Twine Net Drink Holder {The Twinery}

Today I wanted to share with you a quick project that can be created using a Mini Bundle (15 yards) of The Twinery's twine (I used the new tri-color Firecracker twine):

To create the twine net for your mason jar, it is a fairly simple process of knotting. (I used a series of overhand knots.)
I think these would be fun to create with a scouting troop!

First, cut your 15 yard Mini Bundle into 10 strands (1 1/2 yards each).
Then, knot as follows:

Photos 1 & 2: Tie all 10 strands of twine in a knot, keeping the knot at the center. (You will have 10 strands approximately 2 1/4' long on each side of the knot - a total of 20 strands that you will use to create your net.)

Photos 3 & 4: Take two strands (starting with one from each side of the large knot) and tie them into a knot approximately 3/4" away from the large knot. 

Photo 1: Continue working around, knotting two strands together until all 20 strands have been paired up and knotted approximately 3/4" away from the large knot. This will form the 1st row.

Photos 2, 3, & 4: To create the 2nd row, take two strands (one strand from a formerly created knot, and the second strand from the formerly created knot next to it) and tie them into a knot. (Again, keep them spaced approximately 3/4" away from the previous knot.) Continue working around, knotting the 2nd row until all 20 strands have been paired up and knotted.

Photo 1: Lay the base of your twine net on the bottom of a mason jar (or other drinking glass), keeping the large knot at the center. From here, the glass will keep your net's form and make it easier to work with.

Photos 2 & 3: Create more rows by taking two strands (one strand from a formerly created knot, and the second strand from the formerly created knot next to it) and tie them into a knot. (Again, keep them spaced approximately 3/4" away from the previous knot.) Continue working around, knotting each row until all 20 strands have been paired up and knotted. I created 6 total rows in this way.

Photo 4: To start forming the handle, split the net in half, gathering half of the strands on one side and half on the other. (There will be 10 strands on each side.) Knot these as you did to create the previous rows of the net, starting at the outermost strands (which will separate one set of knots from the other). This will create a total of 10 knots on the 7th row. For the 8th row, gather 5 strands (both strands coming from 2 of the knots on the 7th row, and one strand from another knot on the 7th row) and tie them together in a knot approximately 3/4" away from the previous row. Do this with all the strands, which will create a total of 4 knots on the 8th row. Then, gather all 10 strands on each side and knot together, for a total of 2 knots on the 9th row. Bring both sets of 10 strands up and knot together to create the top of the handle.

Wow...that was harder to explain than I thought! 
It really is a simple process once you get started and hopefully the pictures and description together will help it to be clear.

This is a great way to keep your drink close, but not completely tie up (pun intended) your hands.

You can also find a tree branch (or some other convenient place) to hang your drink...

If you'd like a drink holder that can be worn on your shoulder (purse style), I would recommend starting with 10 strands of twine at least 2 1/2 yards long. (Go even longer with the strands to create something that can be worn cross-body or sling style.)
The finished product (without the jar) can easily fit into a pocket or purse - so bring one along with you to your next picnic or outdoor party.

I am thinking it might be fun to create some outdoor candle jar holders like this, too! 

Or maybe even a reusable fruit/veggie grocery bag?

What else can you see being created with this net technique?

Thanks for stopping by today!

Supplies: 
Twine: The Twinery (Firecracker);
Tools: Fiskars (Scissors);

Book Review :: Jesus Calling for Little Ones by Sarah Young, written by Jean Fischer, illustrated by Antonia Woodward

Jesus Calling for Little Ones is the newest in the Jesus Calling book series by Sarah Young. Jesus Calling for Little Ones is a bit different from the other Jesus Calling books in that it is not a 365 day devotional. Jesus Calling for Little Ones is a board book with 26 full-color board book pages (13 page openings). The full-page illustrations by Antonia Woodward are adorable and are done in a gentle, muted color palette. 

Each page opening in Jesus Calling for Little Ones has both a small portion of text (written as if it was from Jesus to your little one) and a corresponding verse (from the International Children's Bible). The text of Jesus Calling for Little Ones is different from many other books in that it can be read in order like a story, but also makes sense being read with the individual pages on their own.

With the sweet text, cute illustrations, and sturdy build, I think Jesus Calling for Little Ones is a great book to share with your little ones. 

FTC Declaration: The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book or advanced reading copy through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. This does not change the fact that I will give my honest opinion in my reviews.

Book Review :: Redo Your Room: 50 Bedroom DIYs You Can Do In A Weekend (from the editors of Faithgirlz! and Girls' Life Magazine)

Redo Your Room is a great little book packed with quick and easy projects to decorate any girl's room. The book is laid out almost magazine-style (similar to that of Best Party Book Ever! that I reviewed previously), which makes it fun to browse and easy to find what you are looking for. 

Redo Your Room is divided into 10 sections (labeled as chapters), 4 of which are tips and tricks for making your space work well for you, and 6 of which are loaded with DIY projects. 

The projects have written out instructions, but do not have step-by-step photos (which I think would have made this book even better). Each project is rated on a scale of difficulty/involvement: one scissor (Quick 'N' Easy), two scissors (DIY 101), or three scissors (Craft Queen). (Most of the projects in the book are level one or two). In addition to the focal projects, there are sections labeled "Quickie Craft Alert!" or "Instant Update" with more projects and ideas to try out. 

I love the style of Redo Your Room, and with the great variety of projects included you are sure to find something that will work for you. My daughter has already implemented some of the tips she found in the book, and we have several projects from Redo Your Room that we are hoping to attempt in her room.

FTC Declaration: The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book or advanced reading copy. This does not change the fact that I will give my honest opinion in my reviews.

Spring Birthday Table Decor {The Twinery}

Today I wanted to share with you a quick way to spruce up a party table (great for birthdays, tea parties, or garden dinner parties) using The Twinery's new Spring Blossom twine.

First, to create a small, decorative vase, I took an empty jar (this one formerly held a delicious beverage) and wrapped it with Spring Blossom twine. (Mine had already had the label removed, but it is not necessary for this - just cover that label up!)

I find it easiest to keep everything in place simply by using a strip of adhesive. Adhesive with a backing that peels away is best - just remove a bit of the backing at a time:

Tip: You may need another strip of adhesive on the opposite side of the jar if you are dealing with a tapered area.

When I finished wrapping the "vase" I added a few little embellishments - but it looks great even without them thanks to that Spring Blossom twine.

Next, I went to work on a little decoration for some party favors - a small picture frame. I wanted to give it a more personal touch, so I created a simple washi tape banner to string across it.

Step 1: Lay a strip of washi tape so the twine is across the midpoint.

Step 2: Fold washi tape over and adhere together.

Steps 3 & 4: Cut ends of washi tape "flags" to finish. 

These frames can also double as placecards - just write each attendee's name on the glass with a write on/wipe off (dry erase) marker:

Put a few flowers in your new twine-wrapped decorative vase, set the table, and you are ready to party!

Thanks for stopping by!

Supplies: 
Twine: The Twinery (Spring Blossom); 
Tape: My Mind's Eye (washi tape);
Accents: Studio Calico (wood veneer feathers); 
Other: (paper doily);
Tools: Fiskars (Scissors);