Cake Stand Tutorial

I don't think I'm actually allowed to call this a "cake plate" because unfortunately this will not hold up to food exposure and it is not dishwasher safe! So I am going to call this a "display plate" tutorial, instead. Would that have been even nearly as appealing to you if you saw that in the blog title? I think not!

Here we go:

Materials that you will need:

1 qty. wooden candlestick about 4" in height (they come in various sizes at you local craft store!)

1 qty. 4" wooden disk

1 qty. 8" wooden disk

1 sheet of 12X12 scrapbook paper

sandpaper

a sponge brush or larger paint brush

Mod Podge

paint to match you paper selection

wood glue (not shown. Sorry!)

The candlestick will come with a metal insert glued inside it. Simply pry it out using pliers or a knife (be careful!) because you will want a flush edge on the top of your candlestick.

Turn both of your disks upside down onto the back of your paper and trace around the top edge of the disk. Cut paper circles out and set aside. You may have to cut on the inside of the pencil line for a better fit.

Next: Sand all rough edges of your disks and candle stick

Use your sponge brush to paint both disks and candlestick. It may take a few coats of paint since pine is quite porous...and I didn't bother with a primer. When you are finished painting, wash your brush out so that you can use it to apply the Mod Podge next.

Hint: if you have Glad Press and Seal plastic wrap at home, lay and press a sheet down on your table to protect your work surface! It makes for easy and quick clean up!

After the paint has had enough time to dry (15-20 minutes to each coat), apply your Mod Podge to the top of your disks and place your paper on top. Use the palm of your hand and rub it down onto the disk with extra attention to the edges.

*When working with Mod Podge, remember that a little goes a long way! Applying too much will cause your paper to bubble and ripple. *

After it has dried (5-10 minutes) apply a layer of Mod Podge to the top of your paper to protect it from scratches and dirt. Allow to dry completely.

Next, apply a liberal amount of glue to the bottom of your candle stick.....

Now place the base of the candlestick on top and in the center of your 4" base. Wait for it to dry.

Finally, turn your 8" wooden disk upside down (this will make it easier to find the center) and then apply a liberal amount of glue to the top of your candle stick.  Place candlestick upside down on the bottom of your disk. Allow to dry.

Hint: Slowly spin your disk in circles and watch the movement of the candlestick to find the center. As long as the glue is still wet you can move it around freely.

You are finished! I have decided to use mine in my kitchen to hold my sugar, salt and pepper shakers, my daily multi-vitamins ('gotta stay healthy so I can keep on blogging!), and toothpicks! You can do whatever you please with yours! I think it would be great to display various things around your home such as: a plant, bottles of perfumes or lotions on a vanity, holiday decorations, etc...

...And if you really wanted to use it to serve food, just be sure to cover it with plastic wrap beforehand or use a plate under your cake to protect it. Enjoy!

wooden candlestick - $2.99

4" wooden disk - .69 cents

8" wooden disk - $3.29 with a coupon

scrapbook paper - .69 cents

paint - $1.15

(other supplies I already had on hand)

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Total cost: $8.81

Total time to complete project: 1 hr. (this was mostly for drying time on glue and Mod Podge and feeding a 2 yr. old between coats!)

Winner!

Congratulations to Craig and Cricket who said, "I love it!!! I'd love to have it on my desk!" You are the lucky winner of the 2010 desk calendar! 

A very big thank you goes out to all who entered! I wish I could send everyone a calendar but unfortunately there is only one! The good news is, is that I will be doing a giveaway on a monthly basis now - so please keep checking back and who knows - you just may be the next lucky one! 

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H is for Handmade is going to be busy the next couple of weeks! I have a great menu cooking up for you dear readers and I am really excited about it! Here are a few things to expect in the near future:

• new tutorials
• guest bloggers/crafters for you to meet and drool over
• local craft fair announcements
• February giveaway
• fabulous recipes

Have a great weekend and hopefully I will see you back here very soon!

Hooray! It's a GIVEAWAY!

H is for Handmade is doing it's very first giveaway! It may be a small one, but as we all know - the best and most beautiful things come in small packages! I am pleased to be able to award a lucky reader this handy-dandy desk calendar created by the talented and skilled artist, Pauline Grayson with mufn inc. The colors are gorgeous, vibrant and showcase hand drawn elements by Pauline. A big bonus and very cool feature of this calendar: each month's card can be sent as a postcard to a friend or loved one so that they can enjoy it as well!

Here's the rules:

Simple.

All you have to do is leave me a comment! This giveaway will be open to ALL readers - near and far! I don't even care if I know you or how you found this blog! Strangers and visitors are welcome! This contest will close at 11:59 p.m. on 1/21/2010 (mountain standard time) and the winner will be chosen by random.org.

Good luck to everyone!

Family Tree Finds

A few years ago I gave my MIL a family tree that I had made from a Martha Stewart kit - which unfortunately doesn't seem to be available anymore. Ever since I made it for her I have been wanting one for myself. Why I didn't buy 2 of them at the time, I don't know! I guess when you start a family for yourself, you have a desire to find out who has helped in the creating of the quirks, features and passions in our posterity! Where did my son get the dimple in his chin and why do his ears stick out? It's fun to research your ancestry and even dig up old photos of grandparents from generations past! I recently went online to find some more family tree ideas and came across some really great handmade alternatives!

This family tree by LettyGirl is a DIY dream for only $15.00! I love the modern feel of this kit and also how the leaves mirror themselves in opposite and vibrant colors. I need this art piece for my wall! It measures 18X24 inches and it's easy to assemble which is a definite bonus! Do you have a wedding, birthday or anniversary coming up that you need to buy a present for? Hmmmm?

Family Tree Necklace by TheRustedChain. Additional discs can be purchased for only $5.00 so that each family member's name adorns your necklace! A great way to keep your family "close to your heart" for only $27.00. I would not recommend this necklace to the Duggar Family, however.

The Swirl Family Tree Book by Christine Bowden would be a great addition to any library of coffee table. I am loving the hard wood cover with the burned-in design! The book is equipped with 20 blank pages to fill in all your family's information and sells for $75.00. What a treasured heirloom this would be!

This platter from Custom Sepia is amazing! The images are fired on to make it microwavable, oven and food safe. It measures 15X9 inches and would be perfect in serving up those famous family recipes or simply displayed on a plate rack. I think this would make a great gift for the mom or grandma who has everything! The tree can accommodate up to 15 names and sells for $60.00. 

For the wall decal lover (there are a lot of you out there!) this one is for you! Expressing You designed this cute cluster of vinyl birds, each representing a different family member. It measure approximately 12X24 inches and allows you to choose between several colors of vinyl. Kit includes 2 large birds and up to 4 small birds and sells for $30.00.


Do you have a family tree in your home?

Have you made any interesting discoveries about your ancestors?

Did you find that you were actually related to your spouse through several generations past, like I did? Um, yeah.

Marshmallow Madness

Photo: Country Living Magazine

Now that the eye of the holiday storm has moved past us, the days seem long and a bit empty. Especially with the frigid temperatures that are keeping us from setting foot outside! The kiddo loves all his new toys and is perfectly happy watching his videos and staying in his room discovering, pretending and being amazed that Santa brought him exactly what he asked for. As for me, I am a little glad that I can get back to creating and filling the holiday void with some homemade tasty treats!

Did you know that you can make your own marshmallows? I always thought these had to be made by some big fancy machines - in some factory far far away in a town that no one has heard of - with ingredients that the FDA approved of by only a narrow margin? How else could they be so good?! I recently found this recipe on the Food Network site and the 100+ ratings were mostly 5 stars! Now, where did I put my hot cocoa?

Ingredients

• 3 packages unflavored gelatin
• 1 cup ice cold water, divided
• 12 ounces granulated sugar, approximately 1 1/2 cups
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• Nonstick spray

Directions

Place the gelatin into the bowl of a stand mixer along with 1/2 cup of the water. Have the whisk attachment standing by.

In a small saucepan combine the remaining 1/2 cup water, granulated sugar, corn syrup and salt. Place over medium high heat, cover and allow to cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Uncover, clip a candy thermometer onto the side of the pan and continue to cook until the mixture reaches 240 degrees F, approximately 7 to 8 minutes. Once the mixture reaches this temperature, immediately remove from the heat.

Turn the mixer on low speed and, while running, slowly pour the sugar syrup down the side of the bowl into the gelatin mixture. Once you have added all of the syrup, increase the speed to high. Continue to whip until the mixture becomes very thick and is lukewarm, approximately 12 to 15 minutes. Add the vanilla during the last minute of whipping. While the mixture is whipping prepare the pans as follows.

For regular marshmallows:

Combine the confectioners' sugar and cornstarch in a small bowl. Lightly spray a 13 by 9-inch metal baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Add the sugar and cornstarch mixture and move around to completely coat the bottom and sides of the pan. Return the remaining mixture to the bowl for later use.

When ready, pour the mixture into the prepared pan, using a lightly oiled spatula for spreading evenly into the pan. Dust the top with enough of the remaining sugar and cornstarch mixture to lightly cover. Reserve the rest for later. Allow the marshmallows to sit uncovered for at least 4 hours and up to overnight.

Turn the marshmallows out onto a cutting board and cut into 1-inch squares using a pizza wheel dusted with the confectioners' sugar mixture. Once cut, lightly dust all sides of each marshmallow with the remaining mixture, using additional if necessary. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks.

For miniature marshmallows:

Combine the confectioners' sugar and cornstarch in a small bowl. Line 4 half sheet pans with parchment paper, spray the paper with nonstick cooking spray and dust with the confectioners' sugar mixture.

Scoop the mixture into a piping bag fitted with a 1/2-inch round piping tip. Pipe the mixture onto the prepared sheet pans lengthwise, leaving about 1-inch between each strip. Sprinkle the tops with enough of the remaining cornstarch and sugar mixture to lightly cover. Let the strips set for 4 hours or up to overnight.

Cut into 1/2 inch pieces using a pizza wheel or scissors dusted with the confectioners' sugar mixture. Once cut, lightly dust all sides of each marshmallow with the remaining sugar mixture and store in an airtight container for up to a week.

Doll Up Your Kicks!

I just can't resist any kind of embellishments these days! If there is a garment donning a ruffle, lace, bow or frill of any kind, you can bet that you will see me standing there, holding it, loving it, all with just a small amount of drool dripping from my lips!

Shoes are no exception! However, when designers and shoe companies add flair they also add a heavy price tag to go with it. Here is a great way to garb up your plain shoes with very little effort and very little cash...if any at all! If you have any left over scraps laying around the house, this project is for you!

Materials you will need:

-any kind of lace, trim, or ribbon

-needle and thread

-bobby pin (preferably a higher quality, sturdy pin that will hold it's form)

-broach, old earring or button

Measure the toe of your shoe to see just how long and wide you want your lace or trim to be. Fold it in half and tie a piece of thread around the middle...

You should have something like this when done with this first step.

Next, sew on your first piece of trim with a basic stitch, attaching it to the top of your lace where you have just gathered it.

hint: slightly folding the end of your trim over your lace will provide a more finished look.

After you have attached your trim, move on to your next piece of trim, placing it how you would like it. You can do ruffles, folds, or just leave them flat as I have done! The great thing about this project is that you can customize it to fit your personal style and color preference!

After all your trims or ribbons have been sewn on, you can now attach a cabochon of your choice! I chose some vintage earrings that had lost their backs. A little bling never hurts anything!

Now you can sew your embellishment onto your bobby pin. Make tight, close stitches so that it doesn't slip off the pin.

The last step is to slide your pin onto the toe of any of your shoes that are feeling a little "left out". Bring them back into step at your next party or holiday gathering with a little pizazz and panache!

You are now the bell of the ball!

Since I used materials I already had on hand, this project didn't cost me anything. I figure if you were to go and buy trims, bobby pins and a broach of some kind, this project will set you back about $10.00 is all!

Total time to complete project: 20 min.

Check out these great embellished shoes for some inspiration:
J. Crew Ballet Flat
Anthropologie Sewing Notions Flats
Pour la Victoire Janise Flat
Oscar de la Renta Embroidered Flats
Rafe'e Emmy Embellished Flat

Beehive Bazaar Bliss!

The time has come once again for the most fantastic artists and crafters along the Wasatch Front to come together and showcase their amazing handmade talents! The Beehive Bazaar begins Thursday evening and will run through Saturday evening. This is a must hit event and a VERY good place to do some Christmas shopping! For a lineup of vendors and a sneak peek at the magic they create, just click here and feast your eyes on some delicious eye candy creations!

P.S. If you stop by on Thursday p.m. for the big opening party, I will be working the check out table so please stop and say hello! I would love to see all you pretties there!

Wrap it up!

Let's face it - gift wrapping can be a chore. "Can" being the key word in that sentence! I have been guilty of just slapping on the wrapping paper bought in bulk at Costco with a simple metallic sticky bow and calling it good. This year I am vowing to make my Christmas wrapping a craft! Giving a handmade gift is beautiful in itself, but how about giving it to them with a little handmade wrapping flair as well? The recipient may be hesitant to open such a lovely work of art, so just assure them that what's inside is just as nice!

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Check out all these pretties for some inspiration in your holiday wrapping extravaganzas!

Photo: Better Homes and Gardens

Photo: Heather Bullard

Photo: Going Home to Roost

Photo: Paris Hotel Boutique

Photo: Country Living

Photo: Better Homes and Gardens

Photo: Apartment Therapy

And what holiday post about gift wrapping can be complete without mentioning the queen of handmade: Martha Stewart!I love the next three photos!

For more creative and handmade gift wrap ideas, be sure to check out these sites:

Happy wrapping to all, and to all a good night!

Heather Bullard - part one, part two, part three

Skip to My Lou

Family Fun

Martha Stewart

Thread Banger

DIY Network

Mochatini

BH&G

Felt Chrysanthemum Pillow

Felt has become one of my new best crafting friends...next to Mod Podge, that is! I love the endless possibilities of it and even better yet: No fraying! Here is a simple and elegant way to dress up your bed, sofa or favorite chair for very little money but with big impact! This craft takes a little more time to do, but it is worth a little extra work! Flowers say it best!

Materials you will need:

-plain fabric covered pillow form (any size will do)

-felt (3/4 yard)

-copy paper

-fabric glue

-several straight pins

Start by making 4 petal patterns. My pillow is 18"x18" so I made the largest petal pattern measuring approx. 6"x 3" but you can adjust it to your liking. Make each following pattern slightly smaller than the last.

Next, cut out felt petals using your patterns. For my pillow size I needed 20 of the largest petal, then 14 of the next size down, 8 of the next size and 4 of the smallest.

After all petals have been cut you are now ready to glue them to your pillow! Apply a small amount of fabric glue to the bottom corners of your petal......

then fold the corners in and hold for a few seconds while the glue starts to bond and take hold. Fabric glue can be very messy, making "webs" and leaving you with sticky fingers as you go. Be careful and wipe off hands and glue tip often!

Turn petal over and apply another liberal amount to the back bottom half of the petal.

Begin to lay them out in a circular form and use a pin to hold until glue dries.

HINT: I started with a petal in the 12 o'clock position, another in the 3 o'clock position, one in the 6 and another in the 9 o'clock position. Then I begin filling in the spaces between them to assure a more symmetrical look.

Once you are finished with the first layer, you can move onto the next size petal placing them over the first row. Place them slightly lower and between the large petals. Pin to hold.

Once you have finished all layers, you may have an empty space in the middle where all the smaller petals come together at the base. I cut out a "X" shaped petal and glued it in the center.

Center is covered and looking good! Finally!

HINT: If you are using black felt and have any glue dabs showing against the dark surface, color over them using a black Sharpie or permanent marker!

You are done! How does it look!? Now place your pillow on your favorite spot to relax and kick your feet up after all your hard work!

Pillow: $7

felt: $3

glue: $3.60 with coupon

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Total cost: $13.60

Total time to complete project: 2 hrs.