Skirting Around

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Skirting Around

I love to switch things up every Christmas.  Some years I want color, some years I like things to look more organic. Lately, I've been on a real paper/wood/gold kick, which translates well to holiday decor.  I've had a paper tree skirt in mind and I put one together this week. Inspired by papel picado/ pinata fringe, I added layers and a snowflake and poinsettia detail. To make one like this, you'll need a 9x12 craft paper paint tarp (available at OSH), gold glitter spray paint, school glue, scissors, Xacto knife, and a medium sauce pan lid to use as a circle stencil.  Unfold the length of the paper tarp, cut into 4' squares. Picture tutorial below...  

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DIY Friday: Cheap Thrills

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DIY Friday: Cheap Thrills

This time of year can get hectic, and of course, quite costly.  Today I'm going to share a recipe for my signature party treat: Rosemary and Truffle Oil Popcorn.  It's such a crowd pleaser, and with a small investment in some decent white truffle oil (on sale right now at Whole Foods for $13) this stovetop treat is perfect for Thanksgiving football or a holiday party.  I'm also doing a quick tutorial for a fancy pants way to serve it, inspired by a ornament display at Anthro.  Read on and have a beautiful weekend!

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DIY Friday: Black Sea Salt Caramel Apples

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DIY Friday: Black Sea Salt Caramel Apples

I'm about to make about 40 or so of these as a favor for our pumpkin party.  I found course black sea salt at Whole Foods to make this irresistible sweet and salty combination; using extra small Fuji apples keeps them crisp and slightly tart.  For 10 apples melt one 11oz package of caramel with 2 tbsp of water. Insert small craft sticks into washed apples (you can also use cake pop sticks) and dredge them in the caramel.  Sprinkle with sea salt and allow to set in the refrigerator for 1 hour.  Have a spooky weekend!

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DIY Friday: Crepe Paper Tassels

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DIY Friday: Crepe Paper Tassels

I've adopted a black and white look for Halloween this year.  I was inspired by all the black and white pumpkin painting I've been seeing around Pinterest. A few years back I had quite the Halloween party and acquired a lot of oddities like crows, spiders, and candelabras. It was before I had kids, and the look was pretty moody; more Hitchcock than Charlie Brown.  This year I added to the mix with a black tassel garland made from crepe paper, an idea that's everywhere right now. Easy to make, I think it would be beautiful in mixed metallics for the winter holidays.  You can also vary tassel sizes for more dimension. The tutorial's pictured below, enjoy your weekend!  

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DIY Friday: Hopscotch

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DIY Friday: Hopscotch

Earlier this week I did a post about the accessibility of modern design for children. I was thinking about this concept when I began working on this week's DIY. Even as an adult, when I stumble upon a hopscotch grid I can't resist the temptation to make my way through it.  I think the patterns are rather beautiful in form and functionality. In the summer you can make one just about anywhere with a piece of sidewalk chalk.  So as the rainy season approaches, I've been thinking about bringing the beauty inside. This week's project is an indoor mat made from a canvas drop cloth, some masking tape and a black acrylic  paint.  Picture tutorial below. Happy Weekend!

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