Hair Clips

Earlier this year I started researching making hair bows and clips.  There are just way too many cute ideas out there and a ton for sale on etsy.com.  I've made my 8 year old and my 2 year old neice korker clippies that are just adorable.  My neice's birthday party is this Saturday and while trying to brainstorm present ideas I decided I should make a few pony holders for her.  While searching etsy for clips I fell in love with all the felt stitched designs.  So last nite I drew up designs and this morning I dug out my box of felt.  I decided to sew my felties on terry pony holders since she is lately wearing these more than clippies these days.  Here are a few pictures of what I came up with.


I cut out pieces trying to make them a good size for her little head.

How cute ! I simply used 1 strand embroidery floss and stitched.

Success !!!

After I stitched the front of the design I cut out a backing from felt that I glued on around the edges.  This leaves the middle soft so I could sew this onto the pony holder, but you could glue/sew onto an alligator clip or snap barette.   Althought my 2 older girls seem a little big for the cute ones we're trying to develop some more sophisticated designs for them.

Hope you enjoyes seeing my creations today, I'll be back soon with some scrapbook pages I've been working on.  Have a wonderful day !

LIFE

In our house, as life often does, it has forced us to make many changes.  Due to some medical issues with family members and to make my husbands life a wee easier we are putting our farm up for sale.  We have only lived here 5 years now and havent planted too many roots so we are feeling fine with the decision.  I am busy with getting the house organized and ready for showing if necessary as the hubs is starting to harvest dry beans. We are prayerfully hoping to sell and move south about 60 miles near the family farm since our operation there is larger and needs more of his time.   The girls seem to be doing fine with the news and just have the normal "making new friends" fear, but I have reassured them it will all work out.  Sorry for not having the time to dedicate to my blog, and thank you for being patient while I get things in order.  Now with the girls finally in school I have more time to blog as I deal with life's changes.

Pics

Sorry to say the day has found me suffering from a sore throat and just feeling poopy. I thought its a good time to  post some pics Ive been taking the last few days.  Hope you enjoy and have a creative day.

My young new rooster, Big Daddy.

Our sweet border collie, Flare, helping get the chickens in.

One of my 24 new egg laying ladies, roaming around eating some creepy crawlies.

Make a Difference

Well its hot & humid here in Michigan yes indeed.   Our family loves to cool off in the water.  The girls and I pretty much we live in the pool through the summer.  Two days ago my darling 10 year old decided to overflow our pool with well water and it turned black... yes black.   Today in an effort to have a little fun & cool down we hit the beach.  We spent 3 hours in beautiful Harbor Beach a cute little town on Lake Huron only 40 minutes from our farm.  I was saddened to see many quaint stores we used to visit were closed.  The economy has taken its toll in alot of areas in this state. I just cant help but stop in a and purchase a drink, pack of gum,  anything...feeling like maybe I will make a difference.  What a great feeling "making a difference" Im sure many of us wish we had the extra money to make big contributions, feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, but doing little things make me feel just as wonderful.  I have for years been trying to do more in the community, at schools, wherever I can see the need.  Im not solving the worlds problems, but I feel fantastic and there is nothing else like it.  It seems like everyday we are presented with situations to make that difference. Im telling you grab hold, do what you can and reap that great feeling that comes, it'll make your day. 

Hope you all had a great day wherever your life took you.

Scrappin

While cleaning my crafting area I always end up with tools, stickers, papers, etc.. that just didnt work the way I wanted, are outdated, or just extras.  I pass along all these useable materials to friends, school, church, whomever can utilize them.  Then I have a good sized box where tools end up, older die cut systems, cutters, punches, etc..  After cleaning & packing away a few more items today I looked over and smiled at my one true, favorite scrap tool... my Scotch Adhesive Transfer Gun (ATG).





I've been teased at many crops and classes about my favorite tool, its a little larger than most adhesive devices.  I can proudly say I probably have sold a dozen just by letting someone try it.  For many years I have sold pre-made layouts and kits on Ebay, Etsy, and crops. I struggled at first finding a strong affordable scrap safe adhesive, then on a discussion board someone wrote about this wonderful tool.  I did a search and ordered it immediately.  This is my one tool I have no regrets about and I take everywhere.  As you may tell I am very attatched to Big Red.  This specific model, 714 applies only the 1/4" size adhesive, the acid free rolls are called ATG Gold.  I know you may look at this monster and think you couldnt handle it, but it is simple.  As with all adhesive devices it takes a little use to figure out the right pressure and angle, but you will not be dissappointed. 


So, dont be sad when stacking up those extra outdated supplies.  Look over at that ole favorite item that makes crafting fun... give a little smile... and remember all the good times.  ( its ok, no one is really gonna know)

Precious Time

I believe Time is the most precious gift we can give.  My life is crazy busy, which I will explain in another blog, but I have vowed to give of my time as much as possible.  Im lucky to have the opportunity to stay at home so I figure in a way I am paying it forward.
 Five years ago I moved an hour  away from my parents.  This was not easy for me since I was the one who would take them to doctor appointments and basically be there to do whatever they needed. I didnt mind then and still dont, even though the drive is much longer.  My family moved here to Michigan from Iowa in the 70's so we have no other family around.  The sad part is most my parents friends were from Iowa as well, but after retiring they moved back so my parents are pretty much alone. 

Over the last year my parents health has declined horribly.  Dad has an inoperable aneuresym and kidneys that arent working the best.  Mom has blood pressure, heart, etc.... Yesterday mom called me to let me know her sister is in the hospital with a bowel obstruction in alot of pain.  I know it pains her to be so far away and not in any condition to travel there for a visit.  A few years ago her older sister never came out of the hospital and mom just made it to her funeral.  We all have to live with decisions we make and should realize we always dont make the right ones. 

I think God had a hand the other day in guiding me to cancel our plans so I can spend some time with my parents.  Im making up a nice meal to take over tomorrow for lunch while the girls & I visit.  I thought  I would share with you the recipes for the meal I will be sharing with my parents tomorrow, even though it is pretty basic.

Hope you can share some time with someone no matter if it is five minute phone call or a nice lunch. 

Slow Cooked Pork Loin

Whole pork loin
Salt
Pepper
Garlic powder
Olive Oil
100% Grape Juice
1 large onion
1 large apple
Slice apple & onion into large pieces place in slow cooker turned on high. Wash and dry pork loin.  Season loin with salt, pepper, and garlic.  Heat olive oil in large skillet and brown loin on all sides.  Place browned loin in slow cooker.  Heat grape juice in skillet and scrap all the brown yummy bits off.  Pour grape juice over loin and cook on high 4-5 hours or low for 8.  Loin is ready when it falls apart to the touch.  This is great by itself or with your favorite BBQ sauce.

Zuchini Casserole

1 large onion sliced
4 zuchini / summer squash sliced
1 can cream of mushroon soup
1 6 oz pkg stuffing mix
1/2 stick of butter melted

Place onion & zuchini in salted water and bring to boil for 5 minutes.  Place stuffing mix in bottom of
2 qt casserole dish and mix with butter.  Drain zuchini & onions, pour over the stuffing mix.  Pour can of cream of mushroom over and mix gently.  Bake 375 deg til bubbly.  I like to add a little shredded cheese and the kids have no problem eating their veggies.
  
Peach Cream Pie

1 pkg 3oz Vanilla Pudding
1/3 c brown sugar
1 c milk
1 c sour cream
1 baked pie crust
6 peaches

Beat all ingredients on low for 2 minutes.  Add layers of pudding with peach slices. 
Refrigerate 2 hours. 

VBS Safari Crafts

Our lives have been so crazy busy lately my mind is trying to stop spinning.  We decided last night to reschedule our camping trip for next week so we can just be home for a week and re-coop a wee bit.  Im excited to have time to expand my blogging a little and get our house back in order.

Today I am neck deep in preparing the crafts for Vacation Bible School.  In the last few days I  have completed our life size zebra sign, a 4ft  tall paper mache giraffe head, and painting 200 toilet paper tubes for binoculars. 

My dilemna this year has been coming up with a more difficult craft for the older children. Since our schools have little to no art instruction got me thinking back to my elementary days.  I had fabulous art teachers that I will never forget.  I remembered having so much fun making some basic marionettes, so I searched the internet and developed my plan, a giraffe marionette.  I had my doubts I could whip it together with basic materials but I did it.  My kids tested it out and say it is the coolest thing ever, so I know its just perfect.  I will post a pic of the finished one in a few days, but here is a pic of my dining table covered in cardboard giraffe heads.

The children are seperated into animal groups so I am trying to create African looking masks for each group. Here are some samples Ive come up with so far zebras, leopards, and lions.

I have been stressed lately, struggling this year creating projects.  I had to step back relax and just let inspiration come to me when it could, and I think it did a pretty good job.

Hope you feel inspired and have time to let the creativity flow.

See you soon.

Fun with the Kiddos

I have been so excited the last few days to see my 12 yr old scrapbooking.  She went downstairs one day and set up a table and all her supplies by herself.  She has been working in our hot basement (no ac in that area ).  She came up yesterday saying "Mom come look at all the cool pages Ive made."  I bee lined it right down to check it all out.  I am so proud to pass along creativity to the girls in any way and there are many different ways this happens.

I have found out by volunteering at school, teaching VBS crafts, and having kids come over that teaching creativity / crafting skills doesnt happen everywhere.  I am currently working and struggling on developing a week of VBS crafts, but I know it is worth every minute of my time to bring the kids something fun.  When I have all the crafts developed I will post some pics and hopefully inspire some others.

Last week, in my quest to bring fun to our family reunion I brought supplies to make...well something entertaining and a little messy.  Last year my second grader made "gak" or "slime" whatever you call it.  She loved it !  She begged to make it over and over again.  I knew that this would be an activity to remember.  So I am sharing with you my recipe for this lovely substance.

SLIME / GAK

1/2 CUP WHITE GLUE
1/2 CUP WATER

Mix glue and water in one container.

1 CUP WATER
1 T BORAX

Mix Borax and water in seperate container.

Use a zipper style bag and add 1/2 cup borax mixture.  Add a couple drops of food color at to the borax mixture or it will be white.  Now add 1/2 cup of glue mixture and watch the change.  Zip the bag shut and have the kids work the mixture til the water is fully mixed in.  Most directions say to drain the excess water, but we found out that the kids who worked it more turned the whole bag into slime that had a better consistency than the drained ones.

One parent said they made it with starch, but it would not wash out of clothing.  I can tell you I cleaned a white shirt covered in it with warm water and dish soap and it is still white.

HAVE A FUNTASTIC CREATIVE CRAFTY DAY !

A very Green Harvest

We had a fantastic time at our family reunion, then we get home and have 3 days to re-coop and hit the road again. UGH !  This time of the year we are jamming every minute with as much fun as possible before school starts and the crops are ready for harvest. 

I have to take care of my own little harvest before we depart for a few more days on the lake.  I came home to find zuchini, green beans, and cucumbers going nuts in my little garden.  I spent hours picking all the green beauties and thought it would never ever end.  My oldest came out to help, surprisingly staying the whole time and having fun as well.  While headed down my little rows of beans I had flashbacks of being just a wee one and picking what seemed to be endless rows of beans for my dad.  We would wait til dark, for the cooler temps, and sit out on the porch snapping beans all nite.  Then next day we would can and can and can.... Unfortunately I just dont have the time or patience to can this week, Im opting for freezing this time.

My cucumbers on the other hand are, for the first year, out of control !  I have never had so many and I was worried after a wood chuck ate half a row.  He must have known that I really didnt need them.  Since many grew too large for pickles I will be taking the delicious cukes with me for snacking.  I had just a few that were a good size to pickle so I decided to try a pre-packaged pickling mix.  I know this doesnt sound very "farmers wife" of me, but sometimes decisions just have to be made.  I have used "Mrs. Wages" brand mixes before and they come highly recommended by me and many others.  The girls and I just broke into a jar and they are scrumptious ( even according to my picky eaters ).

As I savor the aroma of zuchini bread baking away, I encourage you all to get some healthy delicious fresh veggies to cook, can, freeze, and enjoy. 

Have a wonderful day with whatever you decide to do with it !

Off Making Memories

My family is enjoying some fun times for the rest of the week at our annual Christmas in July Family Reunion.  WOW, what a fun time.  It is the first time for my husband and I to try out a pontoon he purchased a couple weeks ago (nothing new or fancy but just perfect ).  This boat has made opportunities for our girls to experience new adventures and I think they are loving every minute of it.  We are having a fantastic time so far and since our internet connection is a little slow Im gonna try to keep you up to date as much as possible with a few pics.  Whether your pics are of the kids eating popsicles in your back yard or from a family vacation they are all to be treasured.

Hope you have a wonderful day !

Enjoy every memory made and take a picutre for me.

Mini Pocket Book

  A few years ago my husband fell through the roof of a barn, 18ft onto cement.  We live in a rural area so he was air lifted to the closest trauma center an hour drive.  I was extraordinarily calm as I drove, praying every second and holding on to faith.  He had a concussion and was in and out of it every minute, in a panic every time he woke up.  I continually answered a barage of the same questions over and over. "how, why, where"  I realized quickly he had lost a few years and I grabbed my purse for some pictures of our kids.  In a few hours he was able to keep it all straight.  We experienced a miracle that day, my husband had no internal injuries from the fall, amazing according to the Docs. 

Well, since purses with built in wallets came out I have not looked back.  The downside to this has been that I dont tend to carry pictures with me anymore.  So here is an easy & cute mini book a friend had in her purse to carry her kiddos pics,  I just had to whip one up. 

1. Score 12x12 double sided pattern paper every 3 inches. 

2. Score this 12x12 at 6 inches on the opposite side.

3. Fold in 12x12 in half on 6" score line.

4. Accordian fold this now along the 3" score lines.

5. Use cutters or punches the cut out the top edges of the middle 2 pockets.

6. Fold corners of outer pockets.

7. Secure edge of outer pockets w/ adhesive (glue dot or thin strip).

8. Make tags from cardstock approx. 2.75" x 5.5" add ribbons to tops.

9. Decorate as desired (stickers, rub ons, ink edges)

10. Cut & cover chipboard 2.75" x 5.75 for back cover.

11. Adhere ribbon tie under rear chipboard cover w/ strong adhesive.

* I made a second chipboard cover for the front but it is not really necessary *

I see this being a nice gift for a grandma or a new mom. 

Have a great day, hope to see you soon.

Memories

Have you ever wondered which side of your family you look like ?  My children love to look at photos and say "I have that nose...and those eyes"  It is so much fun seeing them be silly.  My parents did not take many photographs or have many in  their stash.  Then while trying to organize the photos in their collection I'd ask the identity of people and to my surprise they gave different answers.  I realized real fast how important it is to document our lives for the generations to come. 

Scrapbooking is my biggest passion, an addiction of 11 years so far.  I went through my camera crazy days taking what seemed like a million pictures a month, but I have grown since then.  I have also outgrown the days of printing every picture and making every layout a work of art.  I dont see myself ever being a digital scrapbooker, I love to feel paper, textures, and play with my hands too much.

There are so many tools on the market, most of which are located in my cupboards. Shh dont tell the hubby.   Remember, you only need the basics to begin and the important part is to document dates and names. 

Today Im sharing with you a layout I made with my cousin, who crops with me every Thanksgiving.  She will tell you I did it all, but without her input it never would have happened.   The whole project started when showed her a "peek a boo" mouse I paper pieced, the rest just fell together.   As with most layouts,  I look at this one now and would like to make changes, but Im still learning to outgrow some compulsions. 

Hope you enjoy !

WELCOME

Good morning. Unfortunatly my plans for posting an awesome craft & beautiful photos today have to be put on hold. We have some fantastic group of friends that help on the farm after working their full time jobs. They are all cousins, their mothers sisters from a very large family. The patriarch of this family passed away a week before his 95 birthday. Although we can say he has lived a long life full of love and the Lord, it is always difficult to lose someone. I am so thankful to this grandfather for helping mold these wonderful men in our lives. I know he had a part in making them hard working, respectful, caring, and comical. As I go to pay my respects and support my friends I decided to simply post one of my recipes the boys just love. Hope you have a wonderful blessed day.

STRAWBERRY JELLO CHEESECAKE

CRUST
1 1/2 cups crushed pretzels
4 T sugar
1 stick melted butter
Mix pretzels & sugar in a 9x13 pan, stir in melted butter and press firmly. Bake 350 for 10 minutes and cook completely.

1 8oz pkg cream cheese softened
1 cup sugar
1 8oz container cool whip
1 6oz pkg strawberry jello
2 cups boiling water
16 oz frozen strawberries

Beat sugar into softened cream cheese til combined. Mix cool whip into cream cheese mixture. Spread evenly on cooled pretzel crust. Refrigerate at least 1 hour.

Dissolve jello in boiling water. Stir in frozen berries. When berries thaw pour jello over cream cheese layer and refrigerate til set.