Crafty Life And Style

Tasty Tuesday: Scrapbook Sweets

2011-07-12T00:01:00.039-04:00

Not long ago, I wrote about my adventures getting to know my great-grandfather through his old journals.

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.

Mixed Media Plaque

2011-07-07T00:01:00.000-04:00

Hello there! It's Amy from Mod Podge Rocks. 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.

Gather These Supplies

Wood plaque
FolkArt Paint - Coffee Latte, Sky Blue, Warm White, Metallic Sequin Black
FolkArt Extreme Glitter - Hologram
Mod Podge Gloss
Mod Podge Dimensional Magic
Scrapbook paper - Cosmo Cricket, Circa 1934 Collection
Maya Road Chipboard Set - Cameos
Maya Road Grosgrain Pleat Ribbon, Light Brown - 2 feet
Making Memories Tiny Alphas - Pink Ledger
Nostalgique stick pin - from my stash
Small paper circle with a sentiment
Rhinstones - 2
Pencil
Ruler
Craft Glue
Scissors

Measure your plaque, measure the paper and then form a square to fit.

Paint the edges of the plaque with the colors of your choice. I added interest by using three colors.

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.

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.

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.

Completely coat the plaque with Mod Podge. Let dry and then paint another coat.

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.

Start adding the embellishments to the top of the plaque with craft glue and Mod Podge.

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.

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!

Tasty Tuesday: Cracker Sandwich Cookies

2011-07-05T00:01:00.000-04:00

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.

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.

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.

Beware: You can't eat just one.

If you are interested in testing out the sweet little cracker sandwich cookies, you only need a few materials and a few simple ingredients:

Ingredients:
Peanut Butter
Chocolate Brick (to melt)
Crackers (I use Ritz)

Materials:
Bowl
Spoon
Tin Foil

Assembly:
Spread your peanut butter onto a cracker. Top it off with another cracker to form your sandwich. Make several in advance.

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.

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.

Patriotic Pops

2011-07-04T00:01:00.003-04:00

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.

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 here. 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.

Shutterbug Sunday: America The Beautiful

2011-07-03T00:00:00.001-04:00

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!

Getting Rid Of The Shine

2011-07-02T00:00:00.004-04:00

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.

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.

Eagle Bites

2011-07-01T00:01:00.005-04:00

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.

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 here, 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.

Independence Cake

2011-06-30T00:01:00.000-04:00

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.

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.

I think this adorable cake is a great idea and deserves more attention. You can find out how to make it here. This teenager may make you feel a bit inadequate. Hopefully, she'll also inspire you to do something you love.

Lamp Shades

2011-06-29T00:00:00.002-04:00

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.

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!

Tasty Tuesday: Fabulous Feast

2011-06-28T00:00:00.003-04:00

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!

Adding Color

2011-06-27T00:01:00.000-04:00

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.

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.

Shutterbug Sunday: Try It

2011-06-26T00:00:00.003-04:00

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.

Postcrossing

2011-06-25T06:44:00.002-04:00

Joliette, Canada

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 click here

Touchuan Village, China

Kassel, Germany

lago Ericina, Spain

Lappeenranta, Finland

and Hutchinson Island, Florida-- This one is from a lovely family member! SHHHH-- don't tell the kids!
He he he.

Paper Bag Book

2011-06-24T00:01:00.000-04:00

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 www.capturedmomentstore.com

Soul of Scrapbooking

2011-06-23T00:01:00.001-04:00

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Nothin Like a Little Herb and Scrapbooking!

2011-06-22T00:00:00.003-04:00

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!

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.

Tasty Tuesday: Italian Love

2011-06-21T06:24:00.001-04:00

Two types of Italian meat, Fontina cheese, kalamata olives and homemade spicy pickled eggplant on 12 grain bread!

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!

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!

Crazy Accordion Book

2011-06-20T00:01:00.069-04:00

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.

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.

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.

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!!

Shutterbug Sunday: Posing Dolls

2011-06-19T00:00:00.003-04:00

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!

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.

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.

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!

Crazy Little Box

2011-06-18T00:00:00.004-04:00

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?

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!

Tiny Accordion Book

2011-06-17T00:01:00.001-04:00

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.

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.

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, www.capturedmomentsstore.com. 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.

Sweet Sheep

2011-06-16T00:01:00.004-04:00

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!!

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 make it and then you take it home.

This sweet sheep was our "make-n-take" one year. It is very EASY and there is a yummy treat hidden inside.

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.

Pop two white pieces out and ink the edges. Adhere the candy wrapper between the two circles.

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.

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!!

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.

Come back tomorrow for another make-n-take by the Captured Moments girls and see their shop at www.capturedmomentsstore.com.

My Mess!!

2011-06-15T00:00:00.004-04:00

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?

I gave you a glimpse of my Scrap Shack 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!

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 this, this, this, and even this 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!

Tasty Tuesday: Basil=Pesto

2011-06-14T00:00:00.002-04:00

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.

mix in a Cuisinart:

- lots of fresh basil

- olive oil

- salt

- pepper

- pine nuts

It will blend down into a soupy concoction.

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!

DELICIOUS!

Adventures In Sewing

2011-06-13T00:00:00.002-04:00

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 was 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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

Shutterbug Sunday: The Rule of Thirds

2011-06-12T00:01:00.010-04:00

Have you ever heard of “The Rule of Thirds?” It is quite possibly one of the most essential parts of photographic composition, and I must admit I was clueless about it when a friend first mentioned it to me. Rule of Thirds? Composition? I remember thinking that photography was just about aiming and clicking that shutter button at something I thought to be a worthy subject. But, no! As I have come to learn, there is more to a great photograph than just getting lucky.

The easiest way to explain things is that an image is made up of nine equal parts (refer to the above example). The "thought" or "rule of thumb" is that when taking a photograph, the point of focus should be placed along these lines or match up to one of the intersections. When taking a picture, most people probably never think about this concept. It's something I never used to think about. I just took pictures and aimed my focal points where my “eye” was directing me. I never thought that what I saw as a good shot, was actually falling in line with the rule of thirds. I always feel visual examples are the most helpful. Bellow are some pictures with the graph so you can see how the focal points in each image line up. If you've never heard of this concept, keep it in mind the next time you are out shooting and experiment a little. I would love to hear feedback on the effect it has on your images when applying it to your photography!

Happy Sunday!

www.marynicholsphotography.com

Cuddly Coasters

2011-06-11T01:28:00.000-04:00

As we move head-on into wedding season, I'm reviving a crafty idea that comes from the heart and gives your bank account a breather. BULLETIN: I made today's crafty gift for a thrifty $1. Oh, it feels so good to write that.

Praise the clearance bin. As I was sifting through a giant cage of odd-n-ends, I saw several sets of coasters, but didn't like the designs. So, I decided to make my own. BAM! I bought one of the packs for just 40-cents to use as my base. But, if you really want to go 100% homemade, you can make yours out of chipboard (see Crafty Girl's blog here to find out more about that). A thick chipboard or cardboard would be fine, or you can buy thin wood discs for about $2. I was happy with my 40-cent find, knowing I'd be covering them anyway.

Here's what I used:

1-Coaster bases

2-Mod Podge

3-Sponge

4-Pictures

5-Scissors

First, I picked out my pictures. If you have tools to cut circles, you're ahead of the game. I used a wooden disc to guide me, as it was exactly the size I wanted. I layered my base with Mod Podge and centered each picture (I like to leave some border, which also helps seal the picture in the next step).

Finally, I added another layer of Mod Podge over the top of the picture and sealed it in place. The white streaks dry clear, but be careful to smooth out the glue with your sponge and brush it on in one direction because you can see how carefully it was applied when it dries.

You can use pictures of the happy couple's pets, holiday designs, artsy shots you see in magazines, or make coasters showing a special occasion, like a wedding. The 40-cent set I bought in the clearance bin came with eight coasters. I decided to split them up. I used four to make an animal set. For the other four, I used black paper as a background to accent smaller black and white wedding pictures. They would make a fun gift for someone's anniversary too. I have to warn you...they won't last forever. One week of drinks on mine left a clear ring. It is best to give your coasters several days to set. Either way, they are a fun and affordable addition to your special gift. Make a set for yourself while you've got your supplies out. Then, put your handy work to use with a well-deserved frosty drink.

How To Give A Doll A Perm

2011-06-07T19:33:00.002-04:00

Meet Chipper. I've been in a different creative world lately-- it's the world of dolls! I can't think of anything else and frankly all of my creative juices have been flowing around my little Blythe Dolls. Please check out our flicker page to see what I've been up to. My goal is to design my own doll soon.

Today, I'm going to teach you how to give a Blythe doll perm. Please note- I am not an expert at this- and if you mess up your dolly, please don't say Crafty Girl told me to do it this way. Hehe-- These are just my experiences- they seem to have turned out great!

I decided my little orange girl needed some curl. So, I took some perm curlers and, after wetting her hair, I proceeded to roll her hair up into the curlers. Some instructional pieces I have seen show foam curlers and I was a little worried my perm would go awry. In the end, I don't think the type of curler mattered much.

Next comes the scary part: Boil a pot of hot water and let it sit for two minutes. Put your doll's head over a metal pot and pour the hot water over her curls. I proceeded to dunk her head into the hot water several times to make sure the hair absorbed the heat. Things get a little steamy!!

Time to cool off. Now, fill your pan up with very cold water and dunk your doll's head into the cold water a couple times to seal the curl. Make sure the hair doesn't fall out of the curlers or you'll get stuck with stray straight hairs.

Better to practice on a doll than your own head!!

Pat the doll dry and then it's time to be patient... really patient. You want your doll's hair to air dry. This will take at least 24 hours to ensure the tips deep inside the curler are dry.

The end result for my girl was fabulous. I loved it. She immediately became a more mature doll! One word of advice- keep your newly permed girl in a cool dry place. Sadly, we've had some very humid weather here and my air conditioner went out-- poor Chipper's hair is now a limp curl and I need to do it over to get her back to her glory. Do not use human hair products on your doll- especially hair spray because I understand it messes up the hair. Have fun!!

Shutterbug Sunday: Blurred Edges

2011-06-05T00:01:00.001-04:00

Whenever I take a photo that doesn't come out completely clear, I try to salvage it. Changing the coloring to black and white will cover some imperfections. I've also discovered that blurring the edges of a photo can make the imperfections seem lovely.

Not long ago, I showed you how to give your pictures a hazy feel by putting pantyhose over your lens. If you prefer to have a solid focal point in the center of your picture, with a hint of haze around the edges, you can accomplish the effect with simple editing. If you don't know your editing options, you're wasting time!!

I know you all have different photo programs. If you use iPhoto on a Mac, follow these steps: Click on the picture, press "edit", choose "effects", and click on "edge blur" several times...until you reach the desired haze.

For some pictures, the haze is obviously intentional. For others, it can add a subtle mood to the picture. I wanted this rose to be clear, but soft, to reflect a sad occasion. Blurring the edges offered me that effect. Don't pay a photographer to do this for you. It is easy if you just spend a little time getting to know your editing software.

Tasty Tuesday: Irish Lamb Stew

2011-05-31T00:01:00.002-04:00

Okay....it is supposed to be Irish Lamb Stew. But, I had venison in the freezer, so I used that. But, let's just pretend you see lamb in that bowl for this Tasty Tuesday. I found a variation of this recipe on allrecipes.com. I really enjoy making it as a treat now and then. It isn't for everyone. But, you can adapt for your taste buds.

Traditional Irish Lamb Stew

Ingredients:

1 pound thickly sliced bacon, diced

3 or 4 pounds boneless lamb shoulder, cut into 2 inch pieces

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 teaspoons white sugar

1 teaspoon dried thyme

2 bay leaves

2 large onions, cut into bite-size pieces

4 cups diced carrots

3 potatoes

1/2 cup white wine

2 cups of guinness beer (add more beer if needed as the mixture cooks)

4 cups beef stock

Directions:

Okay, leave it to the folks in my Irish blood line to add a pound of bacon to stew, along with wine and beer. Sigh. I have found that I didn't really need a whole pound of bacon. So, if you are afraid your arteries might clog just by looking at this recipe...feel free to cut down on the bacon load. Your first task is to put the bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook it up until it is nice and brown. Drain it or your stew will be really greasy. Crumble the bacon into little bits and set the plate aside while you get some other work done.

I also found that you don't really need all of the lamb that the recipe calls for. You know how much meat you like in your stew. Use your own judgment. Put the lamb, potatoes, onions, and carrots in a large crockpot. A small crock won't do. The vegetables alone take up a lot of space and as it gets boiling, you don't want a mess.

Throw your bacon on top of the meat and vegetables.

Spices next. Add salt, pepper, flour, garlic, sugar, thyme, and bay leaves.

End with the liquid. No water here folks. Oh no. This is traditional Irish lamb stew. Break out the wine and Guiness. Pour 1/2 cup of white wine, 4 cups of beef stock and 2 cups of Guinness over the ingredients. If you find that you need more broth, add a little more Guinness.

Cook on low heat in the crockpot for 8-10 hours. I tried to test it out after about 6-7 hours on low...and it wasn't ready. So, make sure you give it lots of time.

I'm sure I'll be eating this stew for days. The good news is, it tastes even better after sitting in the refrigerator for a day or two. Enjoy!!

Photo Contest Finalist!

2011-05-30T16:53:00.002-04:00

So, I have to admit. I've been all wrapped up in Blythe Doll world and I'm so not in the mood to make a craft that is not related to her. I sewed an outfit for one of my dolls. The simple 4-step pattern took me four hours! I need to learn how to sew. I'm customizing a doll from head to toe. If the eyelashes don't kill me, waiting for her eye chips to arrive will take me down.

The one aspect I have seen success with, thank goodness, is my photography. I love taking pictures of my girl. If you haven't become a Flicker follower for Crafty Life and Style- please do. I'm finally giving it some love, mostly Blythe picture love lately. Yesterday, I joined a Blythe Photo Challenge group. It was the final day of this month's challenge. At the last minute, I entered this picture in the contest.

The theme was Glamour. I thought this picture pretty much summed it up. I was one of five finalists selected for a public vote! Please click on over and vote. I would love your support and so would the other photographers!

Shutterbug Sunday: My Top 10

2011-05-29T00:01:00.002-04:00

When I was getting started with photography, I took a basic studio class at the Community Darkrooms in Syracuse. The instructor of the course gave us a piece of advice that I will never forget, for multiple reasons. He told our class that the best thing we can do, is follow other photographers' work. At first, I was confused. The word copycat kept coming to mind, and that was the last thing I wanted for myself. In spite of thinking it was a weird idea, I started following other photographers' work. Now, as I look back, that little tidbit of advice could quite possibly the best I have ever received! Following the work of others has provided me with many learning opportunities, resources, and support throughout my journey. Now, I want to share my 10 favorite photogs with you!

1. Barb Uil of Jinky Art: She is absolutely my favorite photographer ever! The creativity this woman possesses is mind blowing and her photographs constantly leave me speechless!
2. Kristen of K. Holly Photography: Her images are breathtaking, with a soft dream like quality that I love. She is sweet as can be and I would get married all over again, just so I could have her photograph my wedding. Ask her anything!
3. Jasmine Star: This lady is perhaps the best go-to photog and most famous of the bunch. Want to know something? Ask her for advice, I dare you!
4.Kelsey Anderson: I love her unique style and use of natural light. She is another great person to answer your questions.
5.Annie from Paint the Moon Photography: Color. Color. Color. Annie is not afraid to use it and is the creator of some of the best photoshop actions and textures I have found. She also has a great support system for those of us who aren't very photoshop savvy!
6. Jose Villa: Believe it or not, he still does the majority of his shooting with film. Yes film! His images are beyond gorgeous.
7. Baby as Art: Maybe a more suitable name for them would be "The baby photographer gurus". Check their work to see what I mean.
8. Keri Meyers: Another newborn photographer that is able to get those little babies into perfect positions.
9. Skye Hardwick of Work of Heart Photography: I love the expressiveness in her photos.
10. Lupen Grainne: She has some of the prettiest nature and landscape imagery ever!

I processed this pic with textures from paint the moon.

Enjoy your Sunday!

www.marynicholsphotography.com

Lessons Learned From Blythe

2011-05-25T00:00:00.002-04:00

Last week, I told you about my new obsession with Blythe dolls. The main attraction of this doll for many grown women is the opportunity to customize them. They make their wardrobe, give them new hair, take them apart, and paint them. Basically, it's called "sending them to the spa". Priding myself as a "Crafty Girl", I was immediately attracted to the idea. The price kept me from buying my first doll for almost a year.

Well, I gave in- and fell in deep. I have, let's just say, several of them. I researched and decided one of the girls just wasn't cute enough as is, and I "sent her to our home spa". I watched all of the videos and tutorials I could get my hands on. Then, I grabbed my screw driver and tried to get her apart. Within half an hour, I had posted a plea for help on a Blythe chat site because I couldn't get her open!

After an hour- I scalped her, pulled her eyes out, and broke a sweat doing it! I had hoped to show you at least part of my first Blythe doll makeover by now- but she's really in no shape to be shown. What I am learning most about this experience can be put in a list.

WHAT I AM LEARNING FROM BLYTHE:
1-Tutorials don't tell you everything (especially the bad and ugly!)
2- I need to get a steadier hand for fine detail- like lips
3- Patience needs to be exercised
4- I need to offer better tutorials when I do them- because I keep asking questions to the computer screen when I come across a, not so good, tutorial
5- Customizing dolls is a developed skill- and the experts are experts for a reason

Aside from all of the teachable moments I am coming across, I am enjoying the process. I will take you along for the ride. Right now- all I can show you is the ugly- cuz- that's where I am in the process.

Tasty Tuesday: Natalie's Jerked Chicken Wings

2011-05-23T22:27:00.001-04:00

Here is another recipe from my friend, Demi's wife, Natalie.

Fresh or Frozen Chicken Wings

2 Cups Oil

Jerk Seasoning (the best one is made by Walkerswood) (no measurement. Use as needed, the more you use, the hotter the wings will taste).

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees

Place oil in a frying pan and heat it to 350 degrees.

Place wings in oil and cook, until they get a nice golden brown on the skin. (If frozen be very careful placing in oil, as the ice will "pop" the oil and cause burns).

After the wings have a nice color, remove from oil and pat dry with a paper towel.

Place wings on a cooking sheet or in an oven safe dish and cook in preheated oven until internal temperature has reached 165 degrees.

While the chicken is still hot, place Jerk Seasoning in a bowl and add chicken wings. Toss lightly, making sure all sides of the wings are coated.

Place on a platter and serve hot. You could also put out some ranch dressing or bleu cheese dressing as a dipping sauce.

Enjoy the wings. Also, if you're having a party for the holiday weekend, make the Buffalo Chicken Dip I blogged about last week with these wings. All of your friends will be talking about your food!!!!

Grad Series: Washer Necklace

2011-05-23T00:01:00.001-04:00

Here is an ambitious graduation gift idea that could last a lifetime. The designer stamped the name and graduation date into a washer. Clever!! I really would have loved this as a gift when I was a grad. Yeah, yeah...who wears their expensive class ring beyond their senior year of high school?!? I know. But, those aren't handmade. You can get a play by play class lesson for making this necklace via this link:

http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/2010/05/stamped-washer-necklaces.html

This grad series has been a lot of fun because it forced me to really search through some great craft blogs to find ideas that inspired me. I'd been in a bit of a rut myself. But, sifting through so many crafts made me want to schedule a session in the scrap shack with my friend, Crafty Girl. It was just the thing I needed to snap out of the doldrums. I also discovered that there are a lot of creative people in this world with nice blogs. I'm happy to pass along their crafts and I'm looking forward to doing these series more often. Class Dismissed.

Shutterbug Sunday: Grad Series

2011-05-22T00:01:00.057-04:00

Oh, the wonders of Mod Podge. Really, you can create any theme you want on top of anything that is wooden, metal, paper, etc. I just love that stuff. Since we are in the midst of graduation season, I'm using this Shutterbug Sunday to focus on a fun way to display your lovely pictures.

Here's what you need:

1-Inexpensive wooden frame.
2-Mod Podge
3-Adhesive
4-foam brush
5-Paper Trimmer
6-Embellishments (optional)

Pick a theme paper for your frame. Right now you can find a large selection single sheets in the scrapbooking sections of craft stores. You could also rip a page out of an old text book, with a lesson on the student's main subject of interest. If you have a notebook full of scribbles and notes written by the actual student, rip out one of those sheets. I opted to create my own page of notes on acid-free scrapbooking paper. I placed my paper over the frame and used a knife to cut the hole out. Leave a little paper to spare and tuck into the frame when you mod-podge.

Dip your foam brush in the Mod Podge and cover the surface of the frame with a layer. Add your paper and smooth it out. Next, I doodled all over the paper. If you scribble your own notes, be sure to let the ink dry completely or it will run. I used a black, acid-free, non-bleeding, fine-tipped marker from the craft store. When your paper is dry, add another layer of Mod Podge on top of the paper...smoothing out bubbles. Make sure there are no finger prints or odd clumps on the surface because the way you spread the MP will be evident as it dries.

Once the Mod Podge dries, you can add embellishments, if you want to. Anything that makes you think of school work would apply. If math is the grad's major...maybe a ruler would work. A good ole' pencil fits any subject. Adhere the embellishments.

This would be a great gift for the graduate in your life or you can give the frame to a deserving teacher. There wouldn't be any graduates without them. Come back tomorrow for a bonus grad series post. Class over! Enjoy your homework.

Grad Series: Card Box

2011-05-21T00:01:00.001-04:00

One of the most popular gifts at a graduation party is a good old card with a little cash inside. They are simple to give and great to open when you are getting ready to face college loans. I think this nifty little card box is a cute way to collect the goods. I'd throw a small photo on top of it, next to the slot. You can find advice from the person who made this via this link:

http://decoratingforevents.com/handeemandee/graduation-party-ideas-crafts-for-graduation/

Personally, when I first saw this, I thought it looked like a cake plate. You could probably adapt it. It would be lovely to display a little cake on a homemade graduation cap. It could really serve as a stand to display anything you want, a photo of the grad, a book of well-wishes, finger-foods. Get creative.

Grad Series: $$$ Lei

2011-05-20T00:01:00.000-04:00

Where was this idea when I picked up my diploma? Nice. I don't know this young man. In fact, the person who took the picture doesn't know him either. She just HAD to get a picture of that crafty lei around his neck. I have to admit...I have walked up to many strangers myself, asking to take pictures of their fun creations. Then, I'd pick at it, trying to figure out how it was made, asking a list of questions. I bet most of you can identify with that curiosity. I'm happy to report that the picture taker got all of the sweet details. You can see what she found on her blog: http://yourhomebasedparties.com/graduation-lei-669

The only drawback is that you have to provide all of the cash to make this. But, wouldn't you have been so excited to get something like this on your big day? I actually think it would be a great gift for a bachelorette party or a wedding dollar dance...a birthday party. There is no reason it has to be limited to graduations. GREAT idea!! If you spot any fun ideas at your upcoming graduation parties, pass them along. We'll be sharing fun ideas to honor the student in your life, for the rest of this week. If you happen to use this idea, we'd love to hear your story. Come back and tell us about it.

Grad Series: Gift Box

2011-05-19T00:01:00.002-04:00

Grads open many cards, but if you want to stand out and show extra love for the student in your life, here is a nifty idea to display your gift. A small graduation cap opens to display cash, gift cards, or any small present. The ring here is just a prop. Many of you have probably created your own gift boxes in the past. Even if you don't know what your gift will be, at least you'll have a fancy box ready to put it in. I found this creation at this link:
http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=304409.msg3483878#msg3483878

We'll have another fun idea in our graduation series on Shutterbug Sunday....the school edition. See you then.

Grad Series: Chocolate Caps

2011-05-18T01:55:00.001-04:00

Get your notebook and a pencil. We've got a lesson on creative party snacks coming your way. Since young adults across the country are preparing to pick up their diplomas soon, my mind has been focused on arts and crafts that might fit the occasion. I came across these delicious looking peanut butter cup & godiva graduation caps. If you are throwing a party and want to make a special treat, here is one fun idea. They would work well for any graduation...pre-school, elementary school, etc. Unfortunately, I cannot take credit for this sweet idea. But, you can find out who came up with the idea and how to make these chocolate cup caps via this link: http://www.bakerella.com/candy-cup-caps/

Come back for more fun graduation finds for the rest of this week. By all means, if you have a great idea that you'd like to share...let us know. Have fun!

Blythe: A Work Of Art

2011-05-18T01:38:00.001-04:00

Remember I told you I've fallen in love with Blythe dolls? Well, here's a perfect reason why! This is Leila, a custom designed Blythe doll, by a wonderfully talented woman, who goes by the screen name Gbaby on the chat site called Blythe Kingdom. She was recently commissioned to make Leila and unfortunately, the owner has to sell her now. Oh, if I had the money- she's a dream doll!

Originally, she was a "Sunshine Holiday Tan Blythe doll" (to the left), but was transformed into this! She was given the theme - beach. She rerooted the dolls hair with mohair, dyed to a bleach blonde color, and styled straight. She changed the eyes - two pairs of hand painted chips by her, two pairs of Ana Karina chips. She also made the custom pulls (not seen) in the back of the doll that allow you to change the doll's eye colors.

As you can see, the eyelids are painted, the face looks like it is sun kissed with freckles. Really, it's perfect in my eyes. This is another form of art that I hope to learn sometime soon. Until then, I will just stare at Leila and dream.

Leila is for sale. The current bid on her is $800, as of Monday. Offers are being taken until Tuesday May 17th ~ 3pm California time. If you are interested please contact: bebe.bentley@yahoo.com Please be sure to tell her I sent you and that I'm a big fan of hers!!

Tasty Tuesday: Buffalo Chicken Dip

2011-05-16T22:24:00.002-04:00

This is a great recipe to use for a get together with friends, a football game, or just a bunch of women in the Scrap Shack doing their thing!!! It would go nice with cold beer or a cool mixed drink.

2 lbs of Boiled Chicken Breast (no skin)
1 block of Cream Cheese
1 jar of Ann Marie's Blue Cheese Dressing (in the produce section of your market)
1/2 bottle of Franks Red Hot Buffalo Wing Sauce
1 lb Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place Cream Cheese in a mixer and beat until smooth. Add chicken breast and mix until chicken is pulled and shredded. Add Blue Cheese Dressing and continue to mix. Add Franks Red Hot Wing Sauce to mixture and incorporate really well. Add half of the cheese to the mixture and place mixture in an oven safe container. Top with remaining cheese and place in oven until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees and the cheese is melted. Remove from oven and serve hot with crackers or tortilla chips. Enjoy the game or the craft projects, whichever your delight might be :-)

Tribute Board

2011-05-16T00:01:00.001-04:00

You've seen them at many memorials...tribute displays, full of photos, evoking fond memories of a loved one. Often, these displays are simple backgrounds with pictures scattered across a board. They are always heartfelt. They are usually made with little notice. But, they can be beautiful if you have a few basic ideas in mind. First, incorporate the subject's favorite color. In this case, I used lavender.

Here's my shopping list:

1-Foldout display

2-Lavender Tulle

3-Lavender card stock to frame photos

4-Black card stock to frame photos

5-Key rings

6-Clear gem embellishments

7-Black letters

8-Lavender or Purple wired wide ribbon

9-A flat floral grave cemetery spray

10-Decorative page borders-black

11-Decorative thin/medium ribbon

12-Red line tape & your favorite adhesive

The fold-out display here can generally be found in the art section of a store. I bought mine in a big box store, along with the floral spray at the bottom of the display. The flowers add a nice centerpiece to the board. I just used one of the flat displays that are sold for graves and added a purple bow made from thick wired ribbon.

Try to print an 8X10 for the center. I double-bordered that pictured with black and lavender card stock.

Then, I used the letters to spell out the name of the person being remembered. Most of these tribute boards don't have a name incorporated, but I thought it added a pretty accent. I lined the middle section with childhood photos, framed with the black card stock. I used the actual black and white photos, not reproductions. The original photos added a sweet authenticity. More recent photos were placed on the outer panels with the lavender card stock border. The colors tied together. I also put a ribbon across the center of the entire display. That's the lacy ribbon you see below the 8x10. This was the only embellishment that I couldn't hold in place with red line tape. Good old glue was necessary.

I used minimal embellishments, particularly on a sad occasion. My choice was clear gems, placed between some photos and on the corners of the board. Above and below the 8x10 photo, you'll also see black page border decorations. You can find them in any craft store in the sticker section...along with the gem stickers.

Along the top of the fold-out display, I lined the edges with lavender tulle. I used key rings to create loops that I could pass the tulle through, along the top of the display. Just open the ring slightly and slide it onto the top edge of the cardboard. Then, feed the tulle through each hole.

I cut enough to allow the tulle to drape down each side of the display. Then, I cut four or five small pieces, folded them in half together, and fed the folded end through the key ring hold to create a spray and cover the key ring. Add some flowers to the corner sprays if you like. The personal accents are what make these so special. It is easier to throw a bunch of pictures on a piece of board. But, putting your heart into a "creation" will offer a tender and special tribute.

Shutterbug Sunday: Bird Watching

2011-05-15T00:00:00.001-04:00

We're excited to hear that our woodpecker is back for the summer! Honestly it's pretty cool. This bird is big! This is a Pileated Woodpecker, the largest woodpecker in America. They are between 16-19 inches long! The red line from the beak to his neck indicates this is a male woodpecker.

When he's banging on a tree looking for carpenter ants, it sounds like the tree is getting hit with a hammer. My son has also identified his call! Now, he can tell me when he hears him. Obviously, when shooting photos of birds, you need to be stealthy and have your camera ready. We've been lucky with Woody-- but I admit I'd love to get even closer! I haven't been as lucky catching the pretty little humming bird who visits.

Woody was really distracted with chomping apart my tree stump, so we were able to capture quite a few snapshots of him. We got varied results because my three kids were so excited just to see the bird. The top photo came out the clearest. The bottom is a little less focused but we still love it. The rest were a bust. It's very hard to get your subject in focus in a zoom lens when you are contending with something in the foreground- in this case- the grass. Still, we got the shot we needed! Persistence pays off when you're taking pictures of birds.

Baby Book Redefined

2011-05-14T00:00:00.003-04:00

I was browsing my favorite websites and today's post from Two Crafting Sisters is so clever I wanted to have you check it out! Some lucky mommy-to-be is getting such a precious gift from Maura. It's a baby book! I LOVE how she made it in non-traditional baby colors for a timeless effect. Click on over to their blog and see more pictures. Don't forget to leave them a note- they're good people who are so talented and kind!

Blythe

2011-05-11T12:31:00.000-04:00

Meet Blythe. Well, to be honest this is Blythe from the Little Pet Shop set. She's only 2 inches tall and yet I can see she is already taking up a big spot in my heart! I have been thinking about her since maybe last summer when I stumbled across a picture of a cute little girl holding one on a post from one of my favorite craft blogs and discovered that there was this whole world of people who collect her. Blythe Little Pet Shop dolls are brand new to Toys R Us and are very cheap- made for the masses and in an effort to satisfy my appetite for a REAL Blythe- I asked my hubby to get me and the girls each one so we could play together and I could get my camera out and photograph her like all the Blythe lovers do.

Yes, I asked him to buy me a toy so I could play with it... and I love her. He bought me the one in the snow gear but because it's warm and sunny outside she now sits at my desk at work. My daughters got the one with the dark hair in the bathing suit and and the cute little blond one. Sunday we ran around the back yard and took pictures and I told the girls it's very important to care for her because if they are really good I would get them a real one. With in the hour- my little 3-year-old lost the stand for mine! GRRR

The real Blythe dolls are 12 inches tall, come in all different colors, hair colors, outfits and they have a pull string in the back that changes their eye color 4 times! Kenner brought them out in the 70s, but little girls thought they were spooky and they were taken off the shelves in a year. Funny note, the first time my baby girl saw one on the internet she said "I don't like it, it's scary!" Then a woman brought her back in the 90s in the form of a book called "This is Blythe" and she had taken all kinds of pictures of her all around the world and published that- the rest is history.

Now there's this cult of Blythe lovers-- including me. Grown women love her and I do too! She can mostly be found on EBay or in specialty toy stores that sell items from Japan and other parts of Asia. The real ones are pricey- starting at 60 plus shipping if you're lucky. Most are more than a hundred. Some are valued at several hundreds. There is no one price for them.

So, for Mother's Day morning I was very satisfied with my tiny little baby Blythe--- that was for the Morning! Several hours later I had purchased my first, uhh-- TWO dolls! I'm still waiting for them to come from Hong Kong and they can't get here fast enough.

Many women get their dolls and customize them. I will likely do some articles on their work in the future because it is a skill that is enviable! They give them freckles, change their skin tone, do artwork on them, change their hair and even make them clothing. It is amazing what they do with them.

Do you have a Blythe doll? If so, who do you have? Send me a picture. I'll be honest with you- I'm obsessing over this- and not crafting at all for the last few days because I just can't stop thinking of my new girls being in the mail! Come to think of it-- I just may go try and make them some outfits!!! That's crafting-- right??

Lakeside Artisans

2011-05-11T00:49:00.000-04:00

For any readers in Upstate New York, we want to let you know about an exciting new venture in Oswego County. The Lakeside Artisans Co-op, winner of Operation Oswego Countyʼs $25,000 prize for the “Next Great Idea” contest, will be holding a Grand Opening Celebration with a full schedule of activities on Saturday, May 14 from 12 noon - 5 PM.

Located in Canal Commons, 193 W. 1st St., Oswego, Lakeside Artisans is a gift shop and gallery featuring fine art and crafts by 16 area artisans. These unique, original works include paintings, prints, cards, jewelry, woodwork, pottery, ceramics, fabric art and more.

The doors open at 10AM and festivities will start at noon with live demonstrations, refreshments, hourly door prizes, free gifts and a raffle for an original painting by Tim Ames, one of the founding members.

Ongoing demonstrations will include Water Color by Carol Burghart, Shaker Box making by master box maker, Steve Grasselli and professional Woodwork Finishing by Brian Leary of Lakeshore Hardwoods.

Enjoy the live music of talented Harpist, Marcella Slater, who is also a member of the co-op.

Meet Sandra Dowie, Lakeside Artisansʼ featured Artist of the Month, as well as many of the artist members of the co-op.

For a small community, this is an exciting new venture and a great chance to learn a few new skills with many other creative people. This is also a venue for artists in that area to show and sell their work. We know all of our readers would support that idea. Check it out if you can. Find out more at www.lakesideartisans.com.

Shutterbug Sunday: A Different View

2011-05-08T00:00:00.002-04:00

Many times at events people focus on where the action is taking place. They point their lens at the action. If I were only looking at the action I might have missed taking this entertaining picture.

The teenager on the mat performing the kick was... uh... very loud and animated in his vocal elements of the form he was demonstrating. He attracted the attention of a large crowd of spectators. He was really good- but I was more entertained with the reactions in the crowd. Most people were watching for his forms-- but from a 3-year-old's perspective-- he was just LOUD!

It tickled me to no end when this beautiful little girl covered her ears, but still could not remove herself from the action! I quickly got down on the ground where the kids were and snapped a couple pictures from behind. I thought it was so cute.

Some of the best photographers know this trick. It's not so much the fire you cover- it's the people witnessing the fire. It's not so much the subject walking in the door (say Santa or the Bunny Rabbit) it's the kid's reaction to the subject. Try to capture a different view the next time you snap a picture!

Chalkboard doily art.

2011-05-05T00:00:00.036-04:00

Remember me? It's Amy from Mod Podge Rocks, back with another project for your decoupage pleasure. I've had a dollar store frame hanging around for quite awhile, and I decided it was time to put it to good use. Given my recent obsession with spray paint, and the fact that I have a large fabric stash, I was inspired to make a sign. I also love Chalkboard paint, so you can definitely say that I threw this all together. Enjoy.

Gather These Supplies

Plastic Frame
FolkArt acrylic paint - Pure Black
FolkArt Chalkboard paint - Black
Mod Podge Matte
American Accents spray paint - Lagoon
Paper doily - large enough to fill most of the frame (and write on)
Fabric scrap - at least an 8" x 10" piece
Paintbrush
Foam brush

The first step (which I didn't show) is to spray paint your frame (remove the back) with the color of your choice. Give several coats and allow to dry. I could try to show you in a photo how to spray paint, but I would certainly mess something up trying to use so many hands!

Next, prepare your fabric with Mod Podge. This just means putting a medium coat of Mod Podge on the top of the fabric and allowing it to dry. The reason for this is so that you can cut it without it fraying. It also adds an extra layer of protection. Let the fabric dry.

Spread a medium layer of Mod Podge over the back that came out of the frame.

Smooth the fabric over the back - you can use your hands, I just happen to like using a brayer. Let dry for 15 - 20 minutes.

Paint the doily Pure Black. I made a huge mess with this step. How fun!

Mod Podge the doily down to the fabric and glue the back into the frame. Allow it all to dry. Use a foam brush to paint the inside of the doily with chalkboard paint. Paint three layers and allow to dry.

Follow the instructions on the back of the chalkboard paint bottle to prepare the surface. Now you have a sweet message center for your home. It only cost me $1 to make with the frame - all else I had on hand. Yay!

Such A Great Idea

2011-05-04T06:14:00.001-04:00

Oh I wish I would have come up with this simple, yet cute idea!! Please head on over to the Freckled Nest to see how Leigh-Ann made this. I'm such a fan of hers! She's super creative and cute as can be!

Inspired Pom Pom Headband

2011-05-04T00:00:00.002-04:00

I was inspired to create this little pom pom headband after visiting one of my favorite blogs. This was my first attempt making pom poms and I was a little scared to cut them too small. Now I feel a little more confident to give them a shorter hair cut the next time I try to make one! It turned out to be sooo easy. I wondered what took me so long to try it! You may think of pom poms for winter hats but I love how they look on a cute headband too!

I learned how to make a pom pom through the You Tube instructional video below. One note- I used my fingers instead of an envelope to wrap it. If you try this, I'd love to see a picture of your creation!

Tasty Tuesday: The Badger Poutine

2011-05-03T06:06:00.000-04:00

OH MY GOSH!!! I'm not gonna lie-- THIS has my mouth watering and my backside telling me no! LOL- really! This is called The Badger Poutine. I had to look up what Poutine means: It's a dish containing french fries topped with fresh cheese curd and brown gravy or sauce. I don't think I've ever had cheese curd- but it sure looks yummy to me! This slice of heaven comes from one of Blogger's featured websites today. Head on over to The Grilled Cheese Social to see how MacKenzie Smith made it. Be sure to tell her we sent you over to share some love!

Spring Brownies

2011-05-02T04:03:00.000-04:00

I am naturally attracted to brownies. But, I was even more attracted to these cute treats. Our friend over at the Apples and Rubies blog posted pictures of her baked goods, topped with adorable homemade marshmallow fondant flowers. Can you imagine what a hit she was when she brought this to a recent family gathering?

Naturally, you may be wondering how to make your own marshmallow fondant now. Since I am not the resident chef on Crafty Life and Style, I did a little research. The allrecipes.com entry has generally good reviews. Let us know if you have a recipe you like for decorating your sweets.

Dad's Saw Tip

2011-04-29T18:43:00.001-04:00

If you are reading this blog, chances are you love making crafts. BUT, you've probably made most of your gifts without setting your hands on a saw or a wrench. Ladies, we can do it.

After learning some tiling skills from my dad this past week, I realized I'd wasted a lot of time assuming I couldn't do "big" projects around the house. I could have spent the past decade learning how to cut wood, use a sanding machine, and measure properly. I'm not sure why I steered clear of tools all these years. I'm not sure why I learned how to use a glue gun with grandma, but avoided the nail gun with pops. I can't wait to tile a wall now. I know these aren't the kinds of tips that everyone can use. But, I'm going to stop assuming that none of our readers would dare use a saw. Yes, we can.

Once you have some one-on-one training, this little tip might come in handy. The dial on the base of your saw allows you to set accurate measurements for the angle of your cut.

After a lot of use, your dial may not be accurate anymore, just like the weight on a scale. Here's how you can check the accuracy: Set your angle to "0" and cut your wood.

Cut a wide piece of scrap wood straight across with no angle. Initially, the cut looks straight. The two pieces of wood fit together perfectly.

Now, flip one side of the wood over and place the two pieces together again. If the wood doesn't come together perfectly, it wasn't a straight cut. Your saw cut with some degree of an angle. Your dial isn't correct and you either need to fix it or adapt when you cut.

Thanks to dad for another tip. I'm enjoying learning all the things that are usually just passed down to sons. Good luck with your own projects!!

Storing Stain Rags

2011-04-28T02:35:00.001-04:00

I had no idea that my father was hoarding piles of old socks in his basement.

Earlier this week, dad decided that I need to learn how to cut wood and ceramic tile. I was thrilled to get a lesson, since I enjoy DIY projects. Our first stop was the basement.

Dad has been working with wood nearly every day since he retired. His works of art often involve a few coats of stain and polyurethane. That's where the sock stockpile comes in handy. My father doesn't like to waste ANYTHING. A penny saved is a penny earned in his mind. So, if he can find one final use for socks with holes, he's a happy man.

Actually, socks work great for staining wood. While the family jokes about his "cost-conscious" habits, I do think his idea for storing the socks is a good tip. Whenever dad works on a new project that requires more than one coat of stain or polyurethane, he'll store the used sock in a plastic sandwich baggy overnight. It keeps the sock moist, so you can use it again for your second coat the next day, etc. I love learning little workshop tips from my dad. I'm not sure how he'll feel about this, but every time I discover a hole in my sock, I will think of dear old dad.

Lamp Shade D.I.Y.

2011-04-27T00:00:00.000-04:00

BEFORE

I have this very stylish friend Jay. We met once at a Christmas party and then we quickly became Facebook friends-- but sadly he lives in another city and I haven't had a chance to hang out with him since. Even so, we still chat on FB and I was surprised to see he's got a little crafty in him today. When he posted the easiest D.I.Y. project for his friends to see I told him I had to share it with you! Here's what he told me:

"I was going to throw that heinous shade away. Then I had the idea of messing with it... I went to Michael's looking for sequins to glue on it and i found this kid's sheets.. i have no idea what kids would do with it, but it was a sticker so i thought how much easier it would be to use that instead of gluing each sequin one by one hehe."

He measured it out and stuck it on to the shade! SOOOO Easy!!! I have to admit-- I want to do this for one of my shades!! Thank you Jay! I love your new lamp shade!

AFTER

Tasty Tuesday: Crock Pot Cooking

2011-04-26T00:00:00.003-04:00

Ok, so you have freezer prepared meals but there are some days when you want to come home to a warm cooked meal. That's when you get a wife-- well, if you are the wife-- that's where the crock pot comes in handy.

The other day I made a recipe that was so easy and yet so delicious it would make you wanna slap yo mama! These pictures just don't do it justice- it was great. I got it off the internet and was talking with a girlfriend of mine when I told her that I have a good slow cooker book but the recipes were so in depth they were intimidating. She pulled out this book "Crock Pot: The Original Slow Cooker". I'll admit I was hungry when I cracked it open but the next day I kept thinking about some of the recipes.

There are three books in one: chicken recipes, 5 ingredients or less and soups. All of the recipes seem very simple. I hunted it down and now own it myself. $9.98 well spent. So, now that I have an organized freezer my next step is to plan out my meals and you can bet your bottom dollar- one of our meals will be a crock pot recipe.

To make this lovely meal:

-brown Italian sausage links whole (we used sweet but you could use spicy too)

-put one can whole tomatoes in crock pot then squish them up

-submerge the whole sausage links and drippings in the tomatoes

-add 1 chopped onion

-add 3 or 4 small potatoes

-season to taste (I used salt, pepper and some garlic)
-let it cook on low for 4 hours

-the last 1/2 hour add zucchini and or squash

When this is done cooking pull out sausage, cut into circles, throw them back in and stir. Sprinkle some bread crumbs on top of served up dish with some cheese on top.

This was such an easy recipe and it was a huge hit in our home!

Reaching For Light

2011-04-25T00:01:00.000-04:00

In my hometown we have gone through days of cold weather, gray skies, and rain. I was longing for the beauty of Spring, lots of color, and flowers reaching for light. The forecast hasn't been cooperating with my vision.

I was drawn back to a journal entry I did in the Fall, when I was anxious about the oncoming Winter. More than ever, I understand how the seasons and the weather can affect mood and spirit. I think this journal entry, with few words, speaks volumes about what I was feeling that day.

We know our crafty friends like to express themselves with drawings, scrapbooks, and quilting, etc. Instead of limiting yourself with a notebook, try an art journal this year. Don't let the lines on your paper keep you contained. I love chalk ink. It glides on smooth and is kind to people who don't draw professionally. These are fairly expensive, but so fun to use. I drew free-hand because nothing has to be perfect in your journal. Let go. Use your craft embellishments to make your next entry 3-dimensional. I added flowers to my Spring page. This post is to give you ideas. The challenge is to get you to gather some bits and pieces to make your own version. THEN, use the free space to write like you normally would in a journal. See what the experience brings out of you.

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T00:01:00.000-04:00

This little ceramic egg was put out for my nieces to find one year ago. Apparently, everyone overlooked it, even the adults. I finally noticed it last September, a lonely little egg, waiting to be found for months. This demonstrates how little we actually notice around us. The egg was placed on a corner of the TV entertainment center. Naturally, we stare at that area all the time, without ever really being 100% conscious. When I was searching the corners of the house for handmade crafts to share on this blog, I finally noticed the long lost Easter egg. I decided to put it back this year. The girls are a year older and wiser. Maybe they'll find it now. It will be like measuring growth on a wall. Part of me would be a little sad if they do find it. The other half of my mind will happily celebrate the fact that they should always be making new discoveries, for the rest of their lives. Happy Holidays.

Easy Football Cake

2011-04-22T04:00:00.000-04:00

I am not a cake designer. Those amazing bakers on reality TV programs, who make cakes that look like the Mona Lisa are the pros. I can spread frosting and put sprinkles on top. As I was filtering through pictures recently, I found a picture of a cake that a friend baked a few years ago, for a Superbowl party. I'm sharing it because it is simple, achievable, and even I could do it. I realize this isn't an artistic breakthrough that must be admired. Heck, anybody could pull this off. That's the point. The goal here is to give an easy idea to an overwhelmed mom, who has limited time. If your son loves playing football at school and you want to bake a treat with a touch of personality, make a football field on top of your cake. Even if you can't find the cute little plastic players and the goal posts, you'll still get an "A" for effort.

Organize It!: School Documents

2011-04-20T00:00:00.001-04:00

I got this latest tip from an uber-organized former co-worker. She NEVER had clutter, ALWAYS knew where to find documentation, and she claimed to be equally organized at home. I BELIEVE HER!

With three children bringing home a mountain of important education documents, I am drowning in school papers. I feel pressure to keep everything for future reference. In the past, I stored everything in bins that would get overloaded, with no organization. Now, I put school documents in binders.

As soon as the kids arrive home, I sort their papers into two categories: the throw away pile or the file away pile. Immediately punch holes in the pages that need to be filed. Then, PUT them in the binder. I have dividers with simple categories: school, extra-curricular, sports. One other note- I have one binder per child. It is now much easier for me to find a note from the teacher, a reminder about an important meeting, or instructions for those pesky math questions!

There you go-- now get out there and ORGANIZE IT!

Tasty Tuesday: Tikka Masala

2011-04-19T00:01:00.004-04:00

I've become addicted to this meal. I love Indian food. The spices are so rich and flavorful. Making a dish from scratch sounds more intimidating than it actually is. There is an art to it. I've had it come out particularly dry OR nice, thick, and juicy.

McCormick makes pre-measured spice packets now, with different recipes attached to the back. Yes, the price for a pinch of six spices is a bit high. But, this is an easy way to sample a recipe without buying full bottles of each spice. I've tried to make most of McCormick's spice packet recipes. The Chicken Tikka Masala is one of my favorite meals.

I'll try to give you their recipe here, with notes from me along the way:

You will need:

-------------------------------------------

*NOTE: I go heavy with all of the spices, lots more than recommended amount.

2 tsp. Paprika

1 tsp. Minced Garlic

1 tsp. Garam Masala (This is part of McCormick's Gourmet Collection)

1/2 tsp. Ground Cumin

1/2 tsp. Crushed Red Pepper

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1/2 tsp. salt

1tbsp. cornstarch ( I never use it to avoid the carbs, but it will help thicken it up)

1/3 cup heavy cream ( I probably do 1/2 cup easy, but I don't use cornstarch)

2 tbsp. butter

2 tbsp. lemon juice ( I probably do 3 tbsp.)

1 medium onion, chopped (I use two)

1 can diced tomatoes, undrained ( I also add a couple of fresh tomatoes that I cut up)

1 1/2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes (I use 2 very large chicken breasts)

-------------------------------------------

Now, the ingredients I have here give me enough to split it into more than one meal...about one breast per sitting...but I have lots of sauce...which is what I prefer. One breast is super filling since you serve this over rice.

-------------------------------------------

Cooking Directions:

1-Melt butter in large nonstick skillet on medium heat.

2-Add chicken, onion and lemon juice; cook & stir 10-minutes until chicken is no longer pink.

3-Add spices 1-5 plus the salt if you aren't going to use cornstarch. Hold the salt if you are. Cook and stir for 1 minute.

4-Stir in tomatoes until well mixed.

5-Stir cream into cornstarch and salt until smooth. ( I just add the cream directly minus cornstarch).

6-Gradually stir and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, stirring frequently, simmer 5-minutes or until slightly thickened. (I cover mine in a dish on the stove and let it simmer for awhile, making sure it doesn't get dry).

7-Serve with cooked rice or naan bread.

--------------------------------------------

You can buy basmati rice in the store, but good luck finding good naan bread anywhere. I just eat it without naan.

I recommend you try it. It is so tasty, especially if you cook it a few times and get a feel for it. Your house will smell like Indian food though. This is NOT for the meat and potato type. But, you all know that. Have fun!!

Paper Flowers

2011-04-18T00:30:00.000-04:00

Flowers can be the perfect touch on a scrapbooking layout. I've bought my fair share of cute crafting flowers over the years, always paying more than I should.

Still, I'd find myself struggling to match the exact shade of the embellishment with my background paper. That problem is solved.

You can make beautiful flowers out of any paper pattern that you like.

The crafty gals at Captured Moments taught me how to make my own flowers. Start by punching out three paper circles, each slightly bigger than the next.

Crinkle the edges of each circle with your fingers. Use your thumb and forefinger to hold the center of the paper in place. It is important that the edges are bent and wrinkled enough to break up the fibers in your paper. Eventually, start to shape your circle, with portions raised and lowered, to give the flower dimension.

Once you're done crinkling, ink the edges of your flowers to add a subtle coloring. Layer the circles with the largest piece in the back and the smallest up front. Use a brad or button to hold the pieces together. Then, add leaves using the same crinkle method. Cut roughly the shape of a leaf, crinkle it, and glue it down. Voila!! You have a handmade flower with any paper pattern you like. If you want to see the full page layout the girls from Captured Moments created, using this flower, scroll down the the next blog post.

Mixing Patterns

2011-04-17T03:06:00.002-04:00

One of the things Crafty Girl and I admire most about our friends over at Captured Moments, is that they are not afraid to mix patterns and colors.

During our scrapbooking retreat each year, we generally sign up for their make-n-take class, because they are so talented. This year, they offered a standard 12X12 page. All of the supplies were cut and prepped in advance. We were just told how to assemble it.

Admittedly, when I pick out background and border paper for a page, I always go for coordinated colors and patterns. I fear the finished product will be too busy if I don't. I NEVER mix several pieces of paper together.

Somehow Tara and Tiffany's pages always come together beautifully. They even used a scrap strip of paper from an old dictionary. It looks like it belongs in this layout. Now, we're challenging you to use several colorful pieces of paper in your next scrapbooking page. Get out of your comfort zone.

If you're interested in making this layout, here is the pattern that Tara and Tiffany provided to us. Have fun!!

P.S. You may have noticed a few cute flowers in the layout. We'll show you how to make those soon.

Treasure Box

2011-04-14T00:49:00.002-04:00

Crafty Girl and I were inspired during a weekend scrapbooking retreat a few years ago. A group of ladies, who come back every year, have a tradition of bringing small gifts for each other. Our eyes widened as one woman showed us all of the wonderful things she was given over the years. We decided our next retreat would be the beginning of a great tradition.

Since I treasure my time scrapbooking with friends, I decided to make a treasure box, full of button, brads, and eyelets. We did set a price limit of about $10. Luckily, I already had most of the materials on hand. It was a big hit and a fair amount of work!! I found these in Michael's, but you can go to the wood section of any craft store to find ideas. The good news is that raw wood is reasonably priced. The bad news is that you have to sand it down. The edges are generally very rough. Thin sanding sheets are easy to find in nearby aisles. The difference in appearance makes it well worth the time and effort. Then, pick your stain and get the job done.

Once I was done sanding, it was time to Mod Podge. Our monthly features with Mod Podge Amy offer many great tips and she has an AMAZING website that you need to see. The basic idea is to cut the paper that you want to use into the exact shapes and sizes you'll need. I like to cut out pieces of the design for special decorations. Coat the wood with a layer of the sticky glue with a brush or sponge. Lay your paper into place, smoothing out air bubbles. Add another layer of Mod Podge to the top of the paper to seal it into place. I added letters to my drawers and some glitter glue...to give the surface some dimension. Then, I labeled each treasure chest with the name of my friends, using wooden stickers.

I meant to make four treasure boxes...one for myself. My procrastination resulted in a last-minute dash to get the boxes done. In the end, I was sacrificed. To this day, when I look at the pictures of my handmade gift, I am jealous that all of my friends have one and I don't.

Organize It: School Photos

2011-04-13T00:00:00.002-04:00

Wondering what you can do with those large 8x10 photos? I've come up with a wonderful way to keep them all in one place and preserve yearly memories! 12x12 scrapbooks can be intimidating, but they don't have to be. I simply mount my photo on an 8x10 colored piece of paper (the color matches what they're wearing). Sometimes, I put cute little brads in the corners. Then, I mount that on a 12x12 sheet of black paper. The finishing touch is a big number signifying their age at the time of the photo.

The common theme is the 12x12 black paper, the simple bordering and the location of the headshot on the right side of the page. On the left side, I plan to put the class photo, mounted with the same materials.

It is such a joy to look through these albums and see the growth of my babies over the years. I've even decided to add a few shots of the kids when they were younger. 8x10 photos are so hard to store. I kept mine in frames for many years. But, once I remove them, I can't find a safe place for storage. This solution is perfect! You will have so much fun seeing how your child's features change from year to year! Within six months, my son went from having a beautiful set of teeth to plenty of holes. He was proud to show off that sweet mouth. Hope you like this organizing idea!

Tasty Tuesday: Tuscan Sausage Stew

2011-04-12T00:03:00.002-04:00

You'll Need: (Crafty Cat increases all of these amounts)

This is a recipe from McCormick that is relatively easy to make and oh so good. Crafty Cat discovered it as she was looking for quick and easy meals to make. McCormick sells small packages of pre-measured spices, with this recipe on the back. After the first bite, Crafty Cat kept the recipe and bought full servings of all of the spices:

-1/2 tsp. fennel seed
-1 tsp. basil leaves
-1 tsp. minced garlic
-1 tsp. crushed rosemary leaves
-1/2 tsp. oregano leaves
-1/2 tsp. coarse ground black pepper
-1 tsp. salt

-2 tbsp. olive oil
-1/4 cup red wine or water (I use wine)
-1 medium onion (I use 1 1/2 onions)
-1 can (15oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
-1 can (14 1/2oz) diced tomatoes, undrained (I chop an extra fresh tomato)
-1 pkg (6 oz) baby spinach leaves (I load this up)
-1 1/2 pds. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes

(Crafty Cat prefers one package of sweet venison sausage. Try any sausage package...it offers a richer meal than chicken.)

Directions:
1-Heat your oil on medium. Add your chicken. Stir 10-minutes until brown.
2-Remove sausage (chicken) from skillet. Cook onion & fennel seed on medium heat for 5 minutes.
3-Stir in beans, tomatoes, red wine, remaining spices, and salt. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 5 minutes. Return sausage (chicken) to skillet.
4-Stir in spinach. Cover. Cook 5 minutes until spinach is wilted.

You can serve alone or with a side.

This is a delicious McCormick recipe!! Try it.

Peacock Shawl

2011-04-11T00:01:00.002-04:00

When I bought a dark green peacock shawl in China a few years ago, I admired the beautiful details. In the back of my head, I knew I probably wouldn't wear it often. Actually, I knew it was possible that I'd never wear that shawl. Still, I HAD to have it. I even bought similar models for friends, in other colors. I bought a lot of "stuff" in China. Then, I came home. My lovely shawl has been crumpled up in a corner since 2008.

All of the lovely items I bought in China are back on my radar for two reasons: I want to get rid of everything I'm not using and I'm sick of seeing the same decorations each day. Sometimes, fabulous fabrics can add a touch of character to your room. Figuring out how to display fabrics is the challenge. Find a piece of silk art framed on a wall. A picture can't even compete. I decided to take advantage of the mannequin that I just happen to have in my home. Everyone has one right? I threw that shawl over "her" shoulders and styled the display with some jewelry. If I ever buy a custom frame for the peacocks, I will let you know. The rich colors and details in a long frame could transform a room. For now, I'm happy that I'm just using that shawl in some way. The same scenery has greeted me in my bedroom for more than five years. That changed this week. A little change can do you good.

Homemade Headboard

2011-04-09T22:37:00.003-04:00

I visited a friend's new home for the first time today and was thrilled to discover that a centerpiece of her bedroom is handmade...her headboard.

I love to see how other people use things they've made to decorate their space. My friend is in her early 20's and doesn't necessarily make a lot of things yet. She is still discovering her crafty side. So, attempting to make a big centerpiece, like a headboard, must have been intimidating. What I loved about this is that it wasn't really modeled after your traditional headboard. She just sat down and started creating. She picked out fabrics to match her bedspread, bought three small picture canvasses, and cut a series of rough circles. She just glued them down, not realizing the glue would bleed through. But, she ended up liking the effect.

I have to admit that I admire her carefree effort. Sometimes I over-analyze my crafts. I worry about everything being measured out. The circles would have had to be cut out perfectly...clean edges. Yet, I like her finished product better, because the edges have character. The fact that the glue bled through would have sent me into a tizzy. I would have ripped it apart because it was unintended. But, she saw it as a happy accident. Sometimes mistakes create the best crafts. I bet she had fun making the headboard too. Lately, I've forgotten to enjoy it. It made me smile to see her personal touch in the room.

Organize It: Baskets

2011-04-08T00:01:00.002-04:00

This is where my cleaning supplies are. How can it be the messiest place in my home? Somewhere along the way, I just starting throwing bottles, boxes and containers under my bathroom sink. Maybe I was tired from scrubbing the shower or wiping down a countertop. I got lazy putting these things away...and it got out of hand. The clorox wipes are dangling over the pine sol. The lysol is about to fall out of the cupboard. I just put it back and push the door closed before it can fall again.

I determined that this would be the next thing I clean. I could have just lined everything up. Instead, I grabbed a basket and put my supplies in it. I'm not reaching over the front bottles to get the back...knocking things over, that I don't pick up again. I love it. It looks far more tidy. Next time you want to straighten out a cupboard, grab an old basket that has been wasting space...and put it to work. Organize it! I am declaring here that I must keep the cupboard where I store cleaning supplies....clean!!

Swiffer Head Cover

2011-04-07T13:26:00.000-04:00

My beautiful blogging, kitchen designing and photography Muse of a cousin Tammy Lee Bradley is also very crafty! Check out this Swiffer head cover she crocheted herself! Head on over to http://www.bloggingbradleys.blogspot.com/ for more on this!! So crafty!

Scrap Suite Update

2011-04-06T22:44:00.000-04:00

I know even before looking at these pictures that there is still too much stuff in this space. But, it is far more accessible than it has EVER been!

I've shown you my crafting area before, but I just reorganized it and figured I'd update you. I used to have a very large computer center right smack in the middle of this (can you imagine?) and it tightened the space up. I was suffocating and didn't feel inspired to work here. Now, it is open. I feel 100% better. Okay...okay...I know it is still packed with a billion things. There are so many personal touches here. My father made the ribbon rack. My mother bought my the sticker display case when a local store closed.

My dad also built me this shelving unit for my bits and pieces. That really needs to be reorganized, but you get the idea. He said he'll build me a simple shelf at some point to go on the wall over the work-table, to display more of the tools and embellishments that I have. I like the idea of being able to look up and look around for what I need, versus having to dig for it. I took a thin shelf off of the wall in my bedroom and repurposed it as shelf for my containers of buttons and flowers and paint. I'm a little bugged that this already looks so packed. But, I'm just surrendering to the idea for now.

I do have a renewed spirit to use what I have and avoid buying more. That is really hard in the craft realm. But, I have to and I want to. This is the hardest area of my home to de-clutter, because it is all about sentimental creations. I do think a craft space is supposed to be full. But, I'm trying to be realistic. You can't really make great things if you don't know where half of your tools are.

Tasty Tuesday: Wedding Bliss

2011-04-05T05:06:00.016-04:00

Ever wonder what chef's do in their time away from their high pressure jobs? Well, we work, of course. Chef Donavan here! I had the privilege of catering a wedding this past weekend for some good friends of mine, Kowe and Sharron Webster. Aren't they a lovely couple? The prep time for this event was nine hours on Saturday, with the event scheduled on Sunday. That's when we worked another nine hours! A co-worker asked me to help out and we had a really good time working together in a laid back environment. Here are some pictures of the food and the event. In the coming weeks, I will put some of the recipes on the blog. For now, enjoy the pictures.

Fruit and Cheese Board

Watermelon Basket

Cruidite and Compound Salad Display

Shrimp Cocktail Display

Some of the food we served: Chicken Baltimore, Roasted Potatoes, Chicken and Shrimp Pesto.

Dessert Table

It was an honor to play such an important role in my friend's special day. I hope he has many happy years ahead with his beautiful wife. On a side note, all of the clothing you see was handmade by the groom Kowe Webster! Crafty Girl and Crafty Cat would say "SOO Crafty"!

Wooden Roses

2011-04-04T03:22:00.001-04:00

I love shopping at county fairs, just to see the fun things people create. I was wandering through the vending booths of a small fair on a rainy day, a few years ago, when I came across a burst of color.

Under a dripping white tent, on a dark and gray day, I found a rainbow of roses. The vendor told me she had made each bouquet with thin pedals of wood.

Fascinated, I bought 60 of the wooden roses, figuring they'd live a lot longer than the real deal. As I was taking pictures recently, for one of our Shutterbug Sunday blogs, I was compelled to rip one of those pretty pink roses to shreds. I had to get to the core of this creation. Here's what I found:

The center of the rose is an oval shaped chunk of foam. There is a wrapped wire stem in the base of the foam, reinforced with glue.

The petals of thin wood appear to be lightly brushed with color on the edges, similar to inking paper with a pad. Several small ovals of the wood are glued to the tip of the foam, all the way around. Larger ovals of the wood shavings are glued on top of the smaller ones, totally covering the foam and shaping the rose.

The petals are simply green fabric, cut in a "U" shape and glued onto the base of the rose.

When finished, the wooden part of the rose actually looks fairly real from a short distance. I'm not sure I'd have the energy to make dozens and dozens of these. In fact, I was happy to pay the crafty woman who had perfected this treat. I hope this idea encourages you to envision something beautiful next time you look at a pile of wood scraps that you thought were garbage!!

Shutterbug Sunday: Preparing Your Images for the Web

2011-04-03T02:51:00.000-04:00

Ok, so I know we have all experienced it, our gorgeous photos being scrunched and distorted once they are uploaded to the web! Does this frustrate any of you, as much as me?? There is hope and a way to export your images so the distortions are not as bad.

Image before being processed for the web.

Step One: After all of your edits are finished and you are ready to upload your image to the web, in photoshop go to file, and Save for Web Devices.

Step 2: When you see the Save for Web Devices screen pop up, you will want to make sure your settings in the top right hand corner are as follows:

jpeg format selected
maximum setting selected
quality at 100
optimized box checked

Now just click save and place the image in your desired folder. I save all mine to a folder labeled "website". Once I am done uploading the images to the web, I delete everything. This is just one of the ways I help keep myself organized.

Now for the finished products. The end result is by no means perfect, but definitely an improvement! Enjoy your Sunday everyone!

Same image after.

www.marynicholsphotography.com

Flowers For Daryl

2011-04-02T00:00:00.003-04:00

I'm so honored to be the owner of this new painting called "Flowers for Daryl". It was painted by Kay E. Martin and donated to a silent auction for a very special event I went to Thursday night. We actually won four items in the silent auction! It was a magical night called the "Farley Follies".

The Farley Follies are held to honor Daryl E. Farley, a 21year teacher of the Guilderland School District in New York State. She passed away October 31st, 2009 at the age of 49 from cancer. She played school with her sister as a child and always knew she wanted to be a teacher. She loved her students and they were so sad when she passed. As a way to remember her- the teachers decided several months later to celebrate her life with the kids by putting on an evening assembly, where the teachers took the stage and performed.

Tickets for the first year event sold out within the week! I remember my kids being devastated they couldn't go. So many kids were devastated that they ended up performing the show all over again the next day in an assembly at school, so everyone could be involved.

This year, when the tickets went on sale, we bought them the very first day! Good thing! Tickets sold out the FIRST DAY this year. As the curtain opened that night, I could feel the hearts in the room open. The teachers pulled out their old band instruments and performed a song! It was so cute to see the school social worker, who our family loves so dearly, playing her flute! Another played a recorder and yet another a trombone!

Then, it was time to RAP! Yep! Teachers dressed in baggy M.C. Hammer pants-- rapping about how students "CAN read this!" Playing off his classic song, "You Can't Touch This".

Who knew so many teachers could TAP dance!?! Really- you just see these people as teachers, but they are so much more.

This school district is facing unprecedented budget cuts. No political sides taken here- just the cold hard facts. New York State is billions of dollars in the hole and sadly children are going to suffer as the governor looks for solutions. Yet, these educators set aside the fact that some of them may not have jobs next year to raise money for the charity they started in honor of their friend. The kids will be able to play "wall ball" on a blacktop surface, instead of a muddy or dusty dirt pit. A graduating High School Senior who wants to become a teacher will receive a scholarship. These acts of everlasting kindness are all because these educators truly love the kids.

It was so rewarding to see them smiling and their camaraderie is evident. It made me cry. I learned our school is not a building, but a community. All the children truly love going there. It is filled with many people who went into the field of education to make a difference in a child's life. I'm sure they will. I will always look at my "Flowers For Daryl" and think about a teacher I never really knew. I'm so proud to be part of the community that she helped build. This will make me smile.

To donate to the Daryl E Farley Charity:

6270 Johnston Rd. Albany, NY 12203

Wood Scratch Repairs

2011-04-01T03:25:00.004-04:00

I really do love my dark wood, claw-footed, coffee table. I got it years ago and still like the style, the color, and the size.

But, my cats have done quite a number on it. They like to rest on the table, which would be fine, except when they jump down or get spooked...their back nails screech across it. They dig in to take a fast leap off that table.

Over the years, they have made their mark with a number of digs and streaks in my beloved coffee table. I could certainly justify buying a new one after all these years. But, they'll just scratch that up too. I'm happy to keep this. I still love the style. But, it was looking pretty rough. I wondered if there was a way to salvage it.

I'd heard about covering scratches in wood with markers and other products. So, I was excited when I came across some of those markers in the grocery store the other day. The package had 3 shades...very dark, medium, and light. They are not high-tech solutions, but these markers were the right price and worth a shot.

I went around the coffee table and filled in the claw marks. The results certainly aren't perfect. But, the streaks are less noticeable. As you can see in the photo below, the marker definitely shows initially. I worked around that by immediately wiping away the surface ink with my fingers. If you wait too long, it will dry with an obvious streak. You need to blend quickly. The markers don't erase damage. Your table won't look new again. But, if you don't mind a quick fix, it is worth trying.

WINNING!!

2011-03-31T12:00:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Jamie!! You have won our yummy brownie sampler giveaway, courtesy of Bite Me Brownies, our featured Artist in the Spotlight last week. Thanks for reading, following, and commenting on our blog.

More thanks to Emily Mericle, the mind behind the tasty dessert we've been salivating over this week. I've tried every flavor and one of each simply isn't enough!! You can read all about her brownie baking talents by clicking here.

For those of you who didn't win this giveaway, you can find the full list of Emily's treats at her website: www.bitemebrownies.com. They'd be a fun treat to have shipped to someone you love.

Meanwhile, our top-notch guest blogger, Mod Podge Amy, is offering her own giveway. Scroll down to find out how to get in on that action.

Dimensional Magic Collage Art

2011-03-31T00:00:00.004-04:00

Hello again! I'm Amy from Mod Podge Rocks. I've been here before with bracelets, and I'm happy to be back with another project - this time with Mod Podge Dimensional Magic. If you've never used this magic little bottle of "stuff" (the name is so apropos), it does just what it says: it adds dimension to a flat surface! It makes paper items look like epoxy stickers, and it makes jewelry items look like they have resin poured on them - yet it's non-toxic. I know I sound like an infomercial, but I really love it. I use it on jewelry a lot, so I decided to change it up with a piece of wall art. I think you'll enjoy. Here's how to make my Dimensional Magic collage art.

Gather These Supplies

Artwork with plastic frame - from Dollar Tree
Mod Podge Matte
Mod Podge Dimensional Magic
Krylon Spray Paint - Satin Avocado
Scrapbook paper - I used Crate Paper's Restoration collection
Scissors or Craft knife and mat
Sizzix Big Shot or flower templates to cut flower shapes
Craft glue
Paintbrush

To start, pop the back out of the frame and remove the glass (I didn't use it). Spray paint the frame Avocado - I didn't show this because I would probably choke myself and ruin my camera if I tried to take a photo while spray painting.

Spread a medium layer of Mod Podge onto the "art" that came in the frame - smooth your background paper down on top of it. Allow it to dry and then give a topcoat. Use your scissors or craft knife to trim around the edges.

At this point I cut out my images. I hand drew the "vase" and cut that out, and I did the same with the stems and leaves. Then I used my Sizzix Big Shot and the Flower Layers by Emily Humble to cut out the flowers. If you don't have a die cutter, you can use either a stencil or hand draw the flowers yourself and cut out. Use a variety of papers to really mix it up and make it cute!

Mod Podge all the items down in the configuration of your choice and then use Dimensional Magic to accent the flowers. Some tips on using Dimensional Magic:

Don't shake the bottle; it causes bubbles.
Dry it in a warm-ish place. Dimensional Magic doesn't like cold weather and it will crack.
You can layer Dimensional Magic on top of itself (after the first layer is dry) - it will dry clear.
It takes a few hours to dry - sometimes several depending on the weather conditions.

Use craft glue to secure the collage into the frame.

I used stencil tape to secure the back to the frame. Now hang to your heart's desire.

Thanks to the team here at CL and S for featuring me. I can't wait to show you more fun projects with Mod Podge! I would also love to give away one of these today:

Here are the simple rules.
1. Comment on THIS blog entry. What would you do with this Dimensional Magic?
2. Only one entry per person.
3. Contest will close this Sunday, April 3rd at midnight (EST).
4. PLEASE leave your e-mail address if it's not attached in Blogger - I need some way to reach you.

Thanks for the visit, and come check me out at Mod Podge Rocks
whenever you get the urge to glue!

I’m participating in the following linky parties: Blue Cricket, Skip to My Lou, Someday Crafts, Somewhat Simple, Tatertots and Jello, Tidy Mom, Tip Junkie, Today's Creative Blog

Dessert Deadline

2011-03-30T12:00:00.001-04:00

Time is up. If you haven't commented by now to qualify for our brownie giveaway...well you won't get the taste of chocolate and caramel in the corners of your mouth this week. We'll pick a winner today. Come back tomorrow to find out if it is you!! Thanks for visiting Crafty Life and Style.

FREE Brownies!!

2011-03-30T08:06:00.000-04:00

You have until Noon, EST, today to qualify for the brownie sampler giveway. The rules are spelled out in our Artist in the Spotlight blog from last Thursday. Click here to find out how to become eligible for FREE BROWNIES!! Forget the diet, these babies are tasty and only for YOU...our readers. Good luck.

Flower Power Wall Art

2011-03-30T00:01:00.000-04:00

I'm going to will spring to bloom here in upstate New York. It's been a long, cold, snowy winter up here and I am longing for some vitamin D! I thought I'd make this cute little piece of wall art. What I love about this is you can do it too and with little to no cost-- because I know you probably already have everything you need!

Supplies:

1 12x12 piece of scrap book paper

1 3x12 piece of paper

ribbon

large silk flower

some self adhering sparkles

an old 8x8 canvas

staple gun

glue stick

glue gun

Center your paper over your canvas. I made slight slits on each corner of the paper in order for it to fold over neatly. Then I folded the corners of the paper over the canvas like I was wrapping a present. I tacked the paper down to the frame with my staple gun. Then I placed my 3x12 paper in the center of the frame and tacked that down in the back as well. Time now to add your ribbon on each side of the center piece of paper. I did not use any glue. I simply tacked it down in the back with more staples. Line your ribbon with your sparkles. Then cut your silk flower bud down to the nub. Be careful- if you get too close to the end you will clip the little nub that holds it all together. Stop just short of the little nub. Then place a substantial blop of hot glue in the center of the picture. Place your flower on there and hold in place until it's secure.

This project is super duper easy and fast! And what a way to brighten up your space! Hope you love it like I do!! Please tell me what you think. I love hearing from you.

Organize It: Food Cupboard

2011-03-28T15:37:00.000-04:00

Since Crafty Girl is on an organizing kick, I was inspired to organize a few things around my house.

I really wanted to clean my kitchen, but I had boxes of food on my countertop because I couldn't fit them in my haphazard cupboard. I've had a habit of just pushing in new products wherever I could perilously balance them. Inevitably that meant I would open the door and have something fall out on my head. This week, I finally climbed up on that counter and took everything out. I got rid of tea that had been in there for years. I got rid of anything that was past the expiration date, even if I figured it was still good....just toss it. I put the boxes of food on top, soups in the middle, cans on the bottom...with all of the labels facing me. I am happy to report that I open that cupboard now with pride. I pull out boxes with a smile. I haven't had anything bonk me on the head in days. What a relief to just Organize It!!!

Brownie Giveaway

2011-03-28T00:00:00.001-04:00

This is your official reminder that we are GIVING AWAY brownies!!! Our friends at Bite Me Brownies were profiled on this blog last Thursday. Comment on our interview with Emily in our Artist in the Spotlight feature...all the rules are spelled out there...and you could WIN a FREE sampler of Bite Me Brownies. Click here to find that blog. Emily also happened to be featured on Arizona TV recently. Check out the video to find out more about the baker behind these babies.

http://www.azcentral.com/video/850272142001

Shutterbug Sunday: Homemade Filter

2011-03-27T01:06:00.000-04:00

This may just seem like it is not in focus...but the effect is intended to teach you a fun and free trick. If you've watched Barbara Walters over the years, you may have noticed her lighting seems softer now. There is a haze around her that smooths out blemishes and lines on the face. If you want to add a fun and hazy effect to photos...you can grab a filter right out of your sock drawer. Different shades of pantyhose offer different outcomes, some more subtle than others. Just gently cover your lens with the fabric and take a photo. I grabbed four shades of pantyhose to find out how they would each look on the same subject. Here are the results.

NO FILTER:

NUDE:

OFF-WHITE:

NAVY:

BLACK:

Some of the results surprised me. Of course...you want a spray of roses to be colorful. But, the right set of circumstances may have you slipping your knee highs off your feet and onto your camera lens. Try it out and let us know if you make any fun discoveries.

Hiiiiii YAH!

2011-03-26T00:00:00.003-04:00

My 6-year-old daughter recently earned her Yellow belt in taekwondoe, but it was not an easy road. Despite acing the test, when it came time to break a board with a kick (Yep- BREAK a real piece of wood!) she wouldn't kick hard enough to do it. The mental challenge of mind over matter really hit her. We spent a week practicing and fretting about the need to overcome this hurdle to make it to the next level.

When she finally broke the board, the room broke out in cheers. I must admit my cheer was a little too loud and obnoxious- I gotta work on that! But, it was a true testament to her ability to put mind over matter. So, when it came time to scrapbook the page. I wanted it to be special. No store bought embellishment here. Handmade all the way.

I took a piece of white paper and sketched out what I wanted the uniform shirt to look like. Admittedly, I'm not the best artist- but I felt my sketch was alright. Then I cut out the piece. I thought it looked pretty good. Then I decided to create a lapel with two extra pieces of paper. It needed to have some stitching then. So, I gathered some embroidery string and a needle. You can sew paper pretty easily- just be sure not to get too close to the edges. I learned the hard way!

The final piece to the puzzle was the belt. I only had yellow ribbon. So I custom made it to look like her real belt. After tying the belt around the waste (like it's supposed to be tied for class- yes, a little obsessive) I cut little pieces of white paper and glued them down.

I really like the final product. I hope she likes that I marked this occasion in a special handmade kind of way. What do you think?