Saturday, November 6, 2010

Paper white forcing and home decor


I love giving paper whites as a present or decorate my house with them.

This is a very simple craft....I got vases and white rocks at the dollar store and paper white bulbs at lowes.
I like to use containers with a tall neck because the plants have the tendency to go leggy.
The rocks help the heavy plant to not tip over when grown.


Place half the rocks in container, then the bulbs (take the brittle and dead skin off them first ). The bulb narrower part needs to be facing up. Cover with the other half of rocks.
I like to use 3 to 4 bulbs for 1 container.



Add a bow and a tag if giving away with easy instructions.


Forcing Paper whites

Keep water up to the roots of bulbs at all times.
Place close to a window until roots appear.
Place in a light diffused area after.
Bulbs will bloom in 4 to 8 weeks.
Use bow to gather the plant if too leggy.


47 comments:

Marfi-topia said...

this is a wonderful idea Frechy!

Blondie's Journal said...

I did this once...but they did get leggy, so I will try it in a vase as you said!! Very pretty!! :-)

XO,
Jane

It's me said...

I love paper white.....!! enjoy your weekend........love Ria...

Julie @ Wally and Jules said...

I love this idea for a gift! I never knew that they would actually bloom if they weren't planted in dirt. I love the blog and look forward to reading more! :)

BonjourRomance said...

Great gift idea Frenchy! You have the best ideas!
Bon weekend,
Mimi

Anonymous said...

Great gift idea!!

Beth Eaton said...

Does that really work without any soil?! Isn't that where they get their nutrients from? I assume they wouldn't last forever like that, right? I'm going to have to try it! Thanks for sharing!

Theresa MacNaughton said...

Oh I simply MUST do this! I love paper whites. Maybe I can master this without having them die on me. LOL Thank you! Theresa

Cindy Adkins said...

Oh beautiful, Frenchy!!
I came over to tell you that on the 20th, there is a fantastic concert by a band called the Lower Lights...It will be in Salt Lake City...I have a youtube video of them on my prayer blog--they are amazing! I bet your husband and the kids would love it too...I just heard of them today.
XO
Cindy

mel@livvyloowho said...

This is the second time today someone mentioned paperwhites! I am going to make a special trip and get some bulbs now!

Thanks for the inspiration!

Jenny said...

OH, Frenchy you have done it again! What a great idea....Thank you...Here I go to Hobby Lobby to get started.

Unknown said...

Thank you ! It is very easy and never fail ! This is a great gift for gardeners!
Xo

High Street Cottage said...

Not only an informative post but exceptionally pretty! Thanks so much for the pretty post, stopping by from Cielo's, Happy Monday

Pattie @ Olla-Podrida said...

Forcing bulbs is so much fun. I remember doing this as a den mother for a bunch of little Cub Scouts. We used the bottoms of 2-litre bottles of soda and it worked out beautifully. The boys were amazed.

Paula@SweetPea said...

You've reminded me to buy bulbs. I enjoy forcing Paperwhites every year.

Atticmag said...

Very nice post. Who knew it was so easy? I can really use this for some holiday fragrance in the house. Thanks! Jane F.

Kathy said...

I am forcing paperwhites too! for my Christmas decorating - I use ribbon to hold them together!
Love it,
Kathy

One Shabby Old House said...

Tis the season to start your paperwhites. Thanks for the reminder.

Carol E Wyer said...

Hi I just fouond your blog and love it....mind you I love almost anything French so you had a head start there! Some excellent ideas here I'm justsigning up to be your latest stalker....ops sorry I meant follower.

Jan said...

Just found your blog post today and had already started some paperwhite bulbs in dirt but love your idea of using a taller container. So I hit Home Depot to buy bulbs and the dollar store for rocks. I "planted 3 sets with one of them being a fish bowl (I put in 5 bulbs). That should work right? I never thought to use ribbon to help them stand up.

Thank you.

Linda said...

What a lovely idea. Thank you for posting this. It also reminds me to purchase some bulbs for planting.
I am your newest follower. My blog is:
www.lifeandlinda.blogspot.com

Jacqueline said...

Paperwhites are so gorgeous and I love having that little hope of Spring as a reminder during the winter. They are sooo pretty for Christmas. Thanks for the beautiful post.

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

This is such a fabulous idea and so pretty. I really need to try it. Thank so much for sharing and linking to TTT. Hugs, Marty

time worn interiors said...

I always wondered how to force paper whites! Thanks for sharing!
Theresa
aka:TOT

Donna@Conghaile Cottage said...

"I LOVE forcing bulbs" BUT thanks for the tip on the deep vase, HOW fantastic it will be not to have the FLOPPING over. Thanks SO much, I'm on my way to try it!
Hugs, Donna

VintageLalo said...

Hi Frenchy,
I'm new to blogging and just became a Follower of your tres jolie blog...I'm doing your refreshing paperwhite idea for Christmas gifts, Ithink people will love them...Thanks! Lalo.

Rebecca said...

There is a couple in our area that gave these for Christmas gifts a few years ago-I thought it was a wonderful idea. They try and come up with something they can give everyone each year that is different and has a purpose and beauty-thanks for sharing!

Rebecca said...

There is a couple in our area that gave these for Christmas gifts a few years ago-I thought it was a wonderful idea. They try and come up with something they can give everyone each year that is different and has a purpose and beauty-thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

Although my parents had a greenhouse when I was little, I have never tried to force flowers. Looks like those would make a great gift though! Thanks for sharing your tip with us.

Anonymous said...

Good morning Frenchy! I haven't stopped for a visit in a while, and I have to say your new header is just precious! I love paper whites, especially over the holidays. they just seem to go together. Everything is just as beautiful as always, Marcia

Heaven's Walk said...

Love this as a gift idea, Frenchy! Thanks for the idea! Happy WW!

xoxo laurie

Tricia said...

I just bought some paperwhites today. I can't wait to get them going :)

Courtney ~ French Country Cottage said...

Hi Frenchy, I Love paper whites!! So pretty! What a great gift idea for sure! Thanks for sharing at Feathered Nest Friday! :)

Brenda Pruitt said...

I love gardening in all forms. I have never tried to force bulbs though. Need to try it.
Brenda

Debbiedoos said...

Cool frenchy, I love this project. BTW can I tell you how gorgeous you look on your new header...WOWZA!

Katherine said...

Great idea! I love white flowers! New follower! Would love for you to link this on Tuesday for my Holiday Hookup!

http://kraftykat76.blogspot.com/

Allison @ Alli 'n Son said...

What a wonderful idea. This would make a great gift.

The Tablescaper said...

I love forcing paper whites. I'd love to have you join my weekly meme, Seasonal Sundays!

- The Tablescaper

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Thank you so much for this post. I am definitely going to do this. What a fabulous idea. Thank you for linking to Favorite Things Sat. laurie

clustres said...

Frenchy, I love your picture on your header! Cutest little hat!
Pam

Holly Lefevre said...

Always an elegant and beautiful idea.

Jenn Erickson said...

Stopping by from Tickled Pink at 504 Main. What an absolutely perfect tutorial for forcing bulbs. I've been meaning to do this every year, but have never gotten around to it. You made it so approachable, affordable, and lovely -- I'm inspired! Thank you. Jenn

DANA said...

That's great! I would love for you to come link this up at my Strut Your Stuff Party, and enter the giveaway as well!
http://danajeanward.blogspot.com/2010/11/strut-your-stuff-link-party-and.html

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, may all your wishes come true!

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, may all your wishes come true!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful post, great ))

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