The neighbors had their trees pruned a few days ago and lucky for me, a few of the limbs landed on my side of the fence.
Maybe I’m the only one on the planet who gets excited about tree limbs, who knows, but what I do know is I was able to use every last one of the neighbors cast offs.
Inspector Lucy Puggle on the job.
First, I trimmed a few small branches off the larger ones and secured them a rubber band. Then I ran into the house and found a recycled grey ribbon to wrap around the branches and now I have a lovely {free} bouquet of branches sitting on my laundry room counter. I’ll use the really thick branches to make a pea trellis later this spring.
I also cut oodles of 12″-16″ pieces for the primitive flowers I make and sell on ebay.
They were the perfect thickness for my primitive sunflowers.
And the itty bitty pieces? I knew just what to do with those.
More homemade fire starters for my brother for Christmas {I’ve made 60 fire starters so far}.
Giddy up! To be honest though, I am beginning to get a little worried about my goal to only spend money on essential items this year. Seriously, before you know it, I’ll be combing alleyways in search of hidden treasures.
Keep calm and save on.
~Mavis
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Lisa L says
I love that you are saving money, saving the planet, and making it more beautiful! And kudos to your puggle princess for helping out!
Delores says
You have no idea how much you have inspired me to really not spend money just willy-nilly. For instance, I had ordered an item that I thought was just white and ready to use for water. But, it came and it was not sealed, it was just fired ceramic but we would be putting water in it. So I felt this obligation to paint it and then seal it. I did not want to paint it! Too much detail in it. So I started looking around for colored paint/sealant. Like a spray paint thing. Anyway, one day, it just hit me: mod-podge it! It will go on clear, seal it, and I liked the white anyway — that was why I ordered it! Before, I would have just bought something. But I kept thinking: how can I do this and not spend money? What would Mavis do?! 😉
That is just one example that came to mind. While I am not sure I can make it without buying anything for myself (for one, I just bought new shoes), I am trying to really use what we have. So keep these posts coming! They are motivating and inspiring!
Veronica says
I pruned my trees and found tent caterpillar egg bunches! Watch out for those!
RebeccaW says
Mavis, your creativity and frugality are inspiring! Thank you for sharing these ideas – – – I never would have thought to make a branch bouquet. The fire starter gifts are so smart. I hope you will give us a recap of all the gifts you make this year.
Mavis Butterfield says
I will. 🙂
Sue says
I’m loving all this, personally I love all things natural. I love the rocks that you used in the yard. Using the branches, for the sunflowers, for staking in the garden and making fire starters. I love the two small rugs that I bought for Christmas gifts. Thanks for the sample of Good Earth Spicy Tea….so good just bought my second box.
Deborah from FL says
I don’t know about alleyways, but if you decide to take up dumpster-diving for treasures, I would like to see some action shots. HA!!
Tiffany F says
This is awesome! I have another silly question about the firestarters, how many do you use at a time?
Mavis Butterfield says
One. 🙂
Ashley says
Have you checked out freecycle, the buy nothing project or the free section of craig’s list? Just in case your alley ways are barren. All of these handmade gift ideas are awesome. You rock!