tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26393933785389227242024-03-14T14:33:10.409-04:00Crafty CritiqueAdventures in Online Sewing TutorialsMadisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212959254838842944noreply@blogger.comBlogger177125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639393378538922724.post-22202603524051228212014-09-01T16:01:00.001-04:002014-09-01T16:01:49.148-04:00Antique Mantle MakeoverLong time no see! 2014 has been a busy year, which is why I haven't posted in so long! Let's see...the fiance graduated law school, we moved across the country, I interviewed for 20+ jobs (no exaggeration!), started a new job, and I'm ridiculously busy with wedding planning...so you can imagine why I haven't posted in awhile. :)<br />
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But! I have a ton of cool DIY wedding projects that I will hopefully be sharing here in a month or so after the wedding, which is fast approaching. And I wanted to stop in today and share a before and after picture of this cool mantle I picked up antiquing.<br />
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Since we moved, we no longer have a fireplace in our apartment, which made me sad since I love decorating it for each season. So when I saw this (beat up) mantle at an antique store, I decided to buy it and paint it with white chalk paint!<br />
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If you've never used chalk paint before, I highly recommend it. Normally I hate painting, but the chalk paint made it so easy and quick! I wanted a distressed look to match these antique molding pieces we hang as art in our house, and the chalk paint was the best paint I could have chosen. <br />
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There's no sanding or prepping involved. You slap a coat or two of the chalk paint right onto any surface, wait 20-30 minutes for it to dry (no kidding!), sand the edges a little to rough it up (only if you want), and then rub on this special wax with a white t-shirt, which helps give it that distressed look and also seals the paint so it doesn't rub off.<br />
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We finished the entire project in about two hours.<br />
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We hung the mantle on the wall with a picture hanging kit for really heavy photos (75 pounds and up). We didn't nail into the studs so I'm hoping it doesn't fall over. I'll let you know if it does I guess!<br />
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Nice and simple, and turned out lovely! My kind of project. :)Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212959254838842944noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639393378538922724.post-65880248878752029482013-12-15T16:23:00.004-05:002013-12-15T16:23:41.001-05:00Christmas Cookie Exchange PartyThis past Saturday we had our annual Christmas cookie exchange party. I have to say I was slacking a little bit because I didn't even tie any ribbons around the wine glasses or get out the paper straws <a href="http://www.craftycritique.com/2012/12/christmas-cookie-exchange-party.html">like I did last year</a>. Ha!<br />
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Everyone brought delicious cookies. We had hot cocoa cookies, gooey butter cookies, M&M and chocolate chip cookies, chocolate chip with pecan, Oreo brownies, peanut butter bars, and our cookies...<br />
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We made double chocolate cheesecake cookies with mascarpone glaze piped on top (<a href="http://www.howsweeteats.com/2013/08/double-chocolate-cheesecake-cookies/">recipe from How Sweet It Is</a>). They weren't quite as cheese cake tasting as I had hoped, but they were just the right balance of chocolate and they were moist and chewy, so we loved them.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Double Chocolate Cheesecake Cookies with Mascarpone Glaze</td></tr>
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P.S. Sorry I didn't take more pictures of everyone's cookies...we were trying to keep the new puppy from eating everything in sight. :)<br />
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We also made the cream cheese and cucumber crostinis again like we did at our <a href="http://www.craftycritique.com/2013/08/housewarming-party-appetizer-menu.html">housewarming party</a> (in addition to other things). This time I switched out the plain cream cheese and Italian dressing mixture for onion and chive cream cheese. It was easier to make and I actually liked it better.<br />
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It was also a goodbye party for our friend Allison, who just got a new job in Missouri. Since it was her last party with us, we played Apples to Apples, which is a tradition for parties at our house. (Oh, and the animal babies joined in, too.)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apples to Apples! :)</td></tr>
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And of course we had to get a good group photo. :)<br />
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We had a great time. The best part of Christmas is spending time with friends and family, so I'm glad we've made this an annual tradition to help us enjoy the season. :)<br />
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Hope your Christmas is just as bright!<br />
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--CC<br />
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<br />Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212959254838842944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639393378538922724.post-43909946863032237042013-12-14T08:00:00.000-05:002013-12-14T08:00:01.184-05:00Bean Soup Mix in Mason Jars<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My Christmas shopping is just about done and I can officially say I bought nothing at the mall this year. :) I stuck to Etsy, Amazon, local small business, and my personal favorite--DIY! </div>
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Every year I like to make something edible that I can give to my assistant at work and my grandpa/other people who are hard to buy for. This year I tried out this great <a href="http://backtoherroots.com/2012/12/03/handmade-holiday-vegetarian-five-bean-soup-mix/">Five Bean Vegetarian Soup Mix recipe from Back to Her Roots.</a><br />
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I loved this tutorial because it had printable labels with the instructions for making the soup. Saved me a lot of time! <br />
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The tutorial called for a quart size jar, but I bought pint sized and cut the recipe in half. Of course, this required me to use the very sophisticated program Microsoft Paint to fix the instructions on the printable. But it did save me some money, so I got to make a lot more gifts. :)<br />
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I also trimmed the budget by using washi tape I already had for the spice packets instead of buying labels. All in all the project cost about $2.50 per gift. Not too shabby! And I love the way the turned out. My favorite part is the layers of colorful beans.<br />
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I hope you're wrapping up your holiday crafting and enjoying the season! If you need some last minute ideas, stop by <a href="http://www.craftycritique.com/2013/12/five-out-of-ordinary-diy-gifts-its-not.html">this post</a> and check out my suggestions. Until next time, happy crafting!Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212959254838842944noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639393378538922724.post-53579385034148157102013-12-13T22:59:00.001-05:002013-12-13T22:59:16.238-05:00Oh Christmas Tree<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Just wanted to stop in and share a few pictures of our furry animal babies by the Christmas tree. Still working on getting that perfect shot, but these aren't too bad. Good enough for a Christmas card, I'd say! Hope you're enjoying the holiday season!</div>
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<br />Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212959254838842944noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639393378538922724.post-57436978325137616442013-12-09T21:30:00.001-05:002013-12-09T21:33:16.111-05:005 Out-of-the-Ordinary DIY Christmas Gifts It's Not Too Late to Make<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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With the holidays fast approaching, I thought I'd stop in to share five unique handmade gifts that are quick and easy. That means there's still time to make them! Links and descriptions are below. Enjoy!<br />
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1. <a href="http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2010/06/glass-etching.html">Etched Glass Bakeware from Make It & Love It</a></div>
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2. <a href="http://www.darlingdoodlesdesign.com/2013/03/sharpie-plates-does-it-work.html">Sharpie Plates from Darling Doodles</a></div>
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3. <a href="http://witandwhistle.com/2012/11/30/diy-gift-terrarium-kit/">DIY Terrarium Kit with Printable from Wit & Whistle</a></div>
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4. <a href="http://www.simplecrafter.com/tutorial-wine-cork-keychain/">Wine Cork Keychains from Simple Crafter</a></div>
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5. <a href="http://backtoherroots.com/2012/12/03/handmade-holiday-vegetarian-five-bean-soup-mix/">Vegetarian 5 Bean Soup Mix with Printable Labels from Back to Her Roots</a></div>
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Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212959254838842944noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639393378538922724.post-24908247468599894652013-12-04T09:00:00.000-05:002013-12-04T09:00:02.883-05:00No Sew Fleece Blanket for PuppyA couple weekends ago I made a second no-sew fleece blanket for our puppy Sterling. He likes to go swimming in the pond then take naps on his blanket. Needless to say it often stinks, so I made him a second blanket he can sleep on while the other is in the wash.<div>
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I found some great fleece fabric at Jo-Ann's that says "Super Dog Bow-Wow!" Adorable! Plus it was 50% off. :) I paired it with some red polka-dot fabric because I thought it looked comic bookish. My puppy loved it.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sterling loves his no-sew fleece blanket, and the selvage I cut off the edges...</td></tr>
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Wondering how to make your own blanket? It's easy as pie and quite relaxing. The instructions are after the break. (Sorry, no photos yet. I'll add them next time I make a blanket!)</div>
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<b>Materials:</b></div>
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<ul>
<li>1 1/2 yards each of TWO different coordinating fleece fabrics</li>
<li>Scissors</li>
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<b>Step 1:</b></div>
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Lay your fabrics on the floor wrong sides together. Smooth the fabric out so there are no wrinkles.</div>
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<b>Step 2:</b><br />Trim the fabric so that all four sides are flush and aligned and there is no <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selvage">selvage</a> on the edges. It doesn't have to be exactly perfect.</div>
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<b>Step 3:</b></div>
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Cut a five inch square from each corner of your fabric.</div>
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<b>Step 4:</b></div>
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Cut fringe down all four sides of your fabric. The fringe should be spaced one inch apart and it should be five inches long (the same length as the squares you cut out of the corners).</div>
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<b>Step 5:</b></div>
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Tie the fringe in knots.</div>
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And you're done! Wasn't that easy? Now you're going to want to make five more. :)</div>
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Happy crafting! :)</div>
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--CC</div>
Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212959254838842944noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639393378538922724.post-88883317190742175772013-11-30T13:49:00.001-05:002013-11-30T13:49:50.060-05:00Happy Belated Thanksgiving!Happy belated Thanksgiving! I think this year was our best year yet. We had plenty of good food, friends, and pie! Nothing even boiled over. :)<br />
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I was very proud of my table. I made a centerpiece with a clear vase, a bag of cranberries, and a floating candle and swiped up a tablecloth at Target.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXv0lUraLytQlOa4q5LorH6pcNrgKRWIoYwq2CJRLahnag5cPZqj07pOcLKlaFa4jaT9eutgbIsUIAjTEXWsbbZ8iaweLJ-iT1dmz6OwWPDKqCV7lrLJf7Viv89ZwYn2JwARDkxQnEhZs/s1600/Thanksgiving+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXv0lUraLytQlOa4q5LorH6pcNrgKRWIoYwq2CJRLahnag5cPZqj07pOcLKlaFa4jaT9eutgbIsUIAjTEXWsbbZ8iaweLJ-iT1dmz6OwWPDKqCV7lrLJf7Viv89ZwYn2JwARDkxQnEhZs/s640/Thanksgiving+3.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then we got cooking and eating. Among traditional fare, I made our <a href="http://www.craftycritique.com/2013/04/bacon-wrapped-teriyaki-green-bean.html">teriyaki bacon wrapped green bean bundles</a> again and tried this <a href="http://www.chef-in-training.com/2013/06/easy-ranch-carrots/">amazing recipe for ranch carrots</a>. :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoOGKOQ-6LxWJsBoagTBQwd28kgnrxmoJ-R1DdvBHmBTFEm7c90k6HMzcAtymYiJrIRk0Q6lIwj0T4MjcJc5BSibepgqc3DI_WIwg9_PWmvr8hoCGiK53qsWSGmiouM7rXtWLJUvaZNlE/s1600/Thankgiving+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoOGKOQ-6LxWJsBoagTBQwd28kgnrxmoJ-R1DdvBHmBTFEm7c90k6HMzcAtymYiJrIRk0Q6lIwj0T4MjcJc5BSibepgqc3DI_WIwg9_PWmvr8hoCGiK53qsWSGmiouM7rXtWLJUvaZNlE/s640/Thankgiving+2.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Why, yes, that is an apple crisp cheesecake that my lovely fiance made.</td></tr>
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And in holiday tradition, I made everyone take a group photo.<br />
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By the way, it wasn't so easy to get a shot of the new puppy...<br />
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I hope you had a fantastic Thanksgiving as well!<br />
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--CCMadisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212959254838842944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639393378538922724.post-56823775648349053312013-10-27T22:30:00.002-04:002013-10-27T22:30:24.662-04:00Pumpkin Carving Party 2013Just popping in to share a few photos from our annual pumpkin carving party. I know Halloween isn't typically considered a part of "the holidays", but to me it's the kickoff. Every year we like to gather a group of friends to carve and decorate pumpkins on the Saturday before Halloween. This year was our best year yet! We had a great turnout, we ate a lot of hors d'oeuvres and pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, an had a decent amount of wine and hard cider. Plus I got to fill the house with fall decorations and enjoy decorating pumpkins!<br />
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We had a great time and now I can't wait for my fiance's birthday in mid-November, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. I'm already dreaming up (and pinning) DIY gifts for Christmas, and next weekend I get to make another <a href="http://www.craftycritique.com/2012/12/whimsical-forest-animal-christmas.html">stocking</a> for the newest member of our family...<br />
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Meet Sterling, our precious (read: rambunctious) new puppy. I'll hopefully be checking back in with you again soon but I can't make promises since we're hard at work planning our wedding right now! If I don't talk to you soon, happy crafting! :)Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212959254838842944noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639393378538922724.post-56021042586078412062013-08-04T20:37:00.000-04:002013-08-04T20:39:42.009-04:00Housewarming Party Appetizer MenuHowdy! :) It's been awhile since I've been able to squeeze in time for a blog post because we've been moving, but we're finally getting settled. Last weekend I finally got my craft room unpacked and even sewed some <a href="http://www.craftycritique.com/2011/06/tutorial-slide-on-dog-collar-bandana.html">dog collar bandanna</a>s for our new puppy that will be coming home soon!<br />
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This weekend we threw a small housewarming party and I wanted to stop by to share this great recipe I found on Pinterest for <a href="http://www.highheelsandgrills.com/2013/05/italian-cucumber-appetizers.html">Italian Cucumber Appetizers</a> from <a href="http://www.highheelsandgrills.com/">High Heels & Grills</a>. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Italian Cucumber and Cream Cheese Crostini Appetizers</td></tr>
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What I loved most about these appetizers was that they were so simple to put together, but they look super fancy (almost like a little crostini). They're also very inexpensive for the number of appetizers they make. I'll definitely be bringing them to pot lucks in the future.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Italian Cucumber and Cream Cheese Crostinis</td></tr>
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To save time, I mixed the cream cheese and Italian dressing a few hours before the party and put it in the fridge, so all I had to do was toast the baguette slices and assemble the three ingredients (baguette, cream cheese, and cucumber slices) about a half hour before the party.<br />
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Add a few bottles of wine, some hummus and veggies, and a cheese and fruit board and you have yourself a plentiful and fresh summer hors d'oeuvres menu that doesn't require any cooking or heat from the oven. (Oh, and in case you thought I was too healthy, we also had BBQ meatballs in the crockpot and a dozen cupcakes to eat. Mwahaha!)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pita crackers, broccoli, carrot sticks, and roasted red pepper hummus</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gouda, cheddar, and baguette slices with Granny Smith Apples and red grapes</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brie and Granny Smith Apple Slices</td></tr>
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Hope you had a fantastic weekend. Hopefully I'll be posting some sewing projects again soon!<br />
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Happy Crafting!Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212959254838842944noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639393378538922724.post-5592580516389760422013-05-27T18:03:00.000-04:002013-05-27T18:03:03.974-04:00DIY Pastel Colored Denim RefashionBack in the early spring I bought a mint colored pair of skinny jeans at LOFT. I loved them, and I wanted another pair in lavender. I couldn't find quite the shade I wanted so I started thinking to myself, "I'm crafty. Why not make them myself?" So I grabbed a pair of jeans I already had on hand that fit well but I never liked the wash, and I bleached them and dyed them purple. This is what I came up with:<br />
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<b>Step 1: Bleach Your Jeans in a Bleach/Hot Water Mixture</b><br />
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What I can say about this project is that it's not necessarily hard, but it sure takes patience! I read a lot of tutorials online to try and figure out how long to bleach jeans until they're white and got a lot of conflicting information. From what I can determine, the amount of time needed to bleach the jeans white varies based on how dark the wash on your jeans is, on what material the denim is made of, etc. My jeans took about 6 hours to bleach to (almost) white.<br />
<br />The bleach to water ratio also varies from project to project. I originally tried to use 3 cups of bleach with the water half full in one of those big plastic tubs for soda that you get at Target or Walmart. This turned out not to be enough bleach, so I kept adding bit by bit until I started to achieve some results. Also make sure the water you're using is HOT. It really helps. :)<br />
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As your bleaching the jeans, make sure you stir periodically. The jeans will want to float a bit, so stirring them will make sure they're getting bleached evenly. Do not use a kitchen utensil--I used my tongs and it ruined them. Whoops!<br />
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One last note about the bleaching process--my jeans never got completely white before the bleach started eating away at the fabric. They were sort of splotchy and greenish white at this point, but rather than let the bleach eat away at the fabric I decided to remove them. I was worried this would make them dye unevenly, but it didn't cause any problems. So get your jeans as white as you can, but don't worry if they're not perfect.<br />
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<b>Step 2: Wash Your Jeans</b><br />
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After your jeans are as white as you can get them, run them through a normal wash with soap in your washing machine to wash out the bleach.<br />
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<b>Step 3: Dye Your Jeans</b><br />
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Did you know you're not limited to the colors on the shelf when you choose your dye? I used the <a href="https://www.ritdye.com/colorit_color_formula_guide">RIT color dye guide</a> to choose my color. It used just a tiny amount of dye--1/8 tsp. purple and 1/8 tsp royal blue--to get the super light lavender color I was dreaming of. It may not seem like the dye bath is dark enough if you're dying a pastel color, but resist the urge to add more dye to the bath! Remember how long it took to get your jeans white? It only takes 30 minutes to dye your jeans, so worst case you can dye them a shade darker once finished. :)<br />
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Once you've chosen your color, mix the dye with hot water and 1 cup salt. Put your jeans in and stir constantly for 30 minutes. I set a timer and watched an episode of Pawn Stars while dying my jeans. The time flew by before I knew it.<br />
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<b>Step 4: Give Your Jeans a Final Wash</b><br />
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After your 30 minutes in the dye bath is up, rinse your jeans and put them in your washing machine on a normal cycle with soap. Dry them, and you're (finally) done! :)<br />
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I noticed after I got my jeans out that there were a few boo-boos. The seams didn't dye as well at the top, so I'll wear the jeans with a longer shirt. Also, where the bleach ate away at the jeans a little the fabric absorbed more color, but that kind of gives the jeans character.<br />
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My final words of wisdom about this project--it's not perfect. Expect your jeans to have a few flaws, but know that you're getting a trendy piece to add to your wardrobe for a fraction of what you would have paid in the store. (Since I already had these jeans on hand this project cost me about $3 for the dye.) Don't be intimidated because it really is easy--it just takes a bit of time! So if you've got some patience, give it a try! :)</div>
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Happy crafting!</div>
Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212959254838842944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639393378538922724.post-22227199403400496532013-05-23T21:23:00.001-04:002013-05-23T21:29:41.930-04:00Key Lime Cupcakes with Vanilla Cool Whip & Pudding Frosting RecipeThis week I helped an old friend celebrate her 25th birthday by baking her some delicious key lime cupcakes. (I actually used regular limes though. Shh! Don't tell!) <br />
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I chose a cool whip and vanilla pudding frosting because 1) I've seen everyone ranting and raving about it on Pinterest and 2) I thought the light, airy frosting would be the perfect compliment to such a fruity, summery cake.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6iadUIAhlBfofjFWxy7vLtKaPxtaGeB5wDfwAeR4Vld21zYLFey_qIIGRAqjUejepbTZQO8cH6bd_le7kyheX-Mf5fnqfKlpRwIH_Xj7TSuHY2tvi7iSFBH1M7jpsY9vAd3y9gvf1oYg/s1600/IMG_6432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6iadUIAhlBfofjFWxy7vLtKaPxtaGeB5wDfwAeR4Vld21zYLFey_qIIGRAqjUejepbTZQO8cH6bd_le7kyheX-Mf5fnqfKlpRwIH_Xj7TSuHY2tvi7iSFBH1M7jpsY9vAd3y9gvf1oYg/s640/IMG_6432.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I thought the frosting might not hold up well and slide off the cake, but it actually holds up quite nicely. I guess that's the pudding doing its work. :)<br />
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I zested some of the leftover limes and sprinkled it on top to give the cupcakes a little color and extra zing. They were to die for! I loved this recipe.<br />
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The recipe actually made a little bit extra batter, so I filled a bread pan with the leftovers. I cut the thin rectangular cake in half and made it into a tiny square layer cake for the birthday girl. I decorated the top with a half slice of lime.<br />
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We took the cake to a local Italian restaurant and enjoyed it with wine after a nice dinner with friends. The look on my friends face before she blew out the candles says it all. This is totally why I love crafting, baking, and all things homemade. :)<br />
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If you'd like to try the recipe out yourself (which I highly recommend you do!), the recipe is below. (You can also find the original recipe for the cupcakes at <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Cdiv%20xmlns:cc=%22http://creativecommons.org/ns#" xmlns:dct="http://purl.org/dc/terms/" about="http://mymadisonbistro.com/about"><span property="dct:title">My Madison Bistro</span> (<a rel="cc:attributionURL" property="cc:attributionName" href="http://mymadisonbistro.com">My Madison Bistro</a>) / <a rel="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/">CC BY-NC-SA 3.0</a></div>">My Madison Bistro</a> <a href="http://mymadisonbistro.com/archives/key-lime-cupcakes">here</a>.) Enjoy!<br />
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<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 21.984375px; margin-bottom: 1.571em; padding: 0px;">
<strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Key Lime Cupcakes</span></strong><br />
<em style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">adapted from Bon Appetit, Sept 2008</span></em></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 21.984375px; margin-bottom: 1.571em; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 ¾ cups cake flour</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">½ teaspoon baking powder</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">½ teaspoon baking soda</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">½ teaspoon salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 stick (1/2 cup) cool unsalted butter, cut into 8 pieces</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 ¼ cups granulated sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2 large eggs (room temperature)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2 ½ tablespoons key lime juice</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 tablespoon key lime zest</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 drop green food coloring paste</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">¾ cup buttermilk (room temperature)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Preheat oven to 350*F. Line a muffin tin with 12 paper liners.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sift the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt three times, set aside.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 21.984375px; margin-bottom: 1.571em; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Using a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter on low until it’s softened a bit. Add the sugar and increase the speed to medium. Beat until fluffy, about four minutes. Add one egg at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the lime juice, zest, and food coloring and beat until mixed. (The mixture will look curdled.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Add the flour in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour, scraping down the bowl as necessary. Mix on low until just combined. Fill each cupcake liner 2/3 full.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Bake 20-25 minutes. Cool completely and frost with cream cheese icing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Makes 12-14 cupcakes.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cool Whip Vanilla Pudding Frosting</span></b></div>
<div style="line-height: 21.984375px; margin-bottom: 1.571em; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 8oz container Cool Whip or whipped topping</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 package Vanilla (or any flavor) instant pudding mix</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 cup milk</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 21.984375px; margin-bottom: 1.571em; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In a medium bowl, combine pudding mix with milk. Whisk until smooth and thickened. Fold in container of Cool whip until thoroughly mixed. Spread over cake.</span></div>
<br />Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212959254838842944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639393378538922724.post-71215801425238575602013-04-14T12:46:00.002-04:002013-04-14T12:46:32.415-04:00New Slide On Dog Collar Bandanas for MonicaYesterday we went on a hike and our sweet puppy rolled in dirt, dirt, and more dirt. When we got home we had to give her a bath, and when I was picking out a fresh bandana for her collar I noticed how raggy and worn most of her bandanas have gotten. So I used my <a href="http://www.craftycritique.com/2011/06/tutorial-slide-on-dog-collar-bandana.html">slide on dog collar bandana pattern and tutorial</a> to create six new, springy ones.<br />
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I love this project because you don't have to run out and buy anything new, and it gives you a chance to use up your scrap fabrics. I had some favorite fabrics that I had barely enough of to do anything with, and this project was perfect for using up the very last of them.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp-kQEi-X29iK7swXN-Dh4BYvU3pamfXRv0S_h-hk52oGhkL2kzuzs949FJHOVdYAh_AhLcw_9zXfwFezydm5nYItl0E8QKC3Jcj1p8JybyTBvYT3QHzsIoi5vcgMPmz84_CKP17dfg5g/s1600/IMG_6357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp-kQEi-X29iK7swXN-Dh4BYvU3pamfXRv0S_h-hk52oGhkL2kzuzs949FJHOVdYAh_AhLcw_9zXfwFezydm5nYItl0E8QKC3Jcj1p8JybyTBvYT3QHzsIoi5vcgMPmz84_CKP17dfg5g/s640/IMG_6357.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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You'll notice that two of the bandanas are smaller than the others. I experimented with the <a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B_l7YDBD4GalYWFjZTM1YTMtMWFmMi00MDAyLWE5ODAtZDgzNGRlYjIxZThj/edit?ups=drive_web&hl=en_US#">pattern</a> a little bit to try and make a bigger collar. I took my clear acrylic ruler that goes with my rotary cutting set and lined it up with the edges of the pattern to add 1 inch to the diagonal sides and 3/4 an inch to he straight/paralell sides. The result was a bigger bandana--probably the correct size for a corgi or similar sized dog.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ZElfEyg7VZOgnBVVtOS4CtCgqNdnpLAjk_AQoQS1UcwbXA3q5Nqdhyuc-Y7z0PTEQEX1OO71hfiBDw85vuxx1s93Wr3npXmgrNOCYYpz4dY30HUGzMrUsjjhO4F5O1eGWFLwhDqClG0/s1600/IMG_6361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ZElfEyg7VZOgnBVVtOS4CtCgqNdnpLAjk_AQoQS1UcwbXA3q5Nqdhyuc-Y7z0PTEQEX1OO71hfiBDw85vuxx1s93Wr3npXmgrNOCYYpz4dY30HUGzMrUsjjhO4F5O1eGWFLwhDqClG0/s640/IMG_6361.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you have a bigger dog, you could probably use the same method but add more inches to the sides to make a bigger pattern. (Maybe one day I"ll get less lazy and make different patterns for different dog sizes...)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuKQuhiwarQehZ40I5isy25FkErXbZY3uQC1mdTWzC6vjm1h9FD3OTjT88RjnZG-pwhYIQ0Omg7SlLxKyPq_w_QrJnkN1guYdDjp6DFlyy-P5zL3CijnSziyAu68IRFw2yQ3UCOrnDZcs/s1600/IMG_6365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuKQuhiwarQehZ40I5isy25FkErXbZY3uQC1mdTWzC6vjm1h9FD3OTjT88RjnZG-pwhYIQ0Omg7SlLxKyPq_w_QrJnkN1guYdDjp6DFlyy-P5zL3CijnSziyAu68IRFw2yQ3UCOrnDZcs/s640/IMG_6365.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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You can see the difference in sizes on the collar below.<br />
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Today Monica is sporting a cheery lemon print bandana and she looks super adorable as she sleeps beside me on the couch while I write this post. :)<br />
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Have a great end to your weekend and enjoy some fun projects! :)<br />
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--CCMadisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212959254838842944noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639393378538922724.post-1974780616262906122013-04-01T07:00:00.000-04:002013-04-01T07:00:07.037-04:00Bacon Wrapped Teriyaki Green Bean Bundles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD5890BN3q1Q8TdVEalGvg9PDxrM_nS-cSygwPZ0ob2NBB0bhUor1iET2Xu2PxmI_-kEbugYTTrPwcHfGIIEyahitcoQK1c5c_0hrKtzMd5BnH8Hn1nE0t1GeI79hwD0DH6SS0aKao5b8/s1600/IMG_6327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD5890BN3q1Q8TdVEalGvg9PDxrM_nS-cSygwPZ0ob2NBB0bhUor1iET2Xu2PxmI_-kEbugYTTrPwcHfGIIEyahitcoQK1c5c_0hrKtzMd5BnH8Hn1nE0t1GeI79hwD0DH6SS0aKao5b8/s640/IMG_6327.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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We had these tasty bacon wrapped green bean bundles with our Easter lunch. I was following a different recipe, but found out I didn't have about half of the ingredients. Since it was Easter, I improvised and made up my own recipe. They. Were. Delicious! So now here I am sharing the recipe with you. Enjoy!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Bacon Wrapped Teriyaki Green Bean Bundles</span></b><br />
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<b>Ingredients</b><br />
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10 Fresh Green Beans per Person<br />
1 Slice Bacon per Person<br />
3 Tablespoons teriyaki Sauce<br />
1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper<br />
1/2 Teaspoon Onion Powder<br />
Two Tablespoons Butter<br />
Salt to Taste<br />
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<b>Instructions:</b><br />
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1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.<br />
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2. Wash and snap off ends of green bean. Steam in small sauce pan on medium heat until tender when pierced with a fork (about 5 minutes). Drain water. Set aside.<br />
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3. While green beans steam, combine teriyaki sauce, black pepper, and onion powder in small saucepan. Heat on medium 2-3 minutes. When hot, stir in butter until melted.<br />
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4. Spray cookie sheet with cooking spray. Lay a slice of bacon on cookie sheet, place 10 green beans in center of bacon slice, and roll up. Leave seam face down. Repeat with remaining bacon and green beans.<br />
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5. Place cookie sheet of green beans in oven at 400 degrees for 5 minutes.<br />
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6. Remove green beans from oven and use half of the teriyaki mixture to drizzle over the green bean bundles. Also sprinkle salt over green beans at this time if desired. Return to oven for 3 minutes, or until bacon is cooked.<br />
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7. Remove from oven. Drizzle remainder of teriyaki mixture over green beans. Serve and enjoy! :)Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212959254838842944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639393378538922724.post-92202038092944086602013-03-31T17:17:00.003-04:002013-03-31T17:17:21.788-04:00Happy Easter!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Just popping in to wish everyone a super duper Easter! We exchanged Easter baskets, shared a nice lunch with our furry animal babies and a close friend, and headed over to the park today.</div>
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Have a marvelous rest of your holiday!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brined chicken, garlic mashed potatoes, bacon wrapped green bean bundles, and Crescent rolls. Green bean recipe to come.</td></tr>
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<br />Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212959254838842944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639393378538922724.post-5911642080988805312013-03-29T07:00:00.000-04:002013-03-29T07:00:04.548-04:0059 Ideas for Simple Adult Easter BasketsEver notice that most holidays seem to be geared around kids? Since I'm in my early twenties and don't have a family of my own yet, I find myself putting a grown-up spin on most holiday traditions. My fiance and I usually exchange Easter baskets, but this year I also decided to put together an Easter basket for a few co-workers and friends.<div>
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My formula for Easter baskets is simple, and I like to keep it around $10. You need a Chocolate bunny, an Easter candy favorite (like Cadbury Eggs, Peeps, or jelly beans), and a trinket (think classic toys like Pinwheels, Slinky, bubbles, Yo-Yos, etc.). </div>
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For an adult, I like to grab one of the cute spring pails out of the dollar aisle at Target. Then I stuff the bottom with shredded green paper and nestle in a dark chocolate bunny in place of a milk chocolate one, a traditional Easter candy, some dark chocolates (Dove makes great little purple foil wrapped chocolate eggs). Trinkets are easy for adults, too, if you just think about what your friend enjoys doing.</div>
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I have one friend who posts a lot of pictures of nails on Pinterest, so I gave her a nail polish in a plastic egg (which I got on sale at CVS)...</div>
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And a co-worker who loves to garden, so I got a packet of Lavender and a Lavender garden stake for $2.99 at Target.</div>
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And sometimes a wind-up chick is just fun. :)</div>
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Before you know it you'll have a whole bunch of beautiful Easter baskets! :)</div>
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If you need a few more grown up Easter basket ideas, here are a few:</div>
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<b>For the Foodie</b></div>
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<ol>
<li>Egg timer</li>
<li>Whisk</li>
<li>Tea Infuser or Tea Bag Rest</li>
<li>Wooden Spoons</li>
<li>Loose-leaf tea</li>
<li>Novelty kitchen items (shop online <a href="http://www.quirky.com/products/kitchen">here</a>)</li>
<li>Mini bottles of wine</li>
<li>Package of nuts, pasta, or coffee</li>
<li>Spoon rest</li>
<li>Use a colander instead of a basket</li>
</ol>
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<b>For the Crafter</b></div>
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<ol>
<li>Knitting Needles</li>
<li>Crochet Needle</li>
<li>Embroidery thread in plastic eggs</li>
<li>Ball of yarn</li>
<li>Scrapbooking stickers or stamps</li>
<li>Pretty beads in plastic eggs</li>
<li>Bundle of charms or fat quarters</li>
<li>Spools of thread</li>
<li>Colorful buttons in an egg</li>
<li>Spools of ribbon/ric-rac</li>
</ol>
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<b>For the Gardener</b></div>
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<li>Gardening gloves</li>
<li>Pretty spade, trimmers, or hand rake (like <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Boston-Warehouse-Floral-Brights-Garden/dp/B005ODDVMW/ref=sr_1_cc_3?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1364517578&sr=1-3-catcorr&keywords=floral+garden+spade">this one</a>)</li>
<li>Garden Stakes</li>
<li>Seed packets</li>
<li>Bulbs</li>
<li>Mini garden gnomes</li>
<li>Mini gazing balls</li>
<li><a href="http://www.etsy.com/search?q=seed%20bomb&view_type=gallery&ship_to=US">Seed bombs</a></li>
<li>Crystal sun catchers</li>
<li>Use a pretty pot or watering can instead of a basket </li>
</ol>
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<b>For the Fashionista</b></div>
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<ol>
<li>Nail polish in a plastic egg</li>
<li>Manicure kits</li>
<li>Sleep masks</li>
<li>Face mask mix</li>
<li>Make-up (eye shadow, lipstick, mascara, eye liner, etc.)</li>
<li>Costume Jewelry</li>
<li>Make-up brushes</li>
<li>Mini soaps/lotions</li>
<li>Perfume or body spray</li>
</ol>
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<b>For the Professional</b></div>
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<ol>
<li>Chord organizers</li>
<li>iPhone Cables (try to find colorful ones for Easter)</li>
<li>USB sticks (they make lots of fun ones these days!)</li>
<li>Cute notepads</li>
<li>Nice pens or pencils</li>
<li>Business card holder</li>
<li>Pretty phone case</li>
<li>Cuff links</li>
<li>Car charger for phones/tablets</li>
<li>$5 Sarbucks Gift Card</li>
</ol>
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<b>For the Builder</b></div>
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<ol>
<li>Nails or screws</li>
<li>Wood glue</li>
<li>Hammer, screw drivers, or wrench</li>
<li>Staples for staple gun</li>
<li>Measuring tape</li>
<li>Level</li>
<li>L-Ruler or T-Ruler</li>
<li>Stud finder</li>
<li>Carpetner Pencils</li>
<li>Use a Mason's Bag instead of a basket</li>
</ol>
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Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212959254838842944noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639393378538922724.post-60780297197582691782013-03-20T07:00:00.000-04:002013-03-20T07:00:17.385-04:00French Board 2.0Back in February, we did a Secret Admirer Valentine exchange at work. I took pictures of all the valentines I made so that I could share with you here, but apparently forgot. So here I am now.<div>
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The idea of the exchange was to leave little trinkets on your Valentine's desk all week long. I left cookies and pinwheels and really weird cards to try and throw her off all week long...</div>
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...but on the last day I gave her this homemade french board.<div>
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Of course, this totally gave away that it was me, since you may remember I made <a href="http://www.craftycritique.com/2012/09/diy-french-board.html">this</a> french board for my own cubicle at work awhile back:</div>
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Oh well! I had a blast making it, and she enjoyed receiving it. I love the way the colors look together.</div>
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This is one of those easy DIY projects that is so satisfying. You should try it! :)</div>
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Thanks for reading!</div>
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--CC</div>
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Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212959254838842944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639393378538922724.post-42314813286340154782013-03-17T16:27:00.001-04:002013-03-17T16:29:55.599-04:00Raised Bed GardenHello, and Happy St. Patrick's Day! :) Here in Florida we're well into the spring season. The Azaleas and Dogwoods are blooming, the trees are budding, and we're experiencing warm weather with lots of rain! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXixZ7S0Wfafw5WkhsLHi2hwH4EKY9kEcse9PbC6QO2fZQuxpif8-8Ya3Tuzam20WUfqin5HDehUcYiAiR5nagNhT8sDCR1RAFjzcf1QkRKv0Z_BePllQTpuYQa1-0ypImNnb2DW4lvgg/s1600/Azaleas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXixZ7S0Wfafw5WkhsLHi2hwH4EKY9kEcse9PbC6QO2fZQuxpif8-8Ya3Tuzam20WUfqin5HDehUcYiAiR5nagNhT8sDCR1RAFjzcf1QkRKv0Z_BePllQTpuYQa1-0ypImNnb2DW4lvgg/s640/Azaleas.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Yesterday it was sunny and warm, so my fiance and I got to work building a raised bed garden. (We also had this little helper.)<br />
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I was surprised at what a quick and easy project it was. After just three hours of work, we were completely finished. We used a bunch of different tutorials online as a guide for building our raised bed, but didn't really follow any instructions in particular. We ended up buying one 2x10x16, cutting it into four 4 foot sections, and drilling it together. We used a 4x4 that was 12 inches tall in each corner for extra stability and to bury into the ground so the bed would stay put. (If this makes no sense, you might want to check out <a href="http://www.sunset.com/garden/backyard-projects/ultimate-raised-bed-how-to-00400000011938/">this tutorial</a>--it's the best raised garden bed instructions we found and it even includes a shopping list.)<br />
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The whole project (lumber, dirt, and all) cost us just $75--well worth it for the tasty vegetables and the enjoyment we'll get out of it. Plus, once you have the raised bed set up you can plant in it again and again.<br />
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I can't wait to see my little vegetables grow! :) Thanks for stopping by!<br />
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-CCMadisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212959254838842944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639393378538922724.post-53756301998483976672013-02-10T21:22:00.002-05:002013-02-10T21:22:38.703-05:00Clever ValentinesI don't know about you, but I'm loving all the clever little Valentine's plastered all over Pinterest right now! Lucky for me, last year my fiance and I opted to exchange little Valentines throughout the week instead of giving each other gifts. It's way more fun and helps you to savor the holiday all week long! Plus, you get to feel like a kid again. :)<br />
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So we bought some of those tiny mailboxes from the Target dollar aisle and had a blast last year. And this year we're doing it again, so I thought I'd share the Valentines I made him here. I'm sure you've seen many of them on Pinterest, but here's my rendition! (Fair warning: I'm no scrapbooker!)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXOZIkYhVONqoPCzvtKmCQSYffoQQZo41Y8FaWYnzcbNsWouKeciyn3Q2iYhEXxK7RsisQ9AnQKg-eI2uCbBFKaLYL3hek2FOlE5JIVbizDHDAzMBKX95BA34ggJT8TULA2n0o7sfMoaxU/s1600/IMG_6210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXOZIkYhVONqoPCzvtKmCQSYffoQQZo41Y8FaWYnzcbNsWouKeciyn3Q2iYhEXxK7RsisQ9AnQKg-eI2uCbBFKaLYL3hek2FOlE5JIVbizDHDAzMBKX95BA34ggJT8TULA2n0o7sfMoaxU/s640/IMG_6210.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I Love You S'more and S'more Each Day with S'mores Cookies</td></tr>
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Recipe for S'mores Cookies is <a href="http://www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com/2011/06/smores-cookies.html">here</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjocKNhdBufW5rzrqpPFZhjIUcnKsiQ8yDt14APB9I5II25ebt8Qu0M0BO4D3dz_9SCX2ykf4L6zVpujfY66pByP3-hOqYdeeconjBOkyPeFdXPOObPYYwIv0yj4aNvy81uGp2-OLf-Tjy0/s1600/IMG_6213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjocKNhdBufW5rzrqpPFZhjIUcnKsiQ8yDt14APB9I5II25ebt8Qu0M0BO4D3dz_9SCX2ykf4L6zVpujfY66pByP3-hOqYdeeconjBOkyPeFdXPOObPYYwIv0yj4aNvy81uGp2-OLf-Tjy0/s640/IMG_6213.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blowing You a Kiss Valentine with Gum Balls & Hershey Kisses</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikTa9NP2PcD-3CgBfam8jRPygTTNe3KKL0BksAHAYTswoF8qjp02SdyILQW24_5zaadKglvmiNd_3A_6GRY7egnYgN5amuD-OpyWczes8bONsOd52NhdjlSu5EP0JOnNT_Wngz0RVsZ_Ru/s1600/IMG_6219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikTa9NP2PcD-3CgBfam8jRPygTTNe3KKL0BksAHAYTswoF8qjp02SdyILQW24_5zaadKglvmiNd_3A_6GRY7egnYgN5amuD-OpyWczes8bONsOd52NhdjlSu5EP0JOnNT_Wngz0RVsZ_Ru/s640/IMG_6219.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We Make a Grate Pair Valentine with Mini Graters</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiakFXXToW7lC23tpNiwfyBLt5Cx1wT3UiPoZWGN7IULvoxsOYg4XUgK7fwikhpdQQ1HiX2EbIXeDgkiYc9Dn1NpBu2KURGQXtg5uwoTsI_6n-1akiPc20c-YPk47vRR6KnV7XL-0TglWn/s1600/IMG_6220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiakFXXToW7lC23tpNiwfyBLt5Cx1wT3UiPoZWGN7IULvoxsOYg4XUgK7fwikhpdQQ1HiX2EbIXeDgkiYc9Dn1NpBu2KURGQXtg5uwoTsI_6n-1akiPc20c-YPk47vRR6KnV7XL-0TglWn/s640/IMG_6220.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You Rock My World Valentine with Pop Rocks</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPwlPIxAmzX3TiNYcDjR1JonU5SknCjmsJ-vZQKt3jV_RyQ6Tq5Bq42j0LLOl4cuKTKzGvb68xgCGJya4Ytx1F5al5oSS1k0E4mkWPBW7WGOAaJtfDpibyEHwmMlYwTsl5O3ce4IDN9nvk/s1600/IMG_6222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPwlPIxAmzX3TiNYcDjR1JonU5SknCjmsJ-vZQKt3jV_RyQ6Tq5Bq42j0LLOl4cuKTKzGvb68xgCGJya4Ytx1F5al5oSS1k0E4mkWPBW7WGOAaJtfDpibyEHwmMlYwTsl5O3ce4IDN9nvk/s640/IMG_6222.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You Hold a Piece of My Heart Valentine with Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Heart & Reese's Pieces</td></tr>
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I put the first Valentine in his mailbox tonight.<br />
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The fun starts tomorrow! I hope you have a terrific Valentine's week. Thanks for reading!<br />
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--CCMadisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212959254838842944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639393378538922724.post-4261394974726696952013-01-20T19:46:00.001-05:002013-01-20T19:46:16.287-05:00Hot/Cold Therapy Pillow GiftsHello there! It turns out I didn't get to finish my quilt this weekend after all. Silly me forgot to prewash the rest of my fabric! I wanted to get my sewing on, though, so I spent this afternoon working on a hot/cold therapy pillow for one of my co-workers who has tennis elbow right now. It was the perfect project since I already had all the supplies on hand--even the rice!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQQIss3r3uBmrfvOAzbWCqPfbXwpW80Fxj3YUzb-FfI8hVuzvX0mky-0jKER4btBZvQHj6g4Ah_dGmmUTJhFb-A9qQCH8aR9UY7KKEdlELyoAPyME4PJLyiNhWpU_G4X_JUHvRZGB-6Yx3/s1600/IMG_6206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQQIss3r3uBmrfvOAzbWCqPfbXwpW80Fxj3YUzb-FfI8hVuzvX0mky-0jKER4btBZvQHj6g4Ah_dGmmUTJhFb-A9qQCH8aR9UY7KKEdlELyoAPyME4PJLyiNhWpU_G4X_JUHvRZGB-6Yx3/s640/IMG_6206.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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It had been awhile since I made one of these, so I had to check out <a href="http://www.craftycritique.com/2011/05/tutorial-heat-therapy-pillow.html">my own tutorial</a> for the dimensions. Lol! But once I got into the project I remember what a simple, quick, and satisfying project it was, so I made another for my step sister and niece. I can't wait to give them away. :)<br />
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I hope you had a great weekend and got in a little crafting!Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212959254838842944noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639393378538922724.post-75766171102957708162013-01-16T22:04:00.000-05:002013-01-16T22:04:48.756-05:00Ew! The Flu!Hey everyone! I just wanted to stop in and say thank you for all your kind and supporting words when my sewing machine was broken a few days ago! It is fixed now and I am so anxious to move forward with my project. It's so close to finished! <br />
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Unfortunately, though, I've spent the past week caring for my poor sick fiance, who has a bad case of Influenza A! (Get your flu shots, everyone! It's no bueno this year!) He's feeling much better now, so hopefully I'll be able to get back to work this weekend. In the meantime, here's a little sneak peak of my project progressing...and my cat and her catnip toy.<br />
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Hope you're doing well! Thanks for stopping by, and happy crafting!<br />
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--CCMadisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212959254838842944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639393378538922724.post-19469784033647720312013-01-06T11:50:00.002-05:002013-01-06T12:05:35.173-05:00Sometimes I Want to Throw My Sewing Machine Out a WindowLast night I was about halfway through a big project and my sewing machine quit working. Sometimes when this happens if I come back later it just magically works, so I went to bed with intentions to finish up the project this morning before the fiance returns home from California. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is not my actual sewing machine...just a picture from the interwebs!</td></tr>
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But this morning the problem persists! It seems to be a problem with the thread not pulling through the bobbin. I tried changing my bobbin and loosening my tension. I tried removing everything from the underworkings of my sewing machine and putting it back together. Nothing. So I can't finish my project! It makes me so frustrated! Any ideas?Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212959254838842944noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639393378538922724.post-42315368900167204492013-01-01T12:24:00.003-05:002013-01-01T12:24:16.379-05:00Happy New Year!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happy New Year, friends! I've never been much of a partier, so I didn't spend my New Year's Eve drinking or even out like most people. Instead, a close friend of mine went to dinner with the early birds (everyone in our section was over 50 and drinking iced tea), then hit up the grocery store to get our shopping done for the week. Once that was finished, we hung out at her apartment and talked about our New Year's Resolutions. Mine are:<br />
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1. Eat out less<br />
2. Refinance/consolidate student loans<br />
3. Save money<br />
4. Go on more date nights<br />
5. Make more bucket lists to help me enjoy the seasons<br />
6. Make a quilt<br />
7. Focus more on the positive and less on the negative<br />
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My friend lives near downtown, so at midnight we broke out our sparklers and walked downtown to see the fireworks display. Not a bad night! I hope your New Year's Eve went just as well.<br />
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Thanks for reading!<br />
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--CC<br />
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<br />Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212959254838842944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639393378538922724.post-30742170830886000702012-12-25T17:55:00.001-05:002012-12-25T17:55:26.312-05:00Merry Christmas!I hope you're enjoying the holiday with loved ones! We sure are! We're getting ready to eat our Christmas dinner, and then we'll be snuggling up because we're expecting SNOW tonight! :)<div>
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Merry Christmas!</div>
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-CC</div>
Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212959254838842944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639393378538922724.post-37366294162756663922012-12-25T00:21:00.001-05:002012-12-25T00:21:07.624-05:00Whimsical Forest Animal Christmas Stockings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Last weekend before we headed up to Missouri to see my family for Christmas, we had an early Christmas between just the two of us, and we got to use the new stockings I made! </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The stockings were too heavy to be hung by the chimney with care...probably because we have no fireplace and I was trying to hang them with 3M strips that weren't for the proper weight limit.</td></tr>
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I used the <a href="http://www.noodle-head.com/2009/11/christmas-stocking-tutorial.html">Noodlehead stocking tutorial</a> that I used <a href="http://www.craftycritique.com/2010/12/christmas-stockings.html">the last time I made stockings</a>, but I think they turned out a lot better than my first set! I made a bunch of little felt forest animals with red scarves and hats. I'm the hedgehog, Tyler wanted to be a moose, and of course my Pomeranian had to be a fox and my tuxedo cat had to be a skunk. :) Once I cut out the animals, I hand stitched them to the stockings and added small glass beads for eyes and noses. I also stitched on little snowflakes while I was at it. <br />
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For our names I cheated and took them to a local monogramming store. I won't lie. Embroidery is like my least favorite activity ever. I start mumbling cursewords whenever I for some strange reason decide to take on a large embroidery project.<br />
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Once the details were done, I followed the tutorial to sew them all together! I omitted the extra strip of contrasting fabric between the cuff and the main stocking because I didn't have any red fabric to match my bias tape. It turned out just fine that way--I just didn't add the two extra inches to the batting when I used the template to cut it out.<br />
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They look beautiful all together and I was so excited to use them at our early Christmas! These photos were so cute I couldn't help but share. It turns out our little doggie understands how stockings work.<br />
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She even knew which one was hers...<br />
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And she couldn't wait to open it!<br />
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Here's to hoping your Christmas was as joyful as our puppy's! Thanks for stopping by! :)<br />
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--CCMadisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212959254838842944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639393378538922724.post-1422012244303509572012-12-24T08:30:00.000-05:002012-12-25T00:37:35.969-05:00Season's Snapshots: December 16-24<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>December 16: Coca-cola in Glass Bottles</b></div>
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<b>December 17: Homemade Dog Biscuits Gifts</b></div>
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<b>December 18: Packing to Visit Home for Christmas</b></div>
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<b>December 19: Homemade Gift Basket</b></div>
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<b>December 20: Handmade Christmas Ornament</b></div>
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<b>December 24: Red Berry Garlands</b></div>
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Madisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212959254838842944noreply@blogger.com0