To DIY For: Jersey Knit Bracelet from V and Co.

I used to love a good friendship bracelet.  The thought of those braided rainbow bands bring me back to Camp Timber Trails, campfires, and pigtails.  But somewhere down the road, friendship bracelets became childish and unfashionable.

Until now...

If these DIY bracelets by V and Co. don't make you want to run to the nearest fabric store and make one for each of you closest friends...you had no childhood and I pity you.  But for those of you who enjoy a handmade bracelet, check out this tutorial from V and Co.

It's super easy, ad once you get the hang of it you'll be making bracelets in just 5 minutes.  Vanessa shows you how to make two, three, and four-fingered woven bracelets that are perfect for summer trips to the beach or backyard BBQ's.

Here's how my first one turned out:

Mine is a little rougher around the edges, as my edges weren't as clean while I was cutting my fabric.  I don't mind it though...it gives it a bit more edge.

Happy finger-weaving!

To DIY For: Emergency Clutch

Make one of these:

Out of this:

Just click here.

Garden Grown Booze?

This intrigues me.

One of the best cocktails I've ever had was a Lemon Lavender Martini, so the idea of Lavender or Rosemary infused vodka sounds decadently delicious.  I also think this would make a superb gift.

Check out the full tutorial from Design*Sponge after the jump.

Delicious Discoveries: Enchanted Leaves

So if anyone feels the need to by me a last-minute Christmas present (*wink, wink*) might I suggest clicking your way over to the Enchanted Leaves online store.  The super-affordable jewelry line is run by husband & wife duo Nedda and Aaron, and features themes from land, sky, and sea.

 

1. Antiqued Brass Owl Earrings - $7.95

2. Vintage Brass Feather Necklace - $18.95

3. Brass Owl Stud Earrings - $10.95

To DIY For: Homemade Lip Balm

 
If the cold December weather is making your skin want to crawl for cover, raise your hand!
*raises hand*

Even in Los Angeles, the cooler dry air in the winter months can be just as drying as the frigid New England wind I grew up with.  Which is why I was giddy when I came across this DIY project that would make a great gift for any of your warm-blooded friends.

With just a few easy-to-obtain items and an hour or two, you can have that pretty pout ready for the misteltoe in no time!

Check out the full instructions on Design Sponge.

Funny Ha Ha! - For my animal loving friends

I want to buy these for my pet-owning friends.

 Pedigree Bowtie Collar by Loyal Luxe

Cat Teepee from Loyal Luxe

These make me want to buy a furry companion just to strap a bowtie on them and sit them in a teepee.  So cute!

Funny Ha Ha! - Icelandic Beard Cap

No words needed, really...but I'm sure you all have at least one funny fellow you could gift this to for the holidays.

Beard Cap by Birkiland $89

To DIY For: Easy Gifts

Not gonna lie.  I totally saw these two ideas on Apartment Therapy and snatched them up.   Some friends of mine should expect to receive these cute little trinkets as holiday gifts.

 Portrait of a collection

Whether it's Star Wars (shown above), Comic book heroes, Jazz musicians, Fruits of the Caribbean...whatever your little heart desires.  A framed grouping of what floats your friend's boat is a thoughtful gift idea.

Soy Container Candles

Oh, come on.  What girl wouldn't fawn over a dainty teacup candle like this?

Last Minute Host / Hostess Gifts

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving!  If you are hosting your family diner...more power to ya!  But if you're like me and prefer to leave the cooking to the ones who do it best, you might want to show your THANKS and gratitude to the host or hostess.  If this idea comes as news to you, don't you fear.  Here are a few last minute items that would work as perfectly suitable options.

#1) Try a simple painted glass item:

Before

After

Using leftover paint from a recent painting project, you can turn any glass container (drinking glasses, vases, decanters, bottles & jars) into a lovely display.  Just wash it out and swirl some paint in there until the inside surface is completely coated.

Add a single flower and voila!  Just hand off to your lovely host.  But don't forget...you can't put water in there.  So if you want the flower to last, add an old florists' water tube or a damp paper towel to maintain the life of the flower through Thanksgiving dinner.  Check out the video tutorial for this project at Canadian House and Home.