repurposed bottle brush carrots

i was out running errands this morning when inspiration hit me...
an item at the store i was in reminded me of something i had used before,

still had in my stash, and could use again to replicate the thing i saw - but in MY style.
(which is what my approach to decorating is all about!)

when i arrived home, i dug out the components in excitement, 
ready to 'hop to it' (see what i did there?!) and get this project done.
it took me all of ten minutes to make these cute lil' veggies!

continue reading to see what inspired me - and what i used to create my own version!

spied in my local Dollar Tree (it's SO clean and organized, i love it!)
and as i looked at them, i remembered these:

 

i unearthed the funky vintage brushes at a thrift shop
and made the cute little 'trees' with them a few years ago.

i have had NO idea what they are actually for... until now!
i just looked up 'tapered bottle brushes' to see if i could help YOU find them,
and i learned that they are test tube bottle brushes!!! 

anyway, as i looked at the package of Dollar Tree carrots, i saw THIS in my head:

...and with a few simple elements that i already had at home,
i was able to bring that idea to life!
(one of my favorite things)

*note: you could certainly buy the Dollar Tree versions
and then zshoosh them up!!! *

here's the simple tutorial:

components:

floral stems with leaves that look like carrot stems
bottle brushes - preferably tapered / cone shaped
twine . scissors . ribbon

directions:

top left: remove leaves from floral stems. select number of leaves needed
(i used three so that they hid the funky wire handle).

top right: use twine to tie one leaf in the center of the wire,
placing it high enough to cover the wire handle.

middle left and right: tie the second leaf below and to one side of the first.

bottom left: tie the third leaf below and to the opposite side of the second.

bottom right: add a perky ribbon bow in your choice of color.

while it would be ever so easy to spray paint the brushes before use to get orange carrots,
i like the look of the neutral brushes with yellow ribbon.
(plus it means i can dismantle this project and use them again!)

i tucked my carrot creations into this fun spring decor accent...
your bottle brush carrots can be massed in a bunch, added to a wreath,
placed in a tray, even placed at each table setting for your Easter dinner!

 since it's officially just a few days away, i'll say 'Happy Spring!'

now that i've finished this completely unplanned and unexpected project,
i'mma get back to work on the other ideas in process in my studio!

shared online:

funky junk interiors | new upcycled projects to make #618

thank you for featuring my project, Miss Donna!

creatively beth | creative crafts linky party #86

thank you so much for featuring my project, Miss Beth!

crafting, decorating, diy decorating, diy, re-purposed, up-cycled, junk makeover, Dollar Store crafts, Dollar Tree dupes, seasonal home decor, seasonal decor, spring, spring home decor, diy spring decor, spring decorating, Easter, Easter decorating.