Saturday, September 28, 2013

Faux "Dried" Hydrangeas



I just love the look of hydrangeas after they are dried...
...intermingled with the other colors of fall decor.

I'm sad to say I don't have any hydrangeas in my own yard :( 
So, I was hoping to find a good friend to give me some of their dried blooms.
I even thought about driving through the neighborhood and whenever I spotted one,
go up to the door and ask if I could have their dried blooms.

I chickened out.

Well, I wasn't going to beg. I felt pretty sure that I could find some realistic silk ones.
So, I went looking at Michael's and Hobby Lobby thinking they would....WRONG.
 I was so disappointed when I didn't find any...so... I got to thinking....hmmm...
...I wonder if I could make my own?

It started out as an experiment and I am pretty happy with the outcome.
Here's what I did.


Here's the before photo...just your typical, run-of-the-mill cheap Walmart hydrangea bush.

I had this great idea....to burn the tips and shrivel the petals a bit with a lighter...


...you know, the kind you light the grill with.

Be careful not to let too much of it burn...and it will...quickly!
Here's the drill...click, hold, burn, blow....click, hold, burn, blow...
(my hand and fingertip is still recovering from all the clicking and holding)


After you get them all "dried" looking, it's time to add the next step...brown spray paint.


Spray paint lightly using short spurts...
...covering enough to dull the colors and add to the dry appearance.


That's all there is to it! 


Whatcha think?

I think they look pretty good...maybe not quite as lovely as the real thing but, hey....
...when all else fails...a girl's gotta improvise!!

Look how pretty they are with the other fall colors...I love the contrast.



I just LOVE getting ready for fall!

Have a wonderful weekend!

sharing at:

http://romantichome.blogspot.com/2013/09/happy-autumn-show-and-tell-friday.html
http://www.sunnysimplelife.com/2013/09/from-farm-blog-hop-and-fun-halloween.html
http://sundayview.blogspot.com/2013/09/inspired-sunday-blog-party-and-my.html
http://www.create-with-joy.com/2013/09/inspire-me-monday-week-91.html
http://www.dwellings-theheartofyourhome.com/2013/09/amaze-me-monday-26.html
http://www.astrollthrulife.net/2013/09/184th-inspire-me-tuesday.html
http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/2013/09/make-it-pretty-monday-week-69.html
http://www.flusterbuster.com/2013/10/flusters-creative-muster-linky-party-40.html
http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/2013/10/wow-us-wednesdays-138.html
http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com/2013/10/blast-from-past.html
http://thestylesisters.blogspot.com/2013/10/centerpiece-wednesday-95.html
http://jannolson.blogspot.com/2013/10/share-your-cup-thursday-75.html
http://www.impartinggrace.com/2013/10/caring-for-myself-body-and-soul-3-grace.html









26 comments:

  1. A very creative approach and it made a wonderful arrangement.

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  2. Hi Debby
    that is a great job :)
    and do not miss.......

    SATURDAY SHOW OFF

    it is FUN :)
    WELCOME
    Håkan ( The Roseman)

    ReplyDelete
  3. So old and dried looking...I really think I could do this!!!! Wonderful idea. I, too, love dried hydrangeas. I have a tree but the blossoms are white. I like yours with a touch of purple. Very creative!

    Susannah

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  4. Your faux dried hydrangea turned out so well. Would never have thought of this idea. Thanks for sharing how you did it.

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  5. Well, aren't you the clever one. This is perfect, they look fabulous. Thanks so much for linking to Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty

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  6. Your hydrangeas look just like the real thing -- very creative!

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  7. I like the idea, especially since I can't grow them here and love them dried. Yours look so real!

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    Replies
    1. I'm really thinking about planting a bush...I love them! Thanks for stopping in!

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  8. Pure genius!!!! I LOVE them! Hydrangeas are one of my favorite flowers--fresh and dried!

    Laura from Sunday View

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  9. Debby, I think they are fantastic! Really a great idea. I have done the click, hold, burn, blow a few times. lol! The spray paint added a lot too. So, so clever you are! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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  10. Came across you blog from another one and just love your pictures. Great idea with the hydrangeas, they are so beautiful and enhance any décor. I am going to try this.


    I would love to have you to link up at my weekly Clever Chicks Blog Hop: http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2013/10/clever-chicks-blog-hop-55-with-two.html



    I hope you can make it!
    Cheers,
    Kathy Shea Mormino

    The Chicken Chick

    http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kathy...thanks for the kind comments and invitation to the party! The next time I di this I would like to find some better looking hydrangeas...maybe the smaller petals, also the different colors to achieve different looks. Looking forward to seeing how yours turn out if you decide to try it! Thanks for stopping by!

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Thank you for stopping by today! Your sweet comments are such an encouragement to me.