Whitewashed Pots

Whether you use them as planters or catchall containers, these whitewashed terra cotta pots will lend a clean and natural look to your décor. They work best indoors.

You will need:

* White paint or white primer paint

* 2 terra cotta pots, 1 (8") pot and 1 (4") pot

* Rag or paper towel

* Sandpaper

* 19 corks

* Coping saw

* Hot glue gun

  1. Whitewash the pots by smearing white paint or primer (whatever you have on hand) on the terra cotta and then wiping it away with a rag. If the paint is going on too thick, water it down a little. The coverage doesn’t have to be perfect; you just want a thin and transparent coat of paint on the surface of the pot. If you want the pots to look more distressed, wipe some areas harder with a damp rag so more of the pot shows through. You can also rub with sandpaper once the paint dries to achieve a similar effect.
  2. For the larger pot, cut 15 corks cut in half lengthwise with a coping saw. For the smaller pot, cut 4 corks in half lengthwise, and then in half again crosswise. Sand the cut edges lightly and brush off any dust. Glue onto the rims of the pots with hot glue.

OPTIONS!

If you love how the corks look, don’t stop at one row! Keep gluing until you’ve covered the whole pot. Or, spray the pot with chalkboard paint instead of whitewash and write the name of the plant on it with chalk.

How to Open a Champagne Bottle

Popping the cork is a great way to grab the attention of the entire room, but it wastes bubbles. The cork should be removed so the sound you hear is a soft sigh. Removing the cork in this slow manner also reduces the risks of hurting someone nearby. (After all, there are seventy pounds-per-square inch of pressure in that bottle!) Here’s how to safely open your bottle of Champagne:

  1. Remove the foil covering.
  2. Stand the bottle on a table or counter for support. (It’s safer than holding the bottle in your arms and possibly pointing it at someone.)
  3. Get a towel. Keep one hand over the top of the cork with the towel between your hand and the cork. Untwist the wire cage. Remove the wire.
  4. Keep the towel on top of the cork with one hand and put your other hand on the bottle at a point where you have a good grasp.
  5. Turn the bottle—not the cork. You’ll feel the cork loosen a bit. Keep a downward pressure on the cork as it completely loosens and finally releases.
  6. Hold the cork over the opened bottle for a few seconds to ensure the Champagne doesn’t escape.
  7. Pour!