Saturday Snapshot: Painted Park Bench

Ginger Infused Vodka

This is a yummy, adults only, concoction :)  I've got step by step instructions for how to make the vodka, plus a yummy drink recipe for you!

For the ginger infused vodka, you will need:

• Vodka
• 2 mason jars
• 1 large knob of ginger
• Mesh strainer and/or cheese cloth

Peel and chop your ginger, then add it to your mason jar.

Top the ginger with vodka, put on the lid, and stick it in the fridge.

Shake the jar daily until a week has elapsed.  Then, pour the vodka over the cheese cloth or strainer (I used both... and would recommend a funnel because I had a lot of vodka on the counter!) into the other jar.

So simple!  The waiting is the hardest part :)

To make a great, refreshing summer drink you will need:

• Ginger infused vodka
• Lime flavored tonic or sparkling water
• Lemon
• Lime

Fill your glass with ice.  Top with 1 ounce of infused vodka.  Squeeze one thin lemon slice and one thin lime slice into the glass.  Top with sparkling water and serve with a lime wedge garnish.

Enjoy! :)

DIY River Rock Garden Markers

On Monday, I showed you my fun color update to our flower pots.  Today, I'll show you the garden markers I made to put inside them!  This seriously couldn't be easier (I say that a lot, don't I?)

You will need:

• River rocks (I got mine at the dollar store for a painted stone project- reusing materials again!)
• Metallic permanent markers

Pick out some of the larger, flat rocks.  Then, simply write the names of your plants on them!  Seriously.  So easy.

I did a few doodles on some smaller rocks, too. 

I love that they're there to make it easier to spot the herbs I need when we're cooking up goodies in the kitchen :)

Flower Pot Brights

 

Every year, I look forward to putting out pots full of flowers and herbs on our front steps!  Here are last year's pots:

Since then, I have been on the lookout for brightly colored pots to help add a jolt of color to our house's very white front... Except I didn't want to spend a bunch of money on them.  Turns out, that's nearly impossible!

Then, I had one of those "oh, duh" moments- paint the pots I already have!  And that's just what I did, using paint left over from my Better Homes and Gardens floral print project.

Are there any gardening projects you're working on?  Be sure to come back later this week for another super easy home garden project :)

Saturday Snapshot: White Flowers

This is our white flowering almond bush in our backyard.  I love when this blooms!  The whole bush looks like it's covered in popcorn :)

DIY Scrapbook Paper Gift Bags

 

It's my last post using my bag of endless scrapbook paper... at least for a bit :)  This was a really fun project to make, and the possibilities are endless!  You could use your favorite wrapping paper, too, for larger bags.  So cute and customizable!

You will need:

• Scrapbook paper
• Scotch tape
• Washi tape
• Scissors
• Ribbon
• Hole punch or awl
• Small boxes of various sizes

Then, simply wrap your box like you would wrap a gift. 

Undo the folds, remove the box, and reinforce the folds so they're more pronounced.  Trim any excess off the top to make your bag the desired height.

Then, wrap the box up again, using washi tape to secure the seam.

Fold one end of the paper around the end of the box, forming the base of the bag.  Use scotch tape to secure, and washi tape to disguise the scotch tape :)  (I don't know about you, but I find my washi tape a little less than impressively sticky)

Shimmy the box out of the open end of the bag.  You might need to use a piece of scotch tape on the inside seam as well to hold the bag together.

Then, use your hole punch or awl to poke single or double holes in the top of the bag on each side.

Thread the ribbon of your choice through the holes, knotting to secure.

These little bags are perfectly sized for holding gift cards or little candies.  I'm excited to make more!  Target has some dollar bin wrapping paper that would be perfect... but I suppose I should keep using up old supplies before I start buying more! ;)

Scrapbook Paper Vignette Art

This is oh, so easy to do!  And it adds a cute little touch to your vanity, dresser, or any vignette you're composing in your home :)

You will need:

• Scrapbook paper
• Washi tape
• Scissors
• Elmer's glue
• Small decorative picture frame

So, I had this little frame left from a Michael's clearance bin buy and decided to fill it with layers of paper to make a pretty little picture for my dresser.  I didn't really know what I was going to do when I started, and you don't need to either!  Just play around with shapes and colors until you like the combination!

I started by tracing the picture frame filler onto my background paper so I would know the size I was working with.

Then, I saw this great old flyer from an art show.  I didn't know which color I would like best, so I just started drawing and cutting out key shapes.  When I hit on the heart topped key, I knew I found my winner!

Then, I added washi tape down one side of the picture.  It looked too plain, so I added a piece of frame filler and an extra key.

Finally, I liked what I saw and decided to frame it!

I have mine on top of my dresser, surrounded by dainty jewelry boxes and a music box.  I think it's pretty and fun!  And hopefully this goes to show you that even if you don't have a clear idea at the get go, you can make something lovely through trial and error :)