I DID IT!- I finished the boards-A Tutorial, kind of...

This is how my morning started.  I had 8 boards that needed sanding, holes drilled, wire put on, vinyl added, and ribbon...I had a goal.  They'd be done today.  I think I can..

The boards are stacked and ready to go to the belt sander in the garage. I sand the edges where the paper is attached to the board. It blends so nicely.  The belt sander makes this part go quickly.  If you aren't blessed with a belt sander, a piece of sandpaper will do the trick!

To get holes that are perfectly spaced, I use a wooden square and drill in the lower corner of the square.

See the hole?  It's pretty small. I use a small drill bit because the wire is thin and I don't want big holes.

8 boards, 2 holes per board, let's see, 16 holes later I'm ready to add wire.  Here's what I need: wire, wire cutters, and an object to wrap the ends of the wire around to give it a curly look.  I use a pen.

I thread the wire from back to front.

I then wrap it around the top and go back through again. This gives stability. The wire I'm using this time isn't heavy wire so the double wrap is necessary.

I added a white bead. It reminded me of a cotton tail.  Perfect for my Easter board.

I wrapped the wire around the pen and pulled the pen away.  That's how I got the curl.

Wire wrapped around pen.

This is what the wire looks like when the pen is removed.  You can arrange it however. 

I added beads to this wire to match the candles.

The wires are in.  Now it's time to add vinyl.  Here's a "Santa" board I made for my friend, Jessica. The vinyl is cut out and ready to be applied.  As you can see, pull away any vinyl you don't want on your board.  What's left on the paper should be exactly what you want on the board.

Put transfer tape on the vinyl and rub it to get the vinyl to adhere.  Transfer tape is necessary.  It makes transferring the vinyl so much easier and keeps things straight. You can use a piece of transfer tape over and over. I usually can get about four uses out of each piece.

Peel the paper away from the vinyl.  This is what the letters look like on the transfer tape.

Position the tape on the board and rub it well. 

Pull the tape away and you're left with the vinyl, on the board. YEAH!

After vinyl, I added ribbons. Woops, forgot to take pictures of that!

Here's the finished Santa board.

Here's the finished birthday board.

I really like using different fonts for the vinyl.

Here's the finished Easter board.  It says, "Hoppy Easter".

Here's one of the finished Valentine's Day boards.  I made two identical.... craft sharing, remember! (I hope you like it Jill!)

Here's a not so great picture of our St. Patrick's Day board.  I added a washer to the ribbon. It reminds me of a Leprechaun's hat and it's gold.

There you have it. I completed 6 photo boards.  I also finished the board part of the subway art boards. Jill is going to add the vinyl. You'll get to see them in a future post where we show all the prizes won in our 12 days of Christmas giveaways. 8 boards complete!

So, I wanted to finish these early and have a relaxing evening. I finished at 10:15 pm.  Well, they're done. I  met my goal and I'm ready for bed!  There are so many benefits to "assembly line crafting"; however, I'm usually sick of the project once I've finished it. I'm glad to see these boards behind me.  I'm also glad that I've got a jump start on St. Patrick's Day and Easter.  Wow!  I'm actually ahead in something.

Please check our linky parties to see all the places we are linking up to today!

Crocheted Baby Blankets

I learned to crochet when I was a little girl from my Great Grandmother.  As I grew up, I forgot how to crochet.  I picked up a book to teach myself about 12 years ago.  Since then, I have made over 50 baby blankets!

One of the few handmade items that I remember from my childhood was a crocheted baby blanket.  A family friend made it for me before I was born.  I loved it so much my parents had to lose(put it at the top back corner of my closet) so that I wouldn't carry it around anymore.  Since I was so fond of mine, I try to make special blankets for the new babies of my friends and family. 

While I am catching up on shows at night, I like to crochet.  It is mindless and I feel like I am still getting something accomplished.  The problem is I am a procrastinator and also easily distracted.  The blanket I finished today is for a friend due any day now.  I thought she wasn't due till February!  I had to rush to get it finished, but I also got distracted with looking at other crafts.  Maybe my New Year's Resolution should be to focus on one thing at a time and not procrastinate.  We will see how that works out (note sarcasm).

Here is the one I just finished (finally!) today for a friend.  It is by far my favorite one of all time.  I got the pattern from a great book (borrowed from library and then ordered from Amazon) called Undercover:  60 Afghans to knit and crochet. I will probably be making this one much more often.  Maybe a large one for myself!

I love the scalloping throughout.

The scalloped edging makes it beautiful!

I made this with my new favorite yarn. It's called, I Love This Yarn. It is super soft and very nice to work with. I can only find it at Hobby Lobby so far and it never goes on sale!  Luckily, I can use a 40% off on it! The pictures look somewhat gray, but the color is more of a soft denim.  The official name is 96/Stonewash.

Prior to this blanket, I did just a simple pattern that I created.  If you want mindless, you've got it! Here it is:

Simple Afghan Pattern (pictured below)

Chain 103.

*Double Crochet in the third chain from the hook.

Double Crochet in every chain till the end of your row.*

Chain three.  Turn.  Repeat above in *'s till you have 80 rows of double crochet.  Add any border of your choosing.

This pattern can be used with any crochet hook size and any type of yarn.  Very versatile!

Pretty Pink Blanket

My nephew's blanket, he won't sleep without it!

Made this for Shannon's Mariella

This was a popular color this year.  Made it for two friends and my sweet Anna.

I have another blanket to work on soon, but before then, I am going to work on some other fun projects.  Be on the lookout for those!

Did you or your children love a handmade blanket?  Do you make something handmade for baby gifts?  I would love to hear about your favorites!  Give me some comment love!

Please check our linky parties to see all the places we are linking up to today!

A Busy Day Crafting-A Tutorial, Sort of....

My Goal Today:  Make 6 Photo Boards and 2 Subway Art Boards...

This is what I started with.

Then there's this.... my little cling on!

All right, so I've begun. I picked out my papers for each board. Picking out papers is always time consuming for me.  To be honest, I picked out the papers last week.  This project just got pushed back due to me being distracted by a daunting paint job: my girls' playroom.  It's a scary room to paint.  (More on that soon!)

My cute, little entertainer!

And the board painting begins. I stain/paint the backs of the board, the sides, and the edges of the front.

Mariella's thinking, "There must be something more entertaining outside.  Mommy's boring me today!"

All 8 boards are painted or stained. Here are the fronts...

...and backs.

At this point in the process, crafting comes to a screeching hault!  I have to pick GraciAnn up from school.  Then, I have to get the girls down for their not naps.  Then, John comes home and he offers to help finish painting the playroom... I'm not turning that down.  So, off I go to paint.  Get the girls up from their not naps, make dinner, clean up after dinner, work on laundry, play with kids, attempt to clean playroom, get stuff ready for baths, give baths, and get girls in bed.

The girls are in bed and I'm back!  I cut the paper slightly smaller than the boards.  This makes the paper blend nicely into the board. (My boards measure 12"x18" so I'm trimming off maybe 1/16" maybe 1/8")

Because the boards are 18" wide, my 12" scrapbook paper doesn't fit. So, I have to add another piece.  I like making this transition by tearing the paper.  I turn the paper over and tear it toward me.  This gives a really nice effect.  Some papers are easy to match up and you can make a seam that blends in unnoticeably, but I've found most don't work that easily so, I either tear or clean cut.

All my paper is placed on the board that was painted or stained to match it.

Now comes the mod podge.  I pour some on.

Now, I spread it out using a foam brush.  I make an even layer.  When you mod podge, make sure you cover the entire surface with the mod podge. It should be a nice even layer, not too thin, not too thick. Put your paper on, and smooth it out with a roller or your hands.

Phew... all 8 boards have the paper mod podged to them.  Unfortunately, bubbles occur.  I haven't found a way to avoid them.  I have noticed that the lighter weight papers bubble a lot more than the heavy papers.  Honestly, the bubbles, which make the paper appear wrinkled, look neat on many of the boards.  If you're making them, and trying to stay away from the bubbles, choose heavier papers.

After letting the first layer of mod podge (between the board and back of the paper) dry about 30 minutes (or more), apply an even coat of mod podge to the entire surface of the paper that covers the board.  Again, not too thin or too thick.

You will see a white film over the paper until it dries.

All 8 boards are completely mod podged... it's 9:30 pm and I'm done crafting for the day!

Sadly, I did not reach my crafting goal today.  Happily.... our playroom is completely painted... woohoo! Tomorrow, I will finish these boards... I think I can.  I think I can.  I know I will!  I've just got to.  I have too many projects to do. Something has to be checked off my crafting list!

Tune in for the completed projects tomorrow!  Exciting stuff!

Sourdough Bread Starter & Bread Recipe

I wish you could smell my house right now.  Oh, it smells SO good!  Fresh sourdough bread from the oven is cooling on the counter-top.  My kids and I already cut a small slice off the end to enjoy.  We just couldn't resist!

A friend had given me Sourdough Bread starter over 7 years ago and I remember how delicious it was.  We made many loaves before our tummies began to show the effects of too much yummy bread.  I never had the starter recipe but I have looked all over.  After much research, I recently came across one.  Now that I have tried it, I know that it is almost the same as the one from years ago.  After a few tweaks, (I just can't let a recipe be), I feel it is perfect.  You can't keep yummy bread like this to yourself, therefore, I am sharing it with you!  Doesn't it just look delicious!

If you have some patience, this will become a family favorite recipe!  Here are the recipes:

Sourdough Bread Starter

Ingredients:
3 tablespoons instant mashed potato flakes
3 tablespoons white sugar
1 cup warm water
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast

Directions:
1.  Combine instant potatoes, sugar, water, and yeast in a covered container with a tight lid.  Let the starter sit on a counter for 5 days, stirring daily with a wooden spoon.  Do not use a metal bowl or metal spoon as it effects the yeast.

2. On the morning of the fifth day, feed the starter with 3 tablespoons instant potatoes, 3/4 cup sugar, and 1 cup warm water.  In the evening, take out 1 cup of the starter to use in a sourdough recipe.  Refrigerate the remaining starter.

3. Every five days, feed the starter 3 tablespoons instant potatoes, 3/4 cup sugar and 1 cup warm water. If starter is to be used in a recipe, let the fed starter rest at room temperature 6 hours before use. If starter is not being used in a recipe, keep refrigerated and discard 1 cup of starter after each feeding.  You can always pass along the 1 cup to a friend if you don't want to make some bread.  They will just need to let it sit for 5 days in order to have their own starter. Dispose of or make bread with one cup of starter 12 hours after every feeding.

Sourdough Bread Recipe
1 cup sourdough starter
1 1/2 cups warm water
1 1/2 teaspoons salt           
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
6 cups bread flour
4 tablespoons melted butter (optional)

Directions:
1. Mix sugar, vegetable oil, salt, water, and 1 cup of sourdough starter together in a large bowl.  Add flour to the mixture. Grease or oil the dough. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise overnight. (Before and after pictured below).
2. The next day, knead the dough for a few minutes. Divide in half, and place into two greased 4 x 8 inch bread pans.  (I used my Pampered Chef Bread stoneware). Allow the dough to double in size. (Pictures of before and after dough doubling).
3. Optional:  Pour 2 tablespoons melted butter on top of each bread loaf.

4. Bake at 350 degrees F for 40 to 45 minutes, or until bread is light golden brown. You can use a cake tester or toothpick to test that it is cooked thoroughly. Turn out to cool on wire racks.

This is a delicious bread recipe for both any meal from breakfast to dinner (or dessert).  You can also use the dough recipe in your favorite cinnamon roll recipe or any recipe that calls for a yeast based dough.  I may even try this as our pizza crust one night.  Yummy!

If you try this, please leave me a comment on how it turned out for you!  I love hearing from our readers!

Please check our linky parties to see all the places we are linking up to today!

"Happy Birthday", Welcome Mat-A Tutorial

What can you do with a door mat that cost $1?

This was so easy!
Materials Needed:
A doormat-I bought mine at IKEA for $1, seriously!  I bought a few so be on the lookout for some more mats.
Paint-I used fabric paint because I thought it would be more durable
A piece of chalk-any color that will show up on the mat
Paintbrushes

Step 1-Using your chalk, draw whatever images and words you'd like on your mat.

Step 2-Using your paint, paint over the images you drew.

I used paint that was easy to squirt out of the bottle so I could literally write with the paint.

For the balloons, I painted a thick ridge on the outside, but smoothed out the paint on the inside.

I like the dimension the outer ridge gives the balloon.

All four balloons are done.

Well, almost.  I had to paint in the strings.

As soon as the paint dries, I'll dust off the extra chalk, beneath the balloon strings, and set it out with the rest of the birthday decorations, to prepare for my baby's 2nd birthday on January 23rd.

I'm sort of guessing, you'll see a couple more of these doormats, in the future!

Menu Planning: Determining your Menu

Hopefully, you have followed my steps so far on Menu Planning (Setting up a Food Inventory, Making the most of your cookbooks,  and organizing your menu).  Now you are ready to determine your menu and then go shopping!

Using your basic food list, organized cookbooks, budget, grocery ads and a calendar or a fun Menu Board, let's determine this week's menu!

Determine your Menu

• Looking at a week at a time, choose a meal for each day.  Write these on your calendar or Menu Board.
• Don't forget to include side dishes, breads and dessert (if you choose). 
• If you have a day that is particular busy, make it a Crock-pot meal.
• Include a leftover meal if you don't use those up for lunches.
• Remember if the week gets hectic, switch meals around!

Here is my menu plan for this week:

Sunday:  Mom's Beef Barbecue on buns, leftover sides
Monday:  Grilled Kielbasa, seasoned noodles, green beans
Tuesday:  Henri's Crock-pot Beef Roast with mushrooms served on egg noodles, broccoli, homemade sourdough bread (rising as I write)
Wednesday:  BBQ Chicken Pizza leftovers from freezer (it's just the kids and I for dinner)
Thursday:  Chicken Fried Rice with peas & carrots mixed in
Friday:  Ham slice, macaroni and cheese, peas, cornbread
Saturday:  Easy Teriyaki Chicken with oriental vegetables and pineapple over rice

Go Grocery Shopping:

• Make your list and stick to it!  All those extras that aren't needed will bust your budget.  It is okay to buy items for stocking up, just make sure you plan on those before going!

Enjoy a week filled with meals that are planned and save you money!

I hope you enjoyed this series on menu planning.  Share your thoughts, tips and this week's menu!  We love hearing from our readers!   

Happy Menu Planning!

Menu Planning: Organizing your Menu

The cost of food is probably one of the most expensive items on your monthly budget.  You can drastically cut the cost of your food budget by Menu Planning.

Menu Planning should be fun and easy.  It is a chance to make your favorite foods or try out some new recipes.  If you take the steps I have provided (setting up a Food Inventory and making the most of your cookbooks), then the next steps will be an easy process.

Before we get started, grab some supplies:  paper, pencil or pen, calendar, your food inventory list, your recipe files and a couple of cookbooks.

If this is your first time organizing a menu, then I highly suggest you start with just one week.  Don't try to make a menu for the whole month.  It will seem like an insurmountable task.  Start small and go from there.

Basic Meal list

• On your paper, jot down basic meals that your family frequently eats, i.e (Spaghetti, grilled chicken, soups, etc).  Don't forget to include side dishes and desserts (if you like).  Having a list of basic meals will be your starting point.

Meeting your budget needs

• If you are on a tight budget, I suggest that you try to eat out of your food on hand.  This is where your Food Inventory can really come in handy.  Choose meals that use up as much of your pantry, refrigerator and freezer items.
• If money isn't an issue this month, stock up on items that you use frequently (cream of mushroom or chicken, soups, baking goods, rice, assortment of noodles, etc).  
• Buy in bulk.  I use a Foodsaver and buy my meats in bulk.  The Foodsaver helps me store my food flat in the freezer (huge space saver) and keep it fresh longer.
• Plan meals based on what is on sale.  Check the grocery ads before making your menu plan for the week.  This will save you money and allow you to stock up on inexpensive items.

Determine your food budget

• Look at your grocery bills from last month.  Add them all up and then divide them by 4.  You can estimate that cost per week for this month.
• Choose a set amount per week and stick to it!  Use cash, you will spend less and when the money is gone so is the opportunity to buy more that week.
• Reward yourself for going under your food budget.  If you have money leftover at the end of the week, you can put it towards next week,  use it for something fun like craft supplies or save up for something you want in the future.

Planning the menu

• Start small.  Just plan your dinners for one week.  If you need to plan breakfast and lunch meals add those the following week, after you've had a successful week.
• Utilize leftovers.  I put leftovers on the menu for at least one night or for a lunch. If you have enough for another meal, freeze it for another week's menu.  I group all our leftovers and make another meal of the combination.  This is a great meal for a busy day when you don't feel like cooking.  If you don't want another dinner of leftovers, use them up for lunch throughout the week. Putting leftovers in the garbage is throwing away your money!
• Don't be afraid to move around your meals throughout the week.  You aren't stuck making soup on Tuesday if it is a warmer day.  Switch it for another day.
• Plan ahead.  If you are making something that a meat needs to be thawed, put it in the refrigerator the night before or early in the morning.  Nothing deters cooking more than not having your supplies ready.
• Make a menu board.   You can write all your meals on this and it will be in an easy place to remind you.  Plus, it's just pretty! This can be hung on the wall or put in a pretty wrought iron holder. 
  
   
  On to Determining your Menu...