The Little Acorn

Found this little acorn container with instructions over on

http://littlegreen.typepad.com/

Easy to follow and great PDF download.

Found HERE

Yard Deck Update

Well it took a bit between the rain and storms but the first stage of the deck has been done.

Embellish those keys

Well in my long list of things to do with keys.

Santa magic keys,

Keys  as lamp shades,

 even key frames ,

This looks the the best way to use up those extra bags of keys.

Found and posted this some time ago on the forum but for those who missed it.

Here is the link to how to embellish keys

Found HERE

Bottle cap Jewelry

While surfing the other day I found this cute tutorial on bottlecap jewelry.

She did a great job on the tutorial.

I have a few caps to try out this one .

Found HERE

photo credit: http://www.greatmusings.com/

How to flatten bottlecaps

HERE

Gift Tag Download

Good morning friends.
Today the weather is storming and the deck has been built.
We will wait until the rains pass to get it sealed and waterproof and then next year build a cover.
But today I have a gift tag to share.
Then yard photos and some more crafts found over on the forum. Enjoy

Transfer June Flowers

1940 Knitted Sock Pattern

I do not knit but mother made almost all my clothes.

She passed away a few years ago and I still have several pairs of her hand made sock.
They are lovingly  tucked away and saved as lost treasures and fond memories.

I do have all her old patterns and books and share one of my favorites with all of you who do knit.

Cable sock with French heel.

Printable Package Tag Boys Birthday

Printable Birthday Tags

Birthday Baby Tag to print Girl

Fun Jewelry made from Glue

I have a ton of old project sheets and ran across this one.

Made from glue and paper you can let yourself run wild with ideas.

I did many years ago.

Video Tutorial Paper Tissue Card

Back Yard Update

Framing Started on Decking

Garden seed in and plastic covering the tomatoes.

Pink rock now comes all the way up to the deck starting area.

Yard Update

As you can see we are moving along down the little yard.

We have the little circle in and some more pink rock in.

And most of the fenceing stained and sealed

May 15 2010

Sock Elephant Tutorial

Found this cute sock elephant tutorial over at

The link to this can be found HERE

Check out her other fun and interesting tutorials on the right hand side of the page while you visit this cute blog.

Card Tutorial

We Wonderful Find

Wee Wonderful has this cute Little Bunny

They offer a free Pattern  Download   HERE

Paper Tea Purse

This darling creation was created and made by Crazy Sue over on the forum chat board.

She designed and filled it as a tea holder purse.

The Purple Cow

Ginny's Purple Cow

2 (3oz) boxes raspberry jello
2 c boiling water
1 can blueberry pie filling
1 lg can crushed pineapple (don't drain)
1 c chopped nuts
1/2 c sugar
1 c sour cream
1 tsp vanilla
1 (8 oz) cream cheese, softened


Dissolve jello in boiling water. Let stand 10 minutes. Mix pie filling, pineapple and nuts. Add to jello and mix well. Pour into 9x13 pan and chill until well set. Mix remaining ingredients and mixer and spread on top of set gelatin.

Paper boxes

Linners has shared her paper box creations over on the Forum board

From Linners
I saw this idea somewhere on the internet and decided to make my own templates and give it a try. It measures 9 inches long, 9 inches tall, 4 1/4 inches wide and 4 1/4 inches deep. I may fill it with flowers or cards or outgoing mail...not sure yet.

The Waterlily

Donnainnc made these and shared them over on the forum board.

They look so beautiful in her pond.

I think there craft foam .

Great job Donna

Raining Cats and Dogs

Found this site full of cute patterns for soft animals.

Cat tutorial and pattern can be found HERE

The site is http://dolls.nunodoll.com/stuffed/

She also had this cute Doxy. HERE

Patterns are listed 

first

second

third

forth.

Be sure to click and copy all 4 sets.

http://dollmaker.nunodoll.com/dog/dachs1.html

http://dollmaker.nunodoll.com/dog/dachs2.html

Then scroll down and print out the instructions and how to sew directions.

Check out her other cute stuffed items.

Great site.

Tutorial Video Circle Paper Roses

For the Mom

Another wonderful project made by joesmom over on the chat forum.

Great use for old cups and plates.

She made these as mothers gifts but they would be wonderful anytime.

I am still waiting to hear if there glued or drilled and screwed.

They would be cute as African violet planters as well as dried flowers.

Wonderful job Lynn / Joesmom

Clever Recycling

These mothers day flowers are made by

http://www.cantstopmakingthings.com/

Check out what these are made of and how theeeeey were made.

Stop by and see all the other beatiful creations from comman junk

HERE

A Rose is a Rose

Ok Friends You will never guess what this flower is made from.

This very clever crafter has created a beautiful rose from common plastic spoons.

The tutorial can be found HERE with lots of good photos and instructions.

Flowers flowers Flowers

Well Freinds it's been two days without a flower tutorial and I found a great one this time.
Fabric flowers so creative and beautiful ,I will use them on everything..
Pin them on your drapes in a bedroom.
Glue them to a mirror
Make a barrette topper or headband side piece.
Pin them to your coat.
Make a refrigerator magnet.
Pin them to a card or send as gifts.
Change the color and use a marker tags on your craft bins.
Endless .The tutorial with lots of photos can be found HERE

Safety Pin Bracelet

The safety pin  Bracelet is easy and quick .makes a great fast gift with little to no expensive.

Tutorial for this beautiful bracelet with tons of easy to follow photos can be found  HERE

Dutch Baby

If you have never had a German pancake called a Dutch baby you have got to try one.

I have had these for years at the Original house of pancakes in Oregon.
I have only tried to make twice but this is not a bad recipe.
Find Recipe HERE
I like them smothered in powdered sugar butter and Yes use the Lemon or lemon Curd or brandied Lemon all very tasty and a good moms day breakfast.

Brandied Lemon Butter French Toast

INGREDIENTS
4 eggs
2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup whole milk
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
12 thick slices bread
Butter
Powdered sugar, optional

BRANDIED LEMON BUTTER
1/2 cup butter
1 cup sugar
Juice of 2 lemons
4 teaspoons grated lemon rind
3-ounces brandy

In a shallow dish, beat eggs, sugar, salt, milk, and vanilla. Soak bread in the above mixture.
Heat butter over medium-high heat and cook each slice of bread until slightly brown on each side.
Serve with Brandied Lemon Butter and lemon slices. Sprinkle with powdered sugar, if desired.
FOR BRANDIED LEMON BUTTER - Melt butter over low heat. Spoon off any foam that forms. Pour into a dish, leaving behind any sediment in the pan.
Wash the pan, pour butter back in the pan and add the sugar. Stir constantly until sugar dissolves. Add lemon juice, rind, and brandy; stir until smooth.
Pour over hot French toast.

How to Box Tutorial

YoYo Heart

Cute Yoyo heart picture tutroial

Found HERE

The Stuffed Owl

Nice easy to follow tutorial

on this darling stuffed owl.

Found it HERE

Milk Paint Recipes

1870 Milk Paint Formula

1 Quart skim milk (room temperature)
1 Once of hydrated lime by weight
(Available at building centers. Do not use quick lime, as it will react with the water and heat up. Hydrated lime has been soaked in water then dried.)
1 to 2 1/2 pounds of chalk may also be added as a filler.

Stir in enough skim milk to hydrated lime to make a cream. Add balance of skim milk. Now add sufficient amount of powder pigment to desired color and consistency (Pigment powder must be limeproof). Stir in well for a few minutes before using. For best results continue to stir throughout use. Apply milk paint with a cheap natural bristle brush. Allow project to dry sufficiently before applying next coat. Extra paint may be kept for several days in the refrigerator, until the milk sours. Double or triple the recipe for paint. Allow to dry thoroughly 3-4 hours before use. For extra protection, give paint a coat of oil finish or sealer. Color may change - test in inconspicuous area

Milk Paint Recipe #1
1 Quart skim milk (room temperature)
1 Once of hydrated lime by weight ( Do not use quick lime)
1 to 2 1/2 pounds of chalk may also be added as a filler.
Stir together milk and lime to form a smooth paste. Add color pigment of your choice and apply with a natural bristle brush. Allow first coat to dry sufficiently before applying another. Finish off with an oil finish if desitred.

Milk Paint Recipe #2
One Gallon Skim Milk
Two Cups Builders Lime (Do NOT use Quick Lime)
One Quart Linseed Oil (the boiled type)
1/2 Cup of Salt
Dye (Color) add in as needed
Mix all ingredients together and strain through a cheesecloth. Use within a day or two.

Milk Paint Recipe #3
Powdered Skim Milk
Water
Food Coloring
Mix just enough pwoder and water to create the consistency of paint. Add food coloring of your choice or make a tincture with various herbs and vegetables. Strain through a cheesecloth.

Franklins Bath Puffs

These were made by Franklin over on the Forum Board.

Crocheted and really well made.

I did find some instructions on a simple version  HERE.

I love her detail and fine work on everything she makes.

Great Job Franklin !

Trap You Notes

Again From Our talented Joesmom on the Forum comes Trap Your Notes.
And.....here's the instructions for you!

1. Choose large traps for the note holder. Use needle-nose pliers to remove all the hardware, and set aside. You will reattach some pieces later.

2. Apply at least two coats of interior paint to the wooden traps, allowing each coat to dry. Small hobby brushes can be used to paint designs or lettering.

3. Reattach the spring-loaded mechanism as shown. Attach a push-in picture hanger to the back of each trap.

Different Problem

What's up

What's Up ? The Ring of Mountains.
Today I thought I would share my section of the country with you.

The high country of Central Oregon.
We have in view the Mt.Hood, Mt Washington. Mt Jefferson, The Three Sisters and Mt. Bachelor.
These are a few photos from around the town.
Not all my photos.
I am the red truck with the sisiters in the background.Shot while out junkin
Hope you enjoy my Oregon.

Three Sisters

Three Sisters

Jefferson

Zip a Flower

Yes I know enough with the flowers but I can not help myself.

This is another version of the Zipper flower

Found HERE

The Stuffed Lamb

Again From Purlbee a darling kids project to make.

The stuffed Lamb instructions and pattern.

Pattern    

  Instructions

 

Flower of the month Transfer

DAISY

Petals - White

Centers - Yellow

Stems & Leaves - Dark Green

SWEET PEA

Petals - Lavenders & Blues

Stems - Medium Green

Leaves - Medium Green

 

Check out the flower of the month Transfer patterns with color charts

All 12 Months. Excellent for stitched cards.

HERE

Knit Kitty Toys

Wonton
SIZE
One size fills all.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Unfinished: 5 inch square.
Finished: 2.5 inch triangular wonton shape
MATERIALS
Plymouth Encore [75% acrylic, 25% wool; 200yd/m per 100g skein] ; color: 256 [cream]; 1 skein [or scrap yarn totaling 18 yards]
1 set US #5/3.75mm straight needles
cotton balls, yarn scraps, of fabric bits for stuffing
catnip
tapestry or yarn needle
GAUGE
24 sts/30 rows = 4" in stockinette stitch
A note about gauge: For goodness sake, do not go out and buy yarn for these projects if you have any sort of stash. These are perfect projects for using up the yarn at the end of a skein. If you don't have worsted weight yarn like I used, don't fret. You can still follow the pattern, though you may end up with a slightly smaller or larger cat toy. The important thing is to make sure the gauge is much firmer than is normally required for the yarn you are using. If you knit these projects in the normal gauge for the yarn, your cat toys will be too loose and you will end up with catnip all over the floor. The yarn I used normally calls for US size #8 needles and a gauge of 20 sts = 4". As long as you are knitting these projects in a tight gauge, go ahead and use whatever yarn you've got.
DIRECTIONS
CO 30 sts.
Work in St st for 35 rows, or until piece measures as tall as it is wide.
BO all sts.
FINISHING
Fold your square diagonally to form a triangle.
Sew the seam up one side of the triangle.
Pour a little bit of catnip into the triangle, then put some of your stuffing on top, and add more catnip.
Being careful not to dump catnip into your lap, sew the other side of the triangle closed.
Pull the far corners of the triangle together to form wonton shape. Hold the corners together while you sew them together, working your needle on the "inside" of the corners so your stitching won't be visible.
Give to happy cat.

Eggroll
SIZE
One size feeds all.
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Unfinished: 10 inches wide x 8 inches tall.
Finished: 5.5 inches x 1.5 inches
MATERIALS
Reynolds Utopia [100% acrylic; 240yd per 100g skein] ; color: 278 [lime green]; 1 skeins [or scrap yarn totaling 50 yards]
1 set US #5/3.75mm straight needles
notions required
cotton balls, yarn scraps, of fabric bits for stuffing
catnip
tapestry or yarn needle
GAUGE
24 sts/30 rows = 4" in stockinette stitch
See note about gauge above.

DIRECTIONS
CO 60 sts.
Work in St st for 3.5 inches, ending with a WS row.
Next row: BO 12 sts, K to end.
Next row: BO 12 sts, P to end. 36 sts.
Work 2 rows even.
Next row [decrease row]: K1, K2tog, K to last 3 sts, SSK, K1.
Continue working in St st, and, AT THE SAME TIME, rep decrease row every other K row 6 times, until there are 24 sts total.
Work even until entire piece measures 8 inches.
BO all sts.
FINISHING
 Place knitted piece WS up.
Fold in "tabs" along long edge.
Sew seam along bottom to secure pouch for stuffing and catnip.
Stuff pouch with stuffing and catnip.
Being careful not to spill the catnip, start at the catnip end and roll eggroll very tightly.
Continuing to hold rolled eggroll, sew short seam of flap to "body" of eggroll [I used blanket stitch] to secure.
Offer to a cat who needs an appetizer.

Stitched Cards

Ginny's New cards from The forum Group

There stitched.

Anyone wanting to learn stitching or find patterns can check out the sites below.

Free Patterns

More Free Patterns

Free Patterns

Info

How to

How to Stitch

Homemade Rubber stamps By Joesmom

Are these not adorable.

Made by Joesmom

She was kind enough to share these

with us from the Forum board

She says easy to make .

Follow the instructions

The Lamb is my fav. by a mile.

Funky Felt Flower Tutorial

Easy Folded Felt Flower

Tutorial found HERE at the

Bluecricketdesign

New Mexico Chili Cookoff

For those of you who don't know me. I like hot food like judge # 2

New Mexico Chili Cookoff
If you can read this whole story without laughing, then you might actually be dead. I was crying by the end. This is an actual account as relayed to paramedics at a chili cook-off in New Mexico .

For those of you who have lived in New Mexico , you know how true this is. They actually have a Chili Cook-off about the time Halloween comes around. It takes up a major portion of a parking lot at the Santa Fe Plaza .. Judge #3 was an inexperienced Chile taster named Frank, who was visiting from Springfield, IL.

Frank: Recently, I was honored to be selected as a judge at a chili cook-off.. The original person called in sick at the last moment and I happened to be standing there at the judge's table, asking for directions to the Coors Light truck, when the call came in. I was assured by the other two judges (Native New Mexicans) that the chili wouldn't be all that spicy; and, besides, they told me I could have free beer during the tasting, so I accepted and became Judge #3.

Here are the scorecard notes from the event:

CHILI # 1 - MIKE'S MANIAC MONSTER CHILI
Judge # 1 -- A little too heavy on the tomato. Amusing kick.
Judge # 2 -- Nice, smooth tomato flavor. Very mild.
Judge # 3 (Frank) -- Holy crap, what the hell is this stuff? You could remove dried paint from your driveway. Took me two beers to put the flames out. I hope that's the worst one. These New Mexicans are crazy.


CHILI # 2 - EL RANCHO'S AFTERBURNER CHILI
Judge # 1 -- Smoky, with a hint of pork. Slight jalapeno tang.
Judge # 2 -- Exciting BBQ flavor, needs more peppers to be taken seriously.
Judge # 3 -- Keep this out of the reach of children. I'm not sure what I'm supposed to taste besides pain. I had to wave off two people who wanted to give me the Heimlich maneuver. They had to rush in more beer when they saw the look on my face.


CHILI # 3 - ALFREDO'S FAMOUS BURN DOWN THE BARN CHILI
Judge # 1 -- Excellent firehouse chili. Great kick.
Judge # 2 -- A bit salty, good use of peppers.
Judge # 3 -- Call the EPA. I've located a uranium spill. My nose feels like I have been snorting Drano. Everyone knows the routine by now. Get me more beer before I ignite. Barmaid pounded me on the back, now my backbone is in the front part of my chest. I'm getting sh*t-faced from all of the beer.


CHILI # 4 - BUBBA'S BLACK MAGIC
Judge # 1 -- Black bean chili with almost no spice. Disappointing.
Judge # 2 -- Hint of lime in the black beans. Good side dish for fish or other mild foods, not much of a chili.
Judge # 3 -- I felt something scraping across my tongue, but was unable to taste it. Is it possible to burn out taste buds? Sally, the beer maid, was standing behind me with fresh refills. This 300 lb. woman is starting to look HOT ... just like this nuclear waste I'm eating! Is chili an aphrodisiac?


CHILI # 5 - LISA'S LEGAL LIP REMOVER
Judge # 1 -- Meaty, strong chili. Jalapeno peppers freshly ground, adding considerable kick. Very impressive.
Judge # 2 -- Chili using shredded beef, could use more tomato. Must admit the jalapeno peppers make a strong statement.
Judge # 3 -- My ears are ringing, sweat is pouring off my forehead and I can no longer focus my eyes. I farted, and four people behind me needed paramedics. The contestant seemed offended when I told her that her chili had given me brain damage. Sally saved my tongue from bleeding by pouring beer directly on it from the pitcher. I wonder if I'm burning my lips off. It really ticks me off that the other judges asked me to stop screaming. Screw them.


CHILI # 6 - VARGA'S VERY VEGETARIAN VARIETY
Judge # 1 -- Thin yet bold vegetarian variety chili. Good balance of spices and peppers.
Judge # 2 -- The best yet. Aggressive use of peppers, onions, garlic. Superb.
Judge # 3 -- My intestines are now a straight pipe filled with gaseous, sulfuric flames. I crapped on myself when I farted, and I'm worried it will eat through the chair. No one seems inclined to stand behind me except that Sally. Can't feel my lips anymore. I need to wipe my butt with a snow cone.


CHILI # 7 - SUSAN'S SCREAMING SENSATION CHILI
Judge # 1 -- A mediocre chili with too much reliance on canned peppers.
Judge # 2 -- Ho hum, tastes as if the chef literally threw in a can of chili peppers at the last moment. **I should take note that I am worried about Judge #3. He appears to be in a bit of distress as he is cursing uncontrollably.
Judge # 3 -- You could put a grenade in my mouth, pull the pin, and I wouldn't feel a thing. I've lost sight in one eye, and the world sounds like it is made of rushing water. My shirt is covered with chili, which slid unnoticed out of my mouth. My pants are full of lava to match my shirt. At least during the autopsy, they'll know what killed me. I've decided to stop breathing. It's too painful. Screw it; I'm not getting any oxygen anyway. If I need air, I'll just suck it in through the 4-inch hole in my stomach.

CHILI # 8 - BIG TOM'S TOENAIL CURLING CHILI
Judge # 1 -- The perfect ending, this is a nice blend chili. Not too bold but spicy enough to declare its existence.
Judge # 2 -- This final entry is a good, balanced chili. Neither mild nor hot. Sorry to see that most of it was lost when Judge #3 farted, passed out, fell over and pulled the chili pot down on top of himself. Not sure if he's going to make it. Poor fella, wonder how he'd have reacted to really hot chili?
Judge # 3 -- No report

Felting Soap Video

Hair Clippie Sites List

Hair Clippie Sites List for that girly girl in all of us.

http://www.girlythingsbows.com/penguin.html
http://makebowsandmore.blogspot.com/
http://www.thegreenwife.com/frommetoyou/tutorials/hair-clip-tutorial/
http://www.instructables.com/id/Christmas-Tree-Hairbow-Clip--Step-By-Step-Instruct/
http://soduel.blogspot.com/2009/04/reversiable-flower-girl-hair-slides.html
http://craftblog.com.au/2010/03/19/hair-accessory-tutorial-round-up/
http://www.theribbonretreat.com/custom/free_projects.aspx
http://www.bambinaballerina.com/pages/hairbowinstructions.htm
http://www.thesuburbanmom.com/2009/08/31/how-to-make-minnie-mouse-hair-bows/