Crazy Good Chair

I know I did a post on Picmonkey already but I thought you might be interested in another cool way you can use it!  Previewing what a project might look like BEFORE you ever pick up a paint brush or scissor!  Here is an example of a chair redo........

Here is the before chair and........

here is the chair after using this fabric with the drawing and overlay functions on Picmonkey.  How fun is that!  Just think, no more wondering what that redo will look like.  Oh and the fabric on the chair is one I came up with but isn't for sale (yet).  However, if you send me a note on Spoonflower I will update it on the shop so you can get it.

Diana

 

Tiny Tart Pan Ornaments

  I can't believe the countdown has begun for Christmas already!

 I want my tree to have more white on it this year so I made 36 of these lovely ornaments over the last day or two.  I used simple mini tart pans (available here).  I gave them a light spray of white paint.  Using a tiny drill bit I put a small hole at the top of each pan.  A simple o ring went in each hole for easy hanging.

 Then I punch out circles and scallops from old book pages.  These were glued on the inside of the pans.

 Next came out my jar of old buttons and bottle caps.  I gave the caps a spray of bronze paint and then combined buttons, caps and tiny gems into pleasing groups.  They were then glued here and there.  A bit of glitter pen on the edges of the paper.....then a quick blast of glitter spray. 

 Finally I hot glued small bows at the top of each ornament.  So pretty.

Don't worry about everything being perfect.  These are so much more interesting if the tin shows through.  Think vintage and shabby.......  Now they will look so nice on the tree, mixed in with all our other ornaments.  Yeah!

Diana

English Muffin Bread And A Secret

I am going to tell you all something shameful......something I am a little embarrassed to admit.....something I have never told anyone before......I make this bread in the microwave.  I know, I know, who does that!!!!  But before you shake your head and tsk tsk this post, let me explain.  This recipe was given to me by a wonderful cook, someone I trust and admire.  A sweet little old lady even!  This recipe is easy AND you will have fresh homemade bread in your tummy in one hour, start to finish, AND you will like it, I promise!  There is no kneading, no shaping and only one rising.  Since you will be toasting the slices, this pale bread (microwaved baked goods don't brown) won't freak you out.  It makes two large loaves and tastes great!

English Muffin Bread

5 cups flour

2 packages yeast

1 tablespoon sugar

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoons salt

1/2 cup water

2 cups milk

cornmeal

Combine 3 cups of the flour with the yeast, sugar, salt and soda.  Heat liquids to 125 degrees or until very warm.  Add liquid to dry mixture.  Mix well.  Stir in remaining 2 cups flour to make stiff batter.  Spoon into two greased glass bread pans and sprinkle cornmeal on top of each loaf.  Cover and let rise in a warm place for 45 minutes.  Microwave each loaf separately on high for 6 minutes.  Let rest 5 minutes in pan.  Slice. toast and serve warm with butter.  You will want to store the bread in the refrigerator. 

I hope you will give this recipe a try and let me know how it works out for your family.

Diana 



New Discount Code

New discount code for our Etsy shop for the month of November! 

Be sure and type in november2013 as you are checking out for a 15% discount!

It is the perfect time to pick up something handmade for your Christmas lists!

New Couch Cushions For the Vintage Camper

One more project to cross off the list.  I finished the couch cushions in our camper!  Well, I actually have one more to do but we only need it when the couch is made into a bed...... 

 I am loving the new firm cushions!  The old ones were pretty worn out and your bum went right to the bottom wood.  Not so comfy.

 I have been stressing about what to do with the area over the wheels.  When the bed is made up it is covered but when the couch is in place the boxes are not that great to look at.  I thought about making cushion to cover them.......that would be OK......until my friend Mary and I found 2 vintage suitcases at the Rural Society at Warwick Farms that look great...... as end tables!  Plus they provide extra storage.  And I looooove the color!  Speaking of great color......

 We also found this old AM radio in turquoise! 

 My grandma keeps me supplied in dollies.

The next project is sewing up the cushions for the crow's nest.  Then we will tackle some non sewing items!  Can't wait.

Diana