Klucking Bear

Quick, Fun, Prize Laden Sew Along!

2012-02-24T10:35:00.000-08:00

Hello!

The kids and I have been sick this week--the last thing I felt like doing was blogging, so I apologize for my absence.

I did feel like crocheting! Pictures and patterns of results will follow soon :)

Until then...

CRAFT BUDS is having a sew-along!

Image from Craftbuds

The pattern is free and said to take only 2-3 hours total.

Great for beginners too--each week Craftbuds will cover a new step in the process.

Link up your finished pillow and you could win prizes!

Hope to see you there! ~Tabitha

Grey Day Tea & Journaling

2012-02-17T10:45:00.000-08:00

Cloudy and snowing here.

(Check out that green onion growth!)

Drinking mint tea, entering Someday Crafts Linky giveaways...maybe I'll journal a bit in my homemade "Mini Smash"

I bought a bunch of Camp Autographs on sale at Oriental Trading for about 12cents apiece several months ago. They were cute if your camping, but they needed a redo for home use.

Cover--REDO!

Rainbow colored pages :)--keep

Guts--Remove, then glue back in after redoing cover

I've found this small size is perfect for me.

AND...I'd love to share some of my pages with you, BUT my camera is beeping at me and I think it's saying that the battery is dead. Yes...it just turned off, so that must be it.

My camera was munched by the EVA Air Hello Kitty airplane I went to Indonesia on.

It still takes pictures, but I can't see the digital image (or even the viewer), can't adjust the flash, and can't tell what the settings are.

Birthday present idea? hint hint hint!

Three Things

2012-02-15T10:32:00.000-08:00

#1 Free form rock mandalas

I picked up these wonderfully flat rocks on a dog walk not too long ago--a very Gramma Minnie move!

(I used a white paint pen to draw my designs on the clean rocks)

#2 FREE Picnik!

Picknic Photo/Image design site is moving to Google+ on April 19th.

Until then Picnik Premium is FREE!

Lots of fun things you can do to mess around with your teen's self-obsessed photos!

#3 Green Onion Progress

They're getting taller! I'm so proud.

Valentines Cacti

2012-02-14T16:27:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

For my little loves I made felt heart cacti.

A little weird, I admit, but it's along usual lines for me. Last year I made them voodoo dolls.

Pattern is from the March Mollie Makes

You could go to their blog and download the free templates for Issue 10 and kinda figure it out (like sewing the 3 parts to each other and covering up stitches with flowers and hearts) from this picture if you don't have the magazine. Just a thought :)

Have a happy day!

Linking to:

Whatever Goes Wednesday #104

They're Growing!

2012-02-13T10:45:00.000-08:00

It worked!

Idea came from TheKitchn and they got the idea from Homemade Serenity.

Regrowing green onions on the windowsill.

The green is all new growth after only four days!

Linking this green goodness to:

Craft-O-Maniac Monday
Monday LinkParty 54 at Polish the Stars
Whatever Goes Wednesday #104
Wow Me Wednesday #38
Creative Things Thursday

91 Magazine

2012-02-07T12:44:00.000-08:00

I can't take credit for discovering this FREE ezine.

I was browsing Eline Pellinkhof's blog (she's a fun dutch designer) and she featured it.

Eline's blog is going to be a morning coffee read for me...her book, Eline Pellinkhof's Winter House, looks fun too.

She has a vintage w/o the dust and rust look that I really like

91 Magazine

images from 91Magazine

Free, crafty, decorating ideas, even some patterns and two issues are already available.

Orange?

2012-02-06T13:16:00.000-08:00

So...

What do you think of Panetone's new color of the year?

Tangerine Tango would not be my pick, but I'm just a little blogger in a little town in Washington State. I liked last year's Honeysuckle Pink.

Oh well...looks like the sheep will be headed towards the orange this year.

See You Soon!

2012-01-28T02:07:00.000-08:00

Off for a bit...

Alyssa and I are visiting Indonesia for the next week!

We we're invited to a wedding and thought, "why not!?"

We've never been to Jakarta (anywhere in Asia for that matter), but we have a friend who is from here and will be showing us all the great sites.

We're so excited!

We'll be sure to share a bit about our adventures when I get back.

Crochet Love

2012-01-21T10:02:00.000-08:00

Look what "Themselves with crochet cotton and glass jars" made!

I caught this on Freubelweb this morning.

Themselves is Haaknuts and she shares her pattern.

She has some of the most wonderful little crochet projects!

You MUST see the pink and grey mousy box she made.

The little mouse is knitting and she has a mini-crochet box with yarn.!

Haaknuts is now on my morning coffee list :)

Edit: Google Translate just informed me that Haaknuts means "hat hook"in dutch. Personally, I like Haaknuts better.

Swiffer Cover Review

2012-01-20T08:55:00.000-08:00

You might recall...

for New Years I made Reusable Swiffer Covers

and I actually did finish them.

In fact, I made four for myself and am working on some for Alyssa.

They are fabulous!

I think they work BETTER than the swiffer throw-aways

AND

they're reuseable and eat away at some of my spare yarn!

Linking to:
Anything Goes Linky #33 at Bacon Time
Home Sweet Home at The Charm of Home
Friday Flair at Whipperberry

Addie's Granny Stripe Finished

2012-01-18T11:00:00.000-08:00

I'm making a striped crochet blanket for each of my girls.

I made a Attic 24's Neat Ripple for Kaely.

For Addie I just finished an Attic 24 Granny Stripe

Addie picked her own color pattern and arrangement from Biscuit and Jam's Random Strip Generator.

Added a scallop border to break-up the rigidness of the 60 Granny Stripe rows

So hard to photograph a large crocheted item.

...without adding a giant puppy to the mix!

Alyssa...I'm thinking a Sarah London's Scallop Stripe in reds, pinks, and some orange.

Addie wants me to add yellow, but I'm thinking not.

We'll see.

Linking to:

Wednesday Wowzers at Oopsey Daisy

Kitties on Purple

2012-01-17T10:53:00.000-08:00

Working with paper piecing again.

Thought I'd give these Granny Nanny Kitties a try.

I've always had black cats and purple just seemed to be the right color for the day.

I tend to go a bit "Ellen Burns" when I paper piece.

I'll sweep.

My Inspiration?

Linking to Sew Much 2 Luv's After X-mas Sew-Along Week 3 Flickr Group

My first Crochet Along

2012-01-14T14:21:00.000-08:00

Signing up late, but still signing up (Sarah says that okay).

WOOLEATER CAL 2012

Sarah London Textiles

Wool Eater Wednesdays you share your progress, BUT you can work at your own pace or even catch-up like I will be doing.

According to Sarah, this CAL will eat lots of left-over yarn.

My yarn storage could use some eating!

Image of CAL blocks from Sarah London

BTW...I'll be eating acrylic.

I'm a commoner and a cheapo and I have kids and I have dogs.

I don't buy the really lovely, expensive, natural fiber yarns for my projects.

Sometimes I find wool, linen and mohair when I'm out thrifting, but never enough for a large project.

My favorite acrylics are Hobby Lobby's I love this yarn...

I made Kaely's blanket out of it.

and

Vanna's Choice from Lion Brand

Kaely's Cowl

Oooooooo....!

2012-01-12T12:32:00.000-08:00

Spotted these on The Kitchn this morning...

image via Mommy Cooks

Granola Cups! The recipe can be found at Mommy Cooks--granola mix pressed into a muffin tin.

Doesn't this snack look wonderful?!

Follow-up on the Slow Cooker Enchiladas from The Kitchn

YUM!

First of all...I made mine in the oven (option on recipe). Kids needed rides, dogs walks, etc. so I wasn't able to get the enchiladas into the crockpot early enough, so I went with the oven option.

I used the vegetarian recipe without adding leftover meat, but I think they'd be very good with shredded chicken.

They still turned out wonderful!

This recipe makes TWO pans full of enchiladas! You will have enchiladas coming out your ears, but that's okay because they reheat fabulously--IN FACT--we liked them even better reheated.

Slow Cooker Black Bean Enchiladas is a keeper recipe for us.

Two nights worth of awesome, kid-loving, food? I'm in!

Turning Fans into Sunshine

2012-01-10T14:05:00.000-08:00

It's incredibly cold outside, but

Inside my sewing room the sun is shining through the windows and you'd never know it.

Especially if you find a cozy spot to curl up in.

I was going through some quilting items my aunt sent me a while back and I found these cute little paper piecing templates.

Only they're not paper--they're printed on fabric

Decided to give the sunshine a whirl.

There's something so meditative about "paper" piecing--cut, place, sew, cut, iron, cut more, place again...

You end up with funky little shapes that worry you a bit

and then everything's fine in the end.

I gotta say...I like the fabric better than paper!

No problems withe needles, tearing, and removing the paper.

You know what I just noticed?! Those are fans, not sunshines.

In my little world we'll call them sunshines :)

Linked to:

Thingamajig Thursday at RadCrafts

Magazine Love

2012-01-07T13:16:00.000-08:00

I think I love this magazine

Don't know what's inside, but all the UK-ers are gushing over it and it the cover is very enticing.

An oversees subscription is only 66 pounds--a mere $101 US.

Sooooo....that won't be happening.

They do have a blog/website... Mollie Makes

You get to see a few really cute fabrics and patterns.

You can also download the templates from the mags--might be able to piece something together from that.

I just, just, just discovered that they have ecopies available on Zinio!

About $6.50 each--that I can do.

Very excited....See ya!

You can even get a Zinio subscription of Mollie Makes for about $50.
B-day Wish List? :)

Little Houses

2012-01-06T10:30:00.000-08:00

I did the baking, I did some cleaning, I even ran, but I haven't gotten to the stitching yet.

There's still hope...it's Friday and I dont' have many plans today...fingers are crossed.

I did take a break now and then (only so I'd be more effective in my cleaning efforts) and I stumbled upon Jeanneke's blog

Jeanneke is a quilter/designer from the Netherlands. She has an ongoing project sewing little houses--one a day! She even has a site dedicated just to the houses called Building Houses From Scraps, complete with tutorials and free patterns so you can join along.

They're just teeny little things that can be handsewn, machine sewn and even paper pieced.

Yet another project to divert my attention!

Mini Chocolate Ricotta Muffins

2012-01-04T13:08:00.000-08:00

Got the muffins done!

Still doing the dishes, though...blah.

The recipe is from Mollie Katzen's cookbook, "Sunlight Cafe"

You can find the Chocolate Ricotta Muffin Recipe (free) at her website, but I also recommend the book!

I use the full 8T. of cocoa powder (1/2 cup), low-fat ricotta, and oil in place of butter.

48 Mini muffins only take 15 minutes to cook.

Mmmmm. Doesn't that look just yummy?!

They do look (and taste) great when they're done!

One muffin in particular caught my eye

tee hee hee...
And since the oven was already hot I turned into SUPER MOM (for a limited time) and baked some of Searching Simplicity's Granola Bars--yum!

Did I say TOMORROW?!

2012-01-04T10:21:00.000-08:00

When I said I'd show you my finished crocheted swiffer pads tomorrow, I really meant 2-3 days (maybe even 4) later. They're nearly done, though! Turns out you have to kind of crochet around your swiffer and I didn't have it with me when I was at my friend's house crocheting, soooooo.....

Yah, yah, yah...I'll finish it today.

Today I'm trying this for dinner:

Slow Cooker Black Bean Enchiladas

Recipe and image from The Kitchn'

They only take 2-4 hours, so I'm still okay on time. They look good, though, huh?!

Edit 1/6/12: I cooked these in the oven on 400 degrees for 20 minutes (option in recipe) and they turned out fabulous! Beware...recipe makes a LOT! I ended up with 2 pans worth of enchiladas--leftovers!

I'm also making some Chocolate Ricotta Muffins that I thought I'd already shared with you, but upon looking through past kluckingbear posts, it appears that I haven't, so I will post pictures and a recipe for you soon. They are very good and pretty healthy. Kid fave for sure.

I'm also thinking I might sew a bit.

I'm feeling inspired by this...

click for more info!

Sew Much 2 Luv is offering prizes each week just for dusting off our sewing machines and starting on a project.

I'd like to try these Tap Pants

Image and tutorial at Craftzine

Or maybe this AWESOME Mini Bookshelf Quilt by Betsy Dackson!

Image and tutorial from Don't Call Me Betsy

Off to create! Well, after laundry, dishes, floors...ugh.

One of My Final Acts of Greenness for 2010

2011-12-30T11:30:00.000-08:00

Actually...I read somewhere that blue is what is "in" right now, not green.

Call me retro.

I spied this article on Craftzine today

Reusable Swiffer Covers

image from Craftzine :)

What do ya' know...I'm out of Swiffer pads and they are a terrible waste of poly-gooky-whatever, not to mention the plastic coated paperboard box they come in, so I'm gonna give homemade/reusable a try.

Pattern by Linda Permann is HERE

I'll let you know how it turns out tomorrow!

Book Recommend

2011-12-28T11:44:00.000-08:00

Hope you all had a very happy holiday.

We were all together, ate tons of food (still eating tons of food), made huge messes and had great fun trying on Christmas Jammies

I was up late almost every night this last week and not just because of festivities.

I couldn' put this book down...

image from Amazon.com

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

Excellent book.

It's fiction--the events and people are not real--but it portrays segregation and civil rights during the 1960s in a very human and accurate way.

Pick it up--you'll be glad you did.

Merry Christmas Smiles!

2011-12-25T11:22:00.000-08:00

I haven't a clue...

It leaves me smiling, though!

2011-12-24T10:23:00.000-08:00

Borrowing this from one of the Dutch blogs I'm enjoying with my coffee this morning...Beetroot

I'll put it in my Christmas "toolbox" :)

Vanna's Rockin' It

2011-12-23T11:39:00.000-08:00

Lionbrand Newsletter today....

Vanna's Colors in 8 NEW Shades!


Wildflower (#135-208)	Woodgrain (#135-211)	Sunset Coral (#135-212)	Seagrass (#862-211)

Lagoon Blue (#862-212)	Deep Sea (#862-213)	Geranium (#862-214)	Mulberry (#862-215)

Oh la la ... bright and cheery in a springy sort of way.

I'm thinkin' I might have to give Vanna a try.

Making Me Happy Right Now

2011-12-21T12:54:00.000-08:00

I am working on projects of my own right now, BUT they're for people who read this block so I can't really share right yet.

Other stuff that puts a smile on my face...

1. That Kate from "see kate sew" hoards toys all year for an Xmas toy drive

image from see kate sew

...and plays with the dinosaurs for a bit first :)

2. That I can tell my kids, "It's the thought that counts" when it comes to sending out Xmas cards and they believe it.

Hey, we actually got so far as a picture this year !

3. A blog or site or something called Freubelweb

It's in dutch and I do translate it with Google Translate, but it doesn't completely translate, so I'm not entirely sure what it is.

It's for freubelwebbers. Crafters?

It's full of links to some really great projects. Stuff like this "Themselves with DUST" link. "DUST" appears to be fabric or sewing. "DUST" makes me happy.

Lots of categories like, "Themselves with Crochet Cotton", "Hook Yourself With YARN", "Themselves With Paper", and much more. All are free.

(To access more just keep clicking on the "older posts" link at the bottom right of the page.)

4. That KK is finally applying to colleges .

Don't care what it is... college, travel plans, move out plans, tech school..just happy she's finally sorting out some plans.

THANKS PAPA!

I do remember how hard it is at 17 to even begin thinking about your big bad future, but I'm also a mom and the mom part of me is grateful!

She can always so, "no", if she changes her mind, but you at least have to ask, or you don't get any choice at all.

What a MOM I've become.

That makes me smile too.

5. Ingrid of Supergoof Quilts view

image from Supergoof

She's from the Netherlands...I miss it there and want to go back!!!!

I think she made those gorgeous quilts, btw.

I want to be sitting in that chair with those quilts and pot of tea right :)

6. Life at my house ...

For better or worse, I guess!

Molasses YUMMMMM!

2011-12-14T13:57:00.000-08:00

Warning: Crappy cell phone pics ahead (camera is charging)

I read and drooled over Attic24's post on Gingerbread--I WANTED that recipe, but she couldn't publish it. Sad me.

Then I ran into this Molasses Spice Cookie recipe from Always With Butter.

It was a sign...I needed to bake.

Bake I did.

And Ate...

Ohhhhhh! These are so yummy!

They have a very subtle spice flavor with a molasses finish.

Be sure to leave plenty of room between the cookie balls

They spread. They are just the right amount of chewy and crisp. MMMMMM.

I used a small cookie scoop to measure out my balls and let the cookies cool on the cookie sheet for about 1 minute before putting them on a cooling sheet

I'm going to store them in the freezer until X-mas, because I WILL eat them all if I leave them out!

It's Snowing In My House

2011-12-12T11:21:00.000-08:00

The view behind me as I enter all the wonderful Sew, Mama, Sew Giveaways...

Craft tip from Bo!

Need Snow? Just dismember several stuffed animals and spread all over the house!

If you'd like your dog to do it for you, get on your computer, turn your back on the dog, go to Sew, Mama, Sew's Giveaway Day and start entering

Etsy Love Kluckingbear

2011-12-09T09:08:00.000-08:00

Etsy Love. All the other bloggers do it, but

I try not to be one of the sheep...

Truce & Owl Ornament via Glaklove on Etsy

BUT, OMG! Is this not fabulous?!

Bahhhh Bahhh...I ETSY LOVE IT!

I found Glaklove's Etsy Shop while drinking my coffee and checkin' out my daily reads.

Yesterday on Tuesday had a link for the Birds In Love ornament .

Etsy Loving again....bahhhhhhhh :)

No surprise--this ornament has already been purchased.

Glaklove's art is made from old film negatives! How in the world does she get them in there so perfectly?

Gorgeous! bahh bahhh

Blogs That Make Me Happy...and relaxed.

2011-12-08T10:16:00.000-08:00

It's Thursday and that means...

It's nutso, insane, go-crazy, Giveaway Directory Day at Someday Crafts.

Go there, sign-up, win stuff...fun and insane (I know I already said that, but it's part of the aforementioned insanity)

To relax and feel good about life after being a Giveaway Insane Person

Try these:

Vlijtig

Written by Kristel, a Scandinavian blogger with two little girls

image via vlijtig

Posts are short, pictures are minimal but perfect.

She even has a book, but she doesn't go on, and on, and on about it ( if at all) like many published crafters.

Attic24

Lucy is a stay-at-home mum with three little ones and lives in a 100 yr. old Victorian home in England

image via Attic24

Lucy is a colorful crocheter--she's the source for my ripple blanket :)

Her posts are somewhat sporadic and she takes beautiful pictures of the countryside and projects. She's a chatter, so I can usually savour her posts and read bits and pieces over several days.

Dispatch From LA

Maryann is an elementary teacher in LA. She has some awesome cats, she travels like mad, has a great sense of humor, and I highly suspect that she actually adores her classroom "punks" :)

Lovely Day in the Neighborhood

2011-12-08T09:52:00.000-08:00

I won again! AND I (and you) are all still winners.

I won Brassy Apple's Q-tip Giveaway

2 Travel packs and a $25 gift certificate :)

images via brassy apple

She made these cute little snowflakes using Q-tips, glitter and Epsom salts

************************************

I also won Cute Like Me's Scentsy Plug-In Giveaway from Kelsey Hutchinson

image via Kelsey Hutchinson's Scentsy

I chose the Rustic Star Warmer for Addie (she's jealous of mine)

I've had a streak of luck lately, so "Lucky Kluckingbear" will be giving some presents to the kiddos this year too.

Thank you Brassy Apple, Q-tips, Cute Like Me, and Kelsey!

You want to win prizes too?

Check out these sites...

Cute Like Me

She uses Rafflecopter--entering is VERY easy

Someday Crafts Giveaway Directory

A Linky for giveaways all over blogland!

OMG!

2011-12-06T09:46:00.000-08:00

Checkin' Out my daily reads and look what I found on Cute Like Me!

Image via Cute Like Me

ELF DONUTS!!

Are those the cutest in the whole world or what?!

They're made from Cheerios!

Go to Jim's Dollhouse Pages for a free mini donut box template :)

Helping Santa

2011-12-06T08:56:00.000-08:00

Joel's work sponsors a Community Gift Program for kids in need.

More kids this year were signed up and fewer people are able to help. Can't have kids without presents at Christmas so Joel and I took two kids and my mom happily signed up for two.

It was conditional though...

I had to wrap. My mom hates wrapping, so me and Blaze the kitten have been wading through wrapping paper all morning.

Totally worth it--I hope the kiddos have a blast ripping the paper off and throwing ribbon all over the place!

I hate having to put giant number tags on the presents, though. I completely understand why it has to be done (kids remaining anonymous and getting the right presents to the right kids is VERY important), but I don't want the kids to feel like they're a number.

My plea: if you volunteer or work for an organization that distributes gifts, etc. , please be sure to remove the ugly number tags before giving them to the families. Thank you!

With older kids who only want stupid things like make-up and shoes it's so fun to buy toys...

Like this!

My little girl likes Dora, fairies and dress up!

Perfectamundo!

Mom and I also got to shop for trucks, baby outfits, more princess dress-up.

Fun!

If you're starting to get all depressed about the holidays being nothing but SPEND!BUY!SPEND! then give yourself a little pick-me-up and SPEND!BUY!SPEND! on a little kid who needs a little Christmas boost.

Thanks for helping Mom, even if you are pathetic about wrapping the presents yourself!

Thank Yous

2011-12-05T10:10:00.000-08:00

I'm a winner!

I feel like Mr. Rogers is standing right behind me cheering me on because, yes, I am a winner...but I also WON some awesome prizes :)

Holiday Giveaway at Castle & Cottage from Under The Willow

image via Castle & Cottage

This toile bag is FILLED with handmade soaps and natural cleaning products from Castle & Cottage. I am so excited to try these!

We've done some switching to homemade detergents in our house and they are wonderful.

Natural detergents are safer to use, they smell real great, you feel cleaner and they are really more effective.

Mom Tip: My teen, hair-obsessed daughter has problems with exema on her scalp this time of year. I finally talked her into rinsing with white vinegar after shampooing. Works like a charm! Her hair doesn't smell (she was very worried about this) and her scalp has stopped peeling and itching. In fact, she said it was very soothing.

Martha, Martha, Martha Glitter Pack form Sunny Vanilla

image via Sunny Vanilla

Perfect for ANYTIME.

Addie and I are both a bit glitter obsessed, so an entire pack of Glittery Martha is always a treat!

I have no mom tip for glitter. It's messy. Love it and your children for who they are not how clean (Addie wouldn't be loved at all if I only loved her for her cleanliness!)

Thank You so much Ladies!!! What a wonderful way to start the week.

And thanks for "being my neighbor" :)

I just love Mr. Rogers --I'll bet even he is messy with glitter!

Advent Day One

2011-12-02T09:19:00.000-08:00

Last Night for our advent activity...

STICKS IN COLORED WATER!

NAH...

Rock Candy in progress.

Image via candymakinginformation.com

I found easy to follow instructions at Easy Candy Making Information

They even have a little video.

Usually we make the more little kid friendly Borax Crystal Snowflakes.

For rock candy you do need to make a boiling sugar syrup so best to have adult help.

Results in 2-3 days! I'll show a pic when they're done!

P.S. We might still do some Borax snowflakes--they're super cool!

Happy Holiday Season!

Dinner Last Night

2011-11-29T09:48:00.000-08:00

Monday is now our family "Try Something New" meal day.

Last night we tried Thai Peanut Noodles from Our Best Bites.

THUMBS UP!

EVEN FROM MS. PICKY ADDIE!

BONUS: It's VERY quick and easy to make!

Image via Our Best Bites

Vegetarian and Veggiemation (my own word) Customizing:

We used vegan No-Chicken Broth by Imagine instead of actual chicken broth. Veggie broth would work well too, but I've found store bought too carroty for my tastes.
We also added raw bean sprouts and shredded green cabbage to our bowls which turned out to be great additions.

MADE!

2011-11-28T09:16:00.000-08:00

In a land far far away...

We vacationed for a week and I finished...

Kaely's Ripple Blanket!

She loves it and has been wrapped up in it since.

The pattern is from Attic24 and made with Hobby Lobby's "I Love This Yarn"(and I do) worsted weight~great instructions!

I also made a pair of slippers

They're too big (you never know with the first go-round of a pattern) and still need buttons.

They'll fit someone in my family, though. I kind of have small feet compared to most.

This pattern is from Craftsanity's Fall 2011 issue.

Circle Zip Earbud Pouches (or coinpurses)

Free tutorial from Dog Under My Desk

Zebra Pink Polka-dot is my fave

Monkey is a bit embarrassing with his uneven zipper and all.

Addie made snowangels :)

More to come.

We had a busy week all tucked away in a warm condo in the snowy mountains.

Advent Ideas: Family Activities

2011-11-23T10:55:00.000-08:00

FAMILY ACTIVITES!

Fun things to do for advent

~Read a Christmas Story
~Sing Carols
~Walk through a neighborhood and check out the lights
~Mani or pedicures for all
~Gourmet hot cocoa night

SNOW CONES!

I'm talkin' the REAL stuff!

OLD FASHIONED MOLASSES TAFFY PULL

Recipe and image from Taste of Home

My best friend used to do this with her family every Christmas.
This will be our first year making it myself. Hope it's as good as Tara's used to be!

GINGERBREAD HOUSE DECORATING

Image from Stuff 4 Crafts

I usually purchase a prebaked kit. Safeway, Costco, Wilton, and other stores have their own versions for about $10. We use up our extra Halloween candy too!

Mom Hint: Just hot glue the gingerbread house together before the kids are home from school. No one's really going to eat it. The hot glue is fast and much more stable than the icing for structural hold!

**GIVE!**

This is honestly a kid favorite at our house.
Give each child an envelope with some money and let them pick where they want to donate. It doesn't even need to be a large amount and it doesn't even need to be money~Donate time by volunteering. Let them do the shopping and let them be the one to drop off the donation.

Usually it's mom and dad who control the spending and get the warm fuzzie good vibes from donating. Let the kids see how good it feels to do it.

A few places that are great to donate money, food, time, etc.
Local Food Bank
Battered Women's Shelter
Red Cross
Animal Shelter
Heifer International
Doctors Without Borders
Humane Society
Community Christmas Basket Programs
Coats for Kids
Toys for Tots
Military Support Programs
etc., etc, etc....

Advent Ideas: Food Gifts Part 2

2011-11-22T15:58:00.000-08:00

Sharing Advent ideas I've bookmarked throughout the year.

FOODGIFTS PART 2

Easy enough for kids to make (sometimes with a little help) and yummy enough to give as gifts!

ALMOST INSTANT CUPCAKE IN A MUG

Recipe and image from Family Fun

Check your local Dollar Stores and Ikea for inexpensive mugs

HOT COCOA MIX

Recipe and image from Family Fun

Be sure to make a batch for yourself!

SESAME CRUNCH CANDY

Recipe and image from Family Fun

I know a certain mom that might like these...just sayin'.

NEAR INSTANT PEANUT BRITTLE

Family Fun's Kid-Friendly version

Recipe and image from Family Fun

CAKE BALLS (OR POPS)

Recipe and image from Family Corner

Not just for Chocoholics! Substitute any flavor cake mix, frosting, and candy coating to make these.

Add sticks and you've got CAKE POPS!

You can find more recipes on my Advent Ideas: Food Gifts Part 1 and Part Martha, Martha, Martha too.

Advent Ideas: Food Gifts Part 1

2011-11-21T10:39:00.000-08:00

Sharing Advent Ideas that I've bookmarked throughout the year

FOOD GIFTS

Easy enough for kids to make (with a little help) and yummy enough to give or to munch on yourself

COOKIES & CREAM OREO BARK

Image and Recipe from Bakers Royale

Melt the chocolate in the microwave and it'll be even easier!

GRAHAM CRACKER TOFFEE

Image and Recipe from The Rusted Chain

Younger kids can help line up the grahamies, sprinkle the chocolate chips, spread the melted chocolate, break into pieces and package

*CARAMEL* & CHOCOLATE DIPPED PRETZEL RODS

Recipe and Image from Kids Caboose

To add the *caramel* to this recipe just melt a bag of unwrapped caramels in the microwave. Pour the melted caramel into a tall mug, jar, or glass, Dip the pretzel rod into the caramel, let dry for a bit on wax paper then dip into chocolate.

RICE KRISPIE TREAT POPS

Recipe and Image from Espresso and Cream

MICROWAVE CHEX MIX

The Original Chex® Party Mix recipe and image from Chex.com

A gift to make for those non-chocoholics!

Have fun with the recipe too...kids don't like peanuts? Don't add them! Add what they do like!

POPCORN SNOWBALLS

Recipe and Image from Jolly Time

I'll have more food gifts in Advent Ideas: Food Gifts Part 2 coming soon.

There are also some recipes on Advent Ideas: Part Martha, Martha, Martha

Advent Ideas Part Martha, Martha, Martha

2011-11-18T08:40:00.000-08:00

Sharing Advent activities that I've bookmarked throughout the year.

Martha, Martha, Martha

All the following tutorials and images are from marthastewart.com.

You want to hate her, but the lady has some good craft ideas.

BATH FIZZIES

BODY SCRUB

PET ID TAGS

Shrinky Dinks!

DOGGIE BISCUITS

STRIPED SOAPS

Joel and I made these one year for his work gifts and they were a huge hit!

FOOLPROOF HOLIDAY FUDGE

EMBELLISHED UGGS

OMG! Because I'm going to spend $200 on UGGS and let my kids (or myself) needlefelt them--LOL!

Done with Martha.

You can go puke now, but, really, she does have some good craft ideas.

Advent Ideas: Things to Make Part 1

2011-11-17T12:27:00.000-08:00

Advent activities are a tradition for my kids.

My girls really like doing crafts and making things for family & friends, so that's what we focus on.

I have a bookmark called "Advent Ideas" just so I can plop internet ideas in there as I see them throughout the year.

Thought I'd share what I have so you can get ready too.
In no particular order or organization...

GIFT WRAP CADDIE
from Eighteen25

I want this for me :)

image via Eighteen25

FREEZER POP HOLDER
from Under The Table & Dreaming

Cute friend gift~be sure to include a freezer pop!

image via Under The Table and Dreaming

LEMON SUGAR HAND SCRUB
from Under The Table & Dreaming

image via Under The Table & Dreaming

PHOTO/RECIPE CARD HOLDER
from Shanty2Chic

image via UCreate

SUPRISE SNOWBALLS
from Speckled Egg

Little presents wrapped in a crepe paper snowball!

image via Speckled Egg

MARSHMALLOW SNOWMEN
from My Recipes

image via My Recipes

Featuring Soup and Featured Pumpkin

2011-11-16T09:34:00.000-08:00

Dinner last night

Baked Potato Soup from Our Best Bites

YUM!

I was going to take a picture of what the soup REALLY looks like when made by your average blogger, but...

a. It really did look like the above picture (amazing)

b. We (Me, Joel, Kaely the vegetarian, and Addie, Ms. Picky) ate every last bite

I did Vegetarianize the recipe for Kaely by using No-Chicken Broth by Imagine (veggie broth would probably work too) and not adding the bacon to soup pot. We added our bacon to our bowl individually (very popular!).

Easy, delicious and GREAT on a cold night!

~AND~

My Unstuffed Pumpkins were featured on Creations by Kara. Yeah & thanks, Kara!

Itty Bitty Bread

2011-11-15T08:57:00.000-08:00

I'm still obsessing over my little miniature turkey dinner...even I think I'm going a bit insane on this project.
I'll reveal the insane project that has pushed me to this craziness soon ~ It's one of those projects that is going to be incredibly creative, but have everyone (including myself) asking, " WHY?!"

Aren't these so cute?!

I wouldn't have thought of using pastels to shade BEFORE baking!

Using aluminum foil to texturize is also ingenious.

Sugar Charm Shop has great miniature polymer clay tutorials.

I don't know that I'm going to end up being obsessed with making minis, but it's fascinating to watch and they are terribly adorable.

Sunshine Miniatures also has some great YouTube video tutorials!

I going to give her bowls and plates a try.

Whath I'm a Doin'

2011-11-14T09:44:00.000-08:00

Baking a miniature turkey and dinner sides

It's not a Tofurky...I need to paint it and brown it up a bit.

I found this Youtube tutorial to help shape the turkey.

She makes it look easy, but let me tell you...the drumsticks are hard to shape!

She's got some more side dish videos that I'll attempt today.
Peas and carrots...my own design (I amaze even myself sometimes).

Still rippling. Only 60 more double rows to go and I think I'll be done!

It's a great pattern for tv watching btw :)

Nothing goes better together than "Breaking Bad" and crochet.

Simply Brilliant

2011-11-09T10:28:00.000-08:00

I should probably keep this project and it's to-do's locked away...it's that amazing.

Ended up with some extra styrofoam blocks when we unloaded our new freezer.

I then procured some spare dowels and tacky glue.

AND CREATED...

A holder for THINGS when I'm painting, gluing, etc.

Okay, maybe it's not the most brilliant project EVER, but it will probably be one of my most used.

I'm forever setting up little makeshift stands for crafting that barely hold whatever I'm working on--why not have a permanent stand that is actually secure and reliable?

Brilliant.

Unstuffed Pumpkin

2011-11-08T12:17:00.000-08:00

I really like the soft look of the stuffed fabric pumpkins I've been seeing all over blogland lately and they look pretty easy.

They could be even easier, though~You could unstuff them and just skip the polyfill and handsewing altogether!

Unstuffed Pumpkins

Supplies:

Dollar Tree styrofoam pumpkin

Fabric to wrap pumpkin (I used poly velvet & paint cloth linen)

Satin Pins

Glue gun

Scissors

Exacto Knife

Spare silk leaves

Leather scraps

1.Cut the little nubin of a stem off the pumpkin with an exacto knife and put aside for later.

2. Cut a rough circle of fabric to wrap around pumpkin. Each side should be wide enough to reach the stem hole.

3. Hand pleat fabric and pull towards the stem hole. Pin fabric in place as you pleat and pull, keeping pins near the rim of the stem hole.

4. Finish by wrapping Styrofoam stem in brown fabric (or you could use a dried stem from an old pumpkin) using the pleat and pin method. Hot gluing it into the gaping hole.

Embellish with silk leaves (they don't have to be pumpkin leaves) and curlicues of leather (raffia would work well too)

I made leather curlicues by wetting 1/2 thick leather strips and then wrapping them around a dowel and letting them dry,

Linking to:

Whatever Goes Wednesday#90 at Someday Crafts~Look What I Made at Creations by Kara~Show & Share #13 at Southern Lovely~Linky Party #2 at Every Creative Endeavor~Frog Blog Linky Love at Kissed by a Frog~It's A Party #27 at Creative Princess~Categorically Crafting "Thanksgiving" at Someday Crafts~Friday Flair at Whipperberry~A Crafty Soiree #64

Last Minute Halloween

2011-10-31T11:37:00.000-07:00

The Witches' Closet

Some shelves added to one of my Coffins Deluxe and stocked with items necessary to any witch worth her warts.

Winnings!

2011-10-31T11:32:00.000-07:00

I won a Gift Certificate from Ginger Wall's Literally Inspired etsy shop not too long ago.

Look what I chose!

It's a bee pendant and I love it!

Reminds me of my Gramman...Minnie Bee.

Thank you so much Ginger!

Please Excuse...

2011-10-27T12:27:00.000-07:00

I'm in Full Tilt Boogie Mode right now.

That means I'm now a MaryAnn Moss Craft Monkey at the moment and I'm too busy watching her videos, reading pdf's, choosing fabrics, pages, and creating to pay attention to my wee little blog.

BTW...her class is on sale thru 10/31 :)

Very rude of me, but I'm having so much fun!

I'm still doing other projects and I'll post those.

My kids are still wierdos and I'll still turn them into zombies and elves w/o photo editing and share.

Bo is still eating my yarn and stealing my patterns--I may not post those, but know that I'm cursing him and frustrated as all get out (but still loving the hellboy).

I will also show you the fabby journals I create with MaryAnn.

SO EXCITED!

Love This Lady...hoodie's cute too

2011-10-26T09:52:00.000-07:00

Tired of the perfect lives of the perfect women with the perfect kids married to the perfect hubbies who make perfect crafts, take perfect pictures and then blog perfectly?!

Check out Maybe Matilda's "blog rant" for some sisterhood, if you do.
(There's a picture of a cute, multi-purpose hoodie she made for her son, too)

Regular, pajama-wearing, Goodwill shopping, Wal-mart craft store supply buying, non-published, not-so-modernly accessorized, imperfect-children rearing, bloggin' moms unite!!!!

I'm going to go shower now and maybe, just maybe, I'll make the bed and clean up some of the dog hair all over the floor at some point today. Not loading and unloading the dishwasher, though...that's the kids' job, even if they really don't do it so well! :)

Gifty Ghoolishness

2011-10-19T09:17:00.000-07:00

In case you haven't already noticed....

HALLOWEEN is THE day around my house.

By Halloween I do not mean the cutesy little ghosty kitty stuff.

I'm talkin' bones, blood, guts, graveyards, morbidity at it's finest!

Look what I stumbled upon at Craftzine this morning

Image via Living Locuto

Living Locurto's "Brains in a Jar".

Does gift giving get ANY better than this?
She even provides you with free printables for your gift-- brains really do need to be labeled correctly.

I can't even begin to tell you the smile this little recipe of grossness put on my face this morning.

Thank You for the brainy goodness Living Locurto!

Song stuck in my head this morning

Ripplin' Loot

2011-10-18T09:29:00.000-07:00

My clever little post title will make sense by the end--at least that's my intention :)

Let's start off with the song stuck in my head...

"Wipe Out" because it goes with the ripples on the Ripple Blanket I've started for Kaely

Or because I'm using my Hawaii mug for coffee this morning.
Either way it's a good sunny day song.

I realize it's only row one of the ripples, but they're working out fantastically thanks to an awesome little instructional, "Neat Ripples", from Lucy at Attic 24.

I think even a beginner could successfully do a ripple without tearing their hair out if they follow Lucy's tutorial. Thank You, Lucy!!!

Now for the LOOT (told ya' we'd get there)

I won this personalized stamp! The little piggie is a sweet little extra that came with it (love it).

The stamp was made by My Rubber Stamp. It was really hard choosing which style of stamp to pick, there are many different themes and designs, but I really liked the dandelion on this stamp.

Thank you!

Halloween Loot

Halloween themed coasters just in time for the big day--

I won these at For Mammas

The tile coasters are from House of Bremma at etsy.

I chose a Halloween theme for my loot--Chrissy has a lot of different themes to choose from and allows you to customize.

Thank You!!

I will now share my secret giveaway source...

Not THAT secret, but it's where I go to sign up for giveaways.
One stop entering!

Someday Crafts is even hosting a giveaway today...
$25 Gift Certificate at Oh My Crafts

Doily Blanket

2011-10-17T11:54:00.000-07:00

My first project from the fall issue of CraftSanity (only $5 for the pdf!)

Willow Doily Blanket by Lisa Gutierrez

Started on a sunny day with a little plate of apples on my back deck.

I'm using Vanna's Choice in Navy Blue because it's what I had in my stash.

Even Bo came to help and share in the snack.

Until he decided to steal the pattern because no one was playing with him.

Even with Bo's help I did finish--

Miraculously, it was on another beautiful sunny day!

Now, you all know I'm terrible at pictures (great skill to lack when you're a blogger-LOL), so I took several pictures trying to get one that represented this lovely little blanket.

Porch railing. You can't really see the pattern, but you get a feel for the lacey border.

Garden bench. Can't see much of anything here, but my kitten Blaze is in it, so I had to show it off.

Great Pattern--easy to follow. You can see CraftSanity's version HERE.

BTW...3 1/2 skeins of Vanna's Choice were needed :)

Now I'm all excited about crocheting (it's that snuggly time of year)--I'm off to start on a ripple blanket w/a matching pillow (from Craftsanity) for Kaely

Linking to:

Craft-O-Maniac Monday

Making Monday Marvelous #76 at C.R.A.F.T.

Whatever Goes Wednesday #87 at Someday Crafts
Look What I Made at Creations by Kara
Show & Share #10 at Southern Lovely

Looks Like Fun

2011-10-14T09:28:00.000-07:00

I just signed up for this free Holiday Workshop from Simple Crafter

Click here for info

The projects come to you by email, its free and starts today.

Head on over and sign up if your interested :)

Blast From The Past!

2011-10-13T12:25:00.000-07:00

I have a problem. Old craft books.

By old I mean smelly books with crackling pages, silly graphics, and dorky projects all done by women wearing pearls and pumps while their perfectly dressed little munchkins adoringly look on.

Just a sampling :)

Call me a vintage craftbook hoarder.

Now I'm going to start sharing that problem with you in my first ever...

BLAST FROM THE PAST!

(still working on a super cool graphic, but don't you worry, it'll be super duper cool)

From McCall's Golden Do-It Book circa 1960

ANIMAL SOCKIE ZOO !

Page1

page 2

Page 3

page 4

Sometimes Dad's can help...

With all the manly man stuff that requires tools and thinkin' and all...UGH!

Not Quite as Quick, but Easier and Just as Spooky!

2011-10-11T12:40:00.000-07:00

I'm sure you've seen those Halloween Vintage-look Photographs that change into a monster or skeleton when you walk past. Very gruesome, spooky and expensive. Those suckers run about $40 for a small at a Halloween storse and specialty catalogues.

You can go to the Dollar Tree and pick up a cheapy for a dollar, go through you picture frame and fabric or paper stash and make your own.

First step:

Cut off the ugly, fake-looking black and gold plastic frame off the spooky photo. Sometimes the photo just pops off, but be careful not to bend it.

Gather up your frame--it can even be too big for the picture.

Step Two:

Cover the excess the cardboard backing of the frame with a spooky/vintage look fabric or paper.

I used some sticky back brown velvet for this frame.

Step Three:

Add your Dollar Tree Photo.

I like to use photo corners to add to the vintage look.

You've got yourself a spooky, Halloweeny, ghoulish, yet fashionably inexpensive vintage photo for your decor.

Quick and Spooky (and not permanent)

2011-10-10T14:36:00.000-07:00

I like to change up my little display of dishes on top of my china cabinet each season.

Halloween is, of course, no exception.

I din't have much in the way of Halloweenware and I didn't want to spend money buying any so I decided to get out some waterslide decal paper and make my own.

I ordered the decal paper from Robins Eggcetera and used the clear for this project. Not too expensive and nice to have around for miscellaneous projects.

I used a platter I already had and a plate from the Dollar Tree.

The gorgeous antique bat image

and the textbook skull image both came from Graphics Fairy and were free.

Cathe at Just Something I Made has some great instructions for making and applying waterslide decals. She even has some great free (non-Halloween) graphics you can use in your home.

Because bats aren't always appropriate for serveware I skipped the last step in the waterslide decal process and didn't heat cure or seal the decals. When I'm ready to serve turkey, the decals will come off easily with a little warm water.

Linking to:

Whatever Goes at Someday Crafts
Show and Tell at Blue Cricket Design
Look What I Made! at Creations by Kara

Brag Monday at The Graphics Fairy

Craft-O-Maniac Monday Link Party

Dressing Up Igor

2011-10-07T09:34:00.000-07:00

Swim Meet this weekend~Addie and her teammates dressed formally for school today.

She was happy that I was putting her photo on the blog, but we both agreed that in the spirit of Halloween more had to be done...

Now that a good photo!

I used "Ogre Vision" and some other effects from Picnik.

If you had a loved one you needed to "ogre up" you can get most of the effects for free just by signing up.

Of course, in some cases you don't even need to use Picnik :)

Halloween Countdown

2011-10-06T11:13:00.000-07:00

Last year I made a fun Chalkboard Pumpkin for counting down the days until Halloween.

Addie had fun counting the days down last year, so we brought it back out, but with a new display tray.

I used an old picture frame from Goodwill ($1.99) that I spray painted black. It's 3" deep so it can easily hold my pumpkin, and stretch rats.

It can also be picked up easily by the kids when they set the dinner table--very important that the display NOT be on the table for dinner, but is NOT ruined in the process of moving.

To match my deluxe coffins I decoupaged the back of the frame (now the bottom of my tray) with pages from the 1900s physiology book I found. Perfect!

Linking to:

How To Glitter Neatly

2011-10-05T14:01:00.000-07:00

LOL! A Tutorial from anyone's blog but mine...

I am such a pig when I craft!

I can tell you...

that the Dollar Tree glitter packs go a long way and our super cool, though.

I glittered up a Dollar Tree sign to add to my kitchen Halloween shelves.

A few skeletons, some "Creepy Cloth" from Dollar tree, and an some graffiti on the "Kiss the Cook" sign and I was set.

Can't forget the mysteriouso concoctions in thrift bottles formulated by Igor Addie.

I let her make some experimental mixes with spices, dish soap, spare skeleton parts, glitter and food coloring IF she finished her math homework. It's truly amazing what a little incentive will do for homework production!

You can print some spooky labels if you go HERE!

Generate your own poison labels HERE!

Oatmealers

2011-10-04T14:58:00.000-07:00

These aren't your ordinary oatmeal cookies.

They're not as sweet, they're not flat and perfect, they're an old family recipe we call Oatmealers.

Oatmealers are the cookies I grew up eating and they're comfort food for me and mine.

They taste like a hearty bowl of oatmeal and they're great for breakfast on the go.

I made a double batch this weekend and they were gone by Monday.

My daughter requested that I no longer make them on weekends because she eats too many!

Oatmealers

3 C. old fashioned oats (not quick oats)

1/3 C. Milk

1 C. flour

1 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

3/4 c. butter (I use 1/2 c. oil + 1/4 c. butter, but cookies won't be as crispy on the outside)

3/4 c. packed brown sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla

1 c. raisins (omit if desired, or combine with chopped nuts)

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees

2. Mix oats with milk and let sit.

3. Combine dry ingredients and set aside.

4. Cream butter (and/or oil) and brown sugar.

5. Add eggs and vanilla.

6. Add soaked oats and raisins

7. Add dry ingredients

Look yummy, eh? :)

Drop my large spoonful or with a cookie scoop onto greased or lined cookie sheet and bake for 13 minutes.

They don't spread much , so they can be pretty close together on the sheet.

Because I use oil instead of all butter, the tops don't usually brown as much as the bottom, but they'll be firm.

Oatmealers freeze really well and keep in a cookie jar without breaking (bonus!).

ENJOY!

Alice Giveaway at Alpha Stamps

2011-10-04T09:23:00.000-07:00

There's a BIG OLE' giveaway at Alpha Stamps!

You could win big just by leaving a comment!

I'd wish you good luck, but I want to win...!

Oh...I'll be nice...Good Luck! Ends Oct 9th.

Coffin Deluxe

2011-10-03T10:15:00.000-07:00

"Little coffins on the hillside. Little coffins made of ticky tacky and they all look just the same..."

La la la la la --theme song from original "Weeds" with a Halloween twist?

Halloween is THE BOMB at my house!

I turn into Igor, my craft room becomes a lab, and I have an excuse for all the spider webs in the dormers!

Found some plain old wooden coffins (miniature) at Michaels last year.

I noticed they're selling them this year too, but I got them for 30 cents each on super sale in December.

Of course, plain old pine simply won't do for corpses in MY house!

Only Deluxe will do, so I started with a coat of black acrylic paint.

Then I drew some fun designs on top with chalk and then went over them with black dimensional fabric paint to raise the design. Tacky glue works too, but tends to run a bit.

After the raised design was dry I applied another coat of black acrylic to the top. The black was better than pine, but still unrealistic and boring.

UNTIL...

I found these awesome little metallic rub-ons in my stash! I bought them at a thrift store, but here's what I can tell you about them...they're about the consistency of gel eyeshadow and you need to apply some spray fixative after applying so they don't rub off.

Perfect for highlighting the raised design and bringing out the wood grain.

Coffin Lining! (Corpses like that extra somethin' inside too)

Decoupage to the rescue.

(For general instructions check out Mod Podge Rocks!)

Paper/Design resource...

This gorgeous little Physiology book from the early 1900s

I don't usually tear apart books, but the pages were rotting and falling out already and someone had already used them as notebook paper.

The images are FABULOUS!

So I got out my scissors, mod podge, and some distress ink for antiquing...

Now for some embellishment!

For embellishment I decided to add a little BOO from the graphics fairy. To cut the circles out perfectly I used my circle punch rather than trust my cutting skills.

First, I reduced the letters to the size of my circle punch (5/8") and added an orange boarder. and printed out onto cardstock.

Here's a tip to help you punch perfectly...

1. Attach a small piece of double sided foam tape to the top of your punch

2. Now tape the entire punch, upside down, onto your work top

3. Cut images into workable strips, feed through punch and line up the image with the punch space. Now press on the side of the punch. The image should pop right out onto your workspace.

Now isn't that a happy little corpse!

Perfect for filling with a treat or two and gift giving.

I did put aside my favorite coffin for an extra special project.

I'll fill you in on the gory details later this week!

Edit 10/10: This project featured at...

Thank You!

Linking To:

Brag Monday at Graphics Fairy

Craft-O-Maniac Mondays

Market Yourself Monday at Sumo's Sweet Stuff

Making Mondays Marvelous #74 at C.R.A.F.T.

Fall Fever at Every Creative Endeavor

Whatever Goes Wednesday #86 at Someday Crafts

Show & Tell at Blue Cricket

Halloween Advent Make-Over

2011-09-29T10:38:00.000-07:00

My mom couldn't figure out why I was collecting candy (she has a big stash of assorted goodies for the grandkids) for Advent ALREADY. Not Christmas--HALLOWEEN ADVENT! Geesh.

I saw a beautiful, petite, lovely little matchbox cabinet at Shabby Chic Inspired and my morbid little mind saw the framework for something so much more-- a gory, ghoulish, spider-laden Halloween Advent (OF COURSE!).

Lots of glue and paper and measuring and time, but it'd be worth it!

I could just goo up this little 99 cent find from Goodwill.

It's a little blah, but it has little box drawers that fit perfectly, open easily, it's pre-decorated, it's only 99 cents and it's complete. Blah, but complete.

Glue gun, spare parts fixable!

First, I ventured into my Halloween box and got out a bunch of STUFF. You know what I mean...all those Dollar Tree toys and decorations you couldn't pass up, sale items from last Halloween, and left-over trick-or-treats that weren't candy.

Stretch rats, for example.

Then I turned on the hot glue gun and went to work...

Much better! Now I just need to load with more Candy!

Blog and Zine Love

2011-09-27T10:00:00.000-07:00

CraftSanity

I stumbled upon this blog while checking out Craftzine today. They had a little blurb on Craftsanity's Fall issue of...(I don't know where they came up with this name)...CraftSanity!

What drew me to "read more" was the picture of the Apple Pie Jam shown on the cover. We've got a bunch of apples coming our way soon and I hate apple butter, so any new preserve recipes are a treat.

Guess what?!! I bought the pdf version of CraftSanity #4 ~ Only $5 and no papertrail :)

Print version is available for $12 at CraftSanity's Etsy Shop

I've downloaded and checked out all the projects and I proclaim that it is TOTALLY WORTH IT! The projects are explained in detail, easy enough to do, practical yet pretty and the apple pie jam does look divine.

I'm gonna make the jam, the soap, the slippers, the doily blanket, the rug, the... (big plans, we'll see how it goes)!

You can see a sneak preview of the great projects here.

You can purchase the print or pdf magazine at the Etsy shop or on the blog.

Drooling over Twilight and Dollar Tree

2011-09-22T10:36:00.000-07:00

My heart went pitter patter when I saw this tin of Twilight journal in the Dollar Tree...

FOUR hard bound journals for a DOLLAR plus a free tin to boot?!!!

Whose heart rate wouldn't speed up a bit!

Granted, they have cheesy, romantic, teenage quotes by Bella, the paper is a bit thin, the cover is just plain odd, and there are some strange pictures inside.

We can fix that.

First, glue every 2-3 pages together with some artists medium, mod podge, or even Elmers.

(Sorry--no pics on this, but glue drying isn't that interesting anyway.)

Now your pages are thicker and can handle some artistic ~~abuse~~ creation.

To cover up the the wildly introspective Bella quotes, prep your surface for paint and other mediums, and give it even more hardiness, splurb on some gesso and coat the pages with a brush.

A sheet of waxed paper will help protect the other pages and keep them from sticking together.

The pages will curl a bit, but they flatten out as they dry.

Gesso is just like paint primer--some of the writing will still show through a bit, but just one coat of color will work to cover completely.

Lastly, decorate the ghastly cover to your delight.

Mod podge and decorative papers or fabric work great for this.

My Twilight Camping Journal

I redid the cover by mod podging an old map to the front and back. The spine was made with a scrap piece of leather and mod podge. The deco on the cover is made from our camp recycle bag.

A Pyramid Ale box makes for a great medallion :)

It's rustic, but that the idea for this journal as I do it in camp. Bringing mod podge camping is one thing--a set of acrylic paints is completely unrealistic!

Ok, the inside cover still needs work, but I just HAD to show off this library card I found in my dad's driveway (Sorry, dad--finders keepers).

"Paradise Lost"--"discontinued"! Is that perfect, or what!

I'm stamping our camping dates for record keeping.

Here's some finished pages...

I didn't gesso the pages in this journal. I do it while camping using just basic supplies, so either cover up the silly quotes, read them to the family and get a good laugh, or draw on them.

I have an old Betty Crocker Campground Cooking book that I use for embellishment too. It's also got some recipes that we use. "Darn Goods" (recipe in pic above) are REALLY yummy!

The first campground we stayed at was a KOA and they have plenty of printed material that you can trim to your decorating needs. We also went to a nearby town that day and I collected cards to journal with.

The last day we were there a tragic accident occurred, so the page itself isn't very journaled.

I taped a glassine envelope to the page and stuffed a page full of my private thoughts from that day in it. Envelopes are a great way to publicly journal private info.

Page from our 2nd trip.

We were dry camping this time so I had Addie get creative and make leaf rubbings to add.

Color and Paint Berserker

2011-09-21T12:40:00.000-07:00

THIS WAS SO MUCH FUN!

An art journaling mess of acrylic paint blend and stamps.

Messy, messy, messy, and Oh, so much fun!

I created this journal page for the GPP Street Team Crusade #55 -- "Disappearing Act"

You can start the challenge at ANY time!

#55 is my first one.

I started by creating a blended background with acrylic paint

I started with a purple and a red.

Sprayed some water on top before dry and blotted off excess paint

Created a grid using a dry paint brush with just a bit of bright purple paint.

Painted over a couple of the grid squares with pure color.

Then I used those same paint colors to paint a couple of stamps I had and stamped in the grids.

Wanna see a close up?

Do you see the hidden "55" in there (that's the Crusade #) -tricky, tricky :)

I just love it. Doing it and the result.

Mega messy smiles here.

I got so excited while working that I mistook my ultra clean (LOL) wash water

With my snack.

At least the acrylic is non-toxic?

Now to clean-up my berserker...

I really was frantic with creative energy :)

BTW...My Crusade Journal cost me all of 25 cents.

I'll tell you all about it tomorrow!

Look What I Won!

2011-09-19T10:44:00.000-07:00

Charm Bracelet Diva hosted a Maynards Mousetrap Etsy Shop Giveaway

and I WON! YEAH!

It was hard to choose...

There's the retro orange robot pillowcases.

My nephew would love these!

The sweet little Cherry Pillowcases

In the end I chose the Scooter Girl Pillowcases.

Perfect for my oldest daughter!

Thanks for hosting the giveaway Charm Bracelet Diva!

Coming back a winner!

2011-09-13T09:19:00.000-07:00

I'm done partying it up with my kids and back to making lunches, doing laundry and walking the dog. Ho hum.

This morning I had an email message from Angela at Binge Crafter

I won the 50,000 Page View Giveaway!

Perfect for getting back to daily journaling, atc making and other craftiness.

Right now Angela is gearing up for Halloween Crafts & Downloads like...

Halloween Fonts (this is the Charming Font, my fave--Classic Halloween)

Thank you Angela!

2011-08-30T12:29:00.000-07:00

Blogs out for summer. Blogs out ~~forever~~ ... Nah, it's not that drastic.

(you're supposed to be imagining Alice Cooper's, "School's Out..." right now)

I'll be back in mid September when school starts.

My kids are home and I'm happy to report that I'm just too busy sleeping late, vacationing and having fun. Mom Stuff :)

Yellow

2011-07-10T18:08:00.000-07:00

Twinkle, Twinkle Colors of Summer Challenge

YELLOW!

I had NO yellow paper. Yellow just isn't a color I use a lot of, so it was a real challenge for me.

I used matte gel medium to adhere fabric strips, including some gold lame' for my metallic part of the challenge.

Online Journaling Course

2011-07-05T12:43:00.000-07:00

I do LOVE online art courses!

Kid's flying through the house, unscheduled summer taxi driver, too much laundry to do?

Take an online course. You can do them anywhere, anytime. You can stop in the middle of them, you can put them off for a month, you can even let your kids do some of the projects with you.

I just signed up for...

It's an art journaling course from Hope Wallace Karney of Paper Relics & Besottment. Journaling prompts, flickr sharing, live lessons (optional, of course!), and some awesome downloads. Some other places I've found online art and art journaling courses... Artful PagesBesottment by Paper RelicsBalzar DesignsCrescendoh Creative LabMadness and MessRoses On My Table These are just a small sampling of what's available. I generally find out about them from other blogger's posts.

Pink

2011-07-02T10:47:00.000-07:00

Twinkle, Twinkle~Summer of Color time!

Mine...

(you can double click on the pic to see close-up if you'd like)

Spread in my art journal, AGAIN :)

I used my Rotring Artist Colors to create the background. I did the background before having any clue what I was going to do on top (not unusual for me), so I went over the original pink with some gold paint and orange chalk to prevent the cutouts from fading in.

The cutouts are from a GROOVY Good Housekeeping sewing workbook that I picked up at Goodwill. The only males that appeared in the book were the ones having garments sewn for them. Other than the sexism the book seems innocent enough until you start cutting it apart and you notice the focus on "figure features" and how to hide problem areas.

Good God, women can't even create without the pressure of looking their best!

Linking to:

Summer of Color Pink at Twinkle, Twinkle

Art Journal Every Day at Balzar Design

Summer Sewing School

2011-07-01T19:23:00.000-07:00

My youngest, Addie, has always considered everything in my craft/sewing room to be both hers and mine with the exception of my Bernina QE sewing machine that I bought special just for me.

I bought Addie a little Singer, so she could sew alongside mom. She loved it, but noticed that mine had more gizmos and gadgets and felt it was best that we share the Bernina too.

Kid's got good taste.

Addie gave her Singer to her friend Alia who loves to craft. Alia's worked with her grandmother on a machine a bit, but needed some tutoring before taking her little baby home.

We made Pillowcase Skirts!

Alia's mom found the idea on Family Fun.

The original pattern is for NO-SEW skirts, but we sewed in some elastic and made sewn hems on ours for practice.

Super easy to sew and the girls had a blast making them.

Aren't they cute?! The skirts...the girls look like dweebs in this pic!

Linking to:

Weekend Wrap-up at Tatertots & Jello

All That Junk!

2011-07-01T09:43:00.000-07:00

Whatcha gonna do with all that junk inside that trunk?

Lets' be real...I'm a 43 year old mom...I'm gonna art journal with it.

Addie and I like to go 'splorin' at our little airport when we walk Bo. It used to be an Air Force base during WWII, so there's lots of cool rusty junk up there just begging to be picked up by two little art nuts.

The background is an image transfer w/matte gel medium using a page from a 1950s handyman book (the only females in the book are baking for the strong men folk), which I then distressed. Then I layered it with some sparkly gold sheer fabric and sewing some of my findings to the page with gold thread. Added a few tags for fun.

I still have a big jar full of rusty washers, springs, and other odds and ends...how exciting!

Swirly

2011-06-27T11:00:00.000-07:00

More fun (and this IS fun!) in the art journal

It's like being a kid again and it's so fun!

I just started doodling with a black permanent marker and then I colored the spaces in.

I used water soluble oil pastels (believe it or not they do exist) to get some bright, vibrant color but even color crayons would work.

My BFF, Tara and I used to do this all the time when we were in 5th grade. Just the doing brings back many sweet memories--who cares about the result.

I'm telling ya'...try the art journaling! It's just for you, it's fun and, for me anyway, incredibly therapeutic.

Green!

2011-06-24T16:27:00.000-07:00

Art journal spread for this week's Summer of Color Art Challenge from Twinkle Twinkle

This week's color is...GREEN!

I just inherited a big box of random art supplies from my Uncle Richard. Included was a large package of Roting Artist Colors. I'd never heard of them, but the instruction sheet included with them made them look really cool. The applications are endless. Anyway, I had to try them out, so I got out the green and started mixing according to their mixing chart, painted pieces of tracing paper and then randomly cut out snowflake style leaves.

I decided the leaves were a bit too muted after I glued them to my journal, so I outlined them with a permanent dark green pen.

The result was better, but too stark. Back to the art box to try out some of the Carre' Nouvel Pastels.

(Did I say "I" inherited...I meant "we" :)

I applied the pastel over the ink to soften it and give the leaves a little glow. Addie started a whole new project.

Addie and I also experimented with some water and the pastel actually mixed with the water and gave a watercolor effect. Very fun indeed!

Why not?

2011-06-02T12:22:00.000-07:00

Since I've already knocked off two of my to-do sewing projects, why not add another?

Little Jiminy Cricket Voice...Because you should be making the list smaller, not bigger?

Do I hear a cricket in a tux? Nah.

Adding...

Image via UCreate

THROW PILLOWS.

The Bow is cute...and there's a tutorial by E TELLS TALES.

I need. UCreate's Create With Me for June is throw pillows. How perfect.

I guess that means I better get sewing.

Can you hear a cricket? I keep hearing this strange chirpy, follow-your-conscience rant in the background. Hmmm.

I'm on a roll...or a clutch (hee hee)

2011-06-01T15:12:00.000-07:00

I'm pumpin' out the to-do list projects!

I finished a crochet CLUTCH to replace my crochet ROLL today

I used the Crochet Hook Case free pattern and tutorial by Mad Quilter

Inside:

Pattern changes I'd recommend:

One: Read all of the instructions first. A couple of times she adds things to have done in an earlier step.

Two:

Strap just doesn't seem functional to me in it's current placement

(I did double-check to make sure I did it right)

THREE:

Cut top flat to be the same width as bottom pocket and sew in.

I added a crochet flower to the end of my flap to tack it down and...

to provide a holder for my tapestry needles.

Illustrated Version of my changes...

Other than those few things the pattern and tutorial were great.

The clutch is easy to sew, it folds up perfectly, the size is PERFECT for metal hooks (as Mad Quilter suggests, be sure to use 6mm seam allowance) and it's quite cute and handy.

This would make a terrific gift for any crocheter friends. We always need something to stow our spare hooks in!

THANKS, MAD QUILTER!

Linking this project to:

Whatever Goes Wednesday #68
Show and Tell at Blue Cricket
Your Way Wednesday at Elle Belle Creative

Gone with Good Reason

2011-05-27T10:39:00.000-07:00

I've been absent this last week and I am sorry.

Just a little. Joel and I were on vacation. Alone. How wonderful is that?!

Our oldest, with the help of Nana & Papa, took care of the house and her sisters, so I felt it was best not to announce to blogland that I'd be gone. I'm sure all you parents out there understand.

(Thank you to my wonderful girls for all being so responsible and wonderful and all that good stuff while I was gone!)

Guess where I went? Oh, it was so exciting!

THE NETHERLANDS!!!

We stayed in Haarlem for a couple of days.

I LOVE Haarlem. It's beautiful beyond words.

We took a train up to the North Sea and stuck our feeties in the sand.

I brought back some North Sea seashells for Addie's collection too.

Then it was on to Amsterdam!

I went to the Rijks and the VanGogh Museums--dreams come true!

I cried at the VanGogh. Really. It was that awesome.

A couple of days in London.

Had to see The Tower and the Royal Ravens.

Here's me just chillin' at Big Ben.

Actually, I'm trying to talk Joel into going into the phone booth so I can take his pic, but that was a no-go.

And what's London without the tea?

I wouldn't know, because we didn't actually do tea, but we did partake in some of the tea goodies.

Forgive me for not doing the tea...I ended up at the National Gallery and it was STUFFED with the most fabulous western world art that you can imagine. It took the whole day and I don't regret seeing Monet, Manet, Seurat, Cezanne, Pissaro, Durer, Rembrandt, Turner, Michelangelo, DaVinci, the list goes wonderfully on and on and on!

Back to reality (with lots of biscuits and cheese in tow), but that also means back to the kidlets and I did miss them!

Freudian and Barbie

2011-05-15T11:58:00.000-07:00

Not usually a follower of the self-absorbed, chauvinist pig known as Freud, but I believe I made a bit a Freudian slip the other day...

We were talking about doing some work to the house, but not wanting to put ourselves into time or $$ debt as a result.

"Well, it's not like it's our dream house or anything.", Said I.

Then I thunk out loud...

"Should houses be dreams?"

My gut reaction is, "no".

I think even Barbie wanted more than a two-storey wonder with an elevator.

Kale Smoothie

2011-05-12T12:20:00.000-07:00

Yup...Kale Smoothie (cut with some berries for taste)

Driving Addie to school, listening to NPR, Alice Waters drinks Green Smoothies. Green leafies like kale, collard greens, beet greens, spinach are soooo nutritious and most people, including myself, don't eat nearly enough of them. They're high in B Vitamins, iron, folacin, even calcium. Not to mention the fiber!

Alice goes for the collard greens and her smoothie is GREEN. Alice is a GREEN smoothie person, though. Me, not so much, but trying to be greener.

My smoothie does not turn green, but does incorporate greens and is very healthy and good;

INGREDIENTS

1 small container of yogurt (I prefer vanilla)
Berries (I like frozen because they firm up the smoothie)
Wheat Germ
Orange Juice
Kale
Banana (not pictured)
Blender (I use a Magic Bullet)

Add all the ingredients to your blender and whiz away. Add more or less juice depending on how thick you like it.

Total Yummage and you've just enjoyed a full serving of green leafy veggies!

Puppy trying to eat all the ingredients and dishtowel while you try to take a picture is, of course, optional.

One Down!

2011-05-11T18:27:00.000-07:00

Sleepover Pillowcases!!!

Fun, Fun, Fun. They are very easy to do, Lemon Squeezy Home's tutorial is easy-to-follow, and the kids love them.

Addie's all ready for 5th grade camp and Michael's set to see his Grandma & Grampa this weekend.

Little Sewing Note: Addie's zips on the side because mom ~~screwed up~~ likes to be different. If you'd like to be different too, just sew the zipper to the 18" end instead of the 21" (opposite of the tutorial).

My models were bored by this time, so not such a great photo of the backs, but they are there.

AND they work!

Turns out big sissies do like sleepover pillowcases and aren't too old for such things, so a third, 17-year old version is on its way.

THANKS for the pattern and tutorial Lemon Squeezy Home!

Linking to:

Whatever Goes Wednesday #65 at Someday Crafts

I want to sew...

2011-05-09T13:02:00.000-07:00

After sewing my mom's purse (even with the butt-ugly fabric) I have an itch to get back to my sewing machine!

There are some totally awesome, completely free and user-friendly tutorials out in blogland.

The short list of what I have my eye on...

Make It and Love It's Spring Dress

Image via Make It and Love It

The tutorial is for a 5T, but easy directions are included for sizing up to adult.

One for Addie for sure and I think Kaely might like one as a tunic.

Lemon Squeezy Home's Sleepover Pillowcase

FINISHED 5/11...AWESOME gift for kids! Do IT! Pics Here

Image via A Lemon Squeezy Home

Addie's going to 5th grade camp soon. Perfect.

One for Michael too...just because.

Buzzing and Bumbling's Travel Roll-Up

Image via Buzzing and Bumbling

Removeable pouches (you can find them at the Dollar store too). This would be great for taking supplies for multi-crafts on a trip.

Mad Quilter's Crochet Hook Case

Finished 6/11! Great pattern, but I recommend a few changes here

Image via Mad Quilter

I really like the way this folds up into a pouch!

Made by Lex's Anthropologie Inspired Duvet Cover

Image via Made By Lex

In raspberry pink for Kaely's room.

I'm off to ride the sewing-madness wave! I'll show you pics of my successes (being an optimist is a good thing) as I go.

For My Mom

2011-05-07T14:28:00.000-07:00

Handmade for My Mommy

She wanted me to make her a BIG purse out of some fabric she bought awhile back

I didn't like the fabric, but I found some lining that I liked that made sewing it bearable

...but I guess that's what Mother's Day is about

I hope she likes it.

(Do you know how hard it is to photo a handbag)

I used the Tohoku Tote pattern from I am Momma Hear Me Roar--altered just a wee bit to make it larger and the bow removed because that would be my mom.

(Hers is much prettier and I can't wait to make a couple from some cute fabric for Alyssa and Kaely)

The pattern and tutorial or very user-friendly and is obtainable by simply making a donation to a charity.

In the mail

2011-04-27T09:11:00.000-07:00

ArtJoyStuff ATC Swap No. 10

"Use What's Close At Hand" is this week's theme.

One of the advantages to saving leftovers and being such a pig when I'm in my craftroom...

I've generally got a lot of stuff on hand :)

The background is a scrap piece of canvas that I'd used to soak up an ink pool
A trimming of pink polka dot covered up the hole in the canvas
A little crochet lace scrap was added to pretty it up
Flowers were made from some spare trim
Easter candy foil wrappers were used for the flower centers
Some spare pennant triangles where used to spell spring (and I didn't do it backwards!)
Oh, and I used a cereal box for the ATC base

Klucking Bear

Quick, Fun, Prize Laden Sew Along!

Grey Day Tea & Journaling

Three Things

Valentines Cacti

They're Growing!

91 Magazine

Orange?

See You Soon!

Crochet Love

Swiffer Cover Review

Addie's Granny Stripe Finished

Kitties on Purple

Recommended Read: Letter from Birmingham Jail

My first Crochet Along

Oooooooo....!

Turning Fans into Sunshine

Magazine Love

Little Houses

Mini Chocolate Ricotta Muffins

Did I say TOMORROW?!

One of My Final Acts of Greenness for 2010

Book Recommend

Merry Christmas Smiles!

Vanna's Rockin' It

Making Me Happy Right Now

Molasses YUMMMMM!

It's Snowing In My House

Etsy Love Kluckingbear

Blogs That Make Me Happy...and relaxed.

Lovely Day in the Neighborhood

OMG!

Helping Santa

Thank Yous

Advent Day One

Dinner Last Night

MADE!

Advent Ideas: Family Activities

Advent Ideas: Food Gifts Part 2

Advent Ideas: Food Gifts Part 1

Advent Ideas Part Martha, Martha, Martha

Advent Ideas: Things to Make Part 1

Featuring Soup and Featured Pumpkin

Itty Bitty Bread

Whath I'm a Doin'

Simply Brilliant

Unstuffed Pumpkin

Last Minute Halloween

Winnings!

Please Excuse...

Love This Lady...hoodie's cute too

Gifty Ghoolishness

Ripplin' Loot

Doily Blanket

Looks Like Fun

Blast From The Past!

Not Quite as Quick, but Easier and Just as Spooky!

Quick and Spooky (and not permanent)

Dressing Up Igor

Halloween Countdown

How To Glitter Neatly

Oatmealers

Alice Giveaway at Alpha Stamps

Coffin Deluxe

Halloween Advent Make-Over

Blog and Zine Love

Drooling over Twilight and Dollar Tree

Color and Paint Berserker

Look What I Won!

Coming back a winner!

Yellow

Online Journaling Course

Pink

Summer Sewing School

All That Junk!

Swirly

Green!

Why not?

I'm on a roll...or a clutch (hee hee)

Gone with Good Reason