tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86198448496210304502024-03-13T22:26:13.314-06:00Smock, Paper, ScissorAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01077089372315004188noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8619844849621030450.post-10501157692978590902013-02-27T22:42:00.000-07:002013-02-27T22:44:35.450-07:00DIY PillowsI have been looking for couch pillows for a really long time. I could never find just the right color or just the right size. I saw <a href="http://idigpinterest.blogspot.com/2013/02/decorative-pillow-tutorial-for-beginner.html" target="_blank">this tutorial</a><a href="http://idigpinterest.blogspot.com/2013/02/decorative-pillow-tutorial-for-beginner.html" target="_blank"> from the blog, idigpinterest.blogspot.</a> I had an "Ah-ha" moment. These are made just like my <a href="http://smockpaperscissor.blogspot.com/2012/11/burp-cloths.html" target="_blank">burp cloth tutorial</a>. I kept trying to find cheap pillow forms to wrap fabric around. I am so glad I never bought any pillows, because I absolutely love the fabric I found. I also saved a ton of money. My husband told me I could make pillows til I was blue in the face. . . he may regret those words. I know I have found a new addiction. . now to find more fabric. <br />
<br />
<b>Step 1:</b> Cut out size you want. Make sure if you want a square to make all sides the same size. Also remember that the size you cut out will not be the final size of the pillow. I grossly underestimated this step. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CPhwUJD0c8U/US7aI_bQUEI/AAAAAAAAARU/DJvxNpTOd2s/s1600/2013-02-26+15.20.07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CPhwUJD0c8U/US7aI_bQUEI/AAAAAAAAARU/DJvxNpTOd2s/s320/2013-02-26+15.20.07.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b> Step 2:</b> Pin together. Make sure the pretty sides are touching. :) <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PmisbyNoU6s/US7aIqpMSGI/AAAAAAAAARY/1SMWWDDTIBU/s1600/2013-02-26+15.15.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PmisbyNoU6s/US7aIqpMSGI/AAAAAAAAARY/1SMWWDDTIBU/s320/2013-02-26+15.15.22.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>Step 3:</b> Sew together. Make sure to make a 1/2 inch seam, and use a sturdy stitch(not just a basic stitch, your pillows may or may not be thrown around by a 7 and 4 year old. . .just sayin.) Also make sure to leave a slot to stuff your pillow.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dsCk3OwJFI0/US7aK87Hs7I/AAAAAAAAARk/lUiAlOaO4xI/s1600/2013-02-26+15.57.25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dsCk3OwJFI0/US7aK87Hs7I/AAAAAAAAARk/lUiAlOaO4xI/s320/2013-02-26+15.57.25.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<b> Step 4: </b>Clip edges of corners. This will ensure a crisp corner when you are finished. Make sure you don't cut your stitch otherwise you will have a hole. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VC3Xen8o_zU/US7aGwp1v5I/AAAAAAAAARM/FN-hngjiVIo/s1600/2013-02-26+15.53.25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VC3Xen8o_zU/US7aGwp1v5I/AAAAAAAAARM/FN-hngjiVIo/s320/2013-02-26+15.53.25.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<b>Step 5:</b> Turn pillow right side out. I ironed them flat, and then stuffed them.<br />
<b>Step 6:</b> Sew slot closed. I suppose you are supposed to hand sew it closed, but I am terrible at that so I just used my machine. You can hardly notice the finished edge. <br />
<br />
This is the fabric I found for the smaller pillows for my couch. This is where I underestimated the final size of the pillow. They still turned out pretty cute, but I would have love to have had them a little bigger. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YrMq8ze64Xo/US7aXIoj1bI/AAAAAAAAASU/Obc4rLLst7M/s1600/2013-02-26+16.50.23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YrMq8ze64Xo/US7aXIoj1bI/AAAAAAAAASU/Obc4rLLst7M/s320/2013-02-26+16.50.23.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
This is also something I found that made finishing the pillow easier. Making the opened slot in the middle of the side instead of on the corner. That way when you stuff the pillow you can get all of the corners. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZzxL7_EDvDE/US7aRTjupFI/AAAAAAAAAR0/mgvz_ebTXqA/s1600/2013-02-26+23.07.00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZzxL7_EDvDE/US7aRTjupFI/AAAAAAAAAR0/mgvz_ebTXqA/s320/2013-02-26+23.07.00.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Ta-Da. . .This is my finished product. My 4 year old was asleep when I did these and when she woke up she thought they were hers. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_gtK2KlYHr0/US7aTVvkOUI/AAAAAAAAASE/VrSwFtIa_4A/s1600/2013-02-27+09.58.55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_gtK2KlYHr0/US7aTVvkOUI/AAAAAAAAASE/VrSwFtIa_4A/s320/2013-02-27+09.58.55.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_TvXYk4KB2k/US7aUnWD4rI/AAAAAAAAASM/NWHQnsWtq7s/s1600/2013-02-27+09.59.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_TvXYk4KB2k/US7aUnWD4rI/AAAAAAAAASM/NWHQnsWtq7s/s320/2013-02-27+09.59.01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I love how they turned out, and I promise they will not be my last pillows! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vf5EomZcbxI/US7umgvYlzI/AAAAAAAAASs/fckcL5xHDpc/s1600/2013-02-26+23.20.07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vf5EomZcbxI/US7umgvYlzI/AAAAAAAAASs/fckcL5xHDpc/s320/2013-02-26+23.20.07.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>*For the green pillows I bought 1 1/2 yd. For the black and white I bought 1/2 yd. I should have at least bought 1 yd. </b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01077089372315004188noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8619844849621030450.post-60713653371291110142013-02-22T21:48:00.003-07:002013-02-22T21:48:47.519-07:00Crack popcorn <a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/2009/09/cinnamon-caramel-corn-with-pecans-white-chocolate-aka-cinnamon-bun-popcorn/" target="_blank"></a>I made this a few months ago for book club. I got the recipe <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Our-Best-Bites-Mormon-Kitchen/dp/1606419315/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1361594833&sr=1-2&keywords=our+best+bites" target="_blank">out of this book.</a> It was fast, easy, and my house smelled heavenly. I knew it would be an instant hit, and it was. I omitted the pecans the first go around. I prefer them, but as I have found out, most people don't like them. I truly don't think you can tell the difference is you weren't told, but to each his own. I highly recommend this recipe. It is a good make-ahead treat. I have already been asked by a ton of people for the recipe. You will too when you make it. <u><br /></u><br />
<br />
<u>Cinnamon Bun Caramel Corn</u><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vXUibUk0T_k/UShAt-0RjjI/AAAAAAAAAQs/scywOz0-bV8/s1600/2013-01-23+15.10.17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vXUibUk0T_k/UShAt-0RjjI/AAAAAAAAAQs/scywOz0-bV8/s320/2013-01-23+15.10.17.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Recipe by <a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/2009/09/cinnamon-caramel-corn-with-pecans-white-chocolate-aka-cinnamon-bun-popcorn/" target="_blank">Our Best Bites</a><br />
12 C popped popcorn (about 1/2 C kernels)*<br />
1 C roughly chopped pecans<br />
1 C brown sugar<br />
3/4 t cinnamon<br />
1/4 C K<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">aro</span> syrup (or honey makes a good substitution)<br />
1 stick real butter (1/2 C)<br />
1/2 tsp. baking soda<br />
1 tsp. vanilla<br />
3 squares almond bark<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">*You can use air popped or
microwave popcorn. If using microwave, anything works, but I prefer a
“natural” flavor that’s low in butter and salt.</span><br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 250 degrees<br />
<br />
Place popcorn and chopped pecans in a large bowl and set aside.<span style="font-style: italic;"> You will need a big bowl, not a brown paper bag to eventually mix with the caramel. The caramel mix maybe too wet and dissolve the bag. . I'm guessing. .. . ;)</span><br />
This is my preferred way to 'pop' popcorn. No oils, no crazy ingredients. I have tried the brown lunch bag way, and it took way too long since you can only do a small amount at a time. <span style="font-style: italic;"></span><br />
I place about 1/4 cup of popcorn in a glass bowl, cover with a plate, and microwave for about 3-4 minutes. <span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-99hQsu0hzaI/UShAZCTHPhI/AAAAAAAAAPc/sQoyjTVo-v8/s1600/2013-01-23+13.30.55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-99hQsu0hzaI/UShAZCTHPhI/AAAAAAAAAPc/sQoyjTVo-v8/s320/2013-01-23+13.30.55.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i0xJ6Mg28xo/UShAZRFVJhI/AAAAAAAAAPg/jghxcK0zaNw/s1600/2013-01-23+13.35.21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i0xJ6Mg28xo/UShAZRFVJhI/AAAAAAAAAPg/jghxcK0zaNw/s320/2013-01-23+13.35.21.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PZLdPfViDY0/UShAXFubLRI/AAAAAAAAAPU/4r6JRXIyRcI/s1600/2013-01-23+13.27.30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PZLdPfViDY0/UShAXFubLRI/AAAAAAAAAPU/4r6JRXIyRcI/s320/2013-01-23+13.27.30.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Combine brown sugar and cinnamon in a big, microwave-safe bowl. Like a 2-quart bowl or Pyrex measuring bowl. <i>It smells so good already.</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fIrYr4y7NdU/UShAVCsHvsI/AAAAAAAAAPM/zMHR9_cf-aI/s1600/2013-01-23+13.26.31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fIrYr4y7NdU/UShAVCsHvsI/AAAAAAAAAPM/zMHR9_cf-aI/s320/2013-01-23+13.26.31.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Chop butter into chunks and place on top of sugar mixture. Pour corn syrup (or honey) over the top of everything.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uzrodt16e9Q/UShAaYfEfDI/AAAAAAAAAPs/oW0DP-sDE64/s1600/2013-01-23+13.37.38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uzrodt16e9Q/UShAaYfEfDI/AAAAAAAAAPs/oW0DP-sDE64/s320/2013-01-23+13.37.38.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Microwave on high for 30 seconds (just to soften the butter a bit) and then stir to combine.
<br />
Return to microwave and heat for 2 minutes. Remove and stir and then microwave for 2 minutes more.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mN3Ia4HKNV0/UShAmcwXROI/AAAAAAAAAQM/4rJ6et9641c/s1600/2013-01-23+13.46.53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mN3Ia4HKNV0/UShAmcwXROI/AAAAAAAAAQM/4rJ6et9641c/s320/2013-01-23+13.46.53.jpg" width="240" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It should look like this. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h60HZWjrKvU/UShAekzUqQI/AAAAAAAAAP0/sUTXKPDtzJ0/s1600/2013-01-23+13.46.23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h60HZWjrKvU/UShAekzUqQI/AAAAAAAAAP0/sUTXKPDtzJ0/s320/2013-01-23+13.46.23.jpg" width="240" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Remove from microwave & add baking soda & vanilla. Stir to combine. The mixture will foam & rise.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ujaW9xIWMhQ/UShAjexMYaI/AAAAAAAAAQA/WIlbXvlIwVU/s1600/2013-01-23+13.47.49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ujaW9xIWMhQ/UShAjexMYaI/AAAAAAAAAQA/WIlbXvlIwVU/s320/2013-01-23+13.47.49.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Pour caramel mixture over the popcorn and pecans and stir well so everything is well coated. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Spread popcorn mixture onto foil-lined jelly roll pan. Place in oven and bake for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uB0FTlhYhdE/UShAnAOMYQI/AAAAAAAAAQU/6r4mevlYGik/s1600/2013-01-23+13.51.24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uB0FTlhYhdE/UShAnAOMYQI/AAAAAAAAAQU/6r4mevlYGik/s320/2013-01-23+13.51.24.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Remove the pan from the oven and spread mixture out on parchment paper. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5INHjdjAdEs/UShApCA2P0I/AAAAAAAAAQc/l7ZQZvO9QzA/s1600/2013-01-23+15.00.33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5INHjdjAdEs/UShApCA2P0I/AAAAAAAAAQc/l7ZQZvO9QzA/s320/2013-01-23+15.00.33.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Melt the almond bark and drizzle over popcorn mixture. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GzsZX_P2xa8/UShBA3Kf5LI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/htMVWIZVl20/s1600/2013-01-23+15.06.18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GzsZX_P2xa8/UShBA3Kf5LI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/htMVWIZVl20/s320/2013-01-23+15.06.18.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ikva-s_OhZ8/UShAs0cKnxI/AAAAAAAAAQk/eIs2p-aEWG0/s1600/2013-01-23+15.06.25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ikva-s_OhZ8/UShAs0cKnxI/AAAAAAAAAQk/eIs2p-aEWG0/s320/2013-01-23+15.06.25.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01077089372315004188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8619844849621030450.post-4368180413066317082013-01-24T00:11:00.000-07:002013-01-24T00:11:00.936-07:00Nutella Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cvX6U7SRvA8/UPpGMSmnBHI/AAAAAAAAAOo/pi9iMpnpSDc/s1600/nutella_vert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cvX6U7SRvA8/UPpGMSmnBHI/AAAAAAAAAOo/pi9iMpnpSDc/s320/nutella_vert.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;"><b><a href="http://www.biteclubeats.com/nutella-cookie-recipe/" target="_blank">Recipe & picture from BiteClubBeats</a></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;"><u><b>Ingredients</b></u></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;">1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;">1/2 teaspoon baking powder</span><br />
<span style="color: yellow;">1/2 teaspoon baking soda</span><br />
<span style="color: yellow;">1/4 teaspoon salt</span><br />
<span style="color: yellow;">1/2 cup butter, softened</span><br />
<span style="color: yellow;">1/2 cup Nutella</span><br />
<span style="color: yellow;">1/2 cup sugar</span><br />
<span style="color: yellow;">1/2 cup brown sugar</span><br />
<span style="color: yellow;">1 egg</span><br />
<span style="color: yellow;">1 teaspoon vanilla extract</span><br />
<span style="color: yellow;">3/4 cup chocolate chips</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;"><b>Instructions</b></span><br />
<span style="color: yellow;">1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;">2. In a medium bowl combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;">3. In another medium bowl combine the butter, chocolate hazelnut
spread, sugar, and brown sugar. Using a stand mixer, cream the
ingredients together. Add the egg and vanilla and beat until smooth.
Using a rubber spatula, stir in the flour mixture until just combined.
Add the chocolate chips and stir until just combined. Refrigerate dough
for at least one hour.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;">4. Using a tablespoon measure, spoon out the cookie dough onto a
cookie sheet, spacing the mounds about 4 inches apart. Use the tines of a
fork to flatten the cookie dough. Bake until golden around the edges,
about 10 to 13 minutes. Let cool briefly, then use a spatula to transfer
the cookies to a wire rack and let cool.</span><br />
<br />
</div>
I went looking for this recipe after my hubby and I had a Nutella chocolate chip skillet at <a href="http://www.biaggis.com/" target="_blank">Biaggi's</a>. It was A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. I was a little apprehensive of the amount of butter in the recipe, but curiosity got the best of me and I had to try it. Right off the bat the batter tasted so close to what we had at the restaurant. Next it was obvious that 10-13 minutes will turn your cookie into crisps. I personally have never been one for crispy cookies. I like them cooked, but gooey in the middle. The skillet cookie we had was this way. Once I tweaked the cooking time they came out more moist. However once they cooled off they lost their gooey-ness. So unless you can and want to eat them straight out of the oven with a small scoop of ice cream on them. . .you will want to keep looking for a Nutella cookie recipe. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NLN5jk5_9o8/UPpGZrvGPXI/AAAAAAAAAOw/QstpqbjeavY/s1600/2013-01-11+19.30.27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NLN5jk5_9o8/UPpGZrvGPXI/AAAAAAAAAOw/QstpqbjeavY/s320/2013-01-11+19.30.27.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01077089372315004188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8619844849621030450.post-74252802885612053982013-01-23T23:54:00.000-07:002013-01-23T23:54:00.836-07:00Christmas Card Edition 1These are a few examples of Christmas cards I have made with my digital scrapbooking software.I can recreate almost any design you can find online, and it is so much more personal. I will also do a baby announcement post as well as a birthday invite post. . Stay tuned. <br />
<div style="text-align: center; width: 480px;">
<embed height="360" src="http://w331.photobucket.com/pbwidget.swf?pbwurl=http%3A%2F%2Fw331.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fl460%2Fprettyj351%2F920ab7b1.pbw" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="480" wmode="transparent"></embed><a href="http://photobucket.com/slideshows" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/slideshows/btn.gif" style="border-width: 0; float: left;" /></a><a href="http://s331.photobucket.com/albums/l460/prettyj351/?action=view&current=920ab7b1.pbw" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/slideshows/btn_viewallimages.gif" style="border-width: 0; float: left;" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01077089372315004188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8619844849621030450.post-41369910334881115662013-01-22T01:30:00.000-07:002013-01-22T01:30:04.577-07:00Tomato Basil Soup <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fp9VdvzUOys/UPo2Jf3syWI/AAAAAAAAAN4/vXDnT8YsNv8/s320/IMG_2810-1.jpg" width="213" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;"><u><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.chef-in-training.com/2012/09/creamy-tomato-basil-soup/" target="_blank">Ingredients</a><span class="print"> </span></b></span></u></span></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
</h3>
<ul class="ingredients" style="text-align: center;">
<li class="ingredient"><span style="color: yellow;"><span class="amount">1/2 cup</span> <span class="name">butter</span></span> </li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="color: yellow;"><span class="amount">2 heaping Tbsp.</span> <span class="name">minced garlic</span></span> </li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="color: yellow;"><span class="amount">1/2 cup</span> <span class="name">flour</span></span> </li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="color: yellow;"><span class="amount">3 cups</span> <span class="name">half and half</span></span> </li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="color: yellow;"><span class="amount">2 1/2 Tbsp.</span> <span class="name">chicken base*</span></span> </li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="color: yellow;"><span class="amount">2 (28 oz.) cans</span> <span class="name">diced tomatoes</span></span> </li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="color: yellow;"><span class="amount">1 cup</span> <span class="name">tomato puree</span></span> </li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="color: yellow;"><span class="amount">1/3 cup</span> <span class="name">sugar</span></span> </li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="color: yellow;"><span class="amount">2 1/2 Tbsp.</span> <span class="name">dried basil</span> <i class="notes">about 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves and chop</i></span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="color: yellow;"><span class="amount">1/2 tsp.</span> <span class="name">pepper</span> <i class="notes">more if needed TT</i></span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="color: yellow;"><span class="amount">1/2 tsp.</span> <span class="name">salt</span> <i class="notes">more if needed TT</i></span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="color: yellow;"><span class="amount"> </span><span class="name">milk if needed to thin to desired consistency</span></span> </li>
</ul>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;">
Instructions</span></h3>
<ol class="instructions" style="text-align: center;">
<li><span style="color: yellow;">Melt butter in saucepan. Once melted add garlic and sauté for a minute or two. Stir in flour and make a roux.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: yellow;">Once roux is formed, slowly pour in half and half, stirring as you pour. Stir consistently until it begins to thicken.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: yellow;">Stir
in chicken base, diced tomatoes, tomato puree, sugar, basil, pepper and
salt. Stir until heated through. If needed add milk to soup to thin it
out to desired consistency</span></li>
</ol>
<span style="color: yellow;"> *Chicken Base is like a paste version of chicken broth/bullion. It is
more concentrated that broth. Here is the kind/brand I use. You can
easily find either this or other brands at your grocery store.</span><br />
<br />
I could not wait to try this recipe. I already have a tomato basil soup recipe, but felt like it was missing the mark a little. Sadly this recipe as is also misses that mark. I will explain. First off the recipe calls for diced tomatoes. I didn't want chunks of tomato in my soup so I threw the tomatoes in my food processor, and made them nice and smooth! They had a different flavor & texture than the tomato puree so I would still you both.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ynZ1IVH4wuA/UPo17xgJRRI/AAAAAAAAANo/oBe8aiQ6EbI/s1600/2013-01-15+15.54.19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ynZ1IVH4wuA/UPo17xgJRRI/AAAAAAAAANo/oBe8aiQ6EbI/s320/2013-01-15+15.54.19.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ogpKAOKf9D0/UPo161VBuNI/AAAAAAAAANg/qIflIfA702w/s1600/2013-01-15+15.55.58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ogpKAOKf9D0/UPo161VBuNI/AAAAAAAAANg/qIflIfA702w/s320/2013-01-15+15.55.58.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
My next issue is the amount of garlic. 2 HEAPING tablespoons of minced garlic. I made this recipe basically as it was to see if I liked it. There were bits of garlic in every bite. Understandably this made my husband kindly ask me not to make this again. I am however determined to get this recipe the way I like it because the foundation is good. Next time I will omit the mince garlic, and add garlic powder instead. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lQEg-55iKgc/UPo19Obh1MI/AAAAAAAAANw/ieWxsb9pfCA/s1600/2013-01-15+16.15.31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lQEg-55iKgc/UPo19Obh1MI/AAAAAAAAANw/ieWxsb9pfCA/s320/2013-01-15+16.15.31.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The good things about this recipe are the texture(minus the garlic) and the taste. Nice and creamy without being too tomato-ey?! One thing that can be over done is the seasoning. Basil can very quickly become over bearing. The amount of basil in this recipe was perfect. I coupled this with another favorite recipe of mine. It is tried and true. Even if you don't make the soup. . try this recipe. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n23T_dvxSVM/UPo-HBHqWoI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/4LfbW1H-BMk/s1600/Ham_N_Cheddar_in_a_Loaf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n23T_dvxSVM/UPo-HBHqWoI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/4LfbW1H-BMk/s1600/Ham_N_Cheddar_in_a_Loaf.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/ham-cheddar-in-a-65544.aspx" target="_blank"><u>Ham and Cheese Roll</u></a></div>
*I use Rhodes rolls instead of the frozen bread dough. I used about 10 of the texas-sized rolls. Mmmm. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01077089372315004188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8619844849621030450.post-70005444425566895902013-01-21T02:00:00.000-07:002013-01-21T02:00:06.468-07:00Honey Sesame ChickenI love to try new recipes. Some turn out great, others my husband kindly asks me to never make again. It's fun.
I've had my eye on this recipe for awhile and finally got around to making it. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hDxW1Q45hOg/UPovIE85CoI/AAAAAAAAAL0/2eeSs1YOxmM/s1600/slow+cooker+Honey+sesame+chicken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hDxW1Q45hOg/UPovIE85CoI/AAAAAAAAAL0/2eeSs1YOxmM/s320/slow+cooker+Honey+sesame+chicken.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;"><a href="http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2012/01/slow-cooker-honey-sesame-chicken-recipe.html" target="_blank"> <u><b>Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken</b></u></a><br /><i>Recipe adapted from: Baby Center</i>
<br /><br /><u><b>Ingredients:</b></u>
<br />
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thighs would be fine too)<br />
Salt and pepper<br />
1 cup honey<br />
1/2 cup soy sauce<br />
1/2 cup diced onion<br />
1/4 cup ketchup<br />
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (could also use olive oil or canola oil)<br />
2 cloves garlic, minced<br />
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional - doesn't really add heat, just adds more flavor)<br />
4 teaspoons cornstarch dissolved in 6 Tablespoons water<br />
Sesame seeds<br /><br /><u><b>Directions: </b></u>
<br />
Season both sides of chicken with lightly with salt and pepper, put
into crock pot. In a small bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, onion,
ketchup, oil, garlic and pepper flakes. Pour over chicken. Cook on low
for 3-4 hours or on high 1 1/2 – 2 1/2 hours, or just until chicken is
cooked through. Remove chicken from crock pot, leave sauce. Dissolve 4
teaspoons of cornstarch in 6 tablespoons of water and pour into crock
pot. Stir to combine with sauce. Replace lid and cook sauce on high for
ten more minutes or until slightly thickened. Cut chicken into bite
size pieces, then return to pot and toss with sauce before serving.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve over rice or noodles.<br /><br />
*You can also sprinkle more red pepper flakes on top if you want more heat.</span>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S-_ygsTrRuc/UPowg6WdImI/AAAAAAAAAMI/9ZRA8YWQ2rM/s1600/2013-01-13+16.12.05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S-_ygsTrRuc/UPowg6WdImI/AAAAAAAAAMI/9ZRA8YWQ2rM/s320/2013-01-13+16.12.05.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I omitted the red pepper flakes because one of my kids think ketchup is spicy. I also accidentally forgot to add the soy sauce. It still turned out really good. More sweet, and not as Asian as I was expecting.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BSOI9JagrUg/UPowiU14PlI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/ZHzmvg7DQT0/s1600/2013-01-13+17.49.58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BSOI9JagrUg/UPowiU14PlI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/ZHzmvg7DQT0/s320/2013-01-13+17.49.58.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4v5ITpxxELk/UPowjnni35I/AAAAAAAAAMY/Z14kVJTZSq8/s1600/2013-01-13+18.26.29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4v5ITpxxELk/UPowjnni35I/AAAAAAAAAMY/Z14kVJTZSq8/s320/2013-01-13+18.26.29.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Fried Rice</b> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
recipe adapted from The Mattinglys</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I have always wanted a good fried rice recipe, and an excuse to make it. I got both. I didn't have all the seasoning that The Mattinglys said they put in their fried rice, but it still turned out really good.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This recipe does not have any measurements. Just a little of this and a little of that. Totally changeable.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><u><b>Ingredients</b></u></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">Basmati rice - made in advance, chilled in fridge</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">Veggies - we used:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">Green onion</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">Carrots</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">Ham - cut up</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">Eggs </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">Oil - we used olive and sesame seed</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">Soy Sauce</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YGuAC20EoFc/UPoxdF8q7DI/AAAAAAAAAMk/zcFO6LNFAnA/s1600/2013-01-13+17.59.33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YGuAC20EoFc/UPoxdF8q7DI/AAAAAAAAAMk/zcFO6LNFAnA/s320/2013-01-13+17.59.33.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Get the pan hot with some oil, add veggies and saute<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--LjC55M91_U/UPoxfz2jVZI/AAAAAAAAAMs/N7lc-mHWVBw/s1600/2013-01-13+18.09.28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--LjC55M91_U/UPoxfz2jVZI/AAAAAAAAAMs/N7lc-mHWVBw/s320/2013-01-13+18.09.28.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Once ready move all the veggies and meat to the side of the pan. Add eggs and move them around chop into pieces. Add rice, toss. Add flavorings. We just added soy sauce a little bit more sesame seed oil. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DQUnAGkXLpk/UPoxhoWPB_I/AAAAAAAAAM4/Nkp84dg26pc/s1600/2013-01-13+18.15.45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DQUnAGkXLpk/UPoxhoWPB_I/AAAAAAAAAM4/Nkp84dg26pc/s320/2013-01-13+18.15.45.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
You are done! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kdekYcS7NA4/UPoxhmDGyVI/AAAAAAAAAM0/ISjgnM5Jp4k/s1600/2013-01-13+18.26.46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kdekYcS7NA4/UPoxhmDGyVI/AAAAAAAAAM0/ISjgnM5Jp4k/s320/2013-01-13+18.26.46.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I finished off the sesame chicken with some sesame seeds, and added a pot sticker. It all went really well together. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01077089372315004188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8619844849621030450.post-27259942774519124912013-01-20T02:00:00.000-07:002013-01-20T02:00:02.778-07:00Scrapbook paper wall artIf you are anything like me you get bored with your wall decor ever now and then. I love scrapbook paper. Ever since switching to digital scrapbook I have no use for real scrapbook paper. Which is unfortunate because there are some really cute papers. This is a great solution for that problem. And you will all love it because it is super cheap to make. I found the frames at the dollar store, and added some cute paper. Done. That easy. It can be switched out all the time, and matches the colors in whatever room you put them in.
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dTvW8rXDNc0/UPoqO6VP8oI/AAAAAAAAALY/NMKkJmKfYAU/s1600/2012-11-08+08.34.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dTvW8rXDNc0/UPoqO6VP8oI/AAAAAAAAALY/NMKkJmKfYAU/s320/2012-11-08+08.34.10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
This is in the hallway leading to my room. You can't really tell from the picture but the tree paper is a sage green, and the paper on the other end is dark brown. I cut the vinyl and put it right on the wall, and then just put a frame over it. Very simple, elegant, and customizable. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_KhJEKHDNNw/UPoqAW-mGRI/AAAAAAAAALQ/bgNcZv1SETk/s1600/2012-11-08%2B08.23.53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_KhJEKHDNNw/UPoqAW-mGRI/AAAAAAAAALQ/bgNcZv1SETk/s320/2012-11-08%2B08.23.53.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
These last two pictures are in my half bathroom. The whole bathroom is black and sage green. I could never find the right decor for it, so I made it myself. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HUR0dm0wPAE/UPoqTATtPTI/AAAAAAAAALg/pVFg3ExdFA0/s1600/2012-11-08+08.24.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HUR0dm0wPAE/UPoqTATtPTI/AAAAAAAAALg/pVFg3ExdFA0/s320/2012-11-08+08.24.01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01077089372315004188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8619844849621030450.post-25829585658194896042013-01-19T01:00:00.000-07:002013-01-19T01:00:12.374-07:00PiñataWhen my oldest started having friend birthday parties I bought him a piñata. Those things are crazy expensive cardboard. After that I decided to try to make my own. YouTube offered a few tutorials, and tips. Here is my experience.<br />
Step 1. Cover area with paper, or just wing it like I did. I wasn't too worried about getting it on my craft table.<br />
Step 2. Blow up balloon as big as you want.<br />
Step 3. Mix water(1 cup) and flour(2 cups)<br />
Step 4. Cut strips of newspaper, or in our case thrifty nickel ads. :) The size is not important. You can cut perfect strips, but it won't matter.<br />
Step 5. Let each later dry. Not completely, but a little.<br />
Step 6. Cover the balloon at least 3-4 times with paper.<br />
Step 7. Once done covering balloon with paper, let it dry overnight.<br />
Step 8. Pop balloon and carefully pull away from the sides. You should just come right out. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DXF8sTQJmAQ/UPIT1zfMpXI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/mSWve8FgN0Q/s1600/DSCN2331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DXF8sTQJmAQ/UPIT1zfMpXI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/mSWve8FgN0Q/s320/DSCN2331.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Step 9. Decorate your piñata. I used streamers and a glue stick.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jrIFsr4Yna4/UPIT6uKWnkI/AAAAAAAAAKE/OUpbBhwDvNM/s1600/DSCN2332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jrIFsr4Yna4/UPIT6uKWnkI/AAAAAAAAAKE/OUpbBhwDvNM/s320/DSCN2332.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YcMI9W017uo/UPIT80Klp6I/AAAAAAAAAKU/2x9nhDCc5yw/s1600/hkgkh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YcMI9W017uo/UPIT80Klp6I/AAAAAAAAAKU/2x9nhDCc5yw/s320/hkgkh.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wt7bbJbeKz8/UPIT5qzpdCI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/u1FEpVQEqpI/s1600/DSCN2334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wt7bbJbeKz8/UPIT5qzpdCI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/u1FEpVQEqpI/s320/DSCN2334.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Step 10. I lined the piñata with the streamer, and then cut uneven strips to make it fray. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V0915pFijK4/UPIT7AW_iUI/AAAAAAAAAKI/sWkUEbhU5Dk/s1600/DSCN2337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V0915pFijK4/UPIT7AW_iUI/AAAAAAAAAKI/sWkUEbhU5Dk/s320/DSCN2337.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Step 11. Bask in your awesomeness! I printed off the Hot Wheels label, and tied a bunch of streamers together and hot glued them to the bottom. It was a big hit. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01077089372315004188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8619844849621030450.post-44246180721274203232013-01-18T21:41:00.001-07:002013-01-18T21:41:25.998-07:00Time offWow, I really took some time off. I hope all your holidays were amazing, and hopefully you all escaped the plague that seemed to hit our house and everyone else we could see. I am working on a few posts. A few crafts, and a few recipes. I am really excited about them so make sure to keep checking back. To those that continued to visit the site while I was away. Thank you!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01077089372315004188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8619844849621030450.post-78893979292448161022012-11-30T11:00:00.000-07:002012-11-30T11:00:05.706-07:00Burp clothsThis is one of the crafts that I have been super excited to show you.When I first starting having kids I was given the jellybean shaped burp cloths. I love them. So much cuter than the plain white cloth diapers. When I had my little girl I found some really cute fabric and sent it to my sister to sew them for me, because lets be honest. . . I can barely sew a straight line. :) That being said, when I had my second little boy I wanted to try to make a more masculine looking burp cloth. I figured a rectangle was as simple as it was going to get.<br />
Now depending on how many burp cloths you want to make is how much fabric you will end up needing. A 1/2 yard of each color(side) will give you 4 burp cloths. Depending on the size you choose to cut out.<br />
Step one: Cut out fabric in a rectangle. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-092xpLNIsH4/ULRLlApxtqI/AAAAAAAAAIE/LRIAQyYdzCI/s1600/2012-11-04+21.05.37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-092xpLNIsH4/ULRLlApxtqI/AAAAAAAAAIE/LRIAQyYdzCI/s320/2012-11-04+21.05.37.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Step two: Take one of the sides from one color, and one of the sides from the other color line them up and pin them together with the fronts of the fabric touching. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8GtfZxF9F8/ULRLrSRP_2I/AAAAAAAAAIM/ofchgs1-jgM/s1600/2012-11-04+21.05.50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8GtfZxF9F8/ULRLrSRP_2I/AAAAAAAAAIM/ofchgs1-jgM/s320/2012-11-04+21.05.50.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Step three: Sew around the edge leaving a gap to be able to turn the burp cloth right side out.<br />
Step four: Clip edges, this will give you a perfect corner when you turn the burp cloth right side out.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7O3QzXcN27c/ULRLzQ-ZWdI/AAAAAAAAAIY/lyKkLA9VAts/s1600/2012-11-04+21.13.07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7O3QzXcN27c/ULRLzQ-ZWdI/AAAAAAAAAIY/lyKkLA9VAts/s320/2012-11-04+21.13.07.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Step five: Turn right side out.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EBb8O3EIGos/ULRL7mjnXDI/AAAAAAAAAIg/lQ8Du54v3cQ/s1600/2012-11-04+22.07.02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EBb8O3EIGos/ULRL7mjnXDI/AAAAAAAAAIg/lQ8Du54v3cQ/s320/2012-11-04+22.07.02.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Step six: Iron. Make sure to fold in the gap that you left open.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m1d7BMBQSh0/ULRMCfccoNI/AAAAAAAAAIo/jSbyLb7NBus/s1600/2012-11-04+22.08.18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m1d7BMBQSh0/ULRMCfccoNI/AAAAAAAAAIo/jSbyLb7NBus/s320/2012-11-04+22.08.18.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Step seven: Find a decorative stitch, or not if that is not your cup of tea. Stitch around the edge making sure you get the gap tacked down. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yqsq8LgaoSU/ULRMI6vROMI/AAAAAAAAAIw/lEoTS9F6tX0/s1600/2012-11-04+23.27.36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yqsq8LgaoSU/ULRMI6vROMI/AAAAAAAAAIw/lEoTS9F6tX0/s320/2012-11-04+23.27.36.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Step eight: Bask in your awesomeness! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BHWddi-qfGo/ULRMPcghELI/AAAAAAAAAI4/SHV2Uv2q-LM/s1600/2012-11-04+23.28.11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BHWddi-qfGo/ULRMPcghELI/AAAAAAAAAI4/SHV2Uv2q-LM/s320/2012-11-04+23.28.11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kPpBQdcjOBc/ULRMWf3Au2I/AAAAAAAAAJE/9o97JNGD9E0/s1600/2012-11-04+23.28.33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kPpBQdcjOBc/ULRMWf3Au2I/AAAAAAAAAJE/9o97JNGD9E0/s320/2012-11-04+23.28.33.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
I love these burp cloths. I have made so many of these. They are great baby shower gifts, and so so easy to throw together. <br />
The burp cloths below I made for the Festival of Trees. If you notice, the inside is not the same flannel material. . .it is terry cloth instead. That wonderful idea came from my little sister who made me some burp cloths like this. It is all preference. I feel like both types soak up dribbles, and fountains alike. The burp cloths with the terry cloth did turn out a bit thicker, so like I said it is all preference. I love the purple and white mix. So pretty. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xf7Nuzkk0Zo/ULRMb4w-69I/AAAAAAAAAJM/gu0bABZ73mo/s1600/20121026_163039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xf7Nuzkk0Zo/ULRMb4w-69I/AAAAAAAAAJM/gu0bABZ73mo/s320/20121026_163039.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01077089372315004188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8619844849621030450.post-29175722973857435722012-11-28T11:00:00.000-07:002012-11-28T11:00:05.889-07:00Pizza Factory Bread Twists Umm, are you serious? That was the exact thought I had when I saw this on Pinterest. I love these. I had to try it out right away. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vSBJ7evkz2A/ULRMzvQGlpI/AAAAAAAAAJc/ISqLjM6fJHk/s1600/279363983105253525_gQyFpNhm_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vSBJ7evkz2A/ULRMzvQGlpI/AAAAAAAAAJc/ISqLjM6fJHk/s1600/279363983105253525_gQyFpNhm_b.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here is the <a href="http://purplechocolathome.blogspot.com/2011/09/pizza-factory-breadsticks.html" target="_blank">link</a> to the recipe</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G9TwZSENZFM/ULRMylI_v8I/AAAAAAAAAJU/yerxBz7um54/s1600/20121030_171103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G9TwZSENZFM/ULRMylI_v8I/AAAAAAAAAJU/yerxBz7um54/s320/20121030_171103.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Here is my verdict: Amazing!!!!!<br />
I made the dough from scratch instead of using rhodes dough, I think it definitely made it taste more authentic. I made the whole batch, but ended up freezing half the dough. It was too much for one dinner. I didn't have rosemary so I just omitted it, and it wasn't really missed. I could see how it would make it that much better though. I used wooden dowels that I had in my craft stuff that I had never used. They needed to be seasoned with oil or something because once you got to the bread on the stick it smelled a lot like wood. :/ The dough is really sticky, but still pretty good to work with. The bread twists were a huge kit with the kids, and we will have them many more times I am sure. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01077089372315004188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8619844849621030450.post-8790295721470118492012-11-26T22:09:00.003-07:002012-11-26T22:09:57.027-07:00Tutu makingSorry for the break in posts. What a great holiday. I hope yours was just as wonderful. Now back to business.<br />
I love making tutus. I made my first tutu 3 years ago for my little girl. I wanted to buy her one, but couldn't afford the boutique prices. That is when I turned to YouTube. The tutorial I found used ribbon instead of elastic, but I wanted something really durable. Tutus are seriously so easy. I made this tutu for my niece.<br />
I started out by cutting multiple strips of tulle. I like to use the spools of tulle as opposed to the tulle by the yard. The length is completely up to you, as well as the colors. <br />
Step one: Measure waist with elastic. You will want to make sure it is a snug fit. Once you add all the tulle the elastic will stretch out a little. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wm7E1H28YQ4/ULRG9k0vkaI/AAAAAAAAAHM/VqZcjT4jy9Q/s1600/20121117_184418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wm7E1H28YQ4/ULRG9k0vkaI/AAAAAAAAAHM/VqZcjT4jy9Q/s320/20121117_184418.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Step two: Sew elastic together. I used a zigzag stitch. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4U9wo0xViXI/ULRHDkrhwfI/AAAAAAAAAHU/X8A-xtmscrU/s1600/20121117_185119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4U9wo0xViXI/ULRHDkrhwfI/AAAAAAAAAHU/X8A-xtmscrU/s320/20121117_185119.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Step three: Stretch elastic over chair, this is just for ease of tying on the tulle.<br />
Step four: Tie on tulle. I couldn't really get a picture of this step. Essentially you tie two knots. One knot like normal with the ends ending up horizontal. The second knot bring the ends up vertically instead of horizontally, this will make the tulle poof more. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lfEPKY1J4lw/ULRHRTDNJkI/AAAAAAAAAHo/-MtgJbS0-6Y/s1600/20121121_150946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lfEPKY1J4lw/ULRHRTDNJkI/AAAAAAAAAHo/-MtgJbS0-6Y/s320/20121121_150946.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JMYa6V83Q7Y/ULRHIyuXBvI/AAAAAAAAAHg/3jtO36YgLbY/s1600/20121121_150936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JMYa6V83Q7Y/ULRHIyuXBvI/AAAAAAAAAHg/3jtO36YgLbY/s320/20121121_150936.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Step five: Continue tying until all of the elastic is covered. Ta-da! You have a tutu! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1pu19MqHWzs/ULRHavfIWCI/AAAAAAAAAHw/3YcpK1JwQU8/s1600/20121121_151007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1pu19MqHWzs/ULRHavfIWCI/AAAAAAAAAHw/3YcpK1JwQU8/s320/20121121_151007.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I also made her a wand. I will post that tutorial soon. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01077089372315004188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8619844849621030450.post-25095531511646843442012-11-12T23:44:00.002-07:002012-11-12T23:46:19.089-07:00DIY notebooks<b>who knew that this. . .
</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LHptsve_XoU/UKHqWEBtuYI/AAAAAAAAAG0/B5t8A4Uhlu0/s1600/Comp+nb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LHptsve_XoU/UKHqWEBtuYI/AAAAAAAAAG0/B5t8A4Uhlu0/s320/Comp+nb.jpg" width="248" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b> could become this. . .</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-utlNamz2mV0/UKHpzxd9MbI/AAAAAAAAAGs/hbZI3Cx45Ec/s1600/20121026_162903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-utlNamz2mV0/UKHpzxd9MbI/AAAAAAAAAGs/hbZI3Cx45Ec/s320/20121026_162903.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I needed to come up with items to donate to sell at the Festival of Trees. Once I got started I could not help myself. These are A.D.O.R.A.B.L.E, and so easy to make.<br />
I cut out scrapbook paper to fit the cover, and then added embellishments. I ended up using spray adhesive to attach the paper. I was worried that double stick tape wasn't going to hold tight. Make sure that you <strike>spray</strike> mist the scrapbook paper. .not the notebook otherwise the pages will stick together. I also covered the inside cover with card stock. .the conversion charts weren't cute. . . :) It is really that easy. Plus if you don't want to make them you can just go buy them at the Festival of Trees. :) <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ua1v54ToryI/UKHsOjv9zxI/AAAAAAAAAG8/zT0FyoxtZzk/s1600/383504_4035181712354_1168995992_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ua1v54ToryI/UKHsOjv9zxI/AAAAAAAAAG8/zT0FyoxtZzk/s320/383504_4035181712354_1168995992_n.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01077089372315004188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8619844849621030450.post-41248460300128322152012-11-10T12:47:00.002-07:002012-11-12T23:46:35.425-07:00Wood cutouts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jyrYPpKIYVM/UJ6smbT55oI/AAAAAAAAAGc/smDCTeJYQ8I/s1600/2012-11-08+08.24.58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jyrYPpKIYVM/UJ6smbT55oI/AAAAAAAAAGc/smDCTeJYQ8I/s320/2012-11-08+08.24.58.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I struggle with what to put above my cupboards. I do not like a lot of clutter, and knick-knacks are not my thing. So when I found these letters I thought I would give them a shot.<br />
I started by placing the 'O' face down on a piece of scrapbook paper, traced it, and then cut it out. Next I sanded the wood letters just to rub off any rough edges. Then I painted every side except the front. I painted my brown(it just looks like a shadow.) Once the letters were completely dry. I painted the front part of the letters, except for the 'O'. While the letters were drying I added the paper to the 'O'. I sprayed it with adhesive, and then put the paper on the wood. Then I took my modge podge and covered it pretty well. Make sure to get the edges so that they don't peel up. then I went back to the other letters and painted over them with a crackle paint. Note: when you use the crackle paint only do one coat. Just trust me on this one. :) After everything was dry I added a few ribbons to the 'O' and wholla.. done. The plants I added a little later. I got them at Ikea. Such a great find, and only $6!!! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01077089372315004188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8619844849621030450.post-46521458545246069122012-11-09T12:00:00.000-07:002012-11-09T12:00:04.965-07:00Wall art part 1Confession #33 I based this whole bathroom off of this one scrapbook paper.
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rbwIoxaxCV4/UJya8ZwQFdI/AAAAAAAAAF8/ujTuKi_r9yU/s1600/2012-11-08+08.32.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rbwIoxaxCV4/UJya8ZwQFdI/AAAAAAAAAF8/ujTuKi_r9yU/s320/2012-11-08+08.32.40.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
I couldn't resist. It is so cute. I wanted to paint the bathroom green, but my kids were set on blue. I just framed the 12x12 scrapbook paper and cut out the vinyl on my cricut.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D6pKPYW-SFg/UJybCq390UI/AAAAAAAAAGE/SGpJEkdQErU/s1600/2012-11-08+08.33.04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D6pKPYW-SFg/UJybCq390UI/AAAAAAAAAGE/SGpJEkdQErU/s320/2012-11-08+08.33.04.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I need some wall art to match the scrapbook paper picture, so I used some more of the same paper, just in a different way. I went to Hobby Lobby and bought some wooden plaques, painted them, and then modge podged the scrapbook paper on them. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R7k1g_iQNXo/UJybH3myuSI/AAAAAAAAAGM/Ug6WDF5iAJI/s1600/2012-11-08+08.33.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R7k1g_iQNXo/UJybH3myuSI/AAAAAAAAAGM/Ug6WDF5iAJI/s320/2012-11-08+08.33.12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I think if i did it again, I would use more plaques, or find bigger ones. They are pretty small compared to the large wall they are on. Still a really fun project.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01077089372315004188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8619844849621030450.post-21965857478259246882012-11-08T11:52:00.001-07:002012-11-08T11:53:11.006-07:00Sign revampMy sweet sister-in-law gave this sign to me about six years ago. I loved it. It matched our decor perfectly. It was proudly displayed in each of our houses(we moved around a lot.) <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7_DKQQeeY7c/UJv8qhdSJ5I/AAAAAAAAAFs/9leqYmEZtwc/s1600/jones+fam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="111" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7_DKQQeeY7c/UJv8qhdSJ5I/AAAAAAAAAFs/9leqYmEZtwc/s320/jones+fam.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Well about three years ago my husband and I bought our first house, and were lucky enough to be able to paint, and buy all new furniture. Which sadly meant the sign would no longer match. Not wanting to stick the sign in the attic I revamped it. I had to take the letters off the old sign, and sand it down. Then I painted it, and cut out new letters. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PrUVlDR1cFg/UJv8p-wve-I/AAAAAAAAAFk/CV31zqmsNtw/s1600/jones+fam+update.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PrUVlDR1cFg/UJv8p-wve-I/AAAAAAAAAFk/CV31zqmsNtw/s320/jones+fam+update.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I love how it turned out, and that I was able to, in a way, have the same sign that my sister gave me. :) Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01077089372315004188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8619844849621030450.post-60582842933811838962012-11-07T23:13:00.001-07:002012-11-07T23:29:34.922-07:00Fall wreath This wreath was a lot of fun to make. I made it last year and have gotten a lot of compliments on it. I wanted something different than I had ever seen before, and so I went with a square wreath. . it's actually more rectangle. I used some foam from the kitchen table box that we have just bought and used gorilla glue for foam. It took a little bit of patience, since the glue takes time to dry, but eventually it did, and I could start with the leaves.<br />
I painted the foam black so that the white foam didn't stick out like a sore thumb, then I got leaves from the dollar store. I think I bought three packs just to be safe, and I think I ended up using just two. I used hot glue to glue the leaves on. Then I hung it on my door. Super easy. The one major flaw is that it is made out of super lightweight foam, so last year after a windy storm my wreath was in pieces. Lucky I had the foam glue, and glued it right back together. This year's weather has been super mild so I haven't had to worry about it too much. Well worth it though. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ulsOD8zfNvM/UJtKsoJqSjI/AAAAAAAAAFI/hAZbLsJa1Cs/s1600/DSCN7172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ulsOD8zfNvM/UJtKsoJqSjI/AAAAAAAAAFI/hAZbLsJa1Cs/s320/DSCN7172.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FruPHUSImD0/UJtLJMmNvdI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/ADm1Q6b9jGY/s1600/DSCN7173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FruPHUSImD0/UJtLJMmNvdI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/ADm1Q6b9jGY/s320/DSCN7173.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01077089372315004188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8619844849621030450.post-64268491451095931762012-11-05T00:01:00.000-07:002012-11-07T23:29:51.500-07:00Screen printingThis is probably the easiest, fastest, and most permanent way to make your own t-shirts.<br />
Step 1: Cut out image on freezer paper. Make sure image is flipped.<br />
Step 2: Iron on freezer paper to shirt.<br />
Step 3: Place a piece of cardboard/paper/plastic bag in shirt. It keeps the surface flat, and makes sure that none of the paint bleeds through.<br />
Step 4: Mix paint with paint medium to make paint permanent.<br />
Step 5: Paint<br />
Step 6: The hardest step for me. LET IT DRY!!! Seriously, let it dry all the way. It will turn out so much better, and you will be able to tell if there are any spots that you may have missed.<br />
Step 7: Place towel over paint, and iron. The heat will set the paint.<br />
Step 8: Remove freezer paper.<br />
<br />
It is just that easy. This is just one way. It is my go to method, because of how it looks and how permanent it is. You can use puff paints, iron-on transfers, heat transfer vinyl. . the possibilities are endless.
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sL3jJVV3nwc/UJi1CCtT1GI/AAAAAAAAAEM/9GrmBfS7e_4/s1600/DSCN5151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sL3jJVV3nwc/UJi1CCtT1GI/AAAAAAAAAEM/9GrmBfS7e_4/s320/DSCN5151.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Made for my sister</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--hSZMvZBlA8/UJi1QfI4wtI/AAAAAAAAAEU/AsiBk5zXlWI/s1600/DSCN5153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--hSZMvZBlA8/UJi1QfI4wtI/AAAAAAAAAEU/AsiBk5zXlWI/s320/DSCN5153.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">back of t-shirt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UeD-qbIIsZY/UJi1ZRn2QPI/AAAAAAAAAEk/Ns1UuOqcXWs/s1600/DSCN6863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UeD-qbIIsZY/UJi1ZRn2QPI/AAAAAAAAAEk/Ns1UuOqcXWs/s320/DSCN6863.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Announcing our last baby to extended fam</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8M6LgAhOvLY/UJi1h5-P9qI/AAAAAAAAAEs/wT_XIAoWfLU/s1600/baby+shirt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8M6LgAhOvLY/UJi1h5-P9qI/AAAAAAAAAEs/wT_XIAoWfLU/s320/baby+shirt.JPG" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Announcing our last baby to our ward friends at Halloween</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h10ERVappDw/UJi1i-a124I/AAAAAAAAAE0/lG8tG62VFVI/s1600/flo+apron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h10ERVappDw/UJi1i-a124I/AAAAAAAAAE0/lG8tG62VFVI/s320/flo+apron.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This years Halloween costume</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
*One shirt not shown is a Green Bay Packers shirt I made for my son. Sadly I never took a picture of it, and now it is a pajama shirt. It was so cool. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01077089372315004188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8619844849621030450.post-79343244746783324862012-11-03T01:00:00.000-06:002012-11-07T21:23:19.388-07:00Handmade cardsThese are just a few cards that I made, back when I remembered to take a picture of the card after I made it. A few of the cards I used translucent paper. It is a lot of fun to work with and the ideas are endless, it is pretty pricey but if you find a coupon it is not too bad. I also used a lot of rubber stamps. I either used ink, or ink and embossing powder. More cards to come<div style="width:600px; text-align: center;"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" src="http://w331.photobucket.com/pbwidget.swf?pbwurl=http%3A%2F%2Fw331.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fl460%2Fprettyj351%2FHandmade cards%2F6bd9bc14.pbw" height="180" width="600"><a href="http://photobucket.com/slideshows" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/slideshows/btn.gif" style="float:left;border-width: 0;" ></a><a href="http://s331.photobucket.com/albums/l460/prettyj351/Handmade%20cards/?action=view&current=6bd9bc14.pbw" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/slideshows/btn_viewallimages.gif" style="float:left;border-width: 0;" ></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01077089372315004188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8619844849621030450.post-57393665097637552742012-11-02T01:00:00.000-06:002012-11-06T00:32:05.376-07:00Too many pictures. . .Are there really ever too many pictures?! For me, no. However when it comes to scrapbooking them too many pictures can become a problem. I came across this problem when I did my first digital scrapbook. My solution. . . a collage. I know that collages have been around for a million years, but I had never seen it done quite like this, and in a scrapbook. It definitely wasn't a time saver at all. It took me forever to fit all the pictures in the right way so that I didn't have any gaps. However it turns out great, and I use it in all my scrapbooks. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-94pD3fOgqTM/UJipywjXzbI/AAAAAAAAAD8/p_Tda21wM1c/s1600/PicsArt_1352182028216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-94pD3fOgqTM/UJipywjXzbI/AAAAAAAAAD8/p_Tda21wM1c/s320/PicsArt_1352182028216.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01077089372315004188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8619844849621030450.post-11000637655462568832012-11-01T16:55:00.000-06:002012-11-06T00:24:03.726-07:00The fortune cookie that started it all. . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zGuV7YobjTI/UJhRogKpxdI/AAAAAAAAADs/O-hLiVAPZGs/s1600/2012-11-02+18.15.53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zGuV7YobjTI/UJhRogKpxdI/AAAAAAAAADs/O-hLiVAPZGs/s320/2012-11-02+18.15.53.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Inspiration comes to you from places you least expect.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01077089372315004188noreply@blogger.com0