I can't tell you to do this project. It's crazy messy, not entirely kid-friendly, and it takes an eternity to dry. But I had the idea for this project and I became obsessed when it started not working the way I envisioned. Then it turned out cool. And maybe you are as crazy as I am?
I started with water based paint, water balloons, and a gang of willing kids to throw balloons at a tablecloth. But it didn't work.
So I tried a tennis ball dipped in paint.
And food coloring.
Finally, I broke down and bought oil paint. I did not want to use oil paint because I did not want my children anywhere near oil paint. And if I don't, I'm sure you don't either. After doing this project so many times with every other kind of paint, I knew it would get messy. And it did. My hands looked awful and it took forever to wash off.
But I finally got it to look the way I wanted and it's incredibly therapeutic to throw water balloons at a hard surface.
If you want to take the leap and create your own Firework Tablecloth for the Fourth of July, here's how to do it.
You'll need
1 white tablecloth
water balloons
water balloon filler
oil paint
plastic syringe {available at the drug store}
Step 1 :: Fill water balloons with ½ teaspoon paint and top off with water.
Step 2 :: Set tablecloth on a hard surface outside.
Step 3 :: Throw water balloons at the tablecloth until it looks the way you like.
Step 4 :: Let dry {takes about 72 hours}
This project is a part of
, a collaboration between Alexandra Hedin,
,
, and
to bring you fabulous summer projects for the whole family for the whole summer.
We took pictures of the first failed attempt, click through the jump to see them. It was really fun.
I think dressing up for the Fourth of July is mandatory. At least a shirt with starts and stripes on it. But then I started looking at the Statue of Liberty crown and I thought "There's something so fun and patriotic about this..." Then when I found glitter paper at the craft store - this crown was born. Pearl is ecstatic.
You'll need
1 sheet craft paper
hot glue + gun
plastic head band
Step 1 :: Print out template and trace onto the glitter paper
Step 2 :: Cut out of glitter paper
Step 3 :: Fold the bottom of the crown along the fold lines
Step 4 :: Glue folded bottom to the plastic headband.
BTW, in case I haven't told you, there's a video. It's awesome. And stay tuned for tomorrow because I have something really cool + I'm on Q13 FOX News in the morning at 8:45am! Tune in and I'll see you on the Fourth!
Printable Version of the Recipe
1 package puff pastry, defrosted
2 cups pitted and roughly chopped cherries
½ cup sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons melted butter
sugar for dusting
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
On a floured surface, roll puff pastry dough out to approximately 16”x14”.
In a mixing bowl toss together cherries, sugar, and cornstarch.
Spread cherries out on one side of the puff pastry.
Cut a handful of air vents out on the opposite side of the puff pastry using a cookie cutter.
Pick up the unfilled side of the puff pastry sheet and lay it over top the cherries enveloping them completely.
Pinch the edges tightly to close.
Brush the top of the pastry with melted butter, sprinkle with a bit of sugar and bake 20-25 minutes until bubbly and browned.
Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
Serve at room temperature.
Oh, hey! Don't forget to watch the video!
Oh my goodness I love the Fourth of July. My entire family gathers at the beach on Whidbey Island and celebrates for as long as we can. There's karaoke, cocktails, fireworks, bonfires and a whole lot of people. I can't imagine a more fun holiday - which is why I created a simple {and fool proof} way to celebrate. Hang out with me all week long because I have loads more ideas and recipes for the Fourth of July that are utterly simple and fabulous. Have a fabby Fourth!
Are you watching the World Cup? Can I tell you a secret? I know nothing about soccer - except that it takes forever and you kick a ball a lot. Despite that, Mr. Hedin and I have found ourselves watching the games more than expected because of the high level of drama in the players. They are really phenomenal actors. Loving that.
Also, since the games are being held in Brazil, it's the perfect excuse for a tropical inspired cocktail. I mixed mine with coconut, pineapple, and a squeeze of lime. Ole!
Just like a Manhattan, only on the rocks and with a splash of this
! The absolute perfect drink for toasting dad this weekend. Cheers to the weekend!
With Father's Day fast approaching, the struggle for what to get for Mr. Hedin wages on. The dads in my life tend to buy themselves the things they need and aren't interested in excess stuff - thus making gift giving nearly impossible. Luckily, there is always room at the bar for a new glass - especially when their kids made them.
Lars helped me make these and they were incredibly simple. And he is incredibly proud of them. Which makes this a win win. Plus, it's a great excuse for a crazy good cocktail {try this one}.
You'll need
Adhesive Stencil Film
Glass Barware
Q-tips
Glass Paint
Step 1 ::
Clean glass surface completely
Step 2 ::
Cut out letter or shape from the adhesive stencil material and adhere to the glass
Step 3 ::
Lightly apply paint using the q-tip. Don't add too much!
Step 4 ::
Immediately remove the stencil and allow paint to dry. Follow paint instructions to set paint.
Is anything more deliciously summery and Italian than a Negroni? This week is
so
that's participating in the event raising money for great causes across the country. Don't forget to take a picture of yourself cocktailing and post with the #negroniweek.
Salute!
This week was our first station party and holy heavens was it awesome. We had so much fun, drank a little wine, ate a little food and laughed a lot. I really wanted to share it all with you, but how on earth do you capture an evening of fun? I decided the best part of the evening was the Instagram images our guests took and a little video of our fun together. I hope you can join us for the next one!
instagram image from /crawn2160
instagram image from /supisa
instagram image from /crawn2160
