Update Your Above Ground Pool

The lazy days of summer are upon us, and I am so excited! It's my very favorite time of year, and a great reason to embark on a fun outdoor project.

One of summer's greatest pleasures is splashing around in the cool waters of a swimming pool. We can't put in an in-ground pool, so instead we chose to go the "above ground" route.

Unfortunately because of the nature of their design, above ground pools can be a bit of an eyesore!

Not a pretty sight!

However, I was determined to enjoy the fun of having a pool, without the "ugly" factor. So, with a small budget and a creative vision, I was able to transform an ordinary plastic pool into a welcoming tropical oasis.


Here's how I did it:

Start with a framed above ground pool. I did a lot of research and decided on this one:

The price on this pool was great, and the reviews were quite good overall. Plus the size was right. I wanted something deep enough that my kids could still swim underwater, but not too large for our yard. Set up was pretty easy and the whole family had fun putting it together.

Here are the additional supplies I ordered for the pool. I also carefully researched all of these products and have been happy with them.

Start by setting up your pool on level ground. I opted to put a tarp under ours. We simply folded the corners of the tarp underneath the pool during set up so that it wouldn't show.

First things first... Cover up that ugly plastic side of your pool!

To disguise the sides, I wrapped our pool in inexpensive willow fencing. This is the kind I used:

I ordered it in the 4ft height. Don't be scared off by the reviews of this! Yes, it is true that it is pretty flimsy and see through. But that is easily solved!

First of 3 layers

To compensate for the quality, I ordered enough rolls to go around the circumference of my pool 3 times. When you layer this fencing it looks great! It was also easy to secure using brown zip ties. 

The fencing was a little taller than the edge of the pool, so I went around and trimmed off the top using a pair of garden sheers. But, any heavy duty scissors would work.

Next:

I decided to add some color and cheer with flower pots.
Because buying new glazed pots wasn't in my budget, I got creative. I gathered a group of large mismatched planters and decided to give them a colorful makeover.

Before

First, I covered them completely (inside and out) with a layer of primer. The primer will help block moisture and aid in protecting the pot's color from the elements.

During

This project took just under two cans of primer. I applied thick layers and let them dry for a couple of hours.

Then I chose a variety of colors in a cheerful palette. I mixed and matched different brands of spray paint and was sure to select paints formulated for outdoors.

Then it was time to paint the pots! Most of them took at least two coasts of paint. Then for good measure I covered each one with an additional protective clear coat.  I was thrilled with how well they turned out!

After

Then it was time to add the fun stuff!

I LOVE flowers and plants, and I had a wonderful time selecting things to go in these pots. While shopping for plants I was careful to keep my color theme in mind.
I also wanted to add some plants that looked "tropical". Unfortunately were we live it can drop below freezing in the winter, so I can only use cold hardy plants. Luckily there are some tropical looking plants that can stand the cooler temperatures. Here are some ideas:

-Agapanthus
-Cannas
-Cold Hearty Banana Plants
-Cold Hearty Queen Palms

Don't forget to add a fun garden trinket or two! These worked perfectly for me:

For a soft landing and to help keep debris out of the pool, consider using a door mat on the ground at the entrance to your pool.

Add in a few more fun accessories and you'll be ready to swim! Here are a few more ideas:

Keep cute towels handy and dry with nearby hooks. I found both in my color scheme on Amazon.

Because the fencing can be a bit rough and because I wanted my kids to be able to get into the pool without help, I also added this small ladder.

It's super easy to take in and out as needed, and luckily it comes in a subtle gray color.

And don't forget to add some fun pool toys!

Lastly, I updated our old picnic table to match the rest of the decor. Please stay tuned for a "how to" tutorial post about this project soon!

Thanks for stopping by; I hope you summer is off to a great start!

Thanks for stopping by!





Linking up to these fun parties:
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Just Add Color

Latley it seems like there is used patio furniture for sale everywhere!
Summer isn't officially over until the 22nd, so there is still have time to enjoy the outdoors. Luckily, even if it's a bit weathered, used patio furniture is easy to update!

First, I gathered up several pieces of worn wicker furniture.

I chose peices that were all made of the same material (wooden wicker). But you could also update multiple pieces of furniture made from different materials as well. As long as you paint everything with corresponding colors, you can mix and match metal, wood, and even plastic furniture. The great thing about the paint that we'll use is that it sticks to just about everything!

If you do go with wicker, check to be sure that it isn't unraveling or broken. Usually the first place you'll notice damage is on the legs. If it's starting to unravel, skip it. But, don't worry about chipped/ faded paint. We will fix that part!

Next, I used 100 grit sandpaper to lightly and quickly remove flaking paint, dirt and spider webs from each piece. Just a quick once-over was enough to remove the worst of it. You don't need to completely sand everything off, just aim for the loose bits.

Now the fun part!

Work outdoors, and cover an area about twice the size of your furniture with a protective surface (to avoid painting your patio too). I like to use old cardboard for this purpose. If you have an "Amazon habit" (like I do) then you probably have no shortage of boxes laying around! But you can also use drop cloths or even old sheets (tip: check your local thrift stores for great deals on sheets!).

Next gather your paint. Here is what I used for this project:

For the largest chair, I used three cans of Rustoleum "Oasis Blue" spray paint. I like the "paint plus primer" (called "2X") because it is durable and easy to use. Wicker tends to soak up a lot of paint, so have multiple cans ready.
If your chair is solid wood or plastic, then you can likely get by with only two cans. 

Next, for the child size rocking chair, I used one whole can of the same brand of paint. This time I used the "Magenta" color. One can was just enough to cover the chair because it was already red.

Lastly, I used a different brand of paint for the side table, because I liked the way that the color looked with the other two.
This time I used Krylon Paint and Primer in "Sea Glass".  It took about 3 cans to completely cover piece (inside and out). The coverage wasn't quite as good as the Rustoleum (I had to do one more layer), but the hue looked great with the other two colors I had chosen.

You can use a glossy finish if you like, but I prefer a satin finish. Matte (satin) finishes have a more sophisticated look and tend to hold up better over time.  

I started painting each piece upside down first. To avoid drips, use a quick sweeping motion, holding the can about 9" away from the furniture.  

Starting with the bottom will give you a chance to "feel it out" and get an idea of how to best apply the paint. And, being that the bottom won't really show, painting the underside first tends to be more forgiving of mistakes and/ or drips. Once you feel confident in your technique, flip the chair over and paint the top.  

I like to really saturate my wicker furniture with paint, so I added 3 (and in some places 4) coats of paint. Take care to notice if you are getting small areas like edges, corners and legs. It can be helpful to paint each coat from a different angel, to assure good coverage.

Once covered in paint, allow your furniture to dry completely.  

Spray painted furniture 

For a unique twist, I painted the inside of the table blue, and the outside green. This makes for a fun surprise when the little door is opened.
Add a colorful pot of (easy to grow) succulents to the mix and you will have a fresh set of furniture that's perfect for cheering up any space!  

Lastly, at the end of this project my right hand was tinted blue from the overspray. Luckily I have figured out the best way to get any paint off of your hands is to use this product:

It can also help scrub it onto your hands with one of these:

It works like a charm every time, and smells so heavenly!

Before and After

Sometimes I like to use painted patio furniture inside the house for an unexpected pop of color. It's also lovely on a porch, patio or lawn.

Sit back, relax and enjoy!

Before

After

That's all for today! Thanks for stopping by, and happy painting!

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How to Make a Daisy Chain

Spring is here (or near) and the daisies are blooming!




Nothing says "childhood" like an inviting patch of green clovers, and delicate white flowers.

The next time you come across these sweet signs of spring, try this simple craft.





First, pick a batch of flowers, trying to select the ones with long stems.

For the next step, I used a pocket knife, but your fingernail can work just as well.

Cut a small slit in the end of one of the stems. Be careful that it doesn't go all the way to the edge.

Next, thread the end of another flower through the hole you've just created. This should feel like threading a needle.

Then, gently pull one stem through the other, until the flower itself stops it from going any farther.

How to make a flower necklace 

After that, repeat the process over again, making a hole in the stem of the most recently added flower. Continue to do this until you have reached your desired length.

Soon you should have a chain of flowers!

Loop it around your neck, and tie a loose knot in the back.

Enjoy!

These can be made into crowns, bracelets, necklaces and more!

Also, after making these sweet chains, you may want to enjoy the classic book Daisy-Head Mayzie
By Dr Seuss

Daisy Head Mayzie

Thanks for stopping by, and happy crafting!

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Late Winter Flowers

The trees are still bare, and there are crisp dry leaves rustling in the corners.

But, the signs of very early spring are starting to show. The winter flowers are blooming!

The prehistoric looking blooms of a Witch Hazel plant are some of the first flowers to emerge after the frosts have ended. These spidery flowers are a mysterious delight.

Next, small Crocus flowers appear amongst the frozen twigs and remnants of Fall's last show.

I wasn't sure if these small sweet (tried and true) winter flowers would even grow in California. But, last year I ordered a few bags of bulbs anyway. Much to my delight the grew!

They are subtle and delicate, but glimpses of color bring the promise of great things to come.

Another welcome peak of color comes from Primroses. They peak out from empty flower pots, offering vibrant glimpses of color.

I love walking out into my garden to find these first signs that winter is nearing an end. 

Primroses are reliable winter flowers. They die down in the scorching heat of summer, but return reliably late every winter.

The primroses are echoed in vibrancy by the delightful blooms of my reliable Christmas Cactus.

This winter beauty is hard as nails and brings joy every year, even in the dreariest of months.

Camelias are another "sure fire" late winter flower. Mine thrive on a partially shaded hillside.

The low light of late winter ignites winter blooming flowers, making them simply glow. Nature seems to just know how to highlight these beauties, even in their subtly.

   


Even evergreens, ferns and (the surviving) succulents glow in the cool low light.

Purple Happy Wanderer Evergreen twining vine thrives in a corner of my patio.

This winter flower can live in sun or shade. It has clusters of purple flowers in winter.

Like many winter flowers, this vine is relatively small in stature. It only grows to 10' tall.

Even though it is not yet Valentines day, promises of warmer weather are starting to peek through.


  


Velvety Pansies and Violas bring cheer to empty corners.

The winter garden is filled with the enchanting scent or Winter Daphne.

This small delicate winter flower unleashes an intoxicatingly sweet aroma, a welcome sign of the spring days ahead.





Thanks for stopping by, and happy gardening!





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