DIY Centerpieces - DIYInspired.com
02nd Aug2012

Summer Birthday Party Decorations

by Dinah Wulf

OK, so I decided that since I feel like I have so much to share about this party, I needed to break up my posts.  Yesterday, I did a post on a Summer Birthday Party Sneak Peek; today I want to share Summer Birthday Party Decorations including favors and games.  Next week, I’ll share Summer Birthday Party Food and Drink.

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Flowers

First, the flowers!!  My amazing friend Maily (who loves this stuff as much as I do… maybe more), brought over some fresh cut flowers from her Mother’s and Sister’s gardens the day before the party.  Between the two of us, we gathered several glass jars, vases, and even old pickle, jelly, and sauce jars to arrange the flowers in.  We kept the flowers inside in the cool over night to keep them as fresh as possible.  We scattered the arrangements on the guest and food tables.

Decorations

I made Burlap Butterfly Wall Art and a Repurposed Plant Hanger Chandelier for the party.  I also hung several butterflies, garden umbrellas, and lanterns on fishing line.  I designed a party banner online and I also made framed signs like, “decorate your own cupcake” and “happy birthday Mia” for the tables.

Game

Because we had a bounce house, shaved ice station, and a cupcake decorating station, I decided to only do one game.  It was essentially hot potato played with a large gift.  I wrapped three prizes, the best prize in the smallest package, the 2nd place prize in the next package, and the third place prize in the largest package all inside one another.  For example, the third place winner got the smallest prize in the largest package.

Favors

Towards the end of spring, I started shopping for favors for this party because I knew all the spring items would be marked down drastically.  I was able to find these great $8 butterfly nets for $2!!  I made small packages with candy, and bugs for the boys and butterflies for the girls.

Come back next week to see Summer Birthday Party Food and Drink!

 

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10 Comm
24th Jul2012

DIY Floral Arrangement

by Dinah Wulf

My friend Maily is the ULTIMATE (non-professional) floral arranger.   I got a phone call from her a few weeks ago and we quickly got together to collaborate for the flowers for my daughter’s birthday party.  She has such an amazing eye, and I wanted to share some tips if one day you consider taking on DIY Floral Arrangement for your next bridal shower , baby shower, or and special event.  You can save so much money by taking this on yourself.  By the way, all the flowers shown in this post were done by Maily (I told you she was fabulous!).

Tip #1: Shop Wholesale

Lucky for us we live nearby the Los Angeles floral district.  There you will find fresh cut wholesale flowers and greenery.  If you don’t live near something like this, check discount super stores like Sam’s Club or Costco for inexpensive flowers.

Tip #2:  Use Coupons

When purchasing your floral supplies, always check your weekly ads for craft supply stores such as Michael’s.  Nine out of ten times you will find a 40% (sometimes 50%) off coupon.  If you are shopping online, don’t forget to search for coupon codes.

Tip #3: Don’t forget about embellishments

When arranging your flowers, you can easily implement beads, feathers, beautifully crafted butterflies, and even lighting.

Tip #4: Think vertically and horizontally

Depending on where you are placing your flowers, keep in mind whether you need to build your bouquet vertically or horizontally.  For horizontal arrangements use a shallow vase or container. Also think about the shape of your arrangement (oval, triangle, etc.).

Tip #5: Use creative recycled containers

A floral arrangement doesn’t always have to go in a glass vase or a pot. Consider using, a small vintage suitcase, a hollowed out book, a vintage tin, mason jars, you get the picture!

Of course, if taking on your own floral arrangement is too much, there are great sites like PickupFlowers to help.  Don’t forget to use your PickupFlowers Coupons upon your visit with them!

 

A special thank you goes out to CouponSnapshot.com for sponsoring this post.

Photo Source: BrendanCaoPhotography.com

 

 

 

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2 Comm
16th Jul2012

DIY Cupcake Stand

by Dinah Wulf

The BEST part of this DIY Cupcake Stand project is that I bought these blue trays years ago for $2.00 a piece on sale.  I have used them MULTIPLE times for baby showers, birthday parties, Super Bowl parties, and everyday entertaining.

I wanted to use them again for my daughter’s birthday party.  This time, however I wanted to create more height and dimension to the table to make the presentation better. I purchased two candlestick holders from a local thrift store for $1.25 each. I added a small wooden circle cut out so that the platters would be more stable and glued it to the top of the candlestick.  I decided to paint them white with paint I already had.  I simply attached the candlesticks with E6000 adhesive.

You can purchase E6000 here: E-6000 Med Visc 1-Ounce Adhesive

Here are some tips when completing this DIY Cupcake Stand Project:

  • Make sure that the platters you choose are food safe.
  • Wash all platters and candlestick holders and remove all stickers before you begin.
  • When aligning your platters, place them against a corner for more accurate alignment (see photo).
  • Place something heavy on top of the top platter until it dries completely.
  • Follow the directions on your glue as directed for drying times.
  • Do not wash your Cupcake Stand in the washer, rather hand wash them.

Here are some more after photos.

 

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8 Comm
16th May2012

Asian Themed Party

by Dinah Wulf

2012 is the year of the Dragon, the mightiest of all the signs… that means it’s MY year… yep I live by my own rules, I’m passionate, and I take risks (kind of sort of)!

I have shown some of my ideas for an Asian themed party in past blog posts like: Chinese Take Out Box Centerpieces and gift idea for an Asian Themed Baby Shower and A fun party favor idea and simple tutorial, How to Make Candy Dipped Fortune Cookies. Here are a few photos.

Event planner extraordinaire, Maily Cano strikes again with a beautiful red Asian Themed Party. Red is synonymous with an Asian themed party because it is an important color that represents good luck and prosperity. I keep forgetting that Maily is a successful Auto Broker by day! Geesh!

No Asian Themed Party is complete without hanging paper lanterns! Lanterns are widely used for festivals in Asia. Especially in China, you will see them hung everywhere during these celebrations. Check out an interesting history HERE.  Maily adorned each table with beautiful floral arrangements and draped crystals from their branches.

Red represents Fire and black represents Water, two of the five elements. Each table is covered in a red table cloth surrounded by black chairs. Red also represents good fortune and joy.

Other color inspirations for an Asian themed party:

  • Blue-Green – represents nature, vigor, and vitality
  • Green – represents health and harmony
  • Blue – represents immortality
  • White/Silver – represents purity and fulfillment
  • Yellow/Gold – considered the most beautiful and most symbolic and signifies good luck

I hope you found this useful and inspiring!  Happy party planning!

 

All Red Asian Themed Party photos were taken by Brendan Cao Photography.

 

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2 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!

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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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2 Comm
02nd Jan2012

Wine Bottle Frames

by Dinah Wulf

I made these wine bottle frames out of recycled wine bottles for a wine tasting party.  It was also a bridal shower party, so I used them for a “who knows the bride best game”. I framed each question and placed the wine bottle frames all over the room so that the guests could mingle, talk, drink their wine, and play the game at the same time. Each guest wrote their answers next to the corresponding question number on their wine scoring card.

These wine bottle frames are very simple to make. The materials needed are, an empty wine bottle, a wooden frame, picture frame hangers, and string or ribbon.  I purchased the wooden frames from IKEA which were only $1.99 for a set of three…CHEAP!

The pictures speak for themselves, but all you need to do is to screw each picture frame eyelet into the wooden frame by hand in the desired area.  It takes a little pressure at first, but it should screw in fairly easily.  Use a ribbon or string to hang the frame onto the wine bottle.

Also consider, decorating the bottle with wallpaper remnants or scrapbook paper, or ribbon or you can also paint the inside of your frame with chalkboard paint.  I preferred to remove the wine label with warm soapy water.  There is something beautiful about a plain wine bottle.  Arrange your display with other wine bottles of different colors and sizes.

Another option is to frame a letter and place several bottles in a row to spell out the bride’s (guests or honor’s) new last name.  Use decorative paper as a boarder.  Make displays by using other recycled wine bottles and recycled wine crates.

 

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4 Comm
05th Dec2011

Frosted Mason Jars

by Dinah Wulf

Mason jars are so beautiful in their own rustic way. There are so many ways you can recycle glass jars.  Mason Jars in particular can be useful to store craft supplies, hold flowers, dispense soap, or use as illuminaries.

These Classico Sauce jars are my favorite.

I have a cupboard full because I know I’ll find a place for all of them! I decided to try frosting a few to see how they would turn out.  Here is what I did.

First clean and rinse your jars with soap and water (that is, after you eat the sauce!).  To remove the label, soak them in warm soapy water for about an hour.  Jars may vary with soaking time.  Most labels come off very easy.  Use the rough side of a sponge to gently scrub off the label.

Next, dry each Mason jar thoroughly.

If desired, you can use stickers or decals to create a design.  I used simple curling ribbon and wrapped the jar, securing it with tape.

Spray paint the jars in a well-ventilated area holding the can approximately 12 inches away. Allow them to dry.

Remove the ribbon, sticker(s), or decal(s).  There you have it!

So easy! Mix them with unfrosted jars and insert tea lights for a pretty glow or consider making mason jar centerpieces for a wedding. Just add flowers!

 

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7 Comm
29th Nov2011

DIY Apothecary Jars

by Dinah Wulf

I love the look of apothecary jars.  They are so beautiful and can serve several display purposes.  You can use them for candy, holiday decorations, or even display your collections. They look pretty on a mantel or kitchen island or even a bathroom filled with sponges or shells.  I like to use them for candy on a candy bar dessert table for parties.

Because I’m so cheap, and apothecary jars start at about twenty dollars apiece for the small ones, I decided to try a little do it yourself project.

I found a box of four glass canisters at a discount housewares store for twelve dollars.

On one of my recent thrift store ventures, I found some candle holders for $1.50 apiece.

Additional materials needed are 1) spray paint of your choice, and 2) a strong adhesive.  In my case, I chose a metallic silver spray paint and Gorilla glue.

Before you start, make sure your candle holders are clean and free of wax.  When you spray paint them, every little bump will show (I learned this the hard way).

Spray paint your candlesticks holding the can about 12 inches away in a well-ventilated area.

When the paint is completely dry, approximately two hours, glue the candlestick to the canister. I let the glue set overnight before picking it up, just to be safe.

Voila! Instant DIY apothecary jar! Fill it with whatever you like… pinecones, peppermint sticks, or ornaments for the holidays are perfect for this time of year.

 

You may also like these other crafty eco-friendly centerpiece ideas:

 

 

 

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7 Comm
31st Oct2011

Forevermore: A Hallowedding

by Dinah Wulf

Happy Halloween Everyone!

I also wanted to wish one of my friends from college, Katie O’Bryan and her husband Tony a happy one year Hallowedding anniversary! Or should I say, Hallowversary…no wait that doesn’t quite work.  Scratch that last part.

With Katie’s permission, I received the honor of sharing her elegant and eerie Hallowedding with all of you.  With the help of her wedding planner, Carole Grogan of Bright Blue Events and a lot of imagination and creativity, this Hallowedding was frightfully fantastic to say the least.

The little details are what made the event absolutely perfect. With over eighty hand carved pumpkins and a Magician for entertainment, it was difficult to narrow down a plethora of incredible photographs.

I have to start with the honorees, the bride and groom. To fit the theme, the bride wore a beautiful Etsy feather hairpiece, blue spider earrings, and orange garter, while the groom’s attire was complete with a top hat and cane.  Katie, the eighteen months of salads paid off…GORGEOUS!

The flowers were red calla lilies with coordinating red and orange flowers for the bridesmaids.   I love the black feather accents.

The little ring box was a casket with the words, “Til death do us part” written on top and after the ceremony the guests were instructed to fill out a tombstone place card and “find your resting place”.

The guests could capture a memory in front of a Halloween photo backdrop and could also leave a special message to the bride and groom on the framed board pictured below.

Here are a few pictures of the table centerpieces atop black table cloths and accented with orange napkins.

The blue, black, and white cake was stunning with pink champagne and red velvet layers from Some Crust Bakery in Claremont, California.

Here are a few final details including the candle lighting ceremony in a giant carved pumpkin!

Happy Anniversary, Tony and Katie!  Thank you for inspiring us!

Photo Source: Chris R. Chavira Photography Phone: 310.500.9075

 

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2 Comm
20th Oct2011

Wine Tasting Party

by Dinah Wulf

I don’t know much about wine, but one of my best friends, and bride to be LOVES it.  Her mother, sister, and I decided to throw her a wine tasting bridal shower party. I have to say, it was one of the best showers I have been to.  Between the bridal shower games and the wine tasting itself we had such a great time that all the guests stayed for quite a while.  Here are a few easy DIY decorating ideas for a bridal shower wine tasting party theme.

Wine Tasting Score Cards

I made cards out of card stock and scrapbook paper that doubled as wine tasting score cards and an answer sheet to a “who knows the bride best” game. On the wine tasting score card I had instructions and a rating system for five different wines.  There were five categories including, appearance, aroma, body, taste, and finish. I supplied pencils with the letter “W” all over them, the initial for the bride’s new last name.

Wine Charms

I made personalized wine charms with each guest’s monogram.  For a complete tutorial on how to make wine charms click here.  Each guest took the glass and charm home as a party favor.

Wine Tasting

The wine tasting was so much fun.  I’ve never really done it before at a party.  I went to a local wine specialty store to help me choose the featured wines.  They were able to assist me and curtailed it to my budget.  I displayed the featured wines as part of a centerpiece as well as the wine tasting steps.

Bridal Shower Trivia Game

I wanted each guest to be able to mingle and meet one another, so I had a “who knows the bride best” game. Instead of the traditional ask and answer game, I displayed each question in a wine glass picture frame and placed them all around the room and outside on the patio.  It allowed each guest to walk around, talk, and look at the decorations. Some sample bridal shower trivia questions I used were:

  • What is the bride’s biggest pet peeve about the groom?
  • What is the bride’s most favorite feature of the groom?
  • What is the bride’s favorite sports team?
  • How many countries has the bride visited?
  • What is the bride’s favorite food?
  • Where did the bride and groom meet?
  • Where is the bride and groom going on their honeymoon?
  • Who asked whom out first?
  • Where was their first date?

If you are throwing a wine tasting party only, and not a bridal shower, consider using wine trivia questions instead.

Recycled Wine Bottle Centerpieces

Wine bottles come in so many sizes and colors and are so beautiful when they are grouped together.  I asked my friends to save their wine bottles and collected them to use as party decorations.  Click here to find out more on how to make wine bottle frames.

Hanging Tissue Paper Flowers

I made hanging tissue paper flowers out of cocktail napkins instead of tissue paper.  I decided to do this because it was cheaper than tissue paper, and the color scheme of the napkins fit the décor.  Click here for a full tutorial on how to make tissue paper flowers out of cocktail napkins.

Decorate Your Own Wine Glass

This party game was a hit!  I had a wine glass decorating station.  At the guest’s leisure, they were able to sit down and anonymously get creative.  The bride chose the winning glass. At the decorating station I had craft markers in all colors especially made for glass, gems in all sizes, shapes and colors, googly eyes, ribbon, and other embellishments. The winner received a prize and each guest took their glass home to remember the occasion.

Other Simple DIY Decorating Ideas

I framed the letters of the bride’s new last name, “Mrs. Walker”.

I used recycled wine corks to labeled the food by cutting a flat side and a slit on top with a sharp knife.

I made easy DIY cupcake decorations with the couples monogram.

I placed framed pictures of the happy couple everywhere.

I picked up recycled wine crates from a wine specialty shop to use in the décor.  Check your local wine shop.  They sell them for about $5.00 a piece, or give them away for free!

I used scrapbook paper, ribbon, and twine to embellish recycled wine bottles.

P.S. Today is the bride to be’s birthday! Happy birthday, Sara! I love you!! Thanks for always being an inspiration in my life!

 

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22 Comm
17th Oct2011

Halloween Glittered Skulls

by Dinah Wulf

I saw these beautiful glittered skulls in a little boutique the other week.  The first thing I thought of (the first thing I always think of) was that I can make that!  Then, of course, I forgot about it.  A week later I saw them at Target, at another craft boutique, and then again on Martha Stewart’s website!  So needless to say, I finally sat down to make these glittered skulls.

Since I am obsessed with Halloween (and glitter), I didn’t have to buy anything to complete this project!  I had everything in my craft room or my garage.  Here are the materials I used.

This is an easy and fun Halloween craft that you can do with kids.  It is pretty self-explanatory, but I thought I’d post some pictures and some tips to make your life easier (and less messy).

Tip One: Use several paper plates.  Use one plate for applying glue, and one plate for each color of glitter you use.  Also have extra on the side just in case.

Tip Two:  Use a cooling rack to set your newly glittered bugs and bones on to dry.

Tip Three: You don’t have to glitter the parts that do not show.  This will make it easier to hold as you glue and glitter.  If you would like to glitter the entire piece, I suggest applying one side, allow it to dry completely, and then apply the second side.

Tip Four:  Keep a damp paper towel near you at all times and wash your hands in between glittering with each color.

Tip Five: Keep an extra small paint brush on hand.  You can use this one for touch ups.

Tip Six:  The dollar store is a great place to find Halloween items to glitter.

Tip Seven: Wash and clean your paint brushes right away.

Here are a couple pictures.  I chose not to glitter the back of the skulls because I liked the contrasting texture and color.

 

 

 

 

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Category : DIY Tips and Tricks, Holidays
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6 Comm
09th Sep2011

7 Ways to Reuse Light Bulbs

by Dinah Wulf

7 Ways to Reuse Light Bulbs

So I decided that today is Reuse and Recycle Friday. If you’ve been following my blog then you are familiar with my obsession to creatively recycle, reuse, and repurpose.  I’ve done blog posts in the past about reusing old, crates, old books, boxes, jars, beer bottles, you name it.

Being the geek that I am, I inspected, rummaged, and explored my house to see what other household items could be recycled creatively.  In thought, I looked up, finger on the tip of my nose, and saw them staring right at me.  Light bulbs!  So here is what I found…because apparently there are several other people out there (well, at least six) that thought of the same thing.  Here we go, seven cool
and artistic ways to reuse light bulbs.

Design Squish, one of my favorite websites, showed how to make these cute oil lamps.

How great is this light bulb lamp and cube hanging lamp posted by fellow blogger at technabob.com? I love the industrial style of the hanging bulb light fixture.  It’s genius and doubles as a sculpture!

OK, this “fish bowl” is a really cute idea, but can a fish really survive in there?  Maybe a plastic fish is better.

These hanging bud vases would be a super cute party or garden decoration.

One of my favorites, this terrarium piece adds life to any room.  It’s pretty too!

Last but not least, so creative and love; this is another great idea for a simple party centerpiece. Check out this cute light bulb bud vase.

 

 

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8 Comm
31st Aug2011

Carnival Theme or Circus Theme Party

by Dinah Wulf

Carnival Theme or Circus Theme Party

One of my best friends, Jennifer Hostetler, ALWAYS comes up with amazing ideas for a theme party.  This year, for her daughter’s first birthday, she decided to do a Circus theme.  With a little do it yourself creativity and a lot of imagination, Jennifer hosted a fabulous party on a budget.  Carnival theme or circus theme parties are great party theme ideas.

DIY Centerpieces

If you read this blog, you KNOW what a HUGE fan I am of dollar bin decorating, especially for a kid’s theme party.  Jennifer found these great circus themed pieces for the centerpieces. She took it one step further and glued popcorn and peanuts to give them a more realistic look. I love the way she made them all different.

Plastic Popcorn Tubs for Movie Night! – 1 Jumbo Tub and 4 Individual Tubs

Carnival Giant Decorating Kit
Carnival Game Ideas

Jennifer came up with these easy and inexpensive party game ideas to fit the carnival theme.  To keep the little guests busy, some of her party games included, a ring toss, baseball toss, and balloon dart throw.  For the ring toss she secured each empty beer bottle with glue onto a square wooden board.  I give it two thumbs up just for the beer bottle recycle factor!  Jennifer also recycled baby snack containers for the baseball toss by removing the label, painting the can, and weighing them down with pebbles.  She simply stacked three cans on a bar stool.

Candy Dessert Table

Big Top Carnival Treat Boxes – 12 per unit
I’ve posted before that a candy dessert table has a trifecta factor.  It is beautiful to look at, gives the guests something to do, and is tasty to eat.  Check out Jennifer’s gorgeous and colorful candy dessert table. She used a round table, which looked beautiful and yummy from all sides.  She created height with wrapped boxes and color and pattern with ribbon.

Do It Yourself Decorating

One thing about Jennifer is her attention to detail.  Check out these other great do it yourself decorating ideas for a circus theme party.

Jennifer is definitely someone who inspires me.  I didn’t even post half of the amazing details of this party.  Look out for her upcoming budget party blog to see the rest!!! I’ll be the first to let you know when it launches!  Thank you Jen for the inspiration! Love you!

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Category : DIY Budget Party, Inspiring People, Kid Stuff, Sweets and Treats
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14 Comm
04th Aug2011

5 Clever Ways to Reuse Tin and Aluminum Cans

by Dinah Wulf

5 Clever Ways to Reuse Tin and Aluminum Cans

So after doing this blog I have officially become a hoarder because I no longer want to throw anything away, in hopes that I can turn it into something fabulous!  I have also become a huge advocate for recycling, reusing, and repurposing.  Taking the eco-friendly route feels good and also gets your creative Do It Yourself juices flowing.

If you strive to be the Hostess with the most, I have discovered that reusing cans, jars, boxes, and the like are perfect for party centerpieces and other decorations.  By covering them with decorative paper, or painting them, recycling items like these gives them a whole new look to fit any party theme.  For example, use wrapping paper to cover old boxes and create height and dimension to a candy or dessert table, or use glass mason jars embellished with ribbon or raffia as a tea light holder.

Check out these five ideas for reusing tin and aluminum cans.

1. Aluminum Can Tea Lights - Turn your favorite cans of soda into  decorative lighting.

2. Food Can Centerpiece - Use vintage cans to create an interesting centerpiece.

3. Food Can Storage Containers - Paint food cans to store office supplies.

4. Tin Pincushion - Make a cute pincushion out of a small tin.

5. Craft Supply Tin - Cover food containers with scrapbook paper to store scissors, paint brushes, or other craft supplies.

 

Check out these other creative ways to recycle:

 

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7 Comm
29th Jul2011

DIY Centerpiece: Paper Cherry Blossom Display

by Dinah Wulf

DIY Centerpiece: Paper Cherry Blossom Display

Martha delivers yet once again! This Paper Cherry Blossom Display is a great DIY Centerpiece from Marthastewart.com. Something like this paper flower centerpiece would be perfect for a wedding or baby shower.  I actually had a cherry blossom theme for my baby shower, a pleasant whimsical theme and perfect for the summer or spring. These simple yet elegant paper flowers are embellished with wood branches and a vase.

Materials Needed:

  • Scissors
  • Vellum paper
  • Utility Knife

 

The complete steps from diagramed on Marthastewart.com are as follows.

To create five-petal blossoms, start by cutting pink or red glassine or vellum into 3 1/2-inch and 4 1/2-inch squares. Fold a square into a flat cone, following steps 1 to 4.

Using scissors, make four angled cuts to remove the top of the cone as in step 5.

With a utility knife, carve out a small rectangular sliver on each side of the cone. Snip off a tiny bit of the pointed tip of the cone, and unfold and shape the paper to yield a blossom. Collect branches from the yard, and poke their tips through the centers of the blossoms. Place the decorated branches in a tall vase filled with pebbles to anchor the display. For favor bags, fill colored-paper bags with token gifts of your choice, and fold down the closed tops of the bags twice. Punch a hole through one folded corner. Push colored brad through flower, then hole in bag to fasten.

Source: Marthastewart.com

You May Also Like:

 

Also, check out these Sweet Treats, perfect for any party:

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1 Comm
28th Jul2011

DIY Crafts: Party Pinwheels How-To

by Dinah Wulf

DIY Crafts: Party Pinwheels How-To

These whimsical party pinwheels were found on non other than, (one of) my idol Martha Stewart’s, website. These are perfect inexpensive and easy to make party decorations.

Here is how you make them.

1. Cut four 2 1/2″ circles for each pinwheel from solid craftstock. Cut each circle in half.
2. Cut two 2″ circles from coordinating patterned paper. Cut each circle in half and adhere to the solid half-circles.
3. Arrange into pinwheel shape as shown and adhere to wooden skewer using tissue tape. Adhere candy sticker to the center of each pinwheel.

Cute and simple in three easy steps!

Also check out a post from Shindig Diva. She shared a how to on flower pinwheels by Gwynn Wasson. You get get the template needed to make this adorable pinwheel on her blog.

 

 

 

Use different colors and patterns to fit any themed party.  Here are the materials you will need:

-Pinwheel Template
-Xacto knife or scissors
-Cookie Stick or Drilled Dowel
-Wooden Beads
-Button
-Wire
-Small hole punch
-Ribbon
-Hot Glue

In eight easy steps, this cute pinwheel will add whimsy to your party decor.

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Category : Crafts, DIY Budget Party
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4 Comm
25th Jul2011

Poker Party Ideas

by Dinah Wulf

Poker Party Ideas

A poker party or casino night is a fun theme party idea.  Need some Poker Party Ideas? With a little creativity, decorating for a party like this does not have to be expensive. One of my best friends hosted a poker tournament party for her husband’s 30th birthday and I helped her out with a few simple and inexpensive do it yourself party decorations.

Here are a few easy and budget-friendly poker party or casino night decoration ideas.

  1. Playing Card Centerpiece
  2. Poker Chip Favor
  3. Simple Drink Umbrellas
  4. Party Banner

Playing Card Centerpiece

Materials Needed:

  • Recycled Food Containers
  • Hot Glue Gun
  • Playing Cards
  • Ribbon

Begin by slightly bending each playing card.  Using hot glue, attach each card one by one in the desired pattern.  Embellish each can with coordinating ribbon.  I used them for pretzel rods and plastic utensils.

Poker Chip Favor

Materials Needed:

  • Poker Chips
  • Decoupage medium
  • Paint brush
  • Circle punch 1½ inch in diameter
  • Paper
  • 3” by 4” Transparent Archival Bags
  • Computer
  • Stapler

This project actually started by mistake.  My friend ordered personalized poker chips and they came in incorrect.  The company could not correct their mistake before the date of the party.

Using decoupage medium, paint on a 1½ inch paper circle with your custom design and let it dry completely.  One coat will suffice. Insert each chip into a transparent archival bag. Create a personalized tag on your computer and staple.

 

 

Simple Drink Umbrellas

These drink umbrellas are perfect for any party.  Simply cut the desired sized circle out of decorative paper.  I used circle shaped playing cards.  Using scissors cut one slit at the radius of the circle.  Fold over and attach with double sided tape.  Use a small dab of glue to attach a BBQ skewer.

Party Banners

This DIY craft is very simple and takes little time.  Just print out the message in any font and size you wish. Cut out the words and use double sided tape to adhere the words onto decorative scrapbook paper. Next, hot glue the words onto ribbon and hang. If you choose, add some pictures as shown.

Using the same instructions above, you can make this playing card banner.  I used it to embellish each cocktail table.


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Category : DIY Budget Party
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14 Comm
13th Jul2011

Paul Frank Party Centerpieces

by Dinah Wulf

Paul Frank Party Centerpieces

I am having a Rock N Roll Paul Frank birthday party for my daughter because my husband loves music and I love Paul Frank, and well my daughter’s only turning one so she didn’t have much say. I knew it’d be a tough theme, so I had to get crafty and creative. I made these party centerpieces in purple, green, pink, and yellow. I went with colored plastic grass and paper flowers in “pots” because it is a summer birthday party.

Materials:

  • Square containers
  • Scrapbook paper
  • Wooden sticks from any craft store, or BBQ Skewers
  • Floral foam
  • Paul Frank stickers (optional)
  • Plastic Grass or colored candies
  • Hot Glue gun
  • Scissors
  • Craft punches (optional)

These are very simple to make, as the pictures speak for themselves.  Just cut out the desired shapes and glue or tape them to wooden skewers.  Insert them in decorative containers to make a decorative bouquet.

You can make these arrangements in any theme you choose.  Here are some tips.

  • Click here to find out how to make pinwheels
  • Use Google Images to look for your theme’s pictures to use in your arrangement
  • Use assorted craft punches or cut out flowers by hand
  • Click here to find out how to make paper flowers
  • Colored candies, like M&M’s can also be used to conceal the floral foam.
  • The dollar bins at major retailers like Target, always have cute containers in a variety of colors and patterns.
  • Use rocks or pebbles at the bottom of your arrangement to weigh it down if your party is outdoors.
  • Click here for ideas on making matching party favors.

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Category : Crafts, DIY Budget Party, Kid Stuff
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0 Comm
31st May2011

Recycle Glass Bottles and Jars

by Dinah Wulf

Spaghetti jars? Baby food jars? Pickle Jars? Recycle Glass Bottles and Jars by getting crafty!

It IS easy being green! Everyone has glass bottles and jars just waiting to be recycled in their cupboard.  I actually didn’t realize how interesting spaghetti  jars and pickle jars were until I peeled off the label the other day. They actually make perfect sized drinking glasses or craft storage containers.  Mason jar crafts are omnipresent.  I’ve done a few of my own!

Here are six eco-friendly crafts from recycled glass bottles and jars. These are some of my favorite.  The flower vases and glass bottles make elegant centerpieces… such a fun and inexpensive idea for a wedding.

  1. Spice Rack from Natural Modern Materials
  2. Storage Containers
  3. Flower Vases from Wedding Number Three
  4. Glass Jar Frames from Apartment Therapy
  5. Terrariums from Crafting A Green World
  6. Candle Centerpiece from Natural Modern Materials

Think Green and repurpose and recycle glass bottles and jars!

 

More Ways to Repurpose! 

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Category : Trash To Treasure
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3 Comm
30th May2011

Asian Themed Baby Shower

by Dinah Wulf

My family and I are throwing an Asian Themed Baby Shower for my beautiful cousin, Maria. Because she was having a boy, I suggested doing the party in hues of blues and greens instead of the traditional red, black, and gold colors typically associated with an Asian theme.

Here are the centerpieces I came up with. I used Chinese take-out boxes in blue and green, and embellished them with coordinating ribbon, beads, and charms. I printed out Chinese characters for “mother”, “father”, “baby boy”, “family”, and “happiness” and glued each one to the front.

I filled them with goodies for the mother-to-be to take home and added a set of chopsticks that I happened to find in my junk drawer from Chinese take out a few weeks ago!

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Category : DIY Budget Party, Special Occasions
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10 Comm
01st May2011

DIY Crafts: Parasol Topiaries

by Dinah Wulf

One of my favorite Blogs for party ideas that I stalk daily, Hostess With the Mostess showed how to make these adorable DIY paper parasol topiaries out of inexpensive drink umbrellas. They would make cute decorations for a summer or Cinco de Mayo party (or as my friends would call it, Cinco de Drinko).

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Check out these Sweet Treats, perfect for any party:

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Category : DIY Budget Party, Holidays, Special Occasions
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