Trash to treasure finds

Yesterday while out doing errands uptown, I came across a consignment store that I had passed by many times without giving it a second glance. The thought popped into my head that this was the perfect spot to look for a much needed sewing cabinet to fit my dinosaur of a machine. They of course had many second hand machines at great price, no cabinets or craft tables on hand. I did spot the items above however. They may look like junk at first glance...but I see potential. 

The rabbit is handmade...probably someones first try at the pattern. They did a wonderful job and it is brand new. No use to be seen. Stiff starched fabric makes me guess it was created with love within the last year. The dress is girlie and classic. Perfect for my daughter for Easter. I foresee many tea parties with this 75 cent deal! I'll fit her with an apron, bloomers, more decorative ribbons, and she will be perfect. 

The basket was $1.00. I needed one to fit my work in progress knitting and craft fabric. Easier for me to tote it from room to room than the shopping bag I was using. Even fits my 14" needles. 

And last but not least...is a wooden rolled note holder. My grandfather used to have one in his kitchen to write down needed items as soon as he ran low on something. I have the worst memory and always forget something while shopping. Even if I make a list. This way my list is already made and ready to go anytime I need to restock the pantry. It has some wear and tear on it. I'll restain it or paint it to coordinate with my kitchen, and maybe even decoupage it with some pretty scrap paper. Cost...$1.00

Cupcakes and Snewffy...

A few years ago I made myself a promise that when I gave the kids a birthday or Christmas gift it would be handmade. After receiving my order of hats and mittens from my friend Steph over at A Close Knit Family. And seeing how much Hannah absolutely adored her cupcake set, I ordered her a matching handbag. I decided that Hannah's gift would be handmade, just not handmade by mom. Let's face it, I need lots of practice on my knitting. The first thing I made were booties for my youngest crumb snatcher...and he won't be able to wear them until he graduates from High School...or grows into a gigantic super baby. Mom needs a lot of work in the knitting area. 

Well Steph did it again...material is so soft and details are perfect. My cupcake loves her cupcake purse...especially the sprinkles. 

For Ryan this year, I made him a shirt with his favorite cartoon pup...Snewffy (as my Ryan calls him). He has an obsession over the Peanuts gang...and he even has a crush on the little red head girl next door. His only trouble is that he has to much hair to be Charlie Brown. 

 

Fun with Cinnamon

This is a craft project I do with the kids each year. Not only is it insanely easy, but the smell it creates is sure to put you into the spirit of Christmas. It's also an inexpensive gift for children to give to teachers and friends or decorate the top of packages. You can also decorate them with glitter pant and place them in a dish or bowl to give your home the wonderful festive scent of holiday baking.  Another ideas are to decorate your tree, garland or attach them on your front door wreath to greet guest as the come into your home with their appealing aroma. When not in use, store them in an air tight container and they can last for years, smelling just as fresh as the day they were made. 

 

Applesauce Cinnamon Ornaments 

(makes 10 ornaments)

1/2 cup of warm applesauce

3/4 cup of ground cinnamon

1 tsp nutmeg (or apple pie spice)

2 tbs white school glue

Mix all ingredients into mixing bowl. The dough should be very stiff but not crumbly. Chill for an hour. Place dough between two sheets of parchment paper and roll until 1/4 in thick. Cut out with cookie cutters. Using a straw make a hole near the top for hanging with ribbons. Place ornaments on a flat surface (such as a baking sheet or card board piece) and let dry. Depending on humidity, the drying period may vary. You may have to flip them to make sure they dry thoroughly. 

***Be careful letting children handle the dough with bare hands for extended periods of time. Cinnamon can burn the skin with prolonged contact. 

Angel Ornaments

Each year a group of friends get together and exchange Christmas ornaments. It can be any type as long as its handmade. This year I went to our local Fabrics and Craft store. They do a workshop each season and supply all the crafts. You just bring your creative caps and the fee of course :) This year I made an angel. I am sort of proud of her. So much so, I went back and bought more supplies. I'll use these little sweet cherubs on top of Christmas packages.