Cookies in a Jar!

It's hard to believe that Christmas is right around the corner. This year my husband and I are expecting our first child. In preparation for said event, we have decided to start pinching pennies, including Christmas gifts. One of the best frugal x-mas gifts I've found are cookies in a jar. They're not only cheap, but fun and easy to make.
As I'm writing this post and thinking back to previous years, it seems this has become a family tradition. My husband and I head over to my mom's house, and make these little delights. We normally make about 12, 1 quart jars and split the end products. You can find the recipe we used for chocolate chip cookies here. I've also included the labels I made in photoshop in this post. Enjoy!
Click to enlarge. The "to" cards are to be tied with the "recipe" cards around the lid.


I made this poinsettia round label to be adhered to the top of the jar.

Decorate Your Walls with Molding

Decorate Your Walls with Molding
I love this idea for the bedroom. I can't wait until we get all the outside work done so we can start on the inside!

The xx - Crystalised

I have to say the video isn't anything spectacular, but I just love this song. I had no idea the band was comprised of such young things. Enjoy!

Pearl buttons, red ribbon, and lace trim

Well as I had expected I had a very busy weekend. The football game, ticket taker experience wasn't so bad. Mom and I made great headway with my Halloween costume. And the cookout was so much fun! My friends ended up getting a pop up camper! It was so cozy and nice!
Did I mention that the making of this costume was my first "real" sewing experience. I sure did pick a dozy of a pattern. I arrived bright and early at mom's house both days. We ended up spending two full work days on this garment, with a half hour for lunch. I can't imagine how long it would have taken just one of use to sew.
If mom was sewing I was cutting, pinning, or ironing (and vice versa).
I think it turned out lovely. The only thing left is the grommets and lacing of the red ribbon. There are so many possibilities with this pattern. I originally thought that Jason and I would go as the Mad Hatter and March Hare..but we'll see.

Engergized Friday

Well Friday is finally here! So far, I've beat my goal of one post a week. Granted it hasn't even been a week since I posted that goal.
I feel energized and ready to face the busy weekend. I've been catching up on all my internet connections and finding all sorts of inspiration for crafts & style. Above is a new blazer I found while surfing here. Its only $40 and I think it would perk up any outfit day or night.
I just got my Halloween pattern cut out. Now it's time for pinning and cutting out the fabric. I have so much to learn about sewing! For instance, is a stay stitch really necessary? What is baste stitching? How do I ease the seam? What's a top stitch? I've only sewn purses, which I've had simple instructions or made up my own procedures for. No terminology required. Luckily, when I sew this I'll be at my mom's house (expert); as I don't even own a sewing machine. I hope I'll get this completely knocked out, or almost knocked out this weekend.
I have a cookout to go to Saturday evening, which I'm looking forward to. I found a great recipe for carmel apple cookies. Well at least I hope its great. I've not used it before, but the pictures looked yummy.
My husband should be getting back from his "boys only" adventure Monday. Who knows what time. I'm so glad that he's going to be home! We have so much work to do before our house arrives. Gosh that sounds funny..."our house arrives". I'm just a little, um is bitter the right word, that he left for 11 days right before we get a house. Boys will be boys though.
I found an excellent paper lantern diy project. I was thinking about using it for a house warming party. It maybe wishful thinking. I'm planning the party for Nov. 14th. Any party tips are welcome. I saw a nifty idea. Take a large pumpkin, clean & hollow, fill with ice. Viola a lovely center piece and cooler for beverages.
I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Inspiration for fall...

I would love to make this wreath! I wouldn't keep the bike trail theme, but think it would be fabulous in fall colors and found objects!
Here are instructions!!

Where is my Head?

Oh my! It has been a whirl wind. Recently, besides starting school, my husband and I ordered a manufactured home. Which means lots of work. Banking papers (first time home owners), ground to prepare, septic systems, electrical work, etc... There is also a preexisting house to tear down. Our house should be here by the first or second week in October!
Jason has also just left on an eleven day vacay, "boys only" motorcycling adventure. I am in the middle of planning prom, being Junior Class Sponsor, Art Club Sponsor, and Art Teacher (revamping lesson plans & new projects)! Not to mention Oct. is right around the corner. It too is full of activities! I found the cutest pattern for a Halloween Costume. Have I ever sewn clothes before, you may ask? No, just purses and cell phone holders. Maybe a toga or a hem. So that should be interesting in its self.
Its just been so busy lately, no post. I haven't even been able to keep up with e-mail and face book! Let alone all the interesting blogs I follow! I applaud those bloggers who blog daily!
My goal, and because I'm writing it let it be so, is to blog once a week! I'm thinking Wednesday's would be perfect!
Have a great week everyone!

Summer 2009

Wow a lot harder then I thought to keep up a good blog. Summer is finally here and things are starting to slow down. School is out, and I have alot of time to myself now. Anticipation is in the air, but as for what I don't know yet. I want to travel, create, read, do some yoga, dance, intermingle with friends (old & new)...But here I sit at the computer, totally shut off from the real world. I need to get my ass in gear and get some priorities laid out!

Excuses

Alright, so its been a little too long since my last blog. I know i shouldn't make excuses but I feel like I have been uber busy. Not to mention I've been stranded in Greenup for a week. Its such as small town and most of the time the only internet access I have is dial up. Need I say more. I'd rather punch a wall then be on dial up.
Even though the weather forecast called for snow last weekend, I feel its spring. As do my kids at school. Their behavior has made that apparent.
On an up note I got a new haircut & color! I love it! Yeah for bangs. I had them at the beginning of the year, but then grew them out. That persisted to be a complication and a head ache. Not to mention it didn't really look the best.
Hopefully, I will be more regular with posting in the future.

Anwabisabi

I’m always starting new projects! (Finishing them is another story, as I’m sure all of you may know.) Recently while surfing the net I found this wonderful little shop full of embroidery patterns andwabisabi.etsy.com. I couldn’t help but purchase one! Here I have displayed just one of many. Checkout the shop and you’ll find the one I purchased; a simple, charming chandelier. I can’t wait to scurry of to the store to get the floss, hoop, and fabric!

Exceptional

With my vast knowledge of art education (I'm on my second year of teaching) I have embarked on the process of mold casting. Last year, and in my personal arts, I ventured into plaster gauze casting. Its an easy process that becomes familiar very quickly. This year I have decided to take the plunge and divulge in mold making.
Using flex wax for casting is probably just as familiar as plaster gauze for most. In my case, not so much. This week I checked my sources: mom (art teacher extraordinaire), colleagues, and of course the net for processes, tips, and procedures.
Well, Monday I did the test run on myself. Me, being my impatient self, burnt the crap out of my hand. I did however make a perfect mold...or so I think...and learned the proper cooling time.
Today, I had the students create their wax molds. I let the wax cool with ample time. They patched any cracks after removing the mold from their hands and then applied a layer of plaster gauze (that familiar stuff) to make sure there would be no leaks.
The hands will be place in a box of sand and filled with plaster of pairs. If all goes well, the outer layer will be removed to produce an exact replica of the models hand. Keep your fingers crossed for me. I will post my pictures when they are finished, as for now, cast your eyes on what its suppose to look like; compliments via google images.

Sunday Brunch

I enjoy cooking, especially when I don't "have to". So Sunday breakfast/brunch I always find enjoyable.
Today, I fixed my hubby french bread, breakfast pizzas. They were delish! Not to mention gorgeous! French bread is so versatile! If I had company over I would have plated them with a sprig of parsley or mint!
Personal taste determines what you would add atop your sliced bread. I chose to go for the "good ol" breakfast toppings i.e. sausage & gravy, fried potatoes, scrambled eggs, and a pinch of shredded cheddar. Bake the sliced french bread before you put your toppings on; this way you won't have soggy bread. Once topping are on, heat until cheese is melted.
Probably not the most healthy breakfast, but its actually too meals in one (brunch) and they were small portions per slice of bread. (boy can I rationalize)
Anyway, Jason enjoyed them so much he had three slices!
Hope all had a good weekend!

Happy Friday

Ok, I just came across what could possibly be the highlight of my weekend. Most of my friends know I am a beer connoisseur. I like to try different types and/or add things to my beer. Who knew there was such thing as a beer float! Woot!

Ingredients

1 scoop vanilla bean ice cream
One 14.9-ounce can Guinness Draught beer
Whipped cream, for topping
Dash nutmeg

1. Place the ice cream in a large soda-fountain glass. Fill the glass with the beer. Top with a swirl of whipped cream and the nutmeg.
thanks Rachel Ray

No wire hangers...

I have the fever of creativity! And as any artist/crafter knows, you have to go with it while you got it, because it might not be there tomorrow! Inspiration is such a fickle thing. Its randomness amazes me.
Lately, my inspiration has been Mommy Dearest/Joan Crawford. I don't know if it is the actress or the old Hollywood glamor. The look of the heavy brow and full lips? Possibly its the movie Mommy Dearest?
Anyway, I plan on doing a whole series of ceramic pieces based on Joan and/or other old actresses; i.e. Bette Davis. They will be posted on my etsy shop post completion. I can't wait to share my art work and open my etsy shop; very exciting!
Here are view face jugs I've been working on. They haven't been bisque fired yet. They are still works in progress. Can you pick out which one was inspired by Ms. Crawford?

The Itch...

I don't know if its because the weather is warming up, or because everywhere I look I see bright, vibrant pretty things. The point is, I have the itch to buy something. I want, always, new clothes but I found this and it would make a lovely addition to any weekend! Plus, what girl doesn't like Barbie? sephora

Stealing?

I know I don't have that big of following, but there are a few of you that read occasionally. What is the difference between stealing and inspiration?
Let's say you see something you like, and you want to replicate it. Nine times out of ten it won't be an exact copy, it will be your interpretation. Is that stealing an idea? If you try to steal and idea and it doesn't work out, or it works out better is that stealing or inspiration?
Normally if you elaborate on an idea you see from else where is inspiration, but what about the above occurrence?

Big Ear O'Langian

Today is St. Patrick’s Day and I was inspired to make a craft. Yesterday, I took some polymer clay and made beads. These would later be my four leaves and stem. After baking them I strung them on some wire, curled the wire, and hot glued a pin back on. Viola! Instant pinch repellent!

Sicky Poo

I'm finally starting to feel better. Last week was a mess. My husband got the flu and had to stay home from work. Then, I got the flu. I had to miss a day and half of work. Now, although the flu is subsiding into a head cold, I feel slightly behind at work and of course guilty for not going. But then I saw this little diddy and it made me feel better.

Pixelated

Ok, so as I've stated before, I am an art teacher. Part of last week and this week I have been working with some of my classes on portraiture. Self portraiture to be exact.
Last year I used this technique with fruit for inspiration. I have to admit they turned out brilliantly. So this year I decided to push the envelop a little further and go with self-portraits.
We have practiced drawing the parts of the face...eyes, nose, mouth, etc... Now the students are putting the parts together to create a face; their face using fold up mirrors. Once the contours are drawn, and in proper proportion, they are to color each graph space with colored pencils. The result is an impressionistic styled portrait! Gorgeous! Here is my example I've been working on. I will post student examples later as they work. I'm excited about this one!

Break out the hot chrome and leather...

Well it feels like spring, finally! My husband and I are ready for it! We gave the bike an oil change, and a new back tire. We are ready to ride! I hope my husband will be waiting on me when I get home from work!