tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88830749445053251992024-03-05T13:14:13.748-06:00Razzle Dazzle CraftingDustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02254914423626628253noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883074944505325199.post-3379052313065931782012-11-11T21:15:00.001-06:002012-11-11T21:15:21.210-06:00Clearance brag!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have a lot of nice things in my house. This is for several reasons, none of which include me or the hubs spending a lot of money.</div>
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Several of our nice things have been gifted to us. Several things have been thrift store finds. Several have been handmade (my grandfather-in-law has made no fewer than seven major pieces of furniture in our home and my mother helps all my fabric dreams come true). And several of our nice things are clearance buys that you just can't pass up.</div>
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Like this candle. Did I need a new candle? Kinda, not really. But as I was in Target this weekend, I of course browsed all the clearance items on the end rows and found this "warm amber and cranberry" scent for $5.21. BUT when I noticed that one row down included its full-sized brothers and sisters for $14.99, it looked even more appealing. Obviously, someone had broken the Christmas tree top, and the lovely employees at Target just slapped on a new sticker. Other than being free, this is best-case scenario!</div>
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Now my mantle has this beautiful brushed silver candle adorning it, and my house smells like a million bucks. Seriously, it even smelled up my car while I was driving home.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglU7-ViFtYBzWET3jwjd1IJKg2cJ0g2B-sgLtl1QGZS2FljvrsPWRxEBJ1NNYNZeqgB_UpHMnO5eSYl-6lI_wIi8iu1Q2yrq45V7rPoO4HM1NHkPilu3iOVchV-nYGmGgjPF8sXR8RMT_q/s1600/photo-19.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglU7-ViFtYBzWET3jwjd1IJKg2cJ0g2B-sgLtl1QGZS2FljvrsPWRxEBJ1NNYNZeqgB_UpHMnO5eSYl-6lI_wIi8iu1Q2yrq45V7rPoO4HM1NHkPilu3iOVchV-nYGmGgjPF8sXR8RMT_q/s320/photo-19.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Other favorite clearance purchases include a black lace dress from Banana Republic for $7, buying 95 percent of my Christmas decorations after the holiday, oh, and a heavy-duty snow shovel for less than $1 from Kroger last year. It never snowed after I bought it, but hey, I've got a snow shovel if we need one! What are some of your best clearance buys?Dustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02254914423626628253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883074944505325199.post-38395176234032394772012-10-31T00:04:00.000-05:002012-10-31T00:04:04.848-05:00Peacock Costume<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Last year, I didn't even bother dressing up since I had no where to go. This year, I decided to participate in our church's Trunk-Or-Treat and some of the folks take it mighty seriously. Plus, they added a costume contest with an adult division.</div>
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I love competition. </div>
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I've known for a month or more that I wanted to be a peacock for Halloween. But, like the good writer I am, I prepared by gathering all my supplies...then I waited until the last moment to put it all together. </div>
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Note to self: Creating a fairly tedious costume design and starting at 9:30 p.m. the day before you want to wear it, is dumb.</div>
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Anyway. Onwards and upwards!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKyUgK_Ql1HStRvDCKWFcjKmVqPNY_9Ccwq67ACbP3GIUTg0otJXmuIbYrKBdfDvCJ_kEcZ91XjUWsqOQSSQQce1uqiQb9XVGlja1Je5_RZ60t2hLOwWAPFARDF6WODt01trVtRs_CNsTW/s1600/Baxter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKyUgK_Ql1HStRvDCKWFcjKmVqPNY_9Ccwq67ACbP3GIUTg0otJXmuIbYrKBdfDvCJ_kEcZ91XjUWsqOQSSQQce1uqiQb9XVGlja1Je5_RZ60t2hLOwWAPFARDF6WODt01trVtRs_CNsTW/s320/Baxter.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I was dealing with peacock feathers and pillowy substances, so of course Baxter was my constant <strike>trouble maker</strike> helper. My base for the costume was a Jessica McClintock dress I bought at a yard sale two years ago. It's a strapless teal and green ball gown with understated jewell trim along the top. I paid 75 cents for it. No, that's not a typo. However, since that time, I have gained some weight, so my mission this past month was at least to get it to a point where I can safety-pin it shut. Mission accomplished.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkFlWmcfND2I70MguMNv6QYIgJ0IElCE69W-97NBLdkxbiSGJFppLLlmxjJV2oYse42Vt-jT7j9tGaO1mXm8Lly9jqSpi6MHlFjhnsKhpeLWQMLi1TZ5vPmRx4I1sjTT5WkPMRrkvH7nFG/s1600/Feather+base.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkFlWmcfND2I70MguMNv6QYIgJ0IElCE69W-97NBLdkxbiSGJFppLLlmxjJV2oYse42Vt-jT7j9tGaO1mXm8Lly9jqSpi6MHlFjhnsKhpeLWQMLi1TZ5vPmRx4I1sjTT5WkPMRrkvH7nFG/s320/Feather+base.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I also needed a base for my peacock feather plumage. I stole a piece of cardboard from a boxed punch bowl set I had (oddly, my hoarder self didn't keep a single bit of cardboard lately). I cut it to fit comfortably at my back.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjgCOuXd8t2HCPCnXbeXAbOQqMFhdN1RPwxL1YEXmcOCTtj3HfkE5c4VhR4fuupGFlumtok9qEr33D6uZwH3lGcqIYS9WT_JNo_95kz6NJT3u5JdpcXgVJdLwiih41_5wSICgVyBf3bbgU/s1600/Feather+placement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjgCOuXd8t2HCPCnXbeXAbOQqMFhdN1RPwxL1YEXmcOCTtj3HfkE5c4VhR4fuupGFlumtok9qEr33D6uZwH3lGcqIYS9WT_JNo_95kz6NJT3u5JdpcXgVJdLwiih41_5wSICgVyBf3bbgU/s320/Feather+placement.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I bought three plumes of peacock feathers at Michael's using discount coupons. I priced a lot of feathers and was thrilled to find Michael's had these guys for about $6 a pop before discounts. I positioned them where I thought they'd look best, then used wire cutters to trim the picks.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMIqYge6dkGYBBdI4keL8cqG5OoOrhFKV0cF6j2IkCIOgDc7iSnuXgLidY6Xa_VBHLrtYIEYawypGPBjg7SNRXZHASgkg2opqtnTkfwHJHDm5HwlbuMy21L5EoO-KDItBWCLd4ybgcdLVk/s1600/Tulle+placement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMIqYge6dkGYBBdI4keL8cqG5OoOrhFKV0cF6j2IkCIOgDc7iSnuXgLidY6Xa_VBHLrtYIEYawypGPBjg7SNRXZHASgkg2opqtnTkfwHJHDm5HwlbuMy21L5EoO-KDItBWCLd4ybgcdLVk/s320/Tulle+placement.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I also wanted a little extra flair to the tail instead of just feathers, so using some tulle I already had and some I bought at Hobby Lobby for 99 cents (hello, sparkles!), I hot-glued a row down first.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTSrBLi4FdbzRQCYvzmhSVovynn82I0AFH67n5Tuus-chhDZRxSBLqkx7cxArrGRlxY6FE60QGJbg9iwknjsJvX9KWyBcCNd31-Gp050_6C6tcRoBf-T28UMVPXxCmVKG8QTd5fhiBNVfv/s1600/Feathers+taped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTSrBLi4FdbzRQCYvzmhSVovynn82I0AFH67n5Tuus-chhDZRxSBLqkx7cxArrGRlxY6FE60QGJbg9iwknjsJvX9KWyBcCNd31-Gp050_6C6tcRoBf-T28UMVPXxCmVKG8QTd5fhiBNVfv/s320/Feathers+taped.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Next, I duct taped the plumes on. I also added holes in the base to later use ribbon to tie it to my waist.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7c1gihk6umYeUQ7aW_9ixAmvMip45FZIOT28EU_jPZoPrrvs-cB41pMjlR6KUFXyxQD33H5rXXAr75oiNzfft78Ge2FVG5Wl4VRuIgloXwX-I-C4IyOu2H6P28WxPLMfhQf64w3wnLTK/s1600/Start+of+sequins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7c1gihk6umYeUQ7aW_9ixAmvMip45FZIOT28EU_jPZoPrrvs-cB41pMjlR6KUFXyxQD33H5rXXAr75oiNzfft78Ge2FVG5Wl4VRuIgloXwX-I-C4IyOu2H6P28WxPLMfhQf64w3wnLTK/s320/Start+of+sequins.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Next, I started adding gold sequins. I started at the bottom and layered them like shingles or scales. The top of the sequins had tiny holes, so I tried to keep those at the top to be covered up by the next row. Also good to note, even my cool temp glue gun kind of warped the sequins, so I tried to keep the glue dot up top.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrlDih5X-k-LiIQBM5-Pryh_zVGi3WfxguY9pqE4pIBSYOtSBOc1iU5YR2QVgj-43LbSjx7PLNOHGmdvuL8gGwoIRHLZFBYhIFOhUsvGeygeUnc6KTE_z32d4gXtwgbvVmUQ6ZDM_JviS_/s1600/Feathers+completed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrlDih5X-k-LiIQBM5-Pryh_zVGi3WfxguY9pqE4pIBSYOtSBOc1iU5YR2QVgj-43LbSjx7PLNOHGmdvuL8gGwoIRHLZFBYhIFOhUsvGeygeUnc6KTE_z32d4gXtwgbvVmUQ6ZDM_JviS_/s320/Feathers+completed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The tail! I added 3 yards of turquoise ribbon through the holes to tie it at my waist.</div>
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Finished product! Sorta. My hair isn't fixed as it will be tomorrow night. And if we stay outside for the Trunk or Treat, I'll be wearing fleece pants. And maybe a hoodie. But, to be more conservative, I added a gold sparkly cardigan on top of the dress so I'm not too exposed for the kiddos. :)</div>
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And....the mask. I bought this little nifty thing at Hobby Lobby, and had all these grand visions of a Mardi Gras/masquerade mask. Well. It kinda happened. The eyes were way too small for me to see out of, so I had to carve out bigger sockets into the mask. So that was kind of a downer. Then, it was a little rounder on my face than I had planned. But, I added some gold glitter glue to jazz up the front, and added the top plumage with a little grouping I also bought at Hobby Lobby.</div>
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Total cost of my project was less than $30 thanks to many trips to Michael's and Hobby Lobby and all the coupons I was able to take advantage of. Plus, I used some things that I already had like the dress, gold sparkle shoes (that may be traded for tennis shoes tomorrow) and peacock feather earrings.</div>
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Now if I can just keep Baxter out of the feathers one more night, we're golden. </div>
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<br />Dustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02254914423626628253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883074944505325199.post-30721692683580341692012-04-15T21:58:00.000-05:002012-04-15T22:00:05.801-05:00Banana Bread Bazinga<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For the past year, I've had a hankering for banana bread. I love all kinds of cakey-breads: banana, poppy seed, lemon, blueberry, doesn't matter. Unfortunately, every time I want to make banana bread, I never had what I needed to make it with — not even the bread pans. My mother-in-law bought me these fabulous Farberware bread pans for Christmas, and I finally had everything I needed.<br />
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Well, except a a sieve. I purposely bought the sifter around Christmas to make banana bread (my instructions ask me to sift), and then, I've already lost it. Sigh.<br />
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Anyway, this is a recipe from my high school home economics teacher that I still keep in my recipe notecard collection from home ec (it includes a basic dough recipe, homemade pizza, monkey bread, etc.). I made it tonight, and it turned out sooooooo good, even though I didn't sift my dry ingredients, and even though I didn't grease my pans enough.<br />
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The key to the recipe is a trick from my mom: Before placing in the oven, sprinkle the loaves generously with sugar for a little razzle dazzle crunch.<br />
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Just thought I would share...I'm not a baker by any means, but it felt nice to bake something that didn't arrive at my house in plastic first!<br />
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Without further ado, here it is:<br />
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Ingredients:</div>
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2/3 cup shortening</div>
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2 eggs</div>
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2 cups flour</div>
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1 cup bananas</div>
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1 1/2 cup sugar </div>
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1 tsp vanilla</div>
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1/4 cup buttermilk</div>
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1/2 tsp salt</div>
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1 tsp baking soda</div>
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1/2 cup nuts (optional)</div>
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Cream shortening, sugar, eggs and vanilla. Sift together flour, salt and baking soda. Add to creamed mix. Add bananas and milk. Divide into two greased loaf pans — sugar the tops! Bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes in medium-sized loaf pans. Cool on wire rack.</div>
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Enjoy!</div>Dustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02254914423626628253noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883074944505325199.post-41747000541172738202012-04-14T13:42:00.000-05:002012-04-14T13:43:18.764-05:00Lap Quilt Deluxe<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After a busy, busy, busy March, I've returned to show you my latest project. I have a few weddings coming up and decided to personalize their wedding gifts with a bit of quilting.</div>
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I found this great pattern, featured here on the cover of Quilts and More, a Better Homes and Garden special interest product, and went to work. The original pattern calls for a reversible quilt, but since I have two upcoming weddings, I decided to make the quilt one-sided, and save the other "front" for another gift.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_lpqzm5WdXDCIsj22yjbu9EG_3LGL4SKj2ROiOh4-TAVrdbZZUFH_wzexW6KtPBRoOkmSseJ0iF31sbbwz3iWSTIp2wkewxEn74J-A8-tF4XuErZRwH6Y77DWKlpXhD2dK2jbvEocaDS/s1600/Photo+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_lpqzm5WdXDCIsj22yjbu9EG_3LGL4SKj2ROiOh4-TAVrdbZZUFH_wzexW6KtPBRoOkmSseJ0iF31sbbwz3iWSTIp2wkewxEn74J-A8-tF4XuErZRwH6Y77DWKlpXhD2dK2jbvEocaDS/s320/Photo+1.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
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My next job was to pick out the fabric. My mom recently acquired a ton of fabric, and I found this lovely gray print with about five yards in it and I knew I could use it for a quilt. I took a swatch with me to Hancock's of Paducah, which sells dozens of jelly rolls and Tonga treats and such and matched up with a jelly roll. The pattern calls for 2 1/2 inch strips, and I could make the two tops out of one jelly roll.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEP_16I439qgHV9tKer5jFKpRHZz0VppgIIn8SbRo9Un5fZcvFLYVwN2iB_41SvrI1XvMpsbDYiNlgSi1cmP4qTk3qGhcj9b7Kb1xcjdE2ublWCQY77VIkZJLG6yQ_fzgAJvDddKgOVKE2/s1600/Photo+2.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEP_16I439qgHV9tKer5jFKpRHZz0VppgIIn8SbRo9Un5fZcvFLYVwN2iB_41SvrI1XvMpsbDYiNlgSi1cmP4qTk3qGhcj9b7Kb1xcjdE2ublWCQY77VIkZJLG6yQ_fzgAJvDddKgOVKE2/s400/Photo+2.1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I couldn't quite figure out how to productively use my rotary cutter to cut the strips, so I created this form of measurement and just used my scissors.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAeBeTNl38GajJNjb_tu2KiT9l9wfZ9RAiqPHSWdMWRFwDzdRoJbXt_Q7wKpIVdGPAxw7NeMNfmOm8igTCWexxhcVNHMGxX7cU-U-zTbwDS6MGO_GzRyOxNZyeN9uYxoSPDZRifGhdrXsR/s1600/Photo+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAeBeTNl38GajJNjb_tu2KiT9l9wfZ9RAiqPHSWdMWRFwDzdRoJbXt_Q7wKpIVdGPAxw7NeMNfmOm8igTCWexxhcVNHMGxX7cU-U-zTbwDS6MGO_GzRyOxNZyeN9uYxoSPDZRifGhdrXsR/s320/Photo+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I found a great pastel teal fabric to use as the border, then took the whole top in with me to another fabric store, where I picked out a black-patterned backing. I was looking for something in white cream, but the black just called to me (and it adds the perfect touch of modern sensibility to the quilt). Since the fabric wasn't large enough at 44 inches, I pieced it together, making sure I left plenty to hang over for the binding.</div>
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I debated whether to tie the quilt or get it machine quilted, but decided in the end to go ahead and get it machine quilted by the same lady who did my last quilt. She also binds it for you. :)</div>
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So this is the finished product, as shown by Baxter. It is a lap quilt, and measures 51 inches x 60 inches.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg8nIwhWWXEV0nqFAYepQPvvVI70Nbo_gUsPCTAAiDyYO-8roMQ6Tz6Cyy1rLgVWs2swKE8ANg4dtydpDKdhARhhMd2Jw8z2dhm35FoAeTZEQZbX0EJuFuEcCzA09wp1h0Vh4f4a_1btc_/s1600/Photo+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg8nIwhWWXEV0nqFAYepQPvvVI70Nbo_gUsPCTAAiDyYO-8roMQ6Tz6Cyy1rLgVWs2swKE8ANg4dtydpDKdhARhhMd2Jw8z2dhm35FoAeTZEQZbX0EJuFuEcCzA09wp1h0Vh4f4a_1btc_/s320/Photo+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Close up of some of the fabrics and the feathered pattern I went with.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQB-usJDyZ7L2-IvI7lQLSGwcZciSeiNFAJr7Hbl7i-LMmiWZK42XkVWzy_sLAkg_gLZnzKX2GMknLf_kqKP_4CYjoBndIsz9FedoUxu9K8Iq11OUnLSedXd7PQT8yWkg1D6ekt-zLafdz/s1600/Photo+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQB-usJDyZ7L2-IvI7lQLSGwcZciSeiNFAJr7Hbl7i-LMmiWZK42XkVWzy_sLAkg_gLZnzKX2GMknLf_kqKP_4CYjoBndIsz9FedoUxu9K8Iq11OUnLSedXd7PQT8yWkg1D6ekt-zLafdz/s320/Photo+5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The backing with its patterns.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXoOkyrcbnprLpYcyZQPkTcjgBnVWizpZIdj_ipQinn3eQSNCPszw7iVX9bAloavq2rIEwWgJHnN0NF4brAdS1JBXAniTcbTztuBwmBxqFaS5ZU0j7tq_FJ4fuJasvuwAIN_kBtWs0CSfT/s1600/Photo+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXoOkyrcbnprLpYcyZQPkTcjgBnVWizpZIdj_ipQinn3eQSNCPszw7iVX9bAloavq2rIEwWgJHnN0NF4brAdS1JBXAniTcbTztuBwmBxqFaS5ZU0j7tq_FJ4fuJasvuwAIN_kBtWs0CSfT/s320/Photo+6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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In the end, I love the machine quilting, but the cost, though worth every penny, was slightly pricey simply for my tiny budget ($50 for the quilting, batting and binding). So the next one I make, I think I'll tie it.</div>
<br />Dustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02254914423626628253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883074944505325199.post-2900822952631389102012-01-19T23:30:00.000-06:002012-01-19T23:30:23.091-06:00Soap bar pincushion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A page from Real Simple inspired my latest project...a soap bar pincushion.</div>
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In all my sewing, I still had my pins left in their original plastic pin box, which was annoying to say the least. I kept saying I wanted a super cute pincushion, and not just one of those strawberry/tomato things. </div>
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To start, I bought a bar of handmade soap from the artisan market in Paducah where I sell my fabric bowls. The artisan who makes them had a dozen scents, and this one, mountain berry, has been in the craft room for over a month, and it's totally fragranced the whole area. And I supported a local crafter! You can use a brand name bar of soap, but this one was square, and I wasn't sure I could find one like it anywhere else. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUT0zvbGjTWHbp5PzO8Is1igyJ9ahbDkqcR6CUFLEnoYjSyFTnzHd650UUwTm5819Uym7G8D1G53XmlZ_-BxlBviasUl0FVpTa1qZbcWZLvPPYOWq7CjYYnsHJkiUnp0MpuOObJy99GzP5/s1600/photo-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUT0zvbGjTWHbp5PzO8Is1igyJ9ahbDkqcR6CUFLEnoYjSyFTnzHd650UUwTm5819Uym7G8D1G53XmlZ_-BxlBviasUl0FVpTa1qZbcWZLvPPYOWq7CjYYnsHJkiUnp0MpuOObJy99GzP5/s320/photo-2.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Then I picked out a fabric scrap I had in my stash. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc1zYiLs1RVWSy4iVyWRJ3vif2zuadb1jw2jzAhwSj0_LNxVijY_FV5NcStszuiTDmyJwAq4i-md1q_hFGYZDhhOq4n0e6sYb0y17f7OKICS0udhkJB9eMZ8awDcY_34J2HcySbqQ5msSn/s1600/photo-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc1zYiLs1RVWSy4iVyWRJ3vif2zuadb1jw2jzAhwSj0_LNxVijY_FV5NcStszuiTDmyJwAq4i-md1q_hFGYZDhhOq4n0e6sYb0y17f7OKICS0udhkJB9eMZ8awDcY_34J2HcySbqQ5msSn/s320/photo-3.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I squared off the fabric and made sure I had enough to wrap the bar in, just like you would wrap a present. To get things started with a crisp line, I stapled the fabric to the bar first.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZay2eD_Bbft2Esc08URiwkffo8FGVC2KTbLbImH241vk3znqZ_CA8xtzq6PPuoBeqb7-f9fMR9q8ZYKuPAV3z8_yBPq-hqHNkzirVfrfttZF9kVJFJ4naYSXgqGHfedvCXHZh4TGH_1Sv/s1600/photo-4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZay2eD_Bbft2Esc08URiwkffo8FGVC2KTbLbImH241vk3znqZ_CA8xtzq6PPuoBeqb7-f9fMR9q8ZYKuPAV3z8_yBPq-hqHNkzirVfrfttZF9kVJFJ4naYSXgqGHfedvCXHZh4TGH_1Sv/s320/photo-4.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Then I wrapped the other side over, stapling it tight as well. I made sure to tuck the raw end of the fabric under. I also added a strip of hot glue to secure the seam.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgesZlfUbo-L3RRUcet-gTzH3P9_9y9A0wUSmFSzfUlTY5I6omNWC5P0vALn9hcSQtAk_UDQWRcQs-VAf6WS7komhsciKTqLVoA4MYsrlES19qHVoMZSxE8q_cRdWh8ElDMIwx3hgiUin0E/s1600/photo-5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgesZlfUbo-L3RRUcet-gTzH3P9_9y9A0wUSmFSzfUlTY5I6omNWC5P0vALn9hcSQtAk_UDQWRcQs-VAf6WS7komhsciKTqLVoA4MYsrlES19qHVoMZSxE8q_cRdWh8ElDMIwx3hgiUin0E/s320/photo-5.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Then I continued folding just like I did three weeks before for Christmas. I added a few staples here and there to ensure tightness, but glued everything down and tucked in all the raw edges.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4-8_YyraMDBniTh9YegcZBJn1kdfGytTcZzIpXI8-ftCHbo04-fDki8H5Foa34eDvKAHhnQlEiMdHzYKvwnHNqm5munO13KcuOyzRCZkvkjBj6HRr0ba-Nxun-VI2M1okcSdgGZ9ngBnC/s1600/photo-6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4-8_YyraMDBniTh9YegcZBJn1kdfGytTcZzIpXI8-ftCHbo04-fDki8H5Foa34eDvKAHhnQlEiMdHzYKvwnHNqm5munO13KcuOyzRCZkvkjBj6HRr0ba-Nxun-VI2M1okcSdgGZ9ngBnC/s320/photo-6.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Finished end. I did the same thing on the other one.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKU3L5WOa_J4JTlWLeNfhtDRv3UpCICe6imExoaOpQknJogFhL64A_3tvVqha_O2bKXTiByH9HHvsesHSNhWkDSYN1ol3Gc6hQwHiKPzau8NeX3Hs39k_ahRyWts1u1tNDLUdBdddmETBr/s1600/photo-7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKU3L5WOa_J4JTlWLeNfhtDRv3UpCICe6imExoaOpQknJogFhL64A_3tvVqha_O2bKXTiByH9HHvsesHSNhWkDSYN1ol3Gc6hQwHiKPzau8NeX3Hs39k_ahRyWts1u1tNDLUdBdddmETBr/s320/photo-7.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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When I was done, I had a wrapped package, but it was a tad plain. I thought about razzle-dazzling it up with some rhinestones, but didn't want it to interfere with the pins. So I cut a length of white satin ribbon to cover up the seams and the few remaining exposed staples, hot glueing it down (tuck in the raw edge!).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPMuNECK-xzkEiqO26BiJvREXCFNQphtJCDheuhtQN6B51TbbmfvvSZoR9ureR2Yb63KBXLS2wSOPjjEWRSgH9Fz5uJDy0B3uo4BtD_Wod_JQlGxB7vAc9IK3NhwkX6ksfyjuLbTB3cMzI/s1600/photo-8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPMuNECK-xzkEiqO26BiJvREXCFNQphtJCDheuhtQN6B51TbbmfvvSZoR9ureR2Yb63KBXLS2wSOPjjEWRSgH9Fz5uJDy0B3uo4BtD_Wod_JQlGxB7vAc9IK3NhwkX6ksfyjuLbTB3cMzI/s320/photo-8.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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And there you have the finished project! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFAAoNN6GAIzqoad2zZOK9uRcf9t1hkODI-BCbt48OLnCnzNIzh1ixPWQjfgx-lWvlKCnArbDy1hZgC_Gl8KGnewkwPHiL7vuUClmOQjAQJ-7EBqxJThf-eI0t0a3RgA92UGcPy_VWrdR7/s1600/photo-9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFAAoNN6GAIzqoad2zZOK9uRcf9t1hkODI-BCbt48OLnCnzNIzh1ixPWQjfgx-lWvlKCnArbDy1hZgC_Gl8KGnewkwPHiL7vuUClmOQjAQJ-7EBqxJThf-eI0t0a3RgA92UGcPy_VWrdR7/s320/photo-9.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I had picked out the purple fabric weeks ago, then for Christmas, my friend Jennifer MADE ME a wrist pincushion, which was next on my list of things to tackle. She made it completely from scratch, even hand-sewing where a machine would have made her life so easy! I love wrist pincushions to have a place to put my pins when I'm done sewing...my dear Desmond, brother, doesn't really like sewing over pins, so I have to take them out as I go.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOKJ9rVBHiTJLygQIVriqaDEWx6WdgZahf4lsCDejDGIYSJmsKMhkU6dlxtle9CdHmy5ryGmhLyMF-j8lT_vKrJo87mtofc1hRYpWOJeGhCEZke2W1sKy28f0tdlYhszeu0LWKi3qVOdQv/s1600/photo-10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOKJ9rVBHiTJLygQIVriqaDEWx6WdgZahf4lsCDejDGIYSJmsKMhkU6dlxtle9CdHmy5ryGmhLyMF-j8lT_vKrJo87mtofc1hRYpWOJeGhCEZke2W1sKy28f0tdlYhszeu0LWKi3qVOdQv/s320/photo-10.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />Dustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02254914423626628253noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883074944505325199.post-62030393699744292102012-01-15T21:22:00.001-06:002012-01-15T21:22:37.172-06:0010 minutes of organizationThis week, I went through all of my old scrapbook stuff and attempted to organize it in a way that is more crafty, less scrapbook-y. Which went well. (I'm not scrapbooking anymore...too time consuming, and plus, I'm in love with Shutterfly.) Anyway, in my rummaging, I found clear page protectors, which inspired me to put them to good use.<br />
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So a trip to Wal-Mart for binders led to this:
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpxDmbUG81OU-xT6UNzhc3Pq-7tW8ryEfvCOHDSAN-b_i6sphv-oT0P811AQs93IPpNUgL-wPClwRxUVtHnXoWuWmryeC-TRnAi6tGpQPbNTMJ05IWJrEcofS4TLWJLgF5d2HnLHLY_wOK/s1600/photo-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpxDmbUG81OU-xT6UNzhc3Pq-7tW8ryEfvCOHDSAN-b_i6sphv-oT0P811AQs93IPpNUgL-wPClwRxUVtHnXoWuWmryeC-TRnAi6tGpQPbNTMJ05IWJrEcofS4TLWJLgF5d2HnLHLY_wOK/s400/photo-1.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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Yes, that's a Mudslide in the pic. :)<br />
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Which led to this:
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMdBdF4Mn2DNx9aJ14uRRa9jFIditJwu6x7YXuj-wIc1CU2lBK4hP0Cbz03qK0Ywl1J5tI5_Iqfjon1PUPBBUuZh6uuau_Pe7QJTeupyO79Is2FtMhZPFOLXn2g_eqxedctR-qNisLZ8a8/s1600/photo-11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMdBdF4Mn2DNx9aJ14uRRa9jFIditJwu6x7YXuj-wIc1CU2lBK4hP0Cbz03qK0Ywl1J5tI5_Iqfjon1PUPBBUuZh6uuau_Pe7QJTeupyO79Is2FtMhZPFOLXn2g_eqxedctR-qNisLZ8a8/s400/photo-11.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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I had recently gone through over a hundred Real Simple and Better Home and Garden magazines for the sake of recycling, and had ripped out several ideas/inspiration pages that were just stacked on a clipboard. And I realized I had several patterns for quilts and such, and why not keep them in one place? So I feel good about my future organized productivity plans.<br />
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Also sad to report that Wal-Mart binders were much cheaper than binders at Office Depot, which is one of my favorite stores, and was also open past 7 on a Sunday night. Damn Wal-mart yet again!Dustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02254914423626628253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883074944505325199.post-85711548873688591962012-01-12T11:47:00.012-06:002012-01-12T12:11:15.171-06:00Quilt CrazyI mentioned in my last post that I made a quilt for my mother-in-law for Christmas in 2010, so I wanted to make sure I included pictures.<br /><br />It all starts with a pattern. I knew I needed something with plenty of rotary cutting and straight lines, because even though I've made four quilts and two wall-hanging in high-school and college, it had been a while since I had done anything this complex. I chose "Basket Weave" a pattern by Diana McClun and Laura Nownes. The pattern was quite easy, for the most part, if you read directions. I, of course, have zero patience, so I spent a good deal of deadline time ripping stitches. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgd5efl0wOh6YBdVBiMBc2wnXaIpp7UfyI_XfR6vWVj8qfM1pUUJTu73YLA7bVxgk1597dJljkvWzkX3MusxScNZKq6bE-Edxv_eOV20uTqvhaZ3PvANLwB5qC9UwdGDH7gwOwjg8J-9nJ/s1600/P1150291.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgd5efl0wOh6YBdVBiMBc2wnXaIpp7UfyI_XfR6vWVj8qfM1pUUJTu73YLA7bVxgk1597dJljkvWzkX3MusxScNZKq6bE-Edxv_eOV20uTqvhaZ3PvANLwB5qC9UwdGDH7gwOwjg8J-9nJ/s400/P1150291.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696809022158709218" /></a><br /><br />Next are the fabrics. I knew I wanted to do it in blues, but no Duke-blue. My in-laws are from North Carolina and they are decided UNC fans. I spent an entire hour picking out eight shades of blue with as little Duke-blue as possible!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicMI-ixuYg6EAKfZn8ZM27lVSAEYNfZPvNvkdWldwNUNZH246V2tzit5ltS5iVBUJcs-d30uQKX0w40unJ9bu26DwC6S42HbdUdSFG8pB1EEvY5ULU03uC285mIH1uh32BVBSNkxsxSRGf/s1600/fabrics+copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicMI-ixuYg6EAKfZn8ZM27lVSAEYNfZPvNvkdWldwNUNZH246V2tzit5ltS5iVBUJcs-d30uQKX0w40unJ9bu26DwC6S42HbdUdSFG8pB1EEvY5ULU03uC285mIH1uh32BVBSNkxsxSRGf/s400/fabrics+copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696803956063148098" /></a><br /><br /> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6wMxsIepDhVaWjDzEsimB9S9aqhmvSyDHz64NPrjnSTZmIpqn2Viq935PloBBI913ds_K7i7JjZn-BwpHHaCRh0hZdaPKw9Kwtiko6ek9W_maSQH8ZFDRR5YyYUPKb6TYh2wCkRLh7r-y/s1600/P1150300.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6wMxsIepDhVaWjDzEsimB9S9aqhmvSyDHz64NPrjnSTZmIpqn2Viq935PloBBI913ds_K7i7JjZn-BwpHHaCRh0hZdaPKw9Kwtiko6ek9W_maSQH8ZFDRR5YyYUPKb6TYh2wCkRLh7r-y/s200/P1150300.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696809221199165346" /></a>Most quilters, especially the younger ones breaking into the craft, are experienced rotary cutters. I don't think I will ever make a quilt I can't cut entirely with a rotary. There are a few different rotary methods (my mom and I each do it differently). I like to iron my fabrics, fold them in half again, and line them up on my ruled mat. Then I slide my ruler away from the cuts, leaving the cut out in the open.<br /><br /><br />Of course, you need a helper:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYrsM4RuX0p-TBoDeTx428NTb8iHHBQnagioLQIG8iPXbcgasgL1VmZck4bVStPaLOPYnWw-eig8PtQpp0L9uMmdVanTsxGY0BomoghI4D_9VNLGWdloxV9l1BiIVRy6EosfgUHOWV1doM/s1600/P1150423.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYrsM4RuX0p-TBoDeTx428NTb8iHHBQnagioLQIG8iPXbcgasgL1VmZck4bVStPaLOPYnWw-eig8PtQpp0L9uMmdVanTsxGY0BomoghI4D_9VNLGWdloxV9l1BiIVRy6EosfgUHOWV1doM/s400/P1150423.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696806292741790770" /></a><br /><br />And this was the finished quilt-top. Martha's Quilting in Ledbetter, Ky., did an excellent job quilting it, and included an embroidered gift label on the back.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5N12e8pLQ3FRmeUKOvU4wjVuPiTjDy5UGdMhAC92IZUu_zD84srujaW7Ip-MWJWi2nTTTh5OCH2ZVeyRgmUAIcB0cxCgw84TB-UHmR2OPnqfX6JFh1XwdY0TpQD6nSmUgWHje_qfnW-4g/s1600/P1150435.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5N12e8pLQ3FRmeUKOvU4wjVuPiTjDy5UGdMhAC92IZUu_zD84srujaW7Ip-MWJWi2nTTTh5OCH2ZVeyRgmUAIcB0cxCgw84TB-UHmR2OPnqfX6JFh1XwdY0TpQD6nSmUgWHje_qfnW-4g/s400/P1150435.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696806596776958370" /></a><br /><br />The husband's cousin was also set to have a baby this fall, so I made this baby quilt in the nursery colors:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv2wKdBD9K_uzP_RF6RssBn-0uxXl8lMwp4MTTVQmY8aSuK3avrIGgyIvnMrKYc0MuhMT1ydj0tsJZ7b0SsjMnnxLGh01i4-_Cvh2AjCKTpLoUgDgnjQhZULzOrkK47Y3ZYWCbqF1A1BdL/s1600/photo-6.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv2wKdBD9K_uzP_RF6RssBn-0uxXl8lMwp4MTTVQmY8aSuK3avrIGgyIvnMrKYc0MuhMT1ydj0tsJZ7b0SsjMnnxLGh01i4-_Cvh2AjCKTpLoUgDgnjQhZULzOrkK47Y3ZYWCbqF1A1BdL/s400/photo-6.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696806991176638178" /></a><br /><br />I made it from a pattern I received from my high school home-ec teacher, and it's super easy. It involves about three yards of fabric, and it is good for a baby quilt or a wall hanging.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDwgqHX09tJtCmRUpy27ptJ7e3ydd_T4Q3yCNPzaHoiUGnY16UQu3IJ29lZIGeKLl8gBxpSvyjBqhBHu01hQajMLtH4eJ8yx3aaq7dBx19LHzb2Ns-HiloxL5M-ByMG-WRGwtJIhnLAIkc/s1600/photo-7.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDwgqHX09tJtCmRUpy27ptJ7e3ydd_T4Q3yCNPzaHoiUGnY16UQu3IJ29lZIGeKLl8gBxpSvyjBqhBHu01hQajMLtH4eJ8yx3aaq7dBx19LHzb2Ns-HiloxL5M-ByMG-WRGwtJIhnLAIkc/s320/photo-7.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696807395350977794" /></a>I loved the way the borders turned out:<br /><br /><br /><br />I wound up quilting this one on my machine, using the Warm and Natural cotton batting, and sadly I wasn't very happy with the end result. I didn't have a walking foot and my machine at the time couldn't drop its feed dogs, so it was a little puckered in places. But it was still quite vibrant and I hear the recipients loved it!Dustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02254914423626628253noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883074944505325199.post-9928041754556490882012-01-12T11:06:00.011-06:002012-01-12T11:32:59.123-06:00Hello World!<span style="font-weight:bold;">I'm back!</span> Yes, I've been gone too long, and it's embarrassing to get back to this blog after so long. But let me explain:<br /><br />It all started when I decided to make a quilt for my mother-in-law for Christmas. Since it was a secret, and some of the family check out this blog once in a while, so I couldn't post anything about it. And it consumed all my crafting time for about three months. <br /><br />After that, I got serious about a book I'm writing. It's a children's middle-reader novel, and as of yesterday, I've FINALLY finished the structure of it all. Now I have to edit. I have since learned that crafting and free-writing are nearly mutually exclusive, so I really wasn't crafty at all for several months.<br /><br />In the spring, I attended the AQS Quilt Show and Contest in Paducah with my mother, and I was completely inspired and compelled to craft again. I bought patterns and more supplies, and by the summer, I was again in full crafting swing (I was also taking a lengthy break from book-writing at this point!).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqWiaSuMfgwmBfiffpV3YS8zxxvuDNyiOskjOGXCAN1a6tNvchGvHOnPs_ycXL5HEbtWSQPVcBU1c2cOsLNAAV0pnO5wynWTDCxOf759cNxrx3eILJmXiW6HUVUTIHO2E8RBJGPvkIHH9B/s1600/print+bowl.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqWiaSuMfgwmBfiffpV3YS8zxxvuDNyiOskjOGXCAN1a6tNvchGvHOnPs_ycXL5HEbtWSQPVcBU1c2cOsLNAAV0pnO5wynWTDCxOf759cNxrx3eILJmXiW6HUVUTIHO2E8RBJGPvkIHH9B/s320/print+bowl.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696794743968253938" /></a><br /><br />I learned to make these, which I have since begun selling at a local market and have plans in the very near future to open an Etsy site. Stay tuned! In a six month span, I counted I've made over 40 of these fabric bowls for wedding presents, Christmas presents and custom orders. In the month of December, I was still making bowls on the eve of Christmas Eve. Whew!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWORQpSWQps39tKHammFw_-vanLnp5yVWjejUEzDJm0FeWdYTMkyei97Juki7ypqn2c7oNOE5EYV8QLnnX4iR81w0GLVxKVdJED8HMnluoGl3DQZhYnfUxY5EZc-89DOoo8JUurpNz61Xu/s1600/DSC_0034+copy.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWORQpSWQps39tKHammFw_-vanLnp5yVWjejUEzDJm0FeWdYTMkyei97Juki7ypqn2c7oNOE5EYV8QLnnX4iR81w0GLVxKVdJED8HMnluoGl3DQZhYnfUxY5EZc-89DOoo8JUurpNz61Xu/s400/DSC_0034+copy.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696796129386478738" /></a><br />In the process of making the bowls, I killed my first sewing machine (RIP Stanley the Singer) and wound up buying a nice Brother machine, which is named Desmond. (My husband and I had just finished watching all six seasons of LOST on Netflix, hence the name).<br /><br />For my friend Jennifer's birthday in December, I made these pillows for her bedroom. Ask for throw pillows and someone might actually listen...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6b4v3Wo-j7-4ogbaRumnevc123UKB1mrR-XMAHX6cTOTpkLgbkVpLHERaxqI19FoXJfMe6g6c8RKRS_nnTOQaMvs18dCvFIT5d95jbqSB5mIPgyPbw6r_euUnDg9uI5ERYFkSm0l0-_d-/s1600/DSC_0006+copy.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6b4v3Wo-j7-4ogbaRumnevc123UKB1mrR-XMAHX6cTOTpkLgbkVpLHERaxqI19FoXJfMe6g6c8RKRS_nnTOQaMvs18dCvFIT5d95jbqSB5mIPgyPbw6r_euUnDg9uI5ERYFkSm0l0-_d-/s200/DSC_0006+copy.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696795523976869058" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPahMCDK1tL2sdS8TRV-id1USbogTN_sdzycnJihaql6cVe7Nas_et1VjmrL5VxHPQlJdIYhiGNniMNJd9wQ8Ru32519DaEsssw3ohVTGe6tqJtNt3rEOeI9BzVPRL1sQmAQhyphenhyphenqqfTkNxb/s1600/DSC_0004+copy.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPahMCDK1tL2sdS8TRV-id1USbogTN_sdzycnJihaql6cVe7Nas_et1VjmrL5VxHPQlJdIYhiGNniMNJd9wQ8Ru32519DaEsssw3ohVTGe6tqJtNt3rEOeI9BzVPRL1sQmAQhyphenhyphenqqfTkNxb/s200/DSC_0004+copy.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696795706873171954" /></a><br />And notice the black stitch? Just one of the many functions of my new sewing machine - twin needle stitching! Love!<br /><br />If you give a mouse a cookie....well, if you teach a girl to craft, she's going to nee a place to do it. My husband agreed to give up his dreams of a man cave in the spare bedroom to give me a craft space. It works out, because when I'm in the spare room, he gets the TV and the Playstation all to himself. :)<br /><br />So it started like this before:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7luRfScFDCyGUK6A8qYXOCG3w673oELYa0pAn8EiLpXaeviGNZrRmaQl79tF4bPinEtH4ru4L6JnPldtcrG433MKjUvM5LXvQU_viY3mADCpsQLu4Vdt3ZyUXE_RZ_suFEhUPZUEWgTPc/s1600/DSC_0144+copy.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7luRfScFDCyGUK6A8qYXOCG3w673oELYa0pAn8EiLpXaeviGNZrRmaQl79tF4bPinEtH4ru4L6JnPldtcrG433MKjUvM5LXvQU_viY3mADCpsQLu4Vdt3ZyUXE_RZ_suFEhUPZUEWgTPc/s400/DSC_0144+copy.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696797141259479154" /></a><br /><br />To this after:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihbciwDZ8PaqKS2wSVreOMZr903ym8E2KK94wi-w_2US0-bVVcQD4Jibh0BlgM4m2foOJmEFNThpMYXhBZZFFchFdQv4efPxqwTUeRZYdasyF_ARmAac6xzbY2bNHPNQaHTlVah2S__sSP/s1600/DSC_0026+copy.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihbciwDZ8PaqKS2wSVreOMZr903ym8E2KK94wi-w_2US0-bVVcQD4Jibh0BlgM4m2foOJmEFNThpMYXhBZZFFchFdQv4efPxqwTUeRZYdasyF_ARmAac6xzbY2bNHPNQaHTlVah2S__sSP/s400/DSC_0026+copy.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696797359420620546" /></a><br /><br />And somewhere in the past couple months, we created a photo wall. If you haven't designed one of these, let me tell, you it is WORK. They look stunning in magazines and on Pinterest (my other new addiction!), but they are far from easy, and far from cheap. This one was done on a budget, using frames from Goodwill and on clearance at Michaels, many of which were spray-painted black. Then there was the trouble of picking out photos and getting them printed. And finding mats when needed. And having the right nails. In the end, this wall cost us about $100 with all the supplies. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyVeQgS9PQlweJD2ZjRhbcillmo4b33i7jrV-qAMEoHZiefQQ6G-Q1PHzhGNM7JW9NFiVrkZ1sE-niksPRWkBs05bB0WSVkaxeKc0wqHGnonAaV81IdNQmxMkLowjHqExLKEpaeHPQrPIB/s1600/DSC_0039+copy.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyVeQgS9PQlweJD2ZjRhbcillmo4b33i7jrV-qAMEoHZiefQQ6G-Q1PHzhGNM7JW9NFiVrkZ1sE-niksPRWkBs05bB0WSVkaxeKc0wqHGnonAaV81IdNQmxMkLowjHqExLKEpaeHPQrPIB/s400/DSC_0039+copy.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696798293957081314" /></a><br /><br />We used a ton of painter's tape to mark and level, and still, everything isn't perfectly spaced. And word of advice: purchase a <a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_247679-70-BDL220S_4294770554_45_?productId=1070395&Ns=p_product_prd_lis_ord_nbr|0||p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&pl=1¤tURL=%2Fpl_Laser%2BLevels_4294770554_45_%3FNs%3Dp_product_prd_lis_ord_nbr%7C0%7C%7Cp_product_qty_sales_dollar%7C1&facetInfo=">laser level </a>. We actually use it all the time. It's wonderful.Dustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02254914423626628253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883074944505325199.post-12263329801940024282010-07-13T22:00:00.004-05:002010-07-13T22:12:01.004-05:00Soooooo simple...Yet such a big bang.<br /><br />I consider it a gigantic failure if I leave a yard sale and have nothing in my hands. Saturday, I didn't have to worry about that, choosing to go to just one garage sale of a friend before heading off to my other Saturday activities.<br /><br />Among other things, I bought three clay pots for $3. They were a bit dirty, but for $3 it didn't really matter. Anyway, the process is pretty self explanatory. I bought a lovely can of red-high-heel red spray paint on clearance actually and went to work. I cleaned the pots first with water and a scrub pad, and even though the humidity <span style="font-style:italic;"> might </span> have been too high, I sprayed away!<br /><br />Before:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilXp_R-0r5mRC2vf8fLXt2n_WX8oDjgbUus7oRLOEQcwaoKv8cb8tykuAacyNQPmVPTvNWnvkFRPY9bpuh19hfHpNNz92c4ovhdOQgOiTLIJ6sKL9DHNMDejrW5amjjyvB7Q23tsBTck33/s1600/P1140644.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilXp_R-0r5mRC2vf8fLXt2n_WX8oDjgbUus7oRLOEQcwaoKv8cb8tykuAacyNQPmVPTvNWnvkFRPY9bpuh19hfHpNNz92c4ovhdOQgOiTLIJ6sKL9DHNMDejrW5amjjyvB7Q23tsBTck33/s400/P1140644.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493592182812160354" /></a><br /><br />After:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7O2IHWDiR6_u-gcR1EzjpPrZUC_PdsrPYaTUfjGfI-3epS5V1GSmnnD4zXZYHqWx0DwLZjqp26X6ZobR6NMYUuf5U4_COMYjGKnBSnEPkZCJ8lSpuSPHRTrpPpHphHnQJDKsZJTQMqVZ/s1600/P1140652.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7O2IHWDiR6_u-gcR1EzjpPrZUC_PdsrPYaTUfjGfI-3epS5V1GSmnnD4zXZYHqWx0DwLZjqp26X6ZobR6NMYUuf5U4_COMYjGKnBSnEPkZCJ8lSpuSPHRTrpPpHphHnQJDKsZJTQMqVZ/s400/P1140652.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493593274036901314" /></a><br /><br />I thought I wanted a matte finish, but I love love love love the high gloss look. Plus they match the red bookcase that is outside. (And yes, that would be the husband's hand in the background!).Dustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02254914423626628253noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883074944505325199.post-19206890355266729422010-07-13T21:49:00.005-05:002010-07-13T21:59:54.693-05:00Put a clearance sticker on it, and I'll buy it<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMi2PkFNaZQey5oskw7hw1cxo3rk4cet8a_o27cURqWEapdHfV_NL6UoV9oufSkBsQhrqVWjllK0tdbG_FjE1Ss0ZzebJUJPcRFA_iPbJtopvFPV-kzjKByE4ag58rRtYQcaXw2oyPIo7W/s1600/P1140641.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMi2PkFNaZQey5oskw7hw1cxo3rk4cet8a_o27cURqWEapdHfV_NL6UoV9oufSkBsQhrqVWjllK0tdbG_FjE1Ss0ZzebJUJPcRFA_iPbJtopvFPV-kzjKByE4ag58rRtYQcaXw2oyPIo7W/s400/P1140641.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493588840441885826" /></a><br /><br />I went to Michaels with a strict budget to buy crafty supplies for my sea shell endeavors. And then I came out with about $20 of wooden crafts to paint (I've got Christmas gifts for everyone in my spare room now!). These flower picture frames were less than a dollar each, and with paints on sale at Hobby Lobby, I spent about $5 on this project, not counting sealing spray (which is lovely, I might add).<br /><br />Anyway, these are going to a cousin-in-law soon for her twin baby girls. They were a perfect afternoon project.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMbVsJeYjLyTRLOAcUcseG-d_W7Whho2P8Byd_OF1PXZSo558OAw_2rikRL2we2wgkBp25QC0ye68hb_DQSN6GzYjbPjWHoFUBY6m9oiFhDR-ujuJBYVvulTcVgZvylnTVSIwGMY7gAtUC/s1600/flowers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMbVsJeYjLyTRLOAcUcseG-d_W7Whho2P8Byd_OF1PXZSo558OAw_2rikRL2we2wgkBp25QC0ye68hb_DQSN6GzYjbPjWHoFUBY6m9oiFhDR-ujuJBYVvulTcVgZvylnTVSIwGMY7gAtUC/s400/flowers.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493590061630723202" /></a><br /><br />I wanted to add a little pizzaz to the frames without getting too gawdy, so I simply dipped the end of one of my brushes into paint and dabbed four or five times for consecutively smaller paint dots to add a little texture.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic6fkcfnc0LGe-6YFdjnUU3luKLfiPUzVJ06_8GnrFLPxvprH7CvAKAitH3ewh5uYOf1ZUAiM7n1PfszqUSKalMajZjGrqpAqNZwMtUdcC6QxRr9j0pvfkyxa-XO1WQdZqaAvTnJJXpGJs/s1600/P1140650.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic6fkcfnc0LGe-6YFdjnUU3luKLfiPUzVJ06_8GnrFLPxvprH7CvAKAitH3ewh5uYOf1ZUAiM7n1PfszqUSKalMajZjGrqpAqNZwMtUdcC6QxRr9j0pvfkyxa-XO1WQdZqaAvTnJJXpGJs/s400/P1140650.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493591180826531954" /></a>Dustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02254914423626628253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883074944505325199.post-5709699339471209512010-06-29T23:41:00.006-05:002010-06-29T23:58:11.651-05:00She sells sea shells by the...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjMaxjnm7xu1TslMsuTeKzkif17jjwaiOfdvUnurOe1VCX5TCOlapLvmUALB81JaW4uhHZ92PDFRkYXoyqJfa0QhgZTRMxlaLpx7v_YlLf-RXIdc0pI1WgH70-sjf9In7Xx2PjbWQp-moj/s1600/P1140490.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjMaxjnm7xu1TslMsuTeKzkif17jjwaiOfdvUnurOe1VCX5TCOlapLvmUALB81JaW4uhHZ92PDFRkYXoyqJfa0QhgZTRMxlaLpx7v_YlLf-RXIdc0pI1WgH70-sjf9In7Xx2PjbWQp-moj/s400/P1140490.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488425191633097074" /></a><br /><br />Being from the midwest, vacations, and certainly those to the beach, didn't really exist for my family. So never in my growing up time, did I ever get the opportunity to hunt for sea shells.<br /><br />I made up for that fact about two weeks ago when the hubs and I took a much needed and deserved mini vacation to Wilmington and Carolina Beach. We got a fantastic deal on flights (download Southwest Airlines' clearance website Ding! to see what I'm talking about) and just took advantage of our vacation time coinciding with our 1-year anniversary. <br /><br />Anyway, everywhere I looked, I found sea shells, parts of sea shells and more sea shells. And of course, all I could see was potential crafties and gifts coming out of the natural beauties (word to the wise: don't get knocked down by the waves, like I did, while pulling the really good ones out of the surf before hitting land).<br /><br />I packed them up for the airplane ride home, and then let them soak in a 50-50 bleach-water solution, killing any germs or bacteria, and scrubbing them with a toothbrush. While I'm no where near done with my lovely little stock (sanding and polishing for jewelry is next), I did manage a couple of neat crafts this weekend while hanging out with my visiting parents. I didn't even use a table for any of these — strictly a floor project.<br /><br />Taking advantage of a Michael's gift card and a 15%off coupon, I bought several frames, one of which was this barnwood primitive frame (sorry for the sideways photo):<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn_mfDAt98UnB7olskfDp-KfdPe9iHnYp4RNzyWrvUzYuGjNuSeXQDFBlyjf4as3qmFqZFNdtlsO0jv6FzDrhb5UR3DK_p4DfzXRu6fv0JN_6J7Dbt9PTT4p5oHDrAMirXQRr9elQD3A8e/s1600/P1140487.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn_mfDAt98UnB7olskfDp-KfdPe9iHnYp4RNzyWrvUzYuGjNuSeXQDFBlyjf4as3qmFqZFNdtlsO0jv6FzDrhb5UR3DK_p4DfzXRu6fv0JN_6J7Dbt9PTT4p5oHDrAMirXQRr9elQD3A8e/s400/P1140487.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488424346486979602" /></a><br /><br />Which turned into this (flash worked nicely to cover up our faces!):<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVDC1jFUGBTGo7OE7YSfu7_kboXNXPlh067uXM17byBTXwFKQxQj06LgADKkO5wDnOkTKQ1X3NR8qY4UJCXAPbFsHqizd9LOyTcr-6IkfbKYbTCROJJPHPFIyvBLaI1YNRDD-09R-kx60W/s1600/P1140492.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVDC1jFUGBTGo7OE7YSfu7_kboXNXPlh067uXM17byBTXwFKQxQj06LgADKkO5wDnOkTKQ1X3NR8qY4UJCXAPbFsHqizd9LOyTcr-6IkfbKYbTCROJJPHPFIyvBLaI1YNRDD-09R-kx60W/s400/P1140492.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488425032212991074" /></a><br /><br />Using my best and most unusual shells, I created this shadow box. Instead of using the black velour backing of the box, I bought a 59 cent piece of heavy scrapbooking cardstock which matched the colors of my living room. Then I hot glued. The hot glue gun is my best friend in most of my projects, including these. (sorry for the sideways photo)<br /> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9bGEicHvSYH4i-g4r17oX77kZrOMbTqzLq1nK6aoP7TNh6Fekg2mlKFyImsEgaqD2dMfd28n-qglzfFCQ6uYrKO5HEY-bcjbUaogGl8_Uz6aiwAzrb88dPxe0IhdJ9BAZD03iRmg_i6D1/s1600/P1140488.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9bGEicHvSYH4i-g4r17oX77kZrOMbTqzLq1nK6aoP7TNh6Fekg2mlKFyImsEgaqD2dMfd28n-qglzfFCQ6uYrKO5HEY-bcjbUaogGl8_Uz6aiwAzrb88dPxe0IhdJ9BAZD03iRmg_i6D1/s400/P1140488.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488425930394485394" /></a><br /><br />Stay tuned for sea shell jewelry!Dustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02254914423626628253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883074944505325199.post-15795845203847622262010-06-27T21:09:00.005-05:002010-06-27T21:28:07.741-05:00March was a long time ago...Wow. Was it really March the last time I posted? Goodness. I'm a terrible blogger.<br /><br />In my defense. March wasn't a good month for me — in my line of work, March is my absolute busiest month. And this particular March, most of my job was out of town, making me actually miss the lovely wedding of my best friend Jennifer while I was in California, of all places.<br /><br />Anyway, no excuse really for April, May and most of June. My husband and I celebrated our 1-year anniversary, took a beach vacation and I turned 25. <br /><br />Well, and we have been busy with this: <br /><br />Before<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuB7XY4BKcp58q8AheukqxxW_OWu-BYDRRhzUUTo4hIa0jhBUWiUxiN9w854dms02TakmvLzekvqiz_kD5CujQK7SevXgook8HP7wy7lPAyO0KhjO1nh_mPCluLJTA-Gh7hIj2z-5xjeP8/s1600/P1130527.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuB7XY4BKcp58q8AheukqxxW_OWu-BYDRRhzUUTo4hIa0jhBUWiUxiN9w854dms02TakmvLzekvqiz_kD5CujQK7SevXgook8HP7wy7lPAyO0KhjO1nh_mPCluLJTA-Gh7hIj2z-5xjeP8/s400/P1130527.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487642283792984578" /></a><br /><br />To this, After<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHMSMRVrfW-MIS29b_oBiEYeCeuaajpS2b7E6iGuOM6DjD1LzJYNko6YBAB_wUM2ZQitRhv4qkdx5Jxko-yqg9gfHFCqPJxpUAzcxlkoLrNp5QlHl9CzucA_TgUs9Bxq7yVRgpk0gTbnB5/s1600/P1130544.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHMSMRVrfW-MIS29b_oBiEYeCeuaajpS2b7E6iGuOM6DjD1LzJYNko6YBAB_wUM2ZQitRhv4qkdx5Jxko-yqg9gfHFCqPJxpUAzcxlkoLrNp5QlHl9CzucA_TgUs9Bxq7yVRgpk0gTbnB5/s400/P1130544.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487642767246648802" /></a><br /><br />And this<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9V1HwG-aJ0ZhKrc2lp71XbQgBanXsC4-7RkOKwqlZzkofGeLQ94R89tRbM_ALTl_ZRkZQ4Am1yUApp1JOqmHP_QwIqeN8myc1V7QcIXNqucbp18PDgzt9hi6h0eJBcWDNhhYbFAMsaPgG/s1600/P1130852.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9V1HwG-aJ0ZhKrc2lp71XbQgBanXsC4-7RkOKwqlZzkofGeLQ94R89tRbM_ALTl_ZRkZQ4Am1yUApp1JOqmHP_QwIqeN8myc1V7QcIXNqucbp18PDgzt9hi6h0eJBcWDNhhYbFAMsaPgG/s400/P1130852.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487643739404410306" /></a><br /><br />Yes, we caught the gardening bug. We planted our garden, rather, dug out our overgrown flowerbed behind our rental duplex, and planted some vegetables on Easter weekend. We've been busy with it every day since. We've fought broccoli worms, not knowing enough about the plants' growing seasons, and one gigantic, horendous no good dirty rotten tomato horned worm.<br /><br />But, eating the fruits, er, vegetables of our labor has been so much fun. We've had cherry tomatoes for about three weeks now, and just picked our first red tomatoes, though they need to ripen another day before we slice into them.<br /><br />Anyway, hope our patio helps inspire you all this summer. It's dramatically changed our lives. Before it got sweltering hot, we would plan how to maximize our time outside, grilling and just sitting. We bought two bird feeders and have now become avid birders. Which also means in addition to all our above worries, you can add squirrels to the list (although, the best deterrent I've found to be, while not perfect, is coating our shepherd's crooks with petroleum jelly — quite amusing to find Mr. Squirrel sliding down the pole like a fireman!).Dustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02254914423626628253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883074944505325199.post-1284983313182248972010-03-13T20:22:00.004-06:002010-03-13T20:28:02.019-06:00DIY biodegradable Easter grass<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNTPkoTx1iZV0jfgD9MWRYO3pokIP21EFxPOjeOYExy2e9QJ01uQH_hHoE_aHITS79d3takJxo3OLEn3670ga8lc_41fZA67A7r5wmzq_rpnaD5f_GmKbQsC7WHHsDHMN3NwXHnnj9IMjv/s1600-h/P1130390.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNTPkoTx1iZV0jfgD9MWRYO3pokIP21EFxPOjeOYExy2e9QJ01uQH_hHoE_aHITS79d3takJxo3OLEn3670ga8lc_41fZA67A7r5wmzq_rpnaD5f_GmKbQsC7WHHsDHMN3NwXHnnj9IMjv/s400/P1130390.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448310484774700706" /></a><br /><br />Easter grass is one of the marvels of our society. While it's a cheery holiday decoration, it's abhorrent that the plastic strips of "grass" do nothing but cushion candy and precious eggs.<br /><br />I still remember growing up and finding strands sucked up and stuck to our vacuum roller and even poking out of pet vomit and dookie. I even have a friend who lists Easter grass as one of her worst fears.<br /><br />Anyway, don't buy any more of it. Ever. Instead, create your own with your household paper shredder!<br /><br />Use scraps of wrapping paper, card stock or other papers and send it through the shredder. If you don't care about looks, recycle your newspaper or store ads.Dustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02254914423626628253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883074944505325199.post-16820459603422368222010-03-13T20:07:00.005-06:002010-03-13T20:21:44.250-06:00Can you imagine if pipe cleaners actually cleaned pipes?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP9Dx3Xi3AgUiJwcweQSflNC1YRyeOujasrHGFE9KuhgtUI-olKgituQ3gfzzD5x9SN0IYOxJ35QxR2IMdt8RzlYGWKYi1Wwv7FvEovcSb_KT0z6gfJu1TSVPcvpxbGIOywf6JZlbb8Eny/s1600-h/P1130388.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP9Dx3Xi3AgUiJwcweQSflNC1YRyeOujasrHGFE9KuhgtUI-olKgituQ3gfzzD5x9SN0IYOxJ35QxR2IMdt8RzlYGWKYi1Wwv7FvEovcSb_KT0z6gfJu1TSVPcvpxbGIOywf6JZlbb8Eny/s400/P1130388.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448308584677295378" /></a><br /><br />You really got to give Martha Stewart mad props — she is quite amazing.<br /><br />I found these super cute pipe cleaner Easter baskets in last year's Easter issue of her Living magazine. The only cost is the $2 pastel pipe cleaner pack (100 pieces) I got at the crafts store.<br /><br />To start, take four pieces of pipe cleaner and create eight spokes. You can use whole pieces for a larger basket, or halve the pieces for a smaller basket. Cut another piece to add a ninth spoke and attach by bending it into the others. <br /><br />Starting from the middle, weave another pipe cleaner over and under the spokes. When you come to the end of the pipe cleaner, twist another one onto the end and keep weaving. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpVC3EbpZLTrtedn6qzx22QYXAt8GBJxuZCk58gOoQvgWx-n5_C6oQLufpNPm0t9PnTVHY52wndaf8ok9xOGobK5D4iIHOZE8rrjs06WFfhTryfGqqK06XI3WBFan4HwEPN-EI2QfV1LTv/s1600-h/P1130382.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpVC3EbpZLTrtedn6qzx22QYXAt8GBJxuZCk58gOoQvgWx-n5_C6oQLufpNPm0t9PnTVHY52wndaf8ok9xOGobK5D4iIHOZE8rrjs06WFfhTryfGqqK06XI3WBFan4HwEPN-EI2QfV1LTv/s400/P1130382.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448308763885190818" /></a><br /><br />Once you get a sizeable base (think three or four pipe cleaner weavings), bend the spokes upward to form the sides of the basket.<br /><br />When you've reached your preferred height of the sides, twist the end of the open pipe cleaner into the basket. Cut the tips of the spokes down to where about 1/4 inch remains, leaving two on opposite sides to help secure the handle. Fold the tips down, alternating on the inside and outside, to secure the top layer of basket.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh2VBPZTvWXaaKmAHdZMyxSn4q5evCi1q8pAdW_xMTjsn3OFGFR2CCGcQj_bOqyX0k4arp1CldAqtVDMPfUGSCH7UFROvuybB9MoknBmJdb2fE9B519ehSLzxyoykd1kzyWA09GjqGq1ni/s1600-h/P1130385.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh2VBPZTvWXaaKmAHdZMyxSn4q5evCi1q8pAdW_xMTjsn3OFGFR2CCGcQj_bOqyX0k4arp1CldAqtVDMPfUGSCH7UFROvuybB9MoknBmJdb2fE9B519ehSLzxyoykd1kzyWA09GjqGq1ni/s400/P1130385.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448308966581105378" /></a><br /><br />Twist two more pipe cleaners together to make the handle, molding it into a handle-like curve. Using the two leftover spokes, twist the ends around the handle.<br /><br />Variations: Use brown pipe cleaners to make a decorative spring nest for birds. While weaving the sides of the basket, add beads to give it some razzle dazzle.Dustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02254914423626628253noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883074944505325199.post-51106032994352957692010-03-13T20:01:00.002-06:002010-03-13T20:07:30.821-06:00Easy votive gift favors<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWvhQQFjacAOseNmSWsD79s7Yi1tQJSEVIzXhebl6oh89gtNGaVf3AUGqpFK4tZyTvqbFbnrC2VBU7pd7zA8CzevRj6eucGBALdJTFS9ER6BbTODcbXXje-uqED6JmFcAKyua_XcIpx3ja/s1600-h/P1130370.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWvhQQFjacAOseNmSWsD79s7Yi1tQJSEVIzXhebl6oh89gtNGaVf3AUGqpFK4tZyTvqbFbnrC2VBU7pd7zA8CzevRj6eucGBALdJTFS9ER6BbTODcbXXje-uqED6JmFcAKyua_XcIpx3ja/s400/P1130370.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448305209379131682" /></a><br />I'm not exactly sure where I saw this idea, but it's fairly basic in terms of crafting ability. <br /><br />And looking at these now, these votives would have made perfect favors at any wedding (I went with sparklers and personalized matches at ours). <br /><br />The supplies are super easy: glass votive jars, thin-width ribbon and cupcake liners. <br /><br />I found these perfect red liners on clearance after Valentine's Day at Hobby Lobby. I paid about a quarter. The ribbon was also on sale for $1. The votives I believe were $1 each.<br /><br />Before tying the liner on, mold it to the top of the votive, spreading out the preformed fold for the bottom to fit your slightly larger votive mouth.Dustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02254914423626628253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883074944505325199.post-24105928273006980182010-03-07T23:01:00.009-06:002010-03-07T23:32:38.341-06:00The Strawberry Cake FiascoAs March begins, there still hasn't been much crafty time in my life. The crafty-est I've gotten lately is making a cake for our church's birthday dinner, where we set up 12 tables, one for each month of the year, decorated them according to month, and made everyone sit at the table of their birth.<br /><br />Fun!<br /><br />I decide my contribution is not crafty table decorations. Oh no, that would be too easy. I decide to make a cake. Which then turns into a disaster, one step at a time.<br /><br />Upon planning, I realized I had never made a cake before. Not a real one anyway. I have made scads of cupcakes, a sheet cake once or twice and a Happy Birthday Husband Bundt cake (he thinks its funny to ask for a bundt cake when I ask what he might want for dinner). But I had never made a layer cake.<br /><br />Yes, that would be a cake virgin.<br /><br />To add insult to injury, I didn't even own cake pans. They had somehow escaped my wedding registry, so I bought two and a white cake mix and went to work.<br /><br />My first goal was if it didn't taste good, at least it would look good. Which promptly went to hell (or heck to any church folks reading about my church contribution to my church function) when I brought out the perfectly baked cake from my unlevel oven.<br /><br />Apparently, we are the first users of our oven at our rental duplex. Apparently, leveling your oven unit is crucial to baking. Apparently.<br /><br />This doesn't quite sink in to me when I place the first layer on my cake dish and slather it with strawberry preserves — my choice filling. It does sink in once the second layer went on top and didn't quite make ends meet. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7_jJCUZ-k1WH_QM2bLUR7UAqPBQarVfLucCZkQS58Jrhmm3k9ltehLdQL34EFdMkNf6eYzTr1d1t_4lKejadgmA5N_6X6tp6A4pynOTjPLrBF6rRDJmn_3XjWzFeM-RsdzpgnnuzXg5Fv/s1600-h/P1130352.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7_jJCUZ-k1WH_QM2bLUR7UAqPBQarVfLucCZkQS58Jrhmm3k9ltehLdQL34EFdMkNf6eYzTr1d1t_4lKejadgmA5N_6X6tp6A4pynOTjPLrBF6rRDJmn_3XjWzFeM-RsdzpgnnuzXg5Fv/s200/P1130352.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446129573601424546" /></a><br />After consulting with the husband, whose grandmother is the cake-baking extraordinare and regularly ships either a sheet cake or three-layer chocolate cake eight hours with the hubs' parents on visits to us, I decide the massive gaps on the sides can just be filled with icing.<br /><br />Keep in mind, none of my "cake baking" is truly from scratch. If the cake isn't from a box, I can't imagine why you would want to make it.... but anyway, my icing choice was a cream cheese frosting off the store shelf. Smart idea or not (I decide later on "not smart") I make the cake and ice it on Friday night, which is when I had the most free time since I work on Saturdays. I ice away.<br /><br />Here is where the true catastrophes start in. Coming home Saturday, I find a gigantic Grand Canyon-sized crack in the top of my cake. I immediately blame the hubs, who swears he didn't even sniff at it. Apparently (great word) gravity sank onto my cake, pulling the heavy top layer down to rest on the uneven bottom layer, splitting the top. I have no pictures because I was too distraught at the time to chronicle my fate.<br /><br />Another consultation with the hubs, and I decide to fill the canyon with icing.<br /><br />At this point, my goal changes to if it won't look good, at least it will taste good. And this was quite an event at church...no cake meant a huge let-down. And I refused to buy a store-bought cake, more than anything fearing Wal-Mart simply wouldn't have one once I got there, and then where would I be?<br /><br />Sunday morning, the day of the event, I get up early to really put the razzle dazzle into the cake using strawberry art. I sliced several strawberries into the thinnest pieces possible, separating the end pieces from the insides. Then I went to work.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiElc5SEzUTm5wMGY4LWJZ38BwcN_tHYeOfgXGRm8cYqkLkJEpSf8mPkgrxClndJDPl2n97moCkqUFwuE7rl3drqn2PKQPs2VTgIc5INU_gnRtkYrcIT4QeV1yP8tE0oo0ZCLQVwB0KWB6G/s1600-h/P1130356.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiElc5SEzUTm5wMGY4LWJZ38BwcN_tHYeOfgXGRm8cYqkLkJEpSf8mPkgrxClndJDPl2n97moCkqUFwuE7rl3drqn2PKQPs2VTgIc5INU_gnRtkYrcIT4QeV1yP8tE0oo0ZCLQVwB0KWB6G/s320/P1130356.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446129897858471010" /></a><br /><br />Beautiful, right? At this moment, I'm obviously so proud of my maiden cake voyage that I actually carry it into the living room for an impromptu photo shoot in natural light.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizCCHy_2uap6w5yCnlzq6t8MzmHHd5LBQncOhmvx4W74Yftoj05mpuvNQNUuiEmAl7myQiCipBtifCbm6QRI_cTj3RSu98eBAtVcuI48aOPoFOPJCJXeDZkf8mmJ-i_VXFQ-VCPuTxiUI6/s1600-h/P1130360.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizCCHy_2uap6w5yCnlzq6t8MzmHHd5LBQncOhmvx4W74Yftoj05mpuvNQNUuiEmAl7myQiCipBtifCbm6QRI_cTj3RSu98eBAtVcuI48aOPoFOPJCJXeDZkf8mmJ-i_VXFQ-VCPuTxiUI6/s400/P1130360.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446130146305994386" /></a><br /><br />By the time I get it to church, though, half the strawberries have fallen off the cake and are oozing all over the plate and the cake. My shepherding elder lady friends tell me to put it in the freezer to firm up during church.<br /><br />I'd like to say that was the end of the tragedy. Almost. Everyone who ate the cake loved it and raved about it. Still, there was a little left over so I put it back into the cake transporter and went back home. <br /><br />As I got it out of the car and juggled my other belongings, the contents of my arms, including the cake, fell to the ground. Cake smashed. Cake plate slightly cracked.<br /><br />And no, I never got a single bite of my own first cake.<br /><br />And that's my crafty February.Dustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02254914423626628253noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883074944505325199.post-13457090977133060702010-02-03T21:14:00.005-06:002010-02-03T21:32:42.361-06:00A Shutterfly ButterflyWhile I haven't been exceptionally "crafty" lately, I have been a pretty motivated Shutterfly-er. <br /><br />With all of our wedding pictures, I wanted to create albums for myself, our moms and our grandmothers.<br /><br />I opted to create hand-crafted scrapbooks with white satin covered 8X8 albums for the grandmothers, which I thought would be a lot of fun. Making five albums, 20 pages each of wedding and engagement photos was quite the job and less fun, let me tell you! But they turned out lovely, and the recipients seemed to love them. <br /><br />For myself and our moms, I designed leather-bound albums on Shutterfly (we opted to purchase the jpeg images of all our photos rather than rely on purchasing prints from our photographer — see Missouri-based <a href="http://aviaphotography.com">Avia Photography here</a>, consisting of husband-wife team Mallory and Brian Taulbee [they're geniuses!]). Anyway, the albums were tremendously easy, and price-wise, were so frugal once you considered the cost of developing photos and other scrapbook details and doodads I could have spent actually scrapbooking.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGwqlmvEljH1m1L3y-TXg72nrM0YNIceu_mkwUbEI-fhSYrOskG-xCLrdxMn1ugM3bKcTyYDkoTgJZ1Qw1iH91nM-NCGvV5MD8zb0AMcCvTaYEetSSbCFyZa_sL86NY9GU8iLUbLrk0UV8/s1600-h/wedding+album+pic.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 274px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGwqlmvEljH1m1L3y-TXg72nrM0YNIceu_mkwUbEI-fhSYrOskG-xCLrdxMn1ugM3bKcTyYDkoTgJZ1Qw1iH91nM-NCGvV5MD8zb0AMcCvTaYEetSSbCFyZa_sL86NY9GU8iLUbLrk0UV8/s320/wedding+album+pic.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434223657361286882" /></a><br /><br />For Christmas, I used nearly every one of Shutterfly's creative offerings. I made one set of grandparents a calendar using pictures of flowers I took in their garden during the summer. I made my mom a personalized pad of peacock stationary. I created a lovely photo book using our honeymoon photos.<br /><br />One of my favorite perks about using Shutterfly are the ever-changing sales. Some weeks, photo books are buy one get one 50 percent off. Some weeks, they are 20 percent off. You can get free shipping on various purchase amounts about every week, and other items are constantly going on and off sale. Figuring out when to order my projects (which are saved indefinitely) based on which sales are going on is quite fun for me. <br /><br />I'm always getting promotional e-mails, including one a month ago giving me an online code for 12 free stationary cards (I believe this is because I nearly spent a lifetime savings' worth at the company in December), so I used it towards my Valentine's cards: <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihjAOh-eI7V9VLhXqE3NcZ6g7tbcIq0wfjtk7e7YDXdLKH-DvJEYRqeWtFjN8A4i8tj-fzhyphenhyphenH0wuhD8Xv0sx-b1xl9tdY0idTw0XxU5bqr_TOqVus_q-LLPSYxd398y0khUE_yQ6upiUYx/s1600-h/vday+card+pic.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 229px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihjAOh-eI7V9VLhXqE3NcZ6g7tbcIq0wfjtk7e7YDXdLKH-DvJEYRqeWtFjN8A4i8tj-fzhyphenhyphenH0wuhD8Xv0sx-b1xl9tdY0idTw0XxU5bqr_TOqVus_q-LLPSYxd398y0khUE_yQ6upiUYx/s320/vday+card+pic.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434225064459721394" /></a><br /><br />Check out <a href="http://shutterfly.com">Shutterfly's awesome Web site</a> (P.S., you get a free $20 gift card for Shutterfly when you register for your bridal things at Target).Dustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02254914423626628253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883074944505325199.post-23106588456515588452010-01-29T16:16:00.010-06:002010-01-29T16:34:13.875-06:00I'm back!Hello!<br /><br />Sorry to everyone for going AWOL for a bit. Like the rest of you, December was a busy month. My boss went on vacation, and my coworker was still out on sick leave during that time, in addition to traveling to two states for Christmas gatherings, December just flew by.<br /><br />And January, well, I've just been enjoying laziness. I figured out how to use my DVR function on the cable box, therefore I have a dozen episodes of The Golden Girls awaiting me at all times. I get up, watch the Girls, and then go to work. But now, I think I've had enough of my laziness, so I'll get back around to be posting more on here.<br /><br />Today is a snow day. My first since college and high school. Kentucky is expecting the Snowpocalypse 2010, so everything has been canceled and postponed and whatnot for today. (Last year, we had a catastrophic ice storm at the exact same time of the year, so everyone is in panic mode.) <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3gEk0A0DK3jaZ2muvOSoV-z3PPv3NMWRmuXeTaCv2q5ilKdIBag1rih4mFRhA4KQ0dDAqElj50evWJ2tsjEDCQgE7pyJrqXlT8_0ApCbVZZbW_z9qdSOSNCU6HKEWHUqhdfBcxeErYXOk/s1600-h/DSC_5461.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3gEk0A0DK3jaZ2muvOSoV-z3PPv3NMWRmuXeTaCv2q5ilKdIBag1rih4mFRhA4KQ0dDAqElj50evWJ2tsjEDCQgE7pyJrqXlT8_0ApCbVZZbW_z9qdSOSNCU6HKEWHUqhdfBcxeErYXOk/s320/DSC_5461.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432291609975329138" /></a><br /><br />Anyway, my plan was to finally get around to upholstering one of those white chairs I wrote about earlier. But, I chickened out. I bought everything I need, including wood stain for the wooden legs. When I read the directions, it said to keep away from open flame, and we have the pilot light going on our fireplace, so I'd rather not risk it. Plus, I remembered the hubs is pretty sensitive in his sinuses to the scent of finish and such, so I may wait until spring now. But here's a look at my supplies: <br /><br />I bought some fake-suede at Hobby Lobby on sale to go on the back of the chair and the print I showed earlier for the seat.<br /><br />While I'm blogging, I'll share a picture frame I put together before Christmas as a kids craft. I bought the wooden frame for $1 at Michaels, then glued (with Elmer's Glue!) buttons on the front. Super easy and super cute! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibsqT6ansxGx-lYLba_-QYe_29hR9SwmrNovMGPWfNyGK8eMTnXkd8phxZUKZfnICGKJP67u8dNud_EbXQlcXYkk6LZp_pUWHjka7NEJKCZl0EhbuFQBiPYMJ66coUKfgUSwaFgmj8uLPo/s1600-h/P1130134.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibsqT6ansxGx-lYLba_-QYe_29hR9SwmrNovMGPWfNyGK8eMTnXkd8phxZUKZfnICGKJP67u8dNud_EbXQlcXYkk6LZp_pUWHjka7NEJKCZl0EhbuFQBiPYMJ66coUKfgUSwaFgmj8uLPo/s320/P1130134.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432292846187815810" /></a>Dustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02254914423626628253noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883074944505325199.post-42184550696778274422009-12-01T22:07:00.012-06:002009-12-01T22:26:15.520-06:00Glitter pine cone ornaments<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_CJfF-PAP8hYIjqHaGnfn5Y7VX-LoIrs6573T1xcJo0R4f16sqRcP3tywViArOLDOKnapB_tkw72pBJb8b8Ac8tHHFG9j5rss1Z_Fl9eKyOlTjBqZ4CNsAzafO_RrFsJAEmmCOtTEjsyO/s1600-h/P1130143.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_CJfF-PAP8hYIjqHaGnfn5Y7VX-LoIrs6573T1xcJo0R4f16sqRcP3tywViArOLDOKnapB_tkw72pBJb8b8Ac8tHHFG9j5rss1Z_Fl9eKyOlTjBqZ4CNsAzafO_RrFsJAEmmCOtTEjsyO/s400/P1130143.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410489370090051298" /></a><br />Probably the most simple, tried and true kids craft, glitter pine cone ornaments are timeless, if done correctly.<br /><br />Somehow, God granted me the privilege of living in front of a grove of towering, whispering pines, which had a nice crop of pine cones on the floor for me to collect - free of charge of course.<br /><br />After I cleaned all the resin and needles out of them, I went to work. <br /><br />The first step in making a successful pine cone ornament, or at the very least a decorative pine cone, is fastening a tie to the stem of the cone. This way, you can hang it as an ornament, or after hanging it to dry, you can remove the ribbon.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_GzLHBDJXPY9rS-hAv-t0cj0QfONn1xTGxA4xQ5bL3nEDrL2CCaARH9zI7kHEDUIh-qb0uaRgKKulQ3u6WmG0YtAsP8dKs0pGM5oX9eScv8HKhQIzJayEbJMcGourXZymB4oUB8mIwkFs/s1600-h/P1130126.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_GzLHBDJXPY9rS-hAv-t0cj0QfONn1xTGxA4xQ5bL3nEDrL2CCaARH9zI7kHEDUIh-qb0uaRgKKulQ3u6WmG0YtAsP8dKs0pGM5oX9eScv8HKhQIzJayEbJMcGourXZymB4oUB8mIwkFs/s320/P1130126.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410486243772402514" /></a><br />While holding the ornament by the tie and using regular school glue, cover the tips lightly with glue. I made the mistake of using too much glue the first time, and it dripped while drying. <br /><br />Then, using fine glitter, lightly dust the tips. As with first-grade Glitter 101, make sure you keep your glitterings over a paper plate or newsprint, and save the excess to use again. My choice of glitter this time was the Martha Stewart collection of reds I bought on sale at Wal-Mart for $5. The package said it's for stamping crafts, but is way more valuable to me for other things and giving a little razzle dazzle to ordinary projects.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjySC3qpN-_XSCh6jUv5ZjLrdW_p2auWIKy4LAPsQ2-NxJHn8NZDjItM1QghmE_0jqRbg33MOakDdoZ4fgYPTtvLP2ZnFOpweLbY-G5kNUDS7eVFZ6znfyavR0az3vDI809PmKtDgxnESSK/s1600-h/P1130131.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjySC3qpN-_XSCh6jUv5ZjLrdW_p2auWIKy4LAPsQ2-NxJHn8NZDjItM1QghmE_0jqRbg33MOakDdoZ4fgYPTtvLP2ZnFOpweLbY-G5kNUDS7eVFZ6znfyavR0az3vDI809PmKtDgxnESSK/s320/P1130131.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410487718413135154" /></a><br /><br />To go with the glitter cones, I tried spray-painting several other cones a bronze color with leftover paint from my earlier lamp project. They didn't turn out quite like I wanted them to (I think I went too heavy on the paint), and in the painting process, had the paint leak from my crafting cloth onto my patio table. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg1veWO0DnkUv1L9LgSC2k9ZQv9z9XfxeGUWpmo2d7qsFjIuZw2vn8DvpYzAnkvZrKt1uQb2iN2tFhND0rQePrGLQ0YedKBApatIw7PMOf2FFyMTNJRdSS0k0IVT7TNW9pSuTJdOOTHway/s1600-h/P1130140.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg1veWO0DnkUv1L9LgSC2k9ZQv9z9XfxeGUWpmo2d7qsFjIuZw2vn8DvpYzAnkvZrKt1uQb2iN2tFhND0rQePrGLQ0YedKBApatIw7PMOf2FFyMTNJRdSS0k0IVT7TNW9pSuTJdOOTHway/s320/P1130140.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410489127254575890" /></a><br />I liked the cones better as a center piece, so I grouped them all in a crystal bowl I had my grandma dig out of her basement when I visited for Thanksgiving. <br /><br />Cost of project: $0.50. I probably used less than a quarter's worth of glitter and about a quarter's worth of spray paint. What an awesome way to make a cheap decoration!Dustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02254914423626628253noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883074944505325199.post-12420203022222958362009-12-01T00:18:00.003-06:002009-12-01T00:24:12.553-06:00And the Gum Drop goes to...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjYFAKkICU4eQnlUK83YU9yi_NwkY7J2LR0SAfAzRJ2P0brItkQpnWph7nHCG4tY9WasR2SGgPr7GKiihe1RjQS9feuqcRHZlZHU3rTrNA1t1Un1sVH317THS11mrqSODZ4yRiRzYjnzX3/s1600/P1130115.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjYFAKkICU4eQnlUK83YU9yi_NwkY7J2LR0SAfAzRJ2P0brItkQpnWph7nHCG4tY9WasR2SGgPr7GKiihe1RjQS9feuqcRHZlZHU3rTrNA1t1Un1sVH317THS11mrqSODZ4yRiRzYjnzX3/s400/P1130115.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410148705188101570" /></a><br />Grandma Bebe.<br /><br />Yes, her name is Bebe. And she is every bit as exciting as a Bebe could be. Bebe is crafty. Rather, she is artistic. She paints in oils (hundreds of paintings in many family members' homes). She also puts together gigantic dollhouses, making teeny, tiny flower arrangements out of paper scraps and wire, or making lamps out of mini perfume bottles and lids from toothpaste caps. Ingenious. <br /><br />Anyway, her birthday was two days before Thanksgiving, so Bebe got my prototype gum drop wreath. Happy Birthday, Grandma!<br /><br />Right now, I'm swamped at work, so crafty time has been limited. But, I do have some stuff I've created for kids Christmas crafts I'll post on here within the week. And by the end of this weekend, hopefully, we'll be done decorating for Christmas. I'll post pics then, too.<br /><br />Happy December!Dustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02254914423626628253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883074944505325199.post-34275983320510362822009-11-21T15:04:00.005-06:002009-11-21T15:18:06.267-06:00Gum Drop Goodness<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8EEHfL_nR1OppMJpFDjXUH_T7dfuxOmpPmnYulEtoiNG9XDyqaAM7ZtXlLEhJlkWtge4HRIna-Xn0RDYaHx_VASaRjdMNiDrUPVBGVNboAB0pF6xnG88QAeQKIWJ66Y0tiQYKjac8O2Nw/s1600/P1120994.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8EEHfL_nR1OppMJpFDjXUH_T7dfuxOmpPmnYulEtoiNG9XDyqaAM7ZtXlLEhJlkWtge4HRIna-Xn0RDYaHx_VASaRjdMNiDrUPVBGVNboAB0pF6xnG88QAeQKIWJ66Y0tiQYKjac8O2Nw/s400/P1120994.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406666417290977842" /></a><br /><br />This idea actually came from a Martha Stewart craft book, and of course, like all things Martha, just looked decadent in the book (hers was made entirely in cream-colored gum drops). In reality, mine doesn't look like hers, but I'm satisfied with it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgccrV43N0qSkRFtjIJ5reR5M1Dxie5XsIT7IZwqhAZu1mX-_YgHEcvwxNg7WMzYhuJojK6_VT8ILPpMvA-tQjt-Gx7xOmtoiTc8wUW1hit1BM2cMvOXUXXqliK3MSAsTe2FAQ2M9Hucz1j/s1600/P1120990.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgccrV43N0qSkRFtjIJ5reR5M1Dxie5XsIT7IZwqhAZu1mX-_YgHEcvwxNg7WMzYhuJojK6_VT8ILPpMvA-tQjt-Gx7xOmtoiTc8wUW1hit1BM2cMvOXUXXqliK3MSAsTe2FAQ2M9Hucz1j/s200/P1120990.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406666212865644642" /></a>First, I bought two bags of "spice drops" as they're called at Wal-Mart for a $1 a bag. Before you start, take some wire and make a loop for hanging, so your gum drops can circle around it. Martha said to take toothpicks and break them in half, then stick the pointy ends into the wreath. Then you stick on the gum drop. Easy enough. Start your inside row first, but don't go all the way around. Instead, work in pieces and strips all over the wreath, so it has a uniform pattern.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYC6n0AlxIi1kNlrzhfpgDace4Y-mCCQao519KXBVTSOLBTdiFDqjRie_X4OH4_qrb4uZSKJtYfytRUjPMUkTb1yykn-sRvWHQGcufQYR93YjKRtkIFSd-eRsvPMWuESwdp7t_I5jR_SmT/s1600/P1120984.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYC6n0AlxIi1kNlrzhfpgDace4Y-mCCQao519KXBVTSOLBTdiFDqjRie_X4OH4_qrb4uZSKJtYfytRUjPMUkTb1yykn-sRvWHQGcufQYR93YjKRtkIFSd-eRsvPMWuESwdp7t_I5jR_SmT/s320/P1120984.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406665980741049170" /></a><br />In theory, the toothpick idea is super. In practice, I'm not sold. Half way through the wreath (and this is a smallish 8-inch wreath form, which cost about $4), my thumb and pointer finger were burning from the pushing the wooden sticks through the foam resistance. My thought is to hot glue the drops on, although I have yet to do it. I'd like to buy some foam cones and cover them with drops, so maybe I will try it then.<br /><br />All in all, I'm pleased, and for the cost, it wasn't terrible. The multi-color drops aren't too Christmasy, which I was going for. I imagine you could buy a solid set of gum drops at a candy store, but I know those types of candies can run about $5 a pound, so that becomes cost ineffective for me right now.Dustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02254914423626628253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883074944505325199.post-14401605302191604612009-11-19T20:51:00.004-06:002009-11-19T20:55:25.662-06:00Folding TreesThanks to Folding Trees to giving Razzle Dazzle Crafting some publicity today!!! Seeing my wreath on someone else's Web site was super cool!<br /><br />Check it out here: <a href="http://www.foldingtrees.com/" mce_href="http://www.foldingtrees.com/"><img src="http://foldingtrees.com/images/ft_button.jpg" source="blank"/></a><br /><br />Stay tuned: Gum drop wreath instructions and pictures coming soon!Dustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02254914423626628253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883074944505325199.post-56839428607019202242009-11-11T22:34:00.006-06:002009-11-11T22:46:36.791-06:00Crafty Christmas Wreath<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1vhwVnNCjnA7A1zfhspINTbyDdEasNd3YlOBBLUSa0Xtu55GpzpZgzGvyq2OTqrP3SGCjcKzottZsUVMee5RRDo1_6BtPMwOItyOFkRc-zHactoEO1WemQLRrcvGORSaLdx4D53Dtbas5/s1600-h/P1120979.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1vhwVnNCjnA7A1zfhspINTbyDdEasNd3YlOBBLUSa0Xtu55GpzpZgzGvyq2OTqrP3SGCjcKzottZsUVMee5RRDo1_6BtPMwOItyOFkRc-zHactoEO1WemQLRrcvGORSaLdx4D53Dtbas5/s400/P1120979.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403072995330352370" /></a><br /><br />After spending many, many blog posts and much, much of my time on decorations and design for the house, I got back to being a bit more crafty tonight.<br /><br />I saw something similar in a magazine and went to work today. It was actually pretty easy, but very tedious. I used a matching scrapbook paper kit from Big Lots (yay for cheap prices!), and cut the paper into 1X5 inch strips with my cutting slider. Then I stapled the ends together before hot gluing them in strips around the 12-inch wreath form. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix8azRsKzQMDhtTeRjKeuMqGqO34skntZBDd8jqZ71n7FLo48_45bstq7aNObha6jDdZ3jVUvnyUS8ZX1z8sbRkkUoAGWzbdew6BvZnFp8SLVrdB6Y0UstLBIdAERHGY5riP1M_d4bItxL/s1600-h/P1120977.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix8azRsKzQMDhtTeRjKeuMqGqO34skntZBDd8jqZ71n7FLo48_45bstq7aNObha6jDdZ3jVUvnyUS8ZX1z8sbRkkUoAGWzbdew6BvZnFp8SLVrdB6Y0UstLBIdAERHGY5riP1M_d4bItxL/s200/P1120977.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403073418056400562" /></a><br />Total time to complete the project was about three straight hours of work. And I mean straight. And every time I thought I had cut enough strips, I had to cut more.<br /><br />About the time it became difficult to put more layers on, I added the ribbon to tie it off, wrapping it around the open section several times and securing with hot glue.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfjsFL2e33qd2DhmyOqivqlAahWkTEZ8U2WK33ZQE5yjga6QelzuQE4iQK8DAJk2LVStld3OJ16vrcK4wyz8euy_yAkvRNd5gLJRp7kw9a6hxWmvtK8LI1MkHe38lh1FcbSQTFgYBCMcry/s1600-h/P1120972.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfjsFL2e33qd2DhmyOqivqlAahWkTEZ8U2WK33ZQE5yjga6QelzuQE4iQK8DAJk2LVStld3OJ16vrcK4wyz8euy_yAkvRNd5gLJRp7kw9a6hxWmvtK8LI1MkHe38lh1FcbSQTFgYBCMcry/s320/P1120972.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403073202288226546" /></a><br /><br />Yes, friends and family, you may get one of these for Christmas. :)<br /><br /><br />Cost: Wreath form - $4.50<br /> Ribbon (leftover)- $0.50<br /> Paper - $2.00<br /><br />I have another wreath idea I'll be putting into life in the next week or so, so stayed tuned! Super easy and super cheap!Dustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02254914423626628253noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883074944505325199.post-21917163386267865442009-11-10T20:52:00.003-06:002009-11-10T21:02:22.155-06:00My first Dumpster DiveYup. I drove past a neighbor's trash can, thought about the contents, then turned back around and loaded up.<br /><br />I found these three pieces from a room divider just sticking out of the trash. I've been looking for a tall picture frame or piece of art work to go in our hallway, and I think I can work these into something. The openings are 8X10, so I can either get prints of more wedding pics and such for it, or put together paintings or mixed media pieces for the frames. They're very nice quality.<br /><br />And if I can't, well, they do collect the trash every Tuesday. :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsVKQpnzNpu1YQvECqi_yObt4oZ550XbETqdi11cebRulnZFG_NSdBXwUIVVUTwM9JWQMa0WXkAhE5GEhz_lT_9R70ocN3xtrPiWcSui9mDddNhB2jozrDqp2gHfD-neYoq7VrpjhYY97o/s1600-h/P1120960.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsVKQpnzNpu1YQvECqi_yObt4oZ550XbETqdi11cebRulnZFG_NSdBXwUIVVUTwM9JWQMa0WXkAhE5GEhz_lT_9R70ocN3xtrPiWcSui9mDddNhB2jozrDqp2gHfD-neYoq7VrpjhYY97o/s400/P1120960.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402675909457806082" /></a>Dustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02254914423626628253noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883074944505325199.post-54983499948310349982009-11-05T14:19:00.006-06:002009-11-05T14:28:46.650-06:00Repurposed Pillows — With some razzledazzle<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcjXDicDg15DiTRzU5UyyF6-8B1YyjkaHrR9QqbQd77DeFaIRqsXNwR2dVZqeJtupDDto4ZM7jgG18WEAxgp9EWypwT2sQp1-4m4WWf3dIwkVfWWhKwKYARRZ8B1S7zXN8qTvU-5rNihJ3/s1600-h/P1120949.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcjXDicDg15DiTRzU5UyyF6-8B1YyjkaHrR9QqbQd77DeFaIRqsXNwR2dVZqeJtupDDto4ZM7jgG18WEAxgp9EWypwT2sQp1-4m4WWf3dIwkVfWWhKwKYARRZ8B1S7zXN8qTvU-5rNihJ3/s320/P1120949.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400717013666655122" /></a><br />I wanted to add some colorful pillows to our living room, but they've been a little out of budget for me to buy them, plus, they're so easy buying a pillow takes the fun out of making a pillow. I found these pillows at a Salvation Army for $1 each. Yesterday, I cut off the ugly coverings to expose pristine stuffing.<br /><br />I had found a lovely curtain panel at my favorite discount store for $10, but knew I couldn't use it in the living room, so I saved it for pillow fabric. I cut it up to cover the two pillows, and I still have some left over for another project.<br /><br />The pillows would have been fine to stand alone, but they needed a little sparkle, so for $8 I bought 12 jeweled buttons.<br /><br />When sewing, try using gray thread instead of white or black if you don't have a plethora of thread at your disposal. The gray is more neutral than either black or white and winds up blending pretty well into your fabrics and doesn't stand out as much.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcxaeavDUcIHkUadjPBVZ7CuZ0Qg-0NOPo41G7vciEfhTfJg0gwokQK_dy_UJKyRvdXHLIw1Q_N7zS6OLDnBBd-Hri2JTKgfBficW0tpGG1YaxVgqCDD-dO3AmsK_5b_164AmcmiXVCQWh/s1600-h/P1120950.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcxaeavDUcIHkUadjPBVZ7CuZ0Qg-0NOPo41G7vciEfhTfJg0gwokQK_dy_UJKyRvdXHLIw1Q_N7zS6OLDnBBd-Hri2JTKgfBficW0tpGG1YaxVgqCDD-dO3AmsK_5b_164AmcmiXVCQWh/s400/P1120950.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400718365834414338" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Qn3CdP0AS6sdd-zZuTPp047oJrTqQsmN-zpXfFwJEXUtHv9XeOQC4lc4zKjnonBGbZpS-c74wx-yHqSvx40cPNjL0ryq-eGPotfp6ExvHZTiVrMCFUnJzfiJyCB58TyogqKJSMLeD3EH/s1600-h/P1120951.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Qn3CdP0AS6sdd-zZuTPp047oJrTqQsmN-zpXfFwJEXUtHv9XeOQC4lc4zKjnonBGbZpS-c74wx-yHqSvx40cPNjL0ryq-eGPotfp6ExvHZTiVrMCFUnJzfiJyCB58TyogqKJSMLeD3EH/s320/P1120951.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400718592416676754" /></a><br />Total cost of the project: $24 for two pillows. Not bad.Dustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02254914423626628253noreply@blogger.com3