Ninth and Bird

New Adventures: Ella Vine & Co. is Launching!

2014-04-05T09:27:00.001-06:00

It's been a hectic time planning my wedding AND launching a business with a friend, but it's all coming together! This spring Ella Vine & Co. is launching, which is (for now) a wedding and event stationary company. We'll have everything from save the dates, thank you cards, bridal shower invitations, wedding invitations and more. We're really excited!

Over the past year we've had the pleasure of working on friends and our own wedding invitations to prep ourselves for this little adventure. After months of being a perfectionist, I finally finished mine and sent them off this week (yay to checking something off the list!).

Sneak peek alert! It's a South Dakota barn wedding so I thought antlers were appropriate. What do you think?

If you'd like to be notified when we officially launch, sign up for our newsletter on www.ellavine.com. We've got too many adorable things in store for you not to. =)

Much love,
Katelyn & Amanda

Dumpster Diving // Headboard Makeover

2012-06-29T03:00:00.000-06:00

I found this dirty old headboard next to the dumpster. Can you believe it?! A perfect gem, just waiting for me. It appeared to be broken and would no longer fit on a frame it once lived on... but with some paint, scrap wood and a few drill holes - Ta-dah! I have a new headboard. It was super easy to do.

I just recently moved into a new apartment so I've been having fun redecorating. It's refreshing moving into a new place. However, life has been so crazy that I can't believe how long it's been since I blogged! Where have I been?! Well, now I've re-dedicated. I actually miss my blog... but the break was well needed.

Oh, and guess what - Happy Friday!!

DIY Summer Scarf

2012-04-26T22:57:00.000-06:00

(Grab the code above if you would like to share this instructograph on your blog)

A few months ago I found this beautiful flowery fabric at a thrift store. I knew I wanted to make an infinity scarf out of it and I think it turned out really well! It was so simple to make so I think I'll have to make a few more for the Summer. What do you think?!

If you end up making one - share pictures! I'd love to see them!

For Saturday // Breakfast Pizza

2012-03-31T08:38:00.000-06:00

Eggs over easy on a ham and asparagus pizza... umm, probably the best breakfast pizza I've ever had! To top it off I got to sip on espresso while it was baking. AND THEN I had a mimosa on the rooftop deck while the sun came up over Denver... this is why I love Saturdays!

It's crazy how alive you feel when the Winter is fading and Spring hits you hard with beautiful weekends. It only encourages you to plan great little rooftop breakfast menus that make you feel like you are on vacation! It is Saturday after all - treat yourself to something special! Here is the recipe:

Breakfast Pizza //

Preheat the oven to 425.

Mince 4 - 5 cloves of garlic and saute in about 4 tablespoons of olive oil. Cut asparagus in bite size pieces (about 2 inches long) and roast them in the oven with olive oil and salt + pepper. Cook until tender. Slice one whole mediums size tomato into pieces.

Once the Garlic is slightly golden in color, pour all of the garlic and all of the oil evenly over your pizza crust (add more olive oil to crust if you feel the need - should be evenly coated). Top the crust with prosciutto or ham, roasted asparagus, tomato pieces, and your desired layer of italian cheese. Before pizza goes into the oven, crack 5 - 6 eggs carefully on top so they don't slide off (this is the best part!!).

Bake for 15 - 20 minuets, or until the egg whites look done. Then, cut into slices and enjoy!

Happy Saturday! Cheers!!

Recycled T-Shirt Headbands

2012-03-19T19:10:00.000-06:00

Old t-shirts serve so many purposes! There is the recycled t-shirt scarf, the t-shirt rug, and now I've created the t-shirt headband! I've been putting ideas together for the Horseshoe Craft & Flea Market that I'm a vendor at this May. I'm thinking of having these at my booth. What do you think?

They are really good for:

1. Covering up your been-camping-for-a-few-days hair!
2. Wearing under your bike helmet.
3. Maintaining after-swimming beach hair!
4. or, those days when you just feel like a headband!

Is this a good product for the Spring Craft & Flea Market?! I really appreciate your help!

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Craft & Flea Market

2012-03-02T18:23:00.000-07:00

source: Urban Bird and Co

I'm so excited right now! I've been accepted to be a vendor at the Spring Horseshoe Craft & Flea Market in May! I've never done anything like this before, but last year it was a blast to attend (I posted about it here)! I'm trying to narrow down the things I should have at my booth... I'd LOVE your help!

There is a survey on my Facebook page that you can participate in! And you can help by answering the question below:

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I really appreciate your help on this! I have two months to get things together and I'd love to know your ideas for displays, business cards, or whatever else you can think of. You rock!!

The Pretty Package Swap!

2012-02-26T15:34:00.000-07:00

Last month I decided to participate in Oh So Lovely's "Pretty Package Swap" and it was so much fun! Sherry matched me up with Dita from Handmade Nest - all the way from Indonesia! The idea was to send your fellow swapper a 10 dollar package, whether it be something handmade, purchased, or just some new craft supplies -- But it had to be wrapped in a "pretty" way!

This is the package I received from Dita this weekend. Inside I found various pieces of jewelry and (my favorite) Batik!! The traditional Indonesian fabric is going to be my new scarf! I can't wait to share the final product!

I had so much fun with this Pretty Package Swap I think I'll host my own! If you would be interested in participating let me know in the comments and I'll organize one in the coming weeks. I hope you're having a wonderful weekend!

Magic Bars & Coffee

2012-02-06T21:05:00.000-07:00

Sometimes in the Winter, whether you should be at the gym or not, it's best to just stay at home and bake. We all have those days. These are my favorite bars in the whole world! Magic Bars (also called 7 layer bars I believe) are really simple to make and they are SO DELICIOUS! Take an hour, put on a pot of coffee, and enjoy! You won't be disappointed.

Magic Bars recipe no. 236
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Ingredients:
1/2 C. butter, melted
1 1/2 C. graham cracker crumbs
1 (14oz.) sweetened condensed milk
2 C. semisweet chocolate chips
1 1/3 C. flaked coconut
1 C. chopped walnuts

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees (325 for a glass dish). Use a 13x9 pan and spray with a non-stick spray.

2. Combine the melted butter and the graham cracker crumbs and press against the bottom of the pan evenly, forming the crust. Pour half of the condensed milk over the crust. Layer the crust with the chocolate chips, nuts, and then coconut on top. Pour the rest of the sweetened condensed milk over the bars in a thin, even stream.

3. Bake for 25 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool, cut, and serve with the best cup of coffee you can find. Enjoy!

Cozy Crochet & Winter Days

2012-01-26T08:16:00.000-07:00

Do you ever feel like you spread yourself so thin with all of the things/projects you want to do/learn?! I've been meaning to spice up my Etsy store, redesign the blog, get a few projects posted, and I can't seem to keep up with the other blog opportunities filling up my email. There are worse things - I never used to get email! I love when people write me... (Now I'm getting way off track!)

Anyway, over the holidays my mother taught me how to crochet and knit. So I guess you could say that's my latest obsession. Despite the fact that I feel like an old lady, carrying around my crochet bag everywhere - just in case there's the off chance that I'll have a moment to make a few stitches... I'm not worried about it. I know everyone sitting at the DMV wishes they had something to keep them busy like me. So I'll just keep being me - an old soul!

That being said, you can see my creations added to my Etsy shop over the next few weeks!! I'd love your feedback and feel free to make requests!

DIY Photo Light Box // Take Better Photos!

2012-01-01T18:15:00.000-07:00

One thing I've learned during my blogging adventures: You eat with your eyes first! Photography is everything when trying to capture a tutorial for your readers, or make your products look desirable on Etsy.com. And what's the most important part? Lighting!

Follow this little tutorial to make your own Photo Light Box for the perfect lighting.

Cut a border of 2 inches on each side of the tri-fold display board (the two sides and the back). Make the front of the box (the part you'll take photos from) have a one inch border. Use the pieces you've cut out to add a bottom to the light box (or if you started with a cardboard box instead of a tri-fold display board, you won't need to do that).

Use a ruler and an exacto knife to make straight edges. You should have two pieces that look similar to the photo below:

Use masking tape to attach the two pieces to form a box. Create more support by attached extra pieces of cardboard to the joints (it also covers up the tape with white cardboard). Cut white poster board to fit into the box, forming a curve at the back. You want the back of the box to appear seamless from the white poster board, like the image below:

Finally, cover the two sides and the back with white muslin fabric, attaching it with masking tape. Use a lamp with a "natural light" light bulb to prevent a yellow glow on the items you are taking photos of. The final light box will look similar to the image below: Ta-Dah!

Ta-Dah! And that's all it takes to a great close up photo! The white background is a classic look and it really makes your item pop!

Orangettes // From Cupcakes & Kale

2011-12-29T08:45:00.001-07:00

Wrapping up our last week of Deck The Blogs, Jess from Cupcakes and Kale won by submitting her Orangettes - which I can't wait to try! I've ever tried eating orange peels, or many of her lovely vegan creations. She definitely has some great recipes to check out!

Cupcakes and Kale will be featured on Papernstitch blog (one of my favorite blogs!) for winning this week! Give her some love on Twitter! Thanks to everyone for participating!

Papernstitich for Deck The Blogs!

2011-12-20T00:05:00.000-07:00

It's the last week for "Deck The Blogs!" and less than a week until Christmas! (So excited!) So that means it's the last week to share your favorite holiday crafts, recipes, and DIYs for chance to be featured on Papernstitch!

Each week a winner has been chosen and featured here, on Ninth & Bird, and then featured on one of the sponsoring blogs - Papernstitch Blog, Crafted Love, C.R.A.F.T., or Craftyminx!

This Week: Get featured on Papernstitch blog!

Here is how to enter:

1. Blog about your favorite holiday craft, recipe, or DIY project.

2. Copy and paste the code below to add the button to your blog post.

3. Use the linking tool below to add your blog post to "Deck The Blogs!"

(make sure you submit the URL for the specific post)

OPTIONAL: VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITES ON TWITTER!

#DeckBlogs @ninth_bird

Good Luck! I can't wait to see all of your wonderful creations!

DIY Ornament Re-Vamp // One Bulb, Seven Ways

2011-12-20T00:00:00.000-07:00

Ta-Dah! It's been another great week for Deck The Blogs! This week's winner goes to Just Lovely Things for her DIY Ornaments. Heather presented seven ways to take a clear glass ornament and make it fabulous! For winning, Heather will be featured on AND get a free sponsor spot on CraftedLove!

There is one week left of Deck The Blogs, so if you haven't entered yet there is still time! Next up: Get featured on one of my FAVORITES - Papernstitch blog!

Deck The Blogs // no. 3

2011-12-13T00:05:00.000-07:00

It's time to "Deck The Blogs!" For the month of December "Deck The Blogs" will provide a way for bloggers to share their favorite holiday crafts, recipes, and DIYs for chance to be featured on Papernstitch Blog, Crafted Love, C.R.A.F.T., or Craftyminx!

Each week a winner will be chosen and featured here, on Ninth & Bird, and then later will be featured on one of the sponsoring blogs!

This Week: Get featured on Crafted Love PLUS get a free small sponsor spot!

Here is how to enter:

1. Blog about your favorite holiday craft, recipe, or DIY project.

2. Copy and paste the code below to add the button to your blog post.

3. Use the linking tool below to add your blog post to "Deck The Blogs!"

(make sure you submit the URL for the specific post)

OPTIONAL: VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITES ON TWITTER!

#DeckBlogs @ninth_bird

Good Luck! I can't wait to see all of your wonderful creations!

DIY Vintage Fabric Paper Chain

2011-12-13T00:00:00.000-07:00

It's been another great week for Deck The Blogs! This week Whimsy Lou entered her DIY Vintage Fabric Lined Paper Chain, and what a cool idea! I don't think I've made paper chains since I was in grade school. I love how she incorporated fabric with spray adhesive. It's definitely a fun and playful take on holiday decorations!

Whimsy Lou will now be featured on C.R.A.F.T.! Yayy for her! And with two weeks till Christmas, let's start our next round of Deck The Blogs! Good luck everyone!

Christmas Tree Hunting!

2011-12-07T00:00:00.000-07:00

Do you prefer a real or fake Christmas tree? I'm used to having a fake tree around but I have always loved the real thing! This year some friends and I went up to the mountains, spent the day in some small mountain town shopping, and then ventured up into the woods to go tree hunting! It certainly got me in the Christmas mood! And now the Christmas tree is up and decorated - I love it!

The smell of a real tree is perfect, and playing in the mountains for a day with friends - also perfect! Now that the tree is up I guess I just need to get my holiday shopping done. Yayyy! I hope you have a wonderful Wednesday! (And P.S. don't forget to submit your holiday projects and recipes to Deck The Blogs!)

Deck The Blogs // no. 2

2011-12-06T00:00:00.000-07:00

Each week a winner will be chosen and featured here, on Ninth & Bird, and then later will be featured on one of the sponsoring blogs!

This Week: Get featured on C.R.A.F.T. !!
where Jamie creates really awesome free things!

Here is how to enter:

1. Blog about your favorite holiday craft, recipe, or DIY project.

2. Copy and paste the code below to add the button to your blog post.

3. Use the linking tool below to add your blog post to "Deck The Blogs!"

(make sure you submit the URL for the specific post)

OPTIONAL: VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITES ON TWITTER!

#DeckBlogs @ninth_bird

Good Luck! I can't wait to see all of your wonderful creations!

Pine Cones and Candles

2011-12-01T08:15:00.000-07:00

Pine cones and candles, such a romantic combination! I think the holidays are so beautiful with all the lights and decorations -- and the best part is the parties! What do you think of this table set up? Combined with the painted wine bottles it was quite charming!

Have you submitted your holiday crafts and recipes to "Deck The Blogs" yet? Hurry up!

Join "Deck The Blogs" and Win!

2011-11-29T18:00:00.000-07:00

This December, it's time to "Deck The Blogs!" All month long "Deck The Blogs" will provide a way for bloggers to share their favorite holiday crafts, recipes, and DIYs for chance to be featured on Papernstitch Blog, Crafted Love, C.R.A.F.T., or Craftyminx!

Each week a winner will be chosen and featured here, on Ninth & Bird, and then later will be featured on one of the sponsoring blogs! Everyone has their favorites - their holiday traditions and recipes they make every year - SO LET'S SHARE THEM!

This Week: Get featured on Craftyminx and your blog button added to Craftyminx for a month!

Here is how to enter:

1. Blog about your favorite holiday craft, recipe, or DIY project.

2. Copy and paste the code below to add the button to your blog post.

3. Use the linking tool below to add your blog post to "Deck The Blogs!"

(make sure you submit the URL for the specific post)

OPTIONAL: VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITES ON TWITTER!

#DeckBlogs @ninth_bird

It's Time to Deck The Blogs!

2011-11-27T22:13:00.001-07:00

This Tuesday, November 29th, I will be launching the first annual "Deck The Blogs!" With the idea of spreading and sharing holiday bliss - "Deck The Blogs" will provide a way for bloggers to share their favorite holiday crafts, recipes, and DIYs for a chance to win!

Four of the best craft blogs have come together to sponsor this event: Papernstitchblog, C.R.A.F.T, Craftyminx, and Crafted Love - all the sponsors will feature a winner on their blog, and some even offering a free ad space for a month! And all you have to do is submit your projects, linking to the page they are found on!

I love December! It's always filled with fun crafts, recipes, and DIYs for the holidays. Let's get together and share them! I hope everyone participates and gets inspiration from those involved! Stop back this Tuesday to participate!

Much Love!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T09:28:00.001-07:00

Hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving! I'm off to celebrate with my friends and probably eat more than I should at "Friendsgiving!" Much love!

DIY Sunburst Twig Wreath

2011-11-21T20:15:00.000-07:00

It’s wreath season! This Sunburst Twig Wreath was fun and is going to add to our Thanksgiving (a.k.a."friendsgiving") decorations. I can't wait for the fun to start! It was a pretty simple project overall, and here’s what we did.

DIY Sunburst Twig Wreath

1} Gather sticks of various sizes and lengths – we gathered ours from a neighboring ditch…

2} Cut a piece of cardboard into the shape of a circle (about 7 inches) and cut out a whole in the middle (about 3 inches). Then wrap the cardboard in hemp and secure in hot glue.

3} Place larger sticks on the cardboard and begin planning where you want them to be. I spaced out the fatter sticks first and glued them down with hot glue. Add the rest of the sticks, securing with hot glue, until it is full around the circle.

4} Trim the ends of the sticks until you have the shape of wreath you want.

5} Use silver or gold spray paint to cover all of the sticks. This covers will cover any glue that is visible and makes the sticks have a holiday shine!

6} Take a piece of ribbon and tie a bow for the wreath – hot glue it to the wreath (you may need a good amount of hot glue sticks for this project!) Add small pine cones, holly, or whatever you’d like to spice up your wreath! Enjoy!

DIY Thanksgiving Centerpiece // Painted Wine Bottle Tree

2011-11-15T22:07:00.001-07:00

My friend Amanda and I have been preparing a few decorations for “Friendsgiving!” It’s going to be the best Thanksgiving ever, filled with friends and amazing food… I can hardly wait! We made four Painted Wine Bottle Trees for the tables. I think they turned out rather adorable! What do you think?

DIY Painted Wine Bottle Trees

1} Soak wine bottles in hot water until the labels are able to come off easily. We left the bottles soaking over night, which worked really well. Scrub the labels off and dry the bottles.

2} Use white spray paint to evenly coat wine bottles; let them dry.

3} Use a paper towel to cover the bottom half of the bottles. Use a piece of tape to hold paper towel on – but don’t let it touch the fresh paint.

4} Spray an even layer of the spray-on glue and sprinkle with white glitter. Let it dry and then remove the paper towel. Repeat on all bottles.

5} Take a roll of hemp and wrap along the border of the white paint and the glittered area. Secure with a dab of hot glue.

6} Gather branches and twigs that you want to stick inside the bottles. (Paint them if you want! ..maybe shimmery gold paint!) Place them on your Thanksgiving table and enjoy!

Mason Jar Hot Apple Cider

2011-11-13T12:14:00.000-07:00

Thanksgiving is approaching, and what better to make than Hot Apple Cider? The Mason Jar makes this festive drink adorable, and the hemp gives it a heat proof grip. The best part?! The smell of it simmering on the stove makes the whole house smell like the holidays! I love it!

Mason Jar Hot Apple Cider//

1} 1 gal. Apple Cider

2} 1 Orange, sliced

3} 2 Cinnamon Sticks

4} 2 tsp Whole Cloves

5} 1/4 tsp Ground Nutmeg

6} 1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon

Mix all ingredients together in big pot. Bring pot to a boil and then reduce heat to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Let simmer for at least 20 minutes. While that is brewing - wrap hemp around a mason jar and secure with hot glue. Once everything is ready - serve and enjoy!

Warm in Washington

2011-11-07T22:57:00.000-07:00

(Image via // Indelible Photo Co.)

I am obsessed with my SageFringe crochet headbands! They are beautifully crafted out of Washington, and I love Macy's work. All of it is quite perfect for Fall accessorizing! I have two of them myself and I love them. Christmas gift list: check, check!! But I may just have to order this eggplant scarf for myself! And then, perhaps someday I'll learn how to crochet myself - fingers crossed!

Do you love her as much as I do!? Well, if you do you can send Macy some love on Facebook! I hope you have a wonderfully warm day!