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DIY Valentine’s Lace Paper Lantern Jars

February 12, 2014February 12, 2014DIYCrafts, Lantern Jars, Valentines6 Comments

It’s been a while since I’ve done a “Do It Yourself” post, but with Valentine’s Day fast approaching, I thought it would be fun to do a craft!

If you’re looking for simple, yet elegant table pieces for your Valentine’s dinner, try making Valentine’s Lace Paper Lantern Jars. If you’re on a budget, you can do this project – based on two lantern jars – for $4 dollars.

The process is really simple – I found it in “Celebration: A year of British festivities for families and friends” by Pippa Middleton.

Materials: Ribbon, glass jars, lace, glue, and scissors

1. Find different-sized glass jars and lace (you can use paper doilies, an old table cloth, or unwanted fabrics). 2. Cut the lace to find around the jar, and use fabric glue to piece it together. 3. Tie the ribbon around the neck of the jar. 4. Create a separate bow, using the same ribbon, and glue it on for a cute addition.

DIY Valentine’s Card Idea

January 26, 2013November 23, 2013DIYCards, Crafts, DIY, Greeting Cards, holidays, Valentines12 Comments

In a few more weeks, it will be time for roses, chocolates, and cute DIY Valentine’s card ideas! Love it or hate it, most girls seem to adore it – including myself. Want to give something from the “heart,” this year? I can show you a simple and quick a craft to make for your special lady, friends or family, or even an easy craft for kids.

Sketch a heart, or make a template and place it onto your Valentine’s card stock. I used ready-made pink cards from the dollar store, and glued on rhinestones and sequins to complete the shape – keep in mind, you can also reuse old buttons, it looks just as good.

Once complete, you have something that looks like these Valentine’s Day heart button cards. Don’t forget, let the glue dry for about 15 minutes. When you’re ready, add a personal message inside. I recommend using a black felt tip marker. Be sure to check your local craft stores and their local store sales. Michael’s offers a phone app which features lots of coupons, some of which offer 50 per cent discounts. Good luck, fellas!

DIY Homewarming Gift Basket

January 23, 2013November 23, 2013DIYCrafts, DIY, Gift Baskets, Gifts10 Comments

Want to make a personalized DIY housewarming gift basket for family or friends? Maybe something that looks a little like this? The following basket features hand-designed mugs, gluten free chocolate chip cookies, Hickory Farms English Breaskfast tea, spreads and mustard. This inexpensive homemade gift is simple to make, and I will be using it as a gift for a good friend.

I was inspired to make this gift after I visited the Courtice Flea Market, and saw some of the adorable handmade products offered by Abstrakt Studios. The owner of these crafty gifts is Kate-Lynn, and she creates some great cards, mugs and wallets – to name a few. I managed to pick up two mugs, “His” and “Hers”, and reused an old basket from Fruits & Passion.

I added in some spreads from Hickory Farms. This company makes some fantastic gourmet products, and I added in some miniature jam spreads, tea, and mustard. These products go on sale right after the holidays, so you’re getting them for about 75 per cent off the regular prices.

And finally, I included a couple of gluten free chocolate chip cookies. Gluten intolerance is more common than some may realize and local supermarkets do have a specialized section for these items. I just added a few, for the couple to enjoy with their tea.

Once you’ve completed packing your basket, wrap using cellophane and ribbon. It looks beautiful and is something classy to give others.

DIY Nail polish kit jar

January 15, 2013May 14, 2013DIYCrafts, DIY, Gifts5 Comments

If you’re looking to save money and want to create a cute gift, my suggestion is a nail polish kit jar. It’s really simple.

First off, you’ll want to stop by the dollar store, pick up a clear jar, or reuse an old jam-like jar. Tie a ribbon around it, and decorate the outside. I’ve used a glitter stick-on letter, which I picked up for 50 cents at the local supermarket.

Next, grab a couple of your favourite nail polishes. I recommend Essie or Opi, both a bit pricey, but go on great. Although if it doesn’t fit your budget, Shoppers Drug Mart just released a new line of fantastic nail polish called Essence. I’ve used that brand quite a few times, and it goes on just as well for less than half the price!

Continue reading ➞ DIY Nail polish kit jar

DIY Chocolate Peanut-butter cup cake Recipe

January 11, 2013November 23, 2013DIYbaking, birthday, Cake, chocolate, DIY, frosting, peanut-butter cups, recipe14 Comments

Part of my New Year’s resolution is to learn more recipes, and really try my hand out at cooking. Although I can’t take credit for this particular cake, I can say I am inspired to try my hand out at baking. Stay tuned!

But until then, this is the Chocolate Peanut-butter Cup chunk cake I enjoyed as a part of my birthday celebrations. I’ve posted and linked the recipe below.

Ingredients for Cake
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for pans
2 cups sugar
3/4 cups good cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup buttermilk, shaken
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 extra-large eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup freshly brewed hot coffee

Directions can be found here: Beatty’s Chocolate Cake.

Ingredients for Frosting
2 tablespoons flour
3/4 cup milk
3/4 cup butter
3/4 cup sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions
In a saucepan add a small amount of the milk to flour then stir to make a smooth paste. Add remaining milk. Cook, stirring constantly, over medium heat until mixture boils and thickens. Cool.Cream butter using medium speed of electric mixer. Gradually add sugar and salt; beat well. Add cooled milk mixture. Beat until light and fluffy; add vanilla. Frosts a two layer cake.

Once frosted, crumble peanut-butter cups throughout. Use as many as you’d like.

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