Crafts

Our gardener, Jenny, has crafted a unique wreath (or two) for the holidays almost every year since 2005.  They are typically revealed around Thanksgiving and some can be found elsewhere in the Eccentric Cafe, even after the holidays are over. (they are that good).  Check out our YouTube video playlist that go in way more detail about how many were made here. You can also check out the photo gallery below.  Cheers and happy holidays!

How about adding a little Christmas (Ale) cheer to your Christmas tree? Here are instructions for how to turn used bottle caps into a tree ornament. You can use any Bell's bottle caps with it What You Need 1.5mm metal hole punch pliers Jump rings, size varies on how much space you want. We used 13mm rings for the tree Pliers Used bottle caps (7) Ornament hook [[{"fid":"2750","view_mode":"default","type":"media","link_text":null,"attributes":{"height":267,"width":400,"class":"media-element file-default"}}]] Step 1: Put bottle caps in formation Line your bottle caps in the shape of a tree [[{"fid":"2751","view_mode":"default","type":"media","link_text":null,"attributes":{"height":267,"width":400,"class":"media-element file-default"}}]] Step 2: Punch holes Punch holes in these areas [[{"fid":"2748","view_mode":"default","type":"media","link_text":null,"attributes":{"height":267,"width":400,"class":"media-element file-default"}}]] Step 3: Loop ring through holes [[{"fid":"2753","view_mode":"default","type":"media","link_text":null,"attributes":{"height":267,"width":400,"class":"media-element file-default"}}]] Step 4: Fasten with pliers [[{"fid":"2754","view_mode":"default","type":"media","link_text":null,"attributes":{"height":267,"width":400,"class":"media-element file-default"}}]] Step 5: Repeat for all other bottle caps Step 6: Add hook to the top [[{"fid":"2756","view_mode":"default","type":"media","link_text":null,"attributes":{"height":267,"width":400,"class":"media-element file-default"}}]] Cheers! [[{"fid":"2749","view_mode":"default","type":"media","link_text":null,"attributes":{"height":267,"width":400,"class":"media-element file-default"}}]]

What’s a good thing to do while drinking beer? How about some crafts? The latest in our Crafts and Beer series shows you how to make a wreath out of bottle caps. What You Need Used caps (14) Scissors Hot glue gun Ribbon Cardboard Compass Marker Foam board Box cutter [[{"fid":"2765","view_mode":"default","type":"media","link_text":null,"attributes":{"height":267,"width":400,"class":"media-element file-default"}}]] Step 1: Measure circle Measure a 4.5 cm circle on the cardboard with the compass. Then draw a 3.5 cm circle on the inside. [[{"fid":"2766","view_mode":"default","type":"media","link_text":null,"attributes":{"height":267,"width":400,"class":"media-element file-default"}}]] Step 2: Cut out the circle Use the box cutter to cut the outside and inside of the Remember: Safety Always [[{"fid":"2767","view_mode":"default","type":"media","link_text":null,"attributes":{"height":267,"width":400,"class":"media-element file-default"}}]] Step 3: Color circle [[{"fid":"2769","view_mode":"default","type":"media","link_text":null,"attributes":{"height":267,"width":400,"class":"media-element file-default"}}]] Step 4: Cut foam board Use the box cutter to cut foam board into small cubes [[{"fid":"2771","view_mode":"default","type":"media","link_text":null,"attributes":{"height":267,"width":400,"class":"media-element file-default"}}]] Step 5: Hot glue foam Hot glue the foam cubes to the back of the bottle caps [[{"fid":"2773","view_mode":"default","type":"media","link_text":null,"attributes":{"height":267,"width":400,"class":"media-element file-default"}}]] Step 5: Make a hanger for ornament Measure and cut the ribbon for a ornament hook. Glue it to the cardboard wreath [[{"fid":"2777","view_mode":"default","type":"media","link_text":null,"attributes":{"height":267,"width":400,"class":"media-element file-default"}}]] Step 6: Hot glue caps to wreath Put hot glue on the foam, apply to wreath [[{"fid":"2780","view_mode":"default","type":"media","link_text":null,"attributes":{"height":267,"width":400,"class":"media-element file-default"}}]] Bonus Step: Make a bow Measure and cut ribbon. Make it into a bow and glue to the wreath [[{"fid":"2783","view_mode":"default","type":"media","link_text":null,"attributes":{"height":267,"width":400,"class":"media-element file-default"}}]]  

What goes well with crafting? Craft beer. Lots of us here at Bell's love making projects with our gear. Here's the first in a series of Inspired Crafts for the holidays: Oatsmobile coaster ornaments.   What You Need Coasters Hole punch Ribbon Scissors [[{"fid":"2759","view_mode":"default","type":"media","link_text":null,"attributes":{"height":267,"width":400,"class":"media-element file-default"}}]]   Step 1: Punch hole in ornament You can punch a hole in the center or two on each side. [[{"fid":"2760","view_mode":"default","type":"media","link_text":null,"attributes":{"height":267,"width":400,"class":"media-element file-default"}}]]   Step 2: Measure and cut ribbon [[{"fid":"2764","view_mode":"default","type":"media","link_text":null,"attributes":{"height":267,"width":400,"class":"media-element file-default"}}]]   Step 3: Loop ribbon and tie knot [[{"fid":"2763","view_mode":"default","type":"media","link_text":null,"attributes":{"height":267,"width":400,"class":"media-element file-default"}}]] [[{"fid":"2761","view_mode":"default","type":"media","link_text":null,"attributes":{"height":267,"width":400,"class":"media-element file-default"}}]]   Step 4 (optional): Decorate You can decorate the coasters to spice them up. [[{"fid":"2735","view_mode":"default","type":"media","link_text":null,"attributes":{"height":267,"width":400,"class":"media-element file-default"}}]] Need some coasters? Let us know.

Aluminum cans hold many benefits for beer drinkers, from their ability to go places that glass can’t to keeping out oxygen and light. Looking for a way to upcycle your Bell’s cans and celebrate the fall? Then this Upcycled Can Autumn Wreath is for you! We used an empty twelve pack of 12 oz. Two Hearted cans, two four-packs of Best Brown cans along with an EK tools leaf die cut punch to put together this fun, beer-centric? take on a seasonal wreath! Supplies Two Hearted & Best Brown Cans – rinsed and dried Scissors Can opener Fork Hot glue gun and glue sticks Flat floral and craft ring Large leaf paper punch (we used EK Tools Maple Leaf Large Punch) Ribbon Directions Rinse out your cans with warm, soapy water.  Carefully, remove top of can using a can opener.  After the top has been removed, use scissors to cut [vertically along the government warning?] down the government warning.  Remove the curved top of the can.  Next, remove the bottom. Use scissors to make clean cuts on all four edges of can to make a rectangle shape. Use caution while cutting the aluminum. Using the leaf paper punch, punch out leaves from your Best Brown and Two Hearted aluminum rectangles. Be careful with sharp edges. After you have punched out your leaves, you can use the edge of a fork to emboss leaf veins before you affix to your craft ring. This will also help the leaves curve in the right direction for your wreath. Tie a ribbon at the top of your craft ring to hang the finished wreath. After tying ribbon, use excess ribbon to create a loop to hang your wreath.  Begin applying leaves to craft ring using a hot glue gun. Apply the leaves in random orientation and layer to build out the shape and add depth.  After your leaves are applied, go through and fan out the edges of the leaves to create a textured look. Hang the wreath, crack open a Best Brown Ale and enjoy!