" A Cause for Celebration" Wine Rack

As a twenty one year old senior in college trying to balance a seemingly endless amount of school work along with a full-time job and internship, it is not uncommon that I find myself wanting to pull out my hair. Therefore it's no surprise either that I rely on the things I enjoy most to get me through the days that make me want to scream at the top of my lungs into a pillow. Fortunately I have been lucky enough to recognize a newfound passion that allows me to find solace in simplicity, turning trash into treasure. As my eco-consciousness grows in an environmentally unstable world, I find myself wondering what I can do to evoke change. For me that change has come in the form of repurposing and reclaiming the potential of forgotten goods.This first design piece came to me as I salvaged through the remains of my neighbor's dilapidated barn. Each find provoked the need to produce something purposeful and creative. With the anticipation of my parent's 30th anniversary, I saw the perfect chance to capitalize on my salvages. After all it ultimately meant a cheap gift and as a student my financial situation was about as unstable as the old barn's rickety foundation. No convenient gift card or last minute attempt to find a gift would suffice this year, I had to set the bar for my siblings. Even more importantly was the need to celebrate my mom's hard fought battle with breast cancer and her relentless effort to successfully rid herself of the disease. It was hard to imagine going through such a challenge, but I knew that if I had done so a celebratory glass for wine would be both timely and well-deserved. That's when I decided to build my mother and father a recycled wine rack to celebrate their commitment to one another, each other's health and life in general as we have all learned to not take what we have for granted. Unfortunately their anniversary celebration was cut short when my father was unexpectedly diagnosed with a rare form of cancer days later and was left with a poor prognosis. Within a week his life was left in the steady hands of the surgical team working vigorously for over thirteen hours to reclaim his life. After a three week coma, intensive care round the clock, and a host of complications he found the strength to overcome. In the last few days he has gratefully returned home where our family is working to rebuild with the knowledge that we can revive times that seem lost into times we can treasure. This wine rack serves as a testament to the resilient bond our family has and our ability to see value in moments we wish we could throw away. As the old adage goes “life is too short to drink bad wine” and although our wine may not be the sweetest or most sought it will always be toasted with positive thoughts.

DIY Reuseable Rapid Wine Chiller

Step 1: Make the form

The form could be made from anything large enough and sturdy enough to stand up to reuse. I used a 2 liter Dew bottle. 

1. Cut the bottle in half to give yourself working room (this first cut can be rough) 

2. Trim the edges of the soda bottle bottom so that you have a 4 inch tall container. 

3. Buff the edges with a nail file. 

4. Fill the container with water. 

5. Select a glass or a beaker that is the same size as your wine bottle (if your freezer is big enough you can use a wine bottle). 

6. Fill the glass, or beaker, with something for weight (you could use water, or dried beans; dried beans are better because once the mold is frozen you can dump the beans out, and fill the beaker with hot water so it will release easier).

Step 2: Remove the form

1. Remove the form (you may need to fill the beaker with hot water). 

2. Lightly coat the interior of the mold with salt*.

3. Insert your to-be-chilled wine bottle.

4. Add just enough water* to fill the space between the ice and the bottle.

5. Spin bottle for two to three minutes.

• The addition of salt and water enhances the cooling ability of the ice. Seriously, within three minutes you'll have nicely chilled wine.

P.S. You should never chill Scotch--never!

Wine Glass Collars

Step 1: What you will need

You will need:

a rotary cutter

cutting mat

scissors

assorted paper (e.g. wallpaper, comics, maps, magazines)

Step 2: Cutting the paper

              Use the rotary cutter to make a circle the size of the base of your wine glass

Step 3: Nearly done

            In the same circle you have just cut out, make a small circle (the size of the stem of the wine glass).

Now make a straight cut from the outer edge of the circle to the inner circle

Step 4: Collartastic!

               Add your collar to your wine glass - you're done!

Informational Wine Tags

Step 1: Print and trim

Print from pdf on card stock, trim and punch hole

Hang these on your wine bottles, red ribbon for red wine, silver or white ribbon for white. Print extras for all the wine you’ll receive as gifts.

Now, if a guest doesn’t quite know what they might like, all they have to do is read the tag and try it...and then try another, and another...

If the jpgs aren't clear enough, email me and I'll send you a hi-res pdf.
lindafacci@yahoo.com

Write-On Wine Glass Tags

Step 1: Supplies

Cardstock in your favorite color or design*

Large circle cutter or punch -- 2" to 2.5" (you can also trace your circle and cut these out by hand)

Small circle cutter or punch -- 3/4"

Scissors

Optional: stamps, stickers, shaped hole punches, etc.

*You can also use computer art and place an array of different designs on your paper before you cut your circles.

Step 2: Method

              Use your large circle cutter to cut as many disks as you'll need.

With your small circle cutter, cut a hole about 1/4" from one edge, centered, as shown.

Use your scissors to cut a slit  through the middle of the narrowest part of the paper.

If desired, decorate your tags with stamps, stickers, etc., leaving an open spot for guests to write down their names.  If your tags are heavily patterned or made from dark or black paper, consider providing a paint pen for writing names.

Wine Cork Necklace

Step 1:

          Take your cork and poke a hole into it. I used a pumpkin carving tool for this. Insert your wire into the hole.

Step 2:

           Take your eye screw and screw it into one end, put your finishing nail in the other end.

Step 3:

          Start wrapping the wire around in a criss cross pattern. I was lucky as my cork came with a criss cross pattern already inked on it! When you get to the nail wrap the wire around once, when you get the eye screw do the same thing and wrap it around once. Then hang on a chain when done.

Don't forget to check out my blog! http://bonafideboho.blogspot.com/

DIY Decorative Wine Glasses

          A cheap set of wine glasses can be dressed up with some craft-store glass paint! Simply paint swirls around the bottom and the best part of this project, imperfection is encouraged! It looks so personalized.

Our article includes several other great ways to do up your wine glasses! Check it out here: http://wp.me/p2eORA-vl

Wine Barrel Rack

Use safety glasses while operating the drill,  used to make the wine barrel wine holder. Use work gloves and latex type gloves where appropriate.

In California, you can find a half barrel as low as $15 and  if you pay more than $25, you paid too much.

You can find half-wine barrels in a lot of hardware and gardening stores (at least in California) and use them to create a cute wine rack, and easily transport it inside or outdoors!

Ghetto Home Made Wine

             If you happen to have grape vines in your backyard then you can make Ghetto Home Made Wine just like we did! 

This was done in the East Side of Providence where many backyards are filled with grape vines. People definitely make their own wine there, and some houses even have presses in the basement! We were lucky enough to have the grapes, but not the press, so we had to use our feet. 

Making wine takes some time, and doesn't even taste all that good, but when the revolution comes, it's going to be a great skill to have.

How to make Wine Jelly

Step 1: Ingredients, Tools & Utensils

The ingredients are very easy & very few. 

2 cups wine (Blackberry in this case)

3 1/4 cups sugar

1 pouch liquid pectin.

The pectin can be found in many supermarkets around the canning supplies, but you may have to hunt around for it. There is dry pectin and liquid pectin. The liquid comes 2 pouches to a box. The recipe uses only one, but this jelly is so good, you'll want to make another batch.

You're going to need 2 big pots, 1 smaller pot, large tongs for lifting jars, something to stir the jelly as it's cooking, canning jars with lids & bands. I used 4 jars, 1/2 pint (1 cup).

Some optional, but handy, tools are a canning rack, a large ladle, jar tongs, and a magnetic lid lifer. Unless you plan on doing a lot more canning, you can do without these.

Step 2: Getting Started

               Wash all the jars, lids & bands in hot soapy water and rinse carefully. Put the jars in a large pot with enough water to cover the jars by 1 to 2 inches. Bring to a boil. This sterilizes the jars. Put the lids in a small pot with enough to cover. Bring that water to a little below a boil. 

Measure out the wine and sugar. I like to cut top off of the pectin pack & put the pack in a glass or jar near the stove. This way, you can get the pectin quickly when it's needed.

Step 3: Let's Get Cooking!!

           Put the sugar & wine in a large pot. Bring to a full rolling boil over high heat, stirring constantly. Quickly stir in the pectin, squeezing the pack to get it all out. Return to a full boil and cook for exactly 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. I like to pour the hot liquid into a large measuring cup that has a lip to make pouring it easier. You can do it this way or use a ladle.

Step 4: Into the Jars

           Remove the jars from the water, but keep the water hot. Leave the rims in the hot water until ready to use. Pour or ladle the liquid into the jars to within 1/4" from the top. Be careful - this stuff is hot. After wiping the rims clean, put the lids and the bands on the jars. Now you have to decide whether to process the jellies for storage at room temperature or else let them cool for fridge storage. If processed, they'll keep for up to 2 years in a cool, dark place. Or you can refrigerate unsealed jars up to 3 months. 

Let's say you're going to process them for room temperature storage. Place jars on a rack in same pot the jars were in. Get the water at 180 degrees, somewhat below boiling, use a thermometer if you have one. If you don't have a canning rack, you can use a small round cake rack or even a a folded dish towel in the bottom of the pot. Heat the jars in the water, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Lift jars from water and set on a towel until cool. The jelly will set as it cools. Press the center of lids to test seal; if lids stay down, jars are sealed.

Step 5: Enjoy!!

That's all there is! Now enjoy! Use on crackers with cream cheese, or on hot biscuits!

Step 6: Full Recipe

VARIETAL WINE JELLY

2 cups wine (your choice)

3 1/4 cups sugar

1 pouch (3 oz.) liquid pectin

Wash and rinse 4 half-pint canning jars and metal rings; drain. Sterilize 4 new lids according to manufacturer's directions.

In a 5 to 6 quart pan mix wine with sugar. Bring to a full rolling boil over high heat, stirring constantly. Stir in pectin. Return to a boil and cook for exactly 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and skim off any foam. Ladle mixture into jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Wipe rims clean. Put lids and bands on jars. Screw tightly, don't force. At this point, process the jellies for storage at room temperature or else let them cool.

To process the jellies, place jars on a rack in a canning or other deep kettle of water at 180 degrees on a thermometer. If needed, add hot water to cover jars 1 to 2 inches. Return water to 180 degrees; maintain temperature, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Lift jars from water (do not tip) and set on a towel. Let stand until cool. Press center of lids to test seal; if lids stay down, jars are sealed. Serve jelly or store sealed jars in a cool, dark place up to 2 years. Refrigerate unsealed or opened jars up to 3 months. Makes 4 half-pints.

Wooden beer mug

Step 1: Cutting the wood

For this mug i used some pallet wood i had laying around.

You will need 15 sticks cut at a length of 22 cm and at an angle of 12 degrees.

Step 2: Tape it

Put the sticks around something round and tape them together ,but leave one opening.

Step 3: Glueing

Now take the whole thing and put it on a flat surface and put some glue between the sticks .

Step 4: Tourniqueting

Now fold it together again.

I used some rope and a pair of screwdrivers to tighten the sticks together.

Now you can let the glue dry.

Step 5: The ear

Now you can make the ear.

Mine is approx. 20cm x 8cm.

I did all the sanding with an angle grinder.

When the glue of the mug has dried ,you can also sand this.

Step 6: Decorings

To make it  look better i've put some rings out of sheetmetal around them.

Best is to screw these behind the handle  into one piece of wood.

You could also use some rope to put around the mug.

With the angle grinder i made some grooves and glued the rings in.

Step 7: Putting it together

Now put the ear on it ,

I made the mistake to put the bottom in before screwing the ear on from the inside.

Next glue the bottom in and do some more sanding

Beer cowboy hat

              Materials needed: Scissors, hot glue gun, 2 beer boxes, and a sharpie.

Basically constructs easily take your time outlining how a normal cowboy hat would look than cut it out. Glue the pieces together and than wear the hat to Wefest or wherever.

How to Make A Pumpkin Beer (Beverage) Cooler

Step 1: Required Items

You will need:
- Large Funkin (or other fake pumpkin or even a real one)
- Sharpie
- Box Cutter/ Exacto Knife
- Dremel
- a Sanding Bit
- a High Speed Cutter Bit
- A 6 pack beverage of your choice
- A steak knife
- Safety Glasses and Mask
- 6 Large Ice packs (or enough to fill the pumpkin)

Step 2: Cut off the top

           Just like a real pumpkin, you have to cut the top off.

Step 3: Sand Lid and Rim of Pumpkin

            Take sander bit on Dremel and sand the lid and rim of pumpkin.

Step 4: Decide on Design and Trace onto Pumpkin

           Decide on design using Word or just the beverage of your choice.

Then trace it onto pumpkin using an exacto knife or box cutter.

To make the beverage ports the right size, stand the sharpie up with the beverage and trace to get the bottle at the widest point.

Step 5: Time to Start Cutting

         Now you are gonna take the Dremel with the high speed cutter bit attached and start in on the beverage ports

Then I take the sanding bit and make the holes bigger, once the hole is the size of the outline test with beverage.

Step 6: Load and Enjoy

           Finally to the best part, load your newly created pumpkin cooler with beverages and ice packs.
Now enjoy your unique one of a kind cooler.

 

Harry Potter Butterbeer

Step 1: Ingredients

for your butterbeer, you'll need...

Butterbeer
-1 cup brown sugar
-4 tablespoons butter
-1/2 teaspoon salt
-1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar 
-3/4 cup heavy cream,
-Four 12-ounce bottles cream soda, chilled

Foam topping
- 1 7oz container of marshmallow creme
-1 cup whipping cream
-1 teaspoon rum extract

*a candy thermometer to check the temp.

Step 2: Boil The Brown Sugar

         In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar with 2 tablespoons water. Bring to a boil over medium heat and cook until the mixture reaches 240 degrees F (115 degrees C) on a candy thermometer, stirring occasionally. If you don't have a candy thermometer, bring to a gentle boil and turn off the heat after about a minute of cooking.

Step 3: Add The Other Ingredients

          Turn off the heat and add the butter, salt, vinegar, and 1/4 cup heavy cream. Stir until smooth. Cool mixture to room temperature before using.

Step 4: Foam Topping

            This is very simple. Combine all of the ingredients into an electric mixer (or use a whisk and mix yourself, but the electric mixer works better). Combine them until smooth. Set it to the side. 

Step 5: Preparing The Drinks

            In a medium bowl, beat together the remaining cream (1/2 cup) with 2 tablespoons of the brown sugar syrup that you created in step 2 and 3. In each glass (should make about 4 mugs) , mix together 1/4 cup brown sugar syrup with 1/4 cup cream soda. Pour in the rest of the cream soda until it is nearly to the brim of the glass.

Step 6: Finishing Touch!

             Once you have poured all of your drinks into the glasses, top with the foam topping you made.Serve the drinks and your done! :D


*Please let me know what you think and if there is anything i could improve on, or that you feel would make it taste better. 

Customized Beer Mugs for a Party

           For my daughter's Sweet 16 Birthday Party, which had a Harry Potter Hogsmeade / Honeydukes theme, we investigated purchasing 50 custom beer mugs for the Butter Beer, but the cost (and shipping) for even plastic mugs was prohibitive.  But our local Dollar Tree store had plenty of 25 ounce glass beer mugs in stock.

She came up with a design which we printed on 2" x 4" clear labels.  To center them on each mug, we used painter's tape, which was then easy to remove and reuse.  The labels will probably only last a few hand washings, but they were perfect for the party, and the mugs made great favors.

The total cost for our 50 customized glass mugs was $59 + tax.