Christmas 2010

I have ran out of time to do anything else this year, so going to start a list of all the wonderful craft inspirations that I want to try to make next year.

Crafts
Holiday Silhouette over at Posh Pieces.
Front Door Bling Welcome sign over at Sweet Pickles and Chocolate!

Food
Super Easy Toffee over at The Sweet Life
Gumdrop Fudge over at Our Creative Life
Christmas Broken Glass Jello over at Just Jenn Recipes

Gifts
No Sew Ruffled Fleece Scarf over at Creative Jewish Mom

Sugar Scrub in 10 Minutes

When my son was little he loved to have the gals at Bath and Body Works demonstrate theirs on his hands every time we went in there and I appreciate that they always pleasantly obliged because it gave me a few minutes to look around.

I found a sugar scrub recipe over at Todays Creative Blog that that I want to try and will be much more budget friendly than mall store prices.

http://todayscreativeblog.blogspot.com/2009/12/sugar-scrubs-in-10-minutes.html
Free Clipart of Sugar

Pin Tuck Vest From Old Oversized Plaid Shirt

(Photo by Sloan Howard at Craft Stylish)

http://www.craftstylish.com/item/53897/how-to-make-a-vest-from-a-plaid-shirt

Above is a link to a tutorial to make a super cute pin tuck vest from an old plaid shirt that is posted over at Craft Stylish.

Marc Jacobs looked to plaids in vibrant shades for his Fall 2009 Marc by Marc Jacobs collection. Photo from "Style"

http://www.craftstylish.com/item/53897/how-to-make-a-vest-from-a-plaid-shirt

Poppy Boutonniere Tutorial

Poppy Boutonniere Tutorial

I love how this Poppy looks and putting this on my stuff to make list - think this would make a great addition to my "blooming" tote bag.

CORNSTARCH BEADS

I read of this on wikiHow and and it had the feature to copy code so the entire article could be easily embedded in a blog - how cool!

I want to try this sometime, but not sure about leaving them outside for week to dry...wonder if they can be baked to speed up the process.

How to Make Cornstarch Beads

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

These beads mimic clay and are easy and fun to work with. They are perfect for preschoolers to make and play with, teaching them patterning, or sequencing, which helps lay the groundwork for reading and science.

Steps

1. Combine the flour, cornstarch, and salt. Mix a little bit of tempura paint powder into the warm water and add it a little bit at a time to the dry mix, until it forms a sticky dough. The consistency should be similar to clay.
   
2. Roll the dough into small balls (these will be your beads) and poke a hole into each one with a pencil, knitting needle, or toothpick. Make sure to make the hole big enough for yarn or string to pass through.
   
3. Put the clay beads on a covered cookie sheet and allow them to dry outside on a sunny day. Depending on the weather, this can take up to a week. (Note: If you’d rather not go through the work of dividing the dough into multiple bowls for coloring, you can make this recipe with plain water, without the tempura powder, and allow your child to color the beads by hand once they’re dry, using ready-made paint.)
   
4. When the clay is dry, it’s ready for beading. Cut a piece of yarn into the appropriate length for your child’s necklace or bracelet, wrap a piece of masking tape around one end to make stringing easier, knot the other end, and set them to work!
   

Tips

• This recipe is enough to make one color of bead. Double or triple it for each additional color.
  

Things You'll Need

• 1/2 cup flour
  
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
  
• 1/2 cup salt
  
• Tempura paint powder in at least two colors
  
• Warm water
  
• Several mixing bowls
  
• Pencil, knitting needles, or toothpicks
  
• Yarn
  
• Scissors
  
• Masking tape
  

Related wikiHows

• How to Make Beads from Flour and Water
  
• How to Make Pasta Beads
  
• How to Make Polymer Clay Beads
  
• How to Make and Color Clay Beads
  
• How to Make a Snowman out of Beads
  
• How to Make Paper Beads
  

Sources and Citations

• Original source of article, Our Art in the Park Ideas, Home Made Beads. Shared under a Creative Commons Attribution Share Alike 3.0 license.
  
  
  

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Make Cornstarch Beads. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

ANTHROPOLOGIE INSPIRED TANK TOP

I love the above Anthropologie inspired summer top at the following and she even has a tutorial.

http://mymamamadeit.blogspot.com/2009/06/anthropology-top-tutorial.html?

Here is the original:

ROASTED CORN QUESADILLAS

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/guy-fieri/roasted-corn-quesadillas-recipe/index.html

"Times:
Prep 20 min
Inactive Prep
1 hr 0 min
Cook 25 min
Total:
1 hr 45 min

SNI.Food.CookTime.init();

Ingredients
1/4 cup chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
1/2 lime, juiced
1 cup sour cream
3 ears white corn on the cob
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 jalapeno, seeded and minced
1/4 red onion, diced
1/2 cup black beans
2 Roma tomatoes, diced
2 tablespoons diced roasted red bell peppers
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
6 tablespoons freshly chopped cilantro leaves, divided
6 ounces Jack cheese, shredded
6 ounces Cheddar, shredded
8 medium flour tortillas
5 tablespoons, sliced scallions

Directions
Preheat grill to high. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Mix diced chipotle, lime juice and sour cream, and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Over medium flame or on a grill pan, roast corn. Let cool and cut kernels off cob.

In a medium saute pan over medium-high heat, add olive oil, jalapenos, red onions, and black beans. Saute until the onions are translucent. Add the tomatoes, corn kernels and roasted bell pepper. Stir and saute for 3 minutes and add salt, pepper, cumin and 3 tablespoons of cilantro. Remove the pan from heat and let rest.

Evenly distribute mixture, the remaining cilantro and cheeses among 4 tortillas. Top with remaining tortillas.

Place tortillas on a baking sheet and place in the oven. Cook for about 10 minutes, until cheeses have melted and the quesadillas are warmed through.

Cut each into 6 pieces.

Serve with chipotle sour cream garnished with scallions. "

FABRIC, RIBBON AND FELT FLOWERS

As I have been finding so many that I want to try to make, I have decided to organize everything flower related into one post.

http://zakkalife.blogspot.com/2009/06/how-to-make-felt-yo-yo-flowers.html

http://makeitdo.wordpress.com/2009/06/03/peony-clips/

http://lisapace.com/2009/06/02/velvet-flower-tutorial/

http://vintagefern.blogspot.com/2009/05/flower-embellishment-tutorial.html

http://www.gonetoearth.co.uk/primrosecorner/2009/03/tutorial-fabric-flower-brooch/

http://tipjunkie.blogspot.com/2009/05/fabric-flower-tutorials.html

http://www.craftstylish.com/item/46997/how-to-make-a-paper-flower-centerpiece

"Anchors Away" Nautical Bejeweled T-Shirt***ACCOMPLISHED**

This is my version of the top.  I used decorative stones from the dollar store, which make it a wee bit too heavy and I am not sure how well this will last up through repeated washings.  I may just cut around the decorations on the shirt and turn it into a bib type necklace.

http://craftsandcreationswithkathy.blogspot.com/2009/06/designer-inspired-nautical-bejewled-top.html

http://carboncouture.blogspot.com/2009/05/anchors-away.html

OTTOMAN FROM LARGE RUBBERMAID TOTE

This is something I want to make for Kyle to take to college with him, although I might end up just grabbing one of the totes he has in his room already and make it now.
http://sewing.today.com/2009/05/07/slipcover-ottoman-from-rubbermaid-container/?comment=new#comment-161

CANNED CARROT RECIPES

I have several cans of carrots in my cupboard because while we love raw carrots, whenever I ask what veggie for a side it usually corn and sometimes Italian green beans but never carrots.

I want to use up and went in search of some recipes.


Whole Grain Carrot & Cheese Crackers over a Foodwhirl.  It calls for steamed carrot that are then pureed, so I think it could be easily adapted.


This site has a list of 24 carrot receipes
http://www.carrotmuseum.co.uk/recipeslist.html


One recipe is for "Carrot Spice Pie

• 8oz of canned carrots
• 1oz butter/marg; 1oz honey
• 2oz white sugar; 2oz brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 8 inch pastry crust.

Combine carrots, butter, honey, vanilla, salt, eggs and spices in a mixing bowl and mix till smooth. Fold in sugars and pour filling into pastry crust. Bake at 350F for 1 hour. To determine if pie is done insert toothpick. If it comes out clean it is ready."
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Here is a receipe for Amaretto Carrots
It is still basically cooked carrots but sounds interesting to try, but I would have to buy a small bottle the Amaretto and almond extract.
http://www.razzledazzlerecipes.com/easter/amaretto-carrots.htm




"Amaretto Carrots

• 1 lb. fresh carrots, sliced, or 2 (15-ounce) cans carrots (see note)
• 1/4 t. salt (if using fresh carrots)
• 2 t. amaretto liqueur
• 2 t. almond extract
• 2 T. butter1 T. cornstarch
• 1/3 C. honey

Place carrots in a medium saucepan; cover with water (about 1 1/2 cups). Add salt; cook over medium heat until fork-tender, about 10 minutes. Remove carrots to a warm dish and set aside. Ladle a tablespoon or two of cooking liquid into a small dish and set aside to cool.Add amaretto, almond extract and butter to saucepan; stir constantly until butter is melted. Whisk cornstarch into the small dish of reserved liquid; whisk cornstarch mixture into saucepan and continue cooking until sauce is thickened. Stir in honey. Return carrots to pan and heat through.Yield: 6 to 8 side-dish servings.Note: If using canned carrots, drain liquid into a saucepan, then add other ingredients except salt according to method above. Add carrots to sauce to heat through. "
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Caramelized Carrots
This is for carrots chopped vertically, but could still be used.
http://www.kayotic.nl/blog/?p=1567
Ingredients:

• 1 pound carrots
• 1 medium onion
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 tsp ground cumin
• 1/4 tsp curry powder
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• garlic
• salt
• pepper

Directions:

Peel and dice the carrots. I’m turning them into medium-sized match sticks. It’s prettier to serve and it reduces the cooking time.

Coarsely chop the onion and grate a large garlic clove.

Heat 1 tbsp butter (I’m using the liquid version) and 1 tbsp oil. You can also use just butter or just oil. Get everything sizzling hot.

Plunge in the onions. Give them a good stir losely followed by the garlic. Why does the garlic always come in second?

Add 1/4 tsp cumin, a heaping 1/4 tsp curry powder and a tsp dried thyme.

In with the carrots! Stir them until the carrots are coated with the onions and thyme.
Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth.

Sprinkle some salt and pepper in there as well. I’ve used coarse sea salt, probably close to half a tsp. It also depends on how salty your broth is.

Bring everything to a boil and cook over medium to high heat (without a lid or the lid cracked, I prefer no lid) for 10 to 15 minutes until the broth has vaporized. The cooking time also depends on the size of the carrots, of course.

Here comes the good part - when all the liquid is gone, the carrots and onions will caramelize giving them an amazing flavor. This should start to happen after about 10 minutes, make sure you’re nearby then and flip them with a spatula once or twice, or you’ll burn them rather than caramelize them.

The carrots will still have a bite to them, but are incredibly juicy, sweet and fragrant."


***ACCOMPLISHED***



Carrot Cake With Canned Carrots Recipe
http://www.grouprecipes.com/47922/carrot-cake-with-canned-carrots.html
Carrot Cake With Canned Carrots Recipe
Ingredients
Cake
2 C. flour
2 t. baking powder
2 t. baking soda
2 t. cinnamon
1 t. salt
2 C. sugar
1 1/2 c. oil
3 c. canned carrots, drained
4 eggs
1/2 c. pecans
icing
1 box 10X sugar
1 (8 oz) pkg cream cheese
1/2 stick margarine
Mix ingredients in the order listed.
Stir in eggs one at a time.
Then stir in nuts
The carrots will fall apart when you mix, so no need for chopping.
Pour in a 9 X 11 greased and floured pan
Bake at 350 until cake tests done (approx. 25-35 minutes) 
Mix icing ingredients together and spread over cooled cake

This had a nice flavor and was very moist, but as canned carrots are used you are not going to get the consistency that is usually associated with a carrot cake and there is only a hint of carrot flavor, it is more like a spice cake.  When I make this again I will probably add a teaspoon or two of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice.

SHIRLEY TEMPLE CUPCAKES

http://www.lafujimama.com/2009/05/shirley-temple-cupcakes.html

MAKING TACO SHELLS AND CUPS W/RECIPE OF SALSA & GUACAMOLE

http://rootsandwingsco.blogspot.com/2009/04/cinqo-de-mayo-dinner.html

The above site has how to make taco bowls. They use flour tortillas and trace the size they need and but the tortillas to fit. After cutting, they put them in a muffin tin for the smaller bowls or a bowl for the larger one. They then prehead the oven to 450 degrees and fill the bottom of the tortilla with dried beans to keep it from puffing up, then bake for 6 mins. Afterwards, they turn they empty out the beans and turn the bowles upside down on a baking sheet, then put a ball of aluminum foil underneath to keep their shape and put them back in oven for 3 mins.

Salsa recipe

• 1 Cup Fresh Diced up Tomatoes
• 1/4 C Onions
• 2 Teaspoons minced Fresh Cilantro
• 1 Large Garlic Clove, minced
• 2 tsp Lime Juice
• A dash of salt and pepper
• Small can of diced green peppers (optional)t

Guacamole:

• 1 Cup Salsa recipe
• 2 ripe Avocados

Mash avocados, add salsa, and stir. Make this very last minute to keep it from changing color.

Chips

Coat a sheet pan in vegetable oil and salt rub both sides of tortilla in the mixture. Cut the tortilla into quarters and lay on baking sheet and bake at 400 for 2 minutes. Then, turn them all over and bake for another minute.

LONDON TUBE MAP CROSS STITCH

http://meish.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/xmap.png

Peach Whipped Cream Frosting Recipe

http://www.cupcakeproject.com/2009/05/whipped-cream-frosting-with-peaches.html

I ran across this receipe at the above blog and want to try it as it would make a nice alternative to heavy frosting for cupcakes in the summer.

• Peach Whipped Cream Frosting Recipe
• 1 C heavy whipping cream
• 1/3 C sugar
• 2/3 C finely pureed peaches, fresh or canned (If you plan to pipe the frosting, be sure to puree finely, otherwise they will get stuck in your piping tip - no fun! I used a food processor.)

Beat whipping cream on medium speed for about five minutes, until soft peaks form.
Mix in sugar.
Fold in peaches to the whipped cream.
Be sure to keep refrigerated.

DIY J Crew Astrid Sweater with Ruffles

I am probably too old to wear something this girly, but that isn't going to stop me from making this lovely sweater that I saw over at the following.

http://mightygirl.com/2009/05/06/diy-j-crew-astrid-sweater-with-ruffles/

Her inspiration was this project:

http://www.orangebeautiful.com/blog/post.php?post_id=896

Here is the link to the tutorial:

http://www.orangebeautiful.com/blog/post.php?post_id=905

Tribal Easter Egg Necklace

http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=303494.0

This was an entry into Craftser Challenge 38 where you make something out of plastic Easter Eggs and she has a tutorial on how to make it over there also. I like how it looks and think I want to give this a try.

CILANTRO AND LIME RICE ***ACCOMPLISHED***

The following receipe is from Closet Cooking on his blog and it is tweaked copycat/upgraded version of the rice in Chipotle's burritos.

As I use quick rice, I and have dried instead of fresh cilantro, I will be tweaking it further, but I love how this sounds.

http://closetcooking.blogspot.com/2009/03/cilantro-and-lime-rice.html

Cilantro and Lime Rice by Closet Cooking(makes 4+ side dish servings)

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon oil


• 1/2 onion (chopped)


• 1 clove garlic (chopped)


• 1 cup long grained rice (I like to use brown)


• 2 cups water1 handful cilantro (chopped)


• 1 lime (juice and zest)

Directions:

1. Heat the oil in a pan.

2. Add the onion and saute until tender, about 5-7 minutes.

3. Add the garlic and saute until fragrant, about a minute.

4. Add the rice and toast in the oil for a few minutes.

5. Add the water, bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer, covered until tender, about 20 minutes for white rice or 40-50 minutes for brown.

6. Remove from the heat and mix in the cilantro, lime juice and zest.

****************ACCOMPLISHED************************************

Apricot and White Chocolate Cookies

I found the following receipe at Closet Cooking and it sounded like something different and interesting I would like to try to make.

http://closetcooking.blogspot.com/2009/04/apricot-and-white-chocolate-oatmeal.html

Apricot and White Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies by Closet Cooking(makes 16+ cookies)Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter (softened)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1/2 cup white sugar1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup dried apricots (chopped)
• 1/2 cup white chocolate (coarsely chopped)

1. Cream the butter and sugar in a bowl.

2. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.

3. Mix the flour, baking soda and salt in another bowl.

4. Mix the dry ingredients into the wet.

5. Mix in the rolled oats, apricots and white chocolate.

6. Place the dough onto a cookie sheet one table spoon at a time.

7. Bake in a 350F preheated oven for 8-10 minutes.

Grilled Cheesecake Sandwiches

I learned of this cool idea from a link through Craft's online blog which linked to this blog

http://www.cakespy.com/2009/04/grilled-cheesecake-sweet-take-on.html

You use pound cake as the "bread" and a slice of cheesecake like cheese on a grilled cheese sandwich in the center and grill it like you would a grilled cheese sandwich. Sound delicious!

Cinco De Mayo Dollar Store Centerpieces

http://entertainexchange.blogspot.com/2009/04/fiesta-style-tablescape-cinco-de-mayo.html

I saw this at the above site and loved it!

I thinks this would make a great festive centerpiece not just for Cinco De Mayo, but anytime someone would serve Mexican food. I will probably just use empty glass jars I have saved and then put a tealight for candle.

GRADUATION IDEAS

Although it is still a few years before Kyle graduates, it is never too early to start looking around for good ideas for a party and decorations as I want it to be a special occassion.

I love these little hats at No Fuss Fabulous that are made out of little Reece's cups and a square or chocolate.

http://www.nofussfabulous.com/?attachment_id=5231

I also have an idea for a serving dish by using black bowl for the cap and a black plate glued to the top and some sort of tassel or maybe just a fruit rollup rolled up for the tassel. The challenge is going to be finding a black plate that will work - while spray painting the bottom bowl is ok, I don't like the idea of serving food on something that has been spray painted.



http://familycrafts.about.com/od/eggcartoncrafts/a/ecgradcap.htm
This is made out the cup off an egg carton for the cap, a piece of cardboard painted with acrylic paint and a piece of yarn for the tassle. This would made a cute decoration or even be used to decorate a graduation present for little to no cost (I usually have all the stuff to make this around the house).

Over at Little Birdie Secrets, they have a tutorial on how to make a felt graduation cap

http://littlebirdiesecrets.blogspot.com/2009/05/cue-pomp-and-circumstance.html

Thrifty Decor Chick: Make a sofa table for under $20. (For real.)

http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2009/04/make-sofa-table-for-under-20-for-real.html
This would be great to make and put behind the couch Kyle uses, as the seems to think the area behind the couch is his closet and throws all his clothes behind it - building this would deter this.

I would probably make mine with more depth and store my Christmas bear collection underneath and put a lamp of two on the back as he does his homework on the couch (despite having a perfectly well lit desk in his room).

I showed it to Marv and he said this should be doable for under $20. I volunteered to work part of Memorial Day at work - maybe I can volunteer a few more hours to cover the cost as I really like this idea.

LEMON COCONUT BREAD***ACCOMPLISHED***

I found the yummy sounding recipe at Baking Bites. She notes that the recipe is based on one of her favorite quickbread, which is a recipe for Coconut Bread from bills, Bill Granger’s restaurant in Sydney, Australia to which she spiced up with lemon juice and zest.

http://bakingbites.com/2009/04/lemon-coconut-bread/

• "1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 cups milk (lowfat is fine)
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 cups shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)
• 1/3 cup butter, melted

Preheat oven to 350F.

Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt.

Stir in sugar and coconut.In a medium bowl or a large measuring cup, whisk together eggs, milk, lemon juice, lemon zest and vanilla. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in egg mixture.

Stir until just combined and only a few streaks of flour remain. Add in melted butter and stir until just smooth, being careful not to overmix.

Pour into prepared loaf pan and bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Turn loaf out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Makes 1 loaf."

As the loaf needs to be baked for an hour or more, this will be more of a cold weather day project (maybe tomorrow as it was chilly out today) so it can help warm up the apartment.

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

ACCOMPLISHED

VAMPIRE COOKIES

This recipe will be awesome to make at Halloween and is from
http://bakingbites.com/2008/10/vampire-cookies/#


" Vampire Cookies

• 3/4 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 large egg1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/8 tsp almond extract
• 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp saltapprox
• 1/2 cup red jam (raspberry/strawberry)
  

In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light. Beat in egg and extracts.Add flour and salt to the bowl and mix them into the butter-sugar mixture at low speed until dough is just combined. Wrap dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 325F.Divide dough in half and keep the portion you are not using in the refrigerator.Roll dough out on a lightly floured surface until it is about 1/8-inch thick. Use a cookie cutter to cut out 2-inch rounds.Place rounds on a baking sheet, put a teaspoon of jam on each of them and cover with another round of dough. Press edges down lightly, pinching the edges onto the cookie sheet. Use a toothpick and poke two small holes (like a vampire bite) in the top of each cookie.Bake for 10-12 minutes, until cookies are set.Cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Dip a toothpick in some extra red jam and re-insert in the “bite” holes you made before baking to emphasize them, if not already red. Draw a blood trick down from one of the bites with the jam, if desired. Cookies are best the day they are made.

Makes 2 dozen."

COCONUT MACAROON BIRDS NESTS

This receipe is also from "No Fuss Fabulous" and although I have everything in my cupboard to make these, except the Jelly beans or Robin Eggs, I am the only one in my family that like coconut and I really don't need to be wearing 4 dozen coconut macaroons on my hips (I have already saved space for the Easter Peeps nest project this year). This may be something for next year.

Items needed:

• 16 ounces shredded coconut


• 1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk


• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract


• Jelly beans or candy Robin Eggs

"Mix first three ingredients together. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto generously greased baking sheets.

Bake at 350° for 8 minutes.

Cool coconut macaroons slightly; remove to rack.

Once cooled, place candy Robin Eggs or jelly beans on top of coconut “nests.”

Makes about 4 dozen coconut macaroons."

Bunny "Carrot" for Easter Basket***ACCOMPLISHED***

I saw this cute ideat at "No Fuss Fabulous" and I love the idea of having something besides something sugar infested for Easter and my son loves Goldfish crackers.

They use a Wilton disposible frosting bag and ric-rac, which are too pricy for me. I think I will see about sewing little wedges (something that is small enough to fit into a Easter Egg)in plastic bags and round up some green scraps of fabric to tie around for the carrot toppers.

http://www.nofussfabulous.com/?p=4587

***ACCOMPLISHED***

Mine turned out different than I had planned - I ended up using a quart size Ziplock bag, as that is what I had on hand, and Cheez-Its Twisters because they were on sale and a better deal than the Goldfish crackers. Instead of fabric or ribbon, I used green crepe paper as I spotted it in the bathroom closet (what it was doing in there, I have no idea).

http://craftsandcreationswithkathy.blogspot.com/2009/04/easter-carrots.html

BOOTS

An amazing user over at Craftster that makes cool boots sent me a disc on how to make them that I am dying to check out and start on once things get back to normal around here.

Vintage Lace Flowers

http://missiekrissie.blogspot.com/2009/04/tutorial-how-to-make-vintage-lace.html

There is an easy to follow tutorial over at the above blog on how to make Vintage Lace Flowers. These would look great on a headband or hair clip or even to embellish a T-Shirt.

Alien Abduction Lamp ***ACCOMPLISHED***

Heather at Dollar Store Crafts made this for Life With Lindsey's $5 Dollar Store Challenge - it is awesome! I have got to make of these!

http://dollarstorecrafts.com/2009/03/alien-lamp/comment-page-1/#comment-1241

Even with all the running we had to do today, I did make a stop at Dollar Store Plus to scout out potential parts for this project. They had a $1 bowl that would work for the bottom, but didn't find any acrylic glasses that would work or touch lights. There was a set of plastic farm animals for $1 but I just was not loving the cow in the set - too generic and expressionless. It then hit me that for mine, I am going to make a version of Shaun The Sheep for my lamp when I make it.

There were some syrofoam bowls at Marv that we got at an auction before Kyle was born, but they are pretty flimsy and don't hold paint well, so going to scrap that idea. I do have Christmas bowl on got on clearance for a quarter, but as we use it all the time not really wanting to sacrifice it for craft purposes.

I did have a touch light but not sure where it disappered to. I think the little mini ones that come in a pack of 2 for $1 at Dollar tree might work better.

Really don't have the money to invest in this right now, so this is going to go on the back burner for now, but I will be on the lookout for parts - might get lucky at a garage sale and pick up things for cheaper.

***ACCOMPLISHED***

Moveable Greeting Card Turntable from Old Floppy Disc

Would be a great way to upcycle an old floppy disc into something fashionable.

http://buildmakecraftbake.com/2009/03/make-moving-turntable-greeting-card.html

DEVELOP FILM WITH COFFEE AND VITAMIN C

This project sounds cool but going to have to go on a far backburner until I am better off finanically to invest in some of the equipment needed. It said that color film will turn out black and white and grainy. This would be also be great to weave into a storyline - I will share this with Kyle and maybe it could go into a future video project.

http://photojojo.com/content/tutorials/coffee-caffenol-film-developing/

The following items are needed.

• Instant coffee (not decaf)
• Vitamin C powder
• Washing soda (cannot substitute baking soda)
• 2 gallons of room-temperature water
• Fixer
• Drop of dishwashing liquid
• A daylight developing tank & reel
• A roll of exposed film
• A bottle opener
• Scissors
• Measuring beakers (including one large enough to hold 16 fluid ounces)
• Measuring spoons
• 2 glasses
• A spoon
• A timer
• 2 clothespins
• Clothesline or coat hanger

Clipart from http://www.webweaver.nu/clipart/film.shtml

Miniature Sponge Cake and Pie for Barbie Dolls

These are totally amazing! Alas, my great niece Mia will only be a year old and too young to play with these if I make them now, so putting this on the back burner for when she is older (or if I make them find a place to store them around here for the next few years).

The following blog has a tutorial on how to make the above with sponges.

http://cathiefilian.blogspot.com/2009/03/make-it-miniature-sponge-cake-pie.html?showComment=1237956720000#c8849612870659454409

"Miniature Sponge Cake Materials

• Flat, expandable sponges, yellow and pink
• pen
• quarter
• scissors
• white craft paint
• craft glue
• mini ribbons
• mini beads
• large button"

You use the bottom of the paint bottle as a template to cut the sponges into circle, glue them togetherthen cut up a wedge wet them then let them dry. After that paint the the top, bottom and side (everything except the wedge) white, glue the ribbon around the outer bottom edge and glue the beads in a design on the top. Looks like the button was used to make the cake riser, but is also look like the button is on top of a bottle cap and both are painted/decorated.

"Miniature Pie Materials:

• Bottle caps
• Tan felt
• Red seed beads (or color to match fruit of choice)
• Quick Hold craft glue

The bottle caps are the pie pan, you line them around the edge with tan felt, glue the seed beads in to represent the "fruit" then cover with little strips of tan felt for the top of the pie.

(Clipart from http://www.designedtoat.com/)

RAG RUG

This was posted by Flail of the flair on CO+K http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/rag_rug_get_rid_of_all_those_scraps

Her tutorial on how to make it is very entertaining and love how she showed used her teeth and toes to hold the fabric while she she is braiding the strips - more crafters (myself included) have probably resorted to such tactics, but just thought is was us!

FELT PEEPS

These were featured on One Crafty Place and would be perfect addition to the Dollar Store Challenge project I am working on.

http://stitchewe.blogspot.com/2009/03/felt-food-my-peeps-are-here-free.html

Free Easter Boarder Clipart from: http://www.clipartandcrafts.com/clipart/borders/pages/peeps-chicks-border.htm

Halloween Ideas

(picture is Kyle's Peacock Costume that I made for him when he was a tot)

Is a little early to be thinking about Halloween, but ran across this site and it looks like it has ideas worth looking into further when the time is closer (like the pumpkin stencils).
http://www.halloweencraftfreebies.com/
Family Fun always has a plethora of cool ideas too.
http://familyfun.go.com/arts-and-crafts/season/specialfeature/halloween_ms_crafts/

RAINBOW JELLO ***ACCOMPLISHED (SORT OF)*** MADE JELLY JIGGLERS

I ran across this idea at Enchanted Learning for a St. Patrick's Day Treat
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/stpatrick/rainbowjello/
It is basically 7 layers of jello (Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple) and you pour each layer separate into a clear glasses to make the rainbow.

As none of us are really jello freaks but we do like gummy type stuff, thinking of trying the same concept of making them into jello jigglers

http://www.cooks.com/rec/doc/0,1811,158173-224203,00.html
JELLO JIGGLERS GELATIN SNACK
Printed from COOKS.COM
2 1/2 c. boiling water
4 pkg. (4 serving size) or 2 pkg. (8 serving size) Jello gelatin, any flavor

Kitchen Tools: measuring cup, mixing bowl, mixing spoon, 13 x 9 inch pan, metal spatula, fun shaped cookie cutters

Stir boiling water into gelatin. Dissolve completely. Pour the mixture slowly into 13 x 9 inch pan. Refrigerate at least 3 hours. Jigglers will be firm after 1 hour but may be difficult to remove from pan. Dip bottom of pan in warm water for 15 seconds to loosen gelatin.

Choose a fun shaped cookie cutter. Press the cutter into the Jello and then lift the cutter straight up. Use your fingers to remove jigglers from the pan. Let Mom help with a metal spatula.

Maybe can make this in a flat pan, do the layers separately then use a glass to cut into circles?

I had to look up the order of colors in the light spectrum - I remembered there was an acronym for it, but not what it was, so I had to look it up and it is:

ROY G BIV

http://www.tooter4kids.com/Light_Color/Rainbows.htm

*********UPDATE***********

I made a version of this - instead of layers in a cup, I made jelly jigglers and cut them out with a cup, then cut them in half then set them upright.

I posted a how-to over at CO+K

http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/rainbow_jelly_jigglers

DIY Buttons **Accomplished a Singeleton Button***

As buttons run a dollar or more for a few, I have been on the prowl for different ideas to make my own. Here are some

DORSET BUTTONS
http://www.craftstylish.com/item/42688/how-to-make-dorset-buttons
from the above link
"The Dorset button has a long history, originating in the 18th century in Dorset, England. Originally, they were made on a disc cut from the horn of a Dorset Horn sheep, which was covered with needle-worked thread. Later, button makers began using metal rings as the basis for these buttons. We're going to make a simple form of Dorset button called a crosswheel, but there are lots of different styles, some of them involving intricate weaving. Once you have these basics down, experiment—the British Button Society offers some inspiration"

The basic concept is it is made from a plastic bone rings and either yarn or embroidery floss wrapped around the ring and made into a design. The design featured looks like a spoked wheel.

SINGLETON BUTTONS
Here is tutorial on how to make Singleton buttons
http://www.craftstylish.com/item/42746/how-to-make-singleton-buttons.
The site indicates this is a type of dorset button. In looking it over the difference in the above is that the basic concept seems to be making a fabric yoyo around a plastic bone ring; will involve a lot of hand sewing and will be tedious and time consuming, but doable.

Instead of buying bone rings for either of the above though, think I will look around the house at what I can find to recycle that is similar.

POLYMER CLAY BUTTONS
http://www.craftstylish.com/item/42746/how-to-make-singleton-buttons
The basic concept is rolling the clay flat, then using something small and circular (like a spool of thread) and to make it textured by using another button and pressing it into the clay or even making a design with a fork.

You can also make them with more than one color by rolling the center into a cane then wrapping another layer around it.

Next time I find Fimo or Sculpey clay on sale, I will buy some and give this a whirl.

****ACCOMPLISHED***

I made a Singleton Dorset buttons to use for Craftster's April craft challenge and the buttons were used as the center to flowers on facinators

http://craftsandcreationswithkathy.blogspot.com/2009/04/diy-fabric-buttons.html

RAINSTICK FROM CARDBOARD TUBE

(free clipart from http://www.free-clipart-pictures.net/spring_clipart.html)

My son loves the sound of the rain and as a present for Easter I want to make him a rainstick out of a cardboard tube.

I couldn't remember exactly how these were made so I surfed and found this one which is as close as I can recall except it uses popsicle sticks instead of cardboard inserts, uses pasta and rice in addition to beans and is decorated in yarn instead of painted.
http://www.mycraftbook.com/craftidea.asp?craftID=297



This one at Enchanted Learning is interesting - it uses 2 coiled up pieces of aluminum foil and it is easier to follow as it has diagrams. It uses Small dried beans, unpopped popcorn, rice, or pasta.
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/music/rainstick/

Edward Scissorhands ***ACCOMPLISHED***

Kyle saw this movie for the first time a week ago and loves it, so I am going to add something Edward Scissorhands to my project list, but not sure what I am going to make yet. I think he would like to make (or maybe like for me to make him) a folder for school and maybe a t-shirt.

Over at Threadbanger there was a thread for posting stencils

http://forum.threadbanger.com/showthread.php?p=2422

http://www.flickr.com/photos/outsapop/

(it indicates that they are copywrited and to contact her for permission, which I have at flickr mail). I really like this one as it is full body and easy to make out. UPDATE: I received permission from the user and created this notebook, but may stencil a T-Shirt also.

Here is one of the face only

http://www.spraypaintstencils.com/a-zlistings/edward-scissorhands-stencil.gif

I am just afraid I would totally botch this and it would come out looking more like Jim Morrison than Johnny Depp.

This is off subject, but at the same site and really cool - Predator

http://www.spraypaintstencils.com/a-zlistings/predator-stencil.gif

FISH POND JELLO

Kyle is a little old for this and never cared for jello, but want to keep this in mind for a future crafty project.

It was posted over at Three Princes Designs

http://threeprincedesigns.blogspot.com/2009/02/fun-with-family-friday-f-today.html

It is just made of blue jello gummi fish in a clear plastic container and it looks like a finshing pond.

The instructions indicated to make the jello according to pkg and pour into a clear containter and set up to a soft consistency the pour in some gummy fish and put back in the fridge until it is set.

I also found the same concept over at Enchanted Learning

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/Cupofish.shtml

On this blog it also has the same thing except either in clear plastic cups, a large clear punch bowl for an aquarium look or freezing them into popsicles - how cool (pun intended) is that!