Monday, May 31, 2010

Crocheted Dishcloths






Over the weekend I whipped up a couple of dishcloths.  I also have a knitted dishcloth pattern (I don't knit much, but dishcloths and some basic things I can knit.)  All three shown above are different patterns, but there is one pattern that I like the best.  That is the one I posted below.

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Easy Homemade Lollipops



Easy homemade lollipops

Before my daughter was born (she is 27 years old) my grandmother gave all her daughters and granddaughters a wooden lollipop tree.  Unfortunately, mine is packed away with our holiday items and my husband did not have time to find the box it was buried in for this blog post.  I remember my grandmother was always cooking, baking, quilting, crocheting--generally doing "crafty" things.  She was always busy with some activity and enjoyed seeing her grandchildren stay active also.  I was still living at home, when she gave me my lollipop tree.  My mom went out and bought the round lollipop mold and supplies and we went to work on our first batch of lollipops.  It was so much fun, I made lollipops and decorated my tree for every holiday.  I seldom decorate it anymore, but occasionally I still make homemade lollipops.  They are very easy and fun.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Kilim Throw


While my husband was out of town last week, I visited the craft store trying to find myself a new project to keep busy.  The throw on the front of this book of afghans, Vanna's Choice--Color it Beautiful Afghans, caught my eye, so of course I had to make it.  It uses a lot of yarn, however, I didn't use as much yarn as the pattern called for, but I didn't follow the pattern in the book.  It's very thick and heavy and will make a nice cover during the colder months.  Each row is two colors of yarn, giving it a variegated look.  I made the afghan in a basic ripple.  The pattern I used is below.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Decorative Tile Art Project


For Christmas last year, my daughter-in-law, Amber, gave me a tile with a phrase in vinyl letters place on it.  Very cute!  When my daughter bought her new home, Amber went to work on one for her (shown above).  I asked her to take pictures and write up the instructions as she went.  This is what she said:


The good thing about this project for me at least, is having a connection in the tile business. It's fun to choose the tile you'll be working with. I usually try to match it to colors already being used in the decor of the recipient. My FAVORITE part is choosing the saying that will go on the tile.  A good web site for a variety of expressions: Vinyl Letter Decor Then you choose the vinyl. There are so many colors. When I picked up the chocolate vinyl I also saw hot pink, blue, yellow, white and black.

I used my Cricut machine to cut the vinyl with the George font and Basic shapes cartridge. I measure the tile and divide it up using tape as a guide so I can get the lettering as straight as possible.  After measuring the tile, then I cut the letters.  You can place the lettering anyway you please.



After they are placed to your liking you press down on the vinyl making it stick to the tile. This is a really simple and cute project! So fun and makes great gifts.

Supplies used:

Cricut machine 










George font and basic shapes cartridge
Cricut brand vinyl



Tile

Monday, May 17, 2010

Crocheted Finger Puppets

A very good friend of mine, Danna Smith, is a children's book author.  Her latest book Two at the Zoo is a cute counting book and one that I love to read to my almost two year old granddaughter.  Grandpa and grandson count their way through the zoo finding one bear on up to ten warthogs.  Her books are always entertaining and this one is no exception.  Her dazzling rhymed text, along with the great colored illustrations make her books great gifts for all the small children in your life.

Friday, May 14, 2010

Spring Treats--Banana Dog Cookies

I love to experiment while I'm cooking and baking. So who better to bake for than a group that doesn't care what the cookies look like or how they taste when they are done? My poochies!  For the most part, they're not a very discerning group.  :)

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Curling Iron Holders



It drives me crazy to open a cupboard, drawer, closet, etc. and find a cluttered, disordered, jumbled mess.  So what do you do with curling or flat irons and the twited, snarled unkempt cords? 
I sat down at the sewing machine and whipped up a little cover that can hang on the inside of the cupboard door (with one of those adhesive mounting/removable hooks) and it keeps everything tidy.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Monday, May 10, 2010

Kitchen Flower Scrubbies

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Taco Soup

I first tried this "soup" years ago at a family gathering.  My Aunt made it.  It was one of several soups brought to our annual family Christmas party and I think the only one that was completely devoured.  It was a hit with everyone, very delicious.

Unfortunately, I can't post the picture (my desktop computer is down), but it's much thicker than a soup consistency.  Over the years I have switched some of the things in the recipe to my family's liking, making it vegetarian. But it's a family favorite.  A lot of friends have asked for the recipe and told me how much their families have enjoyed it.


Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Fence Post Candlesticks

I got this fabulous idea from the Drab to Fab web site.  You can visit and read their tutorial here:  Fence Post Candlestick tutorial

This was my first experience at distressing wood.  I read a few different articles prior to beginning and they all pretty much gave the same advice.  So I gathered my tools and went to work.  It was a fun endeavor and one I will definitely try again.