See more awesome from Jennie on Odessa May Society

I’ve got springy flowers on the brain and thought itty-bitty tissue paper flowers would make darling cupcake toppers.

Take the ho-hum to colorful and cute.

The blasé to enchanting.

I think they’ll do.

These flowers are just like the tissue paper flowers you’ve made before, just smaller in size.

And smaller is almost always cuter, albeit a bit tedious.

____________________________________________________

You need:

• tissue paper cut in 2×2 inch squares
• lollipop sticks, skewers – cut to size
• wire – I used plastic-covered jewelry wire.
  

Then follow the steps:

1. Pick out the tissue paper. Six pieces are plenty. Any more and pulling the pieces to the middle is difficult. For this flower, I used four pieces of dark pink, two pieces of light pink plus two smaller squares of white for the middle. Pick your combo.

2. Stack up the tissue paper.

3. Accordion fold the square. It does not have to be a perfect accordion. I tested this. A lot.

4. Pinch the stack tightly.

5. Wrap a bit of wire around the middle of the accordion fold.

6. Optional step: Cut the ends to make a scalloped edge. You can also make pointed tips or do a series of small cuts to make a ruffly edge.

7. Starting in the middle, very gently, begin to pull each piece of tissue paper up and towards the middle. This is the tedious part; the pieces are so small and so thin.

8. Continue pulling the tissue pieces to the middle.

9. Fluff the flower a little, make it just right.

10. The flower is complete!

11. Wrap the flower and excess wire around the top of the lollipop stick.

12. The flower is ready to perk up a lackluster cupcake.

____________________________________________________

It really dresses things up, right?!

And the possibilities are endless.

It’s almost sad to remove the topper to eat the cupcake.

Almost.

See more awesome from Amy on This Heart of Mine

If you are a child of the 80s or 90s you more than likely remember this commercial where a busy mom slaves all afternoon to make marshmallow squares for her family. If you don’t remember then maybe it is just me who gets vintage commercials & jingles stuck in her head?

Anywho, this fake out was born from necessity for yummy dessert in a flash but not wanting it to taste or look store bought, plus a remembrance of the previously referenced commercial. Feel free to try this fake out tonight when your husband asks for dessert even after he’s told you on multiple occasions to “not keep sweets in the house.” But because you know him oh so well & always have a tub-o-chocolate chip cookie dough hidden in the depths of the fridge specifically for when this situation arises you are good to go… Oh, is that a situation only I find myself in, again? Ah well. It would also work really well for unexpected guests, or just to make you seem generally awesome because people will think you actually took the time to bake for real.

Here goes… all you need is store bought cookie dough (tub, roll, little flat package, it really doesn’t matter) & the following yummy additions:

Dark chocolate chips (I prefer at least 60% cacao) + sea salt + almonds

The next trick is to take your ball of cookie dough (if working from a tub or tube it should be a BIG heaping teaspoon. From package, 2 pre-sized dough balls… we are going for BIG cookies here) & kinda flatten it in the palm of your hand. Then you add 2-3 dark chocolate chips to the center & 2-3 almonds if you want them in there & imperfectly form a mound of dough. Next you place your newly formed cookie dough mound on a cookie sheet & add a few more chocolate chips & or almonds on the top. Ideally you want 2-3 chocolate chips on the top center of the mound so they sort of form a “pool” for catching the sea salt.

Once all your dough mounds are evenly spaced on your cookie sheet, using a sea salt grinder (if you have one) or just sprinkling a pinch, yourself. Add a bit of sea salt to the top of each cookie. Aim for the center where the “pool” of chocolate chips will be created. It doesn’t have to be perfect, in fact going for that imperfect look is what you want… that makes the cookies appear homemade!

Oh look, I SEA Salt! Get it? Sea Salt instead of see salt?

Bake cookies according the directions on your package of store bought dough. Let cool slightly, remove from cookie sheet, arrange on a fancy plate or with a fancy napkin. Serve with cold milk or beverage of choice. Sit back, relax & relish all the compliments…. “Oh did you make these?!” “Yes, yes, I did.” (technically it isn’t a lie).

Finally, while I haven’t tested any of the following, adding some other fun mix-ins could result in some stellar cookie goodness. On my list is the following: Walnuts. Dried fruit. Banana Chips. M&Ms. Mini peanut butter cups. Marshmallows. Bacon. (Mmmm bacon) I truly think any of these would equal awesomeness as long as the sea salt & dark chocolate is in play. Why? Because sea salt is the star! It brings out the flavor of the chocolate. So just always at least add those two ingredients & you’ll be golden.

Any other ideas?

See more awesome from Ashley on Oh What Fun

Right now, boating in style is just my fave in theory. I live within walking distance of Lake Michigan, so I end up boating a few times a summer, usually in worn-out shorts. Not this summer! Instead, I’m taking cues from the ladies who marry Greek billionaires and dock in Portofino, and heading out dressed a bit more glamorously.

Of course, the boats I go on don’t usually come with crews, so some practicality is also in order: A bag that looks good, but won’t spill. Shoes that stay on and won’t scuff the deck. Gourmet treats for lunch. A few chic things that seem plucked from la dolce vita, but are versatile enough for everyday life on land too (wardrobe versatility really is my fave).

Sources: Nuxe Baume Prodigieux SPF 15 in Charismatic Red, French Connection bracelet, Fjallraven backpack, Antipodes water, Diana Von Furstenberg playsuit, Bensimon shoes, Goorin Bros. hat, Monki windbreaker, Forever21 sunglasses, Pret-a-Surf bathing suit, Ortiz white tuna, La Sardinia Sea Pride Camera, Turkish T beach towel

Images: Jacqueline Kennedy Onassi photographed by Mark Shaw

See more awesome from Kathleen on Style Nine

Here’s the good part, today I’m giving away one BOB Revolution SE stroller. Just think, your kid and Beck can be twinners at the playground. To enter, visit BOB on their website and Facebook page then come back and leave a comment on this post. Giveaway ends Sunday night and the winner will be emailed by me on Monday. Good luck!

Here’s  a little box of goodies any mom will love. What mom doesn’t like cookies and chocolate? Every woman loves nail polish and has about 7 bottles of one shade, be it fuchsia or bright red. Take a peek in her collection and get her yet another one to add to it! A place to write down her favorite quotes from her favorite people, most definitely. Remember to have a few handmade goodies for mom!

sources: My Quotable Kid, frame from Target (past season), Satsuma Press card, Essie nail polish in clambake, handmade bunting made with Lifestyle Crafts blossoms plate

See more awesome from Jenny on Hank and Hunt

Growing up, I had an aunt who lived in Canada. Every year for my birthday she’d send me a card and a fancy little gift. She always found the neatest things! One year, when I was maybe 10 or 11, she sent me another card—and when I opened it up, a paper butterfly fluttered out of the card. It was magical! I was enchanted. I remember wasting an entire afternoon trying to make my own out of paperclips and a produce rubber band, only to miserably fail. I was convinced only Canadians could make those magical butterflies! Fast forward to 2012 and I found myself still thinking about them. But this time, after much research and diligence, I think I’ve finally cracked the code!

I made my butterflies into Monarchs, but you could use different materials to create any sort of colorful butterfly. I think a sweet floral paper would be so pretty for an invitation to a little girl’s birthday party.

Materials: You’ll need heavy cardstock, 24 gauge wire, silicone rubber bands (I found mine in the hair aisle at Walgreens) needle-nose pliers, scissors, tape, a paintbrush, a black marker, and a white ink pen.

Step 1: Measure and cut your wire. The wire used for the top wings will be 4 inches, and the wire used for the bottom wings will be 5.5 inches.

Step 2: Find the center of the longer wire. Wrap it around the base of your paintbrush to form a loop.
Step 3: Keeping the loop horizontal, bend the tails of the wire down vertically.
Step 4: Bend each tail in towards each other to form a hook to hold the rubber band.

Step 5: Find the center of the shorter wire, and wrap it around the base of the paintbrush. Instead of forming a loop, pinch the wire to form a circle, and bend the tails of the wire out to form the base for the wings.
Steps 6 & 7: Assemble the body of the butterfly. Wrap the rubber band around the top wire and set it in the center. Thread the rubber band through the loop of the bottom wire, and attach it onto the bottom hooks.

Step 8: Draw the shape of your wings and cut them out. You can make them as plain or fancy as you want. They don’t have to be perfect—be creative!
Step 9: Outline the edges of each wing with your black marker. Draw lines and doodles on the wings to replicate a Monarch. (Google image helps!)
Step 10: Use the white ink pen to draw dots on the outer edges of each wing

Step 11: Tape each wing to the body of the butterfly.
Step 12: Holding the body of the butterfly with one hand, use your forefinger to turn the top wings and wind up the rubber band. I found that between 40-50 rotations made the wire nice and tight. Be careful not to wind too far, or the wire might bend!
Step 13: Carefully insert the wound-up butterfly into a card or book. Whoever opens it will get a flutterly little surprise!

Thanks for the chance to finally figure out how these darned things are made, Melanie!

See more awesome from Amelia on The Homebook

Hey friends! It’s Alison, from The Alison Show. Styling a photo booth can seem overwhelming, but I’m ready share my easy steps for success. This ridiculous video shows a successful photo wall from start to finish, and if you want even more tips and tricks head on over the my blog for the break down. I’m a self-appointed expert on getting people to break out of their shell and strike a pose.

Keep it crafty, keep it sassy.

Like this? Gander on over to The Alison Show for a full list of photo wall construction tips and a tutorial on how to make those paper pinwheels.

In case you haven’t heard, yellow is my favorite color of all time and single-color parties are some of my favorites to shop for. What’s a girl to do but create an all yellow party supply shopping guide!? Get ready for a healthy dose of lemon + sunshine, with a hefty dash of gingham. First a little dose of inspiration -

Photo Credits: Lemon Photo by A Creative Mint via Decor8, Gingham Bowtie by The Belle and The Beau

Now, go shop your pretty yellow socks off!

Sources:
yellow gingham cake bunting from Vintage Green Limited
yellow gingham gable boxes from Jilly Bean Kids
fringe placecards from Potter & Butler
yellow gift tags from Knot and Bow
yellow gingham clothespins from The Papered Crown
yellow baker’s twine from The Twinery
fringe tissue garland from Caramelos
lemon candy sticks from Candy Warehouse
yellow party kit from Target
Sparkling Lemon IZZE from Beverages Direct
yellow gingham bow tie from En Pointe

I’ve asked it before and I’ll ask it again, why is there no holiday that celebrates the color yellow? Who’s with me in creating our own!?

See more awesome from Kelly on Studio DIY

Cinco de Mayo in a box
• Mexican candy
• Valencia hot sauce
• jalapeño
• tequila
• sea salt
• limes
• tissue paper flowers
• ceramic skull from Mexico
• Jarritos fruit flavored soda

Many of the items came from the local tienda. They usually have great produce, hot sauce, Mexican candy and the Jarritos fruit flavored soda. Airplane bottles of tequila can be perfect for single servings of margaritas, and no good margarita is complete without salt. To complete a Cinco de Mayo tablescape, use tissue paper to create paper flowers or a piñata inspired table runner. Also, this is a great time to pull out souvenirs. The ceramic skull is from a recent trip to the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. Olé!

See more awesome from Katie and Allison (including more fiesta ideas!) in the latest issue of Twin Stripe Magazine