Chair Cushions

     Wow! I'm not so good at this blogging thing! :-/ It's been far too long!  I've been super busy with life... my family♡ , cleaning, and of course, crafting!
       I spent 2 and 1/2 hours at Joanne's last Saturday!  I knew exactly what I was looking for,  but there's so many fun fabrics to look at.... :-)  (And yes, my husband did know I was going there.... he was probably nervous)  But, I managed to leave the store, (a small wonder in itself....so hard to leave), AND stay on budget!
    The foam pads for the cushions were 50% off, and home decorating fabrics were on sale at 40% off! I also had a coupon for 15% off my total purchase.  I should add that the gal who rang up my items went way out of her way to find me even more savings! I ended up with an additional 5% off! ♡♡♡
     My latest project... chair cushions for my dining room chairs!
     Above is a picture of one that I sewed for one of the bedrooms. I'm working on the dining room set next. I do a lot of work at the kitchen table and I am looking forward to comfy seating!  :)
                    What will you make today?

Merry Christmas!

     Think of the worst thing you've heard on the news lately.  How do you feel about those people who committed the atrocity you heard?  Now think of the worst place you know of...the most ugly, murderous, crime ridden place. Got that picture in your mind?
     Good.  Now how do you feel about that place?  I'm sure it's not on your list as your next vacation spot.  You probably are repulsed by the thought of visiting there, much less making that place your home.
     But that is just what God did.  He chose to send His only perfect, holy Son to come to this sin ridden earth full of sinful people to live among us and to be murdered brutally by wicked people.
     Why?  Because of His great love for us and ultimately for His glory!  I cannot begin to imagine that kind of love!  Love that would choose to die for wicked murderous people.  
     This Christmas, bask in the beauty of the Christ Child, reflect on the glorious love of the sinless God-man Jesus who died in your place and took the punishment you deserved,  and rejoice in the salvation offered by the Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, our Immanuel!

Merry Christmas! 

The Art of Giving Thanks

http://www.ellaclaireinspired.com/autumn-tablescape-free-printable-placemat/

     I saw an advertisement recently for a company that sells a lot of home decorations.  In it they called Thanksgiving "Friendgiving and Family Day".  Seriously?  Friendgiving? I think celebrating with friends and family is great. But is it really that difficult to admit to having a grateful attitude? 

     I know that for a number of years now "Thanksgiving" has been replaced by "Turkey Day" and football parties.   However, I encourage you to know the history of Thanksgiving and to develop gratitude in yourself and your family and friends.  

     One of my favorite, easy ways to do this is to go to the library and check out a couple of books about the first Thanksgiving from the children's section. They're short reads so they keep everyone's attention!
      This year I'm going to do something similar to the place mats shown above at our Thanksgiving table. After everyone has had a chance to jot down their thoughts,  we will go around and share what we are thankful for.  

     Our culture is increasingly becoming centered around our individual wants and getting instant gratification.  I think we would do well to stop for a moment and reflect on the blessings that have been given to us.              
   So what's on my list?   First, I am SO very thankful for the salvation granted to me by God the Father through His Son, Jesus Christ! :) Next of course, I'm so thankful for my family and friends! :) And then all of the other blessings I enjoy: health,  home, clothes, and my appliances!   (Just imagine life as the Pilgrims knew it... without washers and driers, dishwashers, refrigerators, electricity, and running water.... we are truly blessed!)

     So, while we will have turkey and most likely football (there are certain people in my family who might have a withdrawal without a regular dose of football :))  we're also going to take a few minutes just to be thankful! :)
      If you have a tradition that helps keep the gratitude going, I'd love to hear! Just leave me a comment below. :)
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!! 

Thanksgiving Decorating Ideas

Thanksgiving is only 17 days away!  I know lots of families get together to share a special meal and think about the many blessings God has so graciously given us.  Mine is no different!  This year I am so privileged to host Thanksgiving. However,  I also have many other things that are vying for my time.  So...17 days?? What to do?  So much decorating, so little time!  Answer: Pinterest.  What a great source for ideas!  Here are a few of my favorite SIMPLE ideas:  (Remember KISS...Keep It Simple Sweetie!) 
#1  - See picture above  - -  Popcorn, candle, raffia - done!
#2 -

How cute is this! 
These little guys are still
 available at your grocery store
if you don't already have some!
Shopping list:
gourds, mini pumpkins, tea lights
Done! :)




#3 -

This might have to be my favorite.
  Love, love, loving the white mini pumpkins
with the pine cones and twigs....
 I'll have to see if I can find a cool hurricane vase!

 Trip to Goodwill anyone? :)





#4 -

Apples smell yummy 
and are a good alternative to pumpkins. 
I think it would be fun with red apples too!






#5 -

White pumpkins again!  So gorgeous!
  I have a friend who has a wooden box....
Maybe I can sweet talk her into letting me borrow it? ;-)








Uh oh!  Now so many choices!!!! So little time!  :)
Hope your creative juices are flowing!  I'd love to hear your plans for decorating your table!

Cinnamon Salt Dough Leaf Prints

What is your favorite fragrance? I love anything that has a woodsy, spicy smell! This time of year pumpkin spice is a popular fragrance!  The main ingredient in pumpkin spice is cinnamon.   A very pleasant autumnal scent.
     I have discovered a salt dough recipe with that beautiful cinnamon aroma! I love salt dough and so do my kids!  It's moldable, and versatile. I love it for making ornaments, my kids love it as a clay substitute!
    We're planning on making some pressed leaf ornaments for fall.  These would be great hanging on the Christmas tree as well.  (I'm thinking nice handmade gift for grandparents, teachers, etc!)
     Here's the recipe:
1 Cup of flour
1/2 Cup of salt
1/2 Cup if cinnamon
3/4 Cup very warm water
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well.  Wash hands and then finish kneading with clean, dry hands.  If the dough is a little sticky dust your hands with a bit of flour and knead.   Amazingly cinnamon scented salt dough!
       For a good tutorial on making leaf print ornaments click here.
For other scent ideas click here.
I'd love to hear from you!  Please leave a comment and tell me what you made!

Mug Cakes

  

  Hi! No, I haven't disappeared into the frozen tundra of the North, but it has been a while!  I got kinda busy with the rest of summer, and then school started, and .....  well I could continue, but I won't bore you with the details.  I have come to a decision though.  Originally I thought I would try to post three times a week.  But the business of my life has caused me to reevaluate that.  So I will try to post once a week.  I think that will be a little more manageable for now.


     Today's post is a recipe I found today.  It is so delicious, but a little dangerous because it's so easy.  You'll see what I mean in a minute,  but first...
      I have to justify my reason for posting recipes on a blog supposedly dedicated to crafting.  Cooking and baking are ART forms.  Ask any chef (professional or otherwise), I'm sure they'll agree!  So when I find a good one, I love to pass it on.  Food is just something that brings people together.  I bet if I asked you what your favorite childhood memory was, it would include food in some form or another.  Many families (including mine) eat certain foods on certain occasions.  I mean what's Thanksgiving without Pumpkin Pie?

Chocolate Mug Cake (Image from Table for Two)

     Have you every heard of a Mug Cake?  I hadn't until today.  But what a fabulous (and dangerous) :-) idea!This recipe is from "Table for Two".  I tried it today.  My kids saw it and I made each of them one.  Still faster than baking a regular cake.  It was taste tested and approved by all.  Here's the link to the recipe. The Moistest Chocolate Mug Cake Since it's apple season,  I'm also going to try her Salted Caramel Apple Spice Mug Cake!

Salted Caramel Apple Spice Mug Cake (Image from Table for Two)

I hope you enjoy these recipes!  I'd love to hear from you!  If you have a favorite mug cake please share!!

4th of July Craft

Picture from www.happyhooligans

 The fourth of July weekend is quickly approaching!  I thought this was a great craft idea! I spotted it on Pinterest.  It would be a great project for the whole family! The complete directions are found here. This could be easily adapted to Christmas decorations.  (Christmas in July, anyone?) 

Go on a hike, find some sticks, break out the paint and have fun! :)

Happy crafting!