DESSERT TABLE

I made 75+ cupcake toppers using decorative stickers and bright papers (music notes, monograms, and bees) per client request. She wanted to incorporate her high school mascot plus some of her high school interests onto the toppers. The small cake was baked by a local bakery then I made the monogram topper using tissue to make the ruffle, stickles to add dimensional polka dots in coordinating bright colors.

Congratulations Morganne! Best of luck to you. Kentucky bound...

WE'RE HAVING A PARTY, EVERYBODY'S SWINGING

Tomorrow my oldest daughter turns 18! We had a family and friend celebration last night at the house. She wanted something a little low key- to roast hotdogs and make camper pie pizzas. Being the crafty mom that I am... I went ahead and took it upon my self to make more food, cupcakes, and decorate for the event.

I set up the food buffet on my kitchen island using a mixture of plastic and glass black, white, and hot pink serving ware. Of course, this all matched the hanging pom poms, streamers, and balloons that decorated the ceiling above the island.

She really digs zebra print and we combined hot pink and regular zebra. I love the way it turned out. My youngest  and I made the adorable scalloped circle cup cake toppers. I use my cupcake tree all the time and this time was not acception.

I found adorable zebra boxes in the $1 spot at Target. I filled them with hot pink tissue and plastic flatware. I decorated my punch server with Stampin' Up!s vinyl flowers a couple years ago and it ended up matching perfectly.

The gift table was simple. Streamers , balloons, and candy was all it needed.

I made these adorable mini milk cartons using Stampin' Up! papers, inks, punches, and die cut. I will give a tutorial on these in my next post. I need to get ready to go to graduation party. I'm decorating the cake/ dessert table. I will post photos of that too. In the meantime, if you or you know of someone who likes the look of unique customized party supplies add affordable prices please pass on my name and blog information along to them. I 'm starting to do party decor on the side and really need the word to pass along. Thanks for stopping by.

Distressed Father's Day Card

I have one cabinet in my craft room dedicated to T!m Holtz and his products. I store books, DVDs, inks, refills, Perfect Pearls, Grunge paper,  die cuts, etc... in this small 'jam- packed ' cabinet. Although the "altered" style is not my everyday style, I LOVE to play with his products and experiment. I always make  masculine cards with these products and in this style. My husband thinks the finished products are "cool".
I made a couple Father's Day cards (one for the hubby and one for my dad) with inspiration from a card found  here.

Now, I do not claim to be a professional "Altered Grunge Artist" but I  put together a mini tutorial in distressing Manila paper tags using his inks and techniques.

Ok, lets get started. I used 4 3/4 " x 2 3/8" Avery Reinforced Hole Shipping Tags (Office supply store) because this size tag fits perfect on the front of a 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" card front. Using Old Paper Distress ink and a foam makeup sponge (Dollar Store) I rubbed and dabbed ink all over tag front to get the desired affect I wanted(tag on left). (The photo above shows the tag before and after ink applied.)

Using the same sponge, I then applied Brushed Corduroy on top until I reached the desired affect (tag on right).*Note- the key to distressing and altering is layering the inks to get the affect you love.

No, I did not finish there. I then added Peeled Paint on top to accent the lighter areas (tag on left). If you apply the inks one right after the other, the inks blend perfectly. This ink is perfect for doing this technique.

To finish the cards I attached some distress paper (map design) to the front of a black card base. I attached the tags towards the left of the card front. I put a Journaling Ticket on each tag and distressed with Weathered Wood. I stamped a couple images from the clear set  (subway ticket, arrow, and clock) using Black Soot. I added some black patterned Washi Tape near the bottom of the cards overlapping them in an x pattern. I stamped the old car onto another tag and cut them out. I distressed the car image piece with Brushed Corduroy. I attached the cars with foam tape. I  pierced a hole near the center of the clock image and placed a game spinner. I then finished the card by adding a piece of the acetate film strip tape with the Paper Attacher.   I love the final product!!! I hope the important guys in my life are impressed.  

STAMPIN' UP! STAMPS FOR SALE

                                                                                 

Since the release of the new catalog I decided to sell some of my older and retired stamp sets. They are all $5 (large or small sets). Most are lightly used ( one or two stamps in the set were used) but some were never used. All sets marked with * are NEW. All are wood mounted sets. Most are already mounted some of the new sets are not mounted but are die cut and ready to be mounted. If you are interested in purchasing I will ship to you using FIRST CLASS starting at  $3.00 shipping costs. Priority Mail USPS (may be cheaper for more than one set) starting at $12.00. Of course, combined purchases/ shipping can be at a discounted rate. I will fulfill on a first come first serve basis.

*Flower Lines (4) SOLD
Bitty Basics (10)
*Mostly Flowers (4)
The Art Of Life (4) SOLD
Nursery Necessities (12) SOLD
*Three Little Words (8) SOLD
*Fast and Fabulous (6)
Love You Much (6)
*Live Like You Mean It (7)
*Comfort Food (4)SOLD
Send A Celebration (4)
Garden Collage (3)SOLD
Branch Out (7)  SOLD
Close To Nature (4)
Warm Words 1&  2 (combined) (11)
*Fall Flair (8)
*Of The Earth (4) SOLD
Friendships Journey (4)SOLD
*Perfect Petals (4) SOLD
Happy Harmony (6) SOLD
*Measure Of A Life (5) SOLD
Best Of Cluck (7) SOLD
Provencal (4)
Zoofari (6)
Doodle This (5)
Seeing Spots (6)
Short and Sweet (12)
*Hodgepodge Happiness (5)
Tart & Tangy (4)
Aways (11)
Priceless (11)
Baroque Motifs (6)SOLD
*Cheep Talk (11)
*Wishing You The Best (4)
*Organic Grace (4)
*Spring Solitude (6)
*Botanical Blooms (7)
Delight In Life (6)
Dare To Be Darling (4)
Sweet & Sassy (8)
*Picture This (7) one missing
*So Very (8)
*On The Move (4)
*Sidekick Saying (3)
*Trendy Trees (8)
*Forest Friends (4)
Loads Of Love (7)
Loads Of Love Accessories (12)
Curvy Verses (8)
*Eastern Blooms (5)
*Friends Rock (6) SOLD
*Pocket Full of Posies (4)
*Made from Scratch (4)
*Doodle That (4)

CAKE STAND MANIA

Wow... cake stands are so popular! You can find them everywhere! In stores, on the Internet, in craft and home decor magazines and even in the grocery store. I love, love, love them. There are many styles and sizes. And... even better... they can be really simple and inexpensive to make. They make great gifts, look great on dinner or dessert buffets, and also look great in your guest restroom holding towels or soaps. They really are my new favorite craft and gift to give.
Here are a couple of my favorite cake stands that I 've come across through Internet browsing:


stenciled  wood plaque cake stand



Colorful recycled object cake stands



Painted recycled glassware cake stands



cut wood cake stand



Blue plywood and dollhouse trim cake stand

Now here is a quick tutorial on how to make a couple kinds of cake stands for under $5:

#1

Supplies:

E6000 adhesive

1 plate (used, new)

1 candlestick (used, new)

*THE TOTAL COST FOR EACH OF THESE CAKE STANDS IS $2*

I found these glass plates and candle holders at THE DOLLAR TREE each piece for $1. 

 Here is how to make one:

Wash, remove all stickers or price tags,  and dry both glass pieces. Turn plate upside down and find center. Add adhesive (E6000) to top of candlestick edge and place to center of bottom of plate. Add weight to base and let set for 4+ hrs. VIOLA!

 I added swirl design to the second cake stand using silver and gold Sharpie markers on the underside of the plate and candle stick base. You can put in oven at 200- 250 degrees F for 2 hrs for marker to set permanently. Its recommended to do outside or underside so the cake stand is food safe. You could take things a little further and spray paint the clear glass candle stick to coordinate with the top plate.  Only paint areas that will not touch food. Spray paint is not food safe. Hand washing your cake stand is highly recommended.

As I mentioned before, I love to make these! I think they look great to serve  cake, muffins, cupcakes, etc on. You can make them various heights, colors to use on the same buffet. I love the mixture of bright summer colors. Since they are so cheap to make you can make many colors to match various decor, dishes, or Holiday decor. We are getting ready for a few birthday parties in the next few weeks. Stay tuned to see how I use them.

Ok, here is another kind that I made. The one  in the photos uses a luncheon/ salad plate and a bowl. I found these at BIG LOTS  for $2 each. Using the E6000 adhesive, I  attached the bowl to the bottom of the plate and let set 4+ hrs. You could alter this design and use a large plate or a platter on a bowl base. I made a ton of these for Christmas gifts. I made  bead and wire wrapped spreaders or serving flateware to use with the pedestal stand. Everyone loved it!

Here is a salad bowl set I made for my mom. I found this awesome bamboo salad bowl at Target. I bought some simple serving ware and wrapped with coordinating wood and natural stone beads. The bowl is mounted on short silver colored base. The possibilities are endless! Jump on the cake stand/ pedestal Bandwagon like I did. Its quick, simple, and fun.

                                                                                     

Vintage Flower Hair Pins

Look what I whipped up using some retired  Stampin' Up! Vintage Flower adornments from last Spring's Occasions mini catalog. I loved these flowers the minute I saw them. The colors are fabulous... Rose red, Baja breeze, and Very vanilla. I have seen vintage inspired floral hair pins/ barrettes everywhere. 

I went to my local craft store and found  the bobby pins and a great epoxy glue to use for nearly every purpose (E6000-love that stuff) Please take caution and use this glue in a well ventilated area.  

This craft took all of 10 minutes to make from start to finish. I always let me glue dry overnight.

I think they would be perfect to put in Easter baskets

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!!!