Make Your Own Kitchen Herb Garden

April 30, 2013 By 7 Comments

Kitchen Herb Garden

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Miracle-Gro for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Since moving to Minneapolis, we have had to get a little creative when it came to gardening. We literally JUST got spring weather and it’s almost May!

Kitchen Herb Garden

One thing my family has always enjoyed was fresh herbs. Luckily, even though its cold outside, our kitchen gets amazing light for most of the day. I figured this would be a great time to make my own kitchen herb garden! It’s one of those fun garden projects that you can bring indoors and have fresh herbs all year round!

To make sure that your herbs get the nutrients they need, I highly recomment a good Miracle-Gro product. You want to make sure that it’s one that is for use with foods you eat. That way you don’t get yuckies in there that weren’t meant for your family to consume.

Here’s what you need to make your own kitchen herb garden.

  • Box for your garden (I used a old orange box I picked up at an estate sale for $1)
  • Burlap (make sure the burlap is a finer knit one so dirt won’t get out)
  • Moisture Control Potting Mix or Miracle-Gro Organic Potting Mix ( I used the organic potting mix for my herbs)
  • Thyme, Rosemary, and Parsley (my favorites for an Italian herb garden)
  • Hot Glue and Hot Glue Gun
  • Twine
  • Paper
  • Popsicle sticks

Kitchen Herb Garden

First make sure that your container is clean! Then you want to take your burlap and cut it to the shape of your container. Start larger and then trim it later in the process.

Place your dirt in the box, hold your burlap in place while doing it. Trim any extremely excessive sides of burlap.

When a hot glue gun, tack the burlap around the edges of the boxes to make it secure. Once it’s secure trim the edges so it is straight around your container and forms a neat edge.

Kitchen Herb Garden

Hot glue the twine around the outside of the box, over top of the burlap for a decorative touch.

Place your plants in the dirt, and cover with more dirt.

To help identify your herbs, print out these great free printable herb markers. (Basil, Mint, Thyme, Rosemary, Parsley,and Oregano) Tape or glue to popsicle sticks and place in the dirt!

Now just place your indoor kitchen herb garden in your sunny window and watch them grow! And don’t forget the water ;)

Kitchen Herb Garden

Extra tips (great ideas Mary ;) ) if you don’t want the dirt to touch the burlap you can line the inside with a plastic liner. Just make sure that you look for a BPA free plastic.

Want some inspiration for some other garden projects? Make sure to learn more about The Gro Project from Miracle-Gro, and pick up some great tips The Gro Project video here!

Make sure you check out the Miracle-Gro Pinterest page to get even more great ideas, and forum like atmosphere, for gardening tips and inpsiration

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Earth Day Crafts: Recycled Earth Crayons!

April 17, 2013 By 6 Comments
Earth Day Crafts

Our family loves Earth Day! It might have a little something with us being a crunchy family and all. Each year, I try to find a neat craft or project for the kids and I to do that repurposes or recycles something and is fun to do. This year the kids wanted to put their HUGE bin of crayons to good use. One of our Earth Day crafts was making heart shaped Earth crayons to show our love for the planet!

Earth Day Crafts

Even though my kids are tweens, they still loved this craft. It took us less than 30 minutes to do, and the kids are already using the crayons for other great projects. I had bought this heart shaped mold on Amazon a few years ago. Now they have these really great silicon molds that are even better in the oven. Here’s how to make these great hearts!

Supplies

Directions

Make sure to peel the paper off of the crayons. This truly took the longest amount of time.

Break the crayons up into the smallest pieces you can. No need to cut them or shave them. Snapping them will do.

Earth Day Crafts

Put your heart shaped mold on your cookie sheet, and set your oven at the lowest heating temperature.

Place blue crayons on the bottom. Then place half as many green crayon pieces followed by one to two small white pieces.

Place your tray in the oven for approximately 10 minutes or until the crayons are melted.

Earth Day Crafts

Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.

Pop them out of the mold and they are ready to use! (If you have trouble getting them out of the mold, you can always stick them in the freezer for a few minutes)

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St Patrick’s Day Word Search Printables: Free Puzzles!

February 25, 2013 By 16 Comments
St Patricks Day Prinables

St Patricks Day Prinables

Rather than do some crafts this year, I thought we would make some St Patrick’s Day crossword puzzles for all of you to enjoy. Even though my kids are older, they still enjoy crossword and word search puzzles. They actually helped me design these two free St Patrick’s Day printables. I didn’t think they would care to do it at first, but they really surprised me and did a great job!

Both of these puzzles are free to use, so feel free to print as many as you would like. It’s a great way to have some fun this St. Patrick’s Day. The puzzles are geared towards children aged 6+. Little ones might be able to do them with a little bit of adult help as well.

St Patricks Day Word Search

To print your free word search, just click the picture above or download the St. Patrick’s Day Word Search Puzzle here.

If crossword puzzles are a little bit more your child’s speed, I have also included a great St Patrick’s Day Crossword puzzle as well. It’s a fun way to get your kids into the St Patty’s Day spirit. This crossword is great for fun or for homeschool lessons as well.

St Patricks Day Crossword Puzzles

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17 St Patrick’s Day Crafts

February 18, 2013 By 11 Comments
St Patricks Day Crafts

St Patricks Day Crafts

Whether you are Irish, or just faking it for a day, St Patrick’s Day is a fun time to do some crafts with the kids. It’s just before spring starts to show it’s face around Indiana, but we always love to make our home festive for the day. That’s when we bust out with the St Patrick’s day crafts!

I grew up in Savannah where there is a HUGE St Patrick’s Day celebration every year. My grandfather rode in the parade every year, and I was even able to ride with him. When I was in high school, I marched in it with my marching band.So, let’s just say there’s a long tradition of celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day in my family.

Here’s a great list of some cute St Patrick’s Day crafts for kids to help you get inspired for the holiday.

 St Patricks Day Crafts for Kids

 

 

 

 

What are some of your favorite St Patrick’s Day crafts or traditions?

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Valentine’s Day Crafts: Heart Picture Frame Decoration

January 29, 2013 By 4 Comments
Valentines Day Crafts

Valentines Day Crafts

For some reason this year Valentine’s Day has me inspired! I just keep finding ways to decorate my house for the holidays! Pink and red everywhere are not my cup of tea, so I am trying to find a way to decorate for the day without it looking like cupid threw up all over my house.

Valentine's Day Crafts

This project is really simple, plus it cost me less than $2 for the total project! It saved something from the landfill, makes my house look amazing, and didn’t break the bank. Now THAT sounds like a win/win/win situation to me!

For this project there are really only a few supplies that you will need.

Supplies

Picture frame (got mine for $1 at Goodwill)

Cream colored card stock or scrapbook paper

5 sheets of valentine’s or red/purple/pink  scrapbook paper

Scissors (I LOVE using my Cutterbee’s for this)

Tape

Pencil

Directions

To get start on this frame, you want to measure the area in your frame. For this particular one, I needed to cut rectangles that were 6 in. X 4 in. out of the cream card stock.

Draw a heart (or print out the template at the end of this tutorial) on the BACK of your cut out squares. Set aside.

With your scissors, cut out approximately 1/4 to 1/2 in strips of scrapbook paper. If you are using a smaller shape, like I did, you will want to cut all those strips in half to make them shorter. If your area to cover is bigger, leave them longer.

Take your first strip and lay it across the back of your heart. Then alternating scrapbook papers layer another strip, but turn it just slightly so it goes beyond the first strip. Continue this all the way around.

HINT: Taping as you go helps them stay in place. Otherwise you will want to flip out when your paper moves. Trust me, I learned this one from experience.

Once you have gotten all the way around, flip it over to make sure you can’t see any more light through the space. If there are holes, just flip it back over and put a strip of scrapbook paper over the hole.

Secure the papers, and then flip over. Trim any parts of the strips that go beyond the cream card stock.

Place your finished piece in your frame, and tape to secure it in spot!

 

If you don’t want to draw your heart by hand, make sure to print this Valentine’s Heart Template here.

 

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40 Valentine’s Day Crafts

January 10, 2013 By 13 Comments
Valentine's Day Crafts

 

Valentine's Day Crafts

Valentine’s Day is one of my favorite crafting times during the year. My kids and I are always thinking of fun Valentine’s Day crafts to make. This year we thought we would share with you some of our favorite crafts we have found that inspire us! Enjoy!

1. Easy Valentine’s Day Cards

2. Burlap Stitched Heart Pillow

3. Teabag Valentine’s Day Cards

4. Personalized Printable Valentine’s Coupon Book

5. Homemade VDay Sugar Scrub

Valentine's Day Crafts

6. Mason Jar Heart Glitter Lantern

7. Adorable Triple Painted Picture Frame 

8. Valentine’s Day Subway Art Printable 

9. DIY Valentine’s Heart Wreath 

10. Googly Eye Heart Garland

11. Heart Shaped Pot Holders

12. Crochet Heart Garland

13. DIY Candy Bouquets 

14. Fingerprint Heart Picture Frame

15. Heart Paper Headband Kids Craft

16. Stained Glass Tissue Paper Heart Kids Craft

17. Adorable Scented Heart Sachets

18.  Sweetheart Button Wreath

Valentine's Day Crafts

19. Hanging Beaded Hearts

20.  DIY Love Blocks

21.  Stained Glue Valentine’s Hearts

22.  Countdown to Valentine’s Day

23.  Sweetheart Valentine’s Heart Pops

24. Make Your Own Valentine’s Heart T shirt Kids craft

Valentine's Day Crafts

25. Valentine’s Snow Globe

26. Votive Holders

27.  Shabby Chic Style Valentine’s Wreath

28.  Valentine’s Bear Gift Bags

29. Dragon Valentine’s Mail Box

30. Easy Kids Painted Pot Gift

31.  Valentine’s Mirror Kids Crafts

Valentine's Day Crafts

32. Burlap Heart Wreath

33. Free Valentine’s Printables 

34. Heart Chalkboard Mug 

35. Ruffle Heart Pillow

36. Valentine Scrabble Tile Necklace

37. X O sign

38. 3D Heart Mobile

39.  Heart Stamp Rollers

40. Shabby Chic Valentine’s Decor

 

Love these Valentine’s Day crafts? Make sure to follow Crunchy Frugalista on Pinterest to see more amazing crafts and inspirational ideas!

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Valentine’s Day Crafts: Valentine’s Heart Lanterns

January 7, 2013 By 26 Comments
Valentine's Day Crafts

Valentine's Day Crafts

This craft is a great craft to make with the family. It’s really easy to do, and it looks like you spent HOURS on it! Trust me all of your friends will be impressed with your talents! These Valentine’s Day crafts take less than 30 minutes to make each jar. Get the whole family in on it, and you will have an adorable set of jars to decorate your home for Valentine’s day!

Here are the supplies that you need:

  • Tissue paper (white, pink, red, purple)
  • Mod Podge
  • Paint brushes
  • Mason or Ball Jars
  • Red Acryclic Paint
  • Red Glitter
  • Small piece of card stock (to make your stencil)
  • Precision Paper cutting scissors

Once you have gathered all of your supplies, make sure your Mason jars are clean and dry.

Then tear the tissue paper into small pieces and set aside.

On a piece of card stock, draw the shape of a heart. If you don’t want to draw it free hand, you can always print the heart template here, and trace it on your card stock.

Valentine's Day Crafts

With your paper cutting scissors, cut out your heart shape. Set the cut out aside. If you cut through the bottom of the cardstock, retape it so you have a heart stencil. Cut the edges of the stencil so you don’t have a lot of excess paper.

Tape the stencil to your jar with tape. Make sure it’s secure, but that the tape doesn’t cover any of the center of the stencil.

With your Modge Podge and tissue paper, cover the inside of your heart stencil. When you are done, gently remove the stencil. Make sure to not remove any of the tissue paper with the stencil.

Valentine's Day Crafts

With a fine paint brush, take your red paint and define the edges of the heart with paint. This gives it a more defined look.

Once your heart is completely outlined, paint the entire rest of the jar (minus the heart) red.

As you are painting, coat the red paint with red glitter. You can add as much or as little as you like, but the more the merrier in my opinion!

Valentine's Day Crafts

Continue painting and sprinkling until the entire jar is coated in glitter and paint. Set aside and let it dry!

To get the lantern look, use a tealight or small votive candle to light up your heart!

 

If you love this Valentine’s Heart Lantern, make sure to follow Crunchy Frugalista’s Valentine’s Board on Pinterest!

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Valentine’s Day Crafts: Upcycled Photo Frame

January 4, 2013 By 8 Comments
Valentine's Day Crafts

You knew I was going to throw at least one upcycled craft into this mix. I have to say this is one of my absolute favorite Valentine’s Day crafts that I have done. It was really easy, and there are very few things purchased for this craft.

Valentine's Day Crafts

If I haven’t shared my little gold mine with you yet, I will now. Goodwill. Every time I go there, I always check out to see what kind of frames they have. I always snag the best deals! I rarely pay over $.50 for one. Then you do what you want with it, and turn it into this most amazing craft!

Supplies

  • Red Acrylic Paint
  • Black Acrylic Paint
  • Ribbon
  • Picture frame
  • Music Note Scrapbooking paper (cut to fit)
  • Printer paper
  • Paper Precision Scissors
  • Magazine pages
  • DecoArt Weathered Wood Finish
  • Glue stick

Prep Instructions


The first step do this project is to do all of the prep work first. That is cutting out your hearts and letters. You can find the template for these at the end of this tutorial.

Since these letters have some nice swirls to them, I love using my Cutterbee Precision Paper Scissors. It let’s me get into those tiny spaces with out leaving jagged edges. Trust me, they are fabulous!

Once you have cut out your letters, set them aside.

Valentine's Day Deocrations

Cut out your heart template, and then grab some magazines.

Pull pages out that have colors or patterns that catch your eye. Look for blacks, reds, pinks, whites. You want to find a variety of colors and textures to cut your heart out from. When you find a few you like, use your heart template and cut out the hearts. Set aside.

Valentine's Day Decorations

Frame Instructions

To give your frame a weathered look you are going to grab some paint and DecoArt’s Weathered Wood Finish. Then watch the magic happen.

Paint the frame black, and let it dry.

Once it’s dry, paint a layer of DecoArt Weathered wood finish. Allow it to dry.

Valentine's Day Decorations

Now paint the red, allow to dry. Once dry, apply final layer of DecoArt Weathered Wood Finish. This will give the frame a nice weathered look!

Assembly

The last step is to put it all together.

Grab your scrapbook paper, letters, and hearts.

Arrange them until you are happy. Once you are satisfied, glue them in place.

Place it all back in the frame.

Adorn with a decorative ribbon for hanging it or use it as a table top decoration.

 

 

 

 

You can print the template for this Valentine’s Day Craft here.

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Organize your office with repurposed goodies!

January 2, 2013 By 17 Comments
How to organize your office

My office space was a disaster area. I am almost too embarrassed to show you a before photo, but I am going to so you get the full effect! When I first moved my office downstairs, it was shoved in a corner. It wasn’t a bad space, but having my back to door was awful. I was beginning to think I was being sent to time out for bad behavior. (Mind out of the gutters ladies)

After some debate, and a pow wow with my best friend, a new office plan came to me. Yes, it was perfect. It would soon be a space that oozed creativity and inspire posts that were worthy of Shakespeare. (Ok, well at least mainly grammatically correct) This new office was to be my center of zen, my chi, my homey place. If I was going to spend hours on end working here, I might as well LIKE being there, right?!?

Enough of the rambling let’s get to it. Just promise not to laugh at how awful this before picture is! I mean it is BAD! It’s proof that ADD and OCD are a bad combination. (Ok, pulling off the band aid)

How to Organize your office

 

This is what I had to start with. Clutter was everywhere. Nothing had a “home,” which just resulted in never finding anything. Bless Mr. Crunchy’s heart for putting up with me.  I am not usually one for New Year’s resolutions, but this year I have resolved to get organized. First spot to start was going to be my office.

Now let me walk you through the fabulous changes I have made, and are still using, in this great new space. The first thing we did was moved it out of the corner and against the wall. This way nothing falls behind my computer anymore, never to be seen again.

At an estate sale, I was able to pick up these two great drawer units for $10 total. They offer great storage for all of my office supplies. In my drawers I even made my own organizers out of contact paper and cereal boxes. (Tutorial to follow) It keeps all of my pens and such nice and neat, plus it matches my desk.

use cereal boxes to build organizer

My desk is just a typical pressed board desk you can buy at Walmart. I’ve had it for almost 10 years. It still functions so I figured rather than spending money, I would give it a face lift. For the tops of the desk, I used this cute contact paper that I found on Amazon. For the back, sides, and front edges I used black acrylic paint to give it a fresh new look. It turned out great, and took me less than 30 minutes to do!

Now onto the organization! I broke down and bought this great filling cabinet from Walmart. It has three great drawers to fit all my important files and papers in. I grabbed some color coded folders and organized my families files. Here’s how I organized them.

how to organize files

How to organize your office

Yellow – Needs Attention

  •       To be paid
  •      To be filed

Blue – Long Term Finances (these are files that protect your finances and/or family)

  • Auto Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Retirement
  • SSI
  • Warranties
  • Credit Reports
  • Car Records
  • Homeowner’s/Renter’s Insurance
  • Taxes

Red – Medical Files

  • Each family member has their own red folder
  • Explanation of Benefits
  • Paid Doctor’s Bills

Green – All things money related

  • Bank Accounts
  • Savings Accounts
  • Loans
  • Credit Cards
  • Bills (I have a separate manilla folder for each bill we pay)

Keep all bills for 12 months, and then shred.

Orange – School Records

  • Each child has their own orange folder

On top of my filing cabinet is my  mail center. I found this really cute basket on eBay and it’s where my kids know to put the mail. When there are items in there, I know I need to review the mail and take action. This may mean recycle it, pay it, or shred it. My goal is to start every day with this basket empty!

How to organize your office

How to organize your office

 

The last part to my office are my shelves. Mr. Crunchy and I got this great long set of shelves for $15 at an estate sale. Mr. Crunchy cut one of them in half, so that I could paint them black. We hung them up and added some of my favorite goodies I have gotten at estate sales and some of my favorite photos. I have to say the shelves are really one of my favorite parts of my new office! 

How to organize your office

Here’s the grand finale. This is how nice and neat my office looks now!

How to organize your office

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Valentine’s Day Crafts: Heart Crochet Garland

December 27, 2012 By 8 Comments
Valentine's Day Crafts

Valentine's Day Crafts

Valetine’s Day is one of my favorite crafting holidays of the year. My kids and I have a blast to see what Valentine’s Day crafts we can come up with to make our home look festive. This year, I am teaching my kids how to crochet. What better thing to crochet than hearts? Throw in some extra chain stitches and you have yourself a garland!

This garland only took me about 30 minutes from start to finish, but you can add more hearts and make it even more fabulous! That’s the great thing about this project is that you can make as many or as few hearts as you want. We started with this six heart strand, but I have a feeling that we will be making another one that is much longer for our living room. My kids had a blast helping me make these.

Here are the supplies you need for this project

  • 2 skeins of worsted weight yarn (2 different colors)
  • Size 6 US Crochet Hook
  • Size 4.25 US Crochet Hook
  • Sewing needle (to sew in the ends)

The first step to this pattern is to make the hearts. It is easier to make all the hearts that you want to make for your garland THEN head onto the next steps.

Heart Pattern

Starting with your first color, make a really large loop using a slip knot (some call it a magic loop)Then chain four.

Valentine's Day Crochet

(2) Triple Crochet, (3) Double Crochet, chain 1

(1) Triple Crochet, chain 1

(3) Double Crochet, (2) Triple Crochet, chain 3

Heart Crochet

Pull the loop taut to bring your heart together, and then slip stitch the chain three to the hole in the center and tie off.

Repeat and make as many hearts as you want for your garland

Crochet Heart Pattern

 

Borders and Tops

Grab your second color yarn.

Starting at the point of the heart, single crochet in each stitch until you get to the chain three.

When you get to the chain three, make three single crochets in the chain space. Then slip stitch into the center of the heart.

Make three single crochets in the next chain three, and then finish with a single crochet in each stitch until you reach the bottom. Tie off.

To get the hearts ready to attach to the garland, you need to make some chain stitches to the top.

Chain stitch to the top of the heart at the “v”. Alternate between 5 chain stitches and 10 chain stitches on the hearts.

Garland

Make a continuous chain stitch for as long as you want your garland to be. When you want to place a heart, pull thread up through the last chain on the heart and continue your chain. (I put 15 chains between each heart)

Once you have attached all of your hearts, chain for 15 more. Make a loop at the end of the chain but slip stitching the chain approximately 6 chain stitches from hook. Tie off!

That’s it! Now you have a great hand made garland, that you can hang around your home and show your Valentine’s Day spirit.

 

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Upcycled Ribbon Organizer

December 20, 2012 By 7 Comments
Upcycled Ribbon Organizer

This week I pledged to get my craft room organized. The armoire where I keep all of my craft supplies was beginning to resemble this scary beast that I didn’t want to poke for fear it might attack me with all it’s clutter.

Upcycled Ribbon Organizer

One of the things that is REALLY all over the place are my ribbons. It’s in the bathroom, the kitchen, and I even found some in my purse one time. (Hey, the first step is admitting you have a problem). Seeing that the ribbon is getting a wee bit out of control, I figured that I would find a way to tame the beast.

What I came up with was a way to upcycle things I already have around the house, and make a really neat upcycled ribbon organizer. The best thing about this organizer is that it didn’t cost me ANYTHING to make. (Except when I buy grommets to finish it up). I just used materials I had from other projects and a left over shoe box. There IS a bonus to Mr. Crunchy having huge feet. (Mind out of the gutter ladies)

Ribbon Organizer

Here’s the supplies you need to make your own ribbon organizer

Now that you have all your supplies you are ready to go!

First thing you want to do is make sure the inside is clear of dust or any dirt that might be in the box.

Ribbon Organizer

Then take one of your dowel rods and poke a whole in one side of the box. Before I did this, I put my biggest ribbon spool in the box and tried to line the dowel rod up so that it would go through the center of the spool and still allow the spool to move.

Once you are through one side, keep it as straight as you can and push through the other side of the box. Now remove the rod.

On the front of the box, you want to use the dowel rod to poke a whole approximately every 1 1/2 to 2 inches.

Ribbon Organizer

Now it’s time for the fun part. Cover the box with contact paper. On this particular project I chose to only cover the outside. The only time the inside is going to be seen is when you are replacing the ribbons.

Just take your time covering it with contact paper. Make sure to smooth out your seams and get all of your bubbles out. Other that that it’s just like wrapping a present.

Do you have craft clutter? What do you do to keep it all organized?

 

 

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DIY Vases and Home Decor with Unilever #BetterTogether #Cbias

December 13, 2012 By 9 Comments
Upcycled Crafts

I am really a sucker for brands that I can stand behind 110%. Unilever is one of those brands. My family not only LOVES their products, like their Bertolli Alfredo sauce, but we love their mission to make small changes that make their company more eco friendly.

Upcycled Crafts

My family is all about small lifetstyle changes that help the environment. Being a super busy mom and wife, frankly I don’t have time to be religious about living green. (I know you are in shock). One of the reason I write Crunchy Frugalista is to show people how small, manageable changes can make a huge impact towards living a greener lifestyle.

One of my aboslute favorite ways to do this is to repurpose and upcycle objects to serve another purpose. You guys have already seen how I repurposed cereal boxes to make magazine holders. I am also working on repurposing a shoe box and materials I already have into a ribbon dispenser and holder. (Trust me, you are going to want to see that project).

Upcycled Crafts

My latest project is to upcycle Bertolli Alfedo jars into homemade vases and home decor! This project is really easy to do, and once you are done no one will even be able to tell what it used to be. It will look like you spent tons of money!

Before I share the project, I want to share the awesome recipe that helped empty those Bertolli jars! Bertolli Alfredo is one of my favorite quick tricks to a quick and easy meal. This week my family and I enjoyed Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo with roasted red peppers and seared asparagus. It was absolutely amazing. It was so delicious my family gobbled it up before I could even snag pictures! (Lucky for you I remember how I made it!)

Print
Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo with Roasted Red Peppers and Seared Asparagus Tips

Ingredients

  • 2 Jars of Bertolli Alfredo Sauce
  • 1 box whole wheat pasta
  • 1 pound of chicken breasts, cut into strips
  • 1 red pepper, seeds removed and diced
  • 1 bunch asparagus, ends removed
  • olive oil
  • Italian seasoning (to taste)
  • salt (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Fill a large stock pot with water, and boil. Add pasta and cook per box directions.
  2. In a large sautee pan, put 1 tsp olive oil. Place chicken and brown. Add Italian seasoning to taste. Set aside once cooked through
  3. In a small sautee pan, place diced red pepper and 1 tsp of olive oil. Sautee until peppers are tender
  4. Place the oven on broil.
  5. On a cooking sheet, place asparagus. Drizzle with olive oil and sea salt. Broil for 5-10 minutes until tender. Then remove and cut into bite sized pieces.
  6. In a smaller pot pour two jars of Bertolli sauce, combine red peppers, chicken, and asparagus. Cook on low until thoroughly heated.
  7. The final step is combining the pasta and sauce. Once combined served in a bowl with herbed focaccia bread.
  8. Enjoy!

Now that the jars are empty and your tummy is full. Here is a great way to repurpose those Bertolli jar.

Supplies

  • 2 Bertolli Jars cleaned, dried, with labels removed
  • Spray primer
  • Hot Glue and Hot Glue Gun
  • Twine
  • Metallic Spray Paint

Directions

Take both of your jars and make sure they are clean and dry.
DIY Crafts
Take your first jar and spray paint it with spray primer. Allow it to dry.

DIY and Upcycled Crafts
Grab your twine and glue gun. Glue the twin around the jar until completely covered. You can either cut it into individual strips or let it swirl all the way to the top. Allow to dry.
With the second jar, take your glue gun and write a word on either side of the jar. I used the word “hope.”
Allow the glue to harden. Once it’s hard, spray paint with the metallic spray. If you are feeling extra creative embellish the top with ribbon or other decorations to cover the jar threads.

Want to learn more about Unilever’s sustainability actions? Make sure to visit their website: Making Life Better where they help Cross off Hunger!

You can also get tips from Unilever on changes you can make to help sustain our planet: http://www.unilever.com/sustainable-living/uslp/.

Check out my Unilever Shopping Trip in my Google Plus Album, and see all the Unilever Goodies we stocked up on!

I am a member of the Collective Bias®  Social Fabric® Community.  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias™ and Unilever  #CBias #SocialFabric

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Christmas Crafts: Winter Glitter Lantern

November 29, 2012 By 12 Comments
Christmas Crafts with Ball Jars

Christmas Crafts with Ball Jars

My kids and I have made a ton of Christmas crafts this year. I think so far this is one of their favorites. It’s really easy to make these winter glitter lanterns. It takes some time between drying, but overall you can have these jars done in less than 15 minutes (minus drying time).

The great thing about these lanterns is they look amazing, and even really little kids can help make them. Here are the supplies you need to make these lanterns:

Christmas Crafts

Ball Jars (or any other type of jar)

Loctite Spray Adhesive

Rustoleum Spray Primer

Epsom Salt

Glitter

Twine

Directions.

Make sure that your jars are clean and dry. You don’t want to start with a dirty jar. Yuck!

Christmas Crafts

Then take your spray primer and LIGHTLY spray the outside of the jar. If you spray too thick of a coat, light won’t show through. (If you did that, no worries I have another way to use these jars at the end of the post) Set the jar aside, and let it completely dry.

While your jar is drying, get a plastic bag. In the bag mix Epsom salt and glitter. Close the bag and shake, shake, shake. Little kids are going to LOVE this part.

Christmas Crafts

When your jar is completely dry, grab your spray adhesive and lightly spray the outside of your jar. You are going to want to spray quickly and then move onto the next step.

Christmas Crafts with Ball Jars

Very quickly after spraying, you can either place your entire jar in the bag and shake, or you can pinch salt between your fingers and sprinkle it over the jar. If you see spots that aren’t covered, just spray with more adhesive and sprinkle more salt. Repeat until your entire jar is covered on the outside (minus the bottom). Set aside to dry.

Once your jar is dry, get creative. Adorn your jar with twine, holly leaves, cranberries, or whatever else will make your jar absolutely amazing.

The final step is to insert a tea light candle and light! Your winter glitter lantern is complete!

Put too much primer on your jar? No worries! These jars also make amazing additions to center pieces too. Just look what I did with my first jars.

Witner Glitter Lantern

 

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50 Christmas Crafts Ideas!

November 5, 2012 By 15 Comments
Christmas Crafts

Christmas Crafts

One of my favorite things about the holidays is amazing Christmas Crafts ideas! (Ok, that’s after Christmas cookies of course) They are great ways to decorate your home, make gifts, and spend quality time with your family. This list is full of all sorts of goodies that are sure to please your family this holiday season. The hardest part is going to decide which project to start on first!

 

{DIY Holiday Gifts and Craft Ideas}

1. Split Tree Door Decor
2. Paper Mache Ornaments and Cute Frame
3. Personalized Christmas Wishlist Ornament Idea
4. Christmas Wreath with Ornaments
5. DIY Smores Kit
6. Magazine Gift Idea for Teachers (or anyone)
7. Cat Nip Mice
8. Dog Paw Stocking
9. DIY Soap Dispenser
10. Christmas Button Tree
11. Hot Cocoa Mix Gift Set
12. Christmas Snowflake Cut Out Cookies
13. Feather Ornaments
14. Scrabble Picture Frame Gift
15. Citrus Salt Scrub
16. Lotion Bars
17. iPad case
18. Notepads
19. Crockpot Soap
20. Gardener’s Hand Scrub
21. Mini Clipboards
22. Cinnamon Sugared Pecans
23. Peanut Butter Cup Cake in a Jar
24. Bow Tie
25. Homemade Aftershave
26. Desktop Zen Garden
27. Cozy Socks
28. Suspenders
29. Comic Book Coasters
30. Step Stool
31. Candy Cane Trains
32. Home made glitter ornaments
33. Snowflake Message Frame
34.  Button Wreath Christmas Ornament
35. Mittens Christmas Ornaments
36.  Kids Reindeer Craft
37. Paper Star Garland
38. Reindeer Place Card Holder
39. Frosty and Friends Mini Snowmen
40. Cute Sock Snowmen
41. Adorable Ribbon Tree
42. Reindeer Thumb Print ornaments
43. Glittered “ice” covered branches
44. Melted Snow Man Ornament
45. Cinnamon Applesauce ornaments
46. Elf Kisses Candy Jars
47. Light up stag paper christmas tree
48. Framed ornaments 
49. Gingerbread House Decorating
50. Ornament table decorations

 

What are your favorite Christmas Crafts ideas? Which one do you think you will try first?

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Christmas Crafts for Kids: Candy Cane Trains

November 1, 2012 By 11 Comments
Christmas Crafts for Kids

Christmas Crafts for Kids

Ever since I was in middle school I have been making these things. It started out as an idea of how to give my friends a unique gift that didn’t cost a whole lot of money. Now almost 25 years later, my kids and I love making these great goodies for their friends. They are really simple to make and even small kids can make them with the help of an adult.

Here’s what you need.

Christmas Crafts for KidsIt is really easy to assemble these cute trains. All you  need to do is assemble it. This is the part little kids might need help with. Even though the glue gun is low temperature, it’s a good idea for parents to help with the gluing.

First you make sure one side of the breath mints is lined up flush with the gum packet. Once you align it, put a line of glue to hold it in place.

Next, you can either cut off or glue back the side of the peppermint wrappers. Then glue a peppermint to the front, and then four to the side for wheels.

Lastly, add the caramel and the Hershey’s kiss on top to complete your train!

When you are done make sure to remove any of the extra strings from the glue. Plus when you are gluing, make sure the glue isn’t too hot or it will melt the candy and/or it’s wrappers.

Who would you love to give your candy cane train too?

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Holiday Crafts for Kids: Homemade Glitter Ornaments

October 11, 2012 By 32 Comments
Holiday Crafts

Holiday Crafts

The holidays are one my favorite times to find some holiday crafts for kids! My kids are older, but they still love the little traditions that we started when they were  young. One of our favorite traditions is to make our own Christmas ornaments to put on the tree. That way each year that they bring out the ornaments, they have a little memory of that year. These handmade glitter Christmas ornaments also make wonderful gifts. You can personalized them and add a little extra touch to a gift. These are super easy to make and even young children can make them with the help of an adult.

Supplies

  • Glass Empty Christmas Ornaments
  • Murphy’s Oil Soap (any sticky cleaner will do)
  • Glitter
  • Paint Markers

Directions

Holiday Crafts

First and foremost, you want to make sure your ornaments are clean. Make sure there is no dust on the inside. Blowing into them will help double check. Remove the tops to do this and then keep the top off.

Take Murphy’s Oil soap, or other sticky cleaner, and put enough in the ornament that you can swish it around to coat the entire inside. Once the inside is completely coated, drain it back into the cleaner bottle.

Holiday Crafts for Kids

Next, is the fun part. Get glitter crazy. Pour glitter into the ornament. (The use of a funnel helps, but making a mess is more fun in my book) Pour enough that you can easy coat the inside of the ornament. Then pour it back into the glitter bottle. My kids loved to mix up the glitter colors. If you do this, I recommend shaking the excess glitter into a plate so it doesn’t get mixed in with the single color glitter.

Holiday Ornaments

Once the inside is covered, place it back into the tray to dry (WITH TOP OFF). This usually takes an hour or two.

Holiday Crafts

Then get creative, decorate the outside with paint markers. My kids each wrote a secret message to santa for him to find on the tree. You can also personalize the ornaments to give to friends and family members for the holidays. We are making up gift baskets and making up family ornaments. The family name and year is going on the front with the name of the family members on the back!

Personalized Holiday Gifts

 

How would you decorate your ornaments?

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How to make your own chalkboard

October 8, 2012 By 4 Comments
How to make a chalkboard

Recently I have really become addicted to upcycling and repurposing. I had to find a way to use all the goodies I have been scoring at estate and yard sales, right?! My latest project was to make something fun for my entryway. We have a spectacular wooden hallway, which was painted white by the previous owner. The color is great, but my wall is completely bare.

How to make a chalkboard

There have been chalkboard projects all over Pinterest, and I was dying to try my hand at it. First thing to do  was to find something to use as my board. My best friend and I headed off to our local Habitat for Humanity Re-Store.

If you haven’t heard of Re-store, you really need to see if you have a local one. It’s a great shop that is filled with goodies from homes that Habitat for Humanity tears down when rebuilding homes for the needy. Their prices are a lot cheaper than retail, and you are supporting a great cause as well. This trip, I grabbed a cabinet door for $3 and headed on my merry way.

How to make a chalkboard

Here’s what I needed for the project:

  • Wooden Cabinet door (from Re-store)
  • Hand sander
  • Sand paper in 220 and 50 grit
  • Wood stain (already had from previous project)
  • Twine (again from previous project)
  • Eye hooks (already had)
  • Antique Bronze Spraypaint (previous project)
  • Chalkboard Paint

The total cost of the project was $4 (calculating only the chalkboard paint I used)!

How to make your own chalkboard

This fun project was easy enough that even the kids helped me with it. Our first task was sanding the old finish off. You don’t want to completely sand the finish off. Just sand it enough that the finish feels gritty. I used a 50 grit sand paper, and then I followed it up with a 220 weight. It’s really important to use the 220 last. Otherwise, you will have sand markings in your stain. (Trust me I learned this from experience on this project)

How to make a chalkboard

After your project is all sanded, it’s time to stain the outside. When you are staining, make sure to have a rag handy. You let the stain set for 15 minutes (or whatever the instructions on the stain say), and then you wipe the stain off. If it’s not quite the color you want, you can always apply another coat after the first one is dry.

When the staining was all done, I added the chalkboard paint! This was really easy. You just paint it per the directions. Make sure you have even strokes so it dries as an even surface to write on.

I only had brass eye hooks in the house, so I spray painted them with an antiqued bronze spray paint so they would match the frame a little bit better. To stick with our rustic theme, I used the twine I had from the upcycled vase I made last week. Then it was ready to hang. I threw on a festive message and a seasonal decoration to finish it out. What do you think?

What’s your next project going to be at your house?

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How to Do it Yourself: Frugal Fall Wreath!

September 27, 2012 By 7 Comments
How to do it yourself fall wreath

How to do it yourself fall wreath

Home decorating doesn’t have to be limited by your budget. If you are like me, you don’t have thousands to blow at Ethan Allen or other home decor stores. Don’t let it deter you! It just means we have to get a little creative. That’s half the adventure anyway, right?

I have had a love affair with grapevine wreaths for as long as I can remember. Their natural look has always been something that has caught my eye. Anytime I can snag one for cheap, I add it to my collection. Until recently, my wreath was just plain hanging on my door. It look kind of sad honestly.

With fall here, it was time to give my wreath a fall makeover! The best part is the WHOLE project cost me less than $15. (including the wreath) All you need is a Dollar Tree, some yard sales, hot glue, and some creativity to make this project your own!

How to do it yourself fall wreath

There are several places you can get grapevine wreaths for really cheap. This one I got at our local Habitat for Humanity Re-Store. It was only $5! Nothing is better than getting a deal and supporting a great cause. I grabbed another wreath this weekend at a yard sale for $5 as well. (Christmas wreath anyone?) You can also find them at thrift shops like Salvation Army and Goodwill too. Just keep your eye out when you are thrift shopping. Even if they have things on them you can usually take them off and start over!

How to do it yourself fall wreath

My next stop was the Dollar Tree! I grabbed several different types of fall colored “berries” and flowers for this wreath. Each bundle was only a dollar, so I grabbed five different bundles. I also grabbed a thing of floral wire to attach them to the wreath.

For the last part of the wreath, I used some burlap and twine from other upcycled projects. Then I sent my kids on a hunt for acorns and pinecones. Our yard is FULL of both.  They had fun doing it, and I got to score unique add ons for my wreath for free!

To start the wreath, cut the flower bunches so you have a place to attach them to the wreath. I started with one color or type at a time and spread them out across the bottom of the wreath. Once you are happy with how they look attach them with floral wire and/or hot glue. (I used both)

Next, add your natural accents. Place them throughout the wreath and then secure them with hot glue. You might have to hold them on for a second while the glue sets so they don’t fall off.

How to do it yourself fall wreath

Lastly, add any other accents you may want. I cut a strip of burlap fabric that I had and tied it into a bow then secured it with hot glue. For the tie up top, I just used the twine from the upcycled vase project. I also secured that with hot glue.

How to do it yourself wreath
Take a look at the difference it has made on my front door!

What are some upcycling fall projects you have going on at your house? Share with us so we can find inspiration as well!

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Upcycled Home Decor Vase!

September 26, 2012 By 16 Comments
Upcycling Home Decor

When we bought our new home, I wanted to go nuts decorating the house. There was so much more space to fill! Of course my budget had other things in mind.

Instead of pouting, I decided to get a little creative. With less than $5 bucks, I was able to make an upcycled home decor piece that looks like it’s straight out of Pier One! (Just because it’s that awesome!)

Upcycle Home Decor

Check out how the vase turned out, and get inspired to find things around your house that you can turn into amazing home decor pieces!

For this project, I used a vase that I had around the house. It was a vase that I had from Mr. Crunchy giving me flowers a few years ago.

To decorate the outside of the vase I bought some twine at Joann’s ($2 usin 40% off coupon!). For the inside, I headed to the Dollar Tree and outside! At Dollar Tree I grabbed some crafting moss. Then sent the kids outside to collect pine cones, acorns, and neat looking sticks.

Upcycle Home Decor

First, I hot glued the twin around the neck of the vase to give a nice earthy look.

After the glue dries, take out some of the moss and put it in the bottom of the vase.

Take some of the nature items, and clean them up. Then arrange them on top of the moss.

Then find the perfect place to display it in your home! This vase is really easy to make, and it’s super easy to change what’s inside depending on the season!

 

Upcycling Home Decor

 

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Halloween Crafts: Crochet Pumpkin Pot Holder

September 17, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Crochet Pumpkin Pot Holder

Crochet Pumpkin Pot HolderI love fall and Halloween time. It’s one of my favorite times to get creative around the house. This year I decided to put my new found crochet habit to work.

This cute crochet pumpkin pot holder is really easy to make, and it’s a fun way to decorate for Halloween.

From start to finish the pot holder only took me about an hour to complete.

Here’s what you need.

Orange Sugar and Cream Yarn

Green Sugar and Cream Yarn

Dark Brown yarn (just make sure it’s worsted weight)

Size 5 crochet hook

Crochet needle ( to stitch face and sew in ends)

Jack O Lantern Pot Holder Pattern (Adapted from Michael’s Apple Pattern)

Start with the body of the Jack O Lantern first.

With orange, chain 4. Join with a slip stitch to form a circle.

1st round: Chain 3. Make 12 double crochets in loop. Join round with slip stitch to first dc at top of chain.

2nd round: Chain 3. Make 1 double crochet in first chain space as last slip stitch. Make 2 double crochet in each stitch. End round with slip stitch to top of beginning chain.

3rd round: Chain 3. Make 2 double crochet in first dc. Make 1 double crochet in next double crochet. Then make 2 dc in next dc. Repeat this pattern all the way around. Join the round with slip stitch to top of chain 3.

4th round: Chain 3. 1 double crochet in next dc. Then 2 dc in next dc. Repeat round 3, but add one extra single double crochet in pattern. (1 dc, 1 dc, 2dc pattern) End round with slip stitch

5th round: Chain 3. 1 double crochet in same space as last slip stitch. Repeat round 4 adding one more single double crochet (2 dc,1 dc, 1 dc, 1 dc,  pattern) Join round with slip stitch at top of chain 3.

6th round: Chain 1. 1 single crochet in each of next 3 double crochet. 1 half double crochet in next double crochet. 1 double crochet in next double crochet. (2 double crochet in next dc. 1 dc in next dc) Repeat 4 times.

1 half double crochet in next dc. 1 single crochet in each of next 6 dc. 1 half double crochet in next dc. 1 double crochet in each of next 2 dc. 2 dc in each of next 3 dc. 1 double crochet in next dc.
1 half double crochet in next dc. 1 single crochet in next dc. Slip stitch in each of next 2 dc. 1 sc in next dc. 1 hdc in next dc. 1 dc in next dc.

2 double crochet in each of next 3 dc. 1 double crochet in each of next 2 dc. 1 hdc in next dc. 1 sc in each of next 6 dc. 1 hdc in next dc. (1 dc in next dc. 2 dc in next dc)
4 times. 1 double crochet in next dc. 1 half double crochet in next dc. 1 sc in each of next 3 dc. Finish round with slip stitch to first single crochet.

7th round: Ch 1. 1 single crochet in same space as last sl st. 1 hdc in next sc. 1 dc in each of next 4 sts. (2 dc in next st. 1 dc in each of next 5 sts) Repeat 4 times. 2 double crochet in next st. 1 dc in each of next 4 sts. 1 hdc in next st.
1 single crochet in each of next 2 sts. 1 hdc in next st. 1 dc in each of next 4 sts. (2 dc in next st. 1 dc in each of next 5 sts) Repeat 4 times. 2 dc in next st.
1 double crochet in each of next 4 sts. 1 hdc in next st. 1 sc in next st. Join with slip stitch to first sc. Leave tail to sew in later.

Stem

With brown, count five stitches to the left of last stitch in previous color. 1 single crochet, 1 half double crochet, double crochet in next 6 stitches, 1 half double crochet, 1 single crochet, chain 2. Turn.

Reduce stitch. Place needle through first stitch, yarn through, place through second stitch yarn through. Yarn over, and pull all the way through making a half double crochet stitch.

Double crochet until end of row. Chain 3. Turn.

Decrease this row like previous row. Double crochet in each stitch until end. Chain 3. Turn.

Double crochet in each stitch, chain 3 at end of each row. In next row, skip first stitch then single crochet in second (this plus chain equals first dc). Double crochet in each stitch, in last stitch double crochet twice. Chain 3. * Repeat for 15 rows

At the end of the 15 rows, single crochet all around the side of the handle. Once you have done this on all four sides leave tail to sew in later.

 

Leaf

With Green, ch 12.

1st row: 1 single crochet  in 2nd chain from hook. 1 half double crochet in next ch. 1 dc in next ch.
1 triple crochet in each of next 5 ch. 1 dc in next ch. 1 hdc in next ch. 3 sc in last ch. Working across opposite side of ch, 1 hdc in next ch. 1 dc in next ch. 1 tr in each of next 5 ch. 1 dc in next ch. 1 hdc in next ch. 2 sc in last ch. Join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off.

Sew Leaf Pumpkin near the brown stem.

Vines. Chain stitch as many as desired. Form loops and sew to pumpkin at desired places.

Jack O Lantern Face:

Use Brown thread used for stem, and get creative. Use large crochet sewing needle to sew face. Outline first, and then sew back and forth to fill in if desired. Once completed sew ends in.

 

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Disney’s Frankenweenie Activity Sheets~

September 11, 2012 By Leave a Comment
frankeni

In celebration of the upcoming Disney movie Frankenweenie, I thought I would share these really cute Frankenweenie activity sheets! Their are a great way to get your kids excited about the movie, plus get ready for Halloween too! Just click each of the sheets, and you will be able to download your own.

Frankenweenie Movie

Frankenweenie Activity Sheets

“Like” FRANKENWEENIE on Facebook:

FRANKENWEENIE arrives in theatres everywhere on October 5th!

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31 Awesome Halloween Crafts

September 11, 2012 By 9 Comments
Halloween Crafts

Halloween CraftsWith Halloween just around the corner, I thought we would put together a great list of 31 awesome Halloween Crafts! These are all really creative things to do with your famliy. I think our family is going to a different one every day, just to get in the Halloween spirit!

1. Faux Stained Glass Pumpkin Window Hanger
2. Ghost Foot Prints on Construction Paper
3. Shape Monsters
4. Mummy Candle Holder
5. Bewitching Tree Decoration
6. Witch Umbrellas
7. Light Up Eyeballs
8. Halloween Silhouette Picture Frame
9. Ghostly Candle Holders
10. Decoupage Halloween Lanterns
11. Dryer Vent Pumpkin
12. Burlap Rosette Wreath
13. Spider Pops
14. Eyeball Picture Frame
15. Spooky Spider Yard Craft
16. Plastic Plate Bat
17. Button Bat Wreath
18. Painted “BOO” Rocks
19. Felt Flower Halloween Wreath
20. Ghostly Mason Jars
21. Paint Sample Candy Corn
22. Ghostwriter Craft
23. Fun Spooky Banner
24. Frankenstein Halloween Craft
25. Spider Mason Jars
26. Spider Web Doily Pillow
27. Splatter Painting Cats
28. I Spy Halloween Bottles and Spider Web Yarn Paper Plates
29. Paper Plate Ghost
30. Egg Carton Bat Craft
31. Amazing Paper Pumpkin

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Halloween Crafts: Candy Corn Crochet Hat

September 4, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Candy Corn Hat Pattern

It’s almost that time of year. When the leaves start to change colors, and the air gets a little bit cooler. Of course that means it’s time for a ton of Halloween crafts! This year my youngest daughter told me that she wanted me to crochet a candy corn crochet hat. At first, I thought she was crazy, but once I finished it I would have to say that it actually is really cute! It cost me less than $2.50 to make this hat, and it’s sure to keep her head really warm all fall long.

This pattern is really simple, and even a beginner can do it. The only stitches that I used were the single crochet and slip stitch.

Supplies

Orange, Yellow, and White Peaches ‘n Cream Yarn

Size 5 crochet hook (or size hook needed to make proper fit)

Instructions.

Staring with the white yarn, chain four. In the first loop on the chain, single crochet four into it to make a circle. Slip stitch to complete circle.

Each round you are going to increase by two. That means in two stitches per round you are going to have 2 single crochets.

Make sure to change where in the loop you add the extra two stitches, this will keep the hat relatively uniform and not lopsided. At the end of each round slip stitch to end round, and then start next round.

Crochet approximately 15-20 rows of white. Then join the orange.

Continue with the orange for approximately 20-25 rows. Continue to increase by two for each row as well. Once you are done, join yellow.

With the yellow we are going to start and decrease to fit the head. You decrease by going through a stitch, pull yarn through, then go through another stitch and complete the single crochet. Decrease by 3-4 each round, more or less as needed to fit. Do this for about 5-7 rows.

After you are done decreasing, single crochet one stitch in each stitch for 5-10 rows. Once you are done, slip stitch to end the hat, and sew in all your ends.

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Halloween Crafts: Halloween Lanterns

August 30, 2012 By 9 Comments
Halloween Crafts

Have I mentioned yet that Halloween is one of my favorite times of the year? Just in case I hadn’t I thought I would mention it again! I LOVE this time of year. We have already made fantastic grave Halloween cupcakes. Now, I wanted to show you an amazing way to make Halloween lanterns. Except this time, you use Ball jars decopage style!

Halloween Crafts

It’s really easy to do, and the results are fantastic! Even your toddlers can help, as long as you can keep them from eating the glue. You can make any creature or ghoul your little heart desires. Get creative with it. We made a ghost and a regular Jack O Lantern. My youngest daughter and I made these two. It was really fun. Here are the supplies you need to make your very own.

Supplies

  • Orange and white tissue paper ripped up into squares.
  • Ball Jars any size
  • Green Paint
  • Hodge Podge craft glue
  • Black permanent marker
  • Paint brush (2) and bowl to place the glue in.

Directions

  • In a small bowl, place a small amount of the glue and set the paintbrush aside.
  • For added texture, crinkle the tissue paper and unfold it.
  • Place the piece of paper on the ball jar. Hold it while you use the Hodge Podge glue to COMPLETELY cover the piece of tissue paper.
  • Keep doing this with the tissue paper, until the whole jar is covered. Let it dry completely.
  • While it’s drying, take your other paint brush and paint one coat of green paint on the outside of the lid and ring. Let it dry, then apply a second coat.
  • After the jars are dry, make great faces on them! Have fun, get the whole family involved!

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Crafting with Crunchy: Crochet Market Bag

May 15, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Crochet Bag

Crochet Bag I just made my first bag. It was actually really easy! Using the pattern for hats I have been making, I added some adaptations and it turned into this really cute bag. Even if you are new to crochet you could make this bag. Even better yet the whole bag only cost me about $3 to make!

Crochet Market Bag Pattern
Yarn: Use any medium weight yarn approximately 1-2 skeins
Hooks: Size 5 and Size 6

Directions:
To form the base:
Chain 5 and then slip stich the last stitch to form a circle.
Single Crochet 6 inside circle and slip stitch to complete.
Row 1:In each single crochet make 2 half double crochet (12 stitches)
Row 2: Chain 1, 2 half double crochet in first stitch then 1 half double crochet in the next stitch. Repeat this pattern until all the way around (18 stitches) Slip stitch to first half double crochet in previous round.
Row 3+: Repeat Row 2, adding one half double crochet more each round. (ie this round would be 2 half double crochet, 1 hdc, 1hdc pattern). Continue until there are 12 single half double crochets in pattern
Finishing base: Once you are done with round with 12 hdc, do a round of single hdc in each stitch all the way around. Slip stitch to end round.
Crab Stitch: Complete a round of crab stitch all the way around. (Working from left to right) Only stitch through the front loop of the stitch. The base is now done :)

Change to the larger needle
Row 1: Chain 2, make 1 hdc in each stitch in the back loop of the stitch all the way around. Slip stitch to join and end round.
Row 2: Chain 2, make 1 hdc in each stitch through BOTH loops of the stitch. Continue this row around until the bag reaches desired height. (I chose 10 inches long). Slip stitch to end and cut thread.

Handles.
From the end of the round, count 18 sts. This is where you will begin the handle.
Row 1: Make one hdc for 36 stitches. Turn
Row 2: Chain 1. Decrease by 1 by working the first two hdc. This then hdc in each remaining stitch. (34 stitches)
Row 3+: Repeat Row 2 until there are only 8 stitches remaining. Work 8 hdc back and forth. Begin each row with chain 2. Continue until the handle is 12 inches long. Then cut yarn.

Repeat the same pattern on the other side of the bag. Complete when the handles are the exact same size. Cut with 6 inches of yarn left, and use mattress stitch to join handles together.

Fastener:
Now find the middle of the opposite side from the handles. Count three from the middle and this is where you will start the tab.
Row 1: Stitch 1 hdc in each stitch, make six stitches, turn.
Row 2: Chain 2 and repeat row 1. Continue to repeat until tab is approximately 3 inches long (approximately 7 rows).
Hook: At the end of the 7th row, chain 10 (or whatever it takes to make a loop to the other side.) Slip stitch to opposite side to join. Cut yarn.
Edging: Starting at the base of the tab, make 1 hdc starting one away from tab and then 1 hdc in the side of each row.
Around loop, make single crochets until you reach the other side. Then continue 1 hdc in each row until you reach one away from the base of the tab. Slip stitch to join and cut yarn.

Choose a neat button to sew on. Sew it on where the fastener reaches the other side of the bag. The more colorful the better.

Pocket: (The pocket is made separate from the bag, then sewn on)
Row 1: Chain 30, then chain 1 more. Turn.
Row 2: HDC two stitches from loop on hook. Then hdc all the way across. Turn.
Row 3+: Chain 2, repeact Row 2 until you reach 18 rows.
Edging. Start with one corner, single crochet in each row. Do this around three sides and end when you reach opposite corner. Cut yarn with approximately 12 inch tail.
Finishing: With bag turned inside out, sew pocket into inside of back. Sew the three sides, one stitch in each stitch to secure pocket. Then weave in ends to finish.

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