tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2592427429013284752024-02-07T20:16:17.955-05:00Craftiest Mom on the BlockCelebrating my love of all things craftyCrafty Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14106170973003472584noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-259242742901328475.post-11500103399718397912018-07-13T10:21:00.000-04:002018-07-13T19:52:16.715-04:00How to buy a good sewing machine <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJskF3AjNAbfOVgkhOPTCkDhFXsqWbvp5TbJeRgFILe0uWUV_envMeXPm0Ayqi1gtod3swhZs-oVH0h2wd7MrVy0NXqQrhho6nlWUKKLIYGJidx0rP8KA_J1oJjMyqN2j-MY0ao9vv3I2G/s1600/sewing+machine+blog+header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="543" data-original-width="938" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJskF3AjNAbfOVgkhOPTCkDhFXsqWbvp5TbJeRgFILe0uWUV_envMeXPm0Ayqi1gtod3swhZs-oVH0h2wd7MrVy0NXqQrhho6nlWUKKLIYGJidx0rP8KA_J1oJjMyqN2j-MY0ao9vv3I2G/s320/sewing+machine+blog+header.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I am thrilled to hear people say they want to get started with sewing! Sometimes it feels like it's a dying art, but Pinterest has really opened some wonderful avenues for crafting inspiration!<br />
<br />
The question I often hear online is, "What sewing machine should I get? Is this a good one?"<br />
<br />
My first question is, "What do you want to accomplish? Are you sewing garments, home decorating, quilting?" To me, it all depends on what you want to do. And how much you want to spend.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbuWPZkAxbvPmTEI8nHohcDMp5SptbhoCSSFobbfOwlaWCt6x8j-MXK_ONpRsWEMrX6bVVSrhhecDDS287o2Itk4Nr-15ROHnIcSRrtSYiPbkJAPoW72AY-3bwuSBnERbSzbGoycTeUalD/s1600/singer-touch-and-sew-zig-zag-sewing-machine-model-758-vintage-accessories-case-79e24bc08379f2f1b6bc214e2d6b2d98.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbuWPZkAxbvPmTEI8nHohcDMp5SptbhoCSSFobbfOwlaWCt6x8j-MXK_ONpRsWEMrX6bVVSrhhecDDS287o2Itk4Nr-15ROHnIcSRrtSYiPbkJAPoW72AY-3bwuSBnERbSzbGoycTeUalD/s320/singer-touch-and-sew-zig-zag-sewing-machine-model-758-vintage-accessories-case-79e24bc08379f2f1b6bc214e2d6b2d98.jpg" width="274" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beloved Singer Touch 'n Sew<br />
Source: www.terapeak.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
From what I've seen, the Brother models available through places like Walmart are very popular. They're a mid-priced machine for someone looking to spend a little money but not break the bank who might be just starting out. However, I'm not sure how great it is when you need technical support or repairs done. Often many ladies in sewing forums or through Facebook groups have advice to offer on using them and what they think.<br />
<br />
My suggestions:<br />
<br />
• Find out what you want to use it for. If you're getting into quilting, you may want something that offers more stitch options. If you're doing more garment sewing, something with a buttonhole feature - either manual or automatic - might work best for you.<br />
• How much do you want to spend? There are some great used ones that often go for a song, and even if you factor in repairs and tune ups wouldn't cost you that much to get started.<br />
<br />
• Ask questions and then read reviews. Ultimately it will probably come down to personal preference and what a person is used to. When I bought mine, I had only really sewn with Singer sewing machines and was ready to spend some money and get something a little more sophisticated. After much research, my personal preference is Pfaff, but someone else's might be Bernina or Janome. If you go to a repair shop or dealer, you will be able to try out the machine first, something you can't do as easily when ordering online.<br />
<br />
• Look in thrift stores or garage sales. Even a repair shop probably has several great models for less that are used but still work great. The dealer can tell you something about them, knows about their strengths and weaknesses and can repair them. Plus they are more likely to be worth repairing should something go wrong. I have seen several old Singer Touch 'n Sew models (a terrific machine for a beginner!) like the one I learned on, and if there's a problem you can either opt to get it fixed or chuck it since you didn't invest that much in it to begin with (I think I spent $7 on the last one).<br />
<br />
• Avoid toy sewing machines. I've seen these at places like Target (I think my mom even bought me one one time, for some reason) and while it seems good for a kid starting out, I can see where it would be frustrating and end up in the donation pile pretty quickly. Find a relative with one they're not using to teach your child a few basics and see how they like it. Otherwise, if they decide to continue, I'd suggest looking for one at one of the thriftier options mentioned above.<br />
<br />
• Some newer machines are partially or fully computerized, which can lead to more costly tune ups and repairs. If you're willing to commit to that, go for it. If not, you may want to stick with an older machine. I hear from many dealers that newer Singers are more plastic than metal like the old workhorses, but again, that is up to you, your personal preference, and what you want to use it for.<br />
<br />
Happy sewing!Crafty Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14106170973003472584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-259242742901328475.post-57102830139751732092018-01-09T13:49:00.000-05:002018-01-09T13:49:04.515-05:00Celebrating Handmade: Japan's Indigo FarmersAs part of a celebration of all things handmade, I would like to regularly feature a post or article about craftsmen and women who create one-of-a-kind items: whether it's intricate and elaborate, simple and heartfelt, reflects a long tradition or is quirky and unique. In our era of mass-produced fast fashion and disposable culture, it's often easy to forget there is a real person and talent behind these amazing items!<br />
<br />
This week: Japan's indigo farmers, a passionate, dying breed of talent that is threatening to be replaced completely by mechanization. Check out the link to find out how these amazing pieces are created in what is a tremendous labor of love. <a href="https://www.greatbigstory.com/stories/the-real-blue-indigo">Great Big Story: True Blue: Indigo Dyeing in Japan</a><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPsFkzruvUmXPF8j_nHJ8MKMUkvqEi4WF84uguUpL_7mi3khtxpky7DWIshE9QuLYRnlj2RPMXYdsxn3OUk6CaEzVfD2EGFburklUyR4UoR1Z7rNlk62aC42S_lYnPVg6WarnzK37SgciZ/s1600/984982e902a7ebbc67dd3295262934c0--indigo-dye-fabric-painting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPsFkzruvUmXPF8j_nHJ8MKMUkvqEi4WF84uguUpL_7mi3khtxpky7DWIshE9QuLYRnlj2RPMXYdsxn3OUk6CaEzVfD2EGFburklUyR4UoR1Z7rNlk62aC42S_lYnPVg6WarnzK37SgciZ/s320/984982e902a7ebbc67dd3295262934c0--indigo-dye-fabric-painting.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Japanese indigo cloth. Source: http://tetotetote-sendai.jp/shoaihiyashizome/index.html</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Crafty Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14106170973003472584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-259242742901328475.post-4053277121441491072018-01-03T14:40:00.000-05:002018-01-09T14:40:58.648-05:00Celebrating Handmade: Parachute wedding gowns<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;">As part of a celebration of all things handmade, I would like to regularly feature a post or article about craftsmen and women who create one-of-a-kind items: whether it's intricate and elaborate, simple and heartfelt, reflects a long tradition or is quirky and unique. In our era of mass-produced fast fashion and disposable culture, it's often easy to forget there is a real person and talent behind these amazing items!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;">This week: parachute wedding gowns?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Months ago I came across a FaceBook post about a woman who had made a silk wedding gown for herself out of her soldier-husband's military parachute during World War II. If there isn't anything more romantic than that, I don't know what is. </span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGax8hqgq7QwMTTtixLslsuzTbfmCVJVFVa6rGZFXZB9aiYnmHjZ9EzhRqH_GF-897KrWSx-w1Wpz9iOdnkUQ8xWJmYWkuTonghMKekMdyP5qIrbVwTFynbvdVNsBkZlDzZSGbzmetZGAI/s1600/parachute-wedding-dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="655" data-original-width="521" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGax8hqgq7QwMTTtixLslsuzTbfmCVJVFVa6rGZFXZB9aiYnmHjZ9EzhRqH_GF-897KrWSx-w1Wpz9iOdnkUQ8xWJmYWkuTonghMKekMdyP5qIrbVwTFynbvdVNsBkZlDzZSGbzmetZGAI/s320/parachute-wedding-dress.jpg" width="254" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smithsonian National Museum of American History </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="background-color: white;">Major Claude Hensinger was forced to bail out of his aircraft in August 1944 and both he - and the parachute - survived. He later proposed to his girlfriend Ruth, who took the dress to a local seamstress and had her make a Gone With the Wind-inspired bridal gown out of the material. In those days, many materials - including silk - went straight to the war effort, so fancy fabric was in short supply. The couple married in 1947, and since then two other brides have worn the gown before it was donated to <a href="https://newsdesk.si.edu/snapshot/parachute-wedding-dress">The Smithsonian</a>. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="background-color: white;">Not surprisingly, there are many other examples of parachute wedding gowns that survive the war and some dire circumstances. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="background-color: white;">Jewish bride Lili Lax used her war-time </span>cigarette rations to pay a seamstress to sew her wedding gown, made from a parachute that her fiancé had obtained from a former German airman in trade for "<a href="https://collections.ushmm.org/search/catalog/irn13648">2 pounds of coffee and cigarettes</a>." After her miraculous survival from a number of concentration camps, she met her husband Ludwig, in 1945, and together they and their daughter arrived in New York in 1948. After Lili's wedding, she sent the dress to dozens more brides for their special day.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;"></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLWz77n-MuLUB18jLvys-POKUfzzPjnUzxwszdw0Zs20oL01KWCBsEtsinVzrkTR2VbH0Gf76_8ZyXtLrDoisfPmqFsJJ-j3Fo5Nyn285MtbPvKwYb1P4swDV4jlQ4yu2jRgCW_zvNeUsB/s1600/1999.7.12_a_001.800x800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLWz77n-MuLUB18jLvys-POKUfzzPjnUzxwszdw0Zs20oL01KWCBsEtsinVzrkTR2VbH0Gf76_8ZyXtLrDoisfPmqFsJJ-j3Fo5Nyn285MtbPvKwYb1P4swDV4jlQ4yu2jRgCW_zvNeUsB/s320/1999.7.12_a_001.800x800.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, Accession Number: 1999.7.12. a </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Crafty Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14106170973003472584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-259242742901328475.post-38051426936689822502017-12-13T12:48:00.000-05:002018-01-13T13:28:10.012-05:00Celebrating handmade: Antique cross stitch samplersThink back to a time before iPads and television, to a time when young girls had little to do on a rainy day but sew. While now we debate the merit of even teaching kids cursive in school, young girls would while away the hours killing two (or three) birds with one stone while doing these samplers - memorizing Bible verses, alphabets and practicing their stitchery skills all at the same time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeG_t1aAzlp-l9mjPe9M_WALkoS2hbMTOe7ouO-WeKzOMo7AsD9QbY75GsBojEptiTe_NEtBxQLnjKm13tf5a2kg_c1ZBKq6bGMSN2MUxeCa132-XaZOxwicNNPTcMy9y2qmd0QZo65i22/s1600/16425c4a063dd7ae6f2bd016e904f195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="564" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeG_t1aAzlp-l9mjPe9M_WALkoS2hbMTOe7ouO-WeKzOMo7AsD9QbY75GsBojEptiTe_NEtBxQLnjKm13tf5a2kg_c1ZBKq6bGMSN2MUxeCa132-XaZOxwicNNPTcMy9y2qmd0QZo65i22/s320/16425c4a063dd7ae6f2bd016e904f195.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
One of the earliest samplers on record dates between 200 BCE to 300 CE - that's pretty amazing. The oldest European samplers in existence date to the 16th and 17th century, but many have been lost to the ravages of time.<br />
<br />
Historically materials used often included cotton, wool, linen and silk, as well as gold and metal thread. As material was often expensive at the time, early samplers featured stitches that were often very neat and intricate, adding much importance and sentimental value to the piece, which could often be found among a family's willed possessions and passed down from generation to generation.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfcOaReviG_C9yxyWIw-QULR0IneEtRlSxVPj72lW84gGeAe-KkQK2gtIv6zCTLmncmzchrV5QCiOHfA6PFwzka9GQf6Kg9rk9LVFVs1ED2JYh1OuJ3xrHT7oE9X4ah5AN0KKpD4uB3tKu/s1600/bb3a5f62e99d1149e1e4d3efc302733a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="734" data-original-width="564" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfcOaReviG_C9yxyWIw-QULR0IneEtRlSxVPj72lW84gGeAe-KkQK2gtIv6zCTLmncmzchrV5QCiOHfA6PFwzka9GQf6Kg9rk9LVFVs1ED2JYh1OuJ3xrHT7oE9X4ah5AN0KKpD4uB3tKu/s320/bb3a5f62e99d1149e1e4d3efc302733a.jpg" width="245" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;">
Some were done by children as young as nine</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Later in the 17th and 18th centuries, samplers because common in schools, and designs became much more informal and practical. School themes would often include alphabets, maps, multiplication tables and other educational elements. By the 19th century, the work was much more utilitarian, displaying knowledge rather than sewing skills. Many of them have been reproduced today for modern stitchers to recreate.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Crafty Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14106170973003472584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-259242742901328475.post-3057037538581287692017-12-04T19:32:00.000-05:002018-01-09T19:32:56.906-05:00Crafter disaster: tile coastersEvery year I do crafts for my kids' school's annual Christmas bazaar, and I've been dying to try these because they look simple and can give a super return on your investment. I've seen several tutorials on them but rarely any posts about how they held up after long-term use, and figured if I was trying to sell these things, that'd be pretty important info to have. <div>
<br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvMMWyOoa1JgWpaCkkFwINmDfRfdRJWKAlnTkloZ0_KsueNIvgcrAXh_n3vhX7OKXeRP8nWYpyFesycAGI1HJ146q3vPH8oZ3C7uzdV8SdndRvn9sGdqXlEhy6-GiA7Y5O3d6eEwAlW3SO/s1600/IMG_2205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvMMWyOoa1JgWpaCkkFwINmDfRfdRJWKAlnTkloZ0_KsueNIvgcrAXh_n3vhX7OKXeRP8nWYpyFesycAGI1HJ146q3vPH8oZ3C7uzdV8SdndRvn9sGdqXlEhy6-GiA7Y5O3d6eEwAlW3SO/s320/IMG_2205.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't these look cute? In theory, anyway</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
I found some basic white tiles at Lowe's that were about 17 cents each, I think. I also found a roll of cork at Hobby Lobby that was about $5, and used a coupon for it. If cut into four-inch squares, I reasoned I could do about twelve of these to start, or something like that. (You can check dimensions online, I'm too lazy!) At any rate, I needed more than one roll, but it was very reasonably priced and comes in several thicknesses, although the super thin grade is probably not what you'd want for this project. I used an acrylic ruler and rotary cutter to measure and get nice, clean cutting lines. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Then I adhered them to the back with my trusty stinky glue, E6000. This stuff is like hardcore rubber cement type stuff and STINKS. You'll probably want to run a fan, but it's pretty good stuff and I found that Walmart is probably the cheapest place to get it. Pretty sure I saw posts of people gluing it on with Mod Podge, and I'm not sure I'd do that because I'm betting money the corners would peel up. In fact, when I glued it down, I put a teeny tiny dab in each corner (which has a slight indentation on each tile back) just to make sure it stuck. I ended up having to use several rubber bands wrapped around to make sure it made constant contact with the glue until it dried and didn't leave an air bubble in the middle, and also to make sure those corner edges were pressed down. </div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Now, here's one part I would do over: STICK THE CORKS ON LAST! More on that in a minute. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I then found cool beer carton artwork from local distributors and a very nice grocery store manager guy. I love the colors, fonts and designs on the cartons, but you could do just about anything. These were great because the thickness of the cardboard made them much easier to work with, so I'm not sure how things like thin paper or scrapbook paper would work, unless it was really thick. I cut them on interesting angles, which kind of added some visual interest.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Now, what to cover them with? That was my next dilemma. Many Pinterest posts say to cover them with Mod Podge and act like voila, you're done! Except, I read while clinging to the edge of my seat, that doesn't make them <i>waterproof. </i>And if you're actually using them as coasters, well, they need to be waterproof. It might offer some protection, but some bloggers discovered that it left rings over time, and that's not very attractive.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_9YUTIGhNWkMEWbzu_8xtRT8wpP1LI59uGw27gQwJy8umoHEnhnRWJFFNiOLmm3EJOrZ-DXrw3Nr4jAQGw2SCmDDEBZ1iGT9yVQTSrp1jsJQ6Mr_gFKFhJwE9-aMeOgzpcg0ylIvZy0y/s1600/71Ax0hsTaUL._SL1420_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1420" data-original-width="1046" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_9YUTIGhNWkMEWbzu_8xtRT8wpP1LI59uGw27gQwJy8umoHEnhnRWJFFNiOLmm3EJOrZ-DXrw3Nr4jAQGw2SCmDDEBZ1iGT9yVQTSrp1jsJQ6Mr_gFKFhJwE9-aMeOgzpcg0ylIvZy0y/s320/71Ax0hsTaUL._SL1420_.jpg" width="235" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The resin to end all resins </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
I decided to use some crazy &^@ resin stuff to get a good, hard waterproof coat on top. It came in an inconspicuous box and I thought back to a project a family member had done with it and given to my parents. Looked harmless enough and I figured it was worth a try. It wasn't cheap - normal price like $25 - but I used a Michaels coupon for half off, which really helped and didn't drive up my overall costs as much. Then I looked at the directions - and read tips online - because holy hallelujah, it looked confusing! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It came with pretty elaborate directions. It took probably an hour for me to set everything up: you need two containers, stirrers, and something to prop up your work because basically you pour it on and it drips down the side. Drop cloths and gloves galore, because you do NOT want that sh!t in your hair, on your skin, your clothes, on anything but your project. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So I did all my research and was ready to go. I stirred and mixed, mixed and stirred, timed it for two minutes and all that jazz, then poured it on. You can use a straw to blow air onto the project to get air bubbles out, which works really well. I had a fan running but the fumes weren't too bad. Or maybe they were worse than I thought because ... I sat back to admire my work so far and then realized, <i>I mixed it wrong. </i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
Basically you're supposed to keep the two bottles it comes in separate, mixing it first <i>individually, </i>and then mix it together. I poured and then mixed, which could ostensibly mean it wouldn't harden or turn out right and might get soft if someone put a hot drink on it. I admit it, I cried. And then had to move on from the idea that hey, I could buy more and make more of these things last minute because <i>I still have three days before the bazaar. </i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
Um, nope. Had to slap myself on the hand and move on. But thankfully, I guess, I learned a lot from the fiasco. And thankfully no one has thrown them out yet because hey, I needed a picture for this blog post. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And that entire bucket of leftover resin that I completely ruined - well, guess what. It turned clear and hard as a rock, just as it should be, so I'll never really know if perhaps it could've worked out. I wasn't about to try and then sell it to someone, only to have their coffee cup covered in soft, sticky mess accidentally. I actually scraped off the resin from each tile as if to somehow salvage them, and some of them actually looked pretty near what they did before I poured it on - which might be okay if you're only using them for yourself and not giving them as a gift. But otherwise, it was a complete mess - and I ended up with it all over my hands - which comes out <i>slowly </i>with vinegar and a lot of hard work. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU3yWOgGx4I5Fw-EQYslzIMdBqeGG53cPy_fTqspg6N1-atCcMrk8IUlfnoVyBlv8Sb7-o4rtfCoGB4i8o-mnOmlPLvGj6mvUZCAMXrX6JQDjGoM-K6EekxSGvDeR5nbkpszN4hEOvw1Td/s1600/IMG_2204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU3yWOgGx4I5Fw-EQYslzIMdBqeGG53cPy_fTqspg6N1-atCcMrk8IUlfnoVyBlv8Sb7-o4rtfCoGB4i8o-mnOmlPLvGj6mvUZCAMXrX6JQDjGoM-K6EekxSGvDeR5nbkpszN4hEOvw1Td/s320/IMG_2204.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Blargh</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
One more thing about the cork that I realized, you should put it on last, because if the resin drips and runs underneath and gets on the cork, it looks icky like this. Not a very sellable product. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So... maybe better luck next year. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Crafty Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14106170973003472584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-259242742901328475.post-84295360228922474282014-09-20T15:12:00.000-04:002014-09-20T15:12:03.674-04:00Adventures in Antiquing! Vintage linensIf there is one thing I do <i>not </i>need more of, it's vintage linens. I have tons - a basket full of them in my craft area, I think another basket somewhere in the back of the bathroom closet. I made pillows into some of them, but there's only so much you can do.<br />
<br />
Until I saw these.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWM-_M5aJRsjwoop_CXj4_73skipJvA69vtNTH6yN2HFgtqRRvHhM_QllciQmaGO_ODrEwMieJdoLHWWKT8xhzWRCE_H5oDE0s_rHDhCG2PHxTJMw_0DoKVg7MGAL3TIQx-bOd0xXLK7Qx/s1600/photo-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWM-_M5aJRsjwoop_CXj4_73skipJvA69vtNTH6yN2HFgtqRRvHhM_QllciQmaGO_ODrEwMieJdoLHWWKT8xhzWRCE_H5oDE0s_rHDhCG2PHxTJMw_0DoKVg7MGAL3TIQx-bOd0xXLK7Qx/s1600/photo-2.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Something about those dancing radishes (strawberries?) caught my eye. That is the oddest embroidery design I've ever seen. I must have them….<br />
<br />
The kitty cats immediately reminded me of my daughter, who absolutely <i>loves </i>animals. And the glasses one, well, I don't know what to think of that. It was definitely different. I loved the lily pad design, a big table runner with a repeating design on the other side - and the price was right: 99 cents!<br />
<br />
I might try and work the two cats and the dancing vegetables together into a pillow top, or put them in a frame for her bedroom. So cute!<br />
<br />
<br />Crafty Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14106170973003472584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-259242742901328475.post-11159236317436446322014-09-12T17:59:00.001-04:002014-09-12T17:59:29.785-04:00Adventures in Antiquing! Vintage "piecrust" mirrors Ever since I saw this Martha Stewart Living cover, I've been addicted to these beautiful mirrors:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1.wp.com/tokyojinja.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/martha-stewart-etched-mirror-plateaus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1.wp.com/tokyojinja.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/martha-stewart-etched-mirror-plateaus.jpg" height="320" width="262" /></a></div>
<br />
I, at least, have run across very few of them in my travels, so when I do, I usually snatch them up right away. I've never paid more than $25, and have found two in antique shops in Ohio and one in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. I would love to find more unusual shapes like rounds and ovals, but in the meantime, will take what I can get!<br />
<br />
The two I have are more like the rectangular shaped one at top right, with the square bottom and rounded top, and just recently, found a lovely round one at one of my favorite Ohio antique stores.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcreDEaz8oK0OO2Gs3kVQy4k1OnjRK-keS2YG_F50tXqOcLEtGJq0nyMGmSFKzv5Lv5BBf2bbHyB1LykxiScMPva4V1_Al71VzrYaRDoqItvI9Hsr8nTaqb_vLch0KkfU-dfPwYcXTvr8Q/s1600/10258341_696129960461379_6790531381095340026_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcreDEaz8oK0OO2Gs3kVQy4k1OnjRK-keS2YG_F50tXqOcLEtGJq0nyMGmSFKzv5Lv5BBf2bbHyB1LykxiScMPva4V1_Al71VzrYaRDoqItvI9Hsr8nTaqb_vLch0KkfU-dfPwYcXTvr8Q/s1600/10258341_696129960461379_6790531381095340026_n.jpg" height="186" width="200" /></a></div>
I hung this beauty up in my basement craft area until I was ready to use it, thinking it would be out of the way from the kids. But then I thought, <i>I should probably move that somewhere else in case it breaks.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Really, I should probably listen to my intuition, because a few days later it inexplicably fell from the nail it was hung on and is now in three giant shards (perhaps a testament to thick, vintage glass?). The rope-like material it was hung from just pulled apart from age, I guess. Note to self and perhaps a tip: always inspect hardware on vintage art and mirrors, especially heavier pieces! and restring with brand new, heavy-duty wire. *sigh*<br />
<br />
I decided to stop in one antique shop I usually avoid (because they have lots of signs saying "NO this!" and "STOP that!" kind of stuff, which can really kill the atmosphere. LOL Case in point:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8GtOrzohukuxPibGJ9pURJurEKrOlG_OLQmhA6_6AdBsGg5XKQzKENgdpfYkD3vdW_etSSLR_JtyMBlqyrlKxyn69UJxtGKqCuAWwuuoeZj1V2RzsFDNSLGOvgXWRyUiDqBhkF8wQNm4g/s1600/10458104_829358550441847_5819590799035294505_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8GtOrzohukuxPibGJ9pURJurEKrOlG_OLQmhA6_6AdBsGg5XKQzKENgdpfYkD3vdW_etSSLR_JtyMBlqyrlKxyn69UJxtGKqCuAWwuuoeZj1V2RzsFDNSLGOvgXWRyUiDqBhkF8wQNm4g/s1600/10458104_829358550441847_5819590799035294505_n.jpg" height="260" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"We're NOT buying or appraising your items. PLEASE<br />remove your vehicle to shop elsewhere." Whaaaat??</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
With a bit of in trepidation I went in, and quickly found a wonderful gem hidden under a bunch of ugly dishes. I think I've seen it in there before, but just never paid much attention. This time, I noticed it had two holes for hanging …. double bonus!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHzj7lCP4dC8T3zQD9oYdKR2skAzHA2MRCqcv_IRe3pdYLF4RKrWKW5yCyk70EMXRDgzSGKtYox-P6oEiqA4QC1IC1xiEEMNBiXHN2uSy2AcSKsoRzw1oQXj1sckYeq_zvrRb_roImpg3T/s1600/1937494_829358523775183_8468016685677370298_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHzj7lCP4dC8T3zQD9oYdKR2skAzHA2MRCqcv_IRe3pdYLF4RKrWKW5yCyk70EMXRDgzSGKtYox-P6oEiqA4QC1IC1xiEEMNBiXHN2uSy2AcSKsoRzw1oQXj1sckYeq_zvrRb_roImpg3T/s1600/1937494_829358523775183_8468016685677370298_n.jpg" height="320" width="287" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bargain at $18! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The shop owner was pleasant enough (despite her signs, and the fact that I accidentally dumped all of her business cards all over the floor. She thanked me for picking them up). I wonder how long this thing sat there before I bought it - years, maybe?<br />
<br />
The best part is that I can use the hardware from the broken mirror to hang the new one!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUWuy_A_9I75sAsJt7YeLAoSfyHg4RjHdQqv_iZIjo0Vy8O0quePQaY8CowkVwKXY-Of1DVaq5BpJ3y5zKdDYdOwu2BOWjlBxi4knPGdE958gScvGfdbnVcMrUVXrQKUK18tEhxKOGYirX/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUWuy_A_9I75sAsJt7YeLAoSfyHg4RjHdQqv_iZIjo0Vy8O0quePQaY8CowkVwKXY-Of1DVaq5BpJ3y5zKdDYdOwu2BOWjlBxi4knPGdE958gScvGfdbnVcMrUVXrQKUK18tEhxKOGYirX/s1600/photo.JPG" height="320" width="262" /></a></div>
<br />
Then yesterday I found this - an even better bargain at $6! (marked down from $10) A totally crummy picture, but you get the idea. The best part was the stamp on the back, that had the manufacturer (still haven't been able to make out who it is) and the date: February 28, 1951. Cool!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Crafty Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14106170973003472584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-259242742901328475.post-44075268405826052102013-01-14T13:42:00.001-05:002013-01-14T13:42:17.566-05:00DIY Barbie Townhouse!The Townhouse is finished! I can't believe it.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKgSP2VAmjHRwhya3dXjTpeDa2ZKYPbCUVGog7-5QCl12N7GOFb0BCFcESgRPqopH4EpSij6ikIUmBGr856Ts_yGgnSVXAtSDbJSP4b6TKX6W5E8EmHyk3i3dSwit-6V1Qu6m9d5Elj6Xe/s1600/Plano+shelf.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKgSP2VAmjHRwhya3dXjTpeDa2ZKYPbCUVGog7-5QCl12N7GOFb0BCFcESgRPqopH4EpSij6ikIUmBGr856Ts_yGgnSVXAtSDbJSP4b6TKX6W5E8EmHyk3i3dSwit-6V1Qu6m9d5Elj6Xe/s320/Plano+shelf.tiff" width="217" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A basic $20 shelf from Walmart</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It all started when I bought a basic four-tier plastic shelf for my laundry area. As I put it together and stepped back to admire my work (all of 5 minutes' worth), the wheels started turning: I noticed this was pretty much the same basic construction as the old (and new, really) Barbie townhouse I used to play with as a kid. Three levels, posts for support, and something for the walls.<br />
<br />
I wasn't sure if my harebrained idea would work, but I figured it sure beat spending a small fortune for the "real thing" - something that wasn't that sturdy or well-made, sadly. I looked at one in the store for a frame of reference, and poked the back wall with my finger. It was nothing more than cardboard! Surely that wouldn't last long. I wanted to make something sturdy, not that expensive, but something that was meant to be played with.<br />
<br />
I started out by buying another 14" shelf like the first one. After I purchased it, unfortunately, I realized it probably wouldn't be big enough for everything. I took that one back and got a bigger one, that was about 16" deep and 36" wide - too big! I finally settled on one that was about 14" deep and 30" wide. Just perfect.<br />
<br />
You can use any size you want, depending on what you want to do. But for my purposes, this shelf worked out perfectly, in more ways than one.<br />
<br />
I originally bought it solely because it was the right size, and it was white. (Barbie's house, if it isn't pink, should be white, right?) I didn't want anything too tall, because after all, my daughter is six - it would be frustrating to not be able to reach that high. It's lightweight both for moving around, and in case of tipping, it won't do much damage.<br />
<br />
For the walls, I picked marker board, which is basically hard board (the same stuff that pegboard is made of, only without the holes) that cost $10 per sheet at Lowe's. I bought two, allowing for any extra pieces that would be used as inside walls to divide up the rooms. We had just enough (with a little tinkering) to make the back and side walls minus one, leaving it open for a possible 'patio expansion.' :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrOd57bl76iBujO3JGWy9jYDWJv2HXAf3FaLXh5xXvAKnmjJJDLFZLUg-AiLpNsqlPu7HESzIhtcpvZtBrJEpgFVzw_-lrpWWWZNE7CMvRXiUeyJei-1gzchz_EAO_v_wTCgiwBpCJePvE/s1600/IMG_3343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrOd57bl76iBujO3JGWy9jYDWJv2HXAf3FaLXh5xXvAKnmjJJDLFZLUg-AiLpNsqlPu7HESzIhtcpvZtBrJEpgFVzw_-lrpWWWZNE7CMvRXiUeyJei-1gzchz_EAO_v_wTCgiwBpCJePvE/s320/IMG_3343.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I started by using spray adhesive to attach sheets of scrapbook paper for the walls. I had to mix and match the plaids - this may take extra to match the stripes, patterns, etc. I used six sheets (four for the divided rooms, which are smaller) and it was a tight stretch, but worked okay. It all depends on the size of your "walls." I would advise doing better measuring than I did!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi19AeQalP7un5qKCZlriRqNzP_KNQthD7f8_pUBu0BXnOMcjcTv5QJYSf7Aw9YvxznWY0YDpQvvRZKtluHBZvXn2we1ORC5XCrR-DnDb2iMSBKbAHJqPM_raedyLzBqsyWCw1byd94MbSm/s1600/IMG_3364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi19AeQalP7un5qKCZlriRqNzP_KNQthD7f8_pUBu0BXnOMcjcTv5QJYSf7Aw9YvxznWY0YDpQvvRZKtluHBZvXn2we1ORC5XCrR-DnDb2iMSBKbAHJqPM_raedyLzBqsyWCw1byd94MbSm/s320/IMG_3364.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
You can see the 'lip' edge - this was perfect to hold the side wall panels in place with a press fit. We measured the side pieces to fit in between the posts and slid the pieces up underneath inside. It worked perfectly!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw4uETATtAI5SraUEDZaSUYGSVUKNixKuMPl3919oK75bZx75bhY7eGfj0zo_HeLswnCm9k9QrAki1j6aGlT6IJl8i53JBz38B90bBcz5JiFLLt6GH20rnjzGMGI2cFHjIDOabgm7ZY06m/s1600/IMG_3363.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw4uETATtAI5SraUEDZaSUYGSVUKNixKuMPl3919oK75bZx75bhY7eGfj0zo_HeLswnCm9k9QrAki1j6aGlT6IJl8i53JBz38B90bBcz5JiFLLt6GH20rnjzGMGI2cFHjIDOabgm7ZY06m/s320/IMG_3363.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
The back - I wanted the prettier white side to show. You can see the screws - there were, to my amazement, holes in the back for some reason so we used this to attach the back wall panels. I thought it would make it lighter and easier to decorate if we cut the pieces rather than using one solid sheet.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpWwP0jjnp-ifdZE_pJkNOAlAckNniNV1ZRooiMbaTL4ipmGZ2T3KI_6SOvnhtP2_OgJ3v3NENlrkCv2uIT5hwU5-TMV-gwD9who-QQUATEQyV7lWQGsc1GTgcdsCYXT0sPPjfMePI1QNB/s1600/IMG_3347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpWwP0jjnp-ifdZE_pJkNOAlAckNniNV1ZRooiMbaTL4ipmGZ2T3KI_6SOvnhtP2_OgJ3v3NENlrkCv2uIT5hwU5-TMV-gwD9who-QQUATEQyV7lWQGsc1GTgcdsCYXT0sPPjfMePI1QNB/s320/IMG_3347.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The walls, papered and in place. Some of the glue adhesive started to come up after drying, so I used a paintbrush and some Mod Podge to repair it.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I chose different papers for each "room" and then added a dividing wall on the first shelf to make two separate rooms. Below is the future dining room/bathroom. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijY5m4QHi-U4D5n5luCrTiYyTdc4MSRN9kmMe7WhbCy_KgZ7unHjge_EYopp56GJYNQ6FgLzNxa1u1RnMWEIFV2T9PmrTLJwnA_BnHobejS9zuPOZ1YX9nMTZwfX90SItOPHa6IM22z_7H/s1600/IMG_3376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijY5m4QHi-U4D5n5luCrTiYyTdc4MSRN9kmMe7WhbCy_KgZ7unHjge_EYopp56GJYNQ6FgLzNxa1u1RnMWEIFV2T9PmrTLJwnA_BnHobejS9zuPOZ1YX9nMTZwfX90SItOPHa6IM22z_7H/s320/IMG_3376.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbH0hpBHSf_2iFatlVZs9B8F-i0cguujzmT4Nodsa0fN3uMAaxAzpYwdL4_lfw0D6FrIzQYrjnoMkVPOLGqxn3jC7zwz8k4YkIvjHRaI-XWUBUmWK4fA3EXpbbr66vktpP0eBr6HxZ8-pS/s1600/IMG_3436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbH0hpBHSf_2iFatlVZs9B8F-i0cguujzmT4Nodsa0fN3uMAaxAzpYwdL4_lfw0D6FrIzQYrjnoMkVPOLGqxn3jC7zwz8k4YkIvjHRaI-XWUBUmWK4fA3EXpbbr66vktpP0eBr6HxZ8-pS/s320/IMG_3436.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The dividing wall between the bathroom and dining room. I just used a leftover scrap piece that was tall enough to wedge up against the plastic pieces in the "ceiling." </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcCSEdL4ihEr1EjT0MX_vseokMUu8AgydgWDVeG5-0oqBpWSA35lqetAlX95nxP5rcfcFlGw6nS8dkfEVZ7yoTz1KmTWJL2NKFbvLsxE7SolUL7f4fzkqCItKe5MAROebX0zwy6pK72mdF/s1600/IMG_3371.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcCSEdL4ihEr1EjT0MX_vseokMUu8AgydgWDVeG5-0oqBpWSA35lqetAlX95nxP5rcfcFlGw6nS8dkfEVZ7yoTz1KmTWJL2NKFbvLsxE7SolUL7f4fzkqCItKe5MAROebX0zwy6pK72mdF/s320/IMG_3371.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
Barbie's bedroom, with some furniture pieces I made ahead of time. (The table was purchased for $1, I think, at AC Moore, a local craft chain. I found the tiny alarm clock for less than $1 at a hobby shop.) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSoppv5lMah0c0H9r6Oo7XEERLPTDjTwKCectLI675shupxjTaoHhBJ-BatAVlGi0jrXI0VncuA8RpyBTBqjjNGthcJZ006238eaJzekhiAEsSSZtE_jKgPmSQTGGTj-S-rXoKm7VUB5HS/s1600/IMG_3442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSoppv5lMah0c0H9r6Oo7XEERLPTDjTwKCectLI675shupxjTaoHhBJ-BatAVlGi0jrXI0VncuA8RpyBTBqjjNGthcJZ006238eaJzekhiAEsSSZtE_jKgPmSQTGGTj-S-rXoKm7VUB5HS/s320/IMG_3442.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
Barbie's sleeping in on Christmas morning! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWsCuJ8KEbQOrHwlfo7TvJwIsGrRgYl8DItYRYp-SfSsU32fhZjhe6FfUd1agGvUhcd6AaQmAy8RuK0rFVTXkwnjUpI2ceLa-5_CPgzq3_z85Ok19zWuP_4maVcoq0m3YmFqqH3s8M4luc/s1600/12582_508167849227587_1338115019_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWsCuJ8KEbQOrHwlfo7TvJwIsGrRgYl8DItYRYp-SfSsU32fhZjhe6FfUd1agGvUhcd6AaQmAy8RuK0rFVTXkwnjUpI2ceLa-5_CPgzq3_z85Ok19zWuP_4maVcoq0m3YmFqqH3s8M4luc/s320/12582_508167849227587_1338115019_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
On Christmas morning: Waiting for someone to open presents to finish off the bathroom and dining room. :)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Stay tuned: It's time to decorate! </div>
Crafty Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14106170973003472584noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-259242742901328475.post-89203115313158601632012-12-06T13:01:00.000-05:002012-12-06T13:01:11.660-05:00Glittery angel wings tutorialI know Halloween is long over (and this costume was from Halloween of <i>last </i>year, yikes!), but Christmas is coming - this would be perfect for Christmas plays, etc. In fact, we're even using it for this year's card! And I've been so busy working on projects that I haven't had time to update - but it doesn't mean I haven't been doing anything, that's for sure!<br />
<br />
I live for making Halloween costumes for my kids - it's the highlight of my crafting year! So while they're still young and actually continue to let me do this, I will do my best to give them what they want - within reason. It can't be all blood and guts, and it has to be something I can make.<br />
<br />
Last year my daughter wanted to be an angel. I try not to "steer" them too much but coach them to come up with something imaginative. Not that angels are bad, but I figured there'd be a million of them, and how would we make ours stand out? (Because I am just anal that way, obviously...)<br />
<br />
Although there are commercial patterns available, we found a first communion gown that was perfect - easy peasy! So it was time to make the wings. They had to be glittery, feathery, everything an angel's wings should be, you know.<br />
<br />
I started with a template, made out of a large sheet of paper (or sheets taped together) and folded in half. Once you figure out how large they should be, open your sheet and trace the cut out onto a piece of foamcore posterboard. You might want to score the outline first with an Exacto knife and then cut, smoothing any rough edges down with some fine sandpaper.<br />
<br />
To make straps, cut slits in the middle part of the wings and thread a long piece of half-inch elastic through them. Don't forget to try them on at this point to make sure they fit and hold up the wings - obviously if they're too long your wings will sag! Mine were long enough that I could still machine sew the ends together.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1J6s7ssQq0ZBcYy9m8degpghV-3uHUoZoPtU29XBKioe7911KM75qAIStWVDu847yjxsb0c9vxQgwe6ncO-Il-BdOmm7UtV5-FUCk1cl_3GDcjW7lXBR0QiecmeYOMPq3nQFRD3FKsKrV/s1600/wings1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1J6s7ssQq0ZBcYy9m8degpghV-3uHUoZoPtU29XBKioe7911KM75qAIStWVDu847yjxsb0c9vxQgwe6ncO-Il-BdOmm7UtV5-FUCk1cl_3GDcjW7lXBR0QiecmeYOMPq3nQFRD3FKsKrV/s320/wings1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Now comes the fun part - decorating! I used a combination of glitter, feathers and silver bugle beads, but you could probably use just about anything, really. For mine, I started on the outside edge first, and ran a bead of Elmer's glue all the way around. Use a paintbrush or your fingers to smooth it out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj79RDQtAkV-O3ioAMDafe2YiBtnBhoj33S6TJYh6nPjEkWdNQPrGgewDpNIGFqJBKhDzYvxJXiaaq1IvWuKuHDBYk-lacjmg-bvRhz3fFmQIicqUVAYlcepOQ9i_v6QpvufCc1oN8uoEn2/s1600/wings2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj79RDQtAkV-O3ioAMDafe2YiBtnBhoj33S6TJYh6nPjEkWdNQPrGgewDpNIGFqJBKhDzYvxJXiaaq1IvWuKuHDBYk-lacjmg-bvRhz3fFmQIicqUVAYlcepOQ9i_v6QpvufCc1oN8uoEn2/s320/wings2.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
Then I did the same thing again, this time adding a row of bugle beads. If I remember correctly, I think I let the beads and glitter dry before adding the feathers.<br />
<br />
I bought my feathers from AC Moore, a craft store in my area, pretty inexpensively. According to my (now expired) receipt, I bought 10 bags of feathers (4-6 inch size) at $1.59 a piece, and have six bigs left. I kind of layered the feathers so as to cover up the stubby ends, and this is what I came up with:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi9L-molE3oC1gr6Y2J2kU2FbfhfzLLPjCB8NEbnqSiofhwNVOvcaaKIQIZhlFuHUEoWQhVRY6eA2soqLT4DpvcCeI9vgdxZ7OC4q-wzEZTT2SE8CPi3Tftzr79ynxijWj7eepmcYyQJtb/s1600/wings3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi9L-molE3oC1gr6Y2J2kU2FbfhfzLLPjCB8NEbnqSiofhwNVOvcaaKIQIZhlFuHUEoWQhVRY6eA2soqLT4DpvcCeI9vgdxZ7OC4q-wzEZTT2SE8CPi3Tftzr79ynxijWj7eepmcYyQJtb/s320/wings3.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Depending on how much time (and patience) you have, you can either use regular glue or hot glue to affix the wings. I used hot glue and it didn't seem to melt or harm them - whatever works! I did layer them in such a way that they're all facing one direction, starting from the bottom of the wings.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKY00ReCBFoOA1izutHQe9WT7UfQiPGRua5iE78E6BuklZx4XzNgXrGdZ8RnKDWFD6rxJiW7GrPtAdHpKzybrpuSe9lncGgEWKiK6AGQ9DzZFYXgTFS03ZYuRMFkYd1J93VfC4Z2Vc3nED/s1600/wings4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKY00ReCBFoOA1izutHQe9WT7UfQiPGRua5iE78E6BuklZx4XzNgXrGdZ8RnKDWFD6rxJiW7GrPtAdHpKzybrpuSe9lncGgEWKiK6AGQ9DzZFYXgTFS03ZYuRMFkYd1J93VfC4Z2Vc3nED/s320/wings4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The finished product! They looked awesome.<br />
<br />
Now, time for the halo. I used wire (sorry, I have no idea what the gauge is, but something that can be bent easily enough with tools but not <i>too </i>easily). I think I bought it at Lowe's. Start by forming the circle first, wrapping the wire around sort of in a knot and then down to make the "stem," making a rounded hook at the bottom. Put hot glue (you're going to need a lot) on the pipe cleaners and wrap them tightly around the wire as you go, so no wire is showing underneath. In hindsight, I think gold Christmas tree garland would probably stand out and pop more, but could be very frustrating to glue on, especially if you're in a hurry!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid-Wze6SZ3HyukXHr4fns4HYJDrxJtkdd_xDgZ0Q5KgZ6gg9ckKCmdbaRR0CD4NYAnuJLjdfSZfjxOI7TexyN21a-iPYwtkwvd7awcszEaHOlHfZugS7z5e364NwrhwvV7013XIYoFManz/s1600/halo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid-Wze6SZ3HyukXHr4fns4HYJDrxJtkdd_xDgZ0Q5KgZ6gg9ckKCmdbaRR0CD4NYAnuJLjdfSZfjxOI7TexyN21a-iPYwtkwvd7awcszEaHOlHfZugS7z5e364NwrhwvV7013XIYoFManz/s320/halo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I just used duct tape (as you can see in the photo above) to affix the wire to the inside of the wings, making sure the wire was long enough so the halo would clear my daughter's head. Of course, it hung crookedly as she walked, which is more than appropriate!<br />
<br />Crafty Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14106170973003472584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-259242742901328475.post-1202782411911981222012-10-04T10:26:00.000-04:002012-10-04T10:27:55.418-04:00Halloween SafetyAs we head into October and Halloween season, it's fun to pick out a costume and be someone else for a day. But especially with small children, sometimes those fun costumes can have hidden dangers that we just don't think about.<br />
<br />
I am scouring the net looking for ideas for my own kids, and came across this one from Parents Magazine. Really cute, but also potentially very dangerous. Why?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTWNzdY5pAVGX_Q74qIHd0dcpv6s2Y4P_w9JR4_sc8FANlrBM-rtR1PUr0Yjr4SjZuLAaszcwREShB4QhSulaAy4UVOMLBZiK4U5jZxts437-pbBXRtoiHpEITiByw4WVzHh8LEeHXCMBY/s1600/sheep+costume.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTWNzdY5pAVGX_Q74qIHd0dcpv6s2Y4P_w9JR4_sc8FANlrBM-rtR1PUr0Yjr4SjZuLAaszcwREShB4QhSulaAy4UVOMLBZiK4U5jZxts437-pbBXRtoiHpEITiByw4WVzHh8LEeHXCMBY/s320/sheep+costume.jpg" width="288" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit: Dani Steele/Parents Magazine</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Apparently cotton balls are highly flammable. One <a href="http://www.coolest-homemade-costumes.com/homemade-costume-warning.html">guy</a> who made a similar costume found out the hard way.<br />
<br />
He attempted to light a cigarette, and the hood he was wearing (as part of the costume) caught fire. The fire spread, apparently, and he credits two nearby friends with helping him - otherwise he thinks he would not have been able to get out of the costume in time to save his life.<br />
<br />
While obviously your child is not going to be smoking, there are plenty of other sources of open flame, especially at a child's level: luminaries lit on sidewalks, candles, Jack-o-lanterns, etc. Costumes with wide sleeves that hang down (think wizards, etc.), tassels or fringe, or billowy pants with lots of fabric should also be worn with caution. With heavy trick-or-treater traffic it's easy to lose track of a kid momentarily, or not be fully aware that someone is standing too close to something they shouldn't be. We can't seal our kids in a magic bubble, but we can be extra cautious during this fun holiday season.<br />
<br />
More reading:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.co.st-johns.fl.us/FirePrevention/Halloween.aspx">Halloween Fire Safety tips</a><br />
<a href="http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/product-reviews/consumer-protection/flammable-kids-halloween-costumes">Is your child's Halloween costume flammable? </a>Crafty Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14106170973003472584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-259242742901328475.post-62031352808809957322012-08-25T18:06:00.000-04:002012-08-25T18:06:00.603-04:00A treasure trove of Barbie patterns!I've been busy and on the run all summer - still managing to work on some projects here and there, but not spending nearly as much time in my craft cave as I should. I've been sick for the last two weeks, but my daughter's sixth birthday is approaching so it's time to get back in Create Mode again!<br />
<br />
My mom just texted me and asked the age-old question, "What does she want for her birthday?" I'm never quite sure what to say - because we have our fair share of toys and some definitely don't see the light of day that much, which saddens me. She admitted the other day that other than the fact that last year's present, a Cabbage Patch doll, "stinks like baby powder," she also doesn't like the clothes she came with. "We can fix that!" I cheerfully screeched upstairs, coughing and hacking (my husband jokes that I sound like Suzanne Pleshette when I'm sick). So when my mom texted me, of course I immediately thought, "Pinterest!"<br />
<br />
I haven't even got to the Cabbage Patch patterns, but instead searched for Barbie first. There are some really wonderful things on there, that definitely take me back to play dates at classmates' houses, trunks of Barbies strewn all over the floor. I had a number of Barbies, but never seemed to have as many clothes for them as my friends did. (I know, I was so deprived...)<br />
<br />
There are a number of nice ones available through regular pattern manufacturers, and you can get them anytime Joann's has a pattern sale. Be forewarned, though - as far as I can remember, they're all designed for the older Barbies - the newer ones have had a bit more of a bust makeover (in a lame attempt to look 'more realistic.') Whatever. But it's an easy fix. If you're experienced enough, you probably don't even need a pattern, and I easily created a halter top design just by sewing darts in a rectangle with a Velcro closure. Easy peasy!<br />
<br />
Here are some cute ones I found on Pinterest, via <a href="http://craftster.org/">craftster.org</a>. : instant nostalgia!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxJpA4xE-qsqxrUIYE6bdfU7hqcaZi0x_AV4wyjRPiX9Yh90OzpGSIxtnb_Ryll3gJfM9eNeZhdITRXZh9pxC_qQswFRBRCmVd9BOoInw3KxGbdhJ-8R9zLUtYRB2zRFr03h80HRHDVnXj/s1600/242701867388889322_MuhaZBuf_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxJpA4xE-qsqxrUIYE6bdfU7hqcaZi0x_AV4wyjRPiX9Yh90OzpGSIxtnb_Ryll3gJfM9eNeZhdITRXZh9pxC_qQswFRBRCmVd9BOoInw3KxGbdhJ-8R9zLUtYRB2zRFr03h80HRHDVnXj/s1600/242701867388889322_MuhaZBuf_f.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Nice, modest patterns (because who of us haven't noticed that Barbie's wardrobe in stores these days is lacking a little.... fabric?) - my favorite is the second one from the left, top row. Super cute! The poster also includes all the original <a href="http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=360711.0">links</a> to the pattern in the forum post. Excellent!<br />
<br />
Here's <a href="http://www.craftinessisnotoptional.com/2010/08/barbie-clothes.html">another one</a>:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEyHU0UI2BFivoDNBLMFYEZ75vJEqFGLSdi3oSyKAqeWfvzsk4_R52tf0rwbEZbcK9Ldw_wt6NcoyDJZGB5q-Yeg7lJ-ZaodERyQH0N3Vr1nv0v7Fp25flqAmICdNsJwMYfxYG77eTAJ2x/s1600/IMG_0016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEyHU0UI2BFivoDNBLMFYEZ75vJEqFGLSdi3oSyKAqeWfvzsk4_R52tf0rwbEZbcK9Ldw_wt6NcoyDJZGB5q-Yeg7lJ-ZaodERyQH0N3Vr1nv0v7Fp25flqAmICdNsJwMYfxYG77eTAJ2x/s400/IMG_0016.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Aren't these gorgeous?! I love the fabrics! So cute.<br />
<br />
Now all I have to do is get started... if I do one outfit a day for a year......Crafty Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14106170973003472584noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-259242742901328475.post-72347242001399572822012-06-14T22:27:00.000-04:002012-06-14T22:27:03.761-04:00Do-it-yourself lampshade tutorialI love garage sales. Even better is when I have a laundry list of improvements around the house, and find all I need in the $5 pile somewhere - like this lamp.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0AJYrxxDdLY8hoZXDayv2R_vJMKCRz7s22OADIQhm7s4I9Uo7iZ17MpoEcmgKV6BTBol6tjBY9Y1aPqMw-pwU7V4vpeJZjpoGk-qmjz65biiJ_aCoauDNqKbUnHgBs5xyz03tAwafjSJt/s1600/IMG_0506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0AJYrxxDdLY8hoZXDayv2R_vJMKCRz7s22OADIQhm7s4I9Uo7iZ17MpoEcmgKV6BTBol6tjBY9Y1aPqMw-pwU7V4vpeJZjpoGk-qmjz65biiJ_aCoauDNqKbUnHgBs5xyz03tAwafjSJt/s320/IMG_0506.jpg" width="242" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loads of banana yellow goodness</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I have dreams of making a corner of my bedroom into a little reading spot - a nice little slipper chair, maybe a small table and a lamp. I priced some at Target (not the best quality) and Lowe's (wayyy too expensive) and wondered how that would ever happen. Then I happened across this little baby hiding in a basement corner at an estate sale.<br />
<br />
I used a number of tutorials to get started, and then ended up doing my own thing in the end. The basic instructions often use a spray adhesive to attach the fabric to the lampshade, but some have also used fabric glue to tack it down. I used Krylon Spray Adhesive, which was still tacky but repositionable, which always helps. LOL<br />
<br />
I started by spray painting the lamp base in a nice nickel finish so it would match the other light fixtures in our bedroom. The spray paint was on sale at the local hardware for store for less than $4.<br />
<br />
Then I made a template with the lampshade. I found a roll of brown paper wrapping at the Dollar Store, laid it out flat and rolled the lampshade along and traced the outline. Make sure to leave an extra amount (maybe 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch) on the edges so you can wrap it around the top and bottom of the lampshade.<br />
<br />
Once I had my template, I sprayed on the adhesive and attached the fabric. Like I said, it was repositionable, so smoothing wrinkles, etc. is easy peasy. I wanted a somewhat bold, geometric print and they didn't have quite what I wanted, but I picked a nice Waverly pattern (on sale!) called "Viewfinder" (which I thought was cool, being a photography buff) that matched my color scheme perfectly. Note: depending on the pattern you choose, if your lampshade is slightly wider at the bottom than the top, like mine was, it could make the pattern look a bit skewed. If you're okay with this, proceed as normal.) When you go to cut it out, you can probably fix this a bit by lining it up straight on the grain.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3C0k0CJ5mDmiPmMGK97sZsKHMEjbwiXp-8jXV0ZkU16I7AI_xYXf0-qIqDSGE5BwyAvyyTXAUuyneFy9vf9xwTfeR3QnrbVjzqngbbwmYq-uA4WegO1EjJl5Dk-i-gA1KGnUffcKUCB8L/s1600/IMG_0761-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3C0k0CJ5mDmiPmMGK97sZsKHMEjbwiXp-8jXV0ZkU16I7AI_xYXf0-qIqDSGE5BwyAvyyTXAUuyneFy9vf9xwTfeR3QnrbVjzqngbbwmYq-uA4WegO1EjJl5Dk-i-gA1KGnUffcKUCB8L/s320/IMG_0761-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Here's where things get fun: normally you're supposed to fold your fabric over once, then once again, over the inside edge of the lampshade to make a nice, clean edge. Since I wasn't thinking straight, I cut the overlap a <i>leeeetle </i>too short, and well, that put an end to my nice inside edge. At first things were going smoothly - I glued it on and then held it with the clothespins as suggested in other nice tutorials - then I realized I could only find three clothespins. So we moved onto whatever we could find next: which happened to be curtain rod hooks. <i>Nice. </i>But at least you get the idea - if you have a zillion of these, it could hold down the double-folded fabric along the entire edge while the glue dries.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhAhmaN8sIITPD5KeKjTJdTzWSm8XZ1SSbzwKudyTlgnwiWSdVw407xgiJQgFT7RHEAUfxsj0AP-wmyyPthqsnM8Y_YbA2ldHXrCOLEYJ1DlUlT9tFoMcXFQ-XoogwDBXj3atP8BdaEnqO/s1600/IMG_0763.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhAhmaN8sIITPD5KeKjTJdTzWSm8XZ1SSbzwKudyTlgnwiWSdVw407xgiJQgFT7RHEAUfxsj0AP-wmyyPthqsnM8Y_YbA2ldHXrCOLEYJ1DlUlT9tFoMcXFQ-XoogwDBXj3atP8BdaEnqO/s320/IMG_0763.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>If you cut yours too short like I did mine, here's what you could potentially end up with: a slightly messy, unevenly cut and fraying edge. No worries, you just cover that up with a nice binding. More on that later. Here is where I got impatient with the idea of fabric glue and decided to step it up a notch: hot glue. It dries very quickly for us impatient types. And I only burned a little of my skin off once. Wait, twice. <i>Excellent. </i><br />
<br />
Now comes the next part: normally some tutorials would have the Heat 'n Bond stuff on the outside for a decorative finish. I changed my mind halfway on this one and decided not to do an outside trim, but still had that messy inside edge to contend with. Then I thought how a nice funky ribbon, like the kind you can get on a $1 spool at Target or other craft stores, would look really cute - but I wasn't about to go out again just for that. So I figured, I spent money on that Heat 'n Bond stuff, so I wasn't going to <i>not </i>use it.<br />
<br />
I chose the 5/8" width, although in hindsight I probably should have picked the half-inch. It all depends on how wide you want it, and you can of course trim the edges if you're that picky. (Which I contemplated.)<br />
<br />
All you do is make a basic binding - cut a strip of fabric (mine was about two inches to account for the folded sides) and fold over the edges, with the Heat 'n Bond sandwiched in between - then press. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrls11mqcP4mxjpJF1LX6-Z2FuVP2YDcbHkI8qyGF1xQAKovcbLiNIeyKQC2Q4yIYlSqjp2l6GHTpQizi0B_4HSnyyEDPbS9benmXKAuJkcE6vL42fTebGJM49ZhOC-dZyVUgh7TmmQn65/s1600/IMG_0765.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrls11mqcP4mxjpJF1LX6-Z2FuVP2YDcbHkI8qyGF1xQAKovcbLiNIeyKQC2Q4yIYlSqjp2l6GHTpQizi0B_4HSnyyEDPbS9benmXKAuJkcE6vL42fTebGJM49ZhOC-dZyVUgh7TmmQn65/s320/IMG_0765.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Measure the binding to the circumference of<br />
your shade and glue into place.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Once I had all my hem tape made, I then hot glued it to the inside of the shade - it covered up all those rough edges and glue boogers nicely. You could easily do the same along the outside edge if you wanted, too.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVijeCj6AX3dcvURw7mVT-sqKNnqiJGW-onrP7OZaRZLdtUb8BjdTb7Q0NDq44LIR-Gx-Bxl_uS15Fon_51ptatwCcVNv3-Fhl9Pi4B_zMHwnPcdu87AIXaeQUGV3XXBXkXSOXYg7vA4JG/s1600/IMG_0767.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVijeCj6AX3dcvURw7mVT-sqKNnqiJGW-onrP7OZaRZLdtUb8BjdTb7Q0NDq44LIR-Gx-Bxl_uS15Fon_51ptatwCcVNv3-Fhl9Pi4B_zMHwnPcdu87AIXaeQUGV3XXBXkXSOXYg7vA4JG/s320/IMG_0767.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trim is in place. Hot glue is such a marvelous invention. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijTO2Vpo_CvEs5DNeqIuP6oK-wtfvj8ERe8PYhUeW7Cg32FxfLJOuyU-DAI3N-HB_qXHqJ43masiK-9UGdlZOrL2VOS9SggWCzKzIM9mCyGMGQM8cGBaednXac9qgAF7F2qnGfY4mUt5p3/s1600/IMG_0768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijTO2Vpo_CvEs5DNeqIuP6oK-wtfvj8ERe8PYhUeW7Cg32FxfLJOuyU-DAI3N-HB_qXHqJ43masiK-9UGdlZOrL2VOS9SggWCzKzIM9mCyGMGQM8cGBaednXac9qgAF7F2qnGfY4mUt5p3/s320/IMG_0768.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time to plug it in (hope it works!) and<br />
enjoy. The nickel finish paint turned out<br />
quite well, I think. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_JzTO-gG09PkT4LLzrgDe0zAM0xzcGjGBHyO2YIJvaai0wEFtW6AqPwFuYkX4YroDwT1sHP_CBGvGLIz-ZJG5p6hfykfdOiyz3BzsrZf31eVreaKujvF33yI_Mh6mqxzZKaIPL1rNDkch/s1600/IMG_0769.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_JzTO-gG09PkT4LLzrgDe0zAM0xzcGjGBHyO2YIJvaai0wEFtW6AqPwFuYkX4YroDwT1sHP_CBGvGLIz-ZJG5p6hfykfdOiyz3BzsrZf31eVreaKujvF33yI_Mh6mqxzZKaIPL1rNDkch/s320/IMG_0769.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A close-up. You can also add a layer of white fabric in<br />
between if your fabric is especially light-colored or thin.<br />
You may want to test it out first, just in case! </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div>More reading:<br />
<a href="http://emilyaclark.blogspot.com/2011/02/recovering-lamp-shades.html">Emily A. Clark - Lampshade tutorial</a><br />
<a href="http://craftylittlechick.blogspot.com/2009/03/recovering-lampshade-tutorial.html">Crafty Little Chick: Recovering a Lampshade</a> </div>Crafty Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14106170973003472584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-259242742901328475.post-26333442225640735722012-05-16T22:05:00.001-04:002012-05-16T22:06:31.046-04:00Spoon wind chime tutorialSpring is here and it's time to spruce things up outdoors! We are fortunate to have a great front porch, and once I started treating it as a 'room,' it's been fun to decorate.<br />
<br />
Years before there was Pinterest, somehow I got the idea to make wind chimes out of a set of old flatware. I scoured garage sales and antique stores and found exactly what I needed for the job. Today I decided to restring the spoons and thought I would share the project with you.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAqgWafGq4d7iPWSQqGojybrPKYV_MFGYgLU8-pIR4Of42D_x6oNfKenBVlBWht-5IPsDc82GEWSniUJs-JBXvOBPg0q62nA4cWp99XiAZdid7Zry7O-UVSTgA2gZaENDLDmmFfnrx46WJ/s1600/IMG_0284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAqgWafGq4d7iPWSQqGojybrPKYV_MFGYgLU8-pIR4Of42D_x6oNfKenBVlBWht-5IPsDc82GEWSniUJs-JBXvOBPg0q62nA4cWp99XiAZdid7Zry7O-UVSTgA2gZaENDLDmmFfnrx46WJ/s320/IMG_0284.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I bought this at an antique store on Cape Cod. It looked much better when I bought it, but it's been outside exposed to the elements since then, so is showing some wear. At first I thought it had to do with canning, but apparently it's a roasting pan. Those interested can buy one on <a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-CLUB-Aluminum-Roasting-Rack-Trivet-Meat-Lifter-Wire-Lift-Handles-/280881704518?_trksid=p3284.m263&_trkparms=algo%3DSIC%26its%3DI%26itu%3DUCI%252BIA%252BUA%252BFICS%252BUFI%26otn%3D21%26pmod%3D251059857520%26ps%3D54#ht_4543wt_1208">eBay</a> for a starting bid of $8.99 - I bought mine for much less, I'm sure!<br />
<br />
Next come the spoons. I decided to use all spoons in my set, although I've seen some nice ones with all forks.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjY017-YpgRd1bhtuGYMpBC-EbX8D-TLyrUoi0bbM2yzeLAjZYb7VH5eCnsPG6WtNjKmQfMIdNS3gLWi3RF2UCPDpymjhwu2GzkWnmB4u6-21NQvaQrm8DIDRkDVTWBaw6F3fE-vORQhcC/s1600/IMG_0285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjY017-YpgRd1bhtuGYMpBC-EbX8D-TLyrUoi0bbM2yzeLAjZYb7VH5eCnsPG6WtNjKmQfMIdNS3gLWi3RF2UCPDpymjhwu2GzkWnmB4u6-21NQvaQrm8DIDRkDVTWBaw6F3fE-vORQhcC/s320/IMG_0285.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>After hanging outside for awhile, they've developed a nice patina. I think they're silver plated, which produces a nice sound. As you can see, we drilled holes in the ends to thread the wire through. You do have to use a special drill bit for this or it won't penetrate and will break the bit.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-0AA8M4Y9FnOTyF4-LeYttcDYUjaAA9KFyvb_S-HTDY6n5hqE54FR_vdTPf6_b5Q-dQM3bLR5SpMGg-_mAZ9E2zgCM_KyOCmMBl6Nq2CxSZHzkhmeSz-6R1HeEX5nvMsbYSq_rSbBdjAB/s1600/IMG_0287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-0AA8M4Y9FnOTyF4-LeYttcDYUjaAA9KFyvb_S-HTDY6n5hqE54FR_vdTPf6_b5Q-dQM3bLR5SpMGg-_mAZ9E2zgCM_KyOCmMBl6Nq2CxSZHzkhmeSz-6R1HeEX5nvMsbYSq_rSbBdjAB/s320/IMG_0287.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I threaded the wire through the holes in the roaster and then tied it off on both ends of the spoons, making a quadruple knot. I pulled on it with the pliers just to make sure it was strong enough.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEojNqEcGXpQsN0neROeGZzA-19McS1OBCtXqX2-ow_Wi6QmZ3sZPjWpyDNsXkwMDRNta2WjsGq32LcaaP-MzDwF16aUlx-pucGKoy-uHKHJqL1e5oTBOQl-7TWB5k8PTovAkiqHM8jzkL/s1600/IMG_0293.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEojNqEcGXpQsN0neROeGZzA-19McS1OBCtXqX2-ow_Wi6QmZ3sZPjWpyDNsXkwMDRNta2WjsGq32LcaaP-MzDwF16aUlx-pucGKoy-uHKHJqL1e5oTBOQl-7TWB5k8PTovAkiqHM8jzkL/s320/IMG_0293.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br />
I used a heavier gauge wire to make a hanger with, which requires wire cutters and pliers. Nothing fancy, but it does the trick. You could even string beads on the wire for added decoration.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4QS4sS1Sb0jQWoEKmIHqv9lbvy65kUm5qjvtmnIeUSmQLPuX3HP1PSWokC2pznoEIL_mtsXCljFpmDSZ5gU_VLJFAWtyVqOf5nuypUAip1fnmUQ3fCUoJ1bY8Qxh1QeW_6M_a-WxGL9g3/s1600/IMG_0291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4QS4sS1Sb0jQWoEKmIHqv9lbvy65kUm5qjvtmnIeUSmQLPuX3HP1PSWokC2pznoEIL_mtsXCljFpmDSZ5gU_VLJFAWtyVqOf5nuypUAip1fnmUQ3fCUoJ1bY8Qxh1QeW_6M_a-WxGL9g3/s320/IMG_0291.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br />
For the spoons, I used tiger tail wire from my beading box so it's strong yet flexible enough to let the spoons move in the breeze. They sound wonderful!Crafty Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14106170973003472584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-259242742901328475.post-58995844824219671252012-05-02T12:43:00.000-04:002012-05-02T12:43:07.511-04:00Dream craft roomsI think it's every crafter's dream to have a sewing/craft room - a designated space to spread out, not worry about having to put stuff away, and just be left to your own devices. I do have a nice musty corner of the basement to myself, so I should consider myself lucky. It survived one mouse invasion (which really encouraged me to pare down my stuff - if you're facing this problem, realize that mice apparently have no bladder, which means they randomly pee at will). In our last apartment, the maintenance department graciously turned an old unused commons area into a sewing room for me, which was great (until heavy rains meant water seeping down the walls and onto the floor, and an occasional frog would take up residence). Anyway, I guess I shouldn't complain.<br />
<br />
You've probably caught glimpses of my craft area in other photos on the blog - usually it involves a pile or two of something or other. The bad part is that in getting my motivation back, I usually spend a lot of my time organizing or looking for something when I do find time to get down there.<br />
<br />
I love looking at photos to get me inspired. These are definitely some drool-worthy spaces!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGStYl0cinlWQAMYs6i_zOsLpxdv8vLiYPessti-fkW6N0XMHNhp4N4_4HtMgaRh2LneLekr9dD0RiZhOsS4nGKYCGkdp-9V_KZ3EjeTtpDJb5oLTnAkPBS3DbugGqLI0es3P8hUQWmIKN/s1600/p_101224150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGStYl0cinlWQAMYs6i_zOsLpxdv8vLiYPessti-fkW6N0XMHNhp4N4_4HtMgaRh2LneLekr9dD0RiZhOsS4nGKYCGkdp-9V_KZ3EjeTtpDJb5oLTnAkPBS3DbugGqLI0es3P8hUQWmIKN/s320/p_101224150.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><i>Image: Better Homes and Gardens </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>at bhg.com via Pinterest</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>I love the designated tables for each area - which means no packing things up and putting them away just to make room. I bet you could pick up one of these at a garage sale - repurpose something old and just give it a fresh coat of paint to brighten it up. The giant cork board above the sewing table is awesome! And the cubbies would be easy to do with a combination of shelves from someplace like <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40085714/?cid=en%3Epc%3Ego%3Eproducts_search">Ikea</a> - the 'Billy' model is very popular with "Ikea hackers" who change it up and turn the units into something amazing! I also love the bright colors - very fresh and inspiring.<div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTI_qPMm2A3pfctV5jdYbWE4noQT4HD7ub7qvGK7vOzL_kxGSTqamUowGckybP5jpfnrcXh7Td5Fh1LSBKungUnyjVlQuCStwC2ugUuRLqgKzjnRddYFbIu46mLYlNM4o30d10ltuW6kk_/s1600/p_100963533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTI_qPMm2A3pfctV5jdYbWE4noQT4HD7ub7qvGK7vOzL_kxGSTqamUowGckybP5jpfnrcXh7Td5Fh1LSBKungUnyjVlQuCStwC2ugUuRLqgKzjnRddYFbIu46mLYlNM4o30d10ltuW6kk_/s320/p_100963533.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><i>Image: Better Homes and Gardens </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>at bhg.com</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>I love how everything has its place - fun containers make it easy to see and find things. I do something like this, only it involves old coffee cans with holes punched in them. LOL<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEcJn6IXdH__L2dgW3l3AhffWrSOj490HRevOh9Gf5svCalnAYa-QKyCbiht9BEDKqlmEhA2VB_Z6N31Z_pwySQR21hn-hq5JxLD0HLVn5w-zKe1_ciTs50OKLEAPh7ZYtvvx-S5OBQVXE/s1600/p_101144550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEcJn6IXdH__L2dgW3l3AhffWrSOj490HRevOh9Gf5svCalnAYa-QKyCbiht9BEDKqlmEhA2VB_Z6N31Z_pwySQR21hn-hq5JxLD0HLVn5w-zKe1_ciTs50OKLEAPh7ZYtvvx-S5OBQVXE/s320/p_101144550.jpg" width="288" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>Image: Better Homes and Gardens at bhg.com</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Hey, I remember those nasty old 1970s dining room chairs! I never thought they could look so cute - just put a funky coat of paint on them to transform them into something new and definitely much more exciting. </div><div><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCH0CQuOMWI9BMa31xETQ_eyRpaEtyVLqKqloDr1kfbDN2831dfobAJQslFj4PbUzDLNMO9AK2XH4NpjzLX7YCLLy2cGlUYKedQ9KalUFZnTPdFMVjSuPvhnoQlQrXE4RLSomYrE5f5zxu/s1600/p_101121173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCH0CQuOMWI9BMa31xETQ_eyRpaEtyVLqKqloDr1kfbDN2831dfobAJQslFj4PbUzDLNMO9AK2XH4NpjzLX7YCLLy2cGlUYKedQ9KalUFZnTPdFMVjSuPvhnoQlQrXE4RLSomYrE5f5zxu/s320/p_101121173.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>Image: Better Homes and Gardens at bhg.com</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>This is a great way to turn a closet into an uber-organized space. <div><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5K5-MaCXdlrtuVS-BdYIP_ksXZXKKtBLX8xvBE3AKNndiywouam8goLtfnt7Cd2UOiyEPGFV_B3f4bzuA_wCwqh8z311ptls0i99AyitAZj_rGzd3317P_gX-itmTXMXABsWgPTH0Rprm/s1600/p_CTH619526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5K5-MaCXdlrtuVS-BdYIP_ksXZXKKtBLX8xvBE3AKNndiywouam8goLtfnt7Cd2UOiyEPGFV_B3f4bzuA_wCwqh8z311ptls0i99AyitAZj_rGzd3317P_gX-itmTXMXABsWgPTH0Rprm/s320/p_CTH619526.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>Image: Better Homes and Gardens at bhg.com</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>If you don't have thousands of dollars to plop down for an official redo, cup hooks can work just fine to hang things from. Peg boards are another idea to keep things up and out of the way but still within reach. I like how the rolls of fabric and ribbon are stored here, but I've done something similar with a dowel rod and bicycle hooks hung from the rafters of my basement. If you don't mind the MacGyver look, it works well to hang work lights from or clothing on hangers after ironing. I also originally used it to hang photography backdrops from, after sewing a simple casing on a large piece of fabric. It worked great!<div><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs52DBwhd1QAPOVaW3bg40ogPk9XoRP6RDahSBX3bcj08s0OsmZhnJX-oxZ6wM56jJMuknVJdbf-_ZlsKsAWxJjTTUekU82bwFbFEDHSv9Mlpb-LbKX7rDk2kecyMG0-R7WyuEgu54jCh8/s1600/51298883225012866_ZKm0Nf8h_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs52DBwhd1QAPOVaW3bg40ogPk9XoRP6RDahSBX3bcj08s0OsmZhnJX-oxZ6wM56jJMuknVJdbf-_ZlsKsAWxJjTTUekU82bwFbFEDHSv9Mlpb-LbKX7rDk2kecyMG0-R7WyuEgu54jCh8/s320/51298883225012866_ZKm0Nf8h_f.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/twelve-paws/2237546289/<br />
via Pinterest</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>And this is just totally awesome. I know it's a cloth diaper stash, but I thought how it would make a great easy-to-access storage area for things like fat quarters, paints, notions, patterns and just about anything. It's out in the open so it's easy to get to and see what you have on hand right away without having to dig (too much). Love it!<div><br />
</div><div>Happy crafting!</div>Crafty Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14106170973003472584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-259242742901328475.post-87003641513589818412012-05-01T11:03:00.000-04:002012-05-01T11:03:07.509-04:00Find me on Facebook!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgroBRGqbxdz6E01Mf8UG1dos-NgUdgO47nIIvPrQeq54pJrWpYWmXKgTynFlGTJXNptAeNeH49lOxj00rJON7g51gSDks2K5W68G4kfLYIxnmP2KgkQIAHGd6J_bVzcNNP57gVw9KC4z-8/s1600/craftiest+mom+header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgroBRGqbxdz6E01Mf8UG1dos-NgUdgO47nIIvPrQeq54pJrWpYWmXKgTynFlGTJXNptAeNeH49lOxj00rJON7g51gSDks2K5W68G4kfLYIxnmP2KgkQIAHGd6J_bVzcNNP57gVw9KC4z-8/s320/craftiest+mom+header.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I decided to create a fan page for the blog - hopefully it will help me to get inspired and share great ideas with others! My sewing pile is getting bigger and bigger, and I want it to get smaller - which means I will actually have finished something!<br />
<br />
Find me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CraftiestMomOnTheBlock?ref=tn_tnmn">Facebook</a>!Crafty Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14106170973003472584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-259242742901328475.post-811756490616132422012-02-20T15:42:00.000-05:002012-02-20T15:42:05.805-05:00Jacket sewing tips with Peggy SagersI nearly dropped my laundry basket today while catching this segment on PBS - which contained some excellent tips on collar and sleeve construction that I can't wait to try.<br />
<br />
Sleeve caps have long been the bane of my existence, and I hate doing them. Little girls' dresses are one thing, where the top of the sleeve head is supposed to be frilly and poufy. Not so much on a woman's blouse. Her ideas about using old tie interfacing, cut on the bias so it has more stretch and body, were awesome.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/4v4zm1tbRbs?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
<br />
Her quick trick on pointed collars was equally cool, I thought, especially as I look at the top to my son's Halloween costume (an Army jacket) that you can tell is homemade because of those stupid uncooperative points. Argh. But the way she does it is so simple, so easy, and you don't need any fancy gadget edge-turners or whatever they're called to achieve sharp corners that can transform a garment from looking homemade to store-bought.<br />
<br />
I would love to take sewing classes and improve my technique - I've been sewing since I was a kid and sometimes feel I'm no more advanced than a beginner. While visiting a quilt expo in Cleveland, Ohio a few years ago, I was bowled over in amazement at some of the absolutely exquisite garments a professional seamstress had on display there. Someone in the segment mentioned 'taking as many classes as you can,' which is a great idea - if you can find them.<br />
<br />
More reading:<br />
<a href="http://www.fashion-incubator.com/archive/sleeve_cap_ease_is_bogus/">Sleeve Cap Ease is Bogus:</a> An excellent blog post on sleeve cap ease and why it's so eternally frustrating (if you do it the way you're "supposed to")Crafty Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14106170973003472584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-259242742901328475.post-85926155016011171552012-02-12T22:25:00.000-05:002012-02-12T22:25:51.011-05:00Happy 100's Day!Tomorrow is my daughter's 100th day of school and we worked on a special project together for her class. When my oldest was in kindergarten, we used 100 Thomas the Train stickers to look like the Island of Sodor. This year, we decided to do a pretend box of chocolates with stickers on the front.<br />
<br />
I started with red paper and cut out the heart. Then I made a strip of black to the width I wanted (I think mine was 2 inches, but should have probably been wider to look like a real box).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAe1hyEqSw5yXFZs8urZdGuWr3batjYqLVw_-t_ysZ2QzzDyZ-tio_vatBr0ocsBp1ldzMi5hi6gPkZVz7CPp1G5FwL3sLLVuh1L0RcTFNqbw__ohQgxu8k95__EECo1L3fSIOtuCY7_K3/s1600/DSC00336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAe1hyEqSw5yXFZs8urZdGuWr3batjYqLVw_-t_ysZ2QzzDyZ-tio_vatBr0ocsBp1ldzMi5hi6gPkZVz7CPp1G5FwL3sLLVuh1L0RcTFNqbw__ohQgxu8k95__EECo1L3fSIOtuCY7_K3/s320/DSC00336.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I cut slits in the paper so that it would bend around the corners more easily and then hot-glued it into place.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1q1AcaifEY3sLkxC9Bgf7zoWgWVpggWbDJGojkiB7i9HWJnREmHM5GUI1oIEUgfNb4-AcNlqwFIGoLQCd7HCWjdy2NO-ci92bma1to7hsqN3IwkledEdbqqzvH1Eg9uWUX-w_XmBtwJ-a/s1600/DSC00337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1q1AcaifEY3sLkxC9Bgf7zoWgWVpggWbDJGojkiB7i9HWJnREmHM5GUI1oIEUgfNb4-AcNlqwFIGoLQCd7HCWjdy2NO-ci92bma1to7hsqN3IwkledEdbqqzvH1Eg9uWUX-w_XmBtwJ-a/s320/DSC00337.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bad close up but you get the idea. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>I cut the black poster board wide enough so I could cut slits on both edges, about a half inch in. I folded each cut edge over and glued it to the heart to get the "wall" of my box sides. I then hot-glued white ric rac under the edge of the top heart.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgroiW4FuNQeg5UzdV5Dy0qgfkBwZEEwA-Jrc5wngoFeoWs9fOzhYLSwAMVv-88XRwlZa2x4d_h-qzD_UYeENpZUthd5lMUkEF5mKNqU9_onK4V6KYzzsDbmxgncRrFdUOzQ2in3MKWPgAd/s1600/DSC00341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgroiW4FuNQeg5UzdV5Dy0qgfkBwZEEwA-Jrc5wngoFeoWs9fOzhYLSwAMVv-88XRwlZa2x4d_h-qzD_UYeENpZUthd5lMUkEF5mKNqU9_onK4V6KYzzsDbmxgncRrFdUOzQ2in3MKWPgAd/s320/DSC00341.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The kids were eager to get to work, but as you can see, too many cooks in the kitchen can be a bad thing. Trying to keep track of 100 hearts when everyone is sticking them on is not so easy, either. (In the end I realized I could count the missing hearts from each sticker page and it would be a lot easier. Duh.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg384I1wDj2gVKOWskTKrTYIABdL9AfMgvV53BeJKj-9g4ppqr2JgV_wEA9fEovveqR8APxpcpKAOcgMln2KKHEguSk7mvvKsTX6apOY4zmRHbwzJDtOR9LEY4y3g-zfOS25W5HOPeIW5HS/s1600/DSC00343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg384I1wDj2gVKOWskTKrTYIABdL9AfMgvV53BeJKj-9g4ppqr2JgV_wEA9fEovveqR8APxpcpKAOcgMln2KKHEguSk7mvvKsTX6apOY4zmRHbwzJDtOR9LEY4y3g-zfOS25W5HOPeIW5HS/s320/DSC00343.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>The finished product. I filled in some areas with red glitter glue after my daughter went to bed, exhausted from cutting out and sticking on hearts.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDrKw86dccjSmdPCPwGFQ9LaEe2NrxvASjjgOuQQObSjRqr-r7AXKL7W7xVjDO0ehpbON5NtKw8qkgovtZfz_TPazFHHJpFD_HNa9eNiyH_UEDdxOLJePUYh2_EncqWIIdSRbThAqvXQoN/s1600/DSC00348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDrKw86dccjSmdPCPwGFQ9LaEe2NrxvASjjgOuQQObSjRqr-r7AXKL7W7xVjDO0ehpbON5NtKw8qkgovtZfz_TPazFHHJpFD_HNa9eNiyH_UEDdxOLJePUYh2_EncqWIIdSRbThAqvXQoN/s320/DSC00348.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A closeup of the ric rac on the edge. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>And now, on to make 60 Valentines cards... *yawn*Crafty Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14106170973003472584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-259242742901328475.post-78351916672161365322012-01-24T18:01:00.000-05:002012-01-24T18:01:45.137-05:00Almost finished!Since I got bitten by the quilting bug, I've finished a quilt top - I never thought a week ago that it would be so quickly transformed. And it's huge. Oh my goodness. (for a baby quilt, anyway..)<br />
<br />
I did most of the blocks a few years ago and had so many done, I didn't have to do much more than cut out the black squares that go in the middle. I decided at the last minute to add a few and made two more rows to make it more square. I should have stopped while I was ahead, but knew I wanted to add an eye-catching border and then something that made it pop! on the outside.<br />
<br />
Here's a shot of the entire top:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN645-rs8jIOE-ZzGEOlD-pMou_-nikC1_lBBFLM_rUzZBDXTldQ_WZgQK7n2HlHQcjogfxF1gvegfnzfZDzFxwbeXwt1ad2HJxcxK8zpjW-uhTxV56wPcAbV7hnit0Xf0nDSqES8f5hqc/s1600/DSC00313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN645-rs8jIOE-ZzGEOlD-pMou_-nikC1_lBBFLM_rUzZBDXTldQ_WZgQK7n2HlHQcjogfxF1gvegfnzfZDzFxwbeXwt1ad2HJxcxK8zpjW-uhTxV56wPcAbV7hnit0Xf0nDSqES8f5hqc/s320/DSC00313.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A close-up of the border:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgievnkfqGL1knw0LqYz9Pn2KUFfFidWPXo8-5lY34lmXDl05bYJP8U_BkPwxfy4EHPZtFLEcsaw6d4tOsY5j2c9ulLWFubi_Px-I4Kh7sH7XGA35NMxhwIBAgvRaFsoX6midKPbrw_lVJm/s1600/DSC00316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgievnkfqGL1knw0LqYz9Pn2KUFfFidWPXo8-5lY34lmXDl05bYJP8U_BkPwxfy4EHPZtFLEcsaw6d4tOsY5j2c9ulLWFubi_Px-I4Kh7sH7XGA35NMxhwIBAgvRaFsoX6midKPbrw_lVJm/s320/DSC00316.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>I knew I wanted to do something that really stood out - and once I saw that orange polka dot, I was hooked. Then I had to find something black and white next. I picked this one - called "Hothouse Garden" - but I call it "<i>Sha-ZAM!" </i>in my best Jim Nabors voice, because it reminds me of a graphic novel or those old episodes of Batman or something.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjvMDwmnRig1qXObXFLIObs8c8E0sqb0w2LZ4y3aqWogy3qAqkSpjKwbFHzjNMxJpGcqCnDRYPMvkTH46NoxHABO5CykN75WQs5vJfMNWXj8DuzJHI-rcquektVCVR1hhFjH5Ay1wLXEQj/s1600/DSC00309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjvMDwmnRig1qXObXFLIObs8c8E0sqb0w2LZ4y3aqWogy3qAqkSpjKwbFHzjNMxJpGcqCnDRYPMvkTH46NoxHABO5CykN75WQs5vJfMNWXj8DuzJHI-rcquektVCVR1hhFjH5Ay1wLXEQj/s320/DSC00309.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Border pieces in progress. I sewed strips together and cut them to the width I wanted the border to be, and then sewed the ends together.<br />
<br />
I had all those orange fat quarters that I bought several years ago to do I don't know what with, and had always wanted to a rainbow border like this. I decided to buy more orange instead and do all orange and yellow. The black fabric in the middle has circus balls on it, and the name of it is very fitting for a three-year-old boy with lots of personality: "Under the Big Top." I love it!<br />
<br />
Now, for the back. Stay tuned. I want to use the rest of the "<i>Sha-ZAM!" </i>and orange polka dots for that.Crafty Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14106170973003472584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-259242742901328475.post-39374660483055614392012-01-18T21:33:00.000-05:002012-01-18T21:33:12.219-05:00Excuses, excusesWhen I started making quilts probably over ten years ago, it was always for a specific purpose: utilitarian, a gift, somebody had a baby, etc. I made a few, gave a lovely one away as a Christmas present - and then thought, Well, I don't need any more quilts, now what?<br />
<br />
That thought kept me from quilting for probably three years or more. In fact, the last one I was working on was for a baby who is now four. Long story short, the intended recipient never got it because a) it ended up being a very feminine looking quilt and I wasn't sure what the couple was having, and b) the recipient's grandmother decided that <i>her sister! </i>was going to be making the Official Baby Quilt, I guess. So, I kept it.<br />
<br />
Aside from a custom bedspread I made for my son, that's about all I've done in the quilting department since then. I just couldn't think of an excuse why I needed more quilts. Until I thought to myself, <i>Who cares? Do I really need an excuse?! Just do it!</i><br />
<br />
Smart advice, it turns out. This very talented <a href="http://freemotionquilting.blogspot.com/p/start-here.html">blogger</a> wanted a reason to quilt every day and is turning out some amazing work. She decided to feature several new designs - all done with free-motion quilting - per week, adding up to 365 designs in all. According to her blog, she wanted an excuse to quilt every single day for a year. Awesome. That's all the excuse I need!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiwRJaazKG90HHbTCDQcXoYRE29ZqkLHiKuyfl0hOY01wBnp7v14PjoeKGoOGaytfqzALgfPGSRbvaYi2Pj26Zjtcukyaj0p1yZYeON7fz9z8bMljt4uKh_jruqjRWCgFmLj98Y3XYyD7a/s1600/332peagravelpath.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiwRJaazKG90HHbTCDQcXoYRE29ZqkLHiKuyfl0hOY01wBnp7v14PjoeKGoOGaytfqzALgfPGSRbvaYi2Pj26Zjtcukyaj0p1yZYeON7fz9z8bMljt4uKh_jruqjRWCgFmLj98Y3XYyD7a/s1600/332peagravelpath.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amazing free-motion quilting design from Day 332,<br />
called "Pea Gravel Path." Photo: freemotionquilting.blogspot.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>As far as where to put all those quilts I want to make, I'm not going to worry just yet. But in the meantime, here are some other ideas.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQo_DzhQ5ZkoK3Wq1W_9vDJRq6dnkhczlhERD1UV92Qr5ygxalY1WJAGmS-XPUEieIxRA0iIxIC2Kn1uiodt-G-o_eO_L_TdKWWtw47Jwab7yaj3CWLa_DstD-jNIA6WcO3iiFL7TwvEyN/s1600/quilt+storage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQo_DzhQ5ZkoK3Wq1W_9vDJRq6dnkhczlhERD1UV92Qr5ygxalY1WJAGmS-XPUEieIxRA0iIxIC2Kn1uiodt-G-o_eO_L_TdKWWtw47Jwab7yaj3CWLa_DstD-jNIA6WcO3iiFL7TwvEyN/s320/quilt+storage.jpg" width="210" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Photo: 3sisters-pjr.blogspot.com</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I've seen my aunt - who also has a love for sewing - do this with vintage quilts at her house.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlgstdga34uUAfO5tRItVeRZvWi5baL5Q9VjwfzAofsKzEP5b4rCnKySLswCx3B1uuU0bbyMl2E_BUak-xF5qiU8Favl04Kr5NNEXeOfBfdr_Mks_WDnRcA1dEmAq8hIy5bFjanCApG2xY/s1600/antique-quilts-texas-htours0506-de.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlgstdga34uUAfO5tRItVeRZvWi5baL5Q9VjwfzAofsKzEP5b4rCnKySLswCx3B1uuU0bbyMl2E_BUak-xF5qiU8Favl04Kr5NNEXeOfBfdr_Mks_WDnRcA1dEmAq8hIy5bFjanCApG2xY/s320/antique-quilts-texas-htours0506-de.jpg" width="250" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Photo: Country Living Magazine</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<a href="http://ekoti.wordpress.com/2011/08/13/quilt-storage-inspiration/">Quilt Storage Inspiration</a>Crafty Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14106170973003472584noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-259242742901328475.post-32056650107223026612012-01-16T12:43:00.000-05:002012-01-16T12:43:47.269-05:00Inspiration!I'm hoping to get some.<br />
<br />
It's a new year, I've got a new toy (see photo in the sidebar!) and I'm in the mood to do something. After a long hiatus in which thyroid disorders zapped all my energy and motivation to do anything I loved, I am trying once again to get motivated to create.<br />
<br />
This Christmas I finally took the plunge and bought a new sewing machine. One that I picked out for myself, one that has the features that I want and has all the buttons and gadgets I picked (instead of someone else). I finally decided on a Pfaff Expression 2.0 and so far, I love it. I haven't even begun to plunge into some of the neat things it can do, but I wanted something that could reasonably tackle both garment sewing and quilting with ease, and thought this was the one for me. And the electronic automatic buttonhole feature <i>really </i>sold me!<br />
<br />
The saleslady was surprised when I told her I did mostly home dec and garment sewing, because, she said, most everyone does quilting these days. While I like to quilt occasionally, I usually do all my own curtains, an occasional slipcover (nightmare) and pillows. I also love to sew dresses for my five-year-old, but lately the fabrics at JoAnn's have been getting uglier and uglier, and she gets so many hand-me-downs that I find it hard to justify all those dresses.<br />
<br />
It's been a while since I've quilted, though, and lately I'm in the mood. I have dribs and drabs of stuff left over that's waiting to see the light of day, so maybe I'll pull that out before I start buying any more. One is a vintage-inspired quilt top that I started about five years ago, that still needs a border and binding. Another is a boy-themed quilt for my new baby, who will be three in March. Uh huh.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, I've been poring over websites for ideas and haven't come up short. Here are some that caught my attention:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihSiUHkkALjYIj7hNHD90zlnntyOuYC9o_jvkQqCXvkNkxLPJsDO4SpHQ4g2kGnU98w4Wkm5SuSXgd33SD0QNoPjUYXo8ykyHihWo691NBTPpbrt1geLutOqhe1iUZOkDt7wBSvvPcJd3-/s1600/2704502837_84921a1d6e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihSiUHkkALjYIj7hNHD90zlnntyOuYC9o_jvkQqCXvkNkxLPJsDO4SpHQ4g2kGnU98w4Wkm5SuSXgd33SD0QNoPjUYXo8ykyHihWo691NBTPpbrt1geLutOqhe1iUZOkDt7wBSvvPcJd3-/s320/2704502837_84921a1d6e.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
A close-up of <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23772247@N04/2704502837/in/photostream/">Rainbow Straight Furrows</a>, (or Log Cabin) by a Flickr user who was generous enough to share her beautiful work with everyone!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnsjQMiVbTdqI2XdZfkMChKglJD6bK5q506E1u4OaQF1kOtz6aukxftZbT1sZ99op1FayrcEuqNA-ePNz2PCO3SkfUge22hxruaroxZlsxQUXH6hL_Zkqsd32Vs8tIn3EZ5umU4_lU9pqq/s1600/2704502211_9642813e00_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnsjQMiVbTdqI2XdZfkMChKglJD6bK5q506E1u4OaQF1kOtz6aukxftZbT1sZ99op1FayrcEuqNA-ePNz2PCO3SkfUge22hxruaroxZlsxQUXH6hL_Zkqsd32Vs8tIn3EZ5umU4_lU9pqq/s320/2704502211_9642813e00_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
And here's the full quilt. I am in love.... this would be a great children's quilt.<br />
<br />
Love this one from Cherry House Quilts called "Candy Box." Apparently you can get the pattern from Hancock's Fabrics but really, it's just squares - so I almost don't think you'd need one. Although the top stitching pattern is another matter... (drool).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL889GnNvrNYj0-ErLR7lHC4v9FqtCSXZRMI-5ICqTS8ZgP0NRTGD4WQQ7FwdCnzHcq_xMWUOloy2FPcPHaC0PB503g0nxxA_XLEYKP1f3lsfEQocRxXimf1sCoaNYfWfUvY-QPZ5kZmLx/s1600/copy0-1284745737-candyboxpatterncover1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL889GnNvrNYj0-ErLR7lHC4v9FqtCSXZRMI-5ICqTS8ZgP0NRTGD4WQQ7FwdCnzHcq_xMWUOloy2FPcPHaC0PB503g0nxxA_XLEYKP1f3lsfEQocRxXimf1sCoaNYfWfUvY-QPZ5kZmLx/s320/copy0-1284745737-candyboxpatterncover1.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br />
Now, if I can just get the kids to take a nap so I can work on all this stuff...Crafty Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14106170973003472584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-259242742901328475.post-76194320357512484122010-11-10T21:44:00.001-05:002010-11-12T17:13:36.678-05:00Harvest (Sort of)Now that it's already November, it's a bit late to be posting pictures of the fruits of (mostly my husband's) labor. The garden has been dug up and tilled under, the stakes have been removed, and the hideously laughable temporary deer fence has been packed away. And I must say, I'm relieved.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrzn5wDizVCuVO5XsKE7U4F_W9lDqHHiuI8HSvzOZ8mz-di01MPje4X2wwqTbJ9HTgoMVhZX0pbkRQUR1-i99uH_GHB1dqCY-BqklpHdUI82Nvy6z0XT7s79dxDvS1M2_mEiw_rBXJc8Mc/s1600/DSCF6461+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrzn5wDizVCuVO5XsKE7U4F_W9lDqHHiuI8HSvzOZ8mz-di01MPje4X2wwqTbJ9HTgoMVhZX0pbkRQUR1-i99uH_GHB1dqCY-BqklpHdUI82Nvy6z0XT7s79dxDvS1M2_mEiw_rBXJc8Mc/s200/DSCF6461+copy.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few random potatoes (which my<br />
husband pronounced as "just okay,"<br />
and the Zucchini that Ate Manhattan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The First Year of Being an Official Gardener was difficult, as it is for a lot of people. Some things, like that stinkin' frickin' frackin' blight, are largely beyond our control and plant more of a seed of despair than anything else. We planted wayyyyy too much zucchini, which proved hardy enough to survive Nuclear War and then some. And yet, we probably planted just as much squash - the stuff I did want lots of - and it barely produced half a dozen vegetables. Not sure what happened there.<br />
<br />
Tomatoes were beautiful and round until around the middle of summer. I checked on them, they looked picture perfect although still hard and green, I trimmed some leaves to let more light in, and then went back down the hill to wait another week or so for them to do their business.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, I tended to our doomed pumpkin patch that was busy producing lots of leaves and few fruits. Not enough sun, we reasoned, but still it was fun to try. We got a whopping two pumpkins out of our efforts, that looked about the size of a grapefruit. I trimmed some leaves off of those, too, in the hopes that I could let some more light in and encourage something to happen.<br />
<br />
As this was going on, the pumpkins were silently spreading the much-hated Powdery Mildew. Not enough sun, too much water - thanks to the kids liberally sprinkling them every hour on the hour whenever I wasn't looking. Poor things didn't stand a chance. Although really, my research on the nasty stuff yielded that it does happen to many plants in the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">curcubitaceae</span> family, which include cucumbers, squashes, and melons. Every time we passed a pumpkin or squash patch in our travels, I always craned my neck to see: Did <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">they</span> have powdery mildew?<br />
<br />
After I ripped out the offending plants (and unfortunately even some I didn't want to pull out, because I wasn't paying attention), I set off to see what was going on Up the Hill. As I got closer to our garden plot, I gasped at what my husband had warned me about: it looked like a flamethrower attack had been launched on our garden. The Dreaded <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Organic-Gardening---Late-Blight-and-Heirloom-Tomatoes&id=2293515">Blight</a> Fungus was among us!<br />
<br />
You'll know it when your tomato plants have blight. It can affect other types of plants close by, and it's considered wise not to plant tomatoes and potatoes close to each other (we did). It first starts out like a discolored yellowish blossoming under the skin, and if you leave them sit too long, the fruit practically bursts forth at the seams with white powdery yuck. While some have suggested that you might be able to cut off the bad stuff and eat them (before they get white, at least) do not can with them, since it's considered a disease.<br />
<br />
In our area, it was apparently a bad year for blight, as a nearby co-op farm had to destroy pretty much their entire crop. Pretty depressing. I have read that some people will go to great lengths to avoid it - and you can, to some extent. Trimming off the lowest level of leaves prevents contaminated soil from splashing up during rain storms, and watering from ground level can also help. Some people cover their plants and do a whole host of crazy things, and yet it can be spread through the air, neighboring plants and through contaminated garden tools. Given this, I don't think I'm going to be a Master Tomato Grower anytime soon.<br />
<br />
And as if you didn't have enough to worry about, there's early blight and late blight. Both can decimate your prized patch faster than you can say ketchup.<br />
<br />
And yet, come spring, we'll probably be hovering over the seed displays, planning on what to plant next year...Crafty Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14106170973003472584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-259242742901328475.post-14398826169262669002010-06-24T10:54:00.000-04:002010-06-24T10:54:55.390-04:00How does your garden grow?For years, my husband and I have talked about having a garden. In the three houses we've lived in, though, we've never had enough sun, so it's been more wishful thinking and daydreaming than doing any digging. Last year we tried tomatoes in buckets, which produced mixed results - not helped by a poor year for gardeners everywhere, and torrential rains that drowned our poor plants beyond belief.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPuyl6rdANV03QplMyFrWaKexR5yHJL9hn__YTbj5H-7OdXow7bx0Z6XVD4aN-p-dapQf1aqyIOtTeNqL6abmpu6f7gOcn8oXlfyMizU_RkmyWvbd2GioXnh425QJHzJoW-AIkszOWuqqW/s1600/DSCF5940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPuyl6rdANV03QplMyFrWaKexR5yHJL9hn__YTbj5H-7OdXow7bx0Z6XVD4aN-p-dapQf1aqyIOtTeNqL6abmpu6f7gOcn8oXlfyMizU_RkmyWvbd2GioXnh425QJHzJoW-AIkszOWuqqW/s320/DSCF5940.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Taken a few weeks ago - things are much bigger by now already.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I've recently been into the old fashioned living idea - the idea of self-sustaining and producing something from start to finish. I already sew, and it's wonderful to start a project from a basic bolt of fabric and turn it into something beautiful. My husband hunts for venison, and now can process the deer from start to finish himself thanks to the astute teachings of a wise, experienced friend. While some of you might be grossed out about eating deer meat, whether you care for it or not it's still cool to go through the entire "from woods to table" process!<br />
<br />
So gardening seemed like a natural progression. After all, while growing up in Ohio, my mom always had at least two large gardens going during the summertime. She canned and froze, carrying on the tradition of her agrarian grandparents. It seems like a dead art to most, but many are starting to turn back to their roots - literally - to grow their own food and at least partially sustain themselves, whether for environmental reasons, or because of the increasing cost of goods. We do it just because we like the idea of starting something from its genesis and bringing it to fruition - much like the venison idea I mentioned above.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXzoVsA02cfqd6BiMQPwQL8aBNxbJgffyW6cSjtU4qVzzpNbxy6Lm7Mb7xJYzMD4qvGAxwVKMKjdcfRnAqJQ2Y0yOy_y1Gvn5uana28ftUoV939It65ZhoMlM7z70R1DxI3gUT8xq4FES6/s1600/Sarah's+pumpkin.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXzoVsA02cfqd6BiMQPwQL8aBNxbJgffyW6cSjtU4qVzzpNbxy6Lm7Mb7xJYzMD4qvGAxwVKMKjdcfRnAqJQ2Y0yOy_y1Gvn5uana28ftUoV939It65ZhoMlM7z70R1DxI3gUT8xq4FES6/s320/Sarah's+pumpkin.JPG" /></a>This year we dug out a plot next to a friend's nearby in a sunny location. So far we've got squash, zucchini, tomatoes and potatoes going. Considering that I've heard that potatoes can be a bit fussy, we've started out well and they look good so far. My husband just put some carrots in that we've had growing from seed on the windowsill for a little too long, so we'll see how those turn out. So far, everything looks wonderful, and it's so fulfilling to see how things start from a small seed into an established plant in no time at all! I think in less than a week the squash seeds went from nothing to something, which the kids really enjoyed seeing.<br />
<br />
We also decided to plant pumpkin seeds next to the house, in the sunniest place possible. We've started a yearly tradition with the neighborhood kids of carving pumpkins together and having a little party, and we're hoping to have enough fruits of our labor by Halloween to share with everyone.Crafty Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14106170973003472584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-259242742901328475.post-92188786000261311592010-05-29T14:08:00.002-04:002010-05-29T14:13:46.343-04:00How to have a great garage sale<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfBLQVQKFA6FGqWJtausKgUlsG3_-vd5Qk_3ADda5Q6YFQDiVrTCTmLO9iT8la5IfVaaqfM1QOJQACxyfEQgBeWBbTy740P8Cj1GwUUw7Q334tR2SOA1hzIOj8ajGWQ9oqDxANm8Sef5NV/s1600/yard+sale+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfBLQVQKFA6FGqWJtausKgUlsG3_-vd5Qk_3ADda5Q6YFQDiVrTCTmLO9iT8la5IfVaaqfM1QOJQACxyfEQgBeWBbTy740P8Cj1GwUUw7Q334tR2SOA1hzIOj8ajGWQ9oqDxANm8Sef5NV/s320/yard+sale+sign.jpg" /></a></div><br />
'Tis the season for garage sales galore! I love them, and have found some really great stuff on only my second weekend out. I can't stop at all of them, unfortunately, but some attract my attention more than others. As a lover of sales, I can tell you the top things that irritate me to no end when I'm looking for the good ones.<br />
<br />
Signs<br />
<ul><li>Everyone loves a sign that is bright and gets your attention. Not a piece of soggy cardboard with something written in pencil that no one can see. </li>
<li>Make signs big, not the size of a postage stamp. Think about who's going to see it and how. There is nothing worse than a potentially great sale that has a sign that is illegible or so small you can't even see it. If you live on a busy road, how are people going 55 going to see your sign? You don't want to obstruct anyone's vision, but it should be bigger than an 8x10 piece of paper, at least. Do them on the computer, even, in a nice big, clear font. Post them at busy intersections where people are likely to see them when stopped for traffic lights! </li>
<li>I saw a couple today that were written not only very small, but posted down low to the ground. Invest a couple bucks and buy a wire sign frame from Home Depot to make your sign stand out!</li>
<li>Take your signs down when it's over! Half the signs I saw today were for sales that are already done. When we had ours, our top priority after the sale ended was to take down those signs, not only because I don't want people stopping at our house, but because it's so frustrating to reach a place and not see anything at all. Last weekend we drove by on two separate days to a sale advertised heavily with signs, only to find everything locked up tighter than a drum. If you can't have the sale, at least take down your signs anyway. </li>
</ul><div>Other ideas:</div><div><ul><li>If you can, put your stuff out where people can see it. I've driven by quite a few because I can't really see what all they have, if everything is tucked away in the garage. Bring out the cool stuff to entice your visitors!</li>
<li>If it's not really "huge," please don't say it is. I've seen a couple that were "huge," according to the sign, and were nothing more than two tables of knick-knacks and not much else. If you live in a neighborhood, ask your neighbors to contribute and you can split the money. Somewhere I read about a few families who had a neighborhood sale and then used the money to have a block party. How fun is that?!</li>
<li>Donate your proceeds. Nothing attracts people faster than a group of Girl Scouts having a sale to pay for a class trip, etc. </li>
<li>Don't make your prices too high. Some people seem to think they're going to get $5 for that used pair of fingernail clippers, which puzzles me. This is a garage sale - not Walmart. People are looking for deals - so be willing to negotiate. </li>
<li>Most of all, have fun! Sometimes it's just as much fun to have a sale as it is to go to one, as long as you have the right company. </li>
</ul><div><br />
</div></div>Crafty Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14106170973003472584noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-259242742901328475.post-26170129315329485462010-05-11T10:23:00.000-04:002010-05-11T10:23:21.029-04:00From the Recipe Box: Chocolate Chip MuffinsI would love to be one of those women who bravely lets her children cook and experiment with her in the kitchen. Unfortunately my kids fight like cats and dogs with each other when the time comes to cook, so I usually secretly slip away to stir up a batch of cookies or pizza.<br />
<br />
My oldest was off from school yesterday so I decided we were going to take the plunge and make chocolate chip muffins. They got the idea a few days ago after breaking into a bag of chips, sneaking handfuls of them upstairs with sweaty palms. Blech. So I dug up a recipe that didn't require too many fancy ingredients and endured the sibling rivalry for a little cooking lesson.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIb-4NgRTmw3rnLKdt1-wnXlMr9ZedyZqVk6eIL9vPw_mEjHFP9yAh-nhHvu0h_C2yD__W06Y2apAR38F2rXrq389rXYrRkpbTyw6NLFvGpTT-1cmqBwafs_4Dczr-Y8SEdjBag_sAwr8t/s1600/DSCF5752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIb-4NgRTmw3rnLKdt1-wnXlMr9ZedyZqVk6eIL9vPw_mEjHFP9yAh-nhHvu0h_C2yD__W06Y2apAR38F2rXrq389rXYrRkpbTyw6NLFvGpTT-1cmqBwafs_4Dczr-Y8SEdjBag_sAwr8t/s320/DSCF5752.JPG" /></a></div>The first thing I usually remind them when cooking is: "If you have to cough or sneeze, do NOT do it on the food!" I want them to learn how to cook and enjoy it, but consider this a first-and-foremost rule of thumb. Aside from the usual bickering over who got to measure what and who pours this, it went fairly well and was a pretty kid-friendly recipe.<br />
<br />
We doubled the recipe, and the only changes I made were inadvertently adding an additional 1/3 cup of milk as well as adding about two teaspoons of vanilla, at the suggestion of another reviewer. It turned out just fine with the extra milk, and not biscuity at all, as someone else suggested. I also added regular-sized chips rather than the miniature ones, and they turned out just fine. Not too much, and perhaps could have added a little more. (I put in about 3/4 of a bag.) I would probably add an entire bag, if I make this again.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">One reviewer added an additional 1/4 cup of milk plus vanilla chips, so I guess my accidental addition of milk was not much of an error. Perhaps this takes care of the biscuity taste some people noticed.</span></div><div><br />
</div><br />
Chocolate Chip Muffins, submitted by Lori Thompson<br />
<br />
Prep Time: 15 minutes<br />
Cook Time: 20 minutes<br />
Ready in: 35 minutes<br />
Serves: 12<br />
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
2 cups all-purpose flour<br />
1/2 cup sugar<br />
1 tablespoon baking powder<br />
1/2 tsp. salt<br />
1 egg<br />
3/4 cup milk<br />
1/3 cup vegetable oil<br />
3/4 cup miniature chocolate chips<br />
<br />
Directions:<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">In a large bowl, combine the first four ingredients. In a small bowl, beat egg, milk and oil. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in chocolate chips. Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups three-fourths full. Bake at 400 degrees F for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><br />
</span><br />
I found this recipe <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/chocolate-chip-muffins-3/Detail.aspx">here</a> .<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><br />
</span>Crafty Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14106170973003472584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-259242742901328475.post-57931845379532392562010-01-11T12:21:00.000-05:002010-01-11T12:21:08.667-05:00From the Recipe Box: Corn CasseroleFor years I've been looking for a good corn casserole recipe, and even though I have a huge stack of cookbooks, none of them have a recipe for this in them. What? How can that be?<br />
<br />
I went to one of my favorite recipes sites, <a href="http://www.allrecipes.com/">www.allrecipes.com</a> , and found a dreamy corn casserole recipe that is so easy and everyone loves. I made it for a church potluck and someone actually said it was good enough to be a dessert. Yum!<br />
<br />
If you're on a diet, I'm sure you don't want to know what's in here. And when I doubled the recipe for Thanksgiving, I shuddered to think that there were four eggs, two cups of sour cream and two whole sticks of butter in here. (Paula Deen would be proud.) But it's so good, who really cares.<br />
<br />
Corn Casserole<br />
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
1/2 c. melted butter<br />
2 eggs, beaten<br />
1 package (8 1/2 ounces) dry cornbread mix (I use Jiffy, which is super cheap!)<br />
1 (15 ounce) can of creamed corn<br />
1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained<br />
1 cup sour cream<br />
<br />
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees and lightly grease an 8x8 baking dish.<br />
• In a bowl, combine all ingredients and spoon into prepared dish. Make sure to stir well, because you don't want a lump of sour cream to turn up when you bite into it (or maybe you do??).<br />
• Bake for 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown.<br />
<br />
It's been my experience that if you let it cook a little too long, it sort of loses that souffle quality that makes it so yummy. When it looks firm in the middle (but not hard), that's a good indication that it's done.<br />
<br />
I found this recipe <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Awesome-and-Easy-Creamy-Corn-Casserole/Detail.aspx">here</a> .Crafty Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14106170973003472584noreply@blogger.com0