What is it about bread?

While scrolling through the numerous lists of Creative Packing complied by Bored Panda, we noticed a trend - bakers come up with some great ideas to package their goods. 

Who's your Gnomey?

Slightly cheesy, but still funny packaging for Japanese black melon bread

This one was part of a breast cancer awareness campaign.

Now this turned out to be a highly lucrative idea: “We got into cooperation with bakery that supplies bread to neighborhood stores. Together we created FIT BUNS — a branded healthy buns with coupon for a free visit to fitness center inside the box. Results:2996 packs of buns sold the first month. 658 people came for a trial session, 217 purchased membership cards. That increased the number of fitness center clients by 25%. FIT BUNS sales generated 115% return on investments.” (Advertising Agency: MEX, Ukraine)

The BIG Dog Purse

Because it's the silly season, we decided to share something silly... presenting the BIG dog purse!

Another bright idea – transform light bulbs into oil lamps!

We’ve already shown you how to create a vase from a busted light bulb, but here’s another great way to repurpose old light bulbs that won’t leave you in the dark.

You’ll need:

• A clean light bulb
• A cotton shoe lace
• A metal bottle cap
• A rather large washer / spacer
• Two small magnets
• A drill / punch
• A drill bit a little smaller than your shoe lace
• Tape
• Lamp oil
• Some sand
• Water

Instructions:

1. Disassembling/Cleaning the Light Bulb: First, take your drill/punch and tap at the bottom of the light bulb, until you break the black glass. Then tap on the inner tube inside the bulb with the wire in it, and extract the insides of the beast. Now, go grab your sand or another granular substance and put some into the bulb. Add the water and swirl the mixture, while you are swirling you'll notice that the inner white coating will flake off. Once all the white coating has detached itself from the inside of the bulb, rinse the bulb thoroughly and set it aside.
2. The Cap: After you have cleaned the innards of the bulb and washed the inside, grab your bottle cap and shoe lace. Locate the centre of the cap and drill your hole - start with a small hole and work your way up to just under shoe-lace-diameter. Before you cut your shoe lace, tape the middle with a little bit of tape, so when you do cut (in the middle of the tap band), you won’t have a frayed mess. Thread your taped end into the fresh wound in your bottle cap and pull the lace through. Screw the cap (with the lace threaded) onto the top of light bulb and do a measure test, you want a little slack at the bottom, but not much. Take off the cap and find where your magnets have run off too.
3. Making the Base: With your washer/spacer in hand, and magnets stuck to some valuable electronic devise, put a small length of tape on the one side. Flip it over and centre one of your little magnets on the tape. Cut another length of tape and stick it on the washer/spacer, trapping the menacing little beast inbetween.
4. Finishing: Go ahead and find your lamp oil. Before pouring the oil, put the other magnet into the bulb, and set on the base. Carefully pour about 2-3 teaspoons of lamp oil into the bulb. Find your cap, complete with shoe lace wick, and screw the cap on to the light bulb. You may need to roll the liquid around a bit to get the wick a little damp. There should only be no more than about a centimeter of wick poking out the top of the cap. Grab your lighter, and light it up!

Be sure to head on over to the Instructables  page, where this tutorial by bumpus was originally posted. You’ll not only get a chance to see how others adapted the idea, but you’ll also find a large dose of inspiration and motivation. 

Season's Greetings

Here’s a bright idea! Convert an old light bulb into a vase

Give used light bulbs a new lease on life with this great do-it-yourself project from ReadyMade. 

You’ll need:

• Leather gloves
• Safety Glasses
• Needle-nose pliers
• A hammer
• ¼ inch Allen wrench
• 3/32-inch aluminum welding rod

Instructions:

• Put on leather gloves and safety glasses (consider going outside since this process involves breaking glass).
• Peel off the contact at the base of the bulb using the needle-nose pliers (see photo below).

• Crack the black glass at the base of the bulb by tapping it lightly with the hammer. If this doesn’t work, try sticking one of the jaws of the needle-nose pliers into the hole of the black glass and twist while applying a little pressure. it requires some persistence, so keep at it.
• Insert the 1/4-inch Allen wrench into the glass tube inside the lightbulb after removing black glass (see photo). Apply some leverage to break the glass inner tube; a different size key may be necessary depending on the brand of bulb.

• Pull out the innards of the bulb through the hole you’ve created with the pliers. if the hole is too small, make it bigger as you did in step 4. The filament and attached glass may need to come out in a few pieces if they are too large (shown in photo).

• Create a stand for your new vase using the 3/32-inch aluminum welding rod, available at your local hardware store. Sculpt your stand to your own design, or mimic the one in the pictures—a square base with one end of the wire coiled around the metal part of the lightbulb.
• Insert your favorite flower, water, and enjoy!

Are you a Classic Chap?

If you find yourself wondering around England these holidays on a quest for something antique, vintage or retro, we recommend that you head to Classic Chaps in East Sussex. Here you’ll find a wide range of exotic, traditional and stylish clothes for the contemporary gentleman.

Beware! This is not the place to go if you’re looking for jeans, a t-shirt and trainers. This is where a fellow may find tweeds, bow ties and walking sticks instead.

If you’ve elected to remain in sunny South Africa these holidays, but are still keen on picking up a new dinner jacket we suggest you visit the Classic Chaps website by clicking here. 

Another brilliant solution to your storage problems!

We absolutely love this Antique Wooden Ladder Bookshelf from Naturally Cre8tive. Not only is it an excellent example of how good repurposing can look, but it’s also an ingenious use of space.

You can purchase the bookshelf from Naturally Cre8tive’s online Esty store (click here to go shopping), but why not have a go at creating your own version.

Gifts on a budget: The DIY Plastic Spoon Rose

Can you believe it? This rose is made from run-of-the-mill plastic spoons

Shopping on a budget? Still looking for the perfect gift for your eco-warrior girlfriend? 

Whatever your problem, we’ve got the solution. This do-it-yourself rose pendant is not only cheap and easy, but also totally gorgeous. Plus nothing says “I’m green and I care” quite like something homemade from recycled goods.

Click here to view the tutorial by EVEnl on Cut Out and Keep, but also take a moment to view Catherine P’s creative use of nail polish which gives her rose a splash of colour. 

Christmas on a cupcake – what’s not to love?

This is such a great idea from Brit + Co. that we just had to share, because let’s face it, it’s not like those cupcakes are going to make it out of the kitchen uneaten anyway.

Yummy!

Click here for the full tutorial. Don’t worry about trying to hunt down Wilton’s sparkle gel – try Nicoletta’s Glitter Writing Icing instead – it’s local, lekker and can be found online or in the baking isle of your nearest supermarket. 

Need some retail therapy? Visit The Beautiful Store.

Truly, a rare online shop, The Beautiful Store offers unique products of exceptional quality; all of which are simply beautiful.

The geniuses behind The Beautiful Store recognise that finding uniquely beautiful items can sometimes be a chore, which is why they have decided to introduce this online showcase of exquisite items that are simply not available everywhere. There may be wide range of categories in their catalogue, but you can be assured that everything is of the highest quality and exceptionally desirable. From bespoke furniture to artisan chocolates to heavenly handbags and so much more, you’ll find what you’re searching for in this online mall. And, best of all, orders over R1000 receive FREE delivery worldwide!

Award-winning jewellery from designers Maack & Martin

Luxury, high-end accessories from Porsche Design.

Hand-crafted artisan chocolates from Honest Chocolate

Just click here to start shopping.

DIY Decor: A Book Lampshade

From ideas, one of our old favourites comes this novel approach to lampshade decor. 

You will need
• an old book
• cardboard (for the guiding page)
• craft knife
• glue gun
• pencil

The South African Lipizzaners present Carols by Candlelight

Bookings NOW OPEN through Computicket!

When: @ 7pm on Wednesday 5th, Friday 7th, Wednesday 12th,  Thursday 13th, Saturday 15th, Tuesday 18th, Wednesday 19th, Friday 21st, Saturday 22nd, Sunday 23rd. There will be a Special Matinee on Sunday 16th at 3pm!
Where: Lipizzaner Centre, 1 Dahlia Road, Kyalami
How much: R130 for all - no special prices for pensioners or children

FYI:

• This is an indoor event so weather will not affect the performances. 
• Catering is available
• Picnic baskets are available on order
• Everybody is invited to feed the horses carrots
• Father Christmas does make an appearance
• Booking is only through Computicket!

Dinner Party Décor DIY: The Chalkboard Table Cloth

If you’re looking for a fabulously creative way to make your mark this festive season then keep reading. Below you’ll find a wonderfully easy tutorial from the ladies at Hey Look, a great blog filled with DIY guides and party inspirations, that’ll lend a bistro feel to your fun-filled evening. What are we talking about? Well just sit back and discover how to create your own Chalkboard Table Runner.

Firstly you’ll need a piece of oilcloth cut to fit your table. Then it’s some blackboard paint and a brush or paint roll. Paint the cloth carefully - make sure not to use too much paint, otherwise the runner will be too stiff when dry. Just use enough paint to cover the cloth entirely. Hang it up to dry overnight then you can lay it out on the table, scribble on your menu or some greetings to your guests. 

A Christmas Feast: Turkey stuffed with wild rice, cranberry and prosciutto

Serves: 6 – 8
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Oven temperature: 160°C
Cooking time: 3 hours

You'll need:
• 1 x 3kg turkey
• 1 x 150g roll garlic and herb butter
• salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Stuffing:
• 250g mixed brown and wild rice
• 125g cranberries, soaked in 125ml brandy
• 15ml butter
• 15ml olive oil
• 2 onions, chopped
• 2 smoked sausages, sliced
• 10 slices prosciutto, cut into thin strips
• 100g pecan nuts, chopped
• 125ml fresh sage leaves, chopped
• salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1. Prepare the stuffing Boil the rice according to the package instructions. Drain. 
2. Meanwhile, bring the cranberries and brandy to the boil in a small saucepan, over low heat. Remove from the heat and set aside. 
3. Heat the butter and olive oil in a frying pan and sauté the onions until tender. Add the sausage slices and fry until golden brown. Add the prosciutto strips, pecan nuts, sage and cranberries and brandy and stir until mixed. Add the rice and stir to combine, then steam over low heat for about 15 – 20 minutes. Season to taste and allow to cool completely. 
4. Remove the giblets and innards from the turkey and make sure the bird is clean and dry. Spread two-thirds of the flavoured butter under the turkey skin, over the breast. Now stuff the turkey. You can sew up the rear opening, and fold the neck skin over, to prevent the stuffing falling out; tie the drumsticks together, using string, so that the turkey will retain its shape during cooking. Place a double layer of aluminium foil in a large ovenproof dish and place the turkey on top. Rub the remaining flavoured butter over the turkey and season.
5. Place another double layer of foil over the turkey and seal the foil along the sides so that the turkey is completely enclosed in a thick parcel. Place the turkey in the oven for 2 hours. 
6. Remove the foil and baste the turkey with the pan juices. Return the turkey to the oven, uncovered, for an hour or until golden brown and cooked. Let it stand for at least 15 minutes in a warm place before slicing and serving. Serve the extra stuffing as an accompaniment.

This tasty Christmas treat comes to you from home, your practical guide to beautiful living.

Buck tradition and build your own tree this Christmas!

Project notes:

• This Christmas tree shelf unit is made of pine, which is planted, grown and harvested in a sustainable manner. The small trees we purchase on the side of the road usually are not. It is also reusable, making it a somewhat "greener" option than a traditional tree.

• The method used to construct the shelves (‘branches’) of this tree is such that it allows for the tree to be easily put together and disassembled.

• As an alternative, you could construct the joints by cutting opposing channels in the upright plank and shelves, and gluing and slotting these in place. This is a more permanent (and stronger) alternative.

• Click here to access a PDF version of the sketch and get more details regarding the project.

Quick project guide

Hard labour: 3/10

Skill level: 4/10

Time needed: about four hours (excluding drying time)

Do it yourself for: ±R650

Shopping list

A one 2400 x 305 x 22mm laminated pine plank (base structure) cut to:

– one 600mm (bottom)

– two 450mm (sides)

– one 900mm (top)

B one 2400 x 144 x 22mm pine plank (upright) cut to 2000mm

C one 2400 x 220 x 22mm pine plank (shelves) cut to:

– one 1000mm

– one 700mm

– one 500mm

– one 200mm (off-cut for the star)

D one 1800 x 220 x 22mm pine plank (shelves) cut to:

– one 900mm

– one 300mm

Other items

• four hinges

• 16mm screws (for hinges)

• two 1000mm X 10mm wooden dowels

• medium sandpaper (120 grit)

• paintbrush and foam roller

Tools

• jigsaw

• cordless drill

• 10mm drill bit

• combination square

• sharp pencil

Get Started

Measure and mark out a 144 x 22mm wide rectangle centred midway along the 900mm x 305 x 22mm (top) and the 600mm (bottom), as shown. Remember to do the same midway along each of the 220 x 22mm shelves.

Create the same 144 x 22mm wide outlines at each end of the 900mm (top). Position these cut out sections 50mm from the ends. Use the combination square to make sure all angles are at 90º, as shown.

Use the cordless drill and 10mm drill bit to create a hole within each of these markings. This will act as a starting point for the jigsaw blade.

Use the jigsaw to cut out the rectangular shapes you had marked out above. TIP: When cutting, work inside the lines. To create neat corners, cross over into the opposite corners in an arc motion. The majority of the shapes to be cut out is removed this way, allowing you to work back along the sides to create perfect right angles.

Measure and mark out cut outs at each corner at one end of the two 450mm sides. Measure 80mm in from the sides and 70mm from the end. Then remove these corners with the jigsaw, as shown.

Place the 450mm sides alongside the (600mm) bottom and fix the hinges in place as illustrated here, using 16mm screws for this.

Now measure and mark lines at 400mm, 600mm, 900mm, 1200mm, 1500mm and 1800mm from one end of the 2000mm upright. This end, where you started measuring from, should be the bottommost end of the upright. Use the cordless drill and 10mm drill bit to create two holes just beneath these lines, about 30mm from the sides. IMPORTANT: Make sure that you drill these holes at perfect right angles to the upright to ensure that the dowels will sit level when supporting the shelves (see steps below).

• Cut the 1000mm x 10mm wooden dowels into 120mm long sections. You will need 12 of these.
• Enlarge the star template to roughly 180mm wide and trace it onto the 200mm off cut. Cut out the shape using the jigsaw. Also cut a 20mm-wide slot along one side to fit onto the upright.
• Give the tree a once over with 120-grit sandpaper (especially along the edges!) and then use the paintbrush and roller to coat the entire structure with the colour(s) of your choice. We painted our ‘tree’ silver and the base white and added presents wrapped in red, black, white and silver to create that complete Christmas picture.

To assemble

• Fold the two 450mm sides up at angles

• Position the slots at each end of the 900mm top over the cut outs of the sides and slide into place – this creates the base for the tree

• Now slide the upright through the slot in the top and into the slot in the bottom

• Fit the dowels in place (at the 400mm line) in the upright, just below the top; this will help to give the tree some rigidity

• Now place a set of dowels in the next pair of holes and place the 1000mm shelf in position by sliding it over the upright from the top; it will rest on these dowels

• Repeat this process with each successive shelf until you have completed the tree

• Use the diagram as reference, if necessary. The star is placed on last.

This crafty idea came to you from the pages of home, your practical guide to beautiful living.