tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16128002159311270182024-02-06T19:42:38.352-08:00A Thousand PhasesUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612800215931127018.post-16085144525385169722023-12-01T17:36:00.000-08:002023-12-01T17:49:13.622-08:00Handmade Advent Calendar<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFSE7S7dE2idI1NcvXf8gKliQYwREIJuAYTn_9YVg8XoUkozK4ZWcWySqYQKi3PjWHCyeRH_gCEKC5ui9qOSdV2il9YlpmvfXokOy2h1SxOa8dQstEGqrC-GcepL-EZUSVNGaLAVNxWtXQApyy3xqFW8ilFOCHMfY1AmRp6UdBIIz-wbG3ajNvc7LOA6WP/s866/Advent-2023-thousand.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFSE7S7dE2idI1NcvXf8gKliQYwREIJuAYTn_9YVg8XoUkozK4ZWcWySqYQKi3PjWHCyeRH_gCEKC5ui9qOSdV2il9YlpmvfXokOy2h1SxOa8dQstEGqrC-GcepL-EZUSVNGaLAVNxWtXQApyy3xqFW8ilFOCHMfY1AmRp6UdBIIz-wbG3ajNvc7LOA6WP/s16000/Advent-2023-thousand.jpg" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Watch how to make this advent calendar out of crafting tubes and Christmas paper. <br />Buy candy in bulk and add slips of paper with silly little prompts on them—customize them for age. (For example: For a three year old...What do you think Santa eats for breakfast when he gets back from delivering all the presents?)<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="535" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3n9vCgiWE6A" width="642" youtube-src-id="3n9vCgiWE6A"></iframe></p><p></p><p>An example of another color scheme.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKoTlwllg-eCExnfr1kL7Y9AOzOnSm-ZUw5B4VbImnHSnMDRCQqh6H6xj0bz-6olWwwbTXmdn11RXLJXq6K50_X534WaYAI8YPLmONTT_ANGOp9WsTBnaZrN5kJS0jeoTEdEzFdTadwwqGsWX1F4sl9taSc25CobtwVIQBI68BjRlLqslZb-b2wiJJ4tYb/s866/Advent-2023-2ndthousand.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKoTlwllg-eCExnfr1kL7Y9AOzOnSm-ZUw5B4VbImnHSnMDRCQqh6H6xj0bz-6olWwwbTXmdn11RXLJXq6K50_X534WaYAI8YPLmONTT_ANGOp9WsTBnaZrN5kJS0jeoTEdEzFdTadwwqGsWX1F4sl9taSc25CobtwVIQBI68BjRlLqslZb-b2wiJJ4tYb/s16000/Advent-2023-2ndthousand.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612800215931127018.post-90830774496860552112022-12-03T22:48:00.016-08:002022-12-04T22:34:24.710-08:00How to Age Paper with Coffee and Salt<p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Below is a video on how to age paper using instant coffee and salt. This is the technique I used for the <a href="http://athousandphases.blogspot.com/2021/10/throw-epic-pirate-birthday-party.html" target="_blank">EPIC pirate party</a> we threw last year. The paper shown in this video was used to make the book pictured.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyQHgwUdQwFr8IcmFd8i38-Igx5ZWLul7pU48NPJx2zgiZgqwhI0BHhKr-mfEhIIy8IQKtA4MjvVq5HQzUcVXm417zU34I7tmWoHFj9tKHPlKX5W3uFEyayniMvlrIvfI2lXB8k8LuBf1AWv9MCG1TEYgDZ5nlMYCJUeR0JbVMPgoVhXf7pf2FrYsPgA/s1355/Aging_paper-coffee-salt-1B.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1355" data-original-width="800" height="1069" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyQHgwUdQwFr8IcmFd8i38-Igx5ZWLul7pU48NPJx2zgiZgqwhI0BHhKr-mfEhIIy8IQKtA4MjvVq5HQzUcVXm417zU34I7tmWoHFj9tKHPlKX5W3uFEyayniMvlrIvfI2lXB8k8LuBf1AWv9MCG1TEYgDZ5nlMYCJUeR0JbVMPgoVhXf7pf2FrYsPgA/w631-h1069/Aging_paper-coffee-salt-1B.png" width="631" /></a> <br /></div></div><p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>Materials:</b><br /></h3><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Instant coffee.</li><li>Baking tray or dish large enough to hold paper.</li><li>Cardstock (preferable) cream color. (recommended)</li><li>Table salt.</li><li>Paper towels and old dish towels (they'll get stained.) <br /></li></ul><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="712" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_MpAMfI5AYQ" width="592" youtube-src-id="_MpAMfI5AYQ"></iframe></div><b>Tips:</b><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>The
pages don't need much soaking time. If the water is on the hot side—the
paper accepts the coffee very quickly. If the water is very hot you
will see splotching that you may not like...this normally goes away
after the paper dries.<br /></li><li>For deckled edges: create the edges before dyeing, not after.</li><li>Give yourself room to experiment. No two papers will be exactly alike! </li></ol><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf85uyNDGUbLkce67gc0TUAnpk6rgTHkq9QuULYX2PckvQER1fnWkplchpnO8SQfFJUsC7KH5IdhkVTQTnnTMT9ahIRqzDrRgd8FiksXQvQ8sr43YeFiK2A1z2htdD53ZSC8k0wis4PfkH2UGs0V6sV20xALx5q9HF3sh3Kg9LlO_3xbNql-JWBwB7QQ/s750/Dying-Paper-with-Coffee-Layout-2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="545" data-original-width="750" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf85uyNDGUbLkce67gc0TUAnpk6rgTHkq9QuULYX2PckvQER1fnWkplchpnO8SQfFJUsC7KH5IdhkVTQTnnTMT9ahIRqzDrRgd8FiksXQvQ8sr43YeFiK2A1z2htdD53ZSC8k0wis4PfkH2UGs0V6sV20xALx5q9HF3sh3Kg9LlO_3xbNql-JWBwB7QQ/w594-h432/Dying-Paper-with-Coffee-Layout-2.png" width="594" /></a></div><p></p><br /><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612800215931127018.post-75370489680721836182022-11-10T14:00:00.014-08:002022-11-17T13:09:08.889-08:00Dowel Tree Advent Calendar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnLD18HZKGJ9u73SdJYvca_JhHdv9sx-jYHIts7K-aCzKR7MHadtG1UCOcU4YHScjza-J-Sh582TcZSGKj4TqWIBk15MI7k5HogBk7OevrDAB5J0Lp0b47BED9xVLOQ2ZhLGkm5l0O_ti6s6hHIAdfaJzrLgS5L-jKsj9rWK3aacwxpp7P7v9FyzppPQ/s751/Ice-Blue-Dowel-Tree-Advent-B.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="751" data-original-width="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnLD18HZKGJ9u73SdJYvca_JhHdv9sx-jYHIts7K-aCzKR7MHadtG1UCOcU4YHScjza-J-Sh582TcZSGKj4TqWIBk15MI7k5HogBk7OevrDAB5J0Lp0b47BED9xVLOQ2ZhLGkm5l0O_ti6s6hHIAdfaJzrLgS5L-jKsj9rWK3aacwxpp7P7v9FyzppPQ/s16000/Ice-Blue-Dowel-Tree-Advent-B.png" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's a fun idea to help with the countdown to Christmas day. Try making a simple tree using just a few dowels and hang packets of candy from it. A bonus is that the tree can be disassembled for shipping.</div><p style="text-align: left;"> Also included in each packet is a slip of paper with instructions for a very short activity for the family to do. For example: "Family Hug! Wish each other a happy holiday. Now eat your candy!"<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">These packets each hold a different candy from the other—one for each person—and the kids can easily rip into them since they're made with napkins! </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDf1eldbrliBYWiJxVNeZHP57rmlRCMWyeeb23wDY8Q6GfTf4QRRTtAIkx0UyJO52xpBdqSeEqam-UWvm_6PNV2kgQFBp0iTh_cT-vrBCEMYou_K6-46ITfgyw7DozeBjT9P-qcxRrEhKUeEEFYiDR6RHdip-XHizEedKcup23Y5dCmvcP1LxlspKRqQ/s580/IMG_5433-BluePacket2.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDf1eldbrliBYWiJxVNeZHP57rmlRCMWyeeb23wDY8Q6GfTf4QRRTtAIkx0UyJO52xpBdqSeEqam-UWvm_6PNV2kgQFBp0iTh_cT-vrBCEMYou_K6-46ITfgyw7DozeBjT9P-qcxRrEhKUeEEFYiDR6RHdip-XHizEedKcup23Y5dCmvcP1LxlspKRqQ/s16000/IMG_5433-BluePacket2.png" /></a></div>WHY NAPKINS you ask? First, napkins can be sewn up using a sewing machine, and it's easy to find holiday patters which often include fancy foiling, so why not? Unless you want your advent calendar to last from year to year—which I don't—consider using napkins.<br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkWwRTxcIzJaDx63v06AkEycGBrEChr0ouX6S-N7T-x2LoL4HMvDVNB2MC5Y3fzCg7KDX1Sp8H0MxTVyQdUk2rTmmuKBqlCLeG2-Pg5b1fxVt-3Q0LCtqJ0qvbDo6CwVwRSLVI33s0cbTGbZt5U3qJmneeoR5OvcYxt2_5Oj-yerPFwbyH0tqn4uNxRQ/s580/IMG_5372-Napkins.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="481" data-original-width="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkWwRTxcIzJaDx63v06AkEycGBrEChr0ouX6S-N7T-x2LoL4HMvDVNB2MC5Y3fzCg7KDX1Sp8H0MxTVyQdUk2rTmmuKBqlCLeG2-Pg5b1fxVt-3Q0LCtqJ0qvbDo6CwVwRSLVI33s0cbTGbZt5U3qJmneeoR5OvcYxt2_5Oj-yerPFwbyH0tqn4uNxRQ/s16000/IMG_5372-Napkins.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here's another an alternate example of what the advent tree calendar could look like.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEWmGvVwbjoitPHAzvUzsrK-U5bKaOLyJ1AiqPrXu_OsOTgyPgytrboQ1Nd0YDjlwJ7QAEtAeYqoNFE74EKmnSgVRxnB-kkUhlqWF-cx5MuA4XmzrF6S9ZgTsZ-cqrwTjjelFnMnfIL92oW0wwAkFVq7Hdw9My2FsACPJm9-wH0DjGrGAkTChfXpRyIg/s751/Red-Dowel-Tree-Advent-B.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="751" data-original-width="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEWmGvVwbjoitPHAzvUzsrK-U5bKaOLyJ1AiqPrXu_OsOTgyPgytrboQ1Nd0YDjlwJ7QAEtAeYqoNFE74EKmnSgVRxnB-kkUhlqWF-cx5MuA4XmzrF6S9ZgTsZ-cqrwTjjelFnMnfIL92oW0wwAkFVq7Hdw9My2FsACPJm9-wH0DjGrGAkTChfXpRyIg/s16000/Red-Dowel-Tree-Advent-B.png" /></a> <br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1RlSeRPGO35RGJ9V1cJoniKSP70N4DXZQTUpaIhw-G9ediWoS68fgjfYRejVhlK1Mc9gFNaEVUl-9vgUprQKtn9s6N8X_YTMfmWjVO9CUCBD9kOaWcuc-4LWId23n5JBNU0Ht5V9RU8WsBZBcWBicPTk69k8Spd_e12pW8DMaJHCzLOrzp7ziDUW57A/s580/IMG_5427-RedPacket.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1RlSeRPGO35RGJ9V1cJoniKSP70N4DXZQTUpaIhw-G9ediWoS68fgjfYRejVhlK1Mc9gFNaEVUl-9vgUprQKtn9s6N8X_YTMfmWjVO9CUCBD9kOaWcuc-4LWId23n5JBNU0Ht5V9RU8WsBZBcWBicPTk69k8Spd_e12pW8DMaJHCzLOrzp7ziDUW57A/s16000/IMG_5427-RedPacket.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Below is a link to a FREE printable PDF with illustrated instructions and a supply list so you can make your own advent tree calendar. I've also included some activity ideas—you can cull from those whichever ones will fit the family you are crafting this advent calendar tree for. I hope you enjoy your crafting time!</div></div><p></p><p><a href="https://indd.adobe.com/view/49a01eb3-1cc7-4345-9035-1d80d5a9c5d0" target="_blank">Download and print FREE instructions here</a>.<br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612800215931127018.post-39082117178862407742021-11-27T17:22:00.007-08:002022-11-10T14:12:22.462-08:00Alpine Advent Christmas Calendar<p>Looking for a simple, modern Christmas craft? Here’s a tutorial on how you can make this Alpine Advent Christmas calendar—plus, it comes with free templates for the trees.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FoaYwOKCqXU/YaK09KfGBGI/AAAAAAAA0es/iWNRBGNzVVcnqO_GY326bFs1tozii4q3wCPcBGAsYHg/s4472/AlpineAdventCalendar.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4472" data-original-width="3577" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FoaYwOKCqXU/YaK09KfGBGI/AAAAAAAA0es/iWNRBGNzVVcnqO_GY326bFs1tozii4q3wCPcBGAsYHg/w512-h640/AlpineAdventCalendar.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The calendar is made up of three sizes of trees. I also recommend using at least three different colors of paper. They could be different greens, as I have used, but they don’t have to be. You could use red, black or even a patterned paper if you wish. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Buimq10ZcvA/YaK09PPiNdI/AAAAAAAA0es/IKBCIz8QLc4E2-eGA_CRi4yTOG-9Hqr8QCPcBGAsYHg/s4472/AlpineAdventCalendar2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4472" data-original-width="3577" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Buimq10ZcvA/YaK09PPiNdI/AAAAAAAA0es/IKBCIz8QLc4E2-eGA_CRi4yTOG-9Hqr8QCPcBGAsYHg/w512-h640/AlpineAdventCalendar2.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>Supply List:<div>• Number stamps (or you could use number stickers or paint them by hand.)</div><div>• Elmers rubber cement (I prefer this glue because it dries without wrinkling and you can rub off any excess.)</div><div>• Colored or patterned paper</div><div>• Gold craft paint</div><div>• ruler</div><div>• Optional: 1 package of .75 inch wooden blocks (to be used on the small trees)</div><div>• Optional: 1 package of 1 inch wooden blocks (to be used on the big trees)</div><div>• Hot glue gun and sticks</div><div>• Scissors or Exacto knife</div><div>• Bone folder or other scoring tool<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w8SCeFAxL9A/YaK09Ew4SZI/AAAAAAAA0es/SiAcmNOAKzMDxFEvd7Nul_pokcri07tIACPcBGAsYHg/s4472/AlpineAdventCalendar3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4472" data-original-width="3577" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w8SCeFAxL9A/YaK09Ew4SZI/AAAAAAAA0es/SiAcmNOAKzMDxFEvd7Nul_pokcri07tIACPcBGAsYHg/w512-h640/AlpineAdventCalendar3.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">First, print the templates onto your paper. How many trees you print on which color is totally up to you. <a href="https://indd.adobe.com/view/f877314c-9935-46cb-b0a9-212d0bb0075a" target="_blank">CLICK OR TAP HERE FOR TREE TEMPLATES.<br /></a></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDhN0HCL7alKiiBfobjGxDqGVmFTEcj4ABvdMDGfJ0SKf_D-0dndiUffMV99tPNX6YeABi52kFYUIK8aVVoZ-I6jvzmErFhjaZxAdVmjNhg0LgoTRD9GTrYSHAXbxC9zL5ND0xzXmFpC4/s4472/AlpineAdventCalendar4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4472" data-original-width="3577" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDhN0HCL7alKiiBfobjGxDqGVmFTEcj4ABvdMDGfJ0SKf_D-0dndiUffMV99tPNX6YeABi52kFYUIK8aVVoZ-I6jvzmErFhjaZxAdVmjNhg0LgoTRD9GTrYSHAXbxC9zL5ND0xzXmFpC4/w512-h640/AlpineAdventCalendar4.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next, cut out your trees along the SOLID lines. The dashed lines are for folding.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoPgT7ZmbvkFxgt71NeGv-zlWuBh-qnJUuB46F2USCrsL31FZNXgNq-DidqRdWkxE0aeKkjws2wt-RKUDa804Ybl10X3ENd07JO00LOuhh7U1raCcpEt-Y8Olfkkc2in-tD5KnGwR-Fgw/s4472/AlpineAdventCalendar5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4472" data-original-width="3577" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoPgT7ZmbvkFxgt71NeGv-zlWuBh-qnJUuB46F2USCrsL31FZNXgNq-DidqRdWkxE0aeKkjws2wt-RKUDa804Ybl10X3ENd07JO00LOuhh7U1raCcpEt-Y8Olfkkc2in-tD5KnGwR-Fgw/w512-h640/AlpineAdventCalendar5.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then, using your ruler and scoring tool, score along all the dashed lines. (You can, but don’t have to score the tabs)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W7jKS94aaLY/YaK1MESvdcI/AAAAAAAA0ew/mCfNrlkGRUom56gFGEwfSHpvIISDfyPoQCPcBGAsYHg/s4472/AlpineAdventCalendar6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4472" data-original-width="3577" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W7jKS94aaLY/YaK1MESvdcI/AAAAAAAA0ew/mCfNrlkGRUom56gFGEwfSHpvIISDfyPoQCPcBGAsYHg/w512-h640/AlpineAdventCalendar6.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>Now you can fold along all the dashed lines. Fold the paper IN so the dashed lines will be on the inside of the tree. Then you can stamp, paint or stick your number on the middle triangle as seen in the example above. Here, I’ve painted gold paint onto my number stamp and stamped it onto the paper.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2fFQjLcQmjsVr39jomNLnaUgnnOsdCiljEo6S3uhBHimlzZi4uiU8qXqD_q8xIz7pKfdoJ1dUzCJEMD98McC9uEE6FBVumk4fSzv570H8aILM0donK6TcZNic_YW-ELKVQUVyU06gsJ8/s4472/AlpineAdventCalendar7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4472" data-original-width="3577" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2fFQjLcQmjsVr39jomNLnaUgnnOsdCiljEo6S3uhBHimlzZi4uiU8qXqD_q8xIz7pKfdoJ1dUzCJEMD98McC9uEE6FBVumk4fSzv570H8aILM0donK6TcZNic_YW-ELKVQUVyU06gsJ8/w512-h640/AlpineAdventCalendar7.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Spread rubber cement on the two areas shown in the image. Then stick those two edges together—glue facing glue—to make a triangle shaped cone. Rub any excess glue until it comes off.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7SzlU8QGYyM/YaK1MFkgyRI/AAAAAAAA0ew/7OlXLXS9lmUTbVVp-2Qc0ds74RCEM1wfACPcBGAsYHg/s4472/AlpineAdventCalendar8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4472" data-original-width="3577" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7SzlU8QGYyM/YaK1MFkgyRI/AAAAAAAA0ew/7OlXLXS9lmUTbVVp-2Qc0ds74RCEM1wfACPcBGAsYHg/w512-h640/AlpineAdventCalendar8.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You can now fill your trees with candy! I made these to send to a family of four. I wasn’t sure how much candy would fit inside the trees so I took one of the smallest and one of the largest trees to a store with candy bins (this is by FAR the cheapest way to get a variety of candy.) This allowed me to see about how many treats I could fit into one tree and buy accordingly.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXRopQQrExnK019QcdKaNVWryhvM1pygtGk4h8ghBpvi7YhxdfMYGRaeGCVSQh5obC50OD3pYO_FiMMTy4ETontc_Tr6jXuxq0RY6SCz064-TIZ8IjVbbsguZ8vuOXMBNC7xaX4TMXyeI/s4472/AlpineAdventCalendar9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4472" data-original-width="3578" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXRopQQrExnK019QcdKaNVWryhvM1pygtGk4h8ghBpvi7YhxdfMYGRaeGCVSQh5obC50OD3pYO_FiMMTy4ETontc_Tr6jXuxq0RY6SCz064-TIZ8IjVbbsguZ8vuOXMBNC7xaX4TMXyeI/w512-h640/AlpineAdventCalendar9.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Once full, close up your trees by inserting the tabs into the slots.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh25Ku4nwjPODS_uS5JJA5vJW5rr-8P8oF7W6mg4hsC_LB1uCNtM8PcOAtAK_WHqveCn8oh3jZNSW39ARHfI0o3zLI-EMd9NLZ9zlsDqU1t0vJKjMK3DEJ1mY1yaPhzNxBMKZxC-oUHqAQ/s4472/AlpineAdventCalendar10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4472" data-original-width="3578" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh25Ku4nwjPODS_uS5JJA5vJW5rr-8P8oF7W6mg4hsC_LB1uCNtM8PcOAtAK_WHqveCn8oh3jZNSW39ARHfI0o3zLI-EMd9NLZ9zlsDqU1t0vJKjMK3DEJ1mY1yaPhzNxBMKZxC-oUHqAQ/w512-h640/AlpineAdventCalendar10.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Using a paint brush—I used a fan brush—swipe some gold paint on all three sides of the top tip of each tree. Now, you could stop here and call it done! But...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNXgebtQRIVTgvykO3z7OyRxwtzj-zIG3uj_yXmE2DMRB5qZRVD2QOA1NvBgmdLq40e3UlmBINdjxiGBY6EWfLBq3ekzsXEVdVpeZO-iABl6TU3j9A0MjJWXN4Qhb2_B7wchvFC1eVvaM/s4472/AlpineAdventCalendar11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4472" data-original-width="3578" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNXgebtQRIVTgvykO3z7OyRxwtzj-zIG3uj_yXmE2DMRB5qZRVD2QOA1NvBgmdLq40e3UlmBINdjxiGBY6EWfLBq3ekzsXEVdVpeZO-iABl6TU3j9A0MjJWXN4Qhb2_B7wchvFC1eVvaM/w512-h640/AlpineAdventCalendar11.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>If you decided to buy “trunks” you’ll use hot glue to attach a wooden block to the base of each tree. Use the large blocks for the large trees and so forth.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJMZ8HTO4LEdlm2nUtXqpvOv6hWLsdlumjLtTLrHwNPXo2ntF23d45c5fXjw9c6T7NizN3eCSwHyaFNVqcOqzYjuCuzdKtw_qkuNne2W8nkXzGD0N7fJ5iT7rFzGtkTY6OmiRxlgZNYxE/s4472/AlpineAdventCalendar12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4472" data-original-width="3578" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJMZ8HTO4LEdlm2nUtXqpvOv6hWLsdlumjLtTLrHwNPXo2ntF23d45c5fXjw9c6T7NizN3eCSwHyaFNVqcOqzYjuCuzdKtw_qkuNne2W8nkXzGD0N7fJ5iT7rFzGtkTY6OmiRxlgZNYxE/w512-h640/AlpineAdventCalendar12.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>And now you’re done! Your Christmas Tree / Alpine Advent calendar is ready to give away or use yourself! If you missed the link to download the tree templates, <a href="https://indd.adobe.com/view/f877314c-9935-46cb-b0a9-212d0bb0075a" target="_blank">click or tap here.</a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcz6f2_6TxlZHqRdbxsIGrtn2XEK6zKUzzjWmduSbJJmWLdA6VggzWZ2ZHmx_lT8LOrQMq9PFw-9TkFG6CCtKpymysiLvfKtG1iHXtawx_6sa2iqUomQ6Lae9DqOcuUtjgYUe0si7ByOg/s4472/AlpineAdventCalendar13.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4472" data-original-width="3578" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcz6f2_6TxlZHqRdbxsIGrtn2XEK6zKUzzjWmduSbJJmWLdA6VggzWZ2ZHmx_lT8LOrQMq9PFw-9TkFG6CCtKpymysiLvfKtG1iHXtawx_6sa2iqUomQ6Lae9DqOcuUtjgYUe0si7ByOg/w512-h640/AlpineAdventCalendar13.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612800215931127018.post-91772167540972972192021-11-16T15:07:00.002-08:002021-11-17T10:37:07.593-08:00Painted Acorns for Autumn Decorations<p>Do you have hundreds of acorns falling out of your tree every autumn? Do you wonder what you could do with all of that free crafting supply?! I’ve got a couple of natural autumn decoration ideas to help you use up your acorns. A full list of supplies you’ll need can be found at the end of this post.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3-GfW2lPqcg/YZQyGu_0kcI/AAAAAAAA0NU/rWiCYRBTtXE_H6nKdyiIdjKGocZ3j8pFQCPcBGAsYHg/s4898/ForPinterest.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4898" data-original-width="3266" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3-GfW2lPqcg/YZQyGu_0kcI/AAAAAAAA0NU/rWiCYRBTtXE_H6nKdyiIdjKGocZ3j8pFQCPcBGAsYHg/w426-h640/ForPinterest.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6p3NxcZp0jhJlvij1LsJAdoTivB3aBdS4Yw-lclyDv4bAl07oBMs6OmE0MzYKkuJlE_4Jw5y_WG-ZGCJJKEaOScgyJGJLBG8uTkzqz6hW2nnSR3jlMeuqEwWp6KPZGM5rkKKbjTikgOE/s5333/AcornLayoutPinterest.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5333" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6p3NxcZp0jhJlvij1LsJAdoTivB3aBdS4Yw-lclyDv4bAl07oBMs6OmE0MzYKkuJlE_4Jw5y_WG-ZGCJJKEaOScgyJGJLBG8uTkzqz6hW2nnSR3jlMeuqEwWp6KPZGM5rkKKbjTikgOE/w360-h640/AcornLayoutPinterest.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yes, this photo was taken on our driveway after we swept up all the nuts that had fallen. There were so many I decided I needed a project to use them. It’s a free and lovely resource!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xWHB9rve4dk/YZQxf50AOhI/AAAAAAAA0NA/vdoFUk1xo8Iy9xf2NA7tBJI9yuFg2GorgCPcBGAsYHg/s5333/AcornLayoutPinterest2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5333" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xWHB9rve4dk/YZQxf50AOhI/AAAAAAAA0NA/vdoFUk1xo8Iy9xf2NA7tBJI9yuFg2GorgCPcBGAsYHg/w360-h640/AcornLayoutPinterest2.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Rinse the nuts, dry them and then bake. Spread the nuts in a tray lined with foil. Bake at 200°F for two hours. Turn them every 30 minutes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d0S3Lz0mvic/YZQxfzhekzI/AAAAAAAA0NA/hWx-fxesYI8lu0s7Pn6AR77VUf_yM-WpwCPcBGAsYHg/s5333/AcornLayoutPinterest3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5333" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d0S3Lz0mvic/YZQxfzhekzI/AAAAAAAA0NA/hWx-fxesYI8lu0s7Pn6AR77VUf_yM-WpwCPcBGAsYHg/w360-h640/AcornLayoutPinterest3.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It’s likely you’ll have to clean each nut by hand. Throw out any that are broken or have holes in them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE3_WFENk-kpRcq2xGtsKg6CzHLPVfL1_WXtG_qoKgHrKGueKWX1oeYIjdyZtcloBVEPJv25Kz_59Rc25Qlv1mB5_yC165hUPNTwhyphenhyphenFzp8cES_SOdt5s7jdYiwVd17ecIT4YT-Z6K6ISk/s5333/AcornLayoutPinterest4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5333" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE3_WFENk-kpRcq2xGtsKg6CzHLPVfL1_WXtG_qoKgHrKGueKWX1oeYIjdyZtcloBVEPJv25Kz_59Rc25Qlv1mB5_yC165hUPNTwhyphenhyphenFzp8cES_SOdt5s7jdYiwVd17ecIT4YT-Z6K6ISk/w360-h640/AcornLayoutPinterest4.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN_k7Hq_FIHWGBeHdJlzOnYNWhBu8-NmBQgRYDzvkVl80Ya_yynJTf8YoLw8LftQs85j2NwBq66NeLIYcwhVOYKjzNXRzh09HtP_yRQjLM0nzH3Zj7b_eKSfoq-Rw8xlNGhnf5iwZAJfM/s5333/AcornLayoutPinterest5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5333" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN_k7Hq_FIHWGBeHdJlzOnYNWhBu8-NmBQgRYDzvkVl80Ya_yynJTf8YoLw8LftQs85j2NwBq66NeLIYcwhVOYKjzNXRzh09HtP_yRQjLM0nzH3Zj7b_eKSfoq-Rw8xlNGhnf5iwZAJfM/w360-h640/AcornLayoutPinterest5.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqDf0ehIh6SdbAfqkJ-Ewuvw6ZjDNWRbl0g5rr5GB0h2Fvwjtc6IMUZTXr1UDw8S_7BT_ZeNpDKvuLnErc03q3Fnm3mAjzD4LlYHHNl7_PLtUk_v-1reQv_oTZIVxlhuafkft29_yELAQ/s5333/AcornLayoutPinterest6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5333" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqDf0ehIh6SdbAfqkJ-Ewuvw6ZjDNWRbl0g5rr5GB0h2Fvwjtc6IMUZTXr1UDw8S_7BT_ZeNpDKvuLnErc03q3Fnm3mAjzD4LlYHHNl7_PLtUk_v-1reQv_oTZIVxlhuafkft29_yELAQ/w360-h640/AcornLayoutPinterest6.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Maybe sanding is all you’ll need to do to get a natural color you like from your bowl. Maybe you found a new bowl at the store that needs no alteration. But the wood on my vintage nutcracker bowl was too dark for me, and still dark after sanding. So I bleached it, by applying it with a sponge. It took bleaching three times to get it as light as I wanted. And the natural looking result was pleasing!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgivvzjyZGm0XXbGzTEPjVPZ7rN_xrG1cgOros4HjOhBap5A5VyFtocVowiZGyp0Z54fxhc5ojmNOoOjWa0XHUWO98-TN5KMGN-J7gdCXk_H_yy8994Ko5BeI-pHhDh9ZoYP-EdjVDL_MU/s5333/AcornLayoutPinterest7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5333" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgivvzjyZGm0XXbGzTEPjVPZ7rN_xrG1cgOros4HjOhBap5A5VyFtocVowiZGyp0Z54fxhc5ojmNOoOjWa0XHUWO98-TN5KMGN-J7gdCXk_H_yy8994Ko5BeI-pHhDh9ZoYP-EdjVDL_MU/w360-h640/AcornLayoutPinterest7.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This brand does not list color on the can! The copper looking one was the color I ended up liking most and using in my projects. (The sticker price with the barcode on the shelf should list the color.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Primer:</b> This is optional. I did not use primer on my acorns but will do so in the future. The spray paint surprisingly scrapes off very easily. So if you want to skip primer, handle the nuts with care after they’ve been painted.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipYbqSyEWyRaIT6_KPqFZeM9wnIgOplUr9gFy_sUJJovbo_Dtd1t91uPaYVVnNm4e6WegY-7y1LnBeTQorQjG0ftL5gPOAsGojENnzuzLUR1s_LyObkFiLB9s9UjXzReWHDx0ovcSoDvY/s5333/AcornLayoutPinterest8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5333" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipYbqSyEWyRaIT6_KPqFZeM9wnIgOplUr9gFy_sUJJovbo_Dtd1t91uPaYVVnNm4e6WegY-7y1LnBeTQorQjG0ftL5gPOAsGojENnzuzLUR1s_LyObkFiLB9s9UjXzReWHDx0ovcSoDvY/w360-h640/AcornLayoutPinterest8.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PfIasyED99o/YZQxr6893zI/AAAAAAAA0NE/qBn_y_6SYnMmkSchKQDs0U6vm7CidQRZACPcBGAsYHg/s5333/AcornLayoutPinterest9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5333" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PfIasyED99o/YZQxr6893zI/AAAAAAAA0NE/qBn_y_6SYnMmkSchKQDs0U6vm7CidQRZACPcBGAsYHg/w360-h640/AcornLayoutPinterest9.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcHJ1SP2JBMJjy0OvIdiauLRa6q-hFkRuSx3v_ApIilIAClBREI58w6Uq6_TuzV-5okvmoW7UPrmxoLzbZLr6ChoK_bMBi9D53PiHy-t8Wh2wta_cvHczONNEcuLuVhmbDRC82DoAdvtQ/s5333/AcornLayoutPinterest10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5333" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcHJ1SP2JBMJjy0OvIdiauLRa6q-hFkRuSx3v_ApIilIAClBREI58w6Uq6_TuzV-5okvmoW7UPrmxoLzbZLr6ChoK_bMBi9D53PiHy-t8Wh2wta_cvHczONNEcuLuVhmbDRC82DoAdvtQ/w360-h640/AcornLayoutPinterest10.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Spray the nuts in rows starting with the row closest to you. Then turn the whole thing and start again—keep going until you’ve rotated to and sprayed all four sides.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjin00wqHp9I8Nd5EEm8NmPvZL3e-CU7fraQQodQ6YRDZh_r5D1Dy-de_DaksU-0AZLoar5aSFbJILoM12pIqQRtxswS8kE6tCk8CbucgNmvgzN7rrf5swj8LH9k0xz-OFo1jMjbZnxWeQ/s5333/AcornLayoutPinterest11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5333" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjin00wqHp9I8Nd5EEm8NmPvZL3e-CU7fraQQodQ6YRDZh_r5D1Dy-de_DaksU-0AZLoar5aSFbJILoM12pIqQRtxswS8kE6tCk8CbucgNmvgzN7rrf5swj8LH9k0xz-OFo1jMjbZnxWeQ/w360-h640/AcornLayoutPinterest11.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYwLvRiGGfVDzNr0KYdyNtYOByjnANRO2AmzO0Tjn0V2V3ik72ABKajX4IlOs010LBnpljbJNl5ziIe1lvohLMvVQuZeDb0U-oW95Ztwf0iNcvyWWmONOPQLuvDQiNEZ1tkwawOH6RSjI/s5333/AcornLayoutPinterest12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5333" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYwLvRiGGfVDzNr0KYdyNtYOByjnANRO2AmzO0Tjn0V2V3ik72ABKajX4IlOs010LBnpljbJNl5ziIe1lvohLMvVQuZeDb0U-oW95Ztwf0iNcvyWWmONOPQLuvDQiNEZ1tkwawOH6RSjI/w360-h640/AcornLayoutPinterest12.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(Those orange seeds pods are called Putka Pods. Super cute and PERFECT for fall right?)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--W6RlIzQya0/YZQx2PNpYFI/AAAAAAAA0NI/UFjI6vkiWT4SXWJ93ztfNcsWNOpBhvgRACPcBGAsYHg/s5333/AcornLayoutPinterest13.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5333" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--W6RlIzQya0/YZQx2PNpYFI/AAAAAAAA0NI/UFjI6vkiWT4SXWJ93ztfNcsWNOpBhvgRACPcBGAsYHg/w360-h640/AcornLayoutPinterest13.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">BONUS PROJECT:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y_Bf8dvB6F4/YZQx2Lm4UHI/AAAAAAAA0NI/nDznQQu3nYw_VZ5fbuM8SeuAHxNuXDjQwCPcBGAsYHg/s5333/AcornLayoutPinterest14.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5333" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y_Bf8dvB6F4/YZQx2Lm4UHI/AAAAAAAA0NI/nDznQQu3nYw_VZ5fbuM8SeuAHxNuXDjQwCPcBGAsYHg/w360-h640/AcornLayoutPinterest14.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This autumn wreath was made using a wreath form found at the dollar store. Cut it in half like a bagel, then wrap one half with either a dark cloth or ribbon (I recommend black or dark brown) so the green styrofoam doesn’t show. Use hot glue to attach all your ingredients. It’s quite easy, just take your time!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hzd-qOFuUNU/YZQx2JuzHpI/AAAAAAAA0NI/Pm6saHkqgj0LnNiP3jbJLJEbhqJpCjgOACPcBGAsYHg/s5333/AcornLayoutPinterest15.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5333" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hzd-qOFuUNU/YZQx2JuzHpI/AAAAAAAA0NI/Pm6saHkqgj0LnNiP3jbJLJEbhqJpCjgOACPcBGAsYHg/w360-h640/AcornLayoutPinterest15.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I hope this helped you think of some autumn projects to spice up your home this fall season.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">SUPPLIES FOR BOWL CANDLE HOLDER:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Pillar candle</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Wooden Bowl</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Acorns</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Putka pods (about 1-2 oz)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Small pinecones (1 bag)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Bleach (if needed)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hot glue and gun</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">SUPPLIES FOR WREATH</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Small styrofoam wreath form</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Acorns</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Putka pods (about 1-2 oz)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Small pinecones (1 bag)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Medium small pinecones (at least 5 but more is better)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Hot glue and gun (this takes a lot of glue)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Dark ribbon or cloth, enough length to wrap around the wreath form</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Ribbon for bow and hanging</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612800215931127018.post-36033179548383172192021-10-04T15:29:00.024-07:002023-09-15T12:46:27.592-07:00Throw an Epic Pirate Birthday Party, Perfect for Adults<p>My husband has a man crush on Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. So when said husband turned 40, I threw him a pirate costumed dinner party. He dressed up as Captain Sparrow and guests were invited to dress as any other pirate (generic or cosplay.) For simplicity, all my inspiration and details came from only the first movie in the series. </p><p>Here are some ideas on how you can can throw an epic pirate themed costume dinner party like ours that's perfect for adults or can easily be tweaked for kids!</p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">The Invitations</span></b></p><p>It always adds a bit of je ne sais quoi to build up anticipation for a party and put forth a task or problem to be solved. For this pirate themed birthday party, send out invitations to yer mateys under the premise that Captain Jack Sparrow is looking for a new crew and there will be a chance to show their mettle at a specified time and date. Be sure to outline the dress code and tell them to come prepared! (See wording example in the image below. Illustration was <a href="https://www.istockphoto.com/vector/pirates-treasures-gm931438006-255310767" target="_blank">purchased here.</a>)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQPlB5YhnFr041VEXQCG9lfPk3CZPazuMuWPvMcJs9JWk-wyNx7ovGuMdpeieefw8nSyGjEkpiKPB-wtdYFfsL1ZrSgu4US3Xd65KUewjByOhIqDvVbmlf9mUKZxl1FvNwJZfgd-Eg1U/s773/webinvitation_7067.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="773" data-original-width="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQPlB5YhnFr041VEXQCG9lfPk3CZPazuMuWPvMcJs9JWk-wyNx7ovGuMdpeieefw8nSyGjEkpiKPB-wtdYFfsL1ZrSgu4US3Xd65KUewjByOhIqDvVbmlf9mUKZxl1FvNwJZfgd-Eg1U/s16000/webinvitation_7067.jpg" /></a></div><p>Our invitations were coffee stained, edge burnt, rolled up, tagged and tied with a piece of leather. Then they were hand delivered to each person’s mailbox whom we wanted to invite. (See how to <a href="http://athousandphases.blogspot.com/2022/12/how-to-age-paper-with-coffee-and-salt.html" target="_blank">age paper with coffee and salt here.</a>)<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qQ37uZ0Y6m0/YVtnwM-Y-KI/AAAAAAAAzMs/xdh7btLxaMsUSdzDhdxYT0IdEwQv8MW3QCPcBGAsYHg/s773/webInvitationScroll_6379.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="773" data-original-width="580" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qQ37uZ0Y6m0/YVtnwM-Y-KI/AAAAAAAAzMs/xdh7btLxaMsUSdzDhdxYT0IdEwQv8MW3QCPcBGAsYHg/s16000/webInvitationScroll_6379.jpg" /></a></div><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">The Decorations</span></b></p><p>Before guests arrive, post another bit of paraphernalia outside your door to build more anticipation for what might be awaiting them inside. Did you notice? The wording on the posting shown below comes from the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie! (Illustration <a href="https://www.istockphoto.com/vector/tall-ship-gm1310680547-400004431" target="_blank">purchased here.</a>)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TW_efTf1G0Q/YVtoA_PHhII/AAAAAAAAzM4/tDtpoWko-gExqZY9DTIctMQB_EI2Zmt4gCPcBGAsYHg/s716/webCrewWantedPoster_6920.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="716" data-original-width="580" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TW_efTf1G0Q/YVtoA_PHhII/AAAAAAAAzM4/tDtpoWko-gExqZY9DTIctMQB_EI2Zmt4gCPcBGAsYHg/s16000/webCrewWantedPoster_6920.jpg" /></a></div><p>Upon entering the house, guests can be greeted with a large pirate flag (which becomes a perfect spot for photos), and ragged black sails undulating from the ceiling above (black plastic tablecloths with slashes in them. A very cheap trick with major impact.) This pirate flag was handmade by projecting the skull image onto a black king size sheet, traced with chalk and then painted with inexpensive acrylic craft paint.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA1WVFayZinRUg2W6u-pk9OpVeyM9z7h7NkcoOaisQiExzfDw25hgrXKIYhRFFKsI1Yl_kpxmqHBMwxLLJ4s1woSWsNuwu7gYfqzBycKXZlyV9lwB8RXznyNdgNQ5cpcOhb4aMEaWx4_g/s773/webSkullandCeiling_6877.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="773" data-original-width="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA1WVFayZinRUg2W6u-pk9OpVeyM9z7h7NkcoOaisQiExzfDw25hgrXKIYhRFFKsI1Yl_kpxmqHBMwxLLJ4s1woSWsNuwu7gYfqzBycKXZlyV9lwB8RXznyNdgNQ5cpcOhb4aMEaWx4_g/s16000/webSkullandCeiling_6877.jpg" /></a></div><p>Cover any large space, like a bar, with netting and empty liqueur bottles stopped with candles and corks. (I had spent a few weeks ahead of time collecting the bottles from friends and neighbors.) The <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07TYPQH2Z/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank">fish netting I found here.</a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WvB6JT998Us/YVtoz0qKkkI/AAAAAAAAzNM/UztDSua0zp0aF5OMcSPx7Ws8zwUGslQZACPcBGAsYHg/s580/webBarCandles_2752.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="454" data-original-width="580" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WvB6JT998Us/YVtoz0qKkkI/AAAAAAAAzNM/UztDSua0zp0aF5OMcSPx7Ws8zwUGslQZACPcBGAsYHg/s16000/webBarCandles_2752.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CnTnsPeazRw/YVtozySDceI/AAAAAAAAzNM/1UXF4olD-LolTAFCjdy-PCpElN6R6SaDACPcBGAsYHg/s773/webBarCandles_6749.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="773" data-original-width="580" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CnTnsPeazRw/YVtozySDceI/AAAAAAAAzNM/1UXF4olD-LolTAFCjdy-PCpElN6R6SaDACPcBGAsYHg/s16000/webBarCandles_6749.jpg" /></a></div><p>Another wall could hold a pirate map (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07G5ZDDNL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank">found here</a>), or any other pirate information you think is interesting or humorous. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y7yN04XjyT8/YVtpQcYxBvI/AAAAAAAAzNU/iktI27yARAErMouY_MI5vdp3R1e0wyF9gCPcBGAsYHg/s580/webmapwall_7083.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="498" data-original-width="580" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y7yN04XjyT8/YVtpQcYxBvI/AAAAAAAAzNU/iktI27yARAErMouY_MI5vdp3R1e0wyF9gCPcBGAsYHg/s16000/webmapwall_7083.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ItX-2yRsFnU/YVtqiwIN-MI/AAAAAAAAzNw/ritkVDxNxQAi0z5azHxQHPo3zOhhXE38wCPcBGAsYHg/s602/mapwall2_7086.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="602" data-original-width="580" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ItX-2yRsFnU/YVtqiwIN-MI/AAAAAAAAzNw/ritkVDxNxQAi0z5azHxQHPo3zOhhXE38wCPcBGAsYHg/s16000/mapwall2_7086.jpg" /></a></div><p>Since this party was for adults, I thought it might be of interest to post bits of information about real pirates in history. And since pirates often had nicknames, I made up this chart (which you can download and print on your own cool paper <a href="https://indd.adobe.com/view/4f4460db-ecbf-4579-9225-8866b99341eb" target="_blank">here</a>) and posted it among the historical pirate information. It was a hit!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TiAJiTCyHmU/YVtqwAnuFeI/AAAAAAAAzN0/tBnLHUtUmHgCBmqVr6BpXJZWRm_9Phs_QCPcBGAsYHg/s755/webPirateNameWall_6844.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="755" data-original-width="580" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TiAJiTCyHmU/YVtqwAnuFeI/AAAAAAAAzN0/tBnLHUtUmHgCBmqVr6BpXJZWRm_9Phs_QCPcBGAsYHg/s16000/webPirateNameWall_6844.jpg" /></a></div><p>If you don’t have skeletons, I recommend borrowing a couple from a friend if you can. They'll fill up any empty spaces you have and infuse humor into the room. The fellow shown below, I positioned holding chocolate gold coins, one in his mouth and a couple in his hand. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cxh9SBa31h8/YVtrB1rps-I/AAAAAAAAzOA/G3YWoIonmbg-pbPFoYnWI4ndLyQA75YhQCPcBGAsYHg/s824/webSkeletonCorner_2804.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="824" data-original-width="580" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cxh9SBa31h8/YVtrB1rps-I/AAAAAAAAzOA/G3YWoIonmbg-pbPFoYnWI4ndLyQA75YhQCPcBGAsYHg/s16000/webSkeletonCorner_2804.jpg" /></a></div><p>Halfway through the evening I noticed someone had eaten the chocolate offering from the skeleton’s hand—something I thought was both funny and totally appropriate! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYhlhRrn1_9XA-UKuc__cGI6Q1PPJepKnC0S14e1R323A0zZ-sP8jgNDGeOpTBx4yMko53kolPO9-5h3PDRBed1dm1CqkcBFymxyXygKb1RsIDmuh9FrcU77BxyQjz2yBaY0y5GqIq4wc/s795/webSkeletonCorner_2810.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="795" data-original-width="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYhlhRrn1_9XA-UKuc__cGI6Q1PPJepKnC0S14e1R323A0zZ-sP8jgNDGeOpTBx4yMko53kolPO9-5h3PDRBed1dm1CqkcBFymxyXygKb1RsIDmuh9FrcU77BxyQjz2yBaY0y5GqIq4wc/s16000/webSkeletonCorner_2810.jpg" /></a></div><p>And lastly don’t forget the mantle. Place more bottles, books, candles and whatever else you might have laying around that feels pirate, ocean, or ship themed. On mine, I made sure to include portrait skulls of the pirate brethren, Morgan and Bartholomew. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tNN-HFotVv8/YVtrZ3AGdbI/AAAAAAAAzOI/Rm0lbxrlmSIKL0GsdhQiEYVc-uTu89RdQCPcBGAsYHg/s580/webpiratemantle_7077.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="441" data-original-width="580" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tNN-HFotVv8/YVtrZ3AGdbI/AAAAAAAAzOI/Rm0lbxrlmSIKL0GsdhQiEYVc-uTu89RdQCPcBGAsYHg/s16000/webpiratemantle_7077.jpg" /></a></div><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">The Centerpieces and Place Settings</span></b></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSuy9KL9Xa9VgC8kYzeFr-UC57abqNU8vrDpTo2Zf5uxwvmMZ-PQMIUiKxlXWOi-Ov4oF3Xpm11Val4WkbVn4kthRpHU4iJxOo2x3APCLIe-4oKJA_fIJzpA1MwqDiUX86hgZ6BP5M1Xo/s773/webDinnerEveryone_B.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="773" data-original-width="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSuy9KL9Xa9VgC8kYzeFr-UC57abqNU8vrDpTo2Zf5uxwvmMZ-PQMIUiKxlXWOi-Ov4oF3Xpm11Val4WkbVn4kthRpHU4iJxOo2x3APCLIe-4oKJA_fIJzpA1MwqDiUX86hgZ6BP5M1Xo/s16000/webDinnerEveryone_B.jpg" /></a></b></div><p></p><p>Since we’d set up three, 6 foot tables end to end, I created two different centerpieces and set them out in an alternating fashion down the row of tables.</p><p>First, you can’t go wrong with skulls and drippy candles for a pirate theme.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S4mwl3xC1GU/YVtr6dauuxI/AAAAAAAAzOU/vzh4wBx2u60MZl7KZV0v2_YIRgYypwwCgCPcBGAsYHg/s721/webSkullEntire_2774.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="721" data-original-width="580" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S4mwl3xC1GU/YVtr6dauuxI/AAAAAAAAzOU/vzh4wBx2u60MZl7KZV0v2_YIRgYypwwCgCPcBGAsYHg/s16000/webSkullEntire_2774.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif_z271B3qmDgY9kv6QYS4QhyphenhyphenIytAujq1e5CcJRaAfGDpbsbgkRwyLLvRl6JRrYb3zr7bS_-6t3erG94pXgDM2Z5qTs19NqgYDiPp0D6HglGju_Yo_hnoUKCwR6IB-esl-ZgFr-0zvaqE/s744/webSkullCloseup_2784.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="744" data-original-width="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif_z271B3qmDgY9kv6QYS4QhyphenhyphenIytAujq1e5CcJRaAfGDpbsbgkRwyLLvRl6JRrYb3zr7bS_-6t3erG94pXgDM2Z5qTs19NqgYDiPp0D6HglGju_Yo_hnoUKCwR6IB-esl-ZgFr-0zvaqE/s16000/webSkullCloseup_2784.jpg" /></a></div>The black skulls seemed to disappear on the black table, so using a dry brush technique I painted gold on areas that needed highlighting. The little skulls needed to look less like white plastic and more like bone. So those got covered in wood stain, then I wiped it off in places where I wanted it to be lighter. Both techniques worked well. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYZOZxAHWAU" target="_blank">Here’s a link to a helpful video with instructions.</a><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEHo_OBBjTr63kfpXJVy6ksqcbtJs_dFjVvaaPKrzOAsChAEdGWEgBpN6ZvEnd4lJOCQehfIZyeEOI4aJFdsW6TD8K1Udrhwa-8_xJIy7VbwEG6_SpHtGRTnUVYc7Xd3iuC6KoODjMztQ/s580/webSkullSmallCloseup_2787.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="454" data-original-width="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEHo_OBBjTr63kfpXJVy6ksqcbtJs_dFjVvaaPKrzOAsChAEdGWEgBpN6ZvEnd4lJOCQehfIZyeEOI4aJFdsW6TD8K1Udrhwa-8_xJIy7VbwEG6_SpHtGRTnUVYc7Xd3iuC6KoODjMztQ/s16000/webSkullSmallCloseup_2787.jpg" /></a></div><p>Second, platters of apples MUST be included too. This is the only food we see Captain Jack Sparrow eat in the first movie, and captain Barbosa would literally kill to eat one, so it makes for a very fitting table decoration idea.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHyQMoT5v3SUX0EyFVlM6drdM1iv0fATvZtJ0w-yIjg5e9yz3lliAgS0vfRFZJl5ZO5p0GHY0lOtyh3BbBGavwfFzAladb-m1N_wAEcpRONpUfGN_EIwuXqeziuq8Tq_qf61IscYGZTgU/s755/webfrog_2791.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="755" data-original-width="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHyQMoT5v3SUX0EyFVlM6drdM1iv0fATvZtJ0w-yIjg5e9yz3lliAgS0vfRFZJl5ZO5p0GHY0lOtyh3BbBGavwfFzAladb-m1N_wAEcpRONpUfGN_EIwuXqeziuq8Tq_qf61IscYGZTgU/s16000/webfrog_2791.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BIj8eKjVDzU/YVtspp4vIxI/AAAAAAAAzOg/LBGAO0Fz2BMTMP90qczVBjSKK2qROr7bgCPcBGAsYHg/s771/webfrogclose_2803.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="771" data-original-width="580" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BIj8eKjVDzU/YVtspp4vIxI/AAAAAAAAzOg/LBGAO0Fz2BMTMP90qczVBjSKK2qROr7bgCPcBGAsYHg/s16000/webfrogclose_2803.jpg" /></a></div><p>And as for the place settings, I suggest you put the first activity (a questionnaire) folded upon the plate with a feather pen. (These are cheap to make if you buy a box of pens and a package of feathers at your local craft store and make them yourself.) It gives guests something to do while waiting for the party to get started...this activity will be explained shortly. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gOFdJk35R68/YVttZ0thtII/AAAAAAAAzOo/v1uqxyZqibg5b2DCwpE23pqunwpQ-kWfgCPcBGAsYHg/s733/webTableSetting_E6831.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="580" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gOFdJk35R68/YVttZ0thtII/AAAAAAAAzOo/v1uqxyZqibg5b2DCwpE23pqunwpQ-kWfgCPcBGAsYHg/s16000/webTableSetting_E6831.jpg" /></a></div><p>ALSO on the plate, under the questionnaire, place a small score card for keeping points. <a href="https://indd.adobe.com/view/c8b6d66d-99d2-49c0-8cb8-30ea8cf7bd7a" target="_blank">Here’s a link</a> to print the score card.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1DVcQqXUm9k/YVttjjqb5OI/AAAAAAAAzOs/exNoMJ5a4Bk0adniljwy-2bhSSHf9IbfgCPcBGAsYHg/s580/webscorecard_7081.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="578" data-original-width="580" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1DVcQqXUm9k/YVttjjqb5OI/AAAAAAAAzOs/exNoMJ5a4Bk0adniljwy-2bhSSHf9IbfgCPcBGAsYHg/s16000/webscorecard_7081.jpg" /></a></div><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Four Pirate Party Activities</span></b></p><p>Since the pirate guests are essentially “trying out” to become Jack Sparrow’s new mates, each person will be earning points throughout the evening. Those with the most points at the end will be the new crew!</p><p><b><i>1. SCROLLS FOR EXTRA POINTS</i></b></p><p>First, DO NOT let the birthday boy or girl know what is written on the scrolls. In fact, don’t tell them about this activity at all. </p><p>As guests begin arriving, welcome them and ask them to draw one scroll each. The scrolls contain a small task that can be performed at any time during the evening and will award them an extra 5 points. (The guest may choose not to do it as well.) The guest can trade scrolls but can only do one scroll that evening.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif_E_pwZ2sIrpXhP45ZL43RDTqQ2DDXGQ-9Y2L_E1ZxNUyHYdk8XCwOvNk2N723LvwtEpiiJHxpYSjlAwFf7KkxCR3v7uhpjHrAlJIjcbVHmYjm1E9QVdigwDxo9m32Cc6WiRL5V7FiUk/s774/webScroll_6867.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="774" data-original-width="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif_E_pwZ2sIrpXhP45ZL43RDTqQ2DDXGQ-9Y2L_E1ZxNUyHYdk8XCwOvNk2N723LvwtEpiiJHxpYSjlAwFf7KkxCR3v7uhpjHrAlJIjcbVHmYjm1E9QVdigwDxo9m32Cc6WiRL5V7FiUk/s16000/webScroll_6867.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwLCAvpabMlwtFKHr4pUnhSpGeMyEGIpDrxh85h-D10-vGF2coO5g6xNYATHwKsVb7h5H7C7JdLfcWPziuLLoNM5cEIgNmSE9hP2MlnucqFOgB3p0_PvUDNVUZZHDIJTbg3-BGTWk4yjY/s773/webScroll_Open_6868.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="773" data-original-width="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwLCAvpabMlwtFKHr4pUnhSpGeMyEGIpDrxh85h-D10-vGF2coO5g6xNYATHwKsVb7h5H7C7JdLfcWPziuLLoNM5cEIgNmSE9hP2MlnucqFOgB3p0_PvUDNVUZZHDIJTbg3-BGTWk4yjY/s16000/webScroll_Open_6868.jpg" /></a></div><p>Some examples of tasks include:</p><p>• Raise yer glass and give a toast, end it with “Drink up me hearties yo, ho!”</p><p>• Bend the knee and kiss a ring on Captain Jack Sparrow’s hand and say, “Captain Sir, ye have me loyalty.”</p><p>These ended up being hillarious! Our Captain Sparrow was happily caught off guard, as were the guests, when most of these tasks were performed. <a href="https://indd.adobe.com/view/a16062f4-696f-4b02-a8d8-20b3c3fbc8ff" target="_blank">Here is a link</a> to the tasks you could consider including in your evening. </p><p><b><i>2. HOW WELL DO YE KNOW THE CAPTAIN AND THE PIRATE WAY OF LIVIN'?</i></b></p><p>Remember the pamphlet I had at each place setting? Here’s a better look at the front.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDBZzvpxRS_OxGwYwXqI5fOa2wdAQK-M4VicTZJt7re5jMgPG_t-XHO_sutx96Mb4wCYuOe6WA9Tqv46zF_unwjd7vPFghr9trWi4nAPeahV6E2iL2XshKjAkKthElP6mKbcXgu9zTV9o/s663/webDoNotOpenFront_6837.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="663" data-original-width="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDBZzvpxRS_OxGwYwXqI5fOa2wdAQK-M4VicTZJt7re5jMgPG_t-XHO_sutx96Mb4wCYuOe6WA9Tqv46zF_unwjd7vPFghr9trWi4nAPeahV6E2iL2XshKjAkKthElP6mKbcXgu9zTV9o/s16000/webDoNotOpenFront_6837.jpg" /></a></div><p>Each one had a different quote from the movie printed on the back.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm-T5lSpBjVRpcGE_1om0cKkFjNVZwoouMzPPkdBtHr9Ydt5mLIDnAclhvtOmJFBnCJMM0czQwX1O2a3VcnZcMbi96ZWQtrR2GO9spzTvk8XPZwDbVnUmFAJhqay2RCmvQvfzLObR_T9A/s713/webDoNotOpenBack_6909.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="713" data-original-width="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm-T5lSpBjVRpcGE_1om0cKkFjNVZwoouMzPPkdBtHr9Ydt5mLIDnAclhvtOmJFBnCJMM0czQwX1O2a3VcnZcMbi96ZWQtrR2GO9spzTvk8XPZwDbVnUmFAJhqay2RCmvQvfzLObR_T9A/s16000/webDoNotOpenBack_6909.jpg" /></a></div><p>The instructions inside tell the players to “Try to to make yer answers match those of [the birthday person’s name].” They get points NOT necessarily for answering the questions correctly...but if their answers MATCH those of the party’s captain. Now there’s a twist!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-k3Ok3EpLwSb_bqGvBWtH4IZINXpKLqlCFxa0dnqwd_AJotCUB9sPSgAtx6zvsPK20c7zgGquqUtCg__QeftkG28xNixIlI0RBh2J1X8uI48Qq3iiB0vS6yvFGwAj2zdQ4E0-H7lvObw/s580/webpamphletinside_7080.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="435" data-original-width="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-k3Ok3EpLwSb_bqGvBWtH4IZINXpKLqlCFxa0dnqwd_AJotCUB9sPSgAtx6zvsPK20c7zgGquqUtCg__QeftkG28xNixIlI0RBh2J1X8uI48Qq3iiB0vS6yvFGwAj2zdQ4E0-H7lvObw/s16000/webpamphletinside_7080.jpg" /></a></div><p>Give guests time to work on this as you are waiting for others to arrive, they can also work on it during dinner and you can give them time a little after. Then go around the room, and have each pirate say aloud their answer to each question in turn, the captain answers last. In our group, some answers were funny, silly, and even revealing! </p><p>I can’t give you the link to the front or back of the pamphlet because I paid to use the stock illustrations. But I’ll share the link to the image on the front so you can purchase and create the pamphlet yourself. <a href="https://www.istockphoto.com/vector/skull-ring-gm1328224214-412346281" target="_blank">Link to skull ring image (front.)</a> </p><p><b><i>3. FINDING GOLD</i></b></p><p>First you'll need a gold piece to show everyone. This could be a chocolate gold coin, or a piece of Aztec gold emulating the one from the movie, whatever you want as long as it’s gold. Just don’t make it any smaller than a quarter. Explain to your pirate guests that Captain Sparrow needs a crew that is good at finding gold—obviously. If you are the MC for the evening, you'll be hiding the gold coin first. Send the pirates out of the room while you hide the coin. Bring them all back and play starts.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cVpUiZ2YDfU/YVtzNrHINnI/AAAAAAAAzQA/T98bP4CmwKUMV1kAEnPYdIiJDH_BoXKaACPcBGAsYHg/s796/webAztecPiece_6855.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="796" data-original-width="580" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cVpUiZ2YDfU/YVtzNrHINnI/AAAAAAAAzQA/T98bP4CmwKUMV1kAEnPYdIiJDH_BoXKaACPcBGAsYHg/s16000/webAztecPiece_6855.jpg" /></a></div><p>Rules: The coin must be hidden in plain sight. Make it easy. Players shouldn't have to touch, move, open, or stand on anything to see it. The coin will be hidden within a certain boundary (our boundaries were the living room and the dining room.) Don’t try to be too tricky in finding a hiding place, else you run the chance of game play taking too long. After some searching has gone on hints can be given.</p><p>The first person to find said coin will leave it in place, and shall quietly sit down without revealing where they saw the coin. The second player to see it does the same. If you have a small number of guests, play can go until everyone has found the coin. We had 12 people in our group, so play ended at 6 people finding the coin otherwise it would have gone on too long. Assign points accordingly. (In our game, the first person received 3 points, the next 2 people got two points, and the next 3 people won one point each.)</p><p>The next person to hide the coin can either be the looser of the game or the pirate with the most points so far that evening—not fair but—pirate!</p><p><b><i>4. PIN THE X ON THE MAP</i></b></p><p>You can’t have a party theme that inherently includes eye patches and a map and not play “pin the X on the map!” (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07G5ZDDNL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank">Map found here.</a>)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN32GzeKa9Db9mdF4QCvhgeTrGPx1RQwQrwslv0sg7fcZAGPmlSeV4sQW-3LXX27EDq8mjYIzwQnkRmC4i4Xb18hwTNAZvL7x80dUBiQE_OXyn3_K51nWEGJpYZltrFn7t91uX1arwrjY/s773/webMapcloseup_7082.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="773" data-original-width="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN32GzeKa9Db9mdF4QCvhgeTrGPx1RQwQrwslv0sg7fcZAGPmlSeV4sQW-3LXX27EDq8mjYIzwQnkRmC4i4Xb18hwTNAZvL7x80dUBiQE_OXyn3_K51nWEGJpYZltrFn7t91uX1arwrjY/s16000/webMapcloseup_7082.jpg" /></a></div><p>But this game gets a little tweaking. Explain that if the pirates want to be part of the crew they need to know how to read a map so good they can do it with their eyes closed AND guess where the Captain might want to go next.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yNL0uHeKmtk/YVtz_r5gqgI/AAAAAAAAzQQ/D-AliN0uiNsvNanKBTZ_l_30cnsebDCQACPcBGAsYHg/s773/webMomMap_6889.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="773" data-original-width="580" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yNL0uHeKmtk/YVtz_r5gqgI/AAAAAAAAzQQ/D-AliN0uiNsvNanKBTZ_l_30cnsebDCQACPcBGAsYHg/s16000/webMomMap_6889.jpg" /></a></div><p>Pass out the Xs and have the players write their name on them.</p><p>Then, tell the birthday person pick out a place on the map without revealing it to anyone. Now the players must guess where that place might be and put their X in that spot while being blinded—or rather, while wearing TWO eye patches (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0991Z5V61/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank">patches purchased here</a>.) AND they must get to the map while walking a plank! Each time they step off the plank, they loose a point. Guests may shout out “ to the left” or “right a little more” to help their mateys.</p><p>The plank can be outlined by masking tape on the floor. I recommend the plank be about 10 inches wide and around 5 adult steps long. (Ours was bit too long and way too narrow. We ended up guiding the players by hand so they wouldn’t tip over. Though, it was a little funny—we all looked a bit drunk wobbling down the path but there wasn’t a drop of alcohol being served that night.)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y-XC0VuEkrI/YVt0LRF8DtI/AAAAAAAAzQU/1t7dOQ56jMsjgNOzaZm8nP57ADYW8Q7GACPcBGAsYHg/s773/webJamisonPlank_6891.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="773" data-original-width="580" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y-XC0VuEkrI/YVt0LRF8DtI/AAAAAAAAzQU/1t7dOQ56jMsjgNOzaZm8nP57ADYW8Q7GACPcBGAsYHg/s16000/webJamisonPlank_6891.jpg" /></a></div><p>After all Xs have been placed, the Captain goes last, blind like all the rest, and tries to place his X on the location he picked out earlier. All the players with the closest Xs to the Captain’s gets points.</p><p>Remember, no feeling around on the map. The first touch is where the X gets placed. But DO warn the player when they’ve reached the wall. And don’t forget to spin them before setting them free.</p><p>A link for a print out of Xs you can cut out <a href="https://indd.adobe.com/view/c8b6d66d-99d2-49c0-8cb8-30ea8cf7bd7a" target="_blank">is here.</a></p><p><b><i>WINNING AND ENDING THE EVENING WITH PHOTOS OPS</i></b></p><p>Have yer mateys add up their points. Those with the highest scores get a place on Captain Jack Sparrow’s new crew. You can give prizes or not, and I’m sure you can think of all kinds of ideas for that.</p><p>The map and the flag double as a great place for your new crew-mate photos. Do this toward the end, maybe while cake is being served, and don’t be shy—play a little for the camera!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib_Yrld4ZtvpcOEB4znZ3Lv8EtJlNK6KHKiv_3AnpAAsbJFjjiT0577NtAMV_ZVf67irS6qs56-uYI3hW87d95VEkZ_a4jpD06bK2uhyphenhyphenbal3l5GqDs_NJ1LcnTTYDFR0z1WPxSsq9Fu4g/s587/_PirateParty_3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="587" data-original-width="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib_Yrld4ZtvpcOEB4znZ3Lv8EtJlNK6KHKiv_3AnpAAsbJFjjiT0577NtAMV_ZVf67irS6qs56-uYI3hW87d95VEkZ_a4jpD06bK2uhyphenhyphenbal3l5GqDs_NJ1LcnTTYDFR0z1WPxSsq9Fu4g/s16000/_PirateParty_3.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWiddIALVexYf1o6hZP6jQGybUizZ4OnFXq5jBwtyQJoR1qrXP2R03F59kh-J2Guc6S9piuJke0bhLAfh9kSkoCzvv6RyUyJgYXy3YzgaCtmf2djcqpAdjdUNxcQeGIromNyh3xeT-kRg/s580/webAnnaAdam_0293_A.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="443" data-original-width="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWiddIALVexYf1o6hZP6jQGybUizZ4OnFXq5jBwtyQJoR1qrXP2R03F59kh-J2Guc6S9piuJke0bhLAfh9kSkoCzvv6RyUyJgYXy3YzgaCtmf2djcqpAdjdUNxcQeGIromNyh3xeT-kRg/s16000/webAnnaAdam_0293_A.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2cmDMNiT0-M0q9ngoyse2VZ-tTuG1zhtp81v69sNVjUJ7VJF1piDn-n_MUIB-lEKQ1IIX_wzFdYG1AnpQstZRX0AyxNKYSpMHlw4HOaPL1q5BMiMQ9-oyiXWQ_U0jLGD7vjTN-KoDuEg/s580/webpirate_backdrop.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="489" data-original-width="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2cmDMNiT0-M0q9ngoyse2VZ-tTuG1zhtp81v69sNVjUJ7VJF1piDn-n_MUIB-lEKQ1IIX_wzFdYG1AnpQstZRX0AyxNKYSpMHlw4HOaPL1q5BMiMQ9-oyiXWQ_U0jLGD7vjTN-KoDuEg/s16000/webpirate_backdrop.jpg" /></a></div><p></p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612800215931127018.post-40161806299080821702021-01-31T13:38:00.007-08:002021-02-03T11:02:20.909-08:00DIY Ombre Valentine Pompom Wreath<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU3zzntqY5rYhBeDxNpjpodDoHALHB6Pgu5371cv3u-AeVeKwEyvA-13HQfiyYVQHMZX-c_cOnS9Y0eAo0Vh1P-ss5OrLAvA5fZi8wpEgrSr_RWLoWHDBPM2hS42sbiZplc4wSsCKCdzA/s864/ValentinesDayWreathDecoration_1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><br /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P9t6ifc5mcI/YBclHGp4buI/AAAAAAAArf0/9XTKr448MYA-WyOcGMdE-pd6jbtsC4z9ACPcBGAsYHg/s737/ValentinesDayWreathDecoration_1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="737" data-original-width="580" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P9t6ifc5mcI/YBclHGp4buI/AAAAAAAArf0/9XTKr448MYA-WyOcGMdE-pd6jbtsC4z9ACPcBGAsYHg/s16000/ValentinesDayWreathDecoration_1.jpg" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AV9EDjxnvK4/YBclQC52EPI/AAAAAAAArf4/u_HU4Orc95kMIUSHoG2n0Ni1CkyUzAfdACPcBGAsYHg/s734/ValentinesDayWreathDecoration_2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="734" data-original-width="580" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AV9EDjxnvK4/YBclQC52EPI/AAAAAAAArf4/u_HU4Orc95kMIUSHoG2n0Ni1CkyUzAfdACPcBGAsYHg/s16000/ValentinesDayWreathDecoration_2.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />With all this extra time at home we have these days I thought I'd let the creative juices flow and come up with my own unique ombre Valentine’s Day Pompom wreath design! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In my closet I have a bunch of wreath forms left over from the dollar store, Additionally, I have a friend who, having just acquired a few bags full of yarn was also looking for some way to use up her supply. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So we got together on Zoom, we started crafting!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here are the supplies you will need for your ombre Valentine pompom wreath:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uhim7UMSrq0/YBclYYXp_eI/AAAAAAAArf8/hRJdKrBH89Me_e9WheDnlApZh6wfhEy_gCPcBGAsYHg/s580/ValentinesDayWreathDecoration_3.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="548" data-original-width="580" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uhim7UMSrq0/YBclYYXp_eI/AAAAAAAArf8/hRJdKrBH89Me_e9WheDnlApZh6wfhEy_gCPcBGAsYHg/s16000/ValentinesDayWreathDecoration_3.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">– 10 inch wreath form (most dollar stores carry these. Yes, mine is cut in half like a bagel—it was my genius penny pinching idea to get more forms for less.) The finished wreath will be around 13 or 14 inches in diameter. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">– Red felt (Spend a little more for the good thick stuff.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">– Three skeins of yarn for making pompoms (medium pink, light pink, cream)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">– 1.8 inch pompom maker, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KYJGS2M/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank">I bought mine on Amazon here.</a> Four sizes are included in the box.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">– Wooden house ornament (The one I used came from <a href="https://www.worldmarket.com/product/wood+snowy+nordic+house+ornaments+set+of+3.do?sortby=ourPicks&from=Search" target="_blank">World Market</a> but is now sold out. However I have done a search for other options and styles and will include links to those at the end of this post.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">– Hot glue and gun</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">– Scissors</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">– Pink sewing floss and needle</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">– Corsage pins (optional, and I’ll explain why in step five of the directions)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WtEGdeShspQ/YBcruCX4nuI/AAAAAAAArhA/yKhk3obzB8M4wXss-zH1l4L7wjSLlRSBgCPcBGAsYHg/s740/ValentinesDayWreathDecoration_9.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="740" data-original-width="580" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WtEGdeShspQ/YBcruCX4nuI/AAAAAAAArhA/yKhk3obzB8M4wXss-zH1l4L7wjSLlRSBgCPcBGAsYHg/s16000/ValentinesDayWreathDecoration_9.jpg" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">FIRST</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You’ll want to start crafting those cute soft pompoms with a 1.8 inch pompom maker as soon as possible. Pick your favorite show to set up in front of and get to wrapping, tying, clipping and shaping! You will need about:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">15 medium pink pompoms</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">6 transition from medium to light pink pompoms (just alternate the colors you are using as you are wrapping. For mine, I wrapped one side half way with medium pink, then finished with light pink. And then for the other half I reversed the order in which I used the colors.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">15 light pink pompoms</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">6 transition from light pink to cream pompoms</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">15 cream pompoms</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Note: you CAN skip making the transition pompoms, but I think they go a long way to helping the ombre effect look more smooth.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">SECOND</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Using your hot glue, begin attaching the pompoms. It’s easier to put the glue on the wreath form and then attach pompom. Glue a pompom on either side of the form and one in the middle and don’t be afraid to snuggle them right up against each other.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcicwM_9Ts4PDgIBhn3K5-ungvn7ek9TKbB0hiDPVPaDI-FbrwybbCWATwMGqXeyw0SvclToKrdOXigCKgsA82rAXHRtf0rh5z8L1-l7TP-m5e5_BAMutfQ2JPc_OAbmXuBvUYBEkVlaw/s630/ValentinesDayWreathDecoration_5.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcicwM_9Ts4PDgIBhn3K5-ungvn7ek9TKbB0hiDPVPaDI-FbrwybbCWATwMGqXeyw0SvclToKrdOXigCKgsA82rAXHRtf0rh5z8L1-l7TP-m5e5_BAMutfQ2JPc_OAbmXuBvUYBEkVlaw/s16000/ValentinesDayWreathDecoration_5.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Start with either your lightest color or your darkest. When you are ready to attach your transition colors you will then start working from side to side of the form. The right side gets three transition colors, and then the left side gets three. Then, move on to the middle solid color, still working back and forth from side to side so everything stays even.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">THIRD</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Cut out multiple size hearts out of your felt, the example shows 13. And now that your wreath is assembled you can more easily see what size hearts you want make. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">FOURTH</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Using your needle and floss, stitch around the edges of each heart. Use an overcast or whip stitch. This will give them a finished look.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWY8KwXca4ZHIDsNXL6O3cV4gwp7tVwUx9jmGdSuSlU60vJ68bOe2UcMml2C5YkJoG2MDtyOroyHoglmuwHfAaSCrJbuEGev01p5P32pNNdIiogUza9chtW92IW2gIkRJeRJg1FSnQvUk/s774/ValentinesDayWreathDecoration_6.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="774" data-original-width="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWY8KwXca4ZHIDsNXL6O3cV4gwp7tVwUx9jmGdSuSlU60vJ68bOe2UcMml2C5YkJoG2MDtyOroyHoglmuwHfAaSCrJbuEGev01p5P32pNNdIiogUza9chtW92IW2gIkRJeRJg1FSnQvUk/s16000/ValentinesDayWreathDecoration_6.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">*FIFTH</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Get ready to attach your hearts. Lay them out on the wreath to see how you would like them to look and where you would like them to rest. Notice amongst the large bunch of hearts above the house, that the bottom tips of the hearts point toward the house chimney. This is because I want them to seem as if they coming up out of the chimney. You can either glue them directly onto the wreath/pompoms OR you can try the following suggestion:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">*Put a dab of hot glue on the back of a heart and place a corsage pin directly on top of it pointing up. (Corsage pins are longer than sewing pins.) When the glue is no longer hot, you can now push the hearts into the pompoms and turn them however you like. I personally like this option because first, I wanted more room to play with the placement of the hearts AFTER the wreath was done AND I like that the hearts almost seem like they are gently resting atop the pompoms instead of firmly pushed and glued into them. Does that make sense?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJQlYgChr4Aio-rsqJkuNxO_tiXzhdQ9ioR-2tsoPjiLc8M2qkMTqcqmNIHa4iWjSoGaFoMTGjWw0jmGH-erhO3rsSAZ7FbbrQaE-b7fMvFK5Op5_Fxnl5vG-QEZiwAaFDitbFke97puQ/s712/ValentinesDayWreathDecoration_7.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="712" data-original-width="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJQlYgChr4Aio-rsqJkuNxO_tiXzhdQ9ioR-2tsoPjiLc8M2qkMTqcqmNIHa4iWjSoGaFoMTGjWw0jmGH-erhO3rsSAZ7FbbrQaE-b7fMvFK5Op5_Fxnl5vG-QEZiwAaFDitbFke97puQ/s16000/ValentinesDayWreathDecoration_7.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">SIXTH</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Figure out how you would like your little house to sit. Do you want it to be seen straight on as in the example? Or perhaps sitting at an angle? (Which I wish I had done now that I’ve been looking at it for a few days.) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Trim down the pompoms the house will be sitting on so they are flat. Now the house can sit firmly and straight. Glue it down and your done with your ombre Valentine’s Day wreath!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh74J5mIklinCsnZle6rny9AkUfikRTvzVt7zFm81PziYmlyFSgzOOiJB1YWJifK7d0xmlKxsjruQ085EX1EqyxaIMzf9vgdEKPmWq_JWlBqsRBe0g8y5YgvaPPqispoP4LZbxaKHyRsoE/s745/ValentinesDayWreathDecoration_8b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="745" data-original-width="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh74J5mIklinCsnZle6rny9AkUfikRTvzVt7zFm81PziYmlyFSgzOOiJB1YWJifK7d0xmlKxsjruQ085EX1EqyxaIMzf9vgdEKPmWq_JWlBqsRBe0g8y5YgvaPPqispoP4LZbxaKHyRsoE/s16000/ValentinesDayWreathDecoration_8b.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Don’t forget to attach a ribbon or a loop to the back and it’s ready to hang! I hope you enjoy this ombre pompom Valentine’s Day craft project.<div><br /></div><div>Links to little houses for the wreath:</div><div>TINSKY wooden lighted house on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Tinksky-Christmas-Lighted-Ornament-Decoration/dp/B0779CXZXJ/ref=asc_df_B0779CXZXJ/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=394567156453&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10997273175487391687&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9027285&hvtargid=pla-841503569902&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=87320095372&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=394567156453&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10997273175487391687&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9027285&hvtargid=pla-841503569902">Amazon</a></div><div>Little wooden houses on Etsy from<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/922341264/little-wooden-housesfarmhouse?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=little+wooden+houses&ref=sr_gallery-1-14&organic_search_click=1" target="_blank"> LFRustics</a></div><div>Simple house silhouette on Etsy from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/540670254/blank-house-shaped-christmas-ornament?gpla=1&gao=1&&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_us_christmas_Craft_Supplies_and_Tools&utm_custom1=_k_Cj0KCQiAx9mABhD0ARIsAEfpavS71nsFOeo3KOm1mvC_2-HYgW9-zyw5v13dCG-weDaSFj_kEAE2ujEaAkGsEALw_wcB_k_&utm_content=go_1707294370_69268674929_331635229818_pla-295462056867_c__540670254_117893276&utm_custom2=1707294370&gclid=Cj0KCQiAx9mABhD0ARIsAEfpavS71nsFOeo3KOm1mvC_2-HYgW9-zyw5v13dCG-weDaSFj_kEAE2ujEaAkGsEALw_wcB" target="_blank">Bison Coating Supply</a> </div><div><span style="color: black;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Small cottages on Etsy from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/859669054/small-cottages-decoration-little-houses?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=little+wooden+houses&ref=sr_gallery-1-20&organic_search_click=1&cns=1&col=1" target="_blank">PaintingsbyElena</a></span></span></div><div><span style="color: black;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="color: black;">Hand painted block houses on Etsy from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/825384187/set-of-6-hand-painted-wooden-village?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=little+wooden+houses&ref=sr_gallery-1-38&organic_search_click=1" target="_blank">ANAMARKOkids</a></span></span></span></div><div><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">If you want to purchase a plain block house and paint it yourself, there are several vendors on Etsy, just do a quick search under “little wooden houses” and many options will come up. You also have the option of creating your own out of chipboard or construction paper and it could be really quite lovely!</span></span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612800215931127018.post-46288382744566890082020-11-11T17:29:00.012-08:002020-11-20T11:09:03.426-08:00Cute and Easy DIY Holiday Advent Calendar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cK1FtTu_Ae8/X6yBhBWPAOI/AAAAAAAAptI/6-wXanB7z9ISqF9crOXezAx2sK1A19NzACPcBGAsYHg/s934/DIY_advent_calendar_free_easy_pattern.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cute and Easy DIY Advent Calendar" border="0" data-original-height="934" data-original-width="580" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cK1FtTu_Ae8/X6yBhBWPAOI/AAAAAAAAptI/6-wXanB7z9ISqF9crOXezAx2sK1A19NzACPcBGAsYHg/s16000/DIY_advent_calendar_free_easy_pattern.jpg" /></a></div><p>This advent calendar craft project works well if you have scraps of pretty Christmas paper that need to be used up. Or if you just want a reason to purchase a pad of colorful holiday patterned paper, this is an easy, DIY holiday craft project to fill your afternoon. (Or get together with your friends and have a craft night!)</p><p>You will need the following supplies:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm3Fb6VD-oilFoEXSKQOvT9_xehQ5fWzYiaCV9PHyzwqDk6J1iOIv0nYm2pOHms2umdOsMGbeBGrC1QKl1iUPM9fLygkDE1X11GdxbM27BxHJO0KvJEMWTjUv85kNvDbIM3vCePDvMgS4/s615/2_easy_DIY_tutorial_advent_calendar_cheap.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm3Fb6VD-oilFoEXSKQOvT9_xehQ5fWzYiaCV9PHyzwqDk6J1iOIv0nYm2pOHms2umdOsMGbeBGrC1QKl1iUPM9fLygkDE1X11GdxbM27BxHJO0KvJEMWTjUv85kNvDbIM3vCePDvMgS4/s16000/2_easy_DIY_tutorial_advent_calendar_cheap.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p>• Twenty-five 2x2x2 inch party favor boxes. (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/AWELL-Kraft-Candy-inches-Ribbon/dp/B078W6PGH4?pd_rd_w=HBWam&pf_rd_p=a92e0124-cfa8-4f1e-82b5-a4a348d97008&pf_rd_r=ATTW8SWBZT5AFMRXVJBG&pd_rd_r=e1fe9fe6-ee62-4175-8349-705d0b87ba3c&pd_rd_wg=ImjMt&pd_rd_i=B078W6PGH4&ref_=pd_bap_d_rp_1_29_i" target="_blank">I found mine here,</a> in a pack of 50—some for you AND a friend—and there are color options if you don’t prefer the Kraft color.) </p><p>• Elmers or similar glue.</p><p>• Rubber cement (not necessary but I prefer to use it when I want to avoid wrinkling.)</p><p>• Clear wrapping tape or other.</p><p>• Scissors and/or Exacto knife.</p><p>• Fancy bakers twine (can be found at most craft stores.)</p><p>• 5 different sheets of pretty holiday patterned paper.</p><p>• Numbers on squares printed on cardstock. <a href="https://indd.adobe.com/view/176f9107-0558-4524-8954-f4a055e8e899" target="_blank">Click or tap here for the free printable file</a>.</p><p>• Black cardstock (you don’t need much, a scrap piece will do.)</p><p>• Something to put in the boxes.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zSBO2Tx84iw/X6yFnw4ZSCI/AAAAAAAApt4/5WuBhQWOrxwApbiaCu1VCIlIqEit1CYlQCPcBGAsYHg/s684/2_DIY_adventcalendar_easy_free_tutorial_cheap.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="580" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zSBO2Tx84iw/X6yFnw4ZSCI/AAAAAAAApt4/5WuBhQWOrxwApbiaCu1VCIlIqEit1CYlQCPcBGAsYHg/s16000/2_DIY_adventcalendar_easy_free_tutorial_cheap.jpg" /></a></div><p>1. Print the sheet with numbers on cardstock and cut them out. Here is<a href="https://indd.adobe.com/view/176f9107-0558-4524-8954-f4a055e8e899" target="_blank"> the free printable file</a>. (You’ll notice there are two pages to print. The second, is for step 2.)</p><p>2. Print the sheet with the cut marks on the back of all your patterned paper. Cut them out. If you have five different patterns, you’ll need to cut five squares out of each.</p><p>3. Lay out all your patterned squares in whatever arrangement is most pleasing to you (as seen above) and start glueing the numbers to them. This is where I like to use the rubber cement. </p><p><i>TIP: If you brush rubber cement on BOTH surfaces that will be sticking to one another, let them dry, and then put them together, you won’t get any wrinkling. AND you can simply rub off any excess making it easy to get each edge and each corner totally glued down.</i></p><p>4. Now you can glue all your squares to the lid of each box. Again, I used rubber cement for this part.</p><p>5. Cut a 1 inch strip of your black paper. Then slice the strip into “tabs” as seen below, a little larger than 1/4 of an inch wide. You could skip this part, but I don’t recommend it. The tabs help get the lids open because they interlock with the side flaps making them difficult to open when the advent calendar is completely assembled.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L7WWxt7v0xE/X6yHKZkzjJI/AAAAAAAApuE/aI7HJIKJONEgrwx8S_CcaSQr7ZvBdIuuQCPcBGAsYHg/s616/4_adventcalendar_mini_boxes_easy_tutorial_DIY.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="616" data-original-width="580" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L7WWxt7v0xE/X6yHKZkzjJI/AAAAAAAApuE/aI7HJIKJONEgrwx8S_CcaSQr7ZvBdIuuQCPcBGAsYHg/s16000/4_adventcalendar_mini_boxes_easy_tutorial_DIY.jpg" /></a></div><p>6. Using Elmers glue, attach each little black tab to the lip of the lid as seen above. I used the white glue here because it has a strong bond once dry.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fs4Ixd5a6O8/X6yIw39ZdbI/AAAAAAAApuQ/K7e5VzR9rN401LR9EuuiUxsdGvUHhF6YgCPcBGAsYHg/s580/5_easy_advent_calendar_with_little_boxes.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="561" data-original-width="580" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fs4Ixd5a6O8/X6yIw39ZdbI/AAAAAAAApuQ/K7e5VzR9rN401LR9EuuiUxsdGvUHhF6YgCPcBGAsYHg/s16000/5_easy_advent_calendar_with_little_boxes.jpg" /></a></div>7. Now you need to start attaching these little gift boxes to one another. You'll find that using both glue and tape will give you the most secure, tight fit. Note: don’t use tape on the joints that will be showing on the outer edge of the final project. I also found it helpful to tape the bottoms of the boxes together too. You can use packing tape for this to get FULL coverage.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ut0Hv55gx3A/X6yIwzQpiDI/AAAAAAAApuQ/KMALV5MIgyg-Zbo4DuRmGJXmKg47KOKyQCPcBGAsYHg/s783/6b_howtomakeanadventcalendar_easy_tutorial.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="783" data-original-width="580" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ut0Hv55gx3A/X6yIwzQpiDI/AAAAAAAApuQ/KMALV5MIgyg-Zbo4DuRmGJXmKg47KOKyQCPcBGAsYHg/s16000/6b_howtomakeanadventcalendar_easy_tutorial.jpg" /></a></div><p>8. Wrap your fancy bakers twine around the whole thing. I recommend looping it around at least five times for a more pleasing look. IMPORTANT: If you're filling the advent calendar boxes with light weight items you can attach something as shown in the image below so it can be hung. </p><p>Please note: My finished piece held 2 pounds of candy and when I lifted it by the hang string, the corner boxes couldn’t hold the weight. But it still looks great laid down or leaned up against the wall.</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HbYjettXeqw/X6yJZa-PCJI/AAAAAAAApuY/FKbjtl7kZhM9f0z5zTohrUbxk-8L9lk2QCPcBGAsYHg/s759/6_free_printable_adventcalendar_DIY_simple.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="759" data-original-width="580" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HbYjettXeqw/X6yJZa-PCJI/AAAAAAAApuY/FKbjtl7kZhM9f0z5zTohrUbxk-8L9lk2QCPcBGAsYHg/s16000/6_free_printable_adventcalendar_DIY_simple.jpg" /></a></div><p>9. Now it’s time to fill your advent calendar with prizes, things to do, little notes, or candy...whatever! Then tuck those lids securely in.</p><p>If you choose to go the candy route...I highly recommend going to a bin store like WinCo or Food4Less etc. It’s an inexpensive option, and that way each box can have something different to try.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Xc_BmRJnRE/X6yLtUSz2mI/AAAAAAAApuk/vnE_1V8wCuQ44bFbO3mHzUQQyquu9qw6gCPcBGAsYHg/s728/7_DIY_adventcalendar_candy_how_to_free_tutorial.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="728" data-original-width="580" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Xc_BmRJnRE/X6yLtUSz2mI/AAAAAAAApuk/vnE_1V8wCuQ44bFbO3mHzUQQyquu9qw6gCPcBGAsYHg/s16000/7_DIY_adventcalendar_candy_how_to_free_tutorial.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">That’s it! You’re done. It’s really so simple and will turn out cute. It’s a good holiday craft project!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih5ehAQfgFW00SInJIuuvhqBPEBAYUzMa__j3f4SiLwee86cZwn-U5y_2tP9OyCJm_uZuEx8uZp0Q1vNVeAJ0l5V4XJr9ztPufYmV3mQz0zJux93S5g4urcZQ4mBreUPL05xFoG94-uEY/s704/8_candy_filled_easy_DIY_advent_calendar.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="704" data-original-width="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih5ehAQfgFW00SInJIuuvhqBPEBAYUzMa__j3f4SiLwee86cZwn-U5y_2tP9OyCJm_uZuEx8uZp0Q1vNVeAJ0l5V4XJr9ztPufYmV3mQz0zJux93S5g4urcZQ4mBreUPL05xFoG94-uEY/s16000/8_candy_filled_easy_DIY_advent_calendar.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612800215931127018.post-70422204599691659932020-06-30T14:13:00.000-07:002020-06-30T14:37:15.123-07:00Tropical Beach Birthday Cake with Candy Details<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Need an idea for a tropical beach themed birthday cake? Boom. Here you have it. It’s bright and fun, with flowers, surf boards, leis, sand, coconuts, fish and more. (It looks more complicated than it really is.) And the kids LOVED it.</div>
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If you’ve worked with fondant before, I’m confidant you’ll be able to put this cake together. Many of the fondant details need to be made ahead of time so they can dry. But really, that’s not a big deal. Just put on your favorite show while you work and enjoy a little time to be creative.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DkelB4buyc0/XvumySkpoKI/AAAAAAAAmpU/-JiwJdt1R2Y1YHlJtyP7pH1RFnlM8c-_ACPcBGAsYHg/s1600/TropicalBeachCakeIdea1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="860" data-original-width="580" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DkelB4buyc0/XvumySkpoKI/AAAAAAAAmpU/-JiwJdt1R2Y1YHlJtyP7pH1RFnlM8c-_ACPcBGAsYHg/s1600/TropicalBeachCakeIdea1.jpg" /></a></div>
Do you enjoy seeing how other artists work things out before they settle on a final piece? I do. So, I thought I’d share the original sketches I used to suss out the ideas. You can see which cake won out.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTZeuoPs3j6djEzWZFw9gOuRlyBcqsGxdUDJ6AKKMmtFV-Hhvmj5rBXRtD9h-K1CGAqG1JkHDiLBJsZCYja4JFlsMgjmVH8XMAyYSHfWV2MpqWE6BhlCwHXkZWjIlHAID9Ffo5JcSC7fk/s1600/TropicalBeachCakeIdea2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="798" data-original-width="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTZeuoPs3j6djEzWZFw9gOuRlyBcqsGxdUDJ6AKKMmtFV-Hhvmj5rBXRtD9h-K1CGAqG1JkHDiLBJsZCYja4JFlsMgjmVH8XMAyYSHfWV2MpqWE6BhlCwHXkZWjIlHAID9Ffo5JcSC7fk/s1600/TropicalBeachCakeIdea2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkPCcOp8DysBeagYTG5lZa40NqoeYtAu22Xkt_BMeIGvCw0fsLr3Mg409-rWe6XlqI3sE6EEsm7YOzWYpz13nMNlqvIRGsO0gUWzCgYxZFhQYvtXHf75Tg0B1HT2kIfkEYQ9M_nVL2LWk/s1600/TropicalBeachCakeIdea3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="594" data-original-width="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkPCcOp8DysBeagYTG5lZa40NqoeYtAu22Xkt_BMeIGvCw0fsLr3Mg409-rWe6XlqI3sE6EEsm7YOzWYpz13nMNlqvIRGsO0gUWzCgYxZFhQYvtXHf75Tg0B1HT2kIfkEYQ9M_nVL2LWk/s1600/TropicalBeachCakeIdea3.jpg" /></a></div>
Take away and use any ideas you like! I hope this fosters some ideas in YOU! Let me know how it goes. I completely enjoy the back and forth of creative sharing.<br />
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<a href="https://athousandphases.blogspot.com/search/label/Cake%20Ideas" target="_blank">Check <b>THESE</b> other cake decoration ideas out.</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612800215931127018.post-37163166851973286552020-06-29T16:50:00.000-07:002020-06-29T17:08:02.016-07:00Birdcage Blusher Veil Tutorial<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6dNiMERshRA/Xvp7oBysNEI/AAAAAAAAmn0/fx7wtFe2Rb8kVczDZkjarsvIk9cQ2l4qQCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/BirdcageBlusherVeilTutorial_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="718" data-original-width="580" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6dNiMERshRA/Xvp7oBysNEI/AAAAAAAAmn0/fx7wtFe2Rb8kVczDZkjarsvIk9cQ2l4qQCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/BirdcageBlusherVeilTutorial_1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkeVoQz7jDMrSlaspfeRC5Lops-iT8fvgYgeH1DuqWcQNNUP9S-oxP8WY6aqS4X8kPqYzscqi2fc5hkITmoNr0G_sXljaAwvf3CY5Y4Is0Rh8MjBl2YpaS1jj0dAnFXKy8ywreF7zJkFU/s1600/BirdcageBlusherVeilTutorial_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="656" data-original-width="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkeVoQz7jDMrSlaspfeRC5Lops-iT8fvgYgeH1DuqWcQNNUP9S-oxP8WY6aqS4X8kPqYzscqi2fc5hkITmoNr0G_sXljaAwvf3CY5Y4Is0Rh8MjBl2YpaS1jj0dAnFXKy8ywreF7zJkFU/s1600/BirdcageBlusherVeilTutorial_2.jpg" /></a></div>
To make your own birdcage blusher veil is quite simple! You can add your own details like a flower, or even put jewels on it. Another feature I love is how cute it is pinned up (and out of the face) for the reception as seen in the image above.<br />
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<a href="https://indd.adobe.com/view/1789527a-2964-4318-a537-56f993e88323" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJV5Aub7L1ir6_C8VAKpfBVlrFisVqTLI-Jk4zFUjcNt_z_0DOg3lslbTA_-_Xkt-_R_UDp4tQlid7hpZmC6t9HCBoKA98Z-8SrLUIyowp-EBbIm5WWQWV1OWDrYsRL9uMhnHtVElsNyU/s1600/DIYBirdcageBlusherVeil_2.jpg" /></a></div>
I’ve put together an easy to follow and simple <a href="https://indd.adobe.com/view/1789527a-2964-4318-a537-56f993e88323" target="_blank">DIY tutorial as a <b>FREE printable PDF download</b> here.</a> Print on 8.5x11 inch paper.<br />
This tutorial uses Russian veiling—which you can easily find on Etsy—but of course you can use any other type of sheer material that catches your eye.<br />
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Everything you'll need to complete this vintage wedding veil is listed in the instructions. Have fun creating!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612800215931127018.post-59121324468634988362020-06-27T14:56:00.000-07:002020-06-29T16:34:15.296-07:00Give Your Friend the Cutest Ever Baby Shower Cake<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8yxo0V-5YwA/Xve9aaW4l4I/AAAAAAAAmkw/VAsSpjhww74JruLMF5nxzx2psqjrK_RPACPcBGAsYHg/s1600/babyshowercakeidea_1w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="874" data-original-width="580" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8yxo0V-5YwA/Xve9aaW4l4I/AAAAAAAAmkw/VAsSpjhww74JruLMF5nxzx2psqjrK_RPACPcBGAsYHg/s1600/babyshowercakeidea_1w.jpg" /></a></div>
This is what I made for a friend, and would be great for a baby shower. I love that it turned out so cute and pregnant looking. Squeee! It’s adorable. Show this photo to your local cake decorators and they could whip this out pretty easily. (Hey, I’m a novice, and I did it!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_gYuTaY_ehNaKmIDkxyuMMnpkMuY7RxlfHaw08nO2_lKz8mqKUmjb0Avoc87i77tEuKjbTWASqqsM7_EacGFxU3y_7Q4cCefsfRft5vyLxte-tzzS8_fv_DanehZfvLTLPYN9TcCslkg/s1600/babyshowerpinkcakeidea_2w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="664" data-original-width="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_gYuTaY_ehNaKmIDkxyuMMnpkMuY7RxlfHaw08nO2_lKz8mqKUmjb0Avoc87i77tEuKjbTWASqqsM7_EacGFxU3y_7Q4cCefsfRft5vyLxte-tzzS8_fv_DanehZfvLTLPYN9TcCslkg/s1600/babyshowerpinkcakeidea_2w.jpg" /></a></div>
It’s always fun to see where creative ideas come from so I thought I’d share the sketch I started out with. The sketches start with a few ideas I think I can pull off, based on what ingredients and supplies I have on hand. Below is where I thought I might take the design:<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-efeZCGM2428/Xve9aU7sMeI/AAAAAAAAmkw/hhhjlQjCLRIDmCs35tGf0VFBADCELQpxwCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/babyshowercakeideasketch_3w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="368" data-original-width="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-efeZCGM2428/Xve9aU7sMeI/AAAAAAAAmkw/hhhjlQjCLRIDmCs35tGf0VFBADCELQpxwCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/babyshowercakeideasketch_3w.jpg" /></a></div>
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See how the final didn’t match my drawing? No biggie! It happens quite often during the creative process—a better idea reveals itself and you just go with the flow.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYMgEWoPMZm-cJYa39YdZ866LSJQnwZ2fO2B5EquhyphenhyphenDXCfC6-US-OzyWiNE9eG20K6DnlbIfpf5nRKf5-DsWxdbAd2hHlJABJOXwPZSQAmh7p7BVVQyjCCi-_8x5dGxNaqwSJk4-jzOkA/s1600/babyshowerchocolatecakeidea_4w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="865" data-original-width="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYMgEWoPMZm-cJYa39YdZ866LSJQnwZ2fO2B5EquhyphenhyphenDXCfC6-US-OzyWiNE9eG20K6DnlbIfpf5nRKf5-DsWxdbAd2hHlJABJOXwPZSQAmh7p7BVVQyjCCi-_8x5dGxNaqwSJk4-jzOkA/s1600/babyshowerchocolatecakeidea_4w.jpg" /></a></div>
The cake itself was Hershey's Deep Dark Chocolate Cake, with a chocolate ganache and strawberry preserve filling. This chocolate cake is my go-to. It’s moist and rich, and I’ve never had any problems with the recipe. <a href="https://www.hersheys.com/kitchens/en_ca/recipes/deep-dark-chocolate-cake-recipe.html" target="_blank">You can find it here.</a> (This is NOT an ad nor an affiliated link, I just really love the flavor of this cake.)<br />
<a href="https://athousandphases.blogspot.com/search/label/Cake%20Ideas" target="_blank">More cake decorating ideas can be found here.</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612800215931127018.post-83524137503899906842020-06-26T14:17:00.002-07:002020-06-27T13:41:24.225-07:00The Wide Awake Monster, a Free Plush PatternThis one eyed monster plush pattern is FREE! The sewing instructions are clear and easy enough for the beginner sewer to follow. Little kids love how colorful this plush is and it's a great way to use up some of those scraps and makes a good gift too.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gs0wiHqwprU/XvZkllSZrkI/AAAAAAAAmjM/8Yt5OA8rAEsIAKPnwxYcy-Pgtei9CVEaACPcBGAsYHg/s1600/FreeMonsterPlushSewingPattern_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="852" data-original-width="550" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gs0wiHqwprU/XvZkllSZrkI/AAAAAAAAmjM/8Yt5OA8rAEsIAKPnwxYcy-Pgtei9CVEaACPcBGAsYHg/s1600/FreeMonsterPlushSewingPattern_web.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>ABOUT WIDE AWAKE MONSTER</b><br />
This little monster has his pajamas on and is ready for bed. But the monster never sleeps, he keeps an eye open to watch for the scary monsters all night long.<br />
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<b>THE BACK STORY</b><br />
I used to make and sell these super soft and fun monsters on Etsy, but that has run its course. So, I thought why not make the pattern available? Waste not right? Please enjoy!<br />
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<a href="https://indd.adobe.com/view/4d8451e3-ea64-4c23-a034-d9866811b55f" target="_blank"><b>CLICK HERE</b></a> for the full free pdf pattern.<br />
For more free sewing patterns <a href="https://athousandphases.blogspot.com/search/label/Free%20Sewing%20Patterns" target="_blank"><b>CLICK HERE</b></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612800215931127018.post-72832988576784038272020-06-25T13:43:00.002-07:002021-02-01T14:32:27.794-08:00Little Owl, A Simple Sewing PatternThis little plush owl is SO CUTE! It’s VERY easy to make and the sewing directions are VERY clear and also FREE! A novice sewer could easily figure out make this soft little friend.<br />
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You could make it in any color too! Brown, black, etc. Also, the wings would be a fun way to use up any scraps you may have lying about.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVMHTwQPtddcGDkvLNrooUwbB_yPg3Wg61oP8y3qjLlZWNjsuWcSzkAR6coOwJyKVg-rFLMfvFg3WTUy-OvB2UY06ijOQQ8sN6KG2gcuTFE_UgRCaC61k8Z9KLPB-SCaHLijbDZCx1ab8/s1600/web_OwlPattern.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="712" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVMHTwQPtddcGDkvLNrooUwbB_yPg3Wg61oP8y3qjLlZWNjsuWcSzkAR6coOwJyKVg-rFLMfvFg3WTUy-OvB2UY06ijOQQ8sN6KG2gcuTFE_UgRCaC61k8Z9KLPB-SCaHLijbDZCx1ab8/s1600/web_OwlPattern.jpg" /></a></div>
<b>BACK STORY</b><br />
I used to make and sell these plushies online as a creative outlet (to get me off the computer, I’m a graphic designer by day.) But that particular business has run its course so I wanted to offer the patterns to you for free. Waste not right?<br />
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<b><a href="https://indd.adobe.com/view/64889194-6265-4547-a6d3-d79b7e9e39cd" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a> </b>for the free pdf pattern.<br />
For more free sewing patterns <b><a href="https://athousandphases.blogspot.com/search/label/Free%20Sewing%20Patterns" target="_blank">CLICK HERE.</a></b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612800215931127018.post-22820757946475599122020-06-23T16:10:00.000-07:002020-06-30T14:34:30.968-07:00Melt and Pour Soapmaking Service Activity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Someone had donated A TON of plastic easter eggs to our church. So for a Relief Society (a women’s church group) activity, we decided to use the eggs as molds to make soaps to donate to a local women’s shelter.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kZ5VFZcQCk0/XvKMElGVAhI/AAAAAAAAmeE/ld9q--ubHi073n96MLPv6pu5Tw5iXqUqwCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/web1MeltandPourSoap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1249" data-original-width="550" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kZ5VFZcQCk0/XvKMElGVAhI/AAAAAAAAmeE/ld9q--ubHi073n96MLPv6pu5Tw5iXqUqwCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/web1MeltandPourSoap.jpg" /></a></div>
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The church budget covered the soap and supplies, all found at Michaels—don’t forget to use coupons— but we did encourage the ladies to bring their own “additives” such as herbs, lemon peel, or cinnamon and ground oatmeal, basically whatever they wanted. We had a good time.<br />
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Melt and pour soaps are the way to go for first time soap makers—which we ALL were. It was so EASY. I’m not going to run you through a tutorial as there are MANY online, and written by more experienced soap makers than me.<br />
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I want to encourage you not to shy away from this type of activity. If we could do it, so can you and your group and you’ll enjoy the evening.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJdDSW15a5m1ekWIVSSdRLikV9bMVPEx5YICDv6g0jzeYrdc_Cb4LIImJVvR0V2G9FZJt0zcbcaweRMUS2FY8Uov5e5nEWaIeYHnoW1WN6DLwlk-p6Be-uYwmiZNTSZL_4XFPnDWSn04Y/s1600/web2MeltandPourSoap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1076" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJdDSW15a5m1ekWIVSSdRLikV9bMVPEx5YICDv6g0jzeYrdc_Cb4LIImJVvR0V2G9FZJt0zcbcaweRMUS2FY8Uov5e5nEWaIeYHnoW1WN6DLwlk-p6Be-uYwmiZNTSZL_4XFPnDWSn04Y/s1600/web2MeltandPourSoap.jpg" /></a></div>
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I created labels to be tied to each soap. On the back we wrote the scent so the women at the shelter could pick a favorite.</div>
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If you <a href="https://indd.adobe.com/view/3c07fe61-5552-4946-9b46-5fc6f6a3cd64" target="_blank">CLICK HERE,</a><a href="https://indd.adobe.com/view/3c07fe61-5552-4946-9b46-5fc6f6a3cd64" target="_blank"> </a>you’ll be able to download and print the file for the tags. </div>
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File Notes:</div>
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1. There are two kinds of soap tags, goat milk glycerin, and plain glycerin. Use the sheet that matches which soaps you made. </div>
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2. Cut marks have been included in the files.</div>
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3. Print the pattern on the back of the tag sheet.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_vglUdj8KpaEA4aQL1bshbwjWMb6XLtkZLR6rRIyhLWu7PvRP1R_WufXZS0mKrd16K-YabJhL8dbVVDPG77RJWELXGXk747lW8yvMnF1O16pdad-IRUGFii31wyFm5FJHYH6zs-lBgA/s1600/webACS_0076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="642" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_vglUdj8KpaEA4aQL1bshbwjWMb6XLtkZLR6rRIyhLWu7PvRP1R_WufXZS0mKrd16K-YabJhL8dbVVDPG77RJWELXGXk747lW8yvMnF1O16pdad-IRUGFii31wyFm5FJHYH6zs-lBgA/s1600/webACS_0076.jpg" /></a></div>
<b>QUICK "HOW TO" REFERENCE </b><br />
1. Drill a hole in the egg form.<br />
2. If the additives are larger than the hole, put them inside before closing the egg.<br />
3. Close the egg and tape around the seam so the hot soap won’t leak out.<br />
4. Pour some hot soap into a little cup and mix in the scent, coloring and additives.<br />
5. Pour the mixture into the egg form and allow to cool. Preferably overnight.<br />
DON’T FORGET TO WRITE THE SCENT ON THE MOLD.<br />
6. Getting the soap out of the molds was a little difficult. I found it helpful to wrap a warm rag around each egg to melt the soap slightly. Some soap makers suggest using some kind of spray on the form for an easier release. (What you can use without ruining the soap depends on the type of soap, you’ll have to do a little google search for that information but it’s easy to find.)<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uYtL44c-hew/XvKCLBwgIoI/AAAAAAAAmdI/Enw1U42xXpIcUritb-lsVZ0SgE9E7FL5wCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/webIMG_1644copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="666" data-original-width="550" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uYtL44c-hew/XvKCLBwgIoI/AAAAAAAAmdI/Enw1U42xXpIcUritb-lsVZ0SgE9E7FL5wCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/webIMG_1644copy.jpg" /></a></div>
Above: Vanilla Cinnamon Oatmeal. This one was my favorite. It smelled heavenly!<br />
If you choose to do this as a group activity, have fun!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612800215931127018.post-17735468222528156122020-06-17T15:05:00.000-07:002020-06-27T16:18:19.111-07:00How to Throw a Well Attended Relief Society Activity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-540VEcOejAo/XuqQ_W6QzWI/AAAAAAAAmT8/2CronzZNWzcxdKSNuVNTN-ifm_5wBWYogCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/web_YourMomsRSActivity_thousand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1388" data-original-width="550" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-540VEcOejAo/XuqQ_W6QzWI/AAAAAAAAmT8/2CronzZNWzcxdKSNuVNTN-ifm_5wBWYogCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/web_YourMomsRSActivity_thousand.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>THE PURPOSE:</b></div>
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<b>To encourage actual research and discovery of family history</b></div>
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Ask each woman to go into her personal family history (either on familysearch.org or other) and trace her mother’s line <i><b>back</b></i> <b><i>as far as she can go,</i></b> following her mother’s mother’s mother’s, mother's... mother etc. Once she’s found the name, come prepared to share something about that woman.</div>
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<i>We did this in May, it felt appropriate for Mother’s Day month. But really, you could do this any time of the year.</i></div>
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<b>IDEAS FOR SHARING:</b></div>
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<b>(Keep it under 3 minutes per share.) </b></div>
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It can be a photo of what she might have worn, or food she might have eaten, or world events that might have had an impact on her etc. A sister might even discover an interesting story attached to that ancestors name and could briefly share it.</div>
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<b>TORTILLAS</b></div>
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<b>What do pictures of tortillas have </b><b>to do with anything?</b></div>
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I discovered my great grandmother (7 generations back) lived in Norway.</div>
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After a tiny bit of research I discovered she would have eaten a lot of Norwegian Potato Lefse in the 1800s. So I found a recipe for it, prepared some and brought it to share. Lefse is very similar to tortillas. I was surprised how making these me feel close to my great (times 7 ) grandmother as I cooked, I imagined her doing everything I was doing only many, many years ago.</div>
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<b>THOUGHTS</b></div>
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<b>On why this activity was so well attended:</b></div>
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1. People like to talk about themselves and family. </div>
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2. It was a unique challenge and fun spin on what usually seems like a tedious and daunting task (family history work). </div>
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3. It’s exciting to discover new things and then to be provided with an opportunity to share those discoveries with other people.</div>
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4. I've noticed “participation” activities ALWAYS have better attendance.</div>
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Please enjoy this activity. This one brought me great pleasure to attend and to help plan. And we got good feedback from the sisters as well.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612800215931127018.post-8939048495374444082020-06-17T13:30:00.001-07:002020-06-25T14:03:00.670-07:00No Rules Pinewood Derby<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Looking for a ward activity idea? Or one for multiple families? Try a No Rules Pinewood Derby!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQqbH6Wpeu5gx4yckmgkJ0muDXGApkOYIUHGkyk9-VYpyC8Er8bnFgFmmU-T0k0h2auBF7ogG-CGbAdRdA1xgo3zIz1_xrvOtsmcyU3Ss8oNM1aXZthP_YeqzTPIfE0Y8Mb-TBetqsUYU/s1600/web_athousandphases_pinewood1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="830" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQqbH6Wpeu5gx4yckmgkJ0muDXGApkOYIUHGkyk9-VYpyC8Er8bnFgFmmU-T0k0h2auBF7ogG-CGbAdRdA1xgo3zIz1_xrvOtsmcyU3Ss8oNM1aXZthP_YeqzTPIfE0Y8Mb-TBetqsUYU/s1600/web_athousandphases_pinewood1.jpg" /></a></div>
We’ve done this at church for the past three years and it’s been hit every time. The ward budget covers the cost of the car kits and families sign up for one. Then, anything goes! They can choose to use all or none of the pieces in the kit and add their own twist because there’s NO WEIGH IN.<br />
What about how much time it takes for every car to race every car? We don’t do that. What a relief right? I’ll talk about that in a sec.<br />
But first here’s some answers to FAQ:<br />
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Can you add all the weight you want? Yes.<br />
Can you build it out of all metal? Yes.<br />
Can you roll a brick down the ramp??? Yes! as long as it doesn’t damage the track or impede an opponents car. (We had a family do this.)<br />
Can you put a remote controlled engine on it? Yes!<br />
There are only a few rules necessary which I’ve outlined below.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j0PN3EW6Z7Y/Xup4yvsgBQI/AAAAAAAAmTc/jti5-18VyUEBT3OgZUm21xJGoE_KtAu7QCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/web_athousandphases_pinewood1B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="646" data-original-width="550" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j0PN3EW6Z7Y/Xup4yvsgBQI/AAAAAAAAmTc/jti5-18VyUEBT3OgZUm21xJGoE_KtAu7QCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/web_athousandphases_pinewood1B.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC_692r5fCluLLX90IDOcnIrH0QDTADCuVROVYJOZ06tyVNVYuqcHx16oqtTNck62964sZ7MNXnN1_EgRiL59Rw7XNPElzNkMWiDLOwNDRTBQQ8AFv44b8wtmHbXUyPsAsb-x28niqUzI/s1600/web_athousandphases_pinewood2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1113" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC_692r5fCluLLX90IDOcnIrH0QDTADCuVROVYJOZ06tyVNVYuqcHx16oqtTNck62964sZ7MNXnN1_EgRiL59Rw7XNPElzNkMWiDLOwNDRTBQQ8AFv44b8wtmHbXUyPsAsb-x28niqUzI/s1600/web_athousandphases_pinewood2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>HOW PLAY WORKS</b><br />
You will find that you’ll need two categories:<br />
1. Gravity driven cars.<br />
2. Power driven cars.<br />
(It’s more fun and fair this way.)<br />
Save the power driven car races for last. They can be the most exciting and it’s fun to end with a grand finale.<br />
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Have each team pick a name for their car, write it down on a piece of paper and enter it into the appropriate category. We had a bowl for each category.<br />
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Next your MC (pick someone who’s funny and isn’t shy) will take the Gravity Driven bowl and draw three names at random and call them out. We were in a church gym so a microphone was very helpful.<br />
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After those three cars, the MC draws three more names. Keep play going until the bowl is empty.<br />
Then, throw all the names back in again, mix it up and start over. About three rounds of this is perfect.<br />
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After doing this for both categories the fun gets ramped up even more.<br />
NEXT have the MC open up the floor to callouts. Players get to call out any other cars they want to race. This goes on until the evening is over.<br />
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We’ve had NO TEARS, and no complaints over fairness etc. This NEVER feels like a serious competition and there are no prizes. We’re all there for the fun. So if you have bad childhood memories of your pinewood derbys...no worries! This is nothing like it!<br />
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<b>SUGGESTED</b><br />
Include a potluck or treats. We had a tailgate themed potluck one year and a fourth of July breakfast another year.<br />
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The kids LOVE LOVE LOVE this activity. The adults get a kick out of it too. I like it because it’s so inclusive. Families with kids, singles, and couples without children all have fun. And I always enjoy seeing what everybody has built and “oohing, and ahhhing” over all their hard work. Each year the cars get more creative as people see what’s possible.<br />
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If you choose to do this, have fun!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612800215931127018.post-68255570065042877892020-06-15T15:05:00.003-07:002021-12-02T13:40:25.623-08:00The Towel: A Small Budget Relief Society Gift<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This was a thoughtful gift handed out to the women at church for Mother’s Day and I’ve also seen it done with a Christmas towel / theme as well. It’s an idea worth sharing since it’s simple and costs very little.<br />
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Copy and paste the thoughtful words below into a document with a graphic of your choosing. (I can’t give you the one seen here because the rights to the illustration don’t belong to me.) This was printed on half of an 8.5 x 11 sheet. And tied up neatly with the towel.<br />
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<i>"At first glance it is easy to look at a towel as a most ordinary object. Have you ever stopped to think that for thousands of years, the towel has been used for many wonderful purposes? For example, the mother who wipes the tears of a child, the physician who binds the wounds of a patient, or the woman in her home wiping her hands as she moves from task to task.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Perhaps the most significant use of the towel happened over two thousand years ago when our Savior, only hours before He hung on the cross, took an ordinary towel in His loving hands and dried the feet of His disciples. This simple, loving act personifies the selflessness and loving service we seek to give during our lives. It illustrates that an ordinary thing like a towel, in the right hands, and with a giving heart, can lighten another’s load. As with every action performed by the Savior on this Earth, His act of service reminds us that simple day-to-day-kindnesses are the Savior’s way to bless and comfort.</i><br />
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<i>This towel is given with love and with the hope you will do works of goodness with it as the Savior did so many years ago."</i><br />
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Note: This thought has been shared so often online, I can’t find the original author. If you know who it is, please notify me, I’d like to give proper credit.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612800215931127018.post-7041053111160427962015-11-20T16:42:00.001-08:002019-07-12T11:25:57.602-07:00An Evening in Excellence Tea Party: Alice in WonderlandOur Laurels were in charge of coming up with a theme this year. They chose Alice in Wonderland—so I went on the search for a way to tie it into personal progress and found this quote by President Monson:<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<i style="background-color: white; color: #5a5a66; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Let us not find ourselves as indecisive as Alice. You will remember that she comes to a crossroads with two paths before her, each stretching onward but in opposite directions. She is confronted by the Cheshire cat, of whom Alice asks, "Which path shall I follow"</span></i></span><br />
<i style="background-color: white; color: #5a5a66; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The cat answers, “That depends where you want to go. If you do not know where you want to go, it doesn’t matter which path you take.”<sup class="noteMarker" guid="abf4c90d-97dd-451a-916b-2a10406eafd2" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2010/10/the-three-rs-of-choice?lang=eng#7-PD50021411_000_3060" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #0091bc; font-size: 9px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">7</a></sup>Unlike Alice, we all know where we want to go, and it <span style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">does</span> matter which way we go, for by choosing our path, we choose our destination.</span></i><br />
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So there we had it, personal progress helps us choose the right path! Consequently this is the topic one of our speakers used—and we also sent it out on the invitations.<br />
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We decorated with hearts, books, and teacups hung from the ceiling to make them look like they were "falling down the rabbit hole." And one of my Laurels did the flower center pieces. She purchased white roses and actually "painted the roses red" by brushing red craft paint on them.<br />
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Also signs and arrows were posted around the room pointing in all directions. (We should have had some that listed the values, oh well.)<br />
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A second speaker used a quote from the Doorknob character above.<br />
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Food was all purchased from Costco: Muffins cut in half, Madelines, Aussie bites, Crackers and cheese, and fruit drink. We borrowed the tea pots from members of the relief society who were glad to lend them to us.<br />
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The girls had a great time! One of them told me it was her favorite Young Women in Excellence so far.<br />
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I can't share the invitation graphics with you, as I purchased them from <i>Dollar Photo Club,</i> a stock website. But at least this can give you an idea to do your own. However, I'm including a link to PDF sheets for the decorations.<br />
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She borrowed a few animals for the walls, found animal figurines at the secondhand store, and purchased cheap plaid to create a fun backdrop for photos. I'm withholding some photos here (okay, I'll show one at the end)—but you can imagine some of the pictures we got after most of the group left.<br />
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Around the room you could find mountain men photos like this. She just searched the internet for the images.<br />
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Of course prizes HAD to be deer and moose droppings (peanut chocolate clusters).<br />
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She served cornbread in a skillet and soda in old fashioned bottles.<br />
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Chili was on the menu, with some trail mix and berries.<br />
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I hope you consider throwing a party like this. It was a total hit. </div>
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Okay, okay…I'll show a little teaser of the photoshoot. I begged my hubby to put on my costume vest. This is what he did, and then I couldn't help it, I later added Dr. Pepper to the image. There are about a thousand great captions for that photo….<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtUr6WlgMmpldkfoREGTSjPDigtAFNHXZYvvG640lvuYD9ihVDkO5Y2qyFQ05PDqne24cFfq0CHWZsSQoO8asiUMu7n_-5n5YgZedzqr-QrvIY9-mEDfD5NyKgmvCCgIq4UV7FAvj6JBk/s1600/webIMG_1413_zpsf0hvhrur.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtUr6WlgMmpldkfoREGTSjPDigtAFNHXZYvvG640lvuYD9ihVDkO5Y2qyFQ05PDqne24cFfq0CHWZsSQoO8asiUMu7n_-5n5YgZedzqr-QrvIY9-mEDfD5NyKgmvCCgIq4UV7FAvj6JBk/s1600/webIMG_1413_zpsf0hvhrur.jpg" /></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612800215931127018.post-73440098089244644512014-12-16T13:00:00.000-08:002020-11-12T11:10:46.476-08:00Fa la la!Went a little crazy this year and hand made ALL my Christmas wrapping. I used some Higgins® Black Magic® Ink (watered down for a gray color) and Ikea Måla paper (from a roll) and started scribing with a paintbrush <i>Fa la la</i> on long swaths of the paper.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f1p3q8-bSQ0/XSjR02IriII/AAAAAAAAcPQ/5Giu5UQo25ESh0KiYxqDU_sTOgJWB9FbgCKgBGAs/s1600/web-paintedflalala_zps52940edd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="673" data-original-width="520" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f1p3q8-bSQ0/XSjR02IriII/AAAAAAAAcPQ/5Giu5UQo25ESh0KiYxqDU_sTOgJWB9FbgCKgBGAs/s1600/web-paintedflalala_zps52940edd.jpg" /></a></div>
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I was just going to wrap with it, but then there was enough left from which to make gift bags. (As seen on the left.) I made TWELVE of them. TWELVE. A little crazy maybe should be changed to a lot crazy.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nc6svhPgPLY/XSjSR6IP1kI/AAAAAAAAcP0/O_yAJLsj6cIR3gKwnHVHkAxjVIM2ZzRrwCKgBGAs/s1600/webIMG_0796_zps47bf127b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="520" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nc6svhPgPLY/XSjSR6IP1kI/AAAAAAAAcP0/O_yAJLsj6cIR3gKwnHVHkAxjVIM2ZzRrwCKgBGAs/s1600/webIMG_0796_zps47bf127b.jpg" /></a></div>
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And THEN I was having so much fun I scribbled MORE <i>Fa la la's</i> on some black paper with watered down white paint, to make boxes to hold some decidedly DELICIOUS and addictive <a href="http://www.mybakingaddiction.com/nutella-truffles/" target="_blank">Nutella truffles with Frangelico</a> from <i><a href="http://www.mybakingaddiction.com/" target="_blank">MyBakingAddiction</a>. </i><br />
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<i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDcfeWx2Cj_VeIYHvk-QZVVtjWaLnhvndDPqz8A7qMLy8E6wb-0C6QPfj0QE9-BU0NayeSgqXiXKljuF02qAcGjibEKWQz_e5IgFf1Us2LPWMTOwuQTE7jq-2O8w0qZ6nYkCDqKk2JZnE/s1600/web-IMG_1543_zpsb3d604dd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="543" data-original-width="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDcfeWx2Cj_VeIYHvk-QZVVtjWaLnhvndDPqz8A7qMLy8E6wb-0C6QPfj0QE9-BU0NayeSgqXiXKljuF02qAcGjibEKWQz_e5IgFf1Us2LPWMTOwuQTE7jq-2O8w0qZ6nYkCDqKk2JZnE/s1600/web-IMG_1543_zpsb3d604dd.jpg" /></a></i></div>
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Using eyelets in the lid, I strung black ribbon through it to create a loop pull. It made the perfect little container for the truffles. What a great presentation. I <a href="http://www.homemade-gifts-made-easy.com/make-your-own-gift-box-2.html" target="_blank">used this tutorial</a> to make the boxes—which I love because this method doesn't leave any crease marks in visible areas of the box.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaHuDOcfdu470SeA-rvTXKkPZJzvDijVr0Wp3heyifSwyAZdel3MI2TVfXfZTqoQGf5c-fiVDC16ihn08MQGUt3xYd4mOw2BUjiTx7wQ4jWX5-LbfIXdhYwYCmDRCue1_cjsnLriJSiv0/s1600/webIMG_0802_zpsfa8231d9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaHuDOcfdu470SeA-rvTXKkPZJzvDijVr0Wp3heyifSwyAZdel3MI2TVfXfZTqoQGf5c-fiVDC16ihn08MQGUt3xYd4mOw2BUjiTx7wQ4jWX5-LbfIXdhYwYCmDRCue1_cjsnLriJSiv0/s1600/webIMG_0802_zpsfa8231d9.jpg" /></a></div>
(There's some yummy <a href="http://athousandphases.blogspot.com/2013/12/orange-cranberry-nut-bread.html" target="_blank">cranberry orange bread from here</a> wrapped up in the photo below.) Isn't everything so lovely?<br />
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Now, you can go make your own wrapping paper!<br />
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background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 93px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 3319px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D1612800215931127018%23editor&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fi866.photobucket.com%252Falbums%252Fab224%252FAnnaKristinaz%252FA%252520Thousand%252520Phases%252FwebIMG_0796_zps47bf127b.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 93px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 3319px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D1612800215931127018%23editor&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fi866.photobucket.com%252Falbums%252Fab224%252FAnnaKristinaz%252FA%252520Thousand%252520Phases%252FwebIMG_0796_zps47bf127b.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 93px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 3319px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612800215931127018.post-41151193270625446162014-05-09T13:48:00.002-07:002019-07-12T11:39:15.536-07:00New Beginnings: Girl on FireAlthough the idea of "Girl on Fire" for a New Beginning theme isn't original I think the young women pulled it off brilliantly. One of our Laurels found the idea and did all the research for refreshment and decorating ideas. The rest of the work was delegated between the girls and leaders.<br />
I put the invitations together using the official movie poster fonts.<br />
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The girls created fireball poofs to hang from the ceiling.<br />
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And a welcome poster….<br />
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Our Beehive advisor created the dessert table and created labels for all the food using the font from the books. I was so excited to see she'd done that!<br />
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Keeping with the color over black theme, each girl painted a value onto black poster board and explained how the value keeps her spiritual flame burning.<br />
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We used all the appropriate labels for things such as:<br />
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Values = Districts<br />
Girls Explaining the Values = Tributes<br />
One of our girls received her Young Woman in Excellence that night = Victor<br />
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And the songs: <i>The Spirit of God...like a fire is burning...</i> and The <i>Lord is My Light.</i><br />
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Of course there were speakers, a skit, and some teaching involved so everyone got to do something.</div>
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The skit was made up by the girls and was hilarious. The prompt was "Show us what Personal Progress is and how it works." So their skit included introducing PP to a classmate, carrying out a service project with her—raking leaves—and then going to a leader (played by a girl of course) to get it checked off in their books. We let the girls practice the skit a week beforehand—I'm glad because we got a lot of blank faces at first LOL.</div>
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It was a great evening…the Stake YW Leaders were there and couldn't stop their praising. I LOVE that it was all headed up and started with one of the young women. I enjoy seeing what <i>they</i> want to do and the pleasure (and pride) on their faces when it all turns out.</div>
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I'm sorry, I do not have a template of the invitation to share at this time. (I think I deleted it by accident ugh.) But here's a .png torch file. Click on it to open it full size, then right click to download it. <i>Note, this is the official logo for the Young Women organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.</i> <i>It has been modified to fit this theme.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0rXY8jXKZ2Sj3h-Vv8tkz4Xeo1jBY7mrRjlH1bq0e45Z-_OJSfPneeDaDKyHCuAdj1t_b868JR2Wy9N3a-bzByIHmNH7LWVMDQweMxbjTTa1XYGRXiopIPHurdYEabR-ktjUPd08V94E/s1600/DSCF4173_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="578" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0rXY8jXKZ2Sj3h-Vv8tkz4Xeo1jBY7mrRjlH1bq0e45Z-_OJSfPneeDaDKyHCuAdj1t_b868JR2Wy9N3a-bzByIHmNH7LWVMDQweMxbjTTa1XYGRXiopIPHurdYEabR-ktjUPd08V94E/s1600/DSCF4173_web.jpg" /></a></div>
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Decorating Ideas:<br />
During mutual have the girls cut out the Olympic rings and a whole TON of snowflakes.<br />
Print off the invitations and help the girls assemble them as well.<br />
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Make winter cupcakes for refreshments. Don't forget the gold wrapper.<br />
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This cupcake display is just three boxes wrapped in white with ribbons wrapped around each one and then stacked. Brilliant!<br />
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Are you ready to know how we did some of this? Let's start with the flags. I'm sure you've heard of freezer paper stenciling by now? Print each value on the paper and then cut them out with an Exacto knife. Iron them onto the fabric and stencil them in.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6sXPff3guCI/Wc1fFYLrHaI/AAAAAAAAMhk/g8V-YwMklwEvYABL9sLbOqaYvK5QWW6owCKgBGAs/s1600/_DSCF4093web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6sXPff3guCI/Wc1fFYLrHaI/AAAAAAAAMhk/g8V-YwMklwEvYABL9sLbOqaYvK5QWW6owCKgBGAs/s400/_DSCF4093web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The flags were 1/2 yard each. I made a casing on the side of each one which slipped easily over a wooden dowel. The flags stayed on nicely—and are removable for washing or if someone wants to hang them instead without the dowels (which we did the next year for a Royal Theme...you know, flags hanging in the "great hall"....)</div>
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Drill the appropriate size holes in a 2 x 4 and the dowels will stick in the display and show nicely. These flags have been used for various occasions, even the Stake has been using them. So they are worth the time investment.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHt3tbR7kxbe-I2AVDMFjfnLIVK1vjjVnZRUXXCSvcoE1p32uabfebOz8qHrO59wD2Z2Lqniq2l2OBkMb4pD0TukpspfswL20soMqSnIZzVmZ-UsoGA2V-MyojCKTlyQYCU-zZx3o7rIo/s1600/_DSCF4506web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHt3tbR7kxbe-I2AVDMFjfnLIVK1vjjVnZRUXXCSvcoE1p32uabfebOz8qHrO59wD2Z2Lqniq2l2OBkMb4pD0TukpspfswL20soMqSnIZzVmZ-UsoGA2V-MyojCKTlyQYCU-zZx3o7rIo/s1600/_DSCF4506web.jpg" /></a></div>
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Next up: Snowflakes.</div>
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Print up a snowflake pattern you like. Tape the papers onto something flat and moveable. Then tape wax paper over that. </div>
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Next whip up a batch of Royal icing and trace over the snowflakes. Don't forget to add a toothpick. These will take about 1-3 days to dry completely.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kDs5SjPYxEs/Wc1fvDpsJfI/AAAAAAAAMh8/nrLNdJaucc8rGGXpMJWcJ5bM4uVh68YcACKgBGAs/s1600/_DSCF4115web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kDs5SjPYxEs/Wc1fvDpsJfI/AAAAAAAAMh8/nrLNdJaucc8rGGXpMJWcJ5bM4uVh68YcACKgBGAs/s320/_DSCF4115web.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Lastly are the invitations. </div>
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<a href="https://indd.adobe.com/view/4c2924cd-1856-4c91-9a69-bf85c6aedd24" target="_blank">Click Here:</a> For blank pdf invitations. You'll have to import them into a program (like Word or Adobe Acrobat etc.) to fill in your own information and then cut them out following the crop marks.</div>
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For the ovals, once you've cut them out you'll punch two holes on either side to run the ribbon through. (We used gold and silver ribbon.)</div>
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Purchase multicolored paper. If you are holding the paper horizontally, you will want to cut a strip off the bottom so your invitation comes just to the top and bottom.</div>
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Paste the invitation in the middle and fold both flaps in. </div>
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Punch holes in either side of the oval cut-out and thread ribbon through, tie in the back. Pass them out and you're good to go.</div>
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And now you're set! Just Google "Olympic New Beginnings" and you'll find all kinds of program content ideas.</div>
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<span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: block; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 153px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 3572px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: block; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; 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cursor: pointer; display: block; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 153px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 3572px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 153px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 90px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; 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The ingredients were cheap and easy to find and well, it's really tasty! Several friends have asked for the recipe so here you go:<br />
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<i>Note: don't worry too much about exact quantities. It's all to taste and according to how large your group is—in other words, we usually "eyeball" it. If you have questions send me a message.</i><br />
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<i><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DgPv8autv7E/XSjT-OF6dxI/AAAAAAAAcQs/1e0LV7-pETcMNeUNMsyoVC5lLHfKB7gIACKgBGAs/s1600/pastaitalia-web_zpsfb5f9100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="697" data-original-width="520" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DgPv8autv7E/XSjT-OF6dxI/AAAAAAAAcQs/1e0LV7-pETcMNeUNMsyoVC5lLHfKB7gIACKgBGAs/s1600/pastaitalia-web_zpsfb5f9100.jpg" /></a></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pasta Italia</span><br />
<br />
You'll need equal parts (almost) of:<br />
<br />
• ham, cubed<br />
• Mozzarella cheese, cubed (we like less cheese, more tomato)<br />
• tomatoes (any kind) cubed<br />
• Rigatoni noodles work best, the big fat kind you can stick your thumb in. Yum. (the amount should be about 1/3 or less of the total ingredients.)<br />
<i>Note: we use whole wheat noodles for health reasons but rigatoni is hard to find, which is why you see a different pasta in the photo above.)</i><br />
<br />
and also some<br />
<br />
• olive oil<br />
• fresh basil, one "package" finely chopped (if serving 6—10) If using fresh, a good fistful of leaves<br />
• balsamic vinegar<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFmi-ypxFsMdEOg9HFuzB9NGaCZDGwskUcy0uYWABBrrNA-2pKLlbSMwp0MsZVxJz5NqJwP3kH-OOTASr_hYCh9yPlZ4d8Zwksn_6_kUgyaM0MtsJwHx_c8M8pwicAuHsMyxVOhsJNISE/s1600/Picture+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFmi-ypxFsMdEOg9HFuzB9NGaCZDGwskUcy0uYWABBrrNA-2pKLlbSMwp0MsZVxJz5NqJwP3kH-OOTASr_hYCh9yPlZ4d8Zwksn_6_kUgyaM0MtsJwHx_c8M8pwicAuHsMyxVOhsJNISE/s1600/Picture+1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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1. In a large pot begin boiling the rigatoni. (Do NOT over cook, throw the noodles out if that happens…it just won't taste good in this dish and you will be disappointed.)<br />
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2. In a skillet add a bit of olive oil and allow to heat.<br />
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3. Add cubed ham to the skillet and cook until just browning on sides and still juicy. Set aside.<br />
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4. In a separate bowl, (while the ham is cooking) combine the cubed tomatoes, cheese, chopped fresh basil, and drizzle olive oil over the ingredients (to taste). Mix. <i>see photo above</i>.<br />
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5. Salt the mixture to taste.<br />
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6. When rigatoni is finished, drain and add all the ingredients to the pot (tomato/cheese mixture and ham) while the noodles are still hot.<br />
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7. Mix. Your cheese will begin melting, this is good.<br />
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Serve hot with balsamic vinegar on the table for drizzling. (This is a must!)<br />
Great with French bread and fresh fruit.<br />
Makes good leftovers too! Just reheat until cheese begins to melt.<br />
<br />
Note: If you want this to be a <b>South Beach Phase 1</b> meal, leave the pasta out.<br />
If you want it to be a phase 2 meal, use 100% whole grain pasta.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612800215931127018.post-85105935010731050882013-12-09T11:28:00.001-08:002020-06-27T13:43:42.708-07:00Strawberry Cake DecorNeed an idea for a cute cake? Here's a simple strawberry themed two tiered cake. Keep reading for instructions and tools you will need.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--8ek2Yg9vTY/XSjUN4ex8dI/AAAAAAAAcQw/-WHiMabulsQJDHFFGyB8hZk-MO-ujh-ugCKgBGAs/s1600/StrawberryCake1_zps0e36c3ce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="657" data-original-width="520" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--8ek2Yg9vTY/XSjUN4ex8dI/AAAAAAAAcQw/-WHiMabulsQJDHFFGyB8hZk-MO-ujh-ugCKgBGAs/s1600/StrawberryCake1_zps0e36c3ce.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzey6kh5jf8VHSaw5xmqlEF0Yal-I1VfmIX7S-2hbQHsOECGvQYuSp4gdltBFjRUerm77cEOkqyXMQjCsJJecB9UVLPumO-DIgmZ0uBkoNuuLfXEKdhUeVuMkKE32tWlFAYprGlcZK2Qk/s1600/StrawberryCake2_zps5a775936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="596" data-original-width="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzey6kh5jf8VHSaw5xmqlEF0Yal-I1VfmIX7S-2hbQHsOECGvQYuSp4gdltBFjRUerm77cEOkqyXMQjCsJJecB9UVLPumO-DIgmZ0uBkoNuuLfXEKdhUeVuMkKE32tWlFAYprGlcZK2Qk/s1600/StrawberryCake2_zps5a775936.jpg" /></a></div>
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This cake was created for a Wilton cake class I took through Michael's a few years ago. I was so tired of making flowers that I wanted to do something a little different for our assignment. Enter the cute strawberry!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kAyZtQq0hgA/XSjUcjB3dDI/AAAAAAAAcQ8/u9jAWpsQa20IKaz3I8auKuvXz2BjfaZXgCKgBGAs/s1600/strawberrycake3_zps04c9b9a1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="693" data-original-width="520" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kAyZtQq0hgA/XSjUcjB3dDI/AAAAAAAAcQ8/u9jAWpsQa20IKaz3I8auKuvXz2BjfaZXgCKgBGAs/s1600/strawberrycake3_zps04c9b9a1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-acTRrbIePFA/XSjUfBYqESI/AAAAAAAAcRA/o0Y6lSgReFspDOxixVGaQnTheKu5mWdWACKgBGAs/s1600/strawberrycake4_zps832ed870.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="694" data-original-width="520" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-acTRrbIePFA/XSjUfBYqESI/AAAAAAAAcRA/o0Y6lSgReFspDOxixVGaQnTheKu5mWdWACKgBGAs/s1600/strawberrycake4_zps832ed870.jpg" /></a></div>
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The strawberries are made of fondant and shaped by hand. The little seed indents are made with a tooth pick and the hull was cut out of fondant using the “star” shaped cutter below. Just pinch the tips and press a line down the center of each flap with a tooth pick. (Toothpicks are such a handy go-to tool!)<br />
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The blossoms used the rose cutter seen below. I put a slit between each petal with an Exacto knife so that I could lift and curve each petal. The centers are piped in using a grass tip with yellow frosting.<br />
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Lastly, can you see the little curly tendrils on the cake? Those were painted on with a brush and green food coloring.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--n0EDbQ0Mus/XSjUjT0YtAI/AAAAAAAAcRE/smDMav490Rc2GOLhFX4Uz27hIIS8KLf7wCKgBGAs/s1600/strawberry6_zps0b53182f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="393" data-original-width="520" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--n0EDbQ0Mus/XSjUjT0YtAI/AAAAAAAAcRE/smDMav490Rc2GOLhFX4Uz27hIIS8KLf7wCKgBGAs/s1600/strawberry6_zps0b53182f.jpg" /></a></div>
All the cutters, including the leaf shape (not shown) can be found in the <a href="http://www.wilton.com/store/site/product.cfm?sku=1907-1003" target="_blank">Wilton Rose Bouquet Flower Cutter Set found here.</a><br />
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Fore more cake ideas<a href="https://athousandphases.blogspot.com/search/label/Cake%20Ideas" target="_blank"> <b>CLICK HERE.</b></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612800215931127018.post-22833939957591147482013-12-05T09:23:00.000-08:002019-07-12T11:43:31.520-07:00Orange Cranberry Nut BreadThis bread is soft, sweet, slightly chewy and with the little bites of tart cranberries mixed in—it is easily one of my favorite sweet bread recipes. I normally gift it this time of year with instructions to try a slice lightly toasted with butter, the flavor reaches new heights when prepared this way—that's the magic of warm bread and butter.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfkpBAr8w3IvNtuHr3Bj-F6ZFUXczyu3quhBERdBHywDVET0-x-wigZocQpO4-o52uvRgxBPFkN-XgNU4du3H6eneGesKFWESxxqW9wvC2QIZvV7EAWc8qhA-h1HBewX3mZ8ZUYLX-OP0/s1600/CranberryNut525_zpscf784f0b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="771" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfkpBAr8w3IvNtuHr3Bj-F6ZFUXczyu3quhBERdBHywDVET0-x-wigZocQpO4-o52uvRgxBPFkN-XgNU4du3H6eneGesKFWESxxqW9wvC2QIZvV7EAWc8qhA-h1HBewX3mZ8ZUYLX-OP0/s1600/CranberryNut525_zpscf784f0b.jpg" /></a></div>
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I'm not even sure where the recipe came from originally—but my mom has made it for years. My copy was typed on a typewriter by her. And the directions are pretty much a one-liner saying something like this:<br />
Mix all ingredients together and bake at 350 for 60 minutes.<br />
<br />
Ummm….yeah. About that. So I'll do you one better and get a little more detailed so you don't end up with a bite full of salt!<br />
<br />
<h3>
Orange Cranberry Nut Bread:</h3>
Makes 3 medium loaves (7 3/8" x 3 5/8" pans)<br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">If you half the recipe it makes one large loaf—bake for about 60 minutes.</span></i><br />
<br />
<b>In a mixer combine until blended:</b><br />
4 Tablespoons softened butter<br />
2 eggs<br />
2 tsp salt<br />
2 cups granulated sugar<br />
<br />
<b>Add and mix in:</b><br />
1 1/2 cup 100% orange juice (not from concentrate)<br />
2 cups chopped fresh cranberries (I use the food processor to chop them)<br />
<br />
<b>In a separate bowl, sift together:</b><br />
4 cups white flour<br />
1 tsp baking soda<br />
3 tsp baking powder<br />
1 cup chopped walnuts<br />
<br />
Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and combine until just mixed, scraping the bowl a few times as you go.<br />
<br />
Grease and flour your pans. Fill them 2/3 full of batter. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0