Crafters Guru

How to Make Bias Tape

2010-03-23T06:53:00.000-07:00

Bias Tape can be used for a plethora of projects

from clothing to camera shoulder pads to binding on a quilt.Step 1: with a half yard of ironed fabricfold it in half on the bias (angle) and cut.
Step 2: Then cut 3" strips on the angle.

***Note: I used the first cut strip as a guide for the other strips.***Step 3: Sew ends together straight across. Then cut off (pointed) triangle ends.Step 4: Fold sewn strips in half and iron.
Step 5: Open up strip and then iron each

side down, meeting at the center fold.
Step 6: Fold in half and iron again.

Step 7: Add it to your sewing projects.

To add bias tape I open up the bias tape and place the right sides of my bias tape and touch the right side of my sewing projects edge. The fold nearest to the edge of my project and bias tape, I use as a sewing guide. I then sew the bias tape to my project, sewing on that fold in the bias tape. After that is done I wrap the rest of the bias tape around to the other side of my sewing project. ***I usually use bias tape as an edge binder to add a cute trim or cover up rough edges of a project. ***Sew your bias tape down on the other side. I follow as close as I can to the end of the fold (making sure I sew the back of the bias tape as well as the front. It can be a bit tricky at first but the more you do it the more familiar you will become with it.

Have Fun,

Be Creative,

Look Fantastic!

It's Your Time To Shine!!!

Up-Cycle Your Old Purse

2010-03-22T06:05:00.000-07:00

My favorite purse was starting to look a little shabby around the straps. I love the color of this purse and did not want to search for a new one, all because of the straps. So I made covers to hide the straps but maintain the stiffness. To up-cycle your purse, all you have to do is measure the width and length of your straps. I added 1/2" to the width of my strap measurement for seem allowance and then doubled it. Then I cut out 2 strips of coordinating fabric, sewed the edges with right sides together and then turned the tube strap covers inside out.
I then pulled out the stitching of my purse straps (taking note of how it was sewn together) and slid the new covers over the old straps. My straps had a leather piece that covered the stitching on the end. I slipped that over the new straps and sewed it back on to the purse exactly like it had been sewed before I covered the straps and...Voila! New strap covers and a salvaged favorite purse!

Have Fun,

Be Creative,

Look Fantastic!

It's Your Time To Shine!!!

A Few Food Storage Tips

2010-03-15T15:58:00.000-07:00

For the past few months I have been using and experimenting with my food storage and felt a strong need to share with you what I have learned. By adding just a few items that can be rotated (because they are used or can be used often in your normal everyday diet), your food storage will be more edible when you actually have to use it.

#1 Powdered milk is really nasty by itself and really REALLY changes the flavor of your recipes when you use it. So if you are making bread/cakes/etc that requires powdered milk I would substitute instant pudding mix. Also, evaporated milk does not work if you are trying to make instant pudding. It tastes bad and does not set (even when I opened the can and put it in another container and then chilled it in the fridge).

#2 If you want milk and have powdered milk then make sure you have plenty of hot coco mix (cocoa powder with sugar can work too) on hand to mix it with to make it more potable.

#3 Molasses for making brown sugar! For every 1 cup of granulated sugar add 1-2(for light -dark brown sugar) table spoons.

#4 Gum is easily consumed and rotatable. This adds variety and something sweet for the pallet.

#5 Canned tomatoes are used in a lot of recipes from soups-casseroles-chili-sauces. Make sure you have a lot of cans and rotate them.

#6 Canned fruit tastes good and kids will eat it. Mine like canned pineapples,peaches and pears the best.

#7 Marinades are great to have on hand for instant flavoring to meats.

#8 Favorite powdered juice mix because your stored water will be stagnant and even with bleach to kill the germs it's going to taste really bad! The soldiers in Afghanistan wanted juice mixes sent with their care packages because their water tasted really bad.

#9 Plenty of: Oatmeal, granulated sugar, flour and yeast (if you actually use it often, otherwise it's just going to go bad and you won't know how to use it anyway....so what I am trying to say is start making bread or rolls once a week or once a month to know how to use it and rotate it.)

Here is a great site I found while trying to look for food storage pictures .

I know it's a totally random post but I felt inspired to share a few things that I have learned about using my food storage. I hope this helps you think about your food storage and preparedness.

Camera Strap Cover

2010-03-11T07:14:00.001-08:00

~A Strap Cover for your camera or video camera~

It's SEW Easy!!!

Step 1: Find the width of your camera strap and add 1/2". Then multiply it by 2. This will give you the width that you should cut your fabric. For the length I measured 1.5 times the length of my existing camera strap. After obtaining these measurements, cut your fabric to match.

Step 2: Fold each end of your fabric strip over twice towards the wrong side of fabric and sew down (as shown below). Then sew a 1-1.5" side of a Velcro strip to each side (as pictured). Then repeat on opposite end. *Note: I had 2 strips of fabric that I sewed together to give me the width I needed.***Step 3: Sew down the side to close the strap then turn inside out.Step 4: Remove your old straps from one side of your camera and slip the strap cover over your old strap. Re-attach the removed side and... done!***Note:
The strap on this picture was not pushed all the way past the leather end. It stayed in place so I didn't have to use the Velcro end.***

As always:

Have Fun,

Be Creative,

Look Fantastic!

It's Your Time to Shine!

Soft Moist Peanut Butter Cookies!!!

2010-02-22T13:12:00.000-08:00

Are you looking for a peanut butter cookie that is moist and soft? I've got one for you! I was playing around with cookie recipes and swapped a couple ingredients out of my favorite chocolate chip recipe and voila! A new cookie recipe was born!

Ingredients:

1/2 C (aka 1 stick) room temp. butter
1 C peanut butter

1 1/3 C white sugar

2/3 C brown sugar

2 eggs

1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. baking soda

2 2/3 C flour

2/3 C quick oats

Directions:

Pre-heat oven to 350 F. Cream butter, peanut butter and sugars til well blended. Add eggs and vanilla and mix well. Slowly add flour until well blended and then add oats til mixed. Place golf ball size dough balls on un-greased cookie sheet (I use an ice cream scooper for consistent sized cookies). Gently flatten balls like a hockey puck. Sprinkle a generous amount of white sugar on top of each cookie and then lightly press a fork over top of dough in a criss-cross pattern. Bake for 12 (13 minutes max). Let cool on cookie sheet for 5 minutes then place on a cooling rack.

Enjoy!

Comfort Chili

2010-02-15T10:24:00.000-08:00

Here is one of my favorite winter comfort foods, chili. It's easy and hits the spot on cold days.

Comfort Chili

2 lbs Meat cut in 1" cubes (ground beef and chicken works too. I just love chunks of beef)

1 medium Yellow Onion chopped in small pieces

3 Stalks Celery chopped

1 C Carrots chopped (the chunkier the better)

1/4 tsp Salt

1/4 tsp Pepper

2 tsp Garlic Powder

1 1/2 Tbs Parsley

1/4 tsp Pico de Gallo

1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper

1/2 tsp Chili Powder

Salsa 24 oz. (use 1/2 can for thicker chili)

Black Eyed Peas 15 oz. can

Black Beans 30 oz. can

Chili Beans in Chili Gravy 30 oz. can

Diced Tomatoes 30 oz. can

1 C Refried Beans (optional if you want thicker chili )***Add after chili has finished cooking and mix in hot chili until desired thickness***

Instructions: Place all ingredients in a crock pot and mix. Cook for 4-6 hours on medium/high. Serve hot right from the crock pot and top with cheese or sour cream! Enjoy!

Super Easy Boys Hair Cut

2010-02-08T15:17:00.000-08:00

Step 1: With clippers set to S-3 (1/2" attachment) cut hair upwards (from bottom of hair to top) a little past where the head starts to curve (as pictured) and to about an inch above the eyebrows.Step 2: This part can be done by hand (see instructions by clicking here) or with a 3/4" and 1" attachment. The 3/4" attachment should be used to cut the uncut hair on top (starting from the back of the head to 3/4 to the front) and use the 1" for the rest of the 1/4 of front hair.

***Note: I prefer to hand cut because it gives me the ability to blend better and I can adjust how long I want it if it needs to be.***With this haircut you don't have to style it. My boys like the low-no maintenance style of it!

Quick Valentines Cards

2010-01-28T14:46:00.000-08:00

Feeling crafty but lack the time? Here's a quickie to scratch that craft itch!

All you need is:

Card

Ribbon scraps

Buttons

Charms or old jewelry pieces

Hot Glue GunGlue ribbon to secure on card. Add bows, yo-yo's, charms, buttons or whatever cute thing you have and glue away!

Your kids can get involved! Make your own Valentines cards and feel like a crafting queen!

Have Fun,

Be Creative,

Look Fantastic!

It's Your Time To Shine!!!

"Up-cycled" No-Sew Pillow Case #1

2010-01-27T12:27:00.000-08:00

What You Need:
scissors
t-shirt (make sure it has elastic or Lycra)
masking tape
standard couch pillow
Step 1: Place masking tape under arm like picture. Step 2: Using masking tape as a guide, cut off top portion of t-shirt.Step 3: Cut 1" wide by 1.5" deep strips at the top of t-shirt and bottom. Your t-shirt has a top layer of fabric and a bottom. Double knot top strips to bottom strips to close one end.***note: the side seams on t-shirt is sewn shut already***When you make your strip and come to the side seams of your t-shirt, cut up 1.5"of side seam so you will be able to make a tie at the end. Step 4: Place pillow inside pillow case. Then tie and double knot top strips to bottom strips to close pillow!Done!
Have Fun,
Be Creative,
Look Fantastic!
It's Your Time To Shine!!!

Feather Headbands+Clips

2010-01-26T13:07:00.000-08:00

Feathered hair accessories have been all the rage for the past few years.

Why not make your own and pay half the price! It's also really quick and easy to make!

All you need is:

individual feathers or feathers on a strip (found at craft stores and even Wal-mart)

E 6000 glue

clip/headband/Bobbie pin

coordinating threadFor Headbands and Hair Clips

Step 1: Cut feather strip to size of head band and glue to headband (I prefer the flat headbands but the thin rounded ones work as well). For a finished look glue and wrap gross grain ribbon over each end of head band (this is not necessary). Let dry and wear daily :)
For Bobbie Pin Feather Accessory:
Step 1: Place a group or one large feather on a Bobbie pin and place a small amount of glue.
Step 2: Wrap coordinating thread around feather quill and secure with glue. Make sure to wrap thread around the flat side of Bobbie pin. Let dry and wear daily :)

Have Fun,

Be Creative,

Look Fantastic!

It's Your Time To Shine!!!

No-Sew Legwarmers

2010-01-25T12:15:00.000-08:00

Are you in need of some cute fun legwarmers but don't want to spend a lot of time or money on them? Are you earth conscious and love to up-cycle your clothes?

Have I got the perfect project for you and all your friends to try!

Tie-It-Up!All you need is :

an old stretchy t-shirt with some elastic in it
masking tape (any tape will do)
and scissors!

Now let's Tie-It-Up!

Step 1: Place your masking tape along the sides of your "T", across the chest (the bottom of the neck is a good guide line to place it at, and finally down the middle (like pictured).
Step 2: Cut through both layers of your "T" using tape as your cutting guide.
Then cut it up the center tape guide (this will divide it into a left and right side).Step 3: Take both top and bottom layers of the left section of your "T" and cut each side (through both layers of fabric) about 1" width by 1.5" deep. Then double knot the top and bottom layers together (as pictured) on both sides! Repeat on the remaining pieces for a set of Rockin' legwarmers!!!***Note: Once you have made your double knots on both sides, gently stretch your knots like pictured.***
Done!!!As always:

Have Fun,
Be Creative,
Look Fantastic!
It's Your Time To Shine!!!

A Few Bandanna Uses

2010-01-21T22:59:00.001-08:00

Cow Boys and Indians! Party favor time!I love bandannas!

They come in a wide variety of colors and patterns and cost under a dollar (unless you go to some crazy expensive store and then of course their bandannas will be $4+. Surprisingly Wal-mart has the same quality as the expensive stores for under a dollar).

So for your next outing, craft activity, gathering, family reunion, party or even trip to the zoo; try one of these fun uses for bandannas.

For a pirate party...argh! Try a bandanna as a party favor!Scarves are all the rage!Your next family gathering or trip, bandannas are a great way to keep track of each other. Make sure it is bright or eye catching and your sure to find everyone in your group!Need something to tie your fishing pole/necessities on your car but left the rope at home? Try bandannas! They'll do the trick!For a cute way to give away those "cookies in a jar" or your homemade jam..use bandannas as a topper!Add a ruffle made of bandanna to the bottom of a baby onesie for instant cute gift!Make a bandanna water bottle holder for your next trip/vacation etc!For your next beach adventure or girls slumber party/activity or gift, cut up a couple of bandannas in 1" by 4" strips and double knot each around a sandal strap and voila!Make a bandanna apron out of 3 bandannas! (tutorial coming soon!)Too cute :)Don't have tissue paper! No problem! Use a bandanna instead! It's cuter and will be used and not tossed like tissue paper! Your way of reducing waste :)Decoupage something for your next holiday! Check out the decoupaged Easter egg tutorial!Turn 2 bandannas into a cute top for you or dress for a toddler!

Pin up those reminders with pushpin or magnet covered in bandanna!

Mod Podge/decoupage your dresser drawers with coordinating bandannas!

Refresh old couch pillows with 2 bandannas sewn together!

Keep an eye out for more bandanna uses and tutorials in the future!

As always:

Have Fun,

Be Creative,

Look Fantastic!

It's Your Time To Shine!!!

Rag Curler Hairstyle

2010-01-20T06:55:00.000-08:00

Now that you have dampened your hair, rolled it up in rag curlers and blow dried them to set; you don't know what to do next? Here is an adorably fresh new hairstyle to try on, of you have hair shoulder length or longer.

Step 1: Separate your hair in half (starting from the back of your head). Loosely hold each half using a large clip or rubber band. Separate each half in half again and hold loosely (so you now have your hair divided into 4 pieces. Step 2: French braid each back section and secure ends with a clear plastic rubber band if needed. Loop braids as pictured and secure with a rubber band. Step 3: Take a small section of front curls (the bangs area). If you have bangs, then take the area just above them and secure as pictured with a clip, feather or cute hair bling!
Step 4: Gather your remaining front curls with the back braids using a clip, trash tie, rubber band or other hair bling!
Done!!!

Have Fun,

Be Creative,

Look Fantastic!

It's Your Time To Shine!!!

Decorative Push Pins

2010-01-19T07:25:00.000-08:00

These sturdy little numbers make me happy to pin up artwork, lists and even bills :)

All you need is:

Large Pushpins (I found these over sized beauties at Walmart)

Glass stones (buy them by the bag. One side is flat and one is bubbled)

E-6000 glue

Fabric Scraps (I used bandannas)

Step 1: Trace the fat part of the pushpin onto fabric with a pencil/pen and cut out fabric to fit over the top of pushpin and generously glue.

Step 2: Generously glue glass stone onto fabric covered pushpin and let dry (I let them dry by having the push pin lay with glass stone on a surface with the pin side up). Done! I have used these pushpins for years and the stone stays glued on. E-6000 glue is awesome :)

***Note: I also did this same technique on a really thick sturdy magnet that is about the same circumference as the stone. They work great as fridge magnets :)

Have Fun,

Be Creative,

Look Fantastic!

It's Your Time To Shine!!!

Bandana Pillow Cover

2010-01-18T08:54:00.000-08:00

This Couch Pillow Cover is super easy + cheap to make(about $2.50 in materials). Bandannas come in a wide range of colors and patterns. I got this zebra print at Walmart for under a dollar a bandanna!

All you need is:

2 standard size bandannas

about 6" Velcro

1 standard pillow form

Step 1: Sew 2 bandannas (about 1/2" seam allowance), right sides kissing on 3 sides.

Step 2: Turn pillow case right sides out and sew on Velcro at open end (sew one strip of Velcro on the inside of pillow case and another on the other piece of bandanna on the outside. So when you close it, the Velcro on the inside of the fabric overlaps and covers the Velcro on the outside of the fabric).

***Note: You may need to increase the seam allowance for a tighter it, depending on your couch pillow size. This pattern fits a standard couch pillow form.***

As always:

Have Fun,

Be Creative,

Look Fantastic!

It's Your Time to Shine!!!

Bunco Made Easy

2010-01-15T00:41:00.001-08:00

My sister in law just recently called me for instructions on how to play our families version of Bunco. So I thought that I would share it with you too. My husband and I made up a simpler more fun way of playing Bunco that the entire family will enjoy. Adults as well as children have a lot of fun and everyone is a winner so there is less wining. So for your next family party, reunion, birthday or get together, try this fun competitive yet P.C. game where everyone is a winner in the end.

Here is what you need:

6 die for each person (4 die if they are age 5 or less)

Paper bag (I use inexpensive colored gift bags with tissue paper to hide the prize)

Candy bars or any fun little prize that all ages would enjoy

*** Optional sturdy paper plates with a lip for young kids so that the die will stay on the table and not constantly end up on the ground. We give one to everyone so that die are contained in one area for the over exuberant/competitive :) ***

How to Play:

Have each player pick a seat around the table with 6 die and a gift bag (no peaking yet) in front of them. The player across from them is their gaming partner (competition).
Pick the Bunco Master (someone to roll a dice to start off the game). The side of the dice showing face up will be what you start with. I call this the "number on the dice".
The Bunco Master calls out,"Ready, Go!" and everyone rolls all of their die in front of them. ***This is where it comes in handy to have a plate to roll into to avoid mixing with others dice and rolling dice off the table)***
If a player rolls 1 or multiple "number on the dice", set that/those dice aside and roll all the other die again. If 1 or multiple "number on the dice" are rolled again then set those aside. Continue until all die land on the "number on the dice".
If a player has at last rolled all the die on "the number on the dice" immediately shout out, "BUNCO!" The First player to shout this out is now the Bunco Master!
Once "BUNCO!" has been called every player must stop rolling their die. Then each player counts how many "number on the dice" they have rolled.
If a player has more "number in the dice" rolled then their gaming partner (the person across from them) then they are the winner of that round. The winner can now peak inside his bag in front of him and the gaming partner's bag and decide if he/she wants to keep their prize or peak and switch prizes with their gaming partner.
The winners remain seated and the losers get up and move one seat down to the left. If it is a tie then both players remain seated.
To start a new round, the Bunco Master rolls a dice to determine the new number on the dice to be rolled.***note: we like to start the number on the dice at 1 and each new game is the number succeeding the last (aka 1 then 2 then 3 etc.) all the way until the final round (# 6)***
When the final round has been won then the winners choose to keep their prize or switch with their gaming partner across from them.
Everyone is a winner and goes home with a prize!!!

Hope you enjoy this game as much as my family!

As always:

Have Fun,

Be Creative,

Look Fantastic!

It's Your Time To Shine!!!

Reverse Dye

2010-01-13T16:18:00.000-08:00

Reverse Dye Technique:

Block It!Reduce, Re-Use, and "Up-Cycle" your old T-shirt for a fresh new effect! Try this Reverse Dye Technique on for size.

All you need is:

spray bottle

gloves

colored "T"

1:3 bleach to water solution

masking tape

Step 1: Place masking tape on one or both sides of "T", making sure each strip of masking tape over laps each other.

Step 2: With gloved hands, place 1/3 C bleach for ever 1C water into your spray bottle. On a flat surface (cover surface with trash bags or plastic so not to ruin surface) place "T" flat and spray liberally with bleach solution and flip over and spray backk if desired. Let sit for 10-20 seconds or just before desired color/effect appears.Step 3: Quickly rinse in cold water. Hand wash with liquid soap 2-3 times. Then wash + dry it in the washer + dryer.
Voila! Done!Have Fun,

Be Creative,

Look Fantastic!

It's Your Time To Shine!!!

Turn Rust into Retro

2010-01-12T13:34:00.000-08:00

I'm in the never ending process of clearing out my garage so that I can turn it into a school room for my 5 home schooled kids. So while clearing, I found some rusted pots and thought that they would be perfect to hold all their school supplies.All you need to turn your rust into retro is:

Metal or Plastic Scraper

(I used a flat head screwdriver on some of them)

Spray paint

(the all purpose kind that can go on plastic/metal/wood/etc. I used Valspar Spray Paint)

Step 1: Clean and scrape off any loose paint.

Step 2: Spray with Rustolium(or rust remover/reducer if needed. Let dry then spray with paint. ***Note: With Valspar paint you have to paint each coat within 4 hours or you will have to wait 3 days to add more coats. If you wait longer you run a high rick of crackling your paint.***

Heart Shaped Yo-yo's

2010-01-11T12:04:00.000-08:00

How to Make Heart Shaped Yo-yo's:Heart Yo-yo's are just as easy and fun to make as circular yo-yo's. You can use them as hair accessories, on cards, pins for clothing and accessories, or sew them/glue them on to any project!!!

What You'll Need:

Fabric

paper

scissors

needle

co-ordinating thread

trim (buttons, beads etc)

Step 1: Fold a piece of paper in half width wise. I used regular 8 1/2" by 11" printer paper because it was handy.
Draw half of a heart. The width and length of my heart was about 4" from it's widest and 4" from it's tallest part.

Step 2:
Cut it out. Voila! Now you have your very own perfect heart pattern.Step 3: Pin it to your fabricAnd cut out :) Step 4: Make a knot in your thread.
Hand press as you go, about 1/4" of fabric with wrong sides touching (pictured below) and then use a running stitch all the way around your heart.Gather fabric as you go by gently pulling on thread and fabric in opposite directions.
Step 5: Turn right side out and tighten gathering until center hole is small. I like to go back through the gathered fabric and tighten even further so that the hole is as small as possible without braking my thread. Then make a knot, securing your ruffled fabric in place. Step 6: With your thumb on the center hole and your fingers on the back of your yo-yo, push/slide your center hole until it is at the top.
Fluff out until you get your desired shape.Add a button or bead if desired.To make it a hair accessory glue or sew it on to a bobby pin or clip!

Have Fun,
Be creative,
Look Fantastic!
It's Your Time To Shine!!!

Easy Knot for Hand Sewing

2010-01-08T06:22:00.000-08:00

This is a knot I learned in a hand sewing class when I was a child. It's my old faithful knot and very easy to do!!!

What You'll Need:

Needle

Thread

Step 1: Thread needle and match up both thread ends. This is called a double threaded needle and I prefer it for it's strength and durability. Step 2: Wrap thread around finger and cross like pictured below. Keep tension on the thread and hold taunt with thumb.Step 3: Place your thumb on the center of the "X" you made with the thread.Step 4: Roll the thread up between your finger and thumb.It should look like this pictured below:Step 5: Pinch the thread above your loose knot (I'm holding the loose knot with my middle finger so that it will not un-twist) and pull down. This will tighten the loose knot.Pull down until the knot gets small like pictured below.Voila!

Here is your quick and easy knot for all your hand sewing projects.

Have Fun,

Be Creative,

Look Fantastic!

It's Your Time To Shine!!!

Running Stitch How To + Uses

2010-01-07T17:37:00.001-08:00

The Running Stitch or baste stitch is a sewers basic friend. It is used for a home style decorative look on the outside of fabric for that home made feel. It is also used to gather and ruffle fabric if you don't have a sewing machine or the project is too small to use a machine. A running stitch is perfect for beginners because it just "runs" forward simply weaving in an out of the fabric.

Step 1: Start with your basic knot and a needle that has been double threaded (see basic easy sewing knot tutorial ) Place needle in wrong side of fabric (the fabric does not need to be folded as picture below. For yo-yo making it does).

Step 2: Pull needle and thread all the way through fabric until the knot makes you stop (do this gently. If it is too firm then the knot will rip through the fabric)
Step 3: repeat steps by going down the fabricand up.Your stitches should look like the photo below. Try ti make them as even as possible. The stitches can be smaller and closer together for a decorative look on the outside or this size and slightly larger for hand gathering and ruffling.***Note: To speed up this process, try loading your needle with fabric like pictured below. Simply guide your needle in and out of the fabric and push fabric through.
If you need the fabric ruffled or gathered then keep tension on the fabric and needle.If you need the fabric smooth then gently pull the fabric smooth over the thread.

Retro Wrap Around Apron

2010-01-05T15:42:00.001-08:00

Sexy Strapless Retro Wrap-Around ApronFor a little added spice in the kitchen try this fun easy Sexy Strapless Retro Apron on for size.

Here's What You'll Need:

Thread
Coordinating Fabric

Step 1: Cut coordinating fabric:

*Apron cut 2 (44"W by 12"L)

*Bust Band cut 1 (12"L by 66"W)

*Empire Ruffle (located below bust band)cut 1 (66"W by 4"L)

*Bottom Ruffle cut 1 (66"L by 4.5"W)

*Under Bottom Ruffle cut 1 (12" W by 66"L)

* Ties cut 2 (45"L by 7"W)

Step 2: Under Bottom Ruffle fold in half length wise with right sides out. Sew length together and tuck in ends and sew closed. Press and sew folded edges for a finished look about 1/4-1/8" if desired. *Note that I did not tuck in my edges below. I ran into problems later on and had to re-do it with edges tucked in (see second picture below to see how it should look when finished)

Step 3: Then gather rough ends to make ruffle.Step 4: For the two remaining ruffles fold one end 1/4" and press Fold again and pressand sew down fold.***Make sure you fold ends in this manner as well (not pictured because I had to rip it all out and fold+sew it in)Then gather ruffles.Step 5: Pin Empire Ruffle to Bust Band end (right sides kissing) making sure to evenly distribute ruffle.
Sew together.Step 6: Fold Bust band in half (right sides out) and press. Add bias tape to top or make a straight stitch along top for a finished look.

Step 7: Pin then sew bust band ruffle piece to Apron piece, making sure right sides of bust band and Apron are kissing(see picture below)*Note that the ruffle will have right sides kissing to the Bust Band but not to the Apron)

Step 8: With edges sewn in, gather each remaining ruffle to the width of the Apron (this can be done together but if it proves too difficult I would suggest ruffling separately) and pin. Make sure you pin the ruffles about 5/8" in from end of fabric, then sew to apron with right sides kissing (note that the photo just shows the ruffles. It has not been pinned or sewn to Apron bottom.)Step 9: Pin then sew back of Apron to bottom of Bust Band (as pictured) with right sides kissing.Step 10: Pin then sew the bottom of the back side of Apron to the bottom of the Apron front (where bottom ruffles are). Make sure the bottom ruffles are laying inwards.

Step 11: Fold Strap fabric in half length wise, right sides kissing and press. If desired cut one end of folded fabric at an angle. Ideally the longer side should be the folded side. Sew down the length of fabric and angle to close.Step 12: Turn ties right side out, press and sew top near edges for a finished look. Baste unfinished end to either side of bust band on to top apron panel.Step 13: Pin sides together with right sides kissing and make sure that ruffles to not get caught and sew each side closed. Make sure to leave about 4" on one side unsewn for turning.Step 14: Turn right sides out through opening and press Apron. Stitch the top of the sides to close opening and for a finished edge!Done! Wrap around and tie in front!As always:

Have Fun,

Be Creative,

Look Fantastic!

It's Your Time to Shine!!!

How to Hand Ruffle or Gather Fabric

2010-01-04T15:45:00.000-08:00

How to Hand Ruffle or Gather Fabric To make ruffles and gathering for pillows, skirts and dresses here are a few helpful tips and instructions.

What You'll Need:

Sewing machine

(this can be done by hand with a running stitch but is time consuming)

Thread

Fabric that needs gathering or ruffling

Step 1: Sew a straight stitch near the edge of fabric along the length of fabric that needs gathering or ruffling.Sew another row below like pictured below. Step 2: Wrap the bottom thread around your fingers (like pictured) and gently pull bottom thread by holding the fabric with the other hand.Step 3: When you have gathered half of the length of your stitched rows then repeat on the other side.

***This makes sure you will not pull your thread out and when you unruffle to desired length you will not pull out the thread as well.***Your ruffle is complete. Now all you have to do is loosen the gathering to your desired length to fit your pattern.

Good luck on you project and as always...

Have Fun,

Be Creative,

Look Fantastic,

It's Your Time To Shine!!!

Pop-Up Card

2009-12-30T13:31:00.000-08:00

Give your kids picture to the grandparents, family Christmas portraits, birth announcements,etc. ready to show off in this self standing pop-up card!

You'll Need:

Picture (mine is trimmed to 2.5"by3")
Coordinating Paper Scraps (Under photo paper are measurements 2 3/4" by 3 1/2"

and 3 1/4 by 4". For side paper measurements are 2" by 4" and 1 1/2" by 3 1/2")

Buttons
Fabric Yo-yo

(for yo-yo pattern and instructions see side bar of my blog)

Hot Glue Gun and/or double sided tape
5 1/2" by 4" Card

Step 1: Use a paper cutter or X-acto Knife to make a straight cut. First measure 3.4" from the right hand side, then 1" up, then cut 6 1/2 " up.Step 2: Fold the larger cut side from the top by placing a ruler as your guide.And fold again at the pre-existing card crease but this time fold it the opposite way.Step 3: Flip card over and crease (I use the width of the ruler (usually 1")***Your fold should alternate sides like an accordion folds.***Step 4: Flip over again and crease under your new crease. Step 5: Crease in this same manner on the larger cut side of the card until you have reached the bottom. It should look like an accordion fold on the large side of the card while the smaller side stays unfolded.Step 6: Using your new creases, fold your card to look like the picture below.Voila! It stands on it's own! Now for decorating and the picture!!!Cut your paper to fit in the open spaces. In the list of things you'll need I have provided the measurements. These can be adjusted or omitted, depending on your decorating needs.I sewed the paper onto the card for a cute effect and hot glued the rest in place for ease and convenience.

Have Fun,

Be Creative,

Look Fantastic!

It's Your Time to Shine!!!

How to Make Easy Cute Paper Gift Boxes

2009-12-29T12:02:00.000-08:00

How to Make Easy Paper Gifts

these make great little gift boxes for earrings and trinkets. Use larger square cut paper for necklaces or other gifts and things. Once you make one, it's easy to teach your kids to make their own.

What You'll Need:

2 square pieces of paper at least 5"by5"

***for thicker paper make 1 square 1/2" smaller***

***for thinner paper make one square 1/4" smaller***

To make your square 1/4-1/2" smaller, cut paper1/4-1/2" down two sides of square paper in an "L" shape

Step 1:Find the center of your paper by drawing a line in pencil from corner to corner.

Step 2: Fold in a corner so that it is touching the center of the square and make a crease.
Repeat on all 4 corners
Step 3: Unfold one corner and then fold corner tip to new fold and make a crease.Repeat on all 4 cornersStep 4: Following creases, roll and fold one corner until it folds to your center point. Make a crease.Open up fold and repeat on each corner.

Step 5: I made a dotted line so that you can see where on the fold you are to cut. Cut to either corner of center creased box on opposite sides of your paper.

Step 6: Roll up opposite sides, following folds and fold in ends.Step 7: Open folded ends(I call them arms) and have each side touch opposite sides to form a squareStep 8: Roll up remaining sides on foldsTuck down over arms to make box.Repeat on opposite side. Erase pencil marks. if desired, secure with double sided tape.Step 9: Repeat on another squared paper. For best results cut a second paper 1/4"(if thin paper)-1/2"(if heavy thicker paper) smaller by cutting 1/4"-1/2" down and across one side of paper like an "L" shape. Once formed in a box it will easily fit inside the larger box snugly. add ribbon if desired.

Have Fun,

Be Creative,

Look Fantastic!

It's Your Time to Shine!!!

EXTREME MASHED POTATOES

2009-12-28T13:46:00.000-08:00

My husband just made up this AWESOME recipe for mashed potatoes. No more plain and boring when you try this

EXTREME MASHED POTATO RECIPE!

You'll need:

8 large thoroughly washed russet potatoes (red potatoes are delish too)
1/3C shortening
12 oz. center cut bacon
8 pieces smoked turkey bacon
8 pieces honey smoked turkey (sliced deli meat)
4 scallions (green onions)
6 cloves garlic
1 tsp olive oil
1/4 bell pepper
1tsp black pepper

Dairy

1 cube (1/2C) butter
4 oz. cream cheese
8 oz. sour cream
1/2C milk

Instructions:

Pre-heat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. After potatoes are thoroughly washed,poke holes in potatoes with fork. Coat potatoes with shortening until well covered. Place on a cookie sheet and cook 1 hour, making sure to flip potatoes over 3/4 of the way through cooking time. While potatoes are cooking, fry center cut bacon and turkey bacon until medium crispy (not soft and not brittle). Pat dry grease off bacon and chop pieces. Fry honey smoked turkey until caramelized, let cool and chop into small pieces. Chop scallions (green onions) and set aside dark green top. Saute in olive oil scallions (minus green tops), chopped garlic cloves, and 1/4 bell pepper until caramelized. In a blender cream all dairy and then add all remaining ingredients while potatoes are hot. Serve immediately. ***For twice baked potatoes, remove potatoes from skin and follow instructions. Then place inside skins, top with cheese and re-cook until cheese melts.

How to Make Gingerbread Cookies

2009-12-21T14:18:00.000-08:00

How to Make Gingerbread Cookies

For some seasonal fun, try this awesome gingerbread recipe with the family!
Works great for making gingerbread houses too!!!
Gingerbread Cookies
You"ll need
• Parchment Paper
• Rolling Pin
• Cookie Sheets
• Cookie Cutters
and the following ingredients:
3/4 C sugar
1/2 C softened shortening or margarine
3/4 C molasses
1/2 C buttermilk
1 tsp soda
2 tsp ginger
1/2 TBS cinnamon
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking powder

Step 1: Thoroughly mix all ingredients except flour. Once mixed well add flour slowly until well mixed. Wrap dough in plastic or zip lock bag and chill overnight or several hours in fridge to set.

Step 2: Cut parchment paper to fit cookie sheet and tape securely to a smooth surface. Place 1/2 of dough on parchment paper and place another piece of the same size parchment paper on top of dough. With a rolling pin, roll out dough 1/8"-1/4" thick. Remove top layer of parchment and press cookie cutters into dough.

Step 3: Peel away excess dough.

LEAVE CUT DOUGH ON PARCHMENT PAPER UNTOUCHED!!!

Remove tape and place parchment paper with cut dough on a cookie sheet into pre-heated over for 7-10 minutes.Decorate with royal icing or butter cream! Invite friends and family to join in on the fun! Place on tree :) Have Fun and Merry Christmas :)

HAVE FUN,

BE CREATIVE,

LOOK FANTASTIC!

IT'S YOUR TIME TO SHINE!!!

How to Make a Fabric Yo-Yo Necklace

2009-12-17T06:00:00.000-08:00

How to Make a Fabric Yo-Yo Necklace

You'll Need:

2 (2.5" in diameter) fabric circles
1 (3.75" in diameter) coordinating fabric circle
thread
jewelry, stones, or beads
chain and jewelry closure latch Step 1: Make 3 fabric yo-yo's (follow instructions on my blog by clicking on this link)
Step 2: Using a ruining stitch or a whip stitch and coordinating thread, stitch yo-yo's together at edges.
Step 3: Sew chain to yo-yo edges on each side til secure. Measure how long you want the necklace to hang and trip chain and add clasp.
Step 4: Add jewels or beads for accents to center of yo-yo's!
Done!!!

Have Fun,

Be Creative,

Look Fantastic!

It's Your Time To Shine!!!

How to Cut Boys Hair with Scissors

2009-12-16T07:00:00.000-08:00

How to Cut Boys Hair with Scissors

For the Clipper Paranoid/Phobic Boy:) What You'll Need:

Sharp scissors
Drape or towel (for person getting their hair cut)
Spray bottle
Apron with pockets (optional for hair cutter to avoid getting hair all over you and to hold spray bottle and scissors)
plastic bag (to place hair in)

Step 1:Get hair damp (this helps hair clump together, making less of a mess for clean up and less itches for the boy). I also place a plastic grocery bag near me to catch most of the hair for easier clean up. But hair always gets all over the floor!!!
Step 2: Use your fingers as a guide for cutting. Place the hair between your fingers with your hand pressed against the scalp.(This would be like a 5/8"- 3/4" with a clipper.) Always cut the hair in the back with fingers up and down (vertical). If you cut with your fingers horizontal you will get ugly choppy lines. Move along the back and sides of hair in this manner. I like to cut this length to about an inch above the ear all the way around.

Step 3:Slightly raise your hand at a slight angle and cut, using fingers as a guide as shown in the photo below. Step 4: With each step towards the forehead, raise your fingers a little more at an angle. Follow the natural movement of the hair. If the hair is laying down the sides-then cut with hands pressed at the side of the head. If hair falls forward then cut with hands pressed towards the forehead (as pictured).Go through hair several times in this manner to be sure to get any loose strands.Step 5: Around the ears can be tricky. To trim this part up, make sure to move the ear out of the way and follow the natural curve of the hair around the ear. Be careful not to cut to high (that is where the expression "It looks like your ears have been lowered" comes from)For the side burns I like to cut them in line with the middle of the ear. Cut it horizontally. For the neck, I follow the natural line of the hair and clean it up so both sides of the neck match up (cutting horizontally). If your child has some long fuzzy hair down the neck then cut with the scissors just hovering parallel to the neck,making sure not to get too close to nick the skin.

Good Luck:)

If you have any questions just drop me a line in the comment section!

Have Fun,

Be Creative,

Look Fantastic!

It's Your Time To Shine!!!

How to Stack a Three Tiered Cake

2009-12-15T06:00:00.000-08:00

How to Stack a Three Tired Cake

We all love the grandeur of a three tired cake for a wedding or big bash but hate the $300-$1,000 price tag accompanied with it. Now you can create it at a fraction of the price.

All you need is:

3 cake pans (6-8",9" and 10-12" cake pan)
non-stick cooking spray (to heavily coat the cake pans)
6-8 cake mixes (enough to fill the cake pans 2x about 1/2-3/4 full)
2-4 batches of my butter cream frosting
3 (12-14"), 1 (6-8"),1 (9") cake boards
clear tape
food safe wrapping paper (optional)
1/2-3/4" thick dowels (I got a pack of them at Michael's, they are about 12" long)
PVC pipe cutter,hand saw or sharp knife

Step 1: Frost larger 2 layer cake and place on 3 12-14" cake boards that are taped together (wrap board to avoid grease marks on board). Check out the side bar on my blog to get frosting and board wrapping instructions. Frost the other two cakes, making sure to place them on boards that are the same size as the frosted cake. Trim boards if necessary(you don't want to see the board sticking out) and place in fridge.

Once cooled in fridge and decorated9you can wait to decorate it once assembled), place dowel in cake and measure at top of frosting. Step 2: Cut dowel and cut 3 more the same height.Step 3: Place 4 cut dowels in a square position (make sure you do not place the dowels on the outer edge of the cake. It needs to be supporting the smaller cake that goes on top). Place back in the fridge to cool and set.
***I like to add a small amount of frosting on the top, right before I place the next layer on top. It helps stick and secure the cakes together. ***
Step 4: Place the frosted second layer on the bottom cake. Use a spatula to help guide it on the cake. I usually place one side of the top cake onto the bottom cake (eye balling it to make it centered) and gently let go of the other side. If it is not centered I slide it into position with the aid of a spatula (this is another good reason to add that small amount of frosting between the bottom cake and second tiered board).Decorate your boarder to hide any gaps or flaws.Step 5: Repeat the same process for the top tier.Step 6: With an uncut dowel, sharpen the edge to a point either with a knife or pencil sharpener (I cut it with the PVC pipe cutter at angles). Place in the center of the top tier and drive it down to the bottom cake board. To make it go smoothly through each tier and cake board, I twist it gently but firmly until it breaches the boards on the way down. (This will make the cake safer for travel and stabilize the layers together)Voila! Done!!!

Keep in the fridge. This helps the butter solidify for a stable care-free delivery (keep the cool air on in the car). Once at it's destination place on a stable table out of direct sunlight.

Place a wired ribbon bow, flowers or cake topper to finish it off!!!

Cakes Are Back!

2009-12-14T08:00:00.000-08:00

My recovery time is over, baby is 5 weeks old and I am officially back to work! Here are a few cakes that I did this weekend. I did a couple more but got to busy to take pix with my phone. Tomorrow I will post on how to stack a cake like the one above. I'm trying to get back to posting a new craft every day!

New Twirling Skirt Pattern

2009-12-07T11:41:00.000-08:00

I love making these Twirly Skirts for my 7 year old daughter. They are cute and exclusive looking and look great with leggings! Here is a new pattern. Instead of making the middle section the same size squares like in Flirty Twirling Skirt, I used scraps that were the same width but varying lengths. Here is a quick pattern. Measure your child's waist for the elastic (remember to add a seam allowance). Take that measurement and increase it 1 and 1/2 times for the length of the waist section. The width remains 6". Then for the 2 middle sections, sew together any length of fabric as long as the width is 5". Sew the first row 1 and 1/2 times the waist length. Then sew the second middle row 1 and 1/2 times the length of the first row. Finally make your bottom ruffle 1 and 1/2 times the length of the second row with a width of 4". With these measurements you can make the perfect size for your child (fits length size of a child size 4-8). If you would like it shorter then take an inch off your middle sections width. To lengthen add an inch!

How to Make a Beer Shaped Cake

2009-11-23T02:29:00.000-08:00

Well it's only been 2 weeks since I had the baby and my boss called and begged me to come in and do this cake. It was a birthday cake for a father. So after 4 hours of figuring out how to make it and frosting and constructing, the above picture is the result! I also took step by step pics in case you were wondering how this tower of wonder was created :) LOLFirst I wrapped 3 12"cake boards with cake decorating foil. I did this by cutting out a larger circle of cake foil than the cake board and folding and taping the foil flat to the board.
I then wrapped 3 9" cake plates

in the same manner. I then leveled 1 10" cake and 4 9" cakes.
I placed the 10" base cake on the 12" board.
I then placed a 9" cake on the 9" board and piped a double high ring of butter cream frosting around each layer and filled each layer with a thin layer of custard. You do not want a thick layer when making a 4 layer cake because it will slide in transport and make it too heavy for the bottom layer to support.
I then scratch coated the 4 layers with a thin layer of frosting and placed it in the fridge till frosting was stiff. I scratch coated the
10" base cake as well.
I coated the entire 4 layer 9" cake tower with silver (grey) frosting, piped a "lip" on the top of the can using a #12 tip and copied the can decor as closely as possible.
Lastly I coated the base cake in blue to coordinate, trimmed with balls using a #12 tip and added silver glitter and sprinkles. Before adding the heavy 4 stacked cakes to the base, I stuck 4 wooden dowels into the base. The dowels were level with the base cake, so when I placed the beer tower on it, it was stable and did not sink into the cake. I highly suggest that you only use wooden dowels as a cake support. I have used other things with disastrous results.

Personal Progress Purse

2009-11-16T18:16:00.000-08:00

This is a perfect size for your Personal Progress Journal, some pencils and a few other essentials :) It also fits the standard works in the small size. It is also really easy to make. My 13 year old made 11 for herself and her class at church.

This also makes a perfect scripture holder or great for holding a small notebook and pencils. My 7 year old loves it as an everyday purse to place all of her treasures.

Here's What You'll Need:

2 pieces of Fabric measuring 16" L by 9.5" H For (lining and front)
1 piece of fusible interfacing measuring 16"L by 9.5"H
1 piece of fabric measuring 16"L by 5.5"H on the fold (for pocket)
1 piece of fusible interfacing measuring 16"L by 5.5"H
2 pieces of fabric measuring 29" L by 4.5"H (for straps)

Step 1: For one of my 16"L by 9.5"H pieces of fabric I chose to sew strips that equaled 16"L by 9.5"H to make use of random scraps. A solid fabric looks great too!

Step 2: Iron on the fusible interfacing to the back of fabric.Step 3: Iron interfacing to inside of pocket piece.

Step 4: Sew top 1/8-1/4" of pocket near fold.
Step 5: Pin pocket to front of purse fabric and tack down with a loose stitch on both sides.***to avoid scrunched fabric always sew down on pockets (start on fold and sew down on pocket)***
Step 5: Sewing down pocket, sew 4" from left end , 8" from left end, again 9.5" from left end, and 11" from left end. These will make 5 pockets for pens, sun glasses, gum, note paper etc.Step 6: Fold lining in half (right sides kissing) and iron, then fold pocket front panel in half
the same way and iron. Sew lining open side and bottom together and repeat on pocketed panel. Clip edges to prevent rounded edges.

Step 7: Turn lining right side out.Step 8: Fold strap pieces in half and iron. Sew down.For an angled tie, sew at an angle on one end.Turn right side out and iron down.Step 9: Pin straps to right sides of pocketed front panel. Sew in place on folded and sewn sides of purse.Step 10: Place lining inside with folded sides and sewn sides of purse matching up. Remember that straps are inside too and sew together. Make sure to leave a 1-2" opening for turning purse.***Turned purse should look like this!***Step 11: Push lining into purse and iron seams. Sew 1/4-1/8" of purse top down. This will close your turning hole and finish off the purse. My daughter used a zig-zag stitch instead of a straight stitch for a stylish alternative!Add embellishments like yo-yo's and buttons if desired!

Have Fun,

Be Creative, Look Fantastic!

It's Your Time To Shine!!!

Labor Enducing Cakes :)

2009-11-10T13:56:00.000-08:00

Stand on your feet decorating cakes for 7 and a half hours straight, a week and a half til your due and the above may be what you'll say!!! The above was a fun cake! It was for an 80 year old man that enjoyed his freedom outdoors and fishing :)Elmo with polka dots on the side. I used a #21 tip to make it look fuzzy/furry on Elmo!German Chocolate fudge cake..Yumm!!!The below cake was for a baby shower. They wanted it to look like the invite and look like it it did! I even had bamboo coming up the side of the cake :)To instantly and easily make a cake look cute just add polka dots on the side!!!After 7 and a half hours of cake decorating I was exhausted! I tried to rest a bit and even took a bath. The baby moved so much when I was in the bath that I began to worry (this little guy has been the most quiet and moved very little than any of my other 5 kids). I got out and layed on the bed. When my husband came in, he asked why I was crying. I told him that I was worried about the baby and then...I told him that my water just broke that instant! I got off the bed and quickly walked to the bathroom just in time to grab a towel. Rick told the kids we were leaving for the hospital. It still took another 6 hours to start contractions and another 2 till out Jefferson came!

The kids were soooo excited to see their baby brother at last. The hospital won't let visitors under 14 years to visit because of the wide spread H1N1 (aka swine flu). Even though my kids are home schooled and have been isolated from all of those flues and sicknesses that everyone seems to be getting the rules were rules. They wait in line to hold the baby all day long. Even our youngest comes in to our room in the middle of the night and early in the morning , asking to, "Hold the baby!" Too cute!!!

Cake Mix Cookies

2009-11-04T08:00:00.000-08:00

Many of you know that I am working on a new book, Love is in the Mix!

Turn your cake mixes into easy yummy fun baking activities with your kids!

Here's a fun one to try:

What do you do with all that left over Halloween candy? Why not chop it up and mix it into mouth watering cookies!

All you need is:
1 cake mix

1 lb butter (4 sticks, aka 2 cups) room temp

2 3/4 flour

left over Halloween candy

(like M&M's, Snickers, Butterfingers, anything that will go well with chocolate)

***I used my kids small packages of M&M's ranging in itty bitty sizes, regular and peanut M&M's. If you want it even more chocolaty (I did), just add chocolate chips.***

Step 1: Pre-heat your oven to 350 F
Step 2: Mix flour, cake mix and softened butter until well blended. I used my mixer. Then add your chopped up candy.
Step 3: Use an ice cream scooper to form dough into 1" balls. Place on cookie sheet and flatten slightly.
Step 4: Bake for 15-18 minutes or until edges of cookie are slightly brown. Let cool for a few minutes and then place on a cooling rack.

These cookies are so buttery and mouth watering. They are great dipped in milk!!!

Remember to make them with your kids for a fun family time activity!!!

Have Fun

Be Creative

Look Fantastic!

It's Your Time To Shine!

Last Days of Cakes!

2009-11-03T09:00:00.000-08:00

As you can see by the sidebar on my blog and Facebook page that I have 2 weeks until my due date with my 6th child. So it could very well be any day (I really hope soon, but most likely I'll deliver the week of my due date as per tradition). I will most likely not be working at the bakery for a while, since I will be recovering and taking care of a newborn ( I can't leave a breastfeeding baby with my husband for very long and my shifts at work are 5-8 hours at a time). I hope you enjoy these Last Days of Cakes. I really enjoyed working there (but my feet in this big fat pregnant swollen body did not). 5-7 hours on my pregnant feet is getting harder and harder to do. My boss is hoping that I won't deliver until my due date because she has been accepting a bunch of highly decorated cakes in the coming 2 weeks and I am the only person that can do them.Above is two doll cakes for a set twins birthday party! Cute and sparkly :)This was a last minute cake. A guy came in at 8:30am and wanted to see if we could make him a a cake for his wife by that afternoon. I said," Sure." He kept coming in thinking that he was the only person with a cake order, to see if it was done! It was a 7 hour cake day that day! We had a bunch of cakes..we are a bakery! I will not make that mistake again. If someone waits till the last day to order a cake I will say that we are sorry! We only charged him an extra $5 for last minute. Next time if I am feeling generous I will say $10! This "Race Car Track" cake was made out of crushed Oreos. We put them in a blender until the consistency of sand and sprinkled it on the edges of the cake. It tastes and looks a lot better than a bunch of mouth staining black frosting. Below was a giant cookie cake.They wanted it completely frosted so I had to add more frosting on the top with a 2D tip.

Hope you enjoyed theses Last Days of Cakes post! Maybe I will be able to get this weekend and the next cakes in at work. I am hoping not! I'm hoping to post about a healthy baby BOY!!! :)

Have Fun

Be Creative

Look Fantastic!

It's Your Time to Shine!!!

How to Make a Simple Doll Cake

2009-11-02T08:00:00.000-08:00

I recently posted How to Make a 3 layer Neapolitan Doll Cake. I thought we could use a simpler version. It is pretty much the same concept. Minus a layer! So here we go:

How to Frost a Simple Doll Cake.

What You Need:

3 cake mixes
butter cream (recipe on sidebar)
oven proof glass mixing bowl (2 Quart size) or doll cake form
plate or doubled cake board
spatula
frosting bag and tips or Ziploc freezer bag

Step 1: Pre-heat oven to 325 F. I lower the temperature because the mixing bowl is so wide I want it to cook evenly. Mix 2 cake mixes as stated on box. Coat your oven safe mixing bowl with non-stick cooking spray and fill with 1 and 1/2 cake mix (about 1" from top). Bake for about 1 hour. With leftover batter make a dozen yummy cupcakes for your kids to snack on. trust me it's a must. Once they smell those cakes baking, the "Can I, can I, can I's won't stop!"Let coolLevel cake and share the moist yummy top with your kids :)Step 2:Place a full mix in an 8" round pan. remember to spray with non-stick cooking spray so the cake will come out easily! I baked both cakes at the same time.

Let cool and level cakeStep 3: Once cakes are fully cooled, place the 8" round cake on a plate or covered cake plates (these cakes are heavy so I suggest at least 2 cake plates taped together. Wrapping a cake plate is easy..oooh! I feel another tutorial coming on :)

Frost top of cake or add filling. How to frost a cake on the side bar will show you how to fill a cake.Place dome cake on topStep 4: Place a thin crumb coat (thin layer of frosting) on cake and place in the fridge or freezer 15-20 minutes (or until frosting feels crusted over and solid).Once frosting forms a cool crust then add a final layer of frosting to cover up cake completely. Insert doll into cake. Make sure arms are up as well as hair and legs are together. Add a top with frosting. Make sure to add jewelry and accessories!!!I used a #3 tip for the top, buttons on the dress, black dots on the dress, black stripes on skirt, flower in the hair, and jewelry. A 2D tip was used for the under skirt swirl. A 104 was used for the ruffle over the 2D. A #5 tip was used for the blue hearts on dress. A 27 tip was used over the bottom ruffle. For the front ruffle and ruffle on the neck and waist I used a tip like the #104 tip but smaller (a #104 tip works great too). This cake was a gift to my daughters friend for her birthday party.Let your kids lick the frosting bowl! Yum! My 2 and 1/2 year old insisted on me taking this picture of him enjoying the frosting! I guess I take a lot of pictures when even the 2 year old poses and requests being in on the blogging action :)

Enjoy!

Have Fun, Be Creative and Look Fantastic!

It's Your Time to Shine!!!

Love is in the Mix

2009-10-30T12:06:00.000-07:00

I have begun writing a new book tentatively titled "Love is in the Mix." I have been dreaming and testing over 100 ways to transform your dull boxed cake mixes into exciting adventures and treasured moments with your kids. These loving additions to your cake mixes will create bonding moments with your kids as well as taste good with everyday ingredients (no special shopping trips to exotic stores required)! Here is one kid tested recipe to try!

Cake Mix Pancakes:
1 box cake mix (we used yellow cake mix but white or chocolate would taste yummy too)
2/3 C flour
2 eggs
2 2/3 C Milk

Makes 16 3-4" pancakes
***Try adding chocolate chips or blueberries to the mix***

Mix ingredients till slightly lumpy. Lightly butter a pan (I use a generic Pam non-stick cooking spray)and heat on medium heat. Use a 1/4 measuring cup to scoop out the mix and place on hot pan. Cook until bubbles break on surface. Flip; cook until golden.

Fun Hula Skirt

2009-10-27T10:20:00.001-07:00

This pattern is very similar to The Flirty Twirling Skirt.

It reminded me of a mu mu/hula grass skirt for some reason. Thus the title:

Fun Hula Skirt

All you need is:

Coordinating Thread
1 (7" by 45" strip fabric)
3/4-1" elastic (make sure it fits loosely between the area around child's hip and belly button)
Fabric strips sewn together at widths to equal 70" W (width can vary from 1"-4" and length between 10-12" depending on how long you want it. My daughter wanted it longer than The Flirty Twirling Skirt)

Step 1: Fold over waist panel 1/2" and again about 1 1/3", then sew down very close to edge of fold to form elastic casing. Insert elastic by attaching a large safety pin to one end and threading it through to the other end making sure not to twist elastic. Sew wrong sides of elastic together. With right sides kissing, sew waist band ends from the bottom to the top and stop at casing. Make sure elastic fits well on child before sewing the fabric up. With outsides of casing kissing as well as elastic, sew to close. Cut off excess elastic and zig zag or serge edge. Sew down.

Step 2: Fold and iron bottom 1/2-3/4" of waist panel, as pictured below.

Step 3: Sew widths of fabric strips, if you haven't already done so. Serge or zig-zag all edges (this will make a neater inside as well as not get snagged or unravel all of your hard work). Press seams down and then press front down as well.

Step 4: Make sure your lengths of sewn fabric strips are even and trim if not. Press and iron down 3/4" top of panel. Instead of sewing it down like in Flirty Twirling Skirt, we are ruffling this panel and sewing directly on the right side of skirt. This makes a cute little ruffle at the top (see photo below) To do this, start your ruffle by sewing on your loosest stitch over the newly ironed top of your fabric strip panel. Pull the top string to make a ruffle (see Flirty Twirly Skirt for more detail). If your string brakes, do not worry! Just sew it again over the broken string area and pull from the new string. Once ruffled, place over waist bottom (you should see right sides at all times like in picture). Loosen ruffle to fit around waist panel and pin in place. Sew down.

Step 5: Hem bottom (fold over and press 1/2" twice and sew down) or add another ruffle (measurements and instructions found on Flirty Twirling Skirt) My daughter was too excited and wanted to wear it now!!! Thus no ruffle at the bottom!

DONE!!!

She wore it that night to bed, the next day and had to wear it to church! I was able to sneak it out of her room last night and wash it today!

Lots of Weekend Cakes

2009-10-26T12:45:00.000-07:00

This cake looks like the shower napkins!
Little polka dots add fun and charm to any cake.

A simply fudgy festive Halloween Cake!
This pink rainbow cake made a little 6 year old boy's birthday happy! (Yes you read it correctly.)
This customer HATED their cake (above)??? We gave it to them for free hoping to embarrass them enough and never see them again!

These cookies frosting bled a little while left overnight. I was sent in to save them. After I fixed the problem I added more detail in the skirt, face and hair.

Halloween Cakes and more!

2009-10-20T08:45:00.000-07:00

She wanted Congratulations Allison added on to it. Originally she wanted it on the small tag but it was too small to fit so many letters.

How to Make a Neapolitan Doll Cake

2009-10-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

How to Make a Neapolitan Doll Cake What You'll Need:

vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate cake mixes and listed ingredients on the boxes
9", 8"cake pans, and a Pyrex/oven safe (Pampered Chef) glass mixing bowl
1-2 batches of Frosting (I prefer my recipe located on the side bar of this web page)
large spatula
decorating bags and tips (I used tips 4, 104, 3 and 2)

***Variation 1: use a freezer safe Ziploc bag (regular Ziploc bags will burst and break) and snip a small piece off the corner and use as a 4 tip and stick candy as decoration***

***Variation 2: use 4",6" and 8" cake pans and either fill cake steps with frosting or cut sides at an angle to make the dress***

Step 1: In separate containers mix cake mixes as instructed on box. I spray and coat the inside of my pans with a generic store brand of Pam non-stick cooking spray. I used strawberry for the top (in the Pyrex bowl), Vanilla for the middle section (8" cake pan), and Chocolate for the base (9" cake pan).

Step 2: Cook as directed on the box. For the Pyrex bowl you may need a longer time so the center cooks evenly. To help with even cooking I lower my oven temperature from the box recommended 350 to 325 degrees. After baking, let cool 5-10 minutes and remove from pan onto a cooling rack. When cooled cut and level off the tops with a large flat knife as shown.

This cut side will be placed on the bottom. It makes it easier and less crumby to frost.Voila! The nice smooth cake bottom is now the top.
Repeat leveling on all cakes.

Step 3: Smooth a light layer of frosting in between each layer. You can also choose a filling if desired. If making a cake for a child's party it's my experience that they prefer frosting to fillings. If you desire instructions for frosting and filling a cake click on the list to the right of this web page under cake decorating techniques where I have explained it in more detail :).Step 4: Lightly frost the constructed cake and place in fridge for about 15 minutes or until frosting is set and stiff. This light frosting coat provides a crumb coat that once applied and cooled in the fridge make a smoother crumb free frosting experience :) It also helps the frosting to bond to the cake better (when I omit this step the frosting can peel away from the cake during travel. Not a pretty site!). I also added a bit more frosting at the top so when I placed the doll inside the cake, the dress would not abruptly jut out at her waist. This makes it look more like a bell shaped ball gown.Step 5: Make a final frosting coat slightly thicker to hide all exposed cake.To help with a smooth cake, (after you place a generous amount of frosting around cake) always keep a clean spatula every time you touch the cake. Every time I smooth the frosting and lift the extra frosting off the cake, I wipe the excess back into the frosting container and then with a moist towel I make it clean again. Yes every time and yes it makes it look 100x smoother. By putting a frosting filled spatula back on the cake that you intend to smooth is like putting sand on it. It will never get smooth unless the spatula is clean.Step 6: Insert the doll into the cake with arms and hair up and with legs pointing down. As you push her into the cake make sure to gently keep the legs together. I prefer to use dolls that have a top painted on. But you can always decorate a top on her after she is placed in the cake. I also prefer real Barbie dolls rather than $1 store ones or half doll cake decorating toppers. These dolls look very ugly and cheap and do not enhance your time, effort or talent. This doll was a generic Barbie princess doll for $6 at Wal-Mart and well worth the extra couple of bucks.Step 7: Decorate doll as desired with sprinkles, decorator tips and/or candy. I used silver heart candies, sprinkles and decorator tips #104 (for the ruffles), #24 (for the sleeves, swirly white rosettes in the center and bottom ruffle of the dress),#3 (for the small light pink details around the dress) and #2 tip (for the earrings,pearl necklace,bracelet and ring) Kids and adults really like the jewelry details and it has never gone unnoticed.I always like to make these dolls modest so I add sleeves with a shell tip or #24 tip :) I also added some pre-made royal icing drop flowers for added detail. These flowers are VERY easy to make. I have taught classes for kids as young as 6 to make these easy drop flowers that keep for a long time (if I can keep them away from my kids! They LOVE them). Instructions are on the side bar of this web page.

Enjoy!

Have Fun

Be Creative

Look Fantastic!

It's Your Time to Shine!

Tinker Bell Doll Cake

2009-10-12T12:27:00.000-07:00

The customer wanted a little more color.

Just a Few Cute Cake Ideas

2009-10-05T12:14:00.000-07:00

Adorable Baby Shower Cookies Western Cupcake TowerCaillou Cake

Cakes to Go

2009-09-29T14:16:00.000-07:00

Lately all I have had time to report is cakes. In between Dr. appointments for me and the kids, a daughter getting braces, getting ready for the baby, home schooling 5 kids and all my energy being sucked out of me; this seems all I can do at present. I have a million more ideas waiting to come out but they will have to be put on hold for a short time. I'll have to let a trickle out or I will burst. So stay tuned... I hope you enjoy these cakes. I only have 6 weeks left until "D" day :) We all can't wait to hold him and see his little face :)

We haven't committed to a name. The kids and I like Jefferson Pax (peace in Latin and also Optimus Prime's middle or last name before he was rebuilt, my 9 year old son suggested it) Olsen but hubby is having a hard time with the last name as the first name thing. The other name was Asher (apparently a Pokemon character's name) Hawk Olsen, but a kid at church has that cute name and I really like Jefferson after my kids closest uncle (he treats and loves them like his own).

A Few More Cakes!!!

2009-09-22T12:02:00.000-07:00

The customer wanted to renig on the cakes, so we left the tag empty if we had to sell it to someone else. Once she saw the cake she changed her mind and bought it. This cake was a replica of the invitation.Flames for a boarder!

Cakes

2009-09-21T12:15:00.000-07:00

This was three of the fastest cakes I've ever decorated. I had to deliver these three cakes before 2:00pm to a wedding reception following a full day of cakes. I had to get up at 6am in order to make it happen and work the day before. I finished decorating these three cakes from baked cakes start to boarded finished masterpieces. I'm getting faster even though the baby was having a boxing match inside of me the entire time.
Below is an engagement cake that the groom wanted to take to Dodger stadium and announce it in front of thousands! Hope she said, "Yes!"
Elmo cupcake cakes are becoming sooo popular that I can whip them out fast. They are so easy to make. All you do is group about 16 cupcake (can be done with more or less) in a half circle and place two more at the top for the eyes. With a 2d tip make long whiskers/fur outwards over the tightly packed cupcakes, add white with a 1m tip for the eyes and yellow nose, dot eyes and make bear-like smile in black with a #8 or 9 tip and you're done!

This monstrosity was for a baby blessing! the flowers are made of fondant. We used a fondant flower cutter kit (like a mini flower shaped cookie cutter) and I secured them with butter cream frosting as well as dotted the center with white butter cream frosting.
I love cakes that use rice paper print outs. They are done in no time flat and look awesome!!!

Finally Cakes!!!

2009-09-16T12:23:00.000-07:00

Above and below are Cupcake cakes for baby showers!
Cupcake tower for a baby shower!

I haven't put up cakes in a while because work has been slow and my computer was down. I still have several more to post. I just need to find the cable so I can download them.

Here are a few cakes that I did last weekend. More to come this weekend! There are at least 2 wedding cakes that I know of that are coming!

Enjoy!

Home Sweet Home

2009-09-15T12:28:00.000-07:00

BEFORE: Many of you have asked to see my progress on my home make-over. I found a picture that shows you a little of what it looked like before. The colors were darker and richer because my husband told me that he would put in skylights for more lighting. Well, 7 years later and it still hasn't happened so I decided to let the light come in onm my own!

Here is the transformation thus far. I still have a few more things to hang, things to paint and pictures to paint but since I've started Homeschooling 5 kids (Yep! Little Jack started his little lessons on shapes, numbers and colors today) and I am in my last 2 months of pregnancy, my energy is zapped as well as any free moment of time!!!

AFTER:The above is a view from the door and below is a view from the kitchen/dining room area.Again this is a view from the door.

Below is a view from the living room couch.

Here are the kids artwork. I still have to re-do our family motto and crest in more vibrant colors to match the new look (thus the reason for the large white blank canvas in the middle). The kitchen hasn't changed much except for the island. I'm going to wait on re-painting anything until I can get new counter tops..wich won't be in the budget for a while with a new baby coming. A larger car is further on the want/need list at present.Here is the kitchen so far. The kids got to pick their chair color. Now no more fights on seating arrangements!

This is it so far as well as the bathroom pics you have already seen. The girls and the master bedroom are still in the works and not far enough to show pics. It might be a while if my energy remains zapped like it has been the last few days! I hope you enjoyed and get inspired to let a little light in your homes :)

Shiny Disco Ball

2009-09-10T12:54:00.000-07:00

To make a Shiny Disco Ball for a party all you need is :
spray adhesive
silver glitter
Round Chinese lantern (the larger the better)
Large tray or butcher paper to catch glitter

Open up your Chinese lantern, place large tray or butcher paper under lantern(to catch excess glitter. You may need it if you run out!!!). Holding the lantern over the paper spray a 5-6" square section then sprinkle glitter on sprayed area. Repeat until lantern is completely covered. Shake gently to remove excess glitter. Go back over any holes in the glitter.***When using spray adhesive it is best to work outside in a well ventilated area***
Hang to dry on a hook/nail/branch or whatever outside. It only takes 15 or less minutes to dry. To help with hanging, tie a string or ribbon/curling ribbon at one end of lantern and hang from there.
Once dry hang wherever you want to add disco fun!!!

How to Make Easy Cupcake Towers

2009-09-09T10:39:00.000-07:00

For a fun birthday activity, baby shower or party decoration cupcake towers are both adorable, unique and festive. Buying one can cost anywhere from $10 - $100 depending on the size and how decorative it is; not to mention you have to store it until your next party or event. for an easy quick fix to this space and possible economic problem I have a solution! All you need is 2 sturdy paper plates (one larger than the other and a sturdy paper or plastic cup. They can have any decor on the plate for any party theme or plain and in any shape for simple elegance and style.

Place the larger plate right side up on a flat surface.
Hot Glue the larger opening of the cup to the center of your larger place surface.
Hot Glue the smaller end of your cup to the bottom center of your smaller plate. Done!!! No storage and a fraction of the cost. Place any size cupcakes around the top and bottom layers. You can even make more for instant table decorations or as a party activity for guests!!!

Party Ideas for Pre-Teen-Teen

2009-09-08T08:55:00.000-07:00

My daughter just recently turned 13 and really wanted a birthday party to celebrate. Because of a new baby coming in 2 months, getting the house re-organized and decorated, and preparing for my first stab at homeschooling 5 kids (I am even starting my 2 and a half year old with lesson plans) I wanted it to be extremely simple.

Here is what you need to plan for. Over the week I will have more pictures and instructions!

Theme: She chose a theme, "Disco" and we started from there.
Invitations: I showed her all my stationary, scrapbooking papers and stickers and said "go for it!" At 13 they are well old enough to do this on their own. All they need is a little guidance and then let them go. I gave her a few ideas and she did the rest. The invites had glitter and large gems (like disco lights) on them with the what's, when's, where's, and dress disco on it!
Time Limit: This is very important. I think parties are perfect at 2 hours. I am not struggling for games and activities and if parents are late (they usually are), no biggy because I end with a movie, Wii or Rockband!

#1 Where's Your Celebrity Partner

Blind Artist

Afro Hair

Singing Charades

5. Prizes: I like to get the large candy bars(4 for $4) or any candy bar(4 for $1) when they are on sale along with white elephant gifts that we have received in the past, inexpensive card games and jewelry that I have made in a large container. The winners can choose their prize!

6. Decorations: Streamers and balloons are cheap and make a big impact. I had her put them up all by herself ( I wasn't about to climb chairs and stretch to place streamers with a big unbalanced body and belly in the way) and she did a great job, while I blew up the helium balloons. We also made a big disco ball out of a Chinese lantern to add flare and seal the theme! Also have music playing in the back ground for ambiance.
7. Cake and Party Favors: The cupcake tower became the main party favor but I added ascots as well. When the girls arrived we handed out disco style ascots (very popular in that era)!

I found the most sparkly/crazy/glittery fabric I had. Cut them in strips about 3" thick and long enough to double knot around their necks with a little left over. I them cut the ends at an angle and voila! Instant ascot! Whether they dressed up or not! Everyone was disco style!

For a New Bathroom All You Need is Paint!

2009-08-31T09:28:00.000-07:00

The moment you've all been waiting for...drum roll please.... (LOL)!

A completed (for the most part) room!!!

All this facebooking and blogging about painting this and that has finally produced a finished product! Who ever thought painting would take sooooo long. I guess when you are repainting every square inch of your 11 hundred square foot home solo mio it takes a while!

The bathroom is now my daughters favorite room in the house (until her room is completed..hopefully soon)! She was my idea sounding board. She has a pretty good eye and adding another opinion helps me not go too crazy with just one thing!

All I need to do is re-tile and tub the shower/bath (like that's in the budget...not!) and replace the counter tops with granite (that is actually affordable at Lowe's or Home Depot. They have pre-finished granite counter tops for only $199 for a range of sizes).

New Knobs and Hinges!!!

2009-08-26T09:35:00.000-07:00

Want New Knobs and Hinges? Can't justify spending the money on something that works perfectly fine? Revitalize them with a face lift. Spray paint them!For my door knobs I did the lazy man approach and just sprayed them while they were still on the door and painted around them. For my hinges (they were already off from painting the hutch/kitchen island) I screwed them into a block of wood (my hubby helped too) and placed the hinges like pictured for a first coat. I then opened up the hinges and lied them flat and sprayed everything again for a second coat. Once that was dried I flipped over the hinges and sprayed the other side. I used Krylon Satin Black.

***Always read the instructions on the back of the can. For some products if you wait more then 4 hours your paint will crackle and lift. You must wait until 36 hours has passed. I have not followed this and it did crackle. I have read a number of complaints on line and on blogs about crackling. If you just read the back of the can before use and follow it, you should be fine.***

A Little Paint Goes A Long Way

2009-08-24T10:54:00.000-07:00

Want a fresh new look? Want it fast?

Then grab a can of spray paint and liven up your home!

Watch out cabinets..your next :)

I prefer spray paint to rolling/brushing for a more smooth professional look, faster dry time, and less tacky when dry. The paint color is Valspar in Leaf Green. I removed all hardware before priming and painting and wore a mask.

How to Make Easy Couch Pillows

2009-08-18T06:25:00.000-07:00

I loved the bed pillows so much that I wanted to make 3 couch pillows as well. This pattern fits a standard couch pillow.

Here's What You'll Need:

2 yards fabric

coordinating thread

button/Velcro/snaps optional

Cut fabric into a 1 (20" by 20") square for pillow face. Then cut 1 (20" by 18" rectangle and 1 (20" by 8") rectangle for pillow back. These two will become your way of placing your pillow into the new couch pillow case. Just like in the bedroom pillow pattern). Lastly cut 6-8 (4" wide by 20" long) rectangles for the ruffle. An alternative to this is to cut 6-8 (8" by 20") rectangles and fold over fabric if you want the ruffle to show the outside of the fabric on the front and back side of your pillow. I just like to use less fabric to cut cost. (I also used a rotary cutter, ruler and mat to do all of the cutting for ease).
Follow steps 2-6 on Ruffled Pillows.
Add 2-3 straps with fabric or ribbon to keep the back closed and neat. You can also use buttons or Velcro for your closure.

Weekend Cake Brigade

2009-08-17T09:09:00.000-07:00

This is a large Cupcake molded cake. You can get the pan at Michael's (make sure you have a coupon to make it worth it)!Those are plastic Disco Ball earrings that the customer brought in to be placed on the cake.This customer wanted a simple cake with mini skate boards on it! Cute, simple and easy to do!
Forgot to cross the "T" and dot the "I"! I had to add it in later.
Simple classic white cake with a large round tip to make the border. Add a little edible glitter and you are good to go for an elegant birthday, bridal shower, or cake fro your mother (as this customer wanted).

Homemade Tortillas

2009-08-13T10:28:00.001-07:00

I was out of tortillas (only 5 left, not enough for our family for dinner) and I didn't want to go to the store (my feet hurt from working on my feet for 5 hours and painting all day. Whimpy pregnancy body of mine). So I did a quick search on the Internet and found this recipe. They were easy and with a little help from Sam and my hubby they didn't take to long to make.

How to Make Easy Flour Tortillas
· 2 cups of flour
· 1 tsp. baking powder
· 1 tsp. salt
· 3/4 cups of water (many substitute warm milk for a fluffier texture)
· 1 Tbsp. vegetable shortening (or lard)
Steps
1. Combine flour, salt, & baking powder in a large medium/large bowl.
2. Cut in shortening until lumps are gone.
3. Make a well (indentation) in the center of the dry ingredients.
4. Add water, about a half a cup at a time, and work mixture into a dough. Knead until smooth. The dough should be slightly sticky but not hard. You can add slightly more water or flour if needed.
5. Cover and set aside for 10 minutes.
6. Form dough into balls about the size of eggs.
7. Using a rolling pin, roll each dough ball into about a 6 inch circle.
8. Heat griddle or skillet on med heat without grease.
9. Cook tortilla 1/2 to 1 minute (if it starts to bubble, that's long enough).
10. Flip tortilla to the other side and cook for a few seconds.
11. Continue in this manner until all your dough is cooked.

Mid Week Cakes!

2009-08-12T13:38:00.000-07:00

They had 6 cakes come in at my work today in the middle of the week (a chocolate one is not pictured), so they called me. Here they are! Enjoy :)

5 Ways to Let Go and Simplify

2009-08-11T10:22:00.000-07:00

It's back to school time again and everything feels out of control and crazy!!! Here are 5 ways to de-clutter and de-stress for this upcoming year.
Get in control and organize!

Start in the least cluttered room and area of that room (this will help you feel a quick sense of accomplishment that will motivate you to get through the more difficult areas)
Let go. It's liberating not feeling all of this stuff weighing on you. You will be able to find things much easier if the closet is half full and not bursting at the seams. If you haven't used it in 6 months then get rid of it.
Still love it but really have no use for it? Start 3 piles. 1)A friend would like this pile, 2)a charity pile and 3) a throw away pile. (Many charities will come right to your door and pick your items up. I hate garage saling my stuff for pennies on the dollar so I prefer charities.)
Baskets are an esthetically pleasing way to hide your stuff but if money is tight then plastic containers are a good alternative. (Have any old furniture hanging out in the garage or does someone you know getting rid of old shelves, dressers or other storage items? A fresh coat of paint or even hiding it in your closet is a cheap alternative to closet systems.)
What do you do with all that unused, never opened stuff? I just recently went through all of my craft stuff and anything that was un-opened I placed in a bag and returned it. I returned about $150 worth of untouched craft stuff to Wal-Mart and in turn bought a Wii Fit for the family. What a better use of that space and money!

Cakes Gone Wild

2009-08-10T09:04:00.000-07:00

A ton of cakes, cupcakes and cookies this weekend. Had to work 4 1/2 hours Friday and 7 1/2 hours Saturday to finish everything. I wasn't able to get pics of them all but here are the majority. the above cake is a Topsy-turvy cake that was originally in fondant but the customer opted out of the fondant and only one layer of cake per tier (never do that. It does not show off the cake as it should). We gave them a free layer at the bottom because as you can see it really doesn't do the cake justice. Also i think fondant would have taken less time and looked better. So if you want to go cheap on a cake DO NOT take out a layer. They still got a deal. Only $75 for this cake and it took 4 hours to do start to finish. My work charges too little for their cakes. So if you want an extravagant to simple good tasting cake go to http://www.cookiekitchen.org for the best deal on a cake.This is an engagement cake that looks just like the invitation. Down to the water colored looking background. To get a marble or water colored back ground on a cake simply zig-zag your colored frosting all over cake and then zig-zag white in between. Smooth out and voila1 A marbleized/watercolor effect. Below is the companion to the cake. The customer hates chocolate so she wanted a separate cake for those who wanted chocolate. The time says 10:18 because they are getting married on 10/18/2009.For this cake the customer wanted a rice paper print of a Crown Royal bottle to be on fondant then placed on a purple butter cream frosted cake. the cake was huge!!!The above picture is my first attempt. My lettering was off center, so to center it I added a few squiggly lines. If it happens to you just fill in the extra space with a design and it will turn out great :)This jumbo cupcake is the companion to the cake below!the customer wanted the action figures on the cake. So to give them a little punch I added a pow under each fighting set.Elmo cake using a 2d tip for fur all over cake.Cookie cake! Yummy!Another Elmo using a 2d tip but this time it was a cupcake cake!Whipped cream cake. Usually run out of whipped cream and use butter cream to border the cake but this time I had just enough to make it completely out of whipped cream.

Cream cheese cake with butter cream boarder and decor.

Ruffled Pillows

2009-08-04T07:40:00.001-07:00

To finish off my new duvet cover (I'll post that pattern tomorrow) I made coordinating ruffled King sized pillows.

Here's What You'll Need:

2 yards fabric (or 1.5 yards + a King pillow case)
Coordinating thread (I just used white)
Sewing pins

Read all instructions before starting! Cut fabric into 1 (20.5"L by 36.5"W) rectangle for pillow top (***watch for placement if you have a repeat pattern that you want to go a certain way***), 6 (4" by 29") strips and 2 (20.5"L by 23"W) rectangles for back pillow panels (or cut the seams off your pillow case and cut to measure 20.5" by 22" ***the finished edges on the king pillow case (that hemmed opening that you put your pillow through) should not be cut but used for you new back pannel opening***
Sew ends of strips together (remember right sides kissing). Iron seams. This will be your ruffle. Fold and iron 1/2" top of sewn strips and again. Sew down and iron for a neat finish. ***I did this to save material. If you would like the ruffle to have fabric showing on both sides then make your strips 8" by 29" instead and increase your fabric yardage 1/2 a yard when purchasing. Fold in half with right sides showing, iron, then baste (a bast stitich is a loose stitch and a 4 on most machines) the cut ends together to hold in place.
With a ruffle foot, ruffle your sewn strip at the cut end. If you don't have a ruffle foot then baste stitch 2 rows as close to the top of fabric as you can (as shown above). Make sure you do not back stitch and you leave plenty of thread on your ends.
Take the thread that is coming out of the back of your fabric and gently pull to scrunch fabric. This is how a ruffle is made. Push the ruffle along the fabric. If it gets stuck then pull from the other end. If it breaks DO NOT WORRY. That is why we have two rows. Just pull from the unbroken thread. If that breaks too, DO NOT WORRY! Just baste stitch where the thread was broken and pull from there.
Lay your large rectangle pillow top fabric down (the 20.5" by 36.5" piece) right side up. It's time to pin your ruffle to it! Gently open up your ruffle by pulling and moving the ruffle to fit around the perimeter of your rectangle. Once that is done pin your ruffle to the rectangle. Remember that right sides are kissing (touching) and cut ends are lined up. This means that your ruffle is being pinned and laying inside your rectangle NOT OUTSIDE of it. In the very end when we flip it inside out it will be all ruffly on the outside. Baste stitch your ruffle to the rectangle pillow top.
With ruffles in and right side of your pillow top facing up, place your two back pillow panels on top and pin as pictured above. Your finished edges on your back panels should be overlapping. Sew together, making sure not to catch the ruffles. Turn inside out and voila! A new pillow case!

***If you are not using a king pillow for the back panels then take your 20.5" by 23" back panels and fold the width (20.5" side) over 1/2 twice and iron (like the ruffle top) and sew down. Your edge is now finished and you can follow step 6!***

My girls like the pillows so much that I made them one for their new duvet/quilt coverts!

Have Fun, Be Creative, Look Fantastic!

Cake Idea Time!

2009-08-03T09:20:00.000-07:00

This round cake above was the top of the tier for a wedding cake and the cup cakes with black fondant hearts was in the other 4 tiers on a stand. Below is not my favorite color combination but pink and green was requested by the customer, so I decided to help it look a little less Christmas like by 2 shades of pink (I would have done different shades of green but these were the ones already made and it was a rush day)Different textures and sizes of sprinkles makes an ordinary cake look sooo much fun! Before working at the bakery I never used sprinkles. now I love them :) Try it sometime!

My work finally had a website up! Check out www.cookieskitchen.org every cake pictured was decorated by moi :) Cool!

Flirty Twirling Skirt

2009-07-29T06:30:00.000-07:00

My 7 year old Tomboy daughter loves to wear skirts (thank goodness) and all this sewing, quilting stuff had inspired me. I have left over quilt squares so why not use them to make a Flirty Twirly Skirt for her!!! This pattern can fit a size 5 just below the knee up to size 8 just above the knee.It can be lengthened to a longer skirt by adding more rows of squares. If Iwere to make it again I would ruffle it a lot less to use less fabric and take less time. Keep this in mind when making and add less squares if desired (my oldest daughter said that it looked perfect the way it was. I am just all for less time and less $ spent on something).

What You'll Need:

Coordinating Thread

60 (5" by 5") squares

1 (6" by 45") strip for waist/ hip panel

1" elastic 1" larger than the area between the child's Hip and waiste

(my girls don't like to wear things right at their waste, it's "the style")

5 (22" by 3.5" strips) for bottom ruffle

Step 1: Fold over waist panel 1/2" and again abaout 1 1/3", then sew down very close to edge of fold to form elastic casing. Insert elastic by attaching a large saftey pin to one end and threading it through to the other end amking sure not to twist elastic. Sew wrong sides of elastic together. With right sides kissing, sew waiste band ends from the bottom to the top and stop at casing. Make sure elastic fits well on child before sewing the fabric up. With outsides of casing kissing as well as elastic, sew to close. cut off excess elastic and zig zag or serge edge. Sew down, as pictured.

Step 2: Sew 20-22 squares in a row together and iron seams flat. Ruffle with ruffle foot or baste stitch 1/8-1/4" along top of sewn square row and gently pull on bobbin string, then gently push down on fabric to form a ruffle. Continue gently pulling and spreading out the ruffle. If the string brakes Don't panic!!! Just start another baste stitch where the thread broke and continue ruffling. Spread out your ruffle so it fits around base of waste panel. With right sides kissing sew ruffle on to waste panel. About 1" before reaching the other end of your square strip, sew the two ends together. Sew down reaming ruffle to complete circle. Zig-zag or serge your edges for a clean look.
Step 3: Press ruffle seams up towards waist band. Add second row of squares (about 38 squares) in the same manner and iron.

Step 4: Sew bottom ruffle strips together. Fold 1/2" and again 1/2" and sew down. Ruffle the other end slightly in the same manner as the square strips and sew on to last row of square strips in the same manner. Step 5: Iron and clip all loose string and she is ready to twirl to her hearts content!!!

Have Fun, Be Creative and Look Fantastic!!!

How to make an easy Butterfly Cupcake Cake

2009-07-27T08:33:00.000-07:00

Here's What You'll Need:

2D Tip and large Pastry Bag
Frosting
50 cupcakes (or less, this is just what I used)
Large platter/cardboard/cake board to put it on

Step 1) Arrange cupcakes in a tight butterfly shape. About 21-22 on each side and save 5-6 for center body and head.

Step 2) Fill tip and bag with frosting (here's a link to my favorite http://craftersguru.blogspot.com/2009/04/my-favorite-butter-cream-recipe.html#links ) Make a large swirl pattern over each cupcake (enough to cover cupcake and crevices in between cupcakes)

Step 3) In a new bag decorate butterfly as desired. You can use candy for the face and spots on the butterfly (kids love it) plus it is super easy, looks soooo cute and yummy!

Easy and you don't have to cut the cake when it is time to eat. Just pull apart and serve!

Here is another cake I did at work this passed weekend. I did 5 or 6 more but my batter ran out on my phone (from using it so we had music to listen to at work).

This look can be achieved with a 12 tip.

How to Make Yo-Yo's

2009-07-23T08:14:00.000-07:00

On our 2 week family road trip around half of the USA, I taught my two youngest daughters (12 and 7 yrs.) how to make fabric Yo-Yo's. It's the perfect project for car trips, easy to do and looks cute on just about anything. It's also easy to teach even a 7 year old! What mom teaches their girls to sew? Not many. My mom didn't teach me to sew. I took a summer class as a child and the rest is self taught..the hard way. So I wanted to teach my own girls to love sewing.

Take the path less trod and teach yourself as well as your child to sew. Do something unique, hand made and really really easy (But shhhh! Nobody needs to know that)!

Here"s What You'll Need:
Square 5" or larger of fabric

Coordinating Thread

Needle

Step 1: Make a circle pattern on a piece of paper. Use a compass or the bottom of a large cup or can. The larger the circle the larger the yo-yo. I used the bottom of a 29 oz. fruit can (aka 4 1/4" in diameter circle).

Step 2: Pin it to your fabric and cut out a circle.

Step 3: Fold over and hand press about 1/4" of circles edge (this will make a neater finished product) as you go. Thread your needle and knot the end. Make a running stitch (this is a stitch that"runs" forward over and under and never goes back. It should look like this - - - - - - - - - ). A medium to large stitch is best.

Step 4: Once you have made it all the way around the circle, end where you started (at your knot).

Step 5: Turn inside out and gently but firmly pull on your thread to gather. Make a double knot on the inside of your yo-yo to hide the knot.

Step 6: Fluff out yo-yo and you are done! Easy and takes only a few minutes. These look great on a headband, trim on clothing, on a bag, pillows, quilts etc.

This is trim on a dress of mine. It had been washed several times and holds up great. I just did a back stitch around the edges of the Yo-Yo to attach it to the hem of the dress for instant cute. It made a plane cotton dress look more boutique like and exclusive. Just remember that cute fabric is a MUST!!!

Have Fun, Be Creative and Look Fantastic!

Scrap Happy Purse!!!

2009-07-22T06:30:00.000-07:00

I loved the fabrics that my daughter and I used on the Quilt/Duvet cover and couldn't bare to throw away a useful scrap. So I made the ice pack cover out of scraps and loved it so much I had to make a Beach Bag/Scrap Happy Purse out of the remaining scraps! So sew your scraps of the same width together (no matter the length) and make a row at least 20" long. Make more rows and then sew each row together (like we did with the quilt/duvet cover) until you have 2 (20"W by 17"L) panels.

Now all you need is:

2 (20" W by 17" L) front Scrap Fabric panels***plus 2 heavy fusible interfacing***
2 (20"W by 17" L) lining ***plus 2 heavy fusible interfacing***
1 (20W by 6" L) outer bottom panel ***plus 1 heavy interfacing***
2 (17.5W by 6" L) outer side panels ***plus heavy interfacing***
1 (20W by 6" L) lining bottom panel***plus 1 heavy interfacing***
2 (17.5W by 6"L) Lining side panels ***plus heavy interfacing***
4 (20"W by 6" L) straps***plus 2 heavy interfacing***
2 (20"W by 16" L) pocket panel (this is folded over Length wise)
2 (20"W by 8"L) Heavy fusible interfacing for pocket
Coordinating Thread

Step 1: Cut out fabric and interfacing. Iron interfacing to wrong side of fabric.

Step 2:For the Pocket panel fold and iron in half (wrong sides kissing). Then iron the interfacing on the wrong side of one side of the pocket panel. Sew across top of fold (this will help bind the two sides and finish the top edge. Place pocket on the lower half of the lining panel (matching sides and lower corners) and pin in place. Baste stitch around 1/4" outer border to tack down pockets. Then mark with sewing pins 3 sections for the pockets. Sew down to make pocket sections (as pictured). Repeat on other lining panel.

Step 3: For the straps, sew two strap strips together at one end (right sides kissing). Fold in half (right sides kissing) and sew 1/2" along edge. Attach a safety pin to one end and thread it through to the other end to turn inside out. Iron flat and repeat on second strap. Step 4: Sew close to the edges to give your straps a finished look. If desired, pleat strap ends for a cute strap look.

Step 5: Sew side lining panels to each side of lining bottom panel (right sides kissing with 1/2" seam allowance) and iron seams. Sew this new section to the lining panel making sure right sides are kissing and tops are lined up. When you get to the corners ease into them by hand pressing out the seam of your new section in an almost curving motion. This will help it ease into the corner. Attach the other lining side to the remaining side. Clip your corners as shown ans repeat on the front panels and side. Turn lining inside out and hand press seams.

Step 6: Sew straps down about 2" from the sides of front panels (use a 1/4" seam allowance)**make sure you do not twist straps***

Step 7: With handles inside, place turned lining inside front purse as pictured. Push all the way down and match top edges of lining to front purse. Making sure side panels are matched as well, sew 1/2" along top to combine. Leave a 2" opening on the middle side (make sure to sew back and forth to secure opening) for turning.

Step 8: Turn lining and outer sections so that right sides are showing. Push lining into bag and hand press seams. Sew as close to top edge for a finished look and to close your turning hole.

Done!!!

Waste Not Want Not with my Scrap Happy Purse!!!

Add a flower for pizazz :)

Have Fun, Be Creative and Look Fantastic!

Shepherds Pie

2009-07-21T06:30:00.000-07:00

Shepherds Pie is one of my all time favorite and kid's favorite dinner. It's easy to make and is always a big hit. My oldest daughter loves it so much that she practically made the entire meal herself! This is one of those proud parent moments for me! When my kids are self sufficient I feel like I am doing my job right :)

All you need is:

14 Washed Red Potatoes (they are the creamiest + don't worry about removing the skin.)
Butter, milk, salt and pepper for mashed potatoes
2 lbs Ground beef
1 packet of dry onion soup mix
1 regular package of Frozen mixed veggies (we like peas and carrots best)
1-2 Cups Cheese (we like the Mexican blend)

Step 1: Pre-heat oven to 400 Degrees F, take out frozen veggies and let thaw while preparing dinner. Then quarter red potatoes and boil 'til soft when you stick a fork in it.

Step 2: While potatoes are boiling, brown beef and drain fat. Mix in 1 Lipton onion soup packet to every 2 pounds of beef.

Step 3: Make mashed potatoes as desired. The more the merrier :) (We like to add 1/2 C butter to boiled potatoes as well as 1/2-1 Cup milk 'til creamy and lightly salt and peppered.)

Step 4: Place the seasoned meat at the bottom of oven safe bowl or casserole dish. Then layer veggies on top (if they are not fully defrosted DO NOT WORRY, they will thaw and heat just fine in the oven with everything else). Finally layer the mashed potatoes and top with cheese (that's my kids favorite part).

Step 5: Heat in oven for 20 minutes or until cheese has melted. Serve with french bread, fruit and a salad.

Recycled Treasure Keeper

2009-07-20T06:30:00.000-07:00

So many crafty things are made specifically for girls. I only have 2 girls and soon my house will be over run with 4 boys (Yep! The new bun in the oven is a boy). Here is a fun masculine and a feminine craft (I couldn't resist) you can do with your family. (My 11 year old son is the hand model.)

Use this treasure keeper for trinkets, as a bank, and even a gift bag!

The possibilities are endless!!!

Here's What You'll Need:

Mod Podge

Paint Brush

Comics or Glitter and Jeweled Flower

Varnish

Hot Glue+Gun

Tin/ Powdered Juice can with or without lid

Step 1:If desired cut out comic slightly smaller than lid. (I used the lid as a guide and cut a little more off so that it would fit inside the center circle) Mod Podge lid with a thick layer and smooth on comic. Cover with Mod Podge and smooth out any air bubbles with brush or fingers. Set aside and apply a second coat once glue has dried and is clear.

Step 2: Apply a thick layer of Mod Podge to can.

Add on cut strips of comics and smooth on can. Coat with Mod Podge While smoothing out air bubbles. You can overlap comic strips, just make sure that Mod Podge is in between and on top of each layer. Set aside to dry and apply second coat to clear dried can.

Step 1: For a girly-girl approach, coat can with a thick layer of Mod Podge and sprinkle on a thick layer of glitter. Set aside and let dry. When completely dry spray 2 layers of varnish over can(drying in between). this will make the glitter stay in place. When dry add jeweled flower and bow with a hot glue gun.
Done!

Have Fun, Be Creative and Look Fantastic!!!

It's Your Time to shine :)

Cuddly Cat+Kitten

2009-07-16T06:30:00.000-07:00

Ever Since I made the quilt with my daughter, my youngest daughter has begged me for "The Kitty". A couple of years ago i taught several beginning sewing classes to girls ages 6-12. After teaching them basic sewing stitches with paper and yarn, I taught them to make Cats with a little pouch for a baby kitten. My daughter wanted to make "THAT Kitten". Well I think I got rid of the pattern so i made a new on for her. She of course had to modify it and told me she wanted ears from a different fabric. So I had to again change my pattern. After she picked out the fabric, I began.

Here is what you'll need:

Various ribbon scraps (for tails, whiskers, Collar and bows)
Various fabric scraps (for cat, kitten, ears and pouch)
Coordinating thread
Stuffing
Fusible interfacing (I use the heaviest stuff they got)

Step 1: Enlarge Cat pattern so that Cat is 13" long (you can do this in Microsoft Paint or any other program you like). The Kitten, ears and pouch page fits on an 8.5 by 11 sheet of paper and doesn't need re-sizing. Cut out fabric and interfacing as instructed Step 2: Iron all Fusible interfacing to wrong side of fabric as instructed.

Step 3: Sew around pouch using a 1/4" seam allowance. Leave a 1" opening on the side of pouch for turning (back stitch on either side of opening to prevent wider opening when turning). Clip curves (this makes a smooth curved edge) and corners. Turn inside out and hand press seams open (this means run your finger or end of pin along the seams inside pouch. this helps to round pouch). Press flat and sew it to lower part of Cut out cat fabric (about 1" from bottom of cat stomach and center sides). Pin in place if desired before sewing down.

Step 4: For all ears, take 2 cut and interfaced ears and place right sides kissing and sew around edges leaving bottom of ear open for turning. Clip curves and corners and turn inside out. I use the end of my scissors to help push the ears out to a point. Place cat ears on cat fabric in desired location (about 1" distance from each other at the top of the cat head, for the kitten I would make it in between 1/2" and 1/4" distance from each other at the top of head). Place ears with pointed part pointing towards the inside of head and sew down (when you turn inside out it will stick out like ears).

Step 5: Sew cat fabric together (right sides kissing), leaving a 1-2" opening for turning near the bottom right or left of cat (keep in mind that this is for turning and for placing the tail). Turn inside out and open seams with finger or bottom of pen or even the end of closed scissors.

Step 6: Repeat with kitten and stuff both cat and kitten. You may need to use a pencil/pen or end of scissors to get the stuffing into the head. I suggest small amounts of stuffing at a time when filling the head first.

Step 7: For the tail select 6 or more ribbon of the same length (about 3-4") and sew them together.

Place the ribbon tail partway inside the opening and pin the opening closed. Whip stitch the opening closed and use a running stitch to close and tack down the ribbon tail. repeat on kitten.

Step 8: Add buttons and ribbon as desired!

This project usually takes 2 hours from start to finish (if you have kids and often get interrupted as I do or are a beginner allow for more time) and don't forget to:

Have Fun, Be Creative and Look Fantastic!!!

Reversible H2O Holder

2009-07-15T06:30:00.001-07:00

Love using water bottles but want both hands free when hiking or walking around a zoo or amusement park? Then here is a solution for you and the family. Make each kid and adult there very own personalized reversible water bottle holder.

What You'll Need:

1/4 yard (1 fat quarter)

Coordinating thread

Water Bottle (1qt-1/2 qt.)

Step 1: Cut 2 (9" by 13" fits 1 qt. or 9" by 11" fits 1/2 qt.) fabric panels for outer and lining of water bottle. Step 2: Cut 2 (20" by 4") straps (for a child) or 3-4 (20" by 4") for an adult. Sew two ends together (if making adult size add one to two more strips to the end) and iron

Step 3: Fold strap in half length wise, iron and sew (1/2" seam). Turn inside out by attaching a pin at one end and threading it through.
Once strap is turned, iron and stitch very close to edge for a finished look.

Step 3: Now that strap is done take your front H2O holder panel and fold in half (right sides kissing). Sew 1/2" seam along side. Repeat on lining. Using seam as midpoint, iron flat. Sew across bottom (1/2" seam). Place water bottle inside to form triangles at bottom. Pin about 1" from seam tip to base of triangle on each side and sew down.

Clip corners and repeat on lining!
Step 4: With the outer panel, pin strap to each side of midpoint seam (center over ironed crease on each side of midpoint seam), making sure right sides are kissing and straps are not twisted and sew (1/4" seam) down towards holder as pictured. I like to re-enforce the straps by sewing back and forth a couple of times.

Step 5: Place strap inside outer panel. Next turn lining right side out and place inside outer holder as pictured. Make sure to line up seams and top edges. Sew in place leaving a 1.5" opening. Re-enforce stitches near opening so they do not unravel when turning.

Step 6: Turn lining, straps and outer panel through hole. Push lining inside outer panel and sew edge very close to edge for a finished look and to close turning hole.

Done! Time to look fashionable while lugging that much needed water! Now you don't have to carry every ones water! They each can have their own H2O carrier too :)
Turn it inside out for a new look! It's reversible!!!
Have Fun, Be Creative and Look Fantastic!!!

Digi Scrapbook FREEBIE Page

2009-07-13T06:30:00.000-07:00

Here are some rockin' neon textured digi freebies for your digital scrap booking pages. This super mini kit comes with a blue textured paper, pink textured Fleur Du Coeur boarder as shown and multi colored textured singles of the Fleur Du Coeur. Click below to download

Fleur Du Coeur Textured

http://www.4shared.com/file/115974450/3d3fdd7c/fleur_textured_linked.html

Fleur Du Coeur Border+Paper http://www.4shared.com/file/115974481/ff9693a7/page_border_linked.html

Pink Fleur Du Coeur Border

http://www.4shared.com/file/115974469/6fce361b/border.html

Blue Textured Paper http://www.4shared.com/file/115974463/8f1bdf05/blue_textured_paper.html

More digi freebies to come :) Enjoy!!!

A Few Cake Ideas

2009-07-09T06:30:00.000-07:00

These pictures were printed on rice paper and are edible! Cool eh :)

Since I am on vacation , I had to come into work during the week (before I actually went on vacation) and decorate a couple of cakes they had coming up.

Here they are and enjoy!
No more cake ideas for the next 2 weeks since I will not be working and traveling around the U.S. with a van full of kids :)

Delicious Chocolate Chip Cookies

2009-07-08T06:30:00.000-07:00

You'll Need:
· 2 Cubes Salted Butter (1 Cup/8oz butter Soft at room temperature)
· 1 1/3 Cup White Sugar
· 2/3 Cup Brown Sugar (packed – Dark Brown is best)
· 2 XL Eggs (extra large)
· 1 ½ tsp. Pure Vanilla Extract (imitation works too)
· 1 tsp. Salt
· 1 tsp. Baking Soda
· 2 2/3 Cup All Purpose Baking Flour
· 1 Cup Oatmeal (Quick Oats work best)
· 2 bags Chocolate Chips (semi-sweet is best; 1 bag = 2 cups; but you can always add more if you like!)
· Nuts (optional)

Directions:

Cream butter and sugars till well blended.

Add eggs and vanilla, mix well

Mix salt and baking soda in wet mixture till well blended.

Add flower 1 cup at a time till well blended

Add oatmeal, till wet (aka mixed)

Finally add chocolate chip (and nuts) to cookie dough (at low speed)

Place golf ball sized dough balls on un-greased large air cushioned cookie sheet. (9-12 per sheet depending on ball size)

Bake in preheated oven 350 Degrees, Bake for 13-14 minutes (larger ball will take a little longer), until the balls flatten, and start to slightly golden.

Remove from oven, let cool on tray for 1 minute (but no more than 2 minutes), then remove from tray, and cool on a rack before storing.
Makes 3 to 4 dozen cookies

Ice Pack Cover

2009-07-06T06:30:00.000-07:00

If your kids are like mine, they are constantly getting bumps and bruises. Every time I have to get out the ice pack/peas or what ever is cold and apply it to their Boo-Boo (Oweee or what ever cute name you call it. Saying a cute name somehow makes the hurt not as bad:). And every time I am scrounging around for a clean dish towel or handy paper towel (which I am always out of so I don't even bother anymore) to cover it with.

So to make a long story short, when I was cutting the quilt squares for my daughter I found that I had a lot of scraps left. I hate clutter and I hate waste even more (and I REALLY REALLY love these fabrics and they weren't cheap)! So I thought why not make an ice pack cover out of scraps!!!

If you have scraps you love but can't bare to part from them then... I have a solution for you! Make ice pack covers for yourself, family and friends out of scraps (or just use your favorite cute fabric)! Each one is unique and filled with love!

All You need is:

Fabric/Sewn together scraps 2" larger on all sides then ice pack
Chenille/Terry Cloth 2" larger on all sides then ice pack
2-3" Velcro
Coordinating thread

Step 1: Cut fabric 2" larger on all sides then ice pack. This allows a 1/2" seam allowance on all sides and a little extra room to slide in the icepack.

Repeat on Chenille or terry cloth (you can even use a hand towel or wash rag as a backing)

Step 2: Fold top 1/2" and 1/2" again and sew down (this is your opening). Repeat on chenille/terry cloth.

Step 3: Center and sew Velcro on the wrong side of the fabric and chenille piece slightly below the top of sewn fabric.

Step 4: Sew fabric and chenille (wright sides kissing) along all 3 unsewn edges (make sure to leave sewn opening unsewn). Zig-Zag or surge edges, turn insides out and press!

Done and ready for use!

Simply Beautiful Quilt/Duvet Cover

2009-07-03T08:00:00.000-07:00

I decided that it would be a good idea to teach my daughters how to sew something a little more than a bag. My eldest daughter is 12, and my youngest is 7. So I took them to the fabric store to pick out fabric and a pattern. They decided that they wanted to make a quilt. I guided them to some fun, yummy Amy Butler, Heather Bailey, and Michael Miller fabrics (these are my favorite fabric designers). I wanted it to be an easy quilt that they could finish within a day or two. So I thought squares would be a good way to go. My oldest wanted to add some small squares too. So here is the quilt pattern that fits the top of a twin bunk bead. The pattern can be added on to to make it wider or longer.

Here's what you need:

1/2 yard each of 8 different fabrics
***we chose 16 different fabrics, choose less or more! Make it fun :)***
2 spools coordinating thread
Twin Sheet (for quilt/duvet backing. We got ours from Target)
10 (4" by 13") fabric scraps (for ties if making a duvet)
Sewing pins

***make sure all material is ironed before cutting and after sewing***

Step 1) Cut 44 (for large) 9" by 9" squares and 106 (for small) 5" by 5" squares from fabric.

***using a rotary cutter, straight edge ruler and self healing mat will not only make this project less time consuming but more accurate as well.***

Step 2) Lay your squares out like the pattern above. Move your fabrics around until you find the color/pattern combinations you like best.

Step 3) Starting from the bottom left end of the pattern and sew the two small squares together(remember to sew right sides "kissing" (touching) and sew with a 1/2" seam allowance), iron. Then sew it to the large square to the right, iron and continue until the entire row is sewn together. Then start on the next row.

Step 4) Once two rows are sewn, sew rows together (remember right sides "kissing" and corners matching up).

Step 5) Continue steps 3 and 4 until the entire pattern is sewn together!

Step 6) Pick one end width side (shorter side) and iron down 1/2" (wrong sides touching), and roll again 1/2" (right sides kissing) and sew down. This is your opening for your duvet cover.

Step 7) Lay ironed sheet (if you lengthened the pattern then the sheet may need to be larger than a twin) right side up on a large flat surface. Lay ironed quilt/duvet top over sheet (make sure right sides are kissing and sheet top and your new duvet cover opening/top are matched up. Voila! The duvet cover opening already has a finished edge) and pin together with sheet. Cut excess sheet.

Step 8) Sew around the 3 side edges with a 1/2" seam allowance, making sure to leave duvet cover opening and sheet top unsewn.Turn inside out and admire you almost finished duvet cover!!!

Step 9) With the 4" by 13" fabric scraps, iron in half length wise, right sides kissing and sew up the side and one width. Turn inside out and iron. Continue until all 10 straps are sewn, flipped and ironed. Iron 1/2" of bottom unsewn end, iron again and sew down (this will leave a nice edge when you sew it to your duvet cover).

Step 10) Separate your ties into 2 piles of 5. To sew ties, fold duvet cover opening in half (length wise) to find center and pin a fabric strap to inside of that center point. Pin the other straps of equal distance on each side of center point strap. Sew in place.

Step 11) Now for sewing the other straps so you can tie your duvet cover closed!!! Lay duvet cover flat. On the sheet side opening pin the remaining straps so that they are in the same position as the duvet side straps. Sew down. Place your comforter inside duvet cover and tie straps to close! Done!!!

My 12 year old daughter was so excited that she made her own duvet cover by herself. Now she is ready to make a baby blanket for her baby brother and doll clothes for her American Girl Doll!!!

Get Inspired!

Have Fun, Be Creative and Look Fantastic!

Reverse Tie Dye

2009-07-02T01:43:00.000-07:00

Love the look of Tie Dye but hate the waiting overnight and the mess? With my new reverse Dye technique the wait is over. have the look of Tie Dye with a fresh new twist!

All You Need is:

Spray bottle
1/3 bleach to 2/3 water solution
Gloves
Colored T-shirt (old or new)

Step 1: With gloves on fill your clean spray bottle with your 1:3 bleach/water solution and lay your T-shirt on a flat area.

Step 2: Tie the front and back of your T-shirt with rubber bands, as you would if you were to Tie Dye.

Step 3: Place your T-shirt in a sink or cleared counter top and lightly mist with bleach solution. The more solution the quicker the color loss. Once you see the color change to almost desired color loss quickly rinse with soap + water and remove rubber bands. Wash and rinse again. Place in the washing machine and wash and dry like normal!

DONE :)

Have Fun, Be Creative and Look Fantastic!!!

Faux Wainscoting

2009-07-01T08:08:00.000-07:00

Love the look of wainscoting but can't afford it or DIY? Try Faux Wainscoting!

All you need is

textured wall paper
measuring tape
leveler
primer
semi-gloss paint

I bought mine on sale at Lowe's several years ago. I wanted it to look like the metal ceiling tins from the 30's. They had several patterns that were textured but I saw the perfect pattern and texture already painted in gold (YUCK!). It was cheaper and who cares if it was gold. I was going to paint it anyway :)

So first you must wash your walls to assure that the wall paper sticks.

Then measure how far up the wall you want it to go. To do this we need to use the Golden Mean (remember when we made curtains?!) This means that the chair rail should be about 1/3 of the way up from the floor (between 32" and 36" for an 8’ ceiling). You can also place a chair back to the wall and mark where it hits the wall. Use your tape measure and level to make a level line along the whole length of the room. Floors are not always level, so using a level will make your Faux Wainscoting straight. If you already have chair railing then measure from chair railing molding to floor molding.

Cut wall paper if needed and apply as instructed by the manufacturer. ***I really like the wall paper that is already got adhesive and all you do is add water.
When wall paper has dried apply a coat of primer, let dry and then add 1-2 layers of paint.(The first time I painted it I wanted it to look antiqued with a forest green. I saw this look on a background display in Target's garden section years ago. I have just recently painted it all white for a fresh new look.)

Add chair railing. My husband did it but here is a site that can help too diynetwork.

Hope this helps inspire you! See that off white light switch in the photo above? That's going to be replaced with a white rocker panel light switch. How to coming up!!!

Cake Decorating Ideas

2009-06-30T07:30:00.000-07:00

TWILIGHT CAKE!

More cakes came in!!! This will be all for a couple of weeks because I am taking 2 weeks off of work for the family vacation to Mount Rushmore. I'll still be posting daily craft ideas and inspiration. Just cakes will be on hold for a couple of weeks. My boss is very sad I will be gone but I haven't ever taken a vacation in the last year and a half since 've worked there.

Hope you enjoy!

Project 365

2009-06-29T07:30:00.000-07:00

For all you Digital and Paper Scrapbookers, here is an awesome project my friend, Mandy has for you to try!

Project 365: Take a photo a day for one whole year. It sounds easy enough, right? Most people choose to start this project on January 1st. I put a spin on it and started it on my 29th birthday. I wanted to have a documentation of my last year of youth (ha!), so what better way to view my year than through pictures?

You can read more about this project here: http://photojojo.com/content/tutorials/project-365-take-a-photo-a-day/

I am happy to report that I completed this project! It wasn’t easy, and I wanted to quit at times. But I never gave up, and I have a GORGEOUS book to show for it. Here are some tips that I’d love to share with you to keep you going.

1) Keep it fun, not stressful! If you forget to take a photo one day, don’t just quit! Find something that represented yesterday, and snap two photos in one day. It’s okay to fall behind every once in awhile, but don’t get TOO far behind, because then it will seem daunting, and you will get stressed out. And that is bad.

2) Have a goal in mind, like a bound book. That is my goal with my project. No matter what you choose to do with it, think of your final project every day to keep you motivated! (Mine was printed at Shutterfly, but you can use any online photo gallery.)

3) Don’t feel like you have to scrapbook every picture, or even one scrapbook-y layout a week. Yes, I scrap some of the photos I take in my project. But since I print my blog book out every year, and I print a family album of all my scrapbook pages every year, I wanted this to be a book of just PICTURES. I don’t want colors, embellishments, or scrapping trends to get in the way of my life in pictures. This is supposed to be fun and not stressful, remember?

4) No pressure to upload your photos to your blog or flicker account – it’s for YOU, not everyone else. Again, why make it hard on yourself? Sure, it’s fun to upload and share the photos you’ve taken. But what counts in the end is how you documented your year, not what everyone thinks of your photos. Share your favorites, or share them all, but don’t let it get you bogged down so that you stop the project!

So you take a photo a day…now what? Here’s what I did…every week (or so) I emptied my camera. I opened up a week’s worth of photos (7) at a time. I edited them, and saved them with the name of the day (ie, January 6) and put them in a folder called (oddly enough!) “Project 365 Photos”. My page layouts are labeled by week (ie, Week 30) and are then put in a folder called “Project 365”. I had a set of page templates that I rotated throughout the year for book uniformity, but I’m a little OCD like that.
Now that my project is completed, I love looking through my book. It is amazing how those winter months seemed to drag by in real time, but they fly by in a matter of pages now. It’s also fun to see the little moments that I had forgotten all about, but I’m so grateful that I snapped photos of them at the time.

Mandy is a full-time mother of two beautiful girls. She has contributed to craftersguru in the past and has a love for digital scrapbooking.

Thanks Mandy for an awesome project!

Decoupaged Counter Tops

2009-06-26T09:06:00.000-07:00

A very dear friend of mine suggested that I check out www.copewith6.blogspot.com She loved how her friend, Tricia decoupaged her counter and thought it would make a great feature here. I checked it out and was blown away! I gotta try this and her blog is fantastic!!! So I emailed Tricia

and even is her VERY BUSY with homeschooling 6, running a small farm, baking from scratch, fresh bread in the oven daily, taking kids to activities and sewing up a storm she emailed me the following instructions. What a Gal :)

I refinished the bright orange counter top by scanning black and white damask Amy Butler fabric from my favorite apron. I made plenty of copies of the swatch and then decoupaged the paper onto the counter top, followed by a whitewashing and then a distressing treatment.

For decoupaging, I used "Mod-Podge." I used a small paint roller and rolled on a generous coat of the glue, and then placed two or three papers on the glue. I then rolled over the paper with another coat of glue. Bubbles form here and there, so I used my fingers to press them flat before they dried.

After letting the glued paper dry overnight, I sponged over it with white latex paint, smearing it around for a worn look. Then I went over that with "distress ink," a small tea-stain colored ink pad from Michael's craft store.

I let everything dry for a day or so, and then applied several coats of oil-based polyurethane to seal it. After six months of pretty heavy use, the counter still looks great!

I used the same technique with my sewing table and a refinished little play kitchen. I love that it makes each piece look unique, with a hand-crafted feel. Tricia Cope is a busy home schooling mother of 6 kids. She is truly amazing! She sews, bakes bread and makes most meals from scratch. Check out how creative and fun being a Super Mom can be at http://www.copewith6.blogspot.com/

Binkie Charms

2009-06-25T08:46:00.000-07:00

Some may call it a Binkie Leash or Chain. I call it Binkie Charm :) This quick and easy project is perfect for the beginner (if you can sew in a straight line then you can do this) and cute enough for a pro!
To begin all you need is:

Binkie (I like the binkies with snap on caps)
17" of 7/8" Ribbon
2 Small-Medium snaps
Office ID clip (can be found at local craft store, I get mine at Michael's or JoAnn's)
Coordinating thread
Buttons and/or Mini Flower Power

Step 1: If desired first sew on smaller coordinating ribbon (I prefer Gross Grain Ribbon). Then double fold, iron and sew down one end of ribbon.

Step 2: Add one side of snaps to folded section and hand sew down securely. Then securely sew the other end of snaps 1 1/2" down ribbon.

Step 3: Take other end of ribbon, fold and iron down once. Guide ribbon through clip and sew down.

Step 4: Add buttons and or mini Flower Power. Make sure to sew down all embellishments securely for babies safety!!!

You can give them as baby shower gifts or add them as present toppers!!!

Flower Power

2009-06-24T07:30:00.000-07:00

This weekend I made a fun purse using an Amy Butler pattern. I can never stick to a pattern so I made a lot of modifications. Next time I make it again I will create a new improved pattern and share it :)

But I do have a Flower Power Pattern to share that I made up to add spice to any purse!

You'll Need:

1/4-1/2 yard fabric
large button
coordinating thread
hand needle
pins
1/4-1/2 yard fusible interfacing
Flower Power pattern

1: Cut out pattern (adjust size if smaller flower is desired) and cut out 2 for each of the 5 petals.

2: Cut out 1 interfacing for every petal (5), then iron interfacing to fabric.

3: Sew 1 interfacing fused fabric with 1 non fused fabric petal, clip edges.

4: Turn petal inside out, iron, and stitch down.

5: Pleat end of petal, iron, and sew in place.

6: Arrange petals and tack down with needle and thread. Hand sew on button. Sew or pin flower to purse, hat, clothing, etc.

How easy was that to add a little spice and pizazz!

FREEBIE WINNER!!!

2009-06-23T08:25:00.000-07:00

The Dr.Grandma FREEBIE WINNER is Mandy!!!

Congratulations! I will be notifying you soon :)

Cakes

2009-06-22T09:33:00.000-07:00

Thought I would put up these cakes today. With the economy the way it is, the place that I work at is getting less and less cakes. The cakes I decorate on the week end is the main thing keeping this place in business. So it may be close to the last cakes I show en mass. Enjoy!

Don't for get about the FREEBIE! Today is the last day to sign up :) The FREEBIE is open to US and Canada addresses!