Curley's Crafts and Creations

Zucchini what??

2011-08-31T16:03:00.000-07:00

So we have a garden and one zucchini plant, here is one zucchini from that garden

and then here it is all grated up

what did I make with ALL that zucchini??
3 dozen cookies

6 loaves of regular bread and 5 with some cream cheese in it (really yummy)

and some brownies (but they taste more like cake)

now, what to do with ALL the other zucchini out of the garden???? We steam some for eating, give most away, but we also want to freeze some, we will see if that happens.
LOVE THE GARDEN!!!!

Cupcake frame (stolen idea)

2011-07-19T13:02:00.001-07:00

My little sister is able to browse the web while at work, and more often than not she comes back with a list of crafts. Here is one I could not resist:
CUPCAKE FRAME:
Original found HERE
Now here is my version
I went to the dollar store and found a frame then I brought it home and painted it. I did a blue tone under then the cream, then I sanded it so just a bit of the blue came through. I then found a paper, mine is white with some gray.

Then I decided to go and buy a cupcake punch, but I could have also used my cricut. And then I found paper I liked and punched out the cupcakes. Then I used pop-up glue dots and put the cupcakes on the paper. Here is my finished project. Now I just need a kitchen of my own to put it in :)

And a closer up of the cupcakes.

It was SO much fun. Now onto another project ;)

16 piece handmade Nativity

2011-03-03T18:09:00.000-08:00

I have a question for any who might read this blog. How much would you pay for this nativity??

It is not very tall, only between 2 and 3 inches, but they are each hand made and molded then cooked.
Look below for more detailed pictures
3 Wisemen

2 Shephards with one holding a lamb & the angel

Joseph, Jesus and Mary

Cow, donkey, pig and sheep

3 camels

Okay, so now that you have seen the pictures, what would you be willing to pay for the whole set? Would you be interested in just buying Mary, Joseph and Jesus? Realize that the price to make them will influence what the price is, but if you were to see this whole set for $50 would you be willing to buy it or would you just pass it up? Do you think that is not enough? This price would probably also include a box/tin to hold the nativity in. So anyway, that is my question, and I would LOVE to hear your answers.

4 U card

2011-02-07T11:58:00.000-08:00

I look for ideas for cards on google. I found this site and found this card I really wanted to make

So I improvised and made it this way........
I start with a 8 1/2" by 11" piece of card stock (I just buy mine at Wal-Mart). I cut it in half so it measures 8 1/2" by 5 1/2"

then I fold it in half to that it measures 5 1/2" by 4 1/4"

I found coordinating paper, I have one patterned and the rest solids, that I wanted for this card.
Now to cut out the other papers
back ground colored paper 5 1/4" x 4", glue on as centered as possible

cut next color 3 3/4" x 3 1/2" and 3 3/4" x 1 1/4"

then cut patterned paper 3 1/2" x 3 1/4" and 3 1/2" x 1"

glue the patterned paper on the solid paper mentioned above

once those are glued together, glue them to the card as pictured

cut another coordinating color 2" x 3 3/4"

cut another coordinating color 1 3/4" x 3 1/2" (I emboss this one with my cuttlebug)

(for anyone interested, this is a cuttlebug, you can buy it at most craft stores, and then you will need to buy mats, embossing folders, and die cutters)

glue the embossed paper to the other one as pictured

glue to card

cut another coordinating color 1 1/2" x 1 1/2"

then pick your last coordinating paper and cut it 1 1/4" x 1 1/4"

now glue this to the previous mentioned 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" paper

glue the squares to the card

now I use my cuttlebug to cut out a 4 and a U

I then glue these on the smallest squares

I also use my cuttlebug to cut out some flowers with the coordinating colors and assemble as shown (here are what the flower die cuts look like that I used)

Here are some flowers cut before assembled

Here are the flowers assembled, I just did what I thought looked good and would stand out against the other paper it would be on.

I then glue on the flowers and you have your card

Now I thought while I was doing it I would go for it and made a bunch (7 total). Here are the other ones

If you have any questions let me know, but I hope and think I covered it pretty good. If you are wondering I used American Crafts paper for most the cards. The paper was double sided to help coordinate all the colors.

Valentines Wreath

2011-01-18T09:46:00.000-08:00

I had the pictures uploaded then had to stop and forgot to come back to do this post. OOPS! Oh well. So here it is
I had this fabric and cut them into stripes about 2 1/2 inches by 11 inches. If they were not exactly that it still worked out. In fact to have them anywhere from 10 to 11 inches long looked just as good and once I had them on I could not tell. I had 4 different fabrics at 1 yard each. (I did not use it all, and am not sure what to do with my left over stripes.

The below picture is the order I put them on.

I got a wire hanger, because I could not find a Styrofoam heart that I wanted to use, and did not want to continue to look or pay too much for this wreath. I just used my hands and made the hanger into a circle. Then I took my first stripe of fabric and tied it on. I continued all the way around. Here is a picture (not a good one) of what I mean.

I went all the way around and was able to finish with the last piece of fabric so there was the same amount of each on the wreath. Then I "fluffed" the wreath and it turned out like this.....

I am unsure if I like the "hook" left out or if I will end up covering it. Right now, I am going to leave it. I do like the way it turned out, and am glad I made it. Now just to work on the couple of other Valentines crafts I want to, and hopefully get them done before the big day!

My December Crafts

2011-01-03T08:53:00.001-08:00

I have been a busy beaver working on gifts and just some fun stuff I wanted to do. I did not get it all done, but here is what I did get done.
I made a bag and filled it with "coal" (Black licorice) for my dad. That is "all" he got in his stocking. We finally gave him the rest of his present(s). He got a HUGE box with a trio of western movies and a little silver box with a clue as to where he had to go to find the rest of his gifts. :) I am SO mean. There were only 4 clues. While he was searching around for the clues I hurried and put the rest of his gifts under the tree! What a meanie, but it was fun!

I etched some plates and cups and gave one to a cousin, and kept one for us. I have a couple more, but hey I have plans for them. I put some packets of hot chocolate in the cup and some kisses around on the plate and tied some cellophane up around them. I think it turned out cute, and I hope they enjoy the new tradition of putting the treats for Santa out on the plate and a drink to help wash it all down!

The I made a couple of these word trees. I still have not given them to who I am going to. (I am REALLY SLOW) I also made one for me! I LOVE the way it turned out.

Then I decided with baby #4 coming I need to make a couple of things. So I got some material and filling-pictured below

and made this

Now I have a nursing pillow/boppy. I am SO excited. Everyone who has one says they are the best but I just could not make myself pay for one. This cost me less than $10 to make!!! YEAH!
Then I saw this cute material

and so I made this

I made the pockets so I can put some diapers and wipes in a section and still have a couple of pockets for my stuff. I figured with baby coming, Ryan would still need the diaper bag in-case Aleana needs a diaper change and I am in dealing with baby. So now I won't have to worry and will have a cute bag for the baby's stuff and some stuff for me.
Then my little sister showed me this adorable wreath.

I HAD to make it. All you need is a wire hanger and some NON-zip lock sandwich bags. I just need to find an awesome ribbon for a bow. Check HERE for how to make it.

I did not finish THESE so that will be my never ending project this year. I really want them done by next Christmas so I can use them!

My little sister and I were going to make THESE but my dad's saw broke so we will put them on the to-do list for making this year for Christmas. Just maybe this summer we will finally have all our cute Christmas decorations ready for the 2011 Christmas season.

I have a lot more I will be working on and hope to have some done by the end of the month so check back later :)

A "White Elephant"

2010-12-09T09:49:00.000-08:00

Ryan needed a White Elephant gift for work. I found a super cute idea, but it did not work out and I had to quickly make a decision to figure a gift out. So I made this.....

I am still going to work on the other one, but hey, I can do it for myself right :)

Advent Calendar(s)

2010-12-02T10:54:00.000-08:00

I made an advent calender like this.....

and when I went out to get it this year I can't find it. I know what box it is in, but who knows where it is in all our storage. So I decided to make another one. But I found 2 that I really liked, and thought, oh well, I will just make both. They were super easy and I made them both in about a day. I was sick the one, so I moved slower than usual so I actually had to finish them the next day. Here are some pictures of them......

I just cut out a Christmas tree with my cricut then without unloading put the numbers on. Then I put some paper on wood circles and put a small magnet on the back. Each day we put an "ornament" on the tree until we get to the star.

Now some up-close of the snowman countdown. I found this cute clipart so I just printed it out and made it a sticker and stuck it to the paper.

I used my cricut to cut out the snowflakes with numbers in them. We are using a glass pebble as our "marker" and move it daily. I put a snowflake on blue paper on the pebble with a magnet on the back.

I also used my cricut to cut out the Let it Snow, and I layered it to help it stand out more.

Now my question is, Can you have to many advent Calenders?? I don't think so, but what do you think? Also, what do you think of the calendars? Are they cute enough? Should I add numbers to the circles on the tree one?

What I have been up to

2010-11-11T10:30:00.001-08:00

I have finished my Christmas cards. Now I just need to write in them, address the envelopes and I am sure a couple of other things and wait until just after Thanksgiving then I can send them out :)

I have also been working on getting a bunch of birthday cards done. I hope to have 6 months, at least, of birthday cards done so I can "relax" later as it gets closer for the baby to come.

With winter finally coming we have pulled out the coats and other winter stuff. The biggest problem is that most of the hats are too small for the kids. So instead of buying new, I decided to make some. Here is how they turned out:
Dallin's

Saedy's

Aleana's

I even made one for me but have not taken a picture of me in it. Maybe I will get around to it and post it later.

I then noticed that my slippers are dieing a slow painful death. There are so many holes I finally decided instead of just buying more, I would make me some. This is how they turned out:

The buttons ended up coming off, but hey, not bad for no pattern right?

Then I thought I need a cover for my cricut machine and the sewing machine, so I made up a pattern and made a cover. What do you think?? Not bad either huh?

There are a few other things I am working on, of course. But you will have to wait until they are ALL DONE before you know what they are :)

Silhouette Machine Giveaway

2010-08-26T11:39:00.000-07:00

My cousin had this on her blog, and I thought I can always use more stuff for crafting so I would also blog about it. Go HERE for more info

4th of July

2010-07-07T08:36:00.001-07:00

Here are some fun crafts I have been working on lately. Of course they are geared towards July, but they turned out really good.

They are super easy and if you want to know how to do them let me know. The hardest part is waiting for the paint to dry. :)

Boy and Girl Blocks

2010-04-07T09:34:00.000-07:00

I have found that if I don't work on something during General Conference I am likely to fall asleep and miss out. So this is what I worked on.

It was an idea from my little sister, and she came over and made a version of her own for the BOYS. I think they turned out really cute and am so glad I did it. Anyone want to know how to make them let me know. The best thing is that it was FREE!!! I already had the paper, and the vinyl. I had the embellishments, and my dad picked up the wood from a house that they were just doing to throw away and I cut them and sanded them. YEAH! I love it when I don't have any out of pocket expense and am able to craft! Now just to finish a couple of other projects and post about them :) The never ending supply of crafting!!

Crafts and Jam

2010-03-30T14:07:00.000-07:00

So all growing up my mom made jam. I have tried store bought, and just don't think it is as good. Now that I am "grown up" I figured I should be making it myself. So we went and bought strawberries and ate some then made jam with the rest. (We went to Costco and got their 4lb case for 5.99) I got about 9 out of that. Not bad.

Then I have made St Patrick's and Easter decor. I am slow posting but here is what I made with Easter first:
These blocks are ones I have posted about in the past, but I add some letters and have TONS more words I can do. I will have to re-post about this later :)

And here are some wood eggs I painted then mod podged some fun spring paper on the front. I then inked the edges, and am trying to decide if this is okay or if they need a little more.

Here is wood that spells eggs. I painted them, I put painters tape on so I could do the different colors and not have transfer from the other colors where I did not want it. Then I just add a little bling for fun.

Here is the St. Patrick's stuff. I have 1 3x6, 1 5x6 and 3 4x6 blocks that I painted the edges that would be showing and mod podged fun green paper on the front. Then I cut out vinyl with my cricut and put that on. I still want some bling and just need to do it.

This is a fun hat, but it actually goes with another thing I have, but since I live with mom and dad and don't have it totally done I just displayed the hat.

These fun shamrocks are from wood too. I painted them then mod podged the paper on them. I distressed the edges with ink and thought that was good.

Here are the letter blocks spelling pinch me. I love them and am so glad I decided to make them and add more letters.

So that is what I have been doing. I have a few other things I am still working on, and I think after I am done I will find more I want to do. That is the great thing about crafting, it is never ending, of course that can be bad too :)

The latest stuff

2010-03-12T22:26:00.000-08:00

Some cards I made on our craft night (Thanks Cole for instigating this) it was so much fun to giggle with my sisters and mom. Of course Kade was just as funny to talk with too. Guess you have to be one of the girls Kade. (Kayce you are always welcome if you are in town :D)

Then I was having cravings and want to make cookies, just not the usual ones. Then I remembered I had some cream so I made soft molasses cookies-YUM!!

And here is a gift I made for my cousin that just had a baby.
Birp Clothes

Diaper holder

Wipe case

and a Hooter hider that doubles as a carseat cover. Hope it comes in handy. :)

Well that is about it. I have a few other things I am working on STILL. When I finish them I will post pictures.
Happy Crafting

SOLD

2010-03-05T14:26:00.000-08:00

I was so shocked about a week ago when I check my email and saw that I had sold something through Quilted Bear. It is the first and only thing I have sold so far, but hey ya gotta start somewhere right?
I was not able to get pictures of the latest project, but luckily it was for my little sister so I will have to get pictures later and post. I made her a Hooter Hider (I LOVE this new name) which doubles as a carseat cover, a diapee and wipee case and 2 birp clothes. I have not finished the last of her gift (and she does not know what it is and since she reads this I will not be saying what it is :D) I am hoping to finish sooner rather than later, and since she is due next month I have a deadline :O. Don't worry I will get it done.
Other than that I have not been doing a lot of crafts, but that will end as the same sister wants to have monthly craft nights. So at least once month I will be crafting (thanks for the kick in the butt and help to do this). I am SO excited and have SO many project I want to do so this will help so much.

Look at what I have been doing.....

2010-02-15T21:17:00.000-08:00

So lately I have been able to do a lot of crafting. I have this cute wood decor that I have needed to paint and now have it mostly done. It is a really cute idea you get the letters HME and then have different things for the O for each month. Here are the ones I have pictures of:
January

February
A heart with a ribbon around its base-need to get a picture and post
March
A leprachan hat with a ribbon and a buckle-SO cute, also need to take a picture
April

May

June

July

August

September

October
A cute witches hat I don't have a picture of yet
November

December-still needs a ribbon around it-super cute when I do it I will try to take pictures.

for Birthdays :)

And here is an extra decoration
A super cute hat I still need to finish for July :)

Then we celebrated my grandparents birthdays and I did the cakes. They turned out SO cute, (I am bias though)

Then I saw a really cute idea for headbands but with not having money I could not buy them, so I decided to try to make them. This is how the one turned out. It is cute and great at keeping my hair out of my face (and since I am waiting for the job before going and getting a hair cut since we can't afford it, I love to have the LONG bangs out of my face)

Then I decided I needed a bigger bag for church. Between buddies, diapers, wipes, and ALL the other stuff I have to take it is nice to have one bag to put it all in instead of having 5 bags.

and with having Presidency meetings that only I go to I hate to bring the big old diaper bag, and really, really hate having all my things like my wallet, keys etc I need to take with no home and then I have to search everywhere for them so I made this bag for my purse. Then realized it was not quite big enough, so I enlarged it to 125% and it is perfect.

So that is a few things I have been working on the last week or two. I have a couple of baby gifts I am now going to work on, plus a few other things I need to finish. Hopefully I can do it in a timely fashion, (HA HA yeah right).

Genealogy Tree, Calendar, Cards and Vinyl lettering

2010-01-04T15:02:00.000-08:00

So for Christmas we made a genealogy tree for my in-laws. They LOVED it and said it was the best Christmas gift they have ever received. Here are a couple of pictures of them opening the gift.

I made a calendar for all the grandparents, a cousin and Ryan. I had some problems with a couple of the pages for Ryan, so I am still trying to finish his. But here is what they look like.
January

February

I don't have a picture of March, but it is a Leprachan with a rainbow going to a pot of gold.
April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

Here are a bunch of Birthday cards I have started to make for this year.

I love the theme for the year for the Youth. I decided to make a vinyl 12x12 tile. I love it and decided to take it to Church on Sunday's to display to help the girls remember the theme. Here is a picture of how it turned out!

So for now I have got all my projects posted, of course with not working any more I have more time to PLAY!! So I will be catching up on my projects and working on them inbetween dealing with kids and my calling.

Christmas Projects

2009-12-02T14:57:00.000-08:00

I have a couple of HUGE Christmas projects I am working on. I am hoping to get them ALL done by this weekend. So stay tuned for pictures that should come next week.

Halloween Crafts/Decor

2009-10-21T13:24:00.000-07:00

I LOVE FALL so I decided a couple of years ago that I need some Fall decor. I made these cute pumpkins out of Polymer Clay.

Plus I made this witch.

Last year I went and found these glass pumpkin jars. My mom and I thought putting the orange tissue paper in there would be cute. Of course I did not have enough so I put white in the one.

This year I made/painted a bunch of things. I did the vinyl lettering stuff with my Cricut :) I had so much fun. I found that using the Cricut Design Studio is SO much easier when doing vinyl.

I got the wood blocks and other shapes HERE. They have SO much more I want to go get. So when I finally have money I will slowly get more stuff.
Then I bought a clipboard at walmart and made this Halloween count down. It did not totally turn out the way I wanted, but is still super cute!

S'mores

2009-10-01T09:39:00.000-07:00

In my family we LOVE s'mores, and have found a great recipe so that we can have them without the fire.

1/2 cup margarine
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup flour
1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
2 cups mini marshmallows
6 oz pkg chocolate chips

Beat margarine and sugar. Add flour and crumbs. Mix. Press into 9 inch pan. Sprinkle with other ingredients. Bake in 375 oven for 15-20 minutes. Cool and cut into bars.

We ALWAYS make a double batch to fit in a cookie sheet. We also usually use MORE chocolate chips and marshmallows than called for. I usually use 2 12 oz bags of chocolate chips and almost a full bag of marshmallows. (you can use as much or little as you want)

Chocolate Crinkles

2009-09-28T08:02:00.000-07:00

On Saturday we had a party and I made Chocolate crinkles. They are SO good. I am not sure how many know how to make so here ya go

1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup oil
4-1 oz squares of unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled
2 teaspoons vanilla
3 eggs
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
Combine Sugar, oil, melted chocolate, and vanilla. Beat in eggs. Stir in flour and baking powder. Cover and Chill. About 1 tablespoon for each cookie. Roll in powdered sugar. Bake on a greased cookie sheet in a 375 degree oven ofr 8-12 minutes. While warm roll in powdered sugar.

Now I am bad and did not cover and chill and they still turned out good. I also didn't roll in powdered sugar again after they were done cooking. They had plenty of powdered sugar on so I did not worry about it. They were gobbled up and were gone. I also used a scoop to portion them evenly.

A big Project

2009-09-25T12:06:00.000-07:00

I have a pretty big project I am working on along with a bunch of little ones. I have some pictures somewhere I will need to upload and post, so stay tuned :)

Peach jam

2009-09-09T09:46:00.000-07:00

So I made peach jam for the first time. Well come to think of it, this is the first time I have made jam all by myself :)
It is actually really easy. Lucky for me my mom has an Uncle that has a peach tree. So she went and got a box FULL. So I made 2 batches of freezer jam. I am planning on making some cooked jam later today.

I just used the instructions in the pecton box. We used MCP pecton.

You need 3 1/4 cups of cut up/mashed peaches. I went ahead and used a potato masher to mash mine, but still had chuncks of peaches. You add 1/4 cup lemon and stir together. Then add the pecton. Mix it until the pecton is disolved. Then let it sit for 30 minutes, stirring every about 5 minutes. After the 30 minutes add 1 cup light karo syrup and once that is stirred in add 4 1/2 cups of sugar. Slowly add the sugar while stirring. Now this is where we do it a little different, we put the mixture on low heat. This helps dissolve the sugar a little faster. But you don't have to do it this way. You just have to keep stirring until the sugar is totally dissolved . Then put it in the jars. I got about 4 per batch, ( I made 2 batches) with a little extra to make the partial jar. Let sit 24 hours on a counter until set and put in freezer.
Now is that not easy or what? of course it is a little time consuming but SO worth it. We also put the peaches in a warm water bath for about 5 minutes to help peel them. (It is SO much faster and easier). Now I am just going to make some cooked peach jam either tonight or tomorrow.

Some of my newest creations

2009-08-25T10:08:00.000-07:00

One of my dearest friends from working at Clear Creek had a baby shower this last Saturday. My sister and I went in on a gift. Here is what we did. I made the carseat cover/nursing blanket. Here are the pictures

This one is blurry, sorry.

Then I made a matching wipee case.

I still had fabric so I made a diapee.

I loved the way they turned out. They are so easy to make, and there was NO pattern. I just improvised. If anyone is interested in knowing how to make them, or wants me to make them one, (You can pay me or get me the matterial you want and I will make for FREE:) )let me know.

My next creation was redoing my glider. I recieved this free before moving back here from Virginia. It was a little worn out and I thought I would redo it. While still in Virginia, I did the blue cover, (don't judge it, It was HAND sewn).
Here is the glider without any cushions.

Here is the foot rest, the original (no redo)

and the bottom cushion

Here is the foot rest after first redo, (this is actually just before I took it all apart to do the newest redo. As you can see there is stains, as for the reason I wanted to redo again)

here is the bottom cushion with the first redo. Same as the foot rest, there are stains.

and the back cushion in the first redo. It was too big and looked funny, but hey for hand sewing I think it was not too bad.

Here is the new cover. This is sewn together ready to do the finishing touches. All I did was take the cushions and trace on the "wrong" side of the fabric for my "pattern". I then made 3 inch stripes and sewed it together.

I decided, with help from Nicole, that I was going to velcro it shut so that I could take the cover off and WASH it if stuff got on it. Here I am sewing the velcro on.

the velcro sewed on

I used the old green cushion then added some batting into the new cushion for more fluff, also with having velcro I can stuff/refluff when it starts to get flat :D

Here it is half way velcroed shut. Not too bad.

Now it is shut and you are looking at the bottom of the back cushion.

Then I took some material and stapled it to the foot stool. I did add more batting on the foot stool too. I had just nailed the blue material, but it came out. My dad had a staple gun and so I had him help me.

Here is the glider with the cushions back on! LOVE IT!! It is nice and fluffy, and looks so much better than the blue that I had, especially since the blue had a lot of stains. It also gives some spunk to the chair. I had left over material so I am going to make a couple of pillows to go on my black couch/loveseat and chair.

"Hamburgers and Fries" and 4th of July Decor

2009-07-14T14:13:00.000-07:00

I saw a great idea and of course you know me, I HAD to try it.
Hamburgers and Fries. Here's what you do. make some yellow or white cake and put in muffin tins. I used paper cups. Once cooked and cooled take the cups off and cut in half.
Make a batch of brownies. Once cooked and cooled use a small round cookie cutter to cut out the "burgers".

Put on the cupcakes

Now time to make frosting. I use my trusty buttercream frosting. You can use the store bought stuff if you want. Just get white and color it yellow, red and green. If you want to make the buttercream here is the recipe:

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup shortening

1 tsp vanilla

4 cups/1lb powdered sugar

2 tbl milk

Mix butter & shortening until blended, add vanilla. Mix in powdered sugar 1 cup at a time. Add 2 TB milk.

Then divide out and add the food coloring. Now put in pastry bags. I just use the disposable kind and I buy them from Walmart or Roberts. You can also use a ziplock bag any brand will work. Cut the end off, I recommend a very small hole then you can slowly make it bigger.

Put on the "mustard"

the "ketchup"

then the "lettuce" and put the top on.

If you want you can dab the top with water and put sesame seeds on for the real affect.

Now for the fries.....make sugar cookies, or you can use the store bought kind. Roll out kinda thin.

Cut "fries" remember real fries are different sizes too.
Now you want to pull every other off like this picture or you will end up with a big glob. Sprinkle with sugar for the "salt".

After they are cooked and still warm put more sugar on. And here are my fries :P

Now for how to Display/present. See below for a couple of ways of how I did it.

Now eat :q Yum... any questions please let me know.

4th of July Decor
Take 8 blocks. I got mine at The Wood Connection. I think they are 2" square. Paint them whatever color you want. I painted mine white then did cream on top of that.

Then you put the letters on. Now the great thing about this you can get 16 sayings out of this great project. Here ya go.

Block 1 : H I E D

Block 2: A C R S

Block 3: R P E T

Block 4: V N L O

Block 5: E O M D

Block 6: S M K I

Block 7: T F B W

Now for the words:

Freedom

Mother

Harvest

Welcome

Faith

Family

Spooky

Friends

Winter

Blessed

Snow

Home

Hope

Monster

Dream

Easter

I've been debating about adding another block and making it so I can have Father and School. Not sure if I will or not. We will see.

I did not get pre pictures of the USA. I just got a U S A that I liked from Roberts. I painted them brown. I was going to put paper on them but did not have enough of the kind I wanted to use. So instead I painted them. I think I would change the S to White and A to blue. Anyway then I got some of the rustic stars and some wire and put the stars on with the wire. I like the way it turned out. And it looks really good behind the "freedom" blocks. Plus my mom had the really cute patriotic bears that we put there too. YEAH!

Now for the sewing. I was planning on doing this MONTHS ago, and just barely did it. Which was dumb of me since it took all of about 1 hour and that was with pinning. I LOVE it and it is very handy.

I had 1 1/2 yards, but did not need that much, of the striped and 1 yard of the flowered. I cut off the extra 1/2 yard and cut stripes out. Pinned inside out and sewed, then turned them right side out and stitched up the ends. I figured out where I wanted them on the flowered fabric then sewed them on. I then put velcro on to attach to the carseat. I might put flowers or bows on later, I have not decided yet. Then after that was all done, I pinned the flowered and striped fabric together, stitched it together and there you have it. I hope my description makes sense. If not you know what to do :)

I have not quite finished for I also wanted this to work as a nursing blanket. When I cut the striped into strips I cut one long enough to use as a strap for going around my neck/shoulders for keeping the blanket in place.

I actually made two of these so if anyone wants to by the second one let me know. It would be $20 plus shipping, unless you want to come pick it up :)

Father's Day gifts :)

2009-06-23T09:58:00.001-07:00

I made fun Father's Day gifts. This is how you make them. First you need Mod Podge, since I am going to be making a lot of stuff that needs mod podge, I got a big one.

Then you need whatever you are going to put it on. I got this board at Roberts for less than $10. I think it was around $7 original and I got it on sale :D

Then I painted the edges, since they woud not be covered by paper. I painted them brown, but you can do whatever color. Also as you see there are blocks that I did that are black, so you can do whatever you want.

The first thing I did after the paint was dry was put a layer of mod podge down and put the paper I had picked and cut down to sized on. Since it was a longer board I had to cut two papers to cover the whole thing. (See pictures for help.)

I then put mod podge over the first paper so that the second would stay on since they over-lapped. Then cover the whole thing with mod podge.

Since I was doing multiple layers I put the next layer on while the mod podge was still wet.
I cut out the letters the kids are holding out of paper using my CRICUT. Then I took their picture (I actually took a lot and chose the one I liked best). Then I printed the pictures out on regular card stock I had bought at Walmart. I then cut them down to size, these ones are about 4" x 6". Once the mod podge was dry, I then put more on top of the pictures to seal them in. This first picture is of the mod podge just applied, it will be had to see the pictures, but as the mod podge dried it will become clear.

I applied a couple of coats of the mod podge to make sure it would be sealed good :)

As the mod podge begins to dry you can see more clearly what you put on.

And this is all but dry.

And now dry and ready to be wrapped. :D

Here is the second one I did. Since I did not have everyone there to hold a letter I just took pictures and cut out Grandpa with the cricut. I did the same thing as the first one, but instead of putting the pictures with the kids holding the letters on, I put the letters on to spell grandpa, then mod podged, then put the pictures on in spots that were "open" and let the mod podge dry, then put another layer of mod podge on to cover everything. I also did a couple of coats of mod podge on this one.

Still wet

Almost dry

And finished and ready to be wrapped.

The Grandpas LOVED them. If you don't have enough kids to hold the letters you can just do the second one, or if you have too many kids to spell grandpa you can spell grandfather, or any other word that you want that will work. You can also do this for DAD, Daddy, father, etc. or even Grandma. I did my own assortment for Dad. Instead of putting it on one piece I put them on three different blocks. This way they are like picture frames. See below for pictures. I did it the same way, painted the blocks, mod podged once paint was dry, put picture down, then once the mod podge was dry I put a couple of coats of mod podge over everything to seal it all.

He then gets to take them to work and put them on his desk. :D YEAH pictures of the kids, and a cute way to display them.

They were a big hit. I love the way it turned out. I actually had google searched ideas for Father's Day and saw this. I did do my own twist and changed it up. But LOVE when others put their ideas for me to see.

Projects

2009-06-16T22:06:00.000-07:00

I have had a few projects, with Father's Day and a few other things. I can't post about them, but thought I would let all who check up on me know that I have been doing stuff. After Father's Day and another event I will post about what I have been doing. Check back next week. :)

Some of the newest cakes and other fun

2009-06-08T11:23:00.000-07:00

So I did two cakes here recently. A friends sister and my sister. Plus we "catered" my sisters. Here are the cakes and truffles. Plus I decided to "play".
Here is Naomi's cake. It turned out really good.

These are Brownie bites that we made for the wedding.

Before being cooked.

Cooked

Coated in Powdered Sugar

Yummy cookie dough balls ready for dipping.

Cookie dough balls after they were dipped.

I decided to make this yummy parfait. It is good. I have whip cream, crushed graham crackers and the mousse. I then threw some mini semi-sweet chocolate chips on top. I think it would have been TONS better with brownies instead of the graham crackers. But oh well, I can do it next time :P

Now here is my sister Nicole's cake.

It all turned out really well. But I am glad I am done, and have a break for awhile.

So much to do

2009-05-30T21:40:00.000-07:00

I have had a lot to do, and this next week will be just as busy. I helped Nicole with her wedding invitations, the wax seals took ALL day to do. But they got done. Then there was the endowments, that were in Saint George, so we headed there and enjoyed a quick trip. This last week has been another wedding cake, I will have to try to post pictures tomorrow (Sunday) cause then we start on Nicole's cake and then the truffles and all the other last minute details. :) YEAH we are so excited for then upcoming wedding of Nicole and Ben, even if it means our week will be BUSY! Stay tuned for pictures of all the fun we have been doing.

The latest cake!

2009-05-02T21:50:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of the cake I just did. It turned out great and the bride and groom loved it! Yeah!

A birthday Cake

2009-04-26T17:12:00.000-07:00

This is the cake I made for my birthday. It was a flat cupcake, it was a lot of fun.

It is a chocolate cake with chocolate frosting.

What have I been doing?

2009-04-25T21:49:00.001-07:00

Well, I have done a few things, and even taken pictures, but can't find my cord to extract my pictures. Maybe I can try to find it in the next couple of days and then can post the pictures. I made earrings for my sister to give to all the sisters, sister-in-laws and mom's. I made a birthday cake, and this week will be making a wedding cake. I am also half way done with a couple of other fun projects. Watch for pictures, I will get them sooner or later.

Another Cake

2009-04-05T09:20:00.001-07:00

Here is what I have been working on this last week. I think it turned out great.

I also catered the wedding, it was just brownies with pink accents drizzled on top of chocolate buttercream. Not horrible, but definately a learning experience

I love how this box turned out...

2009-04-01T09:20:00.000-07:00

So I had an unfinished box similar to this one......

I got it for putting my finished cards in. I had ideas for decorating it but never did anything with it. It sat on my dresser for I don't know how long. Then yesterday I decided I needed to do something with it. So I went through my paper, and found some that I liked together. Then I sat down with the box and this is what I did.
This is the top of the box.

I LOVE the way it turned out. I did end up painting some of the box black, just part of the lid and at the very bottom, parts I decided not to cover with paper. I will also be mod podging it later to help make it last. The great thing is that it is my sisters colors for her wedding and so we can use it for her wedding for collecting the cards at the reception.

Check the right side

2009-03-26T15:15:00.000-07:00

I have a bunch of stuff I have done this week and listed for selling. Check the right side for the stuff. Any questions let me know.

Got some stuff done

2009-03-25T23:29:00.000-07:00

So I feel like I am doing great as it is Wed and I already have a bunch of stuff done and listed some for selling. I need to finish listing but as it is 12:30am and Aleana is finally down I will do it in the morning when I get up. Check the right side bar for the stuff I have listed and watch for more to come :)

This week

2009-03-23T12:51:00.000-07:00

I have this week to try to get some of MY stuff done. Next week I picked up another wedding cake and am also "catering" the reception. So I will just be working on that next week. I am also helping my sister Nicole get ready for her wedding. We have until the end of May to get a few things done. Luckily we are finding stuff and will be able to do what she wants.
I will be trying my hardest to get some of my stuff done and posting about it later.

A Cake

2009-03-15T20:37:00.000-07:00

So this is what I have been working on ALL week.

The Bride LOVED it and overall it was not that bad to make. Pretty well everyone that knew I made it had nothing but good to say about it. I have at least one more this year, in May, that I know. I might have one in April and there might be one in June. Whatever I do I will post about.

What I have been doing lately

2009-03-05T15:50:00.001-08:00

This is a Invite to a party. Fairly simple yet really fun. The information would be on back. I have not put it on there yet. And even if I had would not show since it is a surprise party for a certain person, and don't want this person to know about it. :)
To make it I just took black cardstock and cut it 6"x6", then took the patterened circle cardstock and cut it 5 3/4" x 5 3/4" and used glue dots to put on the black. Then I used my cricut and cut out the "It's a party" I used the Alphalicious cartridge for anywho might want to know. I have a really cool machine the Xyron create-a-sticker I ran the words through to make it easier to put on the green 3 1/2" x 3 1/2" paper. I then ran the green paper through the sticker maker. I then put it on the circle paper. I put the green paper on a little different on each invite just cause. Running the letters through the sticker maker was SO much easier than trying to use glue dots, double stick tape or even glue/glue stick.

Know for some of you who know me I sculpt. Here is a few things I have been working on for selling. Most are NOT done and are works in progress. I just thought I would show what I have been working on, and next week I will be working on a wedding cake ALL week. So I figured I would show I do something.
These heads I am hoping to make into Leprachan pins. They will just have a hat on.

These heads are about 3/4"

These are fairies. They still need hair and if you notice the one is holding a very small baby (which I also made) The will also have wings and the bigger one will be holding something, I just have not decided what yet.

Just a little info the smaller fairy is from tip of toes to top of head, 3" and the bigger one is 5". The baby is about 3/4".

These are just a few random heads I have made. If you notice there is a penny next to them.

This head is about 1 1/2 "

This head is about 1"

This head is about 3/4"
It usually takes about 3 to 5 hours per head. Mainly because of the detail. I can do simpler ones and do at times. Occasionally I just want more detailed. I am not sure what they will be doing yet.
IF anyone has thoughts on what they can be doing I would be up to input.
Once I am totally done they will be sold on quiltedbear.com. When this happens I will post here too about it.

Quilts

2009-02-25T10:14:00.001-08:00

My Grandma Walker made Dallin a quilt when he was born. That thing goes EVERYWHERE with him. He love it. I am glad he has something that helps when he needs comfort. He is also really funny about it. He will take the corners and rub and play with them. He has his favorite corner even. Don't ask me how he knows which corner is which. I have tried giving him different corners but he always changes to the "favorite". Well the other day I found him asleep what did I notice? The one corner is totally ripped. So I stole it from him. I then tried to hide it from him. He found it. So I just decided to fix it. I did that by just zig zagging where it had ripped. He was so glad when I fixed it and gave it back.
I did make him a new quilt with Cars on it. I tried to give him this one, but it just would not work. He had to have the quilt from Grandma Walker. I hope that he does not ruin it, but at least it is getting used. I am going to try to talk to her to see what she recommends we do to do a more permanent fix.
Thanks Grandma for the great quilt that is loved and used!

Topsy Turvy or Mad Hatter

2009-02-16T13:42:00.000-08:00

I have been really wanting to make a Topsy Turvy cake, also known as Mad Hatter. I had an chance to do just that for my grandmothers birthday. (We always get together as the whole family for Grandpa and Grandma Walkers birthday)
Let me tell you. Even with instructions from people who have made them, I still had problems. I am definately going to have to try again to see if I can perfect it, and I won't be making them for anyone and accepting money any time soon.
Transporting is also a pain. Not sure what to do about that either.
Here is the picture....

After we arrived the cake fell...I did not get pictures. I am not sure what happened. I will have to evaluate the cake and try again another time. Luckily I have a few opportunities coming up, Saedy's birthday is at the end of the month, then there is my mom's, mine, and I am sure I can come up with more if I need to. I also thought about just doing it with rice krispies. We will see what happens.

Quilted Bear

2009-02-13T19:06:00.000-08:00

How do you know if the product is mine if you are looking on Quilted Bear? Look for the item number. There are two parts, the first part is a number then either a numer or words, eg. 4047-bee. I am 4047 the second part is what the item is. Click here for one of the items and an example. I hope this makes sense. If you have any questions please let me know. I have a few items uploaded and ready to buy, and am working on adding more each day. I take Sunday's off, but other than that work a little on things each day and adding some more each day. I have two categories to put my stuff in BABY and DECORATIVE ACCENTS. So check those two categories also to find the stuff faster and easier.

SELLING on quiltedbear.com

2009-02-11T09:15:00.000-08:00

Guess what, I am going to be selling some of my crafts :) Where you might ask? How can I buy them might you ask? Click HERE to do just that. You will have to search out for the items, but I will let you know how to find them easier. Also, please spread the word, I would really appreciate it, plus I did not find out until just recent that you can buy online and don't have to go to the store. Here are some pictures of what I plan on putting on there NOW, but I will be adding more stuff later. I will try to post and let people know. :)

I am still working on a lot of stuff. So check back to see what else I have decided to make and sell. The pictures are just of the stuff I have DONE :)

Some stuff.....

2009-02-05T19:53:00.000-08:00

I made some hooded towels and some baby blankets. I am hoping to sell them, it is a waiting game now. Here are some pictures of what I made...

Saedy as my model....

I think I will......

2009-01-30T23:23:00.000-08:00

I have been thinking of selling some of my crafts. I get in some crafting moods and have a hard time when a lot of it just ends up sitting around. If I get the okay I will be selling on quiltedbear.com I have to "apply" and get accepted to do it. It might take up to 2 weeks.
If this happens I will let you know. I was thinking of selling hooded towels-ones that will last until the kids are older (Dallin still uses one), blankets and if I get it figured out car seat covers (ones that will help keep baby warm). I will be playing around this weekend and then taking pictures to send with the app. (a must) If they all work out I will post pictures. Once I do, I will probably ask for opinions about whether you would buy something like that. I just figured that a lot of people already do-since people are selling similar items- I am just not sure how it will all work out. The nice thing is I can stop at any time without a penalty if it does not work out.
Come back on Sunday or Monday and see what come of it.

Some Cards and a lot of Layouts

2009-01-22T14:17:00.000-08:00

Here are a bunch of layouts I got from "For Every Scrapbook" one of my favorite craft places. Some are blurry-sorry, but hope you can get the gist of the layout. :)

Here are some cards I made thinking of Valentines and Weddings.

This is one for a cousin's wedding. I thought I would have a little fun.

A delay

2009-01-14T13:19:00.001-08:00

I have been working hard and diligent on some layouts, the problem is my computer (the one with the software to get the pictures transfered) fried. We are waiting to see if we can get a replacement. I should know within a week, then there should be a barf post with all I have been doing......check back soon :)

Finally some pictures.....

2009-01-01T23:14:00.000-08:00

I made most of these with the help of my cricut. I added embelishments of a different variety to most of them. There are some cards and some scrapbook layouts.
Cards:
There are two like this, just with a few differences in the embelishments.

Punched the border at the bottom out with a punch I have, then added buttons and brads along with a sticker on white paper to make it jump out.

Just added a sticker and ribbon to finish this card.

Used a cricut cartridge to cut this out. Added embelishments to finishe it off.

Just used 2x2 squares and layered them. Then put the Happy Birthday on and added brads once to the "tags"

This is a light blue on a black-even thought it looks brown. I think it would look good on a brown too. I added some brads to the "tags" on the birthday.

This is a card and envelope made with the "Wild Card" cartridge.

Just the envelope.

Just the card.

Scrapbook layouts:

Scrapbook Layouts

2008-12-28T22:44:00.000-08:00

I have been able to work on a bunch of scrapbook layouts. I will try to get some pictures of them and post them really soon. I am hoping to get this blog really going now that Christmas is over and I have a little extra time. Check back soon.

American Crafts

2008-12-09T14:48:00.001-08:00

I just found a place that is having a great sale. Here is their web site. I was able to go and get 100 sheets of scrapbook paper for $6 or less. It is great. Anyone who is in utah they are having their sale until the 20 of the month. They are located at around 467 North 1500 West in Orem. They have paper, embellishments, stickers, rub-ons, ribbon, books, etc for a GREAT price. I wish I had a lot more money and I would go back and get a LOT more. I was able to get some christmas gifts from them. I can't wait to get a couple of other things done so I can play and get caught up with my scrapbooking and card making.

Nativity

2008-12-08T09:54:00.000-08:00

There are this nativity I have learned to make. I don't think they are hard, but that is me. I had a lady in my ward want a couple. If you are interested in making them here is where you go for the instructions.

Blessing Quilt

2008-12-01T13:27:00.000-08:00

This one is easy yet hard all in one. All you need is some white fabric that you like. Then you find your binding-I found a satin one I thought just really made the blanket. Now if you want to continue withe easy you can just sew with white thread top make squares or triangles. If you like a pattern, which is harder, you find the pattern you like and quilt it. Now the quilting can be easy if you know someone who has a machine. Or you can be like me and put the pattern on the blanket, the quilt it by hand. Yes I said by hand. It took me a little while, but I did not think it was that bad. I loved the way it turned out. If you want the stitches to show more you could find a colored thread you want. I just wanted mine all white.

White Chocolate Popcorn

2008-11-24T15:47:00.000-08:00

Here is what you do. Pop some popcorn, you can either use microwave (any kind) or the airpopper. Melt some white chocolate. Once that is done, pour the chocolate over the popcorn and mix until it is covered. How much you use, depends on how covered you want it. If you want to you can add some m&m's, nuts, etc. Then put it on some wax paper or parchment paper. Let cool. You could also drizzle some chocolate over top for fun. Now once all the chocolate is solid and cooled, break apart and inhale ;)

An awesome help

2008-11-22T13:40:00.000-08:00

I just found a great place to buy stuff for scrapbooking. You can either look at their stuff for ideas or buy their packets to make scrapbook pages. It is awesome, and today is the last day of a GREAT sale. All scrapbook packets are 4.99-no limit. Now if you go on most saturdays you can get up to 4 packets on sale. Once I get some of the pages done I will post them. The other awesome thing is they have a picture and instructions with each packet, and you can use them to change up paper and redo layouts.
The place is For Every Scrapbook. It is located in Lindon on Geneva Road, for any who are in Utah.

A countdown calendar to Christmas

2008-11-10T12:00:00.000-08:00

Here are some countdown calendars for Christmas that I helped make. (Only one is totally done and pictured, I will add the other as they get finished)

I made 4 all by myself, and helped make the other two.

To make one, the first thing you need is a piece of metal, a cookie sheet will work. I have mine 11x14 once the sides are bent so you don't cut yourself. (I have an in with Dad working with sheetmetal)

Then you decide on the paper. I chose 3 that went together. One striped for the middle, then one for the top and one for the 25. You don't have to do this, you could just chose two that go well together and just use solid for the 25. I use the glue dots to put the paper on. Then I get some ribbon that goes with the paper, and using the mini glue dots put that on. (You can use whatever paper you like)

I cut out all the lettering, squares and extras with the cricut. You don't have to do this. You can find ready stuff at stores and just use them. I then glue on the words and squares, then I figure out what I want to use for the count down part. It can be pictures off the internet, stickers from a store, etc that you find and like, or if you have a cricut like I do, cut out stuff and used that. Also, there is wood cutouts bought from a store (roberts) that can be purchased and used. I put little magnets on the back of the countdowns and now it is done. I bought my magnets on ebay. I was able to find 100 magnets between 5 to 6 dollars plus shipping, which got here in about a week. I put the magnets on with mini glue dots. You can also use hot glue, or try a glue stick. There is also double sided tape. Whatever you fancy for scrapbooking/cardmaking should work.

(If you don't understand or need clarification just let me know, or if you want to get with me to make one also let me know and I will see if we can schedule a time to do it.)

A new project soon

2008-11-04T10:41:00.000-08:00

I will be adding a couple of projects on here soon. I just need to get a few things then I can post. Sorry I don't do more. We are still adjusting to Aleana and I have not quite figured out how to accomplish ALL the things I want/need to plus take care of her needs. And with the other two always getting into things trying to "HELP".

A Recipe

2008-10-14T15:27:00.000-07:00

I have not been doing a lot of crafting with just having Aleana. I will hopefully be working on some soon. But here is a really good recipe that I love.

Chocolate Trifle

1 (19.8 ounce) package brownie mix
1 (3.9 ounce) package instant chocolate pudding mix
1/2 cup water
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 (12 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 (1.5 ounce) bar chocolate candy

1. Prepare brownie mix according to package directions and cool completely. Cut into 1 inch squares.
2. In a large bowl, combine pudding mix, water and sweetened condensed milk. Mix until smooth, then fold in 8 ounces whipped topping until no streaks remain.
3. In a trifle bowl or glass serving dish, place half of the brownies, half of the pudding mixture and half of the 12 ounce container of whipped topping. Repeat layers. Shave chocolate onto top layer for garnish. Refrigerate 8 hours before serving.

Fabulous Friday

2008-09-21T20:17:00.000-07:00

This last weekend we had a fabulous friday in our ward instead of a super saturday. I was able to make it and made this adorable advent calendar. They used the cricut to make a lot of it, but also some chipboard and wood pieces, you could also use a cuttlebug and other things as desired, you just have to improvise. In the circle at the top of the advent is supposed to be a 25, they just did not have it done, and we are supposed to get it soon. If not I will improvise.

If you want instructions I will post them, just leave a comment and I will try to do it soon. I was thinking of making a couple more anyway, and if I do, I will post how to make it and what stuff I use to make it. It just might be a while until I do that, depending on what happens here in the next while.

I also learned how to make these adorable flowers for accents with little girls. All you do is get the fabric flowers that you want with a jewel to put in the middle and hot glue them together. Then hot glue the clippy on the back and wala you are done and have these adorable flowers. I made a couple brown ones to go with Saedy's brown dress from the wedding. I can't get her to leave it in her hair, or I would get a picture and have her wear it more. But hey, maybe I can get the baby to wear more things like that. (Yeah right with my luck)

Make a Wish Birthday Card

2008-09-14T14:35:00.000-07:00

Here is my first project post.

To make this card I used my cuttlebug. I used the Birthday Wishes combo Embossing and Die cut set. I decided just to use the candle from the die and the Make a Wish.

The first thing I do is decide what colors I am going to use. Am I going to have the background a pattern of some sort or a solid color , is it going to be colored or white. Next I cut a 8 1/2 by 11 paper in half then scored that to make the fold easier.

I cut out the Candles then I cut out the Make a Wish
Here is the die I used

The candles once cut out

The Make a Wish

The I decide how I wanted it positioned on the paper. Using either double sided tape, something I prefer to use, or stick glue I put them on.

(Just a little side note. I usually have someone in particular in mind when making the card. That helps me to decide on exactly what I am doing, and I feel makes it a little more personal.)

The Beginning

2008-09-11T10:26:00.000-07:00

This is a blog just for my various crafts. I will post stuff about scrapbooking, cardmaking, cake decor/food fun, clay sculpting, and whatever else I feel like doing. I am hoping to put instructions, so later when I want to redo something I will be able to go back, or for others to use and play with.