Making do, with what we have

[Tracy D'Amico]

Like most shops, we have a fair share of old yucky containers - things we've accumulated from purchasing closed shops' inventories, and made our own poor purchases lol

In the interest of saving $$, using up $$ that's been sitting around and not re-ordering, we've been going through our personal storage unit to see what we have to use, and digging out old containters to use up.

So on this past slow sunday, caught up with txgvg prep, we came up with 2 simple things, that make use of what we have.

• bamboo cheapo fruit basket bowls, the small sizes, glued bottom to bottom, or over even cheaper 4"bamboo potcovers for a pedestal container - glossy wood toned & ivied. These are baskets that have been here 5+ years, from the previous owner - I'm not a flower snob, but a little bit of a basket snob The ivy bits were scraps that were in the bottom of a box of artificial ivy we unpacked last week.

• and from our storage unit, antique brandy snifters, made into hurricanes. We'll be using these all winter - getting ready to make a Christmas design for the website. We have antique dishes, vases, old stuff purchased from antique auctions at pennies, or collected by my mom for years. What we're using up is stuff that isn't valuable or sentimental, but has a value in re-use.

 

[Spookyflowers]

What do you sell these for? I like the hurrican done up. I have a ton of the ivy bowls that people dump off to me wonder if they would work like the brandy snifter. Any ideas on how to anchor them?

 

[Tracy D'Amico]

the snifters have a nice base, a la wine glass, that we tape down to the bowl .

That arr will retail for thxgv for $39.95 - haven't worked out the xmas recipe yet, but I hope to stay the same. Or if I'm really hopeful, a triple glass in a long dish for $75+ - cranberries around the votive.

the bamboo bowl was for a $40 c/p order today.

I would anchor the ivy bowls using tape as well - I'm a whiz with the clear tape, without being over-done.

 

[CHR]

Love it! The biggest problem with these re-purposed 'clever treasure specials' is that once they're gone, you'll wish you had more.

 

[JCT]

Well aren't you the resourceful one! Great job - thanks for sharing.

Many, many, many years ago - we used to hold an 'ugly container' contest during the holidays. (when my staff was more than 2 of us ). Whoever chose the ugliest container and created the most salable design would get a prize. (something like a pound of chocolates from our local candy shop).
Was great fun for them, and helpful for me - the one always counting pennies.

jenny

 

[BOSS]

Good point Tracey...

We too have cleaning out the basement and the storage areas and using stuff that's always been left behind for newer items...

Happy Thanksgiving to ya'll!

 

[blumen]

Me too!

I had a good time going through old Christmas stuff last week. I was able to create some lovely new items out of old greens and wreaths we've had forever.

It kind of felt like going through the leftovers in the fridge to come up with a gourmet meal!

 

[Sher]

Nifty re-use....I absolutely abhor those baskets but this is a neat way to use them...you go girl!

 

[twiggy]

Love it! The biggest problem with these re-purposed 'clever treasure specials' is that once they're gone, you'll wish you had more.

ha ha..so true! happened to me with a couple of funky wine glasses .. (always in my way!) I finally used them for a valentine special (a glorified bud vase with a couple orchids and other bling) called Valen-Tini .. now I'm looking for more..

Super Job Tracy!!:yourock:

 

[purplegirl]

Tracy, nice job on the re-purposed containers. It's such a nice feeling to move out old product!!!

Had to laught though - I have the same thanksgiving picks!!!

 

[Tracy D'Amico]

Stacey - they're available if you're getting low .....
I think we have a gross or two left - not a pick fan, but I'll use them till they're GONE!

 

[Tracy D'Amico]

Tur-duckin anyone?

We're on a roll ......

 

[ivygreen]

We're on a roll ......

Step away from the leaf shine, and put down the glossy wood tone!


Actually, I think it is cute. Let us know if it sells!

 

[Palms]

Well done that girl!! Lovely designs and your bottom line will certainly improve Have a great holiday x

 

[Johan]

The baskets are great. They would be really pretty sprayed white with red and white gingham ribbon on them for a New England/Shaker Style Christmas basket or sprayed white with floral ribbon on them for Mothers Day. Brilliant use up's.

Not sure about the duck though - that one would have gone to the charity shop for me. LOL.

There must be something in the air at the moment. I hand make all my gift cards myself for the shop. We have sold out of nearly all the happy birthday cards but have tons of best wishes cards so I changed the little banners on the front of most of the cards to say happy birthday. Problem solved.

 

[Connie]

Creativity, thy name is Tracy. :yourock:

 

[Iris Eyes]

I always try to clear out longstanding stock (aka junk lol )that builds up in my shop too .
Good job you .I have exactly some of that type of thing here too and we're 1000's of miles apart .

 

[coppercountryflowers]

Do you test the brandy snifter to make sure it won't crack or shatter with the heat of a candle? Just a liability question.

 

[sharonbrannigan]

this may sound odd, but i sometimes think i make the most beautiful arrangements out of junk or old stuff. growing up fairly poor i had to make many toys from scraps of sewing materials and old grocery store boxes. i think creativity flows through imagination especially when your buck is stretched to its limits.

 

[CarverFlowers]

Love it! I have a couple of those cheesy duck baskets. What a great idea.