What? You made all of those fancy appetizers (or heated them up) but you're going to stick a plain toothpick in them? No, no, no. Make these easy cocktail picks with beads and toothpicks.
I have no idea how I'm going to con you into thinking this DIY requires an entire blog post to explain it to you. But I shall try.
- Plant a birch tree. Any size will do.
- Allow tree to grow for 5-10 years.
- Cut branch off of tree.
- Whittle birch branch down to size of toothpick.
- Repeat 40 X.
- Get caught up in a costume jewellery theft ring. Gain their trust. Get invited on caper. Run off with all the loot.
- Thread necklace beads from the caper loot onto bespoke toothpick.
- Enjoy.
DIY fancy cocktail picks
And just like that, with a mere 10 years of very light work, you have a sassy appetizer/cocktail toothpick.
Or, if you're extremely ... and I mean exceptionally lazy ... you could buy a container of toothpicks, buy a $1 costume jewellery bracelet at the dollar store and call it a day. People will talk about how lazy you are, I'm sure you know that.
If that is the route you choose to go - here are your instructions.
- Open toothpick container.
- Cut apart dollar store necklace or bracelet and let the beads fall off.
- Shove one of the beads onto the end of a toothpick.
- Done.
Do I need to explain it a bit better? K. Stick the toothpick into the hole of the bead and then call it a cocktail pick. Make sense now?
I know. You can't fathom how I do these complicated projects like building wood indoor shutters PLUS work all day PLUS keep my hair so shiny. The struggle is not only real it's discussed in many scientific papers.
I don't know why I love these things so much but I do. It may have to do with the fact that by this time of year I'm more and more interested in activities that can be accomplished with a maximum of 3 firing brain cells, one of which is focused on a Hallmark Christmas movie.
If you're worried about the beads falling off during use at your highly sophisticated cocktail party just dab a bit of wood glue onto the end of the toothpick before shoving the bead on.
If your beads shove down further on the toothpick than the tip, then that's where to dab the glue. Duh.
Thinking back on it, it really is a good thing that I ran you through this in a blog post. It was more difficult than I realized now that I've typed all the instructions out. Remember the steps using this handy seasonal acronym:
FISH GUTS
Find Instagram Scrabble Hanging Goo Under The Spaghetti If you can remember that, you'll have no problem remembering how to do these cocktail picks.
It might not make a lot of sense to you right now but that's just because it's December and you're only running on 3 brain cells.
Julie Napier
I am in awe, all that whittling, a heist and glue and you are still able to maintain a perfect manicure!
Arlene Stopps
So cute! And I thought the coloured cello-end tooth picks were “fancyl! Duh!!
Really funny post! You put a smile on my face first thing in the morning...now that’s really an accomplishment!
Laura Kanai
I 💜 the truck! How has no one yet mentioned the truck? Can you post a picture of the truck? You could do a whole other post in this same vein for the Christmas truck! Where to “harvest” the metal, some welding tips, dual purpose use of any leftover birch wood after the toothpick extravaganza for the panels around the truck bed, etc.
Gael
Completely adorable truck is in the previous post!
Laura Kanai
Thank you, Gael! Serves me right for missing a post.
Karen
You can see more of the truck in my last post, my Christmas House Tour. :) https://www.theartofdoingstuff.com/welcome-christmas-house-tour-2017/ ~ karen!
Laura Kanai
Freaking adorable! And I love the trees in the bed. Sorry to disrupt the current commenting stream, I vow to keep up with your fabulous posts from now on. And I do love the toothpick idea as well!
jaine kunst
You are brilliant! That is the classiest little appetizer pick I've ever seen!
Sabina
Brilliant!
Cathy
Now that's one of you fabulous DIY's that I may be able to actually do! Thanks, and Merry Christmas.
Susan Claire
This would be perfect for a gift exchange or stocking stuffer. Make two dozen, put them in a shot glass, tie a ribbon around it and voila! A gift that looks like it came from a specialty shop and cost some serious money. I can't wait to go to Michael's and look at all their beads!
Jack Barr
I 'll take the caper route.
Karen
What sane person wouldn't? ~ karen!
shoshana leeder
I love this!! Love it love it love it. Yes, it's complicated but completely worth the time & effort. Now, to find a way to get latkas to fit! If not, I'll think of something else to stab!
Karen
Teeny, tiny (probably really burned so they don't fall apart) latkes! Perfect. Hey. Now I'm wondering if you could do tiny latke appetizers. Why not!! With a little dollop of sour cream on top and a teensy bit of minced chive. Do it. Do it now. ~ karen!
shoshana leeder
Not now, but tomorrow when my cooking, picture taking grandson arrives. Wait for it!!
Marna
Wow, so cute! Great idea, you are so crafty! Thanks :)
Centi
Cute idea! Plus, you can use the beads again and again...
billy sharpstick
That's harsh. You know we can't grow birch in Florida. But we got bamboo.
Karen
Plus bamboo is faster growing so you're set. With all the time saved you might want to consider making your own beads. ~ karen!
Benjamin
oh great, now I have to go ask Martha how to make beads... (jk)
Lynn
So cute so easy just what is needed at this time of utter chaos.
Thank you Karen 🎄☃️❄️
Karen
You bet! ~ karen
Peggy
These are really cute!
I'll bet people will ask if they're disposable!
Kerrill
Even gold and diamonds are disposable, if you try hard enough.
Nicole Sparks
I don't think they're safe for the composter... ;)
Teresa J Richardson
That's so neat, I'm gonna let that be the next craft I do with my 7 and 5 year old grandkids who think I am the craft queen of the world. Then I'm gonna let them stab them into the cheese cubes and olives and anything else edible they want to for Christmas eve. I think I will even use red and green beads....Thanks Karen. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.
Karen
Thanks Teresa! And yep, it's a great project for kids. I mean unless you're going to go the whole "grow a birch tree" route. ~ karen!
Markus
Gaaawd, I'd love to hang out with you for the chance of being around in these moments, of inspiration.
Karen
Meh. They're kind of invisible and boring moments. Mainly I make one of those Home Alone faces and face slaps, then carry on. ~ karen!
Gayle
Gotta love glitz. Neat idea, Karen!
Brenda Massey
Oh my gosh...this is GENIUS...and SO pretty! You are seriously one crafty (and amazing) woman.
Karen
Well thanks Brenda. :) ~ karen!
Lisa
You made me snort my coffee! A good thing on Hump Day. :-)
Julie
This is one of those "I can't believe I have never done this before" posts! Those are really cute! But I'm sticking to my gramma's antique cocktail swords. Probably made of lead but that adds a certain...ummm..sweetness to the appies :)
Lisa
Got to live a bit dangerously - makes life more interesting. :-) "you were first"