Holidays - DIYInspired.com
26th Sep2012

DIY Pumpkin Inspiration

by Dinah Wulf

It’s officially fall and I can feel it in the air.  I love it!  I have so many fond memories growing up in the changing seasons.  I think they are even fonder now since I have been living in Southern California with essentially no season change at all!  I thought I’d put together some fun DIY pumpkin inspiration.  There are so many unique and creative ideas out there!  Here are a few of my favorites.

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This adorable upcycled pumpkin made out of a book is by WhimsyWorkshop.  They’ll make it made to order or you can try it yourself??

I think these crushed velvet pink pumpkins are fabulous.  They are Pretty In Pink!  I don’t sew very well, but I think I could give these a try!

Leave it up to Martha to come up with this one.  Make a lace pattern on your pumpkin.  I don’t know about you, but if I decided to take this one on, I’d do a craft pumpkin instead of a real one so I wouldn’t have to do it again next year!

Chevron is all the rage…it’s everywhere!  Carpets, pillows, even furniture and walls; why not chevron pumpkins?

Check out this pumpkin cooler perfect for a Halloween party.  Simply cut, hollow, and insert a glass bowl with ice.  Brilliant!

How cute is this autumn bunting made of burlap flags and a cute little linen pumpkin applique?

This chenille pumpkin is lovely.  I say, try making it out of a thrift store sweater or blanket!

Glitter those pumpkins up!  Simple and fabulous! If you are taking this one on, I have some glittering tips of my own.

 

 

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Category : Crafts, Holidays
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6 Comm
24th Sep2012

DIY Fall Wreath Ideas

by Dinah Wulf

Ouch my eyes hurt!  I just spent the last, I don’t know, hour looking at Etsy for some DIY Fall Wreath Ideas.  Oh man!  There were some good ones and there were some bad ones with a capital “B”.  I looked at 3200 wreaths to be exact and that wasn’t even a fraction of what was available.  There were wreaths made out of every material from tulle to yarn and burlap to branches.  There were even wreaths made out of recycled materials like cork, coffee filters, and book pages.  There were wreaths made to look like Elmo and Mickey Mouse and wreaths made out of baseballs and flip flops…yes…flip flops.  That one may be a submission on regresty.com.  Yikes!

I’ve been trying to think of a fall wreath project to make and I’m stuck.  Anyway, I narrowed it down to sixteen of my favorite.  As you can see I was kind of drawn to burlap and yarn.  My favorite is the Halloween one made out of gauze…it’s fantastic!  I think I’d like to incorporate my house numbers in it but I’m not sure.  But now after looking at 3200 of them, I’m even more stuck…Ugh.  Here goes…

What about you?  Do you have any ideas for me?  Help!

 

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Category : Crafts, Holidays
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4 Comm
11th Sep2012

DIY Recycled Jar Tea Light

by Dinah Wulf

I’m pretty sure I save every single jar after it’s empty.  Pickle, spaghetti sauce, salsa… I don’t discriminate.  The Mason jar is beautiful but I think it gets too much credit (don’t get me wrong, I’ve done several Mason jar crafts in the past and I still LOVE them).  For this DIY Recycled Jar Tea Light, I decided to use a pickled beet jar.  Yes, I eat pickled beets…yum!!!

Materials:

  • Jar
  • Burlap scraps
  • Scissors
  • Wire or a wire coat hanger (I used 20 gauge because it’s easy to work with)
  • Spouncer
  • Craft paint in the color of your choice
  • Stencil of your choice
  • Wire cutter
  • Pliers
  • Hot glue
  • Tea Light

First, cut your burlap so that it fits nicely around your jar.  Next, stencil your burlap and set aside.  Wrap your wire around the mouth of the jar several (4-5) times depending on the desired thickness.  Cut another piece of wire for the handle wrapping each end securely around your wire circle as shown.  Place the wire circle with handle around the mouth of the jar.  Locate the ends of the wire circle and pull taught.  Pliers may help.  You may have to massage the circle accordingly.  Tuck in the ends of the wire.  Finally, hot glue the burlap around your jar and insert and light your tea light.

I thought six of these spelling out “boo” and “eek” would be really cute on the mantel for Halloween.  Hope you try it out!

 

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Category : Crafts, Holidays, Special Occasions, Trash To Treasure
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6 Comm
31st Aug2012

Pintrest Halloween Ideas

by Dinah Wulf

I don’t know about you, but I can’t believe it’s that time of year again.  I just went to Michael’s to get some craft supplies and the aisles are littered with Halloween decorations and even some Christmas ones too!  Needless to say, I was definitely inspired so I decided to search around Pintrest to get some ideas for the upcoming Halloween holidays (which by the way is my FAVORITE holiday).  Here are my favorite Pintrest Halloween Ideas.

How cute is this set up from the House of Smiths.   I love that she used regular flower vases.  Typically, apothecary jars are used for displays like this but they can get costly and are not always affordable.  Here, she made a flower vase that you can pick up at a thrift store beautiful by adding a creative and frightful label.

I love love love this from Country Living.  I always go to after the holiday sales, and last year I picked up craft pumpkins for next to nothing.  THIS is what I am going to try.  What a fantastic idea for a non-working or decorative fireplace.  No fireplace?  Get your DIY on and create a removable one for the holidays!

Finally, and probably the best of all is this Halloween DIY candelabra from Saw Dust and Paper Scraps.  She made this out of two lamps from Good Will and an old light fixture from the thrift store!

Everyday is a Crafting Day was inspired by that post and made this gorgeous table top version.

I hope you are as inspired as I am.  I think I’ll have to try all of the above for sure!

 

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6 Comm
27th Aug2012

Junk Drawer Crafts

by Dinah Wulf

I made these simple junk drawer crafts for a fundraiser coming up.  I call them “junk drawer crafts” because they are recycled crafts literally made out of items I found in my horrendous kitchen and completely unorganized kitchen drawer (I was totally inspired to do this because I’m watching Craft Wars…awesome show!).

I decided to make kitchen magnets out of these items I found:

  • Scrabble tiles
  • Used gift cards, flyers, and business cards
  • Paint color swatches
  • Bottle caps

Here is a quick two and a half minute YouTube video I did for these if you prefer not to read! LOL By the way, I apologize for saying “um” so much…

The Scrabble tile magnets are self-explanatory.  I actually had these left over from two crafts I had done last year, Scrabble tile art and Scrabble tile Christmas ornaments.  You simply make words, cut your gift card to size (they are the most sturdy), hot glue the tiles onto the card, and glue a magnet onto the back using a strong bonding agent like E6000.

The bottle cap magnets are essentially the same idea.  I had made these before with Mod Podge and recycled Christmas card photos.  This time however, since they were for a fundraiser and not me I used Easy Cast which is a Craft Casting Epoxy.

Materials:

First cut out the circles using your craft punch out of the color paint swatches.  You can get these in a variety of colors at any hardware or paint store. Place the desired sticker on top.  Consider using holiday, sports themed, school themed, or letters.  Next place it into the bottle cap.

Follow the instructions for your casting agent or resin.  For Easy Cast, you mix equal parts resin and hardening agent in a plastic cup.  Stir it for two minutes.  Transfer the mixture into a second cup.  With a new stick, stir for another minute.  Carefully pour the solution on top of the magnet.  Bubbles will appear, however they will go away as the solution hardens.  Allow it to dry.  I let mine dry overnight.  Attach your magnet to the back using a strong bonding agent like E6000 Multi-Purpose Adhesive.

Since these were for a fundraiser I made small packages using treat bags, scrapbook paper, and printed address labels.  Consider making these for stocking stuffers, party favors, or teacher gifts too!

 

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Category : Crafts, Holidays, Kid Stuff, Kids Craft Ideas, Trash To Treasure
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10 Comm
22nd Aug2012

Recycled Book Page Butterfly Wreath

by Dinah Wulf

If you follow me on Facebook, you saw this Recycled Book Page Butterfly Wreath I found on Pintrest.

A few of us were commenting on how to make it and inspired each other to take this project on ourselves (Thank you, Elise, Rose, Katie, Jo, Michelle, and Zach & Lois… you all are the best!).  The best part?  This wreath cost me NOTHING!  This is my version.

I ended up making two, a large one and a small one.  Here is my tutorial on how to make a Recycled Book Page Butterfly Wreath.

Step One: Make the butterflies

Materials:

  • Old book, map, magazine, etc.
  • Scissors
  • Pencil

I used an old book I had from another recycled book page wreath I made last year.  At first I used a butterfly stencil that I had but after tracing and cutting the first three, I thought it’d be more fun to free hand them instead.  It’s easiest to fold the page in half and draw half the butterfly so that you have two identical sides.  Use a pencil so that you can erase any lines if need be.

Step Two: Gather the branches and prep them

Gather your branches.   Remove any leaves from the branches and soak the naked branches in water.  This makes it easier to work with and will cause less breakage.

Step Three: Construct the wreath

Materials:

  • Wire hanger (one for small wreath, two for large wreath)
  • Prepped Branches
  • Water
  • Sink
  • Hot glue

Simply unwind the wire and create a circle, twisting the end together. One by one, wrap, twist, and tuck each branch around your wreath until you have the desired width.

Allow your wreath to dry.  (Optional step) Once it is dried, on the BACK of the wreath, use a hot glue gun to secure and loose branches.

Step Four: Assemble the Butterflies

Materials:

  • Pre-cut butterflies from step one
  • Plastic Beads, Pearls, Shells (anything you want to use for the bodies)
  • Hemp string (I found this to work best so that the antennas will stay erect)
  • Scissors
  • Hot Glue

You can use whatever your heart desires for the bodies.  I chose to use plastic beads and hemp string.  Using a hot glue gun, glue your beads together and while the glue s still hot, insert your antennas (as shown).  Next, glue the body onto your butterfly.  Make sure the butterfly wings are folded up so that they appear as if they are in flight.

Step Five: Attach the Butterflies to Your Wreath

Materials:

  • Assembled butterflies from step four
  • Constructed wreath from step three

I placed the butterflies on the wreath and moved them around to arrange them in the order and position I wanted BEFORE I used the hot glue.

Ta Da!

Here are some photos of the large wreath.

Here are some photos of the small version.

You can make these wreaths for the holidays and embellish them as you wish!  I hope you try it!  Email me a photo if you do… oh and say hi! :)  dwulf@diyinspired.com

Here are some more fun trash to treasure ideas and tutorials! In case you missed them!

 

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20 Comm
03rd May2012

Purple and Pink Masquerade Party

by Dinah Wulf

Mardi Gras isn’t just for February!  A Purple and Pink Masquerade Party is a fun party theme for any time of year.  Masquerade parties are associated with carnivals, aristocracy, royalty, and luxury.  It’s a grand celebration where the attendees are dressed to the hilt in elaborate costumes.

More modern masquerade parties although inspired by European traditions, are more casual, however do not lack in the fun and excitement!  This real party, by Maily Cano, was decorated in vibrant purple and pink hues, with draped violet curtains and beautiful pink flowers.

 

  

Clustered metallic and feathered masks on a stick grace each table as a centerpiece.

The chairs were even draped in a purple satin fabric.

Here are some party ideas fit for a perfect Masquerade or Mardi Gras inspired party.

  • Make your own masks with decorative card stock or scrapbook paper and dowels.  Add ribbon, feathers, and plastic gems or glitter as embellishments.  Masks can serve as party favors for your guests.
  • Don’t forget to reuse and recycle. Check your cupboards or local thrift stores and yard sales for wine goblets, silver and gold utensils or decorative candlesticks to create opulent centerpieces.
  • Purchasing inexpensive fabric is more budget-friendly than, buying table cloths at a department store.  You can use fabric to layer on food, favor, or gift tables.  Use sturdy cardboard boxes underneath to create height.
  • Play classical music in the background.
  • Have a contest for best costume.
  • If your party is more casual, or for younger teens or kids, have a mask/headpiece/hat decorating activity.

Do you have any Masquerade Party suggestions?  Feel free to leave a comment!

 

All Purple and Pink Masquerade Party photos were taken by Brendan Cao Photography.

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UPDATE!

Introducing DASANI’s Photosynthesis App!!!

Get creative with Facebook’s new timeline feature and support a good cause by ‘recycling’ your Facebook photos into an eye-catching image to top off your profile. For each photomontage created through the app, DASANI® will make a donation to the national non-profit organization, Keep America Beautiful in support of recycling initiatives on college campuses throughout the U.S.

Fans who have ‘liked’ the DASANI® Facebook page can access the application on the Photosynthesis tab of the Facebook page.  First, fans will select a photo from either their Facebook albums or a design from DASANI®, to create into a photo-mosaic. The Photosynthesis app will ‘recycle’ all of the fan’s existing Facebook photos into a stunning mosaic that fits perfectly as a cover image on their profile. Each time a fan participates, DASANI® will donate $1 to the nationally recognized nonprofit, Keep American Beautiful, in support of their Bin Grant Program on college campuses.

In addition, the fan’s profile photo will be added to the DASANI® mosaic of supporters, which will be featured on the Photosynthesis tab.

Thanks to DASANI for sponsoring today’s update!

 

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Category : DIY Budget Party, Holidays
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2 Comm
05th Apr2012

Easter Egg Ornament Tree

by Dinah Wulf

Easter Egg Ornament Tree, Written By: Jennifer Hostetler

Easter’s just around the corner! After putting up the Easter stuff I found a few items that are cute but just needed a little something. One item was this tree, years ago it had something that went on it but I could not find anything in my Easter stuff. My daughter and I decided to make some egg ornaments to hang from the tree.  This took us about 30 minutes and we found everything we need in our craft and Easter stuff. Here is how to make an Easter Egg Ornament Tree.

Materials:

  • Small Easter Eggs
  • Ribbon
  • Glue Gun
  • Scissors

This is the tree that we had that looked just to plain:

1st cut the Ribbon in two lengths.  One that you will loop and make as the hanger and one that you tie into a bow.

2nd hot glued the hanger to the egg and then glued the bow on.

We finished by hanging them on the tree.

Added Tip:  When working with ribbon you can singe the ends of the ribbon with a lighter to keep it from fraying. Take precaution:  Holding the flame on the ribbon to long will catch it on fire so this should be a quick process. Always have a glass of water near by!

Have a fantastic Easter!

 

 

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0 Comm
04th Apr2012

Easy Easter Basket Update

by Dinah Wulf

Every year it seems you buy a new Easter basket for your kids.   I say, first, remember where you put last year’s Easter basket, and second, don’t buy a new one!  Rather, update and recycle the old one! OR go to a thrift store and buy a used one and upcycle it.

Here is my daughter’s Easter basket. There are a few reasons why I bought it: 1) it’s plain, 2) it’s boring, and 3) it’s sturdy. So why buy a plain, boring, and sturdy Easter basket?  You can use it for several years, not just at Easter, and it’s easy to match the Easter dresses and outfits you DO have to buy every year.

If you’re at all like me, you have something like this in your craft closet.

Ribbon has multiple uses for me besides gift wrapping (party decorations, DIY invitations, party games, DIY party favors, and EASTER BASKETS!) and I always seem to have a decent selection at all times.

A few pieces of colorful ribbon, and you have a whole new recycled Easter basket.  I think ribbon can be used for both girls and boys.  You can use coordinating colors and patterns and weave and tie it any way you want.  The possibilities are endless.  Ribbon is also great because after Easter, you can take it off and reuse it for other things. Here are a few AFTER shots.  Simple, quick, easy…

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2 Comm
03rd Apr2012

Recycled Candy Wrapper Easter Basket

by Dinah Wulf

Celebrate the Pink, Yellow, and “Green” Hues of Easter

TerraCycle® Provides Easter DIY Project and Free Collection Program for Candy Wrappers

Spring is in the air, and the Easter bunny is just a hop, skip and a jump away. This year, make sure to fill your Easter baskets, but not your garbage cans, with sweet treats. TerraCycle offers an environmentally-conscious alternative for all those leftover candy wrappers as well as fun DIY projects to get the whole family excited about an Eco-Easter. With the help of partners MOM Brands™ and M&Ms, TerraCycle hopes to make this springtime holiday greener than the newly-grown grass.

 

Need an Easter basket to hold those eggs from an Easter Egg hunt?  MOM Brands Malt-O-Meal® cereals and TerraCycle have a fun – and environmentally-friendly – DIY project the kids will love. All you need are food wrappers, scissors, and a few other items to make your very own Easter basket to fill with sweets. Get the free project here.

To keep those candy wrappers in your Easter baskets out of a landfill, TerraCycle and M&M’s Candy Wrapper Brigade offers an easy alternative. Simply collect candy wrappers, send them to TerraCycle and receive two points per item collected that can be used for charity gifts or converted to cash and donated to any school or charity. TerraCycle even covers the shipping cost. TerraCycle also collects Malt-O-Meal bags through its Cereal Bag Brigade, if you choose not to turn them into Easter baskets. Visit www.terracycle.com to sign up for the Brigade programs and view the full list of items TerraCycle accepts.

 

About MOM Brands MOM Brands is the largest family owned cereal company in the U.S. The company has produced quality cereal products since 1919 and manufactures many varieties of oatmeal, family favorite ready-to-eat and all-natural cereals as well as its original, farina-based hot cereal. Today, one in 10 servings of cereal breakfast eaten every day is a MOM Brands cereal. Dedicated to finding better ways to make a better breakfast at a better price, MOM Brands is continually innovating to produce, package and transport its cereals in ways that reduce environmental impact. For more information about MOM Brands and its cereal products please visit www.MOMBrands.com.

 

About TerraCycle TerraCycle, Inc. is an international upcycling and recycling company that takes difficult-to recycle-packaging and turns it into affordable, innovative products.  Founded in 2001, TerraCycle is the world’s leader in the collection and reuse of non-recyclable post-consumer waste. TerraCycle works with more than 30 major brands in the U.S. and around the world to collect used packaging and products that would otherwise be destined for landfills. It repurposes that waste into new, innovative materials and products that are available online and through major retailers. The waste is collected through TerraCycle’s Brigade programs, which are free fundraisers that pay for every piece of waste collected and returned. For information on how to join a TerraCycle Brigade and on purchasing TerraCycle products please visit www.terracycle.com.

 

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4 Comm
02nd Apr2012

Easter Inspiration Board

by Dinah Wulf

I have VERY fond memories of Easter. First, an Easter post was one of the first posts I ever wrote for this blog. Second, I recall getting to buy an Easter dress with a hat, gloves, shoes, and purse every year to wear to church Easter Sunday. I also participated in two Easter egg hunts, one at home, and one at a family friend’s. My parents would hide two Easter baskets for my brother and me.  One made of all chocolate (including the basket) and a regular Easter basket filled with goodies…spoiled much?

Needless to say, I love Easter.  There are SO many great crafts out in the blogging world, so here is this week’s inspiration board, my very own Easter Inspiration Board, full of fun Easter craft tutorials from fellow bloggers, decorations, and ideas.

As a reminder, I did my best to find the correct DIY tutorial for each photo.  Some of the photos on this inspiration board are from Etsy.com or other online retailers, so the link will tell you where you can purchase it. Scroll all the way down; the links are below at the end of the post.

Easter Inspiration Board Links

Where you inspired by anything you saw on this inspiration board? Please leave a comment! I’d love to here what you think :)

 

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6 Comm
30th Mar2012

Easter Themed Cocktails

by Dinah Wulf

David has definitely outdone himself this week with some FABULOUS Easter themed cocktails, including a Jelly Bean Martini, a Carmel Cadbury Egg Martini, and …wait for it… a PEEP-A-TINI!!! Plus, at the end there is a bonus recipe for the perfect April Fool’s Day shot!!!

Written By: David Edessa

Happy Easter!!!…Felices Pascuas!!!Feliç Pasqua!!!Joyeuses Pâques!!!Buona Pasqua!!!Beannachtaí na Cásca!!!Frohe Ostern!!!
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Carrot Mascarpone Cheese Milk Shake (With Alcohol):

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz. Vanilla Rhum or Spiced Rhum
  • 1 cup milk
  • 3 scoops vanilla ice cream
  • 1 tbsp. sugar
  • ½ cup Mascarpone cheese
  • 1 cup of Carrot Purée (recipes below)

Instructions:
Place all ingredients in blender and process until smooth, stopping to scrape down sides. Serve immediately in tall glass. Garnish with whipped cream and graham sprinkles to personal taste.

Graham Cracker sprinkles mix:

  • ½ cup graham crackers smashed
  • ½ oz. ground cinnamon
  • ½ oz.  ground nutmeg

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I named this drink after one of my favorite childhood movies…HARVEY written by play wright Mary Coyle Chase.

Harvey’s Carrot Martini

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz. Citrus Vodka
  • 1 oz. Grand Marnier
  • 1 ¾ oz. carrot puree (recipe below)

Place martini glasses in freezer to chill.

Instructions:
Combine strained carrot puree and all liquid ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled halfway with ice, shake vigorously and strain into chilled martini glasses. Garnish with a pinch of nutmeg/ cinnamon mix on top center of glass without mixing into drink.

Nutmeg/ Cinnamon mix:

  • 2 oz. ground cinnamon
  • 2 oz. ground nutmeg
  • 1 oz. powdered sugar

Carrot Purée Instructions:

Ingredients:

  • 16 ounces chopped carrots
  • 6 ounces apple juice

Carrot Puree: In a blender puree carrots along with apple juice, strain using a fine mesh sieve.
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Reminiscent of the Hostess Cakes snow balls…

Coco Snowball Martini

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ oz. Vanilla Rhum
  • 1 ½ oz. Coconut Rhum
  • ¾ oz. Godiva White Chocolate liqueur
  • ½ oz. Blue Curaçao liqueur

Place martini glasses in freezer to chill.

Instructions:
Rim a martini glass with honey and fresh shredded coconut and for variety try toasted coconut. Place all liquid ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled halfway with ice, shake vigorously and strain into chilled martini glass.

Jelly Bean Martini

Ingredients:

  • 3 oz. Jelly Bean Infused Vodka (recipes below)
  • 1 oz. Triple Sec
  • ½ oz. Sparkling Wine Brut
  • 1 lemon wedge

Glass Prep:
Add sugar along the rim of the martini glass. To do this, place blue curaçao or grenadine on a flat plate (depending on the color of the rim you wish to create) then dip the glass into the liquid to wet the rim. Place powdered sugar on a flat plate or surface then rim the wet rim glass into sugar and coat the rim. Place rimmed prepared martini glasses in freezer to chill.

Instructions:
Put all liquid ingredients and squeeze a lemon wedge into a cocktail shaker half filled with ice and shake vigorously and strain into chilled prepped martini glasses. Float on top of glass the sparkling wine.

Jelly Bean Infusion Instructions:
To create jelly bean-infused vodka, place 750mL bottle of vodka and 16 oz. of jelly beans in a glass jar for about 48 hours and shake throughout the day. Strain using a fine mesh sieve. Use one color of jelly beans for best results. Also, a great alternative to vodka is rhum….. For a different flavor you can try vanilla flavored vodka or rhum.

Peep-a-Tini

Ingredients:

  • 3 oz. Peep Infused Vodka Vanilla (recipes below)
  •  ½ oz. Vanilla syrup (recipes below)
  • 1 oz. Cream

Glass Prep:
Pour a small amount of vanilla syrup onto one plate (add food coloring opposite to that of infused vodka) and sprinkle sugar onto another plate. Dip the rim of the glass into the syrup and then into sugar to coat. Place prepped glass in freezer.

Instructions:
Put vodka, syrup (without food coloring) and cream in a cocktail shaker half filled with ice. Shake vigorously then strain into prepped chilled martini glass. You can garnish with or without a Peep!!!

Peep Infusion Instructions:
To create Peep infused vodka, place one 750mL bottle of Vanilla Vodka and 16 oz. of Peeps in a glass jar for about 48 hours and shake throughout the day. Strain using a fine mesh sieve, a second straining will be necessary (move liquid in circles in sieve to insure consistent dripping). Use one color of Peeps for best results. Also, a great alternative to vodka is rhum.
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Caramel Cadbury Egg Martini

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ oz. Vanilla Rhum
  • 1 oz. Bailey’s Irish Cream with Caramel
  • ½ oz. dark crème de cacao
  • 1 ounce Butter cream (recipes below) ½ oz.  chocolate syrup

Glass Prep: Drizzle chocolate & caramel syrup around inside rim of glass. Place in freezer to chill.

Instruction:
Place all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice, including chocolate syrup in a shaker half filled with ice. Shake vigorously until chocolate syrup is completely incorporated with shakers contents. Strain into chilled prepped martini glasses.
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Vanilla Syrup Recipes

Ingredients:

  • 1 cups water
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract (If you can get a hold of real vanilla bean the better :) )

Instruction:
In medium saucepan over medium high heat, bring water and sugar to a boil (stir to keep from burning). Cook until mixture thickens slightly, about three minutes. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and let cool to room temperature. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Simple Syrup Suggestion:
A couple of suggestions that will make your simple syrup better include adding ¼ cup of corn syrup to the mixture. This will help prevent crystallization of the sugar and keeps it smooth, since it is a super saturated solution. The other suggestion is to add one or two ounces of vodka or neutral grain spirit to the simple syrup after it has been bottled. This will help prevent mold or bacteria from growing.
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Buttercream recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (but not melted!) Ideal texture should be like soft served or churned ice cream
  • 3 cups powdered sugar (confectionary), SIFTED
  • ¼ teaspoon table salt
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 4 tablespoons of heavy cream

Instructions:
Beat butter for a few minutes with a mixer with the paddle attachment on medium speed. Add 3 cups of powdered sugar and turn your mixer on the lowest speed (so the sugar doesn’t blow everywhere) until the sugar has been incorporated with the butter. Increase mixer speed to medium and add vanilla extract, salt, and 2 tablespoons of cream and beat for 3 minutes. If you’re frosting needs a more stiff consistency, add more sugar. If your frosting needs to be thinned out, add remaining cream 1 tablespoon at a time.
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Dead Rabbits (shot)

Ingredients:

  • ¾ oz. Rye Whisky
  • ¾ oz. Bailey’s Irish Cream
  • 1 oz. Carrot Juice (recipes on page)
  • ½ oz. butterscotch schnapps
  • Crushed ginger snaps

Instructions:
Rim a shot glass with honey and crushed ginger snaps. Place all liquid ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled halfway with ice, shake vigorously and strain into shot glasses.

HAPPY EASTER!!!ХРИСТОС ВОСКРЕСЕ!!!פסחא שמח!!!Καλό Πάσχα!!!Pasg Hapus!!!Maligayang Pasko ng Pagkabuhay!!!

 

Bonus Shot: April Fool’s Day Gag Drink

Cement Mixer (shot)

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ oz. chilled Bailey’s Irish cream liqueur
  • ½ oz. fresh squeezed lime juice

Instructions:

Pour the Bailey’s into a large shot glass. Slowly float the lime juice on top. Drink it quickly before chemical reaction takes place! The drink will coagulate in the person’s mouth!!

Happy April Fool’s Day!

Photo Sources: ListNLearn.com, SheKnows.com, MyMansBelly.com, ParchedNoMore.com, HealthyChicEats.com, SailusFood.com, SavorySweetLife.com

 

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Category : Cocktail Corner, Holidays
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0 Comm
28th Mar2012

Easter Egg Crafts

by Dinah Wulf

I can’t believe March is practically over already!  The next month will be the mark of my first Blogaversary! It has almost been one year that I have been blogging and the second post I ever published was about a cute Easter Egg-o-gram photo tutorial by one of my favorite blogs, Poppytalk. So I thought I’d pay homage to this cute little Easter egg tutorial that I put together some of my all-time favorite Easter Egg crafts so far. Enjoy!

I found a Paper Mache balloon Easter egg tutorial using recycled newspaper by The Goodies, Glam, & Gossip Boutique.  Check out the full classic step by step tutorial reminiscent of Easter time in art class in elementary school.

One of my favorite television channels, HGTV, always has a great selection of tutorials. Make this colorful and glittery hand painted Easter egg garland using real eggs.  There is also the perfect tutorial on how to successfully blow out the contents of your egg, a talent that I had difficulty mastering!

One of my all-time FAVORITE blogs, and one of the reasons I started blogging, Hostess with the Mostess has a DIY project guide to decorating these beautiful sienna inspired eggs with red and yellow vegetable skins and plant material!

Better Homes and Gardens has sweet and simple egg decorating instructions to make these pretty banded eggs.

Finally, you can’t have an Easter egg crafts post without mentioning Martha!  This tutorial instructs you on how to make these dainty egg shell containers.

 

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12th Mar2012

St. Patrick’s Day DIY Inspiration

by Dinah Wulf

My husband LOVES St. Patrick’s Day (even though he’s not Irish).  We thought we’d start an annual St. Patrick’s Day party at our house… starting NEXT year.  Since we just moved in, we thought it’d best to just start with getting some ideas first.

There were so many inspiring St. Patrick’s Day ideas that I decided to do a photo gallery.  It was impossible to narrow it down to a few pictures.  I explored my usual websites like BHG and Martha Stewart and also some of my favorite blogs as well as Pintrest.

So, at the end of this photo gallery is a list of links for the sources, some with tutorials, and some with free printables, to all this amazing St. Patrick’s Day DIY Inspiration.

St. Patrick’s Day Party Ideas:

St. Patrick’s Day Decorations & Crafts:

St. Patrick’s Day Sweet Treats:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shamrock Paper Centerpiece

 

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09th Feb2012

Valentines

by Dinah Wulf

I know I have a while until my little one starts going to school, but I can’t help but be excited to participate in all the fun classroom activities. I recall that Valentine’s Day was one of my favorite holidays in grade school. That week, we would make “mailboxes” out of old shoe boxes to prepare for all the Valentine’s Day goodies coming our way. Even though I knew that every kid gave Valentines to everyone in the class.  I still got excited to receive one from the boy I thought was cute that week.

So, for now I’ll live vicariously through these other Mommies and share some cute valentines I found from other blogs.  All of these are super cute, creative, and inexpensive.  You can get some inspiration from the plastic toy bins or the candy aisle at your local party store.  Add a catchy phrase and voila! Instant valentine!

Here are my favorites. Just click on the links for the tutorials from these inspiring sites!

“O-Fish-Ally Mine” from Tammy Mitchell Photography

“I Dig You” from The Fry Family Blog

“I’m Bananas For You” from Fiskars

Valentines Crush from Design Glow

Tic Tac Toe from Shim and Sons

“You Rock!” from A Small Snippet

Super Valentine from Be Different Act Normal

“You Make My Heart Bounce” from The Crafting Chicks

 

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08th Feb2012

TerraCycle Upcycled Valentine’s Craft

by Dinah Wulf

LOVE THE PLANET THIS VALENTINE’S DAY

Celebrate with Eco Games and Gifts from Upcycling Pioneer TerraCycle

Love it or loathe it, Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching.  Some are planning romantic dates with their longtime sweetheart.  Some are planning to finally ask out their crush at recess.  Regardless of your plans this Valentine’s Day, TerraCycle has sweet ways to celebrate that are good for the planet, good for the wallet and good for you.

While cleaning up trash doesn’t seem like a romantic way to spend the day, you can celebrate the holiday and effect real-world change with special Valentine’s Day items, products and decorations in Trash Tycoon, Facebook’s first upcycling game from Guerillapps and TerraCycle.  In the game, you can clean up trash and upcycle it to fun products like necklaces, Valentine’s Day cards and heart shaped wreaths to send to friends or to decorate your town.  Players’ hearts will swell because Trash Tycoon creates positive social impact by donating 10% of in-game dollars to environmental projects sponsored by CarbonFund.org.

Next, love Mother Earth and your Valentine by making an upcycled necklace out of Kraft Cheese wrappers or chocolate wrappers, just like the necklace in Trash Tycoon!  TerraCycle’s Design Junkies have brought the beaded necklace into the real world with simple, do-it-yourself instructions available for download here: bit.ly/ValentineBraceletDIY.   Whether you make one for that special Valentine or one for each of your friends, recipients will be touched that you took the time to give them a heartfelt, handmade gift.

Here is the How-To on YouTube.

Finally, Valentine’s Day and candy go together like peas and carrots, but the packaging can be a real heartbreaker.  All those red and pink wrappers left over from sweet treats can be sent to TerraCycle through Mars’ Candy Wrapper Brigade to be recycled and earn money for charity.  Signing up is free and easy at www.terracycle.com.

About TerraCycle

TerraCycle, Inc. is an international upcycling and recycling company that takes difficult-to recycle-packaging and turns it into affordable, innovative products.  Founded in 2001, TerraCycle (www.terracycle.com) is the world’s leader in the collection and reuse of non-recyclable post-consumer waste. TerraCycle works with more than 30 major brands in the U.S. and around the world to collect used packaging and products that would otherwise be destined for landfills. It repurposes that waste into new, innovative materials and products that are available online and through major retailers. The waste is collected through TerraCycle’s Brigade programs, which are free fundraisers that pay for every piece of waste collected and returned. For information on how to join a TerraCycle Brigade and on purchasing TerraCycle products please visit www.terracycle.com.

 

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02nd Feb2012

Etsy Valentines

by Dinah Wulf

Valentine’s Day is almost here and for me, it’s my Birthaversentine (Birthday, Anniversary, and V day all within 10 days of one another… I know I know… didn’t quite think that through. I did, however, make it clear to my husband that one gift doesn’t cover all three). Soooo, I thought I’d give some shout outs to my favorite Etsy Valentines handmade crafts. I literally scrolled through over 2000 items and these were my favs! Here we go!

Oh my! Starting big with my favorite one! This heart shaped mason jar chandelier is right up my alley!

Spoon Me Pillow – So cute! Buffalovely will customize a pillow by color and script.

I couldn’t resist! This greeting card and magnet set cracks me up! For $4 you can’t go wrong.

Check out this nostalgic cuff from VictoriaCampDesigns! What a cute idea! I’d definitely wear it.

He WAS Luke’s father, wasn’t he? This Darth Vader “Everyone’s a lover sometime” Lego piece by iLego is adorable. It’s perfect for your Lego or Star Wars lovers.

Love this feed sack inspired pillow!

Don’t forget about the doggies! I admit that my pups haven’t gotten as much attention since the little one arrived.  They definitely could use some extra homemade dog treats this year.

And for those of you who celebrate Anti-Valentine’s Day.  I love these conversation heart earrings.  You can purchase pairs such as “you suck” and “loser” or “no way” and “get lost”. These are perfect Valentine’s Day gift for your single girlfriends (or some guy friends, I suppose).

 

 

 

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25th Jan2012

Felt Wreaths

by Dinah Wulf

Ever since I made my Recycled Book Wreath and my Coffee Filter Wreath, I became obsessed with wreaths. They can look great all year round.  Also, lately I have noticed many cute do-it-yourself projects made out of felt, so naturally I thought… felt wreath! As I did my DIY inspiration research I came across so many beautiful felt wreaths. So many, that now I am confused as to which one I’d like to pursue. Maybe you can help me choose.  Here are some of my favorites.

This one from ProjectNursery stood out because of the colors.  Although I’m not really a pink type of gal, the gray wreath and pink ribbon just caught my eye.

Check out this one from PurlBee. It’s a wreath and wall hanging in one… very feminine and pretty.

TheBerry showcased this wreath.  I like how the entire wreath is not felt, rather just the embellishment.

GREEN Peace sign!!! Need I say more? (Source Unknown)

Perfect for Valentine’s Day, this one from TheIdeaRoom is so sweet.

Another pretty gray felt wreath that caught my eye from KristenEliseDesigns.

Love, love, love this all white felt wreath from Domestifluff.

Here are a few more that I found from Pintrest. Ugh! There are too many felt wreaths to choose from! In the meantime, I should probably master the felt flower. Perhaps, I can do a combo of all of the above! Any suggestions?

 

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27th Dec2011

New Year’s Specialty Cocktail Recipes

by Dinah Wulf

Recipes by David Edessa

I hope you had a Merry Christmas! Can you believe it’s already over?  It’s time to celebrate the New Year! What better way than with a great cocktail?

Here are some more delicious New Year’s Specialty cocktail recipes by David Edessa for your upcoming New Year’s party!  I hope you enjoyed his first post on Holiday Martinis.  I tried the Santa’s Cookies recipe and it was so good.

The first two use martini recipes use Monin Lavender Syrup.  It can be purchased online or in some coffee/tea shops. It’s about $6.00 for a 750ml bottle and adds a well worth refreshing hint to your party cocktails.  He ends this post with a yummy Egg Nog JELLO shot that is to die for!  Check them out!

Enjoy!

Lavender Lemontini

  • 2 oz. Stoli Lemon Vodka
  • 1 oz. fresh lemon juice
  • 1 Tbsp. Monin Lavender syrup
  • Lavender sprig for garnish

Directions: Fill cocktail shaker to the rim with ice cubes, add ingredients and shake vigorously. Pour into a martini glass and garnish with a lavender sprig.

Blueberry Lavender Martini

  • 1.5 oz. Stoli Blueberry Vodka
  • 1/2 oz. Peach Schnapps
  • 1 Tbsp. Monin Lavender syrup
  • 1/2 oz. lime juice

Directions: Fill cocktail shaker to the rim with ice cubes, add ingredients and shake vigorously. Pour into a martini glass.  Finish your martini glass with a splash of Sparkling Moscato wine.  Use fresh blueberries as a garnish.

Pomegranate Persuasion Martini

  • 1.5 oz. Pearl Pomegranate Vodka
  • 1/2 oz. Peach Schnapps
  • 1/2 oz. Cranberry Juice

Directions: Fill cocktail shaker to the rim with ice cubes, add ingredients and shake vigorously. Pour into a martini glass.  Finish your martini glass with a splash of Sparkling Moscato wine.  Garnish with a few pomegranate seeds.

Eggnog JELLO Shots

Servings: About ten

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup Eggnog
  • 1 oz. Envelope Unflavored Gelatin
  • ¾ cup Spiced Rum
  • ¼ cup Coconut Milk
  • ½ tsp. Vanilla Extract
  • ¼ tsp. Ground Cinnamon

Directions: In a small saucepan, bring eggnog to a boil. Pour eggnog into a heatproof bowl. Sprinkle unflavored gelatin over the eggnog and let it sit for a minute. Stir until gelatin is dissolved; allow the mixture to cool. Add rum, coconut milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon; stir until well combined. Pour the mix into shot glasses and refrigerate until firm.

Helpful Tips:

  • Consider using plastic shot glasses available at most party supply stores.
  • Garnish Ideas- Whipped cream and holiday sprinkles, crushed candy canes or cinnamon sticks.
  • Use a few drops of green or red or blue food coloring for a festive look.

 

 

Photo Sources: PetitChef.com, Sarahjio.com, TheNibble.com

 

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25th Dec2011

Merry Christmas 2011

by Dinah Wulf

Merry Christmas!

To you, your family, and friends

From The Wulf’s!

A sincere thank you for your continued support.

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23rd Dec2011

Etsy New Years

by Dinah Wulf

New Years Eve is just around the corner… that means 2012 is right around the corner.  What the heck? Where did the past year (or five) go?? I swear time flies as you get older…ew.

Making my usual rounds on Etsy, I found some amazing items from these very talented Etsy Sellers.  I perused some New Year’s ideas for party decorations if you are staying at home, or for inspiration if you are going out.  These were my top five. Check them out… very cool stuff for an Etsy New Years!

If you are throwing a party, these printables will help you get started.  Check out these New Year’s Vintage Glam Printable party invitations by Anders Ruff. I love the color and design.

This Stamped Letter Happy New Year Banner by Bekah Jennings is so simple and beautiful.  It’s perfect for across your mantel, or around the food table.

The perfect party favor and activity in one, these New Year’s Eve Props on a Stick by Little Retreats will keep your guests entertained and make great photo ops!

If you are going out for New Years, this Vintage Style Steam Punk Mini Hat Fascinator by Feather Light Designs will top off your outfit.  So adorable!

The second I saw these, I had to share them.  Come on now!  These Peacock Feather False Lashes by Oaktopia Designs are amazing!!!

Happy Almost New Year!

 

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20th Dec2011

Holiday Martinis

by Dinah Wulf

One of my long time best friends, David Edessa is the best Mixologist I know! He can create a tasty libation like no other! Because I am such a lucky gal, David has agreed to share some of his cocktail recipes on DIY Inspired (I can’t contain myself!).  This post is his first, a collection of yummy holiday martinis perfect for your Holiday or New Year’s celebrations.

Ginger Snap Eggnog Martini

1oz Godiva White chocolate

1oz Vanilla Vodka

1/2oz Goldshlager

2oz Eggnog

Rim with crushed ginger snap cookies

 

Santa’s Cookies Martini

1oz Baileys

2oz Vanilla Vodka

1oz Godiva white chocolate

Splash cream(1oz)

Rim with crushed Oreo cookies

 

Peppermint Bark Martini

2oz Vanilla Vodka

1oz Peppermint Schnapps

1/2oz Clear Crème De Menthe

1/2oz Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur

1 tsp. Grenadine (for color… Not too much)

Rim with crushed peppermint bark

Trader Joes carries tasty ginger snaps and peppermint bark

 

Praline Eggnog Martini

1oz Vanilla Vodka

1oz Praline Pecan Liqueur

1oz Godiva Caramel

2oz Eggnog

 

Tip: When using goodies to rim a cocktail glass, make sure to crush the cookies as fine as possible.  To rim, use simple syrup (sugar water), grenadine, or other syrup to adhere to the glass. You can also consider using Grand Marnier, Cointreau, or Triple Sec as well.

You might want to consider having a hot beverage like cider, hot buttered rum or peppermint chocolate (spiked, of course)! I hope you enjoy these and try them out! If you do, come back and leave a comment and let us know your thoughts!

 

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