DIY: felt and bead flowers

These flowers are really easy.  Just need felt, thread, and seed beads (discovered these in my bead box.  Birthday party 8 years ago?)  This project is easy to take along in your purse....hotel, car, doctor's office, etc....

(inspired by this post)

~K

DIY: iPod nano case

Alrighty, here's a quick little project.  All you need is felt, matching thread, matching embroidery thread, plastic sew-on snaps, hot glue gun, and any pretties you may want to add:)

Cut out two squares about 2.5x2.5 inches.  Then cut out a shape with a 2.5in square and a 1.5 in triangle on top (measurements are estimated, you can just use your nano for the sizing.  Make sure to leave enough room for the nano to squeeze into!)

Sew a plastic snap on the very top of the triangle with thread that matches your felt.  Place a square on top and mark where the snap would come down to.  Sew the other part of the snap on that spot.

Sew this square down onto the other piece with the matching embroidery thread.  Make sure to sew it so that the snaps are on the same side!

Glue the other square onto the back.

And you're finished!  It's pretty easy-peasy!

cozy pocket for earbuds:)

Maybe next time I'll add some rick-rack or lace or something:)

~K

Clay DIY: Plant labels

Alrighty, some more clay creations.  I've always thought that the little paper tags that you stick in the ground next to a plant to mark what it is were kind of {blah}.  Anyone else with me?  Anyways, here's an idea!  I didn't take any pictures of the process, because it's that easy.....
Massage your clay until it is soft.  Roll it out and cut a rectangle shape about the size of a long stick of gum.  Then use rubber stamps (or a toothpick if the name is too long) to write out the name of the plant.  Bake according to the directions on the package and stick in the ground.  TADA!

~K

DIY: more clay experiments

I've been experimenting with some more textured pieces to use on clay, and it seems that our stash of sea shells offers up the most options!  Here are some different textures using shells.

This itty-bitty shell has some black bumps that are really cool.

Here's a piece of a large cowrie shell.  Doesn't the texture look like apple pie?:)

My favorite:)  Anything sea urchin has to be ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!!!!

I mean, who couldn't love this texture?  The little bumps look like they should be outta this world!  And the mixture of light purple and green is delightful:)

And to finish off, I tried out a rubber stamp that I have

What do you think I should make with these different textures?

~K

Bubble wrap

A while back I saw some notecards stamped with bubble wrap on Pinterest.  I've used the idea multiple times, and love it!  I think it's awesome how the pattern is different every time:)  I found it was easiest to put the bubble wrap on a flat surface and rub the ink pad on top of it, then stamp it onto a blank notecard.  I used a rubber stamp from the $1 bin at Joanns to add another touch of color.  Makes me excited for summer!

I linked this Pinterest project up to:



 

Features:

Cinco de Mayo Pinata Cookies!

Simply Adorable Pinata Cookies!

If I had found this a few hours earlier, I'd totally be making them! But alas. Work calls tomorrow with no time for cookie fun before dinner. Next year. :)

DIY Tutorial: Easy-Peasy Clay Pendant

So I've decided to try my hand at using clay for crafting.  I hadn't touched clay for years, since back in the days when I'd stuff the clay into the sea animal mold, pop it out and bake it, and glue it to a magnet.  I was thoroughly inspired by Lindsay over at Delighted Momma (see these bracelets, this necklace, and this pendant)  So I pulled my clay out of a drawer and got to work massaging that tough stuff back into workable form! And here's a little tutorial for you:)

First, massage your clay until it's soft and roll it into a ball between your hands.

Flatten out and form it until it's the right size and shape.  Then the fun part!  Look around for something with lots of texture....literally anything.  I found this quirky little porcelain frog in our kitchen.  The bumpy skin was perfect for texture!

Also, pieces of coral are really good.  Their little bumps are almost shaped like teeny-tiny flowers!  (Anyone else have random pieces of coral stored in their closet?)

Then, play with the texture piece until you get it looking however you fancy.

Make a hole with a toothpick or sculpting tool.  Bake in the oven at 275 for 15 minutes or whatever the directions are on the package.  Enjoy this simple piece with a fun outfit!

~K

What's Cookin: Recipe for Homemade Tortillas

My family loves Mexican food. My mom was an exchange student to Mexico back in her college days.
And so last night, completely disregarding the fact that we had consumed fajitas only a few days before, we quickly threw together a chicken taco dinner. Complete with homemade tortillas!

Handmade Tortillas

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup shortening
• About 1/2 cup warm water
• Additional shortening
• Additional flour

Combine 2 cups flour and salt in a medium bowl. Rub in 1/4 cup shortening with your fingers until evenly mixed in. Gradually stir in enough water to make a soft dough. Divide dough into quarters. Divide each quarter into 3 equal pieces, making 12 pieces total. Shape each piece into a smooth ball. With your hands, smooth additional shortening over each ball to coat generously. Place balls in a medium bowl; cover with a dry cloth towel. Let stand at least 15 minutes. Preheat an ungreased griddle or large heavy skillet over medium heat. Shape each ball into a flat round patty. Sprinkle both side of patties with flour. On a lightly floured surgace, roll out each patty to an 8-inch circle. Place each tortilla on preheated griddle. Cook until bubbles form on top and under-side is flecked with brown. Stack cooked tortillas and cover with a dry cloth towel. Serve immediately or wrap in foil and reheat briefly before serving. Makes twelve 8-inch tortillas.

Recipe Compliments of: Mexican Cookery Cookbook

Floral: Workweek beauties

Who else finds it dreadful to work inside on a day that is bright and warm and cheery? These flowers greeted me by the door on my way into work and I couldn't resist snapping a quick photo with my phone. I am very thankful for lunch breaks that allow me to slip outside and enjoy just a few minutes of sunshine! 

Seaside Beauties

The blue pieces of seaglass are more rare than other colors such as green, brown, gold, white....

they just looked so pretty all in a row, surrounded by other tiny remnants of sea treasures.