tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33306111582589787732024-03-13T22:13:47.854-05:00Four Front DoorsFourFrontDoorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00872832622200579215noreply@blogger.comBlogger86125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3330611158258978773.post-5367062516754625302013-10-23T12:39:00.002-05:002013-10-23T12:39:52.529-05:00Easy Homemade Caramel Sauce<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FQLn7GInMxI/UmgIvxowgSI/AAAAAAAAKQc/MYeVx-QsVAo/s1600/caramel+sauce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FQLn7GInMxI/UmgIvxowgSI/AAAAAAAAKQc/MYeVx-QsVAo/s640/caramel+sauce.jpg" width="432" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I've been making <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/351254/apple-spice-cake" target="_blank">this cake</a> from Martha Stewart for the last 6 months or so, pretty much every time I need a very yummy and fairly uncomplicated dessert for something. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now that it's officially fall, there is no better time than now for this cake! But even better and easier and more versatile is the CARAMEL SAUCE that goes with this cake!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I made the cake last Sunday for a church lunch, and Monday morning I found myself with a little cup of leftover caramel sauce. It was just sitting there, on the kitchen counter, calling my name. At least I <i>think</i> it was calling my name. It sure sounded like it to me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Anyway, the next thing I knew, I had cut a juicy apple into quarters and was dipping each slice into the rich, buttery caramel sauce. And yes, I did double dip. I knew there would be no leftovers today.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It seemed only fitting that I leave you with a few easy peasy recipes so that YOU can make your own caramel sauce. It's delicious! In fact, my son informed me last night that I need to make more so that he can just eat it with a spoon. Not a bad idea.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here is the easy recipe from Martha that goes with the apple spice cake. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> You can find a very similar one on her website </span><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/326816/easy-caramel-sauce" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">You will need this cast of characters:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 cup brown sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 stick of butter (Martha says unsalted, but I say whatevs)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1/4 cup evaporated milk</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 teaspoon vanilla extract</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">a pinch of salt</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Combine all ingredients in a small to medium saucepan (heavy-bottomed is nice to guard against burning). Cook over medium heat, stirring continually, until it's the desired consistency.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">See how easy that is?!?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you find yourself without evaporated milk, no worries. You can use heavy cream or even regular milk. Poke around online and you'll find all kinds of different recipes, some very complicated and scary and others not. I like this one because it is very simple, fool-proof, really.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What else can you do with caramel sauce? Here are a few ideas: eat it with a spoon or drizzle it over any number of things, including ice cream, baked pears or apples, or baked goods. You could also put it in a cute jar and give it as a gift!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now get to it! A delicious snack awaits!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Kithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05976784044504844440noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3330611158258978773.post-37404765666975684882013-10-21T12:46:00.000-05:002013-10-21T12:49:00.849-05:00Burlap Owl Door Hanger<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm seeing burlap door hangers everywhere, and I figured it would be fun to have one for myself!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There are lots of tutorials for these, but it's pretty easy to figure out on your own. The main two tutorials I used were <a href="http://misskopykat.blogspot.com/2013/04/how-to-make-burlap-door-hanging.html" target="_blank">this one</a> at Miss Kopy Kat and <a href="http://www.livealittlewilderblog.com/2013/04/burlap-door-hanger-tutorial.html" target="_blank">this one</a> at Live a Little Wilder. I love owls, and realized this season would be perfect for an owl hanging around! H</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">ere's what I came up with:</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-neubPknZ0-4/UmVnXJ-R5fI/AAAAAAAABZ8/D9790o8RciY/s1600/Burlap+Owl.7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-neubPknZ0-4/UmVnXJ-R5fI/AAAAAAAABZ8/D9790o8RciY/s640/Burlap+Owl.7.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here's how I did it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I wanted mine BIG. I used a piece of poster board and cut out the form. Then I traced the owl onto burlap and cut out a double thickness, allowing about an inch extra all around. I'm not good at guessing measurements. Maybe it's more than an inch. I didn't measure it or make it precise. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-URD5y50chE8/UmSgSkdGmTI/AAAAAAAABYk/2-852N4ZTVo/s1600/Burlap+Owl.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-URD5y50chE8/UmSgSkdGmTI/AAAAAAAABYk/2-852N4ZTVo/s640/Burlap+Owl.1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OYYyI1nTpnY/UmSgZPi4WGI/AAAAAAAABYs/aRLrJScvXLk/s1600/Burlap+Owl.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OYYyI1nTpnY/UmSgZPi4WGI/AAAAAAAABYs/aRLrJScvXLk/s640/Burlap+Owl.2.jpg" width="432" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Next I removed the bottom layer of burlap, protected my table with newspaper, and sketched out the details of the owl. </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w3bD9mCIGao/UmSgjdoW32I/AAAAAAAABY0/FWEWXrX1P9w/s1600/Burlap+Owl.3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w3bD9mCIGao/UmSgjdoW32I/AAAAAAAABY0/FWEWXrX1P9w/s640/Burlap+Owl.3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Next I painted it all in with acrylic paint. This was the part that took awhile, just because the burlap soaks up so much paint that it requires going back over it a few times.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The only colors I used for this owl were a cream, black, a dusty green, metallic gold, orange, and purple. I also mixed a little glitter paint in with the black for a little extra dimension. And, yeah, because I like stuff that sparkles. I mixed the green with the cream for the eye detail.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">After I painted everything in, I roughly outlined the main form, wings, and eyes with a flat brush, using a very inexact mixture of gold, black and green.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tc5WWBK47q4/UmShib8bxVI/AAAAAAAABZM/bwQ1_B09Nz4/s1600/Burlap+Owl.4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tc5WWBK47q4/UmShib8bxVI/AAAAAAAABZM/bwQ1_B09Nz4/s320/Burlap+Owl.4.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">For the polkadots, I just dipped a fresh pencil eraser into the paint and pressed it down. Easy!</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t6QNSB_OZcY/UmSgvMCxHDI/AAAAAAAABY8/UuDBIaM_eGY/s1600/Burlap+Owl.5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t6QNSB_OZcY/UmSgvMCxHDI/AAAAAAAABY8/UuDBIaM_eGY/s320/Burlap+Owl.5.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here's something you might want to try if you make one of these. I wish I'd known this tip before I started. I've heard that if you Mod Podge the whole thing before you start, it makes the painting go much easier. I've also heard of using an inexpensive fabric starch like Sta-Flo. I'm thinking it couldn't hurt to try.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now let that paint dry. The paint is going to stiffen up that burlap like you won't believe, which is pretty good if you're hanging this outside. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Next I hot glued the front to the back piece of burlap following the unpainted edges, working in small sections and stuffing with plastic bags as I went along. You could also use leftover waxed paper or parchment. If you're going to be using it indoors only, you could probably use fabric or tissue paper or even newspaper. If it's going outside, be sure you use something more water-resistant.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">After I got the whole thing stuffed and glued, I took a piece of floral wire and stuck it through burlap's weave in the back and twisted the ends around to hold it in place. You can leave the ends out the front and curl them, but I felt like there was enough detail on mine that I'd leave the wire ends on the back.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I didn't use any kind of sealant on mine, because my front porch is covered and pretty protected, but feel free to seal yours if you like.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now go hang that on a wreath hanger on your door, and enjoy looking at it whenever you step outside!</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jBCGeaRekh4/UmVnN4-ef1I/AAAAAAAABZ4/0J9I2F5NSeE/s1600/Burlap+Owl.Porch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jBCGeaRekh4/UmVnN4-ef1I/AAAAAAAABZ4/0J9I2F5NSeE/s640/Burlap+Owl.Porch.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Like it? Feel free to Pin it!</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-paNctSr5IpE/UmVnvkZwVJI/AAAAAAAABaE/5vxLLAsqLCc/s1600/Burlap+Owl.Title.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-paNctSr5IpE/UmVnvkZwVJI/AAAAAAAABaE/5vxLLAsqLCc/s640/Burlap+Owl.Title.jpg" width="318" /></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3330611158258978773.post-64577176662013333082013-10-09T14:04:00.000-05:002013-10-09T14:04:04.791-05:00Delicious No-Knead Artisan Bread<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CTQDQGjOt9g/UlWoRMlDvnI/AAAAAAAAKPY/AwkZinCqn-Y/s1600/bread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CTQDQGjOt9g/UlWoRMlDvnI/AAAAAAAAKPY/AwkZinCqn-Y/s1600/bread.jpg" height="640" width="578" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Last week was my turn to host book club, and I wanted to make a delicious meal for my "lady friends" (that's what my children call my book club friends). I was making one of our favorite soups and a great salad; seemed to me like a nice, crusty bread would be perfect with that!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So I did what people do nowadays; I googled "artisan bread recipe".</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I found a recipe <a href="http://natashaskitchen.com/2012/02/26/no-knead-artisan-bread-recipe/" target="_blank">here</a> that seemed like a good one, and pretty easy. I made it that afternoon and got rave reviews at book club that night!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So here I will share with you the recipe that belongs to <a href="http://natashaskitchen.com/" target="_blank">Natasha at Natasha's Kitchen</a>. Even if you're not really a bread maker, or a baker, you can do this! It's only got four ingredients, and seems to be pretty much fool-proof! I hope you give it a try.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here's what you do (with apologies for the grainy photos; it was early this morning and I just couldn't get enough light!):</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">First, add 1 1/2 cups of very warm water to a large bowl. Sprinkle in 1/2 tablespoon of salt and 3/4 tablespoon of yeast. </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A41m_pIfMFc/UlWIllPQ1ZI/AAAAAAAAKMA/n9XeeCfHvH4/s1600/DSC03203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A41m_pIfMFc/UlWIllPQ1ZI/AAAAAAAAKMA/n9XeeCfHvH4/s320/DSC03203.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Stir and let it sit for a minute or two. It will look like this.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cqP5EgxlNa4/UlWJsXIDujI/AAAAAAAAKMo/YsXL5HhpE4M/s1600/DSC03207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cqP5EgxlNa4/UlWJsXIDujI/AAAAAAAAKMo/YsXL5HhpE4M/s320/DSC03207.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Gently stir it again, and then measure out three cups of regular flour and add to the liquid mixture. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bi7fFDfdb5U/UlWJWN797vI/AAAAAAAAKMc/fOnVnneL0Tw/s1600/DSC03206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bi7fFDfdb5U/UlWJWN797vI/AAAAAAAAKMc/fOnVnneL0Tw/s320/DSC03206.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JapzauNCLSU/UlWJr_e2DaI/AAAAAAAAKMk/_7kfmqOoW7s/s1600/DSC03208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JapzauNCLSU/UlWJr_e2DaI/AAAAAAAAKMk/_7kfmqOoW7s/s320/DSC03208.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4fZeg1HDfRw/UlWKQRX3E7I/AAAAAAAAKNA/CyAh-hVfhoQ/s1600/DSC03210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4fZeg1HDfRw/UlWKQRX3E7I/AAAAAAAAKNA/CyAh-hVfhoQ/s320/DSC03210.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Quick tip: do you know the correct method for measuring out flour in baking? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Use a spoon to lightly fill the cup measure. Then use the straight side of a table knife to level the flour. You never want to pack down the flour when you're baking. Just in case you didn't already know!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Using a wooden spoon, stir the dough until it forms a rough ball, as shown. </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uMujwJV6G2k/UlWKof8lzxI/AAAAAAAAKNM/usNYeBxrDDg/s1600/DSC03212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uMujwJV6G2k/UlWKof8lzxI/AAAAAAAAKNM/usNYeBxrDDg/s320/DSC03212.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Cover the bowl with a loose-fitting lid or with plastic wrap. Allow the dough to rise for 2 hours.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S1P0QRLcqUA/UlWKzx4VWRI/AAAAAAAAKNU/yDiyaTPD0_g/s1600/DSC03215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S1P0QRLcqUA/UlWKzx4VWRI/AAAAAAAAKNU/yDiyaTPD0_g/s320/DSC03215.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Quick tip: Yeast rises better in a warm-ish environment. If my house is drafty or cool on a baking day, I will turn my oven to a low temperature, and sit the dough bowl on the oven to rise. It gives it just enough warmth to rise nicely without taking too long!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here is the dough after rising 2 hours.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jr0PCQi1yyM/UlWLL6yo26I/AAAAAAAAKNk/_DKFSMPZTlI/s1600/DSC03216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jr0PCQi1yyM/UlWLL6yo26I/AAAAAAAAKNk/_DKFSMPZTlI/s320/DSC03216.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now, spread a piece of parchment paper on the counter and generously dust it with flour. </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RUusHMojUZY/UlWLTuFAnVI/AAAAAAAAKNs/0qBcEESywAU/s1600/DSC03217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RUusHMojUZY/UlWLTuFAnVI/AAAAAAAAKNs/0qBcEESywAU/s320/DSC03217.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Scrape the dough from the bowl onto the floured surface. Using generously floured hands, fold the dough over once, and then fold again. Gently form the dough into a round shape (this will be the shape of your loaf!).</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jreuvZt4xu8/UlWLoacRhxI/AAAAAAAAKN8/tVA_cXN-fEY/s1600/DSC03218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jreuvZt4xu8/UlWLoacRhxI/AAAAAAAAKN8/tVA_cXN-fEY/s320/DSC03218.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Allow the dough to rise again, uncovered, for 45 minutes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When it is done rising, cut three slits in the top of your bread using a very sharp knife. This will make your bread picture-perfect! Place the bread, parchment paper and all, on a flat baking sheet.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FVUSafUjjnI/UlWMihy4rnI/AAAAAAAAKOc/Qlk-Y7VYVws/s1600/DSC03224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FVUSafUjjnI/UlWMihy4rnI/AAAAAAAAKOc/Qlk-Y7VYVws/s320/DSC03224.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XeleeeJUBm0/UlWM1TnPSXI/AAAAAAAAKO8/4VQFMBIJIEo/s1600/DSC03226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XeleeeJUBm0/UlWM1TnPSXI/AAAAAAAAKO8/4VQFMBIJIEo/s320/DSC03226.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now it's time to bake! Preheat the oven to 450 degrees, and make sure you have two racks to work with.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">On the bottom rack, place a metal baking dish (as seen in the photo above) filled with 1 cup of water. Place the bread on the baking sheet on the top rack and bake for 20-25 minutes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And here you have it! This loaf turned out a bit browner than my first because the doorbell rang just as I should have been taking it out of the oven. However, the crust is just the right crispness!</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K15m4oVrDPI/UlWMsCRIrTI/AAAAAAAAKO0/4OPwIZCW61o/s1600/WP_20131009_002+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K15m4oVrDPI/UlWMsCRIrTI/AAAAAAAAKO0/4OPwIZCW61o/s320/WP_20131009_002+(1).jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The end result is a soft, delicious bread, great with soup, or butter, or as a sandwich. In fact, my kids have been asking me to make this again. Won't they be happy when they get home from school today?!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I hope you enjoy this as much as we have!</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1zJbYxnGpAU/UlWnGwnh_sI/AAAAAAAAKPM/xjmF8AUjodg/s1600/4FD+signature+with+text.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1zJbYxnGpAU/UlWnGwnh_sI/AAAAAAAAKPM/xjmF8AUjodg/s1600/4FD+signature+with+text.jpg" height="200" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Kithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05976784044504844440noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3330611158258978773.post-75630056157223629212013-10-07T02:30:00.000-05:002013-10-07T02:30:02.400-05:00Pumpkin Candy Display<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D61kZt4iLa8/UlIB1ulYjkI/AAAAAAAABXY/LCLSXgRubCQ/s1600/pumpkin.finished+project.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D61kZt4iLa8/UlIB1ulYjkI/AAAAAAAABXY/LCLSXgRubCQ/s640/pumpkin.finished+project.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">To make this sweet candy display, I started by making a little clay pumpkin. Just roll a ball of orange clay, then flatten it slightly. Use a string or dental floss to form ridges, leaving the middle part free of ridges so you can paint the face easier. I then pressed the eraser end of a pencil into the clay for the eye sockets (not shown). </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-13zIU6qgaTY/Ukj1ZyI0BNI/AAAAAAAABMU/aPS8IIAz6cE/s1600/Clay+Pumpkin.Floss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="488" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-13zIU6qgaTY/Ukj1ZyI0BNI/AAAAAAAABMU/aPS8IIAz6cE/s640/Clay+Pumpkin.Floss.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I twisted up a piece of wire and inserted it for the stem. Then I cured the pumpkin in the oven according to directions on the package (I used Sculpey III.)</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gwhCAB7IdaM/Ukj1ag_e4JI/AAAAAAAABMY/pPSPLdeZ5LU/s1600/Clay+Pumpkin.Stem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gwhCAB7IdaM/Ukj1ag_e4JI/AAAAAAAABMY/pPSPLdeZ5LU/s640/Clay+Pumpkin.Stem.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">After it cooled, I used a white paint pen and a black Micron pen to add features.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vWGini3jbAs/UlIE-4zY0SI/AAAAAAAABX8/DNZYkPbCBcM/s1600/Clay.Pens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vWGini3jbAs/UlIE-4zY0SI/AAAAAAAABX8/DNZYkPbCBcM/s640/Clay.Pens.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yN0Isa8eSpY/Ukj3xR_-fwI/AAAAAAAABNI/XiorZE6BnME/s1600/Clay.Finished+Pumpkin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yN0Isa8eSpY/Ukj3xR_-fwI/AAAAAAAABNI/XiorZE6BnME/s640/Clay.Finished+Pumpkin.jpg" width="514" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I finished it off by painting the stem green and giving the whole thing a glossy finish with spray gloss lacquer after it dried. After letting the gloss dry, I hot glued the pumpkin to a felt flower (<a href="http://fourfrontdoors.blogspot.com/2013/09/make-felt-flowers.html" target="_blank">instructions for flower here</a>). </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jkODa-pMuFA/UlICCY1HVZI/AAAAAAAABXg/6ONUBzZ2G-Y/s1600/pumpkin.fin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jkODa-pMuFA/UlICCY1HVZI/AAAAAAAABXg/6ONUBzZ2G-Y/s640/pumpkin.fin.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Then I put a ribbon around a plain clear plastic cup (you could also use a glass jar), and glued the flower to the ribbon, being careful not to melt the cup. I added candy corn and these cute swirly lollipops from the dollar store. They are spin pops and had a label in the center that I couldn't remove, so I just cut paper that coordinated with the flower to cover them up. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-svJAIpElJFo/UlICJDE1JBI/AAAAAAAABXo/GcSS7apkicE/s1600/pumpkin.lollies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-svJAIpElJFo/UlICJDE1JBI/AAAAAAAABXo/GcSS7apkicE/s640/pumpkin.lollies.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Easy and fun!</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bIEM-nlPSG4/UlICStb1TKI/AAAAAAAABXw/q41yBmc-Ap4/s1600/Name+Plate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bIEM-nlPSG4/UlICStb1TKI/AAAAAAAABXw/q41yBmc-Ap4/s320/Name+Plate.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3330611158258978773.post-30637165104494073302013-10-02T05:00:00.000-05:002013-10-02T05:00:11.236-05:00Learn Your Child's Love Languages<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6D1sSF1jt5g/UkMFOzgV8aI/AAAAAAAAKKo/gyLrfNLSxb0/s1600/love+language.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6D1sSF1jt5g/UkMFOzgV8aI/AAAAAAAAKKo/gyLrfNLSxb0/s640/love+language.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A few weeks ago I posted about parenting transitions -- those times when we find that the things that have worked for us in relating to and helping our children just don't seem to have the same effect. <a href="http://fourfrontdoors.blogspot.com/2013/09/help-for-parenting-transitions.html" target="_blank">I shared a list of books</a> I've read or am currently reading to help me through such a time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Something I have done that has helped me understand my oldest </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(and most difficult) </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">child is to find out his love language. Not sure what that means? Quick explanation:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The concept comes from the book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Love-Languages-Secret-Lasts/dp/0802473156" target="_blank">The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman.</a> My husband and I read were required to read this book as part of our pre-marital counseling, and the concepts have really stuck with me. The premise is that not everyone receives or <i>feels</i> love in the same ways. For example, I really <i>feel</i> loved when my husband helps me with the things I need to do -- laundry, cooking, ferrying children around, taking care of the car. Chapman calls these acts of service. However, my husband <i>feels</i> loved in different ways --when I give him thoughtful gifts, or with physical contact (bow chicka bow bow!).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The same idea is true for our children. Chapman outlines five different love languages. They are:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">* Words of Affirmation</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">* Acts of Service </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">* Receiving Gifts</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">* Quality Time</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">* Physical Touch</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">With the help of a <a href="http://www.5lovelanguages.com/" target="_blank">handy and fun online tool</a>, you and your children (and your spouse!) can find out each other's love languages and then set about loving each other better! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">With my fifteen-year-old, I had him take the survey but not tell me the results. Then I took the same survey and tried to answer as I predicted he would answer. Guess what? Turns out I know him pretty well! His top love language is Quality Time, and second is Receiving Gifts. It was so helpful for me to read this and then to think about ways in which my husband and I can really show him that we love him so that he <i>FEELS</i> it! I think it also spoke to my son that I wanted to take the time to know more about him. (As an aside, I have also discovered a sixth love language that applies to this same son, and it is called Foods That Are Delicious and In Large Quantities. I'm trying to be more intentional in my baking and cooking, as I think this will speak to others in my family, as well!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I think this Love Language survey is a really useful tool for families. Last week I told our high school counselor about it, and she said she planned to use it with her students, to help them understand themselves and their own parents and siblings. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you want to try out the tool, <a href="http://www.5lovelanguages.com/" target="_blank">go here</a>. It's free and the website has lots of other good information that you may find helpful. Have fun with it!</span>Kithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05976784044504844440noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3330611158258978773.post-53849375604189677482013-10-01T01:18:00.000-05:002013-10-01T01:20:36.968-05:00Clay Skull DIY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is an easy way to make a versatile clay skull, even if you have zero clay sculpting experience (like me). </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iBFbjqOXaR4/UkntM9g2tVI/AAAAAAAABPc/UczBzoeTje4/s1600/Clay+Skull+Title.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iBFbjqOXaR4/UkntM9g2tVI/AAAAAAAABPc/UczBzoeTje4/s640/Clay+Skull+Title.jpg" width="508" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Dollar Tree had these silicone ice cube trays shaped like skulls. I bought one and tried a couple of different ideas that didn't work, and then I came up with this.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">To make one, you'll need:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Silicone skull mold</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Black polymer clay (I used Sculpey III)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Corn starch</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Parchment paper</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Paint or paint pens (I just used black and white)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Gloss spray (I used glossy lacquer)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I dusted mine with corn starch (just like you'd dust a cake pan) just to ensure there would be no sticking. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tn68u5AnnbI/UkjmaxfC3nI/AAAAAAAABLA/5yMPbvxPKvg/s1600/Clay+Skull.Mold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tn68u5AnnbI/UkjmaxfC3nI/AAAAAAAABLA/5yMPbvxPKvg/s640/Clay+Skull.Mold.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I worked on parchment paper for this project. Knead the clay in your hands and form a ball roughly the size of the mold. Starting in the center, press the clay into the mold. Be sure you press it firmly in, and get the back as flat and even with the mold edges as possible.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4ZtfgcztluE/UkjmChOUCnI/AAAAAAAABJ0/J6WYbn1G0-Y/s1600/Clay+Skull.Molded.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4ZtfgcztluE/UkjmChOUCnI/AAAAAAAABJ0/J6WYbn1G0-Y/s640/Clay+Skull.Molded.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Carefully unmold the clay. Mine slid right out. Then, on a parchment-covered cooking sheet, cure in the oven according to package instructions and let cool when it comes out. I took a damp paper towel to wipe off any remaining corn starch from the finished piece.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now it's time to jazz it up. I simply used a paint pen with a chiseled tip and a Micron black pen.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-6xBBgyMgM/UkjmKQQOOBI/AAAAAAAABKw/feeKwGT_Re4/s1600/Clay.Pens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-6xBBgyMgM/UkjmKQQOOBI/AAAAAAAABKw/feeKwGT_Re4/s640/Clay.Pens.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I started with the white areas and let it dry.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s1Ima0X8wpQ/Ukj3erwVucI/AAAAAAAABM4/6PU6EmI05XQ/s1600/Clay.Skull.White+Paint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s1Ima0X8wpQ/Ukj3erwVucI/AAAAAAAABM4/6PU6EmI05XQ/s640/Clay.Skull.White+Paint.jpg" width="510" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Then I went in with the black for more details. Here I also worked again on any white spots that looked messy and used the black to go over and cover up any stray white parts I didn't like.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LaQP6f70mdY/UkjmKmyTX9I/AAAAAAAABKo/wOVqW6M_1ok/s1600/Clay.Finished+Skull.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LaQP6f70mdY/UkjmKmyTX9I/AAAAAAAABKo/wOVqW6M_1ok/s640/Clay.Finished+Skull.jpg" width="580" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Let that dry, then spray with clear gloss. Start from pretty far away and give a LIGHT mist. This will help keep the designs from running. Let it dry, and repeat the process until you get the glossiness you want. Let it dry. You don't HAVE to gloss it, but it makes a huge difference and brings out the contrast more.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_DruuKia33c/UknqT83PikI/AAAAAAAABPQ/syu4s4JvyBk/s1600/Clay+Skull+Gloss+Closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_DruuKia33c/UknqT83PikI/AAAAAAAABPQ/syu4s4JvyBk/s640/Clay+Skull+Gloss+Closeup.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now you can use this guy for jewelry or other embellishing, like I did here below. If you'd like to make this particular embellishment, just glue it to a felt flower. You can <a href="http://fourfrontdoors.blogspot.com/2013/09/make-felt-flowers.html" target="_blank">click here</a> for quick instructions on making a couple of versions of felt flowers.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pTN9-ErbTEI/UknoQKkoDDI/AAAAAAAABPA/nkKy-CQrd2g/s1600/Skull+Embellishment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pTN9-ErbTEI/UknoQKkoDDI/AAAAAAAABPA/nkKy-CQrd2g/s640/Skull+Embellishment.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Happy Halloween Season!</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9-KdclvSWjo/Ukj5Ut3vS8I/AAAAAAAABNY/EgxS1vJlPME/s1600/Name+Plate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9-KdclvSWjo/Ukj5Ut3vS8I/AAAAAAAABNY/EgxS1vJlPME/s320/Name+Plate.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3330611158258978773.post-68689487761075378552013-09-30T17:06:00.001-05:002013-10-01T01:19:47.833-05:00Make Felt Flowers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yd4dEAuaQSE/UknxenqAs4I/AAAAAAAABPo/wOtjIUf4GGg/s1600/Felt+Flowers.Fluffed.Square.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yd4dEAuaQSE/UknxenqAs4I/AAAAAAAABPo/wOtjIUf4GGg/s640/Felt+Flowers.Fluffed.Square.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here's a quick and easy way to make felt flowers for decorating and embellishing. This tutorial shows two different styles. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">You'll need:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 sheet of felt (or more if you're doing different colors)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Felt glue and/or hot glue</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Scissors</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Card stock in coordinating colors</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We'll start with the orange loopy flower.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Fold one edge of felt over lengthwise. Cut out this piece, but don't cut along the fold.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1DXJD7KAvUM/UkjhXT8RQNI/AAAAAAAABIk/FVnd2gat6Dc/s1600/Felt+Flowers.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1DXJD7KAvUM/UkjhXT8RQNI/AAAAAAAABIk/FVnd2gat6Dc/s640/Felt+Flowers.1.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Using felt glue or hot glue, glue the unfolded edge to itself.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E3VzbGLeQMk/Ukjhh4DiTgI/AAAAAAAABI8/oeafh0UA55o/s1600/Felt+Flowers.+Felt+Glue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Make evenly-speced cuts all along the length of the felt, through the fold but not all the way to the glued edge.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Cut out a circle of felt or card stock. Put your choice of adhesive all over the circle. Starting with one edge of felt, lay it down along the edge of the circle, following the edge of the circle. When you have gone all the way around, continue winding toward the middle and sticking it down.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qP_YzunEFVc/UkjhYn4rlgI/AAAAAAAABIs/w430rgM5iRc/s1600/Felt+Flowers.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qP_YzunEFVc/UkjhYn4rlgI/AAAAAAAABIs/w430rgM5iRc/s640/Felt+Flowers.2.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mz0QNXhkKRg/UkjhjVGMJTI/AAAAAAAABJI/puU25rfP8kI/s1600/Felt+Flowers.Loop+done.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mz0QNXhkKRg/UkjhjVGMJTI/AAAAAAAABJI/puU25rfP8kI/s640/Felt+Flowers.Loop+done.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Using another piece of card stock, apply adhesive to the entire surface (here I used adhesive tape on a shape I cut out with a puncher, but you can use whatever you like). </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EuafIkNMvJ0/Ukjhe5oLRVI/AAAAAAAABI0/jr9IAp0S7zA/s1600/Felt+Flowers.Glue+Tape.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EuafIkNMvJ0/Ukjhe5oLRVI/AAAAAAAABI0/jr9IAp0S7zA/s640/Felt+Flowers.Glue+Tape.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Press that into the middle of the flower and ta-daaa!</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xWGA0Dh7oVg/UkjhkIQCIoI/AAAAAAAABJM/4oQOuchpxe4/s1600/Felt+Flowers.Loop+Done+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xWGA0Dh7oVg/UkjhkIQCIoI/AAAAAAAABJM/4oQOuchpxe4/s640/Felt+Flowers.Loop+Done+2.jpg" width="556" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">For the black flower, it's the same procedure, except I cut down the fold after gluing the edges together, and I made the cuts more closely spaced.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HyaZ4LQxf-U/UkjhmL0mDmI/AAAAAAAABJU/yZgO13gqbnw/s1600/Felt+Flowers.Fringe+Cut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HyaZ4LQxf-U/UkjhmL0mDmI/AAAAAAAABJU/yZgO13gqbnw/s640/Felt+Flowers.Fringe+Cut.jpg" width="450" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3bt0UmMJhAE/UkjhnRaa3zI/AAAAAAAABJc/zgNrERFsLOs/s1600/Felt+Flowers.Finished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3bt0UmMJhAE/UkjhnRaa3zI/AAAAAAAABJc/zgNrERFsLOs/s640/Felt+Flowers.Finished.jpg" width="500" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"Fluff up" the petals, and you're done....</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FEq3XxU7avM/UkjikpXz0pI/AAAAAAAABJg/HyX5ethHLls/s1600/Felt+Flowers.Fluffed.Square.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FEq3XxU7avM/UkjikpXz0pI/AAAAAAAABJg/HyX5ethHLls/s640/Felt+Flowers.Fluffed.Square.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">...UNLESS you want to take it up a notch and add another embellishment like this. <a href="http://fourfrontdoors.blogspot.com/2013/10/clay-skull.html" target="_blank">Click here</a> to see how I made the skull, or <a href="http://fourfrontdoors.blogspot.com/2013/09/halloween-tissue-paper-wreath.html" target="_blank">click here</a> to see how I used this on a wreath.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pTN9-ErbTEI/UknoQKkoDDI/AAAAAAAABPA/nkKy-CQrd2g/s1600/Skull+Embellishment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pTN9-ErbTEI/UknoQKkoDDI/AAAAAAAABPA/nkKy-CQrd2g/s640/Skull+Embellishment.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Enjoy!</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9-KdclvSWjo/Ukj5Ut3vS8I/AAAAAAAABNY/EgxS1vJlPME/s1600/Name+Plate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9-KdclvSWjo/Ukj5Ut3vS8I/AAAAAAAABNY/EgxS1vJlPME/s320/Name+Plate.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3330611158258978773.post-88155074855053881932013-09-30T16:12:00.000-05:002013-09-30T16:12:18.460-05:00Halloween Tissue Paper Wreath<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Today I'll share how I made this tissue paper wreath for Halloween, spending very little money to do it.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vr6J5Ft17fs/UknoDCD4VWI/AAAAAAAABO0/2thaDiYaesA/s1600/Paper+Wreath.Title.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vr6J5Ft17fs/UknoDCD4VWI/AAAAAAAABO0/2thaDiYaesA/s640/Paper+Wreath.Title.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">You'll need:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Wreath Form (mine is from Dollar Tree)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Scissors</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Orange Tissue Paper</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Pipe Cleaners in Orange and Black (I used yellow, but you should use orange if possible.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Stapler</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Halloween Embellishment (mine is handmade, but you could use a store-bought one if you like)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Glue Gun with Glue Sticks</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bmUe9JvROgQ/UkjnDmHMlKI/AAAAAAAABLE/QCkI0fSAm2A/s1600/paper+wreath.supplies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bmUe9JvROgQ/UkjnDmHMlKI/AAAAAAAABLE/QCkI0fSAm2A/s640/paper+wreath.supplies.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">To start, cut four strips lengthwise from one sheet, then repeat on a second sheet. Kind of scrunch these up and use to wrap around the wreath form. You can pin or glue the ends as you wrap.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ld6bX_1k9RE/UkjnE4T8HUI/AAAAAAAABLM/SspmM7KKtjI/s1600/Paper+Wreath.Wrap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ld6bX_1k9RE/UkjnE4T8HUI/AAAAAAAABLM/SspmM7KKtjI/s640/Paper+Wreath.Wrap.jpg" width="578" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Next, leaving the remaining sheets of tissue paper stacked (mine came with 10 sheets, so after I used the paper to wrap, I had 8 sheets stacked.) Cut squares or rectangles. Mine were about 4 x 6 inches each. It doesn't matter if these are perfect, and even if it's on a fold, it's okay. Then cut off the corners so you wind up with something similar to this:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">With each set of squares, staple the middle of a pipe cleaner to the center of the flower. You can staple it twice if you like.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Starting with the top layer, just squish it up like in the photo below. Repeat with each layer, loosening up with each layer. I didn't even squish up the bottom layer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Next you'll attach the tissue to the wreath by wrapping the pipe cleaners around and twisting. If you use orange pipe cleaners, you're good here. I didn't, so I had to go back with more tissue paper, gluing over the pipe cleaners to hide the yellow. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bUeCpSvlaRM/UkjnKueU0hI/AAAAAAAABLs/PS5JzbIMGiM/s1600/Paper+Wreath.Tissue+On.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="562" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bUeCpSvlaRM/UkjnKueU0hI/AAAAAAAABLs/PS5JzbIMGiM/s640/Paper+Wreath.Tissue+On.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Your wreath might not be round enough here, so you can easily adjust at this point. Also, if you have any pieces of tissue that seem too big or stick out, just snip them down here.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I glued a pipe cleaner to the back of this embellishment, then wrapped it around.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pTN9-ErbTEI/UknoQKkoDDI/AAAAAAAABO8/-liwbNhqhkE/s1600/Skull+Embellishment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pTN9-ErbTEI/UknoQKkoDDI/AAAAAAAABO8/-liwbNhqhkE/s640/Skull+Embellishment.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">For a little something extra, I made some pipe cleaner swirls from black pipe cleaners, then glued those to the wreath form with hot glue. After I handled them, they needed to be evened out a little after they were glued on.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q4sXzNdzNv4/UkjnLHEwhQI/AAAAAAAABL4/yCTbU-atRjU/s1600/Paper+Wreath.Pipe+Cleaner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="520" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q4sXzNdzNv4/UkjnLHEwhQI/AAAAAAAABL4/yCTbU-atRjU/s640/Paper+Wreath.Pipe+Cleaner.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Use a final pipe cleaner to make a hook on the back if you're planning to hang it by a ribbon. Then just tie on a ribbon or string, hang it up, and enjoy the festive touch! This smaller size wreath is great for a kitchen. I hung it on a corner cabinet in my kitchen, and it looks great!</span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DipbkPvw-zE/UknolnhGoWI/AAAAAAAABPE/w6vH7AWsBjA/s1600/Paper+Wreath.White+Back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DipbkPvw-zE/UknolnhGoWI/AAAAAAAABPE/w6vH7AWsBjA/s640/Paper+Wreath.White+Back.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DipbkPvw-zE/UknolnhGoWI/AAAAAAAABPE/w6vH7AWsBjA/s1600/Paper+Wreath.White+Back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QpPAwzJCd7c/UkjnOtkhOSI/AAAAAAAABMI/VCt0cEaUDYc/s1600/Paper+Wreath.Hanging.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QpPAwzJCd7c/UkjnOtkhOSI/AAAAAAAABMI/VCt0cEaUDYc/s640/Paper+Wreath.Hanging.jpg" width="552" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Like the skull embellishment? I'll be showing how to make that next, so check back here soon!</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9-KdclvSWjo/Ukj5Ut3vS8I/AAAAAAAABNU/Ghq6HdEzmnI/s1600/Name+Plate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9-KdclvSWjo/Ukj5Ut3vS8I/AAAAAAAABNU/Ghq6HdEzmnI/s320/Name+Plate.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3330611158258978773.post-3006240419664634062013-09-25T10:32:00.001-05:002013-09-25T10:32:39.109-05:00Make a Keepsake Card on Canvas!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kb1Gm3NEJwY/UkL9LPfg1VI/AAAAAAAAKJU/sIMQ-Rrq1Bw/s1600/canvas+card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kb1Gm3NEJwY/UkL9LPfg1VI/AAAAAAAAKJU/sIMQ-Rrq1Bw/s640/canvas+card.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Necessity is the mother of invention, they say. Well, I proved this true this week!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My mom's 70th birthday is very soon and my siblings and I and our spouses have been in cahoots over what gift we would get her and how we would celebrate. None of us live in the same town, so this was all done over email and text messages. We finally came up with a lovely keepsake piece of jewelry that I think our mom will love. I can't wait for her to receive it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But just a few nights ago I was struck by the realization that she would probably LOVE to also receive something fun and handmade from the grandchildren. My first thought was to make a "Happy Birthday" banner on butcher roll that the kids and I could decorate, roll up and send. Alas, the roll of butcher paper was nowhere to be found! But lucky me! In all my searching, I found a few cheap canvases that I had purchased last year for the kids to use. We'll paint that instead!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Alas again! All my acrylic paints were dried up (Can you tell I'm not the crafty one on this blog?! Charlotte would never be out of paint!).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sharpies to the rescue! We'll make a birthday sign on the canvas with sharpies!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I wrote the initial message and then had the children color it, make designs and sign their names. I really like how it turned out so far. I think I'll have the kids add the finishing touches today after school.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vG2K_nsxSQA/UkL_aj_iBQI/AAAAAAAAKJs/5SiBxgI_mX4/s1600/DSC03158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vG2K_nsxSQA/UkL_aj_iBQI/AAAAAAAAKJs/5SiBxgI_mX4/s640/DSC03158.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-48z8d-sXigA/UkL_-b5h4RI/AAAAAAAAKJ4/W0EBVQ8eTjk/s1600/DSC03165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-48z8d-sXigA/UkL_-b5h4RI/AAAAAAAAKJ4/W0EBVQ8eTjk/s640/DSC03165.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Unss_gJujlg/UkMARIJQgRI/AAAAAAAAKKQ/dqpzBt6OYoc/s1600/DSC03166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Unss_gJujlg/UkMARIJQgRI/AAAAAAAAKKQ/dqpzBt6OYoc/s640/DSC03166.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I can think of so many fun variations of this project!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">* Use a smaller canvas and make a decoupage birthday card/sign for a child or a friend.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">* Use the larger canvas to make a seasonal decoration to be used year after year, using paints/sharpies/decoupage.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">* Make a birthday sign for the family, similar to the <a href="http://www.redplatestore.com/you-are-special-today-red-plate.aspx" target="_blank">"You Are Special Today" plate</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I plan to attach a hanging strip in the back and send it on to my mother. I have a feeling she's going to love it!</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9U8pc3sLZlQ/UkMB2Ri8bhI/AAAAAAAAKKc/mAs-wmtqgHA/s1600/4FD+signature+with+text.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9U8pc3sLZlQ/UkMB2Ri8bhI/AAAAAAAAKKc/mAs-wmtqgHA/s400/4FD+signature+with+text.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Kithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05976784044504844440noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3330611158258978773.post-44340523419772707992013-09-23T01:28:00.000-05:002013-09-23T01:28:00.431-05:00Owl Lamp DIY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dayt6SEXGvM/Uj6FOqAFSLI/AAAAAAAABGQ/3GS2fjs_vU4/s1600/Owl+Lamp.Dark+Lit.Crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dayt6SEXGvM/Uj6FOqAFSLI/AAAAAAAABGQ/3GS2fjs_vU4/s640/Owl+Lamp.Dark+Lit.Crop.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I love owls, and I think Halloween is so much fun. That inspired me to create this owl lamp. This is an easy project that looks impressive when finished. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">To make your own, you'll need:</span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">11x14 Picture Frame from Dollar Store</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Disposable Cake Pans from Dollar Store (usually come 2 in a pack)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Single Clip Light from Dollar Store</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Wax Paper and Parchment Paper</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Mod Podge Glossy</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Food Coloring in red, yellow, blue</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Paint Brush</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">X-Acto Knife</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Wax Paper</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Duct Tape</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1. Spoon Mod Podge into paint wells or plastic cups. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Add 2 drops yellow to one, two drops red to one, one drop each red and yellow to one, and two drops blue to one. Gently stir with plastic spoon or toothpick to blend color.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X4sQ1-cTQ6E/Uj6EjLtolII/AAAAAAAABE8/SzMyoybDq8U/s1600/Owl+Lamp.ModPodge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X4sQ1-cTQ6E/Uj6EjLtolII/AAAAAAAABE8/SzMyoybDq8U/s640/Owl+Lamp.ModPodge.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2. Take the glass pane out of the frame. Place it on a sheet of parchment paper. Starting with the yellow, paint the bottom portion of the glass with long wavy strokes. Then paint up to about the halfway point with orange, and the top half with red. Let it dry just enough to get tacky. This way you can go back over it for better coverage.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e9aLFJkKZXA/Uj6El54YSII/AAAAAAAABFA/HzazagL-oVE/s1600/Owl+Lamp.Paint+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e9aLFJkKZXA/Uj6El54YSII/AAAAAAAABFA/HzazagL-oVE/s640/Owl+Lamp.Paint+1.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">3. Go back over the yellow, orange, and red, and go over the top with blue. Use the brush to blend everything in. Don't worry about visible brush lines, because for this project they're actually a good thing, since it's going to represent the sky and will add interest. And don't worry if you're not good at painting. You don't have to be! I even let my six-year-old help with this part, so you can do it too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nOuYsgrtjpE/Uj6EnOZ99BI/AAAAAAAABFI/ITzyqP6vwLo/s1600/Owl+Lamp.Paint2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nOuYsgrtjpE/Uj6EnOZ99BI/AAAAAAAABFI/ITzyqP6vwLo/s640/Owl+Lamp.Paint2.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> 4. Put in oven that's been preheated to 175 degrees. I just left mine on the parchment paper and put the whole thing in. Leave it in about 30 minutes. The paint will become transparent and will get quite a bit darker.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">5. While that's in the oven, you can do your cutout. I printed off a silhouette of an owl from the internet. You can use any cardboard or card stock to fit, but what I did was use the cardboard insert that comes with the frame and turned it over to cut. No worrying about getting the right size, and the opposite side was black, which is perfect!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I marked out a 1-inch border all around, and then cut that out and cut out the owl. I extended the branches all the way to the border.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VhpvrBbKH5c/Uj6Eqtn3CqI/AAAAAAAABFQ/KwMSvaEJMIk/s1600/Owl+Lamp.To+Cut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VhpvrBbKH5c/Uj6Eqtn3CqI/AAAAAAAABFQ/KwMSvaEJMIk/s640/Owl+Lamp.To+Cut.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> 6. Use duct tape to cover any areas that you might have cut into. This will avoid light bleeding through when it's lit.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FnURXYlH4Io/Uj6EuOEaPmI/AAAAAAAABFY/DeOlrBvT9-I/s1600/Owl+Lamp.Taped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FnURXYlH4Io/Uj6EuOEaPmI/AAAAAAAABFY/DeOlrBvT9-I/s640/Owl+Lamp.Taped.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> 7. When the glass is ready, take it out and let it cool. Then put the cutout into the frame (black side facing out), followed by the glass. Here you might need a drop of glue or some double-sided tape to stick down the head/body part of the owl. You don't need much. Then over that you'll put wax paper. Push down the tabs in the back of the frame, and duct tape to secure the wax paper. (Doesn't matter what the back looks like here.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W93Z0fk9Pes/Uj6ExnDlS9I/AAAAAAAABFg/Ynzugu0oCmk/s1600/Owl+Lamp.Wax+Paper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W93Z0fk9Pes/Uj6ExnDlS9I/AAAAAAAABFg/Ynzugu0oCmk/s640/Owl+Lamp.Wax+Paper.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">8. Get a single clip light. Mine is from the dollar store, but I think it's a seasonal item, so if you can't find it there, you can get one from a hardware store or online for cheap. I like this kind of light because you can just flip the switch to turn it off and on.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5JOeBw5CX4k/Uj6E52KCZ6I/AAAAAAAABFs/TeZ4poFhh20/s1600/Owl+Lamp.+Light.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5JOeBw5CX4k/Uj6E52KCZ6I/AAAAAAAABFs/TeZ4poFhh20/s640/Owl+Lamp.+Light.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> 8a. Cut a small hole in the bottom of the cake pan near a short side and in the middle, and insert the light. I wound up duct taping around the hole to reinforce it. I only used one pan, but two might work better and give the whole thing more stability.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-urQhL5n4AvY/Uj6E4nM5erI/AAAAAAAABFo/6GRHEEGTuNE/s1600/Owl+Lamp.Insert+Light.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-urQhL5n4AvY/Uj6E4nM5erI/AAAAAAAABFo/6GRHEEGTuNE/s640/Owl+Lamp.Insert+Light.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> 8b. Duct tape the pan to the frame with the light at the bottom, being sure to go all the way around with the tape.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-epcRFedoW58/Uj6E-N7HHOI/AAAAAAAABF4/stYPffNMwjI/s1600/Owl+Lamp.Taped+Back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-epcRFedoW58/Uj6E-N7HHOI/AAAAAAAABF4/stYPffNMwjI/s640/Owl+Lamp.Taped+Back.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> 9. Plug it in, light it up and enjoy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zriwYFE0bMA/Uj6FJH27waI/AAAAAAAABGI/7uOafzCLsO8/s1600/Owl+Lamp.Lit+Light.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zriwYFE0bMA/Uj6FJH27waI/AAAAAAAABGI/7uOafzCLsO8/s640/Owl+Lamp.Lit+Light.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b> Like it? Pin it / Share it, please!</b></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xMqco9_7tXc/Uj6FSKNGtbI/AAAAAAAABGY/p-Vi1tlyUnI/s1600/Owl+Lamp.Title.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xMqco9_7tXc/Uj6FSKNGtbI/AAAAAAAABGY/p-Vi1tlyUnI/s640/Owl+Lamp.Title.jpg" width="478" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Enjoy!</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1xBewQTF4wE/Uj6KwCXHg-I/AAAAAAAABGo/mLm2MlyO3O0/s1600/Name+Plate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1xBewQTF4wE/Uj6KwCXHg-I/AAAAAAAABGo/mLm2MlyO3O0/s320/Name+Plate.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3330611158258978773.post-74017825062229498692013-09-18T12:09:00.000-05:002013-09-18T12:09:26.453-05:00Help for Parenting Transitions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gq8a3MjYz-s/UjnT9CRLPzI/AAAAAAAAKIw/Eob2O-KUgVY/s1600/parenting+books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gq8a3MjYz-s/UjnT9CRLPzI/AAAAAAAAKIw/Eob2O-KUgVY/s640/parenting+books.jpg" width="446" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Lately, I've felt myself to be in what I call a "parenting transition". You know how sometimes you're going along and things seem pretty smooth, pretty simple, and then suddenly nothing you were doing seems to work anymore, and you feel like your family is coming apart at the seams? No, only me? Well, anyway...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I think it may be due to the start of a new school year and new activities, or maybe it's just plain old GROWING, but we and our kids have felt a bit out of step lately. (That's a nice way of saying there's been a whole lot of fightin'!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I decided to go back to some of the parenting books that have stood me in good stead over the years, as well as read some that were new (to me). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">You can see my stack in the photo above. I thought I'd take a minute to tell you a bit about each one, as much as I can, just in case you find yourself in a parenting transition, either now or in the future.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Get-Allowance-Before-After-Grounded/dp/0452297419/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1379522342&sr=8-1&keywords=do+i+get+my+allowance+before" target="_blank">Do I Get My Allowance Before or After I'm Grounded?</a> by Vanessa Van Petten. The author of this book calls herself a "youthologist" and is quite young herself. She writes as someone who is in-between the ages of the teen and the parent. I've not read the whole book yet, but do like her perspective and her focus on relationship-building.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Seize-Moment-Not-Your-Teen/dp/0842369368/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1379522582&sr=8-1&keywords=seize+the+moment+not+your+teen" target="_blank">Seize the Moment, Not Your Teen</a> by Bill Sanders. I picked this one up because I really like the title. Too often I get swept away by anger or frustration and lose the opportunity to really connect with my teens. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Grace-Based-Parenting-Tim-Kimmel/dp/0849905486/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1379522861&sr=8-1&keywords=grace+based+parenting" target="_blank">Grace Based Parenting</a> by Dr. Tim Kimmel. I have loved this book so far. This one is definitely from a Christian perspective. The author emphasizes a tenderness and a coming-alongside that doesn't come so naturally for me. I need this point of view.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Youth-Years-From-Ten-Sixteen/dp/0060115106/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1379523512&sr=8-1&keywords=youth+the+years+from+ten+to+sixteen" target="_blank">Youth: The Years from Ten to Sixteen</a> by Arnold Gesell, Frances Ilg and Louise Bates. This is a much older book and is no longer in print; the copyright in my book is from 1956. While much of it is outdated, I like that this book is quite comprehensive and detailed. I have always found the series by these authors on the different ages to be revelatory; this edition is no different. Best of all, it cover three of my four children! There is much to take in here, so I read it in small doses. It's a good resource book.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Key-Your-Childs-Heart/dp/0849943949/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1379523683&sr=8-1&keywords=the+key+to+your+child%27s+heart" target="_blank">The Key to Your Child's Heart</a> by Gary Smalley. This is a classic from back in the 90s. I've had this book for years (I think my mother-in-law gave it to me before we had children), but had never read the whole thing. At first, I found it hard to read because it felt like the author was just describing his perfect family, WHICH I DON'T HAVE. Sometimes I find parenting books unbearable because they hold up an impossible standard that just crushes me. But as I read further, I saw that the author does NOT have perfect family, and he does have some really good suggestions for creating a close-knit family, and for getting closer to kids who may have shut you out. I liked this one.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Parenting-Teens-Love-Logic-Adolescents/dp/1576839303/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1379523949&sr=1-1&keywords=parenting+teens+with+love+and+logic" target="_blank">Parenting Teens with Love and Logic</a> by Foster Cline and Jim Fay. I love anything by the Love and Logic people. I think their ideas make so much sense and REALLY DO WORK if you can discipline yourself to really try. This is the kind of parenting book to keep on your bedside table and just read a bit every night. Because we always need help, we always need reminding. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So there's my reading list, people! Tell me, what books of resources have you found helpful? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Kithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05976784044504844440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3330611158258978773.post-56282928829303255852013-09-16T00:30:00.000-05:002013-09-25T13:53:06.165-05:00Skeleton Dish DIYHow's this for some fun Halloween DIY decor? Get thee to the Dollar Store and make one yourself!<br />
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You'll need a plastic skeleton with joints you can take apart. (Mine didn't actually come from the dollar store, but right after I bought it I saw some there that were similar.) You also need a glass taper candle holder and a glass tealight holder. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Gl5Al7Sw0Y/UjZZYGd2VKI/AAAAAAAABC8/NR1jJvx9ri0/s1600/skeleton+dish+supplies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Gl5Al7Sw0Y/UjZZYGd2VKI/AAAAAAAABC8/NR1jJvx9ri0/s640/skeleton+dish+supplies.jpg" width="592" /></a></div>
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Take the skeleton apart, and lay it out in a pattern you like on top of the dish. Glue all that down with a strong adhesive (I like E6000). I had to use a toothpick to get into some of the crevices to make sure everything would stick. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pO9NEdgtry8/UjZZf637brI/AAAAAAAABDE/TuahvTpAsNs/s1600/skeleton+glued+top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pO9NEdgtry8/UjZZf637brI/AAAAAAAABDE/TuahvTpAsNs/s640/skeleton+glued+top.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Put a line of glue around the top of the taper holder and glue the dish to it. You can look down into the dish to help line it up.<br />
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This needs to get really dry. You don't want this thing falling apart on you. I let it dry for 48 hours.<br />
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Then I gave the whole thing a coat of cheap white spray paint to prime it. Let that dry, then blast it with a coat of silver spray paint. (I used Rust-oleum Bright Metallics.) Let that dry fully.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zM81qquT9_w/UjZZrhiHeNI/AAAAAAAABDU/IExsG7NrKFw/s1600/skeleton+dish+primed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zM81qquT9_w/UjZZrhiHeNI/AAAAAAAABDU/IExsG7NrKFw/s640/skeleton+dish+primed.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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With black acrylic, paint over the entire surface, working in a small area at a time. Be sure to get into the cracks and spots where anything touches something else. Then just take a paper towel or old rag and wipe it off before moving to the next section. I almost skipped this step, but it gave it so much more dimension and realism, I'm glad I did it. Do this over the entire thing, and let it dry. Shouldn't take long.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OhrBSuu3rYU/UjZZ6PLKapI/AAAAAAAABDk/3Dwk_S2E5r8/s1600/skeleton+black+paint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OhrBSuu3rYU/UjZZ6PLKapI/AAAAAAAABDk/3Dwk_S2E5r8/s640/skeleton+black+paint.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I didn't add a sealer here. Sealers tend to dull down metallic paints, and I figured it's not going to be handled all that much and would be fine.<br />
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Now it's ready to use to hold little trinkets like these spider rings, or you could fill it with dry black beans like I did and put in a tealight candle. You'll notice I jazzed up my candle with a little flame washi tape, just for fun and contrast.<br />
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Give it a try, and enjoy!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LuBZ0CZudBc/UjZaMnZkGgI/AAAAAAAABDs/Uu-tPvCOokk/s1600/skeleton+dish+empty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LuBZ0CZudBc/UjZaMnZkGgI/AAAAAAAABDs/Uu-tPvCOokk/s640/skeleton+dish+empty.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I'm sharing this project at <a href="http://madeinaday.com/2013/09/10/halloween-spooktacular-linky-party/" target="_blank">Halloween Spooktacular Linky Party @ Made in a Day</a><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3330611158258978773.post-11965299031249005322013-09-12T11:04:00.000-05:002013-09-12T11:04:36.865-05:00FAUX Burlap Display<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N-s-9vA8dTE/Ui-vKlv6qeI/AAAAAAAABCE/7CqdqYQXG7s/s1600/Burlap+Photo.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N-s-9vA8dTE/Ui-vKlv6qeI/AAAAAAAABCE/7CqdqYQXG7s/s640/Burlap+Photo.1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I know by now everyone probably has a pretty good idea how to make these charming initialed burlap pieces. But did you know you can get the same effect without buying supplies, measuring, cutting, painting, and matting? You can! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>*This looks like a lot of steps, but it's just because I'm being VERY specific. You should be able to knock this out quickly, even if you're not familiar with PicMonkey.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here's how I got this look the easy way:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1. Go to <a href="http://www.picmonkey.com/">www.picmonkey.com</a>. If you don't have an account, create one now. It's free and super easy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2. You want to start with a blank transparent page. To do this, open "CREATE A COLLAGE" on the main page. From the initial template, remove all but a single cell by clicking the "x" on each corner within the main body of the collage template. Save this to your computer where you can readily find it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">3. Now go to "EDIT A PHOTO." </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When it asks you to choose a photo, choose the blank page you just made.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">4. On the left is the drop-down menu where you choose your options. First pick "BASIC EDITS." (On mine, this is automatically on there when I go to this part. If it's not, just click basic edits.) </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">From this option, choose "Resize." Be sure the "Keep Proportions" option is NOT checked. Then Change Size to 50 x 70. Apply changes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">5. Go to the "TEXTURES" option on the menu, and choose "WEAVE." There's one on there that looks like burlap. Choose that one.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">8. Now go to "TEXT" on the menu. Select the font you like. (Mine is <i>Jellyka Delicious Cake</i>, which is a premium option.) At the top of the drop-down choose "ADD TEXT." Type in your letter, enlarge it to the size you like, and drag it to the center of the photo. Next to the text box will be another box with options. Choose "BLEND MODES" and select "OVERLAY." <b>This is what gives it the look that it's actually been stamped onto the burlap and makes it look more realistic.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">9. Go back to "OVERLAYS" on the left-hand menu. Go to "FLOURISHES" if you're a premium member or use another overlay such as "GARNISHES" for free. Choose one you like. Center and size it. Choose "BLEND MODES" and "OVERLAY" for this part. Then right click and pick "DUPLICATE OVERLAY" which will copy the same size and effect if you want one on top and one on bottom.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">10. Go to the menu and select "FRAMES." I chose "MUSEUM MATTE." I didn't adjust any of the sizes on the frame, but you can make yours however you like it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">11. Now save this to your computer. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Get it printed at 5x7 inches, and frame it (mine is a Dollar Store frame!) I used Walgreens to print the photo and ordered the matte finish, which you have to order by mail. However, I have it framed behind glass, and it still looks good, so I feel like I should have just ordered the low-low cost, one-hour method, for the normal finish with minimal difference. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I think it looks pretty good, even close up. See? That glare is from the glass in the frame, not from the photo paper. You could take the glass out if you prefer that look.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Not so hard, right? Give it a try!</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HxrVKoVVq2E/UjHjZ_4UMyI/AAAAAAAABCo/n2ch585uGng/s1600/Burlap+Initial.+Text+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HxrVKoVVq2E/UjHjZ_4UMyI/AAAAAAAABCo/n2ch585uGng/s640/Burlap+Initial.+Text+2.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bGKscFcj8TI/Ui-jqVB6gjI/AAAAAAAABBw/XiJ-JvJYieM/s1600/Name+Plate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bGKscFcj8TI/Ui-jqVB6gjI/AAAAAAAABBw/XiJ-JvJYieM/s320/Name+Plate.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3330611158258978773.post-237166672862813162013-09-09T00:30:00.000-05:002013-09-09T00:30:04.406-05:00Initial Letter Shrinky Charm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iajYsZ_ecwA/Ui050iiWeQI/AAAAAAAABAk/jnz5NGCjzHI/s1600/shrink+necklace+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iajYsZ_ecwA/Ui050iiWeQI/AAAAAAAABAk/jnz5NGCjzHI/s640/shrink+necklace+7.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here is another take on the good old Shrinky Dinks from your childhood!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I used white Shrinky Dinks for this project, but you could use any finish/color you like.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1. Print off your initial in any font you like (I used Lucida Calligraphy.) Make the letter three times the size you want your pendant to be, since they shrink down to about a third of their size. I wanted it to be a little over an inch, so I went with almost 4 inches for the letter.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hxtwv0uwAbc/Ui083GildRI/AAAAAAAABAw/wnuNObvN0rI/s1600/shrink+necklace+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hxtwv0uwAbc/Ui083GildRI/AAAAAAAABAw/wnuNObvN0rI/s640/shrink+necklace+1.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2. I cut out a piece of the plastic that was just a bit larger than my letter. You could tape the paper to the plastic, but I just held it together in my hands without a problem. Then I cut out the letter from the paper and plastic simultaneously.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T6zFVR9SK4U/Ui0884LAfWI/AAAAAAAABA4/J_CnB097dy4/s1600/shrink+necklace+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T6zFVR9SK4U/Ui0884LAfWI/AAAAAAAABA4/J_CnB097dy4/s640/shrink+necklace+2.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">3. Use a 1/8 " hole punch (if you have one) in an area that makes sense to place the jump ring. (Shrinky Dinks instructions say that 1/8 " is the best size for jewelry making, but you could use a regular hole punch too. It just won't be as snug on the jump ring.)</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g84CNJ9hRfY/Ui09D9az0TI/AAAAAAAABBA/gIgOTQGJn20/s1600/shrink+necklace+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g84CNJ9hRfY/Ui09D9az0TI/AAAAAAAABBA/gIgOTQGJn20/s640/shrink+necklace+3.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">4. Bake according to package directions. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My tips are: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">*Place parchment paper under the shrinky to bake. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">*Don't panic! It curls and then it uncurls. It will be fine. If it's not flat, press it down with a spatula as soon as it comes out of the oven. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">*These are pretty forgiving. If it's just not flat after all that, you can put it back in the oven for a little bit more time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">5. See how much they shrink? If I were making this for myself, I probably would have stopped here and worn it as-is. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L4gz4q3GNlc/Ui09JGKsRYI/AAAAAAAABBM/Q9NZziPcSxA/s1600/shrink+necklace+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L4gz4q3GNlc/Ui09JGKsRYI/AAAAAAAABBM/Q9NZziPcSxA/s640/shrink+necklace+4.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">However, I made this for my 12-year-old daughter who likes a bit more oomph. I just used her favorite glitter nail polish to finish it. I had to use three coats to get the look I wanted. If polish clogs the opening to the hole, just use a toothpick to clear it out.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Aw0fPkBjNnI/Ui09TnUj4SI/AAAAAAAABBQ/EfNT24-bLqY/s1600/shrink+necklace+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Aw0fPkBjNnI/Ui09TnUj4SI/AAAAAAAABBQ/EfNT24-bLqY/s640/shrink+necklace+5.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">6. When that's all dry, just add a jump ring and string it onto a chain. That's it!</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nM9f5QQX_Lk/Ui09chNzbSI/AAAAAAAABBY/M3cwHgZkgD8/s1600/shrink+necklace+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nM9f5QQX_Lk/Ui09chNzbSI/AAAAAAAABBY/M3cwHgZkgD8/s640/shrink+necklace+6.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hope you'll give this a try. It was a very easy project, and my daughter is thrilled with her new necklace!</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HrVbTGGLwfU/Ui09qQtCvdI/AAAAAAAABBg/4lWzVh4fjhQ/s1600/Name+Plate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HrVbTGGLwfU/Ui09qQtCvdI/AAAAAAAABBg/4lWzVh4fjhQ/s320/Name+Plate.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3330611158258978773.post-13326998497598485772013-09-04T10:44:00.000-05:002013-09-04T10:44:04.716-05:00How to Save Money on Spices<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D8rT6SPH_LU/UidQS1fttpI/AAAAAAAAKHI/lt_3RpXWMME/s1600/spices.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D8rT6SPH_LU/UidQS1fttpI/AAAAAAAAKHI/lt_3RpXWMME/s640/spices.jpg" width="380" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Call me a slow learner, but I just realized that our local grocery store has a bulk spice section! Actually, I don't think it's that I'm such a slow learner, but that I usually find myself zooming through the store with my list and several children in tow and I have never taken the time to really get to know my store!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So perhaps that is Tip #1 for you today: Take time by yourself to stroll slowly through your store, noticing what exactly they offer, how much it costs, and where it is located. Not only did I discover the bulk spice section, but I realized that our store has a fairly impressive section of health/natural foods and supplements. So good to know!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Which brings us to my main tip for you today. This week I needed to buy poppy seeds. They come in a little bottle like this in the regular spice aisle:</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6D_thL-uw-s/UidRoLtzrfI/AAAAAAAAKHU/fFCIDxBcXsU/s1600/WP_20130901_008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6D_thL-uw-s/UidRoLtzrfI/AAAAAAAAKHU/fFCIDxBcXsU/s640/WP_20130901_008.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In case you can't see it, that is 1.25 ounces for $3.18, which works out to $2.54 per ounce, or a whopping $40.64 per pound! Wow, those poppy seeds are precious!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Come with me to the far side of the store where we find the bulk spices. As you can see, the array is extensive.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NHi2PmPDzO8/UidSrvgCWaI/AAAAAAAAKHo/gcUAutRH9L4/s1600/WP_20130901_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NHi2PmPDzO8/UidSrvgCWaI/AAAAAAAAKHo/gcUAutRH9L4/s640/WP_20130901_001.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-doV_wnNPSDY/UidSr07XF4I/AAAAAAAAKHs/nqFy8nEmnCY/s1600/WP_20130901_004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-doV_wnNPSDY/UidSr07XF4I/AAAAAAAAKHs/nqFy8nEmnCY/s640/WP_20130901_004.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WvVRbcI5UpI/UidSt19RDkI/AAAAAAAAKH8/H8IdjYVqhMk/s1600/WP_20130901_005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WvVRbcI5UpI/UidSt19RDkI/AAAAAAAAKH8/H8IdjYVqhMk/s640/WP_20130901_005.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TIdi4q7aCq4/UidSrGMO6WI/AAAAAAAAKHg/ytrPTbJ4w8s/s1600/WP_20130901_003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TIdi4q7aCq4/UidSrGMO6WI/AAAAAAAAKHg/ytrPTbJ4w8s/s640/WP_20130901_003.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I didn't know exactly how much poppy seed I would need, so I just scooped a bit into the little plastic bags provided, marked the PLU number on it, and weighed it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here is how I made out:</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GvPXJO4NI-g/UidStpBF5dI/AAAAAAAAKIA/aAvBWX4HCOs/s1600/WP_20130901_006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GvPXJO4NI-g/UidStpBF5dI/AAAAAAAAKIA/aAvBWX4HCOs/s640/WP_20130901_006.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">That is .04 pounds of poppy seed, which works out to .64 ounces. It should be plenty for my recipe. In any case, you can see the price per pound on the label: $7.99 per pound! Hmmm, seems like a MUCH better deal than getting the tiny bottle from McCormick! I got just the right amount and for only 32 cents!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I think this is especially a great way to go if you only need a little bit of a particular spice. Don't we all have bottles of spices in our pantries that we used once or twice, and now they've been there for years?!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">(On that note, they say once a jar of ground spice has been opened, it should be used within 6 to 9 months in order to preserve maximum flavor. Whole spices will keep much longer.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What other things do you buy in bulk? I wish our local store had a better selection of grains in bulk. Maybe I'll have to request that. Share with us your tips for saving money at the grocery store!</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B0uMIGja46s/UidUjh5JdDI/AAAAAAAAKIM/xB7NrX_cXKs/s1600/4FD+signature+with+text.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B0uMIGja46s/UidUjh5JdDI/AAAAAAAAKIM/xB7NrX_cXKs/s400/4FD+signature+with+text.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Kithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05976784044504844440noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3330611158258978773.post-63016878736712838242013-09-02T04:00:00.000-05:002013-09-02T04:00:00.824-05:00No-Sew T-Shirt Purse<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oA11T19USfg/UiPcIb3NeeI/AAAAAAAAA-w/uA_DD4HBBqo/s1600/Shirt+Bag.Final.Text.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oA11T19USfg/UiPcIb3NeeI/AAAAAAAAA-w/uA_DD4HBBqo/s640/Shirt+Bag.Final.Text.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I've seen lots of people making bags from T-shirts and wanted to try it, but I don't sew. Then I remembered a few years ago, my daughter was a Girl Scout, and they made something using a similar no-sew technique. Time to give it a try!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I started with a plain black T-shirt. This was a size Adult Medium, and I wouldn't recommend using anything smaller than that. FYI - I didn't have a shirt that I wanted to use, so I got this shirt at the dollar store. Score!</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mfLyi3eYzXg/UiPfEEJmT5I/AAAAAAAAA-8/HSZgNn2KpBY/s1600/Shirt+Bag.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mfLyi3eYzXg/UiPfEEJmT5I/AAAAAAAAA-8/HSZgNn2KpBY/s640/Shirt+Bag.1.jpg" width="538" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I know it kind of looks navy in this pic, but I promise it's black. Lay the shirt on a flat surface.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Using scissors or a rotary cutter, cut off the neck, sleeves, and bottom hem.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z34jJ3ooxZ4/UiPfUeeV0CI/AAAAAAAAA_E/xQHxCiKrLmo/s1600/Shirt+Bag.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z34jJ3ooxZ4/UiPfUeeV0CI/AAAAAAAAA_E/xQHxCiKrLmo/s640/Shirt+Bag.2.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Next cut slits along the bottom edge. Mine were about 3 inches long and about 1/2 inch wide. I used the ruler as a guide, but didn't make it exact.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w878Wn9zXSU/UiPfkux--9I/AAAAAAAAA_M/yUeyWwRjRl0/s1600/Bag+Shirt.Fringe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w878Wn9zXSU/UiPfkux--9I/AAAAAAAAA_M/yUeyWwRjRl0/s640/Bag+Shirt.Fringe.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Next, pull gently on each strip to keep them from fraying later. Something magic happens when you do this, and they transform like this:</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JQQ9sIqMNi8/UiPfw8C2BTI/AAAAAAAAA_U/ozO99lY6D6U/s1600/Shirt+Bag.Pulling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JQQ9sIqMNi8/UiPfw8C2BTI/AAAAAAAAA_U/ozO99lY6D6U/s640/Shirt+Bag.Pulling.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Then tie the strips to each other, lining up the front strip with the back. Make tight knots so the purse will hold whatever you put inside it later.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Next you'll make the neckline deeper if needed (mine needed it), and you'll cut across the top shoulder seams on each side, and remove the part that's stitched as well.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bJMa3Zi94F8/UiPgCET3qeI/AAAAAAAAA_c/ikZmt3w61eQ/s1600/Shirt+Bag.Cut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bJMa3Zi94F8/UiPgCET3qeI/AAAAAAAAA_c/ikZmt3w61eQ/s640/Shirt+Bag.Cut.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Take the right front shoulder and tie it to the left front shoulder. Repeat with the back. Pull those knots tight!</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EDQWCz9ME_s/UiPgYHatpjI/AAAAAAAAA_k/gFyikox-H28/s1600/Shirt+Bag.Knot+Top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EDQWCz9ME_s/UiPgYHatpjI/AAAAAAAAA_k/gFyikox-H28/s640/Shirt+Bag.Knot+Top.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">That's all there is to making the purse itself, but I wanted to jazz mine up a little, so I made some felt flowers to embellish it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There are tons of tutorials for this, but it's really easy. Just cut a circle from felt. It doesn't have to be perfect or even or anything. Just make it circle-like. Then spiral cut along the center like this:</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A0i6R0UrKx0/UiPgy3yi0NI/AAAAAAAAA_s/NLW2v4UraPg/s1600/Felt+Flower.Spiral+Cut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A0i6R0UrKx0/UiPgy3yi0NI/AAAAAAAAA_s/NLW2v4UraPg/s640/Felt+Flower.Spiral+Cut.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Then starting with the center, roll up the sides and glue along the way. Anybody know a secret to gluing felt? I tried several different adhesives and wound up going with plain hot glue. I did another one where I made more of a scallop shape and did the same process for a different kind of flower.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TKXS41cRbvw/UiPhIaPfPvI/AAAAAAAAA_0/vtpyjf2DA7o/s1600/Felt+Flower.Scallop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TKXS41cRbvw/UiPhIaPfPvI/AAAAAAAAA_0/vtpyjf2DA7o/s640/Felt+Flower.Scallop.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">After I got the flowers I wanted, I just simply hot glued them to a corner of the bag.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--LgE5jDXh8s/UiPhTXJZAGI/AAAAAAAAA_8/uVEmV25lPRM/s1600/Felt+Flowers.Done.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--LgE5jDXh8s/UiPhTXJZAGI/AAAAAAAAA_8/uVEmV25lPRM/s640/Felt+Flowers.Done.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Here is a BIG tip for making the bag hold its shape. </b> I just put an ordinary manilla file folder inside the bag. No need to fasten it unless you want to.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">That's it! Enjoy!</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cFmEoOdwYRc/UiPhlIJ-37I/AAAAAAAABAE/5MPuxZMDcu0/s1600/Shirt+Bag.Final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cFmEoOdwYRc/UiPhlIJ-37I/AAAAAAAABAE/5MPuxZMDcu0/s640/Shirt+Bag.Final.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OsxstrjJN9A/UiPhqm9AccI/AAAAAAAABAM/VJ0YIcBYMlI/s1600/Name+Plate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OsxstrjJN9A/UiPhqm9AccI/AAAAAAAABAM/VJ0YIcBYMlI/s320/Name+Plate.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3330611158258978773.post-80271419759931447912013-08-28T15:47:00.000-05:002013-08-28T15:47:13.501-05:00Help with School Lunches!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hyykFMkXnvY/Uh5f4lAEj5I/AAAAAAAAKGk/H6EnI5tAEoQ/s1600/lunch+links.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hyykFMkXnvY/Uh5f4lAEj5I/AAAAAAAAKGk/H6EnI5tAEoQ/s640/lunch+links.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's that time of the year again! Time to make the school lunches! For me, one of the best freedoms of summer vacation is the freedom from packing four school lunches. I am always looking for tips and tricks to make it easier and quicker!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">At the same time, our family has been trying to eat more "real food". And by real food, I mean food that is minimally processed. Abiding by this idea cuts out a lot of my school lunch go-tos! No more single serving packages of chips or pretzels! No more overly-sugared yogurt tubes! Lots more homemade goods and fruits and veggies!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Today I'm sharing links to several resources around the web that I've found helpful as we begin the school year. Hope you find something that helps your family, too!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I really try to not have too much disposable stuff in my kids' lunches. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/EasyLunchboxes-3-compartment-Containers-BPA-Free-Easy-Open/dp/B004UIRUJ2/ref=sr_1_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1377711675&sr=1-1&keywords=easy+lunch+boxes" target="_blank">These lunch containers</a> are my favorites. I'm also going to try <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/24031790" target="_blank">these</a> this year. And to replace those yogurt tubes, I may try smoothies in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0036B9KHO/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A1SFPHG96ANZWW" target="_blank">these silicon freezer tubes</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I use <a href="http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/70705?feat=844-GN1&page=lunch-box" target="_blank">this lunch box</a> but have also seen lots of people who use <a href="http://www.landsend.com/products/solid-classmate-ez-wipe-lunch-box/id_254897" target="_blank">these</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/" target="_blank">This blog</a> is all about eating real food and she's got a <a href="http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2013/02/04/school-lunch-roundup-iii/" target="_blank">whole section all about school lunches</a>. Recipes, too! I've been spending a lot of time on her site, getting ideas and trying things out. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is a <a href="http://www.easylunchboxes.com/blog/how-to-pack-school-lunches-in-10-minutes-or-less/" target="_blank">great post</a> about making lunches quickly. Lots of other great ideas on her site.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I also found <a href="http://happymoneysaver.com/cold-lunches-in-a-day/" target="_blank">this good idea</a> for doing a bunch of prep before the week starts so that each morning goes smoothly and quickly (At least in terms of lunch-making! No guarantees on anything else!) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As you may know, there are also TONS of great ideas on Pinterest. Poke around, see what you find, then come back here and let us know what caught your eye in the comments!</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5iFdksENFw0/Uh5hCZRQLAI/AAAAAAAAKGw/7FJyu3mYIZ8/s1600/4FD+signature+with+text.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5iFdksENFw0/Uh5hCZRQLAI/AAAAAAAAKGw/7FJyu3mYIZ8/s400/4FD+signature+with+text.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Kithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05976784044504844440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3330611158258978773.post-91040918959598183512013-08-27T22:25:00.000-05:002013-08-27T22:26:19.624-05:00Pencil Cup Upgrade<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FfTooNygDN0/Uh1rsU6YfrI/AAAAAAAAA-M/9S2CH_sfHjQ/s1600/Pencil+Cup.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FfTooNygDN0/Uh1rsU6YfrI/AAAAAAAAA-M/9S2CH_sfHjQ/s640/Pencil+Cup.2.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>All you need:</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Yarn</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Needle or Tape</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Pencil Cup from Dollar Store</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I didn't have a needle that would be big enough for the yarn and also small enough to thread through the holes in the cup, so I twisted the end of the yarn and taped it up tightly. That's what I used as a "needle" and it worked great.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Like so:</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-suYmQRO7HGg/Uh1rWt2cUhI/AAAAAAAAA-E/XwfdV5ua3to/s1600/Pencil+Cup.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-suYmQRO7HGg/Uh1rWt2cUhI/AAAAAAAAA-E/XwfdV5ua3to/s640/Pencil+Cup.1.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Then just thread the yarn through in any pattern you like. I did a very simple up-and-down pattern. Adds a little extra color and zip to a plain pencil cup for very little money and just a little time!</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Xfdo0PaDeM/Uh1s_mLXgYI/AAAAAAAAA-Y/7LkpD5N_Z20/s1600/Pencil+Cup.3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Xfdo0PaDeM/Uh1s_mLXgYI/AAAAAAAAA-Y/7LkpD5N_Z20/s640/Pencil+Cup.3.jpg" width="468" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-703hbJQ200w/Uh1tanIxtXI/AAAAAAAAA-g/P3rPDJMwiCM/s1600/Name+Plate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-703hbJQ200w/Uh1tanIxtXI/AAAAAAAAA-g/P3rPDJMwiCM/s320/Name+Plate.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3330611158258978773.post-43468701627221929102013-08-21T05:00:00.000-05:002013-08-21T05:00:11.610-05:00Three Sieves<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-osvRxEuiUoY/UhQyvOE4dUI/AAAAAAAAKGA/d3jZ3IJeTOs/s1600/three+sieves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-osvRxEuiUoY/UhQyvOE4dUI/AAAAAAAAKGA/d3jZ3IJeTOs/s640/three+sieves.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">With the new school year upon us, I am sure that I will have opportunity to speak to my children about their teachers and friends, both old and new. In times of transition, discontentment and criticism can easily creep in as we find our way in new settings and new situations. I hope to help my children (and myself!) keep their words encouraging and hopeful, rather than tearing-down and negative.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Edges-His-Ways-Selections-Reading/dp/0875080626/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1377055511&sr=8-1&keywords=amy+carmichael+edges+of+his+ways" target="_blank">daily reading</a> the other day, I came across these three sieves, three filters for our words (and even...gasp!...our thoughts).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We can ask ourselves these three questions before we speak:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Is it true?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Is it kind?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Is it necessary?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I don't know about you, but that last one really gets me. Is it NECESSARY? I probably say a lot of things that aren't really necessary; they may not serve much of a purpose but to make me feel better. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">While I do plan to share these three sieves with my children, I hope to keep them in mind for </span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b>myself</b></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> as I go about my day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What about you? Are negative words or gossip a struggle for you? How can we encourage one another?</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uloPTwaGgfw/UhQ0894M3jI/AAAAAAAAKGM/Djm5U_ATKMU/s1600/4FD+signature+with+text.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uloPTwaGgfw/UhQ0894M3jI/AAAAAAAAKGM/Djm5U_ATKMU/s400/4FD+signature+with+text.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />Kithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05976784044504844440noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3330611158258978773.post-61241648582596668332013-08-19T08:53:00.000-05:002013-08-19T10:47:39.388-05:002-Ingredient Pumpkin Spice Muffins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6gzoZLTiLGM/UhIiQEyi_7I/AAAAAAAAA9g/PQbB-w0qnBk/s1600/Pumpkin+Muffins+Text+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6gzoZLTiLGM/UhIiQEyi_7I/AAAAAAAAA9g/PQbB-w0qnBk/s640/Pumpkin+Muffins+Text+2.jpg" width="442" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I've made these yummy pumpkin spice muffins for family breakfasts, teacher appreciation events, bake sales, you name it. They are always a hit, and without fail someone will ask me for the recipe. The taste reminds me of the pumpkin loaf from Starbucks. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The funny part? These are the easiest muffins you'll ever make, and you only need two or three ingredients!</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fqoJWe7zEks/UhIilb8QRKI/AAAAAAAAA9k/q9B5enC88ro/s1600/Pumpkin+Muffins.Ingredients.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fqoJWe7zEks/UhIilb8QRKI/AAAAAAAAA9k/q9B5enC88ro/s640/Pumpkin+Muffins.Ingredients.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>What you need:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 Box Spice Cake Mix</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 Can Pureed Pumpkin (NOT pumpkin pie filling)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Pumpkin Seeds (Optional)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>What you do:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Heat oven according to instructions on box for cupcakes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Grease or line muffin tin. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Empty dry cake mix and pumpkin into large bowl. Nothing else goes in here, no matter what the box tells you to do. Blend cake mix and pumpkin with a hand mixer for 30 seconds, then mix for about two minutes or until everything is blended. <i>Don't panic! This will be THICK, kind of like cookie dough. </i> Don't get crazy and add water or eggs or anything. Trust me. Just use a spoon or two and pop the mixture into the muffin tin. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">You can top with pumpkin seeds here, if you like.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Bake according to cake mix directions. (I usually have to bake mine about a minute or two beyond what the box says. A toothpick should come out clean when they're done.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you don't put the seeds on top, they look quite "rustic," I'll say. Our family lovingly calls them Ugly Muffins. They might not be much to look at, but they are <b>delicious</b>! Make a batch of these, and you'll see.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Enjoy!</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1rgd2d6zOpA/UhIirZ48QaI/AAAAAAAAA9s/7nEbowER588/s1600/Name+Plate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1rgd2d6zOpA/UhIirZ48QaI/AAAAAAAAA9s/7nEbowER588/s320/Name+Plate.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3330611158258978773.post-70014603549224237282013-08-09T14:22:00.003-05:002013-08-09T14:24:47.901-05:00Personalize your spiral notebook<span style="font-size: x-large;">Last week, I posted <a href="http://fourfrontdoors.com/">this post</a> listing some easy and creative ways to use some of your extra school supplies. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">This week I'm showing you the Personalized Spiral Notebook</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M9AgRuQzwm4/UgUwgRCpBFI/AAAAAAAAAVU/h_QQr-6Hf1k/s1600/Spiral+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M9AgRuQzwm4/UgUwgRCpBFI/AAAAAAAAAVU/h_QQr-6Hf1k/s640/Spiral+1.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Supplies needed:</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wcInfeQC7aU/UgUwm0bgbvI/AAAAAAAAAVg/4MUpxt6nuu4/s1600/Spiral+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wcInfeQC7aU/UgUwm0bgbvI/AAAAAAAAAVg/4MUpxt6nuu4/s400/Spiral+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">spiral notebook</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">pipe cleaners</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">spray adhesive</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">scissors</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">wax paper</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">First lay out your wax paper and place your spiral in the middle. Using whatever pattern or design you wish, start laying out your pipe cleaners in order. The pipe cleaners will probably be too long, so you have 2 options: cut them before you glue them down or lay them all down and cut them all after the glue dries.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Then, using a piece of cardboard or plastic as a barrier, spray 1-2 inches of your spiral, starting on the left. As quickly as possible, place the pipe cleaners on the sticky surface until you've covered all of the adhesive. Then using a piece of plastic or cardboard as a protective barrier, spray the next 1-2 inches and lay the pipe cleaners. Repeat the process until you've covered the entire cover. Allow the glue to dry completely before you cut the excess or before you use it.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I'm going back to school this fall, and our school colors are blue and gold. I thought this would be a nice, personalized gift for another teacher or a student.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Come back next Friday for a new super easy school supply craft idea.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2BQ0ppgEVTw/UdbTYMLqw1I/AAAAAAAAATI/17p8xX5lU4Q/s1600/Bloom+Post+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2BQ0ppgEVTw/UdbTYMLqw1I/AAAAAAAAATI/17p8xX5lU4Q/s320/Bloom+Post+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04284794730863879661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3330611158258978773.post-48368161224782558212013-08-07T11:06:00.000-05:002013-08-07T13:25:42.463-05:00Family Reunion Fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RsaZVso9Zs8/UgJi0SfV_zI/AAAAAAAAKFY/PfNfO4hEpOM/s1600/swimming+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RsaZVso9Zs8/UgJi0SfV_zI/AAAAAAAAKFY/PfNfO4hEpOM/s640/swimming+pic.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We just got back from an amazing family reunion and I have to share with you an activity we did that seemed crazy at first, but ended up being one of my favorites.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Are you ready for this?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Are you sure?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Okay, here it is...synchronized swimming. That's right, at our family reunion we had a synchronized swimming competition. And it. was. awesome.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This wasn't my idea, so I can't claim any credit for it. In fact, at first I wasn't very enthused by the idea. But after watching the three teams perform their routines, I think this idea is a total winner!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here is how we did it. Teams were formed randomly, but with effort to get each team balanced with people from each generation. The oldest team member was my Uncle Steve, who is 80, and the youngest team member was my cousins's son, Isaac, who is 4. And of course, there were all sorts of ages in between. We ended up with teams of 5 to 7 people.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Once the teams were formed, we had about an hour to come up with a routine and song and to practice said routine. We practiced on land and in the water. We also appointed two or three judges.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here's what I think is great about this activity:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1. It gets the generations working together. So fun to see old and young coming up with ideas together.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2. Anyone can participate. My team kept our routine in the shallow end of the pool for our shorter participants, but one team had a participant wearing a life jacket. So awesome.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">3. It is creative, but also completely silly. Ridiculous, really.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">4. It made everyone laugh. Really hard. For a long, long time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And just to prove my point, I give you this (very shaky from laughing) video (and please forgive my ridiculous giggling):</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/E6OSJ5I2eBg" width="560"></iframe>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I think this idea could work with any number of gatherings, not only family reunions. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What are some of the fun things you have done at family reunions? I'd love to have more ideas for the next time we get together!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Kithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05976784044504844440noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3330611158258978773.post-84990050778128393642013-08-05T10:36:00.000-05:002013-08-05T10:38:12.258-05:00Yearly Project for Graduation Gift<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rY1F3FlYeXQ/UVY5RNLjEVI/AAAAAAAAAXo/Kk-HM4w0dvo/s1600/Envelope.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="474" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rY1F3FlYeXQ/UVY5RNLjEVI/AAAAAAAAAXo/Kk-HM4w0dvo/s640/Envelope.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; border: 1px solid rgb(240, 240, 240); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; color: red; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rY1F3FlYeXQ/UVY5RNLjEVI/AAAAAAAAAXo/Kk-HM4w0dvo/s1600/Envelope.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ashlee at <b>Two Naps by Noon</b> came up with a great idea for a long-term project that will be a huge hit with your child when he/she graduates. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Write a letter to your child each year at a specific time, including interesting facts about them from the previous year, and include some cash. Then, however many envelopes you have, you can give them one per day leading up to graduation. I think I'll do mine at the beginning or end of each school year and possibly give to them in the days leading up to the time they move away for college. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">They will have lots of "love letters" to send them off and a nice little nest egg to get started.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I just wish I'd known about this when my kids were younger!</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.twonapsbynoon.com/2013/03/early-graduation-gift-for-baby.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Read the full post here.</span></a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3330611158258978773.post-24308812953440575432013-08-02T06:00:00.000-05:002013-08-02T09:20:06.409-05:00Fun and creative ways to use all those school supplies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0coTCC4qo8Y/Ue1ghYNIBcI/AAAAAAAAATs/byi4ejwZBkE/s1600/School+Supplies+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0coTCC4qo8Y/Ue1ghYNIBcI/AAAAAAAAATs/byi4ejwZBkE/s640/School+Supplies+1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">School supply time is magical. Seriously. Second only to Christmastime, school supply shopping is my favorite time of year. Is there anything better than the smell of a fresh box of crayons, a new unused spiral, a clean and full eraser? That's right...NO there's not.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Where we live, school supply lists are coming out and the supplies are on sale. The urge to buy is too much to resist. When my local store posts a "Limit 6" sign, I HAVE to buy 6, even if we only need a few. I usually end up with extra school supplies pouring out of our craft cabinet and no idea what to do with them. So what can YOU do with all of these extras? Here you go... </span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Pencil cases make EXCELLENT make up bags. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Make a crayon wreath.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Use clear school boxes to store your measuring spoons.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Turn composition books into one of a kind journals</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Punch holes in your kids artwork (it's okay, I promise) and keep them in a binder on a shelf or a coffee table to use as an art book.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Cover spiral notebooks in pipe cleaners for a creative cover. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Use food coloring and Elmer's Glue to turn clear glass vases, jars, and bowls into sea glass. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Melt down crayons in any mold to create a unique crayon or even decoration.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Use index cards cut into shapes to make gift tags for any occasion. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Glue map pencils or regular pencils around a cup, can or jar to create a one of a kind pencil holder for your desk! (You can do it with crayons, too!) </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">And best of all.... school supplies can be a great giving opportunity for your kids. Collect extras of everything and take them to local homeless shelters or community centers for children who need help!</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">But now I need YOUR input. Which of the above crafts would YOU like to see in a detailed how to post?</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> In the coming weeks I will post detailed instructions. Stay tuned!</span></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"> </span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04284794730863879661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3330611158258978773.post-8654226190469089252013-07-31T08:00:00.000-05:002013-08-07T11:14:28.819-05:00Whatcha Wearin' Wednesday<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Today I'm posting a little outfit that is good for kickin' around town but also looks nice enough to go to a casual lunch or a meeting at the kids' school. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Again, please excuse my squinty eyes! I promise, I will get this style photo thing down! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So here we have a simple navy and white striped t-shirt with 3/4 length sleeves, paired with khaki bermuda shorts. The jewelry is mostly gold-tone, as are the flip-flops.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">WHAT I LOVE ABOUT THIS OUTFIT:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">* The stripes on the t-shirt seem nautical and summery to me. And though the sleeves are a bit long for summer in Texas, they push up easily!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">* The necklace is a good weight; it hangs nicely and goes with so many things.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">* Navy, khaki and white - classic colors</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">* I love using gold shoes as a neutral. So much more fun than taupe or beige. Gold is a go-to for me. For cooler weather, I have a pair of gold flats that go with everything!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">THE DETAILS:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">t-shirt - Uniqlo</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">shorts - Old Navy</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">necklace - The Limited from waaaay back - I'm talking high school!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">earrings - gift from parents</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">bracelet - Macy's</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">flip-flops - American Eagle by way of TJ Maxx</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm linking up this week with <a href="http://thepleatedpoppy.com/category/what-i-wore/" target="_blank">The Pleated Poppy</a> and Random Wednesday at <a href="http://becauseshannasaidso.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Because Shanna Said So</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Kithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05976784044504844440noreply@blogger.com1