waking up to winter on new years eve

beautiful and bare

upcycled holiday sparkle earrings

Before you throw out all that holiday decor, cards and wrapping paper, take a second look- perhaps there is a unique way to recycle or upcycle all that Christmas sparkle? I decided to turn all of my metallic wrapping and decoration into some sparkly earrings- just in time for New Years Eve!

Tinsel, while messy can be used to create sparkly paper.

Use card stock, thick paper or even recycle the inside of greeting cards (like I did).

Cover the surface with a thick layer of craft glue, gel medium or modge podge.

Trim the tinsel over the paper so that it sticks to the glue.

Let dry completely.

The result is a thick piece of sparkly paper that can be used to create all kinds simple jewelry.

Cut out simple shapes

Use dimensional paint to add little details.

Paint or decorate the back- optional

Cut out small shapes and using jump rings, stack the shapes for dramatic dangle earrings.

Use leftover metallic wrapping (or any pretty wrapping for that matter) to create rolled roses. (my tutorial is here)

Fill the middle with beads.

Glue to posts for a small and pretty set of earrings.

Use wrapping paper and roll into beads.

Use those paper beads and stack them on wire with alternating beads for a set of long dangle earrings.

And there you have it a brand new collection of sparkle earrings ready for a New Years Eve Party!

homemade fortune cookies

I have been saving this post for a while and am SO excited to share a simple, fun and creative baking project that is perfect for New Years Eve/Day entertaining! Whether you are attending a party, throwing your own or even staying home in your pj's, homemade fortune cookies are a festive treat to make and a family baking project that everyone can participate in.

Start by making your own fortunes. This could really be anything- favorite quotes, bible verses, poetry, song lyrics or even things that are specific to you and your family (inside jokes would be a blast!).

Cut them into strips and set aside.

The batter is REALLY easy and while there are a number of different variations, I went with a simple recipe.

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• 1 egg white
• 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup white sugar

Mix the egg white and vanilla until foamy but not stiff.

Sift the flour, salt, and sugar and blend into the egg white mixture. The batter will be just a little bit runny.

Grease up a cookie sheet. I like to flip mine upside down and use the bottom.

Place teaspoons of batter onto the cookie sheet and using a spoon spread thin.

Bake in the oven at 350 degrees for about 3-5 minutes or until the edges of the cookie are browned.

Using a metal spatula quickly and carefully remove the cookies.

tip- since the cookies will stay flexible as long as they are warm make small batches to make the process easier.

Fold and place fortune in the middle of the cookie

and fold in half.

Using a glass or mug bend the cookie over the rim and let cool.

As it cools it will harden.