Snowflakes

Joys of Nature

Photo January 21, 2013 taken on our deck rail.

Ways to Use Medicine Bottles

Child's Play Food Cans 

If you're like us and really hate to throw these empty medicine bottles away, then let's have fun creating a toy idea for your kids or grandkids.  My grandchildren, Bradyn and Cadance along with myself,  love to play grocery store when they come to visit.  I searched on the Net for different canned food labels and found several as shown in the photos below.  Then I used my Print Shop program on the computer to size them and then print them off.  I cut the labels to fit each of the two sized bottles I had. 

I wrapped the label around the bottle to fit and used the packing tape to hold in place by wrapping the tape all the way around the label.  I noticed I had some extra space at the bottom of the bottle and so I used some wide Scotch tape I had to finish. 

I then painted the tops with some grey acrylic paint and Wa La!  We now have canned goods to go with our other shopping items.  For added fun, I printed off photos of the foods to match the contents in the "cans" and cut them to fit inside the bottles.  You can search for those on the Net too.  I then used the clear sticky tabs you can find at any craft or scrapbook store to attach the photo to the bottom of the bottle. 

Sewing Conversion Table for Your Yardstick

Sewing Conversion Table for the Yardstick

1/8 of a yard = 4 1/2 inches
1/4 of a yard = 9 inches
1/3 of a yard = 12 inches
3/8 of a yard = 13 1/2 inches
1/2 of a yard = 18 inches
5/8 of a yard = 22 1/2 inches
2/3 of a yard = 24 inches
3/4 of a yard = 27 inches
7/8 of a yard = 31 1/2 inches
1 yard = 36 inches

More free conversion charts:

http://www.its-sew-karren.com/fabric-measurements-guide.html

http://www.fiber-images.com/Free_Things/Reference_Charts/free_reference_charts_conversion_charts.html

Pick-A-Pocket Purse A simple bag cleverly incorporates six outer pockets for everyday necessities. The sew-simple trick is that the pockets are formed when the straps are sewn on the bag pieces.
Designer: Monica Solorio-Snow of Happy Zombie

Go to this link for the designer of this tote's instructions.   I used the measurements provided by mickeyleigh below for the larger tote. 

http://www.allpeoplequilt.com/projects-ideas/bags-pillows/pick-a-pocket-purse_1.html

mickeyleigh wrote:

"I Love this bag!I've made 6 of them!! to make a LOVELY LARGER tote - cut your pieces as follows... 2 @ 22x30 1/2 ~ inside print; 2 @ 22x26 1/2 ~ Outside pocket print; 4 @ 6x28 ~ Straps (attach 2 end to end for total strap length of 55"); 2@ 21 3/4 x 15 1/4 ~ batting. :: after constructing panel, before attaching panels to one another, stitch a line 3 1/2" from bottom of panel to keep goodies from sliding down to the bottom of bag. :-)."

The above measurements creates quite a large tote.  For my second tote, I think I will try making all the above measurements an inch smaller.  I'll get back to you on how that comes out.  This is easy and fun to make.  I made the owl fabric tote for my daughter.  I can't wait to start on mine.  I don't think I'll buy another purse again!

Christmas Favorites

Christmas Favorites

Ornaments and Decorations Collected over the Years

 Pillows Cross Stitched by Celia Avery (Mama)

Stocking Cross Stitched by Diana Lee

Victorian Santa Cross Stitched by Celia Avery

Holiday Cranberry Salad

Holiday Cranberry Salad

This salad is wonderful for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.  My family loves it.  Enjoy!

2 pkgs of small raspberry jello
1 ¼ cup of boiling water
1 16 oz. can of whole cranberry sauce
2/3 cup of port wine
1 16 oz. can crushed pineapple (undrained)

Topping:
8 oz. pkg of cream cheese, softened
1 cup of Cool Whip
1 cup of powdered sugar

Dissolve the jello in hot water.  Add the cranberry sauce and pineapple and let set for ½ hour. 
Add the wine, stirring well.  Chill for 4 hours.  For the topping, mix the cream cheese, cool whip
and powdered sugar with a beater until smooth. If needed, add a little more Cool Whip or milk. Spread over the jello salad and serve. 

USMC Officer Ensemble

"USMC Officer Ensemble"

I cross stitched this design for my husband, Larry, for his retirement from the Marine Corps in 1991.  For more information on this pattern go to the following link.
http://www.lastade-designs.ecrater.com/p/21707681/united-states-marine-corps-cross