DIY Coffee Cup Koozies

Let’s get crafty and “fancy up” our coffee cups!This easy “Sparking Charm Cozy Coffee Koozie” DIY is a head turner. You won’t believe how many compliments you will get.

Be sure to make a few to match the colors in your wardrobe and make a few for your friends. They make a perfect gift.

HOW ABOUT ADDING FELT HEARTS FOR VALENTINE’S DAY?

What Are Other Names For A Coffee Cup Sleeve?

Coffee Cozy } Coffee Koozie

More Ways To Use A Coffee Koozie | Drink Sleeve | Coffee Cozy

Homemade gifts are always a win. I keep these stocked in my gift closet.

PS I would love to see your SPARKLE SPIN! Please tell me how you liked this DIY in the comments and be sure to share a photo of you and your Cozy Koozie Style on Instagram using #sparklingcharm.

DIY Coffee Cup Koozies

Supplies

• 2 – 12″ x 12″ thick 100% wool felt pieces, 2 colors
• wool pom poms
• scissors
• glue gun sticks
• glue gun
• tiny beads
• clear thread
• Sparkling Charm “Cozy Koozie Template,” printed on heavy card stock and cut out along butter edge of black line.

SPARKLE TIP! SAVE TIME!

Sometimes you can find these and other darling felt flowers already cut and beaded in your local craft store. In this case, all you need to do are steps 2, 4, and glue on the pre-made flower below.

Felt Flowers | Crochet Flowers

Note: For the sleeve, instead of my template, you can reuse a cardboard sleeve.

Instructions

SPARKLE TIP! SAVE TIME! Sometimes you can find these and other darling felt flowers already cut and beaded in your local craft store. In this case, all you need to do are steps 2, 4, and glue on the pre-made flower.

1. Cut a wool pom pom in half with scissors.

Optional: Make it pretty and sew beads onto a wool ball half. (See photos above.)

2. Place the sleeve template onto the felt wool and cut out.

3. Place the flower template onto a wool piece of felt and cut out.

4. Using the hot glue gun, secure the two ends of the felt sleeve together.

5. Turn the sleeve over and hot glue the flower base into place.

6. Glue a cut half of a pom pom onto the center of the flower base.

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Originally Published January 20, 2019

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DIY Jingle Tree Wind Chimes

Stay home and make something!

How about this simple DIY for your yard.

OH SO PRETTY TO GAZE AT IN THE SUNSHINE!

…The birds will love it too!

How About Another Garden DIY…

Bird Nest Builder Station

DIY Jingle Tree Wind Chimes

DECORATE YOUR TREES

Supplies

1 pound glass beads
6″- 8″ drift wood stick/s
copper wire
jingle bells / bells
hot glue
hot glue gun
pretty twine

Directions

1. Loop one end of the wire through the bell and wrap the excess around the base several times to tidy up the end.

2. String the beads onto the wire to a desired length.

3. ↓

4. ↓

Note: The length of string you use is completely up to you. Think about where you will hang your Jingle Wind Chime. SMILE! 

5. ↓

That is it! Now go hang it in the sun and do a little day gazing!

PS I made several of these to share with friends.

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Copyrights & Credits//Author, Stylist, Photographer, Creator: Gwyn
As an Amazon Associate I earn a percentage from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

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HELLO CUTE!

How about this super easy unique DIY to add a little pop of color to a birds nest.

This is a perfect year- round gift for the nature lover in your life.

Or…

Birthday’s, Valentine’s Day, Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, Earth Day

…a little happy something  for someone just because.

More Homemade Happiness Gifts:

Homemade Photo Soaps

DIY Photo Napkins

Wool Pom Pom Coasters

Personalized Party Ornaments

DIY Nest Builder Station …So Birdies Can Style Their Homes

Supplies

textile scraps cut into strips (ribbon, yarn, fabric)
suet bird feeder
scissors

Create

Open the suet feeder and add the scrap textiles. Close and hang in a tree.

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Copyrights & Credits//Author, Stylist, Photographer, Creator: Gwyn @SparklingCharm.com
This post may contain affiliate links.

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Homemade Flower Power Lollipops

You may have guessed that I do love edible flowers. They are fun to eat and they make food pretty. Today I am sharing a simple sucker recipe perfect for a summer party take-away or a sweet treat. I keep a few in my purse to share with random people I meet in a day. They always bring a smile.

More Fun Edible flower ideas!

Swirly Twirly Flower Candy

Apple Slice Donuts

Floral Confetti Cubes

Homemade Flower Power Lollipops

INGREDIENTS

2/3 cup white sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon “clear” vanilla  extract (optional)
edible flowers
lollipop sticks
hard candy mold
clean pastry brush & a small bowl of water

Directions

SPARKLE TIP! Caramelized sugar waits for no one! Avoid skipping the following directions.

1. Fill a large bowl with ice and water. Set aside.

2. Add an edible flower or petals and a lollipop stick to each of the hard candy molds.

3. Add the sugar, clear vanilla, and the corn syrup to a small saucepan set over medium heat. Attach the candy thermometer to the interior of the saucepan.

4. Increase the heat to medium-high to bring the mixture to a boil, stirring until the sugar has dissolved.

5. Using the small pastry brush dipped in water, brush the sides of the saucepan to prevent crystals from forming.

6. Boil the mixture for 5 to 8 minutes until it reaches 300ºF (hard-crack stage) on the candy thermometer.

7. When the mixture reaches 300ºF (hard-crack stage), immediately dip the base of the saucepan into the bowl of ice water. Avoid letting water seep into the pan. Carefully swirl the pan for 3 seconds.

9. Working quickly, pour the syrup into the hard candy lollipop molds.

10. Cool and let dry completely.

11. Remove the lollipops from the molds and package them.

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Homemade Flower Power Lollipops

Print Recipe

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• Author: Gwyn

Ingredients

2/3 cup white sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon “clear” vanilla  extract (optional)
edible flowers
lollipop sticks
hard candy mold
clean pastry brush & a small bowl of water

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

SPARKLE TIP! Caramelized sugar waits for no one! Avoid skipping the following directions.

Fill a large bowl with ice and water. Set aside. Add an edible flower or petals and a lollipop stick to each of the hard candy molds.

 

Add the sugar, clear vanilla, and the corn syrup to a small saucepan set over medium heat. Attach the candy thermometer to the interior of the saucepan. Increase the heat to medium-high to bring the mixture to a boil, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Using the small pastry brush dipped in water, brush the sides of the saucepan to prevent crystals from forming. Boil the mixture for 5 to 8 minutes until it reaches 300ºF (hard-crack stage) on the candy thermometer.

When the mixture reaches 300ºF (hard-crack stage), immediately dip the base of the saucepan into the bowl of ice water. Avoid letting water seep into the pan. Carefully swirl the pan for 3 seconds.

Working quickly, pour the syrup into the hard candy lollipop molds.

Cool and let dry completely. Remove the lollipops from the molds and package them.

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Copyrights & Credits//Author, Stylist, Photographer, Creator: Gwyn @SparklingCharm.com.
As an Amazon Associate I earn a percentage from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

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Up Cycle! Pretty Plastic Bottle Pencil Holders

Happy Earth Day Everyone! It is time to show your love for the BEAUTIFUL PLANET we live on and turn something that is not biodegradable into something LOVELY AND RE-USABLE!

Recently I took a wonderful day trip to Vashon Island in the heart of the Puget Sound with two photographers and a travel writer who are dear friends. The day was planned for us by the Vashon Chamber of Commerce. At one of the many fun stops, we visited a neat little shop called Giraffe. We were greeted by Pricilla (the owner) with a cup of hot tea and taken on a tour around the shop. She hand selects unique items from all around the world to include interesting spices. What caught my heart were beautiful hand-crafted boxes made from recycled plastic bottles. Of course I purchased one to gift.

Today I am re-creating this lovely piece for Earth Day!

Give these a try! Be sure to share your SPARKLE SPIN on instagram at #SparklingCharmCrafts or add a photo to the comments.

Sparkle! Sparkle! XX gwyn

PS Be sure to take a peek at the Sparkling Charm Up-Cycle! Charming Gift Boxes.

Up Cycle! Pretty Plastic Bottle Pencil Holders

Supplies

plastic bottles, washed, dried, labels and glue removed
Note: Coke bottles work best. 
colorful tissue paper
1/2 cup white glue mixed with 1 tablespoon water
scissors
craft knife
sharpie
paint brushes

Instructions

1. Using a permanent marker, draw a straight line directly around the bottles center.

2. Cut along the line you drew with a craft knife.

3. Two inches from the cut, draw another line directly around the bottle.

4. For the flaps, draw five half ovals around the bottle as seen in the photo below. Be sure to touch the marker to the line just drawn. The curve the oval should touch the cut edge.

5. Carefully cut along the five half oval just drawn.

6. Clean off any permanent marker with cotton balls and nail polish remover.

7. Using a sponge brush, paint the white glue mixture to small areas at a time covering each area with colorful tissue as you go then moving on. Note: Be careful not to cover the cut area with paper. It is okay to go over the edges. When the glue dries you can trim it. Let the glue and tissue dry completely.

8. Trim any stray tissue.

9. Coat again with the white glue mixture and dry completely.

10. Fill the center with pretty flowers or pens and pencils.

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Copyrights & Credits//Author, Photographer, Creator: Gwyn @SparklingCharm.com

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Easter Bird’s Nest Cupcakes

What You Will Love About These Springtime Cupcakes

Light! Fluffy! Moist! These Easter Bird’s Nest Cupcakes will be a crowd pleaser for all ages.

Occasions To Serve Easter Bird’s Nest Cupcakes

• Easter Brunch
• Easter Party
• Spring Birthday
• Spring Potluck
• Spring Book Club

Easter Bird’s Nest Cupcakes

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4  cups white sugar …Straight Up Dixie Crystal Southern Friends! SMILE!
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 egg whites
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise …Mayonnaise will make the finished cakes super moist!
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Decorating Supplies

• cotton candy (Dollar Tree, Was Mart, Party City)
• Cadbury Mini Eggs or Jelly Beans

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Bird’s Nest Cupcake Instructions

This cupcake recipe will make 6 large cupcakes or 24 small. 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

In a large bowl with a hand mixer, combine the melted butter and the sugar together. Add the egg whites, mayonnaise, milk, and the vanilla and combine. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and continue to mix until the cupcake batter is smooth.

Divide the cupcake batter among the cupcake wells.

Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely.

Carefully form little nests of cotton candy and place them on top of each cupcake.Place 3 eggs into each nest.

NOTE: Decorate just prior to serving. Cotton candy can melt and dissolve depending on your weather and humidity.

Print

Easter Bird’s Nest Cupcakes

Perfect for Easter Brunch or an Easter Egg Hunt Treat!

Course Desserts

Cuisine American

Keyword Cotton Candy, Cupcakes, Easter, Easter Desserts, Malted Eggs

Prep Time 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes

Servings 24

Calories 128kcal

Author Gwyn

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 cups white sugar …Straight Up Dixie Crystal Southern Friends! SMILE!
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
• 3 egg whites
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise …Mayonnaise will make the finished cakes super moist!
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.

  This recipe will make 6 large cupcakes or 24 small. 
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
• In a large bowl with a hand mixer, combine the melted butter and the sugar together.
• Add the egg whites, mayonnaise, milk, and the vanilla and combine.
• Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and continue to mix until the batter is smooth.
• Divide the batter among the cupcake wells.
• Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Cool completely.
• Carefully form little nests of cotton candy and place them on top of each cupcake.
• Place 3 eggs into each nest.
• NOTE: Decorate just prior to serving. Cotton candy can melt and dissolve depending on your weather and humidity.

Nutrition

Serving: 24Cupcakes | Calories: 128kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 14mg | Sodium: 113mg | Potassium: 11mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 143IU | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 0.3mg

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A Simple Yard Wreath: Twigs, Herbs, & Blooms

Last weekend my husband and I decided to do a bit of Autumn yard work in the beds surrounding our home. We both love yard work so this is not a chore for either of us. As we were trimming back the plants I caught a glimpse of this lovely pile of clippings in the sunshine. …

I am about to “squirrel” off subject for a moment…

If you are new to Sparkling Charm, you need to know a few things about me….

1. I have never used hot glue without getting it on at least two fingers or my palm.
2. If you ever kick off your shoes in our home, you will leave with glitter on your feet. If you sit down it is highly likely that you will leave with glitter on your biscuits.
3. I talk about three subjects at once. …four if I have had coffee. “Hence the “squirrel” moment I am presently having as I am chatting with you this second.
4. At least once a season I get out of bed, shower, get dressed in new PJ’s, and binge watch something on Netflix.
5. I have a heart for the ‘unique and lonely.’ I line up M and M’s and eat the misinformed pieces first so they know they are special. When I take things to the thrift shop, I thank them for the happiness they brought me and remind them that someone will love them again soon. (I do the same walking through antique stores.) When I see “one of something in a store shaped like a small creature,” I buy it so it won’t be alone. …The little rooster in the Baked French Toast Sticks with Caramelized Pumpkin Spice Sprinkles photo was my latest adoption. He is now a Sparkling Charm rooster model named Francisco. 

(You can read more about Sparkling Charm and me here: About Sparkling Charm)

…And there it is, NUMBER 5! MY HEART STRIKES AGAIN!  These twigs, herbs, and blooms that delighted our eye’s all summer long were speaking to me. I was not ready to bid this pile of beauty a fond farewell.

THEY ARE NOW PRETTY WREATHS ADORNING THE DOORS OF FRIENDS!

…Super easy and quick to make. No glue required. No Bow Required!

PS My sweet husband finished up the yard, as he found me completely distracted in my “CRAFT TRANCE.” …The state of not responding to outside stimuli while creating something wonderful.

PSS This wreath dries wonderfully! It just get’s prettier! 

Supplies

24 inch grapevine wreath form
pretty bundles of yard clippings (I used, Hydrangea blooms, herbs, twigs, moss, and pine clippings.)

Directions

Make yourself a cup of coffee and take a stroll through your yard admiring lovely foliage. Grab a basket and a pair of clippers. Head around your yard again snipping off bundles for your wreath.

Tuck bundles into the grapevine working around in the same direction until the wreath is full. That is it. Simple!

Make another for a friend or a neighbor. …Perhaps to brighten a strangers day?

I would love to see photos of your creation. Please copy and paste a photo in the comment section below and tell me about your experience. … I love email’s too! “Say Hello!“

I love the tall PNW trees. I wish you were here to breathe this beauty in with me. Enjoy these photos!

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CREDITS//AUTHOR, CREATOR, AND PHOTOGRAPHY: GWYN @SPARKLINGCHARM.COM.

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