Doodle Craft...

Big Move!

2012-03-05T18:58:00.000-07:00

Just moved across the country!

Sorry for the drop off the earth in posts!

I'll pick up again once I get my stuff delivered and unpacked!

I'm in North Carolina now (from Utah)

Anyone have any "musts" for me here?

Leap Year day!

2012-02-29T08:30:00.002-07:00

It's an extra day of the year! :)

Okay, so I am embarking on my big move at 3 a.m. (Thurs)

Myself, my mom, and my 3 kids are taking the train across the country to NC.

We are excited!

We've been reading Harry Potter together...so

they are ready for the Hogwart's Express!

Wish us luck!

So my Grandpa Sperry loved trains!

He had tons of model trains.

We went on a couple little train rides with him.

The kind of old time train that just goes one way down the

track...stops...and then reverses back.

I feel like taking the train on this trip reminds me of him.

He has his own museum at Lagoon, Pioneer Village in Farmington, UT.

I pasted this from Wikipedia for my posterity's sake.

David E. Sperry’s Model Train Museum

The David E. Sperry Model Train Museum contains dozens of model trains, most of which are from the collection of David E. Sperry. Sperry’s fascination with trains began in 1928 when he saw an electric train in a friend’s sandbox. From 1930 to 1934 he went through many catalogs and store displays in an effort to increase his collection. In 1935 he was hired by ZCMI as a model train salesman. Over the next sixteen years, he helped customers build their own train layouts both in the store and in their homes. He later joined the local and national train collectors clubs where he received the title, "The Repairman’s Repair Man."

Yard Sale List...formulating

2012-02-28T08:30:00.003-07:00

Every year around Pre-yard sale season

(February-Aprilish)

I formulate a list of things I would like to find at yard sales.

These range from sensible things like the next size up

of clothes and shoes for my kids, a rice cooker, things I

can resell, supplies for projects...to weirdly specific things.

I have been very blessed and have been able to find mostly

everything I need/want at yard sales or second hand stores.

This week we are moving to North Carolina,

which I hear is yard sale/antique store/estate sale/furniture capital of the world...

(anyone from or been to NC that can clarify this?)

So, my list has begun. Here is the start:

Some awesome vintagey chairs.

Owl cookie jar...since this one is my sisters!

Ahh, how did she score this for only $1!

I can't even google images of owl cookie jars this amazing!

Silver teapot and sugarbowl...don't drink tea ever, but they are so darling!

Here's the catch...they have to be in my price range.

Wish me luck!

I'll be adding to the list, I am sure!

Happy Birthday!

2012-02-27T08:30:00.001-07:00

It's my husband's birthday today!

He has been doing Army training for a year...

and finally we are able to move to be with him!

We are leaving this week for North Carolina and will be a

family again by next Sunday! :)

Happy Birthday Honey!
Here's a little "him and me" montage...with some kissing parts.

Flower sprig barrette

2012-02-26T08:30:00.001-07:00

I snagged these roses and sprig thingy from a

flower arrangement on it's way to the DI.

Picture Scavenger Hunt!

2012-02-25T08:30:00.015-07:00

One of my daughter's favorite things to do is

borrow my snapshot camera and

take as many pictures as she can...

We end up with stuff like this:

So, I made up a game for her.

It's a photo scavenger hunt...feel free

to print it off for your kiddos!

(It's also a pretty fun group date...each couple splits

up and they meet back up to share photos)

I print this out...
put on a clipboard with a pen attached by a string
(so official!)
And let her take the camera. She is 7 and very careful.
You could just let your kids go and find things and
check off the boxes without the camera...that is fun too!

Then we end up with cute pictures like this:

Anyhoo--enjoy!

Fabric Rosettes!

2012-02-24T08:30:00.028-07:00

This is one of the first projects I took step by step

pictures of a year ago...and never posted them!

You will need:
Fabric for rosette
Hot glue gun (I use low temp)
Denim or canvas circles

Begin by tearing a strip 3/4" wide.

Tie a knot in the end.

Begin rolling the fabric strip around the knot...
Hot gluing a tiny dot every time or 2 around.

Twist and turn the fabric as you wrap.

Glue the end in place.

Apply generous amounts of hot glue to
the underside of your rosette.
Do not burn yourself.

Press onto denim or canvas circle.

Let cool.

Cut off excess edge of denim.

Adorn with pearl or other sparkly.

Then, make a million.
They are fun and easy!
Perfect for hair bows, gift bows, pillows, headbands,
cards or paper crafts, a wreath, necklaces...
here are more ideas!

Candy Sushi!

2012-02-23T08:30:00.001-07:00

We made Candy Sushi for a family night treat!

Start with swedish fish, fruit roll-ups and rice crispy treats!

(we made the rice crispy treats ourselves)

Place a "log" of rice crispy treats on the fruit roll up.

Lay fish on top of the rice...

Roll it up tight and cut into 1 inch pieces...

Then, because they look gross...top them off with a fish.

Better, still weird, but better.

Tastes great!

Star Bits!

2012-02-22T08:30:00.003-07:00

I love these little paper Star Bits!

These would be so fun for a Mario Brother's party...
And better than CANDY in a candy dish!

anyway...easy to make and uses up scraps of paper--practically free!

These would be great out of magazines...

newspaper...book pages...!

but since I am too lazy to make my own

instructions...here's one I lifted!

I am going to make a ton and fill a big glass jar!

Wish me luck! :)

Eyelashes, Kids & Latisse

2012-02-21T08:30:00.002-07:00

To start, let me say I am not paid to say anything

on my blog...I wish I was getting a crapload of

freebies and the poster child of craftiness, but no.

I just do and say what I want because I want.

So,

Every year or so, I get this wild hair to

take a bazillion pictures of myself.

They then go into a folder titled "nats a dork" with the year.

(I do it mainly in case I am abducted and my family

needs current sultry pictures of me to post on the news)

Surprisingly that urge hit me last week...

3 days off of when I did it last year.

I discovered something awesome.

my eyelashes.

All my life I have done my lashes the same way.

Curly them with my squeezy eyelash curler...

then mascara once...or twice if it was a

super special occasion.

I had great lashes in high school

and as a young wife and mother...

until I had baby number 3.

(which was 3 1/2 years ago.)

And then my lashes seemed much

shorter and sparcer than before.

I compensated by a ton of eyeliner and

smokey eyes most of the time...

(February 13th 2011)

Well, I mentioned my lack of lashes to my sister in law...

and for Christmas she got me some Latisse!

{Don't judge...the place sold it to her and she didn't have a prescription either...}

So I used it.

Not as regularly as they say...they say every night...

I did it about every other or every 3 nights...when I remembered.

And now!

Presto!

Eyelashes!

(February 10th 2012)

So if you were wondering if it's worth

the hundreds of dollars of hype...

it worked for me!

Will I buy more?...probably not, I'm pretty cheap!

maybe when I am older...and richer.

Keys.

2012-02-20T08:30:00.003-07:00

Keys are cool. Vintage keys are cooler.
If I was way better organized, I would have kept our
first apartment key and done something like this for decor.
I may still have all our old car keys, so I should dig them
out and do something cool with them.

Here are some more great KEY ideas!

Half up with a tiara...

2012-02-19T08:30:00.001-07:00

Half up...ponytailed...

Then curled the ends and bobby pinned around.

Candy bar cake

2012-02-18T08:30:00.001-07:00

This was sort of a joke...

but this cake turned out good.

Just sayin.

Aqua Love

2012-02-17T08:30:00.028-07:00

Pretty obsessed with AQUA my whole life.

{light blue, teal, turquoise, blue-ish green, blue!}

Now, even more so.

I am visualizing a newly decorated bedroom with

blacks, whites and aquas!

Here's some stimuli to feed that passion:

source

I don't think I will ever tire of this color.
:)

Acid Etching

2012-02-16T08:30:00.002-07:00

If you haven't etched a mirror yet, you

might want to try it this summer!

They are so cool looking and unique!

Chandeliers again...

2012-02-15T08:30:00.002-07:00

I've done a chandelier on vinyl before...

Now this one...

I am thinking at our next place,
I will do a large one on a wall...maybe in the bathroom?

Valentine's Day Traditions!

2012-02-14T08:30:00.003-07:00

My mom always made us home lunches.

And on Valentine's day it was always a lot specialer.

So, even though I homeschool my kids,

I love to make Valentine's day sandwiches.

Lots of love!

In other news,
This blog is 1 today!
Yay! We will celebrate after life settles a bit!

FREE Sharp Chevron printables!

2012-02-13T08:30:00.012-07:00

Here are some more FREE chevron printables!

These ones have a sharper angle than these ones. :)

Please feel free to use however you please.

Twinners!

2012-02-12T08:30:00.001-07:00

We found matching dresses at the thriftstore...

and since my little girl always wishes she has

a sister to dress matchy with...I did.

I used hot curlers for my hair...but my

hair is too long for hot rollers!

ha..or too thick!...

so only the bottom half is curled.

Japanese doll bookmarks!

2012-02-11T08:30:00.003-07:00

I got a book on making Japanese doll bookmarks

at the thriftstore for 10 cents.

It was all in Japanese.

I deduced what I could and made these for

Christmas ornaments a few years ago.

I didn't have origami paper though...

I need to try this again.

They would be cute for Valentine's...

Here's a good tutorial if you want to give them a go!

Restocked Mustache Binky covers!

2012-02-10T08:30:00.021-07:00

My Etsy shop has been restocked
with Mustache Binky covers!

And super-duper photo instructions!

Help your son be a man! :)

Slip the Pacifier ring sideways through the opening.
Gently slide it on...to prevent tears.
Tearing generally occurs when the slip cover
is removed repeatedly,
as this demonstration one was. {last picture}
Fits any size NUK binky, or other front ring pacifiers.

Strawberry bag...

2012-02-09T08:30:00.001-07:00

Here's another craft my mom made when I was little.

A round bag that we called the Strawberry bag...

and cute little felt animal families to go inside.

I loved those little babies!

Easy Thank-you printables!

2012-02-08T08:30:00.003-07:00

I made some 4 by 6 images.

made them into photo's...I always wait

until Walgreen's has a great photo deal...

and then I print a bunch of them...

Then I cut the photo to fit: 4 by 5.25"

Then I mount them on A2 size cards:

Easy, cheap thank you notes!

Keep some in your purse for quick thanks,

or give a stack as a gift!

Here they are FREE...if you like:

What a gift!

2012-02-07T08:30:00.001-07:00

My friend made this and gave it to me!

Too pretty to eat...but not for the kids!

They dug right in after I took these pics!

Horse heads...check!

2012-02-06T08:30:00.001-07:00

Another thrift store find!

I couldn't resist these horse heads...

they reminds me of giant rooks!

Check!

Always a tiara!

2012-02-05T08:30:00.001-07:00

My little girl, always with a tiara!

Hello.

2012-02-04T08:30:00.002-07:00

Found this at the thriftstore for $1.

Possibly the awesomist knick-knack ever.

Hello.

Chinese finger painting!

2012-02-03T08:30:00.001-07:00

For some decorations at our Chinese New Year party...

My daughter and I did some Chinese finger painting!

scrap butcher paper...

grayish black paint...for the branches

Pinkish red finger spots for the blossoms...

Some splattering too...

Perfecto!

Helping Santa!

2012-02-02T08:30:00.001-07:00

My daughter wanted a LaLaLoopsy doll for Christmas...

but Santa had a terrible time finding one...

and online they were super overpriced.

He did manage to get two of the mini sets...but

to ease the pain, I decided to make a cat for her.

My plan was to say

"I didn't think Santa would be able to find

you one, so I made you this instead"

Here's how it went.

Cut out of fleece...which turned out being too stretchy.

I sewed the eyes, cheek and mouth before it was

sewn so it would be more secure.

It turned out being way toooooo large on top...so I made it a body and just shoved the head in and hand stitched it...and added the tail.

Made a base and tied a ribbon.

She loved it.

(although I am still to keep a lookout for a lalaloopsy

at the thrift store or yard sales...)

My Stache.

2012-02-01T08:30:00.001-07:00

Things that make me happy!

2012-01-31T08:30:00.001-07:00

Found these jars at the thrift store and stuffed

my cupcake liners into them!

Ham and Cheese Rolls!

2012-01-30T08:30:00.002-07:00

I used my 30 minute roll recipe...

Then layered ham and cheese

Roll it like a cinnamon roll...cut into thick

slices and put on cookie sheet...

Bake 400* for about 14 minutes.

Serve with Pizza sauce or Ranch dressing!

Princess up-do!

2012-01-29T08:30:00.001-07:00

This little woman got to be Little Miss Royalty

last year and we got good at up-do's with that tiara.

She loves all the attention.

Chinese lion

2012-01-28T08:30:00.001-07:00

Found this Chinese lion at the thrift store for a dollar...

It had googily eyes...I quickly removed them.

I primed and painted it white.

Perfect accessory.

Glitter Brads!

2012-01-27T08:30:00.001-07:00

I cut corners where I can.

I buy these gold brads 100 for 97 cents...

Then I have the kids (hee hee)

stick them into styrofoam...

I used cheap paint to paint them different colors.

I could take it outside and just spray paint it...

I use glitter paint on top!

Or straight glitter...

Once they dry...take them out and use them for everything!

Wooden sign inspiration!

2012-01-26T08:30:00.001-07:00

I made a bunch of inspirational signs for Christmas.

I used an old desk top that we had at our

business before it closed...so, free to me!

I used clear contact paper...I had it for years...so, free to me!

Cut out a bunch of inspirational quotes:

Weeded them, used transfer paper to carefully

adhere them to the wood.

Then I used a stencil brush and cheap bottle paint that I had for years...free to me!

and glammed it up a bit.

Peeled off the contact paper...

Sanded it a tad...then used a white wash and

wiped it off fast for a whity-faded look...

I gave them to my mother-in-law and sisters...

True story.

Clock no more!

2012-01-25T08:30:00.001-07:00

I found this curly clock at the thrift store...

I like the idea of a clock, don't get me wrong...

but the ticking gets to me after about a minute!

So I ripped it apart.

Painted it pink and glazed it for details...

Then stuck a mirror on it.

Now it's just covered in fingerprints.

Chinese New Year and My Birthday!!!

2012-01-24T08:30:00.026-07:00

Chinese New Year and My birthday in a perfect collision!

We started a week early with decorations!

I had the 2 older kids make Chinese lanterns,

while #3 played angry birds...

We made a ton of simple lanterns to hang...

Then we made tissue paper pom poms...
found everywhere on pinterest!

So easy and really fast!

We hung everything up in the party room!

Used my cameo to make an awesome

banner to string across the room!

And we decorated with anything Asian or colorful!

On Saturday (2 days before said party)
the basement FLOODED again!
Ahhh, we sucked up the water we could and enlisted
the neighbors huge fan to help dry the place out!
It blew down lots of our decor...

But the show must go on.

We had a fabulous spread!
It is the Year of the Dragon!
(so my awesome friend took my 7 year old daughter to
her house ALL day to make this phenomenal Dragon cake
out of ROOT BEER cupcakes!"
(babysitting and cupcakes, do birthday's get better?)

I had to incorporate all 12 of the
Chinese Zodiac signs into the food...

We ate, played games, ate cake and candy and played!

My husband arranged to get me something

I really wanted/needed! A table saw!

My sister in law made me this awesome hat!

(I convinced her to teach me how--wish me luck!)

And check this out. So awesome!

31 feels good.

Cupcakes!

2012-01-23T08:30:00.002-07:00

I a month long celebration of my

birthday (which is actually today) we have done it all!

We got this cupcake mix for Christmas from

a neighbor...and decided to bust it out.

The best part was the frosting.

Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting!

1/2 block of cream cheese (4 oz.)

1/2 cup of peanut butter

3-4 cups of powdered sugar

(I didn't measure...I just added it until it looked right!)

2 TBSP milk

2 tsp vanilla

Happy Birthday to Me!

And Happy Chinese New Year!

My birthday! (so close)

2012-01-22T08:30:00.011-07:00

To celebrate my birthday which is tomorrow...last

night I went to dinner with my sister in law.
(yes, I celebrate ALL month long!)

I told her I wanted to wear my crown

and go to Cheesecake factory.

It was AWESOME!

I loved the food the cheesecake and my crown.

This sucker is 4" tall...

It took 90 bobby pins for this up-do...

and my head sure ached afterwards!

Ha, so worth it!

Happy Birthday me! 31 is so fun!

Be My Valentine

2012-01-21T08:30:00.002-07:00

I have this terrific frame that fits

a handmade card perfectly!

It's the perfect holiday decoration,

as I am always making cards!

The Valentine Bandwagon!

2012-01-20T08:30:00.002-07:00

Apparently, I am doing what everyone

else is doing for Valentine's!

In my defense, I saw this idea last year and

have been planning it for a while!

I took pics of the kids making a fist...

then I photoshopped on a funny little label...

Then I printed them as regular 4 by 6's...

used and x-acto knife to cut carefully along the

top and bottom edge of their little hand...

and inserted a heart shaped sucker!

Now, to wait until Valentines...

Feels good to be ahead of the game this time!

Happy waiting!

Owl cookie jar!

2012-01-19T08:30:00.011-07:00

This Owl cookie jar was my mother-in-law's

while she was growing up.

She saw Hedwig, my owl cookie jar and

decided it was time to upgrade hers.

Chipped red and black paint, some cracks.

My kids said it looks like Hedwig's evil wife...

Shot it with primer, and then glossy white.

Now it resides on the counter, much less evil.

Now to fill it with cookies! :)

FREE Digital Antique Photo Frames!

2012-01-18T08:30:00.037-07:00

I love vintage/antique frames!

And I have a bunch!

So, the other day I was doing some

digital scrapbooking and thought, doy!

These would be great for scrapbooking!

So I photographed my frames and

photoshopped them a tad.

Thought they would be cool for

blog buttons or something like that!

Presenting: Digital Vintage/antique photo frames Printables!

Here's 2 that I did...

I got a cool quote,

Some grungy digi paper...

and presto.

My love of Dumbledore and Dr. Seuss

(remember Dr. Seuss day is March 2nd!)

I took it a step further, for demo purposes...

and had Walgreens print them off as 8 by 10's

Then I just cut off the white edge carefully to look

like super cool vintage framed quotes!

They printed out GREAT!

Which gave me another idea that is in the works!

:) Happy Wednesday!

Princess Love Therapy!

2012-01-17T08:30:00.022-07:00

After finding this on my 7 year old daughters bed:

I realized something needed to be done.
(and no, not a "paint the bed" tutorial)

My daughter is passionate and emotionally driven.

Because of this we had frequent drama.

Like instant tears anytime something set her off...

My 9 year old son said

"Mom, she cries so much! Do all girls cry this much?"

So here's what I decided to do.
{And it has been an amazing 3 weeks!}

At night when I tuck her in bed...I make her
go through her Princess Love therapy.
She was super reluctant at first, but she loves it now.
She has to hold her Magic Mirror...

She starts by looking at herself and telling herself 10 things that she is good at.

Then repeats 10 times that she will control herself.

Then repeats 10 times that she will control her emotions.

Then the last is just for us...
(but we've had no problems so far!)

Twice now, I saw her super close to "loosing it",
I quickly said "control your emotions" and
instantly she was able to calm herself down!
We haven't as many had tears or fits.

I am posting this, because I feel super blessed that
we have had such success with this...and I really
hope that it reaches to others.

Really, who doesn't need a little positive reinforcement?
I should starting doing this too.

DVD saving tutorial

2012-01-16T08:30:00.001-07:00

Over Christmas break my bro-in-law shared a

valuable secret...and I am going blabbing.

If you have lots of dvd's and

your kids scratch them up like this...

you need to try:

Handbrake

(I am not being paid to say this. I just wish someone showed me this years ago)

It encodes your dvd's and saves them
on your computer hard drive!
DVD files are about 2 gigs a movie, so make sure you
have plenty of space or a backup drive like me!
(disclaimer: not meant for pirating dvd's...just
backing up current collection...wiki article here)

Install the Freeware:
Insert a dvd into drive. Open handbrake up.
On the right hand side there is a column of "PRESETS"
Select: Universal.
Next, in the "source" drop down menu, it should list
your dvd player and the dvd inside.

Go ahead and select the DVD you want ripped.

It will take a few minutes and scan the entire disk.
Then it will list all the segments of video on the disk.
Usually it automatically selects the largest segment,
i.e. the entire movie from opening to end credits.
Right under the source it lists the destination and file.
This is where you set where you want your file saved off.
I save to my desktop and then transfer to
my external drive afterwards.
Select the longest timed clip and click Start!

You can view the activity window and close it
during the encode process without ill effects...
in case you wonder if it is still working...

at the bottom of the screen it will show the
progress and time remaining.
It takes much more time to encode than the
actual movie lasts...anywhere from 2-4 hours.

This is one of my New Year's resolutions...my
laptop is hard at work, day and night...

Braided up-do!

2012-01-15T08:30:00.000-07:00

French braided across the front to the back.

Then ponytailed with the rest.

Then the tail pieces are curled in loops and bobby pinned around.

When in doubt, add a flower.

Christmas!

2012-01-14T08:30:00.006-07:00

Here are two awesome things I got for Christmas!

Dr. Who T-Shirts!

2012-01-13T08:30:00.031-07:00

I got some Heat transfer vinyl.

I used my silhouette for this...

Here's my settings.

Now, when you do heat transfer...

You have to place the shiny side down, and

cut the image/words in reverse.

I did it wrong once. Oops!

Then weed as you would.

The shiny plastic is your backing and is sticky.

Apply to shirt.

I put a towel over the top and then ironed.

And then I got lazy and did some ironing directly onto the plastic.

It seemed fine, but I moved it around...

Yes, Dalek exterminatingly AWESOME!

I made a shirt for each of my brothers!

I just bought a pack of those Hanes undershirts...no pockets.

They were a blue/gray variety. Perfect.

If you are as geeky as me, you will love these!

I am sure they just loved them.
Check here for my Dr. Who silhouette's...
they can be used for stencils or imported
into Silhouette Studio and use the trace shape tool.
Test them on paper first.

Letter/Name Signage!

2012-01-12T08:30:00.000-07:00

For Christmas gifts, (and super cheap ones too...)

I made last name signs!

I was going to be dilligent and photograph all the letters myself...

alas, I only did the f.

The rest I found here! Letter goldmine.

I saved the letters off into individual folders for

each family name...making sure I liked the

colors, styles and arrangement!

I used photoshop to crop the perfect 4 by 6" size.

I uploaded them to Walgreen's photo online.

(and they were having a 1/2 price print sale, so they were 10 cents a pic.)

Then, an hour or so later, I picked them up.

For this one, I had a 30" frame on hand. I had 10 letters

to fit...you'd think a 3" letter would do the trick...but L's

are HUGE! So, it's 4" and I cut down a few others

(like the I's) to make it work.

Awesome sister-in-law gift.

I made my entire name.

And did a bunch more!

For the others, I went to the

dollar store and bought foam core posterboard.

I used my quilt cutting ruler and cut into 6" strips.

Then I positioned the photos...taped them on...presto!

They ended up costing between $.80 and $1.00 each.

Easy, and WOW factor!

Who doesn't love their own name?

Newspaper Nails

2012-01-11T08:30:00.010-07:00

I saw this online and had to try.

Take regular cheapo rubbing alcohol...newspaper pieces...

and freshly painted nails.

(I tried old painted nails and it just didn't work the same)

yes, I keep my nail polish supplies in a freakin tool box.

After painting nails...let them dry to the touch.

then dip one in rubbing alcohol.

Press newspaper onto nail.

Hold for 10 seconds (much like a temp tatoo)

ta da!

The text is mirrored...but whatev!

So fun.

Awesome windstorm treasure

2012-01-10T08:30:00.015-07:00

So back in December there was a major windstorm here.

Major.

Like every pinetree in the neighborhood was toasted.

Here's ours...thankfully the jeep was fine!

and a stroll through the neighborhood...

Well the windstorm brought down many old wood fences too...

and that is where this story begins.

As I was out on a baby jog last week

(1 mile with all 3 of my kids...even the 3 year old trucking

along...not the best run ever...)

There was a guy tearing out his old fallen fence.

I asked if I could come back and scavenge some.

He said yes. So I did.

I took 12 pieces.

Now I am thinking I should've taken more.

I pounded out nails and screws and just have the

awesomely weathered boards waiting to become

their full potential. Blissful.

Pumpkin Chocolate Muffins!

2012-01-09T08:30:00.010-07:00

Super simple Pumpkin Chocolate Muffins!

I got this "recipe" from my mom.

1 large can of Pumpkin

2 boxes of Spice cake

(in theory if I had a small can of pumpkin and 1 box

of spice cake it would be just as great!)

2 Bags of chocolate chips...

(yes, that is a lot. I love them that way.)

Put said ingredients into mixer.

Mix.

(no added eggs, oil or water! hooray pumpkin!)

Spoon into mini cupcake trays.

I baked 350* for 15 minutes

or until when pressed the muffin top bounces back.

Yum!

Up-Do Sunday!

2012-01-08T08:30:00.007-07:00

This year our church schedule has changed...

from a "sleep in until you feel like it 1:00 p.m."

to a "wake up in an alarm panic and rush to get there 9:00 a.m."

In short, I will be doing a lot of updo's this year...

and decided to make 52 hair-do posts my goal!

So Sundays it is.

This was a bun that went wrong...

the entire middle flopped out while I was pinning it.

So I folded down the middle...pinned it in with a zillion

bobby pins...and rocked a figure 8 knot.

Love Subway Art

2012-01-07T08:30:00.001-07:00

Here's the subway art I did for my hubby.

I've seen things like this...but I customized

this to fill a plethora of inside jokes too.

I may have done something...

2012-01-06T08:30:00.003-07:00

I may have gone to a wedding recently.

This may have been the wedding cake.

This photo may have been taken with my phone.

I may have eaten several of those

large chocolate bon-bons

off the cake after the bride and groom left.

But, I guess we'll never know.

Ruffle Aprons part 2

2012-01-05T08:30:00.010-07:00

I made these for my daughter

and 2 nieces for Christmas!

Ruffle aprons!

(remember mine?)

Just added hemmed row after row!

Here is my son.

Reluctantly trying the *skirt* on for me.

Yes he dresses himself.

You didn't realize that Orange Tiger,

Camo and boots match.

Next one was easier, because the fabric I used

is polyester...so I didn't have to hem it!

It's adorable!

Ruffle Aprons!

2012-01-04T08:30:00.005-07:00

After seeing so many online, I couldn't

resist making some ruffle aprons!

I made some for Christmas too...

I began with a large rectangle...

about 20 by 15"

then I a double rolled hem on every side

For the ruffles I cut strips of fabric about twice

the length of the apron and then hemmed them.

I pleated the top and bottom rows so they would lay flatter.

the other rows I ruffled.

I used my scraps of black and whites!

Ready to ruffle the polka-dotted strip!

Do a long stitch across on a long setting.

Take the top thread and gently pull to ruffle.

Careful not to break that thread!

I pinned both ends down, then pinned the middle.

Then sewed it!

Row after row.

I'll be honest. This was kinda tedious.

I wouldn't make these for a living!

After the last row that I pleated instead of ruffled...

I did one last wide and long band.

Hemmed it and folded it in half over the apron.

I sewed it on so that it would tie

on the side rather than the back.

So cute, I wish it was a skirt!

More to come!

Snowman Tic Tacs!

2012-01-03T08:30:00.006-07:00

There are a ton of

Snowman Tic Tac boxes

out there!

But for my 9 year old's friend Christmas gift...

we went SUPER simple!

One piece of white paper (2 3/4 by 1 7/8)

one inch circle punch

(punch hole and tape on as middle body)

7/8 inch circle punch

(head)

orange and black markers

Easy!

Pita Chips!

2012-01-02T08:30:00.002-07:00

I wanted some pita chips to dip

in my red pepper hummus!

My sis-in-law had made some before...so I tried!

I had this pita bread in the freezer...I defrosted it...

cut it into strips and pieces...

drizzled about a tablespoon of olive oil on them,

stirred around...sprinkled garlic and

garlic salt on them...and broiled for

about 3-4 minutes on each side!

They are great!

and all 3 of my kids LOVED them!

New Years Resolutions!

2012-01-01T08:30:00.015-07:00

Happy New Year!

While making New Year's resolutions remember this:

I need to remember this!

Top 10 projects of 2011

2011-12-31T08:30:00.007-07:00

Here's my top 10 projects of the year!

I loved painting this yellow table.

(and I sold it)

Acid Mirrors are my new love.

I made a few pillows that I love.

I did 4 nightstands. (sold 1)

And of course, teapot lamps!

and if I had a list of all the projects I NEED
to do or finish...it would be 10 times longer!

Top 10 $10 purchases of 2011

2011-12-30T08:30:00.005-07:00

Top $10 purchases of the year!

Standing vanity mirror!

(to be refinished...2012)

Awesome Jewelry armoire!

(to be refinished...2012)

Wardrobe for daughter.

chandelier and beads.

I guess that I don't make large purchases very often!

Top 10 $5 purchases of 2011

2011-12-29T08:30:00.005-07:00

Top 10 things I paid $5 for this year!

Awesome frame.

Birdcage. (I actually bought this for a friend.)

Curly nightstand!

Coat of Arms.

Pennant lights. (to be refinished...2012)

Knobby table.

Phoenix pair.

Vintage phone.

Hat stand.

Rose mirror.

Top 10 $1 purchases of 2011

2011-12-28T08:30:00.004-07:00

Top $1 items of the year!

Cool mirror.

Pincushion jars.

Candelabra and sticks.

Cork monogram.

Highly coveted Owl Cookie Jar.

Piggy bank (yielding $11)

Awesome frame.

Hoping for more great finds in 2012!

Top 10 less than $1 purchases of 2011

2011-12-27T08:30:00.003-07:00

These are the Top 10 purchases made

this year that were less than $1!

Oval frames 20 cents each.

fat bird 75 cents.

Fleur De Lis 50 cents.

Carousel Pony 75 cents.

Light switch frame 33 cents.

Chunky mini frame 50 cents.

Curly frame 50 cents.

Octagon mirror 50 cents.

Sparrow 33 cents.

Table top mirror 75 cents.

Man cards

2011-12-26T08:30:00.001-07:00

It's hard to make a card for a man...

I used my silhouette and made a bunch

of these to keep on hand!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T08:30:00.005-07:00

Since today is Christmas...

I would feel sad if you were checking blogs!

Enjoy the holiday!

Merry Christmas!

Yellow Chair!

2011-12-24T08:30:00.001-07:00

Got this yellow vinyl chair a while ago...

It has some stab holes in it...

has anyone ever tried that vinyl repair kit

stuff like the "as seen on tv" stuff...

if yes, please give insight!

Still just LOVE the yellowness!

Glove Fetish...

2011-12-23T08:30:00.001-07:00

I have a glove fetish.

When I say fetish, I mean this definition:

an object of irrational reverence or obsessive devotion

obsessive devotion. yes.

I buy gloves, mittens, hand sweaters, arm socks...

every time I go to the dollar store! I love them!

I need to keep 20 pairs in the car...

because it's nice to wear gloves when you drive...

but I forget to leave them in the car when I

get home, so then I don't have any in the car...

Superb Apple Pie!

2011-12-22T08:30:00.004-07:00

This is Superb Apple Pie!

My sister in law's recipe. Thanks Sheri!

This is, by far, the best apple pie ever!

Here's the recipe!

it's 3 parts:

Crust: 2 C. Flour and 1 tsp salt mixed.

add 3/4 cup crisco and cut into pea sized pieces

add 1/3 cup COLD water.

Roll into thin circle.

Put into 9" pie crust

Filling: 4 cups sliced and cored apples (about 7-9 apples)

1/2 cup sugar

2 tbsp flour

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1/2 tsp cinnamon

Combine and pour into unbaked pie shell.

It will be quite full.

Topping:

1/2 cup flour

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup sugar

Mix with fingers until crumbly.

sprinkle over top of pie.

Bake 350* for 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Put a tray lined with foil on the rack

beneath the pie for spillage.

Serve warm or cold with vanilla ice cream!

Christmas Elf!

2011-12-21T08:30:00.004-07:00

So, instead of doing the Cindy Lou costume

for the Christmas party,

My daughter wanted to be a Pink Elf from Rudolph!

Here's the motivation:

this worked great, because I had tons of pink material!
I had some quilted lining too...so I made a pointy stiff hat.

For the top...super simple.
folded over rectangle, sewn up the sides,
arm holes left...circle cut for neck.
all cut edges hemmed.

simple. yes. that's my middle name.

8 same sized panels for the skirt.
4 inches across the top. Room for hemming.

all 8 panels sewn right sides out...then flipped
and sewn right sides together.
(invisible stitch or something...)

full flared skirt...ready to sew onto the top piece.

ta da.

add a fur collar...

Completed and at the Christmas Party:

(what? so I failed and didn't get a pic of her by herself...so sue me!)

Does Santa wrap?

2011-12-20T08:30:00.021-07:00

Does Santa wrap his presents at your house?

All growing up, Santa would leave

us each one unwrapped gift to

see on Christmas morning!

And then he would wrap the rest.

It was part of our Christmas Eve ritual

to leave handmade tags as well as our

wrapping paper, ribbons, tape, bows...

out for Santa when he came!

This way Santa didn't have to disguise

his handwriting, hide his wrapping paper

or anything else that might lead to

unnecessary questioning by children!

This is what I decided to do with my kids.

After all, they know Santa is busy and has

a lot of houses to make it to!

(and since I love to make big beautiful tags,

we did it together to leave out for Santa!)

I stamped Santa, colored him red...

mounted it on kraft paper...

and let the kids stamp their names.

they had so much fun...and each made 5 tags.

Even the 3 year old wanted in on the action!

What do you do at your house?

Vintage Rings!

2011-12-19T08:30:00.011-07:00

I love vintage jewelry!

People know I love it, so,

I end up with a lot of jewelry that needs to be

repaired...and no one else wanted!

Like the post for the earring broke off...

or a rhinestone is missing...

Or they were clip on or screw on earrings...

Like these 3.

I carefully remove the earring backing with pliers.

Then I used the same glue that I use for my cake stands...

and glue them to a ringback similar to these:

I love me a gobby ring!

In their spare time, they stack on these
geese and look amazing.

They were brass and I painted them gray.
I love it!

Pillar Table!

2011-12-18T08:30:00.000-07:00

My daughter told me she wanted a pillar.

Really?

Well I found this Pillar table at the DI for $5.

The faux marbled top was so hideous, I instantly

removed it...thinking I would

make a top out of wood.

(haven't yet)

I painted and glazed the pillar.

Then just needing to get it out of my garage...

and after selling my daughters nightstand

for some sweet cash,

I sprayed the marbled top yellow.

(didn't glaze or seal it)

I realize it's not great.

But greatness will wait until summertime...

At least the base is awesome.

Santa Claus is coming to town!

2011-12-17T08:30:00.002-07:00

Shhhh!---don't tell my kids!

{and kids, don't read this...} But...

We have this amazing neighbor that looks like Santa!

In 2004 we asked if we could make him a Santa suit

and if he would come to our yearly parties!

He was more than happy!

We made a Santa and Mrs. Claus

{in case his wife wanted to dress up too}

Here we are...costumes done.

{my hubby is too skinny to be santa!}

So every year since 2004, Santa has come to our parties!

This is the only Santa my kids know.

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008 pic MIA...

We had to shut down our business January 2009...

so that year, Santa came right to our house!

2009

For the year 2010 and this year...Santa

showed up at our ward Christmas Party!

It's easy to believe in Santa when you've

seen the same one your entire life!

Thanks Santa!

Gingerbread Houses!

2011-12-16T08:30:00.002-07:00

We got together with some friends and

made gingerbread houses!

It was sooo much fun!

This is an activity that small kids to

adults will just LOVE!

Seriously, candy therapy!

Start with a structure.

We used Royal icing...as the glue.

The kids made simple houses.

I cheated and made a bigger house.

PS...go to your grocery butcher and ask for some

styrofoam meat trays...I got them free

and they were perfect for this!

Add Candy. Eat some.

I wished we had some Necco's, but couldn't

find them at any close stores.

So, I opted for a scalloped roof.

the kids used smarties...

I might be obsessed with the heart shaped candy canes.

I did it on both ends of my house.

I am sort of a symmetrical snob.

Oh yah, Rock candy is awesome too!

Spice drops are a must.

Happy Holidays!

Christmas Cards!

2011-12-15T08:30:00.006-07:00

After scoring an awesome frame, I knew what I

wanted to do for our Christmas cards this year.

Because my hubby is active duty,

I decided to do a pic of just the 3 kids!

And 265 photos later...we had a few good shots!

It was hard to decide, so I let the kids vote!

The cards turned out great!

I used my chevron printable...if you missed it--get it now!

And have a Picture Perfect new year!

Another Acid Mirror!

2011-12-14T08:30:00.002-07:00

Here's another acid mirror I did!

I love the shape and look of this frame...

although I am not sold on the color!

Chain and Vintage Bead Earrings!

2011-12-13T08:30:00.000-07:00

I made these a while back...

but I still love them!

I took some chain, some random pieces I had and some

vintage beads and made 3 pairs of earrings for my sister! :)

supplies:

chain, beads, eye pins,

earring hooks,

2 needle nose pliers,

and any odd findings you might have!

(rhinestone hoops, 3 loop splity thing)

Patriotic Serving Tray!

2011-12-12T08:30:00.003-07:00

So, you probably aren't thinking much about

red, white and blue these days...but I found

these 2 stacking serving trays in the "going to the garbage" pile at the DI...

so I paid them a token dollar and took them on my merry way.

I got this fab candlestick and glued the trays together!

Ta da!

It's a fun size and great for multi-layered serving!

Snowflake sticks!

2011-12-11T08:30:00.001-07:00

Ha--this again! Same sticks as bats and leaves!

a bunch of punches snowflakes

(I used my silhouette for some, and a hand punch for others)

We used hot glue, because we are out of glue dots!

little helpers...

2 putting up flakes, the 3 year old taking pictures!

then, it just needs a banner!

Wonderland.

Wonderful.

And this will stay up all through January!

Beanbag Nativity!

2011-12-10T08:30:00.002-07:00

When I was about 12 or so, my mom

made about 50 beanbag nativity sets!

She gave them to family members

for Christmas gifts.

None of my mom's 5 kids got one...

we were little...so what?

Well, my mom died when I was in high school

and I got married 1 1/2 years later.

(several years before anyone else)

In the meantime, my grandpa died.

I received his beanbag nativity set.

(sorry brothers and sisters)

They are basic enough...maybe someday

I'll make a bunch, but it doesn't

look good for a few years.

In the meantime, you can tell that my

set is WELL LOVED!

When my daughter was 2 she loved baby Jesus.

She would play with him like a baby doll.

One day, He went missing.

I searched everywhere and was so

worried he got thrown out!

A few weeks later,

I found him in the pocket of a denim blanket we had.

She must have tucked him in and forgotten.

Ya, well loved.

Full length mirror!

2011-12-09T08:30:00.001-07:00

Found this long mirror at the

DI (Utah goodwill) for 8 bucks!

Painted and glazed!

It's my sister's...but I hung it up to enjoy

until she wants to take it home!

Lucky me!

More Pillows!

2011-12-08T08:30:00.002-07:00

I had 2 pillow forms just sitting around

and finally covered them!

I found this quilted silvery material and knew it

would be a fun pillow...it's an 18" square form,

I cut the material 17" square and then

sewed it with an envelope backside.

I just had a scrap of this damask left after my acid mirrors...

I had an 18" square pillow form...

but cut the material at 16" by 17"...

because that's all I had!

It turned out kind of squatty, but I like it!

I have a few more pillows in mind...

we'll see when I get to them.

Lots of little things!

2011-12-07T08:30:00.002-07:00

I've accumulated a bunch of little things

that are here and there in the house.

Somethings I painted blue.

This sparrow.

A Fleur de lis

A bunch of mini frames that I painted pink!

And this fat bird. I love.