tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71529382363264681322024-02-19T12:10:17.907-05:00Biddle Bits...where we work on projects bit by bit!Biddle Bitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10229086715074981817noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7152938236326468132.post-65700903842020097272015-03-14T15:32:00.000-04:002015-03-14T15:32:09.252-04:00Burlap bunny bag for Easter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCdigm7zeEprMXlXLQ84nJKJQEAFnQ558HnGKkC8hzNdlbx7Io2MtU2TGCEoflN9Im4z7SO2PC2_hLgqj65zJdXPMETfqcwqFMG4qhgIhhwmlReemE8P53Uq9wi0tH0Um73G_HJdBqYiQ/s1600/bunny+bag+finished+displayed.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCdigm7zeEprMXlXLQ84nJKJQEAFnQ558HnGKkC8hzNdlbx7Io2MtU2TGCEoflN9Im4z7SO2PC2_hLgqj65zJdXPMETfqcwqFMG4qhgIhhwmlReemE8P53Uq9wi0tH0Um73G_HJdBqYiQ/s1600/bunny+bag+finished+displayed.JPG" height="510" width="640" /></a></div>
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You, my friends, have a sneak-peek at the darling Easter bags I made for my sweet nieces!</div>
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I love an Easter basket, but I know they can take up lots of storage space for the 364 days of the year that *aren't* Easter Sunday. So, when I found these sweet little burlap bags in the $1 section at Target, I just knew they'd be perfect for my honey-bunny nieces.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdXzx4Px6DXhPWe8_11KIRFux9Xbog0Y4p36xWw5uwi1MFwxy_byowHRJIV7teejSoqHifFKreRioURZRIukJfGzJSjg8QvCL7fK3nIoXN1FCadl6_tam3sv-Kg8lXZXqb185ca0I9oXU/s1600/bunny+bag+burlap+bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdXzx4Px6DXhPWe8_11KIRFux9Xbog0Y4p36xWw5uwi1MFwxy_byowHRJIV7teejSoqHifFKreRioURZRIukJfGzJSjg8QvCL7fK3nIoXN1FCadl6_tam3sv-Kg8lXZXqb185ca0I9oXU/s1600/bunny+bag+burlap+bag.jpg" height="490" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Burlap bag from the dollar-section at Target</td></tr>
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I purchased a cute bunny graphic from silhouetteonlinestore.com, and cut it out of vinyl:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguxFcgq14ao3cLJm1xV-XbNyucEggPMs-PAF-CLNPhuVV3mlgx-B2sGB85KM3yD8MB1kbWg-OZHUgRhmW9dBC11NvfEAFDB44MNiSsg1scKkLutfkTYfuH-x7yBeQ0_FPdOyFyjZDIJk8/s1600/bunny+bag+bunny+stencil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguxFcgq14ao3cLJm1xV-XbNyucEggPMs-PAF-CLNPhuVV3mlgx-B2sGB85KM3yD8MB1kbWg-OZHUgRhmW9dBC11NvfEAFDB44MNiSsg1scKkLutfkTYfuH-x7yBeQ0_FPdOyFyjZDIJk8/s1600/bunny+bag+bunny+stencil.jpg" height="612" width="640" /></a></div>
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I added transfer tape (the clear coating, below), to make it easier to transfer the vinyl "stencil" to the burlap:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmOkvEDsBipxEuQz5exHUg5clGjIlv_3coYNGVO9E9LKaXgubfqo1h3zN7Goo00ASXr9ZzgfGOKGLeIdE23LEW1pgStcvlVFWr_cI354qA-3hunTFM8vKI28n9_TuE93pt1z1ik_NZmqg/s1600/bunny+bag+stencil+with+transfer+tape.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmOkvEDsBipxEuQz5exHUg5clGjIlv_3coYNGVO9E9LKaXgubfqo1h3zN7Goo00ASXr9ZzgfGOKGLeIdE23LEW1pgStcvlVFWr_cI354qA-3hunTFM8vKI28n9_TuE93pt1z1ik_NZmqg/s1600/bunny+bag+stencil+with+transfer+tape.jpg" height="640" width="540" /></a></div>
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Remove the backing from your vinyl and use the transfer tape to press the vinyl onto the burlap. Carefully remove the transfer tape (the vinyl doesn't easily stick to burlap) and this is what you're left with:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuuQX7jvBiO67AlH-9T7mwSrNhKObSJeap_mMaMmIKXQg9cde68IlmOzn0Ekqs28RbgV8bQSj5xXzOg0hQjR7frOS3SyEOr2PD-amtOPU8D-y7GpNshKqv2h4PIgfOL9FbnRUUv1hX7YA/s1600/bunny+bag+stencil+on+bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuuQX7jvBiO67AlH-9T7mwSrNhKObSJeap_mMaMmIKXQg9cde68IlmOzn0Ekqs28RbgV8bQSj5xXzOg0hQjR7frOS3SyEOr2PD-amtOPU8D-y7GpNshKqv2h4PIgfOL9FbnRUUv1hX7YA/s1600/bunny+bag+stencil+on+bag.jpg" height="490" width="640" /></a></div>
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Next step: paint! First, insert a small piece of cardstock *into* the burlap bag, so your paint won't bleed through to the back.<br />
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Next, I mixed a small amount of white and red acrylic paint to create a bright bubblegum pink paint. (I used slightly more white than red to achieve this color) Then use a cheapo sponge brush to dab the paint onto the burlap. Be gentle while dabbing around the inside edges of the bunny...as I mention before, the vinyl doesn't stick well to burlap, so the edges could move. Just be careful!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKYtRCT95M8fUViLSaLdSHY_ao4UckA0ZH6g2aHui7nJxRpR-eAPf00X7NWc7F1u2YUmF1RBS1JumD4KcQhSrvdldlSnVsIXKgHRfR79SMtiBRCsLdrlmgrm4To6rqvRH8oOKwQ3DoX5U/s1600/bunny+bag+with+paint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKYtRCT95M8fUViLSaLdSHY_ao4UckA0ZH6g2aHui7nJxRpR-eAPf00X7NWc7F1u2YUmF1RBS1JumD4KcQhSrvdldlSnVsIXKgHRfR79SMtiBRCsLdrlmgrm4To6rqvRH8oOKwQ3DoX5U/s1600/bunny+bag+with+paint.jpg" height="640" width="490" /></a></div>
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I peeled off the vinyl stencil right away and this is what was left! Love, love...<br />
Now, wait for it to dry. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgD4HDGZ2hMYEdbohXfgVmO0eDgEE-GB0nlEJ9ihboK2iT3uds3ZnWCns6pU-ld_uqZpWB9An22Uyyy23uW8C44PfFhhfaSJv_w7GpL5qV4r17To3GQQqTLa-3KxpBktJ4_Sruc86gFNU/s1600/bunny+bag+finished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgD4HDGZ2hMYEdbohXfgVmO0eDgEE-GB0nlEJ9ihboK2iT3uds3ZnWCns6pU-ld_uqZpWB9An22Uyyy23uW8C44PfFhhfaSJv_w7GpL5qV4r17To3GQQqTLa-3KxpBktJ4_Sruc86gFNU/s1600/bunny+bag+finished.jpg" height="550" width="640" /></a></div>
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Once it's completely dry, remove the cardstock from inside the bag, stuff your Easter goodies inside and deliver to your favorite little Easter honey-bunnies!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCdigm7zeEprMXlXLQ84nJKJQEAFnQ558HnGKkC8hzNdlbx7Io2MtU2TGCEoflN9Im4z7SO2PC2_hLgqj65zJdXPMETfqcwqFMG4qhgIhhwmlReemE8P53Uq9wi0tH0Um73G_HJdBqYiQ/s1600/bunny+bag+finished+displayed.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCdigm7zeEprMXlXLQ84nJKJQEAFnQ558HnGKkC8hzNdlbx7Io2MtU2TGCEoflN9Im4z7SO2PC2_hLgqj65zJdXPMETfqcwqFMG4qhgIhhwmlReemE8P53Uq9wi0tH0Um73G_HJdBqYiQ/s1600/bunny+bag+finished+displayed.JPG" height="510" width="640" /></a></div>
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Happy Easter everyone!</div>
Biddle Bitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10229086715074981817noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7152938236326468132.post-33487080928882424142013-11-13T14:15:00.003-05:002013-11-13T14:15:59.165-05:00Shhh! Baby Sleeping sign<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA4ygbFx6aGM3tiELkLdIWwFWuwayB4aOezPZl4uvx2kteG6h6B3ZWHz9gbZmLtAWy0y-QlLxSCbOMpVbD5g_WV_JU5qQIBUvgqShG09RMpeIfZA4DhlU_y3ovhstM-hmqfFu2w9V28hg/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA4ygbFx6aGM3tiELkLdIWwFWuwayB4aOezPZl4uvx2kteG6h6B3ZWHz9gbZmLtAWy0y-QlLxSCbOMpVbD5g_WV_JU5qQIBUvgqShG09RMpeIfZA4DhlU_y3ovhstM-hmqfFu2w9V28hg/s400/photo+2.JPG" width="371" /></a></div>
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As new parents, Mr. Biddlebits and I have quickly learned the importance of a happily sleeping baby, and will do just about anything to keep him sleeping, when he FINALLY goes to sleep :) In the first few days that Baby Biddle was home, we had several "Welcome, Benjamin!" gifts arrive at our house, via UPS delivery...and they'd always ring our doorbell to let us know a package was on our front door. Not only does the doorbell make Uno Robusto (kitty cat) growl, it also wakes one happily-sleeping-Benjamin Biddle!</div>
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That makes Mommy growl.</div>
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So, I decided that a friendly sign was needed to let our delivery folks know what's what. Off to Michaels I went...Benjamin and coupons in tow.</div>
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I found this smallish slate sign, with pre-drilled holes and rope to hang it. I think it was $1.99: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBHw5SJ0l4EvNnpzm_OdGrZhMUrfYjMsHeD_zOD8DYPwtMMFwE8HMJ9khCA7IzG22Q61O-s1eCaUKKWqy8AzEzvKQUhmNK0624WQDq10FanBLMGYd8iBG87G7duL299MkrZyLwAWsWfHw/s1600/photo+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBHw5SJ0l4EvNnpzm_OdGrZhMUrfYjMsHeD_zOD8DYPwtMMFwE8HMJ9khCA7IzG22Q61O-s1eCaUKKWqy8AzEzvKQUhmNK0624WQDq10FanBLMGYd8iBG87G7duL299MkrZyLwAWsWfHw/s400/photo+6.JPG" width="316" /></a></div>
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And, these paint pens in fun, gender-neutral colors! I think these were in the $8 range, but with my coupon, turned out to be more like $4-5.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKuzgMUIAth_TrF0BhyQ1l2LHIeM3V71WwQusVf9Z2hHU4UfX7gZZOQD8VWEYdDvuSOY4mGlMTy6aNqJ0Q3f4AGX26CU5XAgJpHnjlakqU7aAsS674e4yX8KZj4GkYolXHca9RewnAq6g/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKuzgMUIAth_TrF0BhyQ1l2LHIeM3V71WwQusVf9Z2hHU4UfX7gZZOQD8VWEYdDvuSOY4mGlMTy6aNqJ0Q3f4AGX26CU5XAgJpHnjlakqU7aAsS674e4yX8KZj4GkYolXHca9RewnAq6g/s400/photo+4.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="275" /></a></div>
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First, I penciled in the wording I wanted to use. This way, I could center/re-arrange my lettering before committing to it in paint-pen:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSRanNegJZUoG7lNaSkzdggHfQmnyW2eEMUCSnpxoL4v0Cl3n1aw9MEEoGJiRZfa4c5yhDrIpIpN19V4fhzRMI1kF8NPyCZginLBwZ39Xy3VoE85oVJV_uZD4drIgWjjGUFm07sVvGZp0/s1600/photo+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSRanNegJZUoG7lNaSkzdggHfQmnyW2eEMUCSnpxoL4v0Cl3n1aw9MEEoGJiRZfa4c5yhDrIpIpN19V4fhzRMI1kF8NPyCZginLBwZ39Xy3VoE85oVJV_uZD4drIgWjjGUFm07sVvGZp0/s400/photo+7.JPG" width="322" /></a></div>
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Then, I chose my colors (red, blue, yellow and green), and traced over my pencil marks with the paint pens. I did 1 coat, but once it dried, it needed a 2nd coat to really make the colors pop. So, I retraced the letters with the same paint pens. Use a pencil eraser to erase any stray pencil marks. </div>
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Option: You can spray this with a coat of clear spray paint. I skipped that step, and it's holding up just fine :)</div>
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Here's the final result:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPp2ADLvKVONdOnzZxZxm12oQtIiC8Uo5ZEjfEBbV0j3Fm_5nwoflIugiNFt4Q6qhqcVQDBVm9hL9Nd6Tq1jp6DEE8ZbijbTmuwuoW8b-HrAY3nXan8wDIBpospicRS32UDgAx7ZrAMBo/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPp2ADLvKVONdOnzZxZxm12oQtIiC8Uo5ZEjfEBbV0j3Fm_5nwoflIugiNFt4Q6qhqcVQDBVm9hL9Nd6Tq1jp6DEE8ZbijbTmuwuoW8b-HrAY3nXan8wDIBpospicRS32UDgAx7ZrAMBo/s400/photo+5.JPG" width="308" /></a></div>
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I hung it over our doorknob, and it did the trick! No more doorbells waking up our slumbering baby!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO-Wo4_VrmTEucuWXHiUUz0NknzlvCJSGiBEnHBpmQVc7tvVees5HxDVZuwcR-rdtAsBAVCvFmOBAcliHDvto6egr_gmaqLjkNCUjqhPcC6ElIz9XD2aL2HizQ3dtu8iSMN4XZ1tECcv4/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO-Wo4_VrmTEucuWXHiUUz0NknzlvCJSGiBEnHBpmQVc7tvVees5HxDVZuwcR-rdtAsBAVCvFmOBAcliHDvto6egr_gmaqLjkNCUjqhPcC6ElIz9XD2aL2HizQ3dtu8iSMN4XZ1tECcv4/s640/photo+1.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="491" /></a></div>
<br />Biddle Bitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10229086715074981817noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7152938236326468132.post-32065702113783700582013-09-17T23:17:00.000-04:002013-09-17T23:17:31.652-04:00How to personalize a cupcake carrier with vinyl<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I found some tupperware-like cupcake carriers at our local Aldi a few months ago for a DEAL of a price, and thought the lime green handle was especially cute. It had potential for greater cuteness, so I bought 2 of them.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQXQCmAr2-MLS00ppp_o6kgokk5rFl7BZOLExtDh_m5rkuIkKM-xf7yXU4xrwn_-ATkgda04p5Y3iMGyhGzqAa70LYNZt7V9pbtu5YuMZotFEHyMok1XNLo9nMuaqY89p_XUqb5TQniWU/s1600/cupcake+carrier+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQXQCmAr2-MLS00ppp_o6kgokk5rFl7BZOLExtDh_m5rkuIkKM-xf7yXU4xrwn_-ATkgda04p5Y3iMGyhGzqAa70LYNZt7V9pbtu5YuMZotFEHyMok1XNLo9nMuaqY89p_XUqb5TQniWU/s640/cupcake+carrier+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Fast forward a couple of weeks and my sister-in-law's birthday was approaching. Perfect timing to jazz up one of the cupcake carriers for her! </div>
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<strong>Step #1</strong>: Using our silhouette vinyl cutter, I cut out her last name. I made the letters a little more than 1" tall, to fit the side of the carrier.</div>
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<strong>Step #2:</strong> I used clear contact paper to keep the vinyl all together:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCNAMlM-GIOawjk7Zjk-uI3GLZGQDK2h7PBYzHsR3T8HmJcYLnvJi8_qeZqg4xvNfEHoRt2-VY6x6pUpb-xQ_nAYQrmYx__TZduyB5k4rni2A4KFrB245CWL121MQxvo_AqkUHRQSyCpQ/s1600/cupcake+carrier.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCNAMlM-GIOawjk7Zjk-uI3GLZGQDK2h7PBYzHsR3T8HmJcYLnvJi8_qeZqg4xvNfEHoRt2-VY6x6pUpb-xQ_nAYQrmYx__TZduyB5k4rni2A4KFrB245CWL121MQxvo_AqkUHRQSyCpQ/s640/cupcake+carrier.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<strong>Step #3:</strong> Using tweezers or the Silhouette hook tool, remove the vinyl you aren't planning to use...leaving the letters you intend to put on the carrier. Discard the extra vinyl.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_r_3rNpJrUW6YPoBKIXrWURB9Pzf6lB9HCknq_GCS8Pba_1cYUw_jWT4AXeQ5OnbV8WLwwDl7dbhyyvbQbLk3aTvtiOHgyfws_HVMX4BgmcTOkSZcMULm7MBaLVqwiUxb_qXQlSE5ZK0/s1600/cupcake+carrier+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="505" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_r_3rNpJrUW6YPoBKIXrWURB9Pzf6lB9HCknq_GCS8Pba_1cYUw_jWT4AXeQ5OnbV8WLwwDl7dbhyyvbQbLk3aTvtiOHgyfws_HVMX4BgmcTOkSZcMULm7MBaLVqwiUxb_qXQlSE5ZK0/s640/cupcake+carrier+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<strong>Step #4:</strong> Place the contact paper, with the name adhered to it, onto the side of the cupcake carrier. Be sure to make sure it's centered and where you want it, before you press it onto the side. Using a credit card or drivers license, outline and press the vinyl down, adhering the letters to the cupcake carrier. Then carefully pull the contact paper away, leaving your green (or whatever color vinyl you choose) letters. Take your time on this last step, as the vinyl *can* pull away from the plastic carrier if you aren't careful.<br />
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<strong>Step #5:</strong> Now, she can tote around her favorite cupcakes, casserole, or cake - and will be sure to get the carrier back afterwards...there's no confusion on who it belongs to!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQXQCmAr2-MLS00ppp_o6kgokk5rFl7BZOLExtDh_m5rkuIkKM-xf7yXU4xrwn_-ATkgda04p5Y3iMGyhGzqAa70LYNZt7V9pbtu5YuMZotFEHyMok1XNLo9nMuaqY89p_XUqb5TQniWU/s1600/cupcake+carrier+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQXQCmAr2-MLS00ppp_o6kgokk5rFl7BZOLExtDh_m5rkuIkKM-xf7yXU4xrwn_-ATkgda04p5Y3iMGyhGzqAa70LYNZt7V9pbtu5YuMZotFEHyMok1XNLo9nMuaqY89p_XUqb5TQniWU/s1600/cupcake+carrier+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQXQCmAr2-MLS00ppp_o6kgokk5rFl7BZOLExtDh_m5rkuIkKM-xf7yXU4xrwn_-ATkgda04p5Y3iMGyhGzqAa70LYNZt7V9pbtu5YuMZotFEHyMok1XNLo9nMuaqY89p_XUqb5TQniWU/s640/cupcake+carrier+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Easy peasy personalization!!</div>
<br />Biddle Bitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10229086715074981817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7152938236326468132.post-89940427719917202012013-08-01T14:48:00.002-04:002013-08-01T14:48:52.263-04:0015 Clever Kitchen Storage ideas<br />
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<a href="http://www.hometalk.com/b/1016817/favorite-kitchen-storage-ideas" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge2sIClyno714KzE_0mbGBon8kEl1EzNZzNUjs69rVMEzW_OiE4TMnjLSKZs2SmVrKBp98xwsVn1ikU541iwOdXo-CAOvqC_-mj1cnU0Zzwiso4RmA6kgMc5iSKUf4fNFYZs3DCiildbg/s1600/biddlebits0108.jpg" /></a></div>
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When we moved into our house a little over 2 years ago, our new kitchen was a HUGE upgrade (in style and size) from the itty-bitty, outdated kitchen from our 1980's town home. Even still, it amazed me how quickly the cabinets & drawers in the new-to-us house filled up, and the importance of finding a home for everything...and keeping it all organized!</div>
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Now that lil' Biddle will be making his arrival any day now, we have a whole bunch of baby stuff (bottles, Baby Bullet, sippy cups) that need to find a new home in our already-full cabinets and drawers! It just so happened that our friends at <a href="http://hometalk.com/"><span style="color: blue;">hometalk.com</span></a> contacted me the other day to curate a collection of <a href="http://www.hometalk.com/b/1016817/favorite-kitchen-storage-ideas" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">clever kitchen organization ideas</span></a><span style="color: blue;">.</span> What a perfect opportunity to clip some of my favorite kitchen organization ideas from hometalk and share them with you!</div>
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Let me know what you think - and if you have other ideas that you'd add to the list of favorites!</div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span>Biddle Bitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10229086715074981817noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7152938236326468132.post-4117129986003807752013-07-28T21:39:00.001-04:002013-07-28T21:39:12.730-04:00Door silencer for baby's nursery<br />
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkHhX5VAB21eMpy_qPOEbW6kqUyF-GZ02uqJ8ciEsIiV78MqILuocCcuTWUYe9z2cPv1Ed4UhPUJOXj9_C9UB6rEr8uRgxa2v2H60NyLyRl4A7esdb-MZC4hPqLcyZHhIbGOKWZQcMhhs/s640/door+silencer+6.JPG" width="483" /></div>
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As we prepare for Lil' Biddle's arrival (his due date is in 1 week!), we're in the final steps of getting the nursery ready for our little bundle of joy! I've seen these "door silencers" on etsy and Pinterest, and figured I could easily make our own...it was a breeze and used scraps of fabric I already had on hand...so the project was FREE!<br />
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Here's how I made mine:<br />
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<strong>What you need:</strong><br />
<ul>
<li>2 scraps of fabric (3" x 4" each)</li>
<li>scrap of light interfacing, 3" x 4" (optional) </li>
<li>2 new hair rubberbands</li>
</ul>
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<strong>Instructions:</strong><br />
<strong>Step #1:</strong> Cut 2 rectangles from your fabric: both should be 3" x 4"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfT7xBmyqSrnM50LaZ2jARr69t9i3unMP8Pkp6Du7ljTNy8jMdYFCH89NjqATkeolnKG_B-hydCCHDkutJlimnqww3BK69l_3LvcFGmA2RMbC1vlX19yBeijnYfH7ssyY-_ni0Q1NkY_0/s1600/door+silencer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfT7xBmyqSrnM50LaZ2jARr69t9i3unMP8Pkp6Du7ljTNy8jMdYFCH89NjqATkeolnKG_B-hydCCHDkutJlimnqww3BK69l_3LvcFGmA2RMbC1vlX19yBeijnYfH7ssyY-_ni0Q1NkY_0/s400/door+silencer.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<strong>Step #2:</strong> Cut a 3" x 4" rectangle of interfacing and iron it to the wrong side of one of the fabric rectangles. <em>If you don't have interfacing, you could cut a 3rd rectangle of fabric to help increase the thickness of the door silencer.</em> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd-W-4kWQS_dpM2dCBwCcsArGi15F_odLGGpW2wDnJjBHNsYWQ_jfM4o2d43PcrynhFMF0DG3V8LgkPh-E8dOC3ZPvvDIsUJxdWXHNUSsn_SfPRtzsAkFdRmyqXxLgsVFsODPmXVoC86c/s1600/door+silencer+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd-W-4kWQS_dpM2dCBwCcsArGi15F_odLGGpW2wDnJjBHNsYWQ_jfM4o2d43PcrynhFMF0DG3V8LgkPh-E8dOC3ZPvvDIsUJxdWXHNUSsn_SfPRtzsAkFdRmyqXxLgsVFsODPmXVoC86c/s400/door+silencer+1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<strong>Step #3:</strong> Pin your 2 rubberbands to the short sides of your interfaced rectangle, as shown in the picture below. Make sure you're pinning on the *right* (patterned) side of your rectangle. The larger loop of each rubberband should be on the interior of the rectangle. (only a small amount of the band should be hanging over the edges). <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7hCeME-8BjbXSLPDXtp8Gjy_JiGJf05qspCIaDFsKyHrQCfnQWw88W8bs3k1czdTzdYVzEkvJf-GiQ1HvfbMCgFW4cVWO8OX7UTqbnrjnjuG_2_rzEsP2KTJ2ZHxL5NF7c1HZ2vRqdcY/s1600/door+silencer+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7hCeME-8BjbXSLPDXtp8Gjy_JiGJf05qspCIaDFsKyHrQCfnQWw88W8bs3k1czdTzdYVzEkvJf-GiQ1HvfbMCgFW4cVWO8OX7UTqbnrjnjuG_2_rzEsP2KTJ2ZHxL5NF7c1HZ2vRqdcY/s400/door+silencer+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<strong>Step #4</strong>: Pin together your 2 rectangles, right sides together (patterns should be facing each other). The rubberbands will be covered up, but you'll be able to see the small loop of the bands sticking out of each short side.</div>
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<strong>Step #5</strong>: Using your sewing machine, sew with a 1/4" seam allowance along 3.5 sides of the rectangle, making sure to leave a gap large enough to turn the fabric right side out. Use a chopstick or capped pen to push your corners out.</div>
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<strong>Step #6</strong>: Now that the piece is right side out, iron it completely flat, making sure that the area where the open gap is, has edges that are turned under. Pin the gap closed and sew a 1/8" straight finishing edge around all 4 edges of the rectangle, sewing the gap closed and leaving a nice finished edge.</div>
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<strong>I made 2 of these in about 20 minutes...it would take even less time, now that I know what dimensions work well!!:</strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUelc97HaAuXmBL2p56TOqXEDnuEuhDKB1fCR14UxTHULGATNz4uLmmB-wB1kwDKXIWRV5-yNkIlhyr2gE3at10-mSMvZE3L5sWG6gFC_2amr3mhCxj043Ik5BXsugdw3q3fvCWsiSLPQ/s1600/door+silencer+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUelc97HaAuXmBL2p56TOqXEDnuEuhDKB1fCR14UxTHULGATNz4uLmmB-wB1kwDKXIWRV5-yNkIlhyr2gE3at10-mSMvZE3L5sWG6gFC_2amr3mhCxj043Ik5BXsugdw3q3fvCWsiSLPQ/s400/door+silencer+3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<strong>Step #7</strong>: Wrap each rubberband around each side of your doorknob, like so...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1baudy5PREG_pvj41tZiOJHwOGXYKiWMqVNl8TDyVGyrlX8DBjWFBHCAtmv8pQBHspfXa6JlRSX1HthrCJn9RlBqcoaq9rsJPTda5DIUn-Fi5__9m46b7hkQ1JhtnpfiOUzaHxh7ezS0/s1600/door+silencer+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1baudy5PREG_pvj41tZiOJHwOGXYKiWMqVNl8TDyVGyrlX8DBjWFBHCAtmv8pQBHspfXa6JlRSX1HthrCJn9RlBqcoaq9rsJPTda5DIUn-Fi5__9m46b7hkQ1JhtnpfiOUzaHxh7ezS0/s400/door+silencer+4.JPG" width="316" /></a></div>
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...and you've got yourself a door silencer! No waking the baby when you open and close the door :)<br />
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<strong>I've also read that these work well to prevent little toddler fingers from getting slammed in the door in later years...</strong></div>
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Here's what it looks like with the door closed:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhadh4c7Pka5Jis-953Xsp6oukJK1h05WQf72CFj6yAz4CYQ3RV-vHtDTrgLabNltc-lIr703etMm1KjHW6a4FROt_cjmXtjedKRbEd_dSND99ygpWKxzfGMzESU9Lkc2FA9biDjUyiCwE/s1600/door+silencer+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhadh4c7Pka5Jis-953Xsp6oukJK1h05WQf72CFj6yAz4CYQ3RV-vHtDTrgLabNltc-lIr703etMm1KjHW6a4FROt_cjmXtjedKRbEd_dSND99ygpWKxzfGMzESU9Lkc2FA9biDjUyiCwE/s400/door+silencer+5.JPG" width="316" /></a></div>
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...and when the door is open:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkHhX5VAB21eMpy_qPOEbW6kqUyF-GZ02uqJ8ciEsIiV78MqILuocCcuTWUYe9z2cPv1Ed4UhPUJOXj9_C9UB6rEr8uRgxa2v2H60NyLyRl4A7esdb-MZC4hPqLcyZHhIbGOKWZQcMhhs/s1600/door+silencer+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkHhX5VAB21eMpy_qPOEbW6kqUyF-GZ02uqJ8ciEsIiV78MqILuocCcuTWUYe9z2cPv1Ed4UhPUJOXj9_C9UB6rEr8uRgxa2v2H60NyLyRl4A7esdb-MZC4hPqLcyZHhIbGOKWZQcMhhs/s400/door+silencer+6.JPG" width="302" /></a></div>
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<strong>Here's hoping our lil' Boy is a good sleeper...and this little door silencer will allow me to peek in on him, without waking him, during naptime!</strong></div>
Biddle Bitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10229086715074981817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7152938236326468132.post-46599540531097363802013-07-09T14:37:00.001-04:002013-07-09T14:37:07.904-04:00How to make a golf ball cake<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTvB-Ihu_Bi_qDT7bwN4ldlAFibUCq5w_kILIIRNTN08O-khyphenhyphengf5rln8iZQ8ZHA9FxIhycF-kZiYiEZYZJ9cJTShxxcj60XJJfv1J6_rcjAjYwaSfy-i8zn3sgnUjiCYEDokedUdh2REA/s1600/golf+ball+cake+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTvB-Ihu_Bi_qDT7bwN4ldlAFibUCq5w_kILIIRNTN08O-khyphenhyphengf5rln8iZQ8ZHA9FxIhycF-kZiYiEZYZJ9cJTShxxcj60XJJfv1J6_rcjAjYwaSfy-i8zn3sgnUjiCYEDokedUdh2REA/s400/golf+ball+cake+3.JPG" width="393" /></a></div>
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Mr. Biddle Bits and I are both early-July babies...so we just celebrated our birthdays! Unfortunately, about a week before our birthday celebrations, he came down with Shingles. YUCK! I tried everything to make him feel better and to boost his spirit, but there really wasn't much I could do but just be there for him.<br />
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Thankfully, he was feeling slightly better on his birthday - well enough to go out for lunch and for a quick run to Target ;)...AND for cake and ice cream! (which makes everything better, am I right?!)<br />
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He loves to golf, so I made him a cake in the shape of a golf ball. It was actually really easy, if you have the right materials.<br />
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<b><u>What you need:</u></b><br />
<ul>
<li>1 box of cake mix and ingredients it requires</li>
<li>1 can of frosting (or you can use homemade, if you'd like...I'm 9 months pregnant, so went with pre-made Pillsbury vanilla icing)</li>
<li>non-stick cooking/baking spray</li>
<li>Wilton "sports ball" pan set: <a href="http://www.wilton.com/store/site/product.cfm?id=3E30ABD4-475A-BAC0-5B381DA1BA82E3D3"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">http://www.wilton.com/store/site/product.cfm?id=3E30ABD4-475A-BAC0-5B381DA1BA82E3D3</span></a></li>
<li>plastic chopstick, or another object with a blunt, round edge.</li>
</ul>
<b><u>Instructions:</u></b><br />
<i>(forgive me...I didn't initially think to turn this into a blog post, so didn't take pictures of the first steps)</i><br />
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<strong>Step #1 -</strong> Preparation and baking:<br />
<ul>
<li>preheat oven according to cake mix instructions. </li>
<li>Prepare your pans by spraying with non-stick cooking/baking spray.</li>
<li>Mix cake mix ingredients together, as directed. </li>
<li>Follow instructions in the pan set. They're *very* easy to follow!: Pour cake batter into ball pans and bake until a long toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean. (I believe mine took about 45-50 minutes to fully bake) Let cool. Follow cake pan instructions to flatten the tops of each half-circle, by cutting off the excess cake (then eat it!!) </li>
<li>Turn cake pans over to release 2 half-circle cakes.</li>
<li>I prefer to cover and refrigerate my cakes over night (or at least for a few hours) - it helps "firm up" the cake and reduce the amount of crumbs while I'm decorating it.</li>
</ul>
<strong>Step #2 - </strong>Decoration:<br />
<ul>
<li>Using a long serrated knife, cut a small amount from the top of *one* of the circles - to create a flat base for the cake to sit on.</li>
<li>Smear a small amount of icing on your cake plate/platter and place the small, flat portion of that half-circle on the plate. That icing will ensure the cake won't slide around on your cake platter. Now you have created the bottom half of your golf ball cake. </li>
<li>Using a clean, smooth knife, spread a thin layer of icing on the large, flat cake surface in front of you, and place the other half of your golf ball on top of that. </li>
<li>You should now be looking at a 3-D, ball-shaped cake. </li>
</ul>
<strong>Step #3 -</strong> Decoration, continued: (<i>with pictures!</i>)<br />
<ul>
<li>Using a clean, smooth knife, carefully take icing and smooth it over the entire round cake. Stick it back in the fridge for 30 minutes or so, to help harden the icing.</li>
<li>Then, get a cup of cool water. Using a flat spreader/spatula (like<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> <a href="http://www.wilton.com/store/site/product.cfm?id=3E31007C-475A-BAC0-57674AD17E10E814&killnav=1" target="_blank">this one</a></span>), dip the spatula in the water and carefully smooth over your icing. This is a trick to help get as smooth an icing surface as possible. Continue to dip it in water and smooth the icing until you're happy. Here's my "happy":</li>
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<ul>
<li>Put back in fridge for 10-15 minutes to help harden the icing.</li>
<li>Remove cake from fridge. Dip the fat end of a plastic chopstick in your cup of water and make a shallow indentation in your icing. Continue the indentations in a straight line. You can probably make 4-6 indentations before you need to dip it in water again. (the water keeps the chopstick from sticking to the icing. You may need to clean off the chopstick every now and then with a paper towel - just to prevent icing from sticking. You can also put the cake back in the fridge every 10 minutes or so...the harder the icing, the easier this indentation process will be.</li>
<li>Continue to make indentations until the cake is covered in dimples! </li>
</ul>
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The indentations are a little time consuming, but they're KEY in making this look like a golf ball!</div>
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<b>Step #4 -</b> Enjoy your masterpiece!!:<br />
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I'm sure you could create some sort of golf tee with a cake plate to more creatively present the cake...but again...at 9 months pregnant, I was feeling pretty good to have even MADE a cake for his birthday - the fact that it sat on a paper plate was ok by me (and the birthday boy) :)<br />
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Biddle Bitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10229086715074981817noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7152938236326468132.post-78720446756070384972013-05-27T14:13:00.000-04:002013-05-27T22:03:35.085-04:00Memorial Day brownie pops - no "cake pop" pan required!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I made these brownie pops for a pool party/BBQ yesterday, to celebrate Memorial Day! I should have made more than 12, because they were gone WAY before it was time for dessert. </div>
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I think I can safely say that they were a hit!!</div>
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<strong>Ingredients:</strong><br />
<em>(note: if you want to make more than 12 brownie pops, you could make enough brownie mix for a 13x9" pan...but I'd double the amount of candy wafers needed to completely cover the brownie pops)</em><br />
<ul>
<li>brownie mix (that makes enough to fill 8x8" square pan)</li>
<li>whatever ingredients the brownie mix calls for</li>
<li>12 cake pop sticks</li>
<li>1-1.25 cups candy coating wafers</li>
<li>sprinkles</li>
</ul>
<strong>Instructions:</strong><br />
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<strong>Step #1</strong>: Bake brownies according to instructions. Let cool completely (I put mine in the fridge to speed up the cooling process), then cut 1/4" away from the edges (the crusty edges - my favorite part!) and eat it/discard the edges. <em>Though, really...who would discard??!</em><br />
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Cut brownies into 12 equal pieces:<br />
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<strong>Step #2:</strong> Using your hands, take each brownie and roll/smush tightly into a compact ball. Continue until all 12 brownies are rolled. I put them on a Silpat-lined cookie sheet, though waxed paper would work just as well. Stick the pan in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, which helps "firm-up" the brownies.<br />
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<strong>Step #3</strong>: In a microwave safe bowl, melt 1/2 cup of candy wafers. Melt for 30 seconds, then stir. Melt in 30-second increments until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth when stirred. Don't overheat!<br />
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<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Step #4:</strong> Dip the tip of each pop stick 1/2" into the melted wafers and insert into the center of each brownie ball. This helps secure the pop stick in the brownie. Then chill in the refrigerator 10 minutes or so.<br />
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<strong>Step #5:</strong> After chilling (the brownie pops, haha), remove brownie pops from the fridge for coating. <br />
Add another 1/2-3/4 cup of wafers to already melted wafers and microwave in 30 second increments, stirring until melted and smooth. <br />
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<strong>Step #6</strong>: Dip each pop into melted wafers. You'll need to tilt the bowl and use a spoon to cover the brownie pop completely. Allow excess to drop back into the bowl. Immediately sprinkle with your choice of sprinkles and place back on the mat/wax paper/cookie sheet to harden. (don't wait to sprinkle 'em...the candy wafers dry surprisingly fast!)<br />
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At this point, I thought they could be "E.T" pops...what do you think??:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ2xfsEIOnmwHppWiIxw-_1hvYvnWHVczIb0UYFtMUEh_rS97qY3v9a8F80f358jRY6zEia0ttSI_eCebxJZT7iOwMsSg_7Ll2YQWo4zo-EjdhKW0n-H8xtyYgo2snE0E0-0kxzupHB2s/s1600/brownie+pops+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ2xfsEIOnmwHppWiIxw-_1hvYvnWHVczIb0UYFtMUEh_rS97qY3v9a8F80f358jRY6zEia0ttSI_eCebxJZT7iOwMsSg_7Ll2YQWo4zo-EjdhKW0n-H8xtyYgo2snE0E0-0kxzupHB2s/s640/brownie+pops+12.jpg" width="454" /></a></div>
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YUM on a stick! You could make these for any occasion really...just switch out the color of your candy wafers and/or sprinkles!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA6JplfHnW8D4rt7LsV1u7ebNGisvuqSvO5EtUocGZCNRLFcnCeVV9iF18g2CCNODDcJ4KOXboZsWYs8P_sK__cIPMUNxQZKhpP9pd4vMnIV1ZC8ITIuE9uhL9cKwwoi3bsHQULafA-k0/s1600/brownie+pops+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA6JplfHnW8D4rt7LsV1u7ebNGisvuqSvO5EtUocGZCNRLFcnCeVV9iF18g2CCNODDcJ4KOXboZsWYs8P_sK__cIPMUNxQZKhpP9pd4vMnIV1ZC8ITIuE9uhL9cKwwoi3bsHQULafA-k0/s640/brownie+pops+13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;">H<span style="color: blue;">a</span>p<span style="color: blue;">p</span>y <span style="color: blue;">M</span>e<span style="color: blue;">m</span>o<span style="color: blue;">r</span>i<span style="color: blue;">a</span>l <span style="color: blue;">D</span>a<span style="color: blue;">y</span>, <span style="color: blue;">e</span>v<span style="color: blue;">e</span>r<span style="color: blue;">y</span>o<span style="color: blue;">n</span>e</span><span style="color: blue;">!</span></span></strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgqp_jlLowsfkVyWKDyBwju4Aq1Ea_kSnB3xyuXIPIIERb4B3Oll52xgmFVXlR6aLJnxOZqDm603pEPZEGTb3FD4iU8Sxp1r1f6uOiA80osrp86FkbSZ297wmpP0eQNQnaSdPHzOHEC-Y/s1600/brownie+pops+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgqp_jlLowsfkVyWKDyBwju4Aq1Ea_kSnB3xyuXIPIIERb4B3Oll52xgmFVXlR6aLJnxOZqDm603pEPZEGTb3FD4iU8Sxp1r1f6uOiA80osrp86FkbSZ297wmpP0eQNQnaSdPHzOHEC-Y/s640/brownie+pops+14.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />Biddle Bitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10229086715074981817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7152938236326468132.post-8848634371625503102013-05-16T19:11:00.000-04:002013-05-16T19:11:13.050-04:00Elephant Nursery Art<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguKSbzYl-sji87WXyIvflkcV00VV_Usj_b6buPi1QzwaOMLrfDP9Xkqrg-pIFFx35rVH7rieOVV28-28A3a1S9Bk4Fltd-B2u6OKt62vrVmBXdQ9To_qCEAyTxkzxK5a7iAmeHIQOXgtc/s1600/elephant+art6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="465" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguKSbzYl-sji87WXyIvflkcV00VV_Usj_b6buPi1QzwaOMLrfDP9Xkqrg-pIFFx35rVH7rieOVV28-28A3a1S9Bk4Fltd-B2u6OKt62vrVmBXdQ9To_qCEAyTxkzxK5a7iAmeHIQOXgtc/s640/elephant+art6.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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We've been busy working on Baby Biddle's nursery...and ran into an issue finding art for the room. After searching some local stores, etsy and Pinterest, I decided to take matters into my own hands and create a one-of-a-kind picture for BB's room.</div>
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Here's how I did it:</div>
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<strong><u>Stuff you need:</u></strong></div>
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Canvas (whatever size suits your room)</div>
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Paint - any kind should work </div>
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I used low-VOC paint, leftover from painting the nursery walls</div>
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foam paintbrush</div>
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masking tape or frogtape</div>
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a ruler (or cut a piece of paper/cardboard into a strip to use as a guide - to make sure your lines are evenly spaced and straight)</div>
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Shaped vinyl stickers (if you have a Silhouette cutter, you can make your own!)</div>
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<strong>Step #1: </strong>Use masking tape to mark off stripes on your canvas. I chose a diagonal pattern, and had about 2.5" of space between each beige strip of masking tape. I cut a piece of cardboard into a 2.5" wide strip, and used it between strips of masking tape - to make sure my stripes were evenly spaced and straight. </div>
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Press down all edges to ensure a tight seal to the canvas.</div>
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<strong>Step #2: </strong>using a foam paintbrush, paint your first coat of paint over the canvas - painting over the masking tape. Make sure to paint your canvas edges too!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi15PCrjjxdYZbs7p_BwBXFYtEI4oXBlUANaG-RPnt01zpFarbMRfXb9n1Oq0ABiMU9YFaMrCZ4fSyB0IaFR87tyM9aIuxhOpdWQyfzhuZepY-NDqDsQEVTOdrKI16NzHvgW39afiLk5k0/s1600/elephant+art1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="489" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi15PCrjjxdYZbs7p_BwBXFYtEI4oXBlUANaG-RPnt01zpFarbMRfXb9n1Oq0ABiMU9YFaMrCZ4fSyB0IaFR87tyM9aIuxhOpdWQyfzhuZepY-NDqDsQEVTOdrKI16NzHvgW39afiLk5k0/s640/elephant+art1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Once dry, paint a second coat.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJjXd7522_kH2fFWTl1dUgoiqVqheb3tybC4eiFXmFtrVj3b6tLT6Uv2_c6rwWqHEONBRp2g1sjtrReTHtKRPc4SYLiEpvTcQEj8KAuBLGGhzN_EkqFJGZYYKH-_Jurxa6v2kzIGdoJBw/s1600/elephant+art2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJjXd7522_kH2fFWTl1dUgoiqVqheb3tybC4eiFXmFtrVj3b6tLT6Uv2_c6rwWqHEONBRp2g1sjtrReTHtKRPc4SYLiEpvTcQEj8KAuBLGGhzN_EkqFJGZYYKH-_Jurxa6v2kzIGdoJBw/s640/elephant+art2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<strong>Step #3:</strong> Once the 2nd coat is dry, carefully pull the masking tape off and throw it away. You'll be left with perfect stripes!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRgZBXyflb6DW39xhlwELz8d4oKuCJeRtgK4VWVVR64YU4U1KacXcEWOxw4gtGqzSy1sA4lrGeUQZhdzK_wtmHzHsgE156pNnmemSAD_4mMoRZnSGVSGP8ixcQhWyUnc-QvTmBrXgBqAo/s1600/elephant+art3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRgZBXyflb6DW39xhlwELz8d4oKuCJeRtgK4VWVVR64YU4U1KacXcEWOxw4gtGqzSy1sA4lrGeUQZhdzK_wtmHzHsgE156pNnmemSAD_4mMoRZnSGVSGP8ixcQhWyUnc-QvTmBrXgBqAo/s640/elephant+art3.JPG" width="547" /></a></div>
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<strong>Step #4:</strong> Take vinyl stickers and determine where you'd like to place them on your canvas. I downloaded the elephant graphic and made these cuties on our Silhouette cutter. The color is a bit off on a computer screen, but the green is a lime green color and the blue is an aqua blue.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8mVQqTDR2u80Ssqu7XtSGjB8es6cjYNtWnxPyxYi7SABHGfkkRpWUjVWzq4svrrx-YLBeu9F1-wBwiHaT00tGRvPBpzFvz2p2JIT3l9uJYyoSD2kJruDR-WiFlN3rixR-r-VqlGDCfUY/s1600/elephant+art4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8mVQqTDR2u80Ssqu7XtSGjB8es6cjYNtWnxPyxYi7SABHGfkkRpWUjVWzq4svrrx-YLBeu9F1-wBwiHaT00tGRvPBpzFvz2p2JIT3l9uJYyoSD2kJruDR-WiFlN3rixR-r-VqlGDCfUY/s640/elephant+art4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<strong>Step #5:</strong> Then, remove the backing from the sticker and adhere to your painted canvas. Repeat if you have several vinyl stickers...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR0pT8SzoaKhHtsrk-m-Fw4UjZJ5y4EKLLIO_Wa1oJSQPhoqescvYRoGkKvtXvSBJGdY1M4-PGU3RpgOECZ3oj_txfjWYoSg8ARGr3YHpO3hYOJ036w7bhTOKGRdUBio4qErmpFim_SIQ/s1600/elephant+art5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="489" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR0pT8SzoaKhHtsrk-m-Fw4UjZJ5y4EKLLIO_Wa1oJSQPhoqescvYRoGkKvtXvSBJGdY1M4-PGU3RpgOECZ3oj_txfjWYoSg8ARGr3YHpO3hYOJ036w7bhTOKGRdUBio4qErmpFim_SIQ/s640/elephant+art5.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<strong>Step #6</strong>: Hang up your masterpiece and enjoy your one-of-a-kind handiwork!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguKSbzYl-sji87WXyIvflkcV00VV_Usj_b6buPi1QzwaOMLrfDP9Xkqrg-pIFFx35rVH7rieOVV28-28A3a1S9Bk4Fltd-B2u6OKt62vrVmBXdQ9To_qCEAyTxkzxK5a7iAmeHIQOXgtc/s1600/elephant+art6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="465" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguKSbzYl-sji87WXyIvflkcV00VV_Usj_b6buPi1QzwaOMLrfDP9Xkqrg-pIFFx35rVH7rieOVV28-28A3a1S9Bk4Fltd-B2u6OKt62vrVmBXdQ9To_qCEAyTxkzxK5a7iAmeHIQOXgtc/s640/elephant+art6.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdT7Cng4lbXxg5Sv_b-q5C5aV92_B51Vdb3vo8d-Ig-KDa7NwLjWjO-LoYlB2uJRYyZpjG-Njn5jilsTkn2LAbV8GTXFDIxttjm66AVtcfiltb4PSIfk289EBaD_tg_YHzB0zNnlS9vFc/s1600/elephant+art+-+final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdT7Cng4lbXxg5Sv_b-q5C5aV92_B51Vdb3vo8d-Ig-KDa7NwLjWjO-LoYlB2uJRYyZpjG-Njn5jilsTkn2LAbV8GTXFDIxttjm66AVtcfiltb4PSIfk289EBaD_tg_YHzB0zNnlS9vFc/s1600/elephant+art+-+final.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Biddle Bitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10229086715074981817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7152938236326468132.post-35104659145906506432013-03-27T14:09:00.000-04:002013-03-27T14:10:57.670-04:00How to make a baby tag blanket<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQMX75TRbLY_Ogq-VdJ9HFRtNTc04ZI2Y7dHu-UsWhoC31EatCvaISv1qGOXNso2cjXverzk1wI28wDWbR-ammh9iVc9XJH7HDSA5Zlih9ZbqsSI_5Yx7QVjIqez0z2FCUBZh27OTMJFI/s1600/softie9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQMX75TRbLY_Ogq-VdJ9HFRtNTc04ZI2Y7dHu-UsWhoC31EatCvaISv1qGOXNso2cjXverzk1wI28wDWbR-ammh9iVc9XJH7HDSA5Zlih9ZbqsSI_5Yx7QVjIqez0z2FCUBZh27OTMJFI/s640/softie9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I am in the midst of decluttering and cleaning - to make room for Baby Biddle's nursery. Cleaning/decluttering aren't my favorite things to do, but I love how productive I feel when it's done!</div>
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While going through my craft stash, I ran across some material for what I call a baby tag blanket (or a "baby softie") - it's the super-soft, fuzzy material that usually has "nubbies" (a slightly raised polka dot pattern) all over it.</div>
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I also found some football ribbon that would be cute for a boy's softie blankie... Looks like I have everything I need for a quick sunday afternoon project (can you say distraction from cleaning/decluttering??):</div>
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<b>What you need: </b></div>
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<li>fabric scraps - <i>see my choice of sizing below, but it can be any size you want it to be!</i></li>
<li>ribbon scraps</li>
<li>straight pins</li>
<li>sewing machine</li>
<li>rotary cutter and board, or fabric shears</li>
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<b>Step #1</b>: I cut my fabric into 2 squares, approximately 10.5" x 12" each. I used a rotary cutter and a cutting board, but regular old fabric shears would do the trick as well. Cut your ribbon into 4.5-5.5" lengths. <i>(I planned to put 2 ribbon "tags" on each of the 4 sides of the blanket, so I cut 8 lengths of ribbon)</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKa2ttrCOqZ4T52bxcXQI6z0hDsrfJljAz_y7LT6cMk_VVA5PpaBahvNVcXhW6Vwios8BFyJdJEIBfkuUKCz35ERddFpJLVyy9z6I6mgFhDqY2aBVEk88M7YFEIQOHz155RDNTm1fAJww/s1600/softie1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="531" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKa2ttrCOqZ4T52bxcXQI6z0hDsrfJljAz_y7LT6cMk_VVA5PpaBahvNVcXhW6Vwios8BFyJdJEIBfkuUKCz35ERddFpJLVyy9z6I6mgFhDqY2aBVEk88M7YFEIQOHz155RDNTm1fAJww/s640/softie1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Step #2:</b> Lay your fabric right-sides together and make sure your edges line up. If they don't, give 'em a little trim. Pin around your edges.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvKlgJixr6YPOvmDyNXwKR38TL_sHboZIO6isEwxZVbbF8lGlxx72i6JbaKg5Gkh-0YYuLotssONHqlrpsspA4jWBEAekwzTlL0X-HfrV-FIULby1ZYb2Y_RHbrG6rCxNop17bG-ANtwY/s1600/softie2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvKlgJixr6YPOvmDyNXwKR38TL_sHboZIO6isEwxZVbbF8lGlxx72i6JbaKg5Gkh-0YYuLotssONHqlrpsspA4jWBEAekwzTlL0X-HfrV-FIULby1ZYb2Y_RHbrG6rCxNop17bG-ANtwY/s640/softie2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Step #3</b>: Take one piece of ribbon and fold in half, with your pattern facing "up". This will be a ribbon "tag" on your blankie.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpgaZ1xNdfJVItvehFseOVKygyfKyUcJmoUmEg33RzqKxxG8lWaDcVwhihbYaEeoz5SBIqn6YIgVh0IVy0n993w_xB-36QdNMImysvoMhg-EnYKl3wglwXIuEK6Ug5e_Wx9RZk4711C7k/s1600/softie3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpgaZ1xNdfJVItvehFseOVKygyfKyUcJmoUmEg33RzqKxxG8lWaDcVwhihbYaEeoz5SBIqn6YIgVh0IVy0n993w_xB-36QdNMImysvoMhg-EnYKl3wglwXIuEK6Ug5e_Wx9RZk4711C7k/s640/softie3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Step #4</b>: Remove one of the pins from your blanket fabric, and pull one side of the fabric back - enough to lay a folded ribbon *inside* the 2 pieces of fabric:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2qwSvNtSCvD2V8Qq-FZsUDomKKYttbMFoujGhfir7bJR93RsfiYZoqWrGDufh1OaYzcS9WZzZzi5IGQKLmi4QbXwBZbfXGYHFL6G9VfO8Vsibs0TOvTVuMdZiI79B1P7DDc0T4m71wyI/s1600/softie4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2qwSvNtSCvD2V8Qq-FZsUDomKKYttbMFoujGhfir7bJR93RsfiYZoqWrGDufh1OaYzcS9WZzZzi5IGQKLmi4QbXwBZbfXGYHFL6G9VfO8Vsibs0TOvTVuMdZiI79B1P7DDc0T4m71wyI/s640/softie4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Carefully lay the fabric back on top of the folded ribbon and pin in place. Make sure both edges of the ribbon line up with the fabric edge. You can't see the ribbon below, but see the arrow? The ribbon is folded and pinned between the 2 pieces of fabric there:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2GC7io0QV_uyl4IrEo1vKHUpFd_LBi12Qy3ZkH_TZbBp9xhS8YH_AbudLsU-tsl2XFyyWyPhNhpebzj4O4mhoTutdEOGMvNwapy-bF8Gz6Ey9_jKNgGgcpq7B5t92530jS8hONwGPzyU/s1600/softie5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2GC7io0QV_uyl4IrEo1vKHUpFd_LBi12Qy3ZkH_TZbBp9xhS8YH_AbudLsU-tsl2XFyyWyPhNhpebzj4O4mhoTutdEOGMvNwapy-bF8Gz6Ey9_jKNgGgcpq7B5t92530jS8hONwGPzyU/s640/softie5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Step #5</b>: Continue that ribbon folding and pinning all the way around the perimeter of the blanket fabric. I put 2 ribbon "tags" on each of the 4 sides of the blanket.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVDGHO8_SyivABrhCkg9ze8qVTVN-IX1Vf2SRSBRwedOAHkcVd_J0a7CIpet8LdVgiWFgw7fvk1QOg7jrnretcao4brul0Ynfuo0qmNxsIuLC2bezuVkKg_aWb8Z74pCuek54pp0Cbk1o/s1600/softie6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="531" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVDGHO8_SyivABrhCkg9ze8qVTVN-IX1Vf2SRSBRwedOAHkcVd_J0a7CIpet8LdVgiWFgw7fvk1QOg7jrnretcao4brul0Ynfuo0qmNxsIuLC2bezuVkKg_aWb8Z74pCuek54pp0Cbk1o/s640/softie6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Step #6</b>: Break out your sewing machine...<i>I lined the edge of the fabric up with my sewing foot - it made for an easy sewing guide and straight lines. </i>You'll want to start your sewing about halfway down the length of one of your edges, so that when you've sewn all the way around all 4 edges, you can leave a small opening on one side...to turn the blanket right-side out.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAGrlc6TMlwEEv7IkgVcoC8Znpr7fH9So0UspkyrUhLQCVYXRKGAb9fFoDR6dckAOICb8ud8u4xGVR-SlAub3qz7hOGSOCNDiOvQkkn-peyk1s_a2Pw5N-1IaecwsjdQrD4cywKJWcVjU/s1600/softie7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAGrlc6TMlwEEv7IkgVcoC8Znpr7fH9So0UspkyrUhLQCVYXRKGAb9fFoDR6dckAOICb8ud8u4xGVR-SlAub3qz7hOGSOCNDiOvQkkn-peyk1s_a2Pw5N-1IaecwsjdQrD4cywKJWcVjU/s640/softie7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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You can see here that I've sewn all 4 edges, and left a small opening at the very bottom of the blanket. I also used fabric shears to trim the 4 corners - it helps the corners to lay nicely when you turn the blanket right-side out:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxuC5I3N7GfrgPeL0abePoEbWpfDJbgo2S3G1hiGGtpB8qq0gIIHrBtFJOOebAnw2QDvDKLAk66lspZYgSTVdYUogT2ytHpPz33igMTw7m0thy6-hVTBtb3oRrEr995lgQuo26CO2aW1U/s1600/softie8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxuC5I3N7GfrgPeL0abePoEbWpfDJbgo2S3G1hiGGtpB8qq0gIIHrBtFJOOebAnw2QDvDKLAk66lspZYgSTVdYUogT2ytHpPz33igMTw7m0thy6-hVTBtb3oRrEr995lgQuo26CO2aW1U/s640/softie8.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
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<b>Step #7</b>: Pull the "inside" of the fabric through the small hole, and use a capped pen/chopstick/whatever you have handy, to push out your corners. I'd recommend ironing the edges at this point, so they line up nicely before you sew your finishing stitches. Be sure to fold under/tuck in the fabric where the opening is, and pin.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQMX75TRbLY_Ogq-VdJ9HFRtNTc04ZI2Y7dHu-UsWhoC31EatCvaISv1qGOXNso2cjXverzk1wI28wDWbR-ammh9iVc9XJH7HDSA5Zlih9ZbqsSI_5Yx7QVjIqez0z2FCUBZh27OTMJFI/s1600/softie9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQMX75TRbLY_Ogq-VdJ9HFRtNTc04ZI2Y7dHu-UsWhoC31EatCvaISv1qGOXNso2cjXverzk1wI28wDWbR-ammh9iVc9XJH7HDSA5Zlih9ZbqsSI_5Yx7QVjIqez0z2FCUBZh27OTMJFI/s640/softie9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Step #8</b>: Back to the sewing machine. Set your sewing machine to a zigzag stitch (or other decorative stitch - your preference). Starting at a corner, sew as close to the edge as possible, making a nice finished edge, and closing up the small opening. Back stitch at the beginning and end, for a secure finish!<br />
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VOILA! An adorable tag blanket for your Bebe...or a sweet homemade gift for a new Mom!</div>
Biddle Bitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10229086715074981817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7152938236326468132.post-7238415098624385612013-03-22T15:18:00.002-04:002013-03-22T15:18:33.424-04:00Vera Bradley Baby + 20% off at Tiny Prints<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Trebuchet"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">Mr. Biddlebits and I are excited to announce...we're expecting a BABY!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span> </div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">A "Biddle Bit", if you will. We'll welcome Baby Biddle to the world in early August 2013. We can hardly wait to meet you, BB :)</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">The good news for you, our beloved readers, is that (now that the morning sickness is over) we're head-over-heels gaga for DIY baby projects, so stay tuned for lots of fun nursery/baby-stuff related posts, along with our day to day projects tossed in for some balance :)</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span><span style="color: #284228; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">In the meantime, you've got to check this out...the new </span><a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=467721&u=702739&m=12808&urllink=&afftrack="><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Vera Bradley Collection</span></a><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;"> </span><span style="color: #444444;">from Tiny Prints. </span><span style="color: #444444;">I recently saw that Vera Bradley has a new stationary</span> </span><a href="http://www.tinyprints.com/verabradley/?SSAID=702739&CID=AFF-SAS-702739-467721&SSAIDDATA=TT40JiJFPzs7QkVBLyAwMCdXXVwnSz9GKTVOJ0s2KVkzUUtUNE4iKlxOOE5DMiIiVVBPSi86IlMrIi1GNApNQEA%2FLEs1KklHRDk1VSpEOiQ4WllKP1YyUlMkS1NNPkw1OFpKMVRCKyAxVVNBW0dLMEgoNiEsVyVWLVI%2FCi1eXkNMIz1JKF4xWDxfUF1QUCAgIAo%3D" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">collection</span></a><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> with Tiny Prints - including baby shower invitations, thank you notes, return address labels, etc. How pretty are they??</span></span><span style="color: #284228; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?u=702739&b=82482&m=12808&afftrack=&urllink=www.tinyprints.com/verabradley/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><img alt="Vera Bradley Collection from Tiny Prints" border="0" id="_x0000_i1025" src="https://www.shareasale.com/image/12808/veraverabradley-hero.jpg" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">You know Vera Bradley for their colorful bags, totes, luggage and more. My friends know them well for their dazzling colors, playful patterns and stylish designs. They have some of the prettiest and eye-catching patterns...(and bags that could easily double as a diaper-bag for moi and BB!!)<br />
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Check out some of the gorgeous stationary designs below:<br />
</span><a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?u=702739&b=82482&m=12808&afftrack=&urllink=www.tinyprints.com/product/45465/baby_shower_invitations_patterned_charm.html"><span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><img alt="Patterned Charm Baby Shower Invitations" border="0" height="200" id="_x0000_i1026" src="http://tp-images-cdn.tp-global.net/product/45465/baby%20shower%20invitation/baby%20shower%20invitation/type/display/color/01/width/225/height/225/pad/1/modTime/20130321.jpg" title="Patterned Charm Baby Shower Invitations" width="200" /></span></a><a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?u=702739&b=82482&m=12808&afftrack=&urllink=www.tinyprints.com/product/45459/girl_photo_birth_announcements_flowery_introduction.html"><span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><img alt="Flowery Introduction Birth Announcements" border="0" id="_x0000_i1027" src="http://tp-images-cdn.tp-global.net/product/45459/girl%20photo%20birth%20announcement/girl%20photo%20birth%20announcement/type/display/color/01/width/225/height/225/pad/1/modTime/20130321.jpg" title="Flowery Introduction Birth Announcements" /></span></a><a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?u=702739&b=82482&m=12808&afftrack=&urllink=www.tinyprints.com/product/45500/thank_you_cards_simply_precious.html"><span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><img alt="Simply Precious Thank You Notes" border="0" id="_x0000_i1028" lazysrc="http://tp-images-cdn.tp-global.net/product/45500/thank you card/thank you card/type/display/color/01/width/225/height/225/pad/1/modTime/20130321.jpg" src="http://tp-images-cdn.tp-global.net/product/45500/thank%20you%20card/thank%20you%20card/type/display/color/01/width/225/height/225/pad/1/modTime/20130321.jpg" title="Simply Precious Thank You Notes" /></span></a><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">They have lots of Vera Bradley designs to choose from for </span><a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=467752&u=702739&m=12808&urllink=&afftrack="><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">baby shower invitations</span></a><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">, </span><a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=467753&u=702739&m=12808&urllink=&afftrack="><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">birth announcements</span></a><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">, </span><a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=467754&u=702739&m=12808&urllink=&afftrack="><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">thank you cards</span></a><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">, <span style="color: #444444;">and</span> </span><a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=467757&u=702739&m=12808&urllink=&afftrack="><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">address labels</span></a><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Plus, if you order by Tuesday, March 26, you can get <em>20% off your entire purchase</em> at Tiny Prints. Just use the code <strong>20MARSW</strong> by 11:59pm PT on Tuesday to save 20%.<br />
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Check out their </span><a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=467721&u=702739&m=12808&urllink=&afftrack="><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">entire collection</span></a><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> <span style="color: #444444;">and make your stationery as dazzling as your bags. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>*I was not compensated for this post, though there is a chance I could win a VB bag for blogging about their new stationary line. All opinions are my own. I just happen to love Vera Bradley patterns and products, and think you will too!</em><br />
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Biddle Bitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10229086715074981817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7152938236326468132.post-55578035150772737062013-03-19T14:49:00.000-04:002013-03-25T11:19:25.518-04:00How to stencil a burlap pillow<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUohVnZNykQgaI-VL3A-bBz9WZkiLwlHxSJYUlzXg2MATjZN_gmfEhBq5OHa6ULgUjjEKzgZSwD2341SRKGjEG7jliz2217A98A0uWSm1UrDuGHo2WLsYaHP69gaaUnyhROP6YK9gSzDM/s1600/pillow+-+final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUohVnZNykQgaI-VL3A-bBz9WZkiLwlHxSJYUlzXg2MATjZN_gmfEhBq5OHa6ULgUjjEKzgZSwD2341SRKGjEG7jliz2217A98A0uWSm1UrDuGHo2WLsYaHP69gaaUnyhROP6YK9gSzDM/s640/pillow+-+final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Mr. Biddlebits and I were married on June 4, 2011 - we had lovely homemade burlap table runners for our indoor/outdoor reception, so after our Wedding,we had <strike>some</strike> a boat-load of leftover burlap material that screamed for a DIY project.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkiTb1YxL7IqsQ-9MlQsGuFTrQh4BmRIejpiRrj1I4l7OpSLMD5_NMZa9vM0BQ1RxUUSy5kaNJLZfPC-gIPQAs0PT5ayeSnp_vsx5cA66bljeULqOL0lAvnuE4msXw6SoxK463_ntB2_E/s1600/date+pillow2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkiTb1YxL7IqsQ-9MlQsGuFTrQh4BmRIejpiRrj1I4l7OpSLMD5_NMZa9vM0BQ1RxUUSy5kaNJLZfPC-gIPQAs0PT5ayeSnp_vsx5cA66bljeULqOL0lAvnuE4msXw6SoxK463_ntB2_E/s640/date+pillow2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Initially, I wrapped some of the burlap around an existing pillow and hot glued the back to keep everything tidy. That was an extreme FAIL - it looked AWFUL from the back...the absolutely antithesis of "tidy"! But, I created a stencil of our wedding date, using microsoft word and our home printer, found a font that I liked, and resized it (in MS Word) until it was the size I wanted. Then, I cut out the "middle" of the numbers, leaving me with a stencil. <em>(albeit it, a rough stencil - but it worked!)</em> I centered, then taped the paper stencil to the pillow, then used a sharpie marker to fill in the date. <br />
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The pillow looked awesome...from a distance...until you picked it up and turned it over. However, I kept it tucked carefully on our rarely-used living room couch until this last weekend.<br />
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...when I decided it was TIME to do right by this poor DIY project! </div>
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<strong>Step #1:</strong> I created a new burlap pillow cover (leave me a comment if you'd like instructions on how to do that)<br />
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<strong>Step #2:</strong> ...stuffed the (de-burlaped/hot glued) pillow inside<br />
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<strong>Step #3</strong>: ...and created a new stencil using our Silhouette cutter and vinyl-sticker. For those of you with a silhouette, or similar cutter, I set my font size to 600, and I believe I used the Times New Roman font. If you don't have a silhouette, you can use the Microsoft word version I mentioned above. It works JUST as well!<br />
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<strong>Step #4</strong>: I centered, then stuck the vinyl stencil to the burlap, grabbed my sharpie pen, and colored in the numbers.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIOa7EvQhlEESNSguFeE24Q7AyjLRuuBen-Bxi2amRVsGPDC9UcB1UD2Hm6gCjBzdbTT16Tm7PMkpehJek_RCdNiBhG5itQatkTaiwZ16-k95JhQXOdUAnqn4QeXCUYE4m2W8FpWaIJRY/s1600/date+pillow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="411" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIOa7EvQhlEESNSguFeE24Q7AyjLRuuBen-Bxi2amRVsGPDC9UcB1UD2Hm6gCjBzdbTT16Tm7PMkpehJek_RCdNiBhG5itQatkTaiwZ16-k95JhQXOdUAnqn4QeXCUYE4m2W8FpWaIJRY/s640/date+pillow.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD8g0yr3YkQ4pMSagWmAXg6x8vhkeLv3h3Ry0M0qXmkJStB1PW5YoHN8GwLbQC34vAojpFwEpO2YZZKBHOctNswygM0VLZRa5QunCc_CSckFFCitckgkjh6wIJyJ5UXHK9EB3KCxFtfG8/s1600/date+pillow1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD8g0yr3YkQ4pMSagWmAXg6x8vhkeLv3h3Ry0M0qXmkJStB1PW5YoHN8GwLbQC34vAojpFwEpO2YZZKBHOctNswygM0VLZRa5QunCc_CSckFFCitckgkjh6wIJyJ5UXHK9EB3KCxFtfG8/s640/date+pillow1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The final project is something I'm proud of! It's a simple pillow, but personalized for the Hubs and me - reminding us of one of the best days of our lives...6.4.2011!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkiTb1YxL7IqsQ-9MlQsGuFTrQh4BmRIejpiRrj1I4l7OpSLMD5_NMZa9vM0BQ1RxUUSy5kaNJLZfPC-gIPQAs0PT5ayeSnp_vsx5cA66bljeULqOL0lAvnuE4msXw6SoxK463_ntB2_E/s1600/date+pillow2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkiTb1YxL7IqsQ-9MlQsGuFTrQh4BmRIejpiRrj1I4l7OpSLMD5_NMZa9vM0BQ1RxUUSy5kaNJLZfPC-gIPQAs0PT5ayeSnp_vsx5cA66bljeULqOL0lAvnuE4msXw6SoxK463_ntB2_E/s640/date+pillow2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Care to share other pillow/stencil ideas?</div>
Biddle Bitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10229086715074981817noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7152938236326468132.post-86326619419399949502013-03-06T13:51:00.002-05:002013-03-06T13:51:31.737-05:00St. Patrick's Day cookies<br />
A family and fan-favorite are my <a href="http://biddlebits.blogspot.com/2012/07/the-best-and-easiest-lemon-cake-cookies.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">lemon cake cookies</span></a>. They are DEE-licious and super-easy. I've made a few other cookie varieties with cake mixes (chocolate cake mix with dark chocolate chips, strawberry cake mix with white chocolate chips) and all have been equally as yummy. So, when I ran across a box of Pillsbury Key Lime pie cake mix the other day, I HAD to buy a box and try it out!<br />
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I followed the exact directions for my <a href="http://biddlebits.blogspot.com/2012/07/the-best-and-easiest-lemon-cake-cookies.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">lemon cake cookies</span></a>, using white chocolate chips, and they turned out a lovely<b> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime;">key lime green</span></b> color...<br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><strong>Perfect for St. Patty's day!!</strong></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJQLDr2ORYOfeYc0NDKbyAmyqcKI-ijxm0s-mU-zGSgm9VX4WFnYWGJHCM1cUhz622bY9Fo3XkpVuzDqGvScqKHJ6PYHKGyNKn91fthkSVQ53kdkh4ByOtfh7_Vz7MnEdP7oDHmH7e2yI/s1600/key+lime+pie+cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJQLDr2ORYOfeYc0NDKbyAmyqcKI-ijxm0s-mU-zGSgm9VX4WFnYWGJHCM1cUhz622bY9Fo3XkpVuzDqGvScqKHJ6PYHKGyNKn91fthkSVQ53kdkh4ByOtfh7_Vz7MnEdP7oDHmH7e2yI/s400/key+lime+pie+cookies.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I made them into cookie bars, rather than individual cookies, for a mexican fiesta dinner, and they disappeared pretty quickly...I didn't even get a chance to snap a picture of them out-of-the-pan!</div>
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They are magically delicious :)</div>
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Follow <a href="http://biddlebits.blogspot.com/2012/07/the-best-and-easiest-lemon-cake-cookies.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">these directions</span></a> for fun St. Patrick's day cookies or cookie bars!</div>
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Num, num, num...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwVkk9wAvYkSPZM1tTnDbx13PtASE5zbc1lfrwSPl2CW3WisdGA_gDh_TAVgnl8ogfYqf5ZKlbxeEkvXZFLY6J7AfH8w2adXUOTnUh5xYRNscDE8WWQYMCJNmsEMLSrHdgDtUBJ0eStOs/s1600/key+lime+pie+cookie+bars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwVkk9wAvYkSPZM1tTnDbx13PtASE5zbc1lfrwSPl2CW3WisdGA_gDh_TAVgnl8ogfYqf5ZKlbxeEkvXZFLY6J7AfH8w2adXUOTnUh5xYRNscDE8WWQYMCJNmsEMLSrHdgDtUBJ0eStOs/s400/key+lime+pie+cookie+bars.jpg" width="381" /></a></div>
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Try 'em and let me know what you and your favorite leprechauns think!</div>
Biddle Bitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10229086715074981817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7152938236326468132.post-70237963210776989602013-02-11T17:20:00.002-05:002013-02-12T11:15:47.719-05:00$2 Homemade Valentines picture frame<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoA598J6mb4j14MS2B8pEpdM2xPeJwt9iJyyo9hIPOsbWhCFDZeYWo3_0lnwQb-AH1J-TPxCCB0NG7iJDB2Uz2oQpTYvtaDpsWtMNXpmgMTArTPMfkpCCCSJ_GTJ0H0aVpB5ElFcWTYJM/s1600/valentines+chalkboard+frame+final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoA598J6mb4j14MS2B8pEpdM2xPeJwt9iJyyo9hIPOsbWhCFDZeYWo3_0lnwQb-AH1J-TPxCCB0NG7iJDB2Uz2oQpTYvtaDpsWtMNXpmgMTArTPMfkpCCCSJ_GTJ0H0aVpB5ElFcWTYJM/s640/valentines+chalkboard+frame+final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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My hubby found this $1 unfinished wooden frame at Michaels a few weeks ago...he tossed it in our cart, saying "you could probably do something cool with this for your blog". Challenge accepted :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDwYMlPpmrR3lLlkZg0n6ai1ARcaMvU-jfm2YvRxIWCucJW1ag5emMLbShzYG2VSn74F82GKZGEBzsPdODIQz0FvNYzp-PGBw0Z3yw1orE7CnStIpPAIxWYsLbmk5Y6XdPExvDlhdn684/s1600/wooden+heart+frame.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDwYMlPpmrR3lLlkZg0n6ai1ARcaMvU-jfm2YvRxIWCucJW1ag5emMLbShzYG2VSn74F82GKZGEBzsPdODIQz0FvNYzp-PGBw0Z3yw1orE7CnStIpPAIxWYsLbmk5Y6XdPExvDlhdn684/s400/wooden+heart+frame.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<strong><u>What you need:</u></strong><br />
<ul>
<li>cheap wooden frame ($1 from Michaels)</li>
<li>chalkboard paint (bought at Lowes...already had on hand, so $0 for me)</li>
<li>colorful ribbon ($1 ribbon - it was technically Xmas ribbon, so was 80% off)</li>
<li>Tacky glue</li>
<li>optional: various colored chalk</li>
</ul>
<strong><u>Instructions:</u></strong><br />
<strong>Step #1</strong>: paint 2 coats of chalkboard paint over entire picture frame. Wait about 10-20 minutes between coats<br />
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<strong>Step #2</strong>: Once paint is completely dry, lay ribbon across frame in desired pattern and cut accordingly. Draw a light line of tacky glue along the back of the ribbon and press onto frame in desired pattern. Wrap ribbon around the back of the frame and make sure it's glued well. Let dry.<br />
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<strong>Step #3</strong>: Insert a romantic picture of you and your significant other :)<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbWiLatiQjkc6wrgNJwoX2nRIqtwebbXIxlJhms3n1bM372qboN4PnRDIZi7r1iel3OdVWn7afZSa5r3bOEZBL0_zcPsckaAcJebiY7bYe-ZIzg1RV5pLnkssl2R_4-6WBgcuKpzoJzLM/s1600/valentines+chalkboard+frame.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="489" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbWiLatiQjkc6wrgNJwoX2nRIqtwebbXIxlJhms3n1bM372qboN4PnRDIZi7r1iel3OdVWn7afZSa5r3bOEZBL0_zcPsckaAcJebiY7bYe-ZIzg1RV5pLnkssl2R_4-6WBgcuKpzoJzLM/s640/valentines+chalkboard+frame.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoA598J6mb4j14MS2B8pEpdM2xPeJwt9iJyyo9hIPOsbWhCFDZeYWo3_0lnwQb-AH1J-TPxCCB0NG7iJDB2Uz2oQpTYvtaDpsWtMNXpmgMTArTPMfkpCCCSJ_GTJ0H0aVpB5ElFcWTYJM/s1600/valentines+chalkboard+frame+final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<strong>Step #4:</strong> (optional!) With the chalk, write a love note to your Valentine and leave the new frame on their bedside table on February 14th!<br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><strong>Happy Valentine's Day everyone!</strong></span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDwYMlPpmrR3lLlkZg0n6ai1ARcaMvU-jfm2YvRxIWCucJW1ag5emMLbShzYG2VSn74F82GKZGEBzsPdODIQz0FvNYzp-PGBw0Z3yw1orE7CnStIpPAIxWYsLbmk5Y6XdPExvDlhdn684/s1600/wooden+heart+frame.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoA598J6mb4j14MS2B8pEpdM2xPeJwt9iJyyo9hIPOsbWhCFDZeYWo3_0lnwQb-AH1J-TPxCCB0NG7iJDB2Uz2oQpTYvtaDpsWtMNXpmgMTArTPMfkpCCCSJ_GTJ0H0aVpB5ElFcWTYJM/s1600/valentines+chalkboard+frame+final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoA598J6mb4j14MS2B8pEpdM2xPeJwt9iJyyo9hIPOsbWhCFDZeYWo3_0lnwQb-AH1J-TPxCCB0NG7iJDB2Uz2oQpTYvtaDpsWtMNXpmgMTArTPMfkpCCCSJ_GTJ0H0aVpB5ElFcWTYJM/s640/valentines+chalkboard+frame+final.jpg" width="640" /></a>Biddle Bitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10229086715074981817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7152938236326468132.post-70316372896025826582013-02-04T10:38:00.003-05:002013-02-04T10:38:53.966-05:00Recipe for giant soft pretzel <br />
Last week, a friend of mine hosted a girls' wine night and everyone brought a dip to share with the group. I found this <a href="http://www.pillsbury.com/recipes/victory-pretzel-with-dipping-sauces/c4939f4e-00e9-4c43-8df5-68b1d4dfd4cc?p=1" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Pillsbury recipe</span></a> and LOVE soft pretzels...sounded easy enough, so I gave it a try. It was DELICIOUS!! We loved it so much, that I made it again last night for the super bowl. Needless to say...it's GONE!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6GTnLK6R2Ux6VdpKbhuu55kZyLiNmekxrIrAClpV4oNprfUvXojWUYLKHUFNz7IoCj4trs2ARj5U2gimqN9Mihu56ZfLb6_BQGk8AavdlnRovV7L6Q4UtrmrLLJaSy7zlqK2MhlQk9oU/s640/victory+pretzel.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="499" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mine isn't as pretty as Pillsbury's picture, but YUMMY!</td></tr>
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<strong>Ingredients:</strong><br />
<ul>
<li>1 can (13.8) refrigerated classic pizza crust </li>
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1 tbsp baking soda</div>
</li>
<li><div class="clear">
1 egg, beaten</div>
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<li><div class="clear">
coarse salt, as desired</div>
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<li><div class="clear">
pre-made jar of queso (I bought the Target brand) </div>
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<li><div class="clear">
*or* you could make the <a href="http://suzstreats.com/battle-of-the-quesos/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">velveeta/rotel cheese dip</span></a><span style="color: blue;">,</span> which would be equally as tasty!</div>
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</ul>
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<strong>Instructions:</strong></div>
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<li><span><span id="main_0_MethodsListView_ctrl0_StepDescriptionItemLabel">Heat oven to 375°F. Spray large cooking sheet with cooking spray. Unroll dough; reroll into long rope, stretching carefully to about 55 inches long. </span></span> </li>
<li><span><span id="main_0_MethodsListView_ctrl1_StepDescriptionItemLabel">To make pretzel shape, form dough into U shape. Twist ends together twice. Press down dough where dough overlaps in an X. Pick ends up and fold over so they rest over bottom on U shape, pressing ends to stick. Place pretzel on prepared cookie sheet.</span></span> </li>
<li><span><span id="main_0_MethodsListView_ctrl2_StepDescriptionItemLabel">In small microwavable bowl, heat 1/2 cup water uncovered on High about 30 seconds or until hot. Add baking soda; stir until dissolved. Brush pretzel with soda mixture. Let stand at room temperature 5 minutes. (<em>I'm not 100% sure what the baking soda does...but I *think* it helps the dough rise...don't quote me on that</em>) :)</span></span></li>
<li><span><span id="main_0_MethodsListView_ctrl3_StepDescriptionItemLabel">Brush pretzel with beaten egg; sprinkle with salt. Transfer to cookie sheet. Bake 18 to 20 minutes or until dark golden brown.</span></span> </li>
<li><span><span id="main_0_MethodsListView_ctrl4_StepDescriptionItemLabel">Open jar of queso. Heat if desired, but room temperature was pretty tasty!</span></span></li>
<li><span><span>Dip your pretzel in the queso til your heart's content!</span></span></li>
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<div class="makes">
Makes 6 servings </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6GTnLK6R2Ux6VdpKbhuu55kZyLiNmekxrIrAClpV4oNprfUvXojWUYLKHUFNz7IoCj4trs2ARj5U2gimqN9Mihu56ZfLb6_BQGk8AavdlnRovV7L6Q4UtrmrLLJaSy7zlqK2MhlQk9oU/s1600/victory+pretzel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6GTnLK6R2Ux6VdpKbhuu55kZyLiNmekxrIrAClpV4oNprfUvXojWUYLKHUFNz7IoCj4trs2ARj5U2gimqN9Mihu56ZfLb6_BQGk8AavdlnRovV7L6Q4UtrmrLLJaSy7zlqK2MhlQk9oU/s400/victory+pretzel.JPG" width="312" /></a></div>
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Try it and let me know what you think!</div>
Biddle Bitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10229086715074981817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7152938236326468132.post-33275423653979590122013-02-03T12:30:00.001-05:002013-02-03T12:34:08.437-05:00DIY Earring Organizer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I needed to declutter the top of my dresser AND my jewelry box, so made this neat-o earring hanger to hang above my dresser. It was a super-easy project - wanna know how I did it? Read on...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNnyeh0RQRZbh0jHsEgitiH8m5YaTxIBl93Srl99pjom4VY5lenVbBJZYpoMQ0d5j8XCrEN_nv7LyCByA26gu-th1IA-bsqAijgDNePwoSwz24LVZnFs3d8rXLiXGTxKIBf5ERqlqkq_o/s1600/jewelry+hanger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNnyeh0RQRZbh0jHsEgitiH8m5YaTxIBl93Srl99pjom4VY5lenVbBJZYpoMQ0d5j8XCrEN_nv7LyCByA26gu-th1IA-bsqAijgDNePwoSwz24LVZnFs3d8rXLiXGTxKIBf5ERqlqkq_o/s640/jewelry+hanger.jpg" width="586" /></a></div>
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<strong>What you need:</strong></div>
<ul>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A sheet of stamped metal from your local Hardware store. <em>I bought a large sheet from Lowes for about $25, and have plans for the rest of it!</em></div>
</li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
8"x10" (or larger) picture frame - with the glass and back removed. <em>Mine came from Restore for $2 and got a coat of black spray paint.</em></div>
</li>
<li>Metal snips <em>I bought them for $8 from Lowes. I'd recommend buying a pair with longish handles - makes it easier to cut the metal without the hurting your hands.</em></li>
<li>Hot glue gun</li>
<li><em>optional: ribbon - for hanging the frame on your wall</em></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg18IyUn8QwYS0UNm7qJr1WLRV7K6KVjimzkvmMoJgYOb1RhxYOsdk44t-1lg2U-v21MIDWE4ylIk0rjLfYAQDNtqCqrej9HWXD5BGgvX3Db9BNwChaHPBghoAvWhyphenhyphenvUTuJr87ttSjDnYo/s1600/jewelry+frame1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg18IyUn8QwYS0UNm7qJr1WLRV7K6KVjimzkvmMoJgYOb1RhxYOsdk44t-1lg2U-v21MIDWE4ylIk0rjLfYAQDNtqCqrej9HWXD5BGgvX3Db9BNwChaHPBghoAvWhyphenhyphenvUTuJr87ttSjDnYo/s640/jewelry+frame1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<strong><u>Instructions:</u></strong><br />
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<strong>Step #1:</strong> Using a Sharpie marker, outline the backing of the picture frame onto the sheet metal. <em>Put paper/cardboard underneath your work area, so you don't get sharpie marker on your surface. </em><br />
<em></em><br />
<strong>Step #2:</strong> Cut out the rectangle, using your metal snips<br />
<em> </em><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW-EIwJ2e0whJ89pDGH9haui8aktTOlYOaXeSEqyL23ZtKNSMpJjgm_L_XsbSxYC33aJg9hCML2ZEukdnhQg7y8Jeg6QnJs-9pe5FPJTdrvDNXe57IAWNDACkyGf7L1axCc4xrPK9-WJU/s1600/jewelry+frame2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW-EIwJ2e0whJ89pDGH9haui8aktTOlYOaXeSEqyL23ZtKNSMpJjgm_L_XsbSxYC33aJg9hCML2ZEukdnhQg7y8Jeg6QnJs-9pe5FPJTdrvDNXe57IAWNDACkyGf7L1axCc4xrPK9-WJU/s640/jewelry+frame2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<strong>Step #3: </strong>Insert cut metal into the back of the picture frame. If it doesn't fit perfectly, trim the metal with your metal snips.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzU7sXCMDPwn9x22P6418lsjggmRU360olTsoCkN79JJE9hZHfVZIiIKQbazruKwsC__Klu_5Ib1qF8BiEyc00eoSxL2K_ZtnxTlg3HenYpBlwND2w5kIOf0kWibPf5RLeDaqpgguxwwc/s1600/jewelry+frame3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzU7sXCMDPwn9x22P6418lsjggmRU360olTsoCkN79JJE9hZHfVZIiIKQbazruKwsC__Klu_5Ib1qF8BiEyc00eoSxL2K_ZtnxTlg3HenYpBlwND2w5kIOf0kWibPf5RLeDaqpgguxwwc/s640/jewelry+frame3.jpg" width="520" /></a></div>
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<strong>Step #4: </strong>Using your hot glue gun, run a straight line of hot-glue along the edges where the metal meets the wooden frame. </div>
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<em>*Note: I originally tried a staple gun to staple the metal to the frame, but the staples were too long, and ended up coming through to the front of the frame.</em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-oLOZG2WDRgTymsiGgXTTrInPkBuvlo0xPPigB53aT79EMX8Pk_dAk_HYLsnS5-kmZnNbKMsC5tJG03fRKIeYauvPFEmOEEe6wPti2VfUi7j7ls0QBZdxsqxhxD3J2297b9mYDXf4ovU/s1600/jewelry+frame4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-oLOZG2WDRgTymsiGgXTTrInPkBuvlo0xPPigB53aT79EMX8Pk_dAk_HYLsnS5-kmZnNbKMsC5tJG03fRKIeYauvPFEmOEEe6wPti2VfUi7j7ls0QBZdxsqxhxD3J2297b9mYDXf4ovU/s640/jewelry+frame4.jpg" width="558" /></a></div>
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<strong>Step #5: </strong>Turn the frame over, hang your favorite earrings, and you're DONE!<br />
An optional step is to hot glue ribbon to the top-back corners of the frame, so you could hang it on a wall. Mine is leaning up against my wall, so no ribbon needed :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNnyeh0RQRZbh0jHsEgitiH8m5YaTxIBl93Srl99pjom4VY5lenVbBJZYpoMQ0d5j8XCrEN_nv7LyCByA26gu-th1IA-bsqAijgDNePwoSwz24LVZnFs3d8rXLiXGTxKIBf5ERqlqkq_o/s1600/jewelry+hanger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNnyeh0RQRZbh0jHsEgitiH8m5YaTxIBl93Srl99pjom4VY5lenVbBJZYpoMQ0d5j8XCrEN_nv7LyCByA26gu-th1IA-bsqAijgDNePwoSwz24LVZnFs3d8rXLiXGTxKIBf5ERqlqkq_o/s640/jewelry+hanger.jpg" width="586" /></a></div>
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There you go! Super easy and super-cute way to organize my favorite earrings.</div>
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ENJOY!</div>
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<br />Biddle Bitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10229086715074981817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7152938236326468132.post-72350838097403638212013-01-22T22:32:00.000-05:002013-01-22T22:32:05.473-05:00Glitter heart ornaments for Valentine's Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUK0T0_g2w-KLO327XzRpzp1DUcZbhCH-P1-B7MTN2jeCT7Wvk1X7q-Xg3i19h_hmFwUWjjHGP1HKKNp7LEzBv8wbhlQXGnc4L8WnseqvpelZqwZ8nqJgqIPIX_RtPIs89X6DCh9VzAvo/s1600/valentines+glitter+ornaments1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUK0T0_g2w-KLO327XzRpzp1DUcZbhCH-P1-B7MTN2jeCT7Wvk1X7q-Xg3i19h_hmFwUWjjHGP1HKKNp7LEzBv8wbhlQXGnc4L8WnseqvpelZqwZ8nqJgqIPIX_RtPIs89X6DCh9VzAvo/s400/valentines+glitter+ornaments1.jpg" width="337" /></a></div>
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While doing some post-Christmas shopping at Michaels, I ran across a bunch of these heart-shaped glass ornaments. They're technically Christmas, so were 80% off (!). I don't know about where you live, but every store in the Raleigh/Cary area were sold out of the round clear glass ornaments in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Apparently, there are a lot of Pinterest readers/contributors in the area :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF1C5ukQZIGlAiufBonK4aBP1v-6FInV7bZxjffDKEdTS4_PVQVYxfG-rB7FTX79BNGi4g4xM1L2UUynLJ-oZz1AkBAD5HkBdiycScjZTt7atGz94NUXDSnFVaJ5TF3kA3anNYsoPhiYQ/s1600/valentines+glitter+ornaments.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF1C5ukQZIGlAiufBonK4aBP1v-6FInV7bZxjffDKEdTS4_PVQVYxfG-rB7FTX79BNGi4g4xM1L2UUynLJ-oZz1AkBAD5HkBdiycScjZTt7atGz94NUXDSnFVaJ5TF3kA3anNYsoPhiYQ/s400/valentines+glitter+ornaments.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I followed the same instructions from my "Glitter on the Inside Ornament" tutorial from November of last year: <a href="http://biddlebits.blogspot.com/2012_11_01_archive.html"><span style="color: blue;">http://biddlebits.blogspot.com/2012_11_01_archive.html</span></a><br />
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The only exception: I used pink glitter and white glitter (I don't recommend the white glitter...it didn't stick as well and looks more like snow inside the ornament than white glitter/glimmer).<br />
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Then, I cut a small branch from a backyard tree, trimmed the smaller branches and tossed them into a glass vase I had on-hand. Tie a festive (PINK!) bow around the neck of the vase and hang your adorable Valentine's ornaments on the branches!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUK0T0_g2w-KLO327XzRpzp1DUcZbhCH-P1-B7MTN2jeCT7Wvk1X7q-Xg3i19h_hmFwUWjjHGP1HKKNp7LEzBv8wbhlQXGnc4L8WnseqvpelZqwZ8nqJgqIPIX_RtPIs89X6DCh9VzAvo/s1600/valentines+glitter+ornaments1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUK0T0_g2w-KLO327XzRpzp1DUcZbhCH-P1-B7MTN2jeCT7Wvk1X7q-Xg3i19h_hmFwUWjjHGP1HKKNp7LEzBv8wbhlQXGnc4L8WnseqvpelZqwZ8nqJgqIPIX_RtPIs89X6DCh9VzAvo/s400/valentines+glitter+ornaments1.jpg" width="337" /></a></div>
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VOILA! Adorable, easy and inexpensive decor for Valentine's Day!</div>
<br />Biddle Bitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10229086715074981817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7152938236326468132.post-905263716526191012012-12-28T22:30:00.002-05:002012-12-28T22:30:31.960-05:00Homemade Gardener's hand scrub<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0TzIedvXEJJ_uecuvnw_7RjocX1kg9M-BcoGmERpzixLWCtfivYMX5l2tNO-LLzEtA0FnYH1Pu7buCekgUJxdh-nTo7axki5b1ydNPqZASlWCwWmpM3-Nhcghq3iA8uMx8seCYfYDAw/s1600/hand+scrub+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0TzIedvXEJJ_uecuvnw_7RjocX1kg9M-BcoGmERpzixLWCtfivYMX5l2tNO-LLzEtA0FnYH1Pu7buCekgUJxdh-nTo7axki5b1ydNPqZASlWCwWmpM3-Nhcghq3iA8uMx8seCYfYDAw/s640/hand+scrub+2.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Hi everyone! I hope you had a magical hanukkah, Christmas, Winter Solstice, Kwanzaa, (did I cover my bases?)...and that you're looking forward to a fantastic 2013! Apologies for being absent for quite awhile - the holidays and associated travel (and planning) took me away from the blog for a few weeks. But, I'm back with lots of BiddleBits project ideas for the coming year!<br />
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Today's project was a holiday gift I've been wanting to make for awhile - and it would make an ideal Valentine's day or Mother's Day gift for friends, neighbors, you Mom, or teachers. It's a pretty light-pink color AND, it's easy-peasy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzAciIuTRtPmRQPlcKkvKhBw364q_0SzlYnw-cixESKHW4vsjNR9aKUuRnZaRCPLZyBujzRvPq2iFb2L0brQOjC5HVv8c0rWEBZ4wKaTY1991hx9dY_iiTMJfRlCGw1mEdnBFI4raQzdY/s1600/ingredients+for+hand+scrub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="465" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzAciIuTRtPmRQPlcKkvKhBw364q_0SzlYnw-cixESKHW4vsjNR9aKUuRnZaRCPLZyBujzRvPq2iFb2L0brQOjC5HVv8c0rWEBZ4wKaTY1991hx9dY_iiTMJfRlCGw1mEdnBFI4raQzdY/s640/ingredients+for+hand+scrub.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<strong><u>Ingredients:</u></strong><br />
<ul>
<li>Dawn "hand-renewal" liquid dishwashing detergent</li>
<li>sugar</li>
<li>plastic or glass container with a tight-seal top</li>
</ul>
<strong><u>Instructions:</u></strong><br />
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<strong>Step #1:</strong> Take each of your empty plastic/glass containers and fill them a little more than 3/4 of the way with sugar. Then, dump the sugar into a larger bowl.<br />
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<strong>Step #2:</strong> Add the liquid detergent to the bowl of sugar, a bit at a time, mixing with a spatula. The amount you use will depend on the amount of hand scrub you're making. Keep adding the liquid detergent until all the sugar is covered, mixed well, and is a little wetter than a paste.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh29I66YX7p5ZjgZCQTItwrTeSTj4RfOLO6U53TJMcK5KCIir6FsjuuXJ3LfiTfLVuVG7srjmKoGEHnEgsniGQfe7ymRxJ1KAoGpQoBUyePVDhDMGEZPUdXgo28KN5Z-emjyJg5kn8Gp1g/s1600/hand+scrub+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh29I66YX7p5ZjgZCQTItwrTeSTj4RfOLO6U53TJMcK5KCIir6FsjuuXJ3LfiTfLVuVG7srjmKoGEHnEgsniGQfe7ymRxJ1KAoGpQoBUyePVDhDMGEZPUdXgo28KN5Z-emjyJg5kn8Gp1g/s640/hand+scrub+.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHG5AWEXsUzwgE903Y6WOqT8FBfs5uP6a1DLmk3x4BpLd1HexKdU2UggLaVIpyc4ulAFlguiplxwuP9xszL_uwVeb_doO4zum2VdAye-lGOm4N7944ysxMz2_nOERzAZVYgHs2pTTGQBA/s1600/hand+scrub+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="521" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHG5AWEXsUzwgE903Y6WOqT8FBfs5uP6a1DLmk3x4BpLd1HexKdU2UggLaVIpyc4ulAFlguiplxwuP9xszL_uwVeb_doO4zum2VdAye-lGOm4N7944ysxMz2_nOERzAZVYgHs2pTTGQBA/s640/hand+scrub+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Step #3: Using your spatula, spoon into your container and seal tightly</div>
Step #4: Tie with an optional ribbon, if you'd like!<br />
Step #5: (optional) You may want to include instructions:<br />
<ul>
<li>Scoop a small handful into your hands, and rub all over your hands and between fingers</li>
<li>Rinse with water</li>
</ul>
Your hands will be super-soft, and if you've been gardening, the scrub is tough-enough to get the dirt from under your fingernails and from between your fingers!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0TzIedvXEJJ_uecuvnw_7RjocX1kg9M-BcoGmERpzixLWCtfivYMX5l2tNO-LLzEtA0FnYH1Pu7buCekgUJxdh-nTo7axki5b1ydNPqZASlWCwWmpM3-Nhcghq3iA8uMx8seCYfYDAw/s1600/hand+scrub+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0TzIedvXEJJ_uecuvnw_7RjocX1kg9M-BcoGmERpzixLWCtfivYMX5l2tNO-LLzEtA0FnYH1Pu7buCekgUJxdh-nTo7axki5b1ydNPqZASlWCwWmpM3-Nhcghq3iA8uMx8seCYfYDAw/s640/hand+scrub+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Biddle Bitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10229086715074981817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7152938236326468132.post-51031612176634049272012-12-04T15:26:00.001-05:002012-12-04T15:26:24.362-05:00Holiday decor using a recycled cabinet door<div align="center">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLoUOfWFHJa6bypCkMKr0Ooa_yKtl0jkT_cJ5VIvKE0qn6FPAcgVcjBb1yymhohZVwD4de8H-w6sj5ZYvnuOWbHrMdQ2NAybIHGMZdzICWENIyQu2xXMTTqGo6ks5M953mkZjSE5zHRyU/s1600/joy010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLoUOfWFHJa6bypCkMKr0Ooa_yKtl0jkT_cJ5VIvKE0qn6FPAcgVcjBb1yymhohZVwD4de8H-w6sj5ZYvnuOWbHrMdQ2NAybIHGMZdzICWENIyQu2xXMTTqGo6ks5M953mkZjSE5zHRyU/s320/joy010.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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My sweet hubby went to the Raleigh Habitat for Humanity ReStore earlier this year, and brought home a trunk-load of various sized cabinet doors for $1-$2 each. I can't remember how we originally intended to use them (not as cabinet doors...), but as I was looking through our stash of wood scraps, an idea hit me. I could use one as a "large wood scrap" for a holiday sign I'd been wanting to make.<br />
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Sadly, I've *somehow* misplaced most of my "in-progress" pictures, so please forgive me as I describe the process, for the first time, with out many pictures!!<br />
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The previous owners of our home left several paint gallons in our garage - one color was Sherwin Williams "Poinsettia", which is about the reddest-red I've ever seen! It said "living room" on top of the never-opened lid, which means that I *think* they had intended to paint our living room Christmas red! (holy smokes...I'm glad they didn't...this paint is SO red!)<br />
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<b><u>What you need for this project:</u></b><br />
<ul>
<li>cabinet door</li>
<li>paint - <i>your color choice - I chose red</i></li>
<li>1.5-2" paint brush</li>
<li>Small paintbrush - <i>like the kind you did "paint-by-number" with as a child</i></li>
<li>white acrylic paint - <i>or your color choice</i></li>
<li>black sharpie market</li>
<li>medium grit-sandpaper (optional - to give it a more rustic look)</li>
<li>polyurethane (optional)</li>
</ul>
<b><u>How-to instructions:</u></b><br />
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<b>Step #1:</b> Take a wet washcloth and (in my case) clean the garage-grime off the door, then wipe it dry. Paint the whole cabinet face and edges with the red paint. Let it dry, then paint a second coat. Let dry.<br />
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<b>Step #2:</b> While the paint is drying, decide what word you want to print on your sign. I chose "joy". In Microsoft Word, I typed JOY into a word doc (font = Cambria), then enlarged the font to 770. Each letter took up *most* of an 8.5x11" piece of paper. Print it out. (Note that if you're working with a smaller cabinet door, you'll need to adjust the size of your letters to make them fit).<br />
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<b>Step #3:</b> Using an Exacto knife (or scissors), cut out each letter. <br />
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<b>Step #4:</b> Make sure the red paint is dry, then lay your letters out on the cabinet door to make sure they fit. Making sure they're spaced evenly apart and centered, trace the letters onto the door using a pencil or pen.<br />
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<b>Step #5: </b>Using white acrylic paint and a small paint brush, begin outlining and filling in each letter, being careful to keep your edges as neat as possible. Let dry. Do a second coat of white paint. Let dry.<br />
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<b>Step #6: </b>Once the white paint is completely dry, take a black sharpie marker and outline your letters. This is optional, but gives a nice definition to your letters, and cleans up any not-so-perfect letters you may have.<br />
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<b>Step #7: </b>Taking medium-grit sandpaper (I used 120), rough up the edges of the cabinet door. I also chose to rough up the letters a little - to make it look more rustic and authentic. *Just be sure the paint is completely dry...otherwise the sandpaper will smudge the wet paint = not pretty. (I tried the orbital sander, as seen in the picture below - it was too powerful for the look I was going for, but if you want a *really* distressed look, try a similar sander!)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1uBk2pJLcePMsXklrnuEQ_w3pVoYYWyrM9s5-TArnhrTLx5LA4Ajlf9HAEjtUSCKybtIogrN9pJPd-4r5sJVTk5ai7N71bG425YJoah9zEGi0xXYPKok0AwdEa6Z2NSgrehGafsUjs7I/s1600/joy001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1uBk2pJLcePMsXklrnuEQ_w3pVoYYWyrM9s5-TArnhrTLx5LA4Ajlf9HAEjtUSCKybtIogrN9pJPd-4r5sJVTk5ai7N71bG425YJoah9zEGi0xXYPKok0AwdEa6Z2NSgrehGafsUjs7I/s320/joy001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Using the orbital sander...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQU_z6ADC-Nt3SF-so5DsHY8NReHq-wp5Efg7IvCGX2lPtewBiUCZV030vsjJpZzcFDSz-OXrY_ZEsGwt06MvWruE1cYAdUm_eunBJGPtOi33mZWX-6XknzsFh-bIi9iO_xmFnr_59ewQ/s1600/joy003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQU_z6ADC-Nt3SF-so5DsHY8NReHq-wp5Efg7IvCGX2lPtewBiUCZV030vsjJpZzcFDSz-OXrY_ZEsGwt06MvWruE1cYAdUm_eunBJGPtOi33mZWX-6XknzsFh-bIi9iO_xmFnr_59ewQ/s320/joy003.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roughing up the letters...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqoQ1ggoK5orj6T0w06Fqn80XCkebmgyFjDdIV885w_ifCeg1-hpbMA1gMN8vscXCvk1iecLdPclgZ7jxnROGAzrv7wPg-2WSCntAqVUKpTIgVwz2iTAdp8W3YFrK0DlnKzGZSlIl1ENY/s1600/joy004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqoQ1ggoK5orj6T0w06Fqn80XCkebmgyFjDdIV885w_ifCeg1-hpbMA1gMN8vscXCvk1iecLdPclgZ7jxnROGAzrv7wPg-2WSCntAqVUKpTIgVwz2iTAdp8W3YFrK0DlnKzGZSlIl1ENY/s320/joy004.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look how rustic and charming it turned out!</td></tr>
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<b>Step #8: </b>You may choose to spray a coat of polyurethane as a finishing touch, especially if you want to display this outdoors. We're only displaying ours indoors, so I skipped the poly.<br />
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<b>Step #9: </b>Put your beautiful work on display! I think ours will live above our mantel this Christmas season.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiLtt8oKq4GOXppg4ZWXYtr8r9b182E32hZOmXyBkwuAWUZ7qKgXrQSQ60ufwS8iDnVbduJjVhKfiiu6zQjeU22iguMrA7cOE64-MJCBotNE9o4ReFc6J6UDP0lQZ2WO9C0hIF-iOmuT8/s1600/joy006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiLtt8oKq4GOXppg4ZWXYtr8r9b182E32hZOmXyBkwuAWUZ7qKgXrQSQ60ufwS8iDnVbduJjVhKfiiu6zQjeU22iguMrA7cOE64-MJCBotNE9o4ReFc6J6UDP0lQZ2WO9C0hIF-iOmuT8/s320/joy006.jpg" width="278" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLoUOfWFHJa6bypCkMKr0Ooa_yKtl0jkT_cJ5VIvKE0qn6FPAcgVcjBb1yymhohZVwD4de8H-w6sj5ZYvnuOWbHrMdQ2NAybIHGMZdzICWENIyQu2xXMTTqGo6ks5M953mkZjSE5zHRyU/s1600/joy010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLoUOfWFHJa6bypCkMKr0Ooa_yKtl0jkT_cJ5VIvKE0qn6FPAcgVcjBb1yymhohZVwD4de8H-w6sj5ZYvnuOWbHrMdQ2NAybIHGMZdzICWENIyQu2xXMTTqGo6ks5M953mkZjSE5zHRyU/s320/joy010.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Who's ready to make one??</div>
<br />Biddle Bitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10229086715074981817noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7152938236326468132.post-87116239282255344322012-11-27T17:27:00.006-05:002012-11-27T17:27:55.372-05:00"Glitter on the inside" ornaments<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSzX57GWNpIcuJpPDyObrM4V2f1d3sF2B48HZkdl1AxGGeJb5-79Iuhg9OpS-FQuHeNlFdBj_OUguPAE2HbRwVQKsmFkGbnBdDa1o5ISR3AzzQGjOfH-s7bFWrINVBOGli7Wy_G66QFOg/s400/glitter+ornaments5.JPG" width="305" /></div>
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These are definitely the most beautiful Christmas ornaments I've ever seen! (and that's saying a lot from this gal, who *LOVES* Christmas)</div>
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The lights on our Christmas tree reflect the glitter and glass gorgeously, and our tree sparkles from every angle.</div>
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These are easy as PIE - from start to finish, it probably took me 30 minutes </div>
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(excluding dry-time) ...and 10 of those minutes I fussed over the bows.</div>
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<strong><u>Here's what you need:</u></strong></div>
<ul>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Liquid floor cleaner - I bought the cheapest I could find: $2.50 at Walmart</div>
</li>
<li>Assorted glitter - any colors you choose</li>
<li>glass ball ornaments - purchased at Michaels for just over $2 for 6 ornaments </li>
<li>ribbon (optional - I bought mine at Walmart for 60% off after Xmas last year)</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPfUt8BIw58wPWSEjiL7MRabmIn65ZY3SrN2C7mkcRthK5r3cZq0sVnehRYsWD7XIKcrU1G3EDymuAajdN6Wt-42AI7wKb8qzsqdCvYVAVJkVP7Ai-leDGxHgPK8MVGNHyOTjJcUlDDzM/s1600/glitter+ornaments4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPfUt8BIw58wPWSEjiL7MRabmIn65ZY3SrN2C7mkcRthK5r3cZq0sVnehRYsWD7XIKcrU1G3EDymuAajdN6Wt-42AI7wKb8qzsqdCvYVAVJkVP7Ai-leDGxHgPK8MVGNHyOTjJcUlDDzM/s400/glitter+ornaments4.JPG" width="355" /></a> </div>
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<strong>Step #1</strong>: Take the silver tops off of each glass ornament, and pour a small amount of floor cleaner into the ornament. Swirl it around, so the liquid cleaner covers every inch of the ornament's insides. Pour the remaining cleaner down the drain (or back into the original bottle).</div>
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<strong>Step #2</strong>: Pour glitter into the ornament and swirl around until evenly coated. It actually took quite a bit of glitter to cover inside! Then pour remaining glitter back out onto a paper towel to use for your next ornament.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyTjrUcMWbIk7H9AH6wxA39Jf3Lqat8fmL85PqIxDILW7ZRWgkZqgMDm3zFfbF_5Zgnlg9-JysZX3WWVEdmfW0jbmFSLur18MBpuXZfsmbsnl0MrVSlIbWomDZLyr8psRMsxhrF5Gcnig/s1600/glitter+ornaments3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyTjrUcMWbIk7H9AH6wxA39Jf3Lqat8fmL85PqIxDILW7ZRWgkZqgMDm3zFfbF_5Zgnlg9-JysZX3WWVEdmfW0jbmFSLur18MBpuXZfsmbsnl0MrVSlIbWomDZLyr8psRMsxhrF5Gcnig/s320/glitter+ornaments3.JPG" width="256" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3hr7yMSx2S_s-9DDcVTVnYrrzvlmNAePW8Ks00OS0si7lXxTDMljJheB43RqUJ1SFQBZN2zU6khais8V_LYjIgfMV1xyvUcohk1GNEMLvkmDywFKvX49A4hSYgtZLsphS3G7J4IRR_UU/s1600/glitter+ornaments2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3hr7yMSx2S_s-9DDcVTVnYrrzvlmNAePW8Ks00OS0si7lXxTDMljJheB43RqUJ1SFQBZN2zU6khais8V_LYjIgfMV1xyvUcohk1GNEMLvkmDywFKvX49A4hSYgtZLsphS3G7J4IRR_UU/s320/glitter+ornaments2.JPG" width="238" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr1UHAFOScQ_kUE95_pOvjdV-ZZXYJDaK-POg6ru2OXLQ9JINJILGRabgq0FOOdLz9DD89bJL-xl580YxUpZU2hDHxxn7W8lx_xNKBV8zrYI76Hpf_dFf1_ZfLZVyOMoGets-3uV17GdQ/s1600/glitter+ornaments1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr1UHAFOScQ_kUE95_pOvjdV-ZZXYJDaK-POg6ru2OXLQ9JINJILGRabgq0FOOdLz9DD89bJL-xl580YxUpZU2hDHxxn7W8lx_xNKBV8zrYI76Hpf_dFf1_ZfLZVyOMoGets-3uV17GdQ/s320/glitter+ornaments1.JPG" width="246" /></a></div>
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<strong>Step #3</strong>: Set aside and let dry for a few hours. </div>
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<strong>Step #4:</strong> Replace silver caps and top with an optional ribbon bow. (I hot glued the ribbons to the silver ornament tops). With *or* without a bow, these are stunning ornaments! AND, the bonus is that there isn't a glittery mess when you're packing/unpacking your ornaments each year!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4U_4XxTywXUnSKswYoSafrDvG_QqlS5QAuLtzHW3f4slRIbqPiH829mHbMINaBHuuzBW6Y-JG4Y2geDrcrwIDZn0XK6w1D3TLeP_RGKLm0SMijM5jp8k_BnbMRKBpLS88KVJsURNJUas/s1600/glitter+ornaments.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4U_4XxTywXUnSKswYoSafrDvG_QqlS5QAuLtzHW3f4slRIbqPiH829mHbMINaBHuuzBW6Y-JG4Y2geDrcrwIDZn0XK6w1D3TLeP_RGKLm0SMijM5jp8k_BnbMRKBpLS88KVJsURNJUas/s400/glitter+ornaments.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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In my 2 favorite ornaments, I mixed gold and silver glitter ahead of time, then poured into the ornament and swirled around. It made this amazing platinum color! You can see them in the picture below...the 2 ornaments with the green bows. (The one in the back looks more gold, but you can see the truer platinum color in the front row, below):<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSzX57GWNpIcuJpPDyObrM4V2f1d3sF2B48HZkdl1AxGGeJb5-79Iuhg9OpS-FQuHeNlFdBj_OUguPAE2HbRwVQKsmFkGbnBdDa1o5ISR3AzzQGjOfH-s7bFWrINVBOGli7Wy_G66QFOg/s1600/glitter+ornaments5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSzX57GWNpIcuJpPDyObrM4V2f1d3sF2B48HZkdl1AxGGeJb5-79Iuhg9OpS-FQuHeNlFdBj_OUguPAE2HbRwVQKsmFkGbnBdDa1o5ISR3AzzQGjOfH-s7bFWrINVBOGli7Wy_G66QFOg/s400/glitter+ornaments5.JPG" width="305" /></a></div>
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What ornaments have you made this year? Care to share how you made them?</div>
Biddle Bitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10229086715074981817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7152938236326468132.post-40521605100913289682012-11-13T23:53:00.004-05:002012-11-13T23:53:57.675-05:00Homemade Vanilla Extract<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXciDrHnj-m_SouSDq0hEnWnBtqDPJmGqkJEz5s89NlIIx6gh4oFe8HUF7Z1oPw8GFQbmAi3VeKpj1Zjq1SOyIPMI9kZ9RS2y2R6DZEgApvoGpdB0636pcMbUxbzSVpHOLhib43kZ-cCE/s1600/homemadevanilla8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXciDrHnj-m_SouSDq0hEnWnBtqDPJmGqkJEz5s89NlIIx6gh4oFe8HUF7Z1oPw8GFQbmAi3VeKpj1Zjq1SOyIPMI9kZ9RS2y2R6DZEgApvoGpdB0636pcMbUxbzSVpHOLhib43kZ-cCE/s400/homemadevanilla8.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>
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Some of my favorite memories from growing up include baking...whether it was pumpkin-shaped sugar cookies at Halloween, birthday cupcakes, Christmas cookies,... you name it. One of the most important ingredients in baking (and one of the most comforting scents to me) is Vanilla.<br />
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I found <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><a href="http://penniesonaplatter.com/2011/12/01/homemade-vanilla-extract/" target="_blank">this recipe</a> <span style="color: #666666;">from pennies on a platter, </span></span><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #666666;">for</span> </span>homemade vanilla extract last year and saved it as a "favorite" (before the days of Pinterest!), knowing that I wanted to make a batch of it for this year's Christmas. I've used imitation extract before, but it's just *not* the same as the *real deal*! (real deal = vanilla made with real vanilla beans, rather than the imitation chemical stuff).<br />
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I ordered Premium Bourbon-Madagascar Vanilla beans from her <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Premium-Bourbon-Madagascar-Vanilla-Beans-beans/dp/B000ET4SM8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1322715553&sr=8-2" target="_blank">suggested amazon website</a> - they're very reasonably priced, and have free shipping! Then, I did a search for the 4oz Amber Boston Round Glass Bottles to find the best price possible and ordered 12 of those as well.<br />
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<u>Here are the ingredients you'll need:</u><br />
<ul>
<li>750mL bottle of vodka</li>
<li>9 vanilla bean pods</li>
<li>printer sticker paper (optional, for labels)</li>
<li>Amber Boston Round Glass Bottles - 4 oz size</li>
<li>funnel (optional - to help pour vodka into 4 oz bottles)</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI0NKIXt4MOVw2J3F8i0Scfm7F9PG1TY69uk15dK0r4A-ZPTDTkYDPkrpdIVtu_P9h7p9ftyp1-2gUKZ-rdbatFcDQasl7g2u6tmaT8HrE6bli-T-2HQaTvsJsv6IOB5La3uQgFNcIxso/s1600/homemadevanilla.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI0NKIXt4MOVw2J3F8i0Scfm7F9PG1TY69uk15dK0r4A-ZPTDTkYDPkrpdIVtu_P9h7p9ftyp1-2gUKZ-rdbatFcDQasl7g2u6tmaT8HrE6bli-T-2HQaTvsJsv6IOB5La3uQgFNcIxso/s400/homemadevanilla.jpg" width="241" /></a></div>
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Check out the easy-peasy instructions on <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><a href="http://penniesonaplatter.com/2011/12/01/homemade-vanilla-extract/">penniseonaplatter.com.</a><span style="color: #666666;"> I followed her directions to a "T"!</span></span></div>
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She even has cute, printable labels you can use for your bottles!</div>
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(Though, I chose a different free printable label, that's more my style, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.mybakingaddiction.com/holiday-gift-idea-bottling-vanilla-extract-with-a-free-printable/">here</a>.)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI0NKIXt4MOVw2J3F8i0Scfm7F9PG1TY69uk15dK0r4A-ZPTDTkYDPkrpdIVtu_P9h7p9ftyp1-2gUKZ-rdbatFcDQasl7g2u6tmaT8HrE6bli-T-2HQaTvsJsv6IOB5La3uQgFNcIxso/s1600/homemadevanilla.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc7qBV6ebizyQXtH0XM7eEy8dqsOz-VHK0h6SYhElyan6Q2BJUz7ihFZLNv5It34v_3PaSoHAmWmER4HnYhYpxZunFmkFcT0vcCSBlZLeOFIjG3ZuaEc-qHPkpjVPI0xtc_IjlP8Khsmg/s1600/homemadevanilla2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc7qBV6ebizyQXtH0XM7eEy8dqsOz-VHK0h6SYhElyan6Q2BJUz7ihFZLNv5It34v_3PaSoHAmWmER4HnYhYpxZunFmkFcT0vcCSBlZLeOFIjG3ZuaEc-qHPkpjVPI0xtc_IjlP8Khsmg/s400/homemadevanilla2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">vanilla beans</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqen-fZAreDyV6LEncYzM1Tw4unq2gT2im7ogC9bOX4Gryx_w-Tb9_bA_h1adQvGl0CBlDpX4WKoS5eHsnpm-XRiT29nFnlytIvQx1DH17f-cSp-giE6OCgDMmVA1PMgTYGoBU_qm8czk/s1600/homemadevanilla3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqen-fZAreDyV6LEncYzM1Tw4unq2gT2im7ogC9bOX4Gryx_w-Tb9_bA_h1adQvGl0CBlDpX4WKoS5eHsnpm-XRiT29nFnlytIvQx1DH17f-cSp-giE6OCgDMmVA1PMgTYGoBU_qm8czk/s400/homemadevanilla3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">vanilla beans, but in half vertically and horizontally</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uAOTHuWNbvccKuonNc2cJ-iydQMzVh2F7qvRsZMWmTJgvPC9N5iH9K1njAxS6P1aa2Z5SvahC2VWjS5yv35JJ0OYB1y5-8TV-xFB2-NYRjvpzZZoYr6XwYO_ff-Mk6ZzBRNF8eo5yl8/s1600/homemadevanilla4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uAOTHuWNbvccKuonNc2cJ-iydQMzVh2F7qvRsZMWmTJgvPC9N5iH9K1njAxS6P1aa2Z5SvahC2VWjS5yv35JJ0OYB1y5-8TV-xFB2-NYRjvpzZZoYr6XwYO_ff-Mk6ZzBRNF8eo5yl8/s400/homemadevanilla4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Put 6 cut pieces of vanilla bean in each 4 oz bottle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKxlkz35V9R6tOBSIq41LrmgbuscVPzBLtdJXcrq-8hQvRU8urE_Q2yJkLpXiT7IgGKz_PiuUZNuq7XFuxeKMrIz8EnnN8ohhy7PnNQZL3jDwan03UfYLuHef-Ct92dHEmh64jd5MCKfQ/s1600/homemadevanilla5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKxlkz35V9R6tOBSIq41LrmgbuscVPzBLtdJXcrq-8hQvRU8urE_Q2yJkLpXiT7IgGKz_PiuUZNuq7XFuxeKMrIz8EnnN8ohhy7PnNQZL3jDwan03UfYLuHef-Ct92dHEmh64jd5MCKfQ/s400/homemadevanilla5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fill each 4oz bottle with vodka</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghFhmzPUxeVyKP4dAkWqPg4FfI1bnp2hyphenhyphenl0XCfoS4cda2L4BpdFy462uXiVNuTZBCJxqWAn0AvqvGMUViWZmOmtZmcaVHY7KTm7l6TXL9moVW5bi3xAAo_SQ119pxuXHssmp3kiIid-h8/s1600/homemadevanilla6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghFhmzPUxeVyKP4dAkWqPg4FfI1bnp2hyphenhyphenl0XCfoS4cda2L4BpdFy462uXiVNuTZBCJxqWAn0AvqvGMUViWZmOmtZmcaVHY7KTm7l6TXL9moVW5bi3xAAo_SQ119pxuXHssmp3kiIid-h8/s400/homemadevanilla6.jpg" width="250" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Print labels on sticker paper, cut out them out, and stick to bottle!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj659TqPPnYNkVVs8AHTCsPcjMZvOIJC2CBql-fr6QlVqhFoP6_CrklZ5bpwYaioshEcdI14Fg9kfoptxD4dcKc78bZNXqVwu4iij8w8LUz0IqFFzCAq6B3SWoOzfldRbYr2QDjFAkjHNI/s1600/homemadevanilla7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj659TqPPnYNkVVs8AHTCsPcjMZvOIJC2CBql-fr6QlVqhFoP6_CrklZ5bpwYaioshEcdI14Fg9kfoptxD4dcKc78bZNXqVwu4iij8w8LUz0IqFFzCAq6B3SWoOzfldRbYr2QDjFAkjHNI/s400/homemadevanilla7.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The whole batch...awaiting further instruction :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT-t67CvOL4caNlmQHq8D35TLOuQkkx3r9lH6ijnhSYBVkX3K5XAyO9h4HLS_AmsOZ_u3p7-lARBqGc9U0SNHlPsDk2UCoPUDSJBPx6af8_OHpzb3hIfpoIk98mp2cwCgNmicUuBw5aYw/s1600/homemadevanilla11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT-t67CvOL4caNlmQHq8D35TLOuQkkx3r9lH6ijnhSYBVkX3K5XAyO9h4HLS_AmsOZ_u3p7-lARBqGc9U0SNHlPsDk2UCoPUDSJBPx6af8_OHpzb3hIfpoIk98mp2cwCgNmicUuBw5aYw/s400/homemadevanilla11.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Packaging" supplies: jute rope, a hole punch and printed instructions</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRqN0rlybcYcTeEm73G_eoH2TAQCsP6cF81NiXEKmWX8w6k6d4qDEaHzPr4mYZbQLDEIc1ZzH5A01mKLCgwNveutF97HBpe65GiMcNxTLrTRW-05q7r0TRYJCyLEh9JGOCU0pI5FIvnms/s1600/homemadevanilla9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRqN0rlybcYcTeEm73G_eoH2TAQCsP6cF81NiXEKmWX8w6k6d4qDEaHzPr4mYZbQLDEIc1ZzH5A01mKLCgwNveutF97HBpe65GiMcNxTLrTRW-05q7r0TRYJCyLEh9JGOCU0pI5FIvnms/s400/homemadevanilla9.jpg" width="323" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I wrapped some thin jute rope around the bottle, then knotted it <br />
and added a "ready to use" date and ingredients</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM-TCgVqZqcF2yE9WKZcBjsw9yDJlKIrPtV9Dyn6ETpQffFPaJVsnnzVbkOCEhi0cp3PfI7OQXzyYQvpKQd9eRagNrlhHWjCTsx1Z_WeKIeCZALXXit0jQ99nJuKa3mP1gVJrRPDByT94/s1600/homemadevanilla10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM-TCgVqZqcF2yE9WKZcBjsw9yDJlKIrPtV9Dyn6ETpQffFPaJVsnnzVbkOCEhi0cp3PfI7OQXzyYQvpKQd9eRagNrlhHWjCTsx1Z_WeKIeCZALXXit0jQ99nJuKa3mP1gVJrRPDByT94/s320/homemadevanilla10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div align="center">
<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXciDrHnj-m_SouSDq0hEnWnBtqDPJmGqkJEz5s89NlIIx6gh4oFe8HUF7Z1oPw8GFQbmAi3VeKpj1Zjq1SOyIPMI9kZ9RS2y2R6DZEgApvoGpdB0636pcMbUxbzSVpHOLhib43kZ-cCE/s400/homemadevanilla8.jpg" width="291" /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT-t67CvOL4caNlmQHq8D35TLOuQkkx3r9lH6ijnhSYBVkX3K5XAyO9h4HLS_AmsOZ_u3p7-lARBqGc9U0SNHlPsDk2UCoPUDSJBPx6af8_OHpzb3hIfpoIk98mp2cwCgNmicUuBw5aYw/s1600/homemadevanilla11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
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Friends: If you happen to be reading this, guess what you're getting for Christmas??!! </div>
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Happy Holiday Baking friends!!</div>
Biddle Bitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10229086715074981817noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7152938236326468132.post-57017935401929959182012-11-06T23:39:00.002-05:002012-11-08T10:45:23.551-05:00DIY snow candles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUu8FgPPpUpFEF_l83ACTFaIMt6qwQWNgwlOBO7KRHZGkzfeiqN065kZCafnjtjC7M-j7irOeNLMCBFDbISwaolJw7Drw54QHzM9heHRnslghznfnixtQNl12IJ6_LRRj2BcojIyQc_bg/s1600/snowcandle-step9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUu8FgPPpUpFEF_l83ACTFaIMt6qwQWNgwlOBO7KRHZGkzfeiqN065kZCafnjtjC7M-j7irOeNLMCBFDbISwaolJw7Drw54QHzM9heHRnslghznfnixtQNl12IJ6_LRRj2BcojIyQc_bg/s640/snowcandle-step9.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I love snow days, and unfortunately, we don't get very many of them here in the middle of NC! While my job *does* allow for snow days, the hubs HAS to go into work when the weather goes south. Even still, I dream of a big winter storm, where we're snowed in (with heat and power, of course!), can snuggle on the couch, sip hot chocolate, then head outside to build a snowman and skate on our ice-covered cul-de-sac.</div>
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A girl can dream, right?</div>
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In the meantime, a more likely place to find snow is on our kitchen table...tonight!</div>
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I've seen these "snow candles" in stores around town, and figured I could make my own. </div>
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Here's how I did it:</div>
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<b><u>What you need for this project:</u></b></div>
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<ul>
<li>wax candles, any size</li>
<li>mod podge or elmer's glue</li>
<li>epsom salts</li>
<li>foam paint brush</li>
<li>paper towels</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqrdujyvrwha23bjIpVT7Vqoxq-CrY-Cgb5WP5wImZ61ld76ALXMaXYSyO9QSihYi1M1qnruuMHUFYVogmQtrxp272xWjpxDLVNxppsMxWztltvTA7hTIKHMdZV-z3Y-H4qzMC_Su0z_Y/s1600/snowcandle-ingredients.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqrdujyvrwha23bjIpVT7Vqoxq-CrY-Cgb5WP5wImZ61ld76ALXMaXYSyO9QSihYi1M1qnruuMHUFYVogmQtrxp272xWjpxDLVNxppsMxWztltvTA7hTIKHMdZV-z3Y-H4qzMC_Su0z_Y/s640/snowcandle-ingredients.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><u>Instructions:</u></b></div>
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<b>Step #1:</b> Pour a layer of epsom salts onto a paper towel.</div>
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<b>Step #2:</b> Using your foam brush, brush a light layer of mod podge all around the outside of your candle.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKkLIVrGFM_ojGOvodB9U3noElVoQnxbkBKJYgnFzFmkxz1UvXt_AXvhphKKXI9_VxHttxAhC2BCdb5QGjBAJDBmeU9qSk8tC8VeYxI59ZwNeQvsXMNRHKmrjMG-GNHwJlg2Xviu32pmo/s1600/snowcandle-step1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKkLIVrGFM_ojGOvodB9U3noElVoQnxbkBKJYgnFzFmkxz1UvXt_AXvhphKKXI9_VxHttxAhC2BCdb5QGjBAJDBmeU9qSk8tC8VeYxI59ZwNeQvsXMNRHKmrjMG-GNHwJlg2Xviu32pmo/s640/snowcandle-step1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Step #3</b>: While the modge podge is still wet, roll your candle in the epsom salts, completely covering the sides of the candle.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhPWCJngwwSEOxiI4v4QM_LEGar662pG130s-25p8q3sYTuYwaFl0dLrcvF2zrCKxw2Cskqxj3j-FVYf3X98BGSKyp1iAcUy-UfYo35JcXQa0I6S6Xk_N5nUYmEr5fyAfHzQJRrNtsirU/s1600/snowcandle-step4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="465" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhPWCJngwwSEOxiI4v4QM_LEGar662pG130s-25p8q3sYTuYwaFl0dLrcvF2zrCKxw2Cskqxj3j-FVYf3X98BGSKyp1iAcUy-UfYo35JcXQa0I6S6Xk_N5nUYmEr5fyAfHzQJRrNtsirU/s640/snowcandle-step4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Step #4:</b> Then, sit on a paper towel to air dry.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtp3oEgvEaZMIcVLXNYR794-0knupn95fzobBmOPGnt4XyhXCsIOE_rpneSa9sXVEz5IcD-gwUghWHP6GaLoqWI1fn1Yg4hp57nGTbc9-bFLjFts1ymSv6KN9QSWzMOEAxtYd_XMeZVlo/s1600/snowcandle-step2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtp3oEgvEaZMIcVLXNYR794-0knupn95fzobBmOPGnt4XyhXCsIOE_rpneSa9sXVEz5IcD-gwUghWHP6GaLoqWI1fn1Yg4hp57nGTbc9-bFLjFts1ymSv6KN9QSWzMOEAxtYd_XMeZVlo/s640/snowcandle-step2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgutrSQUFtEr18y5I-475gh3VQcW2JMmruJYAaH4hw5Iqg2BuX6wtjvBEwKq37d5Uf09ymJD9rZKMVUa-vl4F1gG3Nt3tMKCIhl24KjSc2Ib7EnRwNWnb6uvpvHeHoatqCKVRvAUVHYpd0/s1600/snowcandle-step5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="497" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgutrSQUFtEr18y5I-475gh3VQcW2JMmruJYAaH4hw5Iqg2BuX6wtjvBEwKq37d5Uf09ymJD9rZKMVUa-vl4F1gG3Nt3tMKCIhl24KjSc2Ib7EnRwNWnb6uvpvHeHoatqCKVRvAUVHYpd0/s640/snowcandle-step5.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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We received this iron candle holder as a housewarming gift, which is a great centerpiece for holiday decorating...fill it with Easter eggs at Easter, mini pumpkins for Halloween/Thanksgiving, and Christmas ornaments for Christmas! </div>
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Time to snow-ify these candles!!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiUTxzSVNlqMaBn8VMNrzjDa3k9UirSeaRGTQdx2UKnvwM7vv-JV0pAlrQz4tH7pnO1KxDlgYyHseyJ7uDdciDVv_Mz6C_EHKBP3JCNIWD3JhcOd-cNKrsG6nRzk_LNyaXBMgy0PXAR2s/s1600/snowcandle-step6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiUTxzSVNlqMaBn8VMNrzjDa3k9UirSeaRGTQdx2UKnvwM7vv-JV0pAlrQz4tH7pnO1KxDlgYyHseyJ7uDdciDVv_Mz6C_EHKBP3JCNIWD3JhcOd-cNKrsG6nRzk_LNyaXBMgy0PXAR2s/s640/snowcandle-step6.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">before...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtbNMIt1hjZjLYbXdaeUZDPPAsM3isryw9OQFf2cLizXW1XZcNZuONce16rZJ7UnKWuzhvxh7MBVxy307EHYp6xCfJHKUm6VKuYv6bSbfdeML6vWKmYTu2pPNcMxf02gwHUUuhYnNmYuQ/s1600/snowcandle-step7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="457" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtbNMIt1hjZjLYbXdaeUZDPPAsM3isryw9OQFf2cLizXW1XZcNZuONce16rZJ7UnKWuzhvxh7MBVxy307EHYp6xCfJHKUm6VKuYv6bSbfdeML6vWKmYTu2pPNcMxf02gwHUUuhYnNmYuQ/s640/snowcandle-step7.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">after! (After-thought: I plan to tie some ribbon on the stems below each candle...)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdZVcHZGS2iermRsS1bFFgnjsuyMjXao54qwbROvVl1E7uzWKAl-oE1EAmraC5BCM1EiZ4Cr-Lbk2_DFPP5OIrmX0ORc5imXrcWpsIg-Oh32Gyikwuh_h4TyYLbLqOjlcNp9deNQiCWQY/s1600/snowcandle-step8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="473" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdZVcHZGS2iermRsS1bFFgnjsuyMjXao54qwbROvVl1E7uzWKAl-oE1EAmraC5BCM1EiZ4Cr-Lbk2_DFPP5OIrmX0ORc5imXrcWpsIg-Oh32Gyikwuh_h4TyYLbLqOjlcNp9deNQiCWQY/s640/snowcandle-step8.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUu8FgPPpUpFEF_l83ACTFaIMt6qwQWNgwlOBO7KRHZGkzfeiqN065kZCafnjtjC7M-j7irOeNLMCBFDbISwaolJw7Drw54QHzM9heHRnslghznfnixtQNl12IJ6_LRRj2BcojIyQc_bg/s1600/snowcandle-step9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUu8FgPPpUpFEF_l83ACTFaIMt6qwQWNgwlOBO7KRHZGkzfeiqN065kZCafnjtjC7M-j7irOeNLMCBFDbISwaolJw7Drw54QHzM9heHRnslghznfnixtQNl12IJ6_LRRj2BcojIyQc_bg/s640/snowcandle-step9.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This was a super-simple project!</div>
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Try it and let me know what you think!</div>
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Biddle Bitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10229086715074981817noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7152938236326468132.post-48251028213234683322012-10-26T12:49:00.002-04:002012-10-26T12:51:26.914-04:00Plastic Spoon Flowers!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE-LmPTx7eidLMosJPRs9AE6e_2L4wtfetYIemTWrW_r5uip5JPn4wmivUN3hobHM2L9a86MffKOsZHQCQF4Dy8UYusLyhDRl2d2iyOSeuvpbuXADuP3O42l5HQQiIy258rMOn6r0hMQc/s1600/plastic+spoon+flower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="497" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE-LmPTx7eidLMosJPRs9AE6e_2L4wtfetYIemTWrW_r5uip5JPn4wmivUN3hobHM2L9a86MffKOsZHQCQF4Dy8UYusLyhDRl2d2iyOSeuvpbuXADuP3O42l5HQQiIy258rMOn6r0hMQc/s640/plastic+spoon+flower.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I am incredible surprised by this Pinterest project...what started out as a terrible, ugly mess of conjoined plastic spoons, turned into a beautiful work of art! When all's said and done, it looks like a flower made of glass.<br />
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Wanna try one at home? Here you go:<br />
<strong><u></u></strong><br />
<strong><u>What you need for this project:</u></strong><br />
<ul>
<li>a box of plastic spoons, any color will work</li>
<li>candle </li>
<li>scissors</li>
<li>primer and spray paint - if you want to change the color of your flower afterwards!</li>
<li>a wee-bit of patience</li>
</ul>
<strong><u>Instructions:</u></strong><br />
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<strong>Step #1</strong>: Carefully wave the plastic spoon over your flame. I went back and forth quite a few times until the edges start to roll in. Be careful!! Scorching hot plastic = trip to the burn unit if you're not careful!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBW1bi6AIeY_AQZEzttlnTMg7Fsc8qb8RMuUE_HnCwYvLNtV5WwAqXiAeRjpozk8X6qPAn-oWYKOPWSWpFHvC0KH2bRk8Qa7lERN2z8KNblSKBiuCRxfssk3NuEprTFdTH_vOHuvVoIUM/s1600/plastic+spoon+flower1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBW1bi6AIeY_AQZEzttlnTMg7Fsc8qb8RMuUE_HnCwYvLNtV5WwAqXiAeRjpozk8X6qPAn-oWYKOPWSWpFHvC0KH2bRk8Qa7lERN2z8KNblSKBiuCRxfssk3NuEprTFdTH_vOHuvVoIUM/s400/plastic+spoon+flower1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSfHQOgZyneVpcyDd8xkaE-yw_PJ7en6cHiI7Lxzd-Xgd21p64H9We37RNBlhLSOtd3Q6xxlQky1MzpESYwIpw9Pdy0zvT0WvxTN4t-NdkSqJY2uSZqJxEXaJjPR84z9r2J3CIbAR6QqI/s1600/plastic+spoon+flower2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSfHQOgZyneVpcyDd8xkaE-yw_PJ7en6cHiI7Lxzd-Xgd21p64H9We37RNBlhLSOtd3Q6xxlQky1MzpESYwIpw9Pdy0zvT0WvxTN4t-NdkSqJY2uSZqJxEXaJjPR84z9r2J3CIbAR6QqI/s400/plastic+spoon+flower2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<strong>Step #2</strong>: Cut off the handles - leave some of the handle on most of them, as (sorta) seen in the picture below. (you can always cut away more if you want to!). You should wear goggles for this part because spoon handles/plastic shards were flying all over our kitchen. Our cat had a hay-day. (Side note: do cat goggles exist? Eh, he wouldn't stand to wear 'em anyways). Anyhoo...<br />
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<strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1BS6Ez3qHw6bPBtqq6vK-iRUPoBeOakfRfiV6MDODom6rb2GdADoJCNNEvhyqHnWvF2FRT5IYOYmd0qnYwflD-TPEHHDw1D2HaOkKI3raj26F_rFLf03lQe_yYDYRy9DCkZN9MclDNso/s1600/plastic+spoon+flower3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1BS6Ez3qHw6bPBtqq6vK-iRUPoBeOakfRfiV6MDODom6rb2GdADoJCNNEvhyqHnWvF2FRT5IYOYmd0qnYwflD-TPEHHDw1D2HaOkKI3raj26F_rFLf03lQe_yYDYRy9DCkZN9MclDNso/s400/plastic+spoon+flower3.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></strong></div>
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<strong>Step #3</strong>: Wash the soot off of the spoons - you'll need to rub 'em a little with your fingers. It doesn't all come off, which is ok b/c the variation in color looks neat on the final-product!<br />
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<strong>Step #4</strong>: Carefully, hold the newly cut, shorter spoon handles over your flame until the "rough" edge gets melty (or catches on fire), and then smush the handles together in groups of three. Hold it with your fingers or a clothespin until the plastic has cooled and set. You'll have to do this one spoon at a time. Be patient, you're forming the base of your flower. This was a little tricky step, so it just takes some practice. Then repeat with each bundle - hold the bundle of spoon handles over your flame until it gets melty (catching on fire is actually beneficial to get sufficient "glue"!) and then smush the handles together to form the entire base of your flower. Hold until cooled and set. Just be careful of the hot, melty plastic, please!<br />
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<strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj2C5BsZN15khsBQkm10dmhU8tnVJlHBT4p1TdkJdbolaHP_NfrbLeZ7UOsfVVLo9lBqXIsFm1CdDNZgFKHvTuYtZBEthrN89Z9LJqxIghyF3_uE-WrqtAVfMTFDh91ihvHmxhzqoi5Hc/s1600/plastic+spoon+flower4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj2C5BsZN15khsBQkm10dmhU8tnVJlHBT4p1TdkJdbolaHP_NfrbLeZ7UOsfVVLo9lBqXIsFm1CdDNZgFKHvTuYtZBEthrN89Z9LJqxIghyF3_uE-WrqtAVfMTFDh91ihvHmxhzqoi5Hc/s400/plastic+spoon+flower4.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></strong></div>
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<strong>Step #5</strong>: At this point in the project, I thought this might be a Pinterest FAIL. In fact, I didn't take a picture of it, because I thought I'd just throw it away! Something told me to keep going...<br />
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Now, one-by-one, with the remaining individual spoons with the shortest handles, or no handles, hold their ends over the flame (catch on fire, then blow out for best adhesion) and carefully fill in some of the empty spaces *on top* of the base, shoving the melty edges into whatever "crevices" need filling/look good! Keep building on top of the base, and fill in the empty spaces until you're left with this beauty!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjsmiN8LvRY6v2xD-A4LB0T7dVTTSwC7wAkGR0Y0I0DmFKWIk1yIx8gcNlK5Hb85Pvhyphenhyphen54DVbfpbXJurgK3FaullL1g0OctqXfBoIooMyQGuoA-SmUkw-SB8y7hY2FR06_lbkSJPWvhzk/s1600/plastic+spoon+flower5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="475" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjsmiN8LvRY6v2xD-A4LB0T7dVTTSwC7wAkGR0Y0I0DmFKWIk1yIx8gcNlK5Hb85Pvhyphenhyphen54DVbfpbXJurgK3FaullL1g0OctqXfBoIooMyQGuoA-SmUkw-SB8y7hY2FR06_lbkSJPWvhzk/s640/plastic+spoon+flower5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<strong>Step #6</strong>: optional step, which I haven't tried: I saw a beautiful picture of a plastic-spoon flower, primed with spray primer, then painted with red spray paint, then somehow adhered to a front door-Christmas wreath. I'm not really sure how they adhered it, but I'd imagine lots of hot glue was involved :)</div>
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This beautiful flower cost me $1.49 - the cost of a box of plastic spoons at Target :) </div>
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AND, I have about half-the box of spoons leftover!</div>
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Has anyone else attempted to make these? Any helpful tips that I left out?</div>
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Biddle Bitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10229086715074981817noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7152938236326468132.post-78620361042617868072012-10-23T21:21:00.000-04:002012-10-23T21:21:04.753-04:00How to hem your jeans like a pro!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9mjSN0MQ8dcWM5Cfu2EzZDBjMMevLMScb1wfYeGZR_I0dnD1czJmepm1UF4wg6mOENLsNuotuZ8F8LLC7c90JGE8g4hmpihDPMoVMgfdoD-pww3aMmwOoO50Dk2Jo__N9xeBjAYD68pk/s1600/hemmed+jeans2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0MUCk_b8FzbietVWTfcMRM3V3R598jyQX4XQUFrz6g1Kz7f_uU4b_Po51qrNqJqvxlaAB3lj0DW1iBN5-fVHHB2tApPbbnDuBzRz8xC1KftPQ35NO63UFKICAdg0wrgB9Q1-AdrjnLS8/s1600/hemmed+jeans3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0MUCk_b8FzbietVWTfcMRM3V3R598jyQX4XQUFrz6g1Kz7f_uU4b_Po51qrNqJqvxlaAB3lj0DW1iBN5-fVHHB2tApPbbnDuBzRz8xC1KftPQ35NO63UFKICAdg0wrgB9Q1-AdrjnLS8/s640/hemmed+jeans3.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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While perusing Pinterest last night, I came across a blogger who explains how to hem jeans, keeping the original "edge" of the hem in-tact. Apparently, the same way that alternations to denim are done at Buckle. I was skeptical, but excited to try.<br />
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Now, I'm pretty tall, (5'10") so finding jeans that are long *enough* is the usual problem. However, I have one pair of GAP boot cut jeans that are freakishly long...and considering I'm not really a stiletto-heel-wearing-type-of-gal, I figured they were the perfect pair for this little experiment!<br />
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First of all, I am AMAZED at how great they look...you honestly can't tell where I hemmed them!! Can you see the line?? Nope? Me neither...<br />
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Check out the tutorial <a href="http://doityourselfdivas.blogspot.ca/2011/12/diy-hem-jeans-fast-easy.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">here</span></a> - I followed her directions to a "T", except for these edits:<br />
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<li>I didn't cut off the excess in the hem (yet...I want to wash them a few times to see if the length shrinks up at all...Nothing's worse than a "flood's coming!" pair of jeans! well...there are worse things, but you get what I'm sayin'...)</li>
<li>Once I turned the newly hemmed pants right-side out, I ironed the bottoms of the jeans. Just above the new, barely visible sewing line, I sewed a straight topstitch (the same color as the denim) all the way around the jean's leg. This will keep the bottom of the jeans from rolling up. The color should match so perfectly, you won't be able to see this topstitch...not even up CLOSE!</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv-Ncrp1DV6Tg0SG19pvhabQ1wL2Kbn7Z-8nyeQ-n6w8WHHkuWQS-BQhou3k0bOEXvIHFZmzXnT0xdzawVuU8QevRRCLLVTJTaaMRIjwOd-QQZaYARQl8GHv9IiX-cGSZ7lj9Wd1GVohM/s1600/hemmed+jeans1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv-Ncrp1DV6Tg0SG19pvhabQ1wL2Kbn7Z-8nyeQ-n6w8WHHkuWQS-BQhou3k0bOEXvIHFZmzXnT0xdzawVuU8QevRRCLLVTJTaaMRIjwOd-QQZaYARQl8GHv9IiX-cGSZ7lj9Wd1GVohM/s400/hemmed+jeans1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9mjSN0MQ8dcWM5Cfu2EzZDBjMMevLMScb1wfYeGZR_I0dnD1czJmepm1UF4wg6mOENLsNuotuZ8F8LLC7c90JGE8g4hmpihDPMoVMgfdoD-pww3aMmwOoO50Dk2Jo__N9xeBjAYD68pk/s1600/hemmed+jeans2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9mjSN0MQ8dcWM5Cfu2EzZDBjMMevLMScb1wfYeGZR_I0dnD1czJmepm1UF4wg6mOENLsNuotuZ8F8LLC7c90JGE8g4hmpihDPMoVMgfdoD-pww3aMmwOoO50Dk2Jo__N9xeBjAYD68pk/s400/hemmed+jeans2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Try it and let me know what you think!!!</div>
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Biddle Bitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10229086715074981817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7152938236326468132.post-58983526111445196232012-10-21T20:33:00.000-04:002012-10-22T15:39:49.077-04:00DIY polka-dot flower pots<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYHXpCHPwy5BERv3nzRhHiMJInh389uGJqYrTzT0ux-CzBHJ1P5kxdEIoduRt5IfFvP3KJrUsFjCZoo9F0j2YPiwyd9Zelp1W6sUtagigYzeVAcJYoQ5kIZmVvxfWqrQxcgEwYLjpgl30/s1600/DIY+polka+dot+flowerpot4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYHXpCHPwy5BERv3nzRhHiMJInh389uGJqYrTzT0ux-CzBHJ1P5kxdEIoduRt5IfFvP3KJrUsFjCZoo9F0j2YPiwyd9Zelp1W6sUtagigYzeVAcJYoQ5kIZmVvxfWqrQxcgEwYLjpgl30/s640/DIY+polka+dot+flowerpot4.JPG" width="481" /></a></div>
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My Mom and I went to the Southern Women's Show in Raleigh earlier this year. It turns out that neither of us were too impressed by the booths and vendors there this year, BUT, I did see one cute idea that I've been wanting to recreate - one of the vendors was displaying her work in pebble-filled polka-dot flower pots. Of all the things we saw that day, those flower pots were, by far, the cutest!<br />
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I was in Walmart about a week later, and found simple black plastic flower pots, so I brought 2 of them home with me. My brother and sister-in-law have a vinyl-cutter, so I put in a request for white vinyl-sticker polka dots of varying sizes: 1", 1.5", and 2" in diameter. They brought them during their last visit to NC, and I got right to work in polka-dotting those plastic pots! <em>(If you don't have a vinyl-cutter, and don't know someone who does, you could search for "vinyl polka dots" on etsy.com or elsewhere and easily find someone to make them for you)</em><br />
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<strong><u>Stuff you need for this project:</u></strong><br />
<ul>
<li>plastic pot(s) </li>
<li>vinyl stickers</li>
</ul>
<strong><u>Instructions:</u></strong> <em>(um, this is so easy, detailed steps aren't even really needed here!...but here goes - let me know if you have questions about attaching the vinyl stickers):</em><br />
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<strong>Step #1</strong>: Determine how you want to layout your polka dots on the pot.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7rzi7jpWQ8myPtfbhtas4EfXvAJXJfylS0QKBn2_CIQL2Hjf8SBMR2OJAa4pHixIAg7eBEpp8XQVaMXY8lq1A94nb9ivh1FodwILHXEU1MQnqiqP7iPIAaUC8JOzuf2E8JoEzaWSkcgY/s1600/DIY+polka+dot+flowerpot2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7rzi7jpWQ8myPtfbhtas4EfXvAJXJfylS0QKBn2_CIQL2Hjf8SBMR2OJAa4pHixIAg7eBEpp8XQVaMXY8lq1A94nb9ivh1FodwILHXEU1MQnqiqP7iPIAaUC8JOzuf2E8JoEzaWSkcgY/s400/DIY+polka+dot+flowerpot2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<strong>Step #2</strong>: Peel backing from vinyl sticker, and stick on the plastic flower pot. Use a credit card or something similar to rub over the sticker - to make sure it's sticking to the pot.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYj_GM5nlwRyx7IVA6EVCLmkuF0Q5T5QXyX7qeMw5F9jDT9YJnR-84zgZ1Eb9qpaclIaEgKQuDc2dz6TXdt4tbltVLXnzVdIxkSVvie0FNHO3WvP4OMhm0wgPFaXwmq51O_0izKqhicxw/s1600/DIY+polka+dot+flowerpot1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYj_GM5nlwRyx7IVA6EVCLmkuF0Q5T5QXyX7qeMw5F9jDT9YJnR-84zgZ1Eb9qpaclIaEgKQuDc2dz6TXdt4tbltVLXnzVdIxkSVvie0FNHO3WvP4OMhm0wgPFaXwmq51O_0izKqhicxw/s400/DIY+polka+dot+flowerpot1.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is one of the dots, placed on the flower pot - the white translucent square over it is the "top sheet".</td></tr>
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<strong>Step #3</strong>: Pull the top-sheet off the sticker slowly, making sure it's sticking to the pot. (if it's not sticking, press it back down and go over it a few more times with the credit card.<br />
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<strong>Step #4</strong>: Repeat Steps 1-3 as many times as needed, to get the look you're going for!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6HwKbVChLS6Bid9JVqNi6a_mXcSY3i8QysMTzKRqYQi1-U0WAVFRs-3isTm03hri-89x5p_32jhZu7H9kyb_UFPlqoVa9crw-L2ORrwfcJEQBsEcoqXSkdBNUI4M9Y4CaM2GjQdIHaP4/s1600/DIY+polka+dot+flowerpot3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6HwKbVChLS6Bid9JVqNi6a_mXcSY3i8QysMTzKRqYQi1-U0WAVFRs-3isTm03hri-89x5p_32jhZu7H9kyb_UFPlqoVa9crw-L2ORrwfcJEQBsEcoqXSkdBNUI4M9Y4CaM2GjQdIHaP4/s400/DIY+polka+dot+flowerpot3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Until I get around to replanting our pansies in these pots, they're being used as a Halloween candy holder, near our front door!! Pretty cute, huh?</div>
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I think this same idea could be SO cute, using a red flower pot with green and/or white dots, or a green flower pot with red and/or white dots at Christmas! You could fill them with Holiday goodies for your neighbors, or leave it under your Christmas Tree with treats for Santa! ;)</div>
Biddle Bitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10229086715074981817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7152938236326468132.post-70359276715866179352012-10-14T23:49:00.001-04:002012-10-15T13:58:58.398-04:00Southern Bloggers Conference - My Fall placesetting<br />
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I had the pleasure of attending the inaugural <u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.southernbloggersconferenceblog.com/" target="_blank">Southern Bloggers Conference</a></span></u> in Raleigh this weekend. I learned so much, got some great ideas, and met lots of new friends and well-respected bloggers. (Not to mention I got to hang out with Jacque and Matt Knowlton from<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><u><a href="http://thediyvillage.com/" target="_blank"> the DIY Village</a></u></span> all weekend <i>(who just happen to be my brother and sister-in-law!)</i>.</div>
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This was my first bloggers' conference, so before i got there I didn't know what to expect, and was feeling very much like a newbie and a little unconfident about my blog! There was a fall decor contest on Friday night, so I entered the contest with the expectation to "only do it for fun"...the attendees (around 100 bloggers) voted for their favorites in each category <i>(fall wreaths, centerpieces, place settings, fall decor...I know I'm leaving one out!), </i>and my placesetting won that category!! I was thrilled!!<br />
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It turns out that, for someone who's relatively new to blogging, I'm doing pretty well so far and have some smart, creative ideas, so I left the event with a renewed confidence, new information, and excitement of what's to come :-). I guess I need to have a little more faith in myself...<br />
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While there's no step-by-step for my *winning* placesetting, I wanted to share where I bought everything, so as to maybe inspire ya'll for autumn get-togethers or Thanksgiving dinner. Most of the items came from discount stores like Target, the Christmas Tree Shops, and Dollar Tree - some items we already had on-hand, and others are expensive brands (i.e.: Vietri) that we either received as wedding gifts, or I bought at the annual Vietri warehouse sale, deeply discounted, at the Vietri outlet nearby. I'm a bargain hunter, so there's no way I could pay retail price for Vietri!<br />
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<b>Placemat</b>: I sewed it together, with 3 pieces of brown patterned fabric I had on-hand & orange bias tape from JoAnn Fabric</div>
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<b>Dinner plate</b>: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><u><a href="http://www.belk.com/AST/Main/Belk_Primary/For_the_Home/Shop/Dining_Entertaining/Casual_Dinnerware/Collections/PRD~7601016SCWH7612/Portmeirion+Sophie+Conran+White.jsp?off=10" target="_blank">Portmeirion Sophie Conran</a></u></span> <i>(our everyday plates)</i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><b>Orange paper leaf</b>: Target, sold in a pack in the dollar section</span></i></div>
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<b>Owl silverware holder:</b> <u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.crackerbarrel.com/" target="_blank">Cracker Barrel</a></span></u> Old Country store</div>
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<b>Mini-pumpkin:</b> Trader Joe's for 69-cents :)</div>
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<b>Salad plate</b>: Vietri "<u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.replacements.com/webquote/VIEPINAB.htm" target="_blank">Pineta-Acorn Brown"</a></span></u></div>
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<b>Green leaf bowl</b>: <u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.vietri.com/store/ProductDisplay.cfm?id=199542&cid=251" target="_blank">Vietri "Basilico Small Grape Leaf Bowl"</a></span></u></div>
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<b>Cloth napkin:</b> <u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.christmastreeshops.com/" target="_blank">Christmas Tree Shops</a></span></u></div>
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<b>Goblet</b>: <a href="http://www.pier1.com/Gold-Speckled-Glassware/PS33416,default,pd.html?cgid=drinkware" target="_blank">Pier1 Imports</a></div>
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<b>Pumpkin drink swizzle stick:</b> Target</div>
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<b>Paper leaf</b>, tied around base of goblet: Target, sold in a pack of 8 (?) in the dollar section</div>
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<b>Orange sheer ribbon:</b> Dollar Tree</div>
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<b>Pumpkin shaped placecard holder:</b> <u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.christmastreeshops.com/" target="_blank">Christmas Tree Shops</a></span></u><br />
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Do you decorate for fall? If so, what do you do? Know of any other good bargain stores you care to share?!</div>
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<br />Biddle Bitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10229086715074981817noreply@blogger.com0