Top Outdoor Etsy Finds

This weekend was not only spent watching movies, the rest of it was spent furnishing my back deck.  Pictures coming soon. I still have my work cut out for me.  So in honor of my deck, I’ve created a list of amazing Etsy finds for the outdoors.

Ceramic Outdoor Tentacle Sculpture

I think if I had an outdoor pond, I would have to get this!

Shark Art made of Recycled Fence

While bike riding yesterday we passed someone’s house that had parts of an old fence at the curb that they were throwing out.  I tried to talk my boyfriend into biking it home, but he wasn’t going for it.

24″ Gecko Outdoor Wall Hanging

I have a couple of these!  Well kind of, mine were a gift from my mom, so I’m not sure where she got them. These are from  “TropicAccents“, a company in Haiti that upcycles steel drums into Garden Art by hand cutting each design.

  

Rope Bench

This would be perfect seating around the pool.  They are made of ski ropes and can be designed in several different colors.

Recycled Rope Rug

Here’s an outdoor rug, from another company, to go with the outdoor bench.  This one is made of Alaskan Fisherman Rope.

Outdoor Surfboard Shower

With a price tag of $5,465, I won’t be ordering this anytime soon, but a girl can dream.

Outdoor Drink Holders

I’m not sure how well the fabric would hold up outside, but they are cute.

Outdoor Solar Light Copper Vine

Gorgeous and I love their description. “The fun Crackle Glass sprinkles moon light around like Fairy dust giving enough light to make the setting romantic.”  I’m sold!

Outdoor House Numbers

Although I’m partial to their anchor and fish design, you can’t deny how well this image shows off the attention to detail.

Fishing Rod Display Storage Rack

I actually know someone who loves fishing and has a pool table on his back porch that this would be perfect for.

Outdoor Fairy House

Have your fairies been flying around without a home?  Don’t worry, “WhimsicalProperties” has designed some magical homes for you.  “Bring a little bit of fairy luck to your garden, but watch out they can be mischievous at times!”

Recycled Plastic Wall Flowers

I love all these Upcycled ideas. I could imagine these on my back fence between the vines.  The pop of color would look like the flowers are actually growing out of vines.

Flower Planter

I may not have a green thumb, but this is a great design to display spring flowers.

Indoor/Outdoor Metal Wall Art

The colors in all of the artists designs are so vivid.  Plus, you can’t beat art that can withstand outdoor weather changes.

Old and Board Outdoor Chair

More Recycled wood!  I love rustic looking furniture that is also comfortable, as these designers claim they are.

Custom Order House Numbers

How cute would this be to add some personality to an apartment front door.

Last but not least………

Backyard Block Party-Outdoor Game

Try and tell me you don’t want one of these for your next party. I think this is a new backyard essential.  I mean look at that guy’s expression.  He has to be having fun, right?

For more information about any of these items, click the titles for a direct link to their sites.

Leave me a comment and let me know which one is YOUR favorite.

For Love of DIY

If you haven’t heard of P.S.- I made this, let me be the first to introduce you.  “The website features DIY projects, accompanied by bold inspiration collages and simple step-by-step how-to’s.”  I couldn’t explain it better myself.

This would be perfect for an outdoor party or wedding.

Erica Domesek takes DIY projects to another level. Her concept is simple “I see it.  I like it.  I make it.”

I love this strap and the idea of attaching it to whatever bag I want.  I think I may want to find a better option for the clip though.

“P.S.– I made this encourages followers to cultivate their inner-creativity and embrace the ever-growing DIY phenomenon.”

While I wouldn’t be interested in a clock of insects, this does make me want to take a trip to Party City and see what other plastic objects I can come up with.

These are just a few of my favorite projects, but then…. I haven’t read the book yet.   25 more unique and different ideas, Why am I just finding out about this?

Since I’m finally drinking the Kool-aid, err bought my first iphone this week, this project gives way to many possibilites.

What I’m not showing you is her amazing inspiration collages.  My brain just doesn’t think like that.  Check out her page and tell me what you think.

“Little Free Libraries”

April’s issue of “O Magazine” had a small article I almost missed about Todd Bol, the creator of Little Free Libraries.

Todd Bol placed his doll house sized Little Free Libraries in his Hudson, Wisconsin, front yard, back in 2009, as a tribute to his late, book-loving mother. He placed a sign inviting his neighbors to take one and then return one. Not long after, dozens of people were coming to his lawn, not just to read but to strike up conversation.  Some people would even read while standing in his yard.  He referred to it as his “magic little cottage.”

Now with the help of Rick Brooks, a University of Wisconsin Madison outreach program manager, anyone can have one of these “LFLs” in their own front yard.  There are already more than 8,000 around the world.  “People who live near a LFL say they’re meeting more folks than they’ve met in 25 years,” says Brooks.

 The great thing about their site is that anonymous donors are sometimes covering part of the cost to make it more affordable to own one yourself.  You just have to keep checking back to see what offers are available.  I have to say, this may be my first investment when I finally purchase my first home.