Mini Bedroom Makeover

Back in February I got an itch to clean, tidy, and do a mini makeover in our master bedroom. I love the bold Polo-like plaid  wallpaper  but it is just that... "BOLD". We've been in our house nearly 10 years now and I was  getting tired of  the bedding and the "whole look".  I knew I could not afford to do a huge makeover but thought I could definitely do some little changes.
           I am sorry, I did not take before pictures- kinda embarrassing. I really thought it looked  dated.

I decided to keep the wallpaper after reading and following this blog: 

http://thewickerhouse.blogspot.com/ She did a whole month dedicated to plaid. It was really cool. It made me feel better about my "Out of date" bold plaid wallpaper.

 I bought a grey bedspread, folded my existing POLO-like comforter at the bottom of the bed. 

My mom made the blue pillows from existing pillows I had. They are covered with blue cloth napkins that I found at Target on clearance. I changed my curtains from navy valances to grey panels also found at Target on clearance. I found the grey and blue ruffled pillow at Target- it was on sale not clearance.  Gosh... I love that store...

I made pennant banner using Stampin Up!'s older Sizzix pennant Die cut, a few flowers, paper doilies, felt, old buttons, ribbon and the TASTEFUL TRIM Bigz XL Dies #120893. I think it looks fresh and adorable hanging from the large shelf above my bed. I added some coordinating paper flowers to the frames and monogram Y to add to the coordination.

I found the silver plate  and milk glass vase at a thrift store. I washed, polished and added a rub on I found years ago at a craft store onto the plate. I made the love shadow box a few years ago at an after school art class. I changed the lamp shade on these tall candlestick lamps.  I wrapped the new beaded lamp shades in blue striped wide ribbon to give a coordinating look. The pussy willows in the milk glass bud vase is a perfect way to add texture to this little corner space. (we are not going to talk about my near vintage alarm clock... yes, I still use that thing and have for about 20 years). I have natural rattan baskets on the shelf under each of our nightstands (not visible from photos).

Here is a photo of our large dresser. I bought a new lamp to coordinate with my curtains and the new smaller shades on the bedside lamps. I found it at Lowes. My husband hung a large mirror that I have had in many places around the house. I love it behind my dresser.

I know its nothing over the top spectacular but I am pleased with the outcome. My husband also has commented a few times on how much he really likes it. He loves the curtains and small  masculine details. Going from only having a valance and blinds to having lined curtains and blinds is a "HUGE" difference. We have noticed how much warmer and darker our room is now. It worked out for him a few weeks back when he was switched to third shift.

FREEZER MEALS

Well I have jumped on the freezer meal bandwagon... its very popular now. I have read about it on other blogs  for a while and I found wonderful ideas on PINTEREST. It really makes sense. For those of you who aren't familiar, you buy in bulk and create many meals in which you then freeze in plastic containers, freezer bags or both. I did some casseroles and crock pot meals. I love my crock pot. I use my crock pot both in the summer and the winter. Its FABULOUS! I froze all my crock pot meals in freezer bags. Flatten bags the best you can, press the air out, and stack in freezer. (I have 2 refrigerators with freezers and a chest freezer) This freezer is just crock pot meals. My kitchen freezer has my freezer jams, waffles, ice cream, and things I use often. My chest freezer has large things like meats, frozen pizzas, frozen vegetables,  and heat and eat lunch and snack items.

 I got the ideas and recipes here:

http://melissafallistestkitchen.blogspot.com/2011/09/freezer-cooking-slow-cooker-meals.html

She really did a nice job explaining in detail how to prep, freeze and cook when you use it.

I completed 12 crock pot meals in bags and assemble 4 casseroles. This will be so helpful for when I need something fast on those busy days or days I work.  Now what to make with those pie crusts?...

One of my family's favorite casseroles is lasagna. Its delicious on cold days and its  not hard to make either.

Lasagna

1 lb gr beef or sweet Italian sausage

(sometimes I mix half beef with half pork)

1 clove garlic, minced

1T Italian seasonings

1 1/2 tsp salt

1- 16 0z can tomatoes

2- 6oz cans tomato paste

lasagna noodles (non cook noodles)

2 eggs

3 C Ricotta cheese

1/2 C grated PParmesan cheese

2T Italian seasoning

1T Parsley

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 lb  fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced

8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese

Set noodles aside. Brown meat. Drain. Add next 5 ingredients but only . Simmer uncovered 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Beat eggs, add remaining ingredients but only 1/2 of shredded mozzarella. Put some sauce in bottom of 13x9x2 inch pan (just enough to coat). Layer noodles 3-5 (enough to cover bottom of pan) in bottom, spread 1/2 ricotta mixture, 1/2 meat sauce, rest of shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat but then add fresh mozzarella slices to top. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. (you can refrigerate or freeze at this time- bake for 45 mins if refrigerated. If frozen, thaw overnight then bake 45-60 minutes). Let stand 10 mins. Serve. 10-12 servings.

I am refrigerating my lasagna for a couple days. I wrapped top with foil and then placed lid on top of my baking dish.

My second casserole is Manicotti. I used a disposable/ bakable/ freezable Ziploc container  to store this one.

Manicotti

1/2 lb Italian sausage, browned and drained

1 clove garlic

1tsp dried basil

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

1 tsp dried parsley

1- 15 oz can stewed Italian tomatoes

1- 6 oz paste

Manicotti noodles

3 C Ricotta cheese

2eggs

1/2 C Parmesan cheese, grated

2T Italian seasonings

8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese

Brown meat and drain. Add next 7 ingredients. Cook 30 minutes, Cook noodles as package directs. Beat eggs, add ricotta, Parmesan, 1/2 mozzarella, and seasonings. Mix well. Fill each pasta with cheese mixture. Place/ layer in baking dish. Cover with meat sauce. Cool. Place lid and wrap with foil. Freeze up to 2 months.

(photo from Pinterest)

This is another casserole I made. Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti- YUMMY!!!!!

I doubled the recipe. We ate one for dinner yesterday and I froze the other. After cooking all day, I forgot to take pictures of this dish before my family devoured it. Everyone loved it.

You can find the recipe here:

http://www.mommyskitchen.net/2008/06/old-fashioned-chicken-spaghetti.html

St Patrick's Wreath

I'm at it again, Holiday wreath making again. Its hard to believe Spring is right around the corner. I love that thought.

I used:

 1)  12" styrofoam wreath form from the Dollar Store

2)  1/2 yard fabric

3)  ribbon scraps

4)  two 8 x 11" sheets of cream felt

5)  two 12 x 12" pieces of green patterned paper

6) fabric pinwheels sewn at previous time.

7) hot glue

8) Shamrock  Sizzix Diecut.

1) Cut fabric into 2" strips.

2) Wrap fabric strips evenly around styrofoam wreath form. Hot glue at beginning and end.

3) Make felt flowers following previous tutorial post.

 4) Loop ribbon and glue to the top of the fabric yo- yo.

5) Glue the flower on top of that.

Here is a glimpse of the flower bases and the shamrocks I had to choose from.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope I have  inspired  you to make something with felt flowers this week. Happy crafting, cooking, and whatever else you do.

Felt Flower Fun III

Here is another quick tutorial. Today I used Stampin' Up!'s #121812 Fun Flowers Die cut to make the flower barrette. Cut 5 of the same flowers. and follow steps from previous tutorial to assemble. I stitched the flower onto the barrette. VIOLA!!!

Felt Flower Fun II

Ok, are you ready for another felt flower tutorial? These flowers are so awesome and very easy to make. Lets get started shall we?

Items you need:

1) 1 8.5 x 11 inch sheet of felt

2) scraps of coordinating color to cut leaves.

3) hot glue

4) thin headband and/ or other hardware

1.) Cut a 2 x 11 inch strip 2 times. Then cut a circle to mount finished piece to.

2.) Fold and glue lengthwise on edge, leaving opening like in picture above.

3) Start at one end and roll tightly. Keep rolling and glue end.

Repeat steps 1-3 and glue beside to make flower larger/ fuller.

Hot glue leaves. Hot glue flower to circle scrap. Add to headband, pin, or barrette.

Here is a sample of just 1 strip of felt 2x 11 inches. Small enough to add to a barrette. Both sizes are great.

Felt Flower Fun

Sorry its been so long since I last posted. Its been so busy and somewhat caotic around here. We've had illnesses, different working shifts, death, surgeries, rehabilitation, and now my oldest is home with the stomach flu today. YUCK!!!! Needless to say I have not had time nor been in the mood to craft up until today. After I picked up my oldest from school, I decided to stay in my sweats and "get crafty".

I played around with my felt and sizzix machine. I love, love, love my sizzix!!!!!!!

Look what you can do with a:

1)  flower diecut,

2)a 8.5 x 11 inch and scrap piece of felt, 

3) a metal headband, and

4)  hot glue.

1. ) I used the Sizzix Flowers Layers #5 Diecut. to cut 6 flowers in the same color felt.

2.) Cut a circle out of same color.

3.) fold each flower in 1/2

   4.) Fold in 1/2 again (like above).

5.) Cut the tip off.

6.) I glued 4 flowers around the felt circle. Then I added the last two folded flowers to the center to make the finished flower full.

I cut out a couple leaves with some scraps then placed the entire thing on a thin headband using hot glue.

VIOLA!!!!!!

RECYCLED BOXES PART 2

Okay, here is a recycled oatmeal canister that my daughter and I covered with glossy paper a while ago for a school project. Its made to hold headbands on the outside and brushes, hairbands, etc... inside.

I pieced together a couple pieces of 12x 12" paper to fit around the canister. Glued it with hot glue and 2 sided tape. Glued and tied ribbon around canister bottom. I found a  small melamine bowl at a local retail store and have used it for many years for various things. I decided to attach it to the base of the canister (inverted) to give more drama.

I used SU!/ Sizzix # 121812 Bigz L Die  and #1149854 1 3/4" Scallop Circle Punch to make the flower that I added to the top. I sewed a fabric yoyo with coordinating scraps. The flower is mounted on top of the fabric yoyo. I used decorative buttoning for the center and red and white twine threaded through button and tied in bow.

RECYCLED BOXES PART 1

(After)

 I came across these lovely boxes that I had saved  for a couple years while cleaning off some shelves in my basement. I forgot about them. The boxes are very sturdy and once held a gift set of my favorite bath and body products. I thought they were the perfect size to store stuff and that the ribbon closure was unique and decorative. So while leaning things out, and trying to get some things rearranged and organized I thought I would alter these and put them to use.

(Before)

I measured each side of the box and cut paper 1/4" less on each edge- top, sides, bottom, and inside. I used a glossy top paper from a 12"x 24" tablet I found at a local craft store. I LOVE everything about this paper! Its glossiness, size, patterns are perfect!

I used a floral #121812 FUN FLOWERS Bigz L Die from SU!/ Sizzix to cut out my flowers from felt. I cut one flower up into pieces to make the leaf.  I used some coordinating fabric scraps and cut circles and sewed them into yoyos.

I layered each pieces and assembled with hot glue. I glued a decorative brad, and glued the entire flower onto a paper doily onto the top left corner of the box.

This one wildly matches the colors/ decor in my living room. I plan on using it in there. Not sure for what...yet. I am using the grey one (bottom box in first picture above) in my bedroom. I am storing my large/ bulky bracelets in it.  I am doing some minimal changes in my room  and  this matches the decor (grey and navy).

VALENTINE FAVORS

A couple weekends ago I went on a scrapbook retreat with some friends. 



I made these little Valentine gift ensembles for the girls that attended the retreat. I bought cinnamon scented small pillar candles at the Dollar Store $1 each. I placed each candle on a red polka dot cupcake paper and a small paper doily base. I used up some older patterned Valentine Paper, Stampin' Up!  Red Glimmer paper #121790, and some retired Stampin' Up! ribbon to add some adorable hearts on the front of each candle. I found some adorable red glitter take out boxes at Target before Christmas that matched the Stampin' Up! Glimmer paper perfectly. I added some matching hearts and accents using more of the retired patterned paper to the front of the glitter boxes.

I added some pattered paper and colored stamped images to the fronts of cherry hearts candy boxes to match the rest of the items. Then I attached a punched red glimmer heart and a chocolate heart to the top left corner.

Here are a few of the cards I made for each of the ladies. They are adorable just the way they are or they can add them in their scrapbooks. I love the vintage look they have.

Lizard Love

Another card I submitted for a magazine card contest. LOVE... LOVE... LOVE  this one! I used an older retired  SU! Green Galore striped paper  and coordinated it with Melon Mambo and Black cardstock.

 

I just love the layers, the colors, and the embellishments. I think I will give this one to my hubby.