Rhinestone Beagle

Doggone Dirty Linky Party

2012-03-01T00:01:00.000-06:00

Adventures of our Fami-Ly has a wonderful post with a pattern for a Quiet Book. She has a great tute and lots of different page patterns to create a beautiful book of your own.

Spring is almost here and I need some fresh eats on my plate. Thankfully Mrs. T @

Tales of the T's posted a great recipe for roasting some wonderful green veggies, yummy!

Kelly from Bluebird Sews posted this cool rainbow sunshine potholder tutorial. I suddenly have the urge to make a bunch of these and put them together as a quilt!

Loren from Pandora's Craft Box posted some ingenious curtains she made for her bookshelf. If you're like me and have to maximize storage space it's not always the prettiest display. Here's the solution.

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Link up any project you want as long as its made by you. That means sewing, painting, recipes, photography, DIYs, and anything else creative you can think of.
Please NO ETSY SHOP links. I already spend way too much time shopping there.
We would giggle with delight if you would grab our button! No pressure though; it's not mandatory to participate.
Show some love and visit a couple of the other crafty projects and leave some comments. It's nice to know someone other than your family and friends is actually looking at your posts out there in cyberspace.

OK here we go!

Bookshelf makeover: Part 1

2012-02-28T06:00:00.000-06:00

Well, here is a picture of my next "to do list" craft: my bookshelf. I have a nice new craft room this year and this plain old bookshelf needed some funning up to be able to be allowed to reside in said sparkly new craft room. I pondered the nakedness of the shelves for a bit and realized that they were a blank canvas for all of those extra mailing label stickers I have accumulating in the office. Enter the sticker in all its colorful glory.

Note the pile of papers in the upper right hand corner, that my friends, are the stickers calling out to be affixed to the bookshelf. You can also enjoy all of my husbands re-loading equipment in the picture as well. The bunny cage is on the floor in front of the bookshelf because all of the books are in boxes in the spot where his cage goes. It's a vicious cycle that all leads back to covering that bookshelf with stickers and giving it a good shellacking.

I started covering and cutting and will update you next week on how far I got this week, wish me luck.

This is Oreo and Nutter Butter letting you know that they approve of this craft message and that they hope that you are crafting your way through winter! They also wanted carrots, guinea pigs are by no means complicated in their wants.

Keeping it sticky,

Kelly, the origami ninja

Doggone Dirty Craftin Link Party

2012-02-22T00:01:00.000-06:00

The Philosopher's Wife has given me so much happy little kid joy with this post. I LOVED making these as a kid, oh so pretty. Thank you for the flashback of happy!

Who says the #1 post doesn't get picked for the fave roll. Check out this amazing transformation from Pandora's Craft Box. I'm in love with this fabric, and guess where its from. IKEA!

Did you get featured? Grab the button below. We made it just for you!

Link up any project you want as long as its made by you. That means sewing, painting, recipes, photography, DIYs, and anything else creative you can think of.
Please NO ETSY SHOP links. I already spend way too much time shopping there.
We would giggle with delight if you would grab our button! No pressure though; it's not mandatory to participate.
Show some love and visit a couple of the other crafty projects and leave some comments. It's nice to know someone other than your family and friends is actually looking at your posts out there in cyberspace.

OK here we go!

Guinea Pigs are for Loving

2012-02-21T20:36:00.003-06:00

Last week I got to put up a new craft so now it is back to the craft grindstone and posting frenzy. This weeks completed work is another item that was finished a while ago but had not yet made it to the blog for some love. The National Anti-Vivisection Society has a contest called Art for Animals that I entered for the first time last year. This was my entry for the 2011 contest and I even got an honorable mention. In all fairness I lost to a HUGE art piece of a walrus, it was sweet. They also have a kids contest too! Go over to the web page and check out this years contest to enter.

The little quilt is about the size of a large place mat. I just made up the pattern to use up some fabrics that I had that I thought looked good together. My two adorably loud guinea pigs were the perfect models for the smoochers and I learned basic embroidery to add the finishing touches to the hearts and piggies.

Aren't they too cute? After the Art Show I donated the quilt to The Critter Corral guinea pig rescue to help raise them some money. I hope it helped them get some piggies some good homes.

I am enjoying watching my to do list slowly disappear and I hope yours is doing the same. Let us know how you are doing on your projects and what is keeping you going this winter, we would love to know!

Keeping is moving,

Kelly, the origami ninja

Heart Pancakes and Strawberry Syrup

2012-02-18T00:01:00.000-06:00

Well Valentine's Day has come and gone but I had such a yummy time I thought I would share some with you. For breakfast I made some heart shaped pancakes. I had originally thought about adding some red food coloring to make them extra festive but then I remembered the yummy blueberry syrup I always used to put on my pancakes growing up and had an idea. What about strawberry syrup? It's red. Get it? Yeah I know I'm a little dumbfounded by my genius sometimes too. ;)

Now I know you're saying heart pancakes with homemade strawberry syrup? Anita, that sounds a little involved for me to make early in the morning when only a 3rd of my brain cells are working. Trust me its not at all. And if you're extra worried you can just make the syrup the night before. I like mine warm so I make it right then and there alongside my pancakes.

Start your syrup first as the pancakes area super quick to make. You only need three ingredients.

Strawberry Syrup
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
2 cups frozen strawberries
Defrost your strawberries in your microwave. This will make them nice and soft. Now take your favorite mashing tool, I use a potato masher, and go to town. Mash them until they are no longer recognizable as strawberries.
Now pour your sugar and water into a medium sized skillet and turn it on medium/high. Wait until the sugar solution starts to boil and add your strawberry mash. Simmer your concoction for 10 minutes or until its thick enough to your liking. Serve warm with your pancakes and store the extra in the fridge.

As far as the pancakes I just used the box of mix I had in the pantry. Now the key to making these not look like blobs(figured this out after half of the batter had already been used up) is to do it in two steps. First take a spoon full of batter and use it to draw the outline of the heart on your skillet/griddle. Then go back and fill it in. The outline will already have cooked enough in a few seconds to make it stiff and hold in the renegade batter in the middle.

What you don't know is that I made some bacon to go along with our pancakes. Unfortunately Mr. Biscuit was feeling quite frisky this morning and decided to leap atop the table, straight from the ground, and devoured it all by the time I turned around and ran at him yelling "NO!." "There will be no bacon" I said to my husband. Thankfully he's a great date even for breakfast and we soon forgot about the lack of protein on the table. He even split the last heart in half so we could share. Awwww.

Don't think this is a once in a year breakfast. Make this for your family whenever you think your fam is in need of feeling the love or just for fun. Its super easy and really no extra steps than making regular pancakes. They are so yummy you'll be sure to have an audience just like us.

Of course since it was Valentine's Day I had some special treats for the dogs I made last week, but more on that to come. Sadie got an extra one since a certain large eared dog was put in time out in his kennel for the rest of our meal.

Love on!
Anita

Doggone Dirty Craftin Link Party

2012-02-16T13:07:00.000-06:00

Well we got one entry closer to my 60 link goal.
Let's keep it goin, Crafters!

Love letters are meant to be written all year round not just one day of the year. Bookmark this quick tutorial from The Sewing Loft on how to make your own.

We had a fellow canine crafter stop by last week. Kris from Duke Says Sew What posted this colorful scraptastic quilt. Look we aren't the only ones who take silly pictures of their dogs in crafty situations.

Check out this adorable heart cheesecake from The Earth Generous.(There's a translator on the top right of her page.) What fun this would be to make for your sweetie.

I'm in love with these chicken wire frames from Dumped and Discovered.

I have a great idea how to use them for my up coming announcement. Stay tuned for more teasers.

Did you get featured? Grab the button below. We made it just for you!

Link up any project you want as long as its made by you. That means sewing, painting, recipes, photography, DIYs, and anything else creative you can think of.
Please NO ETSY SHOP links. I already spend way too much time shopping there.
We would giggle with delight if you would grab our button! No pressure though; it's not mandatory to participate.
Show some love and visit a couple of the other crafty projects and leave some comments. It's nice to know someone other than your family and friends is actually looking at your posts out there in cyberspace.

OK here we go!

Happy Valentine's Day, craftin' style!

2012-02-14T06:00:00.000-06:00

According to Section 1.5 of the Anita Code, you must complete two old crafts before you begin a new one. Well I have finished my two and I get to do something for me. My friend is in need of a Brain Slug for a costume so we have been playing around with a pattern by Alicia over at Hook and Needles. There was a big slug and a little slug in the pattern and you can't decide which one is the right one if you don't give them both a whirl, which is exactly what I did, only I did it my way.

That's right! Valentine's Day Brain Slugs! I made the two sizes in red and pink to make them all cute and lovey. Those giant eyes are just too wonderful for words. The big guy needed something ...... embroidery to the rescue! I had a bit of pink fleece and a touch of red floss and the little heart was born. The big guy looks slightly upset by the cute heart, maybe he thinks he is too tough for such things? I LOVE these guys to no end, they make me smile and I hope they do you.

It was sooo nice to do a new craft, but it is time to get back to grindstone and get crafting!

I hope you are all loving what you are working on too!

Keeping it full of heart,

Kelly, the origami ninja

Doggone Dirty Craftin Link Party

2012-02-09T00:01:00.000-06:00

A quick thank you about last week's party. We had a record number 57 entries! That's the most we had since our inaugural party less than a year ago, and we only came up three short. Lets try to beat it. Tell your friends and fellow bloggers to come link up their projects, recipes and fun crafty blog posts. The magic number is 61 and I ~~think~~ know we can do it!

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Katy @ The Crafty Blog Stalker is all ready for spring in her bright new scarf. She even gives her own creative spin on the tute.

I so want a pillow with the Battleship boat on it! I love how simple making pillows is with

Donna @ Loopy Loop Creations.

I have caught the Valentine's Day bug so both of my faves are full of love this week.

Meg from Revamp Homegoods posted this adorable idea of interactive garland.

Her "14 Reasons Why I Love You Banner" is filled with little love notes to her hubby.

One for each of the days leading up to the big holiday.

Mamie from Homegrown Beans is back with another great recipe; Chocolate Covered Fluffernutter Hearts. A wonderful pick-me-up when you need that extra boost of sugar or the loving embrace of chocolate.

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Link up any project you want as long as its made by you. That means sewing, painting, recipes, photography, DIYs, and anything else creative you can think of.
Please NO ETSY SHOP links. I already spend way too much time shopping there.
We would giggle with delight if you would grab our button! No pressure though; it's not mandatory to participate.
Show some love and visit a couple of the other crafty projects and leave some comments. It's nice to know someone other than your family and friends is actually looking at your posts out there in cyberspace.

OK here we go!

Finished craft of the week.....

2012-02-07T06:00:00.000-06:00

I am so proud to finally be able to bring this finished project to you, fellow crafters. I have been laboring through this for a while now and I am very happy with how it turned out. You see, Anita taught us about embroidery awhile back at a Craft Club, she showed us how we didn't have to rely on fancy pre-printed patterns. With a steady hand and some carbon paper you can create any embroidery you could ever imagine, and it's FREE!

So this wonderful dog was in an embroidery book but he wasn't quite right for the friends I wanted to give this to. With a few tweaks and a fluffy tail we had instant Golden Retriever. My friends a have a cutie named Sake. I worried and puzzled and fretted over this piece for so long I had it built up into this massive project that I would never be able to conquer, you would think I was painting the whole house not applying a few stitches. But low and behold, once I got started I was back on the embroidery bus and moving through it like the Flash.

The worst part of it was trying to keep the lettering in a straight line while I was stitching. After a few TV documentaries and a viewing of The Princess Diaries I had this great personal gift for two friends who have brought me so much happiness. I am loving the works that are getting checked off my to do list, keeps me motivated for the next one. Speaking of which, it's time for a new craft as I have been so diligently working on these oldies but goodies, but that is for another post.

I hope you all had a wonderful Super Bowl Sunday, as you can see it really took a lot out of the labs at our house.

Keep on crafting everybody, 2012 is going to be a great year!
Keeping it lab-radorable,
Kelly

You win some, you loose some

2012-02-05T00:23:00.001-06:00

Well I crossed off two crafts on my master list. One was for a good reason and the other not so much. Let's start with the bad news. I have been working diligently on crocheting my first pair of socks. I was so confident in my work and was motoring through the pattern. It took about a week straight of working each night to finish just one but it looked so great I couldn't wait for the second one to try it on. This is where the happiness ends.
I couldn't for the life of me get the sock over my heel. I tried and tried and tried. Even tried to stretch it out and try again but to no avail. What could I have done wrong? I followed the pattern to a T.....well with one exception that I didn't realize until it was too late. I had forgotten to check my gauge. Yes I know how annoying it is to make a gauge swatch but for all my other projects that I've made so far gauge hasn't mattered so I didn't bother. This was my first real article of clothing other than a scarf and hat that I was able to adjust along the way. Now I know, after an entire week's worth of work, that it is the most essential step. DONT SKIP YOUR GAUGE SWATCH! Or you might end up with a sock thats only fit to be a paw warmer. Thanks for modeling, Sadie.

OK on to the victory lap. Last year I found a tutorial for a paper pieced mini tree skirt at Cutting Corners and knew it had to be my first paper pieced project. I had started the tree skirt at the december craft day and since then pieced most of the top but it needed to be finished.

I was determined to get another project completely finished and checked off my list today. I also had a little extra incentive as I was planning on giving the skirt as a gift. I originally wanted to give it to my Mom for Christmas but with the back log of other gifts it didn't get finished in time. Thankfully her birthday is in February and like any awesome Mom she doesn't care that you give her a Christmas related gift two months later. We also happened to be picking up my parents at the airport on their way back into town tonight and head to dinner for Mom's birthday before dropping them off at home. A perfect opportunity to give her the skirt. So I got up this morning and got to work. Most of the day was spent in the craft room at the sewing machine and the dogs took up their usual positions to hang out by my side.

Hours later I was left with this fine piece of work. I have to say I'm pretty jealous of this one and might have to make one of my own, for next year of course. Now I've just got to keep up the momentum and keep checking off projects on my list. I feel pretty inspired to keep going until they're all done. (Fingers crossed.)

Craft on!
Anita

Doggone Dirty Craftin Link Party

2012-02-02T00:01:00.000-06:00

Jennifer @ Meremade is out doing her civic duty bringing Quinoa to the masses.

Tasty and good for you and super colorful with all those awesome veggies!

I adore mini food in all its forms. Rebecca @ River Critter's Den seems to like it as much as I do, and she is very talented in bringing them into cute existence.

Jutta from Creative Chaos posted this V-Day mug she whipped up. Its super easy and something anyone, no matter their crafty abilities, can make for their Valentine this year.

Check out this yummy recipe for Blackberry Clementine Crumble @ ClaireJustineOXOX.
Super yummy and super simple!

Did you get featured? Grab the button below. We made it just for you!

Link up any project you want as long as its made by you. That means sewing, painting, recipes, photography, DIYs, and anything else creative you can think of.
Please NO ETSY SHOP links. I already spend way too much time shopping there.
We would giggle with delight if you would grab our button! No pressure though; it's not mandatory to participate.
Show some love and visit a couple of the other crafty projects and leave some comments. It's nice to know someone other than your family and friends is actually looking at your posts out there in cyberspace.

OK here we go!

December Craft Day

2012-01-31T21:00:00.001-06:00

As you all know I have vowed to work through my back log of crafting projects. While it may not be sewing or painting, computer crafting is just as important and should not be neglected. I don't want to let any craft lie incomplete so I am here to finish this one up and move on to the next. But no wine before its time, so lets get down to some winter crafting!

This Craft Club meeting was all about our individual Christmas decorating needs. The lovely star blanket above was made by Laura as a very nice baby gift. It is perfect as a holiday cheer spot with its beautiful color and fun shape. Laura finished up this charming gift after a long fought battle with the crochet hook, she never threw in the towel, and never let the starting star get the best of her. I think she ended the crafting year on a wonderful high note! Way to show that snuggly blankie who's boss Laura.

Here we have the beginnings of a homemade tree skirt. Sarah put her heart and soul into this craft and it shows. She picked out all the fabrics earlier that afternoon and worked tirelessly into the night to make herself a holiday accessory that is worth keeping in the family for a long time. She picked out some soft country colors that will bring some warm color to her home. I am very proud and how dogged she worked at this, Sadie is too, at least the dogged part. Sadie loves to assist any craft that Sarah does that involves fabric on the floor.

Have you ever noticed that no matter how much we grow up the urge to twirl around in the tree skirt is so great that we can't resist. So there is Sarah's gift to us all in 2012, the silly tree skirt dance.

This is not my proudest moment, caught on film, with my hand up a stuffed tree's hidey hole. I like the kitchey Christmas craft and I have had a pattern for this tree in my collection with the well meaning intentions of making one for a very long time. Well, as it was Decorating December I pulled it out and got to sewing. My husband picked out the fabrics and I did the rest. We are very happy with our funky retro tree and I want to make lots of little ones to match, maybe next year.......

Tee hee, note that one of the fabrics is gingerbread kids, Matt was so proud of that fabric, boys are adorable when they craft.

Anita was making a very stylish tree skirt of her own to give as a gift. She was making these awesome stacked presents to go in opposite triangles of the skirt. The piecing she was doing seemed so complex but yielded such great results. By the end of craft club she was an expert on the presents and was whipping them out faster than we could sing an entire Christmas carol.

Not to be outdone by Sadie helping Sarah with her tree skirt, Mr. Biscuit had to put his dog booger of approval on the work Anita had been doing. Glad to know she has the support of the little dogs out there. The tree skirt was coming along so well that there was talk of it not making it to the recipient for which it was destined. I wonder.....

We hope you all had a wonderful holiday and we can't wait to hear what you have been up to so far this year!

Keeping it going,

Kelly, the origami ninja

P.S. I can't wait to show you my finished EMBROIDERY!!!!!

Deep in the craftin hole.....

2012-01-28T00:01:00.000-06:00

Welcome to the mess that is my craft room.

It being a new year I have a strong urge to organize like many other crafters. I went ahead and took inventory of the works in progress I've started, periodically work on, or just simply forgot about and the magic number is 23! Yeah thats about 22 too many. I've put together a list of these WIPs(works in progress) and will be doing periodic updates as I check them off. Here's what I'm up against.

Sewing

Tree Skirt
Log Cabin Quilt
Stamped Fabric Quilt
Sewing Machine Cover
Casserole Carrier
Seat Cushion
WIP Basket Liner

Embroidery

Horse Cross Stitch
Whale Cross Stitch
Horse Quilt Squares
Dogs for Wall Hangings

Painting

Wooden Bone Ornament
Wooden Penguin Ornament
Ceramic Tree Bowl
Paper Mache Reindeer

Knitting/Crochet

Socks
Bandana
Purple Scarf
Blue Scarf

Misc

Stuffed Owl Feet and Perch
Shamrock Centerpiece
Easter Egg Wreath
Iron-on Boo Shirt

I didn't realize how deep in the whole I was so my plan is that I have to complete at least two before I can start a new project. I have alot of things I want to tackle before the weather starts getting better cuz I'm sure I'll be stuck out in the garden all summer and spring just like last year. We also have some renovation plans for the interior and exterior of the house this year so I won't have much time to dig myself out of this crafting hole. The first of the renovations is actually going to be in the craft room, all of the improvements aimed at organization and efficiency. Basically the time to get started is now! Good to know the dogs aren't bothered by the mess though.

Stay tuned.

Craft on!
Anita

Doggone Dirty Craftin Link Party

2012-01-26T00:01:00.000-06:00

The Traveling Spoon took a big risk by trying to feed us sprouts. You know what? Rachel totally made me a lover of the tiny cabbages.

Here is my love of love...BUTTONS! Thank you so much Snowflakes and Dragonflies for bringing buttons back into the spotlight.

Thanks so much to Jessica from Oceanside Daydreams for posting a tute for glitter keys! I'm always fumbling with keys in the dark so these have gone onto my list.

Donna from Loopy Loop Creations posted this adorable crayon valentine art in last week's party. Im all about getting into the melted crayon craze and this looks like a great introduction.

Did you get featured? Grab the button below. We made it just for you!

Link up any project you want as long as its made by you. That means sewing, painting, recipes, photography, DIYs, and anything else creative you can think of.
Please NO ETSY SHOP links. I already spend way too much time shopping there.
We would giggle with delight if you would grab our button! No pressure though; it's not mandatory to participate.
Show some love and visit a couple of the other crafty projects and leave some comments. It's nice to know someone other than your family and friends is actually looking at your posts out there in cyberspace.

OK here we go!

Doggone Dirty Craftin Link Party

2012-01-19T10:54:00.001-06:00

Felt by Rae made this cute little pin cushion freehand. She proved that we can throw caution to the wind and just wing it baby!

Mel over at the Crafty Scientist put up a smashing tute for a very bright wreath made out of little paper cones. Now I have something to do with all those bits of paper I have been stashing away.

Head over to Sew Can Do and check out Cheryl's tute for making your own laminated cotton messenger bag. I had never heard of laminated cotton but it looks amazing and super easy to clean.

Thanks to Jessica from Oceanside Daydreams for posting this great wall art project. You'll never guess the secret ingredient.....GLUE!

Did you get featured? Grab the button below. We made it just for you!

Link up any project you want as long as its made by you. That means sewing, painting, recipes, photography, DIYs, and anything else creative you can think of.
Please NO ETSY SHOP links. I already spend way too much time shopping there.
We would giggle with delight if you would grab our button! No pressure though; it's not mandatory to participate.
Show some love and visit a couple of the other crafty projects and leave some comments. It's nice to know someone other than your family and friends is actually looking at your posts out there in cyberspace.

OK here we go!

2012-01-17T06:00:00.000-06:00

Well it turns out that I am not as good at embroidery as I thought I was. It terms of not good I mean, pretty lousy. I take forever at this stuff and got really nowhere. So I needed to bulk up my craft self confidence so I tackled a much simpler and easily done in one day craft. I will continue with the thread arts and hopefully be done next week, but you never can tell. But oh will I be proud when it is done.

My husband and I built this little farm scene in our backyard this past summer. We have a cute eight foot windmill and a killer family of concrete chickens. Our neighbors love those chickens. People keep asking us where we got them, sorry guys, we got them NC. We have the windmill and chickens set up in a brick circle filled with white rock. All we needed was some brightly colored flowers to bring the whole thing together. For some reason I was putting off making the flowers to finish off the look. I nabbed some of the white rock for weight and I built us a nice pot of pretty smiling flowers.

No longer will our chickens be without the beauty and allure of fake flowers in country chicken colors. This seems like a really simple addition but all the pieces have been in my craft room for 6 months. Ha ha! Another craft-to-be is done!

Sage was happy to give his paws up for the addition of the flowers, Abby just wanted me to throw the wet dirty stuffed dog. Labs, there is no accounting for taste.

I hope your 2012 is full of finished projects and great new ideas!

Keeping it colorful,

Kelly, the origami ninja

Clean House

2012-01-14T23:54:00.001-06:00

I'll be the first to admit I'm a bit of a crafty horder. I keep magazines and supplies that I will probably never use but unless I have personally looked at each thing I won't get rid of it. This has lead to a very unorganized craft room and supplies have even started to bleed down the stairs and into other rooms of the house. I've currently got crocheting supplies in the living room, magazines in the living room and bedroom and more random stuff on the stairs destined for the craft room upstairs. In honor of the new year I've decided that I, like Kelly, need to finish works in progress before I am allowed to move onto something new. Definitely good motivation for someone who already has Valentine and Easter ideas to get started on but where to start? Dan and I decided today was house cleaning day so after I conquered the bathroom, laundry room, and 3 loads of laundry I started in on the bedroom and look what was there waiting for me.

This box full of crafting magazines from the late 80's early 90's donated to the craft club by a work friend's mom. She was cleaning house too. Now I knew that most of these magazines were full of craft projects that I would never try but I couldn't just get rid of them without making sure I wasn't missing a diamond in the rough. So I started sorting. The most fun about this whole process turned out to be the crazy adds and patterns that would only have been relevant 20 years ago. Here's a couple good ones.

Nothing like a little Pom Pom Ville to get your creative juices flowing.

Where oh where has my fashion sense gone? Where oh where can it be?

These kinds of adds gave me a good inkling Im not the target audience for the magazine.
I might be if I was about 30 years older.

Huh?

I love the idea of a rolodex of photos, and only $4.98!

Look at that background. The uses for aluminum foil never cease to amaze.
I also love how sexy the girls look in their knit tops and metallic pants.

Who doesn't want to have a neon colored ice cream sunday on their sweater?

For a night out on the town you can whip up this saucy crop top in no time flat.

I'm actually kinda jealous about this one.
I remember making buttons for my friends who ran for student council. Ah the memories.

I remember using Tulip puffy paints to make sweatshirts and I was pretty good at making uniform lines too. They were great for all the members of your family. I had more than one just for christmas. Not a proud moment but its true.

I would not, however, be holding my wife's hand if she made me wear one with a fuzzy sledding bear.

I have no idea why you would need to add curly brown hair to this already creepy pig.

This was what we resorted to before the Bedazzler.

I have no idea how long I was sitting on the floor looking at magazines but I'm happy to say I was somewhat productive. Here's what I was left with after going through the entire box.

I'm happy to say none of the rejected reading material will go to waste. I'll be making a trip to Goodwill tomorrow morning to try and share the crazy vintage crafty love. Tomorrow I'm making a list of the works in progress I've got going right now to share with you. Just another step in the goal of an organized craft room.

Purge on!

Anita

Doggone Dirty Craftin Link Party

2012-01-12T00:01:00.000-06:00

Kristen has already gotten going with the Valentine's Day love.

Go check out her yummy pasta with hearts over at Make the Best of Everything.

Mamie @ Home Grown Beans posted a tastey cooking with coals recipe.

It makes me yearn for a nice campfire, some fun stories, and a bag of marshmellows.

Who wants hedgehog mittens? I do! I do! Cheryl from SewCanDo posted

a tutorial for them with great pictures so they look crazy easy to make.

One of my goals for this year is to make even more things around the house from scratch. Thanks to Jamie from DIY Home Sweet Home I now have a great recipe for detergent I'm definately going to try.

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New Year, New You

2012-01-10T06:00:00.000-06:00

I have made what I think is a good New Year's craft resolution. I call it "Let's just do it", its the softer fuzzier cousin to "Get 'er done". I have lots of unfinished crafts laying about, which I fully believe is a requirement for any avid crafter with a short attention span, but it's getting a bit silly. I don't want them to lie around anymore, I want them to be out fulfilling their crafting destiny. Thus the let's just do it attitude. I have assigned myself a project, preferably one already started, that can be completed in a weeks time. Once that project is complete I can work on anything I want until the next week.

This was my first homework. I bought this kit at a thrift store during my last visit to my mom's in NC. This loverly kit was for a plastic canvas deer that could be used as a door stop or a Christmas Card holder. The kit was originally $12.99 and was partially completed, I got it for $2.00.

It even came with some free felt that had nothing to do with the project, no complaints about free! There was a piece of plastic canvas missing but thanks to a $.50 pick up at Hobby Lobby we got that fixed right up. The woman that had this before me did so much of the work it really didn't take me all that long. The worst part was the greenery, turkey work on plastic canvas is hard on the knuckles.

Ok, it maybe three weeks late but I love the old school look of my new Christmas Card holder and I really feel good about completing a project. I hope to keep up a good routine with keeping a project in my hands and a smile on my lips. My next homework is a Christmas gift for some friends I hope to see at the end of the month, a touch of the embroidery to brighten up the home.

What are some of your crafty resolutions? Are you going to attempt that big project that you have been putting off? Maybe learn a new skill? We would love to hear about it.

Keeping it rolling,

Kelly, the origami ninja

Progress report

2012-01-08T11:01:00.002-06:00

Well I finally feel like we are recovering from the holiday craziness. I'm taking down the tree today and am ready for the clean look of our living room without all the christmas decor. I haven't been posting much about what I've been making lately since all of the projects were gifts and a good number of the people I gave them to read this blog. Genius me I actually forgot to take pictures of them to post after actually giving them to their recipients so here is a couple pics of the patterns I've used in the last couple months. Brace yourself, there's alot of crochet patterns.

Gnome Amigurumi from Lion Brand Yarn

Mini Snowman from Dapper Toad

Quick Winter Headband

Wrist Warmers from Craftyminx

Men's Beanie from Happy in Red

Considering that I just learned how to crochet in November I've been extra busy. I'm really good and ripping out stitches and starting over and I feel pretty good about tackling novice to moderate patterns. I won't be dropping my crochet hooks any time soon either as we will be making crochet/knit scarves for special olympics at the next craft day in a couple weeks. I'm getting a head start cuz I'm hoping to make more than one so here's where I'm at.

How did I get all this stuff done? Quiet mornings crocheting by the window and lots of coaching from the dogs. OK maybe not so much coaching as Mr. Biscuit trying to eat my yarn as I work and Sadie power napping by my side. This is their post breakfast positions until I get up to do something else.

Crochet on!

Anita

Doggone Dirty Craftin Link Party

2012-01-05T00:01:00.000-06:00

This is a simple and inexpensive gift for the brewy-type folks in your life. Meg @ Revamp Homegoods gave us super fast tute for a tap handel with a piratty touch.

Even though Christmas has come and gone I'm still keeping an eye out for cute gifts for next year. These candy whisks from Mommy x 3 = Insanity are a great housewarming or hostess gift too.
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Veggie Cooking: Red Curry with Tofu and Vegetables

2012-01-03T06:00:00.000-06:00

Well, my wonderful husband is off to visit his family in Florida and I am alone here in the chilliness. It is bleak and windy outside, but not enough snow to make it a lovely winter view. So we have cold weather and free reign of the food being served for the week....hmm sounds like some cooking fun! I am really in need for some fresh bright flavors and for me that almost always leads to Thai.
I have never actually cooked Tofu, though I really enjoy eating it. So I am going to give it a go, while there are no man taste buds to worry about, and try to cook up some curried Tofu yumminess. Serving this dish over a dollop of sticky rice sounds like such a warming gift for the New Year. Soy allergen alert.

Red Curry with Tofu and Vegetables:

Ingredients:

4 tsp canola oil, divided
14 oz extra firm tofu, rinsed, patted dry, and cut into 1 inch cubes
1 lb sweet potato cut into 1 inch cubes
1 14 oz can light coconut milk
1/2 cup vegetable broth
1 to 2 tsp red Thai curry paste
1/2 lb green beans trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces
1 tbsp brown sugar
2 tsp lime juice
1/2 tsp salt
1/3 cup chopped cilantro

Heat 2 tsp canola oil in large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add Tofu and cook, stirring every 2 or 3 minutes, until browned, 6-8 minutes total, transfer to a plate. Heat the remaining canola oil over medium-high heat. Add sweet potato and cook, stirring occasionally until browned, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the light coconut milk, vegetable broth, and red curry paste and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potato is just tender about 4 minutes. Add the Tofu, green beans, and brown sugar, return to a simmer and cook, covered until the green beans are tender crisp, 2 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in lime juice and salt, sprinkle with cilantro and serve with lime wedges. Serve over cooked rice if desired.

Turned out very tasty but it did need a bit more salt. So hit the spot on this chilly day.
I hope you are staying warm and full this season.

Keeping it curry,
Kelly, the origami ninja

Power tool Christmas

2012-01-01T10:42:00.000-06:00

Look what I got for Christmas!

It's a nail gun/power stapler! I love that my hubby knows I'm a power tool girl. (Although I have to admit I was a little nervous the first time I fired the trigger.)

We couldn't wait to hook it up to the air compressor and try it out, which explains me in my PJs, and yes, I am a giant dork. Dan was nice enough to find some scraps that I could nail together for fun. Here's Mr. Biscuit with my first creation.

It turned out to be a tool-centric Christmas in our family cuz I gave Dan an oscillating multi tool and my parents got him a new jigsaw. I've got some recovering plans and furniture building ideas to add to my to-do this for this next year and with all these new tools in our arsenal making them should be a breeze.

What's up first?

This entertainment center.

I know, I know. A little ambitious but I feel pretty good that I have complete building instructions for this baby from Ana White Homemaker. If you've never visited the site definitely check it out. The best way to describe the page is that its an index of FREE uploaded furniture plans. Everything from stools to sandboxes to storage cabinets. Lots of "builders" also upload their finished projects too so you can see the pieces in various finishes. Don't worry if, like me, you've never built a piece of furniture. You can search plans by skill level, materials cost, or even the room you want to put it in. As soon as I start one I'll be sure to post the progress photos so you guys can check it out.

Build on!
Anita

Doggone Dirty Craftin Link Party

2011-12-29T02:35:00.001-06:00

Jamie @ Scissors and Steam just brightend up my winter with this planty fun. Her tute is full of spring time beauty, I can't wait!

For all of you that have children that got dolls or stuffed friends for the holidays: SLEEPING BAGS! Connie @ Quilting by the River gave us a fun tute on how to make them for any size Best Friend your child may have gotten.

Thanks so much to Ashley from Simply Designing for a great recipe for Candy Cane Playdough. I love the fact that you make it yourself with ingredients from your kitchen instead of all the crazy chemicals that are probably in the store bought stuff.

Mary @ Sweet Little Bluebird linked up this adorable and super easy idea for holiday framed art you "make" yourself. Check her blog for all the insanely easy details.

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Link up any project you want as long as its made by you. That means sewing, painting, recipes, photography, DIYs, and anything else creative you can think of.
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Show some love and visit a couple of the other crafty projects and leave some comments. It's nice to know someone other than your family and friends is actually looking at your posts out there in cyberspace.

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Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T13:04:00.000-06:00

Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas and

a Happy Howliday season.

Carol on!

Anita

Doggone Dirty Craftin Link Party

2011-12-22T00:01:00.000-06:00

Shadow and Timber look so adorable on this mini quilt. Christie @ Describe Happy has a great technique called confetti quilting. I am positive you will see that on this blog again soon.

You all need to head on over to The Sewing Loft to check these awesome cookies. Heather made these green eggs and ham cookies to delight and delish up the holidays.

Is a white Christmas out of the question where you live? Check out these great window fauxflakes from Karie @ House of Bledsoe.

I make homemade treats for our dogs every year for Christmas. Im adding this recipe for biscuits from Stone Cottage Adventures to my list for this year. These happy faces make me think they are pretty yummy.

Did you get featured? Grab the button below. We made it just for you!

Link up any project you want as long as its made by you. That means sewing, painting, recipes, photography, DIYs, and anything else creative you can think of.
Please NO ETSY SHOP links. I already spend way too much time shopping there.
We would giggle with delight if you would grab our button! No pressure though; it's not mandatory to participate.
Show some love and visit a couple of the other crafty projects and leave some comments. It's nice to know someone other than your family and friends is actually looking at your posts out there in cyberspace.

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Giveaway Winner!

2011-12-17T01:04:00.000-06:00

OK folks the winner of the wrist warmers is....

Comment 34!

Just kidding.

And comment 34 was.....

Ani said...

I am now following your blog!

Dec 12, 2011 10:53:00 PM

Congratulations Ani. We will be in touch to get your info.

PS I've been trying to figure out how to get the random widget in a post. Got part way there but it wont show the result so you will all have to trust me. Thanks so much to everyone for entering. I loved reading all your comments about your furry loved ones. It makes me feel not as crazy about how I am with my canine companions.

Craft on!

Anita

Doggone Dirty Craftin Link Party

2011-12-14T20:58:00.001-06:00

Snowflakes and Dragonflies has put a tute on how to make these little cuties.

They can really dazzle up the Holiday table.

Petra @ NOFLIK NIFELJE and some adorable little helpers made angels out of badminton shuttlecocks.

Check out thoes faces, too happy for words!

Thanks so much to Esther from Happy in Red for posting this hat pattern that she made for her hubby with a larger than average head. Mine has the same condition and knowing how hard it is to find hats I've added this to his christmas list.

Living in the Woods posted this super pretty idea for displaying your christmas cards.

I'm currently a huge fan of those big bulb lights too!

Did you get featured? Grab the button below. We made it just for you!

Link up any project you want as long as its made by you. That means sewing, painting, recipes, photography, DIYs, and anything else creative you can think of.
Please NO ETSY SHOP links. I already spend way too much time shopping there.
We would giggle with delight if you would grab our button! No pressure though; it's not mandatory to participate.
Show some love and visit a couple of the other crafty projects and leave some comments. It's nice to know someone other than your family and friends is actually looking at your posts out there in cyberspace.

OK here we go!

Giveaway Day! - Wrist warmers

2011-12-12T00:01:00.000-06:00

I'm happy to say we are participating in SewMamaSew's December Giveaway Day! We took part in the spring and had a great response. Hope you like what we've got for you this time around.

These wool wrist warmers are nice and cozy. Don't let the "wool" scare you though cuz they super soft and comfy made from 100% Peruvian wool. I love wearing mine when I'm typing or working on a crochet or knitting project. They leave your fingers free to work on whatever you want.

They measure 4 1/2 by 7 1/2 inches and are super comfy and warm. I'm a ~~little~~ lot jealous and have already started on another pair for myself.

Wanna win some? Well if you've never visited us here at Rhinestone Beagle before you need to know we have a bit of an animal obsession. Between the two of us we have a virtual zoo with 6 dogs, some cute guinea pigs and cuddly bunny. We've given you two ways to enter to win.

Mandatory! - Leave a comment telling us something you love about your furry friend(s) at home. Don't have any pets? I'm sure you know someone who does so just tell us something you love about their furry companion.
Optional - Leave a second comment letting us know you're a follower for an extra chance to win! Not already a follower? We'd love to have you join us today.

This giveaway closes Friday at 6 pm and I'll draw a winner the next day. Thanks and Good luck!

Craft on!
Anita

Doggone Dirty Craftin Link Party

2011-12-07T23:32:00.000-06:00

Linda @ It All Started With Paint had such a great idea with this porch rug that you paint on.

It won't even get all salty in the winter!

Heather has a quick and fun stash busting idea for the holidays. Head on over to The Sewing Loft for the pattern for these cute trees.

Its time to send letters to Santa with your Christmas list! Head over to Pink Ink Doodle for a great printout to write yours on. There's even a black and white version so your little one can color in their own.

Look at this great yarn snowman from Kim at Made in a Day. Go check out her post to learn how to make your own.

Link up any project you want as long as its made by you. That means sewing, painting, recipes, photography, DIYs, and anything else creative you can think of.
Please NO ETSY SHOP links. I already spend way too much time shopping there.
We would giggle with delight if you would grab our button! No pressure though; it's not mandatory to participate.
Show some love and visit a couple of the other crafty projects and leave some comments. It's nice to know someone other than your family and friends is actually looking at your posts out there in cyberspace.

OK here we go!

Crochet School, my new obsession

2011-12-06T10:40:00.001-06:00

Well I've only been a knitter for a few years now but I love it. Now I'd always heard that knitting was way harder than crochet but I found just the opposite to be true, that is after I already knew how to knit. Trying to switch over to this other yarn craft has eluded me for over a year now. I'd bought a couple books, watched videos online and tried and tried but no luck. So this last craft day we had I basically demanded we conquer crochet, especially since a couple of the girls already have a basic knowledge of the hows and whats. Here's what I made that day, after many hours of watching horribly corrupting reality TV and eating way too much as usual.

Great little wash cloth right? Well I felt so empowered that I was going to try a new pattern. I've been wanting to learn how to make amigurumi ever since I discovered them(this being my true reason for learning crochet) so I dove right in. It was very quickly apparent that I was over my head. Doing a series of double crochets to make a square was one thing but doing all that stuff in the round? Forget it. Well I'm not really one to admit defeat to a craft so I started looking for more resources online and found this gem.

Craftyminx is a great little blog written by Dana. Before I go into a rant of how I love her blog lets just talk about this amazing series she did called Crochet School. If you have ever wanted to learn crochet, for FREE mind you, this is the ticket. She splits the school into 23 simple lessons worded for normal people, not that I'm normal but you get my drift. Her lessons are great and packed with super clear videos. There's even a syllabus and homework. Personally I've reached the midterm in three days. I can't wait for the second half of the course, especially to start on granny squares. So what does this all mean? I feel like a much more well rounded crafter with even just the information I've gotten this far. Can't say enough nice things about Craftyminx for helping me too. Go check her out and stay tuned for some of my crochet projects!

Yarn over on!
Anita

Felt Cone Santa

2011-12-03T00:01:00.000-06:00

After making my feather Christmas trees I had one cone left that unfortunately I broke and was planning to throw away. Waste not want not, right? I glued the broken piece back on and decided I needed a Santa to go with my trees. Here's how to make your own.

Supplies:
Styrofoam cone
Felt - red, white, black (I had some sparkly red felt and love how it came out.)
Scrap of off white fabric
1 White Pom Pom
Puffy fabric paint - red and white(I used the glitter kind.)
Black craft paint and paintbrush
Glue gun with sticks
A couple sewing pins
Scissors

1. First you're going to cover the bottom of the cone with some of your red felt like below. Ignore the green paint. Remember this was supposed to be a tree. You'll be covering the entire surface of the cone so the underside doesn't matter.

2. Now you're going to have to decide where you want your Santa's face to be. Take out your off white fabric scrap and glue it to your cone where you want the face to be. Just make sure your fabric piece is bigger than the area needed for the face. We will cover the edges with felt.

3. Next step is to make the first of three paper templates you're going to use. This one is for Santa's coat. Wrap a piece of paper around the base of the cone and pin it in place. Now trace the outline of your Santa's coat how you want it to look. Transfer that to some of your red felt, leaving some extra room around the edges and cut it out. It should look something like this.

4. Pin Santa's coat into place and trim it to fit. Don't leave any overlap on the seam. We will cover it with his beard so make sure you line the seam up to run down the front of your Santa centered on the fabric you've placed for the face.

When you're happy with the fit glue the coat down to the cone.

5. Repeat your template process but this time for a hat. Remember to leave space between your hat and coat for Santa's face. This time you do want an overlap on the seam when gluing together your hat.

Once you've glued on your hat bend over the tip and glue it in place. Now glue your white pompom onto the top.

6. Now make your last template for Santa's beard. Pin your paper in place and trace the outline for your beard making sure to reach from the bottom of your hat to the base of the cone so it will cover the coat's seam.

Transfer to white felt but don't glue it down just yet. See the space left in the back of the head? Just cut a piece of white felt for Santa's hair to cover the gap.

Now you can go ahead and glue down the beard using it to cover Santa's coat seam and overlap the edge of the hair piece. I pinned mine in place to help with keeping it centered while I was gluing.

7. Take your black felt and cut a strip to make a belt. Glue it down from the back and trim it to fit to the sides of your Santa's beard.

8. Now we need to add the trim to Santa's outfit. Cut two strips of white felt, one for the hat trim and one for the base of the coat. I made mine about 1/2 inch in width. Glue in place with the hat trim seam in the rear and the coat trim seam at the front on either side of the tip of the beard.

Here's what your Santa should look like so far.

Our last bit of felt work is to add Santa's mustache. I made mine pointy to match the angles of the cone.

9. Ok, enough with the felt already. Break out that paint you've got waiting. Using the back of your paintbrush apply two black dots for Santa's eyes.

Now using the red puffy paint make a nice round red nose in the middle of your mustache. Last step is to add the fun swirl pattern to Santa's beard. I drew mine onto the beard template to get an idea of how I wanted it laid out.

Transfer that pattern using your white/glitter puffy paint onto your Santa's beard.

Now just let it all dry and you're done. How cute is he?!

All that's left to do is to find him a nice home.

Hope you love yours as much as I do mine. Stay tuned for more to come in this Christmas display. I'm thinking Santa needs some company.

Wassail on!
Anita

Doggone Dirty Craftin Link Party

2011-12-01T00:01:00.000-06:00

Happy in Red gave us a cute post on interchangeable ornaments. You can mix and match backgrouds to create all kinds of combinations, it even comes with a tute!

Melissa @ Shabby Love made a smart looking recycled wreath. I love the burlap bow, it looks smashing with the wood cuts!

Revamp Homegoods posted this adorable turkey thankful card.
How much fun would this be to make with your little ones for next year?

I am in dire need to make some new stocking for our house and these are in the running.
Thanks to DIY Home Sweet Home for posting this great tutorial for elf stockings.

Feather Christmas Trees

2011-11-27T10:19:00.000-06:00

I made a few of these some years back and planned on making a bunch more to cover the top of our entertainment center. Here's how.

Supplies:
Styrofoam cone
Wooden log, ~1 inch smaller in diameter than the base of your cone
Green craft paint
Green feathers
Glue gun with plenty of sticks
Green spray glitter in a can
Glittery star

1. First you're going to break out that green paint and cover the base and tip of your styrofoam cone. This is because you are more likely to have some bare spots that show through at these two parts of the tree and we don't want them to be white and stick out.

2. Now we are going to start glueing your feathers on. I'm totally crazy and ordered my feathers online because I knew I was going to do alot of trees and therefore needed alot of green feathers. You don't have to do green of course. White, red or gold would look fantastic too. Just pick up your feathers at the craft store or you can even take apart an old feather boa.

Start by glueing a round of feathers to the very base of your cone overlapping them all the way around. Notice that these feathers are flush with the styrofoam and not curving away from it.

3. Next you're going to go back over your first layer of feathers with another but these will curve away from the base.

I try to find curved feathers for this step but if you're a little short on those you can always crimp your feathers with your nail to bend them the way you need. Now start glueing these feathers all the way around, not overlapping each other.

4. Continue to glue feathers on moving your way up to the top of the cone. Make sure to offset the feathers as you adhere them so your "branches" are staggered like below.

5. Take your tree outside and spray it all over with as much glitter as you want for a sparkling finish. I used green glitter but you can use white or other colors for a more dramatic effect.

6. Now you're going to want to cut a piece of your log to use as the base/trunk of your tree. Luckily I got this from our backyard but if you're short on tree limbs check your local park or even a friend's firewood pile. I suggest about a 2 inch chunk but you can try out different heights under your feather tree. Adhere this to your cone's base to form the trunk of your tree.

A quick note on where you get your wood base: I like to take the bark off and for a couple reasons. One being its easier to keep clean and two is that I like the smooth look. My log came with a couple extra details too.

See all those squiggley lines? Well my log apparently came from a tree that had some wood boring critters and I even found a few when I got to dissecting. This wood has been outside for a whole year so when I found this guy, among a few others, I wasn't surprised he was dead

but as I worked on a couple other pieces I ended up finding 2 that were still alive. This is why everyone always says to not move firewood because you never know what's inside. (And for my work friends, no I didn't take them to work for ID.) Ok back to craftin.

7. Last but not least take your star and insert the wire end into the top of your foam cone through the feathers. I found these in the wreath/fake flower section of my local Joanne and you can see that they have a few different colors.

Tada! You're done. Here's some shots of the finished product featuring two of my best models.

Carol on!
Anita

Doggone Dirty Craftin Link Party

2011-11-24T00:01:00.000-06:00

Jamie @ DIY Home Sweet Home was brave enough to post a Craft FAIL involving shrinking plastic. She helped us learn a crafting lesson so in the end it's a WIN!

I am all about cute little birdies, and the partidge rules them all! Sarah @ Life on Walnut Street has a great tute on how she made this adorableness for a craft swap.

Karie from the House of Bledsoe posted this delish looking recipe for Pumpkin Cheesecake Muffins. Need I say more?

What would Santa and Rudolph look like if they were in a photo booth together? Check out this post from Suzy's Artsy Craftsy Sitcom to find out.

Link up any project you want as long as its made by you. That means sewing, painting, recipes, photography, DIYs, and anything else creative you can think of.
Please NO ETSY SHOP links. I already spend way too much time shopping there.
We would giggle with delight if you would grab our button! No pressure though; it's not mandatory to participate.
Show some love and visit a couple of the other crafty projects and leave some comments. It's nice to know someone other than your family and friends is actually looking at your posts out there in cyberspace.

Guest posting at Me Making Do

2011-11-23T09:13:00.000-06:00

Hey everybody. Just wanted to let you all know I'm guest posting over at Me Making Do today for her Crafty Creative Christmas. Come check out my tutorial on how to make these great Feather Christmas Trees.

Carol on!
Anita

2 x 4 Turkey Triumph

2011-11-21T18:54:00.001-06:00

What is the COOLEST craft in my life right now? Say it with me everybody.....2 x 4 wood crafts! Very good, you all get an A. For October's Craft Club I sort of demanded, in a nice way mind you, we do these awesome 2 x4 turkeys.

Wendy over @ Craft Goodies is a master when it comes to this super sweet medium know as wood. She has created some very nice things using all kinds of wood and wood products. Penguins, bunnies, deer, and all things cute. Wendy, if you are listening, I have kind of been stalking your blog but in a nice crafty way, not a creepy way, I promise! She posted a wonderful tute for these happy guys on Ucreate where she was guest posting and as soon as I saw them I knew they were too cute to miss.

So the Craft Clubbers got together and got to work on our turkey lurkeys. All the 2 x 4 wood is reclaimed just like the mummies we made for Halloween. The scraps collected from assorted work sites and dumpsters let each crafter make as many birds as they could want. We got the necks, which are large paint stirrers, for free at the Lowes. Thanks Lowes! We had the paint, glue, ribbon, and sanding blocks already. So all we had to buy in the end was the giant craft sticks and some pretty paper.

As we waited for the paint to dry, turned out not as boring as you might think because Sarah was getting a little too comfortable with one of the Halloween decorations, we enjoyed some pre-tricks-or-treats candy, which gave us a great sugar rush to power through the sanding.

So, if you don't pay attention to little dogs named Mr. Biscuit while said paint is drying you get the lesson taught to you in the saddest 2 x 4 turkey way. This was the poor victim of crazy dog teeth, he totally got the sanding blocks too. Is that the saddest nibbled on head feather you have ever seen? We got our eyes on you now Mr. B!

We made adorable faces, cut colorful feathers from our papers, and glued on little head feathers in a bevy of turkey bodies and laughter: we had Conan the Barbarian playing in the background. Have you ever gone back and watched that movie? You really should, it was great fun. I swear in the end we made like a thousand of these little dudes, and loved every minute of it. I have the nibbled on one, I named him Barry, and his lady friend out on my mantle ready for the family fanfare coming this Thursday. I hope you liked our turkeys and that you go check out the tute to make your own gobblers, or maybe you make a a fine flock of peacocks, or a marvelous murder of crows!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!

Keeping it gobbly,

Kelly, the origami ninja

Getting in the holiday spirit....

2011-11-19T00:01:00.000-06:00

A little off the subject of creativity but I needed a little something to try and get myself in the mood for Christmas crafting. Ding fries are done.

Carol on!

Anita

Doggone Dirty Craftin Link Party

2011-11-17T00:01:00.000-06:00

Lets get to it!

You should run, don't walk, on over to She's Sew Smart to check out these stockings. There is a simple pattern and they are being made to be stuffed with goddies to be sent to our troops. Very giving!

Jutta @ Organized Living Solutions has made a tasty looking treat that follows the raw food eating plan. It is super simple and looks divine!

I'm in love with this hedgehog from The Generous Earth. Just make sure you hit the translator button to choose english for the tutorial, unless you read German. (I think it's German.)

Did you get featured? Grab the button below. We made it just for you!

Link up any project you want as long as its made by you. That means sewing, painting, recipes, photography, DIYs, and anything else creative you can think of.
Please NO ETSY SHOP links. I already spend way too much time shopping there.
We would giggle with delight if you would grab our button! No pressure though; it's not mandatory to participate.
Show some love and visit a couple of the other crafty projects and leave some comments. It's nice to know someone other than your family and friends is actually looking at your posts out there in cyberspace.

OK here we go!

Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce

2011-11-15T09:00:00.000-06:00

I took Halloween off of work this year. I like this plan, I believe I will do it every year from now on. I got to be home for all the Tricks-and-Treaters and I spent the first half of that very nice day off processing lots of squash. It seems like every fall we eat squash for several weeks and then its gone. Well not this year my friends! I roasted acorn squash and put it freezer, yummed up all the seeds and nibbled on those, and my new favorite inspiration Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce.

This is by no means a complex recipe, even though it is a Martha Stewart and she can tend towards the extreme, this one comes in on the easy side.

Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce:

Ingredients

1&1/2 lbs of peeled butternut squash, cut into 2 inch chunks

1 tbsp olive oil

1/2 tsp poultry seasoning, or a bit more if you like those spices, which I do

salt

pepper

5 cloves garlic, peel on

1 cup half and half

water

Preheat oven to 350. Toss the squash chunks with the oil and the poultry seasoning and spread out on cookie sheet. I lined my cookie sheet with foil for easier cleanup. Spread the cloves of garlic around in the squash on the cookie sheet. Roast until the squash is very tender, 40 minutes to one hour, tossing every twenty minutes. Remove skin from the now roasty garlic. Using either a food processor or a boat motor process the squash and garlic until smooth. Slowly add the half and half and keep processing, now add in water slowly until it is very smooth. Season with salt and pepper. You may need to add a bit more water if you like a thinner sauce for your pasta. Great served over cheese raviolis with shaved Parmesan. To freeze, pour into your favorite containers and pop it into the freezer of your choice. When you are heating it up it will need some water added to get the right consistency. Makes four cups.

I doubled the recipe and loaded up my freezer with this tasty sauce for a quick and easy vegetarian meal or yummy side dish. Now I think I will try my hand and making my own pasta to have with it, oh yeah that sounds good.......

Anybody got a good recipe or technique?

Keeping it squashy,

Kelly, the origami ninja

Christmas Mug Rug Giveaway

2011-11-11T20:50:00.001-06:00

Wanna win this cute little christmas mug rug I made? Head over to Ninth Street Notions to check out her two giveaways for the Handmade with Love Giveaway Hop. My mug rug is part of giveaway #2, along with a $30 giftcard to a great Etsy store called Alice Tease. There's 6 different ways to enter! Thanks so much to Amanda from Ninth Street Notions for letting us take part.

Give on!
Anita

Doggone Dirty Linky Party!

2011-11-10T00:01:00.000-06:00

Welcome back for yet more...

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This is a great idea to use up any apples leftover from fall picking. Over @ Sash to Treasure, Nicole teaches us how to make these tasty little pies.

Kaysi @ Keeping it Simple has got an awesome turkey pillow tute made out of ribbons and ruffles. That gives me a great idea for one with a Christmas tree.

OK I couldn't resist the dog sweater. She's Sew Smart posted a great tutorial on how to make one from an old sweater. Goodwill here I come.

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Link up any project you want as long as its made by you. That means sewing, painting, recipes, photography, DIYs, and anything else creative you can think of.

Please NO ETSY SHOP links. I already spend way too much time shopping there.
We would giggle with delight if you would grab our button! No pressure though; it's not mandatory to participate.
Show some love and visit a couple of the other crafty projects and leave some comments. It's nice to know someone other than your family and friends is actually looking at your posts out there in cyberspace.

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Secondhand Bread Pudding

2011-11-08T07:56:00.001-06:00

Secondhand you say? That sounds gross you say. Well my friends it is by no means gross. Bread pudding, by nature, is a foodie way of recycling old crusty bits of bread into something warm and tasty. So things that would have been tossed in the trash, or in some cases to the birds, can have a new and yummy life as hearty dessert worth savoring. The Secondhand comes in with the wealth of bread items you can use to make this tasty treat. This last batch I made had french toast sticks, apple cider doughnuts, hot dog buns, and pumpkin bread in it. We store up all of our bread bits in the freezer until we have enough. Any little bits of this in that from the bread kingdom will make this dish a welcome addition to any meal.

Secondhand Bread Pudding

Ingredients:

6 cups of dry bread cubes of any sort, doughnuts work great, left out to dry over night

2 cups milk

1/2 cup sugar

dash salt

1stick butter

1 tsp cinnamon

2 eggs

1/2 cup raisins

Heat the butter and the milk over a low heat until the butter is melted. In the mean time, mix the sugar, cinnamon, salt, and eggs until combined. Then stir in your bread and raisins. Make sure to mix this step until all the bread cubes are coated with the wet ingredients.

Pour the warm milk mixture over the coated bread cubes and mix very gently and very slightly. Pour this into an 8 x 8 inch square pan. Place that pan into a 13 x 9 inch pan and place into the oven. Before you close that oven door fill the 13 x 9 inch pan halfway with water. Now bake that goodness at 350 for 45 minutes.

If you would like a warm Whisky Sauce to top it off with, simply melt 1/2 cup butter with 1 cup packed brown sugar and 3 tbsp Bourbon in a saucepan over low heat. Serve this dessert after cold day of leaf raking and you will be a hero.

I hope you are having a wonderful season of baking! Let us know what you've been up to.

Keeping it cinnamony,

Kelly, the origami ninja

Tissue paper and creepy cupcakes!

2011-11-05T18:49:00.000-05:00

Well since we had such a great response for participation in our first HTTC we've got some catching up to do with our own posts. Here's what we all did at craft club for our halloween meeting.

On the adjenda was making some spooky halloween candle holders by upcycling old jars found in various places. Some were from garage sales, goodwill and even the pantry. The day started with the clinking of glass containers appearing from everyones' bags onto the long table upstairs.

Next came a flurry of tissue paper in tons of fun colors. This project is so basic its stupid. The only thing to do is modge podge the hell out of the outside of the jar/glass container,

apply your tissue paper, and add even more modge podge to coat and seal the tissue.

That's it! The coolest thing though, is that the variations are endless. With everything from a mummy, to ghost, to candy corn, to pumpkin, no two holders looked alike. The black bits are just construction paper modge podged onto the outside of the tissue.

As some of us discovered, you only need to apply a single layer of tissue paper, otherwise you won't be able to see the light shine through. I know it's hard to contain oneself when using modge podge but less is more as far as the paper with this project. Trust us.

Aren't they cool? I had the ghosts and boo on the ledge on my bathroom and the pumpkins made a home on my entertainment center amidst some cool haunted houses I put out every year. The splash of orange looks great with all the black. I highly recommend using little battery operated tea lights for these too. You don't have to worry about little ones with open flames and they don't make a mess with all the wax either. The larger candle holders had two in each of them for extra light.

Our other project for the Halloween meeting was a little more sweet. We decorated halloween cupcakes for our dessert. Sarah and I took a little trip to my local old school candy store to pick up supplies earlier in the day. Here's a sampling of what we came up with.

Softened Tootsie rolls are great to mold into different shapes, red shoestring licorice becomes veins in bloodshot eyeballs, gummy triangles make great ears and tongues, and cotton candy is perfect for beards. After the sugar high we resorted to crashing in my living room. Sadie even found a place for herself on the couch.

As usual I'm sad to see Halloween go but just wait till next year. I already have stuff on the back burner.

Craft on!

Anita

Doggone Dirty Craftin Link Party

2011-11-03T00:01:00.000-05:00

Time for some gold old....

I can't stand the cute that is this costume! Cheryl @ Sew Can Do made this beauty for her little beauty.

Our good bloggie friend Christie from Describe Happy posted this super cool confetti quilt of her two dogs on a walk in the woods. I have to learn how to do this! Check out her blog for posts on her progress and links to learn how to confetti quilt something cool yourself.

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Link up any project you want as long as its made by you. That means sewing, painting, recipes, photography, DIYs, and anything else creative you can think of.

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Show some love and visit a couple of the other crafty projects and leave some comments. It's nice to know someone other than your family and friends is actually looking at your posts out there in cyberspace.

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A fun farewell to Halloween.

2011-11-01T03:00:00.000-05:00

I spent the few quiet hours of Halloween, before the tricks-for-treaters showed up, processing one of falls greatest gifts: squash. I baked four acorn squash to freeze and filled several zip-lock freezer containers with yummy butternut squash pasta sauce. We are ready to enjoy the flavors of fall all winter long! With all that squashing about I got lots of seeds to bake. I roasted both butternut and acorn sqash seeds. While pumpkin seeds are the tasty leftover gifts of jack-o-lantern carving, squash seeds can often be over looked. The squash seeds are smaller and thinner skined, yet just as good. Now you can enjoy squah for the flesh and the seeds.

These are two butternuts worth of toasty seeds.

This was four acorn squash worth of seeds but my husband got to them before I could snap the picture.

To roast squash seeds:

Take clean dry squash seeds and toss lightly with oil. Spread on a foil-lined cookie sheet and sprinkle with salt. Bake in a 350 degree oven for twenty minutes. Toss well and bake 20 minutes more, untill golden and lovley.

In addition to all the crazed baking, I got a wonderful homemade card from my mom to celebrate the most spooky of holidays. I adore the topic she choose, it fit right in with my day. I had no idea mice could be vampires, thank goodness for garlic!

I hope you had a wonderful holiday and didn't get a tummy-ache from all the candy love, you can bet I did.

Kelly, the origami ninja

Costumed Canines - Lobster Love

2011-10-31T08:47:00.000-05:00

The big day is finally here and Gidget is in her finest for an afternoon of trick or treating. Thanks so much to everyone for making our first Howl-oween Tricks & Treats Craftathon a huge success. Did you miss any of the great tutorials? Check out the side bar and click on the HTTC add to see a list of links to all the previous posts. We're already excited for next year!

Haunt on!

Anita, Sadie, Mr. Biscuit, & Gidget

Costumed Canines - She gets a little "witchy" around candy!

2011-10-29T10:52:00.000-05:00

Labrador lips are made for stealing candy!

We hope you have had a great Halloween crafting season, and here's to a wonderful day of

tricks-or-treats.

Love that Linky Party

2011-10-27T20:17:00.002-05:00

Welcome back for some more

Thanks to Stacy from Boy Oh Boy Oh Boy for this yummy looking recipe for apple dumplings.

Check out these Orange Tea Light Holders from Suzy's Artsy Craftsy Sitcom.

Just the right amount of spooky and yes you do get to eat the insides.

One of my favorite books as a kid was The Very Hungry Caterpillar

so I couldn't resist this dresser from 551 East.

Sweet Potato Custard with Ginger Snaps. Yes my mouth is watering too. Thanks Savannah's Savory Bites for this delish looking recipe.

Did you get featured? Grab the button below. We made it just for you!

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Link up any project you want as long as its made by you. That means sewing, painting, recipes, photography, DIYs, and anything else creative you can think of.

Please NO ETSY SHOP links. I already spend way too much time shopping there.
We would giggle with delight if you would grab our button! No pressure though; it's not mandatory to participate.
Show some love and visit a couple of the other crafty projects and leave some comments. It's nice to know someone other than your family and friends is actually looking at your posts out there in cyberspace.

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HTTC - Worms and Dirt

2011-10-26T01:00:00.000-05:00

It's spooky, it's scary, it's.....yummy! Worms and Dirt seems to be that epic of halloween fun dessert. Its so easy to make, yet I always forget that part. It's also customizable: do you want whip cream ghosts, maybe gummy worms or hands, possibly cookie tombstones? Kids and adults alike can have fun with it, I know I feel like a sugared up eight year old when I make a big ole bowl of this goodness!

Worms and Dirt

One 18 oz pkg of Oreo cookies
One 16oz tub of cool whip
three pkgs of vanilla pudding
3 cups milk
fun items to add to the dirt: worms, frogs, tombstones, ghosts, etc...

I know, it's sad, but scrape out all of the cream fillings from the Oreos and then crush the cookies up well. Mix the pudding and milk in a large bowl, add in all the cool whip until blended. Stir in 2/3 of the cookie bits and mix again. Top with the other 1/3 of the cookie bits and add the fun accessories to make it as creepy as you want. Chill in the fridge for one hour and serve to your favorite goblins.

Sage may not be able to have an Oreo, but he does love a worm.

Keeping it Spooky,

Kelly, the Oreo ninja

HTTC - Puppy Super Cape

2011-10-25T00:01:00.000-05:00

Wow, we are really here guys... we made it!! Rhinestone Beagle!! Whohohoo! I'd like to introduce myself, I'm Christie, from Describe Happy and I am here with my lovely and rather furry assistants Sammy (the smaller white golden puppy) and Katie (the four year old blond golden) to help you get you Howl-oween hero on!!!

Has your pup (or cat) recieved a last minute invitation to a Halloween Ball and have nothing to wear? Are you interested in joining a Halloween pet contest or parade and have no costume in sight? Do you just like dressing up your dog maybe for the big game or no reason at all?

Well fear not... Super Sammy is here to the rescue!! Ta, ta, ta, TA!!!

All you need to do is grab one shirt (that looks like it will cover most of your pet), a pair of scissors, and your model. I am using one of Mr. Happy's old shirts in red for this demo. And Sammy will be my model today.

Start off by petting your pooch on the head and assuring them you won't humiliate them (for long). Then, cut the shirt in half around the seams seperating the front from the back. You will only need one half to make one super cape.

Next, make a cut down the middle of the sleeve until about the point the neck starts on both sides.

Measure the shirt on your pet to determine how much length to keep or cut. You can see I cut a large portion of the shirt from the bottom; save this piece for later. A full shirt covered my 60lb golden Katie really well. Sammy's needed to be smaller, because, well... she is pint size.

The top ties go around your pet's neck and you can tie it off gently. I also shorted those (so Sammy couldn't chew on them). I then tied the bottom half of the sleeves under Sammy to keep the cape on. Again, don't tie too tight.

Here you can see the shorter ties in the front and under. Sammy also looks a bit mummified here, ha!!

I think she likes being super! Her special power you ask? I am guessing it's the power of amazing restful sleep. Oh, and she can fly.

And here's a bonus idea. Take the bottom piece of the shirt that you cut away. Notch and rip it into three strips lengthwise. Place in front of curious puppy who is going to try and chomp at them any second

Tie all three strips together with a knot at one end (after wrangling a strip from the curious puppy's mouth).

Braid the three strips and then finish the rope off with a knot at the end. I also added a few knots in the middle for tugging grips. Then, ever so gently place the bonus knot rope into the sleeping puppy's mouth and take a quick picture because the cuteness is overwhelming!!

Then, laugh a bit more as your dog is a) wearing a silly cape, b) doesn't seem to mind the rope placed in her mouth, and c) knowing you are going to share this with lots of friends as a part of Rhinestone Beagles Howl-ween Craftathon. Pure blogging genius!!

From Katie, Sammy and I... have an Super Hero-like Howl-oween!!!

HTTC - Paper Plate Bat

2011-10-24T00:01:00.000-05:00

Paper Plate Vampire Bat

You can't have Halloween without a few bats! Here's a fun easy paper plate vampire bat for kids to make.

You only need 2 plates to complete a bat, and you can make them the size of whatever paper plates you have.
I couldn't use black plastic plates because they were too deep for this project, so I used black spray paint to color the bats.
Supplies
2 Paper Plates, the same size
Black Spray Paint
Red & White Self Adhesive Felt, Craft Foam or Card Stock
Glue or Double Sided Tape
2 Brads
Punch
Scissors
Directions
1. Sketch a simple shape for a bat body on one plate.

2. Sketch 2 simple bat wings on another plate, using half of the plate for each wing.

3. Cut out the wings and body.
4. Spray or paint all 3 pieces black. Use 2 coats - allowing them to dry about 20 minutes between coats.
5. Cut out the face parts, using self adhesive felt, craft foam, or card stock.

Using white, cut 2 ovals for eyes, 2 triangles for fangs, and 2 narrow strips for eyebrows.
Cut or punch 2 small black circles for pupils. Or you can draw them on with a black marker.
From red cut a small drop of blood and a narrow mouth.
Use a red marker to put a bit of blood on the tip of a fang.
6. Place the face parts on the bat, moving them around until they look good. Glue or tape them to the bat.
7. Punch or poke a small hole near the end of each wing, and a hole on each side of the body, to attach the wings.

8. Color the top of the brad black with a black marker, and fasten the wings to the body.
Your paper plate vampire bat has movable wings to fly!

Make a hole in the top center of the bat to add a ribbon or string for hanging.

Go check out Noreen's website Crafty Linky for tons more projects for almost every holiday.

HTTC - DIY Witches Closet

2011-10-23T00:00:00.000-05:00

Spook some delight into your Halloween celebration and add a Witches Closet! Our witch will be "boo-tiful" with her striped socks, glittery scarf, "gourd-eous" hat and flowy dress. She even has "spook-tacular" shoes and keys to the dungeon.

You can scare up a few tricks by having a witches closet too! However you choose to do it, use your imagination to spread the magic as you make the perfect Witches Closet for your Halloween fun.

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I always seem to get bored of doing things the same way year after year and try to shake it up a bit. I took a bunch of stuff we already had, added a couple of new things and decided to make this Witches Closet. We have a "Witches Kitchen" so a "Witches Closet" just across the room seemed like a perfect addition.

(Click here to check out the Witches Kitchen")

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I have been on a quest the past couple of years to use up the supplies and other resources I already have and spend as little bit of money as possible.Top of the shelf has a hat, shoes, purple sparkley pet spider, and broom.

These are some of my mom's shoes. My parents died just a few days apart and I really miss them around holidays so I try to incorporate something of theirs in all my holiday decorations. These shoes are the centerpiece of this display. I made this hat a few years ago for a centerpiece. I have used it for several displays - works great in the Witches Closet. . Here is the tutorial for this hat.

This is my witches broom that has bling!

Click here to see more details about the broom

On the pegs are metal star, trick or treat bucket, sparkly scarf which any self respecting witch has to have, witches in sign, striped sox, cape and dress.

I had an old metal star that wasn't being used and some scraps of Halloween scrap paper. I made a pattern of one of the points, cut 5 different patterns and glued it on. The keys I ran a pattern from the print artist program and glued it on the back of some sparkly paper left over from Christmas gifts last year.

The dungeon sign ws made on print artist as was the date tab. Then I tore the edge of the Dungeon Keys sign and used distressed ink on both. This sign a made a couple of years ago and thought this is the perfect spot for it. I used to hang in near the broom and a pair of shoes near the front door - it looks great in the closet here.

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Thanks for letting me share! Please visit my Halloween Blog at Buckets of Halloween Ideas

Costumed Canines: Nutty Irony

2011-10-22T16:27:00.001-05:00

I know its awful of me to dress my dog up as her arch nemesis but I couldn't resist. Maybe it will just give her a squinny perspective to add to her hunting tactics. Sorry Sadie but you're adorable. Thanks for putting up with my crazy ideas.

Craft on!
Anita

HTTC - Skeleton Wreath

2011-10-21T17:52:00.000-05:00

OK I’m in love with Halloween and swore last year that I was going to do the house up big so all the kids in the neighborhood would come trick or treating at my door. I’ve been doing pretty good, with the final touches going up this weekend, but my door looked pretty bare. I decided to add a Halloween wreath but one that wouldn’t be too creepy to scare the super little trick or treaters I hope to get more of this year. Here’s what you’ll need.

Supplies

Felt

White - 3 sheets

Purple - 2 sheets

Neon Green - 1 sheet

Dark grey - 1/2 yard (I bought this off the bolt since it needed to be wider than the felt sheets you get from the craft isle. It was on sale at Joann for 2.75 a yard.)

Grapevine wreath (any color)

Black spray paint

Black embroidery floss and needle

1 piece of white tissue paper (like for stuffing gift bags)

Glue gun with plenty of glue sticks

Scissors

Pruning snips(optional)

1. First you’ll need to spray paint your grapevine wreath black. This takes a couple passes because of all the nooks and crannies. Do this first so you can go back and add coats or let it dry while assembling the rest of the wreath.

2. To print out the skeleton template click here and download the file. Feel free to resize the template if you have a larger or smaller wreath. This guy fit nicely in my wreath that has a 11.5” opening.

3. Go ahead and cut out all the individual paper pieces and plug in your glue gun so its ready to go.

4. Pin each of the skeleton parts to your felt making sure you have enough room to cut out 2 of each skull, jaw, shoulder/collar bone and ribcage and 4 arm bones.

Trace your templates onto the felt and cut them all out.

5. Now we are going to hot glue the like pieces together. So line up one felt ribcage on top of the other, lining up the edges and glue them to each other. You are basically doubling the thickness of each template piece. Repeat with all the other pieces but make sure you don’t add glue where your teeth are going to be. Trust me on this one. You should end up with two arms and one of everything else.

6. Watch the video to learn how to sew the teeth gaps onto the skull and jaw bones.

7. Take your tissue paper and place it under your dry wreath. Now trace a circle around the inside opening of the wreath. This will help you line up your skeleton so you know he will fit inside your wreath.

8. Measure the diameter of your wreath from outside edge to outside edge. Now cut two squares from your dark grey fabric with all four sides in that length.

9. Take one of your dark grey felt squares and start laying out your skeleton on it the way you want it to look on the inside of your wreath. Feel free to cut the neck down as I made it long on purpose for this adjustment step. Periodically place your tissue paper template on top to make sure he will fit how you want.

10. When you’re happy with your skeleton layout glue down all the pieces. Use liberal amounts of glue as it will help stiffen your felt and make it more stable on the inside of your wreath.
Now trim the grey felt around your skeleton leaving a border. Mine was about 1/2” all the way around. Don’t forget to leave tabs at the top of his head, ends of arms and bottom of ribcage so we can attach him to the wreath later.

11. I wanted an added layer of the grey felt to reinforce and stiffen my skeleton more so glue your skeleton down on top of the other piece of dark grey felt. Once again be liberal with your glue. This time I left another border but it was only 1/4”. You can see all four layers below.

12. Here’s where we are going to cut out your happy halloween letters. I just free hand drew the letters but if you’re not comfortable doing that just print out some in block lettering that you like. I drew mine on a piece of scrap paper and then went over it with a black sharpie. This is so your letters will show through to the other side of the paper. (I always like to trace things on the back so if I make a mistake I don’t ruin a whole piece of felt.) This way all your letters are already backwards and ready to be used as a reference.

13. Now take your green felt and cut out 14 squares measuring 2” X 1.75”. I make squares first so I know all my letters will be the same height. Now draw your backwards letters onto each of the green blocks, making sure the vertical edge is 2” long, and cut them out.

14. Glue your green letters down onto one of your purple felt sheets, leaving room in between letters, again being liberal with the glue.

15. Now cut them out, leaving a 1/4” border of purple around the green. Just like the skeleton I repeated this process with the other piece of purple felt for added rigidity and support, but I didn’t add another border the second time around. Here’s what you felt letter sandwiches should look like.

16. Cut out two small circles from scraps of your green felt and glue them down for the skeleton’s pupils.

17. Next we will glue your letters down to the grapevine wreath. I always like to start words in the middle so I know they won’t end up lopsided. That means the 1st P in happy and the O in halloween will line up in the middle of the wreath. Its also helpful to prop up your wreath so you can see things better.

18. Last step is to glue your skeleton to the back of your wreath attaching it with glue at the tabs you left on the edges. Make sure you use lots of glue. We don’t want your skeleton falling off in a light breeze.

TADA! Now you have a fun, festive and friendly door decoration to add to your halloween arsenal. The bright colored felt was a plus too cuz you can read it from farther away.

Happy Halloween!

Craft on!

Anita

Linky fun time!

2011-10-20T00:01:00.000-05:00

Welcome back for some more

I am all about the seeds right now! Thanks to Rene @ Budget Saving Mom who gave us a yummy sweet version to use our jack-o-lantern innards.

Susie @Puddle Jumper Creations made some wonderful burp cloths.

You have to go check these out, there is even a shy turtle!

Check out these great posable mummies from Hillary from The Thrillz of Hillz.

I could make an army of these.

Mel from the Crafty Scientist posted some awesome fall printables.

They are by far the most original ones I've seen yet this year.

Did you get featured? Grab the button below. We made it just for you!

Link up any project you want as long as its made by you. That means sewing, painting, recipes, photography, DIYs, and anything else creative you can think of.

Please NO ETSY SHOP links. I already spend way too much time shopping there.
We would giggle with delight if you would grab our button! No pressure though; it's not mandatory to participate.
Show some love and visit a couple of the other crafty projects and leave some comments. It's nice to know someone other than your family and friends is actually looking at your posts out there in cyberspace.

OK here we go!

HTTC - Wire Wrapped Spider

2011-10-19T00:01:00.000-05:00

Hello and Happy Halloween to all you Beagle buddies out there! I'm so excited to be here today sharing a little bit of Halloween magic.

My name is Wendy and you can find me crafting away my days over at Craft Goodies...

I am thrilled to be included in this group of Halloween-loving ladies but must make a small confession-I HATE being scared!!!

So yes, I am one of those lovers of "cute" Halloween goodies because basically, I'm a total wimp.

My project isn't the spookiest but it sure was a lot of fun and best yet SUPER EASY!!!

Here's what you'll need to make one yourself:

A large clear holiday ornament

thick craft wire *16 gauge

(I used a thinner wire on my first attempt and while do-able it was a lot harder because the wire didn't hold it's shape as well as the thicker stuff)

wire cutters

Get started by twisting the end of your wire through the ornament topper to keep it in place:

From there, start wrapping the wire around and around the ornament-like making a ball of yarn!

Top too bottom, side to side, keep going until it's as covered as you like it.

Once you're done wrapping the wire, snip the end with your cutters and tuck it around another piece of wrapped wire to keep it in place.

Next cut 8 long strips of your wire to make the legs. Mine were about 24 inches long. Thread the end of the wire under the wrapped wires and pinch in half. Then Twist the two ends together tightly to form a leg. Do this 4 times on each side of the ornament:

Make the head by forming another smaller ball of wire. I wrapped the wire around three of my fingers to get a good size started and then just kept wrapping until I liked the size and shape. Again, just like you would do to make a ball of yarn. Clip the end when you reach your desired size.

Cut another small piece of wire and use it to "tie" the head to the body.

Bend and shape the legs. You can use your cutters to gently pinch the folded ends tighter to hold the legs in a more "crawly" position.

Tie a length of thread through the ornament hanger and dangle your new little friends where they'll definitely get noticed:

Not to creepy, right? My girls think they are pretty awesome!

I still have a few left over ornaments and am thinking it would be fun to color the ornaments a bright shade of red or green before wrapping them...see, I'm slowly edging toward scary.

Thanks so much Rhinestone Gals for having over, and Beagle friends, don't be shy-

drop by Craft Goodies any time for a visit.

Until then have a wonderful, SPOOK-tacular HOWL-oween!!!

Happy Crafting.

HTTC - Scooby Doo House

2011-10-18T00:01:00.000-05:00

Scooby Doo is big in our house. Saturday we are having our second Scooby Doo birthday party. String Beane had a Scooby party when he turned 3 and Butter Beane is having a Scooby party for his 3rd birthday Saturday.

I have made another candy Haunted House this year as it was a huge hit last time. It is so simple to make and such a show stopper. It is really worth the time to make it and the theme can be customized to your event.

Supplies:

2 Cardboard boxes

Piece of Styrofoam for base

Duct tape

Chocolate frosting

Tons of candy

The house is made of a cardboard box duck taped to a piece of styro foam. Tape it on the styro foam open end up.
Trim the short side flaps at an angle. Then you take a second card board box and cut it apart and use two sections to fold in to a peak for the roof. Duct tape the roof on to the house.
Then cut a small hole in the roof and use a strip of the cardboard box to fold into a square tube for the chimney. Duct tape it down.
Now that you have the frame it is time to decorate. Since I was doing a Scooby theme I tried to make it look like a haunted house.
Use canned chocolate frosting and spread it over the cardboard. You'll use this like glue to add all your candy too.

Line the roof with graham crackers for the shingles and use red hots for the chimney bricks.
Hershey bars are great for doors with Skittle knobs.
Make your windows from more Hershey bars and add graham cracker shutters.
I used gum drops and pixie sticks to make a fence and oreos for the walk way.
I also bought a Mystery Machine candy car and put it in the driveway.
Use Halloween suckers for the trees and Halloween peeps for the door decorations.

For the party, I put everyone's name in a bag. I drew out a name and that child got to pick a candy from the house. I went through until all of the children had a turn and then it was a free for all. They loved it!

I hope this year's Scooby party is just as much fun as last time.
Happy Birthday to my little Butter Beane.

Go check out Mamie's blog Home Grown Beans for more recipes and family friendly projects.

HTTC - Pumpkin Folk Art

2011-10-17T00:00:00.000-05:00

Halloween greetings Rhinestone Beagle fans!

I'm Jenn ~ the crafter, baker and glitter shaker behind the creative nesting place, Rook No. 17 where I share my original recipes, vintage inspired crafts and cake decorating tips and tutorials. I'm thrilled to be a part of the Howl-o-ween festivities here at the RB!

I LOVE decorating for Halloween and look forward, all year, to opening up my boxes full of Halloween folk art pieces. I'm a big fan of antique German papier mache and the contemporary works of Nicol Sayre and Dee Foust. Drawing my inspiration from those whimsical, collectible pieces from both past and present, I've come up with an easy and very inexpensive tutorial for making pumpkin primitives at home.

Dollar Store Pumpkin Folk Art

TUTORIAL

Materials

A foam pumpkin from the dollar store (or you can use a larger one from the craft store)

Pumpkin carving knife (or other small serrated knife)

Sharpie pen

Paper Mache paste (recipe below)

Newspaper, cut into strips

Acrylic paints (orange, yellow, brown, black)

DecoArt Americana Staining/Antiquing Medium

DecoArt Americana Acrylic Paint in "Asphaltum"

Folk Art Pumpkin Eyes/Mouth printed on plain white copy paper

(download for free HERE)

Tacky Glue

Black Wire

Pencil

Bamboo skewer or awl

Step 1: Using a pumpkin carving knife or other small serrated knife, carve and remove a lid from the foam pumpkin

Step 2: Using the printed eyes/mouth as templates, trace facial features with a sharpie on to the pumpkin. Using the serrated knife, cut out the eyes and mouth. Gently brush off the bits of stray foam.

Step 3: Apply a layer of paper mache to the pumpkin, inside and out, by dipping a strip of newspaper in to the paste (recipe below), and slightly overlapping the previous piece on the pumpkin. When piece has been entirely covered, transfer to a 200 degree (F) oven and allow to dry for 1 hour.

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After years of experimenting with different paper mache paste recipes, I've struck upon a favorite:

Paper Mache Paste

(From Family Fun Magazine)

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

2 cups cold water

2 cups boiling water

3 Tablespoons granulated sugar

Whisk together flour and 2 cups cold water in a medium bowl. Add this mixture to a saucepan of 2 cups boiling water, gently whisking, and bring to a boil again. Remove from heat and stir in the sugar. Let it cool. Paste will thicken as it cools. When it does, it's ready to use.

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Step 4: Mix a combination of orange, brown and yellow acrylic paints to achieve the desired vintage orange color. Paint entire pumpkin, both inside and out. Painting the inside orange will help give depth to the finished piece. Dry for 1 hour.

Step 5: Mix paints to achieve a vintage yellow color. Paint the inside of the pumpkin, and the inside of the eyes and mouth with the yellow. For the nose, first paint a yellow triangle. Allow time to dry, then paint a smaller black triangle inside with acrylic paint. Allow piece to dry completely.

Step 6: Apply tacky glue around the edges of the eyes and mouth and glue in to place inside the pumpkin. Create a stain by combining the staining medium and a small amount of "Asphaltum" colored acrylic paint (or other antique brown color). Brush the stain over the entire piece, inside, outside, and over the paper eyes and mouth. Use a paper towel to rub away any excess, and to achieve the desired level of antiquing. Allow piece to dry completely.

Step 7: Use an awl or bamboo skewer to punch a hole on opposite sides of the pumpkin, near the rim, for the wire handle.

Step 8: Thread a piece of black wire (approx. 12-14" long) through one side (from the outside). Bring it through and back up, and twist to fasten to the larger piece, leaving an inch of excess. Repeat with the remaining side. Use a pencil to create a corkscrew with the excess pieces on either side. You can also wrap the arch of the wire handle around the pencil to give it a corkscrew in the middle.

Just look at that goofy jack-o-lantern grin!

There's something lovably quirky about these guys.

Don't ya think?

Look who followed me here:
It's my pup Pancho -- all dressed up as a wingless bat!
He must have used echolocation to find me.