How to Make the Best Ice Coffee

It's hot here in Israel, and I'm thinking of ways to cool down. This time of year, I like my coffee cold. And I don't mean all those coffee drinks that are basically coffee slurpies, but rather good old coffee, with ice.
The problem with any drink with ice, is that all too soon you are left with a watered down memory of what your drink used to taste like.  But what if you could turn that disadvantage into an advantage?
What if as the ice cubes melted, your drink became better?
Hmmm...

Coffee Ice Cubes.
All you need is an ice cube tray, and you're set. (I got a new one at the dollar store and I love it b/c it has makes a bajillion mini cubes - so cute!)
First, make some coffee. I made espresso - but you can make anything you like. Carefully pour the coffee into the tray, and freeze.

Now make some cold coffee with the Coffee Cubes, add milk or don't - it's up to you. As the cubes start to melt - Hallelujah!
You can get creative too by adding things to the coffee before it's cubed -  vanilla beans, sugar, Cardamom.... Yummy!

This could work with any iced drink. How about Lemon and Mint cubes in your Iced Tea?

And remember - every drink tastes better when you drink it from a striped straw.

I hope you're having a great summer!
Elisheva

P.S. The coasters I used are from my shop - you can see more here
 

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A new design

As some of you may know, In my studio I design products, mostly Tabletop, mostly for entertaining. I thought it may be interesting for you if I show you some of the process that goes into designing Homeware. At the end of the post I will also share a new design, so stay with me! Designing a new product often begins with the searching for inspiration. Some of finding inspiration goes with a more generic name - market research. The new design I want to share with you is for Candlesticks.

Left Image : brooks barrow ; Right Image: www.markmontanoblog.com

Left Image:from here  ; Right Image: from here

image from here: www.marthastewart.com

What I took from all of these (and many more images) were how low all of the candle holders were. When I have people over the last thing I want is for them to have to look around the centerpieces to talk to each other:)
On the other hand, sometimes you do want a more dramatic setting. Or maybe you want to put them on a mantle - in which case height could actually be a good thing:)
Thus, the Candlestick Stack was born:

       

I wanted it to be versatile and fit all kinds of different occasions, and esthetically modern yet classic - something that is very important to me. The more time I put into the design, I felt it becoming my favorite for this collection (sorry, rest of my designs:) The model in the picture is actually 3d printing done in plaster (I hope to tell you about this amazing process in another post - it is the COOLEST) It will be done (fingers crossed) in ceramics, in different colors.

What's cool and different about these Candlesticks is the fact that they are stackable. So you could use them together built up high, or break them down  - depending on the situation, each time forming a different design.
If you'd like to see the rest of the designs I'm working on, be sure to sign up below or on your right to get my newsletter straight into your inbox. 
Until next time,
Elisheva 

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Who's Afraid of Floral Arrangements - how to make a simple bouquet

 

We all enjoy the basics - a simple black dress, morning coffee (and cookie), a beautiful day and white flowers on the table. 

White flowers are the best! They fit every occasion, look good with any color scheme, and add elegance to every tablescape. I especially love Eustomas, b/c they're pretty but not too expensive.

They're like the serious Roses younger cooler sister.
Turns out - lot's of people get scared when I talk about flower arrangement - it seem to them like it's a job for a pro. And although some bouquets are pretty hardcore, there are some flower arrangements that are so simple - anyone could make (Yes, even you:).
The main idea behind this floral arrangements is that the bouquets are kept really low, making them perfect for a table setting. This way - you can actually SEE the person sitting across from you, imagine that.
So here's a little presentation where you can see the basic steps to arranging a simple bouquet.
The Mission: arranging a couple of small bouquets for a simple table setting
What you'll need: Some flowers (we chose Eustomas) and small tea cups.



What to do: Separate all of the leaves from the stems, and cut the stem. This cut is purely for convenience sake, there will be a bigger more major cut later. Start gathering the flower stems one by one in one hand, Use your other hand to help arrange them at the same height (from the flower). You should start seeing s "dome" of flowers.
Once you have a nice bunch in your hand, bring it close to the cup you're using to figure out how much you'll need to cut so only the flowers show (no stems), and cut all of the excess off.  Put the intire bouquet in your cup, and fluff it a bit. Now make a couple more.... 
Set them all across the table, and keep them there the entire meal:)


So, do you think you'll be arranging flowers any time soon? I'd love to see photos! You can post them up on the studios Facebook Page. And if you liked this tutorial and would like to receive more like it delivered to you inbox, along with DIY ideas, home styling tips, and a little gift - be sure to sign up below this post or on your right.
See you soon!
Elisheva

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