I mentioned last week that Home Depot asked me to participate in their Patio Challenge…and with the state of our backyard, that is a challenge of gigantic proportions. Okay, maybe that’s a little dramatic. But to give you an idea of the work that lies ahead, this is the After shot…
“After what!?!?!” you’re probably asking. After a full day of pruning, sweeping, digging and scrubbing! It was the necessary first step of preparing the backyard for whatever goodies Home Depot sends our way. You’re welcome for sparing you the Before shots.
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| Yes, the pergola is wonky. Yes, I want to replace it. No, it’s not happening any time soon. Boo for budgets. |
Problem is, it’s a runner, and I need an area rug. But for only $10 each, that was a problem easily solved!
I chose plastic lanyard string to sew them together because:
a) It’s virtually the same material as the mats
b) It’s super strong and durable
c) I happened to have it on hand
d) All of the above
Yes, C d) All of the Above. I sang Kumbaya and regaled my helper with tales of my Summer Camp days while whip-stitching them together. She was riveted. *not really
It’s not much, but it’s a start! I’m pretty crazy about that little $20 rug…and my {DIY} Starburst Shim Mirror that’s held up like a champ! It’s been hanging in that spot for almost two years…through snow, heatwaves and monster thunderstorms. Don’t doubt the power of a glue gun.
I’m trying not to cringe at the bleakness bareness, but rather, see this space as a blank canvas…with nothing but potential!
I can’t wait to get started…and for Mother Nature to work her magic.
What’s the state of your outdoor space? Did you make keychains and friendship bracelets with lanyard string as a kid, or do you have no idea what I’m talking about?
Yes, I went thru the friendship bracelet phase too Cassie. 🙂 I love the rug you chose, so YOU! Vibrant, colorful, perfect pop for your outdoor space. Ours is still in storage since the snow is still coming and going. Looking forward to seeing your space though. :-)Good luck!
I remember using it to make geico shaped key rings with beads. You are not alone. 🙂
So proud of you for stitching those together. Can't wait to see you transform the space. So exciting!
I love your backyard already! So fun with all the different conversation areas. But of course, can't wait to see what you do with the challenge! Exciting!!
Have no idea what you're talking about lmao but I enjoy your blog and cannot wait to see the transformation 🙂
Ha — Linda! Did you ever make friendship bracelets or keychains with beads and that plastic lanyard string?! We always did, so this project reminded me of those! 🙂
Ha — Linda! Did you ever make friendship bracelets or keychains with beads and that plastic lanyard string?! We always did, so this project reminded me of those! 🙂
Our outdoor space consists of snow as high as our thighs! So, living vicariously through you right now! Your yard looks great already 🙂
What a clever idea! Cannot wait to see what you do with the rest of the space 🙂
Oooh can't wait to see waht you come up with! The rug is great! I just bought a really bold outdoor rug too, and new patio furniture. We are just moving into our new house and since we've always lived in apartments, we've never had any outdoor space — now we have a whole yard and a deck. It is so exciting. Anyway am planning to do nothing to the deck/patio until April 12 and then will decorate the whole thing in one day as a surprise for my husband. It is his 30th on April 12. He is dying to do somethng fun with the outdoor space so I'll have it all ready for him. I'll be following along closely to get ideas from you!
Jenny
http://www.simcoestreet.blogspot.com
Oooh wow. Loving the color of the outdoor rugs! Totally remember those friendship bracelets!
Loving the brightly colored rug! I can't wait to see the finished space!
~Abby =)
Ah memories 🙂 How fun is that orange band on the rug?! Mother Nature has been slacking over at our house. We still have snow hanging around. I guess it covers up my dead, sad lawn though so that's a plus. Excited to see what furniture you get!
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The colors of the rug are wonderful and I'm anxious to see the final results. I think I read that you are a Texas girl? This is when I like living here. It won't last. So sad.
Yes — Dallas area!!
Love the colors! It's gorgeous!
I love the last photoset coz it really shows how your patio improved from its previous look. I like those yellow chairs by the pool as they look so soft and cozy! ^^, What are the other features you plan to put in there?
Angelina Garcia
Too funny. I was just at Ikea, saw those rugs and thought "I wish they had them in a larger size". I'm going back to pick a few up! Great idea
I can't believe you found this rug at Ikea! Now I'm dying to go there even more. Looking good!