Sunday 30 December 2012

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)

Saturday 29 December 2012

Thursday 27 December 2012

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. 

Friday 21 December 2012

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!

Wednesday 19 December 2012

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

Tuesday 18 December 2012

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.

Saturday 15 December 2012

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. 

Friday 14 December 2012

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. 

Thursday 13 December 2012

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.

Friday 7 December 2012

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

Tuesday 4 December 2012

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!

Monday 3 December 2012

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. 

Sunday 2 December 2012

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.

Saturday 1 December 2012

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

Tuesday 27 November 2012

Storage space a problem? Here's a brilliant idea!


When we found the above image on Well Done Stuff! it was filed under the heading brilliant idea, and we have to agree. We just love the idea and think hanging deck chairs like these would look especially cool in a beach cottage or home by the sea. It's also an excellent idea for small flats where space is a luxury.

Sunday 25 November 2012

A Taste of Christmas


Celebrate the Festive Season with South Africa’s inaugural Pick n Pay Taste of Christmas event, where inspired entertaining gets a glamorous holiday makeover from 7-9 December 2012 at the Coca-Cola Dome in Northgate, Johannesburg.

Brought to you by Taste Festivals South Africa, the organisers behind Pick n Pay’s Taste of Cape Town, Durban and Joburg festivals, the Pick n Pay Taste of Christmas event will feature a selection of the city's top restaurants serving up inspirational seasonal menus. 

At Pick n Pay Taste of Christmas, an incredible range of artisan producers, top-notch ingredients and boutique suppliers will all showcase their finest wares, giving you a one-stop shop for everything you need to make this Festive Season a memorable one. From cheese, food and wine for your Christmas table, gastronomic gifts for the foodie who has everything and essential ingredients, Pick n Pay Taste of Christmas will make this Festive Season one to remember. 

Festival times:
  • Fri 7 December: 12pm – 9pm
  • Sat 8 December: 2pm – 9pm
  • Sun 9 December: 12pm – 6pm
Ticket prices:
  • R80 Standard: Entrance to the event plus a tasting glass
  • R200 Premium: Entrance to the event plus a tasting glass and R120 worth of Crowns
  • R685 Taste Clubhouse Experience presented by DStv: Entrance to the festival plus a tasting glass, R180 worth of Crowns, Complimentary Bar (malt, wine, soft drinks) in a Private Clubhouse to use as a base for the show as well as a Taste of Christmas Gift

For more information, keep an eye on www.tasteofchristmas.co.za

Wednesday 21 November 2012

Making a statement with stained glass – tips from an expert.


When it comes to making an entrance, nothing captures old world charm and elegance quite like stained glass. Stunning in doors and amazing at adding a splash of colour to windows, stained glass is such a versatile medium with which to express the feel of your home or business. How then do you go about getting the perfect piece for you? Well, Louise van Niekerk of Aladdins-de-Light says that it all starts with finding the right artist…


My very first tip is always to find a stained glass artist whose work you like and identify with. With stained glass design and conceptualising there comes a stage in the whole process where the only place the design is alive is inside your designer’s head.

A good designer will listen to the client’s ideas, use reference materials provided and interpret these within the scope of what is possible in stained glass and the client’s budget (Yes, sometimes a bit of marriage counselling when faced with opposing ideas is necessary).

So what do you need? A near accurate measurement is helpful in establishing a quote. I always like to visit my clients’ houses as far as possible. Palermo may be a bit challenging, but if you are willing to fly me out, I am open to persuasion...

If not, then photos, especially of the style of the house, the interior and the exterior to gauge the client’s taste and style, swatches and other samples are useful.

It is a good idea to look at examples of the artist’s work and to look through design books to give you an idea of what is possible. Most people do not realise that stained glass can be traditional or timeless and elegant or modern and minimalistic.

Once you have decided on a design, your quote can be done and you will be required to pay a deposit. In my mind, doing the design and choosing the glass is the most important part of the job. If you get that right, making the panel is just hard work until you are finally rewarded when you lift the assembled panel and see how your vision turned out!”


One Day on Earth 12.12.12


one day on earth
Documentary filmmakers, students, and other inspired citizens across the planet will unite on 12 December 2012 and record the human experience over a 24-hour period, contributing their voice to the third annual global day of media creation called One Day on Earth. Together, they will create a shared archive and a film that showcases the amazing diversity, conflict, tragedy, and triumph that occurs in one day
Founded in 2008, One Day on Earth's first media creation event occurred on 10.10.10 and the second on 11.11.11. The 10.10.10 collaboration was the first ever simultaneous filming event occurring in every country of the world. One Day on Earth collaborations create a unique geo-tagged video archive as well as an annual feature film.
Visit the official website to find out how you can join this international community of thousands of filmmakers, hundreds of schools, and dozens of non-profits, and contribute to this unique global mosaic. 

Monday 19 November 2012

WIld @ Heart Open Day


Avoid the bustle and jostle of malls and shopping centres, catch your breath, smell the roses, and above all join us for a cup of coffee, be inspired and refreshed!

We will have on sale: beautiful bags, home decor, lovely antique silver bits and bobs, jewellery, beautiful sari fabrics, lovely old china, bling tops, vintage clothing and so much more....

For any enquiries, please contact Soo on 076 298 2490 \031-701 6324
or email me on sooedgar@gmail.com.

P.S. If you're having difficulty reading the map, click on it for a larger version.

Sunday 18 November 2012

Strawberry Ice Lollies


ice-lollies
Cool down the yummy way with this delicious treat.

Makes: 8 ice lollies
Preparation time: 20 minutes, plus freezing time
You’ll need:
  • 500g strawberries, rinsed
  • 200g sugar
  • 250ml water
  • 8 sucker sticks

Instructions:
  1. Place the strawberries in a blender and whiz until smooth.
  2. Put the sugar in water in a pot and stir over mild heat until it has dissolved. Bring to the boil and simmer for five minutes. Allow to cool.
  3. Mix 180ml of the cooled sugar syrup with the strawberry puree, pour it into ice lolly moulds and put a stick in it to freeze.
Tip: You can select a variety of fruit to make your ice lollies – mango, berries, apricots, peaches and litchis are all suitable.

This recipe first appeared in home, your practical guide to beautiful living. 

Saturday 17 November 2012

The Cape Town Wedding Festival


cape_town_wedding_festival
At the 15th Cape Town Wedding Festival you’ll discover that planning a wedding can be stress-free and lots of fun!

Take the time to wander around the beautiful gardens of Rustenberg Wines in Stellenbosch and
  • view the marquees filled with everything  you need for a successful wedding       
  • have the opportunity to receive advice from experts in the wedding industry   
  • be inspired by creative décor ideas     
  • take part in the Festival Competition and put yourself in line to win wonderful prizes    
  • relax with a glass of delicious Rustenberg wine and light refreshments while you listen to  live music by some of Cape Town’s top musicians



Best of all, because only recommended service providers are invited to exhibit at this show, you can rest assured that you will be meeting professionals with excellent track records!

When: 24 & 25 November 2012 | 10am – 5pm
Where: Rustenberg Wines, Stellenbosch
How much? R 40 pp | Under 18 FREE

For more info contact Pam Black Weddings on 0861 PAM BLACK or 021 674 7350 or info@pamblackweddings.co.za. You can also visit The Cape Town Wedding Festival website by clicking here.

Friday 16 November 2012

Converting Coloured Pencils in Colourful Accessories


The occasional ray of sunlight has reminded us that it is indeed summer and that it’s time to add a splash of colour to brighten of our wardrobe. Which is why we’re bringing you this fantastic tutorial from our long-time fav Brit + Co.

You’ll need:
-          coloured pencils
-          sand paper
-          drill with tiny drill bit
-          hand saw
-          chain
-          ring pads
-          glue
-          jewelry wire

Instructions:
The Pencil Ring
Simply cut off 2-inch length of pencil (with a sharpened end). Sand down the sawed off end so it’s smooth. Use a ring pad and curve it with needle nose pliers, creating the perfect setting for your pencil. Use a multipurpose adhesive to glue, and you’re all set!

The Flower Pencil Ring
Our second ring is great for those teeny tiny coloured pencils you’ve got kicking around the craft drawer. Cut off a few ends (7 work best), sand so that they’re smooth.
Glue together on wax paper using wood glue and let set overnight. Once the glue has set, sand off any excess glue so that you have a smooth pencil flower. Glue onto a ring pad and you’re done!

The Hanging Pencil Necklace
Select three colours you like, and cut them down using a saw. Sharpen so that the pencils are functional, and drill at the top of each pencil. String a chain right through and you’ve got writing utensils whenever you need ‘em.

Click here for more ideas for your new jewelry collection.