Missoni Pumpkins?!

Tags

Missoni, Pumpkins

Has anyone seen these pumpkins at Hobby Lobby? As soon as I saw them I thought “Missoni!” :P With the Missoni craze at Target and Anthropologie carrying their scarves, I thought maybe Hobby Lobby joined in too! Hehe! I thought of getting one, but it would be more fun to make one:P Just need to find the right fabric!

Wedding Cake & Fried Green Tomatoes

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Cake Decorating, Fried Green Tomatoes, Recipes, Wedding Cake

I’ve been busy preparing for my first wedding cake order which is for this weekend. Eek! Excitement! Want a sneak peek? I guess just a little peek won’t hurt;)

Don’t worry, I will be sharing a picture of the cake with you… so don’t forget to come back and see it. In the meantime, pray that all goes well:) Even though I’ve made tiered cakes before, the idea of “wedding” makes it nerve-wracking. If you want to see my previous cake work, you can check out my Flickr set:)

Now how about that fried green tomato!

You are probably wondering where do fried green tomatoes fit in with this wedding cake. It doesn’t:D Hehe. I just wanted to share a yummy recipe that I experimented with yesterday. I went to the farmer’s market yesterday, and they had green tomatoes. I’ve always wanted to try fried green tomatoes. I didn’t have all the ingredients that the recipe called for so I made substitutions. I didn’t have cornmeal on hand (I actually never do), so I used crushed tortilla chips. Instead of all purpose flour I used extra crispy tempura batter… I had flour but wanted to see what the extra crispy tempura batter would do. I didn’t have regular bread crumbs, instead had Italian style bread crumbs. The result was delish and definitely will be making it again! The only difference I would do next time is if I use Italian style bread crumb again, is to use less salt than what the recipe calls for. So here is the original recipe which can also be found here at All Recipes…

Best Fried Green Tomatoes

Ingredients:

• 4 large green tomatoes
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 quart vegetable oil for frying

Directions:

1. Slice tomatoes 1/2 inch thick. Discard the ends.
2. Whisk eggs and milk together in a medium-size bowl. Scoop flour onto a plate. Mix cornmeal, bread crumbs and salt and pepper on another plate. Dip tomatoes into flour to coat. Then dip the tomatoes into milk and egg mixture. Dredge in breadcrumbs to completely coat.
3. In a large skillet, pour vegetable oil (enough so that there is 1/2 inch of oil in the pan) and heat over a medium heat. Place tomatoes into the frying pan in batches of 4 or 5, depending on the size of your skillet. Do not crowd the tomatoes, they should not touch each other. When the tomatoes are browned, flip and fry them on the other side. Drain them on paper towels.

Alrighty, now I have to get back to doing some prep work for the wedding cake:) See ya in the next post!

Another Skirt!

Tags

Children, DIY, Fabric Flowers, Sewing

Am I being a chicken for not taking more risks with sewing? Or is it okay to continue to depend on pre-made patterns? I’m, in particular, referring to clothing. I’ve made a couple of skirts without a pre-made pattern by using my experiences from skirts that I made from a pattern… that’s how the learning process works, right? Also, I did make this Montessori apron without a pre-made pattern:) I just used an already existing apron to draw out my own pattern. Yeah, it was exciting because I drew out a pattern! I’m sure it’s not a biggy for the experienced sewer and you are probably thinking “ah, hun, that’s not really clothing“, but it sure was exciting for me! I admit I’m afraid to venture beyond skirts on my own. I have seen tutorials on how to make a dress, top, and pants pattern out of already existing clothing items… but not feeling ready for it just yet. In the meantime, I will continue to make pattern free skirts:D

So here’s another skirt that I have made… a tiered skirt with a drop waist…

I’ve combined experiences from two different skirts I’ve previously worked with: one with a drop waist and one that was a simple tiered skirt.  Then I sewed on flower embellishments with button centers. I cut the flowers with my Silhouette. Boy do I love my Silhouette!

Other than it being my own creation, the other exciting part is the camo print corduroy fabric. I rarely buy my fabric from Joann’s (Etsy is my #1 place to go), but at times I have found fabric I like and for a bargain! I got this camo print corduroy from the clearance section and the day I purchased it Joann’s had an additional 50% off all clearance. So it was $2/yard! That sure was a no brainer, don’t you think?! I purchased whatever was left which was about a yard, which was the perfect amount for the three tiers. For the drop waist I purchased a quarter yard of solid green corduroy… don’t worry I used a coupon for the solid green:) As soon as I found my deal of the day, I knew I was just going to make a fall/winter skirt for my younger stepdaughter Suraya.

To make it a complete outfit, I sewed on the same flower embellishment to a shirt that I purchased from Old Navy. I thought gray would add a nice touch to the outfit. What do you guys think?

Oh, and I did a “rolled hem” look at the bottom with gray thread. I don’t have a serger, so I did a close zig zag stitch around twice! Boy did that feel like it took forever!! However I was pleased with the end result:D A serger is on my wish list though:) I want it for the purpose of hemming and finishing raw edges. Do you guys think there is a sewing experience level needed before getting a serger? Other than hemming and finishing raw edges, what are other valuable usages of a serger?

Fall Table Centerpiece

Tags

Crafts, DIY, Fall, Glitter, Gourds, Inspiration, Jute, Mason Jars

Psst…want to see the fall centerpiece I put together for my coffee table? I love it! I sure hope you all will too!

The inspiration for this project started with a rope knot ball that I saw at the Saks Fifth Avenue outlet. It was $70!! Clueless, at the time, of it’s purpose, I thought it was neat but not for that price! I’ll make my own thank you very much! In case you are wondering what a rope knot ball is exactly, I found one here but the one I saw was a bit larger. Apparently it’s a doorstopper… LOL! Doorstopper?! I had planned on displaying it on my mantel! :D

A couple months after finding the rope knot ball, I read this post and once again I’m reminded of that rope knot ball. I loved the idea of crafting with ‘rope’. It didn’t occur to me immediately to make that container…I wanted the rope knot ball you see:P

Now a month after reading that post, and my fall mode going into effect, I decided I need to make a fall centerpiece for my coffee table. And rope came to mind! Then I remembered the containers:D That was it! That was going to be the starting piece to my centerpiece! However, instead of rope, I planned to use jute since that’s what I had on hand.

So here it goes… the first piece:

Simple and neat!

Have you heard of Glitter Blast? Well, people, you should have if you haven’t;) It’s awesome! Okay, I admit that at first I had no idea what it was… I’ve seen crafters glittering away and wondered what they were using. Thanks to Tattered and Inked, I now know the secret;) And I am here sharing it with you. So you bet the next part of the centerpiece includes some glitter! Glitter and gourds…

I purchased two colors: Sparkling Waters and Citrus Dream (not shown in pic). Turns out my idea wasn’t unique… Tattered and Inked had the same idea but she beat me to it! It’s all good… just means great minds think alike;P

Here are my pretty sparkly gourds in my neat-o jute wrapped container…

Eek! Aren’t they pretty?! I purchased the gold pumpkin… thought it would add a nice touch to the group:) To give the gourds a nice lift, I placed a few of those big plastic air bubbles that you get in shipments (I get them usually with an Amazon order) in the container. Then I covered the bubbles with burlap (from scrap that I already had on hand).

This centerpiece does not end here. Nope, there’s more!

Did you see those mini pumpkin pods in craft stores? If you love pumpkins, you are not going to be able to resist them! Well, that’s what happened to me:D I just had to find a way to use them…. and I did! Can you guess how from these three things…

If you guessed a fall bouquet, you got it! I made a very simple fall bouquet:)

Now it’s done! Here is the completed project…

I placed them all in a wooden tray I already had on hand. What do you all think?

Apple Picking & Apple Pie

Tags

Apple, Apple Picking, Apple Pie, Fall, Farm, Mason Jars

Over the weekend, we went apple picking at County Line Orchard in Indiana. Everyone had fun…kids and adults!

Some took their apple picking seriously…

While others jibber jabbered on the job…

And ate on the job.

But all were surprised by the amount of apples that needed to be picked!

And carried as much as their little hands can carry…

All for a yummy apple pie!!

Susu and I made these apple pies. I love food presentation in a jar… especially apple pies! A rustic dessert in a rustic vessel… the perfect team! Don’t you think?!

I wish I can tell you where I originally came across this idea, but to make it easy for you I found these great instructions at Our Best Bites. You can use one of the recipes they suggest or your favorite recipe. I used my sister’s recipe which my whole family loves!

Now go impress your family and friends… and Enjoy!

But before you go there is one more thing I would like to share with you… Susu has started her own blog called Susu Girl in this World. Yay Susu! Take a moment and check it out!

Yay to Features :D

Fall Wreath Tutorial

Tags

Crafts, DIY, Fabric Flowers, Fall, Tutorial, Wreath

Goodbye old wreath, and hello new wreath! I still love my old wreath and it’ll be back up again in the future. However, since I’m on a fall rampage, I thought it’s time for a fall wreath. This is what I came up with…

I love how it turned out… a vintage inspired fall wreath! Would I give you anything but? :P It was simple and fairly quick to make! I decided I’m going to show you how to make your own wreath… how does that sound? :) Now let’s get started!

Supplies needed:

• Straw Wreath (keep plastic wrap on it)
• 1/2 yard of brown burlap
• doilies
• fabric scraps,
• wired mini pumpkin bunches (you can find these at Joann’s in the floral department, by the fall stuff)
• 1/4 yard sheer fabric in ivory
• hot glue gun
• scissors

Step 1: Cut out four 3″ strips from your burlap.

In the picture I only show three cut out. After using all three, I ended up needing a fourth strip, but didn’t use the entire piece.

Step 2: Wrap the strips around your wreath.

Glue the beginning and end of each piece in the back of the wreath.

When you are done wrapping all four strips, you’ll have this…

Step 3: Lay out your doilies and glue them on.

I put glue in the center of the doily, and a small dot on each petal.

Step 4: Make your flowers.

To make your flowers, first cut out 10 circles. My flowers ranged from 1.5″ to 2.5″.

To make the petals, fold each circle in half twice. Put a small amount of glue to hold down the folds. You’ll end up with a quarter of a circle like this…

Repeat with nine of the circles.

Then take the tenth circle, and lay four of the petals on top of it. Glue them on.

Repeat with four more petals but placing them on the seams of the first four, and glue them on.

Take the last petal and trim the bottom tip, apply glue around the trimmed end and place the petal in the center like so…

Take the four surrounding petals and push them into the the center petal allowing them to grap on to the glue.

Make three flowers.

Step 5: Place your flowers and pumpkins on your wreath.

Of course, first, you will need to pull apart your pumpkin bunch. Trim wires where necessary. Poke the wires through the burlap. Adjust flowers and pumpkins to your liking. After getting my layout, I then added glue to the pumpkins’ wires to keep them from coming out or twisting around. Then glue your flowers on.

Step 6: Cut your sheer fabric to about 3″ to 4″ wide. Loop it on top of your wreath, and tie it on. I made a small loop from which the wreath will hang onto the door hanger. Then I made a bow. I found it easier to make my bow after hanging it up.

You are done! Hang it on your door and enjoy!

I have my wreath hung up on my front door, but I live in a condo building. My front door does not get natural light… just a hallway fluorescent light, and for an amateur photographer, I could never get decent pictures in fluorescent light. So I wasn’t going to share a picture of it hanging on my front door, but I have changed my mind because of my step-daughter Susu. I was fussing about getting my bow to look right, and she thought it looked fine. But don’t all crafters fuss until they are happy with the end result… am I alone on this one? Anyway, she then teased me that no one is going to see my new wreath except for the three families that live on our floor and the mailman…LOL! Well Susu…now the whole world will see it…well maybe not the whole world but everyone that reads this post will! Here is my new fall wreath hanging on my front door for everyone to see :D

And even if no one were to see it but myself, I’m okay with that too! My new motto is “I just want to make beautiful things even if nobody cares“! :D I came across this quote at Landee See, Landee Do and thought it very suiting!

Anyway, I hope you liked the tutorial:) If you make one, I would love to see it!

Well that’s all for today folks! See you in the next post:D

Updates:

Tatertots & Jello featured my wreath in her post Great Ideas–30 Fall Projects. Yay!! Thanks a bunches:D

I’m participating this wreath in Falling for Crafts Challenge: Door Decor at One Artsy Mama. Go check it out!

Thank you Nest of Posies for featuring my wreath and apple pie as part of your Fall Festival’s week 3 highlights!!! It was so awesome to see two of my projects in one feature:D Yay!

Primitive Pumpkin Patch

Tags

Crafts, Fall, Primitive Crafts, Pumpkins

In my first post I talked about my journey into the craft world that started about three years ago. Amongst the classes I took at that time was an online primitive craft class. I don’t remember what I was searching for at that time, but whatever it was brought me to The Ragged Fence, an online primitive craft shop… my first introduction to handmade primitive crafts. They have a large selection of products, and most of them are handmade by the shop owners, Deb and Gerald… a husband and wife duo! As I was browsing, I learned that they offer classes. I thought how neat would that be to make my own primitive crafts? So I signed up for a class! I started with one class… and enjoyed it so much that I took two other classes after that. Deb teaches the classes. Her instructions are well put together and easy to follow. She was so sweet and encouraging… and readily available to help! Today’s show & tell craft is inspired by Deb. It’s this fall’s first craft project that I share with you… a primitive pumpkin patch!

My SD Susu joined me in making one… her first primitive craft! I have her’s sitting on our fireplace mantel, and I gifted the one I made. What do you guys think? I hope Deb approves of them!

What I love about primitive crafts is that the imperfections are what makes them perfect! It’s the craft that says “it’s ok not to be perfect”! :D

You can purchase the muslin pumpkins and mini and large crows from The Ragged Fence. They come cut and pre-sewn… ready for you to stuff, stain, paint, bake, and sand. The grubby tags are from there as well. Now go check out this shop!

Thanks Deb for the inspiration!

Fall

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Fall

I am so excited that my favorite time of the year is approaching… Fall! The moment I saw fall decor in stores I felt nostalgic. Each aisle brought memories, and each memory smiles:) Oh fall how I love thee. The beautiful color changes in the leaves… oranges and yellows. I sure do love fall colors! The cooler weather which calls for sweaters! I love my sweaters… comfy cozy sweaters:) Then there is apple picking, and with apple picking comes homemade apple pies, taffy apples, apple cinnamon donuts…mm mm yum! Oh oh oh…and APPLE CIDER!! I do prefer mine cold please! Of course there are those pumpkins! Running through pumpkin patches in search of the “perfect” pumpkin! And the pie… the pumpkin pie! Nothing beats a homemade pumpkin pie!!

Shall I continue? Ok, I will! The smell of cinnamon… hayrides… little ghosts and goblins… lots and lots of candy… turkey and stuffing! Fall is so full of inspiration! Other than the food and the fun outdoor activities, there’s also the crafting! I love fall home decor especially when it’s handmade. I have a few projects planned for this fall, and I can’t wait to share them with you! In the meantime checkout the Fall Fever event at Every Creative Endeavor.

Fall. Need I say more:)

Anthropologie Inspired Project

Tags

Anthropologie, Crafts, DIY, Inspiration

I love Anthropologie! Who doesn’t?! How can you not?! Other than for the obvious reasons to love Anthropologie, another reason I love it so much is because it’s filled with inspiration! Have crafter’s block? Just go to Anthropologie! Also I don’t think I’m alone when I say that I use “Anthropologie” as an adjective… hehe:D Those that know me have often heard me say “that’s so Anthropologie!” Of course, every trip to the mall calls for a visit to Anthropologie. On my visit this past weekend I was browsing their “office” supplies section. They had the cutest paper clips, push pins, and notebooks. But what caught my eye was this notecard…

Isn’t that so neat!! I thought it was!! It’s not on the Anthropologie website (I checked on my iPhone), so I took a quick picture of it so I can share it with you:) It’s $7.00 for the set of one notecard with envelope… But why pay $7.00 when you can make your own? And that’s exactly what I did… including the envelope! Here’s my version…

What do you think? Pretty close, huh!

I already had ivory colored cardstock at home. At first I was just tearing off the sides but that wasn’t looking pretty. Then I decided to create a crease and then tore along the crease… and that worked like a charm! I didn’t measure before tearing, but the end result was about 4.25″x6″ which was about what the original measured. Then I grabbed red and blue thread and let my sewing machine do the rest. Simple! For the envelope I used a Wholefoods bag that I had handy and cut out the envelope with my Silhouette. Again, simple! If you don’t have a Silhouette or other craft machine, it’s not a problem. You can use an envelope you already have as your template or find a template online and just hand cut it.

Next time I want to try making one with handmade paper which is what the original seemed to be made of. But, as you can see, for a quick and simple method to achieve the same look, cardstock does a great job!

Now go ahead and get started on yours! Then mail it to someone you love… I’m off to do the same!

Learn to Sew

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Sewing

I really enjoy sewing! Oh so much that I want to spread the love! Do you want to be part of the sewing love but want to be able to learn on your own time and schedule…and for free?! Well check out Wendi Gratz’s online Sewing School at Shiny Happy World. Wendi’s school is a great place to start. I love her lessons! I think you will too!