How To Plant a Phalaenopsis Moth Orchid Bowl....

 Planted orchid bowls are pretty simple to create...

All you need is:

One large shallow bowl

Three orchid plants

A bag of premium orchid potting mix

Some orchid stakes and clips to hold the flower stems to the stakes.

 In the bowl, place about three cups of orchid mix.

Then arrange the orchid plants.
(I've used white Phalaenopsis Moth orchids)

Top with more orchid mix, stake and clip the flower stems,

 Until the roots establish themselves, 

you may need a few extra stakes to support the flower stems.

This bowl of orchids was planted in November last year,  it took about three months to stabilise before the extra stakes could be removed. 

 It also grew a new flower spike, having just finished flowering - 

an amazing 5 months later!!

The conditions in this room, are bright light with no direct drafts.  

No direct sunlight gets on the plant.

Though I did leave it in the bathroom where the light was much brighter (but still diffused) for a few hours when the plant was watered.

Moth Orchids are possibly my most favourite of the orchid species...

How can you not love these flowers?

DIY Rope and Brass Curtain Tie Backs...

I have been searching for quite some time 

for the perfect tie back for the Masculine French Bedroom to no avail.

A few years back I saw somewhere on the internet a DIY rope tieback.  

 I thought rope is quite masculine = perfect....

so this is my version...

For four curtain tie-backs, you will need:

(all materials for this project were found at Bunnings Warehouse in New Zealand, but elsewhere in the world your building supply store should stock everything)

4 x 20mm snap hooks

4 metres rope (thickness of your choice)

4 x brass olives (in the plumbing section) or brass rings

1 roll of 1 ply Sisal Lashing.

A glue gun & glue

Cup hooks 

(note chain is in the photo as I was going to use this, but didn't.  :))

Cut rope into 4  pieces.

I wanted a nice drape effect on the tie back,

so I cut my rope to 4 pieces measuring 90cm each.

If you want a tighter tieback shorten the length, 

making sure you allow for the turn-backs.

Put the snap hook through the rope... 

 Use the sisal lashing and the hot glue to fold back and bind the rope as shown.

 Do the same with the brass olive or ring.

 Trim the excess hairy bits of the rope to tidy it.

 Follow these instructions for the four tie-backs.

 Use the cup-hooks to attach at the back to the window frame or door jamb...

Make sure you measure the height from floor for each hook,

 so that the tiebacks hang at the same level.

Rope and brass curtain tiebacks are a whole lot more masculine...
The French masculine bedroom now has a hint of nautical...
French meets nautical?
Yes - I LOVE it!

Visit my 'Saatchi Art & Photography' store HERE

Original art store HERE

#curtaintiebacks #rope #diy #brass #nautical

Quick & Easy Ginger Oat Slice...

Don't be fooled by this healthy looking slice....

because the icing is completely off the healthy radar!

 Oaty coconut goodness....

topped with an insanely sweet and creamy ginger icing.

This recipe makes a good size slice,

 that is a perfect treat for the kids or adults lunch boxes...

It is quick and easy to make because it is a one pot recipe.

                         Quick & Easy Ginger Oat Slice

Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius               line with baking paper an extendible slice pan that is open to 33cm by 25cm in size.               In a large pot melt:              300 grams butter              4 Tablespoons golden Syrup              1 cup sugar              1 teaspoon vanilla essence or paste

               Add:

               1 1/2 cups rolled oats

               1/2 cups coconut 

               1 heaped teaspoon ground ginger

               2 cups plain flour

               4 teaspoons baking powder.

               Mix well and press into slice pan.

               Bake for 25 minutes until pale golden.

              When just warm, ice with ginger icing:

              Melt: 

              50 grams butter

              1 tablespoon golden syrup

              and 2 Tablespoons milk.

              Mix in:

              1 1/2 cups icing sugar 

              and 1 teaspoon ground ginger

              When smooth and creamy,  ice slice.

              Cut into large slices when cold.

              Store in an airtight container.

You'll find the printable recipe HERE.

ENJOY!