Perfect Campfire Kit

Quite a long time ago I found this idea in a magazine of some kind - honestly I can't remember which one.  I wanted to make something cute for a friends birthday, with the fall weather creeping in I remember this.

What's better on a cool fall night than a campfire and smores!!!

I found an old box and covered it with some cute scrapbook paper and added a little label.  I found some sticks in the yard, attached cotton balls rubbed in brown in (toasted marshmallows). 

Inside I wrapped the necessities in corresponding paper and labeled the same way.  What are the necessities - as if you have to ask...

- Graham Crackers

- Chocolate bars

- Marshmallows

 Don't forget a pink cute fat bear is up for auction with all proceeds benefiting the Susan G. Komen Foundation!  So click below and check out the details - along with items from several other crafty bloggers that are up for grabs!

CLICK HERE

Shirt to Pillow

I really loved this shirt, I bought it from a second hand store because the fabric is so cute.  It was put in a box when we moved and I just found it again!  I once saw Martha Stewart (Everyone that knows me knows I LOVE her - I've been watching her since I was a kid, she taught me how to iron a shirt!) turn an old button down shirt into a pillow and ever since then I've wanted to do it!

So when I found the shirt in the box it looked like this...

Cute, cute shirt - I just love the pattern!  I turned it inside out and started by folding the bottom opening to create a straight line and sewed this in place.  I then folded over each side and the top sewing each in place and cutting the excess fabric.  I didn't worry about leaving an opening for the stuffing because the buttons were still functional and I inserted the stuffing there.

Once stuffed I added a few more buttons and sewed the opening closed. To finish the whole thing off I crocheted a large flower as a base, took a strip of scrap fabric and scrunched it up, then crocheted a small circle - sewed all three elements together and attached the the pillow!

What do you think?  I think it turned out super cute!!!

Also - the Un-Giveaway over at OneArtsyMama is underway!  Check out the great crafts and such up for auction HERE...
Remember ALL proceeds benefit the Susan G. Komen  Foundation!

Pinterest ~ Times Two

It's no secret that I'm a Pinterest junkie.  I put Miss Kellie to bed and click away until I can no longer keep my eyes open. So today I let go of the mouse and did the dishes ~gasp~ and got to some craftin'!!

First up - I needed Mod Podge.  I saw this tutorial about a month ago and was running low on  my official Mod Podge (which is about $6 a bottle!!) - so I figured I give it a go. 

You need:

     50% glue (I got Elmer's on clearance)

     50% water

     jar with a top (a dollar store find)

I dumped the glue in the jar, filled the glue bottle with water and added that - stirred and done!!  It looks just like Mod Podge and only cost me $2, and made about 14 oz.!!!!  Killer deal - and I used it to attach my label and it works great!!

Now that I had newly mixed Mod Podge I was onto my second Pinterest project of the night.  I have been seeing scrabble tiles all over Pinterest and on this link is a tutorial to show you how to make scrabble tile into a pendant.  I have a scrabble game that was gifted to me about 12 years ago, which was still new in the plastic.  I must say, anyone that knows me knows I couldn't spell my way out of a wet paper bag (without spell check that is) - so not a great gift for me.

This was super easy and I LOVE them - now I just need to figure out what to do with them.  I took a stab at a necklace with the supplies I have on hand, but can't wait to take a tile with me to the craft store and find out exactly what need (want).

More Cards!!

I decided to do some exploring of one of the newer cartridges in my cricut stash, "Straight from the Nest"! 

 Two birthday cards (Hoot Hoot and Happy Birdie Day) and a just because kind of card card (Life is Tweet). I love them all!! 

I am so super happy all these birds and owls are popular now, they are so very cute! It's no surprise I'm totally in love with my cricut - and I'm still amazed how many new things on find on the cartridges every time I get them out and play.

Homemade Thank You Cards...

 About 14 years ago (ekk) I started scrap-booking like crazy.  About 8 years ago (double ekk) I started making cards like crazy.  And lately, as you can tell by the state of my blog, I've been doing a lot of crochet.

I wanted to do something for my sister-in-law, she loves 'thank you' cards.  I saw this idea in Paper Crafts magazine and thought, "Hey, I can do that!".

These are super simple and super cute!!

The flower card is pretty self explanatory.  The trees are just two different sized circles and an embellishment!

Go, make a few of your own!  I'd love to see what you come up with!

No Calorie Candy Corn

So I was pursing Pinterest the other day (who am I kidding, everyday) and found this tutorial on making old glass bottles or jars into cute Halloween decorations!

So I was all stoked to do this went to the dollar store and picked out my vases and then headed over to the craft store to pick up the paint. Then I just kept thinking about how pretty my brand new vases were, and how I would have to store them somewhere, and how I was about to pay for three cans of spray paint and not use that much of it, and then I just kept thinking and thinking and thinking about how I don't really need candy corn bottles.

I just LOVE candy corn - a lot.

So I started thinking - in a more linear fashion this time - and thought if I could use scrapbook paper I could change the paper out every season.

So with my vases, a few sheets of colored paper and my paper shredder - this is what I came up with!

Home Dec Project

Okay, so we have recently moved into a much smaller space. I've been checking out Ikea for something to help organize my cooking supplies. But to no avail.

So, just to get these bigger pieces out of the way I put up some command hooks and up they went. Once they were up, you know what, I actually liked the way it looked! Add a little vinyl from my (dusty) cricut and it was a cute it accessory to my small kitchen.

Falling for Crafts - Project #2

Well you know I'm loving all the great ideas over at One Artsy Mama - and this is week two of the Falling for Crafts Challenge!

This week it's a Fall snack or recipe. I have to say when I think of Fall I think of warm Artichoke and Spinach Dip - think restaurant dip times 10. This always gets rave reviews and now I'm sharing with you!!

What you need:
8 oz frozen chopped spinach - thawed
1 jar Alfredo sauce - I just get whatever is the cheapest ;)
1 (14 oz) can of Artichoke hearts - make it doesn't have oil in it
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
4 oz cream cheese - softened and cut into small cubes
Garlic Powder
9 by 9 baking dish

Step one - sprinkle bottom of pan with garlic powder
Add the remaining ingredients and stir.
Bake at 350 until bubbly - about 30 minutes. I usually stir about 1/2 way through.

Enjoy with tortilla chips and try not to each the whole pan yourself!! Delish!!

Check out the other yummy snacks and the 9 giveaways going on right now!

Glitter Shoe Repair!

About a month ago I took Kellie shoe shopping. I blame this on my youth - I was NEVER allowed to get the cute shoes, just the shoes that would last the longest (and in a size to big so they would last longer) I have to say the hubs was none too pleased when we returned with these glitter shoes. She REALLY wanted them, and she is an ONLY child!!

The fact that I also purchased her some practical sneakers (stans glitter) as well was no excuse.

"They won't last a month!" He said.

Unfortunately, this is one of those times hubs was 100% correct.
After a few weeks the super cute shoes looked more like this...

So I found a tutorial (on Pinterest of course) on how to make your own glitter shoes. I took this concept and, as much as it pained me to use the most dreaded craft item of all time (glitter), decided I could 'fix' Kellie's poor shoes.

You would need:
Glitter - she was wearing her shoes (as she has everyday for the last month) and we matched the color as best we could.
Mod Podge
Spray Adhesive
Disposable foam brush

I used about 1/4 cup mod podge and dumped glitter into it until it was a thicker glitter paste.
The glitter paste was spread on the glitter-free portions of the shoes - I then waited about an hour and added another coat.
Once there was enough glitter I took the shoes outside and sprayed them with a light coat of the spray adhesive. I was going to skip this step, but learned that mod podge is NOT water-resistant! So you MUST use the spray adhesive as well if you want these to last!

They ended up like this! Not to shabby!!
*I'll continue to do this until they just can't be salvaged any further!!*

Fall Centerpiece Challenge

I wanted to do something for the Fall Inspired Challenge on OneArtsyMama's blog, she will be posting a new challenge each week - this weeks challenge is "Fall Centerpieces"

This is what I came up with!
Simple - just a bowl of candy corn and eucalyptus from the craft store.

Crayon Art

I've been seeing these all over Pintrest and love them! Yesterday Kellie looks at me and says, "Mom, we need to do something creative." That girl is a crafter in the making...

DONE! We put this 'as is' in Kellie's room - I'm still trying to decide if I'm going to put a frame on it or not. Perfect for her room!

The 100 Post Tutorial

EARRING DISPLAY TUTORIAL

This is post number 100!! So I wanted to do something I never have before - a tutorial!

I have been digging through a drawer of earrings for years and years - and it seems the number of earring is higher every time I go shopping! The problem with having so many earrings in one place is that you end up forgetting that one pair or REALLY cute earring that keeps getting pushed around.

I have seen a few ideas similar to this on Pintrest and Stumbleupon and wanted to see if I could figure it out on my own - and I did! This makes my earrings look like a great piece of art in my bathroom and gets them where I can see them!

So now I'm sharing!

What you need:
Picture Frame with mat
Stapler
Thumb tacks
Scissors
Black screening - I got this form Home Depot in a big roll
Embellishments - I used one long ribbon
1 hour - or less

Start by taking the fame apart and setting aside the glass and backing for a future project.
Cut the black screening to the size or your inside mat, leaving a one inch boarder on each side.

Staple the first side to the mat. Pull the screening tight to the opposite side and staple.
You will not have the two 'sides' attached and the 'top' and the 'bottom' will be unattached.

Staple the top and bottom as you did each side.

Fold the corners and staple.


Place the inside frame back into the outside frame - you may have to push it in there. The size of the inside frame is now bigger.
Use the thumb tacks to secure the inside frame and keep it from falling out. (I inserted mine at a slight angle.)


Add your embellishments and hang.

Insert your earrings into the screen.


You're done!!!
If you'd like a printable copy of this tutorial just let me know!

Happy Crafting!!

Giveaway Alert!

I was linked to this blog through One Artsy Mama - and 'Creative Carmella" has some great ideas. Add to that an awesome giveway and I'm totally sold!!

Check it out HERE

Giant Granny Square

As you may remember from THIS POST- I've been working on a giant granny square and now I've finally got it finished - this photo is the blanket on my queen sized bed. I've been working on this blanket since December (mostly due to the amount of yarn - about 16 total skeins- this required, resulting in my husbands pet name for the project 'the yarn hog'), and I'm so glad to finally have it finished. This is for my BESTEST friend in the WHOLE world who lives all the way in Montana.

Her favorite colors are dark green, navy and dark purple -- I added the gray to breakup the darker colors a bit.

I used a standard granny square pattern with a "K" hook and just kept going and going and going until I couldn't stand it any more!

I almost hate to let this go, I used a bulky weight yarn so it's very soft and comfy!

Soda Can Cozy

My sister - the one with the octopus skills - is sick of her cans sweating all over her desk (teehee) and wanted a cozy for her can.

After thinking about it for a while, I came up with this pattern.

Soda Can Cozy

You need:
"E" Hook
EasyLiner Select Grip
Sugar n' Cream Yarn - yellow and white
Yarn needle

Abbreviations:
Sc - Single Crochet
Inc - Increase (two single crochet in one loop)
Sl St - Slip stitch
BLO - back loop only

I work in continuous rounds - 'cause that's how I roll

With Yellow Yarn:
Rnd 1: Ch 2, sc 6 into 2nd chain from hook
Rnd 2: Inc around
Rnd 3: "Sc, Inc" repeat around
Rnd 4: "2 Sc, Inc" repeat around
Rnd 5: "2 Sc, Inc" repeat around
Rnd 6: "3 Sc, Inc" repeat around - sc in the last two loops
Rnd 7: Sc around, sl st to end
Rnd 8: Sc around in BLO
Rnd 9 - 14: Sc around

At this point if you want to add the gripper at on the bottom you should. I cut a piece of the liner to fit the first seven rounds and using the yellow yarn attached it to the bottom of the project. I put in quite a few stitches so it would sit flat.

With White Yarn
Rnd 15 & 16: Sc around

With Yellow Yarn
Rnd 17 - 22: Sc around

With White Yarn
Rnd 23 & 24: Sc around

With Yellow Yarn
Rnd 25 - 28: Sc around

With White Yarn
Rnd 29: Sc around and tie off

There you have it - mix it up with the colors and which colors are in which rounds.
Now you're cans won't sweat all over your desk either!!

Happy Hookin'

Octopus's Garden

My younger sister had a Beatles themed party for her friend and wanted to make her salad table an "Octopus's Garden" (what can I say mad skills run in the family) - so I whipped these up over a about a week.  Fantastic!

Hat...

Another hat to check off the list!
This is a basic hat using double crochet alternating green and burgundy yarn. The last row was done as a single crochet, chained three then another single crochet - making it a cute little ruffle.

Chubby Teddy

Seriously?
How freaking cute is this chubby teddy??
The answer is pretty freaking cute!!

I made this for my friends new baby boy - and plan to do a few more for a fundraiser coming up in September.
The pattern was FREE and can be found at:
isitatoy.blogspot.com/2010/07/chubby-teddies-free-pattern.html

Rag Rug #3

I finally got around to getting the third rag rug done! My upstairs bathroom is mostly green - so I wanted to use the dark green, sage green, and tan sheets for this one. The finished rug is almost 4 feet long and about 2 feet wide and using about one and a half king sized sheet.

I crochet this with a 'P' hook and a basic single crochet.

To get the basic oval shape you sc a foundation chain as long as you'd like (this one was much longer than the first two). If you prefer you can work in any basic crochet stitch you would like - just keep it consistent throughout. I work in continuous rounds and increase three stitches on each end for each round. You would do two sc in three of the sc of each end. I have found it's better to stagger these increases and forget about counting to get them perfect - I really helps to even out the curve.
This ended up being 16 rounds and it fits perfectly in our space!

The next project is to create a rug to go around the toilet, I haven't been able to find a pattern for this so if it works out I will try to post it!

Any ideas for these???

Okay so about six months ago I learned how to crochet a 'granny square' - I know I'm SO far behind in my crochet education!! I started an afghan for a friend of mine with the individual squares and then connected them around a larger square and trimmed them in gray. I finished these two, two foot squares and decided I would rather make an afghan as one gigantic granny square (photos to come as soon as that huge project is done) and set these aside.
Now I have no idea what to do with these and I'm putting a call out for ideas!

They are great colors and I hate to just have them sitting around waiting and waiting and waiting.....

HELP????