12 Days of DIY :: Day 10 :: Ornament Garlands

This is a simple yet gorgeous way to accent a tree, a mantle, a doorway, or any other space where you can hang a garland. Few supplies are needed for this glamorous effect! I think I'm heading down to the basement after this post to dig out some old ornaments and beads! My mantle could use a few strands of these...

Materials

• plastic-beaded garland
• ornaments (the kind with the detachable metal cap)

 

 

To attach an ornament to the garland, gently pull the metal cap from the ornament and separate the wire loop from the cap. Place the cap back on the ornament. Slip the wire loop around the garland and, pinching the wire ends together, insert them through the cap on the top of the ornament so that they spring open inside of it and hold it in place.

See the full guest post from David Stark Designs on Design*Sponge

12 Days of DIY :: Day 9 :: Two Toned Gift Wrapping

I had a lunch today with a group of fabulous ladies, and we did a gift exchange that I took a gift for. I wanted to make sure my gift was beautifully wrapped, so I called upon my blog list for wrapping ideas! I came across this post from One Charming Party and decided to try it. It's so easy, and you can use up those mismatched pieces of wrapping paper that you've been saving up....

I think everyone has this problem at some time or other. You are wrapping a present and you run out of wrapping paper. This happens a lot when I wrap big boxes. Here is a great trick for covering large boxes or using up leftover scraps. Try the two-toned gift. Wrap half of your present with one kind of paper and the the other half with another kind. Then cover the seam with a pretty ribbon. Viola! This is also great for when you have reversible wrapping paper and can’t decide which side you like better. Happy wrapping. (from One Charming Party)

Here's my gift that I wrapped today!

12 Days of DIY :: Day 8 :: Gingerbread Martini Jelly Shot

Today's DIY project is of the yummy edible variety! If you're having a holiday gathering, or if you just want to make your holiday at home a little more fun, try these delicious holiday "edible cocktails" from Jelly Shot Test Kitchen. Don't they look festive??

 

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup Monin Gingerbread syrup
• 3 tbsp water
• 3 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
• 2 1/2 envelopes Knox gelatin (1/2 envelope equals about 1 tsp of gelatin powder)
• 1/2 cup vanilla vodka
• 1/2 cup Baileys Irish Creme liqueur
• 1/3 cup Kahlua coffee flavoured liqueur
• Whipped topping and maraschino cherry segments for garnish, if desired

Instructions:

Pour gingerbread syrup, water, and sweetened condensed milk into a small saucepan and sprinkle with gelatin.  Allow to soak for a minute or two.  Heat over low heat until gelatin is fully dissolved, about 5 minutes.  Mixture will be a bit thick.  When gelatin is dissolved, remove from heat.  Mix in the vodka first, then the Bailey’s and Kahlua, stirring well after to each addition to fully incorporate.  Strain to remove any un-dissolved gelatin solids. 

Pour into molds or pan.  Chill until fully set, several hours or overnight. 

To serve, unmold or cut into desired shapes.  Immediately before serving, garnish each jelly shot with a little whipped topping and a maraschino cherry segment. 

Makes 18 to 24 jelly shots.  


Unmolding Tips (metal mold):

• Allow gelatin to set until completely firm, preferably overnight.
• Before attempting to unmold, loosen the edges of the gelatin by pulling gently either with a clean fingertip or a knife dipped in warm water to loosen. 
•  Dip mold in warm water, just to rim, for 10 seconds (Don't dip for too long, as jelly shots can get a bit melty, losing the crisp detail of the mold.  If this happens, don't worry!  Just return the mold to the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes and try again!)  
•  Lift mold from water and gently pull gelatin from edge of mold with moist fingers. Invert the mold onto a nonstick cookie sheet, and give it a little shake.  Repeat the pulling, inverting and shaking process until all the jelly shots have been removed from the pan.  

See the full post and find more delicious jelly shots at Jelly Shot Test Kitchen.

12 Days of DIY :: Day 7 :: Ice Bottle Cooler

A genius idea to keep beverages cold in a decorative and eye-catching way! These ice bottle coolers can be used for liquor, wine, or even non-alcoholic drinks such as lemonade or tea.

 

Supplies:

•  A 3-liter empty soda container that you will cut the top off of
• distilled water for more clarity in your end result 
• fruit such as lemons, limes, star fruit, or cranberries
• duct tape - only in case your bottle floats up in the water 

Instructions:

 

Place the bottle of vodka inside the 3-liter container and fill with an inch or two of the distilled water - freeze until solid.

When the base is frozen you can begin adding slice fruit or berries around the bottle and fill with more water to just cover the fruit layer - freeze until solid.

 

Once the first fruit layer is frozen you can add your next layer in the same manner, filling with distilled water enough to cover the fruit.  This layer should take you to the top of the vodka bottle - freeze until solid.

Once the cooler is frozen, take it out of the freezer so it can thaw slightly - enough to work the 3-liter container off of the ice (about 30 minutes).  You may still need to dip in luke warm water to help ease it off.  Once you have the ice cooler out of the container store it in the freezer until ready to set on your bar.

Tips:

When setting the ice cooler out on your bar, set it in a shallow dish or tray that is lined with a small towel. This will prevent the icy base from slipping around on the dish, as well as help contain the melting ice.  Under normal home temperatures this should last a few hours. 

If you would like to use the ice cooler for white wine or other cold drink, just insert an empty bottle (wine bottle or other decorative bottle) into the 3-liter container and follow the same steps.  You can add your beverage to the empty bottle inside (using a funnel) after the cooler is frozen.

See the original post for this fabulous idea at Celebrations at Home.

12 Days of DIY :: Day 6 :: Rock Candy Cone Trees

Here's another beautiful and creative way to use candy in your holiday decor! Last year we did a peppermint candy cone that turned out wonderful, and here's another candy cone tree idea we found on Somewhere Splendid. This project is pretty simple really, and by using rock candy you can find just about any color you want! The finished product looks gorgeous (and delicious)!

Supplies:

• floral cone forms in varying heights
• rock candy crystals in three or more colors
• hot glue
• solid text weight paper in your lightest hue
• spray adhesive
• cookie sheet

Instructions:

With the cookie sheet turned horizontally, pour your rock candy across the surface in a long line. The darkest color of rock candy should be at the bottom of the cookie sheet. The row of candy above your first should be slightly lighter than and flush with the previous row. Repeat this process, ending with the lightest shade of candy on the top row. Set aside.

Turn the paper to a landscape orientation and wrap around each cone. Slightly overlap the paper in the back of the cone and secure using hot glue. Do not apply hot glue directly to the cone, it will melt. Trim excess paper at the bottom of the cone. You may need two sheets of paper to cover each cone. If so, overlap the two sheets slightly to avoid a gap of Styrofoam peeking through.

Working quickly, spray the cone with the spray adhesive, and roll it through the rock candy to completely cover it with gradients of sugary color. Allow cone to dry before re-spraying or re-rolling. You can also use hot glue to fill in any empty spots.

Once your cones are finished, you’re ready to decorate your mantle or tabletop with a yummy collection of candy coated trees. 

See the original post on Somewhere Splendid!

12 Days of DIY :: Day 5 :: Victorian Holiday Wreath Centerpiece

This DIY project found on Elizabeth Ann Designs is great for everyone from beginner to expert. The centerpiece can be a wonderful addition to your dining room table at home, or several can be made for holiday party or wedding centerpieces. For such few supplies, the finished product is absolutely gorgeous!

Supplies needed (for basic centerpiece – see printable version for each skill level):

• (3) varying height (but same diameter) cylinders (Crate and Barrel sells the perfect ones for about $10 for all 3 pieces)
• 12” grapevine wreath
• 12” charger plate
• (1-2) bags of fresh cranberries
• (3) Floating candles (make sure they are smaller diameter than your vases)
• (1-2) boxes of assorted glass ornaments
• Kiwi branches
• Water

 Directions (for basic centerpiece – see printable version for each skill level):

1. To give your wreath more texture and dimension, add some kiwi branches by weaving them into the grapevine
2. Center the wreath on top of the charger plate
3. Place the 3 cylinder vases in the center of the wreath on the charger plate
4. Fill the vases with 1-2 handfuls of fresh cranberries
5. Fill the vases with water leaving 1.5-2 inches of space from the top
6. Add your floating candles on top of the cranberries (if you added too much water, remove it with a turkey baster—do not get the candlewick wet or it will not light!)
7. Fill the gaps around the vases the middle of the wreath with assorted glass holiday ornaments

For printable step-by-step instructions and images (including a basic, upgraded, and advanced version for all skill levels!), click here.

12 Days of DIY :: Day 4 :: "Believe" Banner

I love hanging banners for the holidays! This "Believe" banner is easy to put together and perfect to hang on any wall, mantle or even a high doorway. I found templates and instructions on the At Second Street blog. (Links are below the photos)...

Click here for the printable letter templates

Click here for instructions on hanging the banner

12 Days of DIY :: Day 3 :: Hot Cocoa Ornament Favors

This hot cocoa ornament DIY project is a great idea for holiday parties or weddings. You can give them as favors to your guests, and they double as decor as well! Or, you can put them on your tree at home and ask friends to take one home when they visit you. Either way, this DIY project from Project Wedding is too cute to pass up!

12 Days of DIY :: Day 2 :: Balsa Wood Mini Tree

This DIY project is perfect for those in apartments (or other small spaces) where bringing in a full size Christmas tree just doesn't work. I know I've lived in a few apartments in my day that I lovingly refer to as "shoeboxes", and I was always a little down at Christmas because I couldn't have a tree. This neat little project from Design*Sponge is the DIY solution to that problem!

Materials:

• 4 – 6 sheets of  1/32″ x 3″ x 36″ balsa wood (this should be available at craft, art, and hobby shops)
• pencil
• exacto/utility knife with sharp blade
• cutting mat
• hot glue gun and hot glue sticks
• 3/8″ thick dowel 20″ long
• hole punch tool (these are available at craft and art supply stores)
• hammer
• ruler
• birch log slice (or any wood circle or block that has a bit of weight and a flat surface)
• 2″ nail
• drill with 3/8″ boring bit (optional)
• tree limb templates (feel free to enlarge for a bigger tree. at 100% these templates will make a tree 11″ wide and about 20″ tall)
• template 1
• template 2
• template 3

Get the full instructions and more photos at Design*Sponge

12 Days of DIY :: Day 1 :: Gift Card Snow Globe

Today begins our 12 Days of Christmas DIY series! Last year we did a DIY project every day for 12 days leading up to Christmas, and it was loads of fun! This year we decided to take on the 12 day project again!

Our first project we found on One Charming Party....it's so easy, yet so creative! I never want to give gift cards for Christmas (even though they're a fabulous idea) just because they're so small and un-wrappable....and when you hand over the envelope, everyone knows what's inside! With this cool snow globe project you can wrap the globe in a box, hand over the wrapped gift, and they will be none the wiser! Not to mention, you can jazz them up with personality and they're really beautiful!

Supplies: 

A jar with a lid (we used empty salsa and olive jars), a gift card, a small embellishment (we bought ours at a local craft store), a hot glue gun, glitter, some ribbon and water.

How To:
1. Wash the lid and jar. Remove any stickers.
2. Spray paint the jar lid if you would like a different colored lid.
3. Glue a thick line of hot glue onto the base of the gift card. Stick it to the inside of the lid.
4. Glue the embellishment onto the inside of the lid, in front of the gift card. Let the glue set for an hour.
5. Add some glitter to the jar and fill with water.
6. Tightly screw the lid back onto the jar.
7. Tie a ribbon around the base of the jar, if desired.

NOTE: *We tested these gift cards after a week and they still worked. However, we don’t recommend leaving the gift cards in the water longer than a week.

Visit One Charming Party for the full post and photo credits.

Congratulations Ashley & Jeff

Ashley and Jeff had a beautiful holiday wedding in downtown Cleveland in January. The snow was all around, making the view from Sammy's Metropolitan Ballroom quite beautiful. The church was absolutely stunning. It was decorated with evergreen trees with white lights and poinsettias all around the altar. The bride was a vision in her gorgeous gown and fur stole around her shoulders. This was a holiday wedding with a twist, something I've never quite seen before but turned out amazing!

Day 1 :: Dessert Buffet

*** I know this post is a couple days late, but I had to take a break from blogging for Christmas! :) ***

Most of the projects during our 12 Days of DIY Projects went into creating our dessert buffet! I have to say, everything turned out great! Now I'm going to enjoy the rest of the holiday and enjoy the beautiful decorations! I hope you and your families have a wonderful holiday season! And for my last DIY project, I'll leave you with a sweet recipe for your own dessert buffets!



Apple Tea Cakes

1/2 cup butter or margarine
1 3oz. pkg. cream cheese
1 cup all purpose flour
1 beaten egg
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon butter or margarine (melted)
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 large Gala apple, peeled and diced

For crust, in a small mixing bowl beat the 1/2 cup margarine or butter and cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed about 30 seconds, or until softened. Stir in the flour. Cover and chill for about 1 hour or till dough is easy to handle.

Form the chilled dough into a ball. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions,roll each portion into a ball. Place each ball into an un-greased muffin cup. Press the dough evenly against the bottom and up the sides of the cup. Cover and set aside.

For filling, in a small mixing bowl stir together the beaten egg, brown sugar, cinnamon, melted margarine or butter, vanilla, lemon juice and diced apples. Fill each dough lined muffin cup with the apple mixture.

Bake at 375 for 20-24 minutes or till filing is set and crust is lightly browned. Cool slightly in pans before serving.

Day 2 :: 3-D Hanging Snowflakes

I found this project for 3-D Snowflakes online and thought it was incredible! You can use the pre-cut snowflake shapes (die cuts) found at your local craft store, or you can gather the family around with a stack of paper and let everyone cut their own snowflakes! (I remember doing that as a kid!)

Day 3 :: Place Cards & Signs

Place cards on your holiday table add that special personal touch. Just print them out then write in your guests names. You can take it one step further and create other matching cards and signs for your table. Here are a few that we used for our dessert buffet:







I created my own set using holiday graphics and a photo editing program. However, if you're not "graphic design savvy" you can use any one of these great sites for templates:

Snowman "Let It Snow"
3-D Place Card
Yellow Wildflowers
Various Microsoft Office Templates

Day 4 :: Salt Dough Ornaments

These ornaments can be made with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

4 Cups of Flour
1 Cup of Salt
1 1/2 Cups of Hot Water

Knead the dough and roll it out to cut out shapes with cookie cutters (just like if you were making sugar cookies). Place them on a microwave safe plate and microwave on high for about 2 minutes. Let them cool, then paint and decorate!



For decoration, you can use paint, glitter, rhinestones, candy pieces, or anything else that strikes your fancy. I rolled up tiny balls of dough and used them as buttons, bows and rosy cheeks for my gingerbread people.



You can also treat the dough like clay and mold it with your hands, like this heart/Santa hat ornament. Just roll it and shape it with your hands to create any shape you'd like. Get creative and have fun! I know I did!