tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91466730754662542692024-03-12T20:56:05.535-07:00Jane of all TradesUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146673075466254269.post-7612253439423950472013-02-15T08:08:00.001-08:002013-02-15T08:11:45.242-08:00Valentine's Day FunNot a new idea, but I tried these valentine's out this year and they got RAVE reviews. Not only are these such a cute idea, but they will always be unique since the child in the picture is unique. I'm hoping we can do them each year and compare. We also realized that it is nice for the young ones that can't write yet, in they don't need to be "signed" by who its from.<br />
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Simply take a photo of your child holding out a fist. You can add words and hearts before printing (like I've done), or have your child decorate after with stickers, etc. Get 4x6 prints made, then punch the top and bottom of the fist. Insert a sucker and you've got one adorable valentine! <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W8qwCjJ5_p0/UR5Yrv4auKI/AAAAAAAAAZM/_ReeGBFl45w/s1600/Vday2013-cards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W8qwCjJ5_p0/UR5Yrv4auKI/AAAAAAAAAZM/_ReeGBFl45w/s400/Vday2013-cards.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This "Despicable Me" minion box for cards was made from a large Kleenex box. All it took was construction paper, pipe cleaners and toilet paper tubes wrapped with aluminum foil for the goggles. The best part is beyond Valentine's Day, it becomes a wonderful play thing for my kids.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qXAWsuy2pBg/UR5ZPLGkRvI/AAAAAAAAAZU/CrIzAeu_vzc/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qXAWsuy2pBg/UR5ZPLGkRvI/AAAAAAAAAZU/CrIzAeu_vzc/s400/photo.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146673075466254269.post-30887438565230557292012-03-17T08:43:00.001-07:002012-03-17T08:45:44.108-07:00GUINNESS CHOCOLATE CAKE<span class="photo_right" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" class="photo_img img" src="https://fbcdn-photos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/26565_1307062448951_1602252329_30779681_3060472_a.jpg" /><span class="caption"></span></span><big><b>GUINNESS CHOCOLATE CAKE</b></big><br />
<br />
<b>For the cake:</b><br />
Butter for pan<br />
1 cup Guinness stout<br />
10 tablespoons (1 stick plus 2 tablespoons) unsalted butter<br />
3/8 cup unsweetened cocoa<br />
2 cups superfine sugar<br />
3/8 cup sour cream<br />
2 large eggs<br />
1 tablespoon vanilla extract<br />
2 cups all-purpose flour<br />
2 1/2 teaspoons baking soda<br />
<br />
<b>For the topping:</b><br />
1 1/4 cups confectioners' sugar<br />
8 ounces cream cheese at room temperature<br />
1/2 cup heavy cream.<br />
<br />
<ol><li>For the cake: heat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9-inch springform pan and line with parchment paper. In a large saucepan, combine Guinness and butter. Place over medium-low heat until butter melts, then remove from heat. Add cocoa and superfine sugar, and whisk to blend.</li>
<li>In a small bowl, combine sour cream, eggs and vanilla; mix well. Add to Guinness mixture. Add flour and baking soda, and whisk again until smooth. Pour into buttered pan, and bake until risen and firm, 45 minutes to one hour. Place pan on a wire rack and cool completely in pan.</li>
<li>For the topping: Using a food processor or by hand, mix confectioners' sugar to break up lumps. Add cream cheese and blend until smooth. Add heavy cream, and mix until smooth and spreadable.</li>
<li>Remove cake from pan and place on a platter or cake stand. Ice top of cake only, so that it resembles a frothy pint of Guinness.</li>
</ol><br />
Yield: One 9-inch cake (12 servings).Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146673075466254269.post-88282169681404989502012-02-22T10:59:00.000-08:002012-02-22T13:54:22.325-08:00Medal Hanger<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zObFzRg5aGY/T0U6bx4qoJI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/7YpsZrJxAos/s1600/medal-hanger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zObFzRg5aGY/T0U6bx4qoJI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/7YpsZrJxAos/s400/medal-hanger.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Make your own medal hanger and show off all that hard work!<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="commentbody"><b>Supplies:</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="commentbody">Piece of wood</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="commentbody">Small wooden letters</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="commentbody">Cup Hooks</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="commentbody">Picture Hangers</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="commentbody">Paint</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="commentbody">Glue</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="commentbody"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal"><span class="commentbody">Get a piece of wood the size you would like. Lowe’s and Home Depot will cut it to size for you. Or craft stores also sell blank wood plaques that you could use as well. The board should be minimum 1/2” thick to accommodate the hangers. (my board was 12” x 5.5”)</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span class="commentbody">Paint the piece of wood and the letters any color you would like. </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span class="commentbody">Mark out where each hanger will go and pre-drill holes. (I found about a 1-1/2" space between hooks works well)</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span class="commentbody">Screw in the cup hooks by hand.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span class="commentbody">Attach picture hangers to the back (one on each end to keep it level)</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span class="commentbody">Get your medals and display them!</span></li>
</ol><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span class="commentbody">Note: Instead of the wooden letters, you can paint right on the board, stencil or even print something on paper and mod-podge it right on the board.</span></i></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146673075466254269.post-963151172210359462012-01-31T15:43:00.000-08:002012-01-31T15:43:13.798-08:00Red Popcorn<div style="text-align: center;">As long I was on the popcorn kick, I had to post the recipe for "Red Popcorn". Grandma Hammer introduced this to me and I have been passing it on to friends and family since. Its another great Stir Crazy popper recipe!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zb6tbUBSZT0/Tyh6rzD5vGI/AAAAAAAAAWA/-W8V_amF89I/s1600/red-popcorn.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zb6tbUBSZT0/Tyh6rzD5vGI/AAAAAAAAAWA/-W8V_amF89I/s320/red-popcorn.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Red Popcorn</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">{Red Hot Cinnamon Flavor}</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 cup popcorn</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/3 cup oil</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/3 cup red hots</div><div style="text-align: center;">salt to taste</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Put popcorn, oil and red hots into your stir crazy popper. Turn it on and wait for it to pop. When the popping slows to a few seconds, turn the popper off and immediately flip it over into the bowl. (The popcorn will burn if you don't move fast.) Salt to taste and enjoy!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Note: It looks like a major mess - it kind of is, but it cleans up a lot easier than it looks. I just wouldn't let it sit too terribly long before cleaning up the bowl and popper.</i></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146673075466254269.post-7768514197975023202012-01-31T15:15:00.000-08:002012-01-31T15:18:14.018-08:00Stir Crazy Kettle Corn!<div style="text-align: center;">I love my Stir Crazy popper. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I found this recipe for kettle corn in the stir crazy<br />
and had to give it a shot. It was amazing!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ywoepEKLw9I/Tyh10W1t2UI/AAAAAAAAAV4/OLB7UZsx228/s1600/popcorn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ywoepEKLw9I/Tyh10W1t2UI/AAAAAAAAAV4/OLB7UZsx228/s320/popcorn.jpg" width="251" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Stir Crazy Kettle Corn</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 cup popcorn kernels</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 cup sugar</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 cup oil</div><div style="text-align: center;">salt to taste</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Put the popcorn kernels, sugar and oil in your stir crazy and turn it on. Once the popping slows to around 3 seconds between pops, turn it off and flip it over. Salt to taste. Enjoy!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Note: The sugar makes the popcorn extra, extra hot so be careful! Also, after you salt it, let it cool and just take a wooden spoon and mix it up a little to break apart the popcorn.</i></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146673075466254269.post-85512388004335321542012-01-12T09:40:00.000-08:002012-01-27T10:27:29.166-08:00Chicago Cubs Room<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FfT52yrDtEo/Tw8ZanpHJoI/AAAAAAAAAUU/23I2slZrav4/s1600/Chicago-Cubs-Boys-Room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FfT52yrDtEo/Tw8ZanpHJoI/AAAAAAAAAUU/23I2slZrav4/s640/Chicago-Cubs-Boys-Room.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
We are HUGE Cubs fans, so I gave our boys the baseball/Cubs room of their (and my husband's) dreams!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VqXxgM087NI/Tw8ZbaawGkI/AAAAAAAAAUc/aR-koTfJj08/s1600/IMG_3056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VqXxgM087NI/Tw8ZbaawGkI/AAAAAAAAAUc/aR-koTfJj08/s320/IMG_3056.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Wrigley Field print from Target</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BLA-mOGhETI/Tw8Zcwj3pEI/AAAAAAAAAUk/MrUtGhK9XsU/s1600/IMG_3059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BLA-mOGhETI/Tw8Zcwj3pEI/AAAAAAAAAUk/MrUtGhK9XsU/s320/IMG_3059.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rGGNJhKptvw/Tw8ZeJlYEsI/AAAAAAAAAUs/k0OPQ6h85Uo/s1600/IMG_3063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rGGNJhKptvw/Tw8ZeJlYEsI/AAAAAAAAAUs/k0OPQ6h85Uo/s320/IMG_3063.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">One of these Cabbage Patch Kids was my husband's as a child. The other was found at a garage sale by my father-in-law. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nSrRUSTyoLY/Tw8Zf_FomOI/AAAAAAAAAU4/dMKD7i7aQKQ/s1600/IMG_3064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nSrRUSTyoLY/Tw8Zf_FomOI/AAAAAAAAAU4/dMKD7i7aQKQ/s320/IMG_3064.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Fatheads!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4B8zplBlXl8/Tw8ZhZpkgWI/AAAAAAAAAVA/SxSD67U5kSU/s1600/IMG_3067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4B8zplBlXl8/Tw8ZhZpkgWI/AAAAAAAAAVA/SxSD67U5kSU/s320/IMG_3067.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Pin Stripes on the Wall just like the Cubs Jerseys</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Y85vORM-uw/Tw8ZiSzjAHI/AAAAAAAAAVI/Pui8FqZXD_0/s1600/IMG_3071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Y85vORM-uw/Tw8ZiSzjAHI/AAAAAAAAAVI/Pui8FqZXD_0/s320/IMG_3071.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Boqm7bkl6c/Tw8ZjW9nvXI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/-BlwFuv9bdY/s1600/IMG_3074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Boqm7bkl6c/Tw8ZjW9nvXI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/-BlwFuv9bdY/s320/IMG_3074.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Norman Rockwell prints were in my husband's room as a child. I just got new frames for them. The pennants are also vintage from hubby's childhood.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E58XNOWF3b4/Tw8ZkWejfJI/AAAAAAAAAVY/hUi-Jdc1e_g/s1600/IMG_3076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E58XNOWF3b4/Tw8ZkWejfJI/AAAAAAAAAVY/hUi-Jdc1e_g/s320/IMG_3076.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I found the light switch cover, but these are easy to make. Just print a pattern on paper and use mod podge on a plain light switch cover.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146673075466254269.post-9858248165919985152012-01-12T09:14:00.000-08:002012-02-22T13:56:12.777-08:00Hannah's Room<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rzE4O1r6OZw/Tw8QqHBo3VI/AAAAAAAAASo/UMiLzHOOewM/s1600/pink-brown-baby-room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rzE4O1r6OZw/Tw8QqHBo3VI/AAAAAAAAASo/UMiLzHOOewM/s640/pink-brown-baby-room.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">An adorable pink and brown room that can grow with my daughter.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YkrdK5bzU5c/Tw8QqLFP33I/AAAAAAAAAS4/yKYYxaNwmbc/s1600/IMG_2605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YkrdK5bzU5c/Tw8QqLFP33I/AAAAAAAAAS4/yKYYxaNwmbc/s400/IMG_2605.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3R7hCKO_sGI/Tw8QqnHK8HI/AAAAAAAAATA/pNNJr15ny2g/s1600/IMG_2606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3R7hCKO_sGI/Tw8QqnHK8HI/AAAAAAAAATA/pNNJr15ny2g/s400/IMG_2606.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I created this design on my computer first. Then, used different sized bowls from my cupboard to make the circles. Each flower is really just 7 circles. The scalloped border is also a bowl half-circle repeated (easiest to make a cardboard template and trace). A steady and hand and some patience is all that is required to paint them all.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HYF7mVqBy9E/Tw8Qqi3igiI/AAAAAAAAATI/j_7x-m6IrHw/s1600/IMG_2607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HYF7mVqBy9E/Tw8Qqi3igiI/AAAAAAAAATI/j_7x-m6IrHw/s400/IMG_2607.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hTGMzq22gDs/Tw8Qq0ssoiI/AAAAAAAAATY/Rlztq38een0/s1600/IMG_2610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hTGMzq22gDs/Tw8Qq0ssoiI/AAAAAAAAATY/Rlztq38een0/s400/IMG_2610.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The toy box was an unfinished cedar box I found and painted to match.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-twkO-ZxLIms/Tw8Q4BhCXTI/AAAAAAAAAT4/mwdMCh3kxMM/s1600/IMG_2611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-twkO-ZxLIms/Tw8Q4BhCXTI/AAAAAAAAAT4/mwdMCh3kxMM/s320/IMG_2611.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Pink flower light from IKEA and pink height chart from Hobby Lobby</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fR343v0omsc/Tw8Q48rtJkI/AAAAAAAAAUA/cz3WnMpCdF8/s1600/IMG_2612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fR343v0omsc/Tw8Q48rtJkI/AAAAAAAAAUA/cz3WnMpCdF8/s320/IMG_2612.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This was an unfinished small dresser from IKEA ($40). </div><div style="text-align: center;">I found painting all of the pieces BEFORE putting the dresser together made it so much easier and cleaner looking than if I had put the dresser together first. I also figured that after my daughter outgrows the dresser, it can be her doll dresser.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SitKqPnBdTU/Tw8Q6PeAR7I/AAAAAAAAAUI/Tts-Tal_BjI/s1600/IMG_2614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SitKqPnBdTU/Tw8Q6PeAR7I/AAAAAAAAAUI/Tts-Tal_BjI/s320/IMG_2614.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I love these! They are Umbra flowers I found at Target and were originally gray. I simply spray painted them brown for the room. They look metal, but they are actually plastic. Very light and safe and really easy to install (a little tack goes in the wall first and then you "snap" the flower on). They have other shapes like butterflies that would be really cute, too.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jqFf5Q03PSs/Tw8Q2aU9NTI/AAAAAAAAATg/UbEv4zwSQaU/s1600/292891_2149851238144_1602252329_32165687_4103281_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jqFf5Q03PSs/Tw8Q2aU9NTI/AAAAAAAAATg/UbEv4zwSQaU/s320/292891_2149851238144_1602252329_32165687_4103281_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I love wall quotes and found the perfect one for this room above the crib,</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Dream until YOUR dream comes true."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OcPqNy_656A/Tw8Q219JnFI/AAAAAAAAATo/1MGNKfvmJY0/s1600/294467_2149850638129_1602252329_32165685_7724670_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OcPqNy_656A/Tw8Q219JnFI/AAAAAAAAATo/1MGNKfvmJY0/s320/294467_2149850638129_1602252329_32165685_7724670_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hannah's Name</div><div style="text-align: center;">I purchased the letters at Hobby Lobby. They were all white (too boring for me!). I actually created the patterns on my computer first, printed them out on regular paper and then mod podged them onto the letters (which I painted the sides pink first). When the mod podge dries clear, it looks just like the letters were hand painted! You could easily buy scrapbooking paper and do the same thing.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I1BjQx2D6-U/Tw8Q3trqm2I/AAAAAAAAATw/SaxNX-TOpsk/s1600/296103_2149851838159_1602252329_32165688_1706627_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I1BjQx2D6-U/Tw8Q3trqm2I/AAAAAAAAATw/SaxNX-TOpsk/s320/296103_2149851838159_1602252329_32165688_1706627_n.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146673075466254269.post-18219902720700159142012-01-11T18:13:00.000-08:002012-01-11T18:14:42.289-08:00Hearth Cover & BenchWe couldn't find a good solution to protecting our kids from the fireplace, so we made one. This is what I came up with. It is a very simple design of four pieces of wood screwed together. Cover that with foam padding or quilt batting to your liking. Then, if you can sew, make the cover and use a staple gun to upholster the bench. You could easily get away with just covering with fabric and stapling in place as well if you can't sew. The nicest part is it slides on and off fairly easily (not easy enough for the kids) when you want to use the fireplace and the bench makes for extra seating! <br />
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Total cost for wood, padding and fabric was around $50.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IiFT7zul-PY/Tw48k8J3jdI/AAAAAAAAAR4/zkFUU1h3Cjk/s1600/IMG00847-20110116-1959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IiFT7zul-PY/Tw48k8J3jdI/AAAAAAAAAR4/zkFUU1h3Cjk/s400/IMG00847-20110116-1959.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uscH4cY-0ZE/Tw49carHz7I/AAAAAAAAASQ/g-3JaDdl_7E/s1600/hearth-cover-bench.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uscH4cY-0ZE/Tw49carHz7I/AAAAAAAAASQ/g-3JaDdl_7E/s400/hearth-cover-bench.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146673075466254269.post-18849565741312331272012-01-11T15:25:00.000-08:002012-01-12T06:59:16.407-08:00Mosaic TableWe had an old table with a broken top that I wasn't sure what to do with. This is what I came up with. Created (patiently) from old plates I found around the house and Goodwill, I made an old ugly table into a beautiful accent on our patio.<br />
<br />
Supplies:<br />
- Old Plates<br />
- Mosaic Glue<br />
- Grout<br />
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Break up the plates (in an old pillow case works well), then arrange them on your surface. Once you have the pieces where you want them, use mosaic glue and glue each piece down. Mix up your grout and spread over and between the pieces. Wipe off the glass and let it dry. Seal the grout and you've got a one-of-a-kind piece of furniture!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IhK_cKGlzN0/Tw4aDu7gpKI/AAAAAAAAARI/lnu7w2fCbhY/s1600/IMG_1150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IhK_cKGlzN0/Tw4aDu7gpKI/AAAAAAAAARI/lnu7w2fCbhY/s320/IMG_1150.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l-K_ZV5FuZ8/Tw4aECHuelI/AAAAAAAAARQ/bUIYTt3rpOE/s1600/IMG_1156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l-K_ZV5FuZ8/Tw4aECHuelI/AAAAAAAAARQ/bUIYTt3rpOE/s320/IMG_1156.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D3XCgN5T7XM/Tw4aEvmI93I/AAAAAAAAARY/BCks8xvXS_I/s1600/IMG_1160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D3XCgN5T7XM/Tw4aEvmI93I/AAAAAAAAARY/BCks8xvXS_I/s320/IMG_1160.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">As an extra touch, I etched my initials and the year beneath one of the glass pieces as my "signature" on the project.<br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146673075466254269.post-78776457805976207332012-01-11T15:13:00.000-08:002012-01-11T15:41:31.981-08:00Diaper Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This Diaper Cake's Ingredients: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">81 diapers</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">9 rings</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">8 washcloths </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">6 spoons</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">5 onsies</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3 daisies </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 butterfly</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 sippy cup</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A lot of ribbon </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A lot of love</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">{Front of Cake}</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wHG-5swDbJo/Tw4dZ-Ts3JI/AAAAAAAAARg/yzdOg7YnB38/s1600/IMG_2432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wHG-5swDbJo/Tw4dZ-Ts3JI/AAAAAAAAARg/yzdOg7YnB38/s640/IMG_2432.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">{Left Side of Cake}</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kh8gjelkYJU/Tw4XG_Uiv7I/AAAAAAAAAQw/ZC0JMPOnFhs/s1600/IMG_2430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kh8gjelkYJU/Tw4XG_Uiv7I/AAAAAAAAAQw/ZC0JMPOnFhs/s640/IMG_2430.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">{Right Side of Cake}</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cDlzxDhiJ0w/Tw4XIP7Uo8I/AAAAAAAAAQ4/y-CSBnErfGI/s1600/IMG_2431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cDlzxDhiJ0w/Tw4XIP7Uo8I/AAAAAAAAAQ4/y-CSBnErfGI/s640/IMG_2431.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146673075466254269.post-60363762087146417782012-01-11T15:00:00.000-08:002012-01-11T17:48:41.062-08:00Lego Portraits<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Below are two lego mosaic portraits I created of my boys.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These are made entirely from legos (even the picture hanger). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Total legos on each mosaic is 1,988!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9yPQz9FjSww/Tw4U3lvPA_I/AAAAAAAAAQg/5pXuzjfR6n8/s1600/charlie-lego-mosaic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9yPQz9FjSww/Tw4U3lvPA_I/AAAAAAAAAQg/5pXuzjfR6n8/s400/charlie-lego-mosaic.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
Lego mosaic portraits aren't as challenging as they look! Don't be intimidated. The hardest part, I have discovered is getting all of the legos and at a reasonable cost. With these mosaics taking close to 2,000 legos, it can get a little pricey.<br />
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These were created on the Lego X-Large Gray Baseplate which measures 15" x 15" and is 48x48 lego studs wide. I used 1x1 plates in white, black and 3 different shades of gray.<br />
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To prepare a "pattern" for your mosaic, use Photoshop (of find someone who can!) and do the following:<br />
<ol><li>Choose your image and crop to a square. It is best to crop as much out of the background as possible.</li>
<li>Resize the image to 440 x 440 pixels. </li>
<li>Apply the Mosaic filter (Filter > Pixelate > Mosaic). Choose a cell size of 10. </li>
<li>Play with brightness and contrast to highlight the important stuff. The higher the contrast, the more bright and dark you will have which sets off the image nicely. </li>
<li>Change the photo to index color and select a custom palette. Choose just the colors of legos you'll use. In this case, I selected black, white and three shades of gray. Easy way to do this is to select Web colors only and then click black, white, light, medium and dark grays. </li>
<li>Finally, set the grid to every 10 pixels and subdivisions 1 (in Guides, Grids & Slices) and then turn on the grid (View > Show > Grid). Wah-lah! You have a pattern! </li>
</ol>Here are the two photos I used and their conversions to patterns:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kULrV4WiED0/Tw46K74NKYI/AAAAAAAAARo/SSM8wtZH_0k/s1600/charlie-photo-mosaic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kULrV4WiED0/Tw46K74NKYI/AAAAAAAAARo/SSM8wtZH_0k/s320/charlie-photo-mosaic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XuQxaRUbM_E/Tw46O2fNccI/AAAAAAAAARw/xrZP0OsM__g/s1600/carson-lego-mosaic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XuQxaRUbM_E/Tw46O2fNccI/AAAAAAAAARw/xrZP0OsM__g/s320/carson-lego-mosaic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Now, figure out how many of each color legos you will need. Estimate or count them out. The lego studs can be ordered directly from lego through their "pick a brick" option or be adventurous and find them through e-bay, lego stores, etc. Be forewarned that at around 9 cents a lego through the Lego Store, this project can run around $200! Get an X-Large Gray Baseplate (15"x15") - cost around $15 - and get to work. Start on your pattern, leaving room for the frame (2-studs on each side).<br />
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{The frame consists of all black: (44) 2x4 45° slope bricks, (2) 2x3 45° slope bricks, (6) 2x2 double concave 45° bricks, (1) modified 3x2 plate with hole (for the hanger - yes even the hanger is a lego!), and (2) 2x2 plates. OR some of these are hard to find, so you can use the same 1x1 plates as your image or do the frame however you would like!}<br />
<ol></ol><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rGO7i7EGETU/Tw4O5AkQx4I/AAAAAAAAAO4/j_E6bSu43n4/s1600/charlie-lego-mosaic1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rGO7i7EGETU/Tw4O5AkQx4I/AAAAAAAAAO4/j_E6bSu43n4/s320/charlie-lego-mosaic1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c8G9i-rTRE4/Tw4O52d9CBI/AAAAAAAAAPA/M1Ypsno8LoE/s1600/charlie-lego-mosaic2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c8G9i-rTRE4/Tw4O52d9CBI/AAAAAAAAAPA/M1Ypsno8LoE/s320/charlie-lego-mosaic2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mQhIIL_9bMg/Tw4O6iM59qI/AAAAAAAAAPI/XfscEJUo_iw/s1600/charlie-lego-mosaic3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mQhIIL_9bMg/Tw4O6iM59qI/AAAAAAAAAPI/XfscEJUo_iw/s320/charlie-lego-mosaic3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wiPjLhkUh9k/Tw4O7YHb5XI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/bISB3l4acP0/s1600/charlie-lego-mosaic4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wiPjLhkUh9k/Tw4O7YHb5XI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/bISB3l4acP0/s320/charlie-lego-mosaic4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uZn5iAdxVP4/Tw4O8A8N_OI/AAAAAAAAAPY/wKtJIp3cDf0/s1600/charlie-lego-mosaic5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uZn5iAdxVP4/Tw4O8A8N_OI/AAAAAAAAAPY/wKtJIp3cDf0/s320/charlie-lego-mosaic5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8CEVfOrSQoQ/Tw4O81-WDhI/AAAAAAAAAPg/S7Fit3icJfw/s1600/charlie-lego-mosaic6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8CEVfOrSQoQ/Tw4O81-WDhI/AAAAAAAAAPg/S7Fit3icJfw/s320/charlie-lego-mosaic6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-68MAZHtDA3E/Tw4PDdbnqCI/AAAAAAAAAPo/uJZsRVlkxiU/s1600/carson-lego-mosaic1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-68MAZHtDA3E/Tw4PDdbnqCI/AAAAAAAAAPo/uJZsRVlkxiU/s320/carson-lego-mosaic1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gZcM-2tjzNs/Tw4PEK3dtaI/AAAAAAAAAPw/fbjtGFi2HJ8/s1600/carson-lego-mosaic2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gZcM-2tjzNs/Tw4PEK3dtaI/AAAAAAAAAPw/fbjtGFi2HJ8/s320/carson-lego-mosaic2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XRDSQ3635Ho/Tw4PE3UfS8I/AAAAAAAAAP4/PxVXzN4kZkw/s1600/carson-lego-mosaic3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XRDSQ3635Ho/Tw4PE3UfS8I/AAAAAAAAAP4/PxVXzN4kZkw/s320/carson-lego-mosaic3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5SHHnTybX-0/Tw4PFYHTA5I/AAAAAAAAAQA/irpuJBb29V8/s1600/carson-lego-mosaic4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5SHHnTybX-0/Tw4PFYHTA5I/AAAAAAAAAQA/irpuJBb29V8/s320/carson-lego-mosaic4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ye_HZIwGFLU/Tw4PGngQiGI/AAAAAAAAAQI/g_Pxrqo0XV4/s1600/carson-lego-mosaic5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ye_HZIwGFLU/Tw4PGngQiGI/AAAAAAAAAQI/g_Pxrqo0XV4/s320/carson-lego-mosaic5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X3xr4MbvWrM/Tw4PHVV6LHI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/FdWkuTpUufg/s1600/carson-lego-mosaic6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X3xr4MbvWrM/Tw4PHVV6LHI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/FdWkuTpUufg/s320/carson-lego-mosaic6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5-TAOHw9Vy8/Tw4PInQMtSI/AAAAAAAAAQY/MXZWs9Yip3w/s1600/lego-mosaics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5-TAOHw9Vy8/Tw4PInQMtSI/AAAAAAAAAQY/MXZWs9Yip3w/s320/lego-mosaics.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146673075466254269.post-27659007793956841952008-12-17T15:25:00.000-08:002012-01-12T07:04:43.202-08:00Isabel's BlanketThis is the cute blanket I made for my cousin Tim's daughter. Extremely soft and cozy!<br />
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1R2iTPGO09o/SUmKijmMILI/AAAAAAAACGU/fSwCHtk3HRs/s1600-h/IMG_3995.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1R2iTPGO09o/SUmKijmMILI/AAAAAAAACGU/fSwCHtk3HRs/s400/IMG_3995.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280904364344221874" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">PATTERN:</span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Measurements</span> - Approx. 29 x 29 ins<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Materials</span> - Bernat Baby Blanket (Big Ball) (7 oz.), Size U.S. 10 knitting needles<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Gauge</span> - 13 sts and 18 rows = 4 ins in stocking st.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Instructions</span><br />
Cast on 95 sts.<br />
Knit 9 rows, noting first row is WS. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Next row:</span> (RS). Knit. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Next row:</span> K5. Purl to last 5 sts. K5.<br />
Rep last 2 rows until work from beginning measures 27 1/2 ins, ending with WS facing for next row. Knit 8 rows. Cast off knitwise (WS).<br />
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<br />
<span style="font-size:100%;">Also, I wanted to share the idea of this pretty way to "gift wrap" blankets as the blanket itself makes the perfect wrapping!</span><br />
</span><br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1R2iTPGO09o/SUmKi8ZzPVI/AAAAAAAACGc/5UTTCNRouk4/s1600-h/IMG_4055.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1R2iTPGO09o/SUmKi8ZzPVI/AAAAAAAACGc/5UTTCNRouk4/s400/IMG_4055.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280904371003145554" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146673075466254269.post-16991204578839270042008-06-10T11:38:00.000-07:002012-01-12T07:05:05.235-08:00Aidan Jo's BlankieThis is Aidan Jo's Blankie... a very soft, comfortable blankie for any baby! I've been wanting to try TLC Amoré for quite sometime as it is so light and soft—this was just the project and I'm very pleased with the result.<br />
<br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1R2iTPGO09o/SE7KtlA-taI/AAAAAAAABLQ/Pg1SLhhuwzY/s1600-h/06_01_08_aidan_jo_blankie.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1R2iTPGO09o/SE7KtlA-taI/AAAAAAAABLQ/Pg1SLhhuwzY/s400/06_01_08_aidan_jo_blankie.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210324703293388194" border="0" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>PATTERN:</strong><br />
<br />
- TLC® Baby Amoré™ - 10 Ounces<br />
- Knitting Needles, US 10.5 (6.5 mm)<br />
<br />
Cast on 88 sts.<br />
Rows 1-8 Knit every stitch on every row.<br />
Row 9 - 18 Knit first 14 stitches, (purl next 10 stitches, knit next 10 stitches) 3 times, purl next 10 stitches, knit last 4 stitches.<br />
Row 19 - 28 Knit first 4 stitches, (purl next 10 stitches, knit next 10 stitches) 4 times, knit last 4 stitches.<br />
Repeat rows 9 - 28 seven more times.<br />
Knit 8 more rows. Bind off.<br />
<br />
</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146673075466254269.post-30026601497803724232007-11-11T07:21:00.000-08:002012-01-12T07:05:24.129-08:00DishclothKnit dishcloths are wonderful. They last a long time and they're quick and easy to make! A great side or in-between project. This is my favorite pattern I've found. And this yarn turned out very pretty. I have to say that I did do some dishcloths with the Lion Brand cotton as well and it is a really nice yarn to work with though just a bit more expensive, but comes in some colors other brands do not.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1R2iTPGO09o/RzcfsvfPbYI/AAAAAAAAAzU/CSu3Abn8bic/s1600-h/dishcloth.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5131605153934175618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1R2iTPGO09o/RzcfsvfPbYI/AAAAAAAAAzU/CSu3Abn8bic/s400/dishcloth.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size:78%;"><strong>PATTERN:</strong><br />
- size 7 US (4.5 mm)<br />
- 100% cotton yarn </span><br />
<span style="font-size:78%;">Size: 9" x 9"<br />
<br />
<strong>DISHCLOTH</strong><br />
Cast on 46 sts.<br />
Rows 1 and 2 Knit.<br />
Rows 3 and 4 Knit 2, *knit 1, purl 1; repeat from * across to last 2 stitches, knit 2.<br />
Repeat Rows 1-4 for pattern until piece measures 9 inches from beginning, ending with pattern Row 2. Bind off all stitches in knit.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146673075466254269.post-39570464727208252632007-11-04T12:12:00.000-08:002012-01-12T07:06:55.142-08:00Sydney's Blanket & PillowFor Sydney, I made her this so very, very soft blankie and pillow. No real pattern, just found some great yarn and the purple looked just like Sydney, so I just started knitting and this is what I came up with. I had enough yarn left over and made a pillow to match.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1R2iTPGO09o/Ry4n2GOj2fI/AAAAAAAAAuY/XIOL-_-Uhh4/s1600-h/sydney_blanket_pillow.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129080835959675378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1R2iTPGO09o/Ry4n2GOj2fI/AAAAAAAAAuY/XIOL-_-Uhh4/s400/sydney_blanket_pillow.jpg" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146673075466254269.post-88355473037604063702007-10-19T07:32:00.000-07:002012-01-12T07:08:52.641-08:00Jeff & Barb's Wedding AfghanThis was my first afghan I ever knitted. It turned out really nice and most importantly, Jeff and Barb loved it! Actually, my husband loved it so much too that he wanted to keep it. This is certainly a pattern I will use again. Very easy and a great one for beginners.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1R2iTPGO09o/RxjBfBPO05I/AAAAAAAAAuI/m652BG8ft_k/s1600-h/afghan-jeff1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123057314786366354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1R2iTPGO09o/RxjBfBPO05I/AAAAAAAAAuI/m652BG8ft_k/s320/afghan-jeff1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1R2iTPGO09o/RxjBfxPO06I/AAAAAAAAAuQ/WrLOmj9wQ6Y/s1600-h/afghan-jeff2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123057327671268258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1R2iTPGO09o/RxjBfxPO06I/AAAAAAAAAuQ/WrLOmj9wQ6Y/s320/afghan-jeff2.jpg" border="0" /></a><strong><span style="font-size:78%;"> PATTERN:</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-size:78%;">Finished size: Approximately 48 x 67 inches</span><br />
<span style="font-size:78%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size:78%;">- 6 skeins Lion Brand Homespun color of choice</span><br />
<span style="font-size:78%;">- Size 13 US (9 mm) needles</span><br />
<span style="font-size:78%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size:78%;">Gauge: 10 sts and 12 rows = 4 inches</span><br />
<span style="font-size:78%;"></span><br />
<strong><span style="font-size:78%;">Afghan</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-size:78%;">Cast on 135 sts.</span><br />
<span style="font-size:78%;">Rows 1-6: Knit</span><br />
<span style="font-size:78%;">Row 7 (RS): K6, p1, * k1, p1, rep from * to last 6 sts, end k6</span><br />
<span style="font-size:78%;">Row 8: K9, * p3, k3, rep from * to last 6 sts, end k6.</span><br />
<span style="font-size:78%;">Rep Rows 7 and 8 until peice measures 65 inches or desired length.</span><br />
<span style="font-size:78%;">Knit 6 rows. Bind off all sts.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146673075466254269.post-31333496354783945892007-10-16T09:07:00.000-07:002012-01-12T07:09:35.677-08:00Kylie's BlanketKylie's baptism blanket. This one was made with size 50 (25 mm) "speed stix".<br />
<br />
<br />
<p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1R2iTPGO09o/RxTh9hPO0xI/AAAAAAAAAtM/JSpqTQbYL8k/s1600-h/kylie_blanket.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121967123237622546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1R2iTPGO09o/RxTh9hPO0xI/AAAAAAAAAtM/JSpqTQbYL8k/s400/kylie_blanket.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><strong> PATTERN:</strong><br />
- 1 skein each Homespun®: Tudor, Lavender Sachet, Spring Green and Waterfall<br />
- Size 50 (25 mm) ('Speed Stix')<br />
<br />
GAUGE:<br />
4 sts + 4 rows = 4 inches [10cm] in Stockinette st (k on RS, p on WS) using 4 strands of yarn held together.<br />
<br />
STITCH EXPLANATION:<br />
sk2p Slip 1 as if to knit, knit 2 together, pass slipped stitch over—2 sts decreased.<br />
<br />
NOTES:<br />
An easy afghan knit on the diagonal from corner to corner. Four strands of yarn are held together throughout. Due to the nature of the fabric, gauge may vary throughout the knitting<br />
<br />
AFGHAN<br />
With one strand of each color held together (4 strands), cast on 3 sts.Rows 1 and 2 Inc in first st, k to end of row – 5 sts after row 2.Row 3 (RS) K1, yo, k to last st, yo, k1.Row 4 K2, p to last 2 sts, k2.Repeat rows 3-4 until diagonal edge measures about 30” [76 cm] – 43 sts.Row 5 (RS) K1, yo, sk2p, k to last st, yo, k1.Row 6 K2, p to last 2 sts, k2.Repeat rows 5-6 until longer diagonal edge measures about 36” [91.5 cm].Row 7 (RS) K1, yo, sk2p, k to last 4 sts, k3tog, yo, k1.Row 8 K2, p to last 2 sts, k2.Repeat rows 7-8 until 7 sts remain.Next row Sk2p, k1, k3tog - 3 sts.Next row Purl.Bind off.<br />
<br />
FINISHING<br />
Weave in ends.<br />
Tassels (make 4)Holding all four yarns together, wrap yarn around 6” [15.25] cardboard 17 times. Cut a 10” [25.5 cm] length of any of the yarns and thread doubled onto large-eyed blunt needle. Insert needle under all strands at one edge of cardboard. Pull tightly and knot securely near strands. Cut yarn loops at opposite edge of cardboard. Cut an 8” [20.5 cm] length of yarn and wrap tightly around loops 1 1/2" [4 cm] below top knot to form Tassel neck. Knot securely; thread ends into needle and weave ends to center of Tassel. Trim Tassel ends evenly. Sew one tassel to each corner of afghan.</p></span><br />
<span style="font-size:78%;"></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146673075466254269.post-41442997216020918852007-10-12T13:50:00.000-07:002012-01-12T07:10:07.068-08:00First Baby BlanketThis baby blanket was my first real knitting project from a pattern. It was very simple and quick, but turned out very beautiful and soft!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1R2iTPGO09o/Rw_fLRPO0uI/AAAAAAAAAs0/thxqGCz0vz4/s1600-h/baby-blanket-green1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5120556686042387170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1R2iTPGO09o/Rw_fLRPO0uI/AAAAAAAAAs0/thxqGCz0vz4/s400/baby-blanket-green1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>PATTERN:</strong><br />
<br />
- Red Heart® Baby Clouds™ - 18 Ounces<br />
- Knitting Needles, US 15 (10mm)<br />
<br />
Blanket measures approximately 36 ½-inches square.<br />
Gauge: 8 sts = 4-inches; 15 rows = 4-inches in pattern.<br />
<br />
Cast on 73 sts. Marking first row as the right side, work in pattern as follows: Rows 1, 2, 3, and 4: Knit. Row 5: K3, * yo, K2tog; repeat from * to last 2 sts; K2. Repeat Rows 1-5 until approximately 36" from beginning, end by working pattern Row 5. Knit 4 more rows. Bind off.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146673075466254269.post-42679595493934248282007-10-12T13:45:00.000-07:002012-01-12T07:11:13.610-08:00ScarfThis is truly the first thing I ever knitted. Not sure what I need with a scarf in Arizona! I was teaching myself knits and purls so I just kept alternating every 10 stitches and every ten rows. It actually turned out pretty cute. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1R2iTPGO09o/Rw_j1hPO0wI/AAAAAAAAAtE/RuY6wOuPYMk/s1600-h/red-scarf1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5120561809938371330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1R2iTPGO09o/Rw_j1hPO0wI/AAAAAAAAAtE/RuY6wOuPYMk/s400/red-scarf1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />
<div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146673075466254269.post-10771197908046392242007-10-12T13:30:00.000-07:002012-01-12T07:13:13.118-08:00Walter's NameI made this for my godson. They are big Chicago Bears fans (Walter was named after #34!).<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1R2iTPGO09o/Rw_gtBPO0vI/AAAAAAAAAs8/hbTnTHt0AcU/s1600-h/Walter-name.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5120558365374599922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1R2iTPGO09o/Rw_gtBPO0vI/AAAAAAAAAs8/hbTnTHt0AcU/s400/Walter-name.jpg" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146673075466254269.post-34997331091585318852007-10-09T21:08:00.000-07:002012-01-12T07:16:21.345-08:00Kylie's StoolFor Kylie's first birthday, I made her an adorable step stool... something every kid needs.<br />
<br />
It reads:<br />
"This little stool is mine,<br />
I use it all the time.<br />
To reach the things I couldn't,<br />
And lots of things I shouldn't."<br />
<br />
I picked up an unfinished stool from a local craft store and then painted it in colors to match her room. I also added her name in little wooden letters which I painted to match as well. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1R2iTPGO09o/RwxQcxPO0sI/AAAAAAAAAsg/ZgRnNLLEvSM/s1600-h/stool-kylie1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119555331597193922" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1R2iTPGO09o/RwxQcxPO0sI/AAAAAAAAAsg/ZgRnNLLEvSM/s400/stool-kylie1.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1R2iTPGO09o/RwxQdRPO0tI/AAAAAAAAAso/uPJgrR9QFl0/s1600-h/stool-kylie2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119555340187128530" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1R2iTPGO09o/RwxQdRPO0tI/AAAAAAAAAso/uPJgrR9QFl0/s400/stool-kylie2.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3