2 Easy DIYS to Make Before Your Next Pokémon Go Adventure

Irene Lee
Jul 15, 2016

Pokémon Go is taking over all our phones and I’m not complaining. I have the happiest memories playing Pokémon on my Gameboy Color. I may not go as far as to get a Pokémon engagement ring, but I’m still so into this mobile game. One reason Pokémon Go is my new favorite thing ever is that it forces me to get off my couch and outside to catch all the Pokémon! I can shamelessly say that I walked around so much, I started to pack snacks for my daily Pokémon journeys. So I decided to DIY the perfect Pikachu backpack to fill it up with Pokéball donuts to prepare for my next Pokémon-catching adventure. This backpack and donuts are as easy as catching a Magikarp but are as adorable as an Evee. Let’s get started!

Pikachu Backpack

Materials:
— Pikachu backpack printable

— yellow, red, black and white felt

— scissors

— black permanent marker

— pen

— brown and black fabric paint

— brush

— fabric glue

— yellow backpack (I followed this tutorial to make mine)

Instructions:
1. Cut out shapes from the printable and trace on felt. Cut four ear shapes, two eye shapes, two smaller eye shapes, two cheek shapes and two tail shapes. Draw a black outline on the cheeks with the permanent marker.

2. Glue two pairs of ear shapes together and glue the two tail pieces together. Paint the top corners of the ears with black fabric paint. Paint the bottom of the tail brown.

3. Attach the ears and the tail to the backpack with fabric glue. Glue the eyes and the cheeks on the front of the backpack.

4. Draw a nose and mouth. Done!

Cut out shapes from the printable and trace on felt. Cut four ear shapes, two eye shapes, two smaller eye shapes, two cheek shapes and two tail shapes. Glue two pairs of ear shapes together and glue the two tail pieces together. Draw a black outline on the cheeks with the permanent marker. Paint the top corners of the ears with black fabric paint. Paint the bottom of the tail brown.

What’s that Pokémon?

Attach the ears and the tail to the backpack with fabric glue. Glue the eyes and the cheeks on the front of the backpack. Draw a nose and mouth.

Pikachu! Thundershock!

Before heading out on a Pokémon Go adventure, fill up your new Pikachu pack with Pokéball donuts!

Pokéball Donuts

Ingredients and Tools:

— donuts (store bought or homemade)

— donut holes

— tub of white frosting

— ½ tub of chocolate frosting

— food coloring

— piping bag

Instructions:
1. Melt the vanilla frosting in the microwave. Dip the donuts holes in the white frosting so that half of it is covered. Dip the donuts halfway into the frosting. Set on parchment paper and let the frosting harden.

2. Once the frosting is dry, mix red food coloring in the leftover frosting. You may need to re-melt the frosting. Dip the second half of the donut in the red frosting. Set on parchment paper and let the frosting harden.

3. Melt the chocolate frosting and darken with food coloring. Secret tip: The Brit + Co kitchen was out of black food coloring, so I used a combination of blue and green food coloring to deepen the chocolate color. Add the frosting into a piping bag. Pipe a thick line across the donut where the two colors touch.

4. Place each donut hole in the middle of each donut. Let the donuts set in the refrigerator.

Melt the vanilla frosting in the microwave. Dip the donuts holes in the white frosting so that half of it is covered. Dip the donuts halfway into the frosting. Set on parchment paper and let the frosting harden.

Once the frosting is dry, mix red food coloring in the leftover frosting. You may need to re-melt the frosting. Dip the second half of the donut in the red frosting and set on parchment paper and let the frosting harden.

Melt the chocolate frosting and darken with food coloring. The Brit + Co kitchen was out of black food coloring (time to improvise!), so I used a combination of blue and green food coloring to deepen the chocolate color.

Add the frosting into a piping bag. Pipe a thick line across the donut where the two colors touch.

Place each donut hole in the middle of each donut. Let the donuts set in the refrigerator.

Time to catch ‘em all!

Now that you have your Pokéballs, it’s time to catch some Pokémon! Don’t forget your Pikachu backpack!

I’m going to be the very best, that no one ever was!

How did your Pokémon DIYs turn out? Share your Pokémon Go photos with us on Instagram using the hashtag #iamcreative and tag @BritandCo. Need even more DIY inspiration? Head to Pinterest STAT.

DIY Production + Styling: Irene Lee

Photography: Kurt Andre

This DIY Flower Backdrop Wall Is *Perfect* for Spring Parties

You can never have too many flowers. Crowns, cakes, even a wardrobe staple — it doesn’t matter; we love ’em all. This DIY bloom backdrop is no exception to that. Below, find all the steps you need to turn your fave florals into a stunning statement piece. (We’re thinking backdrop for a Prosecco bar or a standalone photo wall!) Scroll below to get the details.

What You'll Need:

  • metal hooks
  • clear fishing line
  • flowers

Instructions:

  1. Screw the hook into your ceiling.
  2. Hang fishing line over the hook. Tie a knot against the hook to secure it.
  3. Tie a knot around the back of each flower head and stem, allowing them to hang a couple of inches apart
  4. Voila! Display your flower wall against a white wall, or a wall in a color that contrasts with the flowers to make them pop.

If you make this DIY flower wall, show us! Just tag us @BritandCo, and while you're at it, don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter!

This article has been updated.

diy projectseasy diyshome decortrending diy tutorialsdiy

Hold Up, Did Rebecca Yarros' First 'Onxy Storm' Excerpt Just Tease Violet Sorrengail's True Identity?

Fans of Fourth Wing are on pins and needles because Rebecca Yarros just announced she's finished writing the third book in the Empyrean series! It's us, we're fans — along with over half of BookTok.

We can't believe we're getting closer to reading more about Violet Sorrengail's journey, but we know you have a ton of burning questions about the release date for Book No. 3.

We may not have all the answers, but we've done a little digging to share as much as we can because who doesn't want to know what Rebecca Yarros has been up to?

I'm new to the Empyrean series. Are "Fourth Wing" and "Iron Flame" really worth reading?

Amazon

I'm not going to lie to you. The editorial team, including myself, are extremely biased about Fourth Wingand Iron Flame. From my perspective, I think these are great books for anyone who had the pleasure of growing up during the great Harry Potter era and moved on to watchingGame of Thrones and House of Dragons.

Did she announce the name of book no. 3?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

YES! Book No. 3 is titled Oynx Storm.

Knowing what we do about the manifestation of Violet's powers, I think this could hint she's going to play an even larger role in the series. According to a fan theory shared on TikTok(via Empyrean Riders), it's believed that Violet and Xaden Riorson are actually gods. Stay with me here.

Empyrean Riders noted that Violet's last name means heavenly and that she's able to control time thanks to her connection to the young dragon Andarna (I love her so much!). That sounds pretty god-like to me.

And when asked which two Taylor Swift songs describe Onyx Storm, Rebecca Yarros chose "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" from The Tortured Poets Department and "So It Goes..." from Reputation. "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" is one of Taylor's most powerful songs and definitely translates the idea that Violet's powers are going to be stronger than ever, while "So It Goes..." is equal parts suspense and seduction, and is TOTALLY about "all the pieces fall right into place" to get together with the right person.

There's so much more to unpack so I suggest grabbing a yummy snack while you fall down the rabbit hole. All I'm sure of is that Onyx Storm is going to leave our emotions in shambles just like Fourth Wing and Iron Flame did.

When did Rebecca Yarros announce she's done writing book no. 3 in the series?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

On June 17, Rebecca Yarros shared this image of her laptop to indicate she'd finished the third book in the Empyrean series.

She wrote, "(Pic from one of the very many locations in which this book was written)," towards the end of the caption before adding a few relevant hashtags to it.

When will Onxy Storm be available for purchase?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

Rebecca Yarros exclusively told Good Morning America that fans can expect the book to hit shelves January 21, 2025! That gives us a little over six months to prepare our emotions for what's sure to be a storm of a book.

She said, "There will be politics, new adventures, old enemies and of course, dragons." There's no way she could forget the dragons because I'd willingly riot over them. They deserve to have their stories told forever.

As luck would have it, Cosmopolitan received an exciting first look at what's to come in Onyx Storm. The excerpt begins with Violet realizing the Venin have found their way into Basgiath War College and are wreaking havoc. Alongside Rhiannon, Sawyer, and Ridoc, she races to stop the Venin from releasing Jack Barlowe from his prison cell.

However, Violet's shocked when she discovered one of the "dark wielders" has a long silver braid that closely resembles her own. Before she can fully react, the woman disappears. According to Screen Rant, there are possible theories about why Violet saw her and what this means for her growing power.

Towards the end of the excerpt, Violet discovers the Venin want to capture her too. Also, Xaden makes his long-awaited appearance and it's clear their playful banter in the face of danger hasn't changed. That he hasn't fully changed into the Venin Violet's used to seeing.

I officially can't wait to read the rest of the book in January!

Has Rebecca Yarros revealed the cover for Onyx Storm?

Today/Bree Archer, Elizabeth Turner Stokes for Entangled Publishing

Onyx Storm

Yes!

TODAY received an exclusive look at the cover for Onyx Storm and it doesn't disappoint! Unlike its predecessors, it appears Rebecca Yarros is hinting that darker events will take place.

Fans of the Empyrean series aren't the only ones who are excited to see what fate has in store for our favorite characters though. In a statement to TODAY, Rebecca revealed how elated she is to be working on the series again. "It's amazing to be back with these characters again. She also said, ""I can't wait for readers to see what Violet, Xaden, and the rest of the quadrant have in store for them in Onyx Storm!"

Are you excited for the release of Onyx Storm? Follow us on Facebook for more entertainment news!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

booktokfantasy booksbook recommendationsreading listentertainment

This Concrete Candle Holder DIY Was Made for Your Patio

You've been dreaming of the perfect way to up your patio game this spring. Well, we found it with these DIY candles in concrete candle holders. These gems are your ticket to making your space feel festive and LIT for all of your outdoor entertainingahead. Scroll through to see how you can create 'em in time for your next dinner party.

You'll need:

  • concrete mix
  • water
  • mold for candle holder (like a plastic cup)
  • placeholder (smaller plastic cup) & rocks to weigh it down
  • candles
  • x-acto knife
  • mixing bowl
  • painter's tape
  • paintbrush
  • paint or spray paint
Instructions: Choose your mold (like soap bottles, water bottles, or even yogurt containers) then select a placeholder that's slightly smaller in diameter than your candle mold.
Mix the concrete in a separate bowl (see packaging for how much water to add) and fill the mold with it.
Put the placeholder in the mold. (Pro tip: Spray the exterior of your placeholder with PAM cooking spray to make removing it easier). Add weights, like rocks, to make sure it stays in place.
Tap lightly until the concrete is settled and even and let it sit for approximately four hours. You’ll want to wait until the concrete feels firm enough to hold on its own without the placeholder.
Remove the placeholder from the concrete mold. Clean up the sides if necessary. Allow to dry for 24 more hours.
Once dry, cut from the bottom and peel away the mold.
Place the candle inside the concrete holder.
Optional: To add more flair, spruce it up with some paint. Use painters' tape to cover your candle and the area of the concrete you’d like to keep natural. Hand-paint or add spray paint for a fun pattern.
Let the paint dry and get ready to enjoy the stylish pop of ambiance they provide.

Are you planning on making DIY candles this spring? Let us know at @BritandCo!

(Photos via Brittany Griffin / Brit + Co)

diy projectseasy diyshome decorpatiosummer decortrending diy tutorialsdiy

WHICH Movie Had Kate Winslet "Sh—ing" Herself?!

Kate Winslet is THE Hollywood actress to me. Not only has she starred in box office smashes like Titanic and Avatar: Way of Water, but she's proven her acting chops in breakout indie flicks and provided mothers and daughters everywhere with eternal Christmas movie nights thanks to The Holiday. But the actress' consistently viral kindness, her dedication to embracing her natural beauty, and her sophistication don't mean she always feels confident. Kate Winslet just spilled on the one movie from her career that had her "sh—ing" herself, and I just had to dive in.

Here's what Kate Winslet had to say about her scariest movie experience ever.

  • Kate Winslet made a name for herself with Titanic, Sense & Sensibility, and The Holiday.
  • However those movies aren't the film she wants fans to ask about!
  • The actress spills on the movies she's proud of, and the one job that had her "sh—ing myself."

Talking to Vanity Fair for her newest film Lee, Kate Winslet revealed one project she wishes fans asked about more is Iris. The 2001 film stars Kate as a young Iris Murdoch against Judi Dench's older counterpart. And for Kate, nothing was more terrifying than working with such a wonderful actress.

"People don’t really ask me about Iris. It’s such a delicate film," she says. "It was the first thing I had done after having my daughter. Going to work with a baby, I’m playing Iris Murdoch, looking to Judi Dench’s older Iris Murdoch — I was sh—ting myself."

Considering how nervous I get when I meet my heroes, I can only imagine what it was like to meet Dame Judi Dench. Talk about a dream! Another film Kate loves is Revolutionary Road, and not just because she got to reunite with Leonardo DiCaprio.

"The thing that people say is, 'You got to work with Leo again.' Then they go off on the whole Leo tangent, which I totally understand," she says of the film, which follows an ambitious couple who find themselves trapped in the reality of 1950s suburbia. "But Revolutionary Road — f—king hell, it just knocked us all sideways. Unbelievably difficult material. I was very proud of that film and what Leo and I were able to create as Frank and April. It was so brutal."

The process for getting Lee into the world sounds equally brutal, considering Kate started working on it over a decade ago. As producer, Kate tells Vanity Fair she doesn't mind the fact she's done more for the film than if she only had an acting credit. "That has felt very necessary for this film. But it’s also just really important to me," she says. "It’s important to me that people know that it’s out there and might feel compelled to go and see it."

Because it turns out, commercial success or stardom on its own doesn't actually help your movie get made! "It doesn’t matter who you are," she says. "No one’s going to go, 'Oh, I’ll just back that pony because she was in Titanic.' It doesn’t happen that way, and I never expected that. That’s really important to say."

"I've gotten older and I’ve learned more and felt more confident in myself about whether or not I could actually do it," she adds. "It’s not something I would’ve done had I not felt so passionately about the subject, and Lee was just—she wouldn’t let me go."

Let us know your favorite Kate Winslet movies in the comments, and since we've officially entered cozy season, check out Why The Holiday Movie Ending Is The Most Important Scene while you're at it!

kate winsletentertainmentpop culturecelebrity

Here's A New Look At Florence Pugh's Return As Yelena Belova

Marvel movies are known for their heroes and their hopeful outlook on the world. But in 2025, we're getting a brand new team: the Thunderbolts. This team is made up of antiheroes and former villains, and it's sure to be the wackiest and strangest, as well as one of the most memorable, superhero movies we've seen in recent years.

Keep reading for the latest news on Thunderbolts* before it hits theaters in 2025.

Marvel Studios/YouTube

Thunderbolts* comes out this May, and the cast just showed off some brand new footage at the D23 convention — and thanks to the new 'Celebrating 85 Years' spot, we have the first look too!

We get a look at Bucky Barnes, The Red Guardian, John Walker, and Ghost. Plus, Yelena Belova, of course. This heartbreaking detail about Yelena's new look connects Florence Pugh's Yelena to Scarlett Johansson's Natashaand I'm WEEPING.

Marvel Studios/Walt Disney Studios

And at D23 Brazil, we got a brand new look at my new favorite team. "There’s something in this film, in terms of superpowers and superheroes, that shows that our superpowers lie in how ‘broken’ we are," David Harbour said at the event. "As if our superpowers came from our relationships.”

What is the plot of Thunderbolts?

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

Thunderbolts* Plot

Consider Thunderbolts* to be The Avengers' edgy younger sibling. The movie follows Yelena Belova (who we know off the bat is a "depressed assassin" thanks to a Marvel Studios press release). She's joined by Bucky Barnes, The Red Guardian, and John Walker. Based on a leak, it looks like we'll see this group of misfits team up against Valentina Allegra de Fontaine after she sends them on a deadly mission.

Thunderbolts* Release Date

Jesse Grant/Disney

Thunderbolts* Release Date

Thunderbolts* hits theaters May 2, 2025.

Who's on the Thunderbolts team?

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

Thunderbolts* Cast

Thunderbolts* stars Florence Pugh, Geraldine Viswanathan, Lewis Pullman, Hannah John-Kamen, Wyatt Russell, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Sebastian Stan, and David Harbour.

This is a huge cast, and Viswanathan just revealed how crazy the first day of filming was. “My first day didn’t feel real," she tells Vanity Fair. "I felt this extra pressure of, ‘Know your lines, babe. You can’t really play around like you usually do.’"

Historically, sci-fi fans haven't been kind to actresses in their favorite projects (remember when Star Wars fans bullied Kelly Marie Tran off social media?). But Viswanathan is already thinking ahead. “If it’s overwhelming, I’ll log off. But I like discourse around pop culture,” she says. “[Thunderbolts*] felt a little bit edgier and fresher, more existential and dark.”

Jesse Grant/Disney

The rest of the cast also enjoyed working together. “Everyone is going to f—kin’ love me! It’s really, really, really fun to be with a group of actors that you have a good time with," Wyatt Russell says at Comic Con (via Variety), while David Harbour adds, “Florence Pugh [is] just electric to work with. There’s warmth and humor, but there’s also a lot of pathos.”

“This is why we can't stop laughing together, because we genuinely just had such a wonderful time with each other and we've loved working with one another," Pugh tells People. “I feel like this is something that we've never seen before from Marvel...it's a very open and honest and truthful idea. And I'm just really excited for people to watch it.”

Are you excited for this brand new chapter in the MCU? I really feel like Thunderbolts* will usher in a whole new generation of fans and I, for one, CANNOT WAIT! Let us know your thoughts on Facebook.

Lead images via Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

This post has been updated.

marvelpop cultureentertainmentnsfwmovies