Icon - Arrow LeftAn icon we use to indicate a rightwards action. Icon - Arrow RightAn icon we use to indicate a leftwards action. Icon - External LinkAn icon we use to indicate a button link is external. Icon - MessageThe icon we use to represent an email action. Icon - Down ChevronUsed to indicate a dropdown. Icon - CloseUsed to indicate a close action. Icon - Dropdown ArrowUsed to indicate a dropdown. Icon - Location PinUsed to showcase a location on a map. Icon - Zoom OutUsed to indicate a zoom out action on a map. Icon - Zoom InUsed to indicate a zoom in action on a map. Icon - SearchUsed to indicate a search action. Icon - EmailUsed to indicate an emai action. Icon - FacebookFacebooks brand mark for use in social sharing icons. flipboard Icon - InstagramInstagrams brand mark for use in social sharing icons. Icon - PinterestPinterests brand mark for use in social sharing icons. Icon - TwitterTwitters brand mark for use in social sharing icons. Icon - Check MarkA check mark for checkbox buttons.
You are reading

DIY: Vanilla Twist, an Unexpected Valentine’s Gift

Search

DIY: Vanilla Twist, an Unexpected Valentine’s Gift

February 11, 2013

Is there anything more luxurious than the vanilla bean? Aside from the fact that they grow on orchids, the beans (known as tlilxochitl, "the black flower," by the Aztecs) emit a fragrance that is almost otherworldly. All reasons why the seductive vanilla bean is the perfect candidate for a modern Valentine's Day gift.

I first spotted this idea for creating heart-shaped vanilla bean ornaments in last year's Retro Valentine's Workshop at Echo Park's Cookbook Grocery and filed away the idea. This February, I'm sending out the tiny hearts to loved ones to hang in their kitchens until ready to use for any number of vanilla infusions (you could even tuck one into a jar of sugar for baking with). Want to try the project yourself? See our sources and step-by-step instructions below.

700 640 diy cookbook 7

Above: The inspiration: black hearts hanging on the wall at Cookbook Grocery in LA (available for $14 each at the shop).

Here's What You'll Need:

700 diy vanilla bean project 1

Instructions:

700 diy vanilla bean project 2

Above: Twist two sets of two vanilla beans tightly together and secure at the top and bottom with clothespins.

700 diy vanilla bean project 3

Above: Work the shape of the twisted beans into a heart-like curve. Cut two lengths of thread or waxed linen to tie at each end.

700 diy vanilla bean project 4

Above: Twist the bottom of the heart together and secure with a tight knot. Wrap the thread in and out of the twisted vanilla beans to make sure they're tightly intertwined.

700 diy vanilla bean project 5

Above: Twist the beans together at the center of the heart, leaving about half an inch to hang down the center. Be sure to tie your thread as tight as possible; once the beans dry in this shape, they'll shrink up some. The finished heart hangs next to the kitchen sink (adding a fine vanilla fragrance to the kitchen).

Looking for more genius ideas for the kitchen? See 23 more DIY Kitchen Projects in our archive; everything from a Ladder as Pot Rack to Dip-Dyed Wooden Spoons to an entire DIY Kitchen Island.

(Visited 171 times, 1 visits today)
You need to login or register to view and manage your bookmarks.

Product summary  

Have a Question or Comment About This Post?

Join the conversation

v5.0