tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54318594433576692052011-11-27T19:25:01.299-05:00Free crafting information, tutorials, patterns and designsConnienoreply@blogger.comBlogger371100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5431859443357669205.post-48479205604169719142011-03-29T19:55:00.000-04:002011-03-29T19:55:23.157-04:00

Do you have a mess of bike helmets laying around like we do?  I came up with this extremely simple, cheap and effective project to solve the bike helmet issue.  I am sure that this project can also be adapted to work for other organization problems you may have. Materials needed: 1 dinner fork 1 inch wide webbing (~4-5 helmets/yard of webbing) 2-inch book rings

Connienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5431859443357669205.post-58004807689530247532011-03-16T21:41:00.000-04:002011-03-16T21:41:39.146-04:00

These bean bags are so easy a kid can make them!  All you need is old stockings or knee highs, kid socks or old tights, dried beans (not split peas or lentils, the edges are too sharp), a funnel and a pair of scissors.  Just combine everything and your done.  My 6 yr old daughter shows you how to make one in the following video.  Enjoy!

Connienoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5431859443357669205.post-37186373835800306952011-03-02T09:07:00.001-05:002011-03-02T09:07:43.279-05:00

March is officially considered National Craft Month.  There are some sites celebrating National Craft Month with giveaways and contests.  Here is a link to one of the more popular sites for you to visit, Craft Gossip.

Connienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5431859443357669205.post-10196719162980854962011-02-23T10:11:00.002-05:002011-03-08T20:12:34.822-05:00

Looking for a free Leapster Explorer Game, Alphabet Stew?  If you want your child to learn how to spell and you want them to learn for free then you have found one!!! They sell this Leapster code on ebay.  Don't fall in the trap and purchase it, it is offered by Leapfrog for free.  Here it is for you and your child to have fun with! Bonus Code: 5813 0790 4610 4973 To enter the code, go into

Connienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5431859443357669205.post-18973264661053215662011-02-21T22:43:00.000-05:002011-02-21T22:43:18.677-05:00

Elmo cupcakes are both easy and fun to make.  You need the following tips, a grass tip, 2 large circle tips, and a medium circle tip.  You'll need 4 colors 'no taste' red, black, orange and white.  1.  Fit the grass tip with the red icing.  Coat all cupcakes with red icing.  2.  Fit the large circle tip with the white icing. Pipe two large ovals (close to each other) at the top of each cupcake

Connienoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5431859443357669205.post-62994678768021897452011-02-21T22:26:00.000-05:002011-02-21T22:26:03.447-05:00

This Sunday was my baby's 2nd birthday.  I made her Elmo cupcakes and a Abby Cadabby birthday cake for her Sesame Street birthday party.  Most importantly, she recognized them both and had a blast at her party.  Here are some picutres of the cake...     My 6 year old Daughter Megan helping me put the finishing touches on the Abby Cake 

Connienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5431859443357669205.post-78813742076575888232011-02-13T16:56:00.001-05:002011-02-13T16:59:02.638-05:00

My 10 year old daughter Emily created a crochet stitch that she calls the "bubble stitch".  It's quick and easy and she uses it for scarves, purse straps, hair ties, bracelets, anklets, things like that.  Here is a video of how to do the bubble stitch.  In this video she used a J hook and chunky #5 yarn.

Connienoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5431859443357669205.post-58060646822242581182011-02-07T15:43:00.002-05:002011-02-07T16:00:39.992-05:00

I wanted to create a simple stained glass pattern with basic cuts.  Here what I consider a tree with grasses on the bottom (I've shown a colored thumbnail for reference).  This is meant to be created with copper foil.  Play with the colors and have some fun.  Please send me some pictures if you make it, I'd love to see your work! Please Print and shrink or enlarge to whatever size meets your

Connienoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5431859443357669205.post-35278094037439846492011-02-07T13:05:00.000-05:002011-02-07T13:05:44.741-05:00

Looks like it has been almost a year since I have last posted in my blogs.  Our family had a tragedy and I put many things on the back burner.  One of those would be my blogs another would be my crafts.  I am going to try and come back now.  I'm saying Hi again and I hope you'll start reading my posts as I put them up. If you or anyone you know has any interest in beer, there is a new blog on

Connienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5431859443357669205.post-36226654281218309712010-03-17T09:36:00.004-04:002010-03-17T09:37:48.440-04:00

Here is new look #2 and my last revision for a little while.  Whatcha think?  Later on I'll publish a post explaining how to customize your blog any way you wish! Enjoy!

Connienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5431859443357669205.post-58680397087091029812010-03-17T09:36:00.003-04:002010-03-17T09:36:55.565-04:00

I hope you're wearing green!

Connienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5431859443357669205.post-28963838926917150232010-03-14T22:35:00.000-04:002010-03-14T22:35:45.839-04:00

What do you think of the new blog design?  I was bored with the old look and wanted more.  I found a tutorial at The Cutest Blog on the Block explaining how to make your own blog backgrounds!  Check it out and update your blog!

Connienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5431859443357669205.post-40684106162485796322010-03-12T12:08:00.002-05:002010-03-12T15:32:42.523-05:00

I love to visit other crafting websites to find new ideas.  Here are a few of my favorites... Martha Stewart's site has everything.  They also have a newsletter for the craft of the day. http://www.marthastewart.com/crafts Craft Gossip is a site that will email you a list of highlighted projects for the day.  These emails give a glimpse into lots of blogs with ideas, and/or tutorials. This is

Connienoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5431859443357669205.post-35010684311981415692010-03-03T14:56:00.001-05:002010-03-03T15:12:33.765-05:00

I've created another spring stained glass pattern just for your use.  This is a lovely pattern of a daisy in the sky.  Try it in different types glass, opaque and transparent. Download File

Connienoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5431859443357669205.post-67329024861845076962010-03-02T13:56:00.004-05:002010-03-03T15:13:47.342-05:00

Enjoy this free (12x12) digiscrap paper! Download file

Connienoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5431859443357669205.post-513286189777596422010-02-27T20:31:00.001-05:002010-02-27T21:15:38.617-05:00

Save your wallet and be environmentally friendly at the same time.?  Do you have an empty or almost empty foam soap pump?  Did you know that you can refill all of them, even the dishwash soap that states it can't be refilled?  To refill these pumps, you need only three things... Empty foam pump Liquid soap  (hand, dish, or shampoo) Water I always buy bargain size soap bottles for my refill. 

Connienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5431859443357669205.post-34996126085931256992010-02-24T18:50:00.000-05:002010-02-24T18:50:35.491-05:00

I've decided to separate my topics on gardening and crafts.  Therefore, I have set up a new blog called Playing with Plants that will have postings on fun garden projects both indoors and outdoors.  Please hop on over and check out my new Playing with Plants blog.  My current gardening posts about my hydroponic garden will continue at Playing With Plants. Enjoy!

Connienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5431859443357669205.post-39831216492510959032010-02-24T14:55:00.000-05:002010-02-24T14:55:11.673-05:00

Interested in stained glass art? Here is a basic tulip pattern created for the beginner. Choose any glass that you wish to create this design. For the beginner, I suggest using copper foil and little to no texture on the glass. No texture glass cuts easier than that with texture. Enjoy!

Connienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5431859443357669205.post-31283249994585624972010-02-23T17:06:00.000-05:002010-02-23T17:06:04.336-05:00

It looks as though my concerns about how Rosemary will fare in hydro gardening are wrong. In a matter of 2 days, the rosemary is growing new roots. It is wonderful to see how well these plants are growing.

Connienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5431859443357669205.post-77333854735933454562010-02-22T10:53:00.000-05:002010-02-22T10:53:24.452-05:00

A few weeks ago, I placed 3 different herb cuttings in a glass of water in hopes that they would root. Of the three cuttings.  Two of these herbs (oregano, rosemary) are now ready for planting.  The third (sage) still needs some soaking time in order to develop roots.  I followed the directions given by the hydroponic manufacturer.  Each cutting has been planted in soaked rockwell cubes and

Connienoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5431859443357669205.post-9953169208558331512010-02-17T17:49:00.000-05:002010-02-17T17:49:00.297-05:00

I was looking for American Girl doll clothes and accessories for crochet.  I happened across the cobblerscabin blog and found just what I wanted.  Check out the cobblerscabin blog to find many patterns both free and for purchase! Now for the hat....  I used the red heart basic yarn to make the hat.  After checking gauge I needed to use a smaller hook than specified.  Make sure to check, the hat

Connienoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5431859443357669205.post-38976294267980803282010-02-06T22:28:00.000-05:002010-02-06T22:28:00.990-05:00

I cannot fail to post pictures showing the infamous snowstorm here at home.  We totaled an official 29inches, some areas nearby got nearly 30+ inches!  The scary thing is that we are expecting more snow this coming week, hopefully it won't be much of anything.  It is one of the most beautiful snowstorms I have seen. 

Connienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5431859443357669205.post-31838971193835370342010-02-06T22:15:00.001-05:002010-02-06T22:15:42.485-05:00

My husband has finally cleared out the soon to be craft room.  The following pictures show the shape that the room is now in.  It needs loads of work!

Connienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5431859443357669205.post-84042360377895879662010-02-02T14:54:00.000-05:002010-02-02T14:54:57.765-05:00

I decided to try something new, indoor hydroponic gardening.  My goal is to have fresh herbs available year round.  After some research, I decided to use a $25 kitchen garden kit from http://www.plantechnics.com/products/products.html .  It comes with a detailed instruction book and the set up is pretty straight forward.  I have used the basil seeds that are included in the kit for my first

Connienoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5431859443357669205.post-23163744699310498312010-01-22T11:01:00.001-05:002010-01-22T11:03:13.829-05:00

Do you like room sprays?  Aromatherapy is a wonderful thing.  By using essential oils you can relax your body, wake up your mind and much more.  Making a room spray is very simple and easy to personalize. You only need 3 items. A quick word on essential oils.  You can find these on many sites online, and also in the craft store most often located in the candle/soap making section.  I chose to

Connienoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5431859443357669205.post-88939351760492684482010-01-21T15:24:00.000-05:002010-01-21T15:24:32.461-05:00

Reading through different blogs I came across one in support of our troops overseas.  They ask people to make pillowcases by hand and once there are enough collected to deliver to a troop, they are shipped overseas. If you are interested in making some pillowcases, go to this link for more information.  In a week or so, I'll be posting pictures of pillowcases that my children and I have made.

Connienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5431859443357669205.post-61596830896912915842010-01-19T14:37:00.000-05:002010-01-19T14:37:52.056-05:00

Schools are closed until Thursday so my kids get a free 5-day weekend.  I am praying that Thursday comes soon, the kids are wild!!  Sunday we spent 2.5 hours in Ikea, we don't get there often and we had fun with it, bought lots of stuff.  Today, I am getting all of the Ikea stuff put together and where it belongs.  We got the kids some circle carpets for their room and they loved them, actually

Connienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5431859443357669205.post-66742026458040000062010-01-15T08:55:00.000-05:002010-01-15T08:55:11.388-05:00

I made a commitment today.  I am going to lose weight, I am going to drop 10lbs by Feb. 20th.  I'm using Calorie Count and not a paid weight loss program.  This will be particularly hard since tonight is pizza night!!   I figure if I tell the world, then I have to stick with it!

Connienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5431859443357669205.post-10348763898096229922010-01-13T12:12:00.003-05:002010-01-13T12:20:29.198-05:00

I took some pics of my soon to be craft room. Brace yourselves, this is quite scary! Anyone wanna come fix it up for me? I have this awful feeling that the redo will not happen overnight. E-bay here I come!WISH ME LUCK!

Connienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5431859443357669205.post-69424248591586376112010-01-12T09:13:00.005-05:002010-01-12T09:27:59.855-05:00

I decided to reformat my blog for the new year. I have some small changes for this coming year. First, I want to lose weight. My thinking is to start exercising and decrease my portion sizes. I also want to attempt to include the Mayo clinics 10 super foodsinto my family's diet. This won't be easy as my kids and husband won't eat much of anything even remotely healthy. They'll just have to

Connienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5431859443357669205.post-14411373266605989122009-07-13T19:51:00.002-04:002009-07-13T20:15:27.780-04:00

We've been in sunny and stormy Florida for the past week and a half on a lovely vacation. I found a new trick that worked really well. I took my hanging flower pots and put them into a baby pool filled with water. When we returned from our vacation, the flowers in the pool looked wonderful! The flowers that were not in the pool weren't so lucky. :( I have a lot of projects planned for the

Connienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5431859443357669205.post-31505465218127617012009-06-26T23:25:00.007-04:002009-06-27T00:01:48.752-04:00

I decided to make myself a ring sling and matching diaper bag. I think they came out pretty good. I used information that I got from Jan Andrea's site, as well as a few others, to come up with the sling that I made. I went to makebabystuff.com and found a great tutorial for a diaper bag, that I could customize for myself.Here are some pictures of my sling and my diaper bag (made from duvet

Connienoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5431859443357669205.post-60550847342571608392009-06-23T20:23:00.006-04:002009-06-23T21:23:30.694-04:00

Today we visited the UTZ factory and had a picnic afterwards. It was a fun relaxing day. I think the girls really enjoyed it all. There is nothing more refreshing then doing something so simple like going to a park and seeing your kids run around with huge smiles on their faces!I have tried that t-shirt dress with no avail. Its too embarrassing for a picture. So, I started thinking about

Connienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5431859443357669205.post-79713361030207114052009-06-20T21:32:00.002-04:002009-06-20T21:38:01.972-04:00

Tomorrow morning is Fathers day, and we have to do something very special for our Dad's. My sister was very creative and her children made a miniature (3 square) quilt with their drawings on it. My kids haven't made anything. Its now 9:30 and I don't even have a card yet. I probably should get off the computer and get the kiddos to make Daddy something really quickly. There really isn't much

Connienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5431859443357669205.post-40605330385208941672009-06-15T10:07:00.002-04:002009-06-15T10:15:14.021-04:00

We had a really nice weekend. I went to my cousins wedding shower and it was really nice. On Sunday we were able to go shopping and bought Sammy her first swing. It's so cute, she loves swinging! Tomorrow is Emily's last day of school and soon summer will officially be here. I am looking forward to having lots of fun this year!I am interested in finding ways to upcycle old t-shirts. In an

Connienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5431859443357669205.post-45164086852942444842009-06-10T09:46:00.007-04:002009-06-10T15:59:21.267-04:00

We had some pretty wicked storms yesterday afternoon and Megan was pretty scared. Now she doesn't want to go outside at all. Poor thing, I thought that if we did a little craft together that was to play with outdoors that it just might help her a bit. So, now that she is out of her bath, my bathroom floor is soaked, and she is wearing Emily's dress. We will eat some breakfast and start

Connienoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5431859443357669205.post-31984076606088686972009-06-08T17:00:00.006-04:002009-06-08T17:50:12.807-04:00

Have you ever had that t-shirt that you didn't want to get rid of because it was just to special to you? I have, bags full of them!! I had one little t-shirt of my daughters, a little frog shirt. She loved it and was so adorable in it. She then committed the crime of all crimes, and grew. :( Why do they do that! Anyway, now that the shirt is to small I had to do something to hold on to it.

Connienoreply@blogger.com4