DIY Copper Planters

The good weather has put me in a mood to start cleaning up the patio and add some plants. My one problem is that I'm a plant killer. Everything just dies and when I say everything, no joke. Everything! It's mostly because of neglect. I'm often running around busy with friends, blogging, events, work.. and so many other adventures that watering my plants isn't a 1st priority. So many friends have suggested cactus's and succulents (I killed mine last year) but here's to another chance. Maybe these will survive or my lovely roommate will water them occasionally for me. I've already been stabbed by the cactus twice so this maybe a sign that this will not go so well. 

Enough of me talking about killing plants. This post is about is the planters. As usual i've been pinning like mad and come across so many variations of copper planters that are so lovely that they simply needed to be DIY'd. I've amassed a collection of glass candle jars (these are the bath & body works 3 wick size) When they go on sale, I buy! lets just say they go on sale often.

What you will need:

Glass jars, tins, old vases

Copper spray paint - this one is from home depot. The colouring is darker for this version which also has a bit of the hammered texture. You can also try Walmart or Michaels for a lighter colour.

News paper/ card board - something to protect the surface around what you are spraying

These were pretty simple to do, but remember to spray them in a well ventilated area. Like a patio or open garage. For the best results spray them with 2-3 light layers and 30 min in between to avoid drips for the best even coverage. 

The cost of this project was about $20:
3 plants from walmart - $10
Spray paint from Home Depot - $10
Glass Jars - reused from finished candles

Apple Jam with Cinnamon

Sure it might be summer in Calgary but considering recent events I've got what can be called the emotional blues.  So I've decided to make a comforting spread that takes me into fall and winter and far from the present. Plus a bonus is that it's a twist on my moms favorite dessert apple pie (I'm lying it's really her second next to cheesecake, but I had a lot of apples laying around!)

Preparation Time: 30-45 minutes
Cooking Time: 30-45 minutes
Keeps for 1-2 years

• 1.2kg/42 oz eating or cooking apples (pealed, cored and cubed)
• 900g/32 oz sugar
• 300ml/10 fl oz apple juice
• Juice of 2 limes
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• One shot of rum
• 75ml/g/2.5 fl oz pectin extract/Certo (if required)

- See more at: http://www.sweet-and-wild.com/apple-jam/#sthash.4pR8AoE7.dpuf

Preparation Time: 30-45 minutes
Cooking Time: 30-45 minutes
Keeps for 1-2 years


4-5 apples (pealed, cored and cubed)
1/2 to 1 cup sugar  (depends on how sweet you want it)
500ml apple juice
Juice of 2 limes
2 cinnamon sticks
1/2 tsp cinnamon
One shot of rum
1 Tbsp pectin extract/Certo (if required)


Prepare the syrup by bringing the apple juice, sugar and cinnamon sticks to boil in a large pan and cook on high for about 10 minutes, until it thickens and becomes golden.

In the meantime, juice the limes and keep in a bowl or cup.

While the syrup is boiling, peal, core and cube 2-3 apples at a time, and add some limejuice to stop the apples from browning. Repeat the process and make sure you’ve got 1.2kg/42 oz in total.

Once the syrup has become golden, add the apples and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and bring to a “rolling boil” for 2-3 minutes on a high temperature.

Turn the heat down and let the apples simmer gently for about 15 minutes.

A sign that the jam is done is when the majority of the fruit is translucent and the apple jam isn’t liquid anymore. If the jam has the right consistency but doesn’t want to set, turn the heat off, move it off the heat and add the pectin extract (Certo) and don’t boil any longer.

Once you’re happy with the consistency of your apple jam, take it off the heat, remove the cinnamon sticks and add if you want a shot of rum. You won’t taste it but I like adding it as I believe it contributes to a better preservation of the jam.


*Some things not included are the sanitation, filling and sealing of jars. To keeps this post shorter they were left out but if you would like more detail check out this video..

Prepare the sirup by bringing the apple juice, sugar and cinnamon sticks to boil in a large pan and cook on high for about 10 minutes, until it thickens and becomes golden. - See more at: http://www.sweet-and-wild.com/apple-jam/#sthash.4pR8AoE7.dpuf

Prepare the sirup by bringing the apple juice, sugar and cinnamon sticks to boil in a large pan and cook on high for about 10 minutes, until it thickens and becomes golden. - See more at: http://www.sweet-and-wild.com/apple-jam/#sthash.4pR8AoE7.dpuf

Recipe adapted from Sweet and Wild

Prepare the sirup by bringing the apple juice, sugar and cinnamon sticks to boil in a large pan and cook on high for about 10 minutes, until it thickens and becomes golden. - See more at: http://www.sweet-and-wild.com/apple-jam/#sthash.4pR8AoE7.dpuf