Glue Ghoulery

This is a fun one for the child in your life.

Craft a ghostly necklace using simple supplies. Draw ghost outlines on parchment paper with white glue. Let it set for 5 seconds.

Fill in with more glue. Let dry two days, and peel off paper. Draw a face with felt tip pen.

Punch small holes at top, weave string through.

Leaf Print Tablecloth

This is so pretty and easy to do with all the fall leaves falling from our trees. Collect leaves of various shapes and sizes, just make sure there are not brittle.

Move the leaves all around the tablecloth to create a a border or an all over design.

Materials:

Linen tablecloth

Sponge brushes

Fabric paint

Brayer or rolling pin/iron/paper towels/craft paper

1. Use a sponge brush to lightly coat the veined underside of your leaf with fabric paint.

2. Place the leaf,paint side down, onto the tablecloth. Cover the leaf with craft paper,to prevent the paint from getting on the brayer or rolling pin.

3. Roll the brayer over the paper a few times,firmly pressing the painted leaf onto the fabric. Keep the paper as still as possible.Lift up the paper and the leaf.

4. Repeat the process using a different leaf and different piece of paper for each new print.

5. Before heat setting the paint, wait 24 hours. With the pattern side down,press the cloth with an iron set at medium high. Protect your ironing board with a piece of scrap fabric.

Note... This was also used on a canvas tote bag.

Scooter

Meet Scooter !!! This is the newest addtion to Ben and Jennifer's family . Is he not adorable.!! He is a Netherland Dwarft bunny. He is full of energy and loves to run around and sit on Mom and Dad's laps.

I understand that him and Cassie like each other also. Scooter was raised around dog's, so he is quite familar with them.

Heart Shaped Album

Brag about your loved ones with this easy to make album.

Cut a scalloped edge paper into four hearts. Cut heart shaped pieces from card stock and attach to the back of each scalloped edge paper piece. to make each page.

Stack the finished pages, punch two holes on one side, and join them with key rings.

The album is a blast to embellish and makes a great gift.

Two Step Candle Centerpiece

I love this, these are my colors.

Turn a simple votive candle into a pretty display by adding nature's bounty.

Set a candle in an amber glass holder and ring the outside with moss,oak leaves,acorns,and red berries.

Add sprigs of seeded eucalyptus for its fragrance and fresh gray green color.

Layered Enchilada Bake

Those are black beans!! I thought they were raisins too !!

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 large onion chopped
2 cups salsa
1 can black beans drained, rinsed
1/4 cup Italian dressing
2 tbsp taco seasoning
6 flour tortillas
1 cup sour cream
1 pkg Shredded four cheese

Directions:

Heat oven to 400

Brown meat with onions ;drain, stir in salsa beans, dressing and seasoning mix.

Arrange 3 tortillas on bottom of a 13x 9 baking dish: cover with layers of half each meat mixture, sour cream and cheese.Repeat layers. Cover with foil

Bake 40 minutes or until casserole is heated through and cheese is melted. Remove foil after 30 minutes.

Top with chopped tomatoes and shredded lettuce and cilantro.

Caramel Apple Pudding Cake

This one looks heavenly!!

2 medium tart cooking apples
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 cup raisins
1 cup flour
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoon butter ,melted
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
3/4 cup caramel ice cream topping
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon butter

Directions:

1 Preheat over to 350 degrees

2. Grease a 2 quart baking dish arrange apples in bottom of dish. Sprinkle with lemon juice,cinnamon, and nutmeg. Top evenly with raisins, set aside.

3.Combine flour,brown sugar, baking powder, and baking soda in a large bowl. Add milk, the 2 tablespoons melted butter and vanilla: mix well. Stir in nuts, spread batter evenly over apple mixture.

4. Combine caramel topping,water,and the 1 tablespoon butter in a small saucepan:bring to boiling.Pour caramel mixture over the batter in the baking dish.

5.Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes or until set in center. Spoon warm servings into desert dishes, inverting each portion. Spoon caramel apple mixture from the pan over each portion.

Effortless Pumpkin Centerpiece

Easy !! Easy !! A single pumpkin set in a purchased wreath made of preserved oak leaves makes a bold centerpiece for a dinner party or a charming front porch decoration.

The wreath can be stored and reused next year.

Day Trip

Bill and I took a road trip to Minersville Utah. It's about 113 miles one way. We were going to go camping there a couple of weeks ago, but the weather turned bad and we were not able to go.

So yesterday , we decided to take a day trip there. It was not what we expected, so I am glad that we did not camp there after all. The pictures are very deceiving. But at least we know now that we did not miss much.

Leaf Covered Candles

These are gorgeous . Lemon,mountain laurel and rhododendron leaves work for this project

Melt 4 to 6 ounces of beeswax in a double boiler. If you like tint
the wax using 1/4 inch piece of crayon.

With a sponge brush, spread a few thin layers of wax on the back of the leaf. Press coated side of the leaf firmly onto a pillar candle .

Working quickly but carefully,peel back the leaf, leaving a was impression.

Bucket Umbrella Stand

Transform an inexpensive flower bucket into a nice looking umbrella stand by painting the bottom of the bucket with glossy oil based enamel paint.

In addition to providing color,the paint will help disguise any rust caused by dripping umbrellas.

Mark the bottom third of a tall galvanized bucket with painter tape, prime and paint this area and the bottom of the bucket. Let it dry for 24 hours before removing tape.

Mocca Pudding Cake

Oh MY !! There goes your diet.

Ingredients:

1 cup all purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup fat free milk
1/2 cup applesauce
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 3/4 cups hot water
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon instant coffee granules
1 cup cappuccino low fat ice cream

Directions:

1 Lightly coat an 8x8x2 baking pan with nonstick spray

2. In a large bowl combine flour,granulated sugar, 1/4 cup cocoa powder, the baking powder,and salt. Stir in milk, applesauce and vanilla until thoroughly mixed. Pour into prepared pan.

3. In a small bowl combine the hot water, brown sugar, 1/4 cocoa powder, and the coffee granules. Carefully pour water mixture over cake batter. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 45 minutes. Spoon warm cake and pudding into desert dishes. Serve with cappuccino chunk ice cream

Mossy Pots

Here's a pretty decoration that can transition from fall to holiday.

Plant live or dried green moss into interesting pots or urns displayed on a mantel

Simple but pretty.

Lavender Pillows

These little pillows will do wonders for your mood !! Packed with lavender.

These pillows were made with taffeta, which I think is a good choice. Something soft, cool, and pretty.

The small pillow is 4 1/2 inch square and the larger one is 7 x 15.

To make :

Cut two pieces of fabric to the same size. Sew the fabric pieces together , right sides facing, leaving a 2 inch opening. Clip the corners diagonally, and turn the fabric right side out.

Fill the pillow with dried lavender and if you wish , flax seed, which will give it a nice texture and weight.

Hand stitch the opening closed. Make several in different shapes and sizes even a neck roll or sachets would be heavenly .

Christmas gifts !!!

Apple Votives

Does this remind you of your childhood? Minus the candles of course.

I can see this on a porch of an old farmhouse on Halloween night, waiting to greet the little ones.

So easy... Find a old galvanized tub

Core out your apples, and insert votive candles. How easy is this!!

Fruits of Your Labor

A slender glass container filled with a mix of cranberries and other tiny fruits gets a touch of glamour from a sparkling votive candle placed on top.

You can really use your imagination with this one!! Think of Christmas, maybe some nuts, greenery, and berries would be different.

Teacup Lights

Antique teacups that have lost their saucers still make sweet gifts when filled with candles.

Ok ladies, think great Christmas and hostess gifts.

Materials :

Teacups
Partially burned candles
wicking
wooden skewers


How to:

In a small pan set over a larger pan of simmering water, melt down old candles.Remove old wicks with tongs.

Cut a piece of wicking to the cups height plus 2 inches. Dip the wick into melted wax and place in
teacup.

Pour in the wax, stopping 1/2 inch below the cup's rim. Allow wax to set about 1 hour. The candle will harden with a well in the center. To even it out, use a skewer to prick a circle of holes about 1/16 inch deep around the wick. Pour in melted wax until surface is 1/4 inch below the rim of cup. Cut wick.

Beef Short Ribs with Vegetables

Now this brings back memories. When I was a kid ( many years ago ) my mother would make these for a Sunday dinner. I can remember the taste and the smell .

The ingredient list may be a bit daunting, but when you see the how easy this recipe is , you will want to try this one

Ingredients:

3 1/2 pounds beef short ribs
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 large onion cut into wedges
1 cup water
1 cup tomato ketchup
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon curry powder
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
2 teaspoon salt
4 medium potatoes peeled
4 medium carrots cubed
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 cup water

Instructions:

Mix all ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours. I would think that you could do these in a crock pot .

Stuffed Shells

A hearty and satisfying meal that is sure to please everyone in the family. Pair it up with a green salad and you are good to go.

Ingredients:

1/2 of a 12 oz box of jumbo shells (18 shells)
1 teaspoon salt
1 15 ounce container ricotta cheese
2 large eggs
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 26 ounce jar Italian pasta sauce( or homemade)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350. Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add 1 teaspoon salt and pasta shells to the water. Boil the pasta shells until they are tender but still a little firm. When pasta is done drain shells and run under cold water to stop the cooking.

In a large bowl stir together the ricotta cheese, eggs, parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese and parsley. Pour about 1 cup of pasta sauce into a 9x12 casserole dish. Spoon about 3 tablespoons of the ricotta filling into each cooked pasta shell. Place the filled shells, side by side into the casserole dish. At this point the dish can be made and refrigerated for up to 24 hours.

Spoon the remaining pasta sauce on top of the shells and bake uncovered until bubbly about 30 minutes.

Basil and Bean Soup

This Italian bean soup is perfect for a cool autumn night sitting around the table with family and friends.

You can change up the recipe and switch out vegetables for you favorites .

I forgot to tell you ... It's a crock pot recipe!!

Ingredients:

1/2 pound dried white kidney beans or great northern beans
1 pound stewing meat cut into i inch cubes
2 small zucchini unpeeled diced
2 turnips peeled and diced
1 large potato peeled and diced
2 stalks celery sliced
2 medium onions chopped
28 ounce can whole tomatoes
2 teaspoon leaf basil
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 tablespoon salt to taste
2 tablespoon olive oil

1. Completely soften beans

2. Combine all ingredients in crock pot, add water to cover and mix well. Cover and cook on high for 3 hours. Turn to low for 8 hours( or cook entire time on high for 5 to 7 hours.

Make it easy on yourself

This is real easy !! Don't sweat a seasonal centerpiece.

Simply cut flowers at the tops of the stems and float then in a little dish of water.

Arrange down a dining room table or along a mantel, these make quick decorations with little effort.

Ok ladies, we can do this !!

Leaves and LIght

This is so cute !! and simple too.

Dress up purchased candles with a sleeve of leaves. Fit a rubber band or a pony tail elastic around a votive and insert the first leaf underneath. Align the leaves, thought they'll probably need trimming to make a clean bottom edge.

Finish with a bow of raffia or a satin ribbon.

Counting Book

The other day I was browsing around and I found this adorable site http://www.lubirdbaby.blogspot.com/ . She makes adorable things for babies.

She made this counting book for her little girl. I thought it was such a good idea.

She took pictures of things around the house like 1- ball, 2 shoes,3 cookies,4 keys, etc.

She then put them in a plastic photo album.

You need to check out her site, she is a very talented lady.

Buttoned Up Hand Towels

I don't know if I would want anyone to use these but...they are adorable.

Think outside the box, these are done in fall colors, but I see no reason why you could not do them in a Christmas theme also.

There are so many darling buttons out there, that I don't think you will have a problem finding what suits your taste.

Stitch buttons onto purchased hand towels with matching thread .

No Sew Slipper Socks

Oh My Gosh !!! What an idea!!!

Padding around the house in warm wool socks is a cozy comfort that sometimes can be slippery!! Right?

Wellll! I have found you a solution. For more solid footing, add soles.

Materials:

Thick socks
scrap of cardboard
Pencil/scissors/sewing pencil/iron
Suede fabric
Fusible webbing

How to:

1. Pull the socks onto your feet.Stand on a piece of cardboard,and trace both feet with a pencil:cut cardboard along lines.Remove socks. Use a sewing pencil to trace the templates on suede fabric and fusible webbing, a material that bonds fabrics together:cut them out.

2.Slide a cardboard template into each sock,positioning it where you want to iron on new soles. Place fusible webbing between suede fabric and socks sole. Iron according to webbing directions and remove cardboard.

Simple Staircase

This is awesome !! There will be someone out there that can see this on their staircase, I'm sure .

Bring the harvest flair to your staircase. This is made of ornamental grasses. Available fresh at some flower shop and dried in many craft stores.

How to Make:

Bunch one or more types of grasses or wheat and secure with a rubber band.

Tie to every other baluster with raffia.

Darn I wish I had a staircase.!!

Canning Jar Pincushion

This craft shows you how to turn a canning jar new or recycled into a practical pincushion.

Make a few and give as gifts!!!

Materials:

Canning Jar
Fabric scrap
Fiberfill or cotton balls
Glue gun/card stock

Instructions:

1. Using the lid of the jar,cut out a circle of the same size from card stock

2. Using the lid of the jar,trace around it on the wrong side of your fabric. Increase that circle radius about 1' and cut on the later circle

3. Layer the fabric, cotton balls, and lid then place the sandwich inside the band.

4. Press the lid down so that the cotton balls and fabric form the pincushion on the opposite side of the band. Check to see if you need to move the fabric to avoid creases. Make any necessary adjustments and then fold in the fabric and hot glue it to the underside of the lid.

5. Trim away any excess fabric and hot glue the card stock over the fabric edges.

6.Line the band with a small bead of glue and insert the pincushion into it, pressing firmly. Add the lid to the jar.

No Stitch Cross Stitch

You don't need to spend hours anymore to achieve the look of cross stitch, use a paint pen.

You can do this method on any glass surface. Glasses, candle holders, votive holders, vases , etc.

First thing to do is find yourself a template of a cross stitch pattern that you like. Think holidays and all the neat motifs there are.

Position the template inside the vessel using tape. With an extra fine tip paint pen, trace the pattern onto the glass. To repeat the pattern around the glass shift the template inside the vessel and trace again.

If you make a mistake you can merely wipe it off while it is still wet.

Any craft store will have the paint pens, and templates.

Have Fun!!!

Laundry Myths You Thought Were True

I recently learned that I've been doing my laundry all wrong !! The Whirlpool Institute of Fabric Science set me straight. This was posted on Woman's Day magazine.

You think that ..... Combining bleach and detergent in the washing machine with whites is OK

But actually.... The detergent counteracts the bleach.

Instead you should .... Add bleach in the last 5 minutes of the wash cycle, so it can work alone.


You think that .... Clothes dryers cause shrinkage.

But actually .... It's the lack of moisture, not heat, that causes shrinkage.

Instead, you should .... Remove items from the dryer as soon as they're dry.

You think that .... To remove a stain, you should treat the front of the fabric.

But actually...You're just rubbing the stain into the fabric.

Instead you should.... Treat it from the back, to push the stain away from the fabric.

You think that... You can tell whether clothes are still damp by touching them .

But actually... Finger nerves have a hard time distinguishing cold from wet.

Instead you should ... Press the fabric to your lips. which easily sense dampness versus coldness.

Whew !! Ok , ladies lets get out there and do it right !!!!

At Home in the Orchard

Use the surplus from apple season to make tabletop decorations.

Votive Holders:

Place a tea light on an apple;cut around edge with a craft knife. Scoop out the flesh with a melon baller, and insert candle.

Place Cards

Using decorative edged scissors, cut leaves from green paper.

Put 1 end of a 3 inch length of floral wire between 2 leaves;use craft glue to paste together. Repeat with opposite end of wire and 2 more leaves.

Write the guest name on 1 leaf. Wrap wire around apple stem.

Cork Trivet

They don't just keep your wine from spilling and spoiling,corks can also protect your tables and counter tops from hot pots and pans.

1. For a medium sized trivet , collect a t least 50 uniformly sizes corks.

2. Stand them upright and arrange them into a tight circle.

3.Surround corks with an 8 to 10 inch metal hose clamp. (found in the plumbing department )

4. Tighten the clamp to bind the corks together and then trim the excess clamp with metal clippers .

Clothespin Photo Hangers

Clothespins can be used to organize and hang paper , photos, and cards when they're turned into refrigerator magnets.

To make them, remove the springs from wooden clothespins, and lightly sand wood with sandpaper.

Coat with acrylic paint: let dry. Reattach springs, affix a small magnet to 1 side of each pin with multipurpose cement.

Cherry Toiletry Essentials

Here's one to make for the older child in your house. Any girl would love this one!!

Give simple bathroom necessities flair with foam shapes,stickers,beads,and ribbon.

Your child's morning routine will be a little more fun.

Magnetic Letter Box

Here's a great idea to make with your little ones.

Create a clever organizer for markers and other craft supplies while practicing spelling at the same time .

This portable storage container started life as a metal lunch box. Simply cut out letters from magazines and glue them onto flat magnets.

Simple Shoe Organizer

Help your child learn his left from his right and keep all his favorite footwear neat in process with a homemade shoe keeper that offers a visual solution to the perennial mystery, "What Foot"

This is great for 2 years and up

Materials:

4 pieces of decorative paper ( this could be any thing that fits with the decor of the room )
tape/pencil/card stock/scissors/glue stick/clear con-tact paper

1. Lay the paper face down in a row so they overlap slightly, then tape them together.

2. Trace one of your child's shoes onto a piece of card stock. Cut out the shape and use it as a template to cut out 7 more.

3. Using a glue stick, adhere the card stock soles in pairs, to the front of the papers( to make a pair simply flip one sole so the toes face each other) Write left or right on each sole to encourage early word recognition , then cover the entire surface with Con-Tact paper for easy cleanup.

3- Bean Chili

Now this is fall !!! Nice hot chili on a cold fall night, what could be better. Good thing to serve on Halloween night before the kids hit the road.

Ingredients:

1/tablespoon olive oil
1 onion chopped
2 cloves garlic chopped
3 tablespoon chili powder
2 sweet bell peppers diced
1 medium zucchini diced
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can tomato sauce
1/4 cup ketchup
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can small white beans, drained and rinsed
1 can red kidney beans drained and rinsed
Grated cheese for serving

Directions:

1. Heat oil in large sauce pot. Add onion, garlic and chili powder and cook for 3 minutes

2. Add peppers, zucchini and continue to cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Stir in tomatoes, tomato sauce, ketchup and oregano. Cook 8 minutes

4. Gently stir in beans. Cover pot and continue to cook for 3 minutes. Serve with grated cheese

Spider Cupcakes

This would be a big hit at your child's Halloween party or a school function.

1. Start with a frosted store bought or homemade cupcake.
2. Place purchased truffle in middle of the cupcake for the spider's head.
3. Use melted chocolate to adhere two red mini M&M's to the truffle for the eyes.
4.Dip pretzels in melted chocolate to adjoin broken sticks for spider legs.
5.Insert pretzel sticks in cupcake around the truffle for legs.

Blue Cheese and Sour Cream Dressing

Bill and I love a good blue cheese salad dressing, I think I have found it. When we were in the Sierra's this summer we had the best blue cheese salad dressing at this little Mexican restaurant that I would die for right now.

Should have gone back the next day and bought some, but I did not . Shame on me !!!

This blue cheese dressing recipe also makes a great dipping sauce for wings.

Ingredients

8 oz sour cream
4 oz crumbled blue cheese
Buttermilk
Salt
Cracked pepper

Instructions:

1. Place sour cream in a refrigerator container with lid. Fold blue cheese into sour cream with a fork, mashing a few of the cheese pieces to add blue cheese flavor to the sour cream.

2. Gradually stir in small amount of buttermilk until the desired consistency is reached. Season to taste with salt and pepper

3. Cover and refrigerate over night. Will store for up to one week .

German Chocolate Cookies

Oh my, these look good !!

Ingredients:

1/4 cup butter softened
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/8 tsp salt
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
2/3 cup all purpose flour
2/3 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup flax seed meal
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3 oz dark or sweet baking chocolate chopped
1/3 cup flaked coconut
1/3 cup chopped pecans toasted chopped
Flaked coconut

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350. In a large bowl beat butter with a electric mixer on medium. Add brown sugar,baking soda,and salt. Beat until combined. Beat in egg and vanilla until combined. Beat in flour. Stir in rolled oats,flax seed meal and cocoa powder. Stir in chopped chocolate, coconut and pecans. (dough will be thick)

2. Drop dough by rounded teaspoon about 2 inches apart, onto a ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until edges are firm.

Note.. Before you bake you can sprinkle with pecans and coconut .

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

Yesterday Bill and I made a batch of homemade chicken noodle soup, that was the best we have ever made. Sorry I did not take a picture of it. It was so simple but yet it tasted so good.

Ingredients: Bouillon cubes (4 teaspoons)

1 chicken breast cubed uncooked

Broccoli ( couple handfuls )

Noodles ( about 3 handfuls)

1 can Northern Beans

Celery (couple handfuls)

Parsley/salt and pepper

1 can sliced Carrots

Directions:

Mix the bouillon cubes with 4 cups water . Add chicken and cook until done. ( we used the crock pot )

Then we added the celery and broccoli and cooked for awhile . After about 15 minutes or so, we added the beans, carrots, and the noodles.

We then let it simmer for a while and it was yummy !!! Simple recipe but very satisfying

Decorative Tea Towels

These are so pretty !! Aren't they? I can see doing these for all the seasons and holidays coming up .

They would make darling gifts

Dress up tea towels with a variety of coordinating ribbons and fabric ruffles.

Simply cut the trims slightly longer than the width of the towels, then top stitch the strips in place.

Have Fun, use your imagination !!

Easy Sew Place Mat Pillow

Turn a finished-edged place mat into a cute pillow.

Supplies:

Pins
Two 16 inch lengths of 1 1/2 inch wide grosgrain ribbon
Pair of fabric place mats
Sewing machine/thread Polyester fiber fill

Instructions:

1. Pin both ribbon pieces to a place mat. Space then 1/2 inch apart and no close to the edge of the place mat than 5 inches;wrap ends to the back of the mat. Stitch ribbons in place along the edges.

2. Use embroidery floss to sew buttons equally spaced between the ribbons. Emphasize the vertical motif by stitching from the outside of each button to the center

3. Machine stitch free form circles (optional) around each button

4. Pin the place mats together with wrong sides facing. Stitch together with 1/4 inch seam allowance and leaving a 6 inch opening. Stuff the pillow with fiberfill, sew opening closed.

Beaded Cupcake/Food Picks

This project shows you how to make your very own cupcake toppers or food picks using crafty items you already have around.

These toppers have been made using foam beads and plastic crystal beads, You could use glass beads for something a little more elegant and even silver beads for top notch cheese night.

Using craft glue dip the end of the tooth pick into the glue. Add the beads from the pointy end upwards, as this pushes any excess glue up and of the toothpick rather than down the stick where it might be visible.

Button Napkin Rings

These are adorable !!! Mismatched buttons serve as the charming clasps on handmade napkin rings. You'll need shank buttons, which have holes on the back .

These are mother of pear buttons...Cute !

Thread a 12 inch length of cording through each shank, and tie its ends in a knot. Secure knot to shank with a needle and thread so that it will stay hidden behind the button.

Wrap cording around a folded napkin, looping it back over the button to secure.

Kitchen Helper

Clear up the clutter and make the most of your counter tops by using a cake stand to hold olive oil,salt, pepper and other frequently used seasonings.

The stand makes it easy to find and use these ingredients while you cook, and gives you space to arrange other herbs and spices around the bas of the pedestal.

5 Minute Tank Top Tote

This recycled project shows you how to up cycle an old tank top into a environmentally friendly shopping tote in just 5 minutes.

We all have some lying around, a great use of them,when you no longer have a need for them .

To create your tote you will need a sewing machine or serger to close the bottom of the tank top. Sew across the bottom a few times to make it strong enough for vegetables and fruit.

You can sew directly across the bottom or turn the tank top sideways with the arm holes on top of each other and then sew, this will place the handles directly in the middle of the tote.

You can embellish it if you so desire.