Favorite Things . . . . . Watermelon!

Well . . . I’m getting this weekly blog post up really late today. I’ve been working five mornings and two evenings a week for several weeks now, and I think I’m either tired of simply running out of time to do everything that I want to do with my days. Probably both! So I started this blog post a few days ago, you know, so I would have it ready to go for Thursday morning. But then one thing and another (mostly family and WORK) interfered with my plan. And here we are Thursday afternoon!

It rained here yesterday afternoon and evening, with a bit of wind, so I was concerned about the plants that we have set out. We also tore up the front flower garden (jungle!) that was here when we bought this house that was way overgrown. We tried for the past two summers just to clean it up and keep it kind of the way it was . . . I’m sure it was beautiful when it was first created . . . . but there were so many roots and vines and everything was entangled and growing in, over, around, and through everything else that we couldn’t even get the weeks pulled out.

So, a couple of weekends ago we tore everything out and saved the “good” stuff to replant somewhere else. Then last weekend we finished the much smaller circular planting area in the middle and set a large planter filled with red impatiens right in the middle. It looks really pretty, but we had to plant grass all around it where we pulled out everything else, so now that area is covered with grass seed and a layer of straw. I was hoping the rain didn’t wash out all the new grass seed, so we’ll see, but today it still looks OK. I’ve got a few pictures of the project, so I’ll post them next week.

Working outside in 90 degree heat and humidity might also have contributed to my exhaustion this week. But never mind, I’m finally getting to some of my weekly projects, just a few hours late. When I was thinking about all of the yard and garden projects we have going, as well as the inside jobs still needing our attention, I was thinking about a day, hopefully soon, when we can just enjoy our little corner of the universe and not have to WORK every weekend. We might just take time to sit out on our deck with a pitcher of iced tea or lemonade and one of our favorite summer treats . . . watermelon!

That’s what got me thinking about other fun and creative ideas with a watermelon theme. Here’s what I found, and as soon as I get caught up with the other projects that are waiting for me, I am going to make a few of these cute DIY projects for our house. Be watching for pictures as soon as I get something finished! In the meantime, here’s my watermelon collection for this week’s Favorite Things Blog Hop and Linky Party. Hope you can join us!

Watermelon Wreath from The Scrap Shoppe Blog

I was kind of surprised at the limited DIY projects for a watermelon wreath. I didn’t actually find very many at all that I like, so I guess that means I’ll have to come up with my own idea! There were lots of beautiful wreaths in various shades of red, pink, dark green, light green, and black but most of them were really “fluffy” and loaded with lots of embellishments. I was hoping to find one that was rather simple and this was the only one I found. Looks like an easy to create project, so I’m going to give this one a try this weekend.

Watermelon Planters from Cool Crafts

We have quite a few smaller planter pots from previous summers, but they are all so boring! Guess I better round up the red, green, and black paints and get started! Wouldn’t these look cute with white flowers?

Watermelon Mason Jar from The Country Chic Cottage

Of course, no DIY collection would be complete without a Mason jar project! I kind of like the way this one is translucent instead of completely covered with paint. It would be cute to create a whole set of these for a summer picnic of party and then fill them up with lemonade or iced tea. On my way to pull out the rest of the Mason jars in my studio!

Watermelon Banner from Empty Nest Home Goods on Etsy

You could hop on over to the Empty Nest Home Goods shop on Etsy and buy your very own adorable watermelon banner . . . . or you could make one of your own! I think you could make this from card stock or fabric, or even wooden cutouts that you paint and then string together with ribbon. This is so cute! Wouldn’t this be adorable hung on our gazebo?

Watermelon Door Mat from Cool Crafts

Perfect for our deck, especially once I get that watermelon wreath hung on the door! Check out the tutorial at The House that Lars Built for all the details on how you can make this sweet watermelon door mat for you deck or porch.

Watermelon Canvas Art from Spot of Tea Designs

And inside we can dress it up with more cute, cool watermelon creations. This watermelon canvas art would be a fun project to do with my girls, so I’m thinking that we will give it a try next week, after school gets out. Check out the tutorial at Spot of Tea Designs.

Simple Summer Decorative Watermelon Pillows from The Real Thing with the Coake Family

One more idea to brighten up your deck or porch, or even inside your house. These cute watermelon decorative pillows are super simple to make. The complete tutorial is available at The Real Thing with the Coake Family. Perfect combination with the watermelon canvas art . . . . this will be so adorable in our entry way! Have fun with your summer DIY projects!