Coaster

So here is a coaster I made - making 4 in all as a set of course.  I'm giving these to someone for Christmas - BIG LSU fan!  Now in the pic - I know it looks blue - but its really purple.  I guess my phone camera doesn't recognize purple?  However, I guess you can see the idea.  This was super fun and anyone can do it!  This was done with an LSU napkin.  I opened the napkin and in my case - one napkin had 4 LSU squares.  So I was able to make my 4 coasters out of one napkin.  All you need are 4 tiles - which I found mine at Home Depot for .16 cents each.  Then you need a bottle of Mod Podge.  A small sponge to dab with.  And then you need some of the felt circles to go on bottom.  So simple.  You can see below in my other posts another link showing you in detail how to make them.  Very fun - simple - and really - anyone can do it!  And I want to add that I used napkins on this instead of paper - so that may be the reason for the more textured look - but it doesn't bother a glass at all and doesn't wobble.

Great cake - Cinnamon Roll Cake!

Ok - below is the recipe I used last night making Cinnamon Roll Cake.  Below are not my photos either - its strictly copied from another site, http://sewfantastic.blogspot.com/2011/11/amazing-cinnamon-roll-cake.html.  I do have to mention - I used Self Rising Flour instead of having to add the baking powder and salt.  BUT when omitting those I looked right over the sugar to add in the batter!  I had to cook mine like 10 mins longer than she states below and I also had to add a splash more of milk in my powder sugar glaze than she states.  I'm wondering if me omitting the sugar in the batter was the reason I had to cook it 10 mins longer.  BUT I didnt even realize I left out the sugar until I was raving about this recipe and showing it to a friend and talking about how good the cake was while sampling!  LOL.  So hey - omit the sugar in the batter and it still comes out great and yummy and moist!  ENJOY!

Cake:

3 c. flour

1/4 tsp.salt

1 c. sugar

4 tsp. baking powder

1 1/2 c. milk

2 eggs

2 tsp. vanilla

1/2 c. butter, melted

Mix everything together except the melted butter, mix this in last. 

Then pour into a greased 9x13 pan. (I only made half this recipe so I put mine into a smaller pan)

 Topping:

1 c. butter, softened

1 c. brown sugar

2 Tbsp. flour

1 Tbsp. cinnamon

For the topping mix all the ingredients together until smooth

 and then place it evenly on top of the batter 

and then swirl with a knife Then bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes. 

Glaze:

2 c. powdered sugar

5 Tbsp. milk

1 tsp. vanilla

Combine the ingredients for the glaze and drizzle over the cake while warm.

Homemade Coasters

Ok - so I'm "so" making these for Christmas.  This looks fun and neat and even something I could do with my Sunday School class too!  Check it out....

How to make these beautiful drink coasters...

(The finished product)

Supplies Needed:

4 plain bathroom shower tiles (Hardware Store)
Various colors of scrapbook paper (12" x 12")
Mod Podge clear coat paint
Adhesive backed felt circles or cork pads
Glue (stick glue works best)
Scissors, exacto knife, ink pen, paint and/or foam brush

Here's how to make these handmade drink coasters:

	Step 1: Purchase plain shower tiles at your local Hardware store.  Price ranges from .13 - .20 each or less.
	Step 2: Purchase scrapbook paper, the 12x12 is the best as you can get more squares out of it, any color or design that you like best to go in your home.
	Step 3: Take the scrapbook paper and turn over so you are on the back side, line up a tile in the corner edge of one side and push down to make imprints of the tile on the paper.  Do this in all 4 corners of the paper.
	Step 4: Take the imprinted paper and a pen and lightly mark guidelines where the imprint is, this will make it easier when you cut them out.
	Step 5: Once all of the squares are marked, your scrapbook paper should look like this.
	Step 6: Cut the paper into the 4 squares using your guidelines.
	Step 7: Take 1 tile, 1 paper square and glue.  I use a glue stick as it is easier to use and its colored so you can see where you have been, but any glue can work.  If you use bottled glue make sure you smooth the glue out so you do not have any glue bumps under the paper when it is dry.  Apply generously to the edges of the tile, this is where the paper can pull if not glued down well.
	Step 8: Cover tile completely in glue.
	Step 9: Neatly place paper square over tile so all edges are lined up and push to adhere paper to tile.  Make sure it is attached well and smooth.
	Step 10: Once glue is dry cut any overlapping paper from the tile edges.  Scissors or an exacto knife do this very well.
	Step 11: Gather your paper covered tiles, a small sponge or paint brush and glossy Mod Podge, apply a thin layer of the mod podge over entire tile and edges.  This dries completely clear but take care that the coat is even and smooth, it will make the finished product that much more beautiful.
	Step 12: Allow to dry completely, I let mine dry overnight.  Place felt circle pads (pictured) or cork circle pads in all four corners of backside of coaster, this will help prevent damage to furniture when coaster is in use.
	Step 13: You can group together the four coasters, tie a bow around them and give them as a unique handmade gift as show to the left

So you think you can Sew?

Check this link out to what seems to sound like a very exciting contest.  I dont think I will enter anything as I'm still a "beginner" but I can't wait to see what people submit and get some great ideas!  Sounds like fun!

Ok - they say you learn something new everyday...

Today - I learned I do like Key Lime Pie.  Ok maybe not all Key Lime Pie.  I like my friend McKenzie's Key Lime Pie.  Its suttle - not strong at all and was good.  I admit it!  LOL.  Here is her recipe.  Thanks McKenzie for opening my eyes and letting me try something that I really didn't think I would like - but admit its not bad at all!  : )

Key Lime Pie

8 oz cream cheese

16 oz can of Condensed milk

3 medium to large limes

9” Graham cracker crust

8 oz Cool Whip

3-4 drops of green food coloring (optional)

Let cream cheese soften in a bowl at room temp. Pour in condensed milk. Beat until smooth. Squeeze limes into mixture until desired flavor is reached. Beat until smooth. Add food coloring until desired color is reached (optional). Beat until color is even. Pour into pie crust & top with Cool Whip.

A wreath for a friend...

Ok so I helped in hosting a friend's housewarming recently.  Together my friend Bridgit and I made this really pretty wreath that I'm so proud of.  It came together very nicely I must say and looks awesome on Christina's front door.  The fleur dis les (however you spell it) was a dark brown - it didn't work well in this wreath so with another friend's help (Brenda taught me how to paint) I painted this fleur dis les and gave it a tarnished look - antiqued it - made it stand out!  Check it out!  This wreath was some teamwork for sure!  I really like it better in person than in this photo - it doesn't do justice.  I took the photo with my phone camera

My India Tattoo

This week at work we are discussing diversity and getting to know others and the diverse people we work with.  We had a few tables to check out from the different cultures and backgrounds.  Today - I got a tattoo!  Its not permanent by no means but was neat to do and see and something that I may never get to do again - you never know.  It'll only last a couple of days too.  The tattoo was used with tree leaves called Henna.  The lady applied it with what looks like an ink pen point but reminded you of decorating a cake too!  She did different designs on everyone and I went with a sun.  At first its all gross looking - it was thick and muddy like on top of my skin.  Then that dries and it flakes off and leaves an orangish/red looking stamp.  So check out my tattoo! 

Look how neat this is!

Turn Your Old Soda Boxes into Can Rotators!

Posted in  //  Home  //  34 Comments

Who else drinks way too much Diet Coke? Yes, that would be me.  I can admit it.  But now I don’t need to feel so bad about my addiction. We can turn the old boxes into a way to organize all the cans in my pantry.  Yea!!!!  Here’s how to make your own Can Rotators:

Step 1:  On the top of the back end, cut out a space that is large enough to fit a can of soup.  This is where you will fill up your can rotator.
Step 2:   Take some decorative paper (around 3 sheets of 12 x 12 scrapbook paper)  and fold it into place to cover the box.  You can also use wrapping paper. Cut out the opening from Step 1. Then just Mod Podge and glue the paper into place.
Step 3: Once the back is completely dry, cover the front end in the same way with coordinating paper.
Step 4:  Add a label on the front so you know what’s in it and Mod Podge the entire thing.  Simple, easy and no more guilt about my Diet Coke habit.  You can never be too organized!
(You could also just leave the box as is, if you aren’t the crafty- mod podge type. )

Anyone else SO excited about this!?!? 

Thanks, ThenSheMade! 

New Sewing Cabinet

Ok - just a warning - with sewing comes many supplies.  Supplies that will multiply after time and you need a place to put it.  I only have a 3 bedroom house and my sons have those rooms.  So my sewing room is also my bedroom.  I had all my sewing stuff beside my sewing machine on the floor - some in bags - some in containers - and some just piled on top of that.  It was not looking too hot - my bedroom!  So I have bought me something - its wonderful!  Here is my sewing cabinet for all my storage needs!  I love it.  My bedroom now is presentable again and being organized - perhaps I can get back to my sewing - and of course here comes the holidays!  I love the holidays!!

School started...and well

Well - with August - came school - summer gone - and homework and everything else back in the picture.  I have to get started back on my sewing - its been forever!  I do have a small dress that I started on during summer that I need to finish up for my niece Ella.  Her birthday is this weekend.  Hope all is well that reads my blog.  Sorry for the lack of posting.  I need to get motivated back to the sewing machine....I do love it....but other things have dragged me away....good things though....FAMILY! :)  My youngest son did just celebrate his 6th birthday!  Here is a photo of him from this past weekend.  His car actually had the number 9 on it and with a little paintbrush - cutting - and turning that 9 upside down - I made his car to be a "6" to match his age!  Ha! 

Not my idea - but had to share - and no sewing involved with this one...

Found this idea on another blog - had to share with school now in session!

Teacher Appreciation: Rolo Pencils!

Wish I could take credit for this idea.  Oh well.  It's actually an idea featured in the September 2010 issue of Creating Keepsakes magazine.  I fell in love with these the second I saw them, and decided they'd be a perfect little gift for my daughter's AWESOME pre-k teachers!

The body of the pencil (inside) is a package of Rolos and the tip of the pencil is a Hersheys Kiss attached to the Rolos with a glue dot!

To make the outside of the pencil, you cut a piece of yellow cardstock to 3 1/2" x 4 1/2", trim one short end with scallop edge or zigzag edge scissors, and score every 1/4" lengthwise...wrap around the Rolos and adhere.  Then wrap a 3 1/2" x 3/8 " piece of pink cardstock at the opposite end.  Add a small pink circle to cover the exposed end of the Rolos.  Cover the seam between the yellow and pink pieces with a length of silver foil tape.  Then just wrap the ends with a ribbon and tag.  I used Create a Critter to make the apples on these, and printed my sentiment from my computer right onto the tags.

To finish, I put them each in a clear bag and made a bag topper with each teacher's initial and some embellishments on them.  Super-easy and super-fun!

Thanks for looking and have a creative day!  :)

Jean Dress

I was able to give the little jean dress to Cloe at church this Sunday.  The look on that child's face was enough for me!  She loved it and commented "You made that for me?"  She's four yrs old and just the sweetest.  I told her mom "It could be crooked...I'm learning thats for sure" and her mom said she didn't care she would wear it anyway and she'll have it on next Sunday!  I can't wait to see it.

Patterns On Sale!

Found the cutest patterns!!  On sale - so even better!!  How cute??!!

Jean Dress

My latest project which is a result of a pattern that my friend Debbie gave to me recently.  Cute dress - simple - but sometimes those are the most precious!  I plan to give this dress to a little girl at church.  I asked her mom a few Sundays ago about practicing on Cloe and she was perfectly fine with it.  So here you go Cloe!  I think with this ribbon she can wear just about any shirt color underneath - short sleeve or long or neither and the ribbon to me states "fall time"

So Proud of a Friend...

A coworker/friend is expecting a baby really soon.  She had a desire to do some smocking.  I'd like to share this with everyone and let Bridgit know how proud I am of her for this task!  It looks great and I can't wait to see Elizabeth wearing this.  The little purple bow is just attached to it as a clip and will go in Elizabeth's hair.  Great Job Bridgit!

New Patterns and Projects to come...

Here are a couple of new patterns.  The outfit patterns are some that I picked up on sale and the bib pattern was given to me by a friend - Thanks Jennifer!!  Now I need to go buy me some really cute fabric and get started...  They are all so cute and no - I dont have any daughters of my own...but I do have neices and lots of little girls at church!

Happy Birthday to my friend, Debbie!

For my friend - Debbie.  Saturday actually is her birthday, July 23.  But today at work we decorated her cube all up like someone had a birthday party all over it.  LOL.  I think she had a great day.  She is one of my friends that has really encouraged my sewing - giving me ideas and how tos and has always told me not to give up when something didnt turn out right or when it seemed no one was interested in what I had put together - she told me to keep at it.  And I'm still learning no doubt!  One thing that I was thinking about last night while sewing this project for Debbie was my starting out with the sewing machine and how I had to get on youtube to figure out how to even thread the machine and as well "the back-stitch".  A must if you want your project to even stay together.  This is my gift to Debbie - homemade with my hands and my heart.  Happy Birthday Debbie and Happy Couponing in your new tote!

Zip the Monkey!

Ok - I have to share this one.  I stopped at a garage sale down the road from my house.  I walked in this Lodge building where it was and there I found this monkey.  I quickly picked him up and thought he was the cutest thing ever.  On his shirt was the name ZIP.  My husband and kids were with me and I said to them at that point that I was buying him and wondered what timeframe this toy was from?  I was born in '78.  I went home and found my ZIP all over the internet as a collector item!  How cool!!  Here is my ZIP.  I would love to find out exactly how old he is...I wonder.  I'm thinking he's the 50s or 60s make because he doesn't have a banana.  Isn't he the cutest??!!!

I have sewing on the mind...

I have so many projects that I'm super excited!  Currently this week a friend is having a birthday.  She's into couponing and crafting and all sorts.  So Im making her a coupon tote.  I have already told her what I was making her because I wanted to know what color she would like....Brown and Blue.  I found the prettiest fabric at hobby lobby and I can't wait to get it made.  I'll be sure and post a pic and hopefully a pic of Debbie too! :)

My first buttonhole...

So I have been on a short vacation this week.  My family and I went out of town...out of state.  A much needed trip for myself I do believe.  A different pace.  I feel revived.  I came back home though with sewing on my mind.  A friend started the below dress and gave to me.  She had cut it out and done the front pleating on the dress.  I finished it by sewing it all together, added the binding trim, and .....my first button hole.  The pattern actually called for making a thread loop for a button and I'm thinking at that point...lets shoot for the button hole.  My sewing machine has a 1, 2, 3, 4 step on it...so it came together pretty easily and now I've done it.  This dress is for my neice Ella Grace.  I hope to get a photo of her and add her to my blog.