Yarn Bottles

Here is another thing I have always wanted to make. These were super easy and only took a little over an hour to make all four. All you need is wine or beer bottles, yarn and some tacky or Elmers glue. I got the yarn at Big Lots it was only $2 or $3 for each ball. Start by spreading glue on the bottle in squiggly type pattern, you don't need to cover the bottle just need enough for the yarn to grab here and there as you wrap around. I took the labels off all but one my bottles but you don't have to if you are careful to wrap the yarn close. No need really for further instructions, here is how they came out...

Terrarium time

 I have been seeing terrariums all over the place lately, so even though I don't have the greenest thumb I thought I would give it a try. I researched a bit and found that there is not really a right or wrong way to make one. Basically you will need a container, soil, small plants, and rocks and sand are optional. It is also a good idea to use perlite soil which helps with drainage. I had my eye out for glass containers for awhile and then yesterday after breakfast, I popped into one of our local thrift stores and I found three that were perfect. I paid $5 for all three. Score! Please excuse the pictures, it's a messy job so I worked in the garage on a folding table.

Here are the plants I bought, I got them at Lowes Garden Center, they were around $3 to $5 a piece. You want smaller plants so they will fit in your containers and have room to grow. You can also break up bigger plants into a few smaller plants or trim some of the larger leaves. Also you want to be conscious of where you will be putting the terrarium so you can pick plants according to the amount of sunlight you plan to give them. Three of the plants below need full sunlight and are of the cactus family the other two need medium to low sunlight. I also incorporated a mini succulent garden not pictured.

Here are the other ingredients I used, I also bought a big bag, 10 lbs I think, of river rock it was $4, they had smaller designer type bags that cost the same or more for much less. Just need to wash off the rock a bit before using.

                                 

Now you need to layer your materials, I started with the rock, then soil, then perlite, then soil. Be very careful when you put the rock in, the glass is delicate. Depending on what you plant and the size of your container you can do several layers for aesthetic.

The big one above I decided to do a desert theme with the cactus and some succulents. I dug holes for each of the plants and moved them in. I used the cactus potting mix for this one.

I added a layer of beach sand on top and was careful not to cover over the plants. Then placed some rocks around. To clean the glass up, try wrapping a paper towel around a paint stirrer and wiping around on the inside or you can just use your hand if you won't disturb the plants. I watered it pretty good and placed it where it will get the desired amount of light. Hopefully it will live and thrive. Looks pretty now! Here are the rest that I made...below is the one that won't need a lot of sunlight

 This is another desert one:

I did not expect to make this many but I wanted to use all the plants I bought. Here is the whole happy family...

I'll update if any don't make it. Keep your green fingers crossed!

Chalkboard Cheese Plate- Completed 2.26.12

White Corningware plate from thrift store, chalkboard spray paint....... Simple!

Birchy votive holders- Completed 2.26.12

Next, I moved on to these really cool candle votive holders. I had been wanting to do this since I first saw it. This project was super easy and fun and can be done in a few short hours. I used vases from a thrift store. I hear the Dollar Store has usable ones too. I used flat white spray paint. You can use yarn or rubber bands, I only had yarn. With the yarn you will need to use tape at bottom and top. The pictures are self-explanatory.

Energy Bites- Completed 2.26.12

After a very lazy day Saturday, I needed to make up for lost time. I started with a recipe I found on Pinterest called Energy Bites found here: http://smashedpeasandcarrots.blogspot.com/2011/08/no-bake-energy-bites-recipe.html I did not have all the ingredients so I added what I wanted and left out what I didn't have. 

Here is my modified recipe:


 Energy Bites

1 cup Quaker Quick Oats 

1/2 cup almond butter (or any other nut butter)

1/3 cup honey

1/4 cup raisins

1/4 cup regular chocolate chips

1/4 cup sliced almonds

1 tsp vanilla

Mix everything in bowl. Chill in the refrigerator for half an hour. Roll into balls with hands. You should get about 12-16 bites, depending on how big you make them. They are delicious and they taste like peanut butter mixed with oatmeal cookie dough. Great afternoon snack alone or with an apple or a treat after dinner to satisfy sweet tooth.

Remembering the big day...

I wanted to share all the little projects and diy that made up our November 2011 wedding. I had the best time planning and I am sad it is over.  My theme was rustic fall. I had the invitations made at www.weddingpaperdivas.com but I added the tissue leaves and stamped them with a pine cone stamp on both the invitation envelope and response card envelope.

To keep things rustic, simple and cheap I used craft paper and made the Rehearsal dinner invites myself and mailed them in a regular long envelope.

I used the same craft paper to make the Wedding programs. Sticking with the pine cone on the front.  Adding raffia string looped through a hole punch and tied in a bow on the spine. They were displayed in a basket with a jar of pencils. On the back we thought it would be fun to have a word find to keep guests entertained. (Good thing since traffic caused me to be "one of those brides")

 

For the table numbers we had mini-chalkboards and the numbers were stenciled with white paint markers. To stand them up, picture stands in silver and gold, bought at The Dollar Store. 

We had many wood signs that I used a wood marker to write on. These were bought at the Dollar Store and Michael's Craft Store. We also used a stained chest to receive our gifts.

We had a seasonal signature drink and made the sign with a frame, chalkboard paint, stencils and paint markers. Just spray paint the glass of the frame with the chalkboard paint and voila!

Can't have a wedding without a flower girl and ring bearer.... craft box, basket, ribbon, leaves and flowers bought at Michael's. Burlap bought at Joanne's Fabrics. I used green floral wire to secure everything.

Favors Please! Smores on a stick ordered on Etsy from Nicoles Treats http://www.etsy.com/listing/29957527/smores-on-a-stick-chocolate-marshmallows, a cute poem on card stock with burlap backing and delicate ribbon bow. These were really tasty!

To tie in the pine cone again. We used them to display our escort cards. I was able to find pine cones at the Dollar Store. The ribbon and escort cards were found at Michael's.

I had so much fun planning our wedding. All the little details that really made it feel special and personal to us. I hope it gave you some ideas for your upcoming wedding or party.