Graduation Cap Gift Jar

Source: craftsbyamanda.com via Kathryn on Pinterest

With graduation just around the corner, here is an almost free clever packaging idea to give a grad - a "graduation cap" jar from a recycled jar, some felt, a button and embroidery thread.

Depending on the size and shape of the jar and the present, such as a Smartphone, an Ipod, gift cards or cash, or print out a picture of a larger item, then tuck it inside a piece of white printer paper rolled up to look like a diploma and tied with ribbon.

For further instructions to DIY your own, visit Crafts By Amanda

" A Loja Vazia" - Reverse Shopping Store

For a winter clothing drive for charity in Sao Paolo, Brazil an agency by the name of Loducca came up with the idea of having an empty space (Loja Vazia means "empty show") in a mall where people could bring in their pre-loved clothing  for donation and then stylists would arrange donations on displays, but at night pack everything up for donation and the store would be empty again.

This was done at BRMalls Shopping VillaLobos and over 3.2 tons of clothing has been collected. It has been so successful and with other malls expressing interest have open sourced the concept so now kits, blueprints and promotional materials are available to anyone for free.

via Create.co

Larry The Cable Guy Spices

Self-proclaimed redneck Larry the Cable Guy has out a line of basic spices, such as Oregano and Parsley, and some interesting named ones like "Beer Can Roasted Chicken", "Wild Game"  and "Roadkill" Spice.  

 I actually thought is was a joke when I first saw this at the store and another celebrity cashing in on their popularity and attaching their name to a product, but then had second thought, he does look like a guy who enjoys food and as it was only .99 cents, I picked up some steak seasoning to try.

In checking into it, I found the profits help support the Git -R-Done Foundation and their mission statement is to:  “Provide assistance to charitable organizations that have experienced hardships beyond their control, with an emphasis on children and veterans. “

The size of the donations made by the foundation are formidable -  $5 Million dollar donation to The International Hip Dysplasia Institute and $1.2 Million donation to The Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital.

The spices are sold at Big Lots, Dollar Tree, 99 Cent Only Stores and some Save-A-Lot stores.

I tried the Steak Seasoning and it contains:  Sea salt, minced garlic, minced onion, black pepper, cracked coriander, fennel seed, crushed chilies and mustard seed.   It did give give the steak an interesting flavor and I think it would be delicious to use to make fajitas.

As profits go to charity and the cost is less than many other spices on the market, I will probably try some more of his spices, but if he puts out a perfume I won't be jumping on that bandwagon...to embody him it would have to smell like dirt, sweat and fish with a dash of gastrointestinal problems.

What are your thoughts on this?

Chocolate Dipped Farm Animal Pretzel Sticks

Source: hungryhappenings.com via Kathryn on Pinterest

How clever are these farm animal chocolate dipped pretzel?   Beth at Hungry Happenings has a tutorial on her blog that shows you how to make these fun creations using chocolate, candy eyes, Starbursts, Tootsie Rolls and a black food coloring marker here.

Multi-Functional Staircase

How fun would it be to have a slide in your living room?

This multi-functional staircase design by South Korean architect Moon Hoon not only includes a slide...

Source: dornob.com via Kathryn on Pinterest

but it but the stairs can function as seating, turning it into a cinema with a big screen television hung on the wall opposite of it....

modela3d.com via model-A3D on Pinterest

and there is the extra added bonus of the back side of the stairs serving a bookcase and library area.

Source: homeadore.com via sethgekko on Pinterest

via Dornob

Cadbury Irish Creme Jello Shots

Source: jellomoldmistress.com via Kathryn on Pinterest

I am not a fan of Jello shots as they corrupt my favorite childhood treat, but I have to admit these faux Cadbury Creme Egg Jello shots are clever.

They are made out of  "Jello Jiggler" type base made out gelatin, Irish cream liquer, milk and sugar cut into shapes using an egg shaped cookie cutter with the yolk and center made out gelatin with sweetened condensed milk and yellow food coloring.

For the recipe visit Jello Mold Mistress

"Lightercycle" - Mini Motorcylce Made out of 2 Bic Lighters

It is hard to believe the above is crafted out of the parts of 2 Bic Lighters.

While this is not something I would personally try (or recommend anyone under 18 try) as I would not want to risk injury trying to empty a lighter, it is an ingenious way to upcycle two already empty BIC lighters for a quirky conversation piece.


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