Decorative Jar Lids

If you're going to do creative work,your craft supplies should look the part. Here's a way to decorate basic jam jars with lively fabric scraps. First, cut out a circle big enough to cover the lid-including the lip, inside and out. Put the fabric face down,and apply spray adhesive. Center the lid on the fabric. Fold up a section of the fabric so it adheres to the outside of lid lip.

Snip a slit every inch or so on the remaining unadhered fabric(make sure not to cut past the edge of the lid) Press flaps over so they adhere to the interior of the lip. Fill jar with sewing notions,screw on the lid, and get inspired for your next project.

By a Thread

Sometimes the perfect thread for a sewing project comes on a spool that's imperfectly sized for your sewing machine . The solution: Place the spool n a heavy mug, and position it on your work surface directly underneath the spool pin.

Take hole of the thread end,and hook it over the spool pin before threading it into the machine as usual(the thread should form a 90 degree angle);the thread will unravel smoothly as you work

Stirrer Swatches

Memory never seems to serve very well when it comes to color-especially when you're trying to recall the exact shade of your living room wall while shipping for fabric and furniture. Here's a way to eliminate the guesswork;After stirring paints, let stirrers dry, then write the color and room on each. Pierce ends with an awl,and string together with twine.

Monogramed Hammer

Every Dad can use a hammer around the house, especially if there's a long to do list of fixes. By adding his first initial and doing a a custom paint job, Dad will be sure to love it.

You need

I wood handled hammer
Sand paper
Paints
Brushes
Black fine point marker
Clear sealer

How to

Sand the wood handle to rough up any coating that may have been added. Paint one side of the wooden handle white. Once it's dry paint the other side white

Decorate the rest of the hammer in whatever fashion you like. You will need to paint one side , let it dry, and then paint the other side.

Use black fine point marker to add any details , such as outlines. It's important to let the marker dry for a good 30 minutes, otherwise your sealer may cause the marker to bleed

To monogram the hammer, paint the first letter of dad's name toward the bottom of the handle
In a well ventilated area, spray the hammer with a clear sealer

Car Nut Frame

Is your Dad hooked on cars? If he loves cars, trucks or anything with a motor, than this frame is a great gift for your father.

You need : small wooden frame/black paint/washers and bolts/permanent glue/photograph

How to

Remove glass from frame . Then paint the frame black and let dry . Use permanent glue to decorate outside of frame with nuts and washers. Let dry completely.

Insert a family photo and the glass into the frame .

June's Thought of the Month/Faithful Followers

Admire those who attempt great things,
even if they fail.
Seneca

Hope you enjoy this month's thought. To my faithful followers, I am sure that you have noticed by now that I have been slacking off on my postings. Believe me it's not by choice, my favorites list is growing by the minute. I had a lot of Memorial Day ideas that I wanted to share but just could not. I have been having some medical problems, that have not allowed me to sit for very long at the computer. But I have vowed to myself that I am going to try and post at least 3 ideas a day. Thanks for being my faithful followers. Don't give up on me.

Helen

Cousins

This poem is for my cousin Pat !! I have been a little under the weather lately and have not been posting like usual.

I talk to Pat at least twice a week , she calls me from California. I look forward to these calls, so I have found this poem that helps express how I feel about her.

Cousins


Sometimes I wish we could go
Back to our childhood days.
Yet here we are, both of us grown,
With busy lives and out on our own.
Things change, but you'll always be
My cousin, my friend, and loved by me.

Author Unknown

Summer Crafts for Kids

Cute Bug Catcher-- Craft this cute bug catcher to corral summer bugs or other creepy crawlers so you can get a closer look

You need Scissors/ruler/insect screening/wire cutters/empty plastic mayo jar/paint and brushes/wooden cutouts/glue/hot glue

How to

Cut a 6 1/2 inch circle of the screening

Use wire cutters to cut a 24 inch length of wire . Weave the wire through the screening about 1 inch from the edge,making the stitched about 1/2 inch long.

Place the screen on top of the jar, and tighten the wire around the jar rim. Twist the wire ends together to secure

Paint all your wooden pieces and decorate as you wish.

Use hot glue to attach your pieces to the jar.


Kid's Summer Sunglasses - Make ordinary sunglasses "sun-sational" by dotting and dashing paint onto the rims

You need -sunglasses/enamel paint/brushes

How to

When choosing how to paint your glasses, look at the different parts of the frames. Paint each part a different color if you like

If possible, take the lenses out of the frames. Paint the background color and let it dry. Give it two or three coats.

When the background is dry,add stripes or dots in different colors. Use a tiny paintbrush to make stripes. Use the handle end of the paintbrush to make dots

Banana Boats

Chocolate,marshmallow, and bananas make an a peeling summertime snack. I want to try these this summer, they sound delicious

You need

Banana/mini marshmallows/chocolate chips

How to

First,peel back one section from a ripe banana,making sure to keep it attached at the end. With a butter knife,cut halfway through the banana lengthwise. Widen the slit and fill the space with miniature marshmallows and chocolate chips(about a dozen of each). Replace the peel and securely wrap the banana in aluminum foil. Place the banana in hot coals to melt the chocolate and marshmallows, usually takes about 5-10 minutes. Carefully open the foil,pull back the banana peel and allow the treat to cool a bit. Then dig in with a spoon

Thai Steak Salad

This salad looks good and filling for a summer dinner.

You will need

1 pound London broil 1 inch thick
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 clove garlic minced
1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
1 bag coleslaw mix
1/2 bunch green onions sliced
1 medium carrot grated

Dressing

1/4 cup white vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
3/4 teaspoon grated ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt

How to

In a resealable plastic bag, combine London broil with soy sauce,vegetable oil,garlic, and grated ginger Refrigerate several hours

Heat grill pan and cook steal 6 minutes,turn over and cook 6 more minutes for medium rare Let rest

In bowl combine coleslaw,green onions, and carrot. In a saucepan combine all the dressing ingredients. Heat to boiling and stir until sugar dissolved. Toss warm dressing with vegetables Cut steak into thin slices and add to salad

Coney Island Hot Dog Sauce

You'll relish this spicy sauce that gets its kick from ground beef,chili powder, onion and garlic. It makes the perfect partner for grilled sausage on a bun,hot dogs and hamburgers

You need

1/2 pound ground beef
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup chopped onions
1 clove garlic minced
1 cup tomato sauce
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon MSG
1/2 teaspoon salt

How to

In a skillet saute the ground beef. Break up with fork until fine

Add the water ,onion,garlic,tomato sauce,chili powder, and salt to the beef. Simmer for 10 minutes or until heated through

Quick Nature Crafts

Nature Finds in a Vase- This autumnal version of a May basket is perfect to hang on door or window locks. Choose a small jar or votive cup that has a lip or ridges at the top. Wrap wire around the jar several times,placing the wire between the ridges or under the lip. Twist the ends into a hanging loop. Fill the jar with water and a collection of herbs,pods,flowers and berries.

Nature's Time Capsule- Turn a snapshot or postcard into a sophisticated time capsule. Pop the card into a jar,add a few natural elements collected on a hike,screw on the lid, and tie a length of leather cord around the jar's neck.

Jennifer's Birthday and Mother's Day

Had to share a picture of my Iris's They are huge

Mother's Day

Cute Couple !!

Aren't they cute !!!

Jennifer's Birthday, with Abby looking on. She is actually waiting for the tissue paper

She persuaded Jennifer to give her some tissue. She had a lot of fun

Father's Day Presents

Belts and ties are the coin of the realm for Father's Day,but they don't have to fly right off the store rack straight into the gift box;add your own personality to the package. Embroider Dad's first or last initial on this year's tie. A simple linen tie makes a good candidate;try embroidery floss in a lighter shade of the same color for a refined monochrome palette

Or make a handsome rack for Dad's new belt. To attach cup hooks to a good wooden hanger,first drill holes with an appropriate size bit. Space holes evenly, about 2 inches apart;if the screws pf hooks are too long,snip off ends with wire cutters before screwing them in

Father's Day Crafts

With May half over(where did the time go) it's time to think about Father's Day June 20. I have found several great ideas for you to make for your favorite Dad.

Photo Bookmarks--Fathers who read a lot will give this gift great reviews. Cut a piece of 2 inch wide grosgrain ribbon 3 inches longer than twice the height of the book;snip a point at each end to prevent fraying. Sew a 1 1/2 inch by 2 inch photograph to the ribbon by hand stitching each corner.

You might offer the bookmark with a new novel,wrapping the book with colored tissue paper and tucking the bookmark between two pages. Finish the gift with a simple ribbon or string

Best Friend Puzzle Necklace

This is a fun craft for your the little girl (or big girl) in your life.

You need Old puzzle pieces/Paint/Satin Cord/Mini pony beads/Hand hole punch/glue/ toothpicks/glue gun/craft foam /markers

Paint two puzzle pieces that interlock together. Let dry. Write BEST on one piece and FRIEND on the other (or you can use stickers) Decorate using holes punched out of scraps of craft foam. Using a toothpick to dab on glue will make this easier.

Cut two pieces of satin cord to make puzzle pieces into necklaces. Hot glue one end ti the back of a puzzle piece. Slide on some beads. Hot glue the other end to the other side of the puzzle piece. Repeat for second one.

Give one to your best friend !

Summer Picnic Ideas

Those inexpensive vinyl tablecloths are good for more than just picnics-they make great material for pillows that are easy to clean.

To make one, cut two squares in desired dimensions from a patterned tablecloth,adding 1/2 inch to each side. Right sides facing,stitch pieces together with a 1/2 inch seam allowance. Leave one side open for batting or pillow insert. Turn right side out,then stuff. Stitch opening closed
Pocket Knives and More- Keep silverware and napkins in one place for picnics and other meals on the go. Oilcloth is the ideal material for this pocket project;it won't fray,plus it can be wiped clean easily. Start with a 9x10 rectangle in your favorite pattern. Fold in half vertically.Make a slightly diagonal slit,about 3 inches long, just above the midway point. Stitch the long side and bottom closed,about 1/8 inch from the edge. Leave the top open for napkins, and use the front pocket for utensils

Baby Update

Hot off the Press !! Jennifer and baby are doing great. Jennifer is at 31 1/2 weeks, not long now Patty. Doctor said everything is still on schedule and is real happy with her progress. Can't Wait !!!!

Printed Grocery Tote

These fashionably printed grocery totes will have you saying "no thanks" to plastic bags.

You need

cotton tote bag/potatoes and or apples/knife/acrylic paint/paintbrush.

How to

Cut a a potato in half. Carve a single design into the potato using a linoleum cutter.

Brush paint onto the carved surface, being sure to cover it entirely

Stamp with the potato on the cotton tote. Re ink and stamp as many tines as desired

Waterproofing a Blanket

Don't let yesterday's rainstorm dampen your plans for a picnic. You can waterproof a cotton or wool blanket by adding a protective backing of water resistant fabric such as ripstop or oilcloth, and safely lounge on damp grass

Cut fabric to the exact dimensions of the blanket,adding 1/2 inch on all sides for hem. Fold edges of backing under 1.2 inch, and place 2 inch wide twill tape on top;machine stitch both inside and outside edges of tape around entire perimeter,mitering tape at corners.

With a hammer or mallet, fix snaps along edges of the backing and the blanket. Center a snap in the twill tape at each corner,then attach snaps at intervals of 10-12 inches around the whole border. Attach the male half of the snaps to the backing first, then mark the placement of the female half of snaps carefully on blanket for a good fit, and attach snaps. The backing may be detached when it is not needed.

Enchilada Dip

This looks yummy!! Next card night we are going to try this one

You need

2 cups seasoned hamburger (taco seasoning)
1 can chili with beans
1 can enchilada sauce
1 can tomato sauce
3/4 cup corn chips
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Tortilla chips

How to

In a large bowl,combine the cooked hamburger,chili,enchilada sauce,tomato sauce, and corn chips. Transfer to a greased baking dish. Bake uncovered at 375 for 20-23 minutes or until heated through.

Dollop with sour cream,spread carefully. Sprinkle with cheese Bake 3-5 minutes longer or until cheese is melted Serve with the tortilla chips

Dust Jackets

Twenty inch cloth napkins or same size squares of fabric become protective covers for coats and vests that don't need to be stored in a garment bags. Each is pierced in the center and reinforced with a grommet to slide over a hanger

Storing and Sprouting Seeds

Storing Seeds -- To ensure that seeds wake up refreshed from their long winter naps,take the time to tuck them in properly. Moisture,heat and fluctuating temperatures are a seeds worst enemy,so don't simply abandon your leftover packets to the elements by leaving them in a garden shed. By the next spring they will have lost much of their vigor-the ability to germinate quickly and healthily- and many may have died.

Instead place packets in an airtight container such as a canning jar with a new lid. Then make a few moisture absorbing sachets to store with them by wrapping 2 tablespoons of untreated cat litter or powdered milk in a double layer of tulle. Close the lid tightly, and put the jar in a cool, dark place.

Super Sprouts- Spritz a paper towel with water until it's very damp but not soaking wet;place in a glass jar. Drop in about a dozen dried beans or lentils;cover jar;and set in indirect sunlight so it's neither too hot nor too cold. A plant will angle its leaved toward the light; to make yours grow straight, rotate the jar around halfway daily. Expect to see shoots in 5-10 days

Candle Crafts

Sea Glass Candle-- Create wonder with a glowing sea glass candle. Choose two glass vases or tumblers of the same height but different diameters. Place the smaller one inside the larger one;add a votive. Fill the space between the containers with clear or colored sea glass from a crafts store.

Paper Punched Shapes-- For quick and easy candle holders,punch shapes from construction paper and adhere them to glass candle holders. Here,they punched stars out of black paper

Simple Candle--This simple candle craft takes only a few materials. Cut corrugated paper to size and wrap it around a candle. Tie it in place with raffia. To add more appeal,string beads onto the raffia before tying

Easy Photo Decor Projects

Photo oils and a cotton swab were used to apply color to black and white matte finish prints for an artistic and striking display. A wood plaque is a creative alternative to a photo frame. Mount the photo with double stick archival tape and finish the look by hot gluing a button border around the photo

Mount Photos in a Decorative Cube-- To up your decor space by six,use a cube instead of a solitary frame. For a polished look,paint the cube,then add machine stitched patterned paper pieces. Mat photos and fun quotes with chipboard frames and adorn them with ribbon,tags,stickers,and faux flowers for a feminine look

Quick and Clever Ideas for Organizing Crafts Supplies

Embellishments in a Snap-- Re purpose a pillbox for an eye catching storage system. The tiny containers hold dozens of eyelets and are easily embellished with a label and preview of what' inside.

Chic Crafts Caddy--Organize crafts and office supplies in a collection of milk glass displayed in a vintage drink caddy set on a colorful tray. You can simply carry the tray to any work space

Raspberry Almond Puff Bites

Here's another great recipe for two!! Crisp puff pastry squares a cream mixture flavored with almond extract .



You need



1 sheet frozen puff pastry thawed

1 container fresh raspberries

1/3 cup powdered sugar

3/4 cup whipping cream

1/2 teaspoon almond extract





Heat oven to 400 Roll out puff pastry with rolling pin into 12 inch square Cut square into 6 rows by 6 rows to 36 squares(on ungreased cookie sheet, place squares 1/2 inch apart

Bake 10-12 minutes or until puffed and golden brown. Remove from cookie sheet to cooling rack. Cool about 15 minutes

Reserve 36 of the smallest raspberries. In a bowl, mash remaining with fork. Reserve 2 teaspoons of the powdered sugar . In bowl, beat whipping cream, remaining powdered sugar and the almond extract. With electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form. Fold mashed raspberries into whipped cream

Split each puff pastry square into 2 layers Spread about 1/2 tablespoon of the whipped cream mixture on bottom layers;replace tops. Top each square with tiny dollop whipped cream mixture;add reserved raspberry if desired,squares can be refrigerated up to 2 hours at this point. Just before serving, place reserved powdered sugar in small fine mesh strainer and sift over tops of squares

Ginger Cake with Caramel Apple Topping

Whole wheat flour makes a better-for-you addition to this updated ginger cake. The creamy yogurt topping is like the icing on the cake, it's the best part

You need

2 cups creamy peach or creamy vanilla yogurt

1/2 cup caramel fat free topping

1 1 /4 cups whole wheat flour

1 cup all purpose flour

1/4 cup sugar

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup molasses

1/3 cup canola oil

1 egg

1 medium tart apple chopped

Heat oven to 350 Grease and flour a 9 inch square pan In bowl mix 3/4 cup of the yogurt and caramel topping;cover and refrigerate until serving time

In bowl beat remaining 1 1/4 cups yogurt and all remaining ingredients except apple and lemon juice. Stir in half of the chopped apple.Pour batter into pan. Sprinkle lemon juice over remaining apple;cover and refrigerate until serving time

Bake 38-43 minutes Cool slightly Serve with topping mixture and remaining chipped apple

Laundry Room Drying Bar

Cotton button down shirts, which have a tendency to shrink, are best removed from the dryer while slightly damp,then air dried. Unlike a drying rack,which holds a few shirts at most,a bath towel holder mounted on the underside of a laundry room shelf makes a good spot for a row of shirts on hangers. The car can also be helpful when you're ironing;hang presses shirts as you work

A Doorstep Garden

Turn an old boot into a stylish planter

You need

old boot/pebbles /potting soil /small bunch of annual flowers

How to

Remove the lace from the boot or loosen it enough to allow the tongue to be pulled forward

Fill the bottom of the boot with a layer of pebbles to provide drainage

Pack in a 2 inch layer of potting soil

Fill in the root base of annual flowers

Gently pack more soil around and on top of the roots

These will be needed to be watered often .

Easy Baked Manicotti

These look good, I have never tried these before, but looks like a good alternative to pasta

You need

2 cups spaghetti sauce
1 3/4 cup Ricotta Cheese
1 1/2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
1 egg beaten
1/4 cup Pesto
12 Manicotti shells,cooked, rinsed in cold water

How to

Heat oven to 350

Spread 3/4 cup sauce onto bottom of 12x9 baking dish Mix cheese,egg, and pesto until well blended;spoon into resealable plastic bag. Use scissors to cut small corner from bottom of bag

Fill Manicotti shells by squeezing cheese mixture into both sides of each shell;place in baking dish. Top with remaining sauce;cover

Bake 40 minutes or until heated through

Cuban Calzones

Bill and I have been redoing our sun porch this week so I haven't been doing much posting. But I just found these recipes for 2 from Pillsbury, thought you might like to try. I have a bunch more so will post when I can.

You need

2 frozen buttermilk or southern style biscuits
1 1/2 teaspoons yellow mustard
1 1/2 teaspoons mayo or salad dressing
2 oz sliced pork
2 oz sliced ham
4 dill pickles sliced
2 tablespoons shredded Swiss cheese
1 egg beaten
1/2 teaspoon dried minced onion

How to

Heat oven to 350 Spray a cookie sheet with cooking spray

Place biscuits on plate. Microwave uncovered for 3- 45 seconds,turning halfway through time. Press and stretch each biscuit into 6 inch round

In a bowl stir mustard,mayo until smooth. Spread mustard mixture on each round Arrange pork and ham sliced over mustard to within 1/2 inch of edge Folding if necessary. Top each round with two pickle slices;sprinkle with cheese. Brush egg around edges of biscuit rounds. Fold dough over filling;press edges with fork to seal Brush with egg ;sprinkle with onion

Bake 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Churros

1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons oil
1 cup flour
2 quarts oil
1/2 cup white sugar
1 cup water
1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
2 1/2 tablespoons white sugar

How to

Combine sugar,vegetable oil, water and salt in saucepan and heat this mixture over medium heat to boil. Remove saucepan from heat and add flour to form a ball. Take a seep skillet and heat the oil to 375 degrees.

With the help of a pastry bag pipe strips of dough into the hot oil. Fry these pipes until they turn golden brown and then blot them over paper towels. Then combine cinnamon powder and sugar and toll the fried drained churros in this mixture

Mojito Lemon Lime Cocktail

What you need

1 pkt Crystal Light lemonade flavor drink

2 1/2 cups water

1/2 cup rum

6 mint sprigs

3 cups club soda

6 lime slices

Empty contents of drink mix packet into large pitcher. Add water and rum stir until drink mix is completely dissolved

Add mint Refrigerate until ready to serve

Stir in club soda. Serve over ice cubes Add lime slice to each glass

Note-- For a non alcoholic version, prepare as directed omitting the rum, increasing the water to 3 cups and adding a few drops of rum extract

Mexican Layered Dip

What you need

1 pkg Neufchatel cheese

1 tbsp taco seasoning

1 cup Salsa

1 cup rinsed canned black beans

4 green onions chopped

1 cup Shredded Cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded lettuce

2 tbsp sliced black olives

3 pkg baked tortilla chips

Beat Neufchatel with mixer until creamy. Add seasoning mix;mix well. Spread onto bottom of serving plate . Top with all remaining ingredients except chips Refrigerate 1 hour

Cinco De Mayo Celebration Dinner

I have put together a complete Cinco De Mayo dinner for you from main course to dessert. Hope you enjoy and maybe make your planning a little easier

Creamy Chicken Enchiladas

You need

2 1/2 cups cooked chicken
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 pkg Shredded Colby and Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup sour cream
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
12 flour tortillas
1 1/2 cup Salsa

How to

Mix chicken, soup, 1 cup cheese, 1/2 cup sour cream and 3 tbsp cilantro until blended Spoon down centers of tortillas, adding about 1/4 cup to each ;roll up

Place seam sides down, top with salsa and remaining cheese

Bake 25 minutes or until heated through. Top with remaining sour cream and cilantro