DIY: Create an Eco-Chic Centerpiece without busting the bank!

Dearest, darling readers,

We wanted to get you something special and thoughtful for Valentine's Day this year - something fitting of your high eco-friendly standards and exquisite taste, something you could take with you and use in your own green V-Day celebrations.

We're delighted to present Eco-Posh Event's very first DIY instructional!

When Magnolia's contacted us to create an eco-chic centerpiece for their upcoming post titled "An Evening at Home with the Chef,” we knew exactly what to do. These aluminum vases are so popular with the Eco-Posh audience. We would love to hear how this project worked for you and can't wait to see your photos!

SUPPLIES

• Floral foam
• Tree-free paper, decorative paper (alternatives: fabric scraps, organic fabrics, hemp, moss, tree bark, newspaper, leftover issues of The Pitch, scraps of wallpaper, or low voc paint)
• Aluminum cans of various size (reuse)
• Glass jar lids (reuse)
• Soy/Bee’s wax candles ($12)
• Fair trade, locally grown, organic flowers of your choice (Whole Foods provides a great selection)($25)
• Floral knife
• Floral shears
• Oasis floral glue or glue gun

DIRECTIONS

Step1

Soak floral foam in container of water.

Step 2

Measure and prepare selected paper (alternative material) to the size of your cans. Set paper aside.

Step 3

Add floral foam to shorter cans and glass jar lids. 

• Use waterproof floral tape if additional support is needed.
• (Hint: Decoupage your container to waterproof it. This will also allow for the container to be used again and again and again!)
• Remove floral foam debris.

Step 4

Add water to taller cans, and be sure to remove excess water.

Step 5

Affix paper (or alternate material) to the outside of the tall and short cans. 

• There's no need to paper the glass jar lids. The greenery and flowers should cover the entire top.
• I like to use floral glue because it holds well and is easy to remove, so I can reuse the containers.  Paste (flour and water) and hot glue works just as well.

Step 6

Add your choice of flowers to foam and water containers.

Voila!

These are the basics of creating an absolutely Eco-Chic Valentine arrangement for you and your Sweetie.  Make it personal. I embellished mine with a small table candelabra I received as wedding gift. Other suggestions for embellishing and creating unique aluminum can centerpieces: 

• Place on cake platter
• Place on charger plate
• Place on wood stump