Making of a Conservatory on the Cheap!

by Debbie/Dragonfly Treasure

3 Materials

I have wanted a conservatory/display case/terrarium or whatever you call it forever!
After seeing how to make one with old picture frames in Country Living Magazine, I thought I may have a chance at making one.

making of a conservatory on the cheap , crafts, gardening, home decor, how to, roofing, shabby chic, terrarium, wreaths

I hit the Dollar Tree for picture frames - 4 each - 8x10's and 5x7's

I picked up braces, hinges, there too!

I didn't do it exactly like they did, I wanted a "rougher" look so I used corner brackets to hold the frames together.

Looking good, all four sides are together.

Now they didn't put a bottom on it, but I wanted to be able to move it and it's contents should I need to.

I didn't have wood (besides it would make it heavier) so I used my all purpose cardboard! LOL Tacked it to the bottom and voilà!

I debated whether to add the sides to the roof. I've seen them both ways.

But the extra cardboard was sitting there looking at me so I did.

Of course, they used real boards ;)

All together!

Not too shabby, if I do say so myself. It didn't "fit" exactly right, when the roof closed it wouldn't close all the way down on the frame.

But a small hook and nail fixed that!

Painted white, of course. Now ready to decorate for the Season!

My Bottle Brush Trees and a Snowbaby seem right at home. Add a couple Bottle Brush Wreaths, snowflake, pearl Candy Cane and Prism and there you have it.

I'm really happy with the way it turned out. And much cheaper that buying one ♥

And I can change it out with the seasons :)

More photos and info in my blog post:

http://dragonflytreasure.blogspot.com/2010/12/i-did-it-i-did-it.html

Enjoyed the project?

You can do it! Saved to your projects

Frequently asked questions

Have a question about this project?

Ask a Question

3 of 5 questions

Marty Olson on Sep 19, 2017

Would definitely try this! Great idea! Question, though.....is the roof on hinges in order to get inside to decorate? Love this!

1
Loy27389853 on Nov 05, 2017

What have you used on the ends or are they completely open

1
Merry on Oct 17, 2020

What did you use on the sides of the roof ? Poster board? I love this idea

1

Comments

Join the conversation

3 of 160 comments

Debbie/Dragonfly Treasure on Oct 19, 2019

Thank you so much 😀

Like Reply
Joanie on Dec 09, 2020

Clever and so pretty. Elegant lookin' with that PEARL cane. I love that!!

1 Reply
- Debbie/Dragonfly Treasure on Dec 09, 2020
  
  Awe thank you so much! I love my pearl candy cane too! I took a candy cane (yep, real one, can't draw worth a lick) drew one line following the outside curve, laid wax paper over, then used E6000 and glued bead to bead following the line. Came off the wax paper OK, but wish I would have had a cellophane sheet. Afterwards, I thought I should have strung them gluing in between. Oh well, was working with what little brain function at the time! LOL
  
  Like