Valentine's Day Goodies!

I feel a little silly posting Valentine's Day Goodies the week after Valentine's Day, but here goes.  I wish I could give proper credit to someone for the Conversation Heart Cookies, but I took bits and pieces of various ideas and didn't keep track of what I found where.   I definitely don't want to take credit for other people's great ideas.  I will take better notes next time.

Conversation Heart Sugar Cookies

My cousin made adorable decorated sugar cookies for her sister's baby shower.  Thanks to the recipes and tips she shared with me I was fairly pleased with my results.  Her sugar cookie recipe is from her mother's old Betty Crocker cookbook.  Sometimes you just can't improve on the classics.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20081219122103AASuZyg 

Her icing recipe is Wilton's Royal Icing.  I've tried Royal Icing before but never seemed to get the right consistency.   My cousin warned me to be very exact in my measurements...that seemed to help.  

http://www.wilton.com/recipe/Royal-Icing 

I have to be honest this was a very time consuming project.  Cookies had to be baked.

Fresh from oven.

After they are completely cooled you can begin the icing process.  Start by piping an outline of the cookies shape.  This will make a barrier to prevent icing from dripping down the sides of the cookie.   For me this was probably the most difficult step because I don't have the most steady hand.  The end product is nicer if you can get a good smooth outline.  But as I am learning I can be happy with my creations even if they are not "perfect".

Next step is "flooding" the cookies.  I thinned the icing with water according to the recipe.  The idea is to get the icing thin enough that it spreads in a nice smooth layer.  Spoon icing into middle of cookie then tilt cookie to spread and use a toothpick to push it into the corners.  I am so glad my husband was helping me with this step or I might still be working on them.  He is so good at helping me sometimes I wonder if I am actually the "assistant" :) 

Once the cookies are flooded they need to sit for several hours...preferably overnight...for the icing to harden.  The final step is writing the messages.  I saw lots of ideas for lettering but settled on Wilton's Food Writers - Edible Color Markers.  I was a little hesitant because the online reviews were mixed...I thought they worked great.  Given I don't have the smoothest piping skills I think it was a much better idea than writing with icing.  

I googled Conversation Heart sayings.  I was a bit surprised to see "See ya" on Valentine candy, but it is an authentic saying so I used it.

I then packaged up a few cookies for friends.  

 


And a plateful for my wonderful husband.   Kept it sweet with the first layer...I might have been a little naughtier with the second layer :)

I had a good time making the cookies, but like I said they were time consuming.  For dessert on Valentine's Day I found a much less time consuming, but very yummy dessert.

Okay, I confess this picture is from the day after Valentine's when I figured out how to cut the Twinkies right.  Full disclosure...this is how it looked on Valentine's Day....

Driving to work the next morning it dawned on me that the Twinkies had to be cut on opposite angles to fit together in a heart. Since I still had ingredients left over we did a redo.  Super simple, cute and yummy. 

It doesn't have to be complicated to express love.

Do you have any special Valentine treat ideas?

Anna

 

The Paper Monster

How in the world am I going to tame the Paper Monster?  I am not even close to answering this question.  Yesterday, I did my best to knock it down a little.  I recently decided my big four drawer filing cabinet was not working for me.  I had tons of stuff in it .  Some files were nicely labeled and some just stashed in there.  Why do I need four drawers of files?  Perhaps I don't.  Turns out that if you keep EVERYTHING you can't find ANYTHING!

The now homeless files and additional stacks of paper have been cluttering up the craft room for months.  Yesterday I hauled a bunch of it to the dining room table for sorting and tossing.

 

  

I started with two empty boxes next to me - one for trash and one for items to be shredded.  This first time through I got rid of the obvious, which was quite a bit!  I am sure more will go when I decide on my new filing plan. 

I am considering using a binder system for my files.  I like the idea of having a book for reference instead of digging through folders in a drawer.  However, I did see a very cool idea for a file if I decide to do a combination....it would do double duty as a coffee table (which I currently do not have.)

http://www.marthastewart.com/272739/mini-office-in-a-chest-how-to?&backto=true&backtourl=/photogallery/desk-projects#slide_3

Either way I want a whole lot less paper "hanging" around...which means I am getting rid of a bunch of hanging files :)

This paper situation is a definite work in progress.  A huge problem area for me is collecting recipes.  I am constantly cutting out or printing recipes I find online.  Problem is they multiply every time I open a magazine, watch a cooking show, surf the internet until I have no clue what I have saved or if I do happen to remember one I want to try I have NO chance of finding it.  For example, this time last year I found a recipe for a grilled lemon chicken in a magazine that I was so excited about trying, as soon as it warmed up enough to grill.  I am sure you know what happened...it warmed up and the recipe was no where to be found - I searched everywhere (except where it was, I guess).  I did, however. find it again early this winter...so it waits for spring again.  A few years ago I sorted my recipes into a filing system.

I hasn't really worked for me.  There were very few categories I used consistently the others were ignored.  I ended up surfing the internet when I wanted inspiration.  The Pinterest bulletin boards are working well for me so far...I've made several of the recipes I have pinned to my board.  Now what to do with all the clippings.  Part of me wishes I had the courage to just toss them all out (and start over?)  The jury is still out on that, but at least now all the recipes are confined to one tote bag.  


Another idea I tried but haven't mastered is organizing recipes/activities/crafts for specific upcoming occasions by using a monthly file.  Trouble is I don't look at it consistently and forget there is something in there I want to try.  I think this plan has great potential I just need to figure out how to make it work for me.  

So after a couple hours of sorting and tossing I have reduced the stacks to one box - one very stuffed box.   A very good start, I think.  

Here is a peek at the craft room's current condition....

I see floor spacing opening up!

Notice the box of files and tote o'recipes at the base of the shelf.

I knew this process was going to be full of tough decisions, but I am feeling very good about the progress I am making.  

I'd love to hear any ideas or success stories you have to share for taming the Paper Monster.

Anna

 

Temptation

I get an hour for lunch and often run errands.  Today I didn't have anything particular I needed to do, but I still wanted to get out of the office.  I am going to tell you that I only went "there" to look for something for my mother-in-law, but let's face it I just wanted to go.  Where?  The local craft store.  They do have a large cake/candy decorating section so my excuse could be plausible - my mother-in-law put me on the lookout for raspberry oil for candy making.  For the record the store didn't have any flavoring oils.

Since I had plenty of time...


I noticed they had a good scrapbook paper sale. 

I love all the colors and patterns.  And one can never have too much scrapbook paper, right?  Wrong!  I am sure I already have more than enough for 20 scrapbooks.  And the last time I scrapbooked was when?  I have no idea...a conservative estimate would be...years!!



Well, since I have thousands of pictures (most live in digital land, but I do have boxes of prints from the 35mm days) and plenty of scrapbooking supplies...maybe I will check out picture frames.  Oh good...another sale...

 
But then I remember this...

The empty frames already hanging on the wall and the numerous other empty frames (single picture and collage) waiting to be filled and hung.  Perhaps lack of frames is NOT the problem.

I can't help but check out the bargain bins.  I noticed cute little journals.  Since the "A" didn't come in the color/pattern I wanted (see "L") I was able to walk away.  I even checked for my last initial...but it must be an even more popular letter because they didn't have it at all.  If only that "L" had been an "A" I might not have been able to walk away.  

It wouldn't be bad to peruse the wedding supplies aisle.  Turns out since I just got married 4 months ago it wasn't really a temptation...so why I am even looking?

Back to the baking aisle instead.  I am thinking about making "conversation heart" sugar cookies.  My cousin made some yummy and so-cute cookies for the baby shower I went to a couple of weeks ago.  I have never been able to get the same look for my icing.  I now have her recipe and it calls for meringue powder. 

They had it, but since it was $5.29 for the smallest can I thought I should check with my coupon-loving sister to see if she has one of their frequent 50% off coupons.

I couldn't help but notice all the adorable cupcake liners...I talked myself out of buying any, but they were so cute.  Maybe next time?  Maybe when I have a reason to make cupcakes?  I am working on buying only for a current project.  For example, it is so-and-so's birthday and I am making cupcakes...how about some cute cupcake liners?  So for now, I walked away.

Fact is, today I left the store with NOTHING!  I know it sounds a lot like bragging...but I think it is okay to be proud of this accomplishment.  The craftroom project is driving home the point that I have heaps of supplies that I have never touched...I am embarrassed at how much money I have wasted.  Maybe I didn't improve the craftroom today, but today I did succeed in not adding to the problem...that IS an accomplishment and I AM proud of that.


Are you an impulse buyer?  


Anna

The Big One!

This week I have been struggling a bit.  Now that the craft room is starting to be useable again I am getting ahead of myself on projects.  I have found several unfinished projects (UFOs - UnFinished Objects) in there and I've been finding fun new ideas (bad Pinterest!!)  Ideally, I need to complete ALL old projects before starting on new ones, right??  

Now, I will completely disregard that thought and tell you about the big one - it is sure to be an on-going project that I am sure will not be finished before I start/complete any other projects.  



So far, I have made three bed quilts, two lap quilts and a doll quilt using a red/white/blue palette accented with denim.  The goal has been to use salvaged fabrics...old clothes (especially jeans), fabric yardage that was given to me from other people's stashes or fabric/clothing purchased super cheaply at yard sales.  I confess I have loosened my rules and bought several new fabrics to incorporate.  There are just so many great prints I can't help myself!

As you may have guessed the "big one" is my current quilt.  Over several years I have cut and saved fabric squares so I have a good supply.  I have wanted to make a full-sized quilt with the 3 by 3 inch squares that I previously only used for lap quilts...little squares equals much more work :)   I loved the look of the lap quilts and wanted one for my bed.   In the middle of this on-going project I have married my fabulous husband, so I have added some fabrics to represent him.  I bought a martial arts print (he is a black belt in jiu jitsu, hopkido and tae kwon do) and an Indianapolis Colts print (he is a big Peyton Manning fan). 

Several months ago, I finally had enough squares to complete the quilt - nearly 1700!!  Time to lay it out.  The living room furniture was pushed aside (we spent a weekend climbing over the couch in the hallway).

The placement is completely random except I have to be sure the same prints don't end up side by side.

After several days and plenty of rearranging the "completely random" placement of squares I was satisfied.

Satisfied with the arrangement and ready to have my living room back.

I devised a plan to keep my squares in order.  Each row was carefully picked up and stacked in order.  Each stack went in its own baggie with a row number.  All the baggies went into a box... to be ignored for several months.  

When I decided to work on this project again there was a complete panic - I had forgotten where I had put the carefully organized box of squares.  Finally found it and crisis averted!

A couple of months ago, I sewed together 8 rows...then back into the box with the project.  This week I pulled it all back out to work on.  I am hoping to see it on our bed before winter is over - who wants a new quilt for summer??  It is almost February so I better get busy.  The following pictures are from this week's progress.

First I ironed the seams flat.  The seams are ironed in opposite directions for each row.  This helps strengthen the quilt.  

 Then rows are pinned together and sewn into pairs - I used a 1/4 inch seam. 

Notice the numbers from the baggies have been pinned to each of the sewn rows so I can continue to keep the order straight.

 I now have 8 rows sewn together - just about enough to cover our feet!

Check out my faithful assistant on the other side of the ironing board...

Don't strain yourself Zommie.

I have a long way to go, but am excited that it is finally back on track.  Stay tuned for its progress.  And as I mentioned before I am sure there will be a few more projects started/finished before this one is finished, but that is okay, right??  And a reminder to myself the room is FAR from neat and organized..."don't forget to keep working on that too, Anna!!"

I would love to hear about a UFO you could pull out and work on this week...

Anna

It's working!

My plan is actually working.  I wanted to have a space where things were easily accessible for my impromptu crafting sessions.  My 9 year-old niece LOVES crafts and is always begging to do something.  So many times I have put her off (and felt guilty) because I didn't have the energy to think of something, dig it out, clear a spot to do it then clean it up again.   We have had her over twice this week and have done two different projects.  


Project 1 - Painting Wooden Christmas Ornaments

A couple of the plain wooden ornaments I had bought this year (impulse buy when I was at the store for fabric) and a few have been stuffed in a drawer for the past couple of years waiting to be painted.  Since I already had a drawer full of craft paints no additional purchases were needed for a fun evening of painting together.  Check out our masterpieces.... 

My niece's masterpiece - a gingerbread astronaut.

My husband's pretty penguin - now I have to find a tummy picture!

Christmas Kitty by me

It was a fun evening of making ornaments as well as memories.  I am happy to report these ornaments are now all tucked away with the rest of the Christmas ornaments.  I am a bit embarrassed to say the Christmas tree was just taken down today...I am a Christmas ornament fanatic and hate to have to put them away and not see them for months.  


Project 2 - Hand Warmers


Found this idea on Pinterest.  Fabric hearts filled with rice.  Heat in microwave for 20 seconds and put in your pockets to keep winter fingers warm.  I thought this would be a good use for some of my flannel leftovers from the baby blankets (see Jan. 8 post).  My niece saw one I had made and wanted us to make more.  We had a good time picking out flannel and sewing up the toasty little hearts.

Fronts

Backs

They are very simple to make.  Put two pieces of flannel wrong sides together and cut out the heart shape (I used a cookie cutter as the pattern).  Sew around the edge leaving a small opening to fill heart with rice.  Then sew up the opening.

A small funnel makes stuffing much easier!

This organizing adventure is inspirational.  I actually see what I have and get ideas of what to do with it. Then, of course, having a neat space to do it makes the whole process much more relaxing!  On a related note...I organized the pantry cabinet and found two products I'd bought to try, but forgot I had.  A delicious General Tso's sauce and a Hawaiian cheese ball mix...unfortunately neither are in the stores anymore, but we did enjoy them.  Note to self...try things sooner so if we like them we can buy more (and actually remember where I bought them!) 

I'd love to hear stories of projects you have completed from your own stash.

Anna

Reward

Okay, so it took me a week, but I have been rewarded for making progress in my craft room.  This week I made two baby blankets for my cousin's shower.  A friend showed me how to make these blankets a few years ago and they have become my favorite baby gift to give.  I think homemade gives a little extra love :)



The day after Thanksgiving our local Joann's fabric store had a great deal on flannel - $1.50/yard.  There was a huge selection and like I mentioned before I have a tendency to buy based on the idea and not so much a specific plan.  In my mind I match the fabrics into adorable blankets, so then I just have to buy the fabric before I even know there is a baby on the way.  As a result I have several sets of flannel stacked in the craft room waiting for babies.

I think this pattern is simple enough I can make it my first tutorial attempt.   Please let me know if you try one, how it turns out and how I could improve my instructions.

First the finished product...

The first step to making the blanket is the fabric choice.  I just look for two patterns that I think are pretty or make a fun combination.  I don't  limit myself to something "babyish" - I like bold colors. There are SO many choices - be creative and enjoy yourself!    The length of fabric I buy depends on the width.  In this case the width was 44" - nice size for a square.  So I purchased 1 1/4 yards (45") of each fabric.  

Let's begin the construction...


Put flannel pieces right (colorful) sides together and pin around the edges.  Be prepared to trim the edges - although it seems like everything should line up perfectly, since they are supposed to be cut to the same size, I find that rarely happens.  

Right sides together. 

I try to line up the salvage edges so I can easily trim them and I don't  have to worry about a little white peeking through an imperfect edge seam later.

My dining room table is conveniently a 42" inch square.  I confess using the edges as a guide made for a simple trimming.  

Trimming finished.

In we go to the sewing table (recently uncovered in the craft room!)  The fabric should be pinned all the way around the edges with the right sides facing each other.  I start with about a 1/2 inch seam all around the edge EXCEPT for a 3 inch opening.   You will use this opening to turn the fabric right side out.  

Sew 1/2 inch seam leaving about a 3 inch opening on one side.  I backstitch on both sides of the opening to reinforce it.

Opening left unstitched for turning fabric right side out.

It seems a bit unlikely that you would be able to turn the entire blanket right side out through this small opening, but it is much easier than it sounds.  Reach in the opening to the far side of the blanket and gently pull the fabric back through the opening.  It may get a little tight - be patient - it will all come through fine bit by bit.  Then suddenly it is done!  

Turning right side out

Keep working it through the opening.

After the entire blanket is turned right side out we are going to put a finishing stitch around the edge.  First be sure the seam lies flat  - it will make for much easier sewing and a nicer finished product.  The fabric tends to bunch up in the corners so  I use a butter knife to reach in and poke them to create nice corners.  Then I iron all around the edge to make a nice flat even edge. 

This time sew a 1/4 inch seam all around the edge of the blanket.  The opening you left earlier will be closed by this seam.   You may find it easier to sew if you pin the opening closed before you start sewing.  

1/4 inch seam around the edge catching the earlier opening closed.

At first I struggled with a nice seam at the corner.  I would lift up the presser foot to turn the fabric and then not be able to get it lined up again - so my seam would end up with a gap in the corner.  I discovered if I could stop at the corner with the needle down through the fabric I could lift the presser foot and turn the fabric with the needle holding my place.  When I begin to sew the next side I have a nice corner seam.    

Finished edge.

So it is as easy as that!  The hardest part is trying to limit buying fabric until you actually have a need for a baby gift. I still have flannel for about 10 more blankets.  My family and friends are going to have to get busy cranking out babies!  I might just have to find a charity that distributes donated baby blankets - that would be a win/win too.


Please let me know if you found this tutorial helpful and if you decide to try it, how your project turns out.


Anna

The Power of 15!

Several years ago my sister and I discovered The FlyLady.  She has an extensive website with several effective strategies for decluttering your home and breaking up housekeeping into manageable tasks.  I won't go into all the details, but I would encourage you to check out her website if you are overwhelmed by the chaos of your home.  "Baby steps" she says and if you stick with her easy strategies I think you will be amazed at the difference it will make in your life.  

www.flylady.net 


Although it has been years since I really "worked her program", several of her strategies are still ingrained in my head.  One in particular is the principle that "anyone can do anything for 15 minutes." All you need is a basic kitchen timer.  Set it for 15 minutes and get started.  I am always amazed at how much I can get done when I know the time is limited - I get very focused and work much more quickly than normal.  

One look at my craft room tells me it is going to take a "few" 15 Minutes.   Let me share the results of the first two sessions.

First 15 Minute Session.  I am posting two views of the room with a before/after of each view.

Before - View 1

After - View 1

Before - View 2

After - View 2

Obviously there is much to do, but 15 minutes at a time is very manageable.  I am very encouraged to continue when I see how much I got done in a little amount of time.  Many times I get so engaged I can't stop at 15 minutes, but I know I am free to stop anytime after the timer goes off so I feel much more in control.  


This second 15 minute session reminded me how much neater a home would be if things were just put back in their proper place.  The cabinet in the craft room is a ginormous clutter catcher.  I am constantly dumping stuff there...as you can clearly see.  But a focused 15 minutes of putting stuff away made a huge difference (see above for before).   Judge for yourself.

So in just 30 minutes the room has gone from completely unusable to space where I can reward myself with doing something I love...did you notice I have a sewing table??!!   Baby blankets for my cousin's shower next week....

 Anna