One Rockin' Puppet Show!

I stumbled upon this great video and thought I would share it with you. It not only made me smile, but made me want to make some marionettes (would that be hard?) to perform my very own suitcase puppet concerts! I don't think I have the guts to stand on the streets like these lovely gals, however. Hats off to them! 

(P.S. These girls have style for miles!)

Photo taken by A little Hamster on Portobello Rd. in London.

Customized Journal Tutorial

  "There is a saying that “paper is more patient than man”.…Yes, there is no doubt that paper is patient and as I don’t intend to show this cardboard-covered note book bearing the proud name of “diary,” to any one, unless I find a real friend, boy or girl, probably nobody cares. And now I come to the root of the matter, the reason for my start ing a diary; it is that I have no such real friend."
-Anne Frank

So heartbraking! Hopefully you will not find solace in this journal craft because you lack friends, but rather something that can be shared with them! Think happy thoughts!
I taught a class on this project a few years ago to a group of women and it went over really well! I hope you like it too!

      

Materials you will need:

Fabric (size depends on your journal size)

Journal (I found this fugly less attractive one at the dollar store!)

Scissors

All purpose craft glue

Elastic

Embellishments of your choice

Matte board or thin cardboard (cereal box/cracker box is perfect!)

1st step: Lay your journal flat on your fabric and cut out with a 1" allowance on all sides and set aside

Measure the inside cover of your journal and cut 2 pieces of cardboard out to that size.

Lay the 2 pieces of cardboard out on remaining fabric and cut out with a 1" allowance on all sides. Set aside.

This is where you are going to get a little messy! Take your glue and apply a liberal amount to the front cover of your journal. Use your finger to smear the glue around on the cover making sure there is an even layer. Clean off fingers with a wet paper towel...hurry!

Lay your fabric on your glued surface and gently smooth out any ripples, creases, or bumps. Allow to dry and then proceed to do the same steps to the back cover and binding. Allow to dry.

Once your glue has had time to dry, open your journal slightly to find the line of the binding. Make 2 small cuts in your fabric stopping at the edge of the book. Apply a very small drop of glue to the fabric and use a toothpick to tuck the flap of fabric into the binding.

Next, apply a line of glue to the edges of the inside of the cover and fold fabric over. You may need to use your finger to smooth the glue down again to assure even coverage.

         

When you get to the corners, fold them in like a present and glue down and continue to glue the remaining edge down.

        

If you are wanting any kind of ribbon on your journal, this is when you will need to adhere it. Glue the ends of your elastic to the inside and back of your journal. Glue the ends to the inside cover and entire length of the ribbon to the front of your journal. See below:

Now you will want to get your cardboard and fabric. Notch out the corners of the fabric and begin to apply glue to one entire side. Again, gently smooth away any bumps or imperfections. Allow to dry.

Then apply glue to the edges (like you did to the inside cover of your book) and fold fabric in. Allow to dry.

    

After glue has dried, glue your cardboard onto the inside cover of your journal to hide the mess and decorating the inside! Close journal and stack heavy books on top to weight down all layers for a more finished look. Add any embellishments or notions of your choice to the cover and you will have one darling diary! 

Congrats! You are done! If you are going to be having a baby you can use it to write down all the milestones and memorable moments If you are going on a trip you can use it to hold postcards, ticket stubs, and mementos to look back on one day. Or if you are like me, you need to carry one of these around with you to jot down any ideas, creative thoughts, inspiration that strikes you! 

    

            

Journal: $1.00

Fabric: $5.00

Elastic: .30 cents

(glue and embellishments I had on hand)

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Total cost: $6.30

Total time to complete project: 1 hr. 20 minutes

Upcoming Shows

February not only celebrates the lovers and romantics, but it also brings us some of the first craft shows of the 2010 year! For all you locals, there are 2 great boutiques happening this weekend. If you are not a local...well, you can just check out the websites for some inspiration and creative ignition and be jealous that you are not here to bask in the glory of all that is craftastic!

Fro those of you who live on the East side of the valley:

Hooray for Art Market happening at Sugarhouse Park!

Check out the full vendor list and gallery here!

(click image to enlarge)

If you go, you may need to buy this bag!

For those of you on the west side of the valley:

Yippee for Oh Sweet Sadie!

You will love their blog and a sneak peek of the show!

(click image to enlarge)

I think I need to buy one of these canvas prints from Little Duchess while I am there!

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Are there any other shows happening this month that I should know about? Email me at the address listed in the right hand column and I will post about it!

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