pretty. When pricing everything I wanted to do on the porch with almost no money, I decided to stain the floors in a semi-transparent white. When I got the stain on, I wasn't thrilled so I experimented with wiping a little of the stain off to give them a distressed look. Here's what I came up with! This isn't for everybody, some of you guys might not like it-I understand, but I'm happy and I spent only $33.00 at Home Depot for the stain!

vine for support. I knew that Clematis climb by wrapping their wrists around small twigs, so other vines are wonderfully helpful for their successful climbing.

Here are some tips to get a Clematis started up your tree!:

-Choose a tree with rough bark, like a maple or oak. A smooth tree, like a cherry, with not get enough grip for your Clematis as it grows.

-Plant it on the shady side of the tree trunk and add compost. Mulch well. This enables you to give its roots the shade they need to start well.

-If you are not planting by another vine, then add a way for the Clematis to make it on to the tree bark. Use small bamboo canes, fishing line or twigs to make a scaffold for it to climb.

-Help the Clematis along by occasionally tucking its loose new growth into the rough bark of the maple.

It has turned out beautifully! I especially like the dreamy blue of Clematis 'Perle d'Azur' when viewed on the tree trunk against the blue sky. I hope yours does too!

mystery spots were starting to appear and some wrinkles and sags were forming in the cushions. Time to start Mission: Couch Rejuvenation ...

I also like this project when I need to have a lot of favors for an event. Fill the jar with anything that is appropriate for the event.

Teacher gifts ~ baby showers ~ bridal favors ~ almost any setting works.