Saturday, August 22, 2009

Playful Pacific Patio

A little background. It all started when my neighbor moved out and gave us this...... a mini trampoline.
Now, we live in a tiny space....where on earth was I going to put this thing? I surely wasn't going to deprive my girls of the oodles of fun they could have on such a contraption. So, I took a look at my over grown, waste of space garden area and thought "what can I do to make this more kid friendly?"
Here is my only pic of the garden before. Bonus you get to see my smilin' girlie.

So, I ripped everything out while seriously underestimating the root system of the fern, then headed to Home Depot.

I knew I wanted to put in a sand box of some kind so I walked around Home Depot to find some inspiration for a divider. Hmm, these tree rings will do. I spray painted them to fit the ocean theme I was going for, then placed them in a wavy fashion across the dirt. (FYI, I used broken pieces at the ends that they gave me for free).

I dug down about 3 inches then laid trash bags on the dirt. Before laying the trash bags, I cut holes in them for drainage. I taped the trash bags together then poured bags of sand (also found at Home Depot) in to fill the space.




Next, I laid about 2 rolls of sod (only $4 a roll) on the other side of the divider to soften the area and secure the dividers. Then I created a little raised flower garden in the corner.

To add a tad more fun, I found this piece of potential tossed out by my recycling bins. How could someone get rid of such a treasure?

I sanded and spray painted with a wave stencil.

Glued a metal welcome sign to the table that I taped off and painted 9 squares on.

Then glued magnets to some wooden cuties to create a magnetic tic-tac-toe board.





My next project, the interpretive, magnetic story board. I used more of those metal welcome signs from the dollar store and mod podged sea landscapes on them. I simply tore paper into desired shapes and glued them on.

Then, I had this cute outdoor place mat and sewed the sides up to make a pocket for holding all of the magnets for the story board (Excuse my beautiful toes:) I was just trying to add to the downward perspective).

I just used the glue gun to stick magnets on these wooden cuties and wah-lah...an interpretive magnetic story board. (Also works as patio art).

Last but not least,
I had to save SOME space for me.

I took baby food jars, spray painted the lids, punched a hole through them and threaded ribbon through the hole. Then I secured it with multiple knots, nailed it to the fence and attached the jars to the lids.


Now some of our tiny seashore treasures have a special place protected from the elements. (I found the sea glass on clearance at Michael's Craft and just thought it was pretty).

Before hanging the baby food jars, I dipped the end's of the ribbon that the nail's were going through into clear nail polish. This allowed a more secure fastening and the ribbon will be less likely to fray at the end.

That completes my Playful Pacific Patio makeover. We have already done picnic's and play date's galore out there. I can't believe I didn't think of this sooner. Both my children and I are MUCH happier now that they have an outdoor space to play in while we are home.

We are linking this post to Kimbas DIY party, check it out for some inspiration!


35 comments:

Sariahfied said...

Oh my goodness! You amaze me! Your patio looks beautiful!!!! Seriously! I am in love with the hanging jars! You rock!

Mrs. Petrie said...

This is a genius use of this space! I love it! Your girls must love the functionality and you must love how cute it is and that it gives them somewhere to play.

Michelle said...

What a beautiful space! It looks really nice...so glad you're enjoying good times out there :) Those hanging jars are ADORABLE!

Have a great week!
~Michelle :)

Adrienne said...

Wow, Brenna, you AMAZE ME!!!

Jessica said...

WHAT A GREAT IDEA! I love the waves you created in the sandbox and the magnet boards are adorable! You are amazing!

Kim@Seasons of My Heart said...

What great ideas you have my friend....and everything LOOKS fab.

What a great idea for your kids....and I'm sure they will spend HOURS playing in their new area, and you Mamma...can enjoy your little corner of happiness too!

Wendy @ Ramblings from the Sunshine State said...

that is so cute!

Wanda said...

WOW! You've got some serious decorating and crafting skills! Love your outdoor space! Thanks for sharing!

cyndi said...

I'm feeling inspired to help out my small Cali backyard. You really are amazing!!!

Jeppson Clan said...

wow, wow, wubzy! where's sean's space? :)
it looks fantastic!

Little Lovables said...

wow, are you every crafy! it's gorgeous and amazing at the same time!

Jen Bowles said...

What a great patio! Excellent use of space and I love all of your creative ideas--especially the hanging jars of beach treasures. Awesome.

Unknown said...

with the sea breeze blowing gently over these carefully crafted jars they now become excellent targets for the man who needs to hone his shooting skills. well done daughter.dad

Room to Inspire said...

I really like to use of the cement dividers...I love the "organic" shape they create!

Chelsea

Marie said...

Hello! How absolutely clever you are to turn baby food jars into such fabulous decor! Love this idea. And that sandbox is so fun! Thank you for sharing.

Blessings,
Marie
http://emmacallsmemama.com

Amanda @ Serenity Now said...

WOW!!!! What a great outdoor space. :) I love that you saved a spot for yourself---sooo hard for us mommies to do sometimes. It all looks wonderful. :) Visiting from Kimba's party. :)

Anonymous said...

WOW, you made a small space into something that is truly enjoyable!! Looks Fab!!

Anny said...

My goddess, that's amazing! So many parts of this transformation gave me ideas :D

Shaela said...

i love it! You have great ideas for a small space. It looks wonderful.

Richella Parham said...

Now that's what I call making the most of your space! Wonderful job!!

Jane said...

So creative and fun! I love the wavy sandbox and the shell jars. Truly something for everyone out there.

Roeshel said...

Wow! What a fun area! I love all of your creative ideas! It's an awesome space for the kiddos and your grown up space is so calm/relaxing. I love each and every project! Great job!

Roeshel

Shannon said...

Oh I bet the kids love their little space. I have been wanting to create a little built in sand box area for my kids this summer, but never was able to. Thanks for sharing this!

Courtney said...

that is so cute and i love the colors and bet the kids love it too!!

Anonymous said...

I love the hanging jars! You're so creative. :o)

Heidi said...

You have a gift!! WOW! What a creative makeover! Thanks for sharing all of those fabulous details! So creative! Have fun!

Jen @ tatertotsandjello.com said...

Your play area is just adorable!!! I love everything that you did. It is amazing. And those hanging jars are just to die for!

Good job!!!

XOXO
Jen

Holly said...

What a cute little space! :)

Molly Anne said...

That little sand and grass area for the kids is too cute! And *squeal!!!!!* I love those hanging jars of beachy goodness!

Jen V said...

I love your blog - I have commented several times and have been so inspired by you! I can't wait to make your flower tee's!

I am doing an awesome giveaway - check it out at www.viettiview.blogspot.com

Everyone is welcome to enter!!

Unknown said...

Wow! This post just kept getting better and better as I scrolled down! LOVE IT!

Unknown said...

Wow! This post just kept getting better and better as I scrolled down! LOVE IT!

southerninspiration said...

What an adorable transformation!! I think you did GREAT! and thanks for coming by my blog with a sweet comment! I'll check back with you later; come by tomorrow to see who won the giveaway. Good luck!

suzanne

Design Cracker said...

Oh I just found your blog and love it love it!! This project is just what I need to help with our beach treasures. I just cant stop bring shells and things home. Thanks nice to have found you.
Deborah

Design Cracker said...

Oh I just found your blog and love it love it!! This project is just what I need to help with our beach treasures. I just cant stop bring shells and things home. Thanks nice to have found you.
Deborah