Kids Crafts Supplies Holder

A canvas apron made for gathering tools is also a great holder for art supplies. Attach the belt to the edge of a child's table with hook and loop tape, and tuck the straps out of sight. Fill it with crafts supplies that will get your little one creating

Baby Update

I just got a call from Jennifer, she had her doctor's appointment this morning. Everything is fine. The baby is doing great with a strong heartbeat.Jennifer is doing great!!! She is not having any problems . Doctor said it was a textbook pregnancy.

She is scheduled on Tuesday at 3:00 for a ultrasound to find out the sex of the baby. I CAN'T WAIT !!!!!

Accordion Gallery

These frame less photographs are mounted on sturdy art boards and linked by small hinges for an accordion structure. Color and black and white snapshots, portraits, and still life's add to the effect.

You need

Small craft brushes/craft paint/precut 5 3/4 x 7 3/4 inch art board/decoupage glue/ruler/t-pins/screwdriver/small hinges.

How to

Use as many art boards as you like, applying pictures to one or both sides of each panel.

On a computer resize photographs and print
Using a craft brush and the acrylic paint, paint the edges of each board. Let dry
Position one picture on one face of each board. Using another small craft brush,apply decoupage glue to back of each photograph. Attach to board, let dry. Glue images to reverse sides of boards if desired.

Decide upon an order for the photos. Use pencil to mark the placement of the hinges. With the T-pin, bore small holes through the boards where screws will go. Using a screwdriver, attach the hinges, and link the boards to one another.

Pet Travel Cushion

This easy to make travel cushion is ideal for the pet on the go. Make this simple craft from a pair of towels. It's lightweight , easy to roll up and pack, and even machine washable. For the inside you could even use another towel for some fluff. With some yarn you can tie it off like you would a quilt.

Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage

As we approach St Patrick's Day, I am sure we are all looking for that perfect traditional dish. This one is so easy, let the slow cooker do the work for you.

You need

4 cups hot water
2 tbsp cider vinegar
2 tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp finely ground pepper
1 large or 2 medium onions cut into wedges
1- 3 lb corned beef round or brisket,packages with spices
8 small potatoes cut into quarters
1 head of green cabbage cut into wedges

How to

In a slow cooker combine water,vinegar,sugar,pepper and onions. Place the corned beef in mixture. Scatter the potatoes over the top and along the sides.

Cover and cook on high for 4 hours. Remove lid and scatter the cabbage over the top. Cover and continue cooking for 3-4 hours longer or until beef is tender.

Bamboo Napkin Rings

Bamboo is as handsome as it is versatile. So it seems only natural that the material should join us at the table in the form of sturdy napkin rings

Start with a 2 inch diameter bamboo pole (available at garden centers) and some hardware stores for a few dollars a piece. Using painter tape, mark off a 2 inch section of the pole,making sure a joint(one of the raised lines along the bamboo) lies in the middle of the sections. Repeat process, taping off one 2 inch section for each napkin ring.

Place the pole in a miter box,and secure with pegs. With a miter saw, cut each section, cutting on side of tape nearest joint.

Remove the crisscrossing fibers inside the joints using a drill fitted with a 1 1/2 inch paddle bit

Hold the Napkins

Breezy afternoons are ideal for lunching outdoors, but they can make a mess of stacked napkins. To create this windproof holder,use a hacksaw to cut a 3/8 inch diameter aluminum pipe 1/4 inch shorter than the width of a galvanized tray. Dull the cut edges of the pipe by rubbing them with fine grit sandpaper.

Coat the tray and pipe with spray paint, and let dry overnight. Measure the trays perimeter, cut a piece of elastic cord 2 inches shorter . Slip the cord through the pipe, and tie the ends together;conceal the knot inside pipe. Fill the tray with napkins,and fit the holder around the tray.