Everyday Celebrating

DIY: Custom stamped plates

Are you addicted to dishes?  One of those people that love to have different dishes for every occasion? 

Yep, me too.

I have a LOT of dishes and to be honest, once I use a specialty set, I don't want to use them again.  I want something new that fits in with the new theme, etc.  

See where this is going? 

Exactly.  Where to put them all when you're finished?   Dishes take up a lot of storage.  Especially if you're just hoarding them and never really reusing them.

Enter this great idea from I'm Topsy Turvy.

Want a great plate or a great design for a special occasion?  Stamp it!   Yep, that's right!

Buy regular stamps and add the color on with food markers such as these Wilton Food Writers:

 

Just color the stamp with the markers and stamp the plate!

You can have fun, custom plates for any occasion!  Add a monogram, a graphic, lines, etc.  Your design is only limited to what types of stamps you can find!   Plus, the food markers are edible and wash off so you have a clean slate (plate) for next time!

Easy Nilla wafer Sweet treats!

These have to be some of the most adorable and EASY Valentine's Day treats I've seen. Little girls will swoon!

Flexible Dreams shows you how easy it is!  Dip wafters into candy melt.  Add heart sprinkles for the bows and draw on a face with Wilton Food Writers.

These would be adorable for a girl's tea party or a baby shower as well!

Easy Cherry Tarts

From this...

to this....

Step by step instructions on how to pull off these EASY tarts can be found at The Art of Doing Stuff.

DIY: Cake/dessert stands

I love these amazing cake/dessert stands by the ladies of Bee in our Bonnet!

Made with wooden candlesticks and dowels, plus squares of solid wood and doll house trim, they are sturdy!  

Visit their site for the full photo tutorial.  If you're willing to tackle a wood project, these would make a great gift for entertaining friends. 

DIY: Ribbon Wall

This year, in one room of my house, I constructed a ribbon wall to use as a backdrop for Candy Cane Christmas.

The frame was built out of 1/2 inch pvc.  After measuring the area I wanted to cover, I ended up with 4  10 ft pvc pieces.  I cut them to roughly 6 ft.  And made a square by using the coordinating T joints. 

From there, just hot glue strips of ribbon onto the top pole.

I'll warn you, you're going to go through quite a bit of ribbon, especially for a 6 ft wall like this was.  I stockpiled ribbon for some time to use for this project - finding ribbon on sale and even scoring big rolls of red velvet ribbon at Goodwill.  Tip:  if you're making one last minute for Christmas or you want to make one for next year, Michaels has their hoilday ribbon 60% off right now!  Plus a 20% off coupon here.

The ribbon lays flat.  Unfortunately, in taking these photos, the heat was blowing and the ribbon is moving. 

Make sure to trim the bottom of the ribbon to the length you need. You want the ribbon to lay flat and straight and not buckle at the bottom.

This ribbon wall concept would work great for other occasions as well, backdrops for birthday parties, showers and weddings.  They would be beautiful outside with the ribbons blowing in the breeze!  This red and white one would even be great for Valentine's Day!

Ribbon walls create a great dimension and texture to a focal point!  Try one!

 

DIY: Creating easy table skirts & Tape giveaway!

 
Thanks to Scotch(R) Double Sided Tape for sponsoring my writing about crafts. Add your comment below to be entered for a chance to win free sample rolls to help with your upcoming holiday needs.

I thought I'd show you a super easy way to create a quick table skirt.  All you need is a light piece of fabric and this... 

Let's get started!

I have this buffet and I use it as a focal point of holiday decor in one room.  There is a Christmas tree next to it and I usually work with one theme.  This year's theme is candy canes.  So, I want to create a consistent color palette which means covering up the cherry wood.  

I use double sided tape to temporarily wrap the table in fabric for a fitted table skirt.  Now, before you get anxious, yes, I do place the tape on the wood but don't worry... it comes off easily.  That being said, I don't guarantee that the tape will hold for a long time so this tutorial is meant for a quick, one evening table skirt.

The first thing you want to do is measure your fabric.  You do not want excess fabric.  The heavier the fabric, the more it pulls on the tape which means tension on the fabric.  

For the bottom of the fabric, the part that goes to the floor, if you don't sew, cut the fabric a bit longer than needed and tuck under.  Always better to cut longer than shorter.

Also, before you start on the table, make sure your fabric is ironed.  You'll see why I say that later. LOL

Then we're ready to attach!

I start on the side and press the fabric into the tape smoothly and evenly.

When you get to a corner, you fold the fabric like you're wrapping the corner of a present.

Here's the other corner...

Here's what it looks like in the end.  See that lovely crease in the fabric?  Definitely iron your fabric!
I've talked about it before and I'll say it again, a wrinkled tablecloth can ruin any table decor.  Your eye automatically goes straight to the crease. (Believe me, I'll fix this.)  LOL

After the taping is done, Then you can cover the top with a runner or another piece of bunched up fabric for depth.  I placed a candy cane striped fabric on top just to show you.  Next.. start adding your decorative pieces!

Easy, temporary table skirt!  

Please learn more about Scotch(R) Double Sided Tape and other Scotch(R) Products and join the conversation on the Scotch(R) Brand Facebook Page and via Twitter. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do.

 

WIN A ROLL!!!

EDITED: Thanks to 3M, 10 Everyday Celebrating readers will win 1 roll of Scotch Tape!  Perfect for upcoming holiday crafts or wrapping those presents!

How to Enter:
1. Leave me a comment telling me approximately how many rolls of Scotch tape you go through during the holiday season. 

Extra Entries:
2. Like Everyday Celebrating on Facebook.  Leave me a comment letting me know you became a fan and leave your username.

This giveaway will end on Saturday, November 20th, 2010 at 11:59  PM EST. Winners will be announced on the blog and on Facebook

Birthday CAKE bunting

Kalleen of Second Street gives you the details on making this beautiful cake bunting.

Isn't it fun and unexpected?

FREE for my readers! Paperless Post invitations!

Ok. I'll admit.  I love invitations.  Well, who am I kidding, anything paper really.  And while I spend a ridiculous amount of time looking at, choosing and putting together the perfect paper invitation, I realize there are plenty that love to use electronic invitations.  And for quick, beautiful electronic invitations, I fell in love with the products of Paperless Post.

What is it?  It's an electronic card store!  They feature everything from wedding save the dates to party invitations to birth announcements to formal invitations and even thank you cards.

What makes them different?  Here are the top two and MOST important reasons:

1.  Their designs.  Hands down gorgeous.  They have something for everyone!  And each piece can be customized from the texture of the "paper" to the color of the "ink".  

2.  Their presentation and delivery.  When you receive a Paperless Post card, it comes to you in a virtual envelope with your name on the outside.  You click the envelope to open and the invitation unfolds beautifully.  It's my favorite feature!  The drama of the opening!

With Paperless Post... you're not sacrificing style!  The designs are sharp and modern and the color schemes are gorgeous.  

Just in time for your fall gatherings, Paperless Post is offering readers of Everyday Celebrating the gift of 35 free "stamps". Use them for your next gathering - whatever that may be.. Halloween, baby shower, dinner party, bunco or try them out for thank you notes.

Just click on this link exclusively for Everyday Celebrating readers and enjoy 35 free stamps! 

Also, don't forget to connect with them on Facebook and Twitter to see more designs and updates.

 

New cupcake fabulousness in the Nashville area!

 If you're in the Nashville area, you're in luck. If you're not, you're in for some inspiration!

 It's my pleasure to introduce you to Lesley of Biddy Bear Cupcakes.  Lesley creates amazing cupcakes and is based in Mt. Juliet.   Check out these!

And how about the cupcake bouquet?

And... I've saved my favorite for last.  The string monster cupcake! I love these!!!

If you live in the Nashville area, contact Lesley for all your cupcake needs.  You won't be disappointed!

Cupcake in a jar!

I love this cute presentation!  Want to cheer up a friend?  Want a fun favor?   Want to send someone home with a smile?

Ta DA!

Cupcake in a jar!  Add a nice label and a fork and it's a party in a jar!  A nice addition to this would be a wooden fork from Garnish.  Isn't it cute?

Perfect for any occasion!  Change the color of sprinkles, labels and forks to match the occasion.
How cute would these be for tailgating?

  
Thanks to Brandy at Gluesticks for the great idea!