Maria Just Do It

Caffe Reale - no baking dessert!

2013-05-16T01:08:00.000+02:00

To make Caffe Reale You need:

- half bottle of semi-dry wine

- 5-7 tbs of honey

- dry figs

- orange peel ( from half of fruit)

- 2 cloves

- 1 tbs of brown sugar

- 2 cinnamon sticks

- 2 ts cinnamon powder

- Mascarpone cheese

Pour half bottle of whine to the pot.

Add honey (4 or 6 tbs) and brown sugar. It depends how sweet things You like. Heat up until all ingredients melt.

Cut figs

Peel orange ( half is enough)

Add some spices: cinnamon, cloves, brown sugar

Boil all for about an hour. Syrup is ready when alcohol evaporate and fig’s skin is quite soft.

You can keep it in the jar

Serve when chill with 2 ts of mascarpone cheese and coffe ofcourse.

Enjoy!

Maria

Spring pastel bracelets

2013-05-03T00:29:00.002+02:00

That was quick decision. Three wooden bracelet, pastel color, touch of gold and two stones. Simple and stylish. You don’t need any extra skills just 15 minutes to do it.

So are You ready? Just Do IT!

To make bracelets You need:

- 3 wooden bracelets

- glue

- gold and silver decoupage flakes

- paint brush

- acrylic paint

- all purpose glue

Put some glue on the top of bracelet.

Gently glued gold and silver flakes.

Wait until dry. Cover with wood spray.

Paint bracelet with light pink acrylic paint.

Wait until dry.

Use big flat stone.

Glued with all purpose glue.

Paint with four different colors ( I used grey, light blue, lemon and beige).

Wait until paint is dry. Glued stone with all purpose glue.

Thaaa daa...

Enjoy!

Maria

Spring wedding table part II

2013-04-25T00:02:00.000+02:00

First part of Spring wedding table was about color and theme inspirations, how to fold napkins, make an easy straw decorations and create menu using on-line photo editor. Today I’m going to show how to make flower vases and wedding favors with few easy steps.
Ready? Just do It!

How to make plant wedding favors

1.Use plastic egg holders.
2.Fill with soil and plant flowers (I used Kalanchoe)
3.Make a flag project using Picmonkey.
4.Stock with wooden stick.
5.Place near each plate set.

How to make flower vases

Use small juice bottles and olive jars.
Paint them with white spray (few coats)
Make a ribbon on the top of each jar and bottle.

Spring wedding table decorations. Part I

2013-04-14T22:25:00.000+02:00

I was calling for spring!!! Spring top, spring pearl ring - now it's time for the spring table! There is so much fun when You can sit together with the friend around a lovely decorated table or if You are planning simple but colorful wedding and You need some easy ideas. This DIY project can be helpful. You don’t need any special skill,s just vivid colors and ribbons. So, Are You ready?

First, create the color board inspiration. It will help You to stick with colors you like and describe the atmosphere of the theme.

The theme board. Because it’s spring I decided to focus on tulips and always very stylish ribbons.

How to prepare napkins
Buy napkins in the shop or sew them yourself (I used fabric from Ikea)

Fold on napkin (2/3 width) to make a small pocket.

Hide both sides inside.

How to create menu

I just used Pickmonkey on-line picture editor. It’s easy and perfect for simple but stylish projects.

How to make a straw decoration
Cut about 10 cm long piece of ribbon and the same long double tape.

Stick both together (ribbon and tape)

Put straw in the middle of ribbon. Stick bots sides together and cut a flag shape.

Enjoy!

Maria!

Spring top

2013-04-04T00:43:00.001+02:00

I can’t wait for spring! That’s why I decided to make something special for warmer days. I’ve mixed classic long sleeve top and some black fabric paint to create simple and a little bit edgy outfit. Ready to welcome spring! Just do it!

To make top You need:

- t-shirt or long sleeve top

- black fabric paint

- letter stickers

- paint brush

- plastic protection pad

1. Iron t-shirt and stick letters.

2. Slip plastic protection pad inside the t-shirt.

3. Paint letters.

...and details.

4. U can use hair dryer.

5. When all is dry remove letters and iron.

Enjoy!

Maria!

Easter decorations

2013-03-28T01:05:00.000+01:00

It’s time to grab basket with Easter eggs! Use paint, marker or vegetables to create colorful decorations for less. If You like experiment, try golden leaves or just simple prints. Use imagination and ... Just Do It!

To make Easter eggs You gonna need:

- eggs

- paint

- paint brush

- sponge brush

- golden leaves

- vinyl glue

- black marker

1. Paint an egg using sponge brush. It will help to make texture on the surface.

2. Splash paint using paint brush.
3. Make a few acrylic glue spots. Gently touch with gold leaves.

4. Use marker to make spots and dots.

To make rope basket You gonn need:

- all-purpose glue

- rope

- scissors

- bowl

5. Wrap and glue rope around the bowl.

Happy Easter & Lovely Spring!!!

Maria

Chain jewellery

2013-03-21T00:31:00.000+01:00

To make chain bracelet and double ring You need:

- gold, silver chain

- two gold rings

- gold wire

- pearl and turquoise beads

- chain closure

1. Cut 3 chain pieces.

2. Put all chain pieces together using gold rings.

3. Cut 2 chain pieces and make bead hook.

4. Connect chain and bead together attach chain closure.

Enjoy!

Maria

5 projects with washi tape

2013-03-12T23:03:00.000+01:00

World loves washi tapes. Why? Because they are colorful and easy to use. There are so many projects and ideas to create something original with washi tapes. From wall art, Easter eggs decoration, gift wrapping to original flower pots and scrapbooking. You can buy wahi tape or You can make one. It’s so easy! If You have time, 5 of my projects will show how to make colorful details around You.

To make projects with washi tape use:

- double tape
- tissue paper (different colors)
- tooth picks
- scissors
- thread
- black pen
- ribbons

Muffin decoration
1. Glue tape and tissue paper. 2. Remove protection layer. 3.Cover tooth pick top.

4. Repeat 1 and 2 action.
5. Glue with thread. Attach to tooth picks. Cut flag shape.

Flower vase

1. Paint two bottles using white spray. Let it dry. Glue ribbon and double tape. Cover top of the bottle. Use washi tape for extra decoration.

Colorful gift wrapping...

and funny laptop cover

Enjoy!

Maria!

Stripe clutch bag

2013-02-27T15:04:00.001+01:00

Stripes for everyone! Punk style from 80’s is one of the hottest trends. That’s why this season You must have a little bit of graphic prints to look perfect. You can invest at classic black and white jackets, shirt and leggings or create something by yourself. Try to make easy accessories with stylish stripes, and funny detail to make Your outfit be ready for every occasion.

To make clutch bag You need:
- wooden box
- black and white acrylic paint
- elastic string
- 2 beads
- plastic (play) block
- scissors
- ruler
- marker
- masking tape

1. Protect closure and start with a few coats of white paint. Let it dry.

2. Mark stripes all over the box.

3. Use tape to protect strips edges. Paint using black color.

4. Remove tape when paint is dry.

5. Remove upper and lower part of closure. Paint the rest of closure using black paint. Glue plastic block.

6. Pull elastic string through the upper closure and make a knot under the plastic block to make a bag's lock.

7. Add two bead at the endings.

Thaaa daaa...

Enjoy!

Maria

Neon gem stone application

2013-02-22T23:12:00.000+01:00

How to make new from old? It’s easier than You think. For a new season I decided to create a “new” blouse using a few colourful gem stone beads. Neon shades are going to be one of the most popular and stylish in the upcoming season. So why not to add some must have colors to Your outfit? Just do it!
To make neon application You need:
- color gem stone beads
- mix of different beads
- string
- needle
- scissors

- tailor soap (marker)

1. Make a mark on the middle of the blouse.

2. Create a composition.

3. Use tailor soap to mark places to sew beads up.

4. Sew beads up.

Thhaa daa..

Enjoy!

Maria

Valentine's day set for two

2013-02-13T14:04:00.000+01:00

Any ideas for Valentine’s day gift? If not, try to make something by yourself, like homemade nachos with salsa and guacamole. It’s the easiest way to create a simple starter before romantic dinner, snack or watching movies together. But if You think is not enough try to make a beer holder using piece of felt and craft sponge. Simple and very useful not only for one occasion.

To make nachos You need:
- 1 glass of corn flour
- ½ glass of flour
- ½ oil
- ¾ glass of water
- salt
- pepper
- herbs (basil, oregano) or any fresh herbs
- 1 spoon of chill flakes

1. Mix all dry ingredients together. Add oil and water. Make dough.

2. Roll out dough about 1-1,5 mm. Cut the heart shape. Bake in the oven for about 10-15 min untill gold.

To make guacamole You need.
- big and soft avocado
- 2 tbs lime juice
- chopped garlic clove
- ¾ chopped red onion
- 1 tbs chopped coriander
- 1 tbs chopped chili
- Tabasco
- 2 tbs olive oil
Smash avocado using fork. Add all ingredients and mix them together.

To make salsa:
- 2 tomatoes
- ½ chopped red onion
- 2 tbs chopped fresh basil
- salt, pepper
- 2 tbs olive oil
- Few drops of balsamic vinegar or 1 tbs of lemon juice.

Chop tomatoes and mix them with the rest of ingredients.To make salsa:

To make beer holder You need:
- glued felt (A4 size)
- craft foam
- color threads
- scissors
- needle

- piece of paper

1. Mark bottom of the bottle on the paper. Cut and fold in half.

2. Measure a perimeter of the bottle. Remember that felt (upper layer) must be about 0,5 mm longer than foam. Put glued felt and craft foam together and sew on heart shape using color thread.

3. Put both layers in half. Mark and cut out paper circle.

4. First sew the bottom and then side of the holder.

Thaaa... daaa

Happy V-day to all!

Maria!

Tulle skirt

2013-02-05T22:26:00.000+01:00

Tulle skirt is usually associated with lightness, chic and style. So many times I dreamed about one, especially watching dancing ballerinas. That’s why I decided to create one.

Today, in the world of fashion, You can find many tulle skirt styles. Some are mixed with casual t-shirt or jeans shirt, some reminds retro look, matching with classic cardigan and kitty heel shoes. So, are You ready for Your perfect tulle skirt?

To make skirt You need:

- 4 m of tulle

- 60 cm of elastic band (check with your waist)

- 50 cm lining

- needle

- thread

- scissors

- ribbons

1. Cut 4 pieces (37,5 cm wide and 4 m long each) from tulle.
2. Put two pieces together and sew upper edge making folds from time to time.

3. Crease the whole piece. Make sure that it is as long as the elastic band. Repeat the same thing with the other two tulle pieces.

4. Fold and iron both lining edges.

Sew them on. Crease upper edge.

5. Sew on all tulle pieces, lining and elastic band together.

6. Sew sides. First lining then tulle.

Thaaa daaa...

...and the New Year's Eve necklace :)

Enjoy!

Maria!

Spring pearl ring

2013-01-30T00:06:00.000+01:00

Yes, winter is still here but it’s the best moment to prepare for upcoming months. All fashion trends say that pastel colors and shimmer will blow up spring and summer style. So why not use polymer clay and create a greenish pearl ring. Funny mill shape plus sophisticated pearl is a perfect combination of casual and glam style. And the most important the ring will give an extra touch to every outfit. So just do it!

To make a ring You need:

- polymer clay

- ring blank

- glue

- cutter

- glass

- pearl bead

- transparent and glitter nail polish

Advice: Choosing polymer clay remember that it can change color after baking.

1. When you soften polimer clay a bit, roll it and cut in a half.

2. Roll one of the pieces again using glass. The circle should be about 3 cm wide, and 1- 1,5 mm thick.

3. Cut square ( 2,5 mm each side).

4. Cut each corner in a half. Gently turn one of the two corners from each side.

6. In the middle of the mill press pearl bead. Take it off and follow the instructions on the polymer clay box. Bake it.

7. Cover inside of the mill,with transparent nail polish. Cover the top of the mill with glitter nail polish.

Enjoy!

Maria!

6 steps how to take a perfect picture

2013-01-23T01:06:00.001+01:00

Winter it’s a fantastic time for nice photo shots. Of course everyone can take a picture but not all of us focus on simple but very important details that can change picture and make it better.

1. Prepare accessories. Scarf, bag, gloves or even red lipstick will add some extra color and some variety.

2.If You try to make a portrait remember to put model between different objects (trees) or close to color detail like gloves and scarf. Do not use zoom. Try to come as close as possible to model. Picture will be sharper and framed.

3.When taking full body picture remember not to cut model's feet. Try to avoid random people in the background.

4. Check whether there is no tree or street light growing from models head.

5.Use sequence mode if you want to take picture of moving objects. Remember to press shutter before the move.

6. Take pictures from different positions. The best is the same model and photographer level.

Maria

Carnival hair pin

2013-01-17T00:12:00.000+01:00

Carnival is here! So it’s perfect time for a party. When dresses and shoes are prepared You need some extra touch with fancy and original accessories. That’s why I decided to show how to create easy and stylish hair pin (fascinator) with color felt and black mesh. So, are You ready?

To make hair pin You need:

- 1,5 m of mesh

- felt beads: 1x3cm(diameter); 2x2cm; 1x1cm (You can use acryl beads too)

- 1 pearl bead

- few zircon beads
- hair pin ( about 5-6 cm long)
- fishing line or thread
- black thread
- piece of felt
- needle
- glue
- scissors

1. Cut a piece of felt and check with hair pin.

2. Start folding mesh from one side. Try to make a flower shape.

3. Sew mesh and felt together.

4. Then sew felt beads and pearl together.

5. Sew on mesh.

6. Glue zircon beads to mesh.

7. Sew felt with felt beads and mesh to a hair pin.

Thaaa...da....

Maria

Ombre cutlery pocket

2013-01-08T17:45:00.002+01:00

It’s always time for party! Specially when it's carnival. Prepare food, drinks and remember about table decoration. If You like simple and original style this project is perfect for You! You don’t need any special sew or craft skills just two favorite colors and piece of linen fabric to create easy and minimalistic ombre cutlery pocket. So are You ready to do it?

You need:
- linen or cotton fabric
- color thread

- needle
- scissors
- tape

- fabric paint (pink and white)

1. Mesure 32cm X 15 cm and cut one piece of linen/cotton fabric.

2. Fold twice and iron fabric sides ( upper edge 1cm, side edge 0,5 cm wide)

3. Mark place where a pocket should be folded.

4. Use a tape to make strap marks.

5. Mix colors to create ombre shades. Use the same amount of pink and double amount of white paint.

6. Paint the first smallest strip with clear pink color.

7. Stitch pocket in two places from both sides.

8. Stitch edges in 3-4 places from both sides.

Thhaaa daa...

Oh! And a gift from the plate You can fing here

Enjoy!

Maria

Evening glamour nails

2013-01-01T22:58:00.000+01:00

Let’s celebrate! Carnval is here! For the next few weeks we have the opportunity for amazing parties and themed balls. When a perfect costume or outfit is ready, it's time to match accessories, make up and of course nails. Try something glamour this season! Gold, black lace and touch of shining diamante is perfect and very easy way to create original completion of Your outfit. So let’s do it!

To make evening glamour style nails You need:

- black lace

- transparent nail polish

- gold nail polish

- 6 silver nail diamante or any other shining details

- scissors

- tweezer

1. Cut 10 small irregular lace pieces.

2. Put one coat of gold polish nail and wait until dry then cover for second time.

3. When the nail polish is still wet use tweezer to cover a nail with a piece of a lace.

4. Cut unnecessary lace.

5. If You want You can attach 3 silver nail diamante using transparent nail polish.

6. Finish all nails with transparent nail polish.

…and enjoy the party !

Enjoy!

Maria

PS. Thank You Sis for being the best hand model!

New Year's Eve Necklace

2012-12-25T23:36:00.000+01:00

Ready to shine on New Year’s Eve? Glam rock necklace is perfect for those who want to save extra money and look stylish and glamorous. With elegant pearls, edgy polish safety pins and velvet ribbons You can create simple jewelry perfect for many occasions.

- few pearl strings

- chains

- 12 safety pins

- glass beads

- velvet ribbon (1m)

- scissors

1.Spread pearls.

2. Twist.

3. Fold in a half .

4. Make a knot on both sides using velvet ribbons.

5. Twist necklace and add chains.

6.Slip glass beads on safety pins and attach to the necklace.

Thaaa daa...

Enjoy!

Maria!

10 easy gift wrappings for everyone

2012-12-18T22:36:00.000+01:00

There is much to do before Christmas. Decorations, special food, presents and of course
wrappings. It’s not so complicated as You might think. The easiest way is to use paper (waste paper is perfect for eco fans), different types of ribbons, sting, and small Christmas ornaments. 10 simple wrappings are for those who like different styles, colors and lots of fun. So check which one is your favorite and… Just do it!

To make a gift wrapping You need:

- paper

- ribbons

- colourful string: gold, silver, neon

- scissors

- needle

- tape with double side glue

- paper lace trim napkin

Paper lace trim napkin wrapping

Cut napkin in a half. Tape it and add red ribbon.

Neon string wrapping

Twine a box 3 times with neon string from top to bottom and from left to right side. Keep space between them. Make a bow.

Elegant style wrapping

1. Cover a box up with black paper and make a knot with black-beige ribbon. Add some extra blink blink using Christmas tree decoration.

2. Twine the box with gold thread and make bow using exotic print ribbon.

Vintage

Cover box up with waste paper. Put lace and two velvet ribbons with extra gold detail on the top.

Minimalistic

Cross two ribbons and just add glitter detail.

I used Christmas decorations from previous DIY to make 4 more wrappings. Check here.

If You don’t want to spend extra money for a paper bag – just do one by yourself.

1. Fold both sides of sheet of paper (50cm/35 cm) to meet in the middle.

2. Stick the double side glue tape on the edge of the paper and put both sides together

3. Fold the bottom part about 5 cm wide.
4. Open it and crease the flaps inward.

5. Fold both flaps in the middle.

6. Stick the tape across the bottom of the bag.

7. Stick a piece of tape in the place where You gonna make holes. Then punch holes through the top of the bag. Use ribbons to make handles.

Enjoy

Maria!

Christmas decoration with hint of mint

2012-12-11T21:23:00.000+01:00

Have You already thought about Christmas decorations? Well, it’s perfect time to find out what to put on the table and Christmas tree. But what color? I decided to make 3 easy projects with lovely mint shade. It was very popular during the summer and still it is. Paper, felt and some glitter will help to create simple and classic ornaments. Just do it!

To make decorations You need:

- color paper

- acrylic glue

- pom pom tape

- color beads or pearls

- color thread

- ribbons

- color felt

- needle

- scissors

Pom pom chain

1. String pom pom first and make loop. Then repeat it with bead or pearl.

Stars

2. Cut 10 cm diameter circle.

3. On the edges mark points that are half of diameter (5 cm).

4. Connect points.

5. Cut out a star.

6. Fold the nearest points.

7. Fold the arms of the star. You can cover it with glue and sprinkle with glitter.

Paper Christmas ball

8. Cut three circles about 5 cm diameter. I use different blue shades.
9. Put all circles together and fold them in the middle.
10. Sew them on.
11. Make a loop.

Felt tree

12. Cut two Christmas tree shapes from felt.

13. Sew them on.

14. Stuff with wadding.

15. You can put some extra decorating stitches or colorful button.

Thaa... daaa...

Oh... and of course glitter button

Use a big button. Cover it up with mixture of glitter and acrylic glue. Sew a bow on.

Enjoy

Maria!

1 cup 3 ideas for christmas present

2012-12-04T20:09:00.000+01:00

What is the best for cold winter days and nights? Hot drinks, of course! So if u are looking for perfect and not expensive Christmas presents, find out how to make one of those using one cup and hot chocolate coffee or tea. Remember! Hot chocolate with marshmallow is always good for excellent mood. Hot tea with flavored spices or candied orange for relax and perfect cinnamon coffee for those who love cozy Christmas atmosphere. Interested? Just do it!

To make Christmas present with hot chocolate
You need:
- tea cup or mug
- foil
- ribbons
- scotch tape
- elastic band
- cocoa powder
- sugar
- marshmallow

Tea version:
- candied orange
- cardamom

Coffee version :
- cinnamon stick

- chocolate

1. Mix 2 tbs cocoa powder with 3 tbs sugar.

2. Cut a square from a foil (each side 20 cm long).

3.Fold one side for 1 cm. It’s gonna be the top of the cone.

4. Form the cone and stick with a scotch tape. Remember to protect the top of the cone.

5. To avoid dirty edges make a paper cone and put inside the foil then fill with cocoa and sugar.

6. Put some marshmallow on the top of cocoa. Close with an elastic band and make a lovely bow.

7. Fill a mug or cup with marshmallow and put packed cocoa.

Thaaa daaa...

8.To diversify your X-mas present you can fill in the cup or mug with biscuits or cream puffs with chocolate.

9. Use the rest of the foil to pack the present.

Enjoy!

Maria!

Winter neckalce

2012-11-27T20:42:00.000+01:00

Warm gloves, soft sweater are winter musts. But what about winter jewellery? Well, there is a solution. This easy DIY project will show how to create a necklace using a chain, lots of colorful threads, a velvet ribbon and special pom poms on tape. Cozy and egdy-glam style mixed together is prefect for day to night outfits. So are You ready to try?
To make necklace You need:

- 2 silver chains 30 cm each
- colorful thread ( I use DMC)
- colorful string
- black velvet ribbon
- pom pom tape / ribbon
- needle
- scissors
- black thread

1.Take pom pom tape and chain and stitch them together

2. Thread second chain

3. Stitch both chains together using colorful thread

4. Reeve velvet ribbon through the last links and sew

Thaaa daaaa...

Enjoy!

Maria

Mini cheesecakes

2012-11-20T23:54:00.000+01:00

There is nothing better than a cup of coffee and some sweet treat. That’s why mini cheesecakes are perfect in this combination. Simple and quick recipe is perfect for those who don’t have time to bake and like to create something special, own version with lots of combinations and flavors. So are you ready for sweet treat?

To make 12 mini cheesecakes You need:

- 2 sheets of pastry dough
- 600 g of sweet cream cheese
- Fruit jelly
- Fruit for decoration
- Chocolate ( milk or bitter)
- Muffin cups
- Beans

1. Cut out dough using aprox.10 cm-diameter glass. Spread a bit of margarine and place dough in a baking muffin pan.

2. Put on top muffin cups and fill with beans. It will stop dough to grow out.

3. Bake in the preheated oven to 180 C for 10 to 15 minutes or until edges are light gold.

4. Fill with sweet cheese cream about ( ¾ of the cup)

5. Bake for another 20 minutes in the preheated oven to 180 C until edges are gold.

6. When it’s ready take off cheesecakes from the pan and wait till cold.

7. Prepare jelly using description from the box. When it’s stiffen put on top of each cheesecake.

Now it’s time for Your favorite flavor. Whipped cream or chocolate? Maybe both?

Enjoy!

Maria

DIY salt & pepper container

2012-11-14T14:15:00.000+01:00

This project is for all DIY beginers. You don’t need special skills just some extra jars, back and white spray and of course salt and pepper. So are You ready? Let’s just do It!

You gonna need:

- two small jars

- black and white spray

- sticky letters

- nail

1. Mark and make holes on lids using nail (seven for pepper and one for salt)

2. Use stickers to make pepper

and salt sign

3. Spray on lids and jars. Remember! Black jar for salt and white for pepper.

4. When dry use tweezers to remove stickers.

Thaaaa daaa!

Enjoy!

Maria

DIY Independence Day Hair Band

2012-11-07T00:07:00.001+01:00

White and read are so stylish! That’s why I decided to create a simple head band for our independence day. Because 11-th of November is usually cold and cloudy this decorative piece should cheer up all fashionable girls waiting for twist in their holiday outfit. Let’s celebrate!

You gonna need:

- white and red baize ribbons

- needle

- thread

- pins

- scissors

- bra cup

- head band

1. Cut aprox 10 cm diameter circle from a bra cup.

2. Sew on white ribbon.

3. Make two bows.

4. Attach bows to the cup.

5. Pin up all to the head band.

Thaadaa...

Happy Independence Day!!!

Maria