FEATHER MOBILE DIY

You may have seen our Mommy + Toddler Valentine Party on Style Me Pretty Living earlier this month.  The guests made a feather mobile at our crafting station.  We wanted to take you through the steps here so you can have a fun DIY to do at home!

Photo: one eleven photography

PHOTO: ONE ELEVEN PHOTOGRAPHY

Here's what you'll need: five feathers, up to five colors of paint, paintbrush, string, natural jute cord, scissors, driftwood branches, paper (to paint feathers on, and then lay feathers out to dry on).

Paint the top third of the feather, on both sides.  Lay out to dry.  Repeat twice (three coats total).

Take a length of string and wrap one side of it twenty times around the bottom section of feather.  Knot it.  Take the other side of the string and wrap it around the center of the driftwood branch ten times.  Knot that end as well.  Repeat with the four other feathers -- two to the left and two to the right -- varying the string length on each.  Be sure to leave room at both ends of the driftwood branch.

Take a length of jute cord and wrap it a few times around the far left side of the driftwood.  Knot it.  Take the other side of the jute and measure it to a length you'd like to hang the finished mobile by.  Wrap the cord around the far right side of the branch a few times.  Knot it.  You're done! 

PARTYING WITH SURPRISE BALLS

Have you tried a surprise ball yet? They're so fun -- stickers, miniature animals and other little treasures wrapped in crepe paper to resemble a ball. They're made in the form of everything from fruit to flowers. We fell in love with Robert Mahar's bright beauties at Crafting Community in Palm Springs. They're perfect for holidays, keep the kids entertained at a party and can even be DIY'ed, if you're so inclined. Here are some of our favorites.

Pomegranate by Anandamayi Arnold exclusively at Tail of the Yak in Berkeley.

Garden Vegetables from TOPS Malibu.

Christmas DIY from HonestlyWTF.

You may remember these Meri Meri Easter bunnies from our party.

This guy would have been a perfect addition to our Swan Guide.

TRY THESE 7 GRAPEFRUIT RECIPES

It's citrus season and February is National Grapefruit Month, so before we indulge in Valentine decadence (chocolate, donuts, ice cream, cookies, what?) we turn to the antioxidant-filled grapefruit to boost the immune system with fiber and vitamin C.  Inspired by this hybrid's Latin name, which translates to citrus of paradise, we've rounded up a day full of grapefruit-filled recipes that we consider heavenly.

Yummy breakfast with this Honeyed Grapefruit Yogurt Parfait with Popped Amaranth from The Kitchn.

Martha gets us every time.  Look at this stunning citrus platter.

Ready to dive right into this Grapefruit, Salmon and Avocado Salad.

Perfect mid-afternoon snack of Grapefruit Guacamole from No Recipes, olé!

Refreshing Grapefruit-and-Mint Mojito.

Seared Scallops with Shaved Fennel, Cucumber and Grapefruit.

And end the night with a delicious Homemade Pink Grapefruit Sorbet from Say Yes.