CasaSugar

Cool Idea: CandlestickMaker

CasaSugar — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 14:00:01 -0800

I've got a fragrant candle for the Winter season, but my candlestick collection could use a fresh, not-so-stuffy update. When it comes wine glasses, though, I'm good to go - my recycling bin will confirm this. So, I was delighted to come across the Designfenzider CandlestickMaker ($30),which will turn any wine glass into a whimsical candlestick holder. Oh so smart. Seeing that this gadget is made of glazed porcelain, I somewhat understand the cost, but I think 30 smackers is a little much to spend on something that's not actually a candlestick. On the other hand, it's so pretty with its turned wood-esque shape! It wouldn't take up much cabinet space, either. Hmm.

Love It or Hate It? BettyLou Cordless Lamp

CasaSugar — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 08:30:24 -0700

The Mmckenna BettyLou Cordless Lamp ($275) is a cordless rechargeable lamp that sits on a wine glass and shines for over seven hours, until it needs to be recharged on its base. If you're a wino, this is probably right up your alley. But then again, you might be tempted to use the included glass to serve yourself some Sauvignon Blanc . . .

DIY: Wine Glass Candle Lampshades

CasaSugar — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 15:00:22 -0700

In your blog travels, you may have come across the Dekoop Gorgeous Helen Wine Shades ($20), which tops off your wine glasses to make easy votive lamps for your parties. I couldn't get them off my mind for months when I first saw them; I thought they were so clever. Then, lucky me, I came across a DIY to make them. The project is fairly simple, and allows a lot of room for creativity. You can leave yours as plain vellum, or punch decorative holes in them, screen-print them, or even paint them! It's up to you, but regardless, this project is fabulous, inexpensive, and perfect for that wedding you're planning! And for all of our wedding coverage, check out IDoSugar.

Supplies:

8-1/2" x 11" sheets of vellum (one per lamp)
Scissors
Decorative bladed scissors
Decorative paper punch
Glue pen
Wine glasses
Tealights or a LED battery-operated tealight
Candle putty (floral clay)

Here's how, from Save On Crafts:

Download and print out this lampshade pattern.
Trace the pattern onto your vellum sheet. Cut out the shape with your regular scissors. If you want, you can use decorative bladed scissors along the bottom edge to add another element to the shade.
If you like, use a paper punch to punch holes evenly or haphazardly throughout the shade, as shown in the PDF.
Using the glue pen, apply a thin line of glue to one straight end. Wrap the other end over the glued end, and adhere together, forming the shade.
Secure the tealight with the candle putty, and set the lampshade on top of your glass. Fini!

Source

Love It or Hate It? Dixie Cup Wine Glasses

CasaSugar — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 15:00:55 -0800

The shape of this wine glass is based on the generic shape of the Dixie cup, a form we're all familiar with. These Sommelier Wine Glasses, designed by Maxim Velokovsky, were made of borosilicate glass and each one is very slightly different, apparently to "take the form as far away from its plastic, mass-produced origins as possible."

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Trend Alert: Wine With Everything

CasaSugar — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 13:30:34 -0700

Drinking wine is more popular than ever, and now the oenophile trend is extending to home decor as well. Lately, I've noticed the iconic stemmed wine-glass shape is showing up in clever serving pieces - such as this Jansen + Co. Ming Oil and Vinegar Set ($28) - as well as candle holders, light fixtures, and one very cool doorbell. To see my wine with everything finds, just click on the photos below.

5 Drink-Inspired Light Fixtures

CasaSugar — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:00:56 -0700

It's time to get your drink on. From 2 percent milk to sauvignon blanc, the bottles we've been hitting may have inspired a few too many chocolate-chip-cookie binges and late-night dance parties. But milk bottles and wine glasses are also the source of inspiration for a range of light fixtures for your home. Want to take a look?

View Slideshow ›

Crave Worthy: Anthropologie Chateau Lamp

CasaSugar — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 12:00:39 -0700

Anthropologie has done it again. The Chateau Lamp ($1,598) is every little girl's dream, but I also believe I've seen it myself during REM sleep. This palatial wirework rendering with curlicue turrets, squiggly eaves, and a floor of book leaves is not only a dollhouse of sorts (with a mini table, set of chairs, and glass and bottle of wine inside!), but also a table lamp! Sweet dreams have come to life. Until I burn my paycheck on this baby, I can only imagine what beautiful shadows it casts when lit.

Cool Idea: Julene Harrison's Papercut Artwork

CasaSugar — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 11:00:32 -0700

I've completely fallen in love with British artist Julene Harrison's papercut artwork - which you may recognize from my Love Your City? Say It With Art slideshow. From one sheet of paper, she cuts these ornate frames with stunning typography and intricate imagery inside them. Many have romantic messages like, "I Carry Your Heart I Carry It in My Heart" or "I Want to Hold Your Hand," and even "Will You Marry Me?" She's also created more eccentric papercuts like the one that reads "I Have to Return Some Videotapes," and been commissioned by a Finnish ad agency. Each is more charming than the next - so much that I was inspired to re-create a San Francisco-themed papercut like this one for a couple of friends who are moving away. To see it,read more.

I did a little Photoshopping to change the text to "You Will Be Missed," added in an airplane and a glass of wine, and replaced Coit Tower with a frame for a photo of my pals. I've made some papercuts before from paint swatches, but using thin white printer paper was much easier. Since I've been using X-acto knives for years for all of my decoupage crafts, I was comfortable cutting . . . but I can't compete with Harrison's talent for design!

Would you like one for yourself or a loved one? You can have Julene make a custom papercut for you with whatever words and imagery you like!

David Tutera's New Year's Eve Entertaining Tips

CasaSugar — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 05:30:32 -0800

When it comes to advice on throwing your New Year's Eve party this week, look no further than party planner David Tutera, who’s planned star-studded events for the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Matthew McConaughey, and Star Jones, to name a few. He's given me a few tips on ringing in the New Year with your cohorts in style.

Create a sexy centerpiece. Tutera recommends using "every glass you own - martini glasses, wine glasses and champagne stems martini glasses, wine glasses and champagne stems - and place them down the center of your table filled with water." Then, he says to "add drops of pink food coloring in varying amounts so that there are different shades in each glass," and float votives in each glass for a colorful, sparkling centerpiece.

To hear a few more of his tips, read more.

Start the year by giving back. Tutera suggests asking guests to "Bring Their Own Donation," such as old blankets for animal shelters and money for saving the rainforest, instead of drinks or dishes.
Ring in the New Year right. Great minds think alike; like Yours Truly, Tutera suggests making your own confetti from scraps of colorful paper around your home. But, in his twist, you should, "add in inexpensive sequins or even small pieces of coordinating fabric and package them in small bags or cones for guests to throw when the ball drops." He also suggests tying "a small bag of hand-made confetti to each champagne glass that you pass out."
A low-cost party game. Tutera suggests creating a resolution board "from a framed mirror to a fabric covered piece of foam core," and placing it at your front door, inviting guests to share their resolutions. I say: save your resolution board and check in with your guests in three months and see how well they've followed through!

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Etsy Find: Hug Kiss Needlepoint Kit

CasaSugar — Mon, 04 May 2009 08:00:54 -0700

Jonathan Adler single-handedly made needlepoint cool again, and he's got me wanting to take up the hobby. If and when I do, you won't catch me needlepointing any cat motifs. Of course, my pattern will have to be hip. (Sorry, cat lovers.) I'm considering kicking off with a Hug Needlepoint Kit ($106) from former graphic designer Emily Peacock, which comes complete with a canvas, yarn, a needle, and instructions (a must) - essentially all you need to get your NP on! Well, OK, some patience and maybe a glass of wine may also be crucial . . .