most well known of the Charleston gate-makers, was born in 1912. He continued the legacy of skilled African American artisans – both slave and free.  His mentor, the unrelated Peter Simmons, was born a slave and learned the blacksmith trade from his own father. Following the Civil War and emancipation he ran a blacksmith shop in Charleston.  Peter took Philip Simmons as an apprentice at the age of 13, eventually passing the shop to him. As times changed, and modernization came, Philip Simmons recognized that there was less and less use for the traditional skills in creating horse shoes and wagon wheels. After gaining some recognition for his ability to restore the decorative ironworks around Charleston he was commissioned to create his first original piece in 1947. Between that time and his death in 2009, Peter Simmons created over 500 original decorative ironwork pieces. Many of these live on today  in and around the lowcountry of Charleston.

All gate pictures in this post were taken by myself or Christine.  I chose them because they are my favorites, but make no claim as to who created them – or when!  I hope that you get the chance to explore Charleston someday and choose your own favorites.!

Photo Credit: Stacy and Christine
Out 2 Lunch, LLC

As with most things that inspire us, the influence of the Charleston gates will be seen in the products of Out 2 Lunch.  While searching Ebay for vintage jewelry  to accent our creations, Christine found some unique pieces that reminded us of the timeless Charleston gates.  We, of course, bid on and purchased them. Although I am not sure what their original purpose was, I can’t wait to use these pieces to create some Charleston inspired clutches. Look for them on our website soon!!

Enjoy the Moment.... Stacy

I used the following websites for my research into the gates of Charleston, please check them out for more detailed information: 

http://charlestonmag.com/features/wrought_iron
http://www.charlestonfootprints.com/cultural_curiosities.html
http://ldhi.library.cofc.edu/exhibits/show/philip_simmons
http://www.angeloaktree.com

http://www.thehistorymakers.com/biography/philip-simmons-41

Photo Credit: Stacy and Christine, Out 2 Lunch, LLC