Waxing Eloquent

Kindly ignore the white residue...!

Brace yourselves... I have officially gotten into candle making!  I am certainly not an expert at this point, but so far my feelings about making candles are similar to my feelings about making soap:  it's surprisingly easy, and why doesn't everyone do it?  There are also endless possibilities to be creative and make them your own.  Even better!  I also had plenty of candle making supplies leftover from my tea cup candles that I gave away at my bridal shower.  I actually got this project from Brit + Co, only their project used crayons to color the candle wax, which I do NOT recommend - it causes the candles to smell strange when they burn, and to melt a little funny.  (Side note - I think working for Brit + Co is my dream job.  It appears that their staff spends their days just coming up with interesting recipes and projects.  I could get used to that!)

Materials:

• Candle Wax (I used this soy wax.)
• Wax dye (I used this dye!)
• Glass votive holders
• Plate Stand (or something else jerry-rigged)
• Wicks
• Wick stickers
• Dixie cups (if melting your wax in the microwave)
• Stir sticks

Inspired by:  Color Block Candles at Brit + Co. 

Instructions

Start by making sure you can prop your glass votive holders at an angle with your plate stand.  You might need to get creative here - I ended up using some old styrofoam to get this to work, but the bottom line is that it did the trick!  Note that this is where your wick stickers come in, so your wicks stay in place.  Stick your wicks into the glass votives once you've gotten everything to stay!

Next, melt your wax chips inside your dixie cups using the microwave.  You might have a more sophisticated setup for melting your wax - if so, aren't you something!  I added my wax dye chips prior to melting the wax, and melted for 20 second increments - I think it took 5 or so times before the wax started to melt.  Note that you'll need to stir the wax A LOT, as the dye stays chunky unless stirred well!

 I made 3 candles and wanted them each to have the colors in a different order, which means I was doing a lot of batches of colored wax, but you can do whatever you want!  Once the wax is melted, carefully pour it into the tilted glass votives for your first layer.

Be careful not to get the wax on the votive!  I made a few mistakes here... but it's a pain to clean so take your time!   Now wait for the wax to harden - make sure you don't move the votive until it's hardened completely.  When ready, turn the candle around so it's tilting the other way, ready for you to pour in your next layer!  Melt more colored wax, and be just as careful pouring in your second layer.  Remember to wait for it to dry!

Looking good!

For the last layer, you don't need to tilt the candles.  (Finally, right?)  Carefully pour in the rest of your colored wax, and wait for it to harden.

Voila!  Don't they look lovely?  Maybe it is because if my novice candle making skills, but my finished product got this strange whiteness around the glass.  I'm not sure what this is from, but it's strange because earlier in the project this wasn't visible.  I still love how they turned out, but be warned - hopefully this doesn't happen to you!

Wouldn't these also make a lovely gift?  Especially given in a trio, like a set.  Perfect!  Now, if only I can figure out how to get rid of that white stuff...!

Love Grows Where My Rosemary Goes

 This is a super easy ol' standby that you can literally throw together in a pinch - you just need some:

• Olive Oil (1 cup)
• Rosemary (6ish sprigs)
• A decorative glass bottle OR plain old tupperware

It seems as though infused olive oils should be much more complicated, but it really is as simple as heating up the oil, adding your flavors, spices, etc, and then cooling.  The official instructions are:

1. Pout olive oil into a small sauce pan on the stovetop.  Add your rosemary sprigs.
2. Heat oil over medium-low heat for about 6 minutes
3. Let cool to room temperature
4. Take the rosemary sprigs out of the oil, and place inside the decorative bottle.
5. Pour olive oil into the bottle.
6. Feel proud and accomplished for making your own infused olive oil!

I'm sure you can make infused oils with plenty of different seasonings and fresh herbs, but I have only ever made this rosemary olive oil.  It is DELICIOUS over popcorn with some salt, or in salad dressings - anything where a little kick of rosemary seems like a good idea.  (And really, when is rosemary not a good idea?)  Feel free to double or triple the recipe for a larger container, or if you are making multiple bottles.  The bottle shown in the picture holds about 1 cup of oil (as the recipe indicates) for context.  

This also happens to make a wonderful and thoughtful gift.  If you want to kick it up a notch, include a nice jar or bottle of popcorn along with it - who doesn't love the gift of popcorn!  Since we love popcorn in my house, rosemary olive oil has become a staple in our fridge.  You might notice the oil solidify after a week or two, but don't worry - just run it under warm water for a minute and it will be fine again.  Be sure and refrigerate after opening!

Also very good as dipping oil with some bread!

Mason Jar Mania

Just like any good crafter, I love me some mason jars.  Cheap, accessible, versatile - what's not to love?  There are SO many mason jar projects floating around out there, but I wanted to put together my own round-up of projects that are currently on my list.  Some of these are pretty simple, but I think the charm of mason jars is in the simplicity of it all.  The trick is making each project your own - most of these would also make wonderful gifts!

1.  Sea Glass Mason Jars from My Honey's Place.  What a beautiful way to cheaply dress up your mason jars to match any decor!

2.  Mason Jar Candles from Candy and Clothes.  Simple, yet elegant and easy.  Add a ribbon or some twine, and you have a perfect gift.  

3.  Mason Jar Cocktail Gifts from Something Turquoise.  I think these are SO CUTE!  What great favors for a party!  Check out the original tutorial (linked above) for the full range of possibilities - there are several!

4.  Mason Jar Soap Dispenser from Love Grows Wild.  This project has been on my list for quite some time.  I love the idea of making these for all of our bathrooms - they would also make a great gift!  

5.  Keep Matches in a Mason Jar - with a Strikeable Lid from The Burlap Bag.  Doesn't this look like a great idea?  Give one of these with a mason jar candle for a complete and thoughtful gift! 

Polka Dots

Personalized gifts are the best gifts!  Taking the time to actually make something for someone else is so meaningful, but going the extra mile to make something specifically for that person is even better.  This is another DIY craft where I was able to utilize some leftover materials from past projects - namely my Pebeo Vitrea Paints from my Decorative Jar project.  (Pebeo Vitrea Paints are glass paints that are glossy and transparent when used on glass.)  I have used Sharpies to decorate mugs before, but over the course of a few washings the sharpie inevitably washes off… which is why Glass Paints should be your new best friend!  

Materials: 

White or Solid Colored Mug

Glass Paint (Such as Pebero Vitrea Paints)

Fine Tipped Paintbrush 

Letter Stencil(s)

A Working Oven

Instructions:

Start by sticking a letter stencil onto your mug.  I used an initial, but you can also spell a word if desired!  Take your paintbrush, and begin painting dots all around your stencil.

Carefully cluster your dots closer together near the center of the stencil, and work outwards making your dots farther and farther apart.  This creates a lovely illusion of an exploding initial…!

What a wonderful gift to surprise someone with - their very own Monogrammed Mug!  You can also get creative with the mug and paint colors.  I strongly restrained myself when painting, as I was VERY close to using several different colors when painting around my "A".  However, if I have learned anything from crafting, it is that less is definitely more…  If anyone tries a multi-color Initial Mug, please let me know!  

NOTE:  When using glass paints, don't forget to "fire" your painted mug in the oven at at least 350 degrees for about 40 minutes - this keeps your new masterpiece dishwasher safe!  I have seen similar mugs made with Sharpies, but please be aware your Sharpie marks will NOT last when your mug is washed.  For permanent decor, use glass paint!!   

INSPIRED BY:  DIY Painted Mugs that Won't Wash Away by GluedtomyCraftsBlog.com  

No Kidding: Homemade Goatsmilk Soap

I have thought about making soap plenty of times before, but never actually got around to it.  However, after my purchase last year of Essential Oils (one of the best crafting purchases I have EVER made) to make Bath Fizzies, what better way to use up glorious scents such as Lavender and Lemon?  Truth be told, I have looked down on Melt and Pour soaps in the past as an easy "cheating" version of a DIY craft… but after realizing just how many things you can do with it (without giving yourself a chemical burn from working with Lye), I'm honestly very pleased with the possibilities!)

Materials:

2 pounds Goatsmilk Soap Base (Readily available at any craft store)

Essential Oils

Loaf Pans or Molds (You can get loaf pans specifically for soap making, but I got one made for baking, and it worked like a charm!)

Extra's!  (Honey, Shea Butter, Oils, Oatmeal, Salts, Dried Flowers, the sky is the limit!)

Crinkle Cutter (Optional)

Instructions:

Cut your soap base up into chunks, and melt in the microwave in 30 second increments.  When melted, mix in your essential oils (I used about 45 drops), along with any extra's you'd like to add to your soap. If you are adding any oils, be careful to not overload your soap so it can still set up properly.  

I made two kinds of soap - Lemon with Honey and Oatmeal, and Lavender with Himalayan Sea Salt that I layered when pouring the soap.

Pour your melted soap mixture into the loaf pan, and let sit for at least a couple of hours.  Mine took anywhere between 2 and 4 hours to set up completely.  Once your soap has set up, release it from your loaf pan (or mold), and slice it with your crinkle cutter (or a regular knife).  

Voila!  Homemade Goatsmilk Soap. I'm still deciding how to package these before giving them as Christmas Gifts, so I may revisit that topic here.  Mostly, I just love how rustic these soaps look… I feel like I could have found them in a farmer's market, and yet I just made them in my kitchen!

Note:  I purchased my Essential Oils here.  Trust me - one of my best purchases!  I might just have to make more bath products with them…!  :)  I also followed Martha Stewart's instructions for the Lavender with Himalayan Sea Salt soap.

5 DIY Christmas Gifts I Wish I Had Time For

I love Christmas.  Then again, who the heck doesn't?  Every year I go a little nuts with Christmas Gift Idea's…  I have a tendency to go a tad crazy on Amazon ordering craft supplies for gifts, only to realize that (for example) I don't actually have time to make personalized, embossed stationary for every single friend and family member in my life.  Now I have a box of 300 matching ivory cards and envelopes sitting in my closet, just waiting to be turned into stationary…  ::sigh::.  Someday!  :)

There are so many amazing DIY gift ideas floating around the internet throughout the holidays, I had to do a list of some of my favorites.  In a perfect world, I would have the time (and the energy) to make each of these wonderful gifts for all of my favorite people… but as it happens, I just need to hope that some of you can make them for me!  :)

1.  Cranberry Infused Vodka from Put Together Life

What a fabulous adult holiday gift.  Perfect to bring with you as a host/hostess gift to any Christmas Party!

2.  Homemade Body Butter from She Wears Many Hats

Who knew you can make your own lotion!?  Because this recipe has no preservatives, you will need to use up your body butter within a week or so…  but with something this scrumptious, that shouldn't be a problem!  

3.  Glitter Candles from Creative Party Ideas by Cheryl 

Give the gift of sparkle and shine this holiday season!  Who wouldn't want some festive glitter candles to brighten their holiday mood?

4.  Homemade Lemon Soap from A Pumpkin and a Princess

Homemade soap is actually super easy, and it's such a thoughtful way to give a personalized gift.  When it's freezing cold outside, this lemon soap will remind you of warm summer days!

5.  Popcorn with Rosemary Infused Oil from Giada De Laurentis at the Food Network

Infusing your own oil is actually super easy, and it makes a perfect gift when you pair it with some popcorn!  Using decorative popcorn in clear bottles looks especially nice.  :)  Include a bottle of wine and a movie with your popcorn for an extra special gift!  

State of the Art

Has anyone NOT seen these nail and string art masterpieces on Etsy yet?  I've always thought they were amazing, and obviously wanted to try making my own at some point.  However, I always suspected that this would be one of those situations where my DIY did not quite live up to my inspiration…  but that's okay.  I still think it turned out pretty cool!  Apologies that I do not have pictures for each step - if you have any questions, please contact me, or leave a comment below!  This would also be a super cute gift idea.

MATERIALS:

• Nails (the shortest with the smallest head that you can find - you'll see why soon.)
• Embroidery Thread (you can really use any string, but embroidery thread is so cheap and comes in so many different colors it is PERFECT for this!)
• Picture of your desired state, blown up to size
• Hammer
• Rectangular (or desired shape) piece of wood - you can find these in all shapes at any craft store
• Paint or wood stain (as desired).

INSTRUCTIONS:

Paint your wood piece with your desired color or stain - I used a cherry colored wood stain for mine, as I liked the natural wood look.  Let it dry completely.  Cut out the picture of your desired state, and tape it down to your painted wood piece. 

Take your nails, and hammer them into the wood (not all the way in - leave about 1/4 an inch), all the way around the picture of your state.  Yes, you should hammer the nails around the paper - don't worry, you'll be removing this soon!  Once you have the outline of your state completed, also hammer your nails into the shape of a heart over your city.  You can free-hand this, or go ahead and draw a heart cut-out in your paper, and use this as your guide.  

Now comes the fun party!  Take the embroidery string, and wind it around the nails - for every one time I looped around one of the outside nails, I would loop about 10 or more times around one of the inside heart nails.  You can play this by ear as you go along.  (NOTE - for sections of your map that are separated from the inside heart nails, I just wrapped the string around in the same direction TOWARDS the inside heart nails.)

You may have to play around with how you wrap your string, but you will quickly learn the best way to do it and how to make it work for you.

Complete!!  My big regret here is the nails I used - I got them from Home Depot, and they are some UGLY nails…. definitely not art quality.  You may want to get yours from Michaels or something.  Mine looked like they can't stand the fact that they are part of an art project, and would give anything to be hammered into a deck or a 2x4 instead.

Note that this is what the back side of my project looks like.  This is why you should get the shortest nails with the smallest head that you can find!

Inspiration:  String Theory Co. Etsy Shop

An Easy Hostess Gift in a Pinch...

Charmed, I'm sure...

These were SO EASY it was almost disgusting.  Why anyone would spend upwards of $20 for 8 wine charms (or something) is now beyond me.  Don't fall into the trap - these are so easy!  And they would be adorable as gifts.  I went a little crazy making these and now have a jarful of them, but I figure we'll always have them on hand, and they would be a good hostess gift in a pinch.  In fact, they came in very handy when I hosted a birthday brunch for my mother this morning, and everyone was able to tell their Bellini glass apart.  :)  Not bad, if I do say so myself!

Note as of August 2015:  I now have these beaded wine charms FOR SALE in my Etsy shop, if you would rather not spend the time making your own.  Each set of 6 is sold with a round tin for easy storage.  

Materials:
Beading Hoop Earring Loops (You can get these on Amazon, or they can also be found at any craft store.)
Beads to your taste
Wire Pliers

Instructions:
The beading hoop earring loops will probably come with one end bent upwards in a little hook, so that it hooks onto the loop.  To put beads onto the loop, you will need to use pliers and bend this little hook flat, so that your wire is nice and smooth.  String your beads onto the wire loop in whatever fashion you desire.  Use your pliers to bend the end back into it's hook shape.  COMPLETE!  Repeat 8 or so times for a nice little set that you can give as a gift - remember to use different beads so each one is different.

Yes, I went a little crazy here.  But the jar filled with them looks so pretty!

Gift Idea: DIY Paint Chip Gift Tags

I have a lot of paint chips lying around, and not just from my artichoke paint chip project.  There is something so inspiring about them to me - the gorgeous arrays of colors, and then the beautiful color NAMES!  Who comes up with those names?  "Evening Hush" (blue), "Stained Glass" (blue), and "Happenstance" (also blue).  "Old Mission Pink" (pink), "Palisade Orchid" (pink) and "Santolina Blooms" (you guessed it… another shade of pink.)  Who knew that happenstance had it's own color?  Because I find paint chips so inspiring, I had a color wheel of paint chips laying around that I have wanted to do something with.

So, as they are about the same size, I thought that my paint chips would make perfect gift tags!  (And I was right!) 

Materials:

Paint Chips
Rubber Stamps
Embossing Powder (if desired)
String
Hole Punch

Instructions:
Cut your paint chips accordingly.  Collect some appropriate rubber stamps for your gift tags (I particularly like the "to/from" stamp and the "thank you" stamp for this purpose - if you don't have these types of rubber stamps, they are readily available on Etsy!)  I also preferred to emboss them rather than simply stamp them, as I thought this gave the tags a much more finished look.  For those who are scared of embossing - DON'T BE!  It's as easy as sprinkling some powder and waving a hair dryer.  I was suckered into it in a stamping store and talked into buying an actual embossing gun, and when I actually used it…I realized that I had just paid $30 for what is essentially a hair dryer, which of course I already owned.  Now you are in the know!

Use a hole punch and punch a hole in the corner of the paint chip, and tie some string through it - now it is gift ready!  These would also make a really adorable gift for someone by themselves - just package them up in a pack with some string.  (I used embroidery thread, which seemed to be the perfect consistency for this.)  

Now happy gift giving!  These could also be used as tags for wedding favors or for escort cards.  I know I would would feel pretty special receiving a gift with a tag with it's own special, inspirational color on it…!

Gift Idea: DIY Decorative Jars (Filled with Goodies, and Reusable!)

A couple of months ago, I got REALLY into painting glass, and bought an assortment of the Pebeo Vitrea glass paints.  What is really cool about these is the fact that you can just put your painted glassware in the oven, and it essentially fires it for you, making your item reusable.  Fabulous!  I couldn't get enough.  :)  I also recently had an obsession with mason jars, so fortunately I had plenty of glassware around to experiment with.  While most people use glass paints to decorate actual glassware (drinking glasses, wine glasses, martini glasses, etc) I hadn't seen as much of mason jars being painted, and I thought this was an excellent idea.  So, I grabbed a few mason jars, and got to work!  These turned out perfect for Christmas gifts this past year, and the best part about them is that your giftee can re-use the jar... so it's essentially 2 gifts in 1!  A word of caution - I found glass paints rather addictive, so try and control yourself. 

Materials:
Glass Paint (I used Pebeo Vitrea Paints)
Paint brushes
Glass Jars
Colorful Baking Cups
Goodies to fill your jars with (I made Martha Stewart's Bath Fizzies - http://www.marthastewart.com/271871/bath-fizzies)  Candy would also work! 

Instructions:
Gather your mason jars, and decorate with the glass paint as you see fit!  I like the confetti look, as it's simple and turns out nice and elegant.

Fire your painted mason jars according to your paint's instructions.

Fill with your goodies!  I put the baking cups over the mason jars right before I screwed on the rims, giving them a more decorative look.  I also printed out some labels to describe my bath fizzies, and attached a tag that read:  "A note about the jar:  I have been fire-sealed and am re-usable!  Use me with candles or for storage!"

And there you have it - two gifts in one!  I really like how they all look in a row.  :)

Inspiration:  "Easy Anthropologie Confetti Tumbers" on Radical Possibility:  http://www.radicalpossibility.com/2012/06/easy-confetti-tumblers.html