tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65982790921821495482024-03-19T10:53:44.265-07:00Craftie AnnieCrafts, food, and fun things I makeAnn Hindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15299824476212373310noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6598279092182149548.post-46408746719567070742023-08-03T15:06:00.001-07:002023-08-03T15:06:53.665-07:00Does anyone read food labels?When trying to eliminate sugar completely, it may come as a complete shock when you discover that the foods you substituted are also polluted. <div><br></div><div>Take mayo for instance...three brands I loved because they are made with avocado oil have distilled vinegar. Have you read the ingredients? Distilled vinegar is made from corn. 90% of the corn produced is genetically modified. Most won't tell you the ingredients but here is a great article that explains.</div><div><br></div><div>https://theorganicdietitian.com/ingredient-spotlight-vinegar/#:~:text=White%20Distilled%20Vinegar%20is%20often,fermented%20into%20white%20distilled%20vinegar.<br></div><div><br></div><div>What else did I learn? </div><div><br></div><div>Vegetable oil, all of them are made from soybean oil. Crisco is too. This is awful. Although I mainly use olive oil, many products I used have vegetable oil in their ingredients. My food choices are slowly being eliminated. </div><div><br></div><div>Salt is another ingredient that I am replacing. Table salt is bad for me. Table salt is processed and the minerals have been removed. In it's place I am substituting Celtic Sea Salt. I don't cook with salt and I don't sprinkle it on my foods but some Paleo recipes won't work without it. </div><div><br></div><div>I am back on Paleo. No more donuts at Tuesday morning Bible study. No more eating out. No more potlucks. It's time to work on making the rest of my life the best it can be. I am 73 years old but I don't have to deal with issues caused by my food choices. Sugar is hurting me and I don't have to let it control my life anymore.</div><div><br></div><div>Today I am making my own mayo. I am making my own ketchup. I am making my own products because I can control what I eat. </div>Ann Hindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15299824476212373310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6598279092182149548.post-8278474014619843572018-09-19T11:29:00.001-07:002018-09-19T11:29:10.586-07:00New obsession in the midst of tidying and movingHand lettering, who knew?<br />
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Sometimes you find something that reaches out and grabs your heart. I found wooden plaques with a song from a hymnal glued to it and then a phrase from the hymn written across it. Simply beautiful! However, they are not in my budget.<br />
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Although we are still in the tidying, packing stage, I know in the new house I want these above the piano. I have wood and I have several hymnals but couldn't quite figure out how to write on the song's page. I tried using Word and Corel but they were unsatisfactory. Certainly not the look I wanted. Then I found hand lettering.<br />
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I will be the first to admit that this is only my 2nd day of playing with this. However, instead of trying to find a font to copy, I think my handwriting is good enough to use. I actually like the look even if it's a little rough. By the time we get moved and I can actually make these for myself, I should be a whole lot better. Still, I am happy to have found this technique. Plug here for Pinterest, what would I do without it? </div>
Ann Hindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15299824476212373310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6598279092182149548.post-44545675920901335292018-08-26T10:36:00.000-07:002018-08-26T10:36:30.822-07:00The life-changing magic or tidying up - ShoesI recently was in a photo for a cousin reunion in Texas. I was the only one not wearing shoes. The reason: I spent 14 days in the car, trying to decide where to live. Traveling around to all the small cities in Texas is really bad if you are older and your feet swell. Still, I don't wear shoes at home if I don't have to. I blame my Texan mother who didn't like shoes either. So when I got to the category of shoes, I knew what would happen.<br />
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We pulled all the shoes from under the bed. We pulled them from the closet. I gathered them from the office. Basically, I only like three pairs of my shoes and one pair of slippers. Therefore, two full garbage bags are leaving the house today. I did find some slippers I like when it's cold but they were dusty and grungy so have now made their way to the washing machine. If they survive, I will keep them. If not, they will find their way to the trash too.<br />
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Since we are planning to move, my clothes and shoes are now manageable. My clothes take up 1/3 of the closet and the shoe rack looks naked. I still have one empty drawer in my dresser. It going to be really easy to pack.<br />
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Where do I go from here...Books<br />
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<br />Ann Hindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15299824476212373310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6598279092182149548.post-91045624666607980002018-07-26T16:30:00.000-07:002018-07-26T16:30:16.384-07:00Continuing on with Konmari and PaleoSeven trash bags of clothing donated to our favorite thrift store. Ended with one bag of socks which are folded and put away. Amazing how much I don't miss the clothes that are gone except for one dress. I should have kept it (although I don't like it) because I had to go to a funeral. Instead I wore the one pair of dress pants I kept and a nice top. Still, the pants are too big (Paleo, 40 pounds down) so I may throw them away and go get something to fit.<br />
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We will be making a trip to Texas in a week or so to decide where we want to live. This is going to be fun and we are looking forward to this new adventure. I look at my closet and my dresser and realize I don't have that many clothes to pack. I have one empty drawer. I use a quarter of what I had in the closet. I don't have to search for anything because it is all in its own place. Feels good!<br />
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When we get back, I will start on the books. We are a book family. My mother was a librarian and I have all the books she had plus my own. Some of them are very old and first additions or signed, so I am going to see if they can be sold. Some have no value at all and some are important to me. I almost think that sorting pictures will be easier than books. Again, my mother did the genealogy so I have tons of old family pictures. When I can pull up pictures of my great grandmother, you know how many pictures I have. The old photos will not be thrown away. Although they are scanned, I worry about losing the photos on my computer. I also have them backed up but that doesn't stop the worry. Older photos that are scanned do not pixel out so they are clearer than the digital photos of today.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjKXpCyj5FvabHFYv1-K721xwXRFd2k3H8M1nf9ghql4BMlbRjdwlqpd3mXth8JgyFF2dqWiz_6sxjGUQwmvRnkpNEDjF7eZiHqhPAUIV06QCMprthgYnawlnhJtUsz4ZRpYnN52CkgTDs/s1600/Martha+Jane+McCollum+Rhea+Sneedville+Tennessee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjKXpCyj5FvabHFYv1-K721xwXRFd2k3H8M1nf9ghql4BMlbRjdwlqpd3mXth8JgyFF2dqWiz_6sxjGUQwmvRnkpNEDjF7eZiHqhPAUIV06QCMprthgYnawlnhJtUsz4ZRpYnN52CkgTDs/s320/Martha+Jane+McCollum+Rhea+Sneedville+Tennessee.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
My great grandmother, Martha Jane McColloam. Photo taken in 1918 in Tennessee. Very clean and clear picture. I guess each of us has something that is important to us. I'm quite sure that my photo collection will not be important to anyone else so they can throw them away when I'm gone. 😊<br />
Ann Hindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15299824476212373310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6598279092182149548.post-34646091675121485912018-07-07T13:21:00.000-07:002018-07-07T13:21:04.123-07:00Changing this up a bit - Paleo Diet and the KonMari tidying methodI have let all my blogs lapse. Don't know why, maybe life got in the way but I am doing some new things that I want to write about. <div>
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Started Paleo in May. It's July, I am down 30 pounds. Unfortunately, the inherited gout gene kicked in so I have also been fighting with it since May. More about that later. In the meantime, we are moving. </div>
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Why in the world would we, who are not youngsters, pack up and move to another state? Without political bias, I will simply say that California is not my home anymore. Still, we are excited because we will be able to buy the house of our dreams in Texas on a lake with waterfront property. Or, we can choose several acres of forest. Either way, since we are older, it seems like a way to live out the rest of our lives in a place of our choosing. I did find a colonial mansion that I really like because it is beautiful but it might be a bit too big for us. The possibilities are endless. We have not decided where we want to go yet so we are making a trip to Texas to scope out the areas. </div>
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The problem seems to be the amount of stuff we have accumulated in the last 30 some years. It seems overwhelming. Then I found this little book called, <u>the life-changing magic of tidying up</u>, by Marie Kondo. It's the KonMari method of conquering clutter. Like every has said about it, it is a bit different in thinking that the Western way but I am quite captivated by it. </div>
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I read the book from cover to cover to understand the concept and started yesterday. . Fairly simple and straight forward. If it doesn't give you joy, you don't keep it. She says to start with clothes. They are the easiest thing to work with. We have over 1000 books so that is going to be more difficult. </div>
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My drawers are empty. My closet is almost empty and I have already sorted and saved the tops I want to keep. The discarded tops took up 2 garbage bags. They will be donated. I haven't done anything with the clothes in the hamper but that can be done later. The KonMari method also suggest a way to fold all the clothes. Just an FYI, it you are a plus size (hence the Paleo Diet), tops won't fold small enough to fit in the drawers. While I could fold some of the the ones with thinner fabrics, I hung them all so they are in one place and color coordinated. Can't wait to get to the socks. I have two large bags full of mismatched socks. Bet I can get them down to a usable amount. Pretty excited about getting them folded and put away. Kinda interesting that I am excited about socks. </div>
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This method of removing cluttering serves several purposes. We are listing our home in March of 2019. We need it to show as well as it can. I don't want to move with boxes and boxes of stuff we don't need or can't use. Once we get a handle on the stuff, we can clear our minds of that worry and deal with all the other things we need to do for a successful move. </div>
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Ann Hindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15299824476212373310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6598279092182149548.post-46222579786878222972015-04-24T10:44:00.000-07:002015-04-24T10:44:00.728-07:00X is for XrayOk, this is really a stretch but what can you do with an Xray. Fortunately, we have a couple that lend themselves to a crafty use.<br />
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On May 1, 2014, my child broke his leg warming up for a league game. It was a long recovery as he was sidelined for about 5 months. Some physical therapy was required but he was back playing in October.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg13HdiLaI65PwWFTnmBHHpfzMiXrRgbJV_Y2QpZoUMAHoWYKKHeaOzJI3uHQAHtcuYUss1L_VmYDgjrUZX70NQoxJe-4V4WTkzKLcBepQ2QKcNA2fZN-bkDWBwpZSKrGvbDRWWaHKKEOPA/s1600/Niles+Dowland-Hinds,+Nuevo+Baseball,+October+2014,+California.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg13HdiLaI65PwWFTnmBHHpfzMiXrRgbJV_Y2QpZoUMAHoWYKKHeaOzJI3uHQAHtcuYUss1L_VmYDgjrUZX70NQoxJe-4V4WTkzKLcBepQ2QKcNA2fZN-bkDWBwpZSKrGvbDRWWaHKKEOPA/s1600/Niles+Dowland-Hinds,+Nuevo+Baseball,+October+2014,+California.jpg" height="640" width="540" /></a></div>
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Back on the mound, pitching. </div>
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We laugh at some idioms but in this case the phrase "tough break" comes to mind. For him, it is a play on words but we now use it when he complains about something. It really means that it is a bit of bad luck. </div>
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I have the Xrays from the first set the doctor took after it was set. They decided not to do surgery to see if the chip would mold itself back to the bone. </div>
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So, next Christmas, the boy will be getting a piece of new wall art. Since this is make ahead, I can't show it on the wall but can share the picture. He never reads my stuff so I know it's safe to post. This will be a subtle (or maybe not so subtle) reminder to play it safe and not complain about the small stuff. </div>
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Ann Hindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15299824476212373310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6598279092182149548.post-66885365694117820182015-04-19T21:42:00.000-07:002015-04-19T21:42:00.459-07:00S is for Shrinky DinksI needed two gifts for Christmas in a hurry and I was looking for ideas. While I was rumaging through my craft stash, I found the Shrinky Dink paper that I had put away. Terrific idea I thought. So I found letters online and cut them out. I colored pretty flowers on the corners and took them into the kitchen. I pulled out the toaster over and turned it on. After it had warmed up, I put my pretty letters in and watched as they curled into tiny balls that would not straighten out.<br />
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Rats! I was running out of time. I decided that I would do 3x5 rectangles to see how they would do. I found two saying for the teen girls and copied them onto the paper. Rushing back to the kitchen, I preheated the toaster oven again and started the process. This was a little better. One did not quite straighten out but it was good enough for a gift. The other one was a lot better.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdmdvh7EVs6Fd14yOpUBU2VmbDoiqOAIVhyphenhypheno1cMet6Ge2yDLa4WT3TaaLvM-svUVPdf-9TVtXQijP-FtYWPj9BjA1Y4YBKcbyDMyau0lCEsOgdu24ups1a5Xs172yAs2e7UNlKrPE9g8k9/s1600/Dec+24,+2014+shrinky+dinks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdmdvh7EVs6Fd14yOpUBU2VmbDoiqOAIVhyphenhypheno1cMet6Ge2yDLa4WT3TaaLvM-svUVPdf-9TVtXQijP-FtYWPj9BjA1Y4YBKcbyDMyau0lCEsOgdu24ups1a5Xs172yAs2e7UNlKrPE9g8k9/s1600/Dec+24,+2014+shrinky+dinks.jpg" height="320" width="289" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoLPbozS7sl6z9hh9db6tvOYh3C-xf07_BrDzT3mvC0TdNc2xVJcDYYJXrdWTnkPAqe6NF28J35pnXLmfpy-KIgJMOu61-jwF0qgwaXMjP8byd3iedJtq2T0nMd3yHqpbn9yHCe4mxvZgv/s1600/Dec+24,+2014+Shrinky+dink+gift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoLPbozS7sl6z9hh9db6tvOYh3C-xf07_BrDzT3mvC0TdNc2xVJcDYYJXrdWTnkPAqe6NF28J35pnXLmfpy-KIgJMOu61-jwF0qgwaXMjP8byd3iedJtq2T0nMd3yHqpbn9yHCe4mxvZgv/s1600/Dec+24,+2014+Shrinky+dink+gift.jpg" height="320" width="308" /></a></div>
I had punched holes in them and was pleased the key rings actually fit. The girls loved them.<br />
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This is not the first time I have written about this craft. I have a <a href="http://annhinds.hubpages.com/hub/shrinkydinks" target="_blank">Shrinky Dink page</a> where there is a lot more information. I also found out how to use materials in your home to <a href="http://www.virginiasweetpea.com/2011/10/make-your-own-nearly-free-shrinky-dinks.html" target="_blank">make your own shrinky paper</a>. What a surprise, I found it on Pinterest.Ann Hindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15299824476212373310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6598279092182149548.post-75969118411601358742015-04-03T07:43:00.000-07:002015-04-03T07:43:00.416-07:00C is for Clothespin Candle HolderFor Christmas, I was looking for an easy, quick, cheap craft for two of my neighbors.<br />
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This is the picture from the website <a href="http://www.duitang.com/people/mblog/10039680/detail/">Duitang</a> where I first saw this idea (Pinterest, of course). There is writing I don't understand but there are also pictures which makes it so much easier.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcQnDUOnRLHiF_qyGhGGrtcNw4dv4CZglvl2qDJtsXPvN__7S6hYVoAROUcHCt8WIGXfa7JaLWAnmjoRibxZIfkJ0k9Qn7Zu8NSYrZl3PfHWgwEUAvj2492TxuJlgB2ZIWql5lbDyTBt7X/s1600/Clothes+PIn+Candle+Holder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcQnDUOnRLHiF_qyGhGGrtcNw4dv4CZglvl2qDJtsXPvN__7S6hYVoAROUcHCt8WIGXfa7JaLWAnmjoRibxZIfkJ0k9Qn7Zu8NSYrZl3PfHWgwEUAvj2492TxuJlgB2ZIWql5lbDyTBt7X/s1600/Clothes+PIn+Candle+Holder.jpg" height="217" width="320" /></a></div>
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While I was shopping, I bought two cans of tuna. I even got them on sale which was even better. We made sandwiches so I had my first empty can. </div>
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I found clothespins at the dollar store and two candles. The candles are not like the ones in the sample picture. These are the little jars with tops. It took no time to place the clothespin and add the candle. </div>
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The candle holder in the sample photo was not decorated and I thought it looked a little plain. I had some ribbon and flowers left over from my last project so I decided to embellish these. My neighbors and they loved them. </div>
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I'm now out of tuna cans. I can see consuming a lot more tuna in the future. These will make great gifts for other occasions and can be decorated for each celebration. </div>
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<br />Ann Hindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15299824476212373310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6598279092182149548.post-57637735885958899442015-04-02T22:04:00.000-07:002015-04-02T22:04:00.218-07:00B is for Button FlowersI do a lot of crafts with buttons. I have a page devoted to the cross I made for my<br />
Quilt guild secret sister called <a href="http://annhinds.hubpages.com/hub/button-craft" target="_blank">Crafting with Buttons</a>. While I have made most of the items I show there, I haven't made the Button Flower.<br />
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<br />Ann Hindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15299824476212373310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6598279092182149548.post-10002411506248671672015-04-01T21:54:00.000-07:002015-04-01T21:54:00.134-07:00A is for the April ChallengeI almost decided not to do this challenge until I realized if I actually had to make all these things, my Christmas shopping for next year would be a whole lot less. In our family, we try to make everything ourselves so this is a huge step up on our family Christmas gifts for 2015. We all like handcrafted items and appreciate the ones made for us.<br />
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I debated what to do for the letter "A". There are so many choices so I narrowed it down to the one thatAnn Hindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15299824476212373310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6598279092182149548.post-44940211852099711592015-01-04T15:25:00.000-08:002015-01-04T15:25:30.902-08:00Valentine Cards for "In-Be-Tweens"<div style="margin-bottom: 11.25pt;">
The perfect Valentine's Day craft for tweens. </div>
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Valentine's Day for tweens is fraught with uncertainty. They are slightly too old to buy packaged Valentines to give to their classmates and yet, still want to be involved. They are slightly too young to have a real relationship with the opposite sex but find themselves attracted to a few. They do not want to miss out on the holiday but this is an awkward age where there is not much for them. We discovered this card idea on the Martha Stewart website and it not only solves their issues, it allows more creativity. </div>
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The <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/274260/valentines-day-cards/@center/276974/card-making-center#270704">Martha Stewart website</a> has more than 40 homemade Valentine cards. Some, like the one featured here are super simple and there are some really good ones that take a bit more time. We picked this one because our child had a short attention span and this allowed him to create several before he got bored with them and moved on. The fact they can be personalized is a big draw. </div>
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<b>Simple Supplies</b></div>
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This is an easy craft that does not require an expensive trip to the store. Wrapping paper works well for these cards but construction paper works too. To close the envelope, heart stickers are a nice touch but any sticker will do. If you don't have stickers, scotch tape works just as well. You can use colored pencils or markers but even they are not necessary. A pen or pencil also works. The point is that your tween can create them any way they want. After all, it comes from the heart. </div>
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<b>Cut out the heart</b></div>
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This is the easy part. The heart pattern came from a website that is no longer active but just type in heart pattern. You can find any size you desire. We decided to use a piece of pink paper but the possibilities are endless. Trace the pattern and cut out the heart. </div>
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<b>Fold in the sides</b><br />
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There is a learning curve here. The fold should be just to the outer side of the center of the top curve of the heart. Make sure that the sides are parallel. After a few tries, it becomes easier.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuqRdE_MFr-RmDrub-yGW5aAJ61GnEV40_6ntR4NxbsiFYoobTWC2BhWRGDLnyyihH_YZxYaliqEn93KnbC3Ikvr5nHjUr5k_EFbJbLV2ON-wqiOOM_rUKwt5L1SV_1EqpcOYwCbu-sT8L/s1600/100_3770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuqRdE_MFr-RmDrub-yGW5aAJ61GnEV40_6ntR4NxbsiFYoobTWC2BhWRGDLnyyihH_YZxYaliqEn93KnbC3Ikvr5nHjUr5k_EFbJbLV2ON-wqiOOM_rUKwt5L1SV_1EqpcOYwCbu-sT8L/s1600/100_3770.JPG" height="393" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Fold the top down</b><br />
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<span id="goog_1716653164"></span><span id="goog_1716653165"></span>With that done, the tab to close the envelope is the last fold.<br />
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We didn't have stickers so it is not finished. We found a sealing wax kit on Amazon but we decided to use a candle and make our own. Although I didn't photograph it, it's just plain fun. In case you want a sealing kit, the one we liked is below.<br />
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</iframe>Ann Hindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15299824476212373310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6598279092182149548.post-42849008551148766662014-12-22T09:02:00.001-08:002014-12-22T09:02:03.099-08:00Kid's play stove, The beginning AKA Part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sunday, December 14, 2014 is when I discovered this adorable stove on Facebook. My post on that date included <a href="http://de.dawanda.com/product/39188290-Kinderkueche?utm_campaign=de-like_plugin&utm_medium=socialmedia&utm_source=facebook&utm_term=pdp">Dawanda</a> the German website where the stove was posted. It is sort of like Etsy. I knew I couldn't order from them because chair sizes vary so I decided to create my own. </div>
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This is the picture from their site. </div>
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I knew I wanted to make one but was faced with several issues.<br />
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1. I don't have any small children to make it for. I recruited a family with two small girls who could use such a stove. They are two and four years old. First problem solved.<br />
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2. The stove needs to be based on the size of the chair. The mother of the two small girls is in the process of getting me the diminutions.<br />
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3. What is it made of and what do I need to purchase? This seems pretty straight forward. There are three sides, a top, a back splash and the back piece. The back appears to be one long piece that almost reaches the floor. It has a tie to keep it on the chair but the sides do not seem to be attached as in the picture, the right side is longer than the chair back portion.<br />
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I am a competent seamstress. What that means is that I can sew fairly straight seams. Fortunately, this is all that's required. I am also fairly good at applique so I know I can do the burners. What I am finding a little difficult is what materials to use. </div>
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Here's what I have determined so far. Since this is for little girls who are not careful with this kind of stuff, it needs to be durable. </div>
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From the pictures it seems like the white cloth may be bar cloths. They take repeated washing and are pretty sturdy. I will need to go to my local Smart&Final and check out what they have. They are generally good sized so I may luck out and find some I can use without seaming. That depends on the dimensions of the chair. The material might also be flour sack clothes so I am on a mission to touch all the fabric until I find the right one. Looks like I also need seam binding.</div>
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There are some great rubber like scrubbers out there that will work for the burners. However, they would need to be soft and not rough. These are little girls. </div>
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The knobs on the stove look like pom-poms that one would make for a quilt. That is not going to work with my little girls so I am searching for another solution. I may just applique a fabric circle. </div>
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I think I have a fairly good handle on what I need to look for. Can't wait for the holidays to be over so I can start of this! Any suggestions?</div>
Ann Hindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15299824476212373310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6598279092182149548.post-44533295549998130082014-12-17T08:47:00.000-08:002014-12-17T08:47:23.382-08:00Beaded Foam OrnamentsI have a guest blogger today. Many of us have made have made beaded ornaments but if you don't remember or never have, M. J. Joachim provides instructions on how to create these beautiful jewels.<br />
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M. J. Joachim is my go-to person when it comes to blogging. She is a prolific writer with several blogs. She has an incredible blog where she shares detailed instructions on making beautiful crocheted items from patterns she creates herself. She is very talented and you can see her work on <a href="http://lotsofcrochetstitches.blogspot.com/">Lots of Crochet Stitches</a>. On a more serious side, <a href="http://effectivelyhuman.blogspot.com/">Effectively Human</a> speaks to the human spirit. See her other blogs at the bottom.<br />
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How to make beaded foam ornaments by M. J. Joachim</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OlYy7ZwUmcI/VJGYtlAJreI/AAAAAAAAJX8/to-7HCSjG8k/s1600/beaded%2Bornament.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OlYy7ZwUmcI/VJGYtlAJreI/AAAAAAAAJX8/to-7HCSjG8k/s1600/beaded%2Bornament.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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Almost everyone loves a pretty tree, all decked out in lights and ornaments for Christmas. Handmade decorations enhance lots of memories, not only because they are unique and original, but also because of shared friendship when people work together. Beaded foam ornaments are inexpensive too. The beautiful effect is limited only by individual imagination and creativity.<br />
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<b>Beaded Foam Ball Ornament</b><br />
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At your local craft store, purchase some Styrofoam balls, some beads. straight pins, and floral wire. Insert a long strip of the floral wire all the way through one end of the ball, to the other, leaving about an inch tail to secure. At the top, add on some small beads to form a loop for hanging. Make your loop, twisting it at the base and inserting the floral wire back through the top of the ornament, and back out the other side, as before, securing a one inch tail on the bottom.<br />
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Once you have the loop for hanging your new ornament, you can begin attaching beads with straight pins. Your pins can be silver headed or fancy, according to your preference. You can design patterns, write names, and spell words. You can even combine sequins into your ornaments. Simply place your sequins, add a tiny glass bead on top, and then secure with a pin.<br />
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As you decorate the foam ball, it is important to work over the bottom of it where the loop tail is secured, adding extra reinforcement, and also near the top so the loop doesn't pull out easily. For added variation, you can add trims and fabric to your ball.<br />
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<b>Fabric Covered Foam Ball Ornament</b><br />
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To make a fabric covered foam ornament, wrap your cloth around the foam ball, leaving a very tiny opening at the top for the loop. Proceed to make your ornament the same way you made the beaded foam ornament, securing the fabric by decorating sections of it with beads and pins. You can even pleat the cloth you use for added texture. You are only limited by your own imagination.<br />
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<b>Alternate Shapes for Foam Ornaments</b><br />
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While it's easy enough to purchase foam balls, you are not limited to making circular ornaments with this idea. You may also purchase floral foam that comes in a variety of shapes, including square and rectangles, and make foam ornaments that way. This might be a little more expensive, so if you'd prefer, you can carefully cut ordinary foam balls with a sharp knife, adjusting their size and shape as desired.<br />
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Foam ornaments are easy and fun to make on your own or with a group of friends. They are also a great way to prepare for the holidays with family. Kids enjoy designing cool patterns, and everyone has fun interacting with the sound of Christmas carols in the background. Best of all, the ornaments will create lasting memories for years to come.<br />
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More blogs by M. J. Joachim:</div>
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<a href="http://flashtyme.blogspot.com/">FlashTyme</a> - "anything that flashes across her brain"</div>
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<a href="http://mjjoachim.blogspot.com/">M. J. Joachim's Writing Tips</a> - I find this one helpful!</div>
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<a href="http://mjjoachimcatholiccatechism.blogspot.com/">Christian Catholic by M. J. Joachim</a> - Even the Southern Baptist in me can relate to this blog. I go here for inspiration. </div>
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<br />Ann Hindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15299824476212373310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6598279092182149548.post-16387441021978556642014-12-14T08:29:00.000-08:002014-12-14T08:29:30.898-08:00Kid's play stove - can't wait for the dust to settle so I can try thisI found the cutest idea on Facebook. Let me show it to you.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiPGDUMgSIzRkWXZuJ8aHHno_gKIToL2Q_qV8PGUHBsmWHabyjKT_GrdEPQCU5p7cENdSgdXIX8HPAbttBpAmrJ0JxwZXhTgNrsY8n1iO369xeM2KfOQ-Xv_ByN56_y4JYMkjzd0pPeXOD/s1600/Chair+stove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiPGDUMgSIzRkWXZuJ8aHHno_gKIToL2Q_qV8PGUHBsmWHabyjKT_GrdEPQCU5p7cENdSgdXIX8HPAbttBpAmrJ0JxwZXhTgNrsY8n1iO369xeM2KfOQ-Xv_ByN56_y4JYMkjzd0pPeXOD/s1600/Chair+stove.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
This comes from (what I think is a German website) <a href="http://de.dawanda.com/product/39188290-Kinderkueche?utm_campaign=de-like_plugin&utm_medium=socialmedia&utm_source=facebook&utm_term=pdp">Dawanda</a>, which looks to be a site like Etsy.<br />
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Once in a while I find something that captures my attention. I spent some time checking this out and it's easy to recreate. I want to make one but don't have any girls the right age. So...I reached out to a friend with two young girls. <br />
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Mid January, I will have some time and will make one just for the fun of it. I am already window shopping for pots and pans. I need baking dishes too because the oven opens and the girls will need pans for that. Maybe I should get play food too.<br />
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Watch for details in January. Now, all I need is the dimensions of her straight-backed chair.Ann Hindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15299824476212373310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6598279092182149548.post-88114672452186044112014-12-08T09:20:00.000-08:002014-12-08T10:03:08.019-08:00Candy gifts from the microwave - Peanut Brittle, Fudge, and Chocolate Almond ClustersIt was with complete joy that I found three candy recipes on (where else?) Pinterest. The best part...they take minutes in the microwave.<br />
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I am not going to reinvent the wheel so I am posting the websites here. I am also using their photos because I can't keep these candies in the house long enough to photograph them. These three candies are going into pretty tins for my friends and family.<br />
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<a href="http://lecremedelacrumb.com/2014/11/3-ingredient-chocolate-almond-clusters.html">Creme de la Crumb</a> - Chocolate Almond Clusters<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHzJ56JiRdUyL-Gx6pWNfmjmrrJInsvWALgufF0PQIq4uPbBvsJgzN6B4aAj-VtCz8GFdv9p4d5SqPwHnrXk7ugzAS43mrGThYfKswJjdG5-l80eAmJ0ikIr03_Z1Vv_BhEfBgKHFNFmZd/s1600/chocolate-nut-clusters-3b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHzJ56JiRdUyL-Gx6pWNfmjmrrJInsvWALgufF0PQIq4uPbBvsJgzN6B4aAj-VtCz8GFdv9p4d5SqPwHnrXk7ugzAS43mrGThYfKswJjdG5-l80eAmJ0ikIr03_Z1Vv_BhEfBgKHFNFmZd/s1600/chocolate-nut-clusters-3b.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
3 lovely ingredients - Almond Bark, Almonds, Coarse Sea Salt - total microwave time 2 minutes, 30 seconds.<br />
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<a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Fudge/Detail.aspx">Allrecipes</a> - Fudge<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Kk-nZQNwKwj0_S9eb3TxtThfymCLBXpoGPL5T9sc-5hllqauK27l7YUnjiWCX4lhsiVtIM0jN8S7Eucnv63I0-gF5jOjPPytYy7k4wl-QXzBJdEyzCjwaFOIcF62u4ZjVFz4nPeNUzAm/s1600/150611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Kk-nZQNwKwj0_S9eb3TxtThfymCLBXpoGPL5T9sc-5hllqauK27l7YUnjiWCX4lhsiVtIM0jN8S7Eucnv63I0-gF5jOjPPytYy7k4wl-QXzBJdEyzCjwaFOIcF62u4ZjVFz4nPeNUzAm/s1600/150611.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
Again 3 lovely ingredients - Chocolate Chips, Butter, Condensed Milk, (can add walnuts or other nuts which I do) - total microwave time 3 minutes.<br />
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And my most favorite of all - Drum roll please...<br />
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<a href="http://www.budget101.com/content.php/3650-10-minute-Peanut-Brittle">Budget 101</a> - Peanut Brittle<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEENkK5xevq159D5eoMPLjeb9Zt82tnixG1XQQbgZ2dWx_vBsP1rIX-uN0mUMbU5UUMBDdyLkmNSbAx3FZjIVSdO-QyPLXeAxseftGrSe_m1JJ2P6Y8EaFAZV2KMfl-OoIxcd99UzfhnyO/s1600/peanutbrittle1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEENkK5xevq159D5eoMPLjeb9Zt82tnixG1XQQbgZ2dWx_vBsP1rIX-uN0mUMbU5UUMBDdyLkmNSbAx3FZjIVSdO-QyPLXeAxseftGrSe_m1JJ2P6Y8EaFAZV2KMfl-OoIxcd99UzfhnyO/s1600/peanutbrittle1.jpg" height="367" width="400" /></a></div>
Six ingredients: Sugar, Light Corn Syrup, Raw Peanuts, Butter, Vanilla, and Baking Soda - total microwave time 11 minutes.<br />
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I make one of these at least once a week. We share them and the boy fills up baggies to share with his friends at school. So yummy!Ann Hindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15299824476212373310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6598279092182149548.post-69007550764148718932014-12-06T10:12:00.000-08:002014-12-07T08:13:47.091-08:00First post, let's start with a Christmas gift with wooden spoolsIf you don't live on Pinterest, you should. It is my go-to place for everything I want to make or want to save. I have found the most amazing ideas for gifts and food. I also save all my genealogy information there and tons of other stuff.<br />
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I have a thing for wooden spools. I buy them from eBay and then store them until I find ideas for their use. I am a bit stingy and hate to give them away but when I find a gift that I know someone will like, then it's all OK.<br />
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I found this idea on Pinterest (surprise). I am scanning thousands of family photos from the 1800's to now, trying to get them all cataloged for posterity. Right now, I am doing the Rhea family. Lots of the photos are going to my cousin so this idea appealed to me.<br />
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Some burlap, ribbon, accent flowers, buttons, and string make these wooden spools into photo holders. Just push a paper clip into the hole on top and add pictures. Nothing fancy but a unique way to share photos with my cousin Patty. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgevmxT33dzM0bFZMhLh5dtH62u3PxD7WOVjBUwWDfll6ZWb-_GbnepeXOut1X2EwzejC0EPe_fqw-t8BK3mqU-0EFPwganRYOJPIEBWm8isQflnoe9dQGH5asZW28FtXT9u9n34rZMSZcX/s1600/CAM00371+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgevmxT33dzM0bFZMhLh5dtH62u3PxD7WOVjBUwWDfll6ZWb-_GbnepeXOut1X2EwzejC0EPe_fqw-t8BK3mqU-0EFPwganRYOJPIEBWm8isQflnoe9dQGH5asZW28FtXT9u9n34rZMSZcX/s1600/CAM00371+(1).jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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My aunt, holding Patty, Sharon in the middle and my dad holding me. </div>
Ann Hindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15299824476212373310noreply@blogger.com1