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.