Monogram Mug and Coffee Bag Planters

Happy Mother’s Day to all of the wonderful, patient women out there!

Spring is trying hard to show its face, but I think we might miss out on a graceful transition and chug full-steam ahead into one hot summer. Mmmm, hot. That sounds delightful.

And while we’re patiently waiting for a shift in the weather, I’ve been dealing with a major transition of my own. Recently, I made a career change that has provided plenty of new and creative opportunities. The most difficult part of the change was leaving my co-workers who, in my short time with them, left such a positive impression on me.

So, before leaving my old job, I wanted to show my appreciation, “DIY-style.”

The company was moving to a new location, so I thought a nice gift for their new cubicles would be appropriate. I had a monogrammed mug in my cube, and whenever I looked at it, I always pictured a little succulent inside. I’d been looking at a lot of wedding posts on Pinterest featuring little plants in teacups and jars, which helped guide the inspiration.

I think this is a great gift for your office mates, or anyone, for that matter. The mug is a nice ode to the 9-to-5 grind, and the plant brings life to the workspace. Also, the monogrammed initial on the mug provides a personalized finishing touch.

I picked up the mugs from Anthropologie, and the succulents from Home Depot. I had some extra potting soil on hand, so all that was left to do was put the plants in the mugs. How simple!

Apparently, I can’t get enough of the planter projects because, a couple of weeks later, I found myself folding up used coffee bags that would later house colorful Impatiens. This project was for the new gig, and the flower planters were part of a Mother’s Day promotion.

The coffee bag planters were my mom’s idea, and, just by cutting off the top half of the recycled bags and folding the edges over a couple times, you have a perfect temporary planter! The colors of the Intelligentsia coffee bags bring life to our front store windows, and people can easily transplant the flowers into their own yards.

If you don’t have a gift for mom yet, these are quick and simple. If you already have a gift for mom, try a unique planter for the other special people in your life. Have a warm week, Milwaukee!