Inspiring

Everything is Awesome…When You’re Part of a Team

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Getting together with friends and drinking a glass of wine is always fun. It is even better to get together and have a bottle of wine (maybe two) and create an awesome project. This is something I recently did with my friend, Mrs. Stewart.

Mrs. Stewart and I wanted to craft something easy, inexpensive and fun. After doing a quick online search for “Dollar Store” craft ideas, I packed my traveling craft trunk with what supplies I had on hand and made a trip to the local dollar store. I decided to make a tiered tray for either cup cakes or snacks (like veggies, fruits or cheeses). I love to entertain guests so this was the perfect fit for me.

When we arrived at the dollar store, we couldn’t find exactly what we were looking for to build the tray, but we made do with what we could find. It was a blast figuring out what was going to look best. I think we were both surprised by the end result.

Below are the steps to create your own tiered tray. Remember the key to a successful craft project is to relax and have fun. The project shouldn’t feel like a chore or something that you have to get done. Creating something from nothing can be a great stress reliever (especially if wine or beer is involved — for those 21 and up, of course).

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Supplies:

Spray Paint (on hand or $3)
Super Glue (on hand or $1) or hot glue gun (on hand or $3)
Clear acrylic platters or plates (on hand or $1 each)
Plastic Margarita cups (on hand or $1 each) Note: You can use whatever you want between each tier. Let the creativity flow!
Alcoholic beverage of your choice (optional)

Step One:
Fill a glass with wine and take two drinks (recommended, but optional).

Step Two:
Lay out your acrylic platters or plates on a surface or area you don’t mind getting paint on. You don’t have to use spray paint. You can use any acrylic-based paint and brush it on.

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Step Three:
Paint the platters/plates your desired color. I went with white. If you choose to brush paint, be aware you might be able to see brush lines. Some people don’t like that, so I recommend using a sponge or something to blot the paint onto the platters/plates. Don’t forget to drink your wine.

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Step Four:
While your platters/plates are drying, drink more wine (or beer or whatever) and engage in conversation.

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Step Five:
After the paint has dried, you can glue the tiers together. (Sorry [not sorry] there is no photo. At this point the wine was doing its job and I was having too much fun to photograph the gluing process, which wasn’t that interesting). You can either use super glue or a hot glue gun. I went with the hot glue gun because I’m notorious for getting super glue all over my hands.

Step Six:
Look upon your masterpiece with pride (and tell the inner perfectionist to ignore the fact that the second tier is crooked…hey nobody is perfect and it could be the wine). To hide the glue and the top edge of the margarita cups you can either glue ribbon or beads to give it a seamless finish (I chose not to do this that night, but I may add beads at a later date).

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Step Seven:
Finish the wine. I’ll admit, at one point I wanted to give up and just enjoy the wine, but I resisted and am pleased with my craft project. If you do try this particular craft, I hope you have as much fun as I did.

My wonderfully awesome friend actually finished two projects in the time that I completed mine. She created bookends and a chalkboard plate for her grocery list. Look for her project how-tos on her blog at becomingmrsstewart.com. She has some great tips and ideas for home improvement, weddings, travel, and more.

Until next time.

-AM

Wow…what can I say

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I just finished an amazing book. It takes a lot for me to put a book on a pedestal of awesomeness. I also don’t like recommending books because I don’t want something I think is fantastic to be ruined by my friend saying, “Eh, it was okay.”

That said, if you haven’t already read The Book Thief by Markus Zusak you should do so immediately (well after you’ve finished reading this blog post). I know I’m behind on the times and I severely regret not having read this book sooner, but it’s never too late to read a good book.

This is not a boy-meets-girl kind of story, but it is about love and identity and so much more. When a book evokes a variety of emotions and sucks the reader into the story, you know it is well written. Zusak does a spectacular job of this. The story is narrated by none other than Death, which is a unique choice. The point-of-view is mostly Liesel Meminger’s, but as told by Death, who occasionally has outside observations the make the story well rounded. Not only is the narrator interesting, he is also thought provoking. He gives a unique perspective on humans, but not an omniscient one because he gets his info through his experiences and what he hears/sees. But he is Death, so he brings a lot to the table. He’ll have you loving and disliking the characters you’re meant to, and cheering for the human race in general.

Because there is so much depth to each character, you can tell the writer (and the narrator) took great care in telling the story of this girl, Liesel, and the people she loves and loses. I read a blurb that said: “It’s the kind of book that can be LIFE CHANGING.” It was for me (to some degree). With young adult books there is so much fluff and crap on the shelves, it is inspiring to read something great. And as a writer who is interested in YA, I have to appreciate the wording and phrases that were used. There is an elegance and intelligence needed to write such a moving piece (I know I’m being a bit cheesy, but it’s true).

Even if you have no interest in history or Nazi Germany, you will fall in love with this book or I hope, at the very least, you will enjoy it half as much as I did. It will leave your heart bleeding and cheering at the same time.

SIDE NOTE: I don’t say this often about a “book” movie, BUT…you should watch the movie as well. It is just as thought provoking and beautiful in its own right. They did a great job at casting the characters and telling Liesel’s story.