Full tutorial featured on Design*Sponge!
Did I mention I love me some Diet Coke? No, I don’t like it. I love it. Don’t judge. I know someone out there is reading this while sipping on a frosty glass of wheat grass juice thinking I am stupid for professing my love of a soft drink, but I don’t care. Our love runs deep and pure. They can take their wheat grass and suck it.
No pun intended.
When I tell you I am a “World Class Diet Coke Connoisseur” that is the living truth. I can tell from one sip how long it has been in a can, and in some cases, in what canning facility it was born. I can tell from the sound of a can opening if it’s Coke or Pepsi. And Pepsi, don’t even get me started on Pepsi! Don’t get me started on Diet Coke in plastic bottles either; plastic doesn’t compare to glass and glass hardly compares to can, but the real way to drink Diet Coke is by fountain dispenser. It’s hard not to get riled up just thinking about fountain soda in all its complexity and wonder. Topics like syrup/soda ratio and crushed ice administration methods have been known to spark passionate arguments in my presence. I could talk about this for days, but I’m afraid you all will think me strange.
Oops. Too late on that one.
I am embarrassed to tell you how much time and money I have spent over the years on fountain soda, but sufficient to say, it’s a lot. Fountain soda is an indulgence I never deny myself. I don’t smoke or drink or gamble or partake in any other expensive or risky ventures, so besides chocolate and spoiling my cat, Diet Coke is pretty much my only vice. I feel bad just calling it a vice. Really, it’s an affordable luxury.
Because fountain soda is a near-daily indulgence, I know how quickly my delicious treat can be ruined by inferior carbonation. Soda served flat should never be tolerated, but slightly mediocre bubble activity has become an accepted colloquialism in our time. Luckily, my Uncle Rob showed me you can make up for bubbles with a genius technique–use a narrower straw. It has something to do with accelerated sucking speed and maximizing surface area exposure, but Uncle Rob is a major Smarty Pants and that is all above me head. All I know is that slightly flat soda tastes better with a smaller straw. Seriously, try it sometime. Hell, why don’t you try it now and treat yourself to this effervescent pleasure.
Why am I telling you this? Because if you, like me, enjoy fountain soda, you should save your straws. Keep a stash of smaller/narrower straws on hand (you can buy 100 for 85 cents at the grocery store) …and save the straws from the dispenser for your craft stash. I use mine all the time. I have also been known to buy small, colorful straws at Ikea and wash them out when I’m done. Compulsive, yes, but I have so many colors and sizes to choose from, I get excited just thinking about it!
There are lots of uses for straws, but this lamp is one of my favorites. Check out the full tutorial on Design*Sponge!
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| Look at Yentl jumping after that drinking straw! See, even kitties appreciate good design. |
In addition to this lamp’s wire/twist technique, there are lots of fun things you can make.
What about a Garland? Wouldn’t these look fabulous on a modern Green (Green with a capital G, mind you) Xmas tree? Or what about stringing them on the inside of a window? What about using black straws to look like little spiders and wrapping a few around an existing light fixture for a spooky touch?
Or what about attaching one to pipe cleaner and giving your cat her favorite new toy? (just be sure the pieces aren’t so thin that she chews off a piece).
Does anyone else out there find ways to glorify the remnants of their addictions daily indulgences? I would love to hear what you think!
This project is linking to Craft School Sunday at www.creativejewishmom.com