Do you ever visit an antique store, thrift shop or go junkin’ and leave inspired to create your own version of what you have seen? That’s what happened to me when I came home from Lucketts and Garden Gatherings in Virginia. You can read about my experiences here and here.
When I got the challenge to “Upcycle It” from the At Home DIY Bloggers, my creative juices starting to flow. That’s when I made my Garden Typewriter Decorated with Succulents and Moss.
I wanted to use a vintage piece in a unique way. After spying my mom’s typewriter from the 1950s, voila! That’s all it took for my imagination to take off…
This post is part of the At Home DIY Challenges. Each 15th of every month all of us create a themed DIY project. As you read above, this month is Upcycle it. It’s always a pleasure and inspiring to see what everyone comes up with.
So let’s get started!
My mom’s vintage typewriter has been in my home for years. Our kids have played with it and now the grands do, too. One grandson likes to use it to play “business” when he comes over.
After my trip to antique stores and garden shops, I saw the typewriter in a whole new way.
Using faux succulents in various colors or shapes and reindeer moss, the typewriter was going to have a new life.
The “keys” section of the typewriter was the perfect place to start. Using the larger succulents first, I had a base for my creation.
Gradually adding smaller pieces, the layers of plants and textures filled in the space. It was beginning to look like a planter rather than an empty typewriter. So far it’s looking REALLY good.
The idea was not to put the same type of plant next to each other.
The finishing touch would be reindeer moss to give it an organic feel. As though the typewriter was truly a planter. The moss is tucked it in and around the succulents to fill in empty spots or to hide the plastic stems.
And, of course everything is better with a string of fairy lights, right?
This would be a beautiful piece for a garden table, on a porch, as a centerpiece for a Spring Tea party, as bridal shower decorations, or just for fun! What about even typing up a garden quote to place through the paper roller? That would be the icing on the cake.
You could probably plant REAL succulents in this. BUT, a green thumb-I am not. So for now, I am enjoying my new creation that will sit upon my thrifted cabinet on my back porch all year long.
This was such a fun project, costing very little money with a big emphasis on up-cycling and creativity.
Thanks for joining me. I invite you to visit my blogging friends and their ingenuity for Upcycle It, below. Have a great time and enjoy!
Cherryl Ehlenburg says
What a great way to display a unique piece! It turned out beautiful! And I love to add lights to just about everything, too!
Lia White says
What a fun idea! Great upcycle project!
Sherry Denise Cole says
This is such a good upcycle. I would love to do this for spring decor
Jenny says
Super cute and a great way to reuse a typewriter, it has such a cool vibe too it.
Christine says
Oh Meegan!!! I just love it!!! I happen to have two vintage typewriters and I’m totally going to transform one into a succulent garden too! Thanks for the inspiration!
Marty Walden says
So creative and unique! Love this typewriter and greenery!
Michelle Leslie says
That has to be one of the most beautiful planters I’ve ever seen. Stunning Meegan
Cat Michaels says
Meegan, as an author of children’s books, I absolutely must find an old typewriter and add this to my my garden. Already have succulents waiting for the perfect spot in my garden -:D
Maria Brittis says
this is so pretty! such a creative idea
Loren says
Wow. That is a really unique idea, it looks great. I love projects like this, that are able to use things that we already have at home.
Barbara Chapman says
Hi Meegan! This is really a cute idea and I like that it doesn’t have to be permanent or damage the typewriter in any way as the plants are just sitting there. <3 Very cute!!!
Late getting over but pinning this week. <3
Happy spring to you,
Barb :)