tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81065672349587778312024-03-16T05:43:47.763-05:00craftyc0rn3rinspiring to create, craft, and saveCRAFTY GIRLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03268458876276501542noreply@blogger.comBlogger581125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106567234958777831.post-66282800193048604522016-04-04T14:40:00.001-05:002016-04-04T14:40:56.862-05:00Coconut Candy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Growing up, Vietnamese New Year's, aka Lunar New Year's was one of my favorite holidays because we would celebrate with so many awesome traditions. Kids would make lanterns for the lantern festival, get money from adults when they wished them well, and best of all were all the foods. As a kid, the sweets that were made during that time of year were addicting. One thing that my mom made was Coconut Candy. It's coconut that has been coated with sugar..simple, yet delicious.</div>
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All you need is a coconut, supplies to open the coconut (pointed object and hammer), and sugar. </div>
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My pointed object is a screw driver. I pointed it at one of the holes of the coconut.</div>
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My son decided to take over to hammer the screw driver in, making a hole.</div>
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Next, the coconut water was drained.</div>
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Take the hammer and tap all the way around the coconut until it cracks open.</div>
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Easy Peesy.</div>
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Next, scrape the coconut off the shell.</div>
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I used a sharp knife.</div>
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A peeler was then used to slice the coconut into thin pieces.</div>
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this time, you could soak the coconut in the coconut water and color it
with food color. However, I decided to keep it white.<br />
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In a pan, in batches, divide the coconut water and coconut. Here is a 1/3 of the shaved coconut with 1/3 of the coconut water. Add a cup of white sugar and cook on low to medium heat. Constantly stir the coconut or it will burn. </div>
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It will take about 15-20 minutes of stirring. This is a great little work out ;) The sugar will dissolve and then crystallize around the coconut.</div>
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Once the liquid has been dissolved, pour the coconut onto parchment paper to dry.</div>
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Enjoy!</div>
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This is so good and addicting.</div>
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CRAFTY GIRLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03268458876276501542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106567234958777831.post-9097208928926785322016-02-07T13:03:00.003-06:002016-02-07T13:03:35.988-06:00Building a Black Iron Pipe and Wooden Coffee table<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My kids and I love to play board games. However, whenever we played, the board game would not fit the ottoman coffee table we had so we would have to move it out of the way and play on the floor. Walking though the store, I fell in love with the coffee table that went with my dining table in the kitchen. However, I didn't want my house to be too matchy matchy. On top of that, the price was over 1K so I wasn't jumping for joy at spending that much for a coffee table. </div>
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Therefore, I decided to make the coffee table myself. My dining table is made from reclaimed wood and has iron legs so I wanted my coffee table to be somewhat like that. In the end, this is what I came up with my coffee table and I absolutely love it. </div>
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I always start my creative building process by scribbling down a drawing of what I think I would like and then I do my research. I looked up square iron pieces to be similar to my dining table, but of course, I had no soldering experience. I needed something adjustable so I thought of pipes. I could get whatever measurements I wanted and put it together like lego pieces. </div>
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I decided to get black iron pipes instead of galvanized ones. I like the more rustic look and since I was making a coffee table, I didn't need the no rust feature of the galvanized pipes. I learned rather quickly not to pick up black pipes with your hands because they are covered with grease. Luckily, I brought some gloves with me when I was shopping (I never go to the hardware store with out them because wood+fingers = splinters). </div>
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I did some research on how to remove the grease. First I soaked the pipes in Trisodium Phosphate using the instructions on the back. I found this at Lowes for a few dollars. With a little elbow grease, I scrubbed the grease off after it had been soaking in the solution. I used goof off to remove any remaining residue.<br />
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I quickly dried all the pipes (so that it wouldn't rust) and then started putting them together. </div>
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I screwed the caps (which will be like the feet for my coffee table) to a 4 inch piece of black steel nipple fitting.</div>
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Next, I screwed the black steel tee fitting to the 4 inch piece and added a 8 inch piece to the other side.</div>
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To the center tee fitting, I attached a 12 inch nipple fitting with another tee fitting to attach the pair of legs together. </div>
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To attach the two pairs together, I added a center piece of black pipe that was 48 inches long. </div>
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Finally, I added 4 flanges to the top of the 8 inch nipples that would enable me to attach it to the table surface from underneath. I know there are more black pipes on the floor there. I bought enough to make several different size scenarios. Originally, my table was bigger, but I scaled it down a bit. Once I got my leg measurements, I was off to cut the table top.</div>
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I bought 3 pieces of 2x8x10 and cut them to a length of 56 inches. </div>
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Next, since the edges of the wood were curved, I went ahead and stripped each piece so that it would have a nice straight edge. </div>
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I clamped all the pieces together so that the edges would be straight and then I glued and screwed all the pieces using my kreg jig.</div>
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Initial assembly looked like this:</div>
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I'm well aware of the price tag on the pipes (this was before I cleaned the pipes). I wanted to make sure my top fit the dimensions of the pipes before washing them. Next, I sanded the entire piece to remove any rough edges. </div>
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Now came the fun part. I used hammers, chisels, knives, my feet and whatever else I had to make the wood look old. It was quite therapeutic :) I wanted to make the wood look old and dented so I pounded it for quite some time.</div>
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I stained it with Minwax Walnut color stain that I already had. I applied 3 coats of polyurethane with light sanding in between to the top surface and just 1 coat underneath. </div>
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I added some metal brackets underneath for additional support. Then I screwed the flanges in place. </div>
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With some creative sliding (it is heavy), I flipped the table and voila!</div>
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So I lived with this table for a week before deciding that it was a little too tall for my liking. I built it to the height of typical coffee tables, 18.5". However, I decided that by lowering my table a couple of inches, it would look and feel better. Even though everyone thought I was crazy because they did not agree with my thoughts, I went to the store and replaced my pipes and rebuilt my table. I originally had a 10" pipes instead of an 8" ones. </div>
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Here we are with my storage ottoman I had before. I had just reupholster the thing a couple of months prior too, but it just doesn't work in our space anymore. It once was perfect when we had toddlers, but now it was just too small.</div>
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I bought a new rug that made the room much bigger and the ottoman just looked tiny in it.</div>
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<img border="0" height="422" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KE5SAWPF8cI/Vrd5ufUutQI/AAAAAAAAKUk/YlDYp875n9I/s640/DSC_5971.jpg" style="border: 0px solid;" width="640" /></div>
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My new coffee table looked huge in comparison and for a moment I thought it was too big.</div>
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<img border="0" height="422" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NFa_59qnUlo/Vrd53HY2fLI/AAAAAAAAKU4/kY5jPimM3b4/s640/DSC_5978.jpg" style="border: 0px solid;" width="640" /> </div>
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However, after living with it for a few months, I've discovered, it is indeed perfect.</div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5bd7ltxFbbo/Vrd5-W8pACI/AAAAAAAAKVs/2ZBtjH1O9Fs/s640/IMG_3732.JPG" style="border: 0px solid;" width="640" /></div>
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<img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rGrfBBFxChY/Vrd54yhQJoI/AAAAAAAAKVA/1n6TB9yN79s/s400/DSC_5983.jpg" style="border: 0px solid;" width="263" /> <img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G4HPoqB1J8A/Vrd57c92bTI/AAAAAAAAKVM/AAatyuZcxlw/s400/DSC_5993.jpg" style="border: 0px solid;" width="263" /></div>
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I love everything about it. It is super sturdy, we can fit our board games comfortably and best of all, my kids can dent, color, and scratch it up, and it only adds more character to the surface. It is definitely a put your feet up type of table which is how we live.</div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_AhXgujvfYI/Vrd59xPffZI/AAAAAAAAKVk/Hfg8RTVXDqQ/s640/IMG_3723.JPG" style="border: 0px solid;" width="640" /></div>
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In the end, I saved a bunch. I ended up spending about a hundred for my coffee table and the best part of my table is that I love it more than the 1K inspirational one.<br />
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Have you ever built something only to find out that you had to rebuild it to make it perfect? I do it all the time. Each piece I learn something new that I am able to apply what I've learned to my next project. I am so happy with my table. It took me a while to get there, but I finally did.</div>
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Here's a run down of the materials:</div>
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3 - 2x8x10 </div>
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4 - 1 inch floor flange fitting</div>
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4 - 1 inch black iron cap fitting</div>
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6 - 1 inch black iron tee fitting</div>
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4 - 4 inch length (1 inch diameter) black steel nipple fitting</div>
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4 - 8 inch length (1 inch diameter) black iron pipe</div>
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4 - 12 inch length (1 inch diameter) black iron pipe</div>
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1 - 48 inch length (1 inch diameter) black iron pipe</div>
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16 screws</div>
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2 metal brackets</div>
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1 box of tsp</div>
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1 spray bottle of goof off</div>
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1 quart of stain</div>
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1 quart of satin finish polyurethane </div>
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Note that you can make your table any size you want. I made mine to fit my space and dimension of my couch (and board games ;) )</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qNH6zEFmAuU/S9og74FycRI/AAAAAAAABQ0/G2WrJuTRBjI/s1600/craftygirl2.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465717310808551698" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qNH6zEFmAuU/S9og74FycRI/AAAAAAAABQ0/G2WrJuTRBjI/s400/craftygirl2.png" style="border: 0px solid; cursor: pointer; height: 67px; width: 175px;" /></a>
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CRAFTY GIRLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03268458876276501542noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106567234958777831.post-39978728636632905082015-12-17T08:56:00.000-06:002015-12-18T12:19:22.381-06:00Personalized Teachers Christmas Gifts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My kids have been in school for decades it seems so there have been a lot of different types of gifts given to their teachers. I've given anything from gift cards to gift baskets, candies to lotions, but I've realized, that the biggest reactions came from gifts that were personalized and hand-made. I was walking down the school hallway to my child's teacher's class room and noticed in a previous teacher's classroom was the crayola art picture I made for her. I won't lie, that kind of tugged at my heart strings a bit seeing something I made 3 years ago hanging on the wall.</div>
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That got me thinking to the reaction that I got when I made a mug for another teacher with the classroom picture on one side and on the other side, it wrote, "Mrs. Allen, you are the best."</div>
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This year, I thought I would combine the two. Being the yearbook coordinator last year brought on a lot of photo ideas so my plan was to make classroom books for my kids' teachers this year for an end of the year memento. I went to the school and photographed all the kids. As I was editing pictures, I was playing around and came up with this:</div>
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<img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ndpRxvnIntk/VnLF_hk45JI/AAAAAAAAKSY/IMBeFgspUk4/s320/portrait.jpg" style="border: 0px solid;" width="213" /> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XGgR9Ceu_vQ/VnLIztjtuoI/AAAAAAAAKS0/2WDgdWMyC8E/s1600/fulbright_portrait.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XGgR9Ceu_vQ/VnLIztjtuoI/AAAAAAAAKS0/2WDgdWMyC8E/s320/fulbright_portrait.png" style="border: 0px solid;" width="320" /></a></div>
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I decided to make a cup, but of course, it didn't turn out as I had hoped the first go at it. I had to make a few modifications, like changing the orientation to landscape for one of them. <br />
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<img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HjVdob-rt1g/VnLGCwFPSqI/AAAAAAAAKSg/Pt7e8MhRDAw/s320/portrait5.jpg" style="border: 0px solid;" width="320" /> </div>
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The result was a really adorable cup. </div>
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Next, I decided to wrap the gift and stick it in an insulated lunch bag with the teacher's initial embroidered on it. I had read a lot of teachers liking gifts that are created from their students, especially ornaments so off my kids went to create their own masterpiece. </div>
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It was the perfect gift tag. One side had a little piece of artwork, while the other side had their name.</div>
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<img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-StwDfis9FWk/VnLDMx1F_9I/AAAAAAAAKRM/s81JKwhSd4k/s400/IMG_4522.JPG" style="border: 0px solid;" width="300" /> <img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1DmD5fGABSw/VnLDNEx1sGI/AAAAAAAAKRQ/QEdBnLGt_Uk/s400/IMG_4523.JPG" style="border: 0px solid;" width="300" /> </div>
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Then I decided to frame the picture I created as well because I just simply loved the way it turned out. Hopefully, it will be a nice addition to the classroom ;)</div>
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I was planning on doing this for teacher appreciation week, but I've always been a little impatient and just couldn't wait so I'm gifting it as well.</div>
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<img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PyXYxeMpxY4/VnLIGvIVUiI/AAAAAAAAKSs/7OWD8NNW2WM/s320/thankyou2.jpg" style="border: 0px solid;" width="211" /> </div>
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For a finishing touch, on the back of the portrait, I printed a picture of my son with a little note. </div>
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When thinking of the things that I want for Christmas, I really love receiving hand-made gifts. I'm hoping the teachers love the gifts as much as I did creating them. What do you think? What were some of your most favorite hand-made gifts you have given?<br />
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Update: What's the reaction verdict? I got a handful of teary-eyed teachers and plenty of hugs. Hearing that I gave them the best gift they have ever received, made all the hours of editing worth it. That's the least I could do for all the hours they have given my kiddos, right? Now, I have to figure out how to top that for teacher appreciation week. I'm so out of ideas at the moment. Anyone make anything unique that you would like to share?<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qNH6zEFmAuU/S9og74FycRI/AAAAAAAABQ0/G2WrJuTRBjI/s1600/craftygirl2.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465717310808551698" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qNH6zEFmAuU/S9og74FycRI/AAAAAAAABQ0/G2WrJuTRBjI/s400/craftygirl2.png" style="border: 0px solid; cursor: pointer; height: 67px; width: 175px;" /></a>
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CRAFTY GIRLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03268458876276501542noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106567234958777831.post-60183534046006630762015-12-06T08:16:00.000-06:002015-12-06T08:16:25.038-06:00Installing ring - the video doorbellOne of the things that I have been wanting to do for a while is set up some security cameras around the house for a safety measure. I found a video doorbell online that allows you to see who is at your door before you open it. Oftentimes, we get solicitors, but not knowing who is at the door, I peak out the window and they see me! There goes my cover of pretending I'm not home if I don't want to answer the door. I don't like the fact that my kiddos rush to the door without a second thought either. Therefore, I thought I'd take the plunge and buy me one of these gadgets. Now, the problem was figuring out which one. I narrowed it down to two different doorbells.
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N2ZDXW2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00N2ZDXW2&linkCode=as2&tag=crafc0rn-20&linkId=M7QZJ43LA6LEPD5V%22%3ERing%20Wi-Fi%20Enabled%20Video%20Doorbell%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=crafc0rn-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00N2ZDXW2%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;"><img alt="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N2ZDXW2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00N2ZDXW2&linkCode=as2&tag=crafc0rn-20&linkId=M7QZJ43LA6LEPD5V%22%3ERing%20Wi-Fi%20Enabled%20Video%20Doorbell%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=crafc0rn-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00N2ZDXW2%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;" border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iq3PpUU5yLI/VmQyDCrpK4I/AAAAAAAAKQg/L_hiBZfbTes/s200/ring.jpg" style="border: 0px solid;" width="200" /></a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PV7WI1Q/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00PV7WI1Q&linkCode=as2&tag=crafc0rn-20&linkId=NE3USB5F75HTQN4D%22%3ESkyBell%20Wi-Fi%20Video%20Doorbell%20Version%202.0%20(BRONZE)%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=crafc0rn-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00PV7WI1Q%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important"><img alt="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PV7WI1Q/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00PV7WI1Q&linkCode=as2&tag=crafc0rn-20&linkId=NE3USB5F75HTQN4D">SkyBell Wi-Fi Video Doorbell Version 2.0 (BRONZE)</a><img src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=crafc0rn-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00PV7WI1Q" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important" border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IodH2GQN-P8/VmQyDD3QpPI/AAAAAAAAKQk/w1EH_K8qWOw/s200/skybell.jpg" style="border: 0px solid;" width="200" /></a> <img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-udsPdx-6XVM/VmQyDASC2pI/AAAAAAAAKQc/AOFmsOzYhBA/s200/agust2.jpg" style="border: 0px solid;" width="194" /></div>
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There was the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N2ZDXW2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00N2ZDXW2&linkCode=as2&tag=crafc0rn-20&linkId=M7QZJ43LA6LEPD5V%22%3ERing%20Wi-Fi%20Enabled%20Video%20Doorbell%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=crafc0rn-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00N2ZDXW2%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;">ring</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PV7WI1Q/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00PV7WI1Q&linkCode=as2&tag=crafc0rn-20&linkId=NE3USB5F75HTQN4D%22%3ESkyBell%20Wi-Fi%20Video%20Doorbell%20Version%202.0%20(BRONZE)%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=crafc0rn-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00PV7WI1Q%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important">skybell </a>that I was looking at. I noticed this morning there is also the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015SLMKJY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B015SLMKJY&linkCode=as2&tag=crafc0rn-20&linkId=QGRYDV3HIBFXW5VL%22%3EAugust%20Doorbell%20Cam,%20Dark%20Gray%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=crafc0rn-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B015SLMKJY%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;">august</a> brand that hasn't been released. I can't remember the reason that made me decide to go with the ring brand. I'm sure it had to do with the reviews. <br />
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<img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4u3BqEArQ0g/VmQuooiSB8I/AAAAAAAAKQA/2yBbAPjNrrg/s400/IMG_3185.JPG" style="border: 0px solid;" width="400" /> </div>
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I chose the venetian bronze color because I had just painted my hardware an oil rubbed bronze so it would match nicely. Opening the box, you see all these fancy tools to help you install your new doorbell.
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<img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FPup1rfNLXg/VmQuov8QatI/AAAAAAAAKO0/gGv1s6u31bA/s400/IMG_3183.JPG" style="border: 0px solid;" width="400" /> </div>
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Here's the doorbell I started with. It is completely boring and very ugly. I've wanted to replace this thing since I moved in. </div>
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<img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-60a6S0F3R18/VmQupWF0MLI/AAAAAAAAKPU/vXvC7j_-wtE/s400/IMG_3186.JPG" style="border: 0px solid;" width="300" /> </div>
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First up, I turned off the power to the doorbell. Then it was time to remove the old doorbell. I removed the screws and then pulled the door bell off, cutting away at the sealer. Disgusting, huh?
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I had to then drill through the brick. Can I say, this is SOOOO hard to do. Because of the location of our previous doorbell and me wanting to hide the two screw holes already there, I had no choice, but to have to drill through brick TIMES FOUR! I'm telling you now. If you have a choice weather or not to drill through the mortar or a wood trim, do it! Although the kit comes with a drill bit, our brick was SO very hard that it wore that out and I had to buy another masonry bit to replace it.
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Drilling the four holes was hands down the toughest part. Next up was pulling the two doorbell wires through the back plate of the doorbell and attaching it to the screws.
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I screwed the blue wire to the left and the white wire to the right screw. It was a complete guess on my part as far as which wire went to which screw.</div>
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I screwed the top plate on top and now was the time to test it out. I installed the ring app, set my settings and gave it a go.</div>
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It worked! My kids had so much fun watching themselves on their devices.</div>
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What's the verdict 6 months later on this little gadget?</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N2ZDXW2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00N2ZDXW2&linkCode=as2&tag=crafc0rn-20&linkId=M7QZJ43LA6LEPD5V%22%3ERing%20Wi-Fi%20Enabled%20Video%20Doorbell%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=crafc0rn-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00N2ZDXW2%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;"><img alt="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N2ZDXW2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00N2ZDXW2&linkCode=as2&tag=crafc0rn-20&linkId=M7QZJ43LA6LEPD5V%22%3ERing%20Wi-Fi%20Enabled%20Video%20Doorbell%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=crafc0rn-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00N2ZDXW2%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;" border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iq3PpUU5yLI/VmQyDCrpK4I/AAAAAAAAKQg/L_hiBZfbTes/s200/ring.jpg" style="border: 0px solid;" width="200" /></a></div>
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I can't live with out it. I am surprised by the advantages still today. I set my doorbell to be motion activated. Therefore, even if no one rings the doorbell, my phone notifies me whenever someone is at the door. This comes in so handy during the holiday seasons when I am buying all my christmas presents online. Whenever the delivery man comes and drops off the package, I can see on my phone the packages and bring them inside! They don't even ring the doorbell anymore, but I know the packages are there because I can see them on the floor through the camera. I also get notified from UPS via text, but sometimes that notification comes 30 minutes later and I never get notified if it is FEDEX or USPS so that doorbell is awesome especially in the evenings when I wouldn't even know the packages are there (FEDEX for us delivers in the evening and never rings the doorbell to let us know).</div>
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The doorbell also lets me know when the kids leave the house. Since I work early in the morning, its nice to know when my kids leave for school. I can't tell you how many times my kids let me know that dad overslept and they were late! </div>
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Aside from the fact, its awesome to see who is at the door from your own bedroom so you don't have to get up if you don't want to, it is even MORE awesome to know who is at the door when you are not home. Just this week, we were remodeling our pool and workers were over working on it. I couldn't stay because I had to take the kids to piano practice. Yet, while I was gone, the doorbell rang so I picked it up on my phone to answer it because I could see it was one of the workers needing to show me something. I was able to answer the ring and talk with him to let him know I was only a few minutes away. Instead of him leaving and then having the company call me back, he waited for me to personally show me around.</div>
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Those are the advantages. Now for the disadvantages. It's great that there is a motion-activated sensor, but there is also a downfall to it. I see every car that "slowly" drives by. I live in a culdesac and there are only 3 other houses at the end of the street so I don't get too many cars that drive by slowly, but if you live on a busy street, the motion-activated sensor could be annoying. The other disadvantage is the lag. Sometimes, there is a slight delay from when the person rings the doorbell to when you are notified. The last thing is that you cannot see through the camera in real time. I wish there was a feature where you can see out your door without being activated by a motion.<br />
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For me, the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages to the point I contemplate installing one for our backdoor as well - not necessarily for the "doorbell" feature, but for the motion-activated camera. In the end, it was worth the purchase. I wasn't able to find any discounts or coupons or sales, but its one of the purchases I would still make again, regardless. Are there any gadgets you have bought that you just can't live without? <br />
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CRAFTY GIRLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03268458876276501542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106567234958777831.post-38562982694030211962015-11-29T16:32:00.001-06:002015-12-05T21:27:22.348-06:00Gel Staining the Front Door and Spray Painting the Door HandleI know its been way too long since I last posted something here. Is there anyone still out there? Life's been a little hectic to say the least and while I am still working on a lot of home projects, I really haven't had the time or motivation to post them. Working longer hours at my job and chauffeuring the kids around to all their activities has left me no time to really do anything else so a project that would normally take me a weekend or two to complete is now taking me months. That being said, having a nice long Thanksgiving weekend has sort of rejuvenated me. That and trying to upload my 2000+ pictures off my camera has left me looking back on all the projects that I haven't posted.<br />
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One thing that I wanted to do this past summer (yeah, several months ago!) was to beautify/update my front house. While, cutting down bushes and trimming trees do a lot to maintain your home, I wanted to do a lot more. On my to-do list was re-staining the front door, changing out the torn weather strip, updating my hardware, installing landscaping lights, replacing my door bell, installing cameras and changing out my lanterns for motion-sensored/dusk till dawn lights. My outside list kept growing so I had to just jump in and pick something to start with. <br />
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First up was refinishing my front door. The problem was I wanted my door to "look" stained, but couldn't really just go out and buy any stain. The reason being was the fact that I had a fiberglass door. When I built my house, I didn't even think about the differences between doors. I told them to build it like the model which they did, with a fiberglass door. I was kicking myself in the butt this summer not choosing an all wooden door UNTIL I discovered all the benefits of a fiberglass door. It doesn't weather as fast (most or all of my neighbors that have a wooden door have had to restain their door only 3 years after they moved in). It took 8+ years before my door started showing signs of wear and tear and I don't have to worry about mildew or warping with my door. <br />
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That being said, it was time to re-stain my door. You can see the stain was faded and started to chip off.<br />
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In my research, I found out that I needed to use a gel stain in order to refinish my fiberglass door because fiberglass does not absorb like wood. I thought, great, I'll just walk into Lowe's and pick out my stain color, easy peesy, right? Hmm..nope. The major box-stores didn't carry gel stain so I had to go to an actual paint store for it. I ended up buying a quart of the <span id="goog_484842237"></span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008G8IFQY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B008G8IFQY&linkCode=as2&tag=crafc0rn-20&linkId=KAH6LK4P5MFV3EFG%22%3ESTAIN%20GEL%20WALNUT%208OZ%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=crafc0rn-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B008G8IFQY%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22">Minwax Gel stain in Walnut</a> <span id="goog_484842238"></span>color and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005DMJKMY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B005DMJKMY&linkCode=as2&tag=crafc0rn-20&linkId=L6CBD72S2RV55QNC%22%3EMinwax%2063205%20Helmsman%20Spar%20Urethane%20Satin%20Finish,%20Quart%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=crafc0rn-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B005DMJKMY%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22">Minwax Waterbased Helmsman Spar Urethane </a>to seal the door.<br />
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<img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-plaf6fAkKQ8/Vltsvgx0vDI/AAAAAAAAKME/lqclENNw4Bs/s200/minwaxstain.jpg" style="border: 0px solid;" width="200" /> <img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5M1KbmqkzCg/Vltsvq7YRZI/AAAAAAAAKMA/1YPBedKyNAE/s200/urethane.jpg" style="border: 0px solid;" width="165" /></div>
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After purchasing my stain, I had to wait for a nice weather day since I would be leaving my door partially opened while it dried. I prepped the door by taping off all the areas I didn't want stain on.<br />
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I decided to paint the trim around the door as well so I filled in all the dents and nail holes that the builder neglected to do.</div>
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I also removed the hardware so I didn't have to worry about accidently getting stain on it.</div>
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I washed to door with some soap and water to clean up any debris. When the door dried, I sanded the door to remove any stain chips and scratches. I cleaned off all the dust and started staining. I applied two coats of the gel stain right on top of the existing stain and waited a few minutes before wiping off the excess. It was extremely easy as gel stain doesn't drip like normal stain. In fact, it looks a bit like jello, but it really did make my fiberglass door look like it was stained wood.</div>
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From this: </div>
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To this: </div>
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What a difference, huh? When I was done staining the door, I painted the trim of the door in the same color to freshen it up a bit.</div>
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A week later, I applied the urethane onto the door to seal in the stain and keep the door looking new longer. </div>
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Now on to the hardware. My door lock was horrible. It would stick, the key wouldn't work and the clear polish was peeling away from it so it made it look terrible. My hardware looked so bad I was ready to replace it completely. I had already chosen the new oil rubbed bronze hardware. However, when I went to the store, they didn't have any in stock so I figured that I would, while I waited for the new hardware to become in stock, just spray paint my door knob with some oil rubbed bronze paint. </div>
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I used this <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0049XUN74/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0049XUN74&linkCode=as2&tag=crafc0rn-20&linkId=2X6EMLDZKOENTJF2%22%3EOil%20Rubbed%20Bronze%20Metallic%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=crafc0rn-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0049XUN74%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;">Rust-oleum Universal Metallic Oil Rubbed Bronze </a>spray paint to cover my hardware. I already had it in my garage and have used it on many projects. I love the way I don't have to prime the surface. I sanded the hardware to remove what clear finish was still left on it. I used a very fine grit sand paper so that the scratches would be light and easily covered with paint. Then I covered the actual lock with some tape because I knew I did not want that to be painted. I even sprayed the screws so that it would match the hardware. After about 5 light coats, and several hours of drying, I placed the hardware back on my door and the verdict?<br />
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I LOVE the way it turned out. </div>
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I had intended this to be a temporary solution as I thought that with daily use, the paint would not hold up, but can I say that after 6 months of using the door knob daily, there isn't a scratch on it? It still looks new. Also, when I removed the hardware and placed it back on, it seemed to line up better and now the door doesn't stick anymore. It's been a win win and at this point, I don't plan on replacing it. What I do plan on is spray painting all the other exterior door handles.<br />
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After I stained the door, I took the liberty of going ahead and replacing the weather striping on the bottom of the door. Since I have a fiberglass door, it has a little groove on the bottom of the door that allows a weather strip to snap in place. I bought the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000I1CCOS/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000I1CCOS&linkCode=as2&tag=crafc0rn-20&linkId=7W2TJXJMY2RHO2WI%22%3Edoor%20bottom%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=crafc0rn-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000I1CCOS%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;">MD Kerf's Mount Door Bottom to replace the existing torn one on my door.</a> The best part is that I get reimbursed from my electric company for the purchase for being more energy efficient.<br />
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I really love the way it turned out. It doesn't look like much in these pictures, but it is WAY different up close.<br />
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Okay, so you can't tell from these pictures, but I also replaced the doorbell, but that will have to be in another post. For now, I am so happy to step foot onto my front door everyday and the kids are happier too now that they can open it themselves with ease.<br />
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The total project was about $30 for all the stain as I waited for a 40% off day (it happens 2-3 times a year at sherwin williams and had a $10 coupon on top of that that I found on their website :) I spent another $10 for the weather strip (which was reimbursed by my electric company). For about 3 hours, it saved me $300 which was the quote to restain just the exterior side of my front door (I actually stained both sides so they would match), not to mention taking care of my door knobs. This do it yourself project was completely worth it.<br />
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So how many things was that I checked off my list? Restaining door - check, new hardware (well new looking) - check, new weather stripping - check and new door bell - check. That's a lot, but oh so many more to go. I can't wait to share them with you all.<br />
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CRAFTY GIRLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03268458876276501542noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106567234958777831.post-3704549896657867552015-06-15T04:00:00.000-05:002015-06-15T04:00:01.503-05:00Wall of Pictures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I
have an open concept in my house so there aren't that many walls to hang
pictures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My foyer has a two story wall
that I nailed some frames up when I first moved in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>8 years later and the same 6 posed baby and
family pictures still hung.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A lot has happened
in 8 years, including me having more kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The most recent family picture was missing my youngest child who is now 7 years old. I was so ready to take all the posed, Sunday dressed, fake smiles off my walls. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">My wall was empty for a while because I couldn't find the frames at the price I wanted and since I was going for a less formal look, I wasn't going to reuse any of the black frames that I already had. That meant having dozens of black frames that I didn't need and having no frames that I did need.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I was out of luck for weeks until I saw the triple picture frame on sale. That started my collection. I bought every size they had in the dark stain. The following week, at another Target location, they had the grey and white frames on sale so I bought all that was on the shelf. I couldn't resist the 75% off price. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In the end, I love love the mix and match of frames. It was exactly what I was looking for as well as exactly what I wanted to pay. </span></div>
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This project took what seemed like forever. I first measured the wall to see how high and wide I wanted to go and decided the best place to start was to lay everything out on the floor. I went upstairs to view the entire layout.</div>
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Once I was satisfied. I started to hang the pictures, starting in the middle and working my way out. I came up with this. I stared at it for a while and stepped away. </div>
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When I came back, I decided to tweak things a bit. With plaster (to fill in holes) in one hand and a hammer in the other, I started to create new holes, while filling in the old ones. This is what I came up with the 2nd go around with it. </div>
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This time when I stepped away and came back, I still loved it. All in all, it took me nearly 4.5 hours to come up with the layout and
hang everything. My framed space was 6 feet tall by 9 feet wide with
the lowest bottom frame about 3 feet from the floor. It stayed this way for I would say 6 months because I was so busy. Yet, no one seemed to notice and I even had some comment on how great the pictures were. I don't know if they just didn't notice that all the pictures were exactly the same or that they were just being nice.</div>
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When I finally had time, I went through thousands of pictures, copying my favorites into a separate folder. I knew which pictures I really loved, but I didn't know which size to order. I needed to visually see where everything would be to make sure I didn't have the same poses right next to each other. </div>
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Therefore, I decided to create a template of my wall on the computer in order to better see what pictures would look good and where. </div>
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It was very easy to move images around on the computer and when it came time to
ordering the prints, they were already marked on my template. This made ordering prints, quick and painless.</div>
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Here's my final selection. All my images were taken by me except for the ones that I'm in. Each photo just makes me smile and it brought back a memory of the time that it was taken. That is what I wanted. I didn't want any photos that were taken in a studio with a fake background and forced smile. </div>
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I wanted "family love" and I think I achieved that. There aren't any "say cheese" smiles. They are mostly of them running around and being silly. </div>
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I love love love my wall of pictures. I love the frames. I love the pictures. I love the fact that it is the first thing I see when I walk in door and it is what I see when I sit in my office as I work so I am super happy.</div>
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The total price was $75 for all the frames (which were originally $300, but I got 75% off) and approximately $25 for all the photos. Total amount spent was $100 for the entire project which is $50 under my budget so I am super happy about that. Sometimes, all you have to do is wait to get what you want at the price you want it. I'm so ecstatic I did just that..I waited and waited...and finally found what I was looking for.</div>
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CRAFTY GIRLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03268458876276501542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106567234958777831.post-83331554110120148622015-06-12T16:50:00.001-05:002015-06-12T16:50:58.795-05:00Watermelon Whale<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Summer is here! One of my favorite things about summer is fruit. I absolutely love all kinds so I generally like to bring fruit to any party that requires me to prepare a dish because its something I love and it doesn't require heating or refrigeration. The only thing is, I always forget to bring home my dish. It normally happens every time so this time, I wanted to make a watermelon boat to hold all the fruit. This allowed me to leave it behind.</div>
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I decided to make a Watermelon Whale. Isn't he cute?</div>
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I'm not sure it was a good idea to make it right before the event because it did take a little bit of time to carve it out and cut everything up. </div>
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I first outlined where I was going to cut on the watermelon.</div>
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I started to carve, using my outline as a guidance. </div>
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Once I was done, I popped off the top. It was surprisingly easy to do. </div>
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I touched up the corners and then I started to scoop out the watermelon to make it hollow. </div>
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I carved out the eyes and mouth as well as cut up all the fruit.</div>
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I mixed all the fruit in a large bowl since I thought it would be easier to do than trying to mix it up in the watermelon itself</div>
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Once all the fruit was mixed up, I poured it into my whale and added the blueberries for eyes and spout. </div>
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It makes me smile when I look at it. </div>
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What do you think? </div>
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CRAFTY GIRLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03268458876276501542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106567234958777831.post-81190670381170143932015-06-10T07:14:00.000-05:002015-06-10T07:14:20.280-05:00I'm BAAACK!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">I’m back!<span> </span>It’s been so long since I’ve even logged into this blog so I’m sorry for those that have posted questions.<span> </span>I’m now just seeing them all.<span> </span>My life has been overwhelmingly hectic.<span> </span>During this past year, I decided to become more involved in my kids’ school.<span> </span>I decided to be the yearbook coordinator, not realizing that it would take up every free moment I had.<span> </span>I also had a crazy work schedule, oftentimes working double shifts.<span> </span>On top of that, as if I didn’t already have enough on my plate, I went back to school to “enhance” my education.<span> </span>Had I known I would have had to physically sit in class, do homework, <span> </span>write papers, and study for quizzes and exams every week for 15 weeks, I probably would not have signed up for this “opportunity.”</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Now that finals are over, I’m doing my summer work schedule of waking up at 2AM to go into work so that I can spend the entire day with my kiddos (yes, my job is that flexible).<span> </span>Since the yearbook can be put to bed and I accomplished my goal of getting at a person to say to me that I made the best yearbook ever (yes, I’m patting myself on the back right now ;), my time has been freed up considerably.<span> </span>I still have to study for certifications which I’m lacking the motivation at the moment, but my stress level has diminished significantly and I am beyond ecstatic to pick up this blog again.<span> </span>It makes me so happy thinking of all the projects I want to share and do.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">I look forward to this summer and all that it brings.<span> </span>I have a load of field trips and adventures to explore with my kiddos which includes anything from visiting a publishing plant to see how the yearbook is <span> </span>made to being silly at home with the kids, making cookies and building forts.<span> </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thanks for all my followers that have stuck around!<span> </span>I appreciate it.<span> I promise to start posting again:)</span></span></span></span></div>
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CRAFTY GIRLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03268458876276501542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106567234958777831.post-56590406352491349252014-11-09T14:43:00.000-06:002014-11-09T14:43:09.942-06:00How to make a Burlap Wreath<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's been awhile since I have made any new decor for my door. When
someone posted on FB asking if anyone could make them a burlap wreath, I
took that as a challenge. I actually went shopping for the supplies the
very next day with coupons in hand. Fortunately, everything I needed
was at Hobby Lobby so it was indeed a one-stop shop. How did it turn out? I really love it. I love the colors and I love the rustic look the burlap gives.</div>
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Here's what you need: A wire wreath, pipe cleaners, and whatever color burlap you want. I ended using 30 feet of the base brown burlap and 5-7 feet of the other colors. </div>
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Use wire cutters to cut the pipe cleaners to 1/3. </div>
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Insert the burlap into the wire wreath, attaching with the pipe cleaner. </div>
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Once attached, make another loop by inserting the burlap through the wreath again. </div>
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Scrunch up the burlap and tie the loops of the burlap together using a pipe cleaner.</div>
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You can then use your fingers to fluff the burlap.</div>
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Continue until the entire wire wreath is covered.</div>
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Add your second color weaving between the loops.</div>
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Next, comes your third and so forth.</div>
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I used 5 different variations of burlap for this wreath. I added an "H" to the bow just because I thought it would be cute.</div>
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I love the end result. Total cost was just shy of $30 for all the materials (only because I had 50% off everything). Therefore, without coupons, it would be around $60 for all the materials.</div>
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I had so much fun, I made myself a couple of more wreaths.</div>
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The more you make, the more materials you can reuse (the pipe cleaners, the base burlap, etc), and the cheaper it gets. The color combinations are unlimited.</div>
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I'm glad that I took on this challenge. My sister is too because that is the wreath I made her for fall. I love the yellow flowers! I think I have to make myself one, but alas, I'm out of doors ;). Maybe next year.</div>
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CRAFTY GIRLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03268458876276501542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106567234958777831.post-41275142188287200922014-09-20T11:33:00.000-05:002014-09-20T13:23:13.249-05:00Building a Cubby OrganizerMy boys LOVE legos. We have pieces in every nook and cranny of our house. I'm sure some have found its way into our vacuum. When I saw <a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/9892969/?catalogId=66&sku=9892969&bnrid=3318529&cm_ven=Google_PLA&cm_cat=Decor_&_Pillows&cm_pla=Wall_Organizers&cm_ite=Cubby_Organizer%2C_Natural_stain&srccode=cii_17588969&cpncode=32-402009935-2" target="_blank">this </a>cubby organizer at my neighbor's house, I knew I wanted it. At the time, they didn't sell the cubby organizer any longer so I was a bit disappointed. However, a couple of months ago, I was mentioning to my other neighbor about the organizer and she said she saw online. It was a modified version of the one they sold a few years back, but the concept was the same. I waited patiently for a friends and family sale and voila, it finally came. Did I buy it? Nope. I was so disappointed they didn't sell it in the store and when I tried to purchase it online, adding in the shipping and surcharges didn't make it worth it to me. I decided to build it myself. Do I love it? That's a BIG whopping YES!<br />
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I measured E.'s wall where the cabinet would hang and decided to make it to the dimensions of the one that was being sold.<br />
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I drew out how I was going to build it and it just so happened my dad came to visit that week and saw my drawing. He decided to help me out. We bought 1x6x8's and ripped the edges so they would be around 5 inches deep. <br />
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Then, he made notches in the wood so that the shelves would slide into place. </div>
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We contemplated if we wanted the shelves to be removable, but in the end, I decided to nail them in permanently.</div>
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One row done, 4 more to go! </div>
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I then puttied all the nail holes and then sanded everything down.</div>
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It sat in my garage for the longest time because I knew the next part would not be fun.</div>
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I had to stain, polyurethane, sand, then polyurethane and sand again all 25 cubby holes. This was so tedious and I seriously contemplated whether or not it needed a second coat of polyurethane. Of course, the perfectionism in me would never allow me to skip that step, but I was pretty drained with all the work that went into this project and that thought did cross my mind. </div>
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The total project was $17. That's a great savings, but I did spend about 10 hours from start to finish. In hind sight, I would have to say this would be a project that is WORTH purchasing over making. If you have the time, its a great project to do. If you don't, it's SO worth cost of the item plus shipping and surcharge. I only say that because what I made is basically what was sold. Had it been a custom piece that needed certain specific dimensions, that would be a different story. I did build a cabinet for E. on the other side of the bed that was
custom and SO worth the time and effort, but that project will be saved
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For now, my kiddos have a place to put all their Lego creations. Currently, it's home to all their Mixel creations. I think it is super cute and I LOVE LOVE LOVE how it turned out. I'm happy that all the hours I put into building it created a piece that I am proud of.</div>
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The bed and all cabinets are built! 3/4 of the room is done. Only 1/4 to go! E.'s room is turning out to be simply a hand-built room and I love it!<br />
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CRAFTY GIRLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03268458876276501542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106567234958777831.post-28229155316710880592014-08-16T11:06:00.000-05:002014-08-16T11:06:43.851-05:00No Sew Baby Infant Tutu<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Before my niece was born, I was off on a mission to figure out how to make a baby tutu for our first photo shoot. Most tutus I found in the store were too big for what I needed so when I found this simple method, I was ecstatic. </div>
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I used my 50% off coupon at Michael's to pick up a roll of tulle. I had 1/4" elastic at home already that I cut to 13 inches.</div>
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I sewed the elastic ends together so that it created a 12 inch band. I didn't know how big she was going to be so I just measured a newborn onesie.</div>
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Next, I cut strips of the tulle, folded it in half and tied a slip knot in the middle of the tulle.</div>
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I continued until the entire bolt of tulle was gone, placing the tulle evenly spaced around the elastic band.</div>
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I made a little tulle flower on the waist for a little extra touch. </div>
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Then, I made a matching headband. I didn't know how to present it to my sister so I found one of A.'s teddy bears. I thought it looked ridiculously cute.</div>
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And the final result of our photo shoot with the tutu turned out to be simply adorable.</div>
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Not bad for a 15 minute tutu I made during A.'s piano lesson. Total cost for the tutu is $1.50 for the roll tulle.</div>
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After the blue tutu came a pink one which turned out to be just as cute.</div>
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CRAFTY GIRLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03268458876276501542noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106567234958777831.post-67263730647040816912014-07-15T20:31:00.000-05:002014-07-15T20:31:09.257-05:00Introducing Miss Madeline<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I am excited to say that I am officially an aunt! I am so thrilled to introduce my very first niece. Miss Madeline was born July 5th, 2014. She so graciously let us celebrate the fourth of July and then decided to come into the world after 16 hours of labor. I was there for the 16 hours, but I am so happy I wasn't the one in labor. She definitely was well worth the wait because she is the most adorable baby in the world. At only 5 days old, here is Miss Maddie. </div>
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Isn't she adorable?</div>
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Less than a week old and she definitely already shows a personality.</div>
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I love all her faces she makes.</div>
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I tried different filters on the images.</div>
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You can definitely see the difference. These are the same images, but with different filters.</div>
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To set up for this photo shoot, I used a coffee table with a couch cushion on top. I love couch cushions! Lets zoom out and see what it looks like. What a world of difference a little zoom can do, huh? Yes, my son was watching cartoons while I was snapping pictures.<br />
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Snap and this is what I got. She's wearing my blue tutu I made for her. Tutorial will be coming up soon.</div>
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My brother in law took a picture of me working. Doesn't she look so tiny laying there?</div>
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Once again, here's the close up of the picture I shot.</div>
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I've taken a picture of a babies before, but she was the best baby model ever. I can't say that she cried once.</div>
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I'm ready for Halloween! Can you guess who I am?</div>
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Taking a break, I placed her in this basket and then decided it would make the perfect photo.</div>
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Love.</div>
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I took hundreds more, but this post would be too long to show you all of them.</div>
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I'll end this post with M. giving a little sass! Thanks so much for being such a wonderful model for me. I had a great time. This is only the beginning of many photo shoots I will have of you...next one will definitely be you and your cousins! <br />
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I want to congratulate my beautiful sister and brother in law on their new addition. Thank you so much for giving me the most perfect niece in the world and thank you for loving me so much that you gave her middle name my name. Love you.<br />
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CRAFTY GIRLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03268458876276501542noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106567234958777831.post-7429230707087810972014-06-30T14:18:00.000-05:002015-10-11T17:45:26.208-05:00Converting a Box Spring into a Platform Bed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When I was thinking about all the different kinds of beds I could make for E. My main goal was to reuse as much as possible. I already have 3 bed frames in my garage and I did not want anymore. I had this vision of reusing the box spring. I figured reupholstering it and adding legs could turn it into a platform bed. This is how it turned out. </div>
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<img border="0" height="454" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ePD-aXsJRV0/U7BA_ETPudI/AAAAAAAAJ1E/jakW5li_7-0/s1600/bed.jpg" style="border: 0px solid currentColor;" width="640" /> </div>
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I can't say how much I love this bed. I've made every bed in my home and I think this is my all time favorite. This bed was a pure calibration between E. and I and that made it super special.</div>
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I started out shopping for fabric. These were our top three choices. I like the top right one the most, but we only 3.5 yards, I didn't think we had enough so we went with the bottom gray.</div>
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Here's E.'s box spring. I removed the corner plastic protectors for a clean finish.</div>
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<img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J8YrPIpKVZ0/U7BPmcOFKMI/AAAAAAAAJ2Q/fwe2uZJ84Ic/s1600/DSC_7449+(Large).jpg" style="border: 0px solid currentColor;" width="229" /> <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TrFCerlZzYQ/U7BPmvatxEI/AAAAAAAAJ2Y/I5OqgTFon9Q/s1600/DSC_7455+(Large).jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TrFCerlZzYQ/U7BPmvatxEI/AAAAAAAAJ2Y/I5OqgTFon9Q/s1600/DSC_7455+(Large).jpg" style="border: 0px solid currentColor;" width="320" /></a></div>
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Next, I wrapped the fabric all around the box spring because I did not want a single seam.</div>
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I cut the fabric 4-5 inches from the edge.</div>
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I pinned and stitched the corners together.</div>
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I originally planned to sew the fabric right to the box spring. However, after a few stitches and some throbbing fingers, I decided this plan was definitely a no go. I searched through my fabric remnants and found a piece that was nearly the exact size of the box spring so I decided to sew that piece of fabric together with my gray fabric.</div>
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After sewing all around, I flipped the right side out.</div>
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I laid it over the box spring and stapled it into place.</div>
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Next, it was time to pick out some legs. Traditional?</div>
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Nope. How about this?</div>
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Nope. How about mid century?</div>
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Yes! However, they were too tiny in diameter to support my bed. So I ordered these babies.</div>
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These are 6 inch mid century legs. I love them, but since they were a little pricey, I didn't purchase them for 3 weeks. Now it was time to attach them to the bed. I used these furniture leg plates I found at the hardware store.</div>
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In the midst of the 3 week wait, I decided to change the fabric on the box spring again. I went with my first choice (the fabric that I only had 3.5 yards of). I made it work with a seam on each side of the box spring. I know I didn't want a seam, but I loved the fabric too much. I barely notice the seam so I'm happy with the choice.</div>
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Just love the linen look.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qd-g1AU76ok/U7BPsgJhwGI/AAAAAAAAJ4M/WUtsijD17Po/s1600/DSC_7772+(Large).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qd-g1AU76ok/U7BPsgJhwGI/AAAAAAAAJ4M/WUtsijD17Po/s1600/DSC_7772+(Large).jpg" style="border: 0px solid currentColor;" width="320" /></a></div>
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Back to the bed legs. I cut the fabric where the screws were going to be and then predrilled some holes. I then screwed the plate in place. Easy peesy. </div>
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<img border="0" height="305" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qqTKZARRDRk/U7BA5qzBc-I/AAAAAAAAJ1U/ufNWgv-OO9U/s1600/DSC_7795+%2528Large%2529.jpg" style="border: 0px solid currentColor;" width="400" /> </div>
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Next, I attached the legs. I already love it.</div>
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I decided to buy some glides for the bottom of the leg so that it would protect the wood at the same time allowing me to push the bed into place.</div>
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I love the addition.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dOYt0hc_kN8/U7BDE47u3_I/AAAAAAAAJ1s/eEH3LtV_tT4/s1600/DSC_7804+%2528Large%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dOYt0hc_kN8/U7BDE47u3_I/AAAAAAAAJ1s/eEH3LtV_tT4/s1600/DSC_7804+%2528Large%2529.jpg" style="border: 0px solid currentColor;" width="211" /></a></div>
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I added some supports to the center of the box spring as well. Since I didn't have enough wood to attach the leg plate, I added a scrap piece of wood.</div>
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<img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ocUW7JPkR8k/U7BA7ZujhoI/AAAAAAAAJ0c/tC9JyFuY74Q/s1600/DSC_7800+%2528Large%2529.jpg" style="border: 0px solid currentColor;" width="287" /> <img border="0" height="303" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WYVi8TXuO0I/U7BA8TC3xVI/AAAAAAAAJ0s/nfHdjjQwhPQ/s1600/DSC_7801+%2528Large%2529.jpg" style="border: 0px solid currentColor;" width="320" /></div>
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Here are all the leg placements. The center legs are different because I didn't want to splurge on mid century legs that wouldn't be seen. Instead I got the cheapest 6 inch legs I could find. </div>
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After flipping the box spring over, I get my semi-mid century bed.</div>
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I would have been happy to stop there even though I had originally planned to put nailhead trim on the box spring. I showed E. his bed and he said, "I love it..but I think it would nice if it had the same trim as the head board." I guess he was thinking of the exact same thing I was.</div>
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Therefore, I hammered the trim into place.</div>
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We started with this setup when E. moved into his new room last month. A mattress sitting on a box spring which sat on the floor.</div>
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<img border="0" height="449" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xgEEMWYU9KI/U7BPlmhF3RI/AAAAAAAAJ2E/Yyy0F_TmmD4/s1600/DSC_7439+(Large).jpg" style="border: 0px solid currentColor;" width="640" /> </div>
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A little inspiration and a lot of research gave us this:</div>
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<img border="0" height="454" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ePD-aXsJRV0/U7BA_ETPudI/AAAAAAAAJ1E/jakW5li_7-0/s1600/bed.jpg" style="border: 0px solid currentColor;" width="640" /></div>
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E.'s reaction was, "this is SOOO awesome Mom. I love it." I love it too! I love every bit of it.</div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NVQ9OdmAPDQ/U7BA_kEBnrI/AAAAAAAAJ1I/nZAcqf2U0vE/s1600/bed2.jpg" style="border: 0px solid currentColor;" width="534" /></div>
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Here's he run down of converting the box spring into a bed:<br />
Fabric - $2.25<br />
Bed Legs - $42.91<br />
Furniture Leg Plates - $14.18<br />
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Total cost - $59.24<br />
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I also made the head board. You can find the tutorial <a href="http://craftyc0rn3r.blogspot.com/2014/06/nailhead-trimmed-and-tufted-headboard.html" target="_blank">here</a>. The final total cost of the complete bed is $122.17. That's a little more than what I anticipated on spending, but I find the areas that I did splurge (nail head and bed legs) to be completely worth it because in the end, there is nothing I would change about the bed because I simply love it.<br />
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Here's where I bought everything:<br />
Nailhead trim direct from the <a href="http://www.tackband.com/products.htm" target="_blank">manufacturer</a>. I bought the #5 French Natural Nailhead Trim. You can also get <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0066GZ5D4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0066GZ5D4&linkCode=as2&tag=crafc0rn-20&linkId=22UD6RMILA6TT4S6%22%3ENailhead%20Trim%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=crafc0rn-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0066GZ5D4%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;">this</a>. <br />
6 inch tapered Mid Century Furniture Legs were bought <a href="http://stores.ebay.com/Shag-Midcentury-Modern?_trksid=p2047675.l2563" target="_blank">here</a> or some look alikes <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014ZBENAM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B014ZBENAM&linkCode=as2&tag=crafc0rn-20&linkId=D2TW6GOGRJTXKNHY%22%3EMid-Century%20Modern%20Legs%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=crafc0rn-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B014ZBENAM%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;">here</a>. <br />
Square Furniture Legs for the center of the bed and Leg Plates were bought <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B013RZFBVW/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B013RZFBVW&linkCode=as2&tag=crafc0rn-20&linkId=SMED34PLGKQO4R6A%22%3EFurniture%20Leg%20Attachment%20Plates%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=crafc0rn-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B013RZFBVW%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
All the bedding was bought from Target except for the grey quilt which is West Elm's <a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/3349255/?catalogId=44&sku=3349255&bnrid=3918508&cm_ven=Google_PLA&cm_cat=Bedding&cm_pla=Shades_of_Gray&cm_ite=West_Elm_Frayed-Edge_Quilt%2C_Twin%2C_Platinum_-_Gray&srccode=cii_17588969&cpncode=34-206865795-2" target="_blank">Frayed Edge Quilt</a>. The striped shams were taken from a duvet set which I converted into the striped curtains you see. Tutorial for that can be read <a href="http://craftyc0rn3r.blogspot.com/2014/06/curtains-out-of-duvet.html" target="_blank">here</a>. The green pillows, throw and rug were also purchased from Target.<br />
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Bed is done, now we need some artwork on the wall. Once we tackle that, we will face the other side of the bedroom. I can't wait! The room is slowly coming together.<br />
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I'm working on E.'s new room and the first thing that popped into my head was a gray upholstered headboard. I wanted a linen type fabric and I wanted it tufted. On top of that, I wanted a nail head trim. A lot of I wants, right? I started with <a href="http://craftyc0rn3r.blogspot.com/2010/09/new-headboard-for-j.html" target="_blank">this </a>headboard and I ended up with what you see. I love how it turned out.</div>
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<img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aYBg9f3fMOg/U68ubdUyVMI/AAAAAAAAJyk/fevhocwaEMg/s1600/bed.jpg" height="640" style="border: 0px solid;" width="428" /> </div>
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This is how I made it. I stripped the fabric off the old headboard so that I could reuse the wood. I recalculated the tufting spaces and drilled holes where I wanted the buttons to be. I wanted rows of alternating 6 and 7 buttons with a total of 4 rows. It was time to do some math because I wanted the spacing perfect.</div>
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Once that was done, I cut a piece of 2x2 to trim the headboard which is 62w x 60h. </div>
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<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N57fDQOvtK0/U68uP-ioonI/AAAAAAAAJvQ/L3Intud5elk/s1600/DSC_7721+(Large).jpg" height="211" style="border: 0px solid;" width="320" /> </div>
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The distance of the legs from floor to the bottom of the headboard should be the height of the top of your bed or smaller so there will be no gap.</div>
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<img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sIaBgypIbXE/U68uQ9pjiLI/AAAAAAAAJxE/I9d8TS3umlA/s1600/DSC_7720+(Large).jpg" height="211" style="border: 0px solid;" width="320" /></div>
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I stripped a piece of scrap wood to place behind each leg so that it will be completely flush with the back of the head board.</div>
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Next, I added 2 inch foam in the center of the headboard and then added a couple of layers of batting on top of that.</div>
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<img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-guH_mWBIXu0/U68uQ5O6W9I/AAAAAAAAJvg/x8FH9wND2pg/s1600/DSC_7724+(Large).jpg" height="211" style="border: 0px solid;" width="320" /> </div>
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Next came the tufting tools that I used.</div>
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<img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cqhuSTobWgE/U68uRuEwnXI/AAAAAAAAJvo/foWthdWRjFA/s1600/DSC_7725+(Large).jpg" height="211" style="border: 0px solid;" width="320" /> </div>
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I bought 2 packages of these button covers.</div>
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<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RZRtA_TI304/U68uSGZCduI/AAAAAAAAJvs/ide5TXN4ccw/s1600/DSC_7727+(Large).jpg" height="320" style="border: 0px solid;" width="258" /> </div>
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I also bought waxed button thread. At $4.99, I'm not sure this would be worth it. The wax did keep the thread from moving back through, but it was a bit pricey. Fortunately, I only had to pay $2.70 with my coupon :)</div>
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<img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S-pbiev-gqs/U68uS411C7I/AAAAAAAAJvw/C2o5xar-rMw/s1600/DSC_7728+(Large).jpg" height="320" style="border: 0px solid;" width="211" /> </div>
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What I do find completely worth it was this double pointed needle. I had lost my tufting needle so I needed a replacement and I decided to try this one. I used my 50% off coupon to bring the price down to $4.99. However, with all the time it saved me, I would have gladly paid 3 times the price and that is saying a lot.</div>
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Covering the buttons was a cinch. Cut the fabric to the size of the template. Place it in the white well and then place the front of the button on top. </div>
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Use the blue plastic push to insert the front of the button down into the fabric. Tuck all the lose ends of the fabric into the well. </div>
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Next add the back of the button and push into place again.</div>
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Pop the button out of the well.</div>
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Repeat until you have all your buttons.</div>
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I normally would have the headboard standing up and have a helper, but I didn't have anyone so I had to be a little creative. I propped the head board on the edge of the bed and lifted the other ends with some ottomans. I would crawl under to thread the needle through the holes.</div>
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Insert the double sided needle through the hole with the thread. Un-thread the needle and insert thread through the button. Re-thread the needle and pull through. Here is where the double sided needle comes in handy. If you do not have one of those, you will have to pull the needed out completely and then poke it back through. You think that is easy, but it takes a lot of time and patience to find the tiny hole you created in the head board. Therefore, this double-sided needle saved me hours of trying to find the tufting holes.</div>
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I could not do anymore by myself so I had to beg for some help (well I bribed one with a hershey kiss). I got my sons to push the button down as far as possible while I laid underneath the head board and pulled the thread tight. This was the only way to get it super tight.</div>
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Underneath the bed, I stapled the thread in place. I normally use a washer or a button, but I didn't have any and didn't want to go out and get some. I will have to say using a washer is SO much easier than stapling especially when you are working on your own.</div>
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26 buttons later and I'm finally done!</div>
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Now it is time to staple the edges down. I started in the center and worked my way to the edge until I was done.</div>
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For the legs? I cut a separate piece of fabric for the bottom. I folded the top and bottom edges and then stapled from behind.</div>
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The front looks like this.</div>
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The verdict? I love it!</div>
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I had to wait a week to get my nail head trim I ordered. I didn't like the nail head trim in the store because the heads did not match the trim so when you hammered the nail heads into the trim, it looked too different for my liking. I found some nail heads online that I loved, but everyone was selling it for too much. Add shipping costs and it was causing me to rethink my plans. I emailed the company that made the nail head trim I wanted directly and they said they would sell it to me!!! I was so ecstatic. I had to still pay an arm and a leg for the shipping, but I got three times the amount of product for less than any other online retailer. Score for me! </div>
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I was so giddy when it arrived. It was super easy. I laid the trim where I wanted it.</div>
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Then I used the nail heads and hammered into place. I didn't want to pay for a nylon tip hammer so I just placed a sock over my regular hammer to protect the nail heads. It worked perfectly!</div>
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Finally, I got my new headboard for E who absolutely loves it!</div>
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Can I say I love it too? I'm a bit jealous myself. I may have to make me one :)</div>
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It's my first experience with nail heads and I couldn't be happier with the experience and the result.</div>
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Perfect bed for the perfect kid.</div>
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Here's the breakdown of my costs</div>
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Fabric $2.25 (can't beat $1.50 a yard now can you?)<br />
Button Cover Kits $9.99<br />
Double Sided Needle $4.99<br />
Waxed Thread $2.70<br />
Nail head Trim $43 (my splurge - $25 for the nail heads, $18 for shipping)<br />
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Total cost for this project was $62.93. That's a little pricey I know, but the bulk costs came from the nail heads which were technically bought for another project as well so to me it was worth it. If I split the costs of the nail head trim between the two projects, this one totals $41.43. I'm okay with that because I love love the <strike>bed</strike> head board. Speaking of which, I have a new head board so now I need a new bed, right? That's for another post!<br />
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CRAFTY GIRLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03268458876276501542noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106567234958777831.post-43151280843124560012014-06-22T10:32:00.003-05:002014-06-22T10:32:47.460-05:00Curtains out of a duvet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm redoing all the rooms upstairs. Yes, every single one of them. The rooms are slowly coming along and I am trying to re-purpose as much as possible. When I asked E. the colors he wanted in his room, he told me blue. Lately, I have been into stripes. I think half the number of dresses I have in my closet are striped so you can probably bet that every room upstairs will have some sort of stripe in them. So when I saw <a href="http://www.target.com/p/room-essentials-rugby-stripe-duvet-cover-navy/-/A-14292363" target="_blank">this </a>duvet, I bought it because I loved it. </div>
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The duvet sat in the closet for a month. E. and I went fabric shopping for curtains and I fell in love with once again, the navy and white striped fabric. At $8.99 a yard, I would have spent approximately $17.98 for 4 yards (using my 50% off coupon). Then I would have spent another $11.96 buying the cheapest muslin fabric to line the back for a total of $29.94. That to me is actually not a bad price.</div>
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However, I realized I had a duvet in the closet with the same color and I definitely didn't want the room to be matchy matchy so I went home and decided to use the actual duvet as fabric for the curtains.</div>
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I don't have pictures of the process as it was midnight when I started and it was all done on a whim. However, it was the EASIEST pair of curtains I had ever made. First, I laid the fabric out on the floor and cut right down the center.</div>
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<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xd9sWiV3q-E/U6b0tqF6pcI/AAAAAAAAJvA/zFXWaghpVWo/s1600/duvet.jpg" style="border: 0px solid;" /> </div>
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I turned right sides of the fabric together and sewed straight down (where I had made the cut). I flipped the fabric back with right sides facing out and button the duvet together which were hidden so it was basically hemmed for me!</div>
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The last step, I sewed one straight line at the top so that I could place a rod in it to hang. If you have curtain clips you can omit this step all together.</div>
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I couldn't believe that it took me 15 minutes to have a pair of lined and hemmed curtains. The final price was only $13.48 as the queen sized duvet was on clearance! Plus, I had 2 pillow shams as well! You can't beat that now can you? What's even better is that I love love love the curtains and so does E. </div>
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CRAFTY GIRLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03268458876276501542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106567234958777831.post-35757740763870769972014-06-08T16:18:00.001-05:002014-06-08T20:23:29.117-05:00A desk for 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have been so busy with life and other projects that I haven't had time to share any of them. A few months ago, I decided that it was time I build a desk for my 3 boys. They have overtaken my husband's office to which he has been kicked out on numerous occasions when they invite their friends over. Therefore, I kicked it into high gear during spring break. My goal was to build a desk in 7 days or less.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">Day 1: Clearing out the space. </span></span></div>
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This is our game room. No one ever goes in there anymore. When we have little kids come to our house, the market and kitchen gets some use, but my boys have given me the a-okay to get rid of it all.</div>
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So, I did. The majority was given away and a few larger items were placed on craigslist.</div>
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<span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-size: large;">Drawing up Plans</span></span></div>
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If you knew me, you'd know that I am a carpenter's daughter so everything is drawn out to scale with dimensions. I was so excited because I thought this project would be super easy. I would go into the store, buy some prefab cabinets, add a top and voila, be done. Was that the case? It never is.</div>
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Most pre-made cabinets are for the kitchen with the height of 36 inches. At most a desk should be no more than 30 inches. Therefore, pre-made cabinets were not an option for me. Believe me, I went back to the store to double check to see if I could saw off the base and call it a day. That was a no-go so day 1 ended in sadness.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">Day 2: Shopping.</span></span><br />
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My goal was to find 4 cabinets of the same height. After measuring all the desks in my house, the over all average height was 28 - 29 inches. Therefore, if I have a 2 inch top, I would need cabinets that were 26 -27 inches.<br />
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Store 1: Salvation Army - SCORE! - sort of. I found 1 cabinet that was 26.5 inches. Did I buy it? No. I needed at least 2.<br />
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We left empty handed. I made a list of all the thrift stores in the area for tomorrow's adventure.<br />
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<span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-size: large;">Day 2: More shopping.</span></span><br />
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We went around town and had no luck until the very last pit stop. Habitat Restore had the same cabinet as the Salvation Army. I couldn't believe it. I decided I would buy it and then head on over to the Salvation Army, keeping my fingers crossed that it was still there.<br />
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The verdict???</div>
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It was!</div>
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Habitat Restore actually had 2 of them, but they wouldn't sell me the second one. I was a bit bummed at that, but I had 2 so I was still doing a little happy dance. That meant, I had to build 2 from scratch.<br />
<br />
That night, I primed the cabinets ready for painting.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: orange;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;">Day 3: Paint!</span></span></span><br />
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I decided to paint the hardware on the cabinets so I removed them, sanded it down a bit and sprayed it with an oil rubbed bronze spray paint. </div>
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<img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9QZMBpc82hk/U5TF9rcf_hI/AAAAAAAAJsI/Ms_Dz-MZDYg/s1600/DSC_6444+(Large).jpg" height="263" style="border: 0px solid;" width="400" /></div>
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After a couple of coats of paint, my cabinets became this:</div>
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<img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UBGr2HtYuyY/U5TF-kEIz3I/AAAAAAAAJsY/C1VPtb45z88/s1600/DSC_6446+(Large).jpg" height="420" style="border: 0px solid;" width="640" /></div>
<br />
I LOVE LOVE LOVED how they turned out. I ended up adding a piece of molding to the bottom so that it would match my base molding to the house.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">Wood Shopping</span></span><br />
<br />
I decided to use 2x10 inches of wood for my top. I knew that I would not be able to carry up a single big piece of wood that would have to be 12 inches in length so I decided to leave it in three pieces and install it once it was in the room.<br />
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<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XycQ_uIeXXY/U5TF9ybj_CI/AAAAAAAAJsE/U6wk-0H41i0/s1600/DSC_6445+(Large).jpg" height="400" style="border: 0px solid;" width="263" /></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">Staining!</span></span><br />
<br />
At the end of Day 3, I had 1 coat of stain on my top. I was too tired to do anything else.<br />
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<img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vH_2PvYuRok/U5TF-02OZHI/AAAAAAAAJsc/X4fHvgWSfRM/s1600/DSC_6456+(Large).jpg" height="400" style="border: 0px solid;" width="263" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">Day 4: Building.</span></span><br />
<br />
I was not looking forward to this. Don't get me wrong, I love building, but I was in the mindset that this would be an easy project....which it turns out that it wasn't all that easy. I had to go back to the store to get pieces that I can use to replicate the other two cabinets. After all, I wanted them to look similar. However, at the same time, my cabinets would need to store computer CPU's or laptops so they will have shelves. Here's the shell of the cabinet. After this, I added a bottom and shelves. I primed and painted. Most of which was done late at night so I could spend time with my kiddos during the day. Therefore, I was just too exhausted to take nice pretty pics.<br />
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<img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d08zletnPwg/U5TF-ms6GzI/AAAAAAAAJsU/9L2qMq-tRZQ/s1600/DSC_6454+(Large).jpg" height="400" style="border: 0px solid;" width="263" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">Day 5: More Building and Painting.</span></span></div>
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I don't have any pics for this day. I spent the day finishing my cabinets and painting. I added a coat of polyurethane to the desk top, sanded it down and repeated the process three times. I wanted it to withstand heavy duty wear and tear from my kiddos.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">Day 6: Bringing it into the room.</span></span></div>
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My cabinets were not entirely done, but I decided to drag them into the room to see if I needed to make any final adjustments. I tested the height out and it was PERFECT! A few finishing touches and I would be done. This is when I decided I wanted to add a piece of molding to the base and I wanted drawers on my cabinets.</div>
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<img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6BKh1JVmtWI/U5TF_U8UpGI/AAAAAAAAJsk/6KjWUJeoAUo/s1600/DSC_6461+(Large).jpg" height="263" style="border: 0px solid;" width="400" /> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">Day 7: Building drawers and final final touch-ups.</span></span></div>
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Okay, I did not make my dead line because I "had" to have drawers. The problem? I had no earthly idea how to make drawers. I googled, I called my dad and finally, I decided to wing it. They turned out pretty good if I say so myself. Especially since it was my first drawer to make ever. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">Day 8: COMPLETION.</span></span></div>
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I was beyond ecstatic to bring the desk into the space. I found matching hardware for my drawers, I had matching molding for the base and I even mirrored the top trim to match the existing bought cabinets. I was a happy camper.</div>
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<br />
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE how they turned out. I must pat myself on the back for making my desk in record time (I usually take forever). I didn't make my 7 day goal, but that one extra day wasn't too bad.<br />
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<img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6oPhQB1k-4U/U5TGBOmCbuI/AAAAAAAAJtI/4_AfdhmhZdA/s1600/DSC_6472a.jpg" height="422" style="border: 0px solid;" width="640" /></div>
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What's next? Three monitors, 3 computers, 3 chairs...and a whole lot of other furniture. That room is slowly coming together. I have another project going on in there, so this isn't the latest to the room, but you will just have to wait and see.<br />
<br />
Final Run-Down:<br />
1 cabinet from Salvation Army - $25<br />
1 cabinet from Habitat Restore - $35<br />
3 pieces of 2x10's - $36.81<br />
Hardware for cabinet - $5.60<br />
1 quart of primer - $5.97<br />
2 sets of drawer slides - $11.94<br />
<br />
Total of - $120.33<br />
<br />
I built my cabinets using scrap wood and scrap molding pieces. The paint was left over from another project. In the end, the bought cabinet prices were a little steep in my book, but it was worth the splurge. I'd have to say, $120 is a little more than I wanted to spend, but I am oober happy with the way it turned out. What do you think?<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qNH6zEFmAuU/S9og74FycRI/AAAAAAAABQ0/G2WrJuTRBjI/s1600/craftygirl2.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qNH6zEFmAuU/S9og74FycRI/AAAAAAAABQ0/G2WrJuTRBjI/s400/craftygirl2.png" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465717310808551698" style="border: 0px solid; height: 67px; width: 175px;" /></a>
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CRAFTY GIRLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03268458876276501542noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106567234958777831.post-16690067201097820242014-04-15T20:30:00.000-05:002014-04-15T20:30:40.489-05:00Blood Moon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xRjp7cqa0lA/U03Z0ERGvUI/AAAAAAAAJrc/hR_qPfvGONA/s1600/bloodmoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xRjp7cqa0lA/U03Z0ERGvUI/AAAAAAAAJrc/hR_qPfvGONA/s1600/bloodmoon.jpg" height="302" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I know I have been non-existent lately. Life's been a wee-bit hectic. I have some projects already done, but haven't had the time to edit photos and write them up. I just uploaded 47 Gigs of pictures off my camera last week. 47 Gigabytes! That's how far behind I am.<br />
<br />
I promise to come back with some awesome projects. I just built a desk
for my kiddos...a desk for three that I can't wait to share with you.
I'm slowly coming back. I promise :)<br />
<br />
As far as the moon picture above, last night I couldn't sleep so I decided to watch the moon in the middle of the night. I thought it was beautiful so I snapped a picture. Well worth, not going to sleep until 3:45. Of course the lack of sleep is now getting to me, but I wanted to share my picture and say to all my followers, "Yes, I'm still here!"<br />
<br />
Thanks to everyone that is still checking on me. I greatly appreciate all your comments and feedback and I am so sorry for the slow responses. I will be working on that. Just bare with me for a little bit longer :)<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qNH6zEFmAuU/S9og74FycRI/AAAAAAAABQ0/G2WrJuTRBjI/s1600/craftygirl2.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qNH6zEFmAuU/S9og74FycRI/AAAAAAAABQ0/G2WrJuTRBjI/s400/craftygirl2.png" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465717310808551698" style="border: 0px solid; cursor: pointer; height: 67px; width: 175px;" /></a>
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CRAFTY GIRLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03268458876276501542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106567234958777831.post-34050689615400906222014-01-05T10:57:00.000-06:002014-01-05T10:57:41.672-06:00Pretzel Dogs<div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rn1esGmKGgo/UsmJsgZ6z3I/AAAAAAAAJqw/KbJBw8v2QRk/s640/DSC_5441a.jpg" style="border: 0px solid;" width="422" /></div>
<br />
I love big soft pretzels. Hence, my post on making homemade pretzels <a href="http://craftyc0rn3r.blogspot.com/2014/01/soft-pretzels.html" target="_blank">here</a>. On an icy day, with no where to go and a package of polish sausage in the fridge, I decided to see if I could make some pretzel dogs. There are a lot of things that I try that are flops, but I must say that these pretzel dogs are SOoOo good. It says something if I am able please everyone in my family (which is a near impossible task when it comes to meals in my home). Therefore, after seeing everyone's empty plates, I am pleased to say that this is an absolute winner in my family.<br />
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<div>
<span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-size: large;">Pretzel Dgs </span></span></div>
<div>
1 1/2 cups warm (110 to 115 degrees F) water
<br />
1 tablespoon sugar
<br />
2 teaspoons kosher salt
<br />
1 package active dry yeast
<br />
22 ounces all-purpose flour, approximately 4 1/2 cups
<br />
2 ounces unsalted butter, melted
<br />
Vegetable oil, for pan
<br />
10 cups water
<br />
2/3 cup baking soda
<br />
1 large egg yolk beaten with 1 tablespoon water
<br />
Pretzel salt<br />
16 sausage or hot dogs </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-size: large;">Directions</span></span></div>
<div>
<div>
Combine the water, sugar and kosher salt in the bowl of a stand
mixer and sprinkle the yeast on top. Allow to sit for 5 minutes or until
the mixture begins to foam. Add the flour and butter and, using the
dough hook attachment, mix on low speed until well combined. Change to
medium speed and knead until the dough is smooth and pulls away from the
side of the bowl, approximately 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the dough from
the bowl, clean the bowl and then oil it well with vegetable oil. Return
the dough to the bowl, cover with a towel and sit in a warm place
for approximately 50 to 55 minutes or until the dough has doubled in
size.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="210" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7n30ZKfEH7g/UsXoe43pvmI/AAAAAAAAJoI/9NRXcU1CRmU/s320/DSC_5382+%28Large%29.jpg" style="border: 0px solid;" width="320" /> <img border="0" height="210" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3V4IC9KpnLY/UsXocUPSQzI/AAAAAAAAJns/c-pz5FCDZ2M/s320/DSC_5386+%28Large%29.jpg" style="border: 0px solid;" width="320" /></div>
<br />
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Line 2 half-sheet
pans with
parchment paper and lightly brush with the vegetable oil. I used a
silicon liner which doesn't require vegetable oil. Set aside.
<br />
<br />
Bring the 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a rolling boil in an 8-quart saucepan or roasting pan.
<br />
<br />
In the meantime, turn the dough out onto a slightly oiled work
surface and divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll out each piece of dough
into a 24-inch rope.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="263" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9B14ixVdlIA/UsXodRR3CXI/AAAAAAAAJn0/xvoDXpIyen0/s400/DSC_5390+%28Large%29.jpg" style="border: 0px solid;" width="400" /> </div>
<br />
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Wrap the dough around the sausage or hot dog.</div>
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<img border="0" height="204" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MTk0aClW8CY/UsmJpPYW9HI/AAAAAAAAJp8/PIF1os4La2Q/s320/DSC_5395+%28Large%29.jpg" style="border: 0px solid;" width="320" /> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I used enormous polish sausage links which were nearly double the size of a regular hot dog, but if you use regular hot dogs, the dough would probably cover more of it. Place onto the parchment-lined
half sheet pan. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f2Chq4C-440/UsmJpTaZ-QI/AAAAAAAAJqE/47OENHamVjM/s320/DSC_5398+%28Large%29.jpg" style="border: 0px solid;" width="254" /> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Place the pretzels into the boiling water, one by one, for 30 seconds. </div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="263" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bu7MYpjiNHM/UsmJpbqgY8I/AAAAAAAAJqA/Ik3lE_l30ZM/s400/DSC_5402+%28Large%29.jpg" style="border: 0px solid;" width="400" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Remove them from the water using a large flat spatula. I slightly drained it a bit on a cookie sheet.</div>
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<img border="0" height="263" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9_BIsQPH4Y8/UsmJsVt-F-I/AAAAAAAAJq4/IVlxqDTvgbE/s400/DSC_5403+%28Large%29.jpg" style="border: 0px solid;" width="400" /></div>
<br />
Return to the
half sheet pan, brush the top of each pretzel with the beaten egg yolk
and water mixture and sprinkle with the pretzel salt.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tqJXak455KU/UsmJqA1e9qI/AAAAAAAAJqM/MiAWHheDAaA/s400/DSC_5405+%28Large%29.jpg" style="border: 0px solid;" width="263" /> </div>
<br />
Bake until dark
golden brown in color, approximately 12 to 14 minutes. Transfer to a
cooling rack for at least 5 minutes before serving.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OuEKzp4Mehw/UsmJqdjhNZI/AAAAAAAAJqc/R_737njRaiY/s400/DSC_5412+%28Large%29.jpg" style="border: 0px solid;" width="263" /> </div>
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This is an incredibly easy recipe and it turned out fantastic!</div>
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<img border="0" height="376" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3ntokzNNPRA/UsmJr_Mft1I/AAAAAAAAJqk/KTGpCBBipFU/s640/DSC_5425a.jpg" style="border: 0px solid;" width="640" /> </div>
<br />
My husband asked for seconds, right after he asked me where I bought them. He had no idea they were made from scratch! I will be definitely making these again. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ug55SYqUzzQ/UsmJuamrKSI/AAAAAAAAJrE/ijPfuiREunI/s640/DSC_5435a.jpg" style="border: 0px solid;" width="422" /> </div>
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Especially since there are no left overs ;)</div>
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CRAFTY GIRLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03268458876276501542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106567234958777831.post-7499619789257387122014-01-02T16:44:00.000-06:002014-01-02T16:44:01.741-06:00Soft Pretzels<div>
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<br />
I love big soft pretzels. I especially love getting them for
free on pretzel day in March, but since March is many months away and my
craving for this salty snack wasn't going away, I decided to figure out
how to make them. Because of the weather, I was stuck at home anyway
so it was the perfect opportunity to experiment. I found <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/homemade-soft-pretzels-recipe/index.html" target="_blank">this </a>recipe by Alton Brown. <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-size: large;">Homemade Soft Pretzels </span></span></div>
<div>
1 1/2 cups warm (110 to 115 degrees F) water
<br />
1 tablespoon sugar
<br />
2 teaspoons kosher salt
<br />
1 package active dry yeast
<br />
22 ounces all-purpose flour, approximately 4 1/2 cups
<br />
2 ounces unsalted butter, melted
<br />
Vegetable oil, for pan
<br />
10 cups water
<br />
2/3 cup baking soda
<br />
1 large egg yolk beaten with 1 tablespoon water
<br />
Pretzel salt</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-size: large;">Directions</span></span></div>
<div>
<div>
Combine the water, sugar and kosher salt in the bowl of a stand
mixer and sprinkle the yeast on top. Allow to sit for 5 minutes or until
the mixture begins to foam. Add the flour and butter and, using the
dough hook attachment, mix on low speed until well combined. Change to
medium speed and knead until the dough is smooth and pulls away from the
side of the bowl, approximately 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the dough from
the bowl, clean the bowl and then oil it well with vegetable oil. Return
the dough to the bowl, cover with a towel and sit in a warm place
for approximately 50 to 55 minutes or until the dough has doubled in
size.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="210" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7n30ZKfEH7g/UsXoe43pvmI/AAAAAAAAJoI/9NRXcU1CRmU/s320/DSC_5382+%28Large%29.jpg" style="border: 0px solid;" width="320" /> <img border="0" height="210" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3V4IC9KpnLY/UsXocUPSQzI/AAAAAAAAJns/c-pz5FCDZ2M/s320/DSC_5386+%28Large%29.jpg" style="border: 0px solid;" width="320" /></div>
<br />
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Line 2 half-sheet
pans with
parchment paper and lightly brush with the vegetable oil. I used a
silicon liner which doesn't require vegetable oil. Set aside.
<br />
<br />
Bring the 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a rolling boil in an 8-quart saucepan or roasting pan.
<br />
<br />
In the meantime, turn the dough out onto a slightly oiled work
surface and divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll out each piece of dough
into a 24-inch rope.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="263" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9B14ixVdlIA/UsXodRR3CXI/AAAAAAAAJn0/xvoDXpIyen0/s400/DSC_5390+%28Large%29.jpg" style="border: 0px solid;" width="400" /> </div>
<br />
Make a U-shape with the rope, holding the ends of
the rope, cross them over each other and press onto the bottom of the U
in order to form the shape of a pretzel.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="210" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--ZA80AgBsLo/UsXoeOromzI/AAAAAAAAJoA/iyX1D_e_oTE/s320/DSC_5409+%28Large%29.jpg" style="border: 0px solid;" width="320" /> <img border="0" height="210" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-METwoihNFC0/UsXofCVOLGI/AAAAAAAAJoQ/fvDBKk3H3mc/s320/DSC_5410+%28Large%29.jpg" style="border: 0px solid;" width="320" /></div>
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Place onto the parchment-lined
half sheet pan. </div>
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<img border="0" height="263" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UGR8AY9CUjk/UsXofjo8omI/AAAAAAAAJoU/0a3pcIFEQD4/s400/DSC_5411+%28Large%29.jpg" style="border: 0px solid;" width="400" /> </div>
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Place the pretzels into the boiling water, 1 by 1, for 30 seconds. </div>
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<img border="0" height="263" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fOW-BR4O21Y/UsXogKuJ2kI/AAAAAAAAJog/ySpdHf0WT88/s400/DSC_5418+%28Large%29.jpg" style="border: 0px solid;" width="400" /></div>
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Remove them from the water using a large flat spatula. Return to the
half sheet pan, brush the top of each pretzel with the beaten egg yolk
and water mixture and sprinkle with the pretzel salt.<br />
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Bake until dark
golden brown in color, approximately 12 to 14 minutes. Transfer to a
cooling rack for at least 5 minutes before serving.</div>
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This is an incredibly easy recipe and it turned out great!</div>
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<img border="0" height="420" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HX7WiK3XIeI/UsXohpv1_zI/AAAAAAAAJpA/-26hhD_AAgI/s640/DSC_5456+(Large).jpg" style="border: 0px solid;" width="640" /></div>
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I will be definitely making these again.</div>
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Here's A. chomping away at a pretzel. It was an icy day so yes we had our ear muffs on :)</div>
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YUM-MO!</div>
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465717310808551698" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qNH6zEFmAuU/S9og74FycRI/AAAAAAAABQ0/G2WrJuTRBjI/s400/craftygirl2.png" style="border: 0px solid; height: 67px; width: 175px;" />
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CRAFTY GIRLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03268458876276501542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106567234958777831.post-5652094447694921512013-12-07T10:36:00.000-06:002013-12-07T10:36:53.588-06:00Gingerbread Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you asked me what my favorite cookie is, Gingerbread would not be it. When I think of Gingerbread cookies, I think of crispy and hard. We had a cookie exchange at work where each day, one person would bring in a cookie or dessert to share. </div>
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Gingerbread cookies were brought in this week and although, they are not my favorite, I took one and was completely surprised. They were soft and chewy. They were really delicious so I had seconds (something I rarely do when it comes to sweets). Since this wasn't too sweet, it made me like them even more!</div>
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Yesterday, we had an ice day. The streets were covered with up to 4 inches of ice. People were ice skating on the side walk (I'm not exaggerating). You'd have to see it to believe it. Being stuck at home, I craved Gingerbread cookies and searched high and low for a recipe. I did request my co-worker's cookie recipe, but he had to go on vacation the rest of the week so no recipe for me! He did mention that it had condensed milk so searching I went for a recipe that had condensed milk. </div>
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I did find a recipe for chewy Gingerbread cookies so I decided to give it a go. I was missing a couple of ingredients so my neighbor came to the rescue! What luck that she had a whole bottle of unsulphured molasses to give me :)</div>
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<img 0px="" border="0" cursor="" height="640" solid="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g3--TT5aFFs/UqNFvh4LMvI/AAAAAAAAJnQ/XIw9beNIcQQ/s640/DSC_5374+%28Small%29.jpg" style="border: 0px solid;" width="521" /> </div>
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After baking with A. for nearly 3 hours, what's the verdict? They were so good! I modified <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/gingerbread-cookies-i/" target="_blank">this</a> recipe. </div>
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<span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-size: large;">Gingerbread Cookies</span></span></div>
<label></label><br />
<div class="fl-ing" itemprop="ingredients">
<span class="ingredient-amount" id="lblIngAmount">1 cup</span>
<span class="ingredient-name" id="lblIngName">white sugar</span>
</div>
<label><span class="checkbox-formatted"></span>
</label><br />
<div class="fl-ing" itemprop="ingredients">
<span class="ingredient-amount" id="lblIngAmount">2 teaspoons</span>
<span class="ingredient-name" id="lblIngName">ground ginger</span></div>
<label><span class="checkbox-formatted"></span>
<div class="fl-ing" itemprop="ingredients">
<span class="ingredient-amount" id="lblIngAmount">1 teaspoon</span>
<span class="ingredient-name" id="lblIngName">ground nutmeg</span>
</div>
</label>
<label><span class="checkbox-formatted"></span>
<div class="fl-ing" itemprop="ingredients">
<span class="ingredient-amount" id="lblIngAmount">1 teaspoon</span>
<span class="ingredient-name" id="lblIngName">ground cinnamon</span>
</div>
</label>
<label><span class="checkbox-formatted"></span>
<div class="fl-ing" itemprop="ingredients">
<span class="ingredient-amount" id="lblIngAmount">1/2 teaspoon</span>
<span class="ingredient-name" id="lblIngName">salt</span>
</div>
</label>
<label><div class="fl-ing" itemprop="ingredients">
<span class="ingredient-amount" id="lblIngAmount">1 1/2 teaspoons</span>
<span class="ingredient-name" id="lblIngName">baking soda</span></div>
</label>
<label><span class="checkbox-formatted"></span>
</label><span class="ingredient-amount" id="lblIngAmount">1 cup</span>
<span class="ingredient-name" id="lblIngName">margarine, melted</span><br />
<label></label><span class="ingredient-amount" id="lblIngAmount">1/2 cup</span>
<span class="ingredient-name" id="lblIngName">evaporated milk</span><label></label><br />
<span class="ingredient-amount" id="lblIngAmount">1 cup</span>
<span class="ingredient-name" id="lblIngName">unsulfured molasses</span>
<label></label><br />
<label>
</label>
<label><span class="checkbox-formatted"></span>
</label><br />
<div class="fl-ing" itemprop="ingredients">
<span class="ingredient-amount" id="lblIngAmount">3/4 teaspoon</span>
<span class="ingredient-name" id="lblIngName">vanilla extract</span>
</div>
<label><span class="checkbox-formatted"></span>
<div class="fl-ing" itemprop="ingredients">
<span class="ingredient-amount" id="lblIngAmount">3/4 teaspoon</span>
<span class="ingredient-name" id="lblIngName">lemon extract</span></div>
<div class="fl-ing" itemprop="ingredients">
<span class="ingredient-name" id="lblIngName">4 1/2 cups unbleached all purpose flour </span>
</div>
</label><label><div class="fl-ing" itemprop="ingredients">
<br /></div>
<div class="fl-ing" itemprop="ingredients">
<span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="ingredient-name" id="lblIngName">Directions</span></span></span></div>
</label><br />
<span class="plaincharacterwrap break">Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease cookie sheets if not using a silplat liner.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="plaincharacterwrap break">In a large
bowl, stir together the sugar, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, salt, and
baking soda. Mix in the melted margarine, evaporated milk, molasses,
vanilla, and lemon extracts. Stir in the flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing
well after each addition. The dough should be stiff enough to handle
without sticking to fingers. I divided up the dough and wrapped with plastic wrap and placed in the refrigerator. This decreased the stickiness. </span><span class="plaincharacterwrap break"> If necessary, increase flour by up to 1/2
cup to prevent sticking. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="plaincharacterwrap break">When the
dough is smooth, roll it out to 1/4 inch thick on a floured surface, and
cut into cookies.</span><br />
<span class="plaincharacterwrap break"> </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="plaincharacterwrap break"><img 0px="" border:="" border="0" cursor="" height="263" solid="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pOgXEX-yA_M/UqNFtAYP4bI/AAAAAAAAJmc/lZKeBOj4nlI/s400/DSC_5367+%28Small%29.jpg" style="border: 0px solid;" width="400" /> </span></div>
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<img 0px="" border:="" border="0" cursor="" height="400" solid="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GcrvkXz9CtM/UqNFtbYh9UI/AAAAAAAAJmk/E57XssmpEe4/s400/DSC_5357+%28Small%29.jpg" style="border: 0px solid;" width="263" /> </div>
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A. had so much fun!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<img 0px="" border:="" border="0" cursor="" height="263" solid="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hxBjbmsr7t4/UqNFvSlaKWI/AAAAAAAAJnU/L5mSEtTeOO4/s400/DSC_5370.jpg" style="border: 0px solid;" width="400" /></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="plaincharacterwrap break"> Place cookies on the prepared cookie sheets. The silplat liner does wonders in preventing the cookies from sticking and I highly recommend it for this cookie.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="plaincharacterwrap break"> </span><img 0px="" border:="" border="0" cursor="" height="400" solid="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u4ZHCdKRcCQ/UqNFuRrOquI/AAAAAAAAJm0/zDFime7RXSw/s400/DSC_5372+%28Small%29.jpg" style="border: 0px solid;" width="263" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="plaincharacterwrap break"> </span><span class="plaincharacterwrap break">Bake for 7 to 8 minutes in the preheated oven. The cookies are done when the top
springs back when touched. </span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="plaincharacterwrap break"><img 0px="" border:="" border="0" cursor="" height="420" solid="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Duty7-yBeiY/UqNFvTKXmII/AAAAAAAAJm8/3LVfVA2LvWo/s640/DSC_5373+%28Small%29.jpg" style="border: 0px solid;" width="640" /> </span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="plaincharacterwrap break">Remove from cookie sheets to cool on wire
racks.</span><br />
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<span class="ingredient-name" id="lblIngName"> </span><img 0px="" border:="" border="0" cursor="" height="400" solid="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g3--TT5aFFs/UqNFvh4LMvI/AAAAAAAAJnQ/XIw9beNIcQQ/s400/DSC_5374+%28Small%29.jpg" style="border: 0px solid;" width="325" /></div>
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Thanks A. for your help!</div>
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<img 0px="" border:="" border="0" cursor="" height="400" solid="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Tr5bwDHjMI/UqNFtZBD1WI/AAAAAAAAJmg/ieLRpJyxMNs/s400/DSC_5360+(Small).jpg" style="border: 0px solid;" width="263" /></div>
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Our Gingerbread Family</div>
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<img border="0" height="555" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-epDEx3il9gA/UqNFvx1_KSI/AAAAAAAAJnM/ioXp-MFe16o/s640/DSC_5379a+(Small).jpg" style="border: 0px solid;" width="640" /></div>
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This is so good. Since this recipe made 5 dozen cookies, I shared them with all my neighbors. Great treat for such a cold day.<br />
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CRAFTY GIRLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03268458876276501542noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106567234958777831.post-15182399451367772172013-09-25T04:00:00.000-05:002013-09-25T04:00:08.421-05:00Vietnamese Summer Rolls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ask my husband what his favorite thing to eat in the world is and he will always say Summer Rolls. Since it takes quite a bit of prep time to make, I will have to sadly admit that I don't make it very often at home. I did surprise him last week when I decided to make it for lunch.</div>
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<img border="0" height="422" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1MLfxtysEpE/Uj8aFWdcHMI/AAAAAAAAJiM/8IjijEK3m9E/s640/DSC_3913+%28Small%29a.jpg" style="border: 0px solid;" width="640" /> </div>
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Everyone likes to put different things in their rolls, but here is what my family likes.</div>
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<img border="0" height="420" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oSfk75tSs18/Uj8XhBNUFRI/AAAAAAAAJg8/XsSnnDEh-JU/s640/DSC_3882+%28Small%29.jpg" style="border: 0px solid;" width="640" /> </div>
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Ingredients:</div>
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green leaf lettuce, washed and leaved</div>
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cucumbers, sliced length wise</div>
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onions, thinly sliced</div>
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bean sprouts, washed</div>
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large shrimp, peeled, deveined</div>
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crab meat, calamari, octopus (optional) </div>
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pork shoulder/butt, thinly sliced (butcher can do it for you)</div>
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rice vermicelli, prepped according to package and cooled</div>
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rice paper</div>
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butter</div>
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nuoc cham sauce recipe found <a href="http://craftyc0rn3r.blogspot.com/2011/08/vietnamese-sizzling-crepe-banh-xeo.html" target="_blank">here </a>(scroll down) </div>
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The ingredient list may sound scary, but you can put whatever you want in this recipe. For the crab meat, calamari, and octopus, I just buy a seafood medley bag I find at my grocery store. The rice paper looks like this:</div>
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<img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wUbVg1wuLM4/Uj8Z8JxiSMI/AAAAAAAAJiA/ycirX_EQ2pk/s400/DSC_5265+%28Small%29.jpg" style="border: 0px solid;" width="400" /> </div>
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You can find it at any Asian grocery store. There are a dozen brands and I just go with the one that looks the thinnest. Typically, growing up, I would cook this meal on the dinner table among family and friends. We would sit and talk for hours as we cook, rolled, and ate. Fast forward in time, 4 kids later and a dozen activities to get to, I've had to speed cook and get to the rolling and eating part. Saute any uncooked meat or seafood with a little butter. I also saute the onions. A healthier route would be to boil the shrimp and meat, but I'd still saute the onions or eliminate them all together. </div>
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<img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xkk0Eb6-650/Uj8Z8A26RMI/AAAAAAAAJh8/B1IamgFauQ0/s400/DSC_5255+(Small).jpg" style="border: 0px solid;" width="400" /></div>
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Therefore, I started out with this: </div>
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<img border="0" height="263" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oSfk75tSs18/Uj8XhBNUFRI/AAAAAAAAJg8/XsSnnDEh-JU/s400/DSC_3882+%28Small%29.jpg" style="border: 0px solid;" width="400" /></div>
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and ende up with this:</div>
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<img border="0" height="270" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9jd285xDGkA/Uj8Xh5g216I/AAAAAAAAJhU/DqRfvtGzGOI/s400/DSC_3889+%28Small%29.jpg" style="border: 0px solid;" width="400" /> </div>
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Doesn't everything look tasty? Now that are ingredients are ready, lets roll!</div>
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Take one rice paper and wet it completely. Lay it on a plate and place your ingredients in the center. </div>
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<img border="0" height="251" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cD4FMVPydwM/Uj8Xh_9465I/AAAAAAAAJhM/BejFsVH9NRQ/s400/DSC_3892+(Small).jpg" style="border: 0px solid;" width="400" /> </div>
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I just pile it on. Normally, it goes all in my mouth anyways so making it line up and look pretty is only for pictures :) </div>
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Fold the two sides of the rice paper towards the center.</div>
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Then fold the bottom paper up and roll the entire roll to the top. </div>
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Make sure to keep it taut. There you have it, a beautiful summer roll.</div>
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Dip it into the dipping sauce and enjoy.</div>
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This is SOoO good. It's probably one of my favorite recipes as well. I remember the kids coming home and saying the house smelled so good. It may take some time to make these rolls, but let me tell you, its so worth it.</div>
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CRAFTY GIRLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03268458876276501542noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106567234958777831.post-51074883476266264252013-09-22T11:00:00.000-05:002013-09-22T11:00:42.480-05:00Making a Better Guitar Case<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Not surprisingly, E. has decided to join the guitar club. At this rate, he'll be a one man band by the time he turns 10. This year will be the fifth year he has been taking piano lessons and has become quite good. Learning guitar should be a piece of cake since he knows how to play the violin. Yes, my 9 year-old plays 3 instruments and it amazes me how dedicated he is to them. </div>
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Since he has to bring his guitar to school, I wanted to find him a case that he can wear as a back pack, but I wanted one that was as sturdy as a hard case. I'm not a fan of hard cases because they are quite heavy. Since he plays with a 3/4 sized guitar, finding a nylon case that was sturdy in this size is a little more difficult. Therefore, I decided to buy a nylon case I found online. It seemed sturdy enough, but since it collapsed, it made putting the guitar back in the case a little more difficult. I decided to reinforce the exterior of the case for both protection and at the same time, making it a lot easier for E. to store his guitar.</div>
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I decided to use card board and luan (thin wood). I took a piece of cardboard, measured and cut it to fit the bottom and top of the case. </div>
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I made sure it was exactly the same size or it would be difficult to slide in. I also cut pieces for the sides of the case that would go all around.</div>
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Next is the messy part. I removed the stitching on the largest side of the bag. Its always hard to destroy something that is perfectly new.</div>
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<br />Then I slid the piece of cardboard right in. I made sure to have the padded side towards the inside of the case to protect the guitar. </div>
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I then slid cardboard all around the sides of the case, bending to fit the case. Towards the head of the case, I used pieces of luan (wood) to enforce the sides instead of card board.</div>
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I hand basted the top and sides together. I know, it doesn't look that pretty yet, but just wait.</div>
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Last, I pinned the edging over the new stitched ends to cover it up.</div>
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Voila! I have a new semi-hard case. Its hard, but has a soft surface.</div>
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E. has no trouble putting his guitar back in the case. He doesn't have to worry about pulling the sides up to zip it all around. Before reinforcing, it the sides would just collapse. Now it stands straight.</div>
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He loves his new case as do I :)</div>
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CRAFTY GIRLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03268458876276501542noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106567234958777831.post-66680276890018691802013-09-01T10:40:00.000-05:002013-09-01T10:40:30.506-05:00Candy Bar Bouquet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I like to give gifts to my kids' teachers on their birthday. Generally, I have time to get to know the teacher so that I can pick a gift that they will like. It just so happens that A.'s teacher's birthday was the first day of school. I frantically had to figure out what his likes were. Reading the list of things that were his favorites the only thing that came up was candy bars. He didn't drink coffee so no starbucks, so I ran with the candy bar theme and decided to make a candy bar bouquet complete with a Kit Kat vase. </div>
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First I went to my stash of styrofoam and I cut out a piece that was the length and width of a Kit Kat bar. You can use floral styrofoam as well. I just used what I had. I taped the Kit Kat bar to each side of the styrofoam.<br />
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Voila! I get an instant vase! It looks cute already, huh?</div>
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I used skewers and taped them underneath the candy bar wrapper flap so they wouldn't be seen.</div>
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Only the bottom of the skewer is shown.</div>
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Once all my candy bars were skewered, I stuck them into the styrofoam to make my bouquet. Easy Peesy! </div>
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I thought it turned out pretty yummy myself. One birthday down, a couple more to go! </div>
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CRAFTY GIRLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03268458876276501542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106567234958777831.post-69753390819754693282013-08-27T14:38:00.000-05:002013-08-27T14:38:21.105-05:00Teacher Appreciation Gift - First Day of School<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Every year, I like to make a little gift to give the teachers the first time we meet them. It just so happens to be apple oriented in some way. I remember a friend of mine making chocolate covered oreos at her daughter's birthday one time and I loved that idea so much I knew I wanted to copy it in the future, but was always unable to find the cookie molds. The ones that I normally spot have a theme or picture on it, and I wanted plain molds.</div>
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Fortunately, on the 11th hour, I found the mold at a local bake shop in town. I decided to make these little apple pops made from chocolate covered oreos. Aren't they cute?</div>
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First I filled the cookie mold half way up with red melted candy melts. </div>
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Next, I placed my oreos on top. Do not use the double-stuffed oreos as they are too high for the mold.</div>
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Next pour more candy melt on top of the oreos and scrape the top with a knife so that it is level.</div>
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Place in the refrigerator for 10 minutes and then pop them out when they harden. I love the way they look already. It may look a little marbly in the picture, but that's just because
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I placed it on a skewer and added a piece of a pretzel stick on top for the stem. Green tootsie roll was used to make the leaf. Instructions on how to make the leaf can be found <a href="http://craftyc0rn3r.blogspot.com/2011/05/apple-cupcakes.html" target="_blank">here</a>. I used a little bit of the candy melt to adhere the leaf. </div>
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I wrapped the apple with a small cellophane bag I bought at Michael's and tied it with a green ribbon. I found a little note template online that said, "Roses are red, and apples are too. I can't wait to spend the school year with you." Total project I thought was pretty easy and it turned out pretty adorable if I say so myself.<br />
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My kiddos handed out their apple bouquets on Meet and Greet the Teacher night. The apples were a success. E. said they were delicious to eat as well! He got to eat the not so perfect ones ;) <br />
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CRAFTY GIRLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03268458876276501542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106567234958777831.post-39000108140027281372013-08-11T19:53:00.000-05:002013-08-12T04:52:09.889-05:00Chicken NuggetsWhat kid doesn't love chicken nuggets? My little A. is obsessed with Chick-fil-A so I promised him some if he could give me a great swim practice. It became a tradition so when I saw this recipe on how to make chick-fil-A tasting chicken nuggets, I knew I wanted to try it.<br />
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I modified the recipe I found <a href="http://www.stockpilingmoms.com/2013/05/copycat-chick-fil-a-nuggets/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-size: large;">Copycat Chick-fil-A Nuggets</span></span><br />
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<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1 large egg</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1 cup milk</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">2.5 lbs. skinless and boneless chicken breasts (about 3 chicken breasts)</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1¼ cup flour</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">2 tbsp powdered sugar</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">2 tsp salt</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1 tsp pepper</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">½ tsp chili powder</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">oil for frying</li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">Directions</span></span><br />
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In a large bowl whisk milk and egg together. Place chicken on counter and cut into cubed bite size pieces; trim any fat that you may see.<br />
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Put the chicken in the milk mixture and mix so that all is coated and place in <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD8">refrigerator</span> for at least 30 minutes. In another large bowl combine the dry ingredients listed above and stir. In <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD5">cast iron pot</span> or sauce pan pour in oil so that its at least an inch deep on med/high heat.</div>
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Remove the chicken from refrigerator and place about 8 pieces in milk mixture and then into the flour mixture. A. and E. wanted to help out and weren't afraid to get their fingers dirty.</div>
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Make sure all the chicken is coated with the flour and then place into the hot oil. Cook each side for
at least 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Place the chicken on some paper towels to soak up any oil. Repeat the same steps with the rest of the chicken and serve.</div>
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Add some waffle fries and you have a perfect meal!</div>
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What's the verdict? It was so goood. All my kids said it was even better than Chick-fil-A and they'd be happy to have home made nuggets any day! I was actually a bit shocked to hear that, but I'll take it.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mXU9ugD4T7c/UggtLM3PbzI/AAAAAAAAJbY/0Ab4Dk9ekjs/s1600/DSC_3660+%2528Small%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mXU9ugD4T7c/UggtLM3PbzI/AAAAAAAAJbY/0Ab4Dk9ekjs/s640/DSC_3660+%2528Small%2529.jpg" style="border: 0px solid;" width="422" /></a></div>
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The best part was the price. It was only $5 to make for my entire family. The waffle fries were another $1 so that makes $6 for a family of 6 with plenty of leftovers :).<br />
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A. offered to "help" me cook it so that he could eat it again :)</div>
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CRAFTY GIRLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03268458876276501542noreply@blogger.com2