Summer was made for outdoor picnics and barbecues. Sometimes an invitation arrives for an outdoor feast, other times the Iowa sky opens up and offers the perfect weather for eating under the stars. If you are like me, I like to stock…
Frankie Schneckloth
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Crafty: Put a garden in your kitchen so you can dig in while you dig in
Just because you’re in a rental house or apartment with no lawn doesn’t mean you have to give up on gardening. With this planter box you can keep your…
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Crafty: Knot your average plant holder
Macramé is a knotting art that dates to the 13th century, and while it has been popular for a while, it is definitely having a moment. Hanging planters made from knotted rope can be found in the home decor departments of big box stores and hipster retailers alike. But macramé hanging planters are cheap and easy to make on your own; they’re also a great way step up your balcony, patio garden or living room.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Crafty: Decorate your patio with simple concrete projects
To make a planter, you’ll use dowels to create a negative space for your tiny plant and drainage holes. To make candleholders, you’ll use the aluminum holders from tealights. If you’re making planters, cut your dowels…
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Crafty: Contain clutter while beautifying your space with rope baskets
Rope baskets are a great way to organize odds and ends on your desk, contain your jewelry or hold a potted plant. These rope baskets are easily assembled…
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Crafty: Spruce up your pillows in a few easy steps
If you’ve got basic sewing skills—meaning you can sew a straight line—you can tackle this project, no problem. With this easy pillowcase project, there are no zippers or hidden stitches, and it’s a quick way to revamp the look of your bedroom or living room at very little cost. Find your favorite printed fabric; check […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Crafty: Butternut squash and sage give traditional pasta an autumnal edge
While there is nothing particularly difficult about the recipe itself–no fancy French techniques or special equipment–it does require a bit of time. You might feel…
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Crafty: Make blank walls pop with low-cost prints
Supplies Large format image Foamcore or balsa wood strips Exacto knife or scissors Spray adhesive Nail, or for no damage to your walls, a removable picture hanger (available at Dick Blick) and damage-free hanging strips (the brand Demand makes nice ones, and they are available at hardware stores. For many, it happens every year beginning […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Crafty: I scream, you scream
A sweet friend recently shipped me some Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream all the way from Ohio as a belated birthday gift and end of summer treat. Three pints of different flavors showed up on my doorstep on top a slab of dry ice and made me one happy gal. Since its arrival, I’ve been hiding […]
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Crafty: Spice up your invites with homemade envelopes
Photos by Frankie Schneckloth The summer party prep series concludes with instructions for making your very own lined envelopes. Even if you never plan to host a dinner party, you’ve probably been invited to someone’s barbecue or pool party. I won’t go all Emily Post on you, but handwritten thank-you’s are always correct and appreciated. […]
Posted inFood & Drink
On the table: Laid-back libations
Sticking with the theme of last month’s column, party preparation, let’s bring our attention to the main event: dinner and drinks. As a relatively social person, I’ve hosted groups of friends and family at my house for dinner, drinks and dessert numerous times over the years. Sometimes I get overly ambitious and attempt to make something I’ve never tried before with the world’s longest recipe in hopes of making our dinner a meal to remember.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Crafty: Crown your guest of honor with a ring of blooms
Supplies floral wire (22 gauge) heavy wire floral tape assorted flowers and greenery (I used a variety of blooms in differing textures and sizes and selected one statement flower to be the focus. Alternatively, you could fill the whole crown with big, bold blooms for a very dramatic look.) sharp scissors small vase with water […]
