5 (easy) DIY projects for summertime inspiration

I think we all need a creative outlet now and then, whether it be writing a daily journal, cooking and baking, or creating a beautiful watercolour.  From time to time I get the urge to 'make' something and I often turn to my pinterest page 'crafty' for ideas.  Here are some of my current favs...

1.  Rose petal ice-cubes - how gorgeous are these.  Guaranteed to make your summertime drink extra special.

2. How to illustrate in ten steps. I've always wanted to be able to draw.  People say you can learn, but I promise you, so far I've failed.  Maybe this will help!

3. Gold confetti tumblers  Who wouldn't want to use these for a summer cocktail.  Easy to make and very effective.

4.  I used to love making paper mache bowls as I found it very soothing, so when I saw this project making paper mache teacups I couldn't wait to try it.

5. Tray styling is just a fun thing to do.  I hadn't realised, until I saw this tutorial, that you're meant to divide your space into quadrants.  I guess that would work for other areas too...

How to make... a poeny bouquet

My love of these flowers is well documented (see this) and I think if there was ever a need for me to have a bouquet of flowers made for me I'd definitely go for a poeny bouquet.

Anyway, I recently came across this tutorial to make your own.  Makes it seem soooooo simple even I'm tempted to have a go.  Even if you're not getting married you could make this as a treat for yourself.

Meal in a jar

When I first came across this idea it was a real 'wow' moment.  I take my lunches to work everyday, usually a salad and protein of some description; but it almost always ends up looking far less appetising than it began.  I first saw this idea on Pinterest and decided to do a bit of research on my own.  You can buy mason jars relatively cheaply from here and the rest is so simple - you make them up in advance (they keep for up to five days depending what's in them) and just grab and go.  For me that's a bonus; I hate the morning dash to make up a fresh lunch and the idea of grabbing and going is a winner and not only that, they look SO good.

You can add whatever you like, in layers, although two rules do apply: put your dressing in the very bottom of the jar and your lettuce towards the top so that it doesn't get soggy!  Then start layering.  Here are some ideas for your jars:

 Salmon Niçoise Salad- In a pint-sized Mason jar add 2 tablespoons of your favorite vinaigrette dressing, then layer roasted green beans, one half hard boiled egg, cherry tomatoes, black olives, roasted new potatoes, and roasted salmon, or add Tuna for a Tuna Nicoise.

Chicken Cobb Salad- In a pint-sized Mason jar add 2 tablespoons of your favorite vinaigrette dressing, then layer roasted chicken, chopped hard boiled eggs, chopped bacon, cherry tomatoes, and mixed baby greens or spinach.

You can even layer up fruit salad...

Enjoy creating...

*image credit: here

15 minute DIY projects

Every so often I get the urge to 'make' something; it could be a delicious meal that I've spent more time and love preparing than normal, a homemade card for a special occasion or just giftwrapping a present with a bit more creativity.  The thing is, I'm also quite an impatient person and like to see results fast, so longer projects often fall by the wayside.  These DIY projects can be done in 15 minutes or less and look great...have a go and let me know what you think!

It's tennis season around me - Wimbledon is taking place just five minutes away, and the queues are snaking their way around Wimbledon Park; all the public tennis courts are full of Sharapova and Federer wannabes and I can hear the cheers of the crowd from my garden.  This cute little guy made me smile and seemed totally apt to boot.  It's so easy to do: cut a mouth with a sharp blade and add stick-on eyes, or rivets.  To attach to a wall just pierce through the back of the head and stick on a nail OR stick on a magnet and attach to your fridge.

My next project is a mini-succulent garden; I don't know about you but I have too many corks lying around my kitchen and this little makeover will help use them up.

You will need: corks, succulent cuttings, compost, magnet, strong glue.  Take a sharp knife and hollow out an inner section of the cork before filling with some soil.  Place your cutting in the hole and pack a little more soil around the base of the plant.  Glue your magnet to the back and et voila.  You can make several of these and display them as a miniature garden on your fridge.  They look amazing!

Tweet me @sazpaz1 if you get round to making any of these...

Photo sources: Apartment Therapy; Alissa Rose