Gift Tags

Click here for a whole bunch of printable gift tag ideas.

Forgiveness

Today, I decided to let bygones be bygones. My boys have been begging me to play with play dough for weeks now. Today, I decided to allow it. One problem - I had thrown all the commercial Play-Doh out months ago, due to an incident where I found hot pink Play-Doh smeared all over my new carpet. After lots of time, work, and elbow grease, my husband I and were able to get it out of the carpet (It does not come easily). Play-Doh was then outlawed in this house.

Since I decided to give my children another chance today, and I did not want to run to the store for Play-Doh, I dug up an old recipe that my 4-H leader had given me years ago for Cooked Play Dough. It has a nice texture and stays good for weeks, if stored properly. You can probably find this recipe all over the internet, but I decided to share my particular variation. I highly recommend it.

Cooked Play Dough

1 Cup all-purpose flour

1 Cup water

2 teaspoons cream of tartar

1/4 cup salt

1 Tablespoon vegetable oil

Food coloring

In a medium sized saucepan, mix all the ingredients. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly. The dough will begin to look very lumpy and then it will come together into somewhat of a ball. Remove from heat and dump onto waxed paper or a plate. Cool until it is easy to handle and knead for several minutes until smooth. Give it to the kids and let them have fun - with strict instructions to keep it off the carpet!!! Store in a sealed container.

Thanksgiving Ideas

With Thanksgiving fast approaching, I decided to post a few good Thanksgiving ideas I have come across.

Tons of great ideas at A Stirring Life

BHG's festive table accents

Leaf napkin rings

Festive non-alcoholic drinks

Reindeer Cookies

Check out this super cute idea for making reindeer cookies from Tiny Stitches! Click here to see just how cute they are, and for the recipe and instructions.

Go Fish

I have been spending a lot of time making Christmas gifts and searching the internet for more easy and inexpensive gift ideas. I ran across this one this morning, and I will be getting to work on my own this afternoon. Love this idea for homemade magnetic fishing poles and fabric fish. So cute. Click here to take a look at the tutorial.

I ran across this great idea for a halloween countdown calendar at a Bushel and a Peck. She also includes a list of "thankful activities" to go along with each day of the countdown. I don't think I will have time to make such a cute advent calendar this year - but I do think I will come up with a fun little countdown and have my boys do the activities each day. Click on both links to check out the calendar and the list of activities.

Halloween

Halloween is finally here. My kids are soooo excited and my day is very busy. But enjoy this virtual pumpkin carving activity - if you have the time. Happy Halloween!

Christmas Book Countdown

Well, with Christmas coming up in less than two months, I have started to think seriously about all that I need to get done. I am making a lot of my gifts this year, so I had better get moving. In my search for great Christmas ideas, I ran across this cool idea for a Christmas countdown using books. Now, if I only had 25 Christmas books. Maybe I will have to start investing in a few more - because I seriously love this idea. So, click here to go to Savoring the Details and read all about it.

Halloween "Whack-O-Lantern"

Well, only one week until halloween and my family will be carving pumpkins soon. I have never had a lot of luck carving pumpkins - so my husband will be the one to help the boys with the traditional carving. I think I will try this cute idea called a "Whack-O-Lantern". I found it on Disneyfamily.com and it looks like something I can definitely handle. You make the cool polka dots by pounding a golf tee into the pumpkin. Click on the link to go to Disney Family and read their tutorial.

No Sew Quiet Books

I just found this amazingly great idea for making no-sew quiet books out of file folder games. Go to Our Cozy Nest to check out her great ideas! I love this one so much I am seriously thinking about making a couple for my boys for Christmas.

Baby Food Jar Pumpkin

I have been collecting baby food jars at my house over the last few months, in hopes of coming up with some brilliant idea to use them. I finally decided to come up with a Halloween art project for my husband's 4th grade class. My boys and I made this little pumpkin by doing the following:

1. Brush the entire outside of the jar with mod podge - avoiding the screw-top portion.


2. Cover the mod-podged portion of the jar with a layer of orange tissue paper that has been cut into approximately 1"x 1" squares.


3. Brush another layer of mod podge over the tissue paper and add another layer of tissue paper in the same fashion.


4. Brush a final layer of mod-podge over the tissue and allow to dry.


5. When dry, draw a jack-o-lantern face on the jar (hopefully you are better at this than I am).


6. Add rafia and put on the lid (that has been spray painted green).

These, of course, could be filled with candy, or some other Halloween surprise.

My husbands class will be doing these next week. Wish him luck :)

Apple Stamps

My boys and I did some apple stamping the other day. As I mentioned in an earlier post, we received a big box of apples from a neighbor. So, we decided to use a couple to stamp some gift bags. It was really easy and the boys loved it. This is what we did:

1. Cut the apples in half.


2. Dry the cut side on a paper towel.


3. Press the cut side on an ink pad. (We used red and green.)


4. Press firmly on your desired surface. (We used inexpensive white lunch bags.)


5. Draw in the seeds, stems, and leaves.

Gumdrop Pumpkins

My boys and I made these gumdrop pumpkins yesterday. They were so easy and the boys had lots of fun helping me make them - then they delivered them to some to our nearby friends and relatives. I have seen this idea a few places, but I like the tutorial and pictures (their orange slices are way better than mine.) on this fun new blog I found called Craft-i-ness. Check out this tutorial and the blog for some fun holiday craft ideas.

Halloween Advent Calendar

I found this totally cute idea for a halloween advent calendar today at "Just a Girl". My boys would love it. Click the link above for her instructions.

Here is the reason I have not been posting

I apologize for my lack of recent posting. I received two big boxes of peaches and apples from a neighbor and between trying to get all of that fruit preserved, trips to my kids doctor, and keeping up with my businesses - things have been crazy. I plan to get back to my regular blogging schedule in the next few days.

I am sorry that the picture is so poor - but I am trying to show that I have been busy making applesauce, apple pie filling, peach-raspberry jam, canned peaches, dried peaches, frozen peaches, and dried apples. It has been a marathon, and my kitchen still hasn't fully recovered. Thank goodness for an awesome steam mop!!

Pumpkin Book

What a cute idea for recycling an old paperback. Click here to go to Crafster.org and enjoy her tutorial on how to make this cute pumpkin or apple out of an old book.

Shirt to Jumper Tutorial

I apologize for my lack of recent posting - I have been having some internet problems. I found this tutorial on how to make this darling jumper out of a button up shirt. If I had a daughter, I would definitely be tying this. Click here to go to Craftster.org for the instructions.

Child's Messenger Bag out of Old Jeans

Check out this great tutorial on how to make a child's messenger bag out of a pair of old jeans. Courtesty of Snazzorama. I just might have to try this one.

Easy Placemat Pillows

I love a project that is practical, easy, and inexpensive. I ran onto this project today and I love it. Basically you just use a placemat to make a throw pillow. Such a great idea!! Click here for the simple instructions at Schlosser Designs.

Baby SpareWear Giveaway

Jo-Jo's Place: BabySpareWear ~ Review and Giveaway!

I ran onto this giveaway tonight. What a good idea. I could have used one of these handy kits twice this week. Take a look.

Candy Corn Garland

For those of you ready to start thinking about decorating for Fall - - here is a cute idea. Bienvenue has a fun tutorial on how to make this creative candy corn garland.

Cute Button Projects

Check out this article at Scrapbooksetc. It has 16 cute and easy projects to make with buttons. Very fun!!

I love this door hanger checklist from Simplify 101. My mom used to leave us little notes on the door, so that we would be sure to remember everything when we left for school. I have found myself doing it too as an adult. This provides a very cute way to post those notes and stay organized.

Flirty Reversible Apron

Such a cute apron - and reversible too. If you like to sew, this is an intermediate level project. Click here to go to Quamut and get the pattern and instructions. Wouldn't this make a great handmade gift for the gal who has everything? Who can't use a cute apron? Love it!!

Little Birdie Secrets: baby hangers and appliqued onesies

I found a great tutorial on how to make these cute baby hangers. Wouldn't they make the cutest handmade baby gift? What a fun and easy idea!! Click the link below to see for yourself.
Little Birdie Secrets: baby hangers and appliqued onesies

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Don't we all need a good chocolate chip cookie recipe? This recipe never fails. I have given it to several people and it has become their "go-to" chocolate chip cookie recipe as well. It is so easy and the cookies always turn out perfect.

3/4 C granulated sugar
3/4 C brown sugar
1 C butter
1 tsp vanilla
1 large egg
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 1/4 C all purpose flour
1 cup coarsely chopped nuts (opt.)
1 cup chocolate chips

Cream together the sugars, butter, vanilla, egg, baking soda, and salt until light and fluffy. Add the flour and stir until incorporated. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls (or a #70 cookie scoop) about 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheet. Bake 8-10 minutes or until light brown. Remove from oven and cool for 2 minutes before removing to wire rack.

Tooth Fairy Pillow Tutorial

I found this great tutorial on how to make these cute tooth fairy pillows at HdMac's Crafty Blog and More. Aren't they adorable?

Fantastic Cooking Blog

I have become quite a fan of a cooking blog called Dinner's on Me. I tried to pick out just one post that was a favorite - but there are so many, I couldn't decide. All of her recipes look like things I would like and they seem pretty easy to pull off. I also enjoy her good tips. If you need some new cooking inspiration, I think you will enjoy her blog too.

Fabric Wall Decal

I found this great idea at a blog called "How about Orange." She made the cutest decal for her door out of fabric and starch. This method will allow you to put some fabric on your walls without damage. I love this idea and I really enjoyed her blog. Take a few minutes to check it out.

Cool Placecards and other Table Setting Ideas

I found this article at Sunset.com with some great ideas for using natural items as placecards and centerpieces on your table. Click here to take a look.

How to Apply Vinyl Lettering

I have a vinyl lettering business, and I am often asked for instructions on how to apply vinyl lettering to a wall, or other surface. I decided that it would be a good idea to post these instructions, so that if I am unable to just hand over an instruction sheet, I can refer people here and they will have access to my tips.

How to Apply Vinyl Lettering

1. Be sure that you are applying to a clean, dry surface. Dust, wax, oil, etc. will all prevent the vinyl from adhering well.
2. Mark your wall or object with a pencil, or other removable medium to ensure correct placement.
3. Slowly remove the lettering from the backing. The vinyl should remain on the application tape. If not, press the backing back into place and rub firmly - then try again.
4. Hold the vinyl in position and stick. Be extra careful here, once you have put the vinyl in place, there is no going back. You might want to find another person to assist you with this step, especially when applying large pieces of vinyl.
5. Rub the entire area firmly with your hand or even a sharp edge of a ruler or credit card, making sure that all air bubbles are pushed out. The vinyl is pressure sensitive and will adhere better the harder it is rubbed.
6. Slowly peel off the application tape by grabbing the top left corner and pulling downward. Your vinyl lettering should adhere to your surface with no problem. If some does begin to lift off, simply place the application tape back over that area and rub firmly, then continue peeling the tape.

How to Remove Vinyl Lettering

Warm up the vinyl using a blow dryer on low. Carefully peel back the vinyl. Vinyl lettering cannot be used again.

Tips

1. Vinyl lettering will adhere well to most smooth, or semi smooth surfaces. It will not adhere well to rough surfaces, such as heavily textured walls, cinder block, stucco, or unfinished wood.
2. Do not apply the lettering to freshly painted walls. Allow the paint to cure for at least three weeks before applying vinyl.
3. If you need to clean the vinyl lettering, do so with a mild soap and water and non abrasive cloth or sponge. Do not use products containing alcohol or abrasives.
4. Vinyl lettering comes pre-spaced. You can apply it as-is, or get creative and cut and apply it to fit your style.
5. If you find the lettering is resisting pulling away from the paper backing during the application process, it sometimes helps to warm the backing slightly with a blow dryer.

*Vinyl lettering should not damage paint when removed - however, there may be fading issues, depending on where it is placed (i.e. in a sunny location.)

Pizza on the Grill

I found this really fun blog today. It is called Lost Button Studio and it is full of great ideas. I especially appreciated her post about how to make pizza on the grill. I have always wanted to try this, but have been too intimidated. Her tips and instructions are really helpful, and I think I might just give it a try now.

So click here to check out her pizza post and be sure to take a look around at the rest of her blog. I think you will really enjoy it.

Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread

It's zucchini season around here. I actually love zucchini - but at this time of year, even I have a hard time using everything that I have grown and been given. After preparing it every way that I can think of, today I made a really great chocolate chip zucchini bread that I found on Food Networks website. It is one of Paula Deen's recipes. I made a couple of changes, such as substituting yogurt for half of the oil. I was really pleased with how it turned out. Click here to take a look at the recipe yourself. I highly recommend it.

Easy Bookmark

I made this easy bookmark in about 10 minutes yesterday. I just found some cute clipart and printed off two of the same image on cardstock. Then I glued them back to back on the top of a jumbo paperclip and tied a ribbon onto the clip. I think this could be even cuter with stamps, embellishments and better ribbon - but I was in hurry, so I used what I had.

Child's Artwork Collage/Display

I saw this great idea on The Long Thread. What a fabulous way to preserve all of your little artist's best work, without it cluttering up your whole house, or just gathering dust and taking up space in a box somewhere.

1st Year Milestone Scrapbook

Jenny at Crafty Chicks created this adorable monthly milestone scrapbook for the first year of her baby's life. I wish I had thought of doing this for my little boys. Love it!!!

Adorable Apron Giveaway

Isn't this apron cute!! I just ran across this giveaway at a great blog (Posh Point of View) Click here to take a look. You will love them!!!

Other Uses for Plastic Baby Food Containers

I have a 7 month old baby, so we have quite a few of those plastic baby food containers hanging around our house. For some reason, I feel a little guilty about throwing them out. I have been asking around a little and found that people have quite a few good ideas about how to recycle these little containers into useful things.

• Throw a pacifier in one of these containers and it keeps it clean and easy to find in your diaper bag or purse.


• Use them as snack containers for older children.


• Store homemade playdough in them.


• Use them to hold salad dressing, or other condiments, when packing a lunch.


• Put a couple of antiseptic wipes and band-aids in them and you have a portable first-aid kit.


• Make tub toys by poking a few holes in them and then let your kids fill them with water and watch the water flow out through the holes.


• Paint storage for craft paints, or for touch up paints for your house.


• Use them to store chopped onions or celery in your freezer.


• Store spices in them. Just label and they stack neatly in your cupboard.

Thanks to all of the smart and creative people who came up with these great ideas. If you have any other ideas about what to do with these containers, feel free to comment and share your inspiration.

Baby Closet Size Dividers

I found this great tutorial on how to make cute size dividers to help you organize your baby's clothes. This is a great idea!! Please click here to go to Armelle Blog and check out her amazing creativity!

Magnetic Art Display

I was over at TipJunkie's blog today. I love her Teach me Thursday tutorials, and she had featured one in particular that I loved and wanted to share. It is from Wisdom of the Moon and is a cute and functional magnetic art display strip. I love it! What a great idea. Her tutorial is very good and I think I will be heading to our local home improvement store today to copy this one. Click on the link below to see it for yourself.

Wisdom of the Moon: Magnetic Art Display

Girly-Do's

I ran onto this site about a lot of fun and cute ways to do your little girls hair. I only have boys, so I can't take advantage of all of her good tutorials - but I can imagine having a lot of fun with this blog if I had a daughter who would sit still long enough for me to copy some of these darling "do's".

Click here to check out her blog.

Paper Dolls

Do you know a little girl who is a fan of the Berenstain Bears? If so, she might enjoy these cute (and free) paper dolls I found. I am thinking of printing these up and making a set for my niece. Click here to check out the family of paper dolls and all their outfits.

Frozen T-shirt Contest

I just took my boys to a birthday party and they played a fun summer game. The host had taken several adult-size t-shirts, wet them down and folded them neatly, then put them in separate ziploc bags. Then she froze them. She handed one bag out to each child and instructed them to remove the t-shirt, unfold it, and put it on over their clothes. The first one to accomplish this was the winner. The kids had a lot of fun. It took a few minutes, because the frozen t-shirts were hard to unfold. I thought it was a pretty cool activity for a hot summer day. : )

Crayon Jars

My husband and I have been working in his classroom, getting ready for the school year. He has buckets and buckets of old crayons, and he was getting ready to toss them. I told him to wait, and I would look for some kids craft projects using old crayons. I found this one using old crayons and a jar. Since I was just giving it a try, I only used two colors, so my jar isn't as vibrant as it could be.

The project was pretty easy and fun. Click here for instructions on how to make one of these jars with your kids.

Peanut Butter Clay

I got this recipe for Peanut Butter Clay from my aunt when I was a little girl. I made it with my boys for the first time this morning. They played with it for a long time and had a ball.

Here is the recipe:
2 C. Peanut Butter
2 C. Powdered Milk
1 C. Honey
Mix all ingredients together, adding more powdered milk, if necessary, to get desired consistency. Make things and then eat 'em up!

Since this recipe has peanut butter and honey, I definitely would not make it for anyone under one year, and I would be careful when using it with toddlers.

We're Back

Sorry about the lack of recent posting. My family and I just got back from attending a family reunion in Utah. We will back to our regular posting schedule soon. Thanks for checking back in with us.

Shrinky Dink Keychains

I made some of these fun shrinky dink keychains with my kids and one of their friends today. I drew the outlines onto the shrinky dink plastic (that I picked up from a craft store), and punched a hole in the top. Then the kids colored them in and we baked them as directed on the package. They loved watching them shrink up in the oven. After they were cool, I added the keychain hardware. It was really easy and the kids loved it. Our friend didn't want to leave when her dad came to get her. She was hoping to make another one.

Leaf Tracings

My boys and I made these leaf tracings today. It took up some good time and they loved it! This is what we did.

1. We went into the back yard and picked leaves off of some of our plants. As you can imagine - I supervised this pretty closely.


2. We brought the leaves inside and laid them flat under pieces of scrap paper.


3. We unpeeled a few crayons and then rubbed the side of the crayon over the paper on top of the leaves.


4. The images of the leaves - and all their cool details appear before your eyes.

My two year old needed a lot of help with this one, but after I helped my 4 year old with one, he was able to do them by himself. They thought it was just like magic. We all had a great time with this.