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These no-sew felt 4th of July napkin rings really brightened up Shane’s Fourth of July Birthday BBQ – no sewing machine required! I made a variety of star shapes using star cookie cutters and various loose buttons. Here they are all piled up before setting the table… And even more DIY napkin rings And yep, …

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Last year I made a personalized birthday rhubarb berry pie for Shane’s annual 4th of July birthday barbecue. So this year I wanted to make something equally festive …but keep the baking to a minimum. Back during snowy holiday time I saw this great idea from Martha Stewart (how completely cute are those jumping reindeer …

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I made this fabric napkin rings recycled craft from an empty Saran Wrap tube. A few months ago I was getting ready to throw away an empty Saran Wrap box and happened to notice how the cardboard tube inside was oh so strong and sturdy. What useful thing could I make with such a pretty?? …

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Za Vas! Heather Crosby and I continued the Upper Crust Social Club event series by co-hosting a Russian-inspired vodka infusion party. Guests brought their own homemade vodka infusions …such a range of tasty concoctions from Watermelon Rosewater Vodka Infusion to Skittles Vodka to Cucumber Mint Vodka Infusion to Bacon Maple Vodka Infusion to Apple Cinnamon Vodka …

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Did you know that more than 96 billion pounds of edible food is thrown away in the U.S. every year? Creative and resourceful Merriment reader Sarah Roarty painted her own unique and unified set of dishware that focused on her love for food and interest in American Food culture. Sarah shows that it’s easy to …

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This is one of those craft projects that I just love. A little throwback, a little whimsical …and totally original. The idea for Shrinky Dink rabbit’s foot napkin rings that double as keychain favors sprung from a creative volley between me and Heather Crosby. I was hell bent on wanting to use Shrinky Dinks for …

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I really like this thoughtful detail from Cristin and Adam Siegel’s Chicago nuptials. Cristin tied handmade name tags around the tops of water-filled glass Ball mason jars to hold the bridal party’s bouquets during the reception. And aren’t the bridesmaid bouquets that feature orchids and fiddlehead ferns lovely? Supplies: Thick paper in two colors (Cristin …

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This free printable urban graffiti thank you is perfect for your everyday thank you needs. Every time I drive over the Chicago Avenue Bridge I look forward to seeing the “thank you” graffiti spraypainted inside a heart on the northwestern side of the overpass. First there’s that nervous moment of anticipation when I’m afraid that …

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Today we’re going to learn how to make marshmallows using a really easy marshmallow recipe – it’s a yummy DIY gift and you can always make some extras for yourself. Lately I’ve developed a bit of a hot chocolate habit during the mid-afternoon workday at the day job. After spotting a box of “homemade” marshmallows …

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Ho! Ho! Ho! Here’s a special holiday variation of chalkboard pillows complete with two new free ornament and tree templates to make your own 16″ x 16″ pillow for the season. The ornament in particular gives tons of space to write a fun daily countdown to the big day. I used green cotton on the …

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Holy smokes! This invitation by Nick and Nikki Lo Bue is one of the most amazing wedding invitations I’ve ever seen. Nick and Nikki had a charming story behind their relationship which inspired them to make this stunning book as their wedding invitation. Making the wedding book gave the couple a fabulous opportunity to tell …

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This is our fifth year hosting Thanksgiving in Chicago for the twelve members of our joint families. Each year we try to do something slightly different for food and table decor. I came up with a Thanksgiving napkin ring idea solely using things here at home because (a) my craft closet is to the brim …

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