April showers and flowers door umbrella decoration.

This is a simple craft idea that looks cute for springtime, hanging on your cottage door or wall. I recently saw this done displayed at a craft store, and then later noticed it on the cover of the Midwest Living magazine, which is the second picture I have posted here. I loved the idea and wanted to try it. I literally did mine in minutes, and although I could have gotten much more elaborate, I wanted to show how something could be done quickly and still look good. 

The first thing you’ll need is an umbrella, preferably with a hook handle, although it doesn’t really matter. You may try searching at a second-hand shop or Salvation Army store, if you don’t have one. In my case, I used a colorful child-size umbrella because I had it handy, and it matched my exterior door. You’ll also need materials to fill in, such as silk or fresh flowers, (or other trimmings you want to use) and a colorful ribbon. Again, I used what I had on-hand at the moment, but I will be more than likely replacing it with a wider matching ribbon I find at the dollar store or Michael’s craft store. The little dragonfly I added is actually a refrigerator magnet I had.

Pick out which side will be the front-side facing out, and tie the ribbon around the closed umbrella, halfway or one third of the way up, depending on the length and size of your umbrella. Tie a nice pretty bow or make one and attach it. Next you’ll want to ‘stuff’ between each rib with your chosen materials. I used silk flowers, but you could easily use fresh flowers by inserting plastic bags or holders down into each rib section to hold water. If you need to fan out the rib section more…stuff plastic bags from the grocery store down in them first. You can also top off each rib and surround your arrangements with fake or real moss. Finally attach a wire to the umbrella shaft or handle for hanging.

You can get really creative, or keep it quick and simple like I did. Either way you choose, it will be a colorful and bright way to add an ‘April Showers bring May flowers’ theme to your cottage entrance.