Digging in the Trenches: FOUND - DIY Recycled Jewelry Holder Project

It makes me smile when one of my little craft projects gets some lovin'. Just found out today that my DIY Project: Upcycled Spindle Jewelry Holder was featured over on DIY&Crafts.com. Thank you DIY&Crafts!

Ooooh - it just inspires me to dig back in and get another project going...AND what would you know, it just happens that I stumbled upon some spindles in a cleaning project we were doing just a few days ago. Perhaps I should make up my next version of recycled spindles & glass knob jewelry holders that have been spinning on my brain for awhile now.

For today,  I need to get back to preparing a guest area for our dear friends from Kenya who are coming to stay with us this coming week. So exciting. I am sure I will have plenty of fun posts to share about their visit.

In the meantime if you want to try making up one of these lovely spindle jewelry holders recycled out of old furniture pieces - hop over to my earlier upcycled spindle jewelry holder post for some instructions.

-Simply Sublime

St. Patrick's Day Celebration: Traditional Irish Recipe Ideas

Having a dear hub belonging to the  Ryan Clan, and some Irish in me' lines as well, I have spent quite a bit o' time over the years seeking out some traditional Irish grub. Ya know, the kind that leaves my man talking with an Irish accent at the end of the meal. Haha. 

With St. Patrick's Day just a couple days out I know you all are dying to get your hands on some great recipes. I have posted some photos and links to quite a few traditional Irish recipes below. Some we have tried and some are on our list to-do. Let me know if you have any other Irish recipe favorites that should have made the cut.

BREAKFAST:

{Source: Sheknows.com}

Edel's Sweet Irish Scones for St. Patrick's Day by She knows

{Source: Jamioliver.com}

Proper Scotch Eggs

{Source: Sheeatslikeagirl.com}

Irish Soda Farls

This one is pretty much a must-have. There are different versions but if you want to experience traditional, this needs to be on your plate. 

{Source: Irishabroad.com}

Potato Apple Butter Bake

{source:allrecipes.com}

Deluxe Corned Beef  Hash

LUNCH:

{Source:ivillage.com}

Green Cheese Sandwiches

Fun for the kiddos

{Source: foodnetwork.com} Ina Garten

Ploughman's Lunch

DINNER:

{Source: Food.com}

Dublin Coddle - Irish Sausage, Bacon, Onion and Potato Hotpot

{Source: JamieOliver.com}

Steak & Guiness Pie

{Source: Delish.com}

Corned Beef & Veggies

SIDES:

{Source: irishcentral.com}

Colcannon

Traditional Potato Dish

{Source:Irishamericanmom.com}

Mushy Peas

{Source:Bordbia.ia}

Braised Red Cabbage

This is one of our family favorites. Our dear friends in England served us this when we were visiting ages ago.

{Source: bbcgoodfood.com}

Parsnip, Potato & St Gall Cheese (Irish Cheese)

{Source: couldntaskformore.com}

Irish Soda Bread

This is a recipe on one of my Besties Blogs. She is a fabulous Foodie!

DESSERT:

{Source:homeiswheretheboatis.com}

Irish Apple Cake

{Source: europiancuisines.com}

Apple Amber Tart Meringue Pie

{Source: ivillage.com}

Four Green Fields Caramel Sauce

{Source: eatlikeagirl.com}

Yellowman

A crisp, honeycombed toffee was served as a treat at Irish Fairs.

,

{Source: foodnetwork.co.uk}

Chocolate Stout & Irish Cream Liqueur Cupcake 

Okay this next recipe may not be completely traditional but they are so stinkin' cute!

{Source: ivillage.com}

Irish Trifle

BEVERAGES:

{Source:organicauthority.com}

Green Beer

Make it green the natural way without food dye.

{Source: goodfoodireland.ie}

Irish Coffee

Now, that is an Irish feast! You may need to pick and choose - or plan

 a week to celebrate the luck-o-the-Irish. 

Happy Cooking!

New Uses for Old Ladders: DIY Upcycled / Reclaimed Home Decor

I LOVE old ladders. Especially ones that have years of paint splatters, weathered wood with cracks, rusty hardware. Think of the stories these beauties could tell. They have been stepped on and used- over, and over, and over. Without complaining with one little word! They have taken a beating & been tossed around for years. Think about it...when is the last time you appreciated your ladder? See what I am talking about?

Well, I just LOVE 'EM! Today is the day...I am speaking up on behalf of all of the unappreciated ladders out there. So, I am making it the official - Love of the Old Ladders Day. 

Let's CELEBRATE!

{source: Maps & Raps}

This one I am thinking of doing for beach towels. Great way to have them ready to use and get them drying when the kiddos are done swimming. Although I do love the contrast of the aged wood with the cozy neutral throw blankets. hmmm - what to do.

{source: cupcakesand cashmere.com}

Need creative lighting for an event? These are beautiful - and who would have thought? Well, obviously someone did. 

{source: Bertjan Pot}

Bookshelves.

{Source: dandelion express}

Love this bookshelf with the corner wrap.

{source: coolitdoc.com}

Shelving and clothes rack for a room without a closet.

{Source: http://atcasa.corriere.it }

Suspended shelf or pot rack in the kitchen.

{source: javic homes}

side table

{Source: homeadesimple.com}

wall shelf

{Source: homeadesimple.com}

Aren't they fun? I know I am inspired to find a way to bring honor to atleast one old ladder. 

Please share if you have any other fabulous uses for the Ole' Ladder. 

-Simply Sublime

DIY Project - Upcycled Spindle Jewelry Holder - REDEEMED Line

REDEEMED: to free from what distresses or harms


Some of my favorite moments in life are when I find something that has been junked: possibly broken, fading, old, damaged...just plain discarded as useless & and I am able to restore it to something pretty, useful, interesting and valued. I might like to add in the process of getting older, used & discarded these pieces usually have developed some unique character of their own in this process as well. Reminds me a bit of my own life:

O Israel, hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is plentiful redemption - Psalm 130:7 esv

Today I am going to show you a REDEEMED piece I made: BrOkEn TaBlE PiEcEs upcycled in to an adorable Jewelry Holder. The main spindle in this piece was rescued from a garbage pile. Poor little thing - but look at her shine now! She has sparkle, color and a purpose.

This process is pretty simple. Once you have your spindle you will want to gather your other materials.

Wood Sign for Base

End Caps for Dowel

Felt Protectors - adhesive backing

Here is the official List of supplies:

• Glass knob for the top (hardware store or even better a local RE:Store for used home building supplies.)
• Wood sign plaque blank (see photo above):  from craft store with routed edges - this one is 8" square
• 1/2" diameter Wood Dowel: from craft store about 10" - 12" long
• 2 Wood end caps (see photo above): found near dowel in craft store to cover each end of dowel - make sure the diameter of the hole in the end cap matches the diameter of your dowel.
• Flat head screw: for base
• One can of spray paint in your favorite color.
• Felt adhesive back dots

1. Step 1) You will want to begin by drilling a hole through a larger diameter area of your spindle towards the top. The hole needs to be the size of the dowel you purchased.
2. Step 2) Apply a bit of wood glue in the recently drilled hole and slide your dowel in. Wipe of excess glue on dowel.
3. Step 3)Apply dowel caps with wood glue to each end of dowel. 
4. Step 4) Drill hole through center of sign plaque base. Helpful Hint: on bottom of wood plaque draw a straight line diagonally from corner to corner to create an X - Voila! where they intersect is the center. Drill away. 
5. Step 5) from the bottom of your plaque up screw into the bottom of your spindle. (I apply a little wood glue in the spindle hole first.) Make sure this is straight up and down - you don't want a Leaning Tower of Jewelry... (okay that was cheezy) 
6. Step 6) Sand a bit with a medium and fine grit sand paper
7. Step 7) Spray paint away with your favorite color. If you want a finer finish you can also prime this first.
8. Step 8) Once paint is dry it is time to attach the decorative glass knob on top - again with a bit of glue and then screwed in. 
9. Step 9) Attach adhesive felt dots on the bottom for protection.

Note: Most spindles in furniture have a screw hole in them that they attach to the other pieces with. If your are damaged you may need to fill the holes with wood filler and let it dry for a couple days before starting this project. See below:

Hope you enjoy this project and are able to give it a try. I wish I would have taken pictures in the process to show you. Next one I get my hands to I will! I hope you have a chance to REDEEM something discarded in your near future. It is a great feeling!