COCOON

One of my sweet blog followers, Sarah, requested a picture of my finished cocoon. So, without further ado, here it is!

GRANOLA

Basically I took two granola recipes and combined the two. I took a few things here and there, omitted a few things and VOILA! THE. BEST. GRANOLA. EVER. I didn’t take any pictures, but take my word for it. You’ll be impressed. I promise.

Granola Recipe

· 6 cups oats

· 1 cup cranberries

· 1 cup coconut

· 1-2 cups pecans (chopped)

· 1 tsp salt

· ¼ cup brown sugar

· 1 T. cinnamon

· ¾ cup honey

· ¼ cup maple syrup

· 2 tsp vanilla

· ½ cup vegetable oil

Combine dry ingredients in large bowl. Combine wet ingredients and microwave for 2 minutes bringing to a boil. Stir wet ingredients then add to the large bowl of dry mixture. Mix thoroughly. Spread Granola on 2 cookie sheets. Bake at 325 degrees for 20 minutes. Let cool. Store in air tight container.

FABRIC BANGLES

I made these with my nieces for Cousin’s Camp…

A friend of a friend had put this up on her website with a SUPER easy to follow tutorial. The girls LOVED THEM. They thanked me endlessly for showing them how. I informed them that they could use an old t-shirt (jersey knit – with some stretch to it) to make these bracelets. I just hope they don’t go home and start cutting up clothes and then say “but Aunt Kristy said we could.”

Here is where you can find the tutorial. Thanks Missy!

Owl Bib

While I sit around and wait for this baby to arrive, I’ve added a few more things to my to do list. I found this cute Owl Bib and decided to give it a try. It was really easy to make, and turned out really cute.

It started off with a few different pieces. Eyes, nose, and the owl’s body. The most time consuming part was hand sewing it all together. I did the wings a little differently also.

Here is the owl mostly put together… minus the wings and ties.

Finished Product! I made 2 more rectangle as wings and attached them to the inside of the body (instead of the outside a the pattern wanted)

COCOON

Who says that butterflies are the only ones who need these. Not I. I found the cutest pattern from a blog called Tots and Bottoms for a baby cocoon. My good friend Brittney asked one day if I knew how to make them. I had never tried, but the pattern looked simple enough. So I went out, bought the yarn and got working. It took me about 1 1/2 – 2 hours (which is pretty fast) and it turned out ADORABLE! So cute, I might make one for myself with this little nugget that should be here in a few weeks. I’m no photographer (as I’m also no Martha) but it’s fun to add new things to the list.

Crafts for Baby Alana

What have I been up to? Well, everything to put it shortly. However, it hasn’t stopped me from crafting, it’s just stopped me from blogging about it. So here is a quick catch up to what I’ve been up to.

I’ve been so consumed with home, family, etc… and on top of it all I’ve made things for other’s. I realized that I have been neglecting the baby that is inside me and decided to get working!! I started making this little girl headband after headband. I am also working on a blanket and will be doing a hat and booties also. Crafting is my ME time and it’s such a great release to do things creative. Here’s a little taste…

{Alana’s baby blanket. It’s the exact same one I made here. I used a purplish/pink color. I’m about 1/2 way through. It still needs a border and the ribbon, but I think she’s going to like it.}

{These flower headbands were fun to make. I did the satin flowers and then attached elastic bands to the back. Simple and Dainty. The white one is for Alana’s blessing day.}

{These I made from premade fabric flowers that you can get at any craft store and then attached the elastic to the backs again.}

{And these bands I crocheted. The cream one is from super soft yarn. The white and dark pink ones are from crochet thread and turned out so perfectly. I can’t wait to dress this baby’s head!}

{ I just clipped on flowers I had made for Kalea and Mia. It’ll be fun to reuse these over and over in different combinations.}

And onto what I WILL be doing. I’m going to try and make a tutu for the baby. I bought two different kinds of tulle and some ribbon. I found a tutorial on YOUTUBE on how to make one that requires NO SEWING. Which appeals to me, since I don’t own a sewing machine. We’ll see how it turns out. I’ll be sure to post pictures when it’s finished.

 

BEST BROWNIES EVER!!

These are SERIOUSLY THE BEST BROWNIES I’ve ever tasted. They are simple and fast to prepare. Just as fast as from a box. If you’re ever in need of a chocolate fix, turn to these.

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, melted
• 3 cups white sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 4 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

 

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish.
2. Combine the melted butter, sugar, and vanilla in a large bowl. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each, until thoroughly blended.
3. Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually stir the flour mixture into the chocolate mixture until blended. Stir in the chocolate morsels. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
4. Bake in preheated oven until an inserted toothpick comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes. Remove, and cool pan on wire rack before cutting.

Freezer Jam

Strawberry season is one of my favorite times of the year. We have a tradition where we go and pick strawberries as a family. A couple of years we went late and they were very picked over. We’ve learned and gone in late April or early May and have gotten the cream of the crop. This year we bought 3 boxes full. We weren’t sure if it would be too much but ended up being just perfect. There were enough to eat and snack on, some to freeze whole for smoothies, and then some for JAM! I have made it a few times with my mom and it’s a day long commitment. However, it’s well worth the work to have freezer jam instead of the store bought kind. Last year I made my own and I ran out. This year I made 9 Tupperware full. I think that should last us. Here’s what I do (it’s just from the recipe in the box and everyone does it a little differently).

Here is what you need:

Strawberries
TONS of Sugar
Pectin – aka – Sure Jell (powder or liquid)
(directions are inside of the package)

1. Clean and Rinse your Strawberries.
2. Cut the stems off of each and place them in a large bowl (or pot).
3. It says in the directions to mash them one cup at a time. I did a MUCH larger amount because I didn’t want to be mashing all day. A potato masher works best but you can use a large fork or whatever you have on hand. When you mash your strawberries it’s ok to have chunks. Jam is SUPPOSED to have chunks of fruit in it.

4. Take your freshly mashed strawberries and measure out 2 cups. Then measure 4 cups of sugar (this may be too much for some… it IS a lot of sugar. Feel free to cut the sugar amount to make it more towards your liking.) Let it sit for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

PECTIN 
*Depending on the type of pectin this next step may vary. If you use the powdered kind your measure 3/4 cup of water and combine with the pectin to a boil. Stir for a full minute while boiling and then add it to your sugar/strawberry combination.

*Liquid pectin does not require boiling. BUT you WILL NEED LEMON JUICE. It’s 2TBS of Lemon Juice and one liquid package of pectin. Combine. Add to your sugar/strawberry combination.

5. Set your timer for 3 minutes and stir constantly for the next 3 minutes (strawberries, pectin, and sugar combo). I usually taste mine the at the end to see if it’s still grainy. If it feels gritty keep stirring for an extra minute or so.

6. Once finished, pour into air tight containers. I use Tupperware, however, my mother in law saves different containers such as sour cream containers to store them in. Which is smart and cost effective. Either works just fine.

7. Let the jam sit out for 24 hours before freezing. DO NOT SKIP THE STEP.

8. Freeze and enjoy when ready!

Finishing Touches

I finished this baby blanket. It wasn’t hard by any means, but it was time consuming. And it turned out a little smaller then I wanted, but it’s for a baby so I was ok with it. Here is the finished project.

Homemade Kettle Corn

DROOOOOLLL… I love this stuff. I wait every year for the NC State Fair to come in October so I can stuff my face full of this stuff. It’s one of my favorites. Well after many many tries, I have perfected popping this delectable snack on my stove… without burning it… which is a challenge in itself.  It’s really easy (once you get the hang of it) and TOTALLY worth it. Here’s some step by step instructions. Try it!!

What you’ll need:

• A bag of popcorn kernels – 1/2 cup
• 1/4 oil
• 1/4 sugar
• salt – sprinkle to your hearts desire

Make sure you use a large pot that has a fitted lid.
Take your oil and pour into pot.
Heat your burner to a medium-high heat.
Drop in 3 popcorn kernels.
Put your lid on and listen carefully.

When you hear 3 pops, take off your lid and add in your 1/2 cup of kernels and your sugar and stir around (do all of this quickly). Replace your lid again and lower your heat a little (medium- low). I keep the pan moving back and forth until I hear popping. Once it gets pretty active in there lift your pot every 3 counts, and then lower it on the heat again. Repeat. Sometimes I don’t even put it back on the heat and I just keep my shaking it back and forth in the air. Make sure you have one hand firmly on the lid and use 2 pairs of oven mitts (one for each hand) because the oil may pop out of the lid a little. Once the kernels have stopped popping open your lid and add your salt. I usually just put some in the palm of my hand and sprinkle it (like feeding the chickens). Be sure to stir it so the salt covers evenly. It’s really hot when it first comes out so let it cool (especially for the kids). The darker pieces are where the sugar has caramelized. Sooo Yummy!! Enjoy and don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t come out perfect the first time. Practice makes perfect!

HEADBANDS

So I made some headbands for a friends baby shower. These were the EASIEST thing I’ve made so far. All you need is:

Fabric flowers
Elastic
Needle and Thread
Felt
Hot glue gun

You take your elastic and measure the length. I did newborn headbands and it needed 14” of elastic. Cut your elastic. Take your needle and thread and sew your two ends together (it doesn’t have to be perfect). Once your ends are sewn take your felt and cut a small circle (you may need felt on the back of the flower – which means you’d need 2 circles cut out). Hot glue one circle onto the back of the flower (if needed) then take your elastic (where the end is sewn because it doesn’t look very pretty) and hot glue it between both felt circles. Wahlah! You’re done! Super easy, cute, and dainty!

        

I forgot to mention… You can buy fabric flowers at any craft store in their scrapbooking isles. I bought these ones at Michaels. Also, you CAN dye your elastic to match if you’d like. I’ve never done it, but try and out and let me know how it goes!!

**Thanks to Suzanne for the cute baby pictures.**

Here are the other lengths if you want to make some for older girls:

Newborn: 13 1/4”
3-6 Months: 14 1/2”
6-12 months: 16”
12 Months-Teen: 17 1/2”
Adult: 18”

I WANT TO MAKE THESE!!!

My friend Lindsay told me all about these and they looked super easy to make. So I looked them up and I am IN LOVE. My girls are getting to an age where they aren’t really thrilled with hair bows (or impressed) anymore. Luckily for me, baby girl #3 will be able to wear them if my older girls do not. But I LOVE THEM!

I found them HERE.

APRIL SHOWERS, BRINGS MAY FLOWERS

I have another baby shower coming up. What better time to make a baby blanket. I wanted this one to be different. It’s a work in progress…

First you make one of these…

Then you make like a thousand more… In different colors… And connect them all together…

This is the end result (Just not mine because I need more pink yarn. And I’m doing a slightly different color scheme.)

You can find the pattern here.

RETIRING

Well, not forever, but for the season. Winter has pretty much come and gone in our neck of the woods. I was SO busy and SO thankful for everyone who like my stuff enough to buy something from me. But don’t fret, I’ll be be back next fall and winter. And I think I’ll stock up and make a bunch throughout the summer to keep me caught up. I’ve been very blessed with all of you supporting me and even giving me suggestions and ideas throughout.

I am going to keep making things, mostly gifts. Baby blankets, booties, etc. I made this for a good friend. It turned out so cute that I’ll probably make one for our little girl… eventually.

**I think the brown ribbon around the edging really makes it. Other ideas I thought of  was skipping the ribbon and maybe putting a cluster of flowers in a corner.**

GIANT BIRTHDAY COOKIE

This thing turned out to be a HUGE pain at first… There are a few things I would have done differently. To start… You can use whatever size pizza sheet you want. I happened to buy a 13” pan… a 16” pan would be perfect, in my opinion. It would have been just fine but I made a bunch of mistakes. Learn from them.

1. Make sure you have enough room on the edges for expanding. It WILL drip over and burn at the bottom of the oven. I would give yourself 1-2” at least. I ended up taking out 2 1/2 cups of the dough. Which is GREAT because then you have it on hand to make regular cookies later on.

2.If you’re super worried about spilling over then put another LARGE cookie sheet underneath. Problem solved. I learned this he hard way. Mine spilled over, set my oven on fire (after getting the cookie out in time), and filled my house with smoke. It was a learning experience, to say the least. But you know what?? The cookie was REALLY good and everyone ate it up.

3. After it completely cools decorate however you see fit. It happened to be my daughter’s 5th birthday, so I piped some frosting and WAHLAH!

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Directions

1. In large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well.
2. Gradually add flour, salt, and baking soda, beating until well blended. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts.
3. Spread in greased 14 inch round pizza pan. Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 20-25 minutes. Cool cookie in pan on a cooling rack. Decorate as desired.

 

CROCHETING

… HAS TAKEN OVER MY LIFE. It’s what I’ve been doing most of winter and finally decided to start selling my stuff. Mostly to people I know. People have suggested Etsy.  I haven’t opted to do that yet… it kind of freaks me out. What if people complain and I get irritated. Plus, I’ve been so busy as it is, It just doesn’t seem feasible right now.  Here are a few things I’ve made and sold.

ONE MONTH LATER…

I’MMMMM BAAAAACK. We’ve been REALLY busy around here with all of the house preparations. To bring you up to speed… We are selling our house (or at least going to try to) starting in March. I’ve made it a goal to get the girl’s room to actually LOOK like a girl’s room. So after finally finding an inexpensive ( but cute bedspread) we needed to amp up some of their already established decorations in their room. We had a long shelf that needed to be repainted and hung up. So we painted it a pepto bismal pink (that’s the best way to describe it) and then I needed something on top…

Which brings me to my latest project. It took a couple of weeks to finish. Between sick kids, dinners, cleaning, preschool classes, and regular everyday life I finally finished. My bff Lisa Larson helped me (and pretty much held my hand) throughout the whole thing.  Here’s what we did…

Lisa had a long piece of wood that was about 2 inches thick. We had it cut into pieces 4”, 4 1/2”, and 5” tall. Afterwards, we (Lisa) sanded the blocks for a smooth surface. We both chose our paint colors. I chose a dark chocolate color while Lisa’s was an off white… how appropriate. 

After painting both sides and letting them dry we cut our pieces of scrap paper to fit the front of the paper. We liked a little bit of the brown to show around the front, so the paper was a little bit shorter. We used scrap paper, embellishments, and ribbon from Archivers.  With the scrap paper we Mod Podged the paper and let it dry. Then Lisa happened to have a Cricket which are wicked expensive… I want one. But I’m not holding my breath. We cut out our letters. Mine spelled out “SISTERS” and Lisa’s spelled out “SWEET GIRL”. Then we Mod Podged those on also. After everything dried, we Mod Podged the whole darn thing (we LOOOOVE some Mod Podge… It acts a glue, sealant, and adds a glossy finish. Ok… So time for some embellishments. This was kind of the hardest part. You wanted to incorporate all of your colors, plus you didn’t want to repeat yourself in your patterns. After finally finding the PERFECT combination… Here’s how it turned out.

 

Here’s an up close look to some of the letters…

 
 

I’m REALLY pleased with how they turned out. If I didn’t have Lisa to help me, they would have turned out TERRIBLE!! When I got home I immediately put them up and of course stared adoringly.

And then took too many pictures.

Headband Earwarmer

So my Sis-In-Law, Candice, has this headband/earwarmer/headwrap that she bought while up in New York. It’s really cute and LOOKED like something I could make.  The only problem is that it was KNIT… and I don’t knit. So I started searching online and found this and thought to myself, “I can make that.” I didn’t have a pattern though. They are pretty popular right now (especially out West) so people aren’t really giving away their patterns.

So I attempted it and here is how it turned out.

 

 

I’m pretty happy with how it turned out… especially since it was my first attempt on making something without a pattern. I think next time I would make it with a bulkier yarn and maybe a few alterations here and there. But overall I think it turned out ok. So many possibilities.

Now… I have a question for you. Would you buy this? I have NO idea how much I would sell it for but it was really fun to make and I would it do it in so many different colors.  So please give me your input or any advice you may have on ways I can make it better.  Thanks for stalking me.

Kristy