Determined that we needed our own toadstool garden near the girl's tree house, I was on the hunt for wooden bowls at our local thrift stores. Last week, the perfect set were waiting for me to rescue them.
I realize painting on a HUMID HOT day isn't wise, but I was determined Saturday morning to get started on this project. Armed with paint, plastic garbage bags and brushes, I set up a painting studio in our woods (which was 10 degrees cooler than the backyard which registered over 100 degrees).
There's a reason that I only let Chris photograph me from the behind. The toadstool spots are painted free handout. I may have gone a bit overboard on spots, but I was having fun.
Using leftover tree stumps from our tree house project, they are screwed to the tops of the bowls to form the toadstool stems.
Larger stumps became chairs and a platter is a table base.
Several coatings of clear protective spray have been added to the toadstool caps.
If you give a gnome a toadstool, he'll want more.
We decided to expand our toadstool garden to also include a hammock area. First however, the ground needed to be raked clear of sticks and leaves.
Our gnome has his own special dwelling that even even includes a wrap-around ladder.
The final touch for our gnome garden includes banners with the girls initials and a solar powered chandelier.
Yes. If you give a gnome a toadstool, it will turn into much more.
How many thrift stores did you have to raid to find THAT MANY wooden bowls! This is such a great addition to the gnome land! They are really so unique! Love it and may have to show it to grandkids to see if they want some in my yard! Wait, I don't have a gnome! I may need to go on a hunt for one!
ReplyDeleteTammy
how cute your gnome garden is! when I saw them on her blog I fell in love with them. I just have to remember that I want to keep an eye out for wood bowls!
ReplyDeletehave a great week!
xoxo
Such an amazing spot. I love everything about it, your toadstools turned out perfect, I think we need some aqua ones too and that solar powered chandelier and initial banners are perfect. You all have created such a fun space with the tree house and toadstool hammock area. What memories will be made!
ReplyDeleteThat sure did turn into MUCH MORE! What a great idea and a fun area for the kids. I love everything you did out there. It must look magical at night with the solar chandy! What a magical spot- love the toadstools, too. xo Diana
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun project..From the toadstools to the hammock, and the wrapped around ladder...Love it!! And your girls are just darling!!!
ReplyDeletechris
OMG, I'm on the lookout for wooden bowls. We have a beginning garden and a few of those would look cute. I love your garden, Kim!
ReplyDeleteOh, they are magical! What a wonderful idea. And your little paradise there looks like Alice could turn up any second, chasing a certain white bunny. I'm in love!
ReplyDeleteOH my gosh...that is the cutest thing EVER! You need to submit it to a magazine. Seriously. You guys are so talented! And I am always impressed at your thrift sale finds.... :)
ReplyDeleteIm not sure I can even tell you how much I love this :) SOOOOOOO cute. I must remember this idea for later!
ReplyDeleteThis is so cool. I could spend hours exploring your backyard. Hopefully it will cool down so you can truly enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteOh Kim, these are adorable...your own fairytale garden!
ReplyDeleteI also want to tell you how much I like your new header. It's perfect.
Oh my goodness. How do you come up with this much great stuff and get it done. I want to come and play in the woods. This is adorable. I am in awe. Love it love it love it...smiles...Renee
ReplyDeleteI showed these to my husband and he's already given me some good ideas of where to put them and how he can help...the help part is what I am excited about! Cutest idea ever...I collect red mushrooms. I discovered them in Germany where they are a good luck symbol! =D
ReplyDeleteOh, Kim, I am squealing with delight! You know how much I love toadstools. Unfortunately, they don't go with everyday decor (otherwise I would put them everywhere!), but you have created the perfect outdoor spot for them!
ReplyDeleteThose are so adorable!
ReplyDeleteSome day I may just have to make some too!
LOVE your hammock area!
Great job!
GAH, what a cute idea! I've always felt that the two pink ones that I have in the garden were just not enough, but they're made out of solid wood, and there was no way I could make some like that. Problem solved, and now I'm on a mission to grab every wooden bowl I can find. Thanks SO much for sharing this, Kim!
ReplyDeleteThat is the cutest idea ever, Kim! They are absolutely adorable!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Janet
It appears you have given the gnome a home! What fun!
ReplyDeletexo Nellie
I want to come and check out the tree house and gnome garden!
ReplyDeleteHow adorable are your mushrooms!! Love the garden, and what a cut gnome door!! So fun, and creative!! xo Heather
ReplyDeleteHi Kim, I'm popping in while on vacation (every so often, I get a few minutes to goof around on the internet!), and had to comment! This is so adorable!! How fun for your girls! We've got some woods behind our house, but we rarely go too deep. Maybe when the kids are a little older we can try to do something similar- what a special, special place!
ReplyDeleteWonderful! You have added so much charm to your yard (and house, too!).
ReplyDeleteIt's always a joy to read your posts.
Thank you!
Oh my word! Those are the perfect addition to your forest! I love anything and everything with polkadots! So cute!
ReplyDeleteGuess who might make a surprise visit at our upcoming polkadot pony party? A real pony! I hope the weather cooperates!
Oh my goodness that is such a cute idea!
ReplyDeleteSimply magical! Inspiring every inch. E
ReplyDeleteWow what a charming space, I absolutely love it! I just love toadstools, they're so whimsical!
ReplyDeleteHow cute! Talk about taking an idea and running with it. So many inventive ways to enjoy this idea! I love the little table.
ReplyDeleteKim, your daughters are so darling!
ReplyDeleteI adore your toadstools, I NEED to make some and you've got me all inspired - so cute! Thanks so much for this fun post.
Happy Rednesday!
This is sooo fun!!
ReplyDeleteThis is amazing. I would love to be a kid at your house!
ReplyDeleteCute, Cute, Cute!
ReplyDeleteI just love the whimsy of your Gnome garden. Those toadstools are such a great re-purposing of those old wooden bowls.
Thanks for stopping by to visit me. Come back anytime :)
xoxo Bunny Jean
Wednesdays Bunny Hop Party!
Oh my goodness this is CUTE! (I'm so glad I read all the way down my Google Reader list! I'm still catching up on reading!)
ReplyDeleteImagine Helen bowing like Wayne and Garth - I'm not worthy, I'm not worthy! I feel like I can no longer call myself clever or crafty (unless I mean devious and sneaky) compared to you and what I find on your blog weekly! You are a gem, Kim. These are too darling for words.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun project and very very cute!!
ReplyDeleteKim, I love your "woodland wonderland" - what a fitting location for daydreaming girls (and women)! Toadstools are awesome and the gnome ladder is beyond awesome! I have one of those banners (W) in my front yard. The chandelier is a nice elegant touch! How do you solar-power it?
ReplyDeleteThese are so adorable. What a fun little area of the garden. I'm amazed you found all those bowls--way to shop! Thanks for linking up to Share the Love Wednesday!
ReplyDeleteMary
This is just too freakin' cute! I love this idea. Now, I think i might have to start collecting wooden bowls and make a gnome garden at our cabin next year! Thank you for sharing at TTF last week! I hope to see you join us again!
ReplyDelete