end of summer craft ideas: what to do with popsicle sticks?
As you know from previous posts, it’s been a summer filled with popsicles. And as the last long weekend approaches, I feel the need to suck every sweet drop from the end of the popsicle stick. Then, I’m gonna take a pile of those popsicle sticks and do something crafty with them and a bottle of glue. Of course, Martha Stewart has some serious suggestions. I love the little house, above, from their site, and suspect our daughter will, too. But there are some grown up ideas out there as well (after all, not just the little ones like popsicles). On Etsy, I spotted this adorable cutlery holder. (The lazy can buy one for $10.) And Reader’s Digest offers these ingenious uses for popsicle sticks. Be warned though. There are some heated debates on gardening forums about how using the leftover wooden planks for plant labels is a bad idea. Apparently, they get moldy? Yuck.
What about you? Got any fun projects to keep us busy over the long weekend? I sense rain in the forecast. — Angela M.
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woodland whimsy: diy cake stands from the spotted fox
A girl can never have enough cake stands, in my opinion. Okay, maybe there is such a thing as too many, but for those moments when one is not enough (weddings, I’m looking at you) why not just DIY? I love the creative re-use of old coffee cans covered in moss, but a cute fabric or decorative paper would be just as lovely with that slice o’ wood on top. The best part is, no power tools required — just hot glue! See the how-to at The Spotted Fox. — Megan B.
from ‘what is that?’ to diy: the polish chandelier
A whole three years ago, I enthused about these paper chandeliers I spotted at the local Polish pottery shop, and relied on reader rebeccajean_w for background info on what they were. Well, last week I was browsing around and learned that now there’s a DIY on how to make a Polish chandelier at Oh Happy Day! Jordan’s results are fantastic (and her model’s matching dress is great, too). Oh happy day indeed! — Mary T.
etsy find: wine cork doormat
Awhile back, we mentioned the DIY wine cork bathmat. We love repurposing, but there’s always that small issue of “having enough time and energy to actually sit down and make that thing we like.” So for those of us who have the sneaking suspicion we’ll never actually make the mat, Sarah Racha’s Etsy shop has done the work for us. It can be yours for $120. Cheers! –Mary T.
Via Unconsumption
jams across america: can-it-forward day is aug 13
Can you can? Do you kick out the jam? Pickle some peppers? Or do you want to learn to preserve your garden bounty, but don’t know where to begin? Then tomorrow is your day, folks. National Can-It-Forward day is Saturday August 13, and FreshPreserving along with Canning Across America have organized a massive Seattle-based teaching event at Pike Place Market this weekend, — also live streaming from here all weekend at home-canning parties across the nation. Best part, it’s all free!
Last summer, I tried my hand at blackberry freezer jam, but it never set, so I wound up with 10 jars of delicious compote. This summer, I WILL succeed! Do you can? What’s your favorite thing to “put up”? — Megan B.
Jar photo courtesy of TheBittenWord on Flickr.
