Caged Inspiration
If you're in Richmond, or just about anywhere else on the east coast, you're probably a little trapped today. Whether you like it or not, it's a snow day! (And I sincerely encourage everyone to stay off the roads if possible. Let's air on the safe side here, y'all.) That being said, you may feel a little, er, caged. So relax, break free, let your creativity fly and let me tell you story ... about a cage. (I might be trying too hard for the punnyness here ... but seriously can puns ever be too much? No, the answer is no.)
Today I thought I'd share an endeavor that isn't quite complete. Because not everything I do is perfect the first time. (I know, GASP! you're shocked.) It all began, as many dreams of mine have, with a Disney movie. There's something touching about this scene in Aladdin when Jasmine releases doves from a cage. (You can hear the soundtrack in the background can't you? No? You're weird.)
And so sprang a love for the bird cages, their dainty beauty and not-so-subtle symbolism. As I began to decorate my place and drool over home decor blogs, the love continued.
Giant bird cages framing plants like this one from Dying of Cute.
Bird cages housing everything from candles to books to lights as shown in Architecture Art Design's 20 Lovely Repurposed Bird Cages.
They add a sort of a vintage quirkiness, a girly architectural flare. That's seriously my best description of bird cages as decor - quite like of my wine tasting description skills: Peachy yet oaky with a hint of yum. Birdcages are like wines: I can't describe them worth a damn, they're just yummy, and they come in all sort of flavors.
So you can imagine my excitement when I found this perfect little white birdcage at Pass It On. (Remember to check out the Treasure Map for location and fun stores nearby!) I love the detail and it's a great size. I believe I paid $14 for it, which was awesome.
But then came the hard part. How to use it in my home. First, I strung some gold star garland from Ten Thousand Villages around it, but it still fit empty, so I tried some pearls. Then I tried filling it with a strand of lantern lights. Nothing was looking quite right. This bird cage deserved more.
So I decided to try introducing some life.
I found this ivy plant at Fresh Market for like 5 dollars. He (sidenote: all my plants are male, but only one has a name) may not look like much now, but the tag says it's fast growing ivy, so I'm hoping it will grow to really fill the cage and look awesome.
So my little bird cage isn't quite full yet. But maybe once we get some sunshine again, Mr. Ivy will grow into his home and do this find justice. That's why this "project" isn't done yet. I'm not sure how it will turn out or what else this birdcage will house in the future. Maybe some candles or christmas ornaments next holiday season. Maybe even cards at my wedding some day as a fellow Pass It On customer recommended. All I need is a man to marry, then I can use it! Great. This will do for now.
I hope you all find some time during these snow days to pursue a book, a project, a passion you've been thinking about. It may be cold, but don't let that stop you from Dabbling on, y'all.