tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10326296575729262032024-03-18T23:48:57.582-04:00Crafty Life And StyleCrafty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773968371851242530noreply@blogger.comBlogger319125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1032629657572926203.post-83580673124319968052011-07-12T00:01:00.039-04:002011-07-12T00:01:08.284-04:00Tasty Tuesday: Scrapbook Sweets<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX36zHjTvjWMs94iILfQrDOE9U_kp2D7HLB5vYYR4WQ21xEApe7Nts337u86K-_LArTClSlPdc13f0oQdcxx2s1v16AHMn5Rro0L-1grncOKo631nF01k85ofV5s26rKxH-kxYUjgFpytH/s1600/IMG_0415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX36zHjTvjWMs94iILfQrDOE9U_kp2D7HLB5vYYR4WQ21xEApe7Nts337u86K-_LArTClSlPdc13f0oQdcxx2s1v16AHMn5Rro0L-1grncOKo631nF01k85ofV5s26rKxH-kxYUjgFpytH/s640/IMG_0415.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Not long ago, I wrote about my adventures getting to know my great-grandfather through his old journals. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFO1yEiMUKequdjugtYj7qlktAdsgASWJw5LxGlC7ponDX7izzONB3LS9sIdkOxnx6k06MeG4d2xK_WGrpPsJHKdKBGoIo9dvkzf75Dsk407YUR858eRYSYzBl81fWtH_OgAQB-Ez-UgU4/s1600/IMG_0316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFO1yEiMUKequdjugtYj7qlktAdsgASWJw5LxGlC7ponDX7izzONB3LS9sIdkOxnx6k06MeG4d2xK_WGrpPsJHKdKBGoIo9dvkzf75Dsk407YUR858eRYSYzBl81fWtH_OgAQB-Ez-UgU4/s200/IMG_0316.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>For the final five years of his life, he shared his thoughts and kept clippings in a scrapbook. There are articles that struck him as funny or important. There are quite a few pictures, cards, and old sayings. I also found this simple recipe. This isn't a gourmet dessert. It's not for the highly sophisticated. This is simply a dish that my great-grandfather enjoyed enough to keep in his scrapbook. If this sounds good to you, give it a try. More importantly, take the next few minutes to scribble down your favorite recipes to add to your scrapbook. Your great-grandchildren just might enjoy your favorite dessert as much as you do.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrwJhGLltrHAXlJ9XUMkZxfWTnRdKv7IgGheJ0da7u3gf-W1J8RPWHO-OomteFmQXbAMfyhSJZcfEqnkL5CnBQ_E8Ynd7AJttyuDZLGmQ3J8mpqdtD_FkP96sr4GJS3l3wq1jGcvfTI89r/s1600/IMG_0346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrwJhGLltrHAXlJ9XUMkZxfWTnRdKv7IgGheJ0da7u3gf-W1J8RPWHO-OomteFmQXbAMfyhSJZcfEqnkL5CnBQ_E8Ynd7AJttyuDZLGmQ3J8mpqdtD_FkP96sr4GJS3l3wq1jGcvfTI89r/s640/IMG_0346.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Crafty Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16153366317772861467noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1032629657572926203.post-31564461129871257242011-07-07T00:01:00.000-04:002011-07-07T00:01:02.164-04:00Mixed Media Plaque<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JlKBVcIRzds/Tg0YuMuCU3I/AAAAAAAAEQM/KAc5RDL4F7c/s1600/Candie+Plaque.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JlKBVcIRzds/Tg0YuMuCU3I/AAAAAAAAEQM/KAc5RDL4F7c/s400/Candie+Plaque.jpg" width="327" /></a></div>Hello there! It's Amy from <a href="http://www.modpodgerocksblog.com/">Mod Podge Rocks</a>. I've been in the small project mood lately. Sometimes you just need instant gratification! I've also been thinking a lot about gifts lately - I think because so many of my pals have summer birthdays. I love making gifts and I love personalizing, so this was a natural fit. It's sort of a mixed media plaque, sort of an experiment, because I think my friend would like it. I encourage you to play, too. Here's how I made this.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Gather These Supplies<br />
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Wood plaque <br />
FolkArt Paint - Coffee Latte, Sky Blue, Warm White, Metallic Sequin Black<br />
FolkArt Extreme Glitter - Hologram<br />
Mod Podge Gloss<br />
Mod Podge Dimensional Magic <br />
Scrapbook paper - <a href="http://www.qbaroo.com/cosmocricketretail/main.cfm?type=1&categoryoid=1&productoid=44">Cosmo Cricket, Circa 1934 Collection</a><br />
<a href="http://www.mayaroad.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_150&products_id=173560">Maya Road Chipboard Set - Cameos</a><br />
<a href="http://www.mayaroad.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3_221&products_id=173458">Maya Road Grosgrain Pleat Ribbon, Light Brown - 2 feet</a><br />
<a href="http://www.makingmemories.com/Products/detail/tiny-alpha">Making Memories Tiny Alphas - Pink Ledger</a><br />
Nostalgique stick pin - from my stash<br />
Small paper circle with a sentiment<br />
Rhinstones - 2<br />
Pencil<br />
Ruler<br />
Craft Glue<br />
Scissors<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwb6wjcUaWQuXXRI6STkKRY6OBa7v6zgoCCb4viHUrbU4yBfOXtHgyrDEEaHkhRKwgiwSl_nemQLZOBm3_tBmp2gppxrnvjbswYE0fMhyb4oVHN4FINWCEsCe9cta10tq9iSMQ6UkRLs4V/s1600/IMG_4118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwb6wjcUaWQuXXRI6STkKRY6OBa7v6zgoCCb4viHUrbU4yBfOXtHgyrDEEaHkhRKwgiwSl_nemQLZOBm3_tBmp2gppxrnvjbswYE0fMhyb4oVHN4FINWCEsCe9cta10tq9iSMQ6UkRLs4V/s400/IMG_4118.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Measure your plaque, measure the paper and then form a square to fit.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--OnvpCo2V4U/Tf01SUtztaI/AAAAAAAAEJA/l0JtBvlD1Ec/s1600/IMG_4138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--OnvpCo2V4U/Tf01SUtztaI/AAAAAAAAEJA/l0JtBvlD1Ec/s400/IMG_4138.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Paint the edges of the plaque with the colors of your choice. I added interest by using three colors.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xtUBrgt6Mf8/Tf01SV-TSlI/AAAAAAAAEJI/Cp02Cr2UQ2o/s1600/IMG_4152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xtUBrgt6Mf8/Tf01SV-TSlI/AAAAAAAAEJI/Cp02Cr2UQ2o/s400/IMG_4152.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I used a smaller brush to add the blue trim. I'm kind of a piggie when I paint, so I had to touch up.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N3bWuZeKzTM/Tf01ScFXyMI/AAAAAAAAEJE/WDjtcp5NpiY/s1600/IMG_4139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N3bWuZeKzTM/Tf01ScFXyMI/AAAAAAAAEJE/WDjtcp5NpiY/s400/IMG_4139.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Paint the chipboard pieces. I used Warm White on the base, then I added Extreme Glitter over the top to make it sparkle! I painted the cameo face with Black. Let everything dry.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_R9oKaQFqVE/Tf01S00qu_I/AAAAAAAAEJQ/s80eS5rtH5E/s1600/IMG_4153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_R9oKaQFqVE/Tf01S00qu_I/AAAAAAAAEJQ/s80eS5rtH5E/s400/IMG_4153.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Time to Mod Podge! Add a medium layer of Mod Podge to the top of the plaque and smooth the paper down. Let the paper dry for 15 - 20 minutes.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qdE09Id-mUY/Tf01S5PsPuI/AAAAAAAAEJM/I2m0mcsjq7M/s1600/IMG_4154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qdE09Id-mUY/Tf01S5PsPuI/AAAAAAAAEJM/I2m0mcsjq7M/s400/IMG_4154.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Completely coat the plaque with Mod Podge. Let dry and then paint another coat.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2hOoShEt4_w/Tf01TSTgprI/AAAAAAAAEJY/Oh2hjvNZ89E/s1600/IMG_4161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2hOoShEt4_w/Tf01TSTgprI/AAAAAAAAEJY/Oh2hjvNZ89E/s400/IMG_4161.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Cut your ribbon trim and carefully add to the back (around the edges) using craft glue. It worked for me to do one side at a time, let it dry and then keep going.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qY3R_j5M1js/Tf01UbptrPI/AAAAAAAAEJg/k12N49_1HZM/s1600/IMG_4162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qY3R_j5M1js/Tf01UbptrPI/AAAAAAAAEJg/k12N49_1HZM/s400/IMG_4162.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Start adding the embellishments to the top of the plaque with craft glue and Mod Podge. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--XcvJ7rhaR4/Tf01Ti6e1WI/AAAAAAAAEJc/vSPE8GjPR6A/s1600/IMG_4163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--XcvJ7rhaR4/Tf01Ti6e1WI/AAAAAAAAEJc/vSPE8GjPR6A/s400/IMG_4163.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Put the paper onto the stick pin. Glue the stick pin to the top of the plaque. For more interest, add Dimensional Magic to the paper saying and let dry.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JlKBVcIRzds/Tg0YuMuCU3I/AAAAAAAAEQM/KAc5RDL4F7c/s1600/Candie+Plaque.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JlKBVcIRzds/Tg0YuMuCU3I/AAAAAAAAEQM/KAc5RDL4F7c/s400/Candie+Plaque.jpg" width="327" /></a></div>My finished plaque! If you like, you can add a hanger or magnets to the back of plaque. These are so fun - you can make them quickly, and really personalize them for the recipient. I really enjoyed the project and I hope you do too!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1032629657572926203.post-67572223312297626412011-07-05T00:01:00.000-04:002013-06-07T14:16:29.261-04:00Tasty Tuesday: Cracker Sandwich Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj72xwvq6VojH0D8Zpiw5IOnK18wJanfL5bqyOGxMl6MzMEStOTkf86VuNYSmUzryAmBFT-aBXJUsp13p0ynfbYjdmnlaTqdWwSZKMTWUqL3wbuuUCdoUyckxTXX7G8-G8Hy9dI_6q3eLyO/s1600/IMG_0274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj72xwvq6VojH0D8Zpiw5IOnK18wJanfL5bqyOGxMl6MzMEStOTkf86VuNYSmUzryAmBFT-aBXJUsp13p0ynfbYjdmnlaTqdWwSZKMTWUqL3wbuuUCdoUyckxTXX7G8-G8Hy9dI_6q3eLyO/s640/IMG_0274.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>My mother is always getting new recipes from the ladies at the office. I'm afraid I don't know who came up with this cracker cookie idea, but I can vouch for it. I was lucky enough to be one of the taste-testers. It's a tough job, but somebody has to do it.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSMXmN8PlUsDxX3mi-UieCXDmeD7mLN3aC79Wj4X15PDHMbKLleWXeMosItAsxBPVNpcb0CvIhZvicFvrHHK2BjZsHn8n2Gv18fcpOU06wYQk0vXZCZzf27IGVXeT1dI5MU7cPsi5gPy-I/s1600/IMG_0275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSMXmN8PlUsDxX3mi-UieCXDmeD7mLN3aC79Wj4X15PDHMbKLleWXeMosItAsxBPVNpcb0CvIhZvicFvrHHK2BjZsHn8n2Gv18fcpOU06wYQk0vXZCZzf27IGVXeT1dI5MU7cPsi5gPy-I/s320/IMG_0275.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I rarely make desserts, but I love this recipe because even I could make it. This isn't too hard for anyone. This does not involve any baking. This is fairly inexpensive. The results are fantastic. <br />
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They taste similar to the Tagalong cookies that you'd buy from Girl Scouts, which I still recommend you do for the kiddos. But, when you run out, these are a great alternative and they don't cost nearly as much.<br />
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Beware: You can't eat just one.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH8EtKwlvUC71w5XR5VsQV2FAHHyIpsbFgtuesNx0mwdXv-a8MPs2oiEtkjjDCblhyphenhyphenhHfuw0ioYIhTAtvgH97bevLS_1VKKcSrvH3RL56JcR3jRwS0bPOZ_-XWky526HGVzraHt1nBDtVv/s1600/IMG_0277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH8EtKwlvUC71w5XR5VsQV2FAHHyIpsbFgtuesNx0mwdXv-a8MPs2oiEtkjjDCblhyphenhyphenhHfuw0ioYIhTAtvgH97bevLS_1VKKcSrvH3RL56JcR3jRwS0bPOZ_-XWky526HGVzraHt1nBDtVv/s320/IMG_0277.JPG" width="320" /></a>If you are interested in testing out the sweet little cracker sandwich cookies, you only need a few materials and a few simple ingredients:<br />
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Ingredients:<br />
Peanut Butter<br />
Chocolate Brick (to melt)<br />
Crackers (I use Ritz)<br />
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Materials:<br />
Bowl<br />
Spoon<br />
Tin Foil<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Assembly:<br />
Spread your peanut butter onto a cracker. Top it off with another cracker to form your sandwich. Make several in advance. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu_NGRiJniOH-uPl9TfYB45yb0hwo6OSpVlT5kXbz4pZ5n7H_WgotQhaTUwxe9p97i8mpaoiHvhVj7oQjMF3MvW_EDd2z_G1TRwDoWX0fnRZwqn34N7QKfeNfHP2Tb-0NwD_xZrO4lVt8W/s1600/IMG_0269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu_NGRiJniOH-uPl9TfYB45yb0hwo6OSpVlT5kXbz4pZ5n7H_WgotQhaTUwxe9p97i8mpaoiHvhVj7oQjMF3MvW_EDd2z_G1TRwDoWX0fnRZwqn34N7QKfeNfHP2Tb-0NwD_xZrO4lVt8W/s400/IMG_0269.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Melt a large chunk of chocolate in a small bowl. Dip your entire cracker sandwich into the melted chocolate, until it is completely covered. Place your covered cookies onto a sheet of tin foil. Fill the foil and then place it in your refrigerator to harden. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR8W9CN1dQQQm_rZiExCtKLGHfsszTb9WQWHIFXm6T9IDREH8MlT7OUgyOSULB4hv1uuWS3f0WC1-4oJ2-Z1lnziy3RLb6G9Abco7PUgvBIbjuTCiE8HGSrwVB3fkfFAby8F30BRXBaS_l/s1600/IMG_0270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR8W9CN1dQQQm_rZiExCtKLGHfsszTb9WQWHIFXm6T9IDREH8MlT7OUgyOSULB4hv1uuWS3f0WC1-4oJ2-Z1lnziy3RLb6G9Abco7PUgvBIbjuTCiE8HGSrwVB3fkfFAby8F30BRXBaS_l/s400/IMG_0270.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Serve and enjoy the compliments. It seems crazy that such a simple treat could be so tasty. My mother made a batch last time I was home. She sent four cookies back home with me and they were gone in one day.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCofTB7HW7e1XkALs6eDc6y3fnMY_ZM2hXVRhyV97Zo7JLar3zKQ350I3EK2uWWe3cCJ1WhENT5GGJ5utRNL84MiQCAYhq-3i0v0JMzAFPKJu9i7kMYU-aFim2i34X_M-TBocW9cJgqGq8/s1600/IMG_0267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCofTB7HW7e1XkALs6eDc6y3fnMY_ZM2hXVRhyV97Zo7JLar3zKQ350I3EK2uWWe3cCJ1WhENT5GGJ5utRNL84MiQCAYhq-3i0v0JMzAFPKJu9i7kMYU-aFim2i34X_M-TBocW9cJgqGq8/s640/IMG_0267.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Crafty Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16153366317772861467noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1032629657572926203.post-16997197118564231372011-07-04T00:01:00.003-04:002011-07-04T00:01:00.316-04:00Patriotic Pops<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwArImmVgUCTaTwHsIJFULuKjuJHfyPQCoYnWoHX9oGEogtWID1Fas0BGKhzW4-Q1-x77-y0H_BtRTGEnUWmuPwE1Qqj1wwFvJkfkmUjzTOTo-4FqmyHE0iDbak37Z5rnKrz4WmQoK9Yyl/s1600/patriotic_crafts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwArImmVgUCTaTwHsIJFULuKjuJHfyPQCoYnWoHX9oGEogtWID1Fas0BGKhzW4-Q1-x77-y0H_BtRTGEnUWmuPwE1Qqj1wwFvJkfkmUjzTOTo-4FqmyHE0iDbak37Z5rnKrz4WmQoK9Yyl/s320/patriotic_crafts.jpg" width="246" /></a></div>Happy 4th of July!!!! If you've been invited to a party today, but you don't have anything to bring, here is something you can whip up this morning.<br />
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The creative minds at Family Fun have come up with a patriotic pop. You might even have these ingredients and materials around the house. You can find the list of ingredients, materials, and a video tutorial <a href="http://ediblecraftsonline.com4th_of_july/index.htm">here</a>. While these are easy to make, the freezing time will draw out the preparation a bit. Put the kids to work. They should be able to help you with this dish. Stay cool with your patriotic pops and have fun celebrating the ole' red, white, and blue today.Crafty Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16153366317772861467noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1032629657572926203.post-14323431767392798542011-07-03T00:00:00.001-04:002011-07-03T00:00:02.242-04:00Shutterbug Sunday: America The Beautiful<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBdRybCzHadgK6Nkb9RshuXCYlUPOWL8rne9QLrsiOytlAMX1iQIp7PX9CgNHBl46_Dzt7otKNAEHfTfE0OU7p3r4q0TKDQtdgFPMTN9rvXIhPT7VRyNbtlFv37G1xtL2Q1Ke_seIm2Rg/s1600/finalny14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBdRybCzHadgK6Nkb9RshuXCYlUPOWL8rne9QLrsiOytlAMX1iQIp7PX9CgNHBl46_Dzt7otKNAEHfTfE0OU7p3r4q0TKDQtdgFPMTN9rvXIhPT7VRyNbtlFv37G1xtL2Q1Ke_seIm2Rg/s640/finalny14.jpg" t8="true" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Recently I was in New York City and took some time out for a little sight seeing between meetings. I took my Blythe Doll "Watermelon Sherbet" and wanted to snap some pictures of her in the big city. Imagine my excitement when I saw the "Naked Cowboy". Crafty Cat says he's an American institution. He certainly is an American attraction. He was so nice and when I pulled out my doll for a picture, he was more than willing to pose! Sometimes you just gotta get the picture and I did! I was so excited. To see more pictures from my recent trip to NYC click on our flickr page!Crafty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773968371851242530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1032629657572926203.post-34300734146363616132011-07-02T00:00:00.004-04:002011-07-02T00:34:22.755-04:00Getting Rid Of The Shine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7eIUQAYdUy3c0si9KZHlJg4SJ6561KNXc6krUKMdkOZL8UvwDsHX9FC7eK62b7_qgfs5kEs0guL9UQmvAVMTgND5IOAtUo9kywQJYVFZnUQL2zIOQaqBtpsm5IWeoC5tXOweiH3-pGOA/s1600/5-24-11+049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7eIUQAYdUy3c0si9KZHlJg4SJ6561KNXc6krUKMdkOZL8UvwDsHX9FC7eK62b7_qgfs5kEs0guL9UQmvAVMTgND5IOAtUo9kywQJYVFZnUQL2zIOQaqBtpsm5IWeoC5tXOweiH3-pGOA/s640/5-24-11+049.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1IlbOnKjvP5wxSnCIB00F9wLY3WEKUZIDk8LURUf7OEgP1BZFCllU9finB5YmwaNl4JbLMHh-PgVPYbdfKQfQoMFrHk0fAWdvgkRBw7D7lNt_vScN-dlxGhmEpGkEWlhAePko3PtMhew/s1600/5-24-11+056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1IlbOnKjvP5wxSnCIB00F9wLY3WEKUZIDk8LURUf7OEgP1BZFCllU9finB5YmwaNl4JbLMHh-PgVPYbdfKQfQoMFrHk0fAWdvgkRBw7D7lNt_vScN-dlxGhmEpGkEWlhAePko3PtMhew/s320/5-24-11+056.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a> A big attraction to the Blythe doll world for me has been the opportunity to customize my own doll. The crafty side of me just got all excited when I saw some amazing before and after examples. Granted, I'm new to this craft- so I'm learning. I've already given a boil perm with success. So, I decided to sand the face of a doll and reapply her makeup. Above is the before picture. I don't have a complete after picture because I'm still working on her- but I will show you what I did to make her shiny plastic look go away. I went to the hardware store and purchased fine and ultra-fine sand paper. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">For the first layer of sanding- I used the fine sponge. The factory makeup and the shine instantly disappeared with no problems. The ultra-fine paper naturally helps you tackle the fine details. Wet your ultra fine paper and work in small circles, making sure you don't leave any lines or scuffs. This was such an easy process and now her face is more lifelike with a matte finish. The next step with be adding new makeup.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGausaGgT26JiLlpw-GCNB1DSlcQ6KRW1SOwSrxWfucZ0A9PTqeJW7MtzKXDvHbKr7Spgy_niut50YxgbavtzA0nmdEF8EMO3u0fEB6DRD-JsM4snlsNuTdVrT8_r3a61BYQzTfnLHAzE/s1600/5-24-11+057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGausaGgT26JiLlpw-GCNB1DSlcQ6KRW1SOwSrxWfucZ0A9PTqeJW7MtzKXDvHbKr7Spgy_niut50YxgbavtzA0nmdEF8EMO3u0fEB6DRD-JsM4snlsNuTdVrT8_r3a61BYQzTfnLHAzE/s640/5-24-11+057.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Q8Oqvk-gzM7a85OC04mbT5r3aMwZpwxkIulxJQBW4Tpkb0_r5AsbD-tuvN6RxVbwOFS2johrGgTGTnOzTctIDYyK36R_v_imGgWDGWrSYu418cvKl1FcUhMVcIM7NaVbdYvibPSUjU8/s1600/5-24-11+061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Q8Oqvk-gzM7a85OC04mbT5r3aMwZpwxkIulxJQBW4Tpkb0_r5AsbD-tuvN6RxVbwOFS2johrGgTGTnOzTctIDYyK36R_v_imGgWDGWrSYu418cvKl1FcUhMVcIM7NaVbdYvibPSUjU8/s640/5-24-11+061.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div>Crafty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773968371851242530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1032629657572926203.post-80209719756278725662011-07-01T00:01:00.005-04:002011-07-01T00:01:01.101-04:00Eagle Bites<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Kxk_Gav7Fb9Se7Y-t2N8IITjh8a46J6zleE7nV0f_EH-ImXy0wJoQ9-H0MARpaI_v69-YWtgODxtLZa3H1bbtDMclZL2Y4ZuzJndWqvjyWDPIi3qkffpTAQ3B6Gu5Vg7WL_cvDiN4p8v/s1600/edible-eagles-fourth-of-july-recipe-photo-420-FF0705ALMAA01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Kxk_Gav7Fb9Se7Y-t2N8IITjh8a46J6zleE7nV0f_EH-ImXy0wJoQ9-H0MARpaI_v69-YWtgODxtLZa3H1bbtDMclZL2Y4ZuzJndWqvjyWDPIi3qkffpTAQ3B6Gu5Vg7WL_cvDiN4p8v/s400/edible-eagles-fourth-of-july-recipe-photo-420-FF0705ALMAA01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The idea of eating an eagle never sounded so good. July has arrived and it is time to start thinking about what you'll serve to friends and family on Independence Day. Looking at the creations of others always makes me humble. This is a perfect example. If someone told me to make dessert in the image of an eagle, I doubt I would have come up with this yummy treat.<div><br />
</div><div>As you get ready for the 4th of July holiday, we're sharing a couple of ideas that will wow your guests or your host. Even if you aren't a fan of coconut, this dish would no doubt inspire a smile and some conversation. You can find all the directions <a href="http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/edible-eagles-699768/">here</a>, on the family fun site. Bravo to the person who came up with this idea. Anyone who can get crafty with food is talented in my book.</div>Crafty Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16153366317772861467noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1032629657572926203.post-32632837648586600632011-06-30T00:01:00.000-04:002011-06-30T00:01:03.931-04:00Independence Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbPe9bmGvRSSyGOZdZUiF22a8onloCEyWbal2LcRcaFwR8S6uZv9sxVhfj42RzMJl_KWemz7NQXHR_IFgCHSvyiq4qxn9FXzCyZFrbbZRM5sy3bq1C80enWAKwL8afcH6Nc7EmsGLADDRO/s1600/3709399406_b8e9a8eb31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbPe9bmGvRSSyGOZdZUiF22a8onloCEyWbal2LcRcaFwR8S6uZv9sxVhfj42RzMJl_KWemz7NQXHR_IFgCHSvyiq4qxn9FXzCyZFrbbZRM5sy3bq1C80enWAKwL8afcH6Nc7EmsGLADDRO/s640/3709399406_b8e9a8eb31.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div>Our Independence Day celebration generally involves a BBQ, perhaps strawberry shortcake, and several cold dishes brought by my aunts. This patriotic piece of cake would knock my family's red, white, and blue socks off.</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqBUsgVP1qXsca9ptAZ7rtKnjttZt7AmYmaclmMJGO4DLyt0-YML5oWoQvECAGuhuK89-ZHNILfzrHpUdFXDGupy3LHZWJhD0qGZMPszNiz6H8iZm0UGTZ2D_jAsXWIcmiC3CPao_wWlzO/s1600/3708324811_d9ac4c2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqBUsgVP1qXsca9ptAZ7rtKnjttZt7AmYmaclmMJGO4DLyt0-YML5oWoQvECAGuhuK89-ZHNILfzrHpUdFXDGupy3LHZWJhD0qGZMPszNiz6H8iZm0UGTZ2D_jAsXWIcmiC3CPao_wWlzO/s200/3708324811_d9ac4c2012.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div>I can appreciate an interesting artist in the blog world. So, I was thrilled when I stumbled upon 17andbaking.com. When I was 17, I was featured in the high school play. This young lady, now 19 years old, is being featured in national magazines. </div><div><br />
</div><div>I think this adorable cake is a great idea and deserves more attention. You can find out how to make it <a href="http://17andbaking.com/2009/07/01/a-little-tast-of-independence/">here</a>. This teenager may make you feel a bit inadequate. Hopefully, she'll also inspire you to do something you love.</div>Crafty Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16153366317772861467noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1032629657572926203.post-50140619331646266502011-06-29T00:00:00.002-04:002011-06-29T00:00:00.270-04:00Lamp Shades<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuWbIV2i7v1oLOaZ4UZaVuj6GuN6waDCwLErojBUmW3khG5fBXCqDMBLqoF8HKoa7ZD7rqJkrj9yZu-gNk8H1F4WSCtv59Fz81RUaXhpGuZB9NJDfxdoSMWCysXWHtB8ZOmgL7ZtsnaCg/s1600/6-12-11+048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuWbIV2i7v1oLOaZ4UZaVuj6GuN6waDCwLErojBUmW3khG5fBXCqDMBLqoF8HKoa7ZD7rqJkrj9yZu-gNk8H1F4WSCtv59Fz81RUaXhpGuZB9NJDfxdoSMWCysXWHtB8ZOmgL7ZtsnaCg/s640/6-12-11+048.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div>Have you ever wondered how to take an item from drab to fab? Try using a little hot glue and ribbon! That's what I did with these lamps. These were simply white shades before I touched them up. I thought it would be great to use some decorative trim and ribbon to give them interest and a better connection to the room. <br />
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Such a simple idea. In less than an hour, I trimmed four shades and gave my room a fresh look for the summer. If you want to change the ribbon down the road, you can!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYnuWNBo8-SKQwDwAaNzL7FjlE2EKJOhyphenhyphenWWJS45IAyvAEk1HXwtO6iTf_R9q21qm7gaEwqFf0TYhjJfcZQQhI9NY7eVQqdTDdDxp2MtFPOBPX4idacwSH8m-YWbGTQV17AxOt0i3MrQq8/s1600/6-12-11+049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYnuWNBo8-SKQwDwAaNzL7FjlE2EKJOhyphenhyphenWWJS45IAyvAEk1HXwtO6iTf_R9q21qm7gaEwqFf0TYhjJfcZQQhI9NY7eVQqdTDdDxp2MtFPOBPX4idacwSH8m-YWbGTQV17AxOt0i3MrQq8/s640/6-12-11+049.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div>Crafty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773968371851242530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1032629657572926203.post-67511029433239286682011-06-28T00:00:00.003-04:002013-06-07T14:15:32.758-04:00Tasty Tuesday: Fabulous Feast<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0gtliGuUiPoYPr5sbJrHsP4XZ1TypfP_8OkZGfhTXl6gdlLpzKfWfq5PNJV85oGZPMHiYgL9OSHzMhn-UpogT0k8FWyahnuFRn93aw_D-H_LQVnIa_Gux6gt01qCG-mFo2pgJFxRS6fM/s1600/5-7-11+067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0gtliGuUiPoYPr5sbJrHsP4XZ1TypfP_8OkZGfhTXl6gdlLpzKfWfq5PNJV85oGZPMHiYgL9OSHzMhn-UpogT0k8FWyahnuFRn93aw_D-H_LQVnIa_Gux6gt01qCG-mFo2pgJFxRS6fM/s640/5-7-11+067.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div>
Doesn't this just make your mouth water? YUMMY! This was the meal my lovely hubby made me for Mother's day! I just wanted to share with you this amazing meal! Filet Mignon topped with some melt in your mouth cheese that I can't remember the name of, lobster, risotto and asparagus!Crafty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773968371851242530noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1032629657572926203.post-61325644031430754282011-06-27T00:01:00.000-04:002011-06-27T00:01:00.145-04:00Adding Color<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYaLw9r-XQ-i3zC53JexKNCvQ5cVJ4PPWrdxQvFpPPAbQLVZLA_Ptn7-54kbyNFsld8ALQSAkePwVoJ1uhucZhFRWjlb7dY1aaMHWFEsb_D8hGSJc3PU6nPH3sxkk62qzE_HMo4hqXRymh/s1600/IMG_0142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYaLw9r-XQ-i3zC53JexKNCvQ5cVJ4PPWrdxQvFpPPAbQLVZLA_Ptn7-54kbyNFsld8ALQSAkePwVoJ1uhucZhFRWjlb7dY1aaMHWFEsb_D8hGSJc3PU6nPH3sxkk62qzE_HMo4hqXRymh/s640/IMG_0142.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>My mother is not the type of person who would understand the phrase "less is more". Her home is the craziest on the block during the winter holidays. People drive by slowly to look at everything in the yard. She has the same zest with her landscaping in the Summer.<div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDOHWUcyB4gr-2nD9O3ycESkgOaKg_n5AI93WqDPz5PzW2TpsGuYRJrBxR_G0VMxuUOq1qmHoKkI4g_jg6SnNFQSjrVqek3rrg48hHBQkZFlSQYnhN29u_4Q7xxEevEYpXUdNT7jR4sAWa/s1600/IMG_0136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDOHWUcyB4gr-2nD9O3ycESkgOaKg_n5AI93WqDPz5PzW2TpsGuYRJrBxR_G0VMxuUOq1qmHoKkI4g_jg6SnNFQSjrVqek3rrg48hHBQkZFlSQYnhN29u_4Q7xxEevEYpXUdNT7jR4sAWa/s200/IMG_0136.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div>Mom loves these little figurines. There are boys fishing, kids cuddling, and animals lounging throughout the yard. She certainly doesn't need more. Yet, my mother can't avoid buying them. I think part of the appeal is that she has turned this yard decoration into a craft project. We all know how therapeutic it feels to paint something pretty. Many people like the "stone" appearance. My mother prefers to add color. The results compliment the varied hues throughout the garden. If you've had one of these around for years, consider giving it new life with paint. You may need to touch up the colors eventually. Perform a makeover every few years. Give your girl a new hair color and a brighter dress. If you see a woman in the lawn section of the store with a cart full of these, she is probably my mother.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjnQe8xg4u7Xm5hRmjFnrbiWlPwHefipWB_65nkgf-a8gp09lI-LdQWVXNJzG7ADqAulhn27Mnbn28prhu-A0o_0ZzyUqCI81vyNHNmDwWXnu4PAWvXgZHdylrkD39gcrDz___zEE7rC7P/s1600/IMG_0135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjnQe8xg4u7Xm5hRmjFnrbiWlPwHefipWB_65nkgf-a8gp09lI-LdQWVXNJzG7ADqAulhn27Mnbn28prhu-A0o_0ZzyUqCI81vyNHNmDwWXnu4PAWvXgZHdylrkD39gcrDz___zEE7rC7P/s400/IMG_0135.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuSoB2uSpqdg7IGMcrJs3EIwigOwr0YZMwlceP3TEy4I-0YxjPpwSnkcnRlg0YUj5gCqLCZ8WBWlJxmu0o-drbgCXFUnJrCfYH1M0DIFWRNNZoR9zjOKCSAYCYcXs-MAaUte1a2aCfuKDV/s1600/IMG_0144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuSoB2uSpqdg7IGMcrJs3EIwigOwr0YZMwlceP3TEy4I-0YxjPpwSnkcnRlg0YUj5gCqLCZ8WBWlJxmu0o-drbgCXFUnJrCfYH1M0DIFWRNNZoR9zjOKCSAYCYcXs-MAaUte1a2aCfuKDV/s400/IMG_0144.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEccVAGwzIV6YYey4M4Xnh4BsA_eBKubne5x36thBc7fi3aFEf3aLQx-aPGl-3nNrMViRjUL__Qx5KjYZisqk8yE6P1XVbfZ5cs4NMM14hyphenhyphenbDRbdpiM5RIUYH23bj8bY75xy_tKr9pfWTt/s1600/IMG_0138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEccVAGwzIV6YYey4M4Xnh4BsA_eBKubne5x36thBc7fi3aFEf3aLQx-aPGl-3nNrMViRjUL__Qx5KjYZisqk8yE6P1XVbfZ5cs4NMM14hyphenhyphenbDRbdpiM5RIUYH23bj8bY75xy_tKr9pfWTt/s400/IMG_0138.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxr-HIgAXvo-fXgA6WpJLigsRor23NH3R6sgp4dalsNUJrKvZroJZ-i6xB2y4suAzUYZen1EghsrfIm-Y0NSu-3N9Uo148rTzbl5n6EsWwsKnvjq7t4WL4MOiJyoTtD3HDF5t5-94QL69I/s1600/IMG_0139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxr-HIgAXvo-fXgA6WpJLigsRor23NH3R6sgp4dalsNUJrKvZroJZ-i6xB2y4suAzUYZen1EghsrfIm-Y0NSu-3N9Uo148rTzbl5n6EsWwsKnvjq7t4WL4MOiJyoTtD3HDF5t5-94QL69I/s400/IMG_0139.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDVumo8FeMGejujI0vwXxfqYRyEH-Ar1COvJvLpUHhyphenhypheny51Y34SrayS7wCPsTzdq7M3-BVdc2XuU-mmf8BFCr5VjknkWPyPgygkBYyVImOGZEe65lVJSSn-b-a1f3_1ADBsvS_KOjcojJRp/s1600/IMG_0134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDVumo8FeMGejujI0vwXxfqYRyEH-Ar1COvJvLpUHhyphenhypheny51Y34SrayS7wCPsTzdq7M3-BVdc2XuU-mmf8BFCr5VjknkWPyPgygkBYyVImOGZEe65lVJSSn-b-a1f3_1ADBsvS_KOjcojJRp/s400/IMG_0134.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>Crafty Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16153366317772861467noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1032629657572926203.post-73387604225885393492011-06-26T00:00:00.003-04:002011-06-26T00:00:00.348-04:00Shutterbug Sunday: Try It<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5juI-PiVvyqxRocYhXQV16eJTMk8U2Kzls7jQNbltuw_RvPbA8UZbQyfsNeOaI4m3u3y_CWGNuR7xBqWsPqFUkvhyphenhyphendrTP6aZYvXUzyo1kssMr4jrtcA86m4tqWooMwLLIfS6VnqLT0ZA/s1600/5-24-11+086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5juI-PiVvyqxRocYhXQV16eJTMk8U2Kzls7jQNbltuw_RvPbA8UZbQyfsNeOaI4m3u3y_CWGNuR7xBqWsPqFUkvhyphenhyphendrTP6aZYvXUzyo1kssMr4jrtcA86m4tqWooMwLLIfS6VnqLT0ZA/s640/5-24-11+086.JPG" t8="true" width="426" /></a></div>Sometimes you just don't know if you will get the right picture. Does that make you give up? I tend to take a lot of pictures and use a few. I love being able to preview my pictures with a digital camera, so I can delete what doesn't work. I remember being very careful when snapping pictures with my film camera. Didn't you hate it when half of your roll was blurry or didn't come out?! I did. That money could have been spent on crafting tools!! I took this picture when I was giving a doll a boil perm. At the exact moment I clicked, a big poof of steam fogged my lens. The end result was amazing. I just loved how it captured the doll in a foggy state. My advice today- just try it! You never know what the end result will be and you may be pleasantly surprised! Sometimes unintended obstacles produce the most interesting results.Crafty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773968371851242530noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1032629657572926203.post-44242185415323536162011-06-25T06:44:00.002-04:002011-06-25T06:44:00.181-04:00Postcrossing<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQos80e-pUY2_BRuEXwzAOHS1ca9qGo5HkaIV8IfjKnSIQE2l_bKJnPFWfCEmjpiWSe82LVxviYQm5BhbrzUjdPPdnzNZ1NGmkNwqcvfnU1wpSFyB9F_IFN5sfrHmn4Tv5Hl6rR5_zlAI/s1600/Joliette,+Quebec.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQos80e-pUY2_BRuEXwzAOHS1ca9qGo5HkaIV8IfjKnSIQE2l_bKJnPFWfCEmjpiWSe82LVxviYQm5BhbrzUjdPPdnzNZ1NGmkNwqcvfnU1wpSFyB9F_IFN5sfrHmn4Tv5Hl6rR5_zlAI/s400/Joliette,+Quebec.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Joliette, Canada</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Have you heard of Postcrossing.com? It's a great website where you sign up to send and receive postcards with strangers around the world! This is a fun educational tool for your child and exciting for the adults in the house too. We have a huge map of the world on the wall in the kids' bedroom. When a new postcard arrives from somewhere across the globe, we mark the spot with a tack. Mom is clearly the most interested in the project. But, it is providing some excitement for the kids, who check the mail box everyday. You get to learn about a little piece of someone's life and the postcards are so beautiful and sometimes quirky! I have the urge to use them in a craft project, but the written message on the back are as beautiful as the pictures on the front. I'm torn! You'll find some of the cards we have received below. If you'd like to learn more about postcrossing </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.postcrossing.com/">click here</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium; clear: both; text-align: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitDgMKSCKlfGNAAoQ1BYh0_3mVwaFqugpc6IQIp81wINWsX_ZmswAS7F5L0OFh13UyA2m_IEv_Ugk3AyltuXP9lY_2JEe-KZk5eCE0IhqzIGGrxCvATVTpGO0lnP4YkcspgeXbPiNEps5h/s1600/Touchuan+Village,+China.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitDgMKSCKlfGNAAoQ1BYh0_3mVwaFqugpc6IQIp81wINWsX_ZmswAS7F5L0OFh13UyA2m_IEv_Ugk3AyltuXP9lY_2JEe-KZk5eCE0IhqzIGGrxCvATVTpGO0lnP4YkcspgeXbPiNEps5h/s400/Touchuan+Village,+China.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Touchuan Village, China</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF08Do6TXptqEM51YJoj_Jqux9hkdSxyjIdCASavIViAWxTy2v9xfGQqxYAXIpErHX5A62SZ_iRUaJXM_L2jxRtFVWAQyuhlWL_CH17yhSfYvkROJoCPcdbFxs_Kx9Om4eQtrZ_SvUK5p5/s1600/Kassel,+Germany.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF08Do6TXptqEM51YJoj_Jqux9hkdSxyjIdCASavIViAWxTy2v9xfGQqxYAXIpErHX5A62SZ_iRUaJXM_L2jxRtFVWAQyuhlWL_CH17yhSfYvkROJoCPcdbFxs_Kx9Om4eQtrZ_SvUK5p5/s400/Kassel,+Germany.jpg" width="282" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Kassel, Germany</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO0UpXuZIfgzIwGp4r4IxNYErG78J7kkCOd4Uhh3I3oCneeq2m8ZlHudbcFE0rvXC23181UlNWD01e_zdk3i9rzWS7-2vJE0T3RQoc5dKNnCFp4Y3bsBfac6q4hAq7DOR1Xcg07Z4ukvn8/s1600/Lago+Ercina,+Spain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO0UpXuZIfgzIwGp4r4IxNYErG78J7kkCOd4Uhh3I3oCneeq2m8ZlHudbcFE0rvXC23181UlNWD01e_zdk3i9rzWS7-2vJE0T3RQoc5dKNnCFp4Y3bsBfac6q4hAq7DOR1Xcg07Z4ukvn8/s400/Lago+Ercina,+Spain.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">lago Ericina, Spain</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKjTA7GAvcFf52qnrXpAZcjDgFhx9CDS8xMjdeHF6Sf1ACZyKx0tSYwVo9Kf-iLlmFMvxTvw0d23LjJaqOoWR_yYuB4tHwtYB9hnTaLggaabtNQKWK_Yg_QlvsGTwXuIPEi9QLXp_mtstL/s1600/lappenranta,+finland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKjTA7GAvcFf52qnrXpAZcjDgFhx9CDS8xMjdeHF6Sf1ACZyKx0tSYwVo9Kf-iLlmFMvxTvw0d23LjJaqOoWR_yYuB4tHwtYB9hnTaLggaabtNQKWK_Yg_QlvsGTwXuIPEi9QLXp_mtstL/s400/lappenranta,+finland.jpg" width="285" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Lappeenranta, Finland</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg63dJRXuWOAQeE-nl2ldk30-yKNhXN4Hf_vfbh3ap6Wv6CfNicqqDh_AtOytyBcwzI5CKn2MNVnR3iWZc1DxM1g9UqaMdSTZBHU8V3kWeINOYURGXg73DtevjhC2c1o5jWFWmu1N4kWyRK/s1600/Hutchinson+Island,+Florida.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg63dJRXuWOAQeE-nl2ldk30-yKNhXN4Hf_vfbh3ap6Wv6CfNicqqDh_AtOytyBcwzI5CKn2MNVnR3iWZc1DxM1g9UqaMdSTZBHU8V3kWeINOYURGXg73DtevjhC2c1o5jWFWmu1N4kWyRK/s400/Hutchinson+Island,+Florida.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>and Hutchinson Island, Florida-- This one is from a lovely family member! SHHHH-- don't tell the kids! <br />
He<span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span>he he.Crafty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773968371851242530noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1032629657572926203.post-10751815998309242592011-06-24T00:01:00.000-04:002011-06-24T00:01:01.189-04:00Paper Bag Book<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzuftEw3Zm2N4A3jH7eX76FVYIxMby0LonXOjEEAvvaNSZ1fnJjQhjjdydP7MgwOg97IB4CCcfy8Ez_yXf58ZOs200M-o8lbuj5gUH3ucW9In1qRLeJntC05VAjY5IaqPl_JCC07X0zCQv/s1600/IMG_0106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="465" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzuftEw3Zm2N4A3jH7eX76FVYIxMby0LonXOjEEAvvaNSZ1fnJjQhjjdydP7MgwOg97IB4CCcfy8Ez_yXf58ZOs200M-o8lbuj5gUH3ucW9In1qRLeJntC05VAjY5IaqPl_JCC07X0zCQv/s640/IMG_0106.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This can be filed under the most clever creations I've ever seen from my friends at Captured Moments in Rotterdam, NY. This is a flip book for pictures, made out of two PAPER BAGS!! Who comes up with something like this? Tara and Tiffany are so creative.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8tzNW0J7xJDW576CiMg2QAb2UTQ_FVkFMSGdHBYEQ9MSFha7dFIerk4G5mWZXJBoIujAp2QWurFek4EeGGPMWlskt2wozFh1m9EhJlxuLKSloE0iRPPpXPNaMSKZDuC8sgoF0oWAKyOmP/s1600/IMG_0107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8tzNW0J7xJDW576CiMg2QAb2UTQ_FVkFMSGdHBYEQ9MSFha7dFIerk4G5mWZXJBoIujAp2QWurFek4EeGGPMWlskt2wozFh1m9EhJlxuLKSloE0iRPPpXPNaMSKZDuC8sgoF0oWAKyOmP/s400/IMG_0107.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The crazy thing is...this is so simple to make. You start by stamping the edges of your paper bags. Layer two bags on top of each other, facing opposite directions. Fold them in half. Punch three holes in the fold and tie them together with ribbon.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO-1p9auU1Pdp9JO-ZSn2rPDW6YPjPboUCOWUpoVs-elNVAmxhb94cTWoG8QCCwaVNS57X_m2p5wvqdh6oXkzQ9yjnhktvwhqcPNHyQVx1l82pwm6xtSyW9QABrfjvry3GOsL0-8z_sRPW/s1600/IMG_0110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO-1p9auU1Pdp9JO-ZSn2rPDW6YPjPboUCOWUpoVs-elNVAmxhb94cTWoG8QCCwaVNS57X_m2p5wvqdh6oXkzQ9yjnhktvwhqcPNHyQVx1l82pwm6xtSyW9QABrfjvry3GOsL0-8z_sRPW/s400/IMG_0110.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
You'll want to cut blocks of designed paper for each page of the book. Another thing I love about Tara and Tiffany is that they are not afraid to use bold patterns and mix them together. Ink your edges. You can place photos or notes on these pages. The girls chose to use titles to inspire a theme for your pictures.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4C4qjKBxVPZzdIj7E8utrKEWnZ29lqKP96eGaCNkLd6zZxLKA6szrU0LaBy6pWB7DEjtM_1mG3c4iuCJppu3ipjMKBN4E2s0Hs98-_q-gV5Bcw1AbnnyUhvb-_WiBASqXPrVTNLQ28707/s1600/IMG_0105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4C4qjKBxVPZzdIj7E8utrKEWnZ29lqKP96eGaCNkLd6zZxLKA6szrU0LaBy6pWB7DEjtM_1mG3c4iuCJppu3ipjMKBN4E2s0Hs98-_q-gV5Bcw1AbnnyUhvb-_WiBASqXPrVTNLQ28707/s400/IMG_0105.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The bottom of your bag with half a fold. You can use that for something fun and unique...a clever pocket. If you prefer to cover it, simply glue the fold closed and adhere your patterned paper over the top of the fold.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh8azjbjLq1z2wZ78uCvgmSEAiUuCOL9ZZMatG2q7zMr_Pm0fWWax5PDlJjoX7hlU7uyqveNUjxQTCLXLjuUXO424wwpYmukJNJ6hGQIBlL-pxlq6MZpAh3Vdc_V-k7DpD3X5utRkYt7ot/s1600/IMG_0113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh8azjbjLq1z2wZ78uCvgmSEAiUuCOL9ZZMatG2q7zMr_Pm0fWWax5PDlJjoX7hlU7uyqveNUjxQTCLXLjuUXO424wwpYmukJNJ6hGQIBlL-pxlq6MZpAh3Vdc_V-k7DpD3X5utRkYt7ot/s400/IMG_0113.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The tops of the bags offer pockets for pull-out pictures. Throw a block of patterned paper inside and attach some fiber to the edge to give your book some texture. This makes the book interactive...some pages flip, others pull out.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHj5fav4g5fSfgmRY8M35P7o92DPTzhEDA7TkTnExufH6y5BDayM_7VQXcPVDDm4e4MAsB_W7J3lpfg5CJ3DX25niOttjptD2YtM22oUUAXRWe2NrWYX0A_CuUm-AmQ7ZFmrckO9Kdm4sw/s1600/IMG_0103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHj5fav4g5fSfgmRY8M35P7o92DPTzhEDA7TkTnExufH6y5BDayM_7VQXcPVDDm4e4MAsB_W7J3lpfg5CJ3DX25niOttjptD2YtM22oUUAXRWe2NrWYX0A_CuUm-AmQ7ZFmrckO9Kdm4sw/s400/IMG_0103.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Embellish your cover and enjoy. I think I had more fun with this project than any of the other make-n-takes I've brought home. Mostly, I was impressed by the originality of the idea. You can find more work by Tara and Tiffany at <a href="http://www.capturedmomentstore.com/">www.capturedmomentstore.com</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGV0D_invswT1-vBIJ8YUl-2MVApuBPD6_zlmUSYVRmBKNrLQ4dEw-urupx5GOlL1lzCLzLJaTI5BvFVauVxBLfdZI2YWGNbJZ-Hz2eV2S8uoUub7IJrD14EAv0tagXbIg-tLMt7uyi3_G/s1600/IMG_0111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGV0D_invswT1-vBIJ8YUl-2MVApuBPD6_zlmUSYVRmBKNrLQ4dEw-urupx5GOlL1lzCLzLJaTI5BvFVauVxBLfdZI2YWGNbJZ-Hz2eV2S8uoUub7IJrD14EAv0tagXbIg-tLMt7uyi3_G/s320/IMG_0111.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5GdkHSI06yxkTbsFw3AzqHeOrd9EFyUIizXZwMpyB8Af8n0iC9xxrHeOsEZ4jQrxTcsauw_ix26Goj5TEgs76hoMcraB8fO4KYuhfKQCvdoQ8ELym0lZNIGMO3O8t9gjD_7CsE2QjLumQ/s1600/IMG_0098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5GdkHSI06yxkTbsFw3AzqHeOrd9EFyUIizXZwMpyB8Af8n0iC9xxrHeOsEZ4jQrxTcsauw_ix26Goj5TEgs76hoMcraB8fO4KYuhfKQCvdoQ8ELym0lZNIGMO3O8t9gjD_7CsE2QjLumQ/s320/IMG_0098.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6E7fOLPCtnZRi894iH5AFKCW3iQeBlhtA8QaCKTNYA7_qv4B3bkj1kUsAUjEKFfMFnJxH_0TGvlFVAGm5zQH0x44D3PLE2oUDUBkOrhRCJFE9N6jE0GJ-9WJ2XUkSB0TEvjlk1v4q4A6F/s1600/IMG_0099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6E7fOLPCtnZRi894iH5AFKCW3iQeBlhtA8QaCKTNYA7_qv4B3bkj1kUsAUjEKFfMFnJxH_0TGvlFVAGm5zQH0x44D3PLE2oUDUBkOrhRCJFE9N6jE0GJ-9WJ2XUkSB0TEvjlk1v4q4A6F/s320/IMG_0099.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Crafty Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16153366317772861467noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1032629657572926203.post-79791502232563509222011-06-23T00:01:00.001-04:002011-06-23T00:01:01.992-04:00Soul of Scrapbooking<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2X86wQs6IzBO4L0941Xv3jo4DRG5DmLj8P44i-jRLEFL7qBx6IwEt2qIUdn3Mi7O252IAaVtYMZHlC-RXVmxNxUrlXqLgf1lj4ym__SEZTsv3vt31DJWjb-Auf5DshyphenhyphenG23QRA-Qt-YsLh/s1600/IMG_0347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2X86wQs6IzBO4L0941Xv3jo4DRG5DmLj8P44i-jRLEFL7qBx6IwEt2qIUdn3Mi7O252IAaVtYMZHlC-RXVmxNxUrlXqLgf1lj4ym__SEZTsv3vt31DJWjb-Auf5DshyphenhyphenG23QRA-Qt-YsLh/s640/IMG_0347.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Years ago, when my grandfather passed away, I was given four albums that had belonged to his father. They were a combination of journals and old style scrapbooks...full of news articles, pictures, and little notes.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9KJ9afw5UxEgfGCPtC_eO5zyHlFrzPEKxbUfYNKxoDJTHA8m3oSIW1MNWJ3PPerp2177uBsbTYSVdiJhjtc2cAyPYmDaUDc1t07rNTH6PkcsLA2Rp_qHQIG4o5HRWmMxKPv3HJVi4Laww/s1600/IMG_0316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9KJ9afw5UxEgfGCPtC_eO5zyHlFrzPEKxbUfYNKxoDJTHA8m3oSIW1MNWJ3PPerp2177uBsbTYSVdiJhjtc2cAyPYmDaUDc1t07rNTH6PkcsLA2Rp_qHQIG4o5HRWmMxKPv3HJVi4Laww/s200/IMG_0316.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>A couple of years after I was given these albums, I moved away from home for college. My room was cleared when I left and I was told by my mother that she'd thrown away a pile of old books. I was devastated. I hadn't really taken the time at that age to read those journals. But, I knew I wanted to one day. That day has come. I've spent years anguishing over the loss of those albums. I felt terrible guilt that they had been kept for decades by my grandfather, only to be lost in my hands. I take my duty, preserving family heritage, very seriously. I wanted to pass the journals onto my own grandchildren.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZx0aRu0lJOhHxu-kRGehEYNgCappj1XV6ecJGznxyV69LTjg37wobhRVy8Ejze3M1Y249dOeRCzG-E3MyKFSgis4nn2lUoF6mSMowJr_w3i3VbYAjGzJ-m1i7VEdFIFSndQWpocrP3L5_/s1600/IMG_0318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZx0aRu0lJOhHxu-kRGehEYNgCappj1XV6ecJGznxyV69LTjg37wobhRVy8Ejze3M1Y249dOeRCzG-E3MyKFSgis4nn2lUoF6mSMowJr_w3i3VbYAjGzJ-m1i7VEdFIFSndQWpocrP3L5_/s200/IMG_0318.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>This summer, my parents decided to clean out their attic. They called on me to sort through a few boxes that had been set aside for me. Twenty years has passed since those items were stored away. I didn't know what I'd find. There were old report cards, school papers, and drawings. My biggest surprise came from a dusty bin with my name scrawled across it with sloppy black marker. There, in the bottom of the bin, there were four albums with aged paper. The words my great-grandfather took time to write down were now ready for my attention.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Uk3L_ELvuBeOFve2snQjXCQG2yOAVd5S06PhyE7XMSZ7zKUkDhiDjTtd4r7umeEM2OJJt7WX9Nd2PQzqKnh8RCL7q_mHXQibY6EoidBy9eCHBRUmSJxmqKxi1aa1kI_8hHk9MSeb8cWk/s1600/IMG_0390.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Uk3L_ELvuBeOFve2snQjXCQG2yOAVd5S06PhyE7XMSZ7zKUkDhiDjTtd4r7umeEM2OJJt7WX9Nd2PQzqKnh8RCL7q_mHXQibY6EoidBy9eCHBRUmSJxmqKxi1aa1kI_8hHk9MSeb8cWk/s200/IMG_0390.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>While I was sorting through the pages of the final five years of his life, this man I never knew came alive. I read all about life on the farm, his wife, how much he adored his kids...including my grandfather. I found a picture of my mother when she was a little girl. There are photos of my great-grandparents, a recipe, even a photo of my great-great grandfather cutting wood. I learned that most of the men in the family were very tall. My great-grandfather worked hard, right up until his death, plowing land and trimming trees. There is the story of almost running over his little sister with a roller on the farm. The newspaper clippings recount a time when people were miffed that penny postcards suddenly cost 3-cents and there was anger that the postal service had created this confusing "zip code" system that was bound to mess everything up.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5KNrPYwfG8jbk96N9GBGNDWRaFUE7gxk-gM-Hxgi4lY1JJDZBM2nmQds1Ra17stH9vdHPZg5_V_jCGvs-X3iFtKHYcwLVGCT1Dgss05l1hBFtIVUp2lI_nb9PcwX6AO_8IxCZg0ZOQMK6/s1600/IMG_0367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5KNrPYwfG8jbk96N9GBGNDWRaFUE7gxk-gM-Hxgi4lY1JJDZBM2nmQds1Ra17stH9vdHPZg5_V_jCGvs-X3iFtKHYcwLVGCT1Dgss05l1hBFtIVUp2lI_nb9PcwX6AO_8IxCZg0ZOQMK6/s320/IMG_0367.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Knowing that the zip code system eventually worked out just fine, I realized that people complain in the same way they did half a century ago. They still want the same things...a happy family, a steady job, merciful aging, and people want to be remembered. I also learned that the scrapbooking bug was born with me. There is a purpose behind this hobby. We all hope the loved ones we give our crafts to will enjoy them, appreciate them, and cherish them for years. Now, for the first time, I understand just how amazing it feels to have these albums. I feel connected to my heritage. I feel honored to have been trusted with these memories. I feel a bond with this related stranger. Most importantly, I feel relief. My great-grandfather has finally been heard. Keep scrapbooking. It is more than a hobby.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUq6HOrdqVVQLqkAQYyjKvtr2Jf9_oICPAq6_cgKhEdj-pF_X_e8c1Rmtw8raLHRDsKZJQihjZZw9WL8kQrz614SRbGTRkhzqQAfksU3iRLKjxIflUjuSsGqhO3qnTN24Vtj6njpZDzm68/s1600/IMG_0324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUq6HOrdqVVQLqkAQYyjKvtr2Jf9_oICPAq6_cgKhEdj-pF_X_e8c1Rmtw8raLHRDsKZJQihjZZw9WL8kQrz614SRbGTRkhzqQAfksU3iRLKjxIflUjuSsGqhO3qnTN24Vtj6njpZDzm68/s640/IMG_0324.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE1bV9peJjxXsyszI29gh49khXPx3Qo3e-DVl-W16b68tRr9gaXnYiCeuHuxUa3Uta1uviTM6Q26ot_cHQag8QGmXGT27Zt9mVEL76lFD0JJeEewUHsdpLo9Pi2D8iX4nQ9VidTJ0GMWU1/s1600/IMG_0323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE1bV9peJjxXsyszI29gh49khXPx3Qo3e-DVl-W16b68tRr9gaXnYiCeuHuxUa3Uta1uviTM6Q26ot_cHQag8QGmXGT27Zt9mVEL76lFD0JJeEewUHsdpLo9Pi2D8iX4nQ9VidTJ0GMWU1/s640/IMG_0323.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1nnlFJdPlhOx6uB1n_-6Mewe0ZMRDRGBnBrevE7uOdRbTX0HNDCpE8Bt0Vg4maYxh3HlhoqBKdbeyNmrn3axJA6USLbmsWUjaGYMSnW_DCasPb7UlOww_DpR4iHMOuKCjHWb_ieyXJekM/s1600/IMG_0330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1nnlFJdPlhOx6uB1n_-6Mewe0ZMRDRGBnBrevE7uOdRbTX0HNDCpE8Bt0Vg4maYxh3HlhoqBKdbeyNmrn3axJA6USLbmsWUjaGYMSnW_DCasPb7UlOww_DpR4iHMOuKCjHWb_ieyXJekM/s640/IMG_0330.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Crafty Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16153366317772861467noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1032629657572926203.post-53234436348822462462011-06-22T00:00:00.003-04:002011-06-22T00:17:12.063-04:00Nothin Like a Little Herb and Scrapbooking!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguUTdxtJLkdE38YVh2VmGmFa7clncqxvsJHv6y72X3YZeAMGMxdx_nVz2U7MytkgHfxv0lUUm1CZL_x6lAnvM91Z8N-wkZY7-aFZo4qz1cbox77gc5CI_4mbwROvGz8uAbxUec807Js0Ds/s1600-h/8-7+014.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367756037246730690" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguUTdxtJLkdE38YVh2VmGmFa7clncqxvsJHv6y72X3YZeAMGMxdx_nVz2U7MytkgHfxv0lUUm1CZL_x6lAnvM91Z8N-wkZY7-aFZo4qz1cbox77gc5CI_4mbwROvGz8uAbxUec807Js0Ds/s640/8-7+014.JPG" style="display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" width="640" /></a><span style="color: black;">Check out this cute little gift Crafty Cat brought to our scrapbooking get-together recently! If there's one thing scrapbookers like- it is gifts! She brought little baggies filled with her own fresh grown dill, parsley and basil, embellished with a cute little sunflower and fibers (of course!)!! She also bought us a little paw print hole punch!! Too cute-- loved the gift Cat!</span><br />
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Next time you get together with friends, why not bring a little token of your appreciation? It will surely be a hit! Make it a tradition to exchange handmade treats every few months at your craft night soiree.<br />
<div></div>Crafty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773968371851242530noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1032629657572926203.post-76131596710205578992011-06-21T06:24:00.001-04:002013-06-07T14:17:20.575-04:00Tasty Tuesday: Italian Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbtrwfywaBMsy8EZvRC7ze7sbYN-TikhW51K5jxDTzvfjMs42HfMxOJdlHVfbWmOwvQlfoFj8uje_NMeP4Mmdb0da4fV93RjD4EE8Mll5SVHdlIBqqwXDtCjD1uEElQQlODrMwVCmuwXc/s1600/8-8-10+0021-31-2010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbtrwfywaBMsy8EZvRC7ze7sbYN-TikhW51K5jxDTzvfjMs42HfMxOJdlHVfbWmOwvQlfoFj8uje_NMeP4Mmdb0da4fV93RjD4EE8Mll5SVHdlIBqqwXDtCjD1uEElQQlODrMwVCmuwXc/s640/8-8-10+0021-31-2010.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Two types of Italian meat, Fontina cheese, kalamata olives and homemade spicy pickled eggplant on 12 grain bread! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbxq6GQyqCofDzcqP1iOUuakkxVhdA1BWhp10fF3oEQIEJh6_WN2QwNrVyBHP0ElwgwzTQi2UA_plngreW46WFODsXpfho4qIgTNAJERGnIinb8HkT_9ykWK1YnbJAOCXcCXMPgVctYPg/s1600/8-8-10+0031-31-2010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbxq6GQyqCofDzcqP1iOUuakkxVhdA1BWhp10fF3oEQIEJh6_WN2QwNrVyBHP0ElwgwzTQi2UA_plngreW46WFODsXpfho4qIgTNAJERGnIinb8HkT_9ykWK1YnbJAOCXcCXMPgVctYPg/s640/8-8-10+0031-31-2010.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Living in the Northeast, we have access to some of the best Italian meats and cheeses in the U.S. I can't wait to go to Italy some day to taste their authentic creations. Until then, I will enjoy this!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">The meats are rich and a bit spicy. The cheese is robust at first, then melt on your palette in excitement and OH!! The pickled eggplant?? It's tart from the vinegar, yet smooth because of the olive oil and, oh yes, you get a surprise by one of the hot peppers. This dish is one of my favorites!</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBRUvReh5z2IfhbfDWXIwQS69VPM5UTXpA3IwJ_ZQWZ9AXIYUDs5Dx10Gt89LOBX9lMj4tH3WXXT5DPE9Di3s-ZI0G7lVfYpy3Vwl6ORlOrn0B90LCWLEaj2RdPEZuWO4FO7BFVwoxz6Y/s1600/8-8-10+0041-31-2010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBRUvReh5z2IfhbfDWXIwQS69VPM5UTXpA3IwJ_ZQWZ9AXIYUDs5Dx10Gt89LOBX9lMj4tH3WXXT5DPE9Di3s-ZI0G7lVfYpy3Vwl6ORlOrn0B90LCWLEaj2RdPEZuWO4FO7BFVwoxz6Y/s400/8-8-10+0041-31-2010.JPG" width="267" /></a></div>Crafty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773968371851242530noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1032629657572926203.post-64880987217847080502011-06-20T00:01:00.069-04:002011-06-20T00:01:00.271-04:00Crazy Accordion Book<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKfJSgkAMZGA_z3lQHGGD-jcVZqpx-uGLCz2x9RkBzLIVjO8825xDbEQj9z6Hub8Dvjm9FHuWqwII10eAlkyCY9vF6yxBnnCkI_me21iqp7H3lKWdaxd4HgFoujhshp8mvnLMAwrcXmwoe/s1600/IMG_0095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKfJSgkAMZGA_z3lQHGGD-jcVZqpx-uGLCz2x9RkBzLIVjO8825xDbEQj9z6Hub8Dvjm9FHuWqwII10eAlkyCY9vF6yxBnnCkI_me21iqp7H3lKWdaxd4HgFoujhshp8mvnLMAwrcXmwoe/s640/IMG_0095.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is a puzzling twist on your traditional brag book. I've been on a kick showing you some of the make-n-takes Crafty Girl and I brought home after our scrapbooking retreats over the years. I have a box full of them. I really should fill them and give them away as gifts. That little task is on a long to-do list, stored in the back of my brain. First, I need to show you how to make one. I can't be the only person with a box full of little books taking up room in my crafting area.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhluhfXE44FhxUsWobQIZVyQDXA-P7mv_7TEHMpOxhvp4hHLEpPxdvRffH13A_5MObnbIW_ZmQizJaX4OECWLIaB2FXFIu987H9337nsqsRJHpt0FbgWSQe_N8XCA4pm-MPjks29TtC4lRI/s1600/IMG_0076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhluhfXE44FhxUsWobQIZVyQDXA-P7mv_7TEHMpOxhvp4hHLEpPxdvRffH13A_5MObnbIW_ZmQizJaX4OECWLIaB2FXFIu987H9337nsqsRJHpt0FbgWSQe_N8XCA4pm-MPjks29TtC4lRI/s400/IMG_0076.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's what I could make of this handmade treat: Start with a full piece of paper and envision a sharp-edged spiral. Ultimately, you'll need 16 squares. That's four rows across and four rows from top to bottom. Once you've made your folds, it will be easier to figure out where to cut.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEFA6JsKVwuoYFoKfwRghcRTP50UMc0m6wA84-ZXz6ugxw1eBeg6zBHCoc-QbQ8lL0SprTDZ7pAEmJdy9BDD9j2gH5ue9wTa4yFggKSepvwN-lW6IaJY58HdSmJPPNnp9oTcBJS53lQlwl/s1600/IMG_0077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEFA6JsKVwuoYFoKfwRghcRTP50UMc0m6wA84-ZXz6ugxw1eBeg6zBHCoc-QbQ8lL0SprTDZ7pAEmJdy9BDD9j2gH5ue9wTa4yFggKSepvwN-lW6IaJY58HdSmJPPNnp9oTcBJS53lQlwl/s400/IMG_0077.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4xZYUq28UUIOE5F6Ne6vB0fGekyRxXLYKOLvn4Tbzx6wfYdijmc82W7LKWtq0c5XIGJxScUGkXbkYPMvZoZbCKWejvHk2tDkha6rf9oedB20oUIjYNRhdu-uZcYSZ8E5z8BcE4M9yYw5M/s1600/IMG_0075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4xZYUq28UUIOE5F6Ne6vB0fGekyRxXLYKOLvn4Tbzx6wfYdijmc82W7LKWtq0c5XIGJxScUGkXbkYPMvZoZbCKWejvHk2tDkha6rf9oedB20oUIjYNRhdu-uZcYSZ8E5z8BcE4M9yYw5M/s400/IMG_0075.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Fold it up in different directions, so the squares come together in a flat book. You can use a thick card stock as your front and back covers. Before you adhere the card stock, fold your favorite paper design over the top of it. You can fold the paper around the edges and cover the center with the front and back pages of your spiral book.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOoE3R7HudO21qLnGQsFejHQ1QGkzsinrOhr2AnI0DKZW5jFJtdvG70nIa4303xr-aarOP58sxA-wJqRL1e8Er1EkMalgdZrH20kDe4iPY2mN2I42HcgTBA2ppIFkgTNtDBa-HyJ8vpN8-/s1600/IMG_0093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOoE3R7HudO21qLnGQsFejHQ1QGkzsinrOhr2AnI0DKZW5jFJtdvG70nIa4303xr-aarOP58sxA-wJqRL1e8Er1EkMalgdZrH20kDe4iPY2mN2I42HcgTBA2ppIFkgTNtDBa-HyJ8vpN8-/s400/IMG_0093.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Embellish the cover and hold it all together with a cute ribbon. Fill it with pictures for a gift. You can either use 16 different photos or one large photo that fits together like a puzzle when the book is opened. I recommend starting with a traditional flip book. But, if you've made a million of those and would like to try something different, this is one idea that was shared with us. Go for it!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrDcTAlCuo-21dMXHUClDpkWinh16k8RGueN9PQ2o74MrICJ9C2WePeF7VM4lOXu6Q3s7zuriec0c_dBPUDkaUYQqGjv7K-4UaoSuan5aFDJadLcLmgtiFC2Z7C6PMbINy_Oh4I8XIG189/s1600/IMG_0082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrDcTAlCuo-21dMXHUClDpkWinh16k8RGueN9PQ2o74MrICJ9C2WePeF7VM4lOXu6Q3s7zuriec0c_dBPUDkaUYQqGjv7K-4UaoSuan5aFDJadLcLmgtiFC2Z7C6PMbINy_Oh4I8XIG189/s640/IMG_0082.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>Crafty Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16153366317772861467noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1032629657572926203.post-71250093858654099512011-06-19T00:00:00.003-04:002011-06-19T20:54:51.408-04:00Shutterbug Sunday: Posing Dolls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1VBQOMxtfSmiXkV1118WBOi1cZmgn3eW78v6o_WyWR6b66UGNsCxsYhuU_qAMp2HhGfD1lN_ny3-QwC7X_ZYf0_ldoKRFi9JH5EM4gREufhGRt4bUMuSlyD1J-i5Us_iPXHcWbJ0njSM/s1600/5-24-11+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1VBQOMxtfSmiXkV1118WBOi1cZmgn3eW78v6o_WyWR6b66UGNsCxsYhuU_qAMp2HhGfD1lN_ny3-QwC7X_ZYf0_ldoKRFi9JH5EM4gREufhGRt4bUMuSlyD1J-i5Us_iPXHcWbJ0njSM/s640/5-24-11+014.JPG" t8="true" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2BcK1FDC2FexUMtzSAM6KOvN0J0GubJlmFrVfpMOgNFVFEbwwbZklb0_gSrqmcdJ5EP_3yIZFb-b8SoneQl0Ze_7Y_Hwzdkak8cSyLoBXpyV1caxbsJkZOiKXZuYj9bzqB5fcTF1w7Xw/s1600/5-24-11+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2BcK1FDC2FexUMtzSAM6KOvN0J0GubJlmFrVfpMOgNFVFEbwwbZklb0_gSrqmcdJ5EP_3yIZFb-b8SoneQl0Ze_7Y_Hwzdkak8cSyLoBXpyV1caxbsJkZOiKXZuYj9bzqB5fcTF1w7Xw/s320/5-24-11+015.JPG" t8="true" width="213" /></a>This is kind of a "pulling the curtain back" moment like in the Wizard of Oz. I honestly wondered, how did girls get their dolls to stand up and pose in these great positions when my doll's head seemed too heavy? She'd always fall over. Well, I asked my friends on the social networking site, Blythe Kingdom. Their answer was so so simple and should have been obvious!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">To pose a doll you need to prop her up against something and do your best to hide the item. So, it should look as if the doll is standing up on her own! The best items to use are either chopsticks or skewers. I had a ton of BBQ skewers left over from a gathering and pulled mine out. Instantly my girl came to life.<br />
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You dig the item into the ground and then strategically prop the doll's head against the other end. Some women use photoshop to get rid of any sign of sticks. I prefer to strategically pose and not have to worry about post editing. </div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">When working on a surface in which you can't dig the stick into the ground, try to use a pencil! This is such an easy solution to help your doll come alive!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix6r66IDuh34uIQmTIL1Z3eoph0Wae-_Tnf40MYBIBrLK5HyzI6k0Pn7tGxCXanEP-5ieBI19TLJV9vMEn_NRKduvpTb8166KW5BKhabKZrZXuswcXfZtfY2swrp6_vQLalLFU495KMkc/s1600/5-24-11+016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix6r66IDuh34uIQmTIL1Z3eoph0Wae-_Tnf40MYBIBrLK5HyzI6k0Pn7tGxCXanEP-5ieBI19TLJV9vMEn_NRKduvpTb8166KW5BKhabKZrZXuswcXfZtfY2swrp6_vQLalLFU495KMkc/s640/5-24-11+016.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div>Crafty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773968371851242530noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1032629657572926203.post-8930947915281464382011-06-18T00:00:00.004-04:002011-06-18T01:48:16.345-04:00Crazy Little Box<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIiyRGsBGbHQnHU2CebfUqDFMX8nekB4zCVNR583akcCc-rPLdv0vpp8hy7pvCCdPJezIeqmEmTV6Ph_9mW13800BcB-vsZZoE78-1KKbYdHj81Q_ozaW3B7t1kXGiuGtQf5uw4G9wGt0/s1600/11-25-10+742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIiyRGsBGbHQnHU2CebfUqDFMX8nekB4zCVNR583akcCc-rPLdv0vpp8hy7pvCCdPJezIeqmEmTV6Ph_9mW13800BcB-vsZZoE78-1KKbYdHj81Q_ozaW3B7t1kXGiuGtQf5uw4G9wGt0/s640/11-25-10+742.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_f-JC7D6uEIO0JaEI_tqGabRhVEFM8n4wkrIKNBU2BFDHASseNeNE6CrWxqwQ1Ac6ZMTH00Niz4mjfy5ZnXeZTqr4IRAU16A4HGAFygjDAycdue2VF1vSgCO95pMUMcAn5OKhtIrqIrQ/s1600/11-25-10+663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_f-JC7D6uEIO0JaEI_tqGabRhVEFM8n4wkrIKNBU2BFDHASseNeNE6CrWxqwQ1Ac6ZMTH00Niz4mjfy5ZnXeZTqr4IRAU16A4HGAFygjDAycdue2VF1vSgCO95pMUMcAn5OKhtIrqIrQ/s320/11-25-10+663.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I think I took a trip to crazy town for this little treasure box. It was a fun little trip! LOL- Really, I wasn't so sure what I was going to do with this box. So, I decided to stain the wood. Once the stain dried it seemed to be just about the same color as the original wood. That's when I decided to slap some yellow acrylic paint on my finger and experiment. I was in a playful mood and the ink was right there, beside a squiggly little stamp. Before I knew it, the box was covered in little beige squiggles. Is that a word? </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Honestly, I think I'm going to revisit this project later and Mod Podge over it or something! I'll be sure to share my adventures with you if I decide to revisit this crazy little box!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgELmrcDsD9hP_cZpI0cxCk_yJQIRSOvDninwvBTzfREUAbPrzKuC0Ffs-nr6LWSvs5edkDh6XVcxNORPPBxqw554216pj_ZD2qX_DSBAf_JT8hOnYYtY-nNWrVOiFpUZkMUN8ldN-179w/s1600/11-25-10+741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgELmrcDsD9hP_cZpI0cxCk_yJQIRSOvDninwvBTzfREUAbPrzKuC0Ffs-nr6LWSvs5edkDh6XVcxNORPPBxqw554216pj_ZD2qX_DSBAf_JT8hOnYYtY-nNWrVOiFpUZkMUN8ldN-179w/s640/11-25-10+741.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Crafty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773968371851242530noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1032629657572926203.post-7692449563284496282011-06-17T00:01:00.001-04:002011-06-17T00:01:03.047-04:00Tiny Accordion Book<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCTmR95t936kApuWIEhX1t0ZL9437lfQT2HFL_CcpTmkJmBBIknT38uPjWpbDk_2PC38WBT0QX6_rA_wysqtoSnfE7g7iR3bSf78HUkzIjp7zRfdxO7fuRiDpsWXTXRnIDPqjVpp9b033Y/s1600/IMG_0068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCTmR95t936kApuWIEhX1t0ZL9437lfQT2HFL_CcpTmkJmBBIknT38uPjWpbDk_2PC38WBT0QX6_rA_wysqtoSnfE7g7iR3bSf78HUkzIjp7zRfdxO7fuRiDpsWXTXRnIDPqjVpp9b033Y/s640/IMG_0068.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Why do cute lockets, keychains, and picture frames always come in sizes that are impossible to fill? Because tiny is just cute. Simple. How can I find a picture of my cute niece the size of a quarter? We always find a way to figure it out and the results are sweet when we open our necklace to reveal the teeny face of someone who we can't get enough of.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7lDVbEqcc8XgPhhOgljNqXvPAwiOwJjjr6Ixi2sjoYH5LxtTlOXTTkXyJ5Fr7wWO8UHubYvLf60udtcP3IMel-YDDe0rPhIpxbEfkyDGrCUtoSSIxNdTOBYqYpao8FtYN9V1f-zMwzS9n/s1600/IMG_0070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7lDVbEqcc8XgPhhOgljNqXvPAwiOwJjjr6Ixi2sjoYH5LxtTlOXTTkXyJ5Fr7wWO8UHubYvLf60udtcP3IMel-YDDe0rPhIpxbEfkyDGrCUtoSSIxNdTOBYqYpao8FtYN9V1f-zMwzS9n/s320/IMG_0070.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>If a locket isn't big enough to show off your whole family, make your own tiny brag book. This is another credit to the girls from Captured Moments in Rotterdam, NY. They taught Crafty Girl and I how to make accordion books. We've loved making them ever since. Start with a strip of paper that you fold in typical "accordion" style. You'll need two small pieces of chip board to put on each end of your book...the back and front covers. Cut pretty paper for your front cover and fold the edges around to the inside. You'll cover the inside with the end of your accordion strip. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG5khVaBPyUhZpIy_Ce6QxRfcN_kUrU0xZoW3KZiWYtNogmG2fkcj0cXtR_hED8yKEQ3zF6W-GoeYvT-UxVaPxngQR0SkxZrJSiP01B_Y0sqwRwvPYKF6xjJcPNF8ym8mAqOQ7Vk7kUXV7/s1600/IMG_0071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG5khVaBPyUhZpIy_Ce6QxRfcN_kUrU0xZoW3KZiWYtNogmG2fkcj0cXtR_hED8yKEQ3zF6W-GoeYvT-UxVaPxngQR0SkxZrJSiP01B_Y0sqwRwvPYKF6xjJcPNF8ym8mAqOQ7Vk7kUXV7/s200/IMG_0071.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>Repeat the process for the other end of the book. But, put a piece of ribbon on the inside of the back cover, before you adhere that end of the accordion strip. That will wrap around your front cover to keep it closed. You can either tie the ribbon or attach a tiny metal clasp. Throw a few cute flowers on the cover or any small embellishment. Done!! Giving credit where credit is due...check out more of the Captured Moments creativity on their website, <a href="http://www.capturedmomentsstore.com/">www.capturedmomentsstore.com</a>. This is shaping up to be sort of a Captured Moments make-n-take tribute month. Monday we'll show you a twist on this type of book that they came up with. Plus, I'll bring you one of my favorite CM creations soon...a paper bag book!! Keep checking in. Until then, give this to a friend empty and let them fill it OR fill it with pictures of a special occasion. I like to keep one in my purse to look at when I need a tiny smile.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF90aFXbOJqUj_3DbTrs2PPeUZArpWGQSEhP6ABigIQ-fH2vOehcrTZwnwXbozS0qxjA4Eud_HH_HJRw07yvds76Xnw_e6gYNNpbLh5J6Eai10p01izHkX4csBN0F3LQVq9BK21cNwGz1h/s1600/IMG_0067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF90aFXbOJqUj_3DbTrs2PPeUZArpWGQSEhP6ABigIQ-fH2vOehcrTZwnwXbozS0qxjA4Eud_HH_HJRw07yvds76Xnw_e6gYNNpbLh5J6Eai10p01izHkX4csBN0F3LQVq9BK21cNwGz1h/s400/IMG_0067.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Crafty Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16153366317772861467noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1032629657572926203.post-83790999952514085002011-06-16T00:01:00.004-04:002011-06-16T00:01:04.599-04:00Sweet Sheep<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUe5hQJOK6w0jCtN-VCuoWfhO8ruNtdfAg2Dr3TjOzw5s1Rc_pdDyG7RX7V3y1e6rJdJ9d5Ab6y3zHStHr9UYZ_V4gSjcBXowBGD21JqcX79eYUYrIudIJKbWgsY4Xcyh7OqBJfnt9nIRi/s1600/IMG_0062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUe5hQJOK6w0jCtN-VCuoWfhO8ruNtdfAg2Dr3TjOzw5s1Rc_pdDyG7RX7V3y1e6rJdJ9d5Ab6y3zHStHr9UYZ_V4gSjcBXowBGD21JqcX79eYUYrIudIJKbWgsY4Xcyh7OqBJfnt9nIRi/s640/IMG_0062.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>As I was going through my crafty supplies recently, I noticed this little sheep staring at me. I thought it would be a fun favor at a child's birthday party, especially if you have the party at a zoo!!<br />
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Once or twice a year, I spend a weekend away from dishes and other demands. I go to a scrapbooking retreat with friends and it is the best getaway EVER!! The time we spend actually scrapbooking is minimal. Instead, we spend hours eating, getting chair massages, playing games, and attending classes. We always learn how to make something cute. One of my favorite things about the retreat is the "make-n-take" sessions. Vendors supply all of the materials and the idea for a project. You just <i>make it</i> and then you <i>take it</i> home. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLapcsvNvhCUnA_XO-UwU30pIZO1tNsXOxYWdypqsGNBFrPz9Jp19dBtLceW6zk5s07cpzgf_fzfQnhIDsSUK3-yxCdGqsU5TJsdiGMwYIPsJvf2jUk-e1pTyLEkmKt_H4ScGSYMCa4KYL/s1600/IMG_0064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLapcsvNvhCUnA_XO-UwU30pIZO1tNsXOxYWdypqsGNBFrPz9Jp19dBtLceW6zk5s07cpzgf_fzfQnhIDsSUK3-yxCdGqsU5TJsdiGMwYIPsJvf2jUk-e1pTyLEkmKt_H4ScGSYMCa4KYL/s320/IMG_0064.JPG" width="320" /></a>This sweet sheep was our "make-n-take" one year. It is very EASY and there is a yummy treat hidden inside.<br />
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Supplies include black and white paper, eyeballs, adhesive, and a small piece of flat candy. You'll need a hole punch with bubbled edges or shaped scissors to form the sheep's head. <br />
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Pop two white pieces out and ink the edges. Adhere the candy wrapper between the two circles. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjwp0GlpW75V8ci7cQGoy6S79wWSoZmSdRifkxXA2EYH-7R4SalE-MHR88Z-VmCxDkVhewQXikuY266lf1t9eSxn5S9J5i-c1mLQB1ZmRIL7X6TWZivR8glyidFRVS4hW2Oln-mSL9T1SN/s1600/IMG_0065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjwp0GlpW75V8ci7cQGoy6S79wWSoZmSdRifkxXA2EYH-7R4SalE-MHR88Z-VmCxDkVhewQXikuY266lf1t9eSxn5S9J5i-c1mLQB1ZmRIL7X6TWZivR8glyidFRVS4hW2Oln-mSL9T1SN/s400/IMG_0065.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_hkL68X2unkobzPyl3C_fJ3nTDcrbNzfqvptt4im-n3CQEzjhR9f-F3XfEfkdug1ylZAtvZip7JPeH24cR1lE_6C5ctts2_RLb9VpaG6IeKJLWgc9lbKlS9-ySzsdsavhYs9CuFUGWiH_/s1600/IMG_0063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_hkL68X2unkobzPyl3C_fJ3nTDcrbNzfqvptt4im-n3CQEzjhR9f-F3XfEfkdug1ylZAtvZip7JPeH24cR1lE_6C5ctts2_RLb9VpaG6IeKJLWgc9lbKlS9-ySzsdsavhYs9CuFUGWiH_/s320/IMG_0063.JPG" width="297" /></a></div>You'll need one more cloud-shaped pieces for the "forehead" of your sheep. Study the shape of the ears and give it a shot. Adhere the ear pieces to the back of the "forehead". A little glue or glue dots is best for this. Tape didn't work well. <br />
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Next, cut the black center of the face. Place that on the white circle that goes on top of your candy. Don't forget to add your eyeballs!! <br />
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Then, add the ear and "forehead" piece. I can't take credit for this idea (I think the girls from Captured Moments came up with it). But, I think it is cute. So, I'm passing it along, hoping it inspires your own sweet idea. If your kiddo loves kitties...adapt the design. If you can imagine it, you can make it. <br />
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Come back tomorrow for another make-n-take by the Captured Moments girls and see their shop at <a href="http://www.capturedmomentsstore.com/">www.capturedmomentsstore.com</a>.Crafty Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16153366317772861467noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1032629657572926203.post-26629407538345531892011-06-15T00:00:00.004-04:002011-06-15T19:06:43.319-04:00My Mess!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2dtiQrRtxm8CTOdT4AP2iibcNzJlh-GjvvK-eJQroj1E0TLSI3wgXHYCN5JPbjeYOn-SfuV0PZSV-nr1lknzAJfxEhPsMTQ01uTh-Lph478uA4NfrkItMqnW2dmagbBYkxnWqoic0lRo/s1600/mess+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="515" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2dtiQrRtxm8CTOdT4AP2iibcNzJlh-GjvvK-eJQroj1E0TLSI3wgXHYCN5JPbjeYOn-SfuV0PZSV-nr1lknzAJfxEhPsMTQ01uTh-Lph478uA4NfrkItMqnW2dmagbBYkxnWqoic0lRo/s640/mess+blog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Am I alone in my need to spread out? Do all crafty gals with three kids have piles of yarn, crayons, and glue stacked up in the kitchen? <br />
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I gave you a glimpse of my <a href="http://craftylifeandstyle.blogspot.com/2010/11/my-creation-station.html"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Scrap Shack</span></a> when it was pretty tidy. A clean room made me feel so inspired. As I told you in that post, I have to heat it up in the winter, before I can spend time there. It was 20 degrees here in Upstate New York for a long time. It was a brutal winter. When I needed to craft at a moments notice, waiting 20 minutes to heat up my building is just not possible!! I have lots of excuses don't I?! He he! Now that it's warm out, I'm trying to return my crafting items to the Scrap Shack- and now my haven is a mess!<br />
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Oh well! Like it or not, one of my counters becomes the drop off location for everything!! Even when I spend time neatly piling up supplies- it looks messy. The advantage is having everything within reach. When the kids want to create an art journal- embellishments, colored pencils, and adhesives are all right there. When I want to create <a href="http://craftylifeandstyle.blogspot.com/2010/11/operation-rehab.html"><span style="color: #660000;">this</span></a>, <a href="http://craftylifeandstyle.blogspot.com/2010/10/scrapbooking-invitations.html"><span style="color: #660000;">this</span></a>, <a href="http://craftylifeandstyle.blogspot.com/2010/10/6-simple-goals-to-achieve-b4-2011.html"><span style="color: #660000;">this</span></a>, and even <a href="http://craftylifeandstyle.blogspot.com/2010/10/chipboard-flip-book.html"><span style="color: #660000;">this</span></a> very popular Crafty Life and Style creation--- I have it all within reach! Kind of embarrassing- but what can I do? When inspiration strikes- I need to seize the moment!Crafty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773968371851242530noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1032629657572926203.post-34183470386797065312011-06-14T00:00:00.002-04:002013-06-07T14:17:52.114-04:00Tasty Tuesday: Basil=Pesto<span style="color: #006600;">We had a bountiful harvest of basil last year! As you are planting your garden this year, you may consider basil. You may ask how do you make it last through the winter? Make pesto--- lots and lots of pesto. The recipe isn't scientific. So, there aren't exact measurements. I'm married to a chef-- they eyeball it!! Have fun trying it yourself.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhZlv6QmrM4MsWHSda0aSOIJRnpgwwmHf-anknPs0gY77tVAIVgvg-5_raLBGtWHpRnMUjrR7yMWLCY5Qr0DET_2kDmXPUJJZgvXBEwqFWMUpBNZw_EX2RVNzaEdW9Ii1fYleFwiQ5GlDJ/s1600-h/9-11-09.2+004.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380331335621552562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhZlv6QmrM4MsWHSda0aSOIJRnpgwwmHf-anknPs0gY77tVAIVgvg-5_raLBGtWHpRnMUjrR7yMWLCY5Qr0DET_2kDmXPUJJZgvXBEwqFWMUpBNZw_EX2RVNzaEdW9Ii1fYleFwiQ5GlDJ/s200/9-11-09.2+004.JPG" style="float: right; height: 200px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 150px;" /></a><br />
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<div><span style="color: #006600;">mix in a Cuisinart:</span></div><br />
<div><span style="color: #006600;">- lots of fresh basil</span></div><div><span style="color: #006600;">- olive oil</span></div><div><span style="color: #006600;">- salt</span></div><div><span style="color: #006600;">- pepper</span></div><div><span style="color: #006600;">- pine nuts</span></div><br />
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<div><span style="color: #006600;">It will blend down into a soupy concoction.</span></div><div><span style="color: #006600;">Then, add fresh Parmesan cheese into the Cuisinart to thicken it up. Pour it into an ice cube tray and then freeze them. You can pop out a cube anytime you want to add some pesto to a recipe. We did this all winter and it was amazing. I can't wait until we plant some basil again this year!</span></div><br />
<div><em><span style="color: #006600;">DELICIOUS!<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380331804491928146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijnEgNfg8SBX5iZUap_7RiNN0ZaX3t-AfFhJqQeKvciFqQ2wwboGikOqh8mZBFzOFZw1F2-pXWIow_xPvPxxKiEtzpCev6H6lnY-p9ir6rcrj4U1AQHNccnvJ3PLXzMaoSz6nf0RI8WDuo/s400/9-11-09.2+007.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></span></em></div>Crafty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773968371851242530noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1032629657572926203.post-75217113189129285422011-06-13T00:00:00.002-04:002011-06-14T02:03:57.449-04:00Adventures In Sewing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfS8xMkjclfqgklLedSBbVgwNP3PiXtmeT8pia8LGvnKdz-I10AO783Y8o4C3boFg3vE-SK6Ds_RIdHFVB1xvmWNfIvl68JofXE5mQygxfH_8l59ZTVyamcqTcUbV7dRS1iNZsiam6Cgw/s1600/6-11-11+073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfS8xMkjclfqgklLedSBbVgwNP3PiXtmeT8pia8LGvnKdz-I10AO783Y8o4C3boFg3vE-SK6Ds_RIdHFVB1xvmWNfIvl68JofXE5mQygxfH_8l59ZTVyamcqTcUbV7dRS1iNZsiam6Cgw/s640/6-11-11+073.JPG" t8="true" width="426" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk7X8QFVfiw6t6ZAjjKEupPycLNQK94-zQw9IVjgf5qgW4UiNlmuyo7gXtDW8h6RhAlrAQbXjqkvzUjCJiuYFSnACRsV_avEpD82YW6n6xbYh-dW2-qXbxOG0qJFe2i9C_snwsRTUEGOw/s1600/6-11-11+075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk7X8QFVfiw6t6ZAjjKEupPycLNQK94-zQw9IVjgf5qgW4UiNlmuyo7gXtDW8h6RhAlrAQbXjqkvzUjCJiuYFSnACRsV_avEpD82YW6n6xbYh-dW2-qXbxOG0qJFe2i9C_snwsRTUEGOw/s320/6-11-11+075.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a> For those of us who call ourselves "Crafty", it can be a humbling experience to embark on a new craft and find it very hard to finish. I mean- come on--- we're CRAFTY!! For me, there are several crafts that I think, in my mind, I should be able to do easily- sewing <em>was</em> one of them. I took "home economics" a long time ago. I remember sewing some pillows and an ill-fitted apron, but the adult Crafty Girl thought...oh- this couldn't be too hard. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">One of the aspects that attracted me to making over the dolls was the cute little dresses they wear. I thought how hard could it be for me to sew a couple of dresses. Well, I realize it is a skill like any other that needs to be studied, practiced and repeated over and over to get it right. Above you see my first attempt at sewing a very small doll dress. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Blythe dolls fit "Skipper doll" size clothing and I found a pattern on Ebay and anxiously waited for it to come in the mail. I opened it up and it looked like a foreign language. Words like bodice and with the grain made no sense to me- so I put the pattern down for another day. Finally I had several hours to sew- and figured I could make a couple of dresses. I started with the easiest pattern- a whopping 4 steps- how hard could that be? I figured I'd be done with it in under an hour and moving on to a more difficult pattern. HA! </div><br />
FOUR hours later I was finally trying to put the dress on my little doll. Yes- 4 steps, 4 hours! Cutting the pattern was no problem. I found it a real challenge to actually sew on such a small scale. Folding over 1/8 inch of fabric and then trying to sew a straight line that was no longer than an inch was virtually impossible.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I ended up hand sewing the most challenging parts of this dress, around the arms and neck line. I later learned that there is a wax that doesn't leave residue on the fabric, that I could use to hold the hem I would need to sew on. I still wonder how I could sew such a short distance. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">This has been a humbling experience for me. I admit- I haven't even looked at my machine since my four hour adventure. I do hope to get a lesson or two from someone crafty in the sewing world. I really do want to learn how to sew. Right now- I'm just thankful the dress is wearable-- even if the most interesting side of the dress is the back! </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9qYy6RXaPW2uYTrEPvpclWcT1oI9FHJOrHnV47PnDc9qe55YYp4ykfaVuE1vlNGtkj23sVgpgpufVTiQSwxJsbfHKdUikRHTeC4ZjTkvjFMDbC3okiGlnuImxbeG-PMXHMs3omvZGXFk/s1600/6-11-11+076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9qYy6RXaPW2uYTrEPvpclWcT1oI9FHJOrHnV47PnDc9qe55YYp4ykfaVuE1vlNGtkj23sVgpgpufVTiQSwxJsbfHKdUikRHTeC4ZjTkvjFMDbC3okiGlnuImxbeG-PMXHMs3omvZGXFk/s640/6-11-11+076.JPG" t8="true" width="426" /></a></div>Crafty Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07773968371851242530noreply@blogger.com2