tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32571928659210941342023-11-16T08:17:46.408-08:00me and tsometimes posting things we make. keeping it simple.lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12844506319206002365noreply@blogger.comBlogger113125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257192865921094134.post-6536607326806406512010-10-10T17:04:00.000-07:002010-10-10T17:12:29.057-07:00halloween pictures<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy2LrH14hTs0PqsSmK5dwdYXW9OD8w2kk9qisiKJHfryiysz4Dz0Tcul6VhJLwsasoiIWbqoz5p5lHM1rnNT-RYqvgGUxNEoAM_bX1PrhB1X7vz94n1seF-_WWZRM5uAi9HhpNbOXVyVR6/s1600/IMG_3192.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy2LrH14hTs0PqsSmK5dwdYXW9OD8w2kk9qisiKJHfryiysz4Dz0Tcul6VhJLwsasoiIWbqoz5p5lHM1rnNT-RYqvgGUxNEoAM_bX1PrhB1X7vz94n1seF-_WWZRM5uAi9HhpNbOXVyVR6/s320/IMG_3192.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526573400035520882" border="0" /></a><br />My favorite wall in the house is this one going down my hallway. It's a little picture gallery of sorts. It is usually filled with pictures of my kids, but also other family members too -grandparents, great grandparents, anyone who will pose for a cute picture.<br /><br />I was thinking about past Halloween costumes and thought it would be fun to print them all up and switch out the everyday pictures with spooky Halloween ones. The kids have loved looking at themselves, especially the baby ones. They just can't believe they were once as small as their little brother!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGUU1HLPYxGSdwzoWZtN0NgoPKTf9Hk8RNfZyRNheEpxcn14AXyQsWR0uVRWX0mqNDCY6xTt6kuPx0KBEFlQvvGg-nKr7hTjVGcKE861vRJJcp_lEH_0iFbr8TgqOKTNJ6gr-tVibD_Xve/s1600/IMG_3195.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGUU1HLPYxGSdwzoWZtN0NgoPKTf9Hk8RNfZyRNheEpxcn14AXyQsWR0uVRWX0mqNDCY6xTt6kuPx0KBEFlQvvGg-nKr7hTjVGcKE861vRJJcp_lEH_0iFbr8TgqOKTNJ6gr-tVibD_Xve/s200/IMG_3195.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526574214211487218" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ_g0c5eltTqnXk_0XXMKX7166fCBtY1to70x7wb0IXe5QlOGaG6DS9ivHX4LPw6rNhc2VAX0iXR8o8OhwIwQYujzzeVPvwUfgbThsTK4jLS7JWDfyzF6rOWsQC4WjoC8OEJew8R-7zIlc/s1600/IMG_3194.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ_g0c5eltTqnXk_0XXMKX7166fCBtY1to70x7wb0IXe5QlOGaG6DS9ivHX4LPw6rNhc2VAX0iXR8o8OhwIwQYujzzeVPvwUfgbThsTK4jLS7JWDfyzF6rOWsQC4WjoC8OEJew8R-7zIlc/s200/IMG_3194.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526574203886071234" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I have a couple spots left for Shrek, Fiona, and Gingy! Gotta get those done!<br /></div></div>lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12844506319206002365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257192865921094134.post-25037254942745977662010-06-26T16:28:00.001-07:002010-06-26T16:59:00.924-07:00preoccupied<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS4zBaiekqA1Pp3vQwyo4ksz2jv9xF3C8RI9OuXekFV8sYKXmg5YDe612PQKpmwoHETgA1RRZQocsKC1sYLQnmpGQZUePL0pxX4XlGXo5g46qunHCxolWdUg71ioe19FdjnDptPTAed_im/s1600/download-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS4zBaiekqA1Pp3vQwyo4ksz2jv9xF3C8RI9OuXekFV8sYKXmg5YDe612PQKpmwoHETgA1RRZQocsKC1sYLQnmpGQZUePL0pxX4XlGXo5g46qunHCxolWdUg71ioe19FdjnDptPTAed_im/s320/download-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487228733211314178" border="0" /></a><br />I've been a bit preoccupied lately...<br /><br />We had a BOY on June 4th - 4 weeks early. I was early with my last one by 5 weeks, so I anticipated being early again.<br /><br />I made these cute little announcements. They are very simple and super easy. The bunting is just 1" triangles sewn on and I stamped on the "hooray" using acrylic paint as the "ink" so it would look painted on. I think they turned out cute.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW2NHdx3HZOdenOMJH9DFzF2ZDY4xAyFuA2FrUSbM-81IbH8PLxOGaLYVQdyXbcp2lmPVeDgQghZ890S5yszbt5HpzYgnN2Wkv1Om9r-kMjLbA75ZKePUNg0YA3SJsmTJOlTE_YDYwV0g1/s1600/download-2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW2NHdx3HZOdenOMJH9DFzF2ZDY4xAyFuA2FrUSbM-81IbH8PLxOGaLYVQdyXbcp2lmPVeDgQghZ890S5yszbt5HpzYgnN2Wkv1Om9r-kMjLbA75ZKePUNg0YA3SJsmTJOlTE_YDYwV0g1/s320/download-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487235496297046690" border="0" /></a><br />And my little boy is such a sweet heart. It's all so fun the third time around. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKKVbKmjdKdWMLgGFQcFJII0e3us3SPqZRIsO9JgRbHSIdeb2ApKU5usCYb-6PcqBhjHBjNjI4JNJEdROeVitnlKRH2OsLhLwVAat9YNt95Q5mgQnyxGCjSFjO2gMdXlhrO593MHRag46c/s1600/IMG_2648.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKKVbKmjdKdWMLgGFQcFJII0e3us3SPqZRIsO9JgRbHSIdeb2ApKU5usCYb-6PcqBhjHBjNjI4JNJEdROeVitnlKRH2OsLhLwVAat9YNt95Q5mgQnyxGCjSFjO2gMdXlhrO593MHRag46c/s320/IMG_2648.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487235482580463666" border="0" /></a>lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12844506319206002365noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257192865921094134.post-2074689109083600922010-05-30T16:57:00.000-07:002010-05-30T18:00:23.260-07:00my baby gift to you: maternity skirt<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLE9vNLqLLPt6DmZZMJihW7nHggtFRx3qC6G955x9nMU-PAkPVRYx5y0dXDAa5Vm3VYRptTcteajdZuhfXRXCi7P6wCl57yrrFY7mvqEgKL8qAPd5ZgYucN8Tb_Br-uCPKLlzgbn1eHUZE/s1600/IMG_2410.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLE9vNLqLLPt6DmZZMJihW7nHggtFRx3qC6G955x9nMU-PAkPVRYx5y0dXDAa5Vm3VYRptTcteajdZuhfXRXCi7P6wCl57yrrFY7mvqEgKL8qAPd5ZgYucN8Tb_Br-uCPKLlzgbn1eHUZE/s320/IMG_2410.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477217342383266354" border="0" /></a>A couple of years ago my SIL was pregnant and mentioned that I should make a maternity skirt. It took a bit to figure out, but wasn't as hard as I anticipated. I have sold a couple on etsy, but have never known how they end up REALLY fitting.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I believe I am past that "oh, look how cute and pregnant you are" and to the stage of sympathetic looks and "any day now, right?" comments. I guess it does look like I have a basket ball shoved underneath there doesn't it. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisqY_5dTKcxzb46BVju0pcztx6DLsKU3G1X-qJ1qHM9umYu3Noi2KugkN6gvN3R1HF9eEJCz8mXYMqlJauu90JmSdb6BfdptMsf4QORsWPJzzgDKHjtjcnUSSP8jl9hG70br9GPWQqBlGp/s1600/IMG_2412.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisqY_5dTKcxzb46BVju0pcztx6DLsKU3G1X-qJ1qHM9umYu3Noi2KugkN6gvN3R1HF9eEJCz8mXYMqlJauu90JmSdb6BfdptMsf4QORsWPJzzgDKHjtjcnUSSP8jl9hG70br9GPWQqBlGp/s320/IMG_2412.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477217353940281026" border="0" /></a>(sorry, blurry pic taken by the 6 year old)<br /></div><br />If you are interested in making yourself one this is essentially what I did:<br /><br />Supplies: thread, 2 yards cute fabric, 2 yards lining fabric, 3" wide elastic (you have to determine how much, but I buy 1 1/2 yard making a size small skirt), 1/4 yard knit fabric to coordinate w/ pretty fabric.<br /><br />1. I took the Amy Butler <a href="http://www.amybutlerdesign.com/products/patterns_display.php?id=27">Barcelona skirt</a> pattern (which I LOVE and sew all of the time when not preggo) in my regular size and traced it, front only. This works for me because I only get pregnant in the belly region (although last pregnancy my sister told me my butt looked big...), so I just use my regular size. If you tend to get pregnant everywhere, I guess go up a size.<br /><br />2. I then took off 3 inches down from the waist. Save this piece (at least the measurement).<br /><br />3. Cut 2 of your pattern on the fold of your outside fabric and then also your lining fabric.<br /><br />4. Sew up the sides of both pieces.<br /><br />5. Take the 3" waist measurement that you cut/determined in step 2. Double that length by 3" width and cut 2. Make sense??? Cut this out of the knit fabric. Sew to make one long piece. Sew those ends together making a giant loop, right sides together. Fold length of fabric in half like a hot dog, raw edges together. Iron (if it makes you feel better, I usually don't...)<br /><br />6. Take your 3" elastic and cut 1/2" shorter than the length of knit you just sewed. Butt up the ends of the elastic in a loop and zigzag a million times to sew together (not overlapping, just end-to-end). Stick this elastic loop inside the knit loop you just made. Sew as close to the edge of the knit fabric against the elastic as you can (I usually move the needle to one end of the presser foot). Trim to 1/4".<br /><br />7. With your pretty side fabric inside out put your lining fabric right side out INSIDE the pretty fabric. Sandwich your elastic/knit loop between the two, raw edges matching the raw edges of the skirts waist. Sew all three layers together.<br /><br />8. I'm not sure how to explain the next part, but I think if you pull the lining part up, flip the pretty fabric right side out and then stuff the lining part back in so that it's on the inside, it'll all work out. If you have the AB pattern, she explains it pretty well, there's just not that 3rd elastic part.<br /><br />9. Top stitch the bottom of the waist band (on pretty fabric, NOT knit fabric). Hem.<br /><br />10. Wear!<br /><br />Please please please - personal use only...lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12844506319206002365noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257192865921094134.post-79591977071715478392010-05-26T14:25:00.000-07:002010-05-26T14:44:40.143-07:00teachers gifts<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjesv8PN7Sm_DbJyCuk4tlU_Tr-T7sZNmtoouo1YG6wKL0_rmcImbtfaMxE2RWGQXDqSdUNpFpi7PMBZER1zYX9U3ahNcNbyysgyXURbBYFAk133ZTXeIFUe6RiQXYeoSkoA54jbb3F1jSD/s1600/download.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjesv8PN7Sm_DbJyCuk4tlU_Tr-T7sZNmtoouo1YG6wKL0_rmcImbtfaMxE2RWGQXDqSdUNpFpi7PMBZER1zYX9U3ahNcNbyysgyXURbBYFAk133ZTXeIFUe6RiQXYeoSkoA54jbb3F1jSD/s320/download.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475694876026840338" border="0" /></a>As a thank you gift for Mrs. Grove for a great school year I made this bag. I think it turned out cute except that visually it looks lopsided (hence the added flower to hopefully distract). It is all straight though - I meant to make the green fabric strip larger in comparison to the other two, but I didn't make it dramatic enough. I think that's why it LOOKS lopsided. I used some Joel Dewberry fabric I have in my stash and made the bag in just a couple of hours. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh91cJfEBhSDWFiL7kQTldTPZ3ZW8_x-K4KMdMZqbjdopuVxbbxTKZi1WoSlW0n7c7sZaY35hcrqvQHTSX7oeYHN_JX1rZ6dlLGE2eCKxWmQzNGjKu3qI_SvLPwu2ce0Pohcd5asgN4oDdh/s1600/download-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh91cJfEBhSDWFiL7kQTldTPZ3ZW8_x-K4KMdMZqbjdopuVxbbxTKZi1WoSlW0n7c7sZaY35hcrqvQHTSX7oeYHN_JX1rZ6dlLGE2eCKxWmQzNGjKu3qI_SvLPwu2ce0Pohcd5asgN4oDdh/s320/download-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475694868468723362" border="0" /></a><br />We gave homemade jam to the teachers aids/helpers in the class. I found this blog that has the <a href="http://www.domestifluff.com/2009/08/free-printable-jam-tags-labels/">cutest little labels</a> to attach with the jam. The labels are free. Check them out! <br /><br />I brought this stuff to school yesterday even though we still have a couple of days left. It felt good to check this task of my list (and who knows! This baby could come 5 weeks early like it's older brother.) I think I am nesting, but not in the clean-every-corner-of-my-house way (much to my husband's dismay). I've been getting little crafty things done that I've been meaning to get to for the past 8 months!lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12844506319206002365noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257192865921094134.post-17560899436166768122010-05-24T22:10:00.000-07:002010-05-24T22:26:05.049-07:00a birthday dressMy daughter was telling everyone that I was making her a Birthday dress... I hadn't really planned on it seeing that I've made her a couple of dresses already this spring (which I've been meaning to post).<br /><br />So, I guess I should make her a dress...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6aoVTksmp03BnunmDh816SWkEx4ReV6f7NAhfXRAZU3pXjv7n-vSh7Ez-sPM-mf-XxIOX16Yvi2HlAOcZLhyphenhyphen9VQ2wgUmNBhVcVrtKSCO6Ul6TWncH58ESrH3TmkLWGFSneoEqn1eFcAlD/s1600/IMG_2343.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6aoVTksmp03BnunmDh816SWkEx4ReV6f7NAhfXRAZU3pXjv7n-vSh7Ez-sPM-mf-XxIOX16Yvi2HlAOcZLhyphenhyphen9VQ2wgUmNBhVcVrtKSCO6Ul6TWncH58ESrH3TmkLWGFSneoEqn1eFcAlD/s320/IMG_2343.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475072186998272370" border="0" /></a>I've been meaning to try that Oliver +S Birthday Party Dress pattern. I've had it for nearly a year. One night, or rather 2:00 a.m. I couldn't sleep, as has been the case since I've been uncomfortably pregnant. I got up and decided to trace the size I needed and get the pieces cut out. It's amazing what you can do from 2-4:00 in the morning when no one is awake or calling on the phone. <br /><br />I just may have to do an actual review on the pattern someday when I'm not so hormonal. It was a pain in the neck to make. I think it turned out darling, and I love love the detail, but it required a lot of mark-transferring and ironing - two things I am barely willing to do. This dress required a lot of it though! After spending much more time on it than originally planned, my pleats turned out all wonky and I didn't blind stitch the hem. That's the great thing about sewing for a 6 year old... she doesn't care. She just loves the fabric "she picked out". And, well, I notice the pleats, but... I just don't care. Again, it's the hormones. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMw6NktWtYZ_3wO7QG6YU4G8ll3NyK70PDQvbZpFNBZzdfPnUw1Y6ksuoiMkeKLGXAE649HkuR7HRGEYGIhqYYvfdwjsf20DHbfmEFH9AvzTVzRIKYGQE0hUeohGhJWQi2Ll6NgjedjffK/s1600/IMG_2346.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMw6NktWtYZ_3wO7QG6YU4G8ll3NyK70PDQvbZpFNBZzdfPnUw1Y6ksuoiMkeKLGXAE649HkuR7HRGEYGIhqYYvfdwjsf20DHbfmEFH9AvzTVzRIKYGQE0hUeohGhJWQi2Ll6NgjedjffK/s320/IMG_2346.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475072201092147218" border="0" /></a>And I must post a tutorial on making these flower hair clips. They are super easy to make and come together fast. Typically I make them in the minutes before leaving for church to match an outfit (that's how quickly they come together). <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9d9opKCFl0tgVnPjvs0jLd8EaI4_n52gned2nDWLCv7yDj9yDxsnoGKHkCx3LBgwJiHtbPqU3K1OOmnWw3Hes0gqimvMQDhoEBxVlqiHEfDRhL93wq3vtTfB4a869Vt3JFdsvpau53FHG/s1600/IMG_2345.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9d9opKCFl0tgVnPjvs0jLd8EaI4_n52gned2nDWLCv7yDj9yDxsnoGKHkCx3LBgwJiHtbPqU3K1OOmnWw3Hes0gqimvMQDhoEBxVlqiHEfDRhL93wq3vtTfB4a869Vt3JFdsvpau53FHG/s320/IMG_2345.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475072191545581922" border="0" /></a>lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12844506319206002365noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257192865921094134.post-9744596353302501902010-05-05T09:17:00.000-07:002010-05-05T09:26:09.986-07:00scrappy cards<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPrkZviF-i59bUkAjrGfcAO-Agi-oL-glv3kSFUhQCGr04fijVNfTYAQ1LFN_HJQN4IeToxocCBz68qrpndgYe_ddpV1FrbAnLS3JDxJDztqySzLpaIpmHSgpARITMMytSdKToFFTeEzec/s1600/download.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPrkZviF-i59bUkAjrGfcAO-Agi-oL-glv3kSFUhQCGr04fijVNfTYAQ1LFN_HJQN4IeToxocCBz68qrpndgYe_ddpV1FrbAnLS3JDxJDztqySzLpaIpmHSgpARITMMytSdKToFFTeEzec/s320/download.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467821120431897442" border="0" /></a>I'm a big fan of sending (and receiving) cards via snail mail. I think email is nice and evites are free, but isn't it great to get something in the mail that doesn't ask for a "payment due by" or "vote for ________". <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9somK59E-v4XUzcAxGy6x3j1RPcXbSCF2SQh5KIq4oOfpjgCtbo4DBQliVo2rzeXgWgNZd5nJ9udzFWnWEueL2S428kW42YYVYzA23iSVn3DeGflycaTLqDIJDywtWNAHULq6m3TfbILs/s1600/download-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9somK59E-v4XUzcAxGy6x3j1RPcXbSCF2SQh5KIq4oOfpjgCtbo4DBQliVo2rzeXgWgNZd5nJ9udzFWnWEueL2S428kW42YYVYzA23iSVn3DeGflycaTLqDIJDywtWNAHULq6m3TfbILs/s320/download-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467821100796172434" border="0" /></a>For Mother's Day I made the mom's in my life some scrappy cards. I just picked up a pack of blank cards from Michaels ($4.99 with coupon), and used scraps from my growing bin of scraps. <br /><br />It's one of those projects that I don't think you can really mess up. It's fun mixing and matching the fabric and seeing these mini quilts, if you will, come together into a fun gift set. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgea4yg5UuRTIAMrUvvkeimlhTq1g17I7u-5s_sRdxuUkiF626nTSJRzVO09GyYVtk0ElvYh7wgqURpLdihPOrtyv9N2GnrHmPU28Zc6OqERMutN_ueMc0Y8hPjA_e7WnCNiTeWNeqkdjcg/s1600/download-2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgea4yg5UuRTIAMrUvvkeimlhTq1g17I7u-5s_sRdxuUkiF626nTSJRzVO09GyYVtk0ElvYh7wgqURpLdihPOrtyv9N2GnrHmPU28Zc6OqERMutN_ueMc0Y8hPjA_e7WnCNiTeWNeqkdjcg/s320/download-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467821110353179890" border="0" /></a>lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12844506319206002365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257192865921094134.post-13608720105771461122010-04-25T16:04:00.000-07:002010-04-25T16:31:30.608-07:00more birthday love<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwKVWTo2grzLNdcGom_DYus42vo57L8g_PeXfWQ4RRwXdmJ9hAhtwW-b-0M9Ct7P1Y9qLtOn3O8bbacVUi8SkNFH-G9uvOkuZznjql-_kFfKZtLmDnffT66PJlNlQLqwY9JTbwRAZQgzWP/s1600/IMG_2302.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwKVWTo2grzLNdcGom_DYus42vo57L8g_PeXfWQ4RRwXdmJ9hAhtwW-b-0M9Ct7P1Y9qLtOn3O8bbacVUi8SkNFH-G9uvOkuZznjql-_kFfKZtLmDnffT66PJlNlQLqwY9JTbwRAZQgzWP/s320/IMG_2302.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464216507682202594" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">My sister's Birthday was on the 17th. She's always growing her hair out and then chopping it off to donate to <a href="http://www.locksoflove.org/">locks of love</a>. She's in the growing out stage, so I thought I'd send her some hair accessories to make it less painful.<br /><br />I too am growing my hair into a different style, so have been making headbands for myself. I prefer the skinny ones. You can buy a set of 4 head bands at Walmart for only $1. Black/Brown/Gold/Clear. I've been covering the gold and clear ones with fabric. You can find a <a href="http://cally-cruze.blogspot.com/2010/02/easy-headband-tutorial.html">tutorial here</a> if you don't want to have to think about how to do it. She also has some cute embellishment ideas too. I've got more to show, but don't have pictures - some with feathers!<br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKOMUqHMA9ksuuW_1Bd6oLwCZyEDq8yocrqts6qnN5K-nJ1uGYzCUvGmmv3moUCRSOUIPLdS03OKdHSh0scq2F7Ngs5tXk6LcuuJLaK_sbxJBcoUagmLB6gPS98yFGXrFMBsNmuOlGR-wH/s1600/IMG_2304.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKOMUqHMA9ksuuW_1Bd6oLwCZyEDq8yocrqts6qnN5K-nJ1uGYzCUvGmmv3moUCRSOUIPLdS03OKdHSh0scq2F7Ngs5tXk6LcuuJLaK_sbxJBcoUagmLB6gPS98yFGXrFMBsNmuOlGR-wH/s320/IMG_2304.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464216522081202962" border="0" /></a>Yes, my son is the model. He thought he was hilarious. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6oHbCGTvb9LDcNV0qgwy48vlhZ-DBfie3ii7_Xwb3tSWxKWLlJAP4-NE37lj372XaCzqat682bz3Eq_5rCMWctDYISaRF6verg4Z50jhyphenhyphenFS-VXkGEt8o0RVMQ8J4jeMeCISBE4JFxUpKO/s1600/IMG_2305.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6oHbCGTvb9LDcNV0qgwy48vlhZ-DBfie3ii7_Xwb3tSWxKWLlJAP4-NE37lj372XaCzqat682bz3Eq_5rCMWctDYISaRF6verg4Z50jhyphenhyphenFS-VXkGEt8o0RVMQ8J4jeMeCISBE4JFxUpKO/s320/IMG_2305.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464216527577767666" border="0" /></a>This is just 1/4" of felt rolled into a giant spiral. Hot glue every few inches. I found the alligator clips on etsy at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/mybeadjoy">mybeadjoy</a>. They were pretty cheap. I think 25 for $2. There are all sorts of things at this etsy shop that you can't find at Micheals. The prices are great. The only downfall might be that the stuff is shipped from China, so it takes a few weeks...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6GFN3M0JtAwLeWY-6T1MqmX-oKA8fItLyqCjQONzskumJFTYVw51D85hIcTLVMsmKUgCgG4wXxxuqRBqa35sFk2PaGka3xSppqGlsZuXHyH5U931zCwU_XcLwLw-QNykWD2HNRwcw7K0/s1600/IMG_2306.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6GFN3M0JtAwLeWY-6T1MqmX-oKA8fItLyqCjQONzskumJFTYVw51D85hIcTLVMsmKUgCgG4wXxxuqRBqa35sFk2PaGka3xSppqGlsZuXHyH5U931zCwU_XcLwLw-QNykWD2HNRwcw7K0/s320/IMG_2306.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464216537653357442" border="0" /></a>Same concept as the other one, but done with scrap fabric instead of felt.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR3Wfhap5X1pnud1TKQBCEGshvqr3Y_dgPp3L_kBeMfP1oEAT9FOYjPbB6ESxS6USZ8IZcX_H-3GyEnYIhg9MYk8SGw7KUVMl9qjRwe5ALIUQDvk2t_ocDGGEtRaphgPktb9uBD6n2TX00/s1600/IMG_2307.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR3Wfhap5X1pnud1TKQBCEGshvqr3Y_dgPp3L_kBeMfP1oEAT9FOYjPbB6ESxS6USZ8IZcX_H-3GyEnYIhg9MYk8SGw7KUVMl9qjRwe5ALIUQDvk2t_ocDGGEtRaphgPktb9uBD6n2TX00/s320/IMG_2307.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464218426134595410" border="0" /></a>Covered button super glued onto a bobby pin that has a base. Also from mybeadjoy.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLTNDhmqx4QU2lfOPEi4Nj2RbRsQnBNYj1m-CmO5PaJc8u0ZgzwKkiugOu3BawfGDdvF3P0Dhyphenhyphen270KUHZw3Ba8hkl8OpGbUo5YZMeJPgVkfgA0A4VRmC26wg3NIhWDybhEiW7b64nh4wMT/s1600/IMG_2308.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLTNDhmqx4QU2lfOPEi4Nj2RbRsQnBNYj1m-CmO5PaJc8u0ZgzwKkiugOu3BawfGDdvF3P0Dhyphenhyphen270KUHZw3Ba8hkl8OpGbUo5YZMeJPgVkfgA0A4VRmC26wg3NIhWDybhEiW7b64nh4wMT/s320/IMG_2308.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464218436572598370" border="0" /></a>There are two different kinds of bobby pins -black and silver. I've got some silver ones too. I think I prefer those. They are little bit longer.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Happy Birthday Emily!!!<br /></span></div>lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12844506319206002365noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257192865921094134.post-57394121402262781292010-04-11T13:20:00.000-07:002010-04-11T13:37:47.136-07:00man-bag<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4a1wKLjgflDvPsK4hkDmCzPmcbJmbWhxKkrARcfDm_PR4vZRcRBIDokXwcIKvi7fuGh0l6ip-mkopmFTXiXcmyqO6mB8iEnc6ugHlizSZPpAsLW8aAQUIvs2LwYxAJwbl15pxoTBFxc7g/s1600/IMG_2216.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4a1wKLjgflDvPsK4hkDmCzPmcbJmbWhxKkrARcfDm_PR4vZRcRBIDokXwcIKvi7fuGh0l6ip-mkopmFTXiXcmyqO6mB8iEnc6ugHlizSZPpAsLW8aAQUIvs2LwYxAJwbl15pxoTBFxc7g/s200/IMG_2216.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458979574466967618" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBJLqHdSq35kM8grCF-DvxT9ZOt6zGVhiQRK6wzGXOPorsaqLqnzdniT-kboDrcf39ouO9Unl4L5tk3Sd-5fnGx7Vr504KRpZePkTU5JUEHdCFB5yj-5l_amNj8aUigr9Q6Jg8K_e9eFUL/s1600/IMG_2215.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBJLqHdSq35kM8grCF-DvxT9ZOt6zGVhiQRK6wzGXOPorsaqLqnzdniT-kboDrcf39ouO9Unl4L5tk3Sd-5fnGx7Vr504KRpZePkTU5JUEHdCFB5yj-5l_amNj8aUigr9Q6Jg8K_e9eFUL/s200/IMG_2215.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458979568932910546" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />It is part of my son's "outfit" to shove a bunch of cars in his pockets each day. Unfortunately he just can't fit them ALL into his pockets, so I thought I'd make him a bag to carry them around in (this also helps avoid the fits being thrown because he can't physically carry 10+ cars in his arms at the same time!)<br /><br />I used (sort of) the bag from <a href="http://www.best-price.com/search/landing/query/bend+rules+sewing/s/google/koid/3715150376/">Bend The Rules Sewing</a> (the one with the apples), but made longer straps and different dimensions. . . so basically I just made it up as I went - but I had sewn the Amy Karol one before, which was helpful.<br /><br />I used the "wrong side" of some denim fabric I had on hand and lined it (and appliqued) with some canvas-y type fabric from Walmart. The straps are just the two strips of fabric sewn together with the edges raw.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNQodvPfVhWI8ge2JEhMQHliyUdBocdMamWq5cHmNQe1lz3zVMa1jiUSnNCEnAWNMosPPG7oUXVHqGTXOEiDTVtdq9m1FBLnBGNQfLrPF7_0OD_Qi9R7MOOY518oC860Xyiw38HNM77G2p/s1600/IMG_2217.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNQodvPfVhWI8ge2JEhMQHliyUdBocdMamWq5cHmNQe1lz3zVMa1jiUSnNCEnAWNMosPPG7oUXVHqGTXOEiDTVtdq9m1FBLnBGNQfLrPF7_0OD_Qi9R7MOOY518oC860Xyiw38HNM77G2p/s320/IMG_2217.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458981148197140130" border="0" /></a>I tried to make the bag as manly as I could (w/o spending hours and hours making it).<br /><br />My husband is embarrassed when Carson carries around his "purse" full of cars.lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12844506319206002365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257192865921094134.post-11201225277332684742010-04-01T12:32:00.000-07:002010-04-01T12:32:00.237-07:00quirky cuff links tutorial<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNets3joklHjM4Le0raRqVkeB9YPRlCo2YW3PhqgCvK6VoX8ITmE4yJbEqwJhICrpXqmf92-MAI4PamkoTNs16qQhD21cWWxMbK4fXnYHyBCOvTJMVY3DVuCOcsLdKeVl5N8198DXo2GAC/s1600/IMG_2205.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNets3joklHjM4Le0raRqVkeB9YPRlCo2YW3PhqgCvK6VoX8ITmE4yJbEqwJhICrpXqmf92-MAI4PamkoTNs16qQhD21cWWxMbK4fXnYHyBCOvTJMVY3DVuCOcsLdKeVl5N8198DXo2GAC/s320/IMG_2205.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454513419527790322" border="0" /></a>If you are a sewer/crafter I'm certain that when you look at things other people made you think to yourself "I could totally make that".<br /><br />That's me.<br /><br />Plus, I was "accused" by my husband a while back that I'm motivated by money. At first I was slightly insulted, but it's true and as long as money doesn't rule my life, I think it's ok. As a stay at home mom, instead of being motivated to MAKE money I seem to be motivated to SAVE money. I craft for the creative outlet, but another reason (among many) I craft is because I like to give gifts and it helps when I can give a nice handmade gift without spending lots of money. Plus, my <span style="font-size:130%;">time</span> is priceless right ;)<br /><br />Which leads me to a birthday gift for my sister's husband. I saw these Lego cuff links at a local handmade consignment shop, $25 for 1 pair, and thought of him. I also knew I could make them. Check out how easier they are:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP8ZnMDM7LT5XEE5nBEcKFzEl5kDjUeARycy8VWbHeXNDup9N8QehDGViIF-Ly5JlJV2e7rzrxHmJukFDwvIqgrhed2I_YlIVm2iuBhbQbbOI2NoFGDcsL2q9GVxUj2IQVgvDnQeU5GEk3/s1600/IMG_2202.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP8ZnMDM7LT5XEE5nBEcKFzEl5kDjUeARycy8VWbHeXNDup9N8QehDGViIF-Ly5JlJV2e7rzrxHmJukFDwvIqgrhed2I_YlIVm2iuBhbQbbOI2NoFGDcsL2q9GVxUj2IQVgvDnQeU5GEk3/s320/IMG_2202.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454513409294748546" border="0" /></a>Buy blank cuff links off Etsy <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_3&listing_id=43741562&ga_search_query=cuff+links&ga_search_type=user_shop_ttt_id_6355412">here</a>. You don't even have to buy a zillion of them. 4 pairs cost me $2.50. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivarCe14bsHEsRpazaf0TYERxI4Y1OxzgvwRIiTr4Bul6fysCRi1bXB_WUTieRYhBNySA28e8FWvT_bSZw3cHBM7u7onkmdUHt9g81yhFl_relGZM5M2BWIbEhFFyCGUjBzUCm4G-55srA/s1600/IMG_2200.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivarCe14bsHEsRpazaf0TYERxI4Y1OxzgvwRIiTr4Bul6fysCRi1bXB_WUTieRYhBNySA28e8FWvT_bSZw3cHBM7u7onkmdUHt9g81yhFl_relGZM5M2BWIbEhFFyCGUjBzUCm4G-55srA/s320/IMG_2200.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454513400332073634" border="0" /></a>Find Legos. I like these square ones, but I think the ones that are 3 nodes by 2 nodes would work too. Luckily I have a friend that has a big bin of legos that don't complete a set. She let me rummage through it to find what I wanted. $0. Maybe you could find some at a thrift shop perhaps?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgSERiDDZN-i__iDHSSkUCFy0KkzOSr2IBY8eSYffEvTUKIE0guFf6gyrA5QWsf7UjntOWXi1SNOwu3OetciH4QCOA4OP5K_6hs4NoPrjkvuO7bphAaCX2eHBsTM-peyESjLZYq-O1p7_7/s1600/IMG_2204.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgSERiDDZN-i__iDHSSkUCFy0KkzOSr2IBY8eSYffEvTUKIE0guFf6gyrA5QWsf7UjntOWXi1SNOwu3OetciH4QCOA4OP5K_6hs4NoPrjkvuO7bphAaCX2eHBsTM-peyESjLZYq-O1p7_7/s320/IMG_2204.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454513416978060354" border="0" /></a>Super glue the lego onto the cuff link. Make sure they are going the same direction. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNets3joklHjM4Le0raRqVkeB9YPRlCo2YW3PhqgCvK6VoX8ITmE4yJbEqwJhICrpXqmf92-MAI4PamkoTNs16qQhD21cWWxMbK4fXnYHyBCOvTJMVY3DVuCOcsLdKeVl5N8198DXo2GAC/s1600/IMG_2205.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNets3joklHjM4Le0raRqVkeB9YPRlCo2YW3PhqgCvK6VoX8ITmE4yJbEqwJhICrpXqmf92-MAI4PamkoTNs16qQhD21cWWxMbK4fXnYHyBCOvTJMVY3DVuCOcsLdKeVl5N8198DXo2GAC/s320/IMG_2205.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454513419527790322" border="0" /></a>See, easy. <br /><br />Total cost (with shipping) $4.95. <br /><br />Now I guess I ought to let my sister know that she should give her husband a shirt for his Birthday that <span style="font-style: italic;">needs</span> cuff links.lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12844506319206002365noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257192865921094134.post-74810543211226425122010-03-30T12:18:00.000-07:002010-03-30T12:31:45.228-07:00birthday gift<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUiCCYUaUuK5ToTwBh1iFQ8IyaBCpYN4B8pSNwO7QqhXodMSsQkPyIUHGkZcG5yuqKYWSrf5VdHYzXSixsoNRdhlLHemYWzhCggvgAGpOWsbMcylqvksA_X_bMOvcrqzp23v82BWmId6Ws/s1600/IMG_2142.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUiCCYUaUuK5ToTwBh1iFQ8IyaBCpYN4B8pSNwO7QqhXodMSsQkPyIUHGkZcG5yuqKYWSrf5VdHYzXSixsoNRdhlLHemYWzhCggvgAGpOWsbMcylqvksA_X_bMOvcrqzp23v82BWmId6Ws/s320/IMG_2142.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454509460951768578" border="0" /></a><br />My Mother's birthday was this past month. She makes those fancy crochet wash cloths (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">her's</span> are simple and square, but I thought <a href="http://salihan.com/patterns/free/apple-dishcloth/">these apple ones</a> were cute). <br /><br />I've been meaning to try this. <br /><br />I even bought crochet hooks and yarn.<br /><br />I'm not sure where they are at the moment.<br /><br />Oh well.<br /><br />I (loosely) used a <a href="http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/?p=747">tutorial</a> I found on Sew mama Sew. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilx0I_v7tYwi-dVWMsjOBFHcpZxeL6ny6VnfTYILOnHSnsp4N_UrglhifLa7-UrLxeyjFX-8ZaLTgU1JoncgOWSaiPPUt9DL8C2ZWqMzoOEk0RqKvt2Bkh5UgkeGQGSf6VsM7312c2I_us/s1600/IMG_2144.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilx0I_v7tYwi-dVWMsjOBFHcpZxeL6ny6VnfTYILOnHSnsp4N_UrglhifLa7-UrLxeyjFX-8ZaLTgU1JoncgOWSaiPPUt9DL8C2ZWqMzoOEk0RqKvt2Bkh5UgkeGQGSf6VsM7312c2I_us/s320/IMG_2144.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454509465087149650" border="0" /></a>There are enough pockets for a small notebook and pen (or pattern I guess), a small pair of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">scissors</span>, and 5 hooks. <br /><br />It fit nicely in a 8 x 11 manila envelope with a small ball of yarn. <br /><br />Happy Birthday mom!lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12844506319206002365noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257192865921094134.post-451265943290235982010-03-05T13:51:00.000-08:002010-03-05T14:18:00.124-08:00birthday shirts only the mom cares aboutIsn't that so true?! What three year old can get excited about getting clothes for his birthday?? Oh well, I had a fun time making them...<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ7oBJ4mJuy8sGTFXWnLpIoHvIl7CXxFAmLQDVHVBskOdl8SfoKvwlfRsSoSfuTtM8CwVkhbxLGPEtRxx2u-wt9NwrSwYvYoAuKiy1ylTJ7h-4GO72EAVY9MuxilStYRFg-KbWA44DWzvA/s1600-h/IMG_2065.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ7oBJ4mJuy8sGTFXWnLpIoHvIl7CXxFAmLQDVHVBskOdl8SfoKvwlfRsSoSfuTtM8CwVkhbxLGPEtRxx2u-wt9NwrSwYvYoAuKiy1ylTJ7h-4GO72EAVY9MuxilStYRFg-KbWA44DWzvA/s200/IMG_2065.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445271654724920018" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYzhbfL-5wwcNf2mr4-EXQa4DeUn4329GdLZhyphenhypheny0fuCyYVMh4sSZlCg3Y83b2-aKq7S4_nMT-1YRsNI4W-1SpWoXxB9tmlqCoZtXSdtSiqculKA2w8C7rSdHODDXIl88aMUCjPDC4MLooc/s1600-h/IMG_2067.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYzhbfL-5wwcNf2mr4-EXQa4DeUn4329GdLZhyphenhypheny0fuCyYVMh4sSZlCg3Y83b2-aKq7S4_nMT-1YRsNI4W-1SpWoXxB9tmlqCoZtXSdtSiqculKA2w8C7rSdHODDXIl88aMUCjPDC4MLooc/s200/IMG_2067.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445271667982200546" border="0" /></a><br />Freezer paper stenciled (which I've found an new love for. I hated doing it at first, but discovered that if I cut the image with those tiny finger nail <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">scissors</span>, it's much easier than using a razor. That might just be me...)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA9IrKVD14J58BD8upL2z_TqogcIQSuwPz6FrOyID_CTudjTKsDepMDpZaNzyDv9cvv7oc9ESvl1gdV_GlzePQhccMAbQz531A7QD0f_fTCVxDmupccmsmZDUA0X-ErNvgcy_nQBp_plMz/s1600-h/IMG_2122.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA9IrKVD14J58BD8upL2z_TqogcIQSuwPz6FrOyID_CTudjTKsDepMDpZaNzyDv9cvv7oc9ESvl1gdV_GlzePQhccMAbQz531A7QD0f_fTCVxDmupccmsmZDUA0X-ErNvgcy_nQBp_plMz/s320/IMG_2122.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445274119380137650" border="0" /></a>My personal fave. He runs around the house "roaring" at his sister with his "scary pider shirt". Only, she's not scared and roars and chases him back. . .<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5hKwUqZOK3mG2V1-1JxN9DOQxeQSqKEbdduQYfEewEz9nRoYOD6ZCb8OngSvwT0J9hR4l4vTychjh4hGnF7VM9vIGQZsRGZODp7vTDvaSblxpYyDjy9Ai4vRlYVlYS60LpremAK-HhkhB/s1600-h/IMG_2114.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5hKwUqZOK3mG2V1-1JxN9DOQxeQSqKEbdduQYfEewEz9nRoYOD6ZCb8OngSvwT0J9hR4l4vTychjh4hGnF7VM9vIGQZsRGZODp7vTDvaSblxpYyDjy9Ai4vRlYVlYS60LpremAK-HhkhB/s320/IMG_2114.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445274109673967330" border="0" /></a>I cut the hemmed edges of the sleeves and bottom to make them roll. (Above two shirts are "remakes" of shirts I saw in Mini <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Boden</span>).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-moIj2f_5uqM4XT9yw7w3aBcOsllycvHG_o2liJcpLqgZGo_3Wb1rpNYv2mTKDwfHPChmcD6chl86ELtgV2b4bs3j4EjEhU8zwPF-n40aAKpjriA8idWTIda4KOb8QtYFUGJTx7IOUOiS/s1600-h/IMG_2113.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-moIj2f_5uqM4XT9yw7w3aBcOsllycvHG_o2liJcpLqgZGo_3Wb1rpNYv2mTKDwfHPChmcD6chl86ELtgV2b4bs3j4EjEhU8zwPF-n40aAKpjriA8idWTIda4KOb8QtYFUGJTx7IOUOiS/s320/IMG_2113.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445274097787148290" border="0" /></a>This freezer paper stencil was totally inspired by this <a href="http://www.dana-made-it.com/2008/07/tutorial-posterized-image-stencil.html">brilliant tutorial</a> I saw over at <a href="http://www.dana-made-it.com/">Made</a> during her (and <a href="http://madebyrae.blogspot.com/">Rae's</a>) boy month. If you are at all interested in taking your images (or ones found off the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">internet</span>) and then converting them to larger images to freezer paper stencil, you must read the tutorial. It's awesome! I'm going to try the <a href="http://www.dana-made-it.com/2008/07/tutorial-posterized-image-stencil.html">Lincoln</a> image as soon as I can figure out how to make it smaller. I'm thinking of putting four Lincoln heads on the shirt and paint it sort of <a href="http://www.allposters.com/-sp/Four-Monkeys-Posters_i419855_.htm">Andy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Warhol</span></a> like.<br /></div>lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12844506319206002365noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257192865921094134.post-6788008904513940162010-02-14T16:17:00.000-08:002010-02-14T16:19:10.224-08:00happy valentine day<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_MLN45r-dLH-ajoht_OJDlpkxinYkSNeKBhY3QRiSdXIPhMgBZSDULOjSHZQ-yiiXVS6ZlOO7_viTpbiLlIfEZQDvHzRWio2cR33Lag_j4Em-8cB6Eq5wPG3nU4XdLQCdQUvbpQHdp8fZ/s1600-h/download-2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_MLN45r-dLH-ajoht_OJDlpkxinYkSNeKBhY3QRiSdXIPhMgBZSDULOjSHZQ-yiiXVS6ZlOO7_viTpbiLlIfEZQDvHzRWio2cR33Lag_j4Em-8cB6Eq5wPG3nU4XdLQCdQUvbpQHdp8fZ/s320/download-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438257937824727394" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">happy valentines day!</span></span><br /></div>lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12844506319206002365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257192865921094134.post-90111064612645824462010-01-28T13:20:00.000-08:002010-01-28T13:41:25.982-08:00i CAN finish this. i know i can. i will. i swear it.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8zT2OcLNLNb8yvEBOC3mDDPmv6GV7EoB8EblOeODBI-QuAVFxFnKVtNiadT9yQIsoYpOnv_G5zVgpr_NJOtAX6k9Et7hPTJFLidS4LEH9clk4eeXAezQzqXXF8jK_ezjITiRq7_4QmW2G/s1600-h/IMG_2006.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8zT2OcLNLNb8yvEBOC3mDDPmv6GV7EoB8EblOeODBI-QuAVFxFnKVtNiadT9yQIsoYpOnv_G5zVgpr_NJOtAX6k9Et7hPTJFLidS4LEH9clk4eeXAezQzqXXF8jK_ezjITiRq7_4QmW2G/s320/IMG_2006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431905152614997138" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Tracy always tells me how quilting is SO much easier then making clothes. Maybe. But my problem with quilting is that I'm impatient.<br /><br />It's not quilting's fault.<br /><br />It's me. Not you.<br /><br />Tracy sent me a lovely quilt for Christmas that I snuggle in while watching t.v. It's just mine. Reserved for me. Poor shivering husband says to me the other night while under a different (smaller) blanket "maybe you should make another blanket".<br /><br />Yeah, I guess he's right.<br /><br />So I started looking at quilt tutorials online and decided on a <a href="http://saltmarshdesigns.blogspot.com/2009/06/stacked-coins-tutorial.html">Stacked Coin quilt</a>. It actually looks harder than it really is. Mostly it's time consuming. The first day I cut all of the top strips and sewed them together. I even cut out all of the white strips too. And then. It sat. Here and there I've sewed a strip or two together. In between it all I've made some headbands - cute ones for moi, cut out two patterns, cut out PJ pants for the boy and just got my <a href="http://www.bodenusa.com/en-US/Boys-Tops-T-shirts/Short-Sleeved-Tops/21355/Boys-Big-Appliqu%C3%A9-T-shirt.html">miniBoden</a> catalog in the mail yesterday and tore out a bunch of pages of cute appliques that I'm just itching to, ahem, recreate <span style="font-size:78%;">(for personal use, of course)</span>. <br /><br />Today I finished the entire top. I knew I would never get to it if I didn't just sit down and do it. Especially with all of the applique possibilities in my mind.<br /><br />I love it.<br /><br />It's beautiful.<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqGX19mY1MwSU_AZ0JF6FfNH2QCRW58eTZyFKpkNCrmbXe2HwD06XFflaYZr8QmVyUoyBaKnaHQ7yU_Lx-XJSzHFxw8YyHO72N1cOFr8YjGFrxjCG7yFwGIeSobOp__MXUwxRle3Tp6q1Y/s1600-h/IMG_2007.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqGX19mY1MwSU_AZ0JF6FfNH2QCRW58eTZyFKpkNCrmbXe2HwD06XFflaYZr8QmVyUoyBaKnaHQ7yU_Lx-XJSzHFxw8YyHO72N1cOFr8YjGFrxjCG7yFwGIeSobOp__MXUwxRle3Tp6q1Y/s320/IMG_2007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431905158629379602" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">I love seeing all of my fabric in one place, and I love that the white balances out the chaos. <br /><br />Now to finish it. Hmmm... I DO have the batting. And a walking foot attachment for the machine. <br /><br />And I DO love it. <br /><br />I'll finish it. <br /><br />Maybe tomorrow. Maybe. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3nrmLwIQCTo9k6km7Ch0lCaczKI1PBGekYQ61oi8NCTPZM9OxnZzQ47teAOUh_W-pIrUIlYRllCcOYxLl3tqMYS2dIxbp120vZl51Ij5qJxOJ7JYwDCHZuLXV8qlUhgqAzu0l4bbfxEWh/s1600-h/IMG_2008.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3nrmLwIQCTo9k6km7Ch0lCaczKI1PBGekYQ61oi8NCTPZM9OxnZzQ47teAOUh_W-pIrUIlYRllCcOYxLl3tqMYS2dIxbp120vZl51Ij5qJxOJ7JYwDCHZuLXV8qlUhgqAzu0l4bbfxEWh/s320/IMG_2008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431905167272822898" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: lucida grande;">Next time though, I'll make <a href="http://candacetodd.blogspot.com/2009/06/quilt-love-for-preschool-teachers.html">this</a> quilt instead. </span>lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12844506319206002365noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257192865921094134.post-24915462322004900832010-01-26T19:08:00.001-08:002010-01-26T19:50:03.225-08:00can i make up for the 1st trimester absence?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiELru2PTCI8OuqwBt8YLeXEm9ivrQo0LlItcUBaOGECmo0VqgucLj5E8buO7xjkpBL7hpBkGD0uetp2tD3l387XMt3ctTrHEVSqWJ-c9-xomtGW0AnTH-DwjGUR-H-l0BtYzTTIxSPKZk9/s1600-h/IMG_1768.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiELru2PTCI8OuqwBt8YLeXEm9ivrQo0LlItcUBaOGECmo0VqgucLj5E8buO7xjkpBL7hpBkGD0uetp2tD3l387XMt3ctTrHEVSqWJ-c9-xomtGW0AnTH-DwjGUR-H-l0BtYzTTIxSPKZk9/s320/IMG_1768.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431253443900370786" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">I was going through my iPhoto and saw some pictures that I took of a craft show I did in October. I had signed up to do it in September and then luckily sewed a bunch at that time because October through December was no-fun-for-me. First Trimester <a href="http://tracyandlizsblog.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2009-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-08%3A00&updated-max=2010-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-08%3A00&max-results=50">sickies</a>.<br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCO0ZY8emAKkYZr8DCH8tKnsV3LvOr1_TFeJywsyMKm3HKArQ0y_rGWK_jIjWrSXEgndbY2HKrlhd5uHDHSpUtTsa8pZhEp27L7NXdRxbHkniWSQU7GZRicki5fAM0EMolIrgyqcAacdNN/s1600-h/IMG_1767.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCO0ZY8emAKkYZr8DCH8tKnsV3LvOr1_TFeJywsyMKm3HKArQ0y_rGWK_jIjWrSXEgndbY2HKrlhd5uHDHSpUtTsa8pZhEp27L7NXdRxbHkniWSQU7GZRicki5fAM0EMolIrgyqcAacdNN/s320/IMG_1767.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431253437822467170" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">I had sort of given up on craft fairs because I don't make much money and since all of my stuff has to be handmade it's not like I come up with a design and then pay someone to screen print it en mass on t-shirts or something. But this was a real craft fair at an <a href="http://www.bedfordgallery.org/info.htm">Art Gallery</a> in a nicer part of the Bay Area, not just a local craft show at the local elementary school or something, so I decided to give it one last shot.<br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKna1oPjqqRBsuoRaNhi9hFJIphNSfJekz3rvuDumSyc-YgkzNoE8WBftgzPMpNoBQpqP0ZiElXpBkZQWQxqHlzG6otFlYXidcjmSj300KaxNOtpnYvweqP5vfvZECxTzNxpr-KidF1oXZ/s1600-h/IMG_1596.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKna1oPjqqRBsuoRaNhi9hFJIphNSfJekz3rvuDumSyc-YgkzNoE8WBftgzPMpNoBQpqP0ZiElXpBkZQWQxqHlzG6otFlYXidcjmSj300KaxNOtpnYvweqP5vfvZECxTzNxpr-KidF1oXZ/s320/IMG_1596.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431253462117698546" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">I didn't actually make very much money (I'm not sure anyone did due to low traffic), but it was one of the neatest things to participate in. The <a href="http://www.bedfordgallery.org/craftfest2009.htm">other crafters</a> were so amazing, true artists. I felt like such a geek with my head bands, <a href="http://alittlegirlie.blogspot.com/">hair clips and nursing covers</a>. You could definitely tell what stage of life I was in by all of my mom/little girl items.</span><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"> <br /><br />Some of my favorites were:<br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ohmay"><br />Ohmay</a> - the most beautiful and creative knit scarves/ascots/accessories. Just lovely.<br /><br />I would love one of <a href="http://valerieraven.blogspot.com/">these bird stakes</a> in my yard.<br /><br />This guy's<a href="http://www.bugunderglass.com/"> insect art</a> is a-maz-ing and beautiful and I must have some butterflies. <br /><br />Oh yeah, it's <a href="http://www.bugunderglass.com/gallery/insect_art.html">funny too</a>. Beetles walking dogs and riding bicycles, silly things. <br /><br />and my favorite were these <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=35255593">recycled paper earrings</a>. Oh how I had to exercise some self control!<br /><br />I was next to a <a href="http://shop.willotoons.com/">girl</a> who does craft fairs as a full-time job. She said at the <a href="http://www.renegadecraft.com/">big ones</a> she makes $3000-$4000. The entry fee is around $300+. Do you know how many hair clips I'd have to make JUST to make up my fee?? Not worth it in my book. Most of her stuff is screen-printed (her designs), so it's not hard for her to mass produce. She was really nice and helpful. <br /><br />It was fun doing the craft show (and hey - now I've got a bunch of items made to sell and gifts to give away), but mostly because of the kid free day away and being surrounded by gifted people. I'm not sure I'll be a seller at another craft show, but I'd love to go and buy next time!</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb5_Vs8ekRbHHAo91EIyFwi0GTgciq_p74o13l3CX66_SyE-tB4M0puaep1bkBzUfnk-2uDHeY4mt7gSLs3TgRN__spVUZ-HQAE1cu0dlT-CdRiwnZS06Uthwvad78v7ewnHYyQGfT91sC/s1600-h/IMG_1769.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb5_Vs8ekRbHHAo91EIyFwi0GTgciq_p74o13l3CX66_SyE-tB4M0puaep1bkBzUfnk-2uDHeY4mt7gSLs3TgRN__spVUZ-HQAE1cu0dlT-CdRiwnZS06Uthwvad78v7ewnHYyQGfT91sC/s320/IMG_1769.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431253455214279714" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"> </span>lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12844506319206002365noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257192865921094134.post-66291053523525308942010-01-19T09:55:00.001-08:002010-01-19T10:27:05.517-08:00i've been published!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigYQswP8qKIezwh16roBomOs3b6Vnn6OJB0fSfw3kzXANX1KicrkWoCJba5_AlJ5Ybm7Vqppvgu4kPsb2YJp8nmZVFZIPooNbJLxJk5zju75gvUOmabib_MWRUypdUj0e51-VR18AWGyMg/s1600-h/IMG_1976.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigYQswP8qKIezwh16roBomOs3b6Vnn6OJB0fSfw3kzXANX1KicrkWoCJba5_AlJ5Ybm7Vqppvgu4kPsb2YJp8nmZVFZIPooNbJLxJk5zju75gvUOmabib_MWRUypdUj0e51-VR18AWGyMg/s320/IMG_1976.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428513292239319522" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">If you ever thought you'd be a scrap-booker, then you know the guilt of falling behind. Way behind! Like you've had another kid since you started your first kids baby book behind. Well, that was me. And it turns out. . . I hate scrap booking. It's just not for me. I'd rather see pictures and know the story then have fancy doo-dads and cutesy paper. Plus, I just don't have a talent for it. <br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh31bb5YAKYcMPA5gi7B5mRFrWW-5LT_MW7i2I4-HhsWvQtzOTjp9ypWCh7hamAf6hqqzRK9Pr0XLWNqybdfvI6qZ-qLQxJ3Yw7QCt7d03zVQByA1V481eXsqn6FW6W5hWbEkXbUDh9dIvd/s1600-h/IMG_1978.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh31bb5YAKYcMPA5gi7B5mRFrWW-5LT_MW7i2I4-HhsWvQtzOTjp9ypWCh7hamAf6hqqzRK9Pr0XLWNqybdfvI6qZ-qLQxJ3Yw7QCt7d03zVQByA1V481eXsqn6FW6W5hWbEkXbUDh9dIvd/s320/IMG_1978.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428513300383867474" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">SO, this is where <a href="http://www.blurb.com/make/books">blurb</a> comes in. There are plenty of website where you can get pictures made into a book, but the great thing about blurb is that they offer software that slurps your blog into a book for you. After that you have to go through and choose your book size (this is set in stone once you choose, so choose wisely), add more pictures (like when you have a zillion pictures and you know you just can put them ALL on your blog), enlarge font, etc. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-2_oaFKEmQsIRqBmLH-ElQycPUojyyjGfRLxSCte0SDutKe0clfLJhLDAZc5QQMBF2ttfvN9p0tUXm9aOxZntZDy9_QAR7vRrMgdJhduWy2MZI8RIjtsIMyha6300u1-AuLOLFtJx7Ld5/s1600-h/IMG_1984.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-2_oaFKEmQsIRqBmLH-ElQycPUojyyjGfRLxSCte0SDutKe0clfLJhLDAZc5QQMBF2ttfvN9p0tUXm9aOxZntZDy9_QAR7vRrMgdJhduWy2MZI8RIjtsIMyha6300u1-AuLOLFtJx7Ld5/s320/IMG_1984.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428513323880234882" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"> The software's not perfect, it's totally SLOW and is crazy time consuming, but it's worth it in the end. I have been blogging since 2007 and thought I'd start there. So yes, I'm still behind printing my books, but it's ok. The pictures and stories are still there. All I have to do is add more pictures and viola. Family history.<br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_jMxNouKaBSWtiByJR8iQPDZ_bifc_XCJG52JW8oTGgV_7wU8A6zkRlxvz4TjflATDylT6Q3JncwWODX0mtcnN3UZbOHFWCF62ELNhf5iHqfxlJCZN0iWuZTm6Py0EQ_S5zjaEU_OkZUu/s1600-h/IMG_1982.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_jMxNouKaBSWtiByJR8iQPDZ_bifc_XCJG52JW8oTGgV_7wU8A6zkRlxvz4TjflATDylT6Q3JncwWODX0mtcnN3UZbOHFWCF62ELNhf5iHqfxlJCZN0iWuZTm6Py0EQ_S5zjaEU_OkZUu/s320/IMG_1982.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428513303378039202" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">My book has 200 pages in it and cost $63. It is the Standard Landscape (I wanted to be able to fit it in a bookshelf. The bigger ones are awesome, but I'm not sure where I'd store the books later). I think the Landscape version is good because it makes the book more coffee-table-like (less text book feeling) and I think you can fit more pictures on the pages. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTvhsTSNb6nDH9kQoXdUtXvTwgGd7wRh6-i-7XMc6VqVaV9M1_1gzqgFCpLgxlMR44xmhhdpuCkynpmd9x5W68ArRzWCQzXen5jDPQf7RWsEtXBYLOq0LxzCLSK6l8Ft1fJAjzWxN7GQqj/s1600-h/IMG_1983.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTvhsTSNb6nDH9kQoXdUtXvTwgGd7wRh6-i-7XMc6VqVaV9M1_1gzqgFCpLgxlMR44xmhhdpuCkynpmd9x5W68ArRzWCQzXen5jDPQf7RWsEtXBYLOq0LxzCLSK6l8Ft1fJAjzWxN7GQqj/s320/IMG_1983.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428513313452661010" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Maybe it seems expensive, but when you figure the book has 360 pictures in it and at IF I got them printed as 4 x 6 prints (and the majority of the prints are 5x7 and 8x10) for $.11 each that's approx. $40 plus having to buy albums to put all of the pictures in. And no story. And then writing dates on the back of 360 pictures. I hate doing that!</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7TNPEP2jVSc0_TnBOe-PF09fAQ4GMNBQqbShd9R_AVHP4mJVCjXn6onw0OgIDljhpmCUUbswomyVzhKbhKbZJtxpf10UNjXVD8Y9KUU8FwgFn75Ai_L2TPd7ZbhUQe5BNzabLbQOaBho5/s1600-h/IMG_1985.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7TNPEP2jVSc0_TnBOe-PF09fAQ4GMNBQqbShd9R_AVHP4mJVCjXn6onw0OgIDljhpmCUUbswomyVzhKbhKbZJtxpf10UNjXVD8Y9KUU8FwgFn75Ai_L2TPd7ZbhUQe5BNzabLbQOaBho5/s320/IMG_1985.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428513978511528530" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">It was totally worth it and I hope to get some birthday money so I can print 2008. Oh yeah - if you have (grand)parents or family who want a copy, you can always make it available online for them to go to the website and buy. <br /><br /><br /></span>lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12844506319206002365noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257192865921094134.post-53129489300755293782010-01-17T16:09:00.001-08:002010-01-17T16:20:52.746-08:00Tie Quilt<span style="font-family:lucida grande;">And. . . I'm still here. Is anyone else??? Sorry. . . Merry Christmas? Happy Holidays? Happy New Year?<br /><br />I HAVE in fact been sewing and need to post soon, but I've also been working on having my family blog printed into a book and that, my friends, has taken forever. But! I just got it in the mail and it was worth every minute of computer torture. I'll take pictures and show it to you because you should totally make one. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8yRyvoiUlU9kf5xOLxsvhY0Tv90t73ETckHQc9q2ICO2p9ChgK-TYyV0mnR145-43aZ1u5NOaq_L7FDDtcpVuBD2FIEEPlbw7v3GfZhs8Um_WG-5y4XfoFAlsUbWUnkBPE-_3Zm9xzhbH/s1600-h/IMG_6350.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8yRyvoiUlU9kf5xOLxsvhY0Tv90t73ETckHQc9q2ICO2p9ChgK-TYyV0mnR145-43aZ1u5NOaq_L7FDDtcpVuBD2FIEEPlbw7v3GfZhs8Um_WG-5y4XfoFAlsUbWUnkBPE-_3Zm9xzhbH/s320/IMG_6350.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427865689716395074" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Anyway, the above quilt is NOT mine. In fact, I took a picture of it over a year ago and have been meaning to post about it because I think it's really neat. It was made by a woman in her 80's who's husband passed away and happened to own hundreds of ties. That's right. All of those strips of fabric came from her husbands ties! You can really see the 70's in there! What a fun concept. Not that I have EVER made a quilt, but I certainly appreciate the art/craft of it.<br /></span><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><br />What a fun treasure this quilt will be. Seeing all of the different fabrics and remembering grandpa wearing them. I would like to do something similar, but with cotton shirts of my grandma's maybe?? Or maybe my daughter's baby/toddler clothes if I can stand cutting them at all?<br /></span>lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12844506319206002365noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257192865921094134.post-80175367269920548962009-12-06T09:03:00.000-08:002009-12-06T09:25:52.003-08:00quick gift idea<span style="font-family:lucida grande;">I know you don't know this... but I'm pregnant. And being pregnant has created an aversion to crafting/sewing. Tragic, I know, but I'm hoping to get over it soon. I'm nearing 12 weeks and need to make Christmas PJs, and a couple other things and I need the energy to do it! I've done all I can to avoid making things for anyone this year. I realize how un-crafty, not handmade revolution blah blah blah that is.... but whatever... I feel like barfing all day and just want to go to sleep.<br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXwYC98wqaicDd3A7zbseB5H9i-gYK5pkheQsleWIzdon_Jt7T3RwnFUGc61j5ItTQJMEMhwI16tw4kzr_yzFOX6S0rksmp9ql1zB3s_UIVMIPHWf0GdXu41oHQGNEMAvNSrx7cCToMTsq/s1600-h/IMG_1880.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXwYC98wqaicDd3A7zbseB5H9i-gYK5pkheQsleWIzdon_Jt7T3RwnFUGc61j5ItTQJMEMhwI16tw4kzr_yzFOX6S0rksmp9ql1zB3s_UIVMIPHWf0GdXu41oHQGNEMAvNSrx7cCToMTsq/s320/IMG_1880.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412170543837642082" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">On a less barfy note...<br /><br />At church I am essentially the party planner for the women. We had a nice dinner the other night and then did a simple craft that I know you've all seen before. Mostly I wanted to just give you the link to where you can buy the supplies and see the tutorial I originally got the idea from. I realize my picture isn't really a great representation of how cute these actually are, but... it's just the one I made. The women at the party made darling ones though! </span><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">The necklaces only cost $2 each to make (that was tile, bail, and chain) and were easy peasy. If you can glue one thing to another, you can do this. I'm all about the thoughtfulness of giving gifts, but I also don't have a lot of money to spend on them. The great thing is that the necklaces span all age ranges... so I'd like to think my 5 year old will love this necklace with the pic of her and her cousin, but a teacher would love it too with cute scrapbook paper behind it or something. <br /><br /><a href="http://treyandlucy.blogspot.com/2009/01/love-these.html">Here's the tutorial for the necklaces.</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/CandyTiles2?section_id=5746861">Here's the etsy shop I bought all of the supplies from. </a><br /></span>lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12844506319206002365noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257192865921094134.post-60794459827014719002009-11-12T17:35:00.001-08:002009-11-12T17:46:22.450-08:00bacon makes stuff taste goooood<span style="font-family: lucida grande;">We're still here. Sick kids for me. Also, getting ready for a <a href="http://www.bedfordgallery.org/craftfest2009.htm">craft fair</a>. But here. I'm sort of nervous about the craft thing. It's like a REAL craft fair. It's at a swanky gallery in a nicer part of the East Bay. The only craft fairs I've done have been neighborhood ones where I'm set up next to the Avon lady and am pretty much the only one that's made anything by hand... wish me luck...<br /><br />So I made this tonight for dinner and thought I'd share it with you. If anyone is still around. Otherwise, hey T, look what I made for dinner:<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: lucida grande;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Potato and Asparagus Bisque</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: lucida grande;"></span></div><span style="font-family: lucida grande;"><br />6 slices bacon (I used a whole package)<br />1 cup chopped onion<br />1/2 diced celery<br />1 quart chicken broth (4 cups)<br />1 bay leaf<br />2 tsp salt<br />1/2 tsp pepper<br />1/2 tbs thyme<br />2 cups peeled diced potatoes<br />1 10 oz. box frozen cut asparagus (I used fresh actually)<br />1 cup heavy cream (I used half and half)<br /><br />Cook bacon until crisp in a 3 quart soup pot. Remove bacon reserving 2 tbs drippings. Crumble bacon. Cook onion and celery in drippings until tender. Add broth, bay leaf, salt, pepper, thyme, and potatoes. Cook until potatoes are soft. Once they are soft, mash the potatoes with a potato masher (loosely - not to a pulp). Add asparagus; simmer for 5 minutes. reduce heat to low, stir in cream and bacon. Simmer for 3 minutes (don't let boil).<br /><br />So good my 5 year old will even eat it... at least the bacon part... <br /></span>lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12844506319206002365noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257192865921094134.post-67347885167011448492009-10-20T21:18:00.000-07:002009-10-20T21:38:00.057-07:00this years costumes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmRFwqi3nRFO-WJOCxKVmTD1lm2z8FrvDCFBBkonLHRzkPcBrfxtW9tHfVT2GQVs8IDFEdx9qXkwAzO4CYRJulsVIV_7GRjf6ANrFsWQOGbX4PzjUHMMLz22b1T0YBu5x-PRZr2gy5ANk2/s1600-h/IMG_1603.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmRFwqi3nRFO-WJOCxKVmTD1lm2z8FrvDCFBBkonLHRzkPcBrfxtW9tHfVT2GQVs8IDFEdx9qXkwAzO4CYRJulsVIV_7GRjf6ANrFsWQOGbX4PzjUHMMLz22b1T0YBu5x-PRZr2gy5ANk2/s320/IMG_1603.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394904932719163362" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Mostly the Halloween costumes are finished. I mean, there are extra things - like a fancy tiara/headband for the ballerina and maybe some red-checked table cloth pants for the pizza, but then again... this may be it. For whatever reason it's impossible for me to work on a project for more than a few sittings before I get burnt out (this is why I don't make quilts). This happens with Halloween for me every year. So excited October 1st. So done by October 20th. Maybe I'm just tired tonight and the task of embellishing seems daunting.<br /><br />The tutu I think is to big - width wise. It hangs a little too much. If I made it shorter it would have stuck out in more pancake tutu fashion. It's still really cute in person though. If you <a href="http://tracyandlizsblog.blogspot.com/2009/08/am-i-crazy-person.html">make one</a> just know that a lot of patience is required - 7 layers of gathered tulle. 7. <br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQbyI5LB5FxXRqqEURzLEXFlENDAaMDvQzQ6G0ThD7MML_9MUj-3I5PZ1319uPCVIRORDc00k6M1BIQukyErgZUBzjsHEB5qlQVHr-7-_xP8YPlXmzXdUV2RAaUqF0oaOgKExWuExKagDm/s1600-h/IMG_1598.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQbyI5LB5FxXRqqEURzLEXFlENDAaMDvQzQ6G0ThD7MML_9MUj-3I5PZ1319uPCVIRORDc00k6M1BIQukyErgZUBzjsHEB5qlQVHr-7-_xP8YPlXmzXdUV2RAaUqF0oaOgKExWuExKagDm/s320/IMG_1598.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394904921261452594" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">The leotard was a little refashioned fun. A friend of mine who does embroidery professionally gave me a couple of leotards and a skort that she had messed up on and ripped holes in while trying to unpick. Hence, the reversed applique heart to get rid of holes. And since it's Halloween and a little cooler in the evening I cut up the skort and made sleeves for the tank top leotard. I felt myself quite clever. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg99HZ6SwXFrSjNigiob3r0EhfyM7OpJHZlE8QXAOfDLMCh8JA4wX712WTKH8G-V9_mMYcAvJrwClhfWKlmp3gm9zkpHc83QHxWcnz0HnsaFIvSD0MbBRpGDvRvbA21tXG7HEBIZHrRojtm/s1600-h/IMG_1621.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg99HZ6SwXFrSjNigiob3r0EhfyM7OpJHZlE8QXAOfDLMCh8JA4wX712WTKH8G-V9_mMYcAvJrwClhfWKlmp3gm9zkpHc83QHxWcnz0HnsaFIvSD0MbBRpGDvRvbA21tXG7HEBIZHrRojtm/s320/IMG_1621.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394904939704884882" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: lucida grande;">This was fun to make. Hot glue is my friend. It took a while, but thanks to an entire weekend dedicated to <a href="http://lds.org/conference/languages/0,6353,310-1,00.html">church on the radio</a> I was able to finish it. It stays on for about 5 minutes max. I guess that's all I can expect from a 2 year old. Maybe I should have just bought a spiderman costume?</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxsw7bMMhC3D5ut2OehYzeT-Pl9VQuJrChG4GltfMVdyeXpnyhAiWkH4Q1wVOjIx8Lj-Hyn_6L9QoorAIAgTi9L7OAjNTSvHuIREIZ0erRmaxAYlqEEr0dvqjyo_VdtPLKuOUEYBE9Iaxl/s1600-h/IMG_1626.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxsw7bMMhC3D5ut2OehYzeT-Pl9VQuJrChG4GltfMVdyeXpnyhAiWkH4Q1wVOjIx8Lj-Hyn_6L9QoorAIAgTi9L7OAjNTSvHuIREIZ0erRmaxAYlqEEr0dvqjyo_VdtPLKuOUEYBE9Iaxl/s320/IMG_1626.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394904946385348882" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: lucida grande;">I think <a href="http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2009/10/how-to_headless_bride_costume.html">THIS</a> is the funniest costume ever though!</span>lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12844506319206002365noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257192865921094134.post-81285361702195723982009-10-05T20:29:00.001-07:002009-10-05T20:42:14.519-07:00scrappy abc's<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfXF1cmUWvz8mFtFRTTpoFZSnhRDQiS-r-KIFGR6qfJf36vxU_Lb1Uf9Y7VHWbKngFmAUkoK0pOZAf1SmIfSzDuiLBjfK_4ItD2Dhyphenhyphenv0FClkrhnVl1Ht47KeLyMIe51zW5ZPv-yLhHCxhw/s1600-h/IMG_1574.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfXF1cmUWvz8mFtFRTTpoFZSnhRDQiS-r-KIFGR6qfJf36vxU_Lb1Uf9Y7VHWbKngFmAUkoK0pOZAf1SmIfSzDuiLBjfK_4ItD2Dhyphenhyphenv0FClkrhnVl1Ht47KeLyMIe51zW5ZPv-yLhHCxhw/s400/IMG_1574.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389324636756862274" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">I came across <a href="http://ohsohappytogether.blogspot.com/2009/07/rag-quilt-letters-tutorial.html">this tutorial</a> the other day for quilted letters. I thought I'd make letters for my son for a Christmas gift. I think they turned out cute and it gave me a chance to use my new <a href="http://www.learnhowtoquilt.com/darningft.html">darning foot</a>, which I paid $1 at Joanns fabrics. I'm certain it isn't generic enough for MY machine since I have to rig it up with an elastic band... (I think if you enlarge the picture you can see some of the crazy quilting - like on the "U".) It's fun to use, but would take a lot of practice/patience if I wanted to use on something that was for someone who might notice all of the mistakes. <br /><br />This project kind of takes a while, but is something easy to do whenever you have a spare minute. <br /><br />and<br /><br />It doesn't make noise + No batteries required +Can be thrown in the washer + Great use of scrap fabric = great gift!<br /></span>lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12844506319206002365noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257192865921094134.post-22296231775860696402009-09-23T13:44:00.000-07:002009-09-23T14:11:51.105-07:00an apple a day...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPYCsW5K45LNnAHvebnJcDyBC2UAw0jqtjy8p-enjGhV6gX3j5Nx88vZNvOOXzp2MT633GLAut7bmynQ6x9Fj886O6vdsSqfHlEloo5xKOom8bq1eh2w1PeAPxgJSDgnW6-fLiUJI2FDV1/s1600-h/IMG_1538.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPYCsW5K45LNnAHvebnJcDyBC2UAw0jqtjy8p-enjGhV6gX3j5Nx88vZNvOOXzp2MT633GLAut7bmynQ6x9Fj886O6vdsSqfHlEloo5xKOom8bq1eh2w1PeAPxgJSDgnW6-fLiUJI2FDV1/s320/IMG_1538.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384767847207115186" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">I'm always amazed that you can <span style="font-style: italic;">actually</span> make the treats that you see in the cute little sweet shops. Who doesn't love their apples smothered in caramel and chocolate??<br /><br />While at Target I walked past a bag of Caramels. I figured I give the <a href="https://rockymountainchocolatefactory.com/rmcf/control/productList">caramel apple </a>a shot. I've made them with Tracy before. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ok</span>. I watched while she made them the not-cheating way (involving a candy thermometer) and then I ate it. I was there more as moral support.<br /><br />Anyway, I bought the bag of caramels thinking it would be a fun family activity. Well, it turns out - it's even fun when you're just making one. All you need is (for 1):<br /><br />9 caramel squares<br />1/2 tbs water<br /><br />melt in a small saucepan on low. Stir continuously.<br /><br />Stick your <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Popsicle</span> stick into the apple. Dip the apple in the caramel. You may have to roll it since you're not melting enough to technically "dip".<br /><br />**don't refrigerate. It makes the caramel HARD.<br /><br />Then. I melted chocolate chips in the microwave. Unless you know how to do this, Google it. It's not hard, but there is a way to make it smooth and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">dip-able</span>.<br /><br />Add nuts. Or candy. Or more chocolate. Or crushed pretzels. The possibilities are endless.<br /><br />Wouldn't this be a fun gift for teachers? Neighbors? Co-workers? Cellophane, cute ribbon and tags? The holidays, they are a-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">comin</span>'.<br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzcxOHa4Pdnm0zRjHMUII2HbQ7cXGVc90W9LxvLjdg8T8pjXsQLvF7jRqHuhGKvfHgPKzu8AX7cQxmxFqWye19yu1NpVuFkwMA2d-CpZ1az6xFP-Q4P5C-YJ60xx_qQ0YdazNBJXn89-B-/s1600-h/IMG_1536.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzcxOHa4Pdnm0zRjHMUII2HbQ7cXGVc90W9LxvLjdg8T8pjXsQLvF7jRqHuhGKvfHgPKzu8AX7cQxmxFqWye19yu1NpVuFkwMA2d-CpZ1az6xFP-Q4P5C-YJ60xx_qQ0YdazNBJXn89-B-/s320/IMG_1536.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384767834553885810" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Now, if only I could talk him into EATING the apple and not just lick off the toppings...</span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><br /></span>lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12844506319206002365noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257192865921094134.post-57924734977402763112009-09-20T19:02:00.000-07:002009-09-20T19:25:20.548-07:00canning: don't be scared<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgMyuAk3yL6QmEpPhuSzM-RiG0DxLSvUFM2NVo5HLuU39ZJVYDDokcPeU5NetsKRMVW33lVAsJ1dvh7c9YP507XA4iHCojFVYlPtFr91AhHawyWxEwVnSPlcH2fAB3FxZZGRVJpySOj0Th/s1600-h/IMG_1470.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgMyuAk3yL6QmEpPhuSzM-RiG0DxLSvUFM2NVo5HLuU39ZJVYDDokcPeU5NetsKRMVW33lVAsJ1dvh7c9YP507XA4iHCojFVYlPtFr91AhHawyWxEwVnSPlcH2fAB3FxZZGRVJpySOj0Th/s320/IMG_1470.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383737223119473746" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">A lady at church gave me a ton of apples that she got from her sister who works for an orchard. Apparently these apples are considered "seconds" because they are not perfectly shaped and may have a bruise or two.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg56GeEIlZpd9WS5Cr9uytdtQwieNKWRuzNX44-hlwVOqQRx9Vrb5CvHs1seSndsZyVZrVkMRLoZaHM9QhX2RMEWlqxrgbvGsnIPhG_p8Qg6vOEmEi_87kJXQqVsXVQNYJho1eKGr3z15Ed/s1600-h/IMG_1443.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg56GeEIlZpd9WS5Cr9uytdtQwieNKWRuzNX44-hlwVOqQRx9Vrb5CvHs1seSndsZyVZrVkMRLoZaHM9QhX2RMEWlqxrgbvGsnIPhG_p8Qg6vOEmEi_87kJXQqVsXVQNYJho1eKGr3z15Ed/s320/IMG_1443.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383737202498954898" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Sweet.<br /><br />100 apples.<br /><br />But besides applesauce what can you do with apples??<br /><br />How about APPLE PIE FILLING!!<br /><br />Again, Sweet.<br /><br />We are fans of apple pie, but I rarely make it because that whole apple part is a pain in the rear.<br /><br />Now, I have 12 jars full of apple pie filling. Mmmmm.... The jar is just the right size to fill one pie, so now I just have to make the crust.<br /><br />But, when you have 100 apples to peel, you MUST have one of these:</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivk0LyZV3QJvSiq_IeuzS7aDiNr0iWY41zTmsracexIcs_Fut9BIDwtidBMBkDXw3pmyH8bIdBdobaFjEedWawT8d-1hPWuadB3Rkf5fIC4Pnh3OglN_026RuP6Ly8P-J-mOhgwdq7Pz25/s1600-h/IMG_1437.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivk0LyZV3QJvSiq_IeuzS7aDiNr0iWY41zTmsracexIcs_Fut9BIDwtidBMBkDXw3pmyH8bIdBdobaFjEedWawT8d-1hPWuadB3Rkf5fIC4Pnh3OglN_026RuP6Ly8P-J-mOhgwdq7Pz25/s320/IMG_1437.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383737213812198578" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: lucida grande;">It's an apple/corer/peeler. It's the coolest. I peeled 100 apples and was amazed every time. I even took it into my daughters Kindergarten class to show the kids since they are learning about apples right now. Amazement all around. (but mostly by me I think because I realize what a pain it is to do it the other way...)</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOteKilYuattJJPzepKezEAkQYhuK0cmOfnY0-a9_fvIjDZ1vJEG2hFLXpz6I3ge_khUaNKrOp1wwusapCNAoLAsJdydlch0Tpv9UX0lDLK7LdKeTkDOA2PBjWwnyPzcbdWc_kSJCd2N-D/s1600-h/IMG_1429.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOteKilYuattJJPzepKezEAkQYhuK0cmOfnY0-a9_fvIjDZ1vJEG2hFLXpz6I3ge_khUaNKrOp1wwusapCNAoLAsJdydlch0Tpv9UX0lDLK7LdKeTkDOA2PBjWwnyPzcbdWc_kSJCd2N-D/s320/IMG_1429.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383737235585566882" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: lucida grande;">My BIL's (not) girlfriend took this picture. I'm pretty sure she thinks I'm the biggest dork ever. </span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><br />You should can apple pie filling. Really, it's easy. And what a fun teacher/neighbor/whoever gift. Fun fabric on top, a label with directions on how to make pie crust and there ya go. Gift. <br /><br />Here's the recipe I used: (fills 7 Qt jars) -I think 5 apples per jar was what it ended up being.<br /><br />*(approx) 20 cups of apples peeled, cored and sliced (about 5 apples makes 3 cups).<br />slice and leave in a bowl of lemon juice<br /><br />combine in a large pan:<br />*4 cups sugar<br />*1 cup cornstarch<br />*3 tsp cinnamon<br />*1 tsp nutmeg<br />*1 tsp salt<br />*10 cups water<br /><br />cook on medium until thick and darkish brown. Stir, but not constantly. When it's thick, add 3 tbs lemon juice.<br /><br />Fill canning jars 1/3 full of sauce. Put drained apples into jars smooshing down into the sauce until the jar is full. Use the handle of a large spoon to clear out the bubbles and spaces. Cover with hot lids and process in boiling water for 20 minutes. <br /><a href="http://www.designspongeonline.com/2009/08/small-measures-with-ashley-home-canning.html"><br />Here's</a> some info on canning if you've never done it before.<br /></span>lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12844506319206002365noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257192865921094134.post-8710781701972467042009-09-16T19:44:00.000-07:002009-09-16T20:31:19.733-07:00simplicity 2628<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT9L5akSQI_AatUzzdsYbxSsTr6OcjIwCPrqn0FptndfzYLEhdvuR56hebrmYTEGK23DgENOQ8cwZeRXQTZMSeHd3KYklTDDru0xuZo8aU51ST4wHsqKmJhKQV0s9uZpxzWAii9Sct-SmH/s1600-h/IMG_1472.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT9L5akSQI_AatUzzdsYbxSsTr6OcjIwCPrqn0FptndfzYLEhdvuR56hebrmYTEGK23DgENOQ8cwZeRXQTZMSeHd3KYklTDDru0xuZo8aU51ST4wHsqKmJhKQV0s9uZpxzWAii9Sct-SmH/s320/IMG_1472.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382263657796825346" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">I vowed earlier to never sew patterns by Simplicity/Mccalls/Butterrick ever again. They just never turn out right. Well... I lied. I thought <a href="http://www.simplicity.com/p-1582-child-separates.aspx">this shirt</a> looked like it had potential. And after realistically choosing the right size for my 5 year old (size 3), it turned out alright. I chose fabric that I wouldn't mourn the loss of if the shirt didn't turn out right. I have a thing for corduroy and found this print at Joann's Farics a few years ago (bottom floral). It's all a little 70's prairie looking, but the actual shirt turned out cute, and I think I'll make it again with fabric I love.<br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEa6APeMpW5tlNnqqAjsxLvlgePE66hmI5fngnx8G-o6Wj77ZEyzLiE4TLAwCiAqM2QhTFUzAkC1uUyDz4KkToZCe4BHF8mn-yxYkJrj8MCgz-0lXEODunCiDZYvASN2MimPOn0UGQixwn/s1600-h/IMG_1473.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEa6APeMpW5tlNnqqAjsxLvlgePE66hmI5fngnx8G-o6Wj77ZEyzLiE4TLAwCiAqM2QhTFUzAkC1uUyDz4KkToZCe4BHF8mn-yxYkJrj8MCgz-0lXEODunCiDZYvASN2MimPOn0UGQixwn/s320/IMG_1473.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382263669286942194" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Once again, the pattern calls for a zipper up the back. I think that zippers in shirts are weird, so I sewed up to the back leaving an opening. The neck is finished off with bias tape, so I just extended that for a tie. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZmWSTnNpe2aBTijrUA3M1MZ7qSaOxr4-Xy0rZ8SoAaXnrL5FiXqS2En9ZbTj2jzmTMVrkaAgOu9QOLdMuEmuIjJWevzndxyGXAkGLD2RwkaB68X_VEs22AcX8c2IqSEgz7X8k6lI0AIBC/s1600-h/IMG_1474.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZmWSTnNpe2aBTijrUA3M1MZ7qSaOxr4-Xy0rZ8SoAaXnrL5FiXqS2En9ZbTj2jzmTMVrkaAgOu9QOLdMuEmuIjJWevzndxyGXAkGLD2RwkaB68X_VEs22AcX8c2IqSEgz7X8k6lI0AIBC/s320/IMG_1474.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382263677506340818" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Gotta have a matching head band. BTW - <a href="http://bluebirdstudio.blogspot.com/2008/09/ten-minute-headband-tutorial.html">this tutorial</a> for headbands is SO easy! It literally only takes 10 minutes to make start to finish. It would be a great project if you're teaching your child to sew and makes awesome gifts! Add a little flower some buttons, ribbon, rick rack - the possibilities are endless. Plus - the way it's made even I could wear this headband it will stretch out that far.<br /><br />The verdict: easy pattern. Great for beginners. If I would have made her "size" it would have been huge - so watch that. I'll be making it again I think...<br /><br />I always wish there were more pictures when people review patterns, so here's some just in case you feel the same way.<br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7GPo8YtNQQnEgxuRsho85wnPFmKS_pYvMX9ZfkNQxNRONmONRUswQBsjvWurbjYWWUNHOCpqdTlOW7JXz7Y4tAmEgUl0V60riHJDhYFVaVk5gpKxXByqqXRwXLZjugbMIJDTCBfMAyma_/s1600-h/IMG_1496.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7GPo8YtNQQnEgxuRsho85wnPFmKS_pYvMX9ZfkNQxNRONmONRUswQBsjvWurbjYWWUNHOCpqdTlOW7JXz7Y4tAmEgUl0V60riHJDhYFVaVk5gpKxXByqqXRwXLZjugbMIJDTCBfMAyma_/s200/IMG_1496.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382269840479149314" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimjp_Ic-P26C0Ie68kNPI4Kro2nlfMdHzwiPUh7eTQar1pV42f0CnK3htCj_fTI3El7QhidVt-yJ20PmzcsXVkRUPo9gFc5zUBMgCaETuNpzgVqL5l7pAEyzI03Mvm0hfzt3z53nNhhfhP/s1600-h/IMG_1491.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimjp_Ic-P26C0Ie68kNPI4Kro2nlfMdHzwiPUh7eTQar1pV42f0CnK3htCj_fTI3El7QhidVt-yJ20PmzcsXVkRUPo9gFc5zUBMgCaETuNpzgVqL5l7pAEyzI03Mvm0hfzt3z53nNhhfhP/s200/IMG_1491.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382269827218885890" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZnLVDvMq9YJ1iE5lDDZ0im4brlfaGInOcpOyUpfyrSVE5KQsoc846vARRilhAd1fXUd_3m-lnPRj2hVohGE8x65nfi3KhJCQamMPdjJH8OuARjlB_FMK_Y5frI1HPDeenOSEJSlrnnJE/s1600-h/IMG_1483.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZnLVDvMq9YJ1iE5lDDZ0im4brlfaGInOcpOyUpfyrSVE5KQsoc846vARRilhAd1fXUd_3m-lnPRj2hVohGE8x65nfi3KhJCQamMPdjJH8OuARjlB_FMK_Y5frI1HPDeenOSEJSlrnnJE/s200/IMG_1483.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382269818813418882" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTiTXZqgLarBevXrJubYsTrbnTip1Y-XdAgBhELdCichHi-KCBFOrmewo6fB526FVYhJ_7SL9dLNMSBq4rrstzGzqIpkTbChC_FcvFgqgx4oa7UQihgnLRblYAOpLEnRw69VYumdwCqf1C/s1600-h/IMG_1475.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTiTXZqgLarBevXrJubYsTrbnTip1Y-XdAgBhELdCichHi-KCBFOrmewo6fB526FVYhJ_7SL9dLNMSBq4rrstzGzqIpkTbChC_FcvFgqgx4oa7UQihgnLRblYAOpLEnRw69VYumdwCqf1C/s200/IMG_1475.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382269812699778018" border="0" /></a>lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12844506319206002365noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257192865921094134.post-77642632777151417622009-09-10T09:37:00.000-07:002009-09-10T10:25:22.328-07:00the only way to make pizza<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF51k6dHfErYO1R0TBrkHnwTIn2Fli4esKKdEBa6_fhhOWbs_DzABw8_7cFrFUZFjXOO1Bgz6gg5TEkkPgY-uK2lfrw7abNXf5CQIcsazeY7YX1Hf6mNgZ61lngkV1wplGVE-gGAgmNwAO/s1600-h/IMG_1149.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF51k6dHfErYO1R0TBrkHnwTIn2Fli4esKKdEBa6_fhhOWbs_DzABw8_7cFrFUZFjXOO1Bgz6gg5TEkkPgY-uK2lfrw7abNXf5CQIcsazeY7YX1Hf6mNgZ61lngkV1wplGVE-gGAgmNwAO/s320/IMG_1149.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379881724134592786" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-family: lucida grande;">Toppings L-R: green onions, green peppers, tomatoes, chicken and pepperoni, mushrooms, homemade pesto (best part!).</span><br /></span></div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">My husband works really late every Tuesday night, so I make pizza for dinner. He hates pizza... I know! Who hates pizza?! That's why Tuesday night=pizza night.<br /><br />I on the other hand *heart* pizza. I think I could eat it every day. Seriously. This is my favorite commercial. Every time I make pizza I totally admit to singing this song. <br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/XyjkhTAsmc8&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/XyjkhTAsmc8&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />In my opinion - the ONLY way to make homemade pizza is on the GRILL. Oh it's so tasty! And so trial-and-error to get it right. But I've figured out what works for me. Tracy does it differently. I used to do it the way she does, but I am lazy.<br /><br />Option 1: Tracy's way: she gets her grill REALLY hot and then puts the pizza dough directly on the grill. Then puts the toppings on. It's too hot for me. I don't like leaning over the grill that much when it's already 106 degrees outside. But, the flavor is a little different then the other options. Very tasty.<br /><br />Option 2: use a pizza stone on your grill heated up to 500 degrees. I don't have a pizza stone. I think this is technically how it's "supposed" to be done. But <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">whatevs</span>.<br /><br />Option 3: buy cheap pizza pans from the dollar store (since they'll get trashed by the grill). Make your pizza on the pans - toppings and all.<br /><br />Remember to spray the pans w/ non-stick cooking spray.<br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM2K74jYAY6Y3fM8GFRvGep5hJZELd1EXSQBvKrpX7Dc1nxAgue-KMl-Ebi7hrHNuUwhKq2KSHulndrS81WwVaQ6vG0h5gCCA-reENau-UzedS_AVvZs87rylX-Xp-8sUEOvFvjYYOvIA1/s1600-h/IMG_1242.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM2K74jYAY6Y3fM8GFRvGep5hJZELd1EXSQBvKrpX7Dc1nxAgue-KMl-Ebi7hrHNuUwhKq2KSHulndrS81WwVaQ6vG0h5gCCA-reENau-UzedS_AVvZs87rylX-Xp-8sUEOvFvjYYOvIA1/s320/IMG_1242.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379881738927064146" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Have your grill heating while doing all of this then turn it on LOW-MED (this is the trial-and-error part), put your pizza on, and check after 6-8 minutes. Possibly rotate if not ready yet.<br /><br />Enjoy! I love to put fresh <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Parmesan</span> cheese on it too!<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOkj78L9QtYqevWUowsyewDQckV9nYKs6yk_BtAG41IAaIuQcnEUBdHDGLZkSwPMywR4qm9o3OXDVpL2lFxULjeNdECjLAlqxrk6VIBfsT3MPMYyaPt9MHqX1wKgqvKjlabSDNRNmQZwsm/s1600-h/IMG_1180.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOkj78L9QtYqevWUowsyewDQckV9nYKs6yk_BtAG41IAaIuQcnEUBdHDGLZkSwPMywR4qm9o3OXDVpL2lFxULjeNdECjLAlqxrk6VIBfsT3MPMYyaPt9MHqX1wKgqvKjlabSDNRNmQZwsm/s320/IMG_1180.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379881734195949794" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: lucida grande;">I modified a recipe for the dough, so I'll share it with you. <br /><br />2 tsp active dry yeast<br />1 tsp sugar<br />1 1/4 cup warm water<br /><br />mix together and let stand until foamy<br />3 1/3 cup all purpose flour<br />1 1/2 tps salt<br />3 tsp olive oil<br /><br />mix these ingredients and then add the yeast/water mixture.<br /><br />cover and let rise. *this is KEY*<br /><br />This makes enough for 2-3 pizza depending on how thick you make the crust.<br /><br />*When I roll out my dough I like to brush olive oil on the surface before I put on my toppings* Don't forget to sing ;)<br /><br />also - this is so easy to make the day ahead and refrigerate. Pull it out to warm up the dough and it's ready. I usually freeze my left over dough too. I almost think the defrosted dough is better than the fresh stuff. <br /><br />The recipe is good in that <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Artisan-Bread-Five-Minutes-Revolutionizes/dp/0312362919">Artisan Bread book</a> too, but I like to make mine in my food processor, and the recipe in the book makes too much to fit.<br /></span>lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12844506319206002365noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257192865921094134.post-84492348389082922522009-08-30T23:53:00.000-07:002009-08-30T23:59:44.519-07:00wedding gift<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNY92MWJPiZsgHcolEDUGS_LfLCUs2ZylpAdwznSZKBH01o204ElCX7rHq6cbMKAELyFxJjmKhzsIx5hrIQzWi85bqM5sP8g8byVvS1LyyOvb5o69sVCvz0v529_bN7CRjVKE30I-o3J_Q/s1600-h/IMG_1370.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNY92MWJPiZsgHcolEDUGS_LfLCUs2ZylpAdwznSZKBH01o204ElCX7rHq6cbMKAELyFxJjmKhzsIx5hrIQzWi85bqM5sP8g8byVvS1LyyOvb5o69sVCvz0v529_bN7CRjVKE30I-o3J_Q/s320/IMG_1370.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376018152988486162" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Don't you think cloth napkins make every meal seem a little fancier?<br /> <span style="font-size:85%;">And if you're wondering... 1 1/2 yrds makes 9 napkins cut 14" x 14". Roll the hem. Viola - fancy. </span> </span><br /></div>lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12844506319206002365noreply@blogger.com5