It’s my 100th post! When I started this blog, I wasn’t sure how far I would take it. It’s grown, and continues to grow, far beyond what I imagined. For now, I love blogging and can’t wait for the next 100 posts! I decided that the 100th post would be the perfect time to make a Facebook Fan Page for Why Don’t You Make Me?. You can follow the blog on Facebook here.
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Stripes and Florals
09.30.13I love the look of mixed prints, and stripes with florals is my favorite combination. When done right, the look can be both adorable and polished. Try choosing different prints in the same color family for a cohesive look. Or, as evidenced by these photos, black and white stripes work well with any color combination!
DIY Clay Planters
09.23.13I’ve stated before that clay is one of my favorite materials to work with due to its versatility. After buying a couple small succulents, I knew I wanted to do something different than past planter DIYs (seen here and here). I decided on sculpting planters out of clay. The best part is you can design these planters any way you want!
Materials
– Oven-Bake Clay
– Rolling Pin
– Wax Paper
– Cutting Tool
– Ball Tool
– Flower Cutter
– Texture Tool
– Cardboard
1. Start by rolling out your clay to a little more than 1/8″ thick. Cut out your rectangular cardboard template. (Mine was 7″ X 2.5″)
2. Trace and cut out any patterns you want to add to the clay planter. Read More →
DIY INSPIRATION | Word Necklaces
09.22.13How cute are these script necklaces from the Lanvin 2013 Ready-to-Wear Collection? The price is a little hefty, but think of how easy it would be to recreate these necklaces. I’m obsessed with wire jewelry and would love to add these necklaces to my collection! You can check out past wire jewelry tutorials here and here.
Colombian Arepas
09.08.13Arepas are one of my favorite dishes from Colombia. If you don’t know what an arepa is, it is a type of tortilla made from corn. You can eat them with a cup of hot chocolate for breakfast, or as a side dish with dinner. I was lucky enough to have my dad teach me how to make authentic arepas before moving to Chicago. Here’s how you can make them too!
Recipe
Ingredients
– 4 cups precooked white corn meal
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– 2 tsps salt
– 3 cups queso blanco
– 5 1/2 cups water
Instructions
1. Place corn meal into a large bowl. Grate the cheese and add it to the meal.
2. Add 3 cups of water to the meal and cheese mixture.
3. Melt the butter and add to the mixture.
4. Place 1 cup of warm water in a small bowl and use it to dissolve the salt. Add salt water to dough.
5. Mix dough with a wooden spoon to combine all of the ingredients. Slowly add the remaining water while continuing to mix the dough.
6. Use your hands to mix dough until it is firm.
7. Once the dough is firm, roll it into balls about 1.5″ in diameter.
8. Use your hands to flatten the balls into 1/4″ thick circles.
9. Grease a pan and place on medium heat. Cook each side of the arepa for about 5-6 minutes.
Enjoy!