I am always on the lookout for ideas...especially for potential projects...once you get into the habit of thinking "what might be" instead of "what is", there's no turning back...inspiration is everywhere...
One of the best things about working at Lowe's is using my "what might be" radar on all sorts of products...and sometimes I don't know what something is, so the "what might be" knows no limits...
case in point...
One morning I saw these concrete blocks with wires sticking out of them...I thought it was some sort of support packing material for store product...I find out that they are Dobie blocks, which are used to hold rebar in place while setting a concrete foundation...the texture of the concrete block is great and the wires have the tiniest bit of rust forming on them...I buy 10 of them (at 50 cents each!) and take them home at the end of the day.
There is the slightest indentation in the center of the block...my plan is to bend the wire around a glass test tube (which will rest in the indentation) and have a very rustic looking bud vase.
I get to work straightening the wires...they are heavy gauge so this takes a bit of work...I decide to leave the bent ends so there's less chance of gouging a finger on a sharp wire and the bend adds a little flourish. The dobie blocks come in squares of 9 or 16 blocks...and are broken off according to how many blocks are needed. I bought several singles and a couple of sets of two.
To form the wire support to hold the glass test tube, I found a metal rod (part of an old curtain rod) the same size in diameter as the glass tubes...I used the metal rod for support as I wrapped the wire.
I was able to tweak the tension and turns of the wire with a lineman's pliers using the metal tube as the interior support on which to pound - a much more durable material than the glass...and when I was done, I slid out the metal rod and slipped in the glass tube.
To add to the mix, I decided to use two of the blocks for picture holders, turning the wire into concentric circles to hold a photo/tag/card...
here's a closeup of the wire support...
It was the easiest project...and I love the contrast of the rough concrete with the smooth glass...and with the heavy base, I can use these vases out on the patio and the wind won't knock them over...
Linking up to Funky Junk Interiors Saturday Nite Special...mmm...what other ideas can I find for inspiration...
and also linking to Not Just a Housewife, Show Me What Ya Got and Coastal Charms, Nifty Thrifty Tuesday...
