All of my children have been, or currently are, involved in Scouting/Venturing. We’ve spent many summers at either day camp or resident camp. Tons of good times! Anyway, one of the things my daughter did in Girl Scouts was to participate in Swaps: A small handmade item that you pin on a hat that is…
Archives for November 2012
Brownie Mix + Black Beans = YUMMO!
Recently, I’ve seen a lot of recipes for Black Bean Brownies that are made from scratch. This really intrigues me because it’s a great way to increase the fiber and protein content of my favorite bar cookie. What would happen if you started with a box mix instead of making them from scratch? Let’s…
Homemade Holiday Inspiration Day 10 – Cupcake Ornament
My daughter has two loves: ice cream and cupcakes. So in honor of her, I decided to make some cupcake ornaments. I am glad to report that she gave them her stamp of approval. I hope you like them too….and they’re calorie free! ???? Here’s how! Cupcake Ornaments Supplies: Glass ornaments White paint Glitter Holly…
Homemade Holiday Inspiration Day 9 – Marbled Glass Ornament with Alcohol Inks
Have you used alcohol inks yet? If not, you’re definitely missing out. They come in a rainbow of colors and dry super quick. These inks work on any non-porous surface: glass, plastic, metal, etc. So, today I’m going to show you how to create a beautiful marbled ornament using these amazing inks. Marbled Glass Bulb…
Homemade Holiday Inspiration Day 8 – Bottle Cap Ornament
When I was a kid, soda pop came in glass bottles that you would return to the grocery store. Why? The bottles were returned to the manufacturers where they would wash the bottles and re-use them. Yup! This was before “green” was in. Anyway, I definitely think that any beverage bottled in a glass bottle…
Homemade Holiday Inspiration Day 7 – Mason Jar Jingle Bell Votive Candle Holder
Here is a super quick decoration you can make for your friends or your mantel in virtually no time. It’s just a matter of assembling items. Yup, you heard me, just assembling. There’s no glue. There’s no paint. You’ll be done in 10 minutes or less. I promise. Mason Jar Votive Jingle Bell Candle Holder…
Homemade Holiday Inspiration Day 6 – Button Ball Ornament
When I was a kid, I remember getting these beautiful ornament making kits where you use pins to secure sequins and beads on a Styrofoam form. Remembering back, I thought I’d try something similar but use buttons and glass-head pins for a more whimsical look. Check it out! It was easy and fun. This would…
Homemade Holiday Inspiration Day 5 – Sculpey Clay Owl Ornament
Have you noticed how there are owls everywhere? They are definitely the “in” animal this year. So for day 5, I decided to create an owl ornament using polymer clay. Here it is! If you have never used a polymer clay before (i.e. sculpey, premo, fimo) they are really fun. This is a plastic clay…
“Green” Gift Wrapping This Holiday Season
My wonderful friend, Gen, over at Color Me Domestic, has been running an amazing series on greener, sustainable living. Last Friday, November 9, 2012, we created a joint post showing all sorts of ways to either… Use recycled materials when you gift wrap or How to make reusable packaging This amazing toilet paper tube favors (that Gen…
Homemade Holiday Inspiration Day 4 – Washi Tape Candle Holders
It’s day number 4 and I have another super simple decorating idea for you. It all starts with washi tape, a mini candle from Bath and Body Works, along with the glass holder you can purchase from Bath and Body Works. I wanted to share this with you before Black Friday in case Bath and…