Crafty Nest used plates she found at a thrift store, glue (she used E-6000) and mirrors from the craft store.So what do you think? Chalkboard or mirrors?
4/30/2009
Mirrored Plates
If you don't like the chalkboard plates, how about mirrors:
Crafty Nest used plates she found at a thrift store, glue (she used E-6000) and mirrors from the craft store.
So what do you think? Chalkboard or mirrors?
Crafty Nest used plates she found at a thrift store, glue (she used E-6000) and mirrors from the craft store.So what do you think? Chalkboard or mirrors?
Chalkboard Plate
Molly, from Tuesdays with Molly, made this:
with a basic white plate, chalkboard spray paint, and a plate stand.
You can make it with other plate colors too:
with a basic white plate, chalkboard spray paint, and a plate stand.You can make it with other plate colors too:
Clothesline Banner
I love this banner idea from Something's Hiding In Here:
She used old calendars, but you could use any paper. And then all you need is a clothesline and clothes pins. Customizable. Reusable. Cute.
She used old calendars, but you could use any paper. And then all you need is a clothesline and clothes pins. Customizable. Reusable. Cute.
4/29/2009
Purses
If you have a purse problem collection, then this might be for you:
All you need are your pretty purses and these hooks.
All you need are your pretty purses and these hooks.
Museum Scavenger Hunt
This summer when you are looking for something for your kids to do, take them to a museum. Go to the gift shop first and pick out some postcards. Then use those postcards and have a scavenger hunt. See who can find the paintings and statues on their cards first. Then let the winner pick what treat you get on the way home.
Parasols
This is from Domino:
And I love it! And I have NO IDEA how they did it? How did they get the parasols to hang from the ceiling?
And I love it! And I have NO IDEA how they did it? How did they get the parasols to hang from the ceiling?
4/28/2009
Brownie Peanut Butter Cups
Saw this on Hostess with the Mostess:
Here is the recipe from Bake or Break:
Bake or Break was immediately added to the list of baking blogs I read, and these brownies were added to the list of things that are going to cause me to gain weight this summer.
Here is the recipe from Bake or Break:
Preheat oven to 350°. Spray or grease 12 muffin cups.
In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine sugar, butter, and water. Microwave on high for 1 minute or until butter is melted. Stir in 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips until melted. Stir in egg and vanilla extract. Add flour and baking soda, stirring until blended. Allow to cool to room temperature. Then, stir in 1/2 cup each peanut butter chips and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Spoon batter by heaping tablespoonfuls into muffin cups.
Bake for 13-15 minutes or until top is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out slightly wet. Place pan on wire rack. Centers of brownies will fall upon cooling. If not, tap centers with the back of a teaspoon to make a hole.
Place peanut butter in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 45 seconds, then stir. While brownies are still hot, spoon about a tablespoon of peanut butter into the center of each brownie. Top with semi-sweet chocolate chips and peanut butter chips. Cool completely in pan.
Bake or Break was immediately added to the list of baking blogs I read, and these brownies were added to the list of things that are going to cause me to gain weight this summer.
Floral Table Runner
Real Simple has a tutorial on how to make this Floral Table Runner:
You buy a box of wheat grass and some Gerber daisies, but the stems of the daisies in regular drinking straws, and poke them into the soil! A lot easier than it looks and it is beautiful.
And I love Gerber Daisies!
You buy a box of wheat grass and some Gerber daisies, but the stems of the daisies in regular drinking straws, and poke them into the soil! A lot easier than it looks and it is beautiful.
And I love Gerber Daisies!
7 Layer Dip
I love this idea from Food Network...who am I kidding. I love MOST ideas from The Food Network. I love the Food Network. But I saw this FN idea at The Party Dress and think it is a great way to serve 7 layer dip:
The dip is always a favorite in our family and is easy to make, but it definitely is a more attractive presentation in small individual size glass bowls.
The dip is always a favorite in our family and is easy to make, but it definitely is a more attractive presentation in small individual size glass bowls.
4/27/2009
Summer Drink Garnish
I found these drink garnishes ideas from Brides.com:
This cucumber skewers would be great in my favorite limeade, since it has cucumbers in it already! You use a can of frozen concentrated limeade mix, but instead of using water you mix it with a 2-liter of 7-up. Then slice English cucumbers and add those as well. It is good!
And mint leaves and flowers (there are lots of edible flowers) inside of ice cubes would be great in any light colored drink. Mint lemonade! Mmmmmmmm.
Use the tips from THIS POST to make your ice cubes clear.
This cucumber skewers would be great in my favorite limeade, since it has cucumbers in it already! You use a can of frozen concentrated limeade mix, but instead of using water you mix it with a 2-liter of 7-up. Then slice English cucumbers and add those as well. It is good!
And mint leaves and flowers (there are lots of edible flowers) inside of ice cubes would be great in any light colored drink. Mint lemonade! Mmmmmmmm.
Use the tips from THIS POST to make your ice cubes clear.
Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star
If I had a beach house, or a house decorated with a beachy theme, I would NEED one of these:
from Layla at The Lettered Cottage. See how beautiful it is on the wall:
I love those letters on the distressed wood. Trying to find a place to make something like that work in my house! I am thinking a Welcome sign for the front door!
from Layla at The Lettered Cottage. See how beautiful it is on the wall:
I love those letters on the distressed wood. Trying to find a place to make something like that work in my house! I am thinking a Welcome sign for the front door!
Flower Clips
See these pretty flowers from A Feathered Nest:
Aren't they cute in that glass! But they aren't meant to be a decoration. At least not for your house. They are for your hair:
Abby has a tutorial on her blog that shows you how to make these flower hair clips with silk flowers, a glue gun, and these clips:
They are easy and cute. And you could make a pin too! Check out her tutorial here.
Aren't they cute in that glass! But they aren't meant to be a decoration. At least not for your house. They are for your hair:
Abby has a tutorial on her blog that shows you how to make these flower hair clips with silk flowers, a glue gun, and these clips:
They are easy and cute. And you could make a pin too! Check out her tutorial here.
4/26/2009
DIY Photo Mats
See these pictures with the really great mats from Our Suburban Cottage:
Aren't they cute. But those mats can be pricey. So Annicole used textured water color paper (from Hobby Lobby) instead of mats and made them for a couple of dollars. And that was before the 40% off coupon!
Aren't they cute. But those mats can be pricey. So Annicole used textured water color paper (from Hobby Lobby) instead of mats and made them for a couple of dollars. And that was before the 40% off coupon!
Detective Invites
These detective invites from Cookiemag.com are so stinking cute:
You tie cute ribbon around magnifying glasses and then print out a teeny tiny invitation with teeny tiny writing.
I love it! I wonder if I start reading Lou Nancy Drew books if she will want a detective party next year!
You tie cute ribbon around magnifying glasses and then print out a teeny tiny invitation with teeny tiny writing.
I love it! I wonder if I start reading Lou Nancy Drew books if she will want a detective party next year!
Crochet Barbie Dress
I do not crochet, but I had to post this crochet Barbie dress from Crochet spot:
If you crochet you can get the pattern at the Crochet Spot. The reason I had to post it is because my Barbie had a crochet dress. Two actually. A pink one and a blue one. With matching hats. My dresses covered up a little more Barbie though. My grandmother crocheted them for my older sisters and they got handed down to me. One of them, the blue one, even made its way into Lou La's Barbie collection. Ah! Memories.
Did you ever cut your Barbies hair? I cut mine ALL of the time. I had a ton of Barbies because I was the youngest grandchild on my dad's side of the family, so everyone would give the toys to me when they out grew them. I honestly think I had about 30 Barbies. And I think at least 20 of them had hair cuts a la Lorie. I will have to ask my mom to be sure, but I don't think I ever cut my own hair. So maybe it is a good idea to let your kids cut Barbie's hair.
If you crochet you can get the pattern at the Crochet Spot. The reason I had to post it is because my Barbie had a crochet dress. Two actually. A pink one and a blue one. With matching hats. My dresses covered up a little more Barbie though. My grandmother crocheted them for my older sisters and they got handed down to me. One of them, the blue one, even made its way into Lou La's Barbie collection. Ah! Memories.Did you ever cut your Barbies hair? I cut mine ALL of the time. I had a ton of Barbies because I was the youngest grandchild on my dad's side of the family, so everyone would give the toys to me when they out grew them. I honestly think I had about 30 Barbies. And I think at least 20 of them had hair cuts a la Lorie. I will have to ask my mom to be sure, but I don't think I ever cut my own hair. So maybe it is a good idea to let your kids cut Barbie's hair.
4/25/2009
Painted Glass
See this cute plate that I found on We Are That Family:
She made it by painting the bird on the back of a glass plate. She used a stencil for the bird. You could do so much fun stuff. Write names. Decorate for holidays. Add a bird.
She used acrylic paint because it is just for decorative purposes. But you can find glass paint that will hold up in the wash and since it is on the back of the plate you don't have to worry about it being food safe.
I am thinking polka dots!
She made it by painting the bird on the back of a glass plate. She used a stencil for the bird. You could do so much fun stuff. Write names. Decorate for holidays. Add a bird.She used acrylic paint because it is just for decorative purposes. But you can find glass paint that will hold up in the wash and since it is on the back of the plate you don't have to worry about it being food safe.
I am thinking polka dots!
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Party
If you have a little one that loves this book:
Then you need to see this cake from Coco Cake Cupcakes:
And this caterpillar made from paper plates:
And these fun thumbprint caterpillar bookmarks from Domesticali:
Just in case you want to have a Caterpillar Party!
Then you need to see this cake from Coco Cake Cupcakes:
And this caterpillar made from paper plates:
And these fun thumbprint caterpillar bookmarks from Domesticali:
Just in case you want to have a Caterpillar Party!
Easy On Apron
In all of my apron making experience (I have made one) I can say that the ties are the hardest part. This apron from Martha Stewart not only solves that problem by replacing the ties with cotton twill tape like this:
which makes it cute like this:
but also makes it easy to slip on and off. You slide it over your head and then pull it tight as you tie. Kinda cool. I think I am going to take the ties off of the one apron I have made and replace it with cotton twill tape.
You can find the directions here.
which makes it cute like this:
but also makes it easy to slip on and off. You slide it over your head and then pull it tight as you tie. Kinda cool. I think I am going to take the ties off of the one apron I have made and replace it with cotton twill tape.You can find the directions here.
4/24/2009
Chocolate Fagaga: Double Chocolate Cheesecake Layered Cake
My in-laws have a name for really too good to be true desserts. The ones that are almost too much, but aren't. Fagaga. This dessert from The Picky Palate would fall under that category:
See all of those layers. They are chocolate cake, brownie, cheesecake and chocolate frosting. You really can't look at Jenny's site without gaining 10 lbs.
What you need:
2 8 oz packages softened cream cheese
1/2 Cup sugar
2 eggs
1 brownie mix 9x13 inch size
1 chocolate cake mix
Favorite Chocolate Frosting Recipe, prepared (tripled)
What you do:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place cream cheese and sugar into a stand or electric mixer bowl. Beat until softened. Beat in the eggs until smooth. Pour into a wax paper lined and greased 9 inch springform pan. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until middle is set and not jiggly. Remove and let cool completely. Refrigerate overnight or for 2-3 hours. Carefully remove sides and transfer to wax paper (I used a giant spatula to help, it's ok if it breaks a little, just piece it together and freeze cheesecake for 30 minutes to firm).
Prepare brownie mix according to package directions and divide evenly into 2 wax paper lined and greased 9 inch cake pans. Bake for 25 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean from center. Let cool completely then carefully turn over onto wax paper; set aside.
2. Prepare cake mix according to package directions and pour into 2 wax paper lined 9 inch cake pans. Bake for 25 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean from center. Let cool completely then carefully turn over onto wax paper; set aside.
3. Place one of the chocolate cake layers onto a cake stand. Spread with a thin layer of chocolate frosting then layer with the brownie. Spread brownie with a thin layer of frosting then top with cheesecake layer. Spread with a thin layer of frosting then layer with remaining chocolate cake layer. Spread entire cake with remaining chocolate frosting. Chill until ready to serve.
See all of those layers. They are chocolate cake, brownie, cheesecake and chocolate frosting. You really can't look at Jenny's site without gaining 10 lbs.What you need:
2 8 oz packages softened cream cheese
1/2 Cup sugar
2 eggs
1 brownie mix 9x13 inch size
1 chocolate cake mix
Favorite Chocolate Frosting Recipe, prepared (tripled)
What you do:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place cream cheese and sugar into a stand or electric mixer bowl. Beat until softened. Beat in the eggs until smooth. Pour into a wax paper lined and greased 9 inch springform pan. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until middle is set and not jiggly. Remove and let cool completely. Refrigerate overnight or for 2-3 hours. Carefully remove sides and transfer to wax paper (I used a giant spatula to help, it's ok if it breaks a little, just piece it together and freeze cheesecake for 30 minutes to firm).
Prepare brownie mix according to package directions and divide evenly into 2 wax paper lined and greased 9 inch cake pans. Bake for 25 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean from center. Let cool completely then carefully turn over onto wax paper; set aside.
2. Prepare cake mix according to package directions and pour into 2 wax paper lined 9 inch cake pans. Bake for 25 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean from center. Let cool completely then carefully turn over onto wax paper; set aside.
3. Place one of the chocolate cake layers onto a cake stand. Spread with a thin layer of chocolate frosting then layer with the brownie. Spread brownie with a thin layer of frosting then top with cheesecake layer. Spread with a thin layer of frosting then layer with remaining chocolate cake layer. Spread entire cake with remaining chocolate frosting. Chill until ready to serve.
Drink Cooler
If you are having an outdoor party and you don't have one of these:
and you want something cuter than this:
try this idea from Living Etc:
This is a kids wagon, but I think it would work just as well with your regular old wagon.
and you want something cuter than this:
try this idea from Living Etc:
This is a kids wagon, but I think it would work just as well with your regular old wagon.
Drop Cloth Drapes
See these drapes from Pottery Barn:
They are 96' long. They are linen. They are pretty. And they are expensive.
But you can by canvas drop clothes at any home improvement store and make your own for about $10 a panel.
Like these from Bienvenue:
They come already hemmed like Layla's:
And you can even add some fancy trim like Hayley:
Pretty nice looking for pretty darn cheap. You might want to check out different places because the color of the linens are different. So buy a couple, find the ones you like the best, and return the others. Or use them as a drop cloth.
They are 96' long. They are linen. They are pretty. And they are expensive.
But you can by canvas drop clothes at any home improvement store and make your own for about $10 a panel.
Like these from Bienvenue:
They come already hemmed like Layla's:
And you can even add some fancy trim like Hayley:
Pretty nice looking for pretty darn cheap. You might want to check out different places because the color of the linens are different. So buy a couple, find the ones you like the best, and return the others. Or use them as a drop cloth.
4/23/2009
Gumballs
I saw this cute party centerpiece from Creative Parties and showers:
And I think I figured out what I am going to fill my Apothecary jars with this summer...at least until the 4th of July!
Heck, if I sort out the red white and blue ones I can use it for the 4th too!
And I think I figured out what I am going to fill my Apothecary jars with this summer...at least until the 4th of July!Heck, if I sort out the red white and blue ones I can use it for the 4th too!
Heart Rag Quilt
I *heart* this rag quilt from Kari and UCreate:
I think I am going to have to give this one a shot. Maybe a summer project. Maybe make two for the girls beds I plan on making this summer! Of course, I have never quilted before, so maybe we should start small.
I am torn. Part of me wants to make a perfect quilt and the other part of me thinks it would be fun to let Lou La cut out the hearts. Hmmmmm...we will have to see!
I think I am going to have to give this one a shot. Maybe a summer project. Maybe make two for the girls beds I plan on making this summer! Of course, I have never quilted before, so maybe we should start small.I am torn. Part of me wants to make a perfect quilt and the other part of me thinks it would be fun to let Lou La cut out the hearts. Hmmmmm...we will have to see!
Look What I Found: Little White Pots
Remember when I said I needed to find some of those cute white pots? Well Jen at Sanctuary Arts found them at Ikea!! And I HAVE an Ikea! I wonder if Hubby will mind spending part of his birthday at Ikea?
Here is what she did with hers:
And the best part...the pots cost .49!!! I am so excited. The rub-ons are from Martha. Gonna have to find some of those too!
Here is what she did with hers:
And the best part...the pots cost .49!!! I am so excited. The rub-ons are from Martha. Gonna have to find some of those too!
4/22/2009
Paperback Vase
I found these Paperback Vases by Sweet Paul:
And thought I would post them because they remind me of these:
I love what people do with old paperback books. The jack-o-lanterns are still my favorite.
So here is another craft with something that you can repurpose! If you don't have any paperback books of your own, go rescue some from a garage sale.
Happy Earth Day!
And thought I would post them because they remind me of these:
I love what people do with old paperback books. The jack-o-lanterns are still my favorite.
So here is another craft with something that you can repurpose! If you don't have any paperback books of your own, go rescue some from a garage sale.
Happy Earth Day!
One Pot Garden
Last year the kids and I planted a garden. We loved it, but we didn't really get to enjoy the fruits of our labor. The neighbors cats on the other hand enjoyed quite a few veggies.
It is already going to be 90 this week and we haven't gotten around to resurrecting our Garden plot. I really think we need to build a box garden, but that isn't going to happen this year. But all hope is not lost.
I saw this on Joy the Baker:
She did a one pot garden. And not only is it pretty, but it has some great stuff in it and I think my kids would love it!
Here is what she used:
It is already going to be 90 this week and we haven't gotten around to resurrecting our Garden plot. I really think we need to build a box garden, but that isn't going to happen this year. But all hope is not lost.
I saw this on Joy the Baker:
She did a one pot garden. And not only is it pretty, but it has some great stuff in it and I think my kids would love it!Here is what she used:
I had a very specific One Pot Garden list. If you want to play along, here’s what you’ll need
1 tomato plant (Mine is a black cherry tomato plant.. thanks Rachael!)
1 basil plant
1 marjoram plant
1 parsley plant
1 nasturtium plant
1 giant bag of Dr. Earth Organic Potting Soil
1 small bag of organic vegetable fertilizer of some sort. I used GroBetter All-Purpose Organic Fertilizer.
I stake to tie your tomato plant to as it grows
1 giant pot and saucer. Mine is about 15-inches tall and with a 15-inch diameter. I used a plastic pot because it’s much lighter and it helps keep the moisture in the soil.
You can check out more of the details on her blog. I think this might be the perfect substitute for a full fledged garden for us this year.
Pallet Lounge Chairs
In honor of Earth Day I thought I would try to find a project that reused stuff. And this project from say YES! to Hoboken fits the bill:
See the cute bench seating. It was made with these:
Old pallets. If you know someplace to get your hands on a few, they just nailed a couple together and made a seat cushion for the top. It is also a great place to reuse old pillows from your house.
What things have you repurposed in your house?
See the cute bench seating. It was made with these:
Old pallets. If you know someplace to get your hands on a few, they just nailed a couple together and made a seat cushion for the top. It is also a great place to reuse old pillows from your house. What things have you repurposed in your house?
4/21/2009
Color Pots
Melaine sells these pots in her Etsy shop:
I first saw pots like this a while ago. I thought they were cute. So why is it then when she posts this:
I HAVE to have them!!! I need to put them on Lou La's art desk. Oh wait. She doesn't have one! But she should. And some day she will! And when she does I need these.
I am pretty sure I can recreate them with pots and some rub-on transfers (those things will stick to anything!) or vinyl. Now to find me some pots!!
I first saw pots like this a while ago. I thought they were cute. So why is it then when she posts this:
I HAVE to have them!!! I need to put them on Lou La's art desk. Oh wait. She doesn't have one! But she should. And some day she will! And when she does I need these.
I am pretty sure I can recreate them with pots and some rub-on transfers (those things will stick to anything!) or vinyl. Now to find me some pots!!
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