Bloom into Spring with DIY Watercolor Flower Cups + Giveaway

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Clearly, Jessica is in the mood for paper cups and watercolor this spring. Jenna was described as the ‘flower child’ growing up, but it seems Jessica’s inner flower child is coming out now. First came the bunnies, and then came the flowers.

Our Nani, fabulous as ever at age 79, is a proper lady that loves to entertain and host. She’s good at it, too. Amazingly, she has more energy then we do. Just like mother’s do, she will still walk up to us at a party {even in our 20’s and 30’s}and remind us to say hi to Mr. and Mrs. so and so, and congratulate them on their recent successes. We never understood it until we became mothers. Being the hostess with the mostess that she is, the thought of using plastic and paper glassware and flatware at a party is unbearable. It must always be china or glassware.

But, these DIY watercolor flower cups got the seal of approval from good ‘ole Nani P. They are paper, but they look lovely, and they don’t look cheap. You can fill them with water, juice or a fave cocktail, or fill them with a favor. They make for a great place card, too, with custom names painted on them. Use them for Easter, a spring brunch, bridal shower or baby shower.

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If you like them, and think they would be a great fit for your next event, follow us on instagram, then tag a friend in comments under the photo of these cups. Those who follow and tag will be entered to win a set of 30 of these watercolor cups for FREE – you can choose to receive a variety, or pick your faves. We are not professional artists, and what you see is what you get. But, for free, they are darn adorable. Giveaway starts March 25 and ends March 31, 2015. Giveaway is not sponsored by Instagram. Names are NOT included on cups for giveaway. Good luck.

Questions? Email us at hello@jsorelle.com.

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To make them, you’ll need:

  • Paper Cups {$1 for a pack of 10}
  • Watercolor paints
  • Brush
  • Water

The amazing one step tutorial is…explore floral inspiration in your head, online or on a print, experiment with watercolor paint.

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{images via j. sorelle}

Holiday Paint Chip Ideas

Paint chips are more than just samples to bring home to see what looks good on the wall next to your kitchen…they are the source of fabulous DIY, colorful projects! While I love so many day-to-day paint chip DIY’s, we love these particular projects for the upcoming holidays.

Paint Chip Table Runner, Eclectically Vintage
Impress your Thanksgiving or Christmas friends and family with a colorful, maybe even ombre table runner, made of paint chips.

Owl Paint Chip Wall Art, The Homes I Have Made
Owls are so relevant this time of year, and personally, I think they are hoot-rific. This framed Owl Paint Chip Art would look great for a fall entry.

Now that you have Owl art for Thanksgiving, you will need a framed piece of art for Christmas. This one is perfect by The Red Thread Blog

Paint Chip Trees, Hubby Made Me
Omg, we just LOVE these trees for gift tags! Cinnamon stick trunks – oh, what cuteness!

Paint Chip Gift box, How About Orange
Wrap your small gifts this year in a handmade, paint chip box.

Paint Chip Snowmen Bookmarks, Bam Crafty Mammas
These adorable snowmen are sold out, but you can totally re-create yourself! And, instead of ornaments, make them into bookmarks! It would be a great craft to do with kids on a snowy day. 

Paint Chip Banner, Rebekah Gough via A Bit of Sunshine When Skies Are Grey
This DIY would make for a lovely Merry Christmas sign, JOY banner, etc for the holidays
 

{images via Eclectically Vintage, The Home I Have Made, The Red Thread Blog, Hubby Made Me,  How About Orange, Etsy via Bam Crafty MammasRebekah Gough}

ikea hacks

So, they are called Ikea Hacks. When a talented individual sees potential with a low-priced item from Ikea, they purchase, customize with a fabulous embellishment or full transformation with their DIY ideas – and that’s an Ikea Hack. Yes, there is even a site dedicated to Ikea Hacks – Ikea Hackers. Definitely check it out.

When I see some transformations – and I mean these are some transformations – from Ikea furniture, I am amazed, and blown away by people’s talent and creativity. I’m beyond impressed with the projects below that make the price tag for their furniture look high-end and unique.

The Ikea Malm Dresser {there are many variations and sizes} makes for a perfect blank slate and with O’verlays, the creativity is endless. Check out all the O’verlays here.

Ikea Lack Table
Lacquer and Linen made a beautiful transformation. For tutorial, visit here.

Little Green Notebook turned Ikea’s Vika Table into a glamorous white and gold workspace. Tutorial can be found at White and Gold Design.

Centsational Girl always amazes me with her keen eye for home style and she totally impressed me with this upgrade of the Besta, Billy and Brass Bookcases from Ikea.

Ikea Hackers featured the Expedit Bookshelf in a unique and rustic way. Directions here.

House and Home Ikea Tarva Dresser makeover is bright, colorful and we love the ombre effect.

{images via Laquer and Linen, Little Green Notebook, Ikea, Centsational Girl, Ikea Hackers, House and Home and O’verlays}

10 ways to host a fabulous backyard par-tay

It’s summertime, and there’s nothing like hosting a lovely party outside. I know the summer in the mountains only lasts 3 months, so I better get my party on. Here’s 10 ways to help you host the perfect summer night out…in your backyard!

1. CREATE A BAR
Most people cannot build a permanent outside bar, and when you live somewhere like we do, where its cold all winter and winter lasts forever, it doesn’t make sense to have an outdoor bar. The good news is bars can come in all shapes and sizes, so it can be versatile. From a trendy bar cart on wheels, to a small tray like this beautiful rustic one from Pottery Barn, a DIY cooler or even a bucket – as long as there is liquor, and all the accessories – IT WORKS! This kitchen cart from Ikea could be a rocking bar cart. And, this is an affordable option from CB2 and I just LOVE this one from Pottery Barn. If you just want to add a shelf to your wall you can flip down when there is a party, then flip back up when it’s over, this one is perfect inspiration.

2. STOCK THE BAR
Now, you must stock the bar. Make sure you have an ice bucket and tongs, a cocktail shaker, bottle opener and limes. Essentials are vodka, rum, tequila and gin. Don’t forget the mixers, seltzer’s and juices. Try mixing a signature cocktail for the evening, and place it in a cute container so it can be self-serve. You should 6 or 8 of each of the following: short glasses, tall glasses and stemware. I love melamine for the summer. Mix and match glasses if you need to – makes for an eclectic look, which I love. I’m obsessed with these glasses from Sur La Table.

3. CREATE A LIVING ROOM OUTSIDE
A comfortable environment will make people feel at-home. You should provide comfortable seating for friends. That can be folding chairs stored in your garage, wicker furniture or a comfy love seat. Pillows add a pop of color and personality, and also add that extra level of comfort. Like a living room, only outside. I love the collection of outdoor pillows at Pier1.

4. LIGHT THE NIGHT SKY
Create an ambiance with lighting. You can create an intimate setting, a colorful setting or a soft glow. You can opt for candles like this. Or, for more of a rustic look, we love these. For an industrial look, we love these caged lights from Target.

5. SET THE MOOD
Create a playlist for the evening. Oldies. Pop Hits. Soft rock. Country. Have a little something for everyone.

6. ENTERTAINMENT
Play traditional games like Bocce or Horseshoe, or bring another fun game into the mix.

7. SURROUND YOURSELF WITH BLOOMS OR GARDEN HERBS
For a nice touch, decorate with flowers from garden beds or herbs in pots. Depending on the flowers you choose, it can create a sweet aroma, and it makes for a pretty setting. It doesn’t have to be large bouquets – even single bloom flowers and bud vases would do the job.

8. SERVE YUMMY APPS
With these family favorites, your guests will be ‘wowed.’ The Avocado and Corn dish will be devoured.  

9. FIRE UP THE GRILL
Slice meat and veggies and make a variety of kabobs pre-party, or get everyone involved and they can make their own kabob with an array of chicken, steak and veggie options. This recipe from Two Peas and their Pod looks delish.

10. SATISFY THOSE SWEET TEETH
Serve a yummy dessert, like this Fruit Pizza. Check out the recipe from The Pioneer Woman.

{images via A Curated Lifestyle, Style Me Pretty, One Kings Lane, Style at Home, Sunset, The Pioneer Woman}

upcycle mania

So sorry we’ve been MIA. Goodness, it seems we took a 3 week spring break. Between birthdays, vacation, kiddos and work, we haven’t had a chance to sit at the computer at all.

In honor of Earth Day today, we are sharing a few upcycle DIY projects that make re-using old things in a new way just, well…fabulous. And the best part…the only energy it takes is from you. If you’ve done any cool upcycling yourself lately, please send us photos…

Upcycled Ladder with Shelves, Less Than Perfect Life with Bliss


Plastic Spoon Mirror, Little Things Bring Smiles

Frame Corner Ceiling, Michael Stravato for the New York Times

Suitcase Side Table, Cupcake and Cashmere

Ski Lift Swing, Colorado Weddings Magazine
I don’t like to ski, but I could so do this

Hanging Rainboots Planters, Rosy Posy

 Upcycled Can Vase, Apartment Therapy

Leather and Wood Shelf, Design Sponge

Record Side Table, The Flourishing Abode

{images via Less Than Perfect Life with Bliss, Little Things Bring Smiles, The New York Times, Cupcakes and Cashmere, Colorado Weddings Magazine, Rosy Posy, Apartment Therapy, Design Sponge, The Flourishing Abode}