Three Fresh DIY Projects to Help You Celebrate Spring

Spring in Colorado means sunshine on your skin with a lingering kiss of winter on the wind. You’re tidying up your patios, seeing Solstice™ neighbors in their yards and breathing the deep green smell of growing things. To help channel the season even more, why not hang a pretty wreath or prepare painted jars to hold the flowers soon to be in bloom? Read on for three easy but impressive DIY projects that will make spring echo throughout your home.

Sweet Simplicity Wreath

Spread sunshine by hanging this sweet wreath on your front door. Wild grapevine wreaths make the perfect canvas. Tamed into circles, they convey natural elegance just by having organza ribbon wrapped loosely around and tied in a bow. Another option is to go sumptuous by adding delicate pink and white buds, pale gold feathers, and the thinnest of gold twine. Let your creative spirit play with size and colors — maybe add streaked violets or creamsicle-hued blossoms. Trust your own artistic talent, knowing that this wreath will convey cheer to every passerby and visitor!

Lavender Syrup

Easily made in batches and bottled, this luscious lavender syrup lends its spring-like flavor to coffee, iced tea, lemonade, cocktails, and even as a topping for ice cream. Fortunately, your spacious Solstice™ kitchen island can handle the assembly line of jars, funnels, filters, bags of sugar, and lavender buds. Start by bringing one cup of water and three teaspoons of fresh or dried culinary-grade lavender blossoms to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat and whisk in two cups of sugar until fully dissolved. Simmer for 15 minutes, then remove from heat and steep for about an hour. Strain the lavender and pour the liquid into a bottle for refrigeration, then enjoy it however you like!

Tinted Glass Jars

Do you, like almost everyone, have a few miscellaneous glass jars lying around the house that could use a little pizzazz? Turn that glass into glamor with food coloring and glossy craft glue. Gather the following supplies:

• Empty glass mason jars
• Ramekins or bowls for mixing
• Paper towels
• Foil
• Craft Glue Gloss Finish
• Liquid food coloring
• Stir sticks or small disposable spoons
• Cookie sheet
• Oven preheated to 225 degrees

Are you ready for stunning results? Prepare two baking sheets with foil or wax paper. In a ramekin, mix 1 tablespoon glue, ½ tablespoon water, and 7-9 drops of food coloring until smooth. Pour the mixture into the glass jar, then swirl and rotate until the inside surface is covered. Discard excess. Wipe the rim of the jar so that no glue is on the outside then set open side down, on a cookie sheet to drain. After an hour, wipe rims again and transfer jars to the second lined baking sheet. Place into a 225* oven for another hour until glue is completely dry and jars are transparent. Allow to cool completely. Make them in all the shades of spring for a multi-vase centerpiece or illuminate with votives for gorgeous pastel shadows!  Check out this video for tips on creating these tinted jars.

Whether you make one or all three, these DIY projects will help you celebrate the changing of the seasons with the ones you cherish most. Embrace all the vibrancy and vitality of spring here at Solstice™ — visit us to find your new home today!