6 Lovely DIY Valentine's Day Gifts

Valentine’s Day is this Sunday and you’re all out of gift ideas? Don’t worry, we’ve got some fun and funky ways for you to spoil your sweetheart. Besides picking up home show tickets (get 2-for-1 on Facebook), homemade presents are a sure fire way to show how much you care. Check out some of our favorite DIY Valentine’s Day gifts below.

Coffee Cup Sleeve - Is your sweetie sweet on coffee or tea? This reusable sleeve will make the perfect gift for them (and the environment!).

Image via Martha Stewart

No Sew Pillows - Don’t know how to sew? That doesn’t mean you can’t make a great Valentine’s Day present! These no-sew heart pillows from the Diva of DIY are a fabulously festive way to spread the love this February!

Image via The Diva of DIY

Catch the Diva of DIY at the KC Remodel + Garden Show this weekend!

Floating Frame - Have an art lover in your life? Frame a new piece or one of their favorites with this unique DIY floating frame from Ursula Carmona.

Image via Homemade By Carmona

See Ursula Carmona at The Great Big Home + Garden Show!

Candy Heart Candles - These creative candles certainly are conversation starters! This unique craft is sure to make your gal or guy swoon on Sunday.

Image via Gimme Some Oven

Headboard  -This project is a little more involved than the others, but the results are stunning. If you’ve got some time to spar (or are really in the dog house) try upcycling an old headboard. Add some beauty to your bedroom and create a piece that will be around for many Valentine’s Days to come.

Image via Simply Sara D

Sara's presentations at the 2016 Indianapolis Home Show were such a hit we had to share one of her best DIYs.

Valentine’s Day Jenga - We love this unique take on the classic game of Jenga. Cut up your own blocks, write some sweet and sappy messages, and have some fun!

Image via Tried and True

We hope these ideas help you spread the love this Valentine’s Day! And remember, if you try any of the crafts we’ve listed make sure you share some sweet shots of them with @HomeShows on Instagram and Twitter – we love seeing what you create!

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HoliDIY Ornament Contest: Terrific Trees

Christmas is almost here and that means our HoliDIY Contest is about to come to an end. For several weeks our Facebook fans have been voting for their favorite Marketplace Events made ornament. Our team members were challenged to see who could make the best ornament, and everything comes to a head at midnight Christmas Day.

Before you visit our Facebook page to cast your vote, try making your own ornament. These terrific trees, made by Liz H., Birmingham Home + Garden Assistant Show Manager, look great and are a snap to put together. All you need is a bit of ribbon and some twigs. Here's how you do it!

What you'll need:

• A stick (about 6 inches long)
• Some scrap ribbon
• Hot glue gun

Directions:

Step 1: Cut a stick about 6 inches long.

Step 2: Cut a length of scrap ribbon.

Step 3: Lay out the ribbon and cut to form a tree shape.

Step 4: Hot glue the ribbon to the stick

Step 5: Tie a ribbon at the top to make a loop

Step 6: Hang on your tree!

We're big fans of this rustic ornament. It's easy to make and as long as you have ribbon, sticks, and a glue gun, practically free! If you like them as much as we do, make sure to vote for them in our HoliDIY Challenge! Visit Facebook to cast your vote today!

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Make Dad's Day with These DIY Gifts

Father’s Day is right around the corner and we’re pretty sure we know what you’re thinking: what do you get the man who wants for nothing? If yours is like the many fathers who, when asked what they’d like to mark the occasion, say they don’t need anything and leave it at that, we’ve got you covered. No more last minute, uncertain shopping at the hardware store. This year, try making Dad a unique gift to show how much you care. Not only will he appreciate the thought, we’re sure he’ll appreciate the gift as well. We’ve rounded up the most creative, clever, and fun Father’s Day DIY gifts for you to try your hand at. Check ‘em out below and make Dad something he’ll love.

Planter – We’ve finally found a good use for those old floppy disks: turn them into a planter! Geeky Dads will rejoice at this super cute creation! 

Image via Brit + Co

Just make sure to put an easy-to-care-for plant inside, like a succulent!

Shirt – Make him a sweet reminder of when his life changed and he earned his most important title: Dad.  

Image via She Knows

Spicy Cooking Oil – Is your Dad a fan of the heat? Spice up his world with homemade cooking oil. He can use it on almost anything!

Image via A Beautiful Mess

Mug – If you’ve got really little ones, this craft is for you! Immortalize their drawings on a mug for Dad. It’ll make his morning joe that much better!

Image via I Heart Arts N Crafts

Wallet – Make a wallet using an old postcard. You can remind him of a trip he’s taken or just find some pretty scenery.  

Image via Country Living

Desk Organizer – Made of Lego, this desk organizer will be fun to build and fun to use! Anything to make Mondays more bearable, are we right?

Image via Frugal Fun For Boys

Picture Sachets – Freshen up Dad’s gym bag and his memory with scented picture sachets. Remind him of sweeter times while making his everyday smell a little better.

Image via Lil Blue Boo

Pillowcase – Have your little ones share a loving message with Dad on a pillowcase. It’ll be one of the last things he sees at night and first in the morning. How cute is that?

Image via Mama Papa Bubba

Tie Clip – Class up Dad’s attire with a homemade leather tie clip! You can even put on a special message or fun saying!

Image via Lovely Indeed

Shaving Cream – Homemade shaving cream? Yes, please! We’re sure this rosemary mint concoction will secure your position as the favorite.

Image via Food For My Family

We hope this list helps you come up with a great idea for your Dad this year. From all of us here at Marketplace Events, we wish you and yours a happy and fun Father’s Day.

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Holi-DIY: 12 Decorations To Make This Year

Looking for a fun way to get everyone in the holiday spirit? With the busyness and stress associated with this time of year it’s common to encounter a Grinch or two. Help family and friends find that festive feeling with these fun, seasonal DIYs. We’ve compiled a list of 12 holiday projects for you and your brood to enjoy. Turn on some wintry carols, gather your supplies, and get crafting. Everyone will be holly and jolly in no time.

1. Winter Silhouette Candle Holder - Set the scene with this mason jar candle holder. Create a cozy winter wonderland.

Image via Shabby Art Boutique

2. Magazine Christmas Trees - Don't throw away that old catalog. Turn it into a sweet little Christmas Tree instead. 

Image via Seven Clown Circus

3. JOY Bottles - Spread some joy with this message on a bottle!

Image via Mandi Being Crafty

4. Retro Snow Globe - Get nostalgic for a simpler time and holidays of old.

Image via It All Started With Paint

5. Ribbon Tree Ornaments - We've found a use for the scraps of ribbon left over from last year's gifts. These cute little ornaments are simple to make and look great!

Image via Fireflies + Mudpies

6. Burlap Holiday Lights - Jazz up your holiday lights with this rustic twist.

Image via create. craft. love. 

Please only try this craft with modern lights. This is a fire hazard when done with older holiday lights.

7. Pine Cone Christmas Tree - This is a great project for little crafters and allows for lots of creativity!

Image via Crafter's Delights

8. Santa Logs - How nice would these guys look on your front porch?

Image via Smart Girls DIY

9. Button Snowman Ornament - Is your sewing kit full of old, mismatched buttons, saved from shirts you no longer own? You're in luck! Use them to make this adorable little Frosty.

Image via See How We Sew...

10. Cinnamon Spice Ornaments - Fill your home with the smells of the season!

Image via Simply Notable

11. Embroidery Ornaments - This creative project is a great way to put leftover crafting supplies to use.

Image via The Crafty Cupboard

12. Felt Christmas Tree - Speaking of leftover crafting supplies, do you have felt swatches going to waste? Use them to create this fun and festive tree. 

Image via Scissor Variations

We hope these fun crafts help get you and your loved ones in the holiday spirit. Since it’s still early December we’ve got to ask: when do you start decorating for the holidays? Is your tree up as soon as Thanksgiving dinner is put away or do you have a different tradition? Let us know.

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Fabulous Fall Recipe: Pilsner Braised Pulled Pork & Corn Relish

Looking for a new dish to serve friends and family? Try this delectable pulled pork and corn relish from Craft Beet Market. It's sure to keep everyone warm and full on a cold fall day.

Pilsner Braised Pulled Pork

Marinade/Injection
Good for 3 kg of pork

Ingredients

• 2 tbs ground coriander
• 1/2 tbs ground cumin
• 1/2 tbs oregano leaves
• 1/2 cup of brown sugar
• 1 lime (zest and juice)
• 1 tbs chili powder
• 1 tbs smoked paprika
• 1 can of chipotle peppers
• 1 tbs kosher salt
• 1/2 cup of olive oil
• 1 liter of apple juice
• 2 liters of Pislner

Directions

Combine all ingredients in a pot and bring to a simmer. Allow to cool. While the liquid is cooling, season the pork with salt and pepper and sear on high heat until golden brown on all sides. Place the cooked pork into a braising dish.

Use a syringe to inject the marinade (now cooled) into the pork at least 15 times, then pour the remaining marinade over the top of the pork (the liquid should come about halfway up the pork). Cover and bake at 275 degrees for 6-8 hours.

Remove from the oven and allow the pork to cool until it's a comfortable temperature for you to handle. Remove the pork from the liquid and place into a baking tray. Using a fork, shred the meat and remove any large deposits of fat.

Strain the liquid and set off to the side - we'll use this later for your pork braising liquid.

Corn Relish
Make this while the pork is cooking, it will allow enough time for all the flavors to blend together nicely

Ingredients

• 150 grams of corn kernels
• 1/2 of a small red onion 
• 1/2 of a small red pepper
• 2 limes (use the juice from both but only the zest from one)
• 1 1/2 tsp of kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp of black pepper
• 30 ml of olive oil
• 1/2 ounce of fresh cilantro

Directions

Combine all the ingredients into a large bowl, mix and leave at room temperature for 2 hours. Then cover and refrigerate.

Chipotle BBQ Sauce

To add to the pulled pork

Ingredients
Part A

• 1/2 of a medium sized white onion
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 tbs ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 cup of lime juice
• 3 chipotle peppers
• 2 tbs chili powder
• 1 tbs paprika

Part B

• 1 liter of pork braising liquid
• 1 tbs of tomato paste
• 1/2 cup of maple syrup
• 2 tbs kosher salt

Directions

Combine all of Part A into a pot and sauté. Then add Part B and let cook for 1 hour. Puree and add to the pulled pork.

To Serve

Grill fresh corn tortillas then place the pulled pork on top. Finish with the corn relish and some fresh cilantro.

How delicious does this sound? Try it tonight and we're sure you'll have everyone asking for the recipe.

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Holiday Boutique Exhibitor Spotlight: 240sweet

We are delighted to have 240sweet joining us at the Holiday Boutique, November 6-9 at the Overland Park Convention Center.

Before you see this delicious exhibitor at the show, please enjoy our interview below...

Name: Alexa Lemley

Booth Number: 504

Describe your products:
Chef Alexa makes her gourmet marshmallows in a multitude of flavors! Delight your friends and family with hand-crafted puffs, made with a heritage style recipes of real food in creative combinations. We make everything from Creme Brulee to Bourbon Ball, to Chocolate Chip and Sriracha flavors. All of our packaging is made in the USA.

Price range:
$ - $0-$20

What are your featured items?
Show special of 3 for $20 of our flavor packs. $9.00 each online.

Why would your products make the perfect holiday gift?
These are a sweet treat made with real food that will delight.

What is your favorite part about the Holiday Boutique?
Meeting all of the people who appreciate artisan items.

Any additional company info you'd like to share?
240sweet products have been in Oprah, Martha Stewart Weddings, Family Circle, and several other media. They are delicious puffs hand-made by real people from start to finish.

Make sure to see 240sweet at the Holiday Boutique, November 6-9 at the Overland Park Convention Center. Grab your tickets early to save! Right now you can get two tickets for the price of one when you like us on Facebook.

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Holiday Boutique Exhibitor Spotlight: Sweet*tart Boutique

We are so excited to have Sweet*tart Boutique joining us at the Holiday Boutique, November 6-9 at the Overland Park Convention Center.

Before you check out this fun exhibitor at the show, enjoy our interview with them below...

Name: Susan Keifer

Describe your products:
Sweet*tart Boutique offers a sweet and sassy selection of unique, handmade flower hair clips, pins, headbands, tutus/pettiskirts, and so much more. All Sweet*tart Boutique flower products are handmade and crafted with sweet perfection to give that little extra twinkle.

Price range:
$ - $0-$20

What are your featured items?
Flower hair clips, headbands, tutu and pettiskirt sets, customized t-shirts and leggings.

Why would your product make the perfect holiday gift?
Handmade and customizable.

What is your favorite part about the Holiday Boutique?
Meeting new customers.

You can catch Sweet*tart Boutique at the Holiday Boutique, November 6-9 at the Overland Park Convention Center. Make sure to grab your tickets early to get the best deals - right now you can get two tickets for the price of one when you like us on Facebook.

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