Tag Archives: Free

Healthy Herb Garden Fresh Parsley Pesto Pine Nut Pasta Recipe (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Soy-Free, Vegan)

Partake of a sinless garden of earthly delights with this recipe for parsley pesto pine nut pasta. These herb garden fresh noodles are guilt-free because they are gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and vegan. This dish is so deliciously delectable that Eve herself wouldn’t know it was healthy!

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Ingredients:

  • 4 cups fresh Italian flat leaf parsley (or try basil, or even cilantro)
  • ¾ cup pine nuts (+ more for garnish)
  • ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil (adjust for taste)
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic (adjust for taste)
  • ⅓ cup vegan parmesan (or regular variety) + extra to serve with
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt (adjust for taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black peppercorns (adjust for taste)
  • 16 ounce package gluten-free brown rice spaghetti style pasta (or any variety)

Instructions:

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Gather all of the ingredients, and wash the fresh herbs. Boil the pasta according to its package instructions.

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Mince the parsley in a food processor adding olive oil, pine nuts, parmesan. Add the seasonings then taste it. (Adjust the mixture as desired, but keep in mind that the flavor should be really strong at this point because it will be diluted by two cups of pasta.)

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Drain the pasta and add the pesto to it. (I do this in the same warm pot I cooked the pasta in.) Cover the pot to keep the pasta warm until serving, and then transfer it to a pretty serving dish. Garnish with additional pine nuts and flower-cut radishes if you like.

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I’ve even made this recipe without adding any parmesan at all, and everyone still thought it was wonderful. (This is a great way to indulge in a weeknight meal while cutting a few extra calories.)

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Serve the pasta along with a side salad of mesclun greens topped with sliced radishes and pine nuts. Offer parmesan, sea salt, pepper, olive oil and vinegar for each guest to season their own greens with.

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See how to easily craft your own herb garden napkins rings from printed fabric, get your own free basil seed card printables (invitations, place-cards, food tents, menus, herb markers) and learn how to effortlessly customize a table setting with Washi tape here!

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Be sure to check out more of the Fresh Herb Garden Luncheon Tablescape here.

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Race you to the herb garden!

Faithfully Yours,

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Fresh Herb Garden Luncheon Tablescape Décor Ideas (with Parsley Pesto Pasta Recipe & DIY + Printable Links)

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You’re invited to a luncheon at the secret garden where the aroma of fresh herbs will guide you to feast of parsley pesto pasta featured in a vibrant tablescape.

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Find your name scrolled upon a seed card herb marker set into an herbaceous culinary plant. Delight in the knowledge that this gift will season many future meals. Remember the seed card imagery from the invitation you previously received.

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Feel the warmth of the sun on your face as you take a seat upon an intricately carved wooden chair. Free a cloth napkin from its handcrafted textile ring to place in your lap.

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Sip the cool Sparking Italian Pomegranate Soda held within a washi decorated goblet, and notice that the flatware and salad bowl bear the same detail.

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Realize the radishes in the mesclun salad are echoed by the motif in the salt and pepper shakers.

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Find more of them shaped into flowers sitting perched atop aromatic parsley pesto pasta garnished with extra pine nuts.

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Appreciate that the tempting pasta meal has been raised to centerpiece status with its elevation by another inverted salad bowl. Recognize that the fabric square sandwiched between the two bowls matches the checked table topper of pinks, ivory, and sage greens.

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As you harvest mounds of mouthwatering pasta into your hand-painted bowl, recognize the plant spray depicted as that of the very same spicy sprout bearing your name. Dust the zesty pasta with a dose of parmesan scooped by a tiny vintage serving spoon.

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Taste the scrumptious pasta and refuse to believe that this is a healthy meal free of gluten and dairy. Take a crunchy breadstick contained in a terracotta pot wrapped with the same fabric as the napkin rings. Observe tinier pots propagated with candles sitting encircled with further washi.

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Note that every element was placed with regard to creating a pleasurable gathering for you and your friends… and smile, knowing you are cared for.

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Faithfully Yours,

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P.S. Learn how to recreate elements of this secret herb garden tablescape in your own home here:

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Healthy Herb Garden Fresh Parsley Pesto Pine Nut Pasta Recipe (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Soy-Free, Vegan)

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DIY Herb Garden Fabric Napkin Rings, Free Basil Seed Card Printables (Invitations, Place-cards, Food Tents, Menus, Herb Markers) & How to Customize a Table Setting with Washi Tape

DIY Herb Garden Fabric Napkin Rings Craft, Free Basil Seed Card Printables (Invitations, Place-cards, Food Tents, Menus, Herb Markers) & How to Customize a Table Setting with Washi Tape

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Bring the splendor of the herb garden to an indoor tablescape resplendent with free basil seed card printables for invitations, place-cards, food tents, menus, and even herb markers. Craft matching napkin rings with herb printed fabric, and then learn how to effortlessly customize a table setting with washi tape. Practically zero budget is needed to create a splendiferous luncheon with every element detailed… what a splendid way to grow a party!

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Let’s begin with crafting the herb garden napkin rings. Find a fabric with a lovely herb motif. Cut it into 6 inch long strips about 1 ⅜ inch wide.

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Mark an empty wrapping paper roll (or use a paper tower tube) into 1 inch sections. Cut through these sections to make the ring bases.

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Hot glue the fabric strips onto the paper roll sections. (The ends should overlap a little.)

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Glue the fabric flaps down to the inside of each roll. (This will make a nice edge that won’t fray in the future.)

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Tie on a thin ribbon that coordinates to the darkest color of your fabric, and knot it closed. Trim the loose ends to about an inch long each.

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Now your rings are ready to use and are reusable too! Fill them with cloth napkins and place them next to flatware customized with washi tape. It’s a great way to accent your look without having to buy new dishes or utensils, and it’s better for the environment than resorting to the disposable stuff.

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Simply cut small inch sections of a coordinating paper tape and wrap onto anything you want to embellish. It won’t leave any residue when you peel it off, so clean-up is a breeze!

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Utensils, goblets, and even a salad bowl have been effortlessly washi-ed to wonderful.

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I even added washi to tiny terracotta pots filled with candles. The easiest way to make your own is to slip a tea-light candle into one. (We had no burning incident, but if you’re worried about fire… try an flameless LED tea-light instead.)

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Now let’s make basil seed card invitations, menus, food tents cards, place-cards, and even herb markers for your tablescape. (Please note that my seed card printables are free for your personal use only.)

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Simply right click on a small image below and select print. Choose color and photo settings for the best results. Print them on a thick paper cardstock that won’t curl.

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Cut them out by the lines, and fold the pieces that need them into tents.

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I taped the flat herb markers to toothpicks and wrote names on them to use as place-cards. The herbs they were stuck into then became lovely take home gifts for the name bearers.

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The herb pots were lovely to set around a centerpiece of parsley pesto pine nut pasta elevated by an inverted serving bowl. (A piece of cloth, sandwiched in between, ensured no slippage while serving.)

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See the recipe for my Healthy Herb Garden Fresh Parsley Pesto Pine Nut Pasta Recipe (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Soy-Free, Vegan) here.

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Race you to the craft room!

Faithfully Yours,

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Spring Garden Mother’s Day Tea Party Tablescape Décor Ideas (+ Free Printable Card & Invitation)

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You’re invited for tea at my nest where enchanting tablescape décor awaits, where butterflies will carry you to a flower filled spring garden complete with the melody of birdsong. Delight upon delectable teacakes, treats, tarts, and tea sandwiches while sipping mint scented tea sweetened with pink sugar sweethearts. Celebrate with handmade gift crafts conveying heartfelt sentiments along with free printable invitations and cards sending your warmest wishes for a beautiful Mother’s Day!

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Harken your ears to the call of birds whistling a merry tune of invitation to the spring garden. Two nests double the blessings bestowed upon the day as finding even one is said to be the harbinger of prosperity.

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Notice the greeting of butterflies rising from moss laden purses filled with the yellow roses of friendship and tulips representing strength and life itself.

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Take a seat cushioned with pastel patchwork pillows provided for your comfort.

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Touch the threaded texture of a tablecloth hand embroidered generations ago.

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Release baby pink vintage napkins from their handcrafted tapestry and lacework rings.

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Sip mint scented tea from delicate vintage china teacups ornamented with floral motif.

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Sweeten your tea with pink sugar sweethearts delivering a spoonful of sugar in the perfect dose.

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Sup on tea sandwiches packed with cherry pecan chicken salad, whose butterfly and floral shapes echo the garden’s delights.

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Try almond crusted chocolate tarts balanced with healthy red raspberry fruit.

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Taste pumpkin pear teacakes dripping with lemon icing, dusted with confectioner’s sugar, and topped with more fruit.

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Cleanse your palette with pink peppermint almonds held in small antique silver bowls.

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Sink your teeth into juicy plump strawberries offered amid vintage salt and pepper shakers.

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Replenish your china plate from a grapevine heart topped tower of treats wrapped in lengths of tapestry and lace.

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Gaze upon sunlight reflected from gleaming antique silver service layered with vintage doilies atop layers of vintage lace and patterned cloth.

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Feel the impressions of vintage buttons encrusting a jewelry box gift sheltered by a lofty spring floral arrangement.

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And at last, read the Mother’s Day card that will hold the memory of the cherished event for years to come.

Sincerely wishing you the happiest of Mother’s Days!

Faithfully Yours,

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P.S. Right click on the small image below, and select print to make your own invitations (at the left) and cards (at the right) free (for personal use only). Print them on photo and color settings for the best results.

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P.P.S. Click on the links below for teacake, chicken salad, and sweetheart recipes as well as crafting instructions for the jewelry box, keychain, and napkin rings.

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Quick & Easy Tapestry Napkin Rings, Upcycled Button Jewelry Box, & Keychain Gift Crafts Tutorial (for Mother’s Day Tea)

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Easy to Mold Naturally Colored Pink Sugar Shapes Sweethearts Recipe = a Spoonful of Sugar for Your Mother’s Day Tea

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Lemon Glazed Pumpkin Pear Teacakes (Gluten-Free Vegan, Dairy-Free, Egg- Free) for Mother’s Day Tea

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Cherry Pecan Chicken Salad (Soy-Free / Egg-Free with Stuffed Tomato & Gluten-Free Shaped Finger Sandwich Options) for Mother’s Day Tea

Cinco de Mayo Fiesta Tablescape Party Décor Ideas (with Easy DIY Craft Links)

Take an armchair vacation to Texas and join me for a Cinco de Mayo celebración exploding with color. Then recreate the fabuloso fiesta in your own home for any occasion calling for mirth and margaritas! So slip on your serapes and sombreros ‘cause we’re gonna have a hot time in the old town tonight!

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Sunlight streams through the vibrant papel picado banners crisscrossing the window. Handmade tissue paper flowers hang between each cut panel.

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A burro piñata presides over the extravagancia, standing atop a small serape adorned with its own bouquet.

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Extrema pink and green fiesta flowers drip from the chandelier in an overhead centerpiece that leaves room on the table for brillante woven baskets.

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Tortilla, chip, and buñuelo baskets sit squarely at the center of the celebración flanked by paper flower buds and upcycled luminarias providing illuminación.

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Vivid confetti outlines the fringed caliente pink placemats bordered with Mexican Lotería game place-cards.

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Paper parasol toting wine glasses, tied with yellow jute and Lotería charms, await sangria sipping.

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Exuberante cloth napkins are ringed with handcrafted sombrero capped raffia rings ornamented with red chilis.

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Brillantes yellow plates evoking the sun are topped with multi-hued dishes suggesting serape patterns.

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Even the chairs participate in the festividad by wearing their own serapes belted with rope.

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Now tie a serape on yourself and sip some sangria for your own dose of party perfección!

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¡Feliz fiesta ya’ll!

Faithfully Yours,

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P.S. For details on just how to fuel your own fabuloso fiesta, see my other Cinco de Mayo articles:

DIY Upcycled Can Tea-light Luminarias (+ Free Printable Template) & Tissue Paper Flowers Crafts (for Cinco de Mayo Fiesta Décor)

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DIY Sombrero Napkin Rings & Serape Invitations + Loteria Wine Glass Charms & Place Cards Crafts (for Cinco de Mayo Fiesta Tablescape)

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Healthy Tex-Mex Cilantro Chicken Spinach Quesadilla Recipe (Dairy, Red Pepper, Corn, & Gluten-Free) Easy Appetizer for Cinco de Mayo Fiesta

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“Nacho Average Fiesta Dip” & Spicy Nachos Compuesto (Dairy, Corn, Red Pepper, & Gluten-Free) Easy Appetizer for Cinco de Mayo Fiesta

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Easy DIY Upcycled Can Tea-light Luminarias (+ Free Printable Template) & Tissue Paper Flowers Crafts (for Cinco de Mayo Fiesta Décor)

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Light the Cinco de Mayo night by upcycling cans into tea-light luminarias (easy with the help of my free printable template), and adorn your tablescape with DIY fiesta tissue paper flowers. These crafts are perfect to bring the whole family in on, with luminarias for the strong folks and flowers for the kiddos. So hang on to your sombreros senoritas… we’re about to craft a fiesta!

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As a kid, I was delighted by long rows of luminarias lighting the way to fiestas. I wanted to bring some of that enchantment inside by making miniature versions with tea-lights for the table.

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I love upcycling free elements into something useful… and I do mean free because this project cost me nothing as the cans were just a leftover bonus from my dinner menu. The project made perfect use of the small tomato paste cans used in my recipes. (See my Meatloaf Cupcakes here, and my Nacho Average Fiesta Dip Here.) Waste not, want not… right?!

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The best way to open the cans is by using an opener that doesn’t create a sharp edge, but rather a smooth top separated from the sides. Several well known brands sell this type of safe can opener. After washing the cans well, fill them with water, and place in the freezer overnight. Yes, you read that correctly. The ice is so much easier to hammer into rather than the traditional wooden branch.

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While they’re freezing, print my piercing template (free for personal use). To do this, right click on the small image and select print. (You can also forgo employing the template, and use a permanent marker to freehand draw your own shapes onto cans before the freezing step.)

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My mother actually came up a great tip for keeping your paper’s ink from getting soggy… try wrapping the iced can in clear plastic wrap before wrapping with the paper template. ¡Gracias Mamá!

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Cut out the 3 identical templates featuring arrow pierced hearts and festive zigzag patterns. Wrap each one around an ice filled can and tape the edge.

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Use identically sized nails to hammer into each dot on the template. (This is what makes it a good craft for the hombres in your life!) You only need to hammer the nails in far enough to make a hole, leaving them in or pulling them out as you go. Begin with the top of the pattern, because ice will chip out as you work on it. If too much pops out, simply add water and refreeze.

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When the dots are done, so are you! Let the ice melt out into the sink then dry the can well. (Just be careful not to cut yourself on the sharp edges on the inside of the cans.) Now light them up compadre!

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The luminarias add ambiance to a lunch of Tex-Mex Nachos made with my Nacho Average Fiesta Dip Recipe.

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They also look lovely with another one of my recipes, Gluten & Dairy Free Chicken Spinach Quesadilla.

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Here they’re featured in an upcoming San Antonio styled Fiesta tablescape next to some cascarones I’ll demonstrate how to make.

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I think they look really lovely next to my fiesta flowers too… let’s make them together now!

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Use any new store bought tissue paper, or upcycle some former gift bag tissue into something spectacular.

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The size of the sheet you use will equate to the size of the flower you end up with.

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Here I’m beginning with one sheet cut into two halves, one placed over the other.

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You can actually stack as many layers of tissue as you like to add fullness. Here is a fuller flower next to one made with less layers.

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Accordion fold these into a fan, short side to short side. (This part is a great hand-eye craft for the kiddos!)

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Next, fold the bar over in half.

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Cut an upside down V into the ends… this will make a prettier flower.

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Take those trimmings and cut them into tiny pieces, then separate the layers. You just made matching confetti for the table… for free. You can also use this confetti for cascarones crafting in the future!

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Green fuzzy pipe cleaner sticks make the perfect stems.

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Wrap one around the folded portion and twist. You will be able to use the stem to hang the flowers with later.

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Next pull apart all the layers.

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Pull these slightly taut, in an arrangement that appears pleasing to the eye.

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Wrap one end of the fuzzy stick around the base to secure your arrangement of the petals.

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I tied some of them between panels of traditional papel picado in a fiesta banner for the window. The light streaming through them was much prettier in person.

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I also used them to further adorn a burro piñata decorating a side table.

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The larger flowers were easily strung onto a chandelier as an overhead centerpiece, leaving room for tortilla, chip, and buñuelo baskets on the table.

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Now complete your tablescape with my Easy DIY Sombrero Napkin Rings & Serape Invitations + Loteria Sangria / Wine Glass Charms & Place Cards Crafts (for Cinco de Mayo Fiesta Tablescape).

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Time to go ¡Fiesta! forever…

Faithfully Yours,

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Easy DIY Sombrero Napkin Rings & Serape Invitations + Loteria Sangria / Wine Glass Charms & Place Cards Crafts (for Cinco de Mayo Fiesta Tablescape)

¡Fiesta! Forever… or for at least one fantastic evening with easy décor crafts for your Cinco de Mayo tablescape. Toast the party with sangria filled glasses fitted with DIY wine glass charms featuring traditional Mexican Loteria images. Then, use those same images to make place-cards for the table. Dress colorful cloth napkins with handmade sombrero napkin rings, and craft matching serape invitations that shout, “Grab your sombreros for a Cinco de Mayo that’s nacho average fiesta!”

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One inexpensive Mexican Loteria game will provide you with loads of craft material for the future. I’ve previously made beads with them (see how to do this here in my Halloween Necklace Craft)… glued them into collages and assemblages (see how to do this here in my Valentine Gift Assemblage Art Tutorial)… and I have some easy crafts up my sleeve to demonstrate in the future.

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All you need to begin is a single game card sheet, scissors, a hole-punch, and Plaid Mod Podge Dimensional Magic. Cut the game card into single images as pictured.

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Punch holes into a top corner of each piece.

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Drizzle the Magic stuff over one side of all the pieces, then let it dry overnight. (Set it on some form of plastic to keep it from adhering to your surface.)

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Flip them over and drizzle the other side, then dry overnight.

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If needed, trim off any dripped over edges, and attach small metal rings to the holes.

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Instead of using a jumbo jump ring to attach the charms to the glasses, I simply tied them on with jute bows. You can also skip the first metal ring, and just tie these if you’d like less dangling.

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Here they are featured on a clear glass vessel topped with a paper umbrella.

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The same charm and umbrella look different when placed on a purple goblet (from my upcoming San Antonio styled Fiesta tablescape).

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The charm is an easy addition for a charming lunch of my Gluten & Dairy Free Chicken Spinach Quesadilla Recipe.

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Matching Loteria place-cards for the table are really quick and easy to make.

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Use the actual game cards or make a color copy of a set of them to cut out. I chose the latter so that I can remake them whenever I like… without buying a new game.

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Cut paper cardstock strips to use as easel supports, and fold in half to make a V.

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Then cut two slits to either side of the Spanish words. Slip a V strip into the slots you cut.

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Then simply write your guests names on them with a marker. These would also make great food labeling cards for a buffet.

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The Loteria cards add extra pops of color to the tablescape… and you can never have too much color at a fiesta!

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The sombrero napkin rings are some of the cutest in my collection, yet were some of the quickest to make. Craft them yourself with braided raffia ribbon and tiny doll straw hats.

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Transform the hats into sombreros with strips of fabric and dollhouse chili peppers. (I never use chilis in my recipes, but they do make delightful décor.) Use hot glue to attach a few peppers, and then wrap a fabric strip as a band.

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Cut a six inch length of raffia ribbon for each ring. Slightly overlap the edges then hot glue them.

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Glue the sombrero over the seam covering it completely.

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Fill the rings with colorful fabric napkins.

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I think they look really adorable on the tablescape… if I do say so myself!

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Here the card and napkin ring add color to a lunch of Tex-Mex Nachos made with my Nacho Average Fiesta Dip Recipe.

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They bring additional ambiance to another meal with my Gluten & Dairy Free Chicken Spinach Quesadilla Recipe.

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Make fiesta invitations to match your napkin rings easily by following the earlier steps to turn a straw doll hat into a sombrero. Cut a 5.5 x 8.5 inch piece of textured cardstock and a 4.5 x 7.5 size of serape scrapbook paper. Print or write invitation instructions on vellum, then cut it to a size smaller than the scrapbook paper (like 4 x 7).

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Hot glue the layers at the center of the top, and then glue the sombrero over it. I made some of these for a bridal shower years ago, and they mailed just fine. I got such a glowing response from the project that I decided to show you how to craft them yourself.

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Next, bring more light and color to the celebración with my Easy DIY Upcycled Can Tea-light Luminarias (+ Free Printable Template) & Tissue Paper Flowers Crafts (for Cinco de Mayo Fiesta Décor).

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¡Viva la fiesta!

Faithfully Yours,

Leigh

 

Meatloaf “Cupcakes” & Mashed Potato “Frosting” April Fool’s Recipe (Allergy-Friendly, Gluten-Free, Egg-Free, Dairy-Free) + Traditional Loaf Option & Hearty Meatloaf Sandwich

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Lay asunder mean-spirited pranks this April Fool’s Day, by celebrating with a merrymaking menu. Meatloaf “cupcakes” with mashed potato “frosting” are sure to bring smiles to the sourest of faces, but it can also be shaped into a traditional loaf… the way your grandma used to make it. This is the style that slices best into hearty meatloaf sandwiches, perfect for the next day’s lunch. And this allergy friendly recipe sticks together perfectly, without the need for egg, dairy, or gluten. Best of all, it’s sure to replace, “Are we really having meatloaf again?” with “When can we have meatloaf again?”

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Meatloaf Ingredients:

  • 3 pounds ground beef (or ground turkey or chicken)
  • ½ almond milk (or any variety of milk)
  • 1½ cups brown rice breadcrumbs (or any variety crumbs)
  • 2 six ounce cans tomato paste (preferably organic)
  • 2 tablespoons golden flax meal (or ground seeds)
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground black peppercorns
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt (or salt replacer)

◊ if making a traditional loaf… top with organic ketchup (which has sugar instead of corn syrup) before baking

◊ for meatloaf sandwiches… add gluten-free bread, lettuce, & veganaise to the ingredient list


Meatloaf Instructions:

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Mix everything (except for the ground beef) together in a bowl well.

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Add the ground beef, and mix it well with clean hands.

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Fill a muffin tin with your meat mixture. I lined mine with naturally non-stick parchment baking cups, but use baking spray if placing directly in the tin. The easiest way to fill these is to make giant meat snowballs, and press them into each cup. This ensures no air pockets are included. Note that the meat will rise up and shrink in as it bakes.

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If using traditional loaf pans, spray them with baking spray (like coconut oil spray) before filling with the meat mixture. Note that multiple small loaf pans cook more evenly than a single large loaf. Top the mounded mixture with a generous amount of ketchup. Bake in a 350ᵒ oven for about 30 minutes (depending on your oven’s temperament).

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Remember to check the center of a large loaf, or the center of the innermost cupcake, for doneness. (I mention this because I’ve actually been served raw meatloaf at a dinner party… Yikes!)

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Mashed Potato Ingredients:

  • 2½ pound Yukon Gold Potatoes (preferable because of viscosity & natural butter flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt (or salt replacer)
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

◊ if not making this as a “frosting”… add ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil & ½ cup almond milk for creaminess

◊ for garnish “sprinkles”… fresh ground pink peppercorns (which look red to me)


Mashed Potato Instructions:

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Wash the potatoes with a veggie brush and quarter cut them for speedy cooking. Peel them if you’d like the “frosting” to look more like real frosting, but I chose to leave mine on in order to preserve vitamin and fiber content. Bring them to a boil in salted water, and then simmer. (My mother insists on boiling them the entire time, and it works, so anything you do to cook them is fine so long as they’re well cooked… because raw white potatoes are actually toxic.)

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The potatoes are done when they’re fork tender. Drain out the cooking water.

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Add in your spices… and mash away, mash away, mash away all. (Or use the easiest and quickest method invented… the immersion blender!) Add oil and milk only if you are eating this by itself as a side dish, because it will prevent it from being as sticky… which is a good thing when you’re using it as faux frosting on a meaty cupcake. (Eaten together, you really don’t miss the oil and milk, because you’re tasting it with the flavor of the meatloaf.)


Optional Serving Instructions:

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Meatloaf will leach liquid with cooking, so drain your cupcakes before serving. I actually replaced the parchment cups on mine before topping them with mashed potatoes, but they look great without the paper for a non-April Fool’s meal. Top your cupcakes with potato frosting using a silicone spoonula if you have one. (It’s a spoon-like spatula… I nicknamed mine the “Count”.)

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Cut a traditional loaf into servable slices for dinner and tomorrow’s tasty lunch.

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Ketchup, veganaise, and lettuce on gluten-free bread make a hearty meatloaf sandwich that will clean you out of leftovers in a hurry!

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Serve these meals with a healthy dose of super-greens. This salad has romaine lettuce, fresh parsley, cherry tomatoes, sprouted pumpkin seeds, and sprouted hemp seeds. It has a creamy ranch-style dressing made of unsweetened vegan coconut yogurt seasoned with chives, marjoram, coriander, pink peppercorns and sea salt.

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Unfaithfully Yours (April Fool’s Y’all!),

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P.S. For other healthy mashed tater recipes, check these out:

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Irish Colcannon / Herbed Kale Mashed Potatoes St. Patrick’s Day Recipe (Allergy-Friendly, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Vegan)

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Quick & Easy “Shortcut” Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes Recipe (Heart-Healthy & Dairy-Free)

Leaping Bunny Topiary Spring Indoor Garden Party Décor Ideas for Easter or even Showers, Luncheons, & Brunches

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Say goodbye to winter storms and hello to spring splendor with a vivacious indoor garden party resplendent with leaping bunny topiaries! Put away the pastels and embrace vibrant carrot oranges and greens echoing this time of growth. Add apropos messages spelled out in hedgerow letters declaring the true reason for the Easter season. Give lettuce-edged napkins the bunny ear treatment as a tongue-in-cheek homage to all those cherished family photos. Layer chevron patterning with textural fibers to modernize the fête’s décor, forming an ensemble proclaiming, “Hello Spring!”

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Crisp orange and white chevron fabric awakens the senses, making it the perfect underpinning for this little soiree. (My mother actually made this tablecloth, which is amazing for someone who has repeatedly stated, “I don’t sew.”)

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Layered on that are round raffia mats placed as chargers. Rustic sage green plates are topped with orange salad bowls filled with fresh garden salads of baby greens like kale, spinach, and chard, with orange heirloom cherry tomatoes, English cucumbers, fresh parsley, sprouted pumpkin seeds, and crunchy carrot croutons. (Find the easy recipe for it here.)

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Daily flatware is used, with the exception of the knives which have been exchanged with lovely patterned versions. (Mixing patterns is not only okay, but fantastic!)

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Orange burlap bunny ears napkin rings hold lettuce-edge napkins matching the sage plates. (Learn how to easily make your own rings here.)

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Understated water glasses were chosen as the only simple elements on the tablescape. Carrot lollipops with jute bows sit in place of dessert spoons. (Find them on sale at affiliate Oriental Trading Company. The link in the side bar adds a coupon with free shipping to your cart automatically.)

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Baby leaping bunny topiaries sprout from burlap covered carrot pots above each place setting. (Learn how to craft them easily here.) Tiny printable carrots act as place-cards for each invitee. (Snag my free printables here.)

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Big bunny mama springs from the center of the table in declaration of a beautiful life.

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Orange twine wrapped Easter eggs sit on the grass beneath her. Twine and crepe carrots suggest growth of one’s soul.

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Faith stands as the center of the celebration both literally and figuratively. (The hedgerow letters are bandaged with burlap and jute symbolizing that one may be battered, but not broken when one has such faith.)

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The side table holds another hedgerow spelling Believe. It sits with an additional egg enmeshed in a swirl of vibrant chevrons and burlap lilies.

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A green trunk elevates another bunny constructed of grapevines holding both faux farm eggs and green bird eggs.

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Above that a carrot wreath with my topiary printable hangs next to my banner. (Find the carrot wreath at affiliate Cost Plus World Market whose sale link is in the sidebar.)

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The end of my printable bunny and carrot banner sits close to a burlap carrot sign extending an honest welcome to all enter. (Get my free printables here.)

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Take an idea or two, or use all of my craft tutorials and free printables for your own indoor garden party that declares, “Hello Spring!”

Faithfully Yours,

Leigh

P.S. The Easter Bunny approves this message.

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(This is one of the wild backyard bunnies visiting my porch!)

Easy DIY Leaping Bunny Topiary Craft Tutorials with Free Banner, Wreath, Place-card, Invitation, & Thank You Note Printables (for Easter, Showers, Luncheons, & Brunches)

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Make your own tabletop garden full of leaping bunnies for your next indoor garden party. DIY these easy projects 3-dimensionally or with my free printables… or mix and match the crafts as I’ve done here. Choose your own color and theme to embellish the bunnies with, or follow my lead and make burlap carrot pots to sprout your menagerie from. Better yet, keep the wraps, rosettes, and ribbons nonpermanent so the bunnies may be used again for another theme. Let these rascally rabbits transform your spring fling into a colossal cute –fest today!

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I’ve seen faux foliage covered bunny and bird ornaments as well as topiary picks at several stores locally, and online the choices are endless. Using one of these ready-mades is the quickest way to craft a 3-dimensional creature topiary. (I’ll tell you how to make 2 other types later.)

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Wrap small terra cotta pots with burlap fabric or ribbon, and cut after the overlap. Use dots of hot glue to adhere one side to the other. Avoid gluing the burlap to the pot if you’d like to reuse these with another theme, as I’ll be sure to do in the future. Trim the excess length off with scissors so that the pots sit flat on the table.

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Add a length of ribbon around the top and tie it in a taut bow. This is not only decorative, but is a trick to keep the burlap securely in place without having to glue it permanently.

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Fill each pot with a chunk cut to fit, from a large block of stryofoam. Wedge little chunks of stryofoam in between the large block and the wall of the pot until the large block has no wiggle room. This keeps your creation from drooping later.

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Glue ground cover to the top of your moss. Do this by cutting the green edges to fit the pot, and gluing those edges to the rim. I used faux earth meant for a table runner, but I’ve seen similar stuff in the form of placemats as well. Other options are faux Easter grass, moss ribbon, Astroturf, green burlap, or grass printed scrapbook paper (for the printable topiary).

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Cut stems, sticks, or dowels to jab into your ornaments, and wrap them with brown floral tape. If your animals are already on sticks, simply cut them to size with good sheers.

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It’s easier to embellish your bunnies before potting them. Double-wrapped a length of jute (or yarn, ribbon, twine) around each bunny neck and knot it loosely. Slip a burlap rosette under the jute so that it sits securely without glue.

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Make a pilot hole into the center of the green stuff. Do this carefully with any sharp point from an awl to a screwdriver. (I used a scissor side… but I have a tendency toward crafting dangerously.) Lastly, jab the bunny stick into the pilot hole.

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Continue crafting the rest of your rascally rabbits.

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Another option is cover a carved styrofoam shape with moss, as I have done with the larger bunny centerpiece. I’m not going to cover that in detail here because it took a lot more time, energy, and patience. If you choose to go that route, you can either purchase a ready-made animal shape, or carve one from a block of stryofoam yourself. Foam cutting knives are available that will make the job slightly easier.

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One way to add foliage is to cover your creation with moss ribbon as I have done. This is a kind of moss covered carpet tape. Cut it into pieces and round the edges, so that the animal shape may be completed in an unseen patchwork. Adhere the patches with hot glue, pressing firmly.

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 Embellish it with a burlap ribbon collar and flower, and pot it in the same way as I showed you earlier. I wanted to reuse the bunny topiary again for future themes, so I did not glue the collar to the bunny. I simply glued the flower to one end of a length of ribbon, and then wrapped the ribbon around the neck. I began with the blank end and looped it underneath. The weight of the flower resting on top of the opposite ribbon end kept it firmly in place. It will look completely different with a another color of base wrap and type of collar embellishment.

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The following are my leaping bunny printables (free for noncommercial use). Right click on the image you want to use, and select print. Choose color and photo settings for your printer, and print them on sturdy white cardstock.

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To make a paper topiary from my printables, begin by printing and cutting out the two opposite facing bunnies.

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Glue them together, back to back with a stick or popsicle stick in between. Pot the stick, as shown previously, and embellish it further with paper rosettes and ribbons.

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Cut out the carrots to use as place-cards that rest on your newly crafted topiaries. I printed mine, 2 sheets to a piece of cardstock, so that they would be smaller than the banner carrots.

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Another option for folded place-cards, is to print out the 5×7 invitations / thank you cards and fold them in half. Embellish them with tiny bows or paper flowers, and write guests’ names on them.

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Adding my leaping bunny topiary printable to the center of an existing wreath is an easy way to update a piece you already own and make it fit perfectly to your theme. (This carrot wreath came from Le fidèLe Design’s affiliate Cost Plus World Market. Find a link to them with up to date coupons in the side bar.)

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Make a banner with the bunnies and carrots by simply arranging them in a pleasing manner and taping the backs to jute, ribbon, twine, or yarn. I chose to criss-cross the carrots between the bunnies.

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A loop at each end makes it easy to hang with clear thumbtacks.

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You can also attach the carrots to readymade treat bags like the orange chevron one here. It’s filled with sprouted pumpkin seeds as a part of a healthy and tasty lunch. (See more of this along with the recipe here.)

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(Find the bunny ears napkin ring tutorial here.)

Faithfully Yours,

Leigh

P.S. The Easter Bunny approves this message.

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(This is one of the wild backyard bunnies visiting my porch!)