I’ve got a fun share today- and possibly a great gift idea, if you get busy! 
Have you ever thought of making homemade vanilla? Our very own Royal Ribbonista Charlene Driggs has a recipe on her blog- so I thought I’d give it a try. And why not make enough for gifts, and gussy them up?
I started with Costco’s vodka, and I ordered my vanilla beans from Amazon, although our Costco has them in stock now.
I sliced the beans (smelled heavenly!), added them to the bottle & tucked it away in the pantry to steep.
The recipe says 1-3 months, I started mine in September – here it is about 6 weeks later:
If you have the time, I’d let it steep longer, but I used it in a recipe today & it tasted great!
So how about that gussying I’d mentioned? I bought some brown bottles on Amazon & added a fun combo of May Arts ribbon- I started with the red sheer tinsel ribbonl. I used it to tie in a snip of satin holly leaves. I finished with a fancy bowdabra ivory burlap string bow.
I also made some custom labels- I think they turned out pretty fun! (I mod-podged over the top so the ink wouldn’t smear!)
Thanks so much for stopping by today! I hope you’ve been inspired!
Blog post by: Jen Shears
May Arts Ribbon Used:
- 381-1-14 Red Sheer Tinsel Ribbon
- EX45 Green Holly Leaves
SM09 Ivory Burlap String
What a clever and simple idea!
What a wonderful gift idea! Thank you.
Looks like it turned out great!
Love that the CAS card maker can do CAS gift packaging too!!! Great idea.
YUM! A feast for the eyes and the tummy!
What a great idea. I could make a bunch!
What a great gift idea and so very clever. Can't wait to try this.
I was just telling my son the other day that he could make vanilla, he didn't quite believe me and said I'd end up with vanilla vodka. I love the glammed up bottle, this might be a wonderful gift for my niece who does tons of baking. Thanks! Now off to check out that recipe.
I have made vanilla and given it as a gift in a plain undecorated bottle–thanks for the idea of how to decorate it.
What a great idea…thanks! I love how you used the ribbon and goodies on your trim, too!
This is wonderful…what a great gift!!!
Ooh this looks heavenly. I've got to get me some of that!