Springtime in Paris: DIY Eiffel Tower from Garden Trellis

Everyone has a favorite vacation memory but part of the joy of traveling is bringing back a little inspiration from places you've visited; whether recreating an authentic recipe, displaying souvenir photos or even recreating an iconic but very downsized landmark to enjoy on your own home turf. 

With a few easy to find craft and garden supplies, and for less than the price of a box of gourmet macarons, you can create your very own, albeit significantly smaller Eiffel Tower.

photoCPaul2013

Hard to believe this iconic structure was created only as a temporary entrance to the 1889 worlds fair. Ironically over a century later, Gustav Eiffel's initially maligned tower, called "useless and monstrous" by some protesters, is now a symbol synonymous with Paris itself and one of the most recognizable landmarks around the globe.

Though not for every decor, Our more petit "Tour Eiffel" would be a fun accent for a Francophile's room, accent for a French themed party (think Bastille Day!), or perhaps just a fun way to bring a little joie du vivre to your home.

It seems the Eiffel Tower and everything Paris is all the rage right now and although you can buy an endless variety of Eiffel towers in countless shops and online sites, I thought creating my own would be lots of fun.

                          

You'll Need:

 Wooden plant trellis-

 (I got mine by Garden Treasures at Lowes, the shape was perfect and it was on sale!)

 French Printable

 Assorted Decorative lace and edging 

 Square wire wreath frame -(in floral section of craft stores)

 Wood laser cut accent frame (craft store 99 cents)

 Sheet of plastic canvas 

 Metallic spray paint- 

I used brushed nickel by Krylon and a shinier Rustoleum chrome

 Washi or thin painters tape

 acrylic paint and glitter glue for accents

wide ribbon or paper printout of flag, if desired

Set up trellis according to directions (super easy) and slip wire frame over top so it rests evenly. 
Spray paint first light coat of desired color(s) I chose a satin nickel metallic and chrome randomly layered, but you could get creative with a kitschy bright pink, an elegant glimmering gold, or the French flag colors of red white and blue: anything goes!

Add accents I'd never used the wildly popular paper or washi tape and it didn't adhere to this wood surface all that well, but with a few dabs of hot glue we were good to go and it stood up to the final spray paint coat perfectly.

lace, edging and plastic canvas create details

While trellis is drying, you can spray paint any lace and accents with matching color. After measuring, I cut an arch out of plastic canvas and hot glued the lace accent to edge. I cut notches in the lace so it would follow arch.

Please Note: Architects and engineers -since this is such an instantly identifiable landmark and our version is just a whimsical interpretation, I didn't worry all that much about architectural accuracy. Using hot glue and artistic license, I simply attached lace, tape and plastic canvas until I was happy with the design.

 Final touches: I gave it one more more even spritz of spray paint, some quick crisscross marks in grey craft paint and added a celebratory "plaque" as a finishing touch.

                                      

                                                    created using images from graphics fairy

A flag cut from ribbon sits atop a painted "chopstick" pole

You can add a spritz of clear coating to help protect tower when it makes outside appearances for parties or picnics on the patio but should be kept indoors long term.

         

 Voila!

 Display indoors with French themed accessories

or bring out doors for a Parisian picnic

a wicker basket and souvenirs

 vintage luggage, a petit bike and wine for deux

or after dark add a holiday globe to give a romantic glow

Love all things Paris? You might enjoy my 

PennyWise in Paris 

or 

Vive le Macaron 

links.

Eiffel Tower lamp in Paris Window CPaul2013

Merci!

Thanks for visiting!

photo cpaul2013