I first made this ridiculously easy project a few years ago and can’t believe it’s taken me so long to share with you! This trio of DIY modern cone trees are a statement maker on their own or pair them with your other decor – I favor plenty of bottlebrush trees. I think they’d also be really pretty in any other color and the glitter would really pop!
Step 1. Spread out the newsprint or something else that will protect the surface of whatever you’re creating your trees on. (It’s the glitter that’s going to get messy, not the paint.)
Step 2. Do one tree at a time, start by painting with long vertical strokes. You can do either one coat of paint for a more textural look – the paper will show through a bit – or two for more coverage, but whichever look you prefer make sure the paint is still wet when we get to the next step.
Step 3. Rather than using glue you’ll be relying on the wetness of the paint to adhere the clear glitter to the cone for a pretty, snowy look. (You could also use regular glitter if that’s your preference, or mix the two together.) With the tree held horizontally over the covered surface, gently sprinkle the glitter as you rotate the cone. I went with about 50% coverage on my trio, so you gauge how much you’d like from that estimate.
Step 4. Allow to dry completely. If you’d like an extra layer of protection/glitter adhesive, you can add a coat of clear spray varnish at this point before allowing it to again dry completely.
My right eyelid has been twitching since last Wednesday which can only mean one thing – the holidays are once again upon us. I put the tree up Saturday and decorated the inside of the house, but somehow only have 1.5 gifts bought. So, in an attempt to keep stress levels low and panic attacks at bay, I decided to put together one of my favorite annual posts a bit earlier than usual. This year’s Alcoholidays post is in the form of an advent calendar, guiding you gently through your liquor cabinet/bar cart/what have you all December long. And hey, if you need to get started a few days early who am I to judge? (past Alcoholidays 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016)
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I’m taking a moment out of today’s craziness to wish everyone celebrating Thanksgiving a good one. I hope you’re stuffing yourself silly, reflecting on what it means to be thankful, and surrounded by the most important people in your life. Among so many other things I’m thankful for each and every one of you who stop by Design Crush and support me on this wild and crazy ride. Love to you and yours!
It’s my favorite holiday tradition – the advent calendar! Whether you’re all in or just need to find one now we’ve got you covered. From free printables to DIY projects to buy it right off the shelf (or the screen). There might even be a few adult versions to help you make through to December 25th mixed in. *wink*
If I had a gigantic studio I’d like to think that I could invite you all over for a meal. One that says thank you for hanging around and keeping Design Crush afloat for over ten years, for your kind words and encouragement, and just for being an incredible group of human beings. After all, Thanksgiving is about being grateful and saying it out loud. So go get dressed in your favorite outfit – sparkly dress or sweatpants, there’s no judgement here – and join me for a delicious time. (Thanksgivings past: 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016)
Tip #1 An Extra Blanket
This is one of the first things I do when preparing for guests no matter the time of year – lay an extra blanket either across the foot of the bed or over a chair. You never know at what temperature someone prefers sleeping, plus it adds a layer of coziness.
Tip #2 Bring in Flowers
One of my favorite touches, a few fresh flowers or some greenery. Set a little vase on the bedside table or dresser for a sweet surprise. Or if you know your guest(s) have allergies opt for a few silken stems in their place as a thoughtful touch.
Tip #3 Someplace to Sit
Having someplace to sit other than the bed is something to consider if you have the space – it can be a cozy armchair that can double as a reading nook or something as small as a stool.
Tip #4 A Place for Luggage
Make sure there’s a spot for luggage to rest. A bench, a stool, or a folding rack all do the trick for when guests need to dig through their bags.
Tip #5 Closet Space
If you store your off season clothing (or whatever else) in your guest room closet, make sure to clear out enough space so that your guests’ clothing won’t feel cramped. Add a few wooden hangers to make them feel like more than an afterthought.
Tip #6 Stock Up on Toiletries + Towels
Throughout the year I keep an eye out for sales on these for just this reason. Super soft Turkish towels are my favorite thing to pamper guests with, and all things travel-sized can be stored in a glass jar or box nearby for easy access.
Tip #7 Set Out Bedside Necessities
Besides making guests feel comfortable in your home, the best thing you can do is leave them wanting for nothing. Leave bottles of water and prepackaged snacks and fruit on a tray or bar cart. Water glasses and a favorite candle on the nightstand will make them think they’re at a B&B.
Tip #8 An Easy Access Outlet
Our loves involve a lot of charging these days, so make sure no one has to dig behind the bed or dresser in order to find a free outlet. All the better if they’re USB ready!
Tip #9 The Option of a Nightlight
I can sleep in nothing but near total darkness, however in an unfamiliar place it’s nice to have the option of turning on a nightlight. Have one near the door or bed in case your guests’ would like a little help walking to the bathroom at 3am.
Tip #10 Make Sure There’s a Mirror
Maybe this is vain of me, but I like to have a look in the mirror and adjust as necessary before walking out of any guest room I’m occupying. Hang one over the closet door, set one on the dresser, or use a large one as decor.
You simply can’t have a festive holiday season without including your furry friends in the celebrations. It’s not hard to guess what their favorite part of any holiday, from Halloween to Thanksgiving to Yuletide, might be — the treats. All the treats. And conveniently some of the same ingredients you use to create all kinds of holiday goodness are also healthy and delicious for your pets (hint: these yummy ideas share your fruit bowl’s bounty). Check out these three festive treat recipes for your four-pawed pals!
Minty Applesauce Dog Bones
Ingredients • 1½ C whole wheat flour
• 1 C unbleached all purpose flour
• 1½ C old fashioned rolled oats
• ⅓ C oat bran
• 2 Tbsp milk powder
• 1½ tsp dry baking yeast
• 2 Tbsp chopped spearmint leaves
• 1½ C applesauce
• 2 tsp green food coloring
• ⅞ C water
You can use either your mixer with the bread hook attachment or a bread machine. If using a mixer, combine all ingredients and combine. If using a bread machine, place everything together on the dough cycle. When ready, roll dough out to ¼-inch thick. Cut into shapes using a bone or holiday shaped cookie cutter. Bake at 250ºF for one hour, checking from 50 minutes on to make sure they don’t over bake. Allow treats to dry completely in the oven, overnight is preferable.
Apple-Peanut Butter Cat Treats
Ingredients • ½ C wheat flour
• ½ C quinoa flour
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ½ C creamy peanut butter
• ½ C unsweetened applesauce
Preheat oven to 350ºF. Stir together flours and baking soda. Combine peanut butter and applesauce and add to flour mixture. Stir until it becomes difficult, then knead dough to incorporate any remaining flour. Roll dough ¼-inch thick, then transfer to a cookie sheet. Bake for 10 minutes then immediately transfer to cutting board. Slice into small cat-sized treats. Spread cut up treats over the cookie sheet and bake for another two minutes.
Store tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, freeze any remaining leftovers.
Bacon Cheddar Apple Dog Treats
Ingredients • 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 egg
• 1 C milk
• 1 peeled and grated apple, cored
• 1½ C whole wheat flour
• 1½ C white flour
• 1½ C shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ C chopped cooked bacon
• 3 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Preheat oven to 375ºF. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper. Whisk together butter, olive oil, and egg. Incorporate milk and grated apple, then mix in flours until just combined. Add in most of the cheddar, bacon, and parsley, leaving some aside to top. Knead dough on a floured surface until smooth – for about 30 seconds – the roll into a ½-inch thick 10-inch circle. Sprinkle the rest of the cheddar, bacon, and parsley onto the dough, gently pressing down. Cut out the treats using the shape of your choice, then place them on the prepared cookie sheet. Bake for 20 minutes or until biscuits are a light golden brown.
This post sponsored by Rover.com. Thank you for supporting the brands that help keep Design Crush creating fresh content!
There’s no better way to dive into the holidays than just ripping off the bandaid. So here we go! Between all of those get togethers and events on the calendar this month and next you’re probably going to be in need of a few solid wardrobe staples to get you through. Whether you want to go all out in a dress and heels or keep it casual in pants and loafers, we’re here for you with shoes, accessories, dresses, and separates in spades.
