This last month, I’m looking forward to putting 2020 behind us. “Just beat it 2020 – and don’t let the door hit you on the way out”! So of course, the perfect tie in for our last 2020 project of the year is upcycling this vintage egg beater! As you’ll see, it makes a quick, simple and unique air plant display.
Air Plant Display
Tillandsia – or air plants – are not only beautiful but easy to care for. When I purchased my first few, I had no idea that they can multiply by growing pups.
Before I knew it, I had more than I could display in this dish:
Inspiration struck one weekend at our favourite outdoor market when I spied this retro hand beater. I have fond memories of my Mom using a hand beater to make chocolate chip cookies when we were kids! Even when we did get an electric mixer, she still preferred the old standby! If you’re lucky enough to have your grandmother’s vintage kitchen collection, go raid it now!
To make it work, you’ll need to prevent the hand crank from turning and accidentally decapitating (is that even a thing?) your air plants!
So, ♪ turn the beat around ♫, then insert a twist tie up through the crank as shown:
Then cross it over…
…and bring it down around the handle giving it a few twists to lock it in place.
The twist tie isn’t too attractive so grab something like a ribbon, or raffia.
I found this red bow to match the wooden handle. It does just the trick to hide the wire. And it’s a great tie in to the holiday season! If you’re aiming for something a little more ‘New Year’, find a bow with sparkle.
Load it Up
I set it in place by the window and started to load up the empty spaces between the blades with air plants.
I also tuck in a few behind the bow. And there you have it! An interesting way to display air plants using a vintage egg beater! Just a little something I ‘whipped up’. Isn’t it ‘eggs-traordinary’?
I could go on with the puns, but I should stop ‘beating around the bush’ and move on to plant care :). Before I do, I don’t have a kitchen window, but I think this would look great on a window sill right in front of the sink! The humidity may even allow you to push the watering schedule a little!
Air Plant Care
I used to mist my air plant display between waterings but prefer to soak them now instead. While Tillandsias don’t rely on soil for nutrients, they still do need to be watered in order to survive. In a dry environment, water every 5 days. In our household, I can get away with once a week. Remove the air plants from the beater and drop them into a container of water.
I give them a good soaking for about 10-15 minutes. Then I gently shake away the water to release water from between the leaves. Turn them upside down on a towel to thoroughly dry.
Want more planter ideas? Check out these amazing upcycled planters!
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Have a safe and happy New Year everyone!
Oh my goodness, Sara, your egg beater air planter must be one of the most unique planter ideas I’ve ever seen. I love it!!!!
Thanks so much Michelle! I just love vintage kitchen tools!
How clever and so original. I love the idea. My Mom always used hers she said it was better than the electric mixers.
I remember trying it when I was a young kid and how tiring it was trying to get the sugar and eggs to the right consistency! My Mom would take over and I thought she was the strongest person in the world – lol!
Omg. I love this air plant display. So creative!
Thanks Ellen! Happy New Year 🙂
I have one of these air plants and did not know they can have “pups”!! Mine has increased in size quite a bit since I received it which makes me happy, but if she develops a “pup”, I will be ecstatic!! Thanks for sharing this news and I absolutely love the beater idea for display!!
Thanks Karolyn! I was excited when I got my first one; it’s so fun to see them ‘grow up’. Happy New Year 🙂
Sara, you are so clever! I love what you’ve created with an old mixer.
I agree on your 2020 assessment: BEAT IT!
Thank you Alys! Hopefully I won’t feel that way about 2021 too – lol! Happy New Year 🙂
Very unique! I remember this when I was a child.
Thanks Maria! That’s why I love vintage finds; brings back memories of my childhood!
This is a simple but lovely idea! Thank you for sharing!!
Thanks so much Libbie! It’s not very often I have a simple idea; my tutorial are usually encyclopedic – lol :). I may have to make a resolution to do more of that next year.
I love this idea! I have my grandma’s beater like this! It has a wooden red handles and it’s hanging my kitchen.
Using air plants is a lovely way to highlight both! You have some pretty amazing ideas, Sara.
Thank you Meegan! I wish I had my grandmother’s; she must have had one too! Happy New Year 🙂
Well that’s a very clever idea! I love it and those are the perfect plants for me. I’m a terrible plant mother.
You are so clever! I often see egg beaters at yard/estate sales. Now I’m going to grab one!
Thanks Ann! I look forward to going to yard sales again. Fingers crossed.