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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

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July 11, 2012

Ballard Designs Coral Topiary Knock-Off

ballard design inspired sea shell topiary

 

If you are anything like me, you get the Ballard’s catalog in the mail and just pour over it. Page by page. Soaking it in. Absorbing the beauty.

And trying not to look at the prices.

In the most recent issue, I found myself going back again and again to one page. The page that had this Coral Topiary on it. It is so beautiful.

It’s price? Not so much.

There are A LOT of things I could do with $99 and buying a coral topiary isn’t one of ‘em!

So, I thought, “Well, I’ll just make one!” To which the voice in my head replied, “Yeah right!”
To which I replied, “You just watch me!” To which it replied…oh…ummm…wait…maybe I better stop before you all realize the full extent of my craziness.

And, of course, you know how the story goes. The “best laid plans” are always met with road blocks…and not just from the voices in your head!

I could not find affordable faux coral to save my life.

Not in the fish section of stores, not at the pet store, not at TJ Maxx or Marshalls.

Oh no! Was everyone else making Coral Topiaries too???

Sure, I could find some here and there but it was all so expensive and I might as well have just ordered the topiary from Ballards!

Then I saw it…a little mesh bag with something “coral-y” looking in it. Would it work? Could I pass off a Sea-Sponge as coral? It was worth a try!

DSC_1097-001

Then I reached that point I always reach every time I attempt anything craft-y. The “this could go either way” point.

The below photo was taken when I had reached that point…in case you couldn’t tell.

If you want your family to really think you have gone off the deep end, start cutting up a sea sponge and hot glue it and some seashells to a foam cone.

DSC_1099-001

Ummm…do I keep plowing forward or just chuck the weird looking cone into the garbage? I decided to just plow ahead!

Because we all know that white spray paint can work wonders on anything.

I’m so glad I didn’t toss it in the garbage after all! Although, I’m not sure that it looks exactly like coral.

So, I changed it’s name!

DSC_1111-002
This way no one will leave me a comment telling me that it doesn’t actually look like real coral.

Right? RIGHT?

DSC_1109-001

Of course, I had to show off my other “beachy” creation. Simply adding twine to the bottom of a glass hurricane and attaching a starfish gave me some more seaside décor and I found the seashell candlestick at TJ Maxx, my home away from home.

DSC_1120-002

I liked my twine-y, starfish creation so much I made another one!


So, there you have it. My attempt at a Ballard’s knock-off.

Maybe if the voices in my head cooperate I will get up the nerve to try another one sometime!
“No you won’t!”

“Yes I will, just watch me!” Umm…I better go now.

Thanks so much for joining me at the Fence today,
1553F4F30A9801A6AFB3E9C624118E7B

55 Comments Filed Under: Crafts, Decorating, Good Ideas

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Laura from Top This Top That says

    July 10, 2012 at 10:03 PM

    your scaring me!! Great knockoff. I wouldn’t know which one was which!

    Reply
  2. Aimee C says

    July 10, 2012 at 10:28 PM

    I looked theirs up, I like yours better! Great job!

    Reply
  3. Courtenay@Creek Line House says

    July 10, 2012 at 10:56 PM

    That’s pretty much The best thing I’ve seen all day! I love when you can take one thing and look at it a little differently.

    Reply
  4. Cindy says

    July 10, 2012 at 11:00 PM

    OK, I am seriously not trying to “just be nice” but I REALLY like yours better!!! I looked at the other one online and I like the soft color of yours much better! Great Job.
    XO Cindy

    Reply
  5. Honey at 2805 says

    July 10, 2012 at 11:02 PM

    I looked up there’s and then at yours and think you have a terrific kockoff! Looks so nice in your vignette!

    Reply
  6. Yvonne @ StoneGable says

    July 10, 2012 at 11:33 PM

    Vanessa, what a great job! You nailed it for a whole lot less money and some very big bragging rights! You are so clever to use a sea sponge. Very good substitute!
    Your project would be perfect to share at TUTORIALS TIPS AND TIDBITS, my new weekly linky party! It is live every Wednesday evening at 8:00. Come on over and join in!

    Reply
  7. Linda @ it all started with paint says

    July 10, 2012 at 11:38 PM

    LOL … do glad to see that I’m not the only one with those crazy voices in my head. In fact, that’s one of the reasons I started the blog because I was turning into the crazy lady who mutters to herself!

    Love how it turned out. And, like you, adore the twine starfish on the vase thingy thing …

    🙂

    Linda

    Reply
  8. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    July 10, 2012 at 11:42 PM

    Looks like coral to me. Great knock off and thanks for sharing at Wow.

    Reply
  9. Town and Country Mom says

    July 11, 2012 at 12:28 AM

    It looks great! I always knew I liked you–I have talking in my head going on in my post tonight, too. I think it is the diy projects that bring that out in me. Or maybe it’s the kids . . .

    Reply
  10. Kelly says

    July 11, 2012 at 12:32 AM

    Amazing! That is one clever knock-off. I’m with you about not wanting to spend $100 on that. Ballard’s is over priced anyway. I prefer their outlet prices. Love how yours turned out. Perfect for this summer!

    Reply
  11. Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says

    July 11, 2012 at 1:29 AM

    That turned out totally COOL. It looks just like coral. I would not ahve none, if you didn’t spill it 😉 Awesome!!

    Reply
  12. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

    July 11, 2012 at 1:33 AM

    Now that’s one great looking knock-off Vanessa, I’m glad you decided to finish it! Love the twine and starfish on your vase too, so pretty!!

    Reply
  13. Patty (Patty's Pretty Things) says

    July 11, 2012 at 2:21 AM

    I never would have thought to make that but it’s beautiful! I love the vase with twine on it too! Great job! I pinned it!

    Reply
  14. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    July 11, 2012 at 2:28 AM

    Vanessa, I think this turned out wonderful!! I never would have thought of using sponges but they worked great.

    Reply
  15. Betsy@ coastal-colors says

    July 11, 2012 at 2:36 AM

    Vanessa, I love this idea! Wow- how clever! I would have never thought of using sponges!

    Reply
  16. Pamela says

    July 11, 2012 at 3:16 AM

    What a terrific project vanessa! Love it! Trying to get use to everything being on the left now. Y’all do such a nice job with your blog!:)

    Reply
  17. Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME/Doublewide Decor says

    July 11, 2012 at 3:23 AM

    Oh yes, I am familiar with the voice!! But, I think it turned out pretty well!!

    Reply
  18. Eclectically Vintage says

    July 11, 2012 at 3:26 AM

    Shhh, you’re not supposed to tell anyone about the voice! Now you’ll have to escape out your back door when the men in white coats show up to cart you away to the rubber room.

    Too bad, it’s really difficult to cut up sponges and glue them to styrofoam while you’re wearing a straight jacket.

    And we, and by we, I mean me and my own little voice, really love your coral masterpiece!

    So much that I have to pin so other women can be scorned by their families when they start a craze of gluing sponges onto everything in their paths.

    Whew, world’s longest comment.
    Kelly (and my little voice)

    Reply
  19. CAS says

    July 11, 2012 at 3:53 AM

    Wow, great knock-off. You are just so clever!
    CAS

    Reply
  20. Dixie Delights says

    July 11, 2012 at 4:05 AM

    Such a great idea!!!

    Reply
  21. Dewdrop Gardens says

    July 11, 2012 at 4:20 AM

    Looks great!! Have to say I love the commentary on your project…had me grinning all the way through. 🙂

    Reply
  22. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    July 10, 2012 at 11:02 PM

    Super cute Vanessa! 🙂

    Reply
  23. Peggy G. says

    July 11, 2012 at 10:27 AM

    I definitely think this is a great idea! Might have to make one of these as a gift for my brother and his wife who live by the beach =)

    Reply
  24. Debbie says

    July 11, 2012 at 11:51 AM

    I think yours looks every bit as pretty as the one in the magazine. The sea sponge did the trick! Actually love all your seashell inspired creations.

    Reply
  25. Maury Kilgo says

    July 11, 2012 at 1:32 PM

    I would never have come up with that but it looks great!

    Reply
  26. Savvy Seasons says

    July 11, 2012 at 1:52 PM

    Vanessa, what a darling idea! Your project turned out AMAZING, thanks for sharing! xoxo ~Liz

    Reply
  27. Sheila says

    July 11, 2012 at 2:40 PM

    I went and checked out the Ballard’s coral topiary and I just want to say, I like yours better! Really! Great thinking on your part and it didn’t cost you an arm and a leg to achieve the look you wanted. Plus if you decide you are tired of it later on, you don’t have to feel guilty for getting rid of it or for putting in storage because you’ve spent a bazillion dollars for it. haha.

    Reply
  28. Sheila says

    July 11, 2012 at 2:41 PM

    PS…when I went to check out Ballards topiary it is now on sale for $69.99 in case you really do want the real thing.

    Reply
  29. Morgan says

    July 11, 2012 at 3:55 PM

    I love this. I think you did a great job and it looks really similar to the Ballard one. I really like the starfish creation. I think its super cute!

    Reply
  30. One More Time says

    July 11, 2012 at 5:27 PM

    Wow… this turned out great!

    Reply
  31. vikki says

    July 11, 2012 at 6:32 PM

    I like it, turned out great.

    Reply
  32. Judy says

    July 11, 2012 at 7:07 PM

    It’s a great knock-off. I may have caved and ditched it midway. I’m impressed with you sticking with it!! The end result is great.

    Reply
  33. Married Filing Jointly says

    July 11, 2012 at 7:42 PM

    Wow!I’m impressed! It’s a great knock-off.

    Reply
  34. Lauren @ My Wonderfully Made says

    July 11, 2012 at 7:59 PM

    This is quite extraordinary — you are amazing! You definitely have an eye for seeing things in a different ‘light’, i.e. the sponge as coral! This looks fantastic and I love the vase with the sand and shells in the bottom. Pinning both of these!

    Reply
  35. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    July 11, 2012 at 8:15 PM

    That is one of the best “knock off’s” I have seen….superb job!!!…love the “twine-y starfish creation too”….

    Reply
  36. Kathy A Delightsome Life says

    July 11, 2012 at 8:45 PM

    Very, very clever! You saw potential and made it work! Great job!
    Love your two nautical theme creations!
    Kathy

    Reply
  37. Heidi @ Decor & More says

    July 11, 2012 at 11:06 PM

    Well, if that doesn’t ROCK, I don’t know what does! Love your twiney-things, too — I’ve been wanting to do something similar, but I’m in dining room makeover h*ll!
    Well done, Vanessa!
    xo Heidi

    Reply
  38. craftythriftydecoratingwifemom says

    July 11, 2012 at 11:38 PM

    Your creative genius showing off. I agree with others, couldn’t tell the “real deal” (that’s no deal) from yours.
    I would be remiss as a mom if I didn’t address the “voices in my head” comments, though. I realize you made them in jest. But my son who has autism has also had voices in his head that told him to do dangerous things. Fortunately he never did any of them and always told me so we could handle the situation, but it is real and it is scary. Have you ever seen “The Beautiful Mind”? Gee, I hope I remember that title correctly–memory is not my strength. But it is a superb film that deals with this topic so well. Thanks for reading and thanks for all the good stuff you do.
    Janet

    Reply
  39. Good Time Charlie says

    July 12, 2012 at 3:22 AM

    I love it! I would have never thought to use the sea sponges. It looks fantastic, and I love your add in accessories! I call the “Ballards” catalog, my “idea” bible!

    Reply
  40. Carmel @ Our Fifth House says

    July 12, 2012 at 3:26 AM

    You did good girl! I have voices in my head too! 😉

    Reply
  41. Jen Lossing says

    July 12, 2012 at 4:05 AM

    I love it. I think it turned out great. I too drool over the issues of Ballard Designs! Great job!

    Reply
  42. Laurel Stephens says

    July 12, 2012 at 1:02 PM

    This is just incredible and so darn fun! I love all your beach-y decor, but that coral (heck, yeah, it looks like coral)just takes the cake. So smart and pretty, too.

    Reply
  43. The Summer Kitchen Girls says

    July 12, 2012 at 7:05 PM

    ha ha! very cute idea! I just got a ring form to make a shell candle wreath for a blogpost soon….thankfully I don’t need coral ~ but if I did, a sea sponge would work wonders!
    From two sisters, to two others,
    Karla & Karrie

    Reply
  44. Jill Elaine says

    July 12, 2012 at 7:48 PM

    That is so cool! I like it and it looks like the real thing:)

    Reply
  45. Aimee - ItsOverflowing.com says

    July 12, 2012 at 9:49 PM

    I’m so loving this…can’t hardly stand it! Hmmm…where I can I make and place one in my house!?!? XO, Aimee

    Reply
  46. reFresh reStyle says

    July 13, 2012 at 1:15 AM

    I hear voices too! But they aren’t as good as yours!!! Love it!
    Debbie

    Reply
  47. Wende says

    July 13, 2012 at 11:49 PM

    Love it!!!!

    Wende
    The Rickett Chronicles

    Reply
  48. Erin Spain says

    July 16, 2012 at 8:22 PM

    Great job! And nice improvising skills when you couldn’t find any coral. (I am obsessed with Ballard’s too, by the way!)

    -Erin @ DIY On the Cheap

    Reply
  49. Daune | Cottage in the Oaks says

    July 16, 2012 at 11:47 PM

    Oh how fun! Love it! Great job…..looks wonderful. 🙂

    Reply
  50. Anonymous says

    July 23, 2012 at 2:28 PM

    Beautifully done! What color “white” spray paint did you use? It looks softer than stark white in the photo?
    Thanks.

    Reply
  51. Anonymous says

    August 5, 2012 at 3:32 PM

    Thank You!! I am going to try this with lamp bases…maybe even a floor lamp!!!I must go now, the voices are calling….

    Reply
  52. kookie says

    June 12, 2014 at 7:58 AM

    OMG! this is soo beautiful and looks so real !!
    I am wondering same thing… Did you use white spray ??? it looks more grayish.
    Thanks!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      June 12, 2014 at 8:05 AM

      Hi Kookie! I did this project so long ago I can’t really remember. I think I used white spray paint! LOL! The editing of the photo kind of made it go more grayish but I definitely think it would look best with bright white paint. 🙂

      Reply
      • kookie says

        June 12, 2014 at 3:21 PM

        Great!!I have a bright white paint spray!!!
        Thanks:)

        Reply

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