Tuesday, September 10, 2013

DIY Milk Can Lid Pendant


As you probably saw on my earlier post for my DIY Mason Jar Chandelier, I needed a light that had the same feel for over my kitchen sink. You could also do this with a mason jar, metal colander, even a wire basket; the possibilities are endless!!
What you'll need:
Item for your pendant shade, I used the metal lid from an old milk can.
Like I said, you could use a mason jar, colander, anything you can cut/drill a hole into.
Pendant Kit
I got mine at Lowe's for about $20.
You could also wire this from scratch using 18-2 lamping wire (or a lamp kit which can be found at any hardware store), a keyless socket (get which size you want for the type of bulb you want to use & make sure it is an exposed socket where you can see the threading around it, not smooth), wire nuts, canopy, & mounting bracket. You can follow my steps on the wiring in my Mason Jar Chandelier how-to.
Socket ring (if you didn't get a kit. This is what will hold your item.)
Drill
Tin Snips
Marker
Light bulb!
I used a vintage bulb that I got at Home Depot for about $9.

Flag cake

So, I hope that everyone had a great 4th of July weekend. I know I did, minus the work...
I had been dying to make this cake for the 4th and finally had a chance to for a BBQ. It is fairly simple, but does require a bit of patience. I got the original recipe here.
So here are your yummy ingredients:
Red Cake Layers
1 box Betty Crocker® SuperMoist® white cake mix
1 pint (2 cups) strawberries, stems removed, (I used frozen for mine) pureed in blender or food processor to about 1 1/4 cups
1/3 cup vegetable oil
3 egg whites
1 Tsp red paste food color (you must use a paste not liquid or it will be pastel)
Blue Cake Layer
1/2 box Betty Crocker® SuperMoist® white cake mix (about 1 2/3 cups dry mix)
1/2 cup blueberries, (I used frozen for mine) pureed in blender or food  processor
3 Tbsp vegetable oil
2 whole eggs
1/2 Tsp blue paste food color (you must use a paste not liquid or it will be pastel)
3 Tbsp Betty Crocker® white star-shaped candy sprinkles or nonpareils
White Cake Layer
1/2 box Betty Crocker® SuperMoist® white cake mix (about 1 2/3 cups dry mix)
1/2 cup water
2 Tbsp vegetable oil
2 egg whites
Frosting and Sprinkles
3 containers Betty Crocker® Whipped fluffy white frosting
2 containers of Cool Whip (this I added from the original recipe)
Betty Crocker® red, white and blue sprinkles, as desired

Sunday, September 8, 2013

DIY Mason Jar Chandelier

So, after I had purchased my new house I went to work on replacing all the light fixtures in the house. I couldn't live around that horrid polished brass, you all know what I'm talking about. When it came down to the kitchen though, I decided I want something quirky and different from your typical breakfast light. You see, I work in a lighting store so I stare at those fixtures all day everyday.
When I finally decided I wanted a mason jar chandelier, I went on the hunt to find some inspiration. I didn't want to buy one for $400 when I know that I was fully capable to make one on my own. I came across a DIY that gave you step by step instructions at Kara Paslay Design. This is truly the best one I found. Now I made a few changes to my design which I'll tell you below, but feel free to use her site as well.
Disclaimer:
Before we start, I am not an electrician and don't assume responsibility if your house burns down using my instructions. If you are not comfortable, HIRE AN ELECTRICIAN!!



What you'll need: