Crafting With Maryann & Friends

Mea culpa

2011-01-18T02:05:00.002-07:00

I was super busy with various commitments and didn't post any of my Thanksgiving or Christmas crafts. I took tons of pictures, and will post those soon so you can use them later. I am working on getting my supplies for new Valentine's crafts out so that I can make those and post the pics with directions as soon as possible. As a busy mom that's sometimes easier said than done!

Thanksgiving Advent Calendar- UPDATED

2010-10-14T15:22:00.003-07:00

I made my Halloween and Christmas advent calendars a couple of years ago. The supply list and instructions can be used for any of the calendars.

Supplies:
large piece of felt with thick interfacing
several colors of felt
several coordinating fabrics
coordinating thread
coordinating ribbon including one thick to hang it up
coordinating seasonal decorations
thick interfacing for pockets and backing felt
Wonder Under
coordinating thread
iron
ironing board
rotary cutter and mat
scissors
1/2" thick wooden dowel and 2 wooden balls to fit the endsThis is the fabric for the letters and numbers.This is the rough sketch I made of what I want my calendar to look like when completed.After making the rough sketch I cut out paper versions so I could use them as a cutting guide for the felt. I cut one feather to see if I liked the size of it in relation to the body. I'm planning to use 5 colors for the feathers.

1. Iron the felt onto the thick interfacing.
2.Trace your shape (feather in this case) onto the interfacing and cut out.When you're done you'll have a stack of feathers. These will be your pockets.

3. Lay out your pockets with the turkey body. Make any changes necessary before you sew things on. I'm not entirely thrilled with the way this looks. I haven't figured out what to do yet. Any suggestions?
4. Iron the material so it's flat and then iron onto the Wonder Under.
5. Trace and cut out the words and letters from the material.
6. Iron them onto the pockets. If desired stitch around them to make sure they'll stick well.
7. Sew your pockets and the turkey body onto the large piece of felt.
8. Decorate with ribbons (I do top and bottom) and/or other decorative pieces.

** I am too busy to finish it before Thanksgiving this year so I am adding what I have done since I last posted this. Please email me with any questions!
I had to make the turkey smaller and turn the beak and wattle so they faced forward so that everything would fit correctly. The picture above shows how it looks currently. I still need to iron on the numbers, add stitching around them and then sew them to the brown felt. I also need to sew on the Happy Thanksgiving to the top, add the eyes and the ribbon. If I can find it I think I might add rick rack to the bottom. We'll see. I hope to have this done soon, but I have several upcoming activities that I am in charge of in the next 2 weeks so it might not be done before Christmas.

Werewolf Meatloaf

2010-10-11T22:36:00.005-07:00

I made Werewolf Meatloaf for my kids tonight so we could have something a little different. I didn't make the meat any differently than usual, just shaped it differently. My 5 year old son wouldn't even touch it. He thought it was really a werewolf paw. Ha ha! My older kids loved it, especially when they got to add the "blood" (ketchup).

Here's my meatloaf recipe:
1 1/2 lbs. ground beef
1 t. Worcestershire sauce
1 t. soy sauce
1/2 chopped white onion
1/4 - 1/2 c. seasoned bread crumbs
1 egg salt and pepper to taste
5 pecans or almonds

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Mix all the ingredients together by hand until well mixed. Shape into a hand shape, placing a nut on the end of each "finger". Put onto a cake pan and bake for 35-40 minutes. Top with ketchup.This is the cooked meatloaf. I couldn't even get it out of the pan and onto a serving plate before the kids were eating it. The onions stayed at the top which my youngest thought was fur.

Homemade Glass Hurricane Jar

2010-10-09T23:42:00.003-07:00

I've seen these all over the place. I have 3 sons, who bring over their friends, who are usually boys, and as mothers of boys know, even though the rule is no throwing balls in the house, something gets thrown, and Mom's expensive glass jars get broken in the process. I figured this out a few years ago after a trip to the Home Goods store to buy apothecary jars and other cute glass display jars was all for naught within 3 weeks of my purchases. I'd pretty much sworn off the idea of buying anything glass until they've moved out... UNTIL... I saw I saw homemade glass hurricane jars that you made yourself from the dollar store! They're everywhere, and I don't know how I missed it until now.

Supplies
E6000 glue (this will be the most expensive part of the project- I had some so I didn't have to buy new)
Glass candle holder- I got a votive (dollar store)
Hurricane jar (dollar store)

Directions
1. Remove the price tags from the bottom of the jars. Clean well. Rubbing alcohol works really well. 2. Put a dollop of the glue on the candle holder and put your jar on top. Hold it securely for a few minutes. 3. Add candy or whatever you want to put in there. Decorate with a ribbon (I haven't done this yet...) and you can use it for all seasons of the year.

Terra Cotta Mummies

2010-10-09T23:24:00.004-07:00

I got the idea from Inspiring Creations. I tweaked it a bit because I liked the mummies being thicker in the middle.
Supplies 2 same size of terra cotta pots White Paint Googly eyes Strips of white material Hot glue/glue gun Black or dark brown ink pad Foam brush Directions 1. Glue together the lips of the pots and press together until dry. 2. Paint the pots white. Use a couple of coats, but they don't have to be completely perfect since you're covering them with the material.
3. Glue the eyes on the pots.4. Take a strip of the material and adhere it to the top of the pot and wrap it around, gluing every so often to keep it on. Make sure to avoid the eyes!5. When you're done with the material add some ink to it to make it look older. I used a black ink pad and a brown ink dauber to get the colors I wanted. (Here's one that I hadn't distressed next to the one that I had.)Display with your other favorite Halloween decor!

Halloween Wreath

2010-10-09T23:01:00.005-07:00

I saw a picture of a cute wreath in a Woman's Day Magazine a while ago and decided that I had to make it. This project was actually pretty inexpensive. I already had the paint, foam sheet, glue and eyes. At the dollar store I found the wreath and the bag of balls. I got the bag of orange feathers from Hobby Lobby for less than $2, and the black pipe cleaners for less than $1 at WalMart. Here's my inspiration photo.

Supplies
12" grapevine wreath (you can do larger, just get more feathers)
1 bag orange feathers
1 bag of multi-sized Styrofoam balls
Black, orange and purple paint
Black foam sheet
Google eyes
Black pipe cleaners
Glue gun/glue
Craft tweezers

Directions
1. Paint the balls purple, orange and black. You may need to do 2 coats. Set aside to dry.
2. Put glue on the spine of the feather. Place it on the wreath, and press firmly to make sure it's on there tight. Continue until the entire front of the wreath is covered. (The directions in the magazine called for using an orange feather boa, but neither Hobby Lobby nor Joann had on in stock so I used the feathers. If you use the boa instead just do a small section at a time with the hot glue.)3. For the spiders- Cut out small sections of the pipe cleaner for legs. Press them into the balls and bend to look like legs.
4. For the bats- Cut out bat wings from the foam. Hot glue to the back and hold for a few seconds while the glue hardens.
5. For the pumpkins- Put a piece of green feather or foam onto the top of the orange balls to make pumpkins. 6. Using the craft tweezers pick up the eyes and put hot glue on the back. Place onto the balls.
7. Glue everything to the wreath and display.

Marshmallow Shooters Made from PVC Pipes

2010-10-08T00:22:00.003-07:00

If you have a Cub Scout you have probably seen marshmallow shooters at some point.They also sell them at the stores, but they're so cheap and easy to make it's hard to justify the extra cost. These shooters are popular with kids of all ages. These are quick and easy to make, and I got supplies to make three of them for less than $7.

Supplies
1- 1/2" PVC pipe (They are 10' long so you'll have some extra pipe after cutting out the pieces you need.)
2- 1/2" PVC elbows
2- 1/2" PVC T's
2- 1/2" PVC caps
Hack saw or PVC pipe cutter
Optional- Spray paint or decorative duct tape

Directions
Cut four 4" pieces, two 6" pieces and one 8" piece. This is what it looks like when you've cut the one pipe and the fittings you'll need. Assemble according to picture below, making sure fittings are tight. This is how it looks when it's done. You can spray paint it or cover it with decorative duct tape to personalize them.

To shoot them place a marshmallow at the end of the barrel and blow forcefully in the top opening.

Classroom behavior chart

2010-10-07T23:49:00.004-07:00

I have been making non-Halloween related items too. I was asked by my daughter's second grade teacher to make a behavior chart for the classroom. They have four different colors to gauge behavior: green= good, yellow= warning, orange= repeated warnings, and red= continued poor behavior. She wanted these on popsicle sticks instead or paper cards. The kids change them according to their behavior. They're still young enough that it is a good motivator. (I'm thinking of making a smaller one and using it at home with my kiddos.)

Supplies for poster

Poster board

8 1/2" x 11" cardstock in various colors

strong adhesive (I used Tombow Permanent Mono Adhesive)

Cricut and font cartridge (or other template for numbers and letters)

Coluzzle library card holder template, cutting mat and blade (or make your own to suit your needs)

Popsicle sticks

Markers or paint in red, yellow, orange and green

Directions for the poster:

1. Cut out the library card holder shapes using the Coluzzle and cardstock. Although the class isn't quite this big I made it for 30 kids. Assemble into pockets.

2. Cut out numbers and words.

3. Figure out the layout you like best for the cards and adhere them on the poster.

4. Put the numbers on the pockets, and the words on the poster.

5. Laminate. Using an Exacto knife slice open the openings to the pockets.

Directions for the popsicle sticks:

Measure the popsicle sticks and mark the midway point on both sides. Paint or color with markers the four colors, 2 on each side. You may need to paint several coats. Seal with Mod Podge.

Halloween Countdown Blocks

2010-10-06T14:57:00.006-07:00

I have seen countdown blocks at various craft fairs in recent years, but usually for Christmas. A friend forwarded a link to me with Halloween blocks. It looked pretty easy so I thought I would tackle this project too. I think I'll make one for Thanksgiving and Christmas after I finish this one. (I'm posting complete directions, and when I finish mine I'll put pictures with it.)

Supplies:
4" x 4" wood beam cut into 3 pieces- 1- 8" x 4" block and 2- 4" x 4" blocks
Sandpaper
Paint
Scrapbook paper
Paper trimmer
Mod Podge
Foam brushes
Vinyl numbers and saying for the bottom block

Directions:
1. First off I found that the 4" x 4" beam was actually 4" x 3 1/2". Grr. So I had my husband cut the wood to 4" x 3 1/2" instead of having him cut it a little smaller. I hope that it still looks good! Once your wood is cut sand it until it's smooth. Make sure to check the edges so you can avoid splinters!2. Paint the wood with your favorite color of paint. If you're using a dark color you may need to do several coats. Some people paint the entire thing. I just do the outer inch or so because I'm going to cover it with scrapbook paper. That's totally up to you. When the paint is dry you can sand the edges to give them a distressed look. Again, totally personal preference.3. While the paint is drying cut out your decorative scrapbook paper. I used 6 different papers so I would have a different paper for each side. Cut them 1/2" smaller than your measurement so you'll have some of the paint showing.
4. When your paint is dry put Mod Podge on one side and then on the underside of your paper. It sticks really well this way. Apply the paper to your block and make sure you rub out all the air bubbles. (I use my Pampered Chef scraper.) Continue doing this on all 6 sides fall 3 blocks.
5. Apply your vinyl numbers and words to your blocks.
6. When you're done apply at least one coat of Mod Podge to the top of all your paper. I have found that it's easiest if I leave one side dry so the others can dry and then I paint the final side.
Once everything dries you're done. Display them however you like!

Halloween Subway Wall Art

2010-10-06T14:24:00.003-07:00

After looking around blogland I found several posts with subway wall art. I had the supplies and decided that I could make one too. If you want to make it here are the supplies you'll need: scrap wood (mine was 10" x 24") or a piece of stretched canvas coordinating cardstock black paint Mod Podge Directions:1. Sand and paint the wood. Seal it with Mod Podge and set aside to dry as you do the next step.
2. I used my Cricut to cut out several words and pictures in various sizes and colors. If you don't have a Cricut you can cut things out by hand or use pre-cut embellishments from your local craft store. 3. There are a couple of different ways to do the next part... I ran my cardstock through my Xyron sticker machine and so I could place them on the board without worrying about the paper slipping. You can also just put some MP on the back as your adhesive and apply it to the board. 4. After that all you need to do is seal it with more MP on top. Don't forget to seal the sides! It dries pretty quickly. 5. Then if you used a board put a piece of ribbon or something so you can hang it from the wall. You're done!
The first two are my inspiration pieces, and the one I came up with is at the end.

Quick and easy pumpkin cookies (edited)

2010-10-04T21:51:00.000-07:00

This is a super simple and delicious recipe that calls for a total of 4 ingredients. You can even leave out 2 of them and it still tastes great. Best of all you can have 3 of them for one Weight Watchers point. (Or so I'm told...)

Ingredients:
1 box of spice cake mix
1 17 oz. can pumpkin
crystallized sugar
1 bag pumpkin spice Hershey Kisses

Directions:
1. Mix the spice cake mix and pumpkin together. 2. Scoop onto a greased pan about 2" apart.
3. Add a pinch of crystallized sugar on top of each cookie. Or not. It tastes great either way.
4. Cook for 11-13 minutes in a 350 degree oven. While it's cooking remove the wrappers from the Kisses. (TIP- I freeze mine so they hold together better while unwrapping them.)
5. When done remove sheet and put on Kiss on each cookie. Delicious and easy! Enjoy!

Pumpkin Bread

2010-10-04T21:45:00.006-07:00

This is a sweet pumpkin bread. My kids love it and ask for it year-round. Enjoy!

3 1/4 c. all-purpose flour
2 t. baking soda
1 1/2 t. salt
1 t. ground nutmeg
1 t. ground cinnamon
3 c. sugar
2 c. pumpkin puree
2/3 c. water
1 c. vegetable or canola oil
4 eggs
1/2 c. chopped pecans or walnuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour 2 loaf pans or 3 mini loaf pans.
Stir together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt and spices in a large bowl. Add pumpkin, water, oil, eggs and nuts. Beat until well combined. Divide batter equally and place into prepared pans. Bake mini loaves for approximately 45 - 50 minutes or about 60 minutes for standard loaf pans.

Spiced Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread

2010-10-04T21:39:00.003-07:00

I can't claim the rights to this recipe. My friend Jenn D. passed this along to me. It's really good. It's not as sweet as most pumpkin breads... it's more spicy. Enjoy!

2 1/2 c. sugar
1 c. vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 16 oz. can solid pack pumpkin
3 c. all-purpose flour
2 t. ground cloves
2 t. ground cinnamon
2 t. ground nutmeg
1 t. baking soda
1/2 t. salt
1/2 t. baking powder
1 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter and flour two 9" x 5" x 3" loaf pans. Beat sugar and oil in large bowl to blend. Mix in eggs and pumpkin. Sift flour, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda salt and baking powder into another large bowl. Add to pumpkin mixture in 2 additions. Mix in chocolate chips.

Divide batter equally between prepared pans. Bake until tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 1 hour 10 minutes. Transfer to racks and cool 10 minutes. Using sharp knife cut around edge of loaves. Turn loaves out onto racks and cool completely.

Pumpkin Roll Recipe

2010-10-04T21:31:00.004-07:00

Beat 3 eggs on high speed for 5 minutes. Gradually beat in 1 c. sugar, 2/3 c. pumpkin and 1 t. lemon juice.

Mix together:
3/4 c. flour
1/2 t. salt
1 t. ginger
1 t. baking powder
2 t. cinnamon
1/2 t. nutmeg

Mix both together and spread on a well greased and floured cookie sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes at 375 degrees. Remove from oven when top springs back when touched with finger. Turn out on dish towel covered with powdered sugar. Roll towel with cake inside and cool thoroughly in the refrigerator.

Meanwhile, make the frosting. Mix together:
1 c. powdered sugar
4 T. butter (or margarine)
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/2 t. vanilla

Spread frosting on cooled roll. Re-roll on another towel with powdered sugar and chill in foil for 3-4 hours. Slice, serve and enjoy!

Hamburger stroganoff

2010-10-04T11:14:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:
1 - 1 1/2 lbs. lean ground beef
1 small yellow or white onion
1 clove garlic, crushed
1/4 c. butter
1 t. salt
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 c. sour cream
1/4 c. flour
1 pkg. egg noodles Directions:
1. Brown ground beef. Drain.
2. Cook the noodles according to package directions and drain water.
3. Cook the onion and garlic in the butter. Add to the beef.
4. Add the flour, and stir it together. Add the soup and sour cream. If the mixture is too thick add 1/4 c. of milk until it is at a better consistency. Simmer on medium heat until heated through.
5. Add the hamburger mixture to the noodles and serve hot.

Glass etching

2010-08-08T17:14:00.001-07:00

Supplies needed: Clear Contact paper
Cricut machine or die cut machine
Glass item- pan, vase, bowl, etc.
Glass etching medium
Foam brush
Rubber gloves
Clean your glass item with glass cleaner.Cut out your word(s) or design. If you're doing it on the bottom of a pan cut the words out backwards (by placing your contact paper opposite when you cut it).
Place contact paper on your glass item. Make sure you rub out all the bubbles and get all the edges placed securely down.
Place your glass etching medium on the glass using the foam brush. Follow package directions for time. (You can sometimes scrape off the extra cream back into the bottle.)
Remove the cream thoroughly with water before you remove the contact paper.

Fabric Headbands

2010-07-21T23:59:00.007-07:00

Here is the first project that I mentioned earlier.
Supplies needed:
Scissors
3 coordinating fabrics. Choose one for the flower, one for the flower base, and one for the headband.
Find two cups (circle cookie cutters also work) of different sizes, one about 1/2" smaller than the other. They should be approximately 2"-3" in diameter. Paper- Trace the circles onto paper and cut out. Cut one of the larger circles from the fabric for the flower base. Then cut out 4 from the fabric for the flower. Cut the headband from the width of the fabric. I taper them on the ends. Button Needle and coordinating thread After cutting your fabric fold the smaller circles in half and then in half again. Place them in the center of the larger flower and stitch them on. I found that it was easier for me to stitch in a circular motion, close to the center. After you're done stitch your coordinating button in the center.Get your headband. You have a couple of options that I've used. The first one is to iron interfacing to the underside. The second is to layer it with a second piece of material with the wrong sides facing each other. That way when you tie your headband it has bright colors showing. It's just a matter of personal preference. The stitch around the headband, leaving about 1/4" raw seam on the entire thing. This prevents excessive fraying. (If you prefer a more tailored look you can sew under and then sew the pieces together.)After you've completed get your headband get the flower and stitch it on. I put it off-center. You're done and ready to wear it.I ran out of buttons for these last two, but it shows how I sewed the flowers on a bit better.

More Fabric Headbands

2010-07-21T23:58:00.001-07:00

The brown headbands
The dark headbands
The pink headbands

The blue and purple headbands
The flowers before I sewed the buttons on and sewed to the headbands.

Coming soon...

2010-07-19T00:09:00.003-07:00

I've been busy working on several new craft projects to put on the blog. I should have the pictures uploaded and edited soon, and then I'll start posting them along with instructions.
Here is a list of a few of the projects that I'll be featuring in the coming weeks...

Fabric headbands with coordinating fabric flowers
Glass etching
Message board
Necklaces
Making a slip into a part of your dress (Perfect for people like me who are on the tall side, tired of searching in vain trying to find dresses and/or skirts that are long enough.)

If there is a craft project that you would like to see featured on the blog please comment and let me know what you want to see.

Burnt Satin Flowers

2010-06-29T23:31:00.004-07:00

You need scissors, a hot glue gun, satin or satin-type material, a lit candle, hair clip and embellishments (like buttons or jewels).

Cut varying sizes of circles from your material. The great thing about this is that the petals don't have to be a perfect circle. They won't end up that way once you burn them so don't worry about it! Hold the edges in the flame until they start to melt. Don't hold it too long or it will catch fire! When you have the number of petals you want start gluing them together in the center. Add your embellishments to the center. Glue to the hair clip.

For variation use more than one color. You can also add tulle to the flower.

German Chocolate Cake

2010-06-27T09:09:00.003-07:00

I got to make dessert for my dad's birthday. Because it's summer I had planned to make a nice, summery lemon poppy seed cake. But... at 1:00 a.m. if you don't have all of the ingredients you either make do with what you have (not possible this time) or you change your plans.
Growing up, I remember going to my dad's parents' house for a birthday dinner. The cake that my grandma served was the BEST CAKE EVER! My grandma can cook better than almost anyone else I know... no joke. I was in LOVE with that cake, and my mom made it for my birthday every year for several years after. Fast forward several years, and several store bought cakes or "homemade from a box and can of frosting" later I had lost my taste for it. Then I got a Hershey's cookbook for my birthday one year. I turned to the German Chocolate Cake recipe, and was ecstatic. I made it for a family birthday party, and everyone loved it. My mother-in-law's husband, whose family is German, raved over it, so I felt it passed the test. You can find the recipe on the Hershey's website under recipes. Search for German Chocolate Cake. (Sorry, it won't let me link it.)

Delicious Blueberry Muffins

2010-06-27T02:21:00.004-07:00

It's berry season again! My family loves this time of year because it means that I'm making blueberry muffins from scratch again. They enjoy the ones from a box, but when do you ever see blueberries that small? It's just not right! These made-from-scratch muffins are better than the ones I've had in nearly every bakery and Starbucks. The recipe comes from an out-of-print book called All the Best Muffins and Quick Breads by Joie Warner. You can find used copies on these websites: Barnes and Noble and Amazon. All my favorite quick bread and muffin recipes are in this book, so I highly recommend it. In case you can't get the book here's the recipe. The recipe says it only makes 12, but I can usually get 18 with the larger blueberries. I also use the cupcake wrappers because it's easier to clean and serve that way.

Blueberry Streusel Muffins

2 c. all-purpose flour

1 T. baking powder

1/2 t. salt

1/2 t. ground cinnamon (I use Saigon cinnamon- buy it at Costco)

2 c. fresh blueberries

1/2 c. real butter

1 c. sugar

2 large eggs

1 c. milk

grated zest of 1 medium lemon

1/4 c. sugar mixed with finely grated zest of 1 medium lemon

Adjust oven rack to top third position; preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Coat muffin pan with vegetable spray, including top edges: muffins rise above pan.

Thoroughly mix flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon in medium bowl; stir in blueberries.

Cream butter and sugar in large bowl of electric mixer for 3 minutes or until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then milk and lemon zest. On low speed, blend in dry ingredients just until combined; do not overmix.

Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups, dividing it evenly. Sprinkle lemon-sugar mixture evenly over muffin tops. Bake for 25 minutes or until tester comes out clean. Turn out onto rack and serve warm. Makes 12 muffins. (I apologize for not having a picture of the muffins artfully displayed on a pretty serving tray. I have sons... which means as soon as the food is out of the pan it starts disappearing.)

TIP: I get the large crystallized sugar from the cake decorating section and mix it with the lemon zest. It shows up more and tastes better with a little crunch.

Decorating Flip Flops with Ribbon

2010-06-15T00:00:00.001-07:00

Items you need:

2-3 different 1/4" - 5/8" coordinating ribbons or pieces of fabric

Flip flops

Scissors

Hot glue gun

Directions for tied ribbon flip flops:

Get your ribbon and flip flops. Decide which color you want to start with and tie it around the strap near the bottom. (I didn't pre-cut the ribbon.) I cut the ribbons at an angle to reduce the fraying. I only used 2 ribbons so I did every other one. Keep going until the straps are covered.

Covered straps: (Showing children's shoes. Adult flip flops coming soon.)

Choose your ribbon. If there's enough give, push down through the hole, fill it with hot glue and the end of the ribbon. If there's not enough give then just place a dot of glue at the very bottom of the strap, near where you foot goes. Start wrapping, and continue wrapping until the entire strap is wrapped on both sides. Place more hot glue at the end- the way you did when you started. Put a bow or flower in the middle where your toe goes.

Bejeweled flip flops:

Get ribbon with sequins or crystals and hot glue it on the straps. I added a satin flower with a jewel, but you can add whatever fits your style.

Retro Fabric Headbands

2010-06-14T18:35:00.000-07:00

For my daughter's birthday party everyone got a custom-fit headband.

Supplies:

22" x 4" cotton fabric

2" of 3/8" elastic

thread

sewing machine

scissors

large safety pin

iron and ironing board

Directions:

Cut your fabric. (I tapered it a bit on the end so it would fit under the head a little better.)

Fold material in half, wrong side out and iron flat.

Open up the material and sew 1/4" seam at the ends. Fold material back in half and sew (wrong side out) all the way down one side, back stitching on both ends. Make sure you don't sew the ends shut! (TIP- If you don't want to sew the ends shut you can use fray stop to prevent fraying.)

Put the safety pin on the end of one side. Push that down through the hole.

Sew the material flat again.

Get your elastic. Stick the elastic in one end and straight stitch in place, going over it several times to make sure it holds. Measure your head and sew the elastic in place. It should be snug, but not too tight. You may need to cut your material a bit shorter if your head is smaller or if you're making the headband for a child.

Homemade Pillowcases

2010-06-14T00:29:00.005-07:00

A few years ago for Christmas my mother made all of the grand kids pillowcases. My youngest son loved his so much that he carried it around everywhere. I mended it several times, but it was literally falling apart because it was threadbare from overuse. I got 3 coordinating fabrics and got started. The finished size of a standard size pillowcase is 20" x 30". Cut the first material to 20.5" x 24.5". I cut the second material, which is the small strip in the middle, to 20.5" x 4". I cut the third material to 20.5" x 8.5". (This allows about 1/2" extra for the seams.)

Items needed:

3 pieces of coordinating material: Piece A: 20.5" x 30.5", Piece B: 20.5" x 4", Piece C: 20.5" x 8.5"
Coordinating thread
Iron and ironing board
Scissors, cutting mat, ruler, rotating cutting blade

Directions:

Cut your material to size. Iron everything flat.
Fold Pieces 2 and 3 in half lengthwise and iron them flat. Iron a 1/4" seam on Piece A on the top piece.
Sew a seam along the ironed seam of Piece A.
Place Pieces 2 and 3 together and sew them together.
Sew that piece to the ironed seam on Piece A. Reinforce the corners with back stitching.
Iron everything flat then sew the pieces together.
Wash and dry and you're good to go!

70's Retro Birthday Party

2010-05-28T18:01:00.008-07:00

I'm in the planning process for this party still. My daughter is turning 7, and trying to come up with a theme that we agreed on was not so easy. She's at the stage where she does not like princesses anymore, but she's still a bit too young for a party where we go someplace for the party. We compromised on a 1970's theme. She is really into tie dye, hearts and peace signs so it seemed like a good fit. For the invitations I got standard size white cards and envelopes, 8 1/2" x 11" tie dye paper that I cut into 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" pieces. I had a stamp that said, "It's party time!" that I stamped with a rainbow colored ink pad on white cardstock. I rubbed the edges of that paper with a red ink pad, then cut out ribbon, charms and assembled the card. This is what the card looks like on the outside. On the inside it says,
"Far out! It's a birthday party! We're boogieing on down for (name)'s birthday (date and time) at the (last name) crib. We're flashing back to the 70's to celebrate (name)'s special day. We're making groovy crafts like tie dye t-shirts. Your threads might get dirty so dress accordingly. RSVP right away so we can get the right size shirt. Call (name and number). Can you dig it? Be there or be square!"
As the girls (aged 6-9) arrived I gave each girl a blank page from a sketch pad and had markers in the center of the table. I let the girls draw pictures, and it kept them busy for at least 20 minutes as everyone streamed in. Then we had lunch. I served homemade sliders, chips and Capri Sun drinks. When we were done eating we divided the girls into two groups and had 2 stations. The first station was with me and my husband. We were in charge of the tie dye shirts. My good friend Jennifer came to the party and she was in charge of station 2. I bought white t-shirts in varying sizes from Joann and Michael's. I let the girls choose from 2 different designs that came with the tie dye kit. I gave each girl a gallon size baggie, had them write their name on it and also on the tag of the shirt. I washed the shirts in the sink, wrung them out and arranged them according to design instructions. I had my husband as the dye assistant.
The second station was really fun. I got small canvas bags, iron on appliques, a peace sign stencil (it came with 1 large and 1 small), fabric paint and felt peace sign buttons. Each girl wrote her name with a Sharpie marker on the inside of the bag, then chose one applique, one felt button and started painting the peace signs.
As everyone was finishing I got out the headbands that I had started the night before. I custom fit a retro style headband on each girl and sewed the elastic to the other end.
I made a tie dye cake and when we were done with the stations we had cake and ice cream. Every single kid had cake (which never happened at any of our previous parties). After everyone was done eating my daughter opened gifts. Everyone had a great time, and my daughter told me it was the best party she's ever had. Yay!

End of year teacher gift ideas

2010-05-24T01:14:00.006-07:00

As the end of the school year approaches I am filled with a sense of dread. I've been so busy that I haven't come up with teacher gifts this year! As a room mother for one of my children I have been working on a group gift with the other moms. I can't post it yet because her teacher visits my site occasionally. (I will post a picture on Thursday- after she gets her gift.) That gift is taken care of, but I have 3 other children with teachers. I try to give something homemade to each teacher because I think those gifts mean the most. I try to find something that is inexpensive because buying for several teachers can get pricey.
Here is the list of ideas that I have come up with tonight. Hopefully this will help spark your imagination and help you come up with something for the teachers in your lives.
A mini scrapbook- You don't have to buy an album from the store. You can use paper bags folded in half. They can have pictures, sayings and gift cards inside the pockets.
An inexpensive pitcher with several fresh lemons
Personalized stationary
Etched glass vase with fresh flowers
Potted flowers in a painted terra cotta pot A personalized calendar
A personalized tote bag
A homemade cook book
Homemade goodies (recipe included)
A tote bag filled with sunscreen, a towel, a water bottle and a book (or a gift certificate to a local bookstore)
An apron with the teacher's name embroidered on the front. If you can't embroider use fabric paint.
Garden gloves with packets of seeds, mini shovel and trowel
Classroom supplies- teachers run out of tissues during cold season, hand sanitizer, hand soap, pencils, reams of white copy paper, dry erase markers or chalk, pink erasers, stickers or stamps with ink for younger grades, craft supplies
Magazine subscriptions
Children's books for the classroom
Rainy day activity boxes for the classroom- ideas include coloring pages, crossword puzzles, sudoku puzzles, pencils, crayons, etc. or a craft with the necessary supplies included
Extra fruits and veggies from your garden in a basket tied with a cute ribbon
Floor pillows or bean bags for the reading area in your teacher's classroom
A night at the movies- gift certificate for local video store, movie candy, microwave popcorn, bottled soda
A paper floral arrangement with gift cardsDinner in a box- Don't throw away those drink carriers from the drive-through! Fill one side with the pasta, the other side with a jarred pasta sauce. If it comes with 4 slots, put a loaf of bread in one and a drink in the other. You can decorate the box easily with stamps and stickers.
Personalized post-it notes- stamp the sides of a stack of post-it notes.
Decorated notebook with a matching clipboard.

Remember the packaging can make a difference. If you have something small enough use an empty, clean and dry 2-liter bottle. Cut a flap out and insert the gift. Tape it up with packaging tape, cover with decorative paper, add ribbon and you have a great gift.
I hope these ideas have helped you. Please comment if you have any more ideas!

Rainbow Cupcakes

2010-01-24T14:43:00.004-07:00

I got this idea from one of my girlfriends who did this for her daughter's birthday. First make a white cake mix as directed. You may want to use two boxes. One only yielded 15 cupcakes for me. Divide the mix evenly to bowls. Drop in food coloring. About 6 drops per bowl. It looks best the brighter it is in my opinion.

Teaspoon the different colors into the baking cups. Fill only to about 2/3 full. And cook in oven as directed from cake box.

Frost the completely cooled cupcakes.

Pour sprinkles into bowl and after frosting each cupcakes, turn over cupcakes to collect sprinkles.
Voila - end product

Here is what the cupcakes that I made looked like inside. The kindergartners who had these said they were the best cupcakes ever.

Note - you can do this as a cake as well

Little Girls Luau Birthday Party

2010-01-10T01:22:00.004-07:00

Food:

Pigs in a blanket with ketchup and mustard

Mangoes

Pineapple

Kiwi

Strawberries

Cake- 1 9" round white cake with white frosting. We frosted the entire thing white, then dyed some of the frosting pink to make a flower. Then instead of making it a double layer cake we made a dozen cupcakes. We used vanilla frosting dyed green to frost the tops. Then we used a kitchen knife to make the veins like a leaf with yellow sprinkles to make it shine a little.

Drink- punch made with pineapple sherbet and Sierra Mist. Water with lemon slices.

Even though these were all 5-7 year old girls, they ate almost everything. It was relatively healthy too.

Decorations:

Glass stem vases with bright silk flowers

Large glass jars with sand and seashells
Palm trees (in our yard) and plastic blow-up trees

Cut-outs of flowers and tropical birds

Activities:

I cut out hundreds of flowers with bright colored cardstock with my Cricut machine. Then I got straws and cut them in 1" sections. I cut yard, and the girls made their own leis.

Painting pineapples. My daughter LOVES crafts and painting so the girls painted little wooden pineapple ornaments.

Slip-n-slide.

Pinata... a recurring theme, I know. My kids love them.

Coloring the driveway with sidewalk chalks... a big hit with the girls.
Photo shoot. After the girls made their leis, we had them put them on, put on a grass skirt and stand by the little palm trees. They got a copy of the picture with their thank you card.The last thing was flower hair barrettes that I made for everyone to take home. I made about 25 in just an hour and a half.

Little Boys Jungle Theme Party

2010-01-10T00:42:00.005-07:00

For my 5 year old son's birthday he wants to have a jungle theme for his party.

Decorations:
Blue plastic tablecloth coming down the stairs to look like a waterfall.
Stuffed animals placed around the house.
Plastic figurines to decorate the table with the food.
Sound machine with jungle sounds.
Animal pictures. Calendars are on sale right now, so I got a Safari calendar with beautiful pictures of jungle animals.
Jungle leaves cut out with my Cricut

Activities:
Jungle Safari story- As the kids come in we're going to tell a story about jungle animals and they will all earn their own zebra print bandanna. I got zebra print material from Joann, and cut out 18" squares with my pinking edge. When these are on we'll take a head shot of each of them for a passport picture. These will be the thank you cards. Paint plaster of Paris jungle animals. I found them in the craft section of my local Wal-Mart. They were pretty inexpensive ($2.49 for 6).

Jungle search. Wal-Mart had their plastic animal toys on sale so I got plastic snakes really cheap. Everyone will search for their own snake. We might also search for alligator eggs (Easter eggs filled with various goodies.) Pin the nose on the lion- I found a cheap lion puzzle that I put together with puzzle glue. When I was done I cut out noses. Pinata- we went to our local party store, and they had lion pinatas. We may have the Jungle Book DVD or the Tarzan CD playing for those who arrive early or leave late.

Animal memory game- I used my cricut Animal Kingdom cartridge and cut out several different animals. I glued them to cardstock (and that was backed with giraffe print paper) and laminated them. The kids LOVED this.

For older children you could paint their faces to look like zebras or tigers. Make your own memory game where the kids have to match the animal picture to the animal sound or the footprint.

Food:
Funky monkey banana splits
Sandwiches- trying to come up with a fun name... any suggestions?
Jungle juice- apple cranberry juice mixed with Sprite

Tiger cake- I found the directions here.

Candy Corn Sugar Cookies

2009-11-15T00:39:00.004-07:00

Make your favorite cut-out sugar cookie recipe. Divide the dough into 3 parts. Keep one part white, color one part yellow and one part orange.
Place wax paper into a bread pan. Press the white dough into the bottom, then the yellow and then the orange. It won't be even, but that's fine. The cookies will still look great when you're done. Put the pan into the refrigerator for 3-4 hours. When it's done remove the dough from the pan using the wax paper, and keep the wax paper beneath it to cut it up.
Cut into 1/4" strips, and then into triangles as shown.

Put them on your greased cookie sheet, and bake according to the directions for your recipe.

When they're done remove the cookie sheets from the oven. Let the cookies sit for 1 minute, and then roll in sugar. It looks really white in the picture below, but in reality it's pretty transparent.

Here are some of the cookies on the cooling rack. The cookies look and taste great with or without sugar. Be aware that the cookies with sugar will dry out much more quickly. If you don't plan on using the full recipe you can freeze your dough.

Enjoy!

A few more Halloween crafts for you

2009-10-26T20:55:00.006-07:00

Here are a few more crafts that you can do. Refer to these posts for directions for the wreath and the letters.One thing I did differently was to add a black boa to the top. All you have to do to add that is use craft or hot glue and stick it down carefully. You can certainly add it to a board or hang it with ribbon.
This wreath differs from the Valentine wreath in that I bought wooden shapes from the craft store. I colored them with Sharpies, then sealed them with Mod Podge. That will help protect them in case of rain. I hot glued them to the wreath.

This was a really easy craft. I spray painted terra cotta pots with a glossy black paint. I added the round foam and stuck the flowers in. To use it for Thanksgiving just remove the garland and raven.

Pumpkin Table Runner

2009-10-12T15:11:00.006-07:00

Supplies:

Several pieces of orange, black and green felt (Yellow felt if you'd rather use that for the faces.)

Scissors

Sewing machine

Orange, black and green thread (or you can just use one- your preference)

Patterns (Either printed from the computer or cut out with a Cricut machine. You need two sizes so you can back it.)

Temporary (repositionable) fabric glue

Directions:

Cut out the pumpkin either from a computer printout or on your Cricut. Also make one that's 1/2" larger for the backing.

Cut out the pumpkin, stem/leaves and the backing. Cut out the pumpkin faces with either the black or yellow. When you're done with the faces then use a temporary fabric glue to secure them.

When the glue is dry stitch the faces to the pumpkins. The first picture is the backside, and the second picture is the front view.After you've stitched the faces on there arrange them until you like the way they look. When you have them the way you like them stitch them together using black thread. You can have them face the same direction or twist and turn them to add visual interest.

I opted to keep them all facing the same way. This is how my table runner looked when completed.Here's how it looks on my table. I spray painted the sticks black, found black roses and have a couple of luminaries. Fun stuff!

Candy Corn Decorations

2009-10-12T01:15:00.006-07:00

I saw a picture of some felt candy corn that a friend had made so I decided to do the same. This is a really simple craft to make if you have a sewing machine and basic sewing skills. (Mine are not much better than basic so if I can do it so can you!) The hardest part for me is always cutting the pieces out. And that's not even hard, just a little time consuming.

Supplies Needed:
Orange felt sheets
Yellow felt sheets
White felt sheets
Orange thread
Batting
Marking pen or marker
Scissors
Sewing machine
Pattern for candy corn (printed to desired size from computer)

Directions:

Cut out candy corn printed from your computer. Then cut along each color.
Trace each shape onto desired color of felt and then cut them out. Remember that these are double sided so you'll need to double the number you cut out. (If you want 5 total, then you'll cut out 10 total of each piece.)
Sew the three pieces together. I used the zigzag stitch so they would easily stay together.
After you finish sewing the 3 pieces together then get two complete candy corns and put them back to back. Using a straight stitch sew beginning at the widest portion on the end. When you're about 3" from your starting point start filling with batting. Finish sewing shut, making sure there is no gap.
After I finished sewing I used my scissors to trim around the edges to make sure they were even. Mine ended up being about 6" tall. If I made them a little bigger I would have gone around the edges with pinking shears.
Decorate as you will. I put mine in a jar. If you want to you could always sew coordinating ribbon on in loops and hang as garland. *Another option is to use the dark brown instead of the yellow for a twist on the candy corn. Use your imagination and have fun!

Easy Layered Bean Dip Recipe

2009-10-12T00:56:00.001-07:00

Here's a quick, relatively low fat recipe for bean dip. It's also yummy so enjoy!

Ingredients:

2 cans low fat refried beans

1 16 oz. tub of low fat sour cream

2 c. shredded cheese (I use regular cheese, but you can sub low fat cheese)

1 pkg taco seasoning (approximately 2 T.)

2 bunches green onions, diced

3-4 roma tomatoes, diced

2 avocados (optional)

juice from 2 limes (use with avocados)

1 can sliced olives (optional)

Directions:

Open your cans of refried beans and spread at the bottom of a 9" x 13" pan.

Cut open and mash the avocados. Mix with lime juice to prevent browning. Can add salt if you desire. Spread on top of the beans.

Mix the package of taco seasoning with the sour cream until completely blended. Spread on top of avocado mixture.

Dice tomatoes and put on top of sour cream mixture.

Dice green onions and put on top of tomatoes.

Put shredded cheese on top, making sure you get good coverage.

Put sliced olives on top of everything. (I can't eat olives so I put it on half and left the other half alone.)

Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This tastes great with tortilla chips and feeds a ton of people. Enjoy!

Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas (on the stovetop)

2009-10-10T09:31:00.001-07:00

Here's a quick and easy meal that makes a ton of food. You get the flavor of green chile chicken enchiladas with half the work. You can serve it with Mexican rice, beans and tortilla chips.

Ingredients:

2 dozen corn tortillas, torn up

1 can green chile enchilada sauce

2 c. shredded cheese

2 cans cream of chicken soup

1 c. water

1 1/2 - 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast

Directions:
Boil chicken in salted water about 20 minutes, or until cooked through. When chicken is done remove it from stove top and drain water. Let cool and then shred or cut up chicken.

Pour in green chile enchilada sauce, soup and tortillas. Stir until the tortillas are all covered. Add the chicken and cheese. Add enough water so that the tortillas will be able to soften up. Cook until cheese is melted and food is heated through, approximately 15 - 20 minutes.

Terra Cotta Treat Jars

2009-07-29T00:39:00.007-07:00

Supplies
Fine grit sandpaper
4" diameter terra cotta lid
3" diameter terra cotta lid
6" tall terra cotta pot
6" round glass bowl
Strong adhesive- I recommend E6000 (Glue guns will NOT work for this project!)
Acrylic paint
Foam brushes
Wood knob
Clear acrylic sealer (Spray or a liquid decoupage medium)
Paper to cover your table where you'll be painting.

Directions
1. Place your cover on your table.
2. Completely remove all the stickers and sand all the residue off. Fine grit sandpaper works really well. Also sand any rough edges from the terra cotta.
3. Glue small lid in the inside of the larger lid, applying glue around edges of smaller lid. Press together and let dry completely. (Tip- I put a cup on there to keep it in place while it was drying.)
4. Paint the outside of the pot, the wood knob and lid (top and bottom). You will need to do several coats of paint, especially if you use a light color. Allow to dry completely between each coat of paint.
5. Apply clear sealer to all painted areas and allow to dry completely.
6. When paint is completely dry glue knob to the top center of the lid. Press down and hold until secure. Allow to dry completely, approximately 20-30 minutes.

7. Turn your pot upside down. Next put glue on the bottom of the glass bowl and place on the top center of the pot. Hold in place for several minutes until it's secure and allow it to dry completely.

8. When it is completely dry clean out the jars and put in your treats. Decorate with a ribbon around the bottom of the bowl. The ribbon can completely change the look and feel of the bowl so if you choose a neutral color you can use your jar for several different seasons.

The total cost of this is approximately $10. If you already have the paint, sealer and brushes it's even cheaper. With help kids 7 and up should be able to do this project.

Christmas in July- Ho, Ho, Ho Wall Hanging

2009-07-26T19:57:00.005-07:00

For church I'm teaching a class for a wall hanging that says HO HO HO. It's based on this project. In order to keep the price down and appeal to people who feel limited in their crafting abilities this is a simple craft. (There are several steps, but the process is simple.)

Supply List

Wooden Letters: 3- H's, 3- O's
6- 12" x 12"coordinating decorative scrapbook papers
1-2 coordinating craft paint
Decoupage medium
2 sponges
3 square wood boards, sanded to get rid of rough edges and splinters (Depending on the size of your letters you may need to adjust the size. For this project I did 10" square boards.)
2 1/2 yards ribbon, 1" or wider (grosgrain or strong wired ribbon)
Hot glue and glue gun
Staple gun
Ruler
Stickers (3D stickers), ribbon and other embellishments

Directions

1. Sand all the letters and boards to get rid of rough edges.

2. Select 3 different papers for your letters. Trace your letters on the scrapbook paper and cut out.

3. Paint the sides of the letters. Don't paint the top or bottom. Set aside and let them dry. You may need to do several coats. I usually do 2-3 coats. You'll usually get a little on the top or bottom. It's okay, but don't paint the entire top or bottom because the paper won't stick to it if you do.

4. Paint the sides of the boards. Set aside and let them dry.

5. When the letters are dry adhere the letters to the front of the letters with the decoupage glue. Set aside and let them dry.

6. Cut remaining scrapbook paper to size for the boards. Adhere to the boards with the glue. You can use the ruler to make sure the paper lays flat. I usually paint the glue on the board and the paper in sections to make sure it sticks on there really well. Set aside and let them dry.

7. When the letters are dry seal them on the sides and top with the decoupage glue. Do the same to the boards. Set aside and let them dry.

8. Optional- If you want to embellish with ribbons tie them around the letters. Another thing I've done is when the letters are still wet is get chunky clear glitter and put it on them. It looks really cute! I've also used fake snow on the corners and then put glitter on it to make it look like sparkling snow.

9. Get boards out and turn upside down. Place the boards an equal distance apart, using a ruler if necessary. Staple the ribbon starting from the bottom board, up to the top board, making a loop at the top, and then back down to the bottom of the board.

10. Turn the boards over. Take the letters and place them on your boards. Move them around until you have them arranged the way you like. Then hot glue the letters on the boards. Press down so they are adhered well.

11. When everything is dry you can add your other embellishments- like stickers or skinny boas.

Hawaiian and Chocolate Haystacks

2009-07-20T18:24:00.004-07:00

Here's how to make Hawaiian Haystacks in a crock pot.

Hawaiian Haystacks
Prep work: (Do the night before.) Defrost 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chop veggies.
2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cans cream of chicken soup
milk
Put all ingredients into the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours. When it's done cooking take the lid off and use 2 forks to shred the chicken. Add enough milk to make the soup creamy like gravy.
About 30 minutes before your chicken is done cook enough rice for your family, and flash fry your veggies.
I used white onions (I would use green onions if I did it again... my kids couldn't see these, though!), green pepper, red pepper, carrots, bean sprouts, water chestnuts and sugar snap peas. You can also use celery, tomatoes, (whatever other vegetables you like). Add a little soy sauce to taste for flavor. I've heard of people using cheese, almonds and pine nuts. The other ingredients I added (did not cook) were pineapple tidbits and chow mein noodles.
To serve rice first, then chicken and gravy mixture and veggies on top. Chocolate Haystacks
1 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 c. butterscotch chips
2 c. mini marshmallows
2 c. chow mein noodles
1/2 c. salted peanuts
In a microwave safe bowl add the chips and melt for 2-3 minutes on high. Remove from microwave ans stir. Cook an additional 1 1/2 minutes (time may vary depending on your microwave), and remove. Stir, add marshmallows and stir until coated. Add the noodles and peanuts. Place by spoonful on wax paper. You can refrigerate for approximately 1 hour or let them sit until they set up.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

2009-07-08T16:33:00.005-07:00

I am always looking for a good recipe, and since my kids always have friends over (most of whom are hungry boys) I need to have things that are quick, easy and inexpensive. And if it makes a lot it's even better! After a recent visit with my grandparents my kids wanted to have the same chocolate chip pumpkin cookies. The cookies were store bought so I had to go online to find a recipe that would work. After eliminating many recipes, this is the one I selected, and they are perfect! They are super-soft and so yummy. The recipe made a TON of cookies, and even though it's the middle of summer they are quickly disappearing.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Recipe George Duran
Prep Time: 15 min
Inactive Prep Time: 2 min
Cook Time: 15 min
Serves: 60 cookies

Ingredients:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup white sugar
1 cup light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup canned pumpkin puree
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
2 cups milk chocolate chips, not semisweet
Nonstick cooking spray

Directions:
Heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray cookie sheets with nonstick spray.
Using a mixer, beat the butter until smooth. Beat in the sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, 1 at a time, then add the vanilla and pumpkin puree. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Slowly beat the flour mixture into the batter. Stir in the chips. Scoop the cookie dough by heaping tablespoons onto the prepared cookie sheets and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cookies are browned around the edges. Remove the cookie sheets from the oven and let them rest for 2 minutes. Take the cookies off with a spatula and cool them on wire racks.

* I used semi-sweet chocolate chips, and my all-time favorite ingredient ,Mexican vanilla.

Yummy Bread Machine Cinnamon Rolls

2009-05-27T21:10:00.005-07:00

I love cinnamon rolls, and while I can bake just about anything, bread eludes me. I have recently found that I can actually make breads if I use my bread machine, and I decided to try to stretch myself and use the Dough function and see if I could make something that way. I found a recipe with good reviews and got started.

Here's my favorite tip I learned years ago when making rolls of any kind. Get a long string of unflavored floss and wiggle it under your dough then slice it. It makes perfect cuts without squishing your dough down. The above picture is how it looks during the cut.

This is how it looks immediately after you cut it. Quick and easy!

There were 2 different variations that I wanted to try. After polling my family my husband and I were the only ones who wanted nuts or raisins in our rolls. I didn't want to try to figure out which was which after so I just did these 2 variations. The pan on the right has cinnamon and regular white sugar. The pan on the left has cinnamon and brown sugar. The white sugar rolls tasted like typical cinnamon rolls while the ones with the brown sugar were moister and gooey-er.

This is the pans after I baked and frosted them. My kids prefer the pan on the left (white sugar) while my hubby and I prefer the brown sugar cinnamon rolls. Yummy! Those got bigger when they were rising for some reason. (As I stated before I'm not a bread baker so I don't know if there's a reason for this.)

Here's my plate. I had to try both kinds so I put them both on my plate.

The next time I make them I'm going to add a lot more butter and cinnamon to the rolls with white sugar. I think it might make them tastier.

Birthday Board

2009-05-25T09:39:00.003-07:00

Supplies for Magnet Board:
1) Magnet Board (make sure it will be big enough to fit all the pieces you'll need for months and family members)
2) Paint (any color, I used black)
3) Finishing Spray (Matte or Glossy, I used Matte)
4) Foam Brush
5) Sand paper
6) Painters tape or masking tape
7) Vinyl lettering (bought already cut) or Vinyl for cutting (can use a Cricut for cutting)

Directions for Board:
1) Tape the metal next to the border so paint doesn't get on it
2) Paint the border of your magnet board, let dry.
3) Paint a 2nd coat on the border, let dry.
4) Sand the edges for antique look (optional)
5) Cover the metal and spray with finishing spray, let dry.
6) Spray a 2nd coat of finishing spray on the border, let dry.
7) Add your vinyl lettering to the top (whatever saying you've chosen)

Supplies for Wooden Shapes:
1) Wooden Shapes for months (I used "signs", about 1 1/2" long)
2) Wooden Shapes for individual birthdays (I used 1 1/2" circles)
3) Paint for Shapes (can do different colors, all one color, whatever your preference, I used a creme color for all shapes)
4) Mod Podge
5) Paint Brush
6) Fine Point Sharpie
7) Pictures of each person (I made all my faces just under 1" and printed them in sepia)
8) Any 1" punch, just make sure your pictures will fit on your wooden shape and have room for writing)
9) Magnets to fit your month wooden shapes
10) Magnets to fit your individual birthday wooden shapes
11) Craft glue for wood

Directions:
1) Paint all wooden shapes with two coats, let dry
2) Punch out each picture with your 1" punch while your paint dries
3) Mod Podge your pictures onto your birthday wooden shapes (no pictures for the months unless you've chosen to do this), let dry completely
4) Write the months on your month wooden shapes with your sharpie
5) Write the name and birthday on each individual wooden shape
6) Glue the magnets onto the back of each wooden shape, let glue cry completely
7) Arrange wooden shapes on your magnet board

Decorating Papier Mache letters

2009-05-21T11:51:00.004-07:00

Here's a quick and easy activity that makes for a quick decorating project or gift.
Supplies needed:
Papier mache or wooden letter
Acrylic paint
Decoupage medium (I use Mod Podge)
2 foam paint brushes
Various decorative paper

Directions:
1. Paint the sides of the letter with your paint. Let dry. Paint a second coat, and let it dry completely.

2. While the paint is drying cut or tear your paper. When the paint is dry lay it out on your letter to arrange it the way you want it.
3. When you have the paper arranged the way you like it use your second foam brush and dip it in the Mod Podge. Brush a medium coat large enough for your paper. It dries pretty quickly so don't try to do the whole thing at once! If your paper is large then apply the MP in small sections. Do this until you have all your paper on there. Let it dry completely.

4. When this is all done then brush MP over the entire thing, including where you painted, to seal it. Let it dry completely.

5. Add coordinating embellishments... ribbon, boas, stickers, etc. My daughter did this and she only wanted ribbon.

You can hang them up, have them sit on shelves or counter tops. Fun, quick, easy and cute!

Floral Hairbows with photos

2009-05-18T21:46:00.005-07:00

I see these all over the place, and my daughter wanted me to make her one. I've seen them sold for up to $20. I can make several for that amount.

Supplies:

Hot Glue Gun (and glue)

Large daisies or your preferred flower (I buy a bunch from my local craft store when they're on sale.)

Coordinating ribbon

Metal hair clips or barrettes

Small wire cutter OR a pair of sharp scissors

Directions:

1. Cut a piece of ribbon long enough to cover the clip.

2. Use hot glue to attach to the clip. You need to do this in short sections. I started with gluing the ribbon underneath, secured that, then put more hot glue- to about the middle of the barrette, secured that, the other half, secured that, and then the under side and secured that. If the hot glue does harden up before you get the glue down just heat it up with your hair dryer and reattach. (HINT- This also works if the ribbon or flower gets detached.)

3. Separate the flower layers from each other. Use the wire cutters to cut the flower from the stem. When you pull the center of the flower out there will be a little green nub that everything went into. Cut this so it's even with the bottom. Set aside.

4. Glue the flower in layers, from the bottom up. Push down firmly between each layer to make sure that they are attached well. I glue clear across the barrette for the first layer, and then a dollop of glue in the center for the remaining layers.

This shows how it looks as you glue the layers together. It looks kind of funny until you get them all together.

This is how it will look when you end with the center of the flower.

They're really quite quick and simple to make. I made 21 flower barrettes for my daughter's luau party in under an hour.

If you want to embellish further you can add glitter, sequins, etc. Now I just need to make something so I can store without mushing them up!

Here is how it looks in our hair. You can make them big or small.

Cinco de Mayo Recipes

2009-05-05T15:08:00.006-07:00

We love Cinco de Mayo. It gives us an excuse to make a great Mexican meal.

The one thing my kids always request is my homemade salsa.

Homemade Salsa

Ingredients:

5-6 firm roma tomatoes, de-seeded

2-3 jalapenos

1/2 - 1 large white onion (can substitute 5-6 green onions)

1 t. salt

1 t. black pepper

1- 14 1/2 oz. can diced tomatoes

1/2 bunch cilantro, washed with stems removed

Wash all produce. Pick leaves off cilantro and place in food processor bowl. Cut up 1/2 - 1 large white onion, diced. Carefully cut and deseed the jalapenos, then dice and add to bowl. Deseed the tomatoes, dice and add to the bowl. Add the salt and pepper, then pour the canned tomatoes on top. Put on food processor and run until everything is well mixed.

Taste and make sure you like the flavor. Add more salt to taste if needed. (If you want it to be hotter add more jalapenos. Or add hotter peppers- habanero or serrano peppers will make it significantly hotter.) Refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

To make guacamole- Add 2 c. of the salsa to 5 mashed avocados mixed with the juice from 2-3 limes. Refrigerate.

For dessert I made Mexican Wedding Cookies. These are quick and easy. They will disappear almost as fast as you can make them!

Mexican Wedding Cookies

(Makes about 48)
1/2 cup powdered sugar

1 cup butter, softened (Do not substitute margarine! It won't set up or taste as good.)

2 teaspoons vanilla

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup finely chopped almonds or pecans

1/4 teaspoon salt (omit if your butter is salted)

Bowl of powdered sugar

Pre-heat oven to 325 F. In a large bowl combine the powdered sugar, butter and vanilla. Blend well. Stir in flour, nuts and salt. Shape into 1-inch balls. (I used my small Pampered Chef scooper. It made them perfectly round and the perfect size.) Place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes until set but not brown. Immediately remove from cookie sheets. Cool for 2-3 minutes, then roll in powdered sugar. Cool completely and reroll in powdered sugar... if they last that long.

Here's the whole spread for our Cinco de Mayo dinner! Tortilla chips, watermelon, Spanish rice, refried beans with cheese, taco meat, homemade salsa, freshly made tortillas and the Mexican wedding cookies.

Coupon Tag Book

2009-04-15T21:36:00.005-07:00

Maryann is a big-time scrapbooker. Whenever I have a scrapbook project I call her up (or email if it's too early) and ask her how I should do my projects. I wanted to make a coupon book for a friend's birthday so I asked for her input on how to make one. She showed me a mini tag scrapbook that she made a few years ago with pictures from the beach. My friend is outdoorsy so I wanted to use that theme. Here is the completed coupon book.

The even pages are coupons for his birthday.

The odd pages are of the off-roading trip he is on in Southern Utah. Here is the completed book. I used an O ring and tied some coordinating ribbon around it.

Completed Baby Blankets with Scalloped Crochet Edge

2009-03-31T18:47:00.007-07:00

Here is how the baby boy blanket looked after I finished crocheting the scalloped edge. I am including photos of the process with a thicker thread (for my girl blanket) so that you can see it well enough to replicate the edges yourself.This is how the blanket looked after I single crocheted once around.This is how to start the second row.This is how the second row looks when completed.To start the third row single crochet in one hole, skip a hole, then double crochet 5 times into a single hole. Skip a hole and repeat until you're done.This shows how it looks when you have completed 5 double crochets into the single hole and you skip a hole and go to the second hole.This is just showing the above explanation.

This is how it looks going around a corner.

Now if I can do this almost anyone can do this. I just learned to crochet a few weeks ago. I started by making wash rags, and this was the second project I learned. It's really a simple process of repetition. Once you do it once you should be able to repeat with more speed and accuracy each time. The hardest part for me was learning to hold the thread around my hand and finger with the correct tension. I have been shown 3 different ways by 3 different women, so really it's a matter of personal preference. Also, the first blanket (shown at top and in a previous post) used a really thin thread. It was a good thread to learn with. However, I prefer the look of the thicker thread that I used on the girl blanket. I think it holds its shape a lot better, and stands out a lot more. But, again, it's just a matter of personal preference.

* Quick note- I haven't found a machine that will poke large holes for me. I have heard that there are people who will punch the holes with a machine for $1 a side. However, I found out that my new sewing machine ($119.97 at WalMart) had a hem stitch option. I got a wing needle, and stitched without thread about 3/16" in around the entire blanket. It made it much easier to keep things even. I poked through every other hole. When necessary I used the ice pick to enlarge the holes. Also, the second blanket (girl) was a lot thicker felt than the blue blanket. It seemed to be a lot easier to work with.

** You can also add a back to the blanket if you want to have a print and solid color or a print on both sides. I haven't added any to mine, but I was told that you can sew two materials together, then poke the holes and do the same process I used. I was also told that you can single crochet around both of them, then use the second row to put them together, then continue onto the third row. I think I would opt for the first of these two options because it would be difficult to make the stitches line up exactly.

*** The lady at the fabric store asked what I was making, and I told her that the only complaint I have about the felt (especially the thinner felt) is that I can't get it to iron flat. She suggested that I go to the dollar store and buy a product called Magic Sizing. She said it's a lot lighter than starch, but that it adds enough to the material that it will iron flat and keep its shape better.

Cook Once, Eat Twice

2009-03-12T11:18:00.005-07:00

I love the thought of only having to cook one night, but being able to feed my family two different meals on two different nights.

Recipe for Dinner One:

French Dip

Super easy crock-pot recipe!

1 beef roast of your preference (I usually get the biggest one I can find with the least amount of fat)

Water

Beef Bouillon

1 package Italian seasoning mix

Rolls (regular dinner or crusty rolls - whatever)

Basically you just cook the roast for 24 hours.

I sear my roast first in a very hot skillet, just a minute or so on each side.

Then put your roast in your slow cooker and measure in cups enough water to cover the roast. I find that almost always, no matter the size of the roast or the slow cooker 5 or 6 cups will do it. Then add a corresponding number of beef bouillon cubes of tablespoons of instant beef bouillon. Also add the package of Italian seasoning. Stir it all together, and then stir it again after an hour or so, after the bouillon has dissolved.

Here's a tip - sometimes you have to move the roast around too, if there is a lot of fat in the meat it might float a little and you want to be sure it all gets cooked evenly.

Oh and you should have your slow-cooker set to "low."

Another tip: If I forget to get my roast started a full 24 hours in advance, I will often set the slow-cooker to "high" for a few hours and then turn it down. IE: It's midnight on Saturday night and I just remembered I wanted to have a roast for Sunday dinner at 3 or 4 o'clock. Set the slow-cooker to "high" and then when you wake up in the morning, turn it down to low.

After 24 hours of cooking, take your roast out and shred it. You do this with a couple of forks. Just pick it apart.

Serve the meat on rolls with a bowl of the juice from the slow-cooker on the side. This is the best French dip you will ever have!!

Now, be sure to save all of your left over meat and at least 3-4 cups of the juice too for the next night's recipe.

Recipe for Dinner Two:

Green Chile Burros

A family favorite. This freezes really well too, so I make a TON of it and freeze it individual and family servings in Ziploc bags.

1 large onion diced

2 Tbsp oil

1-2 cups of left-over roast meat (we are of course using the beef roast from French dip, but you can also use left-over pork roast meat)

1 can of diced tomatoes

1 beef bouillon cube

1 can of diced green chiles (the little cans)

2 Tbls chili powder

1 can refried beans

Saute the onion in a little bit of oil (I use Canola). Add the meat and heat it through, but be sure not to saute or fry it. Add the tomatoes plus a little water (about 1/4 of the can to get all those good tomato juices), the bouillon, green chiles, chili powder, and refried beans. Stir it all together. You will most likely find that it needs a little more moisture. That's why you saved the juice from last night. Add the juice until you get a good consistency. If you don't have any juice you can add water and more bouillon cubes.

Serve in a flour tortilla, with a little more of the filling on top also. You can also add cheese or sour cream, although I like mine plain.

And get this, once upon a time I even figured out the calories for this dish. If you use about 14 oz of lean roast and non-fat beans, allowing two small burros per serving, then there are right around 4 servings at about 332 calories per serving. Not bad! (of course that doesn't include the tortilla or any other toppings)

Tip: Because I use the biggest roast I can find (and fit in my Crock pot) I usually end up doubling this recipe, and sometimes even tripling it. Then I am able to freeze enough for anywhere from 4-6 dinners for my family of 4 (only 3 of us are eating table food though).

Corn and Bean Salsa Recipe

2009-03-11T14:00:00.004-07:00

I got this recipe from my friend Quincy. It tastes delicious, and it's fairly nutritious. Works well for a girl's night in.

Corn and Bean Salsa
1 bunch of cilantro (or to taste)
1 bunch of green onions (or to taste)
3-4 roma tomatoes
1 avocado
2 cans corn
2 cans black eyed peas
2 packets Good Seasons Italian Dressing

Make one packet of the Good Seasons Italian Dressing according to package directions. Set aside. Drain the cans of corn and black eyed peas, then rinse. Chop up tomatoes, green onions, cilantro and avocado. Add everything and the unmixed packet of dressing to a bowl and stir well. Add the mixed dressing to the bowl and stir. Refrigerate 3-4 hours before serving. Serve with tortilla chips.

Baby blanket- in progress

2009-03-11T00:17:00.006-07:00

I just learned to crochet 2 1/2 weeks ago. I tried to learn when my eldest son was a baby, and it did not happen. I didn't have high hopes that I'd learn this time, but I had great teachers so I got the hang of it. Here are the pictures of the blankets in progress.

Directions:

Get 1 1/4 yard of flannel with your favorite print.

Wash and dry it, then trim to 1 yard.

If you don't have access to a machine to poke holes for you then use an ice pick I (like I did) and poke holes every 3/16", about 1/4" from the edge of your fabric. Only after I started did I notice how off my holes were. I guess I'll use a ruler next time.

Crochet through the first hole. This is what it will look like when you're done with the first row.

Go under the "loop" on the top and single crochet. This is how the second row looks when it's done.
For the last row go through the small loop between the first and second row and do a single crochet. Skip a loop, then do 5 double crochets through a single loop. Skip another hole and repeat the single crochet.

It isn't completed yet, but when it is I will post a photo of it. It's so fun and easy!

More of a hobby thing

2009-03-06T19:55:00.005-07:00

Less of a craft thing. But I just finished this book:

Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand. Now don't be intimidated by the 1,067 pages, or by the people who have told you that it is a book all about economics and politics. Those are the things that made me think I wouldn't like it. But guess what? I did like it. Ayn Rand is a good story teller. And for you girls (cause I doubt there are many guys who read this blog, but I could be wrong - it has been known to happen), there is romance! I also thought this would be one of those wordy books. And it is - in a way. But not in the way that kept me from reading it. Let me explain that. When I read a book, I want to be entertained. I am past the time in my life where I have to read books only for the purpose of learning something or getting a good grade or passing a test or whatever. When I read a book, I don't want to have to think too hard about it. That's not to say that I don't read books to learn stuff anymore. It's just that that is the exception rather than the standard nowadays. I mostly want to enjoy myself and escape for a little while. Which is the biggest reason why I have yet to make it all the way through any Jane Austen book, or The Count of Monte Cristo, or Les Miserables. (All books that are on my list of books to read.) But back to Atlas Shrugged. Sometimes it can get a little wordy, and her heros tend to get long winded, but it's not hard to follow or understand.

Bottom line: I highly recommend this book. But be warned: It will change the way you think about everything. It did for me. That doesn't necessarily mean that it will change your opinions, beliefs, or values. But it will change the way you think about them.

Has anyone else read this? Did you have a similar experience? Did you enjoy the book, or not at all? I really want to know!

Poppy Seed Chicken

2009-02-18T20:29:00.004-07:00

Poppy Seed Chicken
2-3 chicken breasts or 1 whole chicken
8 oz. sour cream
2 cans cream of mushroom soup
2 T. poppy seeds
1 T. dried chopped onion (or 1/2 diced white onion)
1t. garlic powder (or 1 clove garlic)
1 cube butter
45 Ritz crackers

Boil chicken. When fully cooked remove from heat and cool for a few minutes. While cooling, preheat the oven to 350* F. Mix sour cream, soup and poppy seeds. Add onion and garlic powder. Chop or shred chicken, then add to mixture. Mix well. Spread in the bottom of a 9" x 13" pan.
Melt 1 cube butter, and crush the crackers. Add melted butter to crushed crackers and stir. Put on top of the chicken mixture. Bake for about 30 minutes. Serve over rice. Yummy!

Valentine's Wreath

2009-02-10T17:34:00.003-07:00

Here's the Valentine's wreath for which I also used Chantal's idea. It's quick and easy. I think I'll be using some extra fabric to make some for Halloween and Christmas!

First start with a Styrofoam wreath like this one. If you prefer you can use a wooden "O" from the wood craft section of your local craft store.
Get several different Valentine's Day fabrics and cut out 1 1/2" - 3" strips. Organize the fabrics in the order you like. (Instead of measure twice, cut once; arrange twice, glue once.)Apply a liberal amount of Mod Podge the size of your fabric strip. Press the fabric down well, making sure to get rid of any air bubbles. Allow the MP to dry, and then apply another coat over the top if desired. (I applied another coat so that the wreath would be more weather-proof.)

After the top coat of MP dries, select several ribbons and/or rickrack. Measure and cut to the necessary length. Use craft glue to adhere to the wreath where the fabrics meet. Make sure the ends are glued down well.

To embellish a little more I got a couple of Styrofoam balls, and covered them with fabric. Then I wrapped ribbons around them and tied them to the wreath. Hang it on your door and enjoy!

Valentine's Crafts Heart Table Runner

2009-02-10T16:57:00.004-07:00

I will be upfront and admit that I shamelessly stole these ideas from Chantal, Charmaine's sister. (Charmaine is a contributor on this blog.) Chantal did several crafts for Halloween, that I decided to convert to Valentine's ideas because I have very few Valentine's decorations.

This first project is the heart table runner. I have stopped here because I can't decide how to embellish these without making them look overdone. So for this year this is how they will look. If you have any ideas on how to make them cuter please comment!

First cut out a template. I used my Cricut and cut out a large and a medium heart. I traced the large heart on the red felt, and the medium heart on the pink felt.I cut out a total of 10 red and 10 pink hearts.Next I sewed them together using a zig zag stitch with about a 1/4" border.Lastly I sewed the hearts together, alternating right-side-up and upside down hearts.

This is the finished runner. It looks okay, but I'd like to make it pop. Any suggestions?

FHE in a Jar

2009-01-29T10:23:00.004-07:00

Last night for our mutual activity, we put together FHE in a Jar kits. I must admit, they turned out pretty dang cute. I got the original document of strips from JennySmith.net. But when I opened the word document, the formatting came up really bad, so I copied and pasted it into an Excel spread sheet and fixed the formatting to make it nice and uniform. Each strip contains a song, scripture(s), and a question to discuss. So easy! This would also be good for scripture study/journalling. I thought to make it a complete FHE there should be treats! So, I got on allrecipes.com and searched for "easy treats" and "easy desserts." So, you have 7 pages of FHE lesson strips, and 5 pages of easy recipe strips. I printed the lesson strips on white paper, and the treat strips on colored paper so you could tell the two apart and pick one of each. I also made some cute tags to put on the outside. In Jenny Smith's document, the first page is a tag and instructions. Just so you know.

I think they turned out pretty cute and I hope the girls use them! I know I will! Plus, under Good Works in their Personal Progress books is a goal about teaching Family Home Evening - so we got a lot into just one activity.

FHE in a Jar Lesson strips (.xls - Excel spreadsheet)
FHE in a Jar Lesson strips (.pdf - Adobe Acrobat)

Easy Treats strips for FHE in a Jar (.doc - Word document)
Easy Treats strips for FHE in a Jar (.pdf - Adobe Acrobat)

FHE in a Jar Tags (.ai - Adobe Illustrator)
FHE in a Jar Tags (.pdf - Adobe Acrobat)

The original source of FHE in a Jar on JennySmith.net.

My chocolate chip cookie recipe

2009-01-28T00:41:00.005-07:00

Every time I make these cookies people ask me for the recipe. I made 48 cookies this afternoon, and with my kids' friends stopping by, some Boy Scouts stopping by and some missionaries there are now only 8 cookies left. So I thought I'd share the recipe with you too! Enjoy!

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:

1 c. real butter

1 t. Mexican vanilla

2 eggs

3/4 c. white sugar

1 c. brown sugar

2 1/4 c. flour

1 t. baking soda

1 t. salt (omit this if you use salted butter)

2 c. chocolate chips (milk chocolate or semi-sweet, whichever you prefer)

1 c. chopped nuts (optional)

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 375 F.

Mix the butter until smooth. Add vanilla, eggs, sugars and mix well. Add flour, soda and salt (if required). Mix well. Add chocolate chips and nuts; mix just until mixed.

Spray cookie sheet(s) with Pam. Use scoop and drop dough by rounded spoonful on cookie sheets. Cook 8-11 minutes, depending on your oven. When they are golden brown, remove them from the oven. Let them cool for 3-5 minutes, and put on a cooling rack. Enjoy!

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

2009-01-28T00:11:00.008-07:00

I can't claim this recipe as my own, but my family LOVES this recipe. It comes from a girl I know named Channan.

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Ingredients:

3-4 chicken breasts

6 c. water with 6 t. chicken bouillon (or use chicken broth)

5-6 carrots, peeled and chopped

1 medium onion, chopped in large chunks (I've used yellow, white and red onions- whatever I have on hand at the time)

Several stocks of celery, chopped

1 1/2 c. frozen peas (Don't thaw before!)

Basil

Oregano

Pepper

Salt (Kosher salt is what the recipe calls for, but I use sea salt, or use table salt.)

1 c. heavy cream

1/2 pkg. wide egg noodles

(All ingredients are approximate; you can add to or reduce as you wish.)

Directions:

Poach chicken breasts in broth for 20 minutes. Remove chicken and refrigerate. DON'T THROW OUT THE BROTH! It's your soup base! Add onions, carrots and celery. Simmer until carrots are soft.

Add your spices (to taste), and then dice or tear chicken. (I usually pick it up with a fork, put it over the pan and use kitchen shears to cut it up.)Add the chicken, heavy cream, frozen peas and noodles to the pan and stir well. (I get the Ream's Frozen noodles because they're the BEST!)

Remove pan from heat. Keep covered until noodles are soft.

We LOVE this recipe, and very rarely have leftovers. My kids used to want the Campbell's Chicken Noodle Soup, but I've slowly won them over. Now they request this all the time!

Homemade cars birthday party decorations

2009-01-16T19:16:00.010-07:00

We had a Cars themed birthday party for my youngest son. I was unable to find all of the decorations we wanted so I made my own. It was pretty easy to do, and they turned out pretty well. (The pictures didn't turn out as well as I hoped, but you can get the gist from them I think!)

I wanted to have some race flags so I got 1 1/2 yards of black and white checked fabric from Wal-Mart. I cut the fabric into 16" squares, which I cut diagonally corner to corner to make triangles. I sewed hems on the two angled lines. Next I got 1/4" white rope that we had in the garage and sewed the last hem around the rope. I made a total of 16 flags.

Here are two views of the flags that I had hanging from the canopy. It was a bit breezy so I couldn't get a better shot... sorry!

I used my Cricut machine to cut out blue ribbons for everyone. I used them as the thank you notes that I put in the treat bags that all the kids took home. You could also use them as awards for any games that you play.

I cut the tops and bottoms off 2 boxes and then cut holes on 2 sides as handles.

I covered the "cars" with aluminum foil and taped around the edges to make sure that it would stay put.

I cut out 2 different sizes of circles using my Cricut machine to make headlights.

These are the headlights on the box cars.

Here are the numbers on the side of the box cars.

For the activity you have the kids step into the center of the "car" and hold it up by the handles on either side. Then they do a relay race going around a "race track." For our race track my husband used blue painters' tape and made 2 lanes so both teams would have their own lanes. It was inexpensive, quick and easy to set up and clean up, and effective.

I used the lids from the box cars to make license plates that all the kids got to decorate. Here's a picture of the birthday boy with his license plate. (He was in a funny mood and all of his pictures are cheesy smiles with his eyes closed. Silly boy!) I let them all decorate their plates with foamie stickers that had pictures and letters. Then I wrote their names on the side because most of them wanted to cover as much as they could before I could write their names in the center. One idea is when they get thank you cards you can edit these photos to make them look like driver's licenses.

Quick and easy candy jars

2009-01-15T02:02:00.004-07:00

Here is a quick and easy craft that anyone can make. I don't have pictures of the before yet because I taught a class on glass etching while my friend was teaching this class. I am going to make some more for teacher gifts so I will take more photos then. The best part of this project is that it's super cheap.

Supplies:

Terra cotta pot
Terra cotta plant holder (is that what they're called?)
A round, wood ball
A small glass fish bowl that you get at craft stores (Hint: Match the size of bottom of the fish bowl to the bottom of the pot.)
Glue and glue gun
Ribbon (optional) You can change the ribbon with the seasons!

Instructions:

Paint the pot, plant holder and ball. Allow to dry. A second coat may be needed.
When the paint is totally dry, turn the pot upside down, and liberally apply hot glue over the top. Immediately put the bowl (bottom side down) on the glue. Hold in place to ensure a firm grip.
Next put a good amount of hot glue on the bottom of the painted ball and attach to the bottom of the plant holder in the center. Hold in place until dry.
Put your treat of choice in the bowl, then put the lid on top.
If you want to dress it up even more tie a ribbon around the pot.

You're done! Enjoy!

Yummy Caramel Corn Recipe

2008-12-24T01:10:00.005-07:00

As I was making my Christmas goodies this year I thought I should take some pictures of the process. However, it turns out I'm not so good at taking pictures of myself while I have sticky or greased up hands. So no pictures. Bummer. (I have some of the candy left so if I can find the time I'll take pictures and post the recipes.) However, I did decide to take a picture tonight of the caramel corn I made. I had it several years ago at a party I went to when I was still with Close to My Heart. It's from Denise Anderson.

Caramel Corn

8 c. popped corn (I pop up 2 bags of microwave popcorn)
3/4 c. sugar
3/4 c. packed brown sugar
1/2 c. light corn syrup
1/2 c. water

Add last 4 ingredients to a pot and bring to a boil on medium high heat. Cook to firm/hard ball stage, 250 - 260 degrees F on candy thermometer.

Remove from stove. Add 1 cube (1/2 cup) of butter and stir until melted. Pour over popcorn, stirring to coat evenly. Then you can shape it into balls or just leave it in the bowl to eat.

* Here's a picture of it. I don't shape it into balls when it's just for us.
BTW- My neighbor Clayton LOVES this. He highly recommends it!

Kids Craft- Snowman Ornaments

2008-12-19T17:48:00.009-07:00

I volunteered to help do a craft in his class for their Christmas party. I got really busy this week so I had to scramble a couple of days ago to come up with a craft. I love the Internet! I found a site that had tons of cute ideas, and I found one I thought was cute, quick and easy.

Supply List:

small wooden craft spoons

white craft paint

ribbon

black Sharpie

black and orange foam sheets

craft glue

Directions:

1. Paint the spoon with white paint. Let it dry completely (2-5 minutes unless you do a thick coat).

2. While the paint is drying cut out a small piece of the black foam sheet and cut out a hat for the snowman. Then cut out a small triangle for the nose.

3. Make sure the paint is dry, then put a dot of craft glue on the top and put the hat on.

4. Draw the eyes (or put on little google eyes), attach the nose/carrot with a dot of glue, then draw the mouth and buttons.

5. Cut a piece of 1/4" ribbon and tie around the "neck". If it frays, that's okay! It looks more like a scarf.

6. To make it become an ornament simply get a 3"-4" long piece of ribbon, form a loop and attach behind the head.

* All the kids had a fun time making these and thought they were "totally cool." Every single 4th grader there made one, and several kids wanted to make more than one. Some opted not to add the extra ribbon and use it as a bookmark instead.

My Hawaiian Quilt

2008-12-15T16:46:00.004-07:00

I posted these pictures on my personal blog so you may have already seen it before. I bought this material while I was in Hawaii on the Big Island. I made it a few weeks after we got home. It's unlike any blanket I've ever seen stateside. I had to hand tie it in one evening because my two youngest kept trying to get it, and they were knocking the frame all around. My kids all want to have it.
This is the front of the blanket. I really like the hand tied look and feel... probably because it always reminds me of my "woobie" that my mother took from my room while I was at school one day and burned. This is the back side. My kids all love the texture of it and kept rubbing it.

Christmas, Thanksgiving, Halloween and Valentine's Crafts

2008-12-15T16:17:00.004-07:00

This is the first LOVE board I made. I wanted it to be in pinks and browns. Not the greatest exposure, but there is a ton of Diamond Dust all over it so it would shimmer in the light.

This is the second LOVE board I made. My sister Christine wanted one for her daughter's room. This is what I came up with for hers. This is my ho, ho, ho board. It hands in my hallway. The kids love the white boa and Santa costume on it. I also have fake snow on top of each board to make it more realistic. The "snow" glistens because I mixed Diamond Dust in it.
This is my take on Pottery Barn's Christmas advent calendar. I decided not to put our last name on it because if my daughter wants it after she gets married she may not have the same last name.

This is the Pottery Barn Christmas advent calendar that I used for inspiration. I changed a few things, but tried to keep the colors close to the same. BTW, the pockets take FOREVER to line up straight and to keep totally even. That was one of the hardest parts of making this project. This is my Thanksgiving decoration. I haven't yet done an advent for Thanksgiving. Maybe next year. For now this will have to do.

Here is my Halloween advent calendar. Again inspired by the one Pottery Barn was selling. I didn't really care for the burnt orange color they used so I made mine using purple and bright orange pockets. The ric rac they used didn't do it for me either so my ribbon has little witches hats and pumpkins. The ghosts near the top are actually little bells. This is the Pottery Barn Halloween advent calendar that I used for inspiration. Cute idea, but I just don't really like the colors they used. These are my BOO blocks. (Don't say it out loud in front of people unless/until you've practiced saying it alone. You'll understand when people around you start snickering.)

My newest crafting...

2008-12-11T05:33:00.005-07:00

OK, some of you may or may not know, but I have a little arthritis in my hands. But I have been wanting to learn how to knit. I LOVE knitted things, but it is so expensive to buy them, especially when I know I could learn how to do it myself. My mom taught me how to crochet when I was a teenager, but I can't do it very often because my hands cramp up so bad. So... I thought I would check out these knitting looms. We've all seen them and perhaps have even wondered what they're all about. Well let me tell you... They're great! You can do ANYTHING on a loom. Every regular knitting pattern can be translated into a loom pattern. I can't read regular knitting patterns yet, but I am told that it can be done. Plus there are tons of resources out there on the Internet. I joined two Yahoo! groups for loom knitting. Besides the forums where you can any question you might have about loom knitting, there are also group files where members have uploaded patterns with pictures and instructions to help even the most challenged of us! Lot's of people have blogs about loom knitting too! Plus, each loom or loom set you buy comes with a great little instruction book (in four languages for those who like that). I won't post any pictures of the stuff I've made until after Christmas (so that people on my Christmas lists can be surprised). But here are pictures of the looms. And if you do a Google search for loom knitting or Knifty Knitter you can see tons of stuff that can be made with these bad boys.

Round looms. Not just for hats!!

Spool Loom. I don't know why it's called that. I made a big flower with mine. First I made a long rope, then used the blue round loom to form the petals. I think it turned out pretty cute.

Here are some more tips if you decide to get into it: I have a project bag that I keep the pieces

I'm working on safe. It also holds the looms that don't come in re-sealable bags. I keep my hooks and needles in a small pencil box that I can just slip inside my project bag. And because I am working on a lot of projects for Christmas presents, I have 3 or 4 different colors of yarn. Those yarn balls (otherwise known as skeins) can get confusing. Let me tell you the genius idea I saw on a forum for keeping them straight: Have you ever seen those smaller reusable grocery bags at Basha's? They are for alcohol. The inside is divided up into 6 spaces to put wine bottles, etc. into. Well, I bought a couple of them when we were still living there, thinking I would use them for sparkling cider and stuff during the holidays. I haven't, but they are prefect for keeping all that yarn separate and tangle-free. So, go try loom knitting, you'll love it too! (And it makes you feel like you're not totally lazy when you're watching all that t.v. you watch - well that I watch.)

I'm interested in a little challenge, NOT

2008-12-10T15:17:00.003-07:00

Finally a picture of Soren's baby blanket made my mom. I like it and hope that he will keep it as long as I've kept mine - my whole life.

Here is the blanket that my mom made for Michelle's baby.

Anyone interested in a little challenge?

2008-12-03T16:47:00.004-07:00

Okay. So here's what I'm thinking... I know that December is totally crazy, but I want to get some ideas for upcoming crafts. I am challenging everyone to post an idea (with a picture if possible) of their favorite craft that you have made. I have a few that I'll take pictures of and post later to get things started. It doesn't have to be anything wild and crazy, just something fun. I have a few crafts that I've started and never finished. These are things I took classes for because I wouldn't do these things on my own anyway. Who has the time? Anyway, I need to get the creative juices flowing again. Who's game?

PTO Christmas cards

2008-12-02T00:07:00.006-07:00

I volunteered to make 60 Christmas cards for the staff at my kids' school. The only thing I was told was that we needed 60 in red and green and have them done by December 2. I went to the store and bought the supplies I needed, then proceeded to mass produce these.
All done! I really like the last one. It doesn't show up so well in the picture, but there are red and silver snowflakes on the ribbon. Now I need to get started on our Christmas cards. Too busy!

Mom's Quilt

2008-12-01T23:55:00.004-07:00

My mom is making this quilt for my sister Michelle's baby boy that's due at the end of the week. She came over this morning to hand quilt it. Impressive! And so cute!

Katie's crafts

2008-12-01T22:41:00.003-07:00

I copied these from Katie's blog. She's been busy crafting lately. I think she's caught the crafting bug!
Here is the Santa and Reindeer lanterns she and John made for Melia and Sydney. Here's Katie's snow house. I'm surprised the lights actually made it on there. Melia really wanted to make them into a necklace.

White Chili Recipe

2008-11-25T12:04:00.004-07:00

This is a very tasty, somewhat spicy, variation of chili that uses chicken that I got from a friend. I served it with sweet corn bread.

1 T. vegetable oil
1 lb. cooked & shredded chicken
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (14.5 oz) can chicken broth
1 (7 oz.) jar salsa verde
1 (4.5 oz) can shopped green chiles, undrained
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. coriander seeds, crushed
1/4 tsp. ground cumin
2 (16 oz) cans cannelloni beans or other white beans, drained.
3 Tb. lime juice
1/4 tsp. pepper
shredded cheddar cheese

Saute garlic in oil in large pot until tender. Stir in tomatoes, chicken broth, salsa verde, chiles, oregano, coriander, & cumin. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, & simmer 20 minutes. Add chicken & beans, cook 5 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Add chicken & beans, cook 5 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Stir in lime juice & pepper. Ladle into bowls & top with cheese and sour cream (optional).

Enjoy!

Pie Recipes - Apple & Pumpkin

2008-11-19T19:17:00.004-07:00

Just in time for the holiday season. I actually made this apple pie and it was delicious and I'm not a pie person so that says a lot. I learned how to make these pies and it is actually not that hard or time consuming. Here's the recipe if you want to try for yourself.
Pie Crust
2 cups flour
1 cup Crisco
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup cold water

It makes enough for the lining and top coat.

Apple Pie
6-8 Macintosh apples peeled and sliced
1 cup sugar
3 Tbls flour
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
2 Tbls butter cut into pieces

Apple Pie Directions
Combine sugar, apples, flour and spices (Be generous with the spices). Toss to coat fruit. Using your hands might be easier. Pour into a pastry lined pie dish. Dot with butter. Top with crust. Seal and flute edges. Wet top with milk and sprinkle with sugar. Don't forget to make your vents so you don't get a soggy pie. Bake at 350 for 1 hour.

Pumpkin Pie
(same recipe on Libby pumpkin can)
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ginger
1/4 cloves
2 large eggs
1 15oz can pumpkin
1 12 fl oz can evaporated milk

Pumpkin Pie Directions
Combine ingredients and pour into pastry lined pie dish. Be generous on the spices. Bake at 425 for 15 minutes and then 350 for 45 minutes.

Enjoy!

Baby Frame

2008-11-17T19:37:00.005-07:00

Here's a frame that I made for my friend to give to her mom. She found out that she was having a baby girl. She wanted to tell her family what her new little girl's name was going to be.
I painted the wood frame black, then cut out the baby's name of sparkly silver paper with my Cricut. I then went over the entire frame with glossy Mod Podge to seal the paint to it, and to make it look uniform.
Next I glued a 1/4" hot pink polka dot ribbon around the frame with a tiny silver buckle. When that dried I used my Mod Podge to adhere the letters to the frame.
While I was waiting for that to dry to the frame I cut a piece of decorative paper to 4" x 6", then put the ultrasound picture in the upper right corner. After I was done doing that I did another coat of Mod Podge over the letters to make sure they would stick well.
I put the glass back in the frame with the paper and ultrasound picture and this is the finished product!