Homemade Oilcloth!!!

Oh my!!!! I think that my heart may have just skipped a beat just from the title {LOVE}

Can you imagine....... oilcloth in ANY fabric/ print/ design that your heart desires?!

Imperfectly Beautiful tried out a little known product and had great results.  (and I am drooling over the fabric that she chose too) Now, Im not sure that you would be able to create a full size table cloth with the product, BUT There are so many other things that you can make:
Place mats, Bibs, Bags, Aprons, Buntings (see past post)...... I think that the possibilities may be endless :)

Find her tutorial HERE

SOURCE: Photo and idea from Imperfectly Beautiful

Thrifty AND Spooky!

If you are looking for some VERY inexpensive Halloween decor, this is the post for you! Meg, over at MegaSpooky.com has created a tutorial for Coffee Filter Cobwebs. Fun AND fabulous (and totally cheap)! :)

You can find Meg's tutorial HERE

SOURCE: idea and photos from megaspooky.com

Fancy Smancy Rolling Pins

What's that? You need a fabulous idea for homemade Christmas gifts this year? Well here you go! Who wouldn't LOVE receiving one of these kitchen cuties? So, make them up for everyone you know... you know they're going to be asking you for one of their own anyways! ;)

Find the Tutorial HERE from writeclickscrapbook.com

SOURCES: Idea and photo from writeclickscrapbook.com

Classy Clutch

Another MUST make. I love projects that can use coordinating/ mismatchy prints. AND if they are useful too... even better! :)
At a glance this project doesnt look like this is a beginner's sewing project... but who am I to say. ;)
The tutorial can be found HERE on Skiptomylou.org, and was writen by from Noodleheads

Photo from Skiptomylou.org

Halloween S'mores in a jar

Ingredients:
1 quart mason jar
1 sleeve graham crackers
1 package holiday marshmallow peeps
one bag of holiday M&Ms candies
1/3 cup of brown sugar

Directions:
1. Crush 1 sleeve graham crackers to crumbs.
2. Layer 2/3 of the graham cracker crumbs in a 1 qt jar. Pack down the crumbs a bit.
3. Arrange 8 to 12 marshmallow holiday peeps standing up, facing out around the inside of the jar. Press them up against the glass, but don't squash them.
4. Carefully spoon remaining cracker crumbs in the center of the jar to support the peeps, pressing down to keep it snug.
5. On top of this pour 1-1/4 cup M&M's in holiday colors.
7. Spoon 1/3 cup brown sugar into center of M&M's, gently pressing with a spoon. If you have any room left over, fill the jar to the top with M&Ms.

Cooking directions:
1. Empty the jar contents into a bowl.
Snip the peeps into bits with kitchen shears or cut up with a knife.
Return the peep bits to the mixture. Mix well.
2. Melt 1/2 cup butter; add 1 teaspoon vanilla. Pour this over the dry ingredients, mixing well. Pat into a greased 8" or 9" square pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 15 minutes. Cool and cut into bars.


*Be sure to include the cooking directions with the jar :)

Source: Photo and Recipe TaterTots&Jello
Find the original post HERE

Upcycle: Doorknob Pumpkins

Because it's Fall and who doesnt love a project using unexpected things.... I have for you, Door Knob Pumpkins. What a great family project! The kids will love helping create these cute little decorations. 

Find the Tutorial HERE from bystephanielynn.com

Source: project and photo from bystephanielynn.com

Owls, Owls Everywhere! :Flaky Owls

Owls are SOOOO very popular right now, in clothing, decor and even in baking.... so I am rounding up some owl-tastic finds for you. So keep an EYE out for them.... Here is the first (well second if you caught the Owl S'mores that I featured last week)

1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury® refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
8 tiny fish shaped pretzel crackers
1 tablespoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon butter or margarine, melted
16 milk chocolate stars

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1. Heat oven to 375°F. Remove dough from can; do not unroll. With serrated knife, cut roll into 16 slices.
2. For each owl, use 2 dough slices. Unroll a 2-inch strip from each. Place slices on ungreased cookie sheet with sides touching and 2-inch strips at top center. For owl’s horns, fold strips in half and bend toward outer edges; pinch strips at fold, forming points. For owl’s beak, press 1 fish-shaped cracker, tail end pointing toward top of head, into bottom center of dough. Repeat with remaining dough slices and crackers to make 8 owls, placing owls 2 inches apart on cookie sheet.
3. In small bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon. Brush owls with melted butter; sprinkle with sugar mixture.
4. Bake about 10 to 12 minutes or until light golden brown. Immediately press 2 chocolate stars on each owl for eyes. Carefully move to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 15 minutes, before serving.

Cant find milk chocolate stars? Idea: try Hershey's kisses
Instead of fish shaped crackers, try cashews for beaks
Well chilled dough works best

Source: idea, photo and recipe from BettyCrocker.com
You can see the recipe and get all of the nutritional info HERE

Weekend Roundup: Upcycle for Barbie

WEEKEND ROUNDUP:
Roundup your daughters, some soda bottle safety rings, glue and gems

You KNOW that Barbie can NEVER have too many accessories.... and Zaka Life has a super easy idea to help out Barbie and her love of fashion. Check out the tutorial HERE

Source: idea and photo from Zaka Life

Weekend Roundup: Lego Capes

WEEKEND ROUNDUP:
Round up your Boys, some felt, scissors and a bunch of Lego figures that are in need of new identities.

These really couldnt be any easier.... and once again I am thinking..."why didnt I think of that?!"

Zaka Life has the instructions and a printable pattern HERE

Source: idea and photo from Zaka Life

Weekend Roundup: Upcycle: Barbie Decor

Weekend Roundup!
Round up your daughters, some frames and old Barbie clothes.... we're getting crafty!

What do you do with YOUR old (yes vintage) Barbie clothes, you ask? Why, make some art with them of course! There is not a little girls' room around that these wouldn't look fabulous in! A must make..... even if you are crafty-challenged, you CAN make this project!

If someone didnt save your Barbie clothes for you.... this would be just as fun and CUTE to do with thrift store finds or even brand new out of package Barbie clothes too! I LOVE this idea.... if only there were more walls in my house! ;)


Find Deck The Halls' tips/ instructions HERE

Source: idea and photo from Deck the Halls

Pegboard

I am LOVING the Pegboards that Andy over at Poppies at Play creates.... from IKEA cabinet doors! LOVE!
Here is one that she created for a wedding shower gift:

You can check out the how to HERE
And you can check out all of her pegboard ideas HERE
She has created some great things over there..... have fun looking around!

Oreo Pops

These are a FAB idea for ANY celebration or holiday! Think outside the box.... you dont have to use plain 'ol Oreos either, remember that they usually have special Holiday versions, with festive colored cremes, and dont forget the mint..... yummy! And dont forget all of the festive sprinkles that you can get through out the year too.... keep an eye out in the Dollar Spot @ Target, that is the most reasonably priced way to get sprinkles that I have seen.

Find the tutorial HERE from howdoesshe.com

Birthday Balloon Wreath

What a great idea.... A wreath that you can use multiple times through out the year! A Birthday wreath! And there is no more festive of a way to accomplish this than with BALLOONS! :)

Check out the Tutorial HERE @ howdoesshe.com

Pecan Pie Muffins

I know you are all going to hate me..... but take a look at these yummy muffins.... Pecan Pie makes me think of fall... and now, so do these muffins! Enjoy!

Found at ThePioneerWoman.com
You can get the recipe HERE
AND there is a step by step tutorial HERE

Owl S'mores

These have to be the cutest s'mores that I have ever seen! Perfect for fall parties!

Livinglocurto.com has the directions for you HERE

Oilcloth Banners

The other day I mentioned that I love some random items.... another of them is Oilcloth :)

A few years ago (I think 5).... I saw some chalkboard mats... what could be better?! It incorporated a few of my favorite random things, Oilcloth, Chalboards, and fabric... all in one. I was so in love with the idea of this that I (in my at the time, hormonal, pregnant way) convinced my (biggest supporter) husband that it was ok that I spent a like $80 to order some oilcloth and chalkboard cloth.... which I promised him that I would ACTUALLY create something with..... (hanging head in shame) It is all still here.... most of it still wrapped up on its original roll. :( BUT I am going to change that!!! :) Take a look at what I just found!!!!! I think that these will be even better than the chalk mats :) wooohoo!!!

Yes, those are pennant banners created with BOTH chalkboard cloth AND oil cloth :) Just a little bias tape and I will be in business!

Now, that style will require some sewing..... so I found all of you non- sewing types, a version that you can make too. (you're welcome)

Oilclothaddict has created a no-sew banner tutorial (HERE) and be sure to browse arround while you are there.... they have GREAT tips and a TON of Tutorials

Mini Chalkboards

I really love a lot of random things.... and chalkboards are one of them!

HERE is a tutorial to create your own mini chalkboards, courtesy of the craftzine.com blog

In the article they used them as party favors... CUTE idea!

Photo from craftzine.com

Upcycle: Cardigan

Call this an Upcycle or a repurpose.... whatever you choose, I think that you will be making yourselves a few of these. And, I'm pretty sure that you will be able to find me in this cardigan this fall, well my own slightly less frilly version.

But you MUST love how simple the idea is. THIS is made from a longsleeve t-shirt!!! A simple cut and a few stitches, and viola!
Find the tutorial from he emmylouhart blog HERE

Picture from emmylouhart

Pumpkin Muffins

The best recipes are the ones that are easy, right?
I got this one from a friend, and it couldnt be any easier than this!

1 box spice cake mix
1 (15 oz) can of pumpkin
2 eggs
That's it! Just mix it up and bake @ 350

Try adding in some chopped walnuts or pecans

Halloween Frames

Here is a cute addition to your Halloween decor..... or really, you could do it for any room in your house by changing up the colors. Try coordinating it to your room and do initials.....FUN!

As part of their Spooktacular September, The girls at eighteen25 have brought you this fun piece to display.
Supply list and Tutorial HERE

Photo from eighteen25

Project with a Purpose

September is Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month. 

And this is the project that you have been waiting for.

Pillow cases!!!!!

 This is about as easy as a sewing project can get. I'm pretty sure that if you are just learning how to sew, this project is probably a good one to try. Be sure to get your kids involved with this project. If they arent old enough to sew, have them help you pick out fabrics.
Here are the directions from ConKerrCancer's website:

• Choose cheery fabrics for kids – colorful and fun as possible
• Remember many patients are adolescent boys and girls, we always need pillowcases appropriate to teenagers 
• Cotton or flannel only!
• Download the ConKerr Brochure!! 
  
  Supplies:
  
  • 3/4 yard of fabric for pillowcase
  • 1/3 yard of fabric for border of pillowcase
    
  Sewing Instructions:
1. Cut the body of the case 26 1/2″ x 40 1/2″ and the border 10 1/2″ x 40 1/2″.
2. Fold the border in half lengthwise, with the wrong sides together, and press.
3. Place the right side of the border on the right side of the body of the case. Stitch together using a 1/2″ seam allowance.
4. Place right sides of the pillowcase together. Stitch down the side and across the bottom. Turn to the right side and press.
5. Please finish seams so the pillowcases will not fray.
   NOTE: Make sure to wash the fabric for the protection of the children with suppressed immunity. Please check with your local chapter for specific hospital washing instructions. In addition place each pillowcase in a ziplock bag.  Pillowcases must be dropped off at a drop off site or mailed to the coordinator.  Do not deliver directly to the hospitals.

If you are more of a visual learner, Dana from dana-made-it.com has created a tutorial with pictures. HERE She used the instructions above to create the tutorial.

September 13th-19th 2010,  Conkerrcancer.net is hosting Miles of Pillow Case smiles. Click HERE for more info and to see if a chapter near you is participating with events.

You can also check conkerrcancer.org for more info on donating, pillowcases, $ and volunteering time.

*Note that ConKerrCancer has a .net AND a .org site

Not up for the challenge of sewing? You can donate $ directly to ConKerrCancer (HERE) to help them buy needed supplies. There are also many ways that you can volunteer your time. (HERE)

Photo from dana-made-it.com

Recipe- Smashed & Roasted Potatoes

I just KNOW that Fall is around the corner. (I know it, I just can't see it or feel it here yet)

 Its the BEST season, and it makes me want to cook. For us here in Cali, we will of course have to wait a tad bit longer for it to feel like Fall. But that is not going to stop me from finding and posting some yummy recipes for you that make me think of fall. :) I may not want to turn on my oven for a few more weeks.... but that shouldn't stop YOU!

Smashed and Roasted Baby Potatoes

1 1/2 pounds baby potatoes
2 cups good chicken stock (or water)
kosher salt
1/4 cup olive oil
pepper
garlic cloves, unpeeled
fresh rosemary

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In a large pot, add potatoes and chicken stock. Add in enough cool water to cover. Bring to a boil over high heat. Add in about a teaspoon of salt, and boil for 10 minutes.

2. Drain potatoes and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Use the back of a large spoon to squish each potato. Toss with olive oil, another 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt, and a 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground pepper. Bake for 15 minutes.

3. Use a large metal spoon to toss the potatoes. Add in garlic cloves, and roast for another 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are beginning to be the golden color you desire. Toss potatoes with the rosemary, and cook for another 5 

*note* You can, of course, just use a nice Yukon Gold variety of potato and cut them into 1-2 inch chunks.

Source: Recipe & Photo from Babble.com

Recipe- Banana Bread

Banana Bread Recipe 

1-1/4 cups sugar

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened

2 large eggs

1-1/2 cups mashed, ripe bananas (3-4 medium)

1/2 cup buttermilk 

1 tsp vanilla

2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

1 cup chopped nuts, optional

Move rack to low position so that tops of pans will be in center of oven. Heat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix sugar and butter in large bowl. Stir in eggs until well blended. Add bananas, milk and vanilla. Beat until smooth. Stir in flour, baking soda and salt just until moistened. Stir in nuts. Pour into pans.

I baked the muffins for 14-15 minutes. But you may want to check after 12 minutes, since ovens can vary.

(recipe from Betty Crocker’s NEW COOKBOOK) 

If you dont have buttermilk on hand, try regular milk.... it should be just fine :)

Recipe- Sliders

You KNOW that tiny food is always a hit with the kidos! Try these!

These look really good and take just about no time.... And, the best part.... you dont need to sit over a hot grill or pan :)

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup dried onion flakes
• 1 1/2  pounds ground chuck- 80/20 ground beef
• 1/2 t. seasoned salt
• 6 slices cheddar cheese
• 24 small party rolls- I use Martin's Potato Bread Party Rolls
• 24 dill pickle slices

Method:

Evenly spread the onions on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Gently press the ground beef on top of the onion flakes. Press evenly making one giant pattie. Sprinkle with seasoned salt. Bake in a 400 degree oven for 20 minutes. Using a paper towel, pat the excess grease from the top of the pattie. Top with cheddar cheese, return to oven for 2 more minutes. Remove from oven, let set 5 minutes then cut into 24 patties. Slice open and separate each party roll. Place bottom of rolls on a large platter. Using a spatula lift pattie with onion layer onto each bun bottom. Top each slider with a pickle slice then the bun lid. Serve immediately. Makes 24 Sliders.

 

PS-If you would like bacon on these, simply crumble 6-10 slices of crispy cooked bacon and spread on the bottom of the pan with the onion flakes- Fantastic!

Notes:

I store these upside-down in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will prevent the bottom bun from getting soggy from the onion layer. To reheat, place a few on a microwave safe plate and heat in the microwave for 20 seconds then 5 second increments after that until warmed through.

The Recipe is from Babble.com