Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Fabric Flowers

You'll need to cut 4 graduated sizes of a synthetic satin. I upcycled a pair of polyester pants in a bright and shiny fuschia. I love the idea of upcycling clothing!
They don't have to be perfect circles but do the best you can.

Use a steady flame and be careful not to get burned.
Take your circle shiny side facing the flame and let the flames tip, kiss the edge of the fabric. You will see that as it heats, the edge will melt. Let the flame heat the fabric just inside that edge to gently encourage it to turn inward.

Once you've finished all of your pieces you'll have a nice stacked set of petals.
Pick a pretty button, I wanted one with more sparkle but couldn't find one in my stash. You could even handstich these little circles together and put a drop of hot glue in the center and sprinkle with glass beads. Just do what you think you'll like most.

Cut your petals from felt and using upholstery or silk thread, stitch all the pieces together onto your accessory. I'm thinking headbands, hats, belts, and even shoes. I might have to make a set to dress up a pair of old heels. The end result is so much more beautiful in person.

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Monday, May 23, 2011

Homemade Pretzels

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 package (1/4 ounce) quick-rise yeast
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
1-1/2 cups warm water (120° to 130°)
1 egg, beaten
Coarse salt


In a large bowl, combine 2 cups flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add water. Beat just until moistened. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.

Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 4-6 minutes (I just did this in my Kitchenaid). Cover and let rest for 10 minutes. Divide dough into 16 equal portions; roll each into a 15-in. rope. Cover and let rest 10 minutes longer.

Twist into pretzel shapes. Place on greased baking sheets; brush with egg. Bake at 350° for 15 minutes. Brush again with egg; sprinkle with coarse salt. Bake 10-13 minutes longer or until golden brown. Remove to wire racks. Serve pretzels warm with dip. Yield: 16 pretzels.

Monday, May 9, 2011

Beaded Binky Clips

What you need:
- beads
- beading wire
- crimp beads
- metal clips (found at fabric store)
- jump rings
- clasps

I started out with a long piece of wire. I put about 15 glass sead beads towards the middle of the wire. Then I looped the metal clip on where the seed beads are. Next you'll want to make sure your two ends of the wire are even, and string on a crimp bead through BOTH wires. I thought doubling up the wire would make it more durable! Press your crimp bead down.
Next, string your pattern along the double wire. This is the fun part!

When I got to the end of my pattern, I put a little bling bead there - personal preference of course! I like the idea of having something a little extra next to where the binky is going to be clipped.
String on a crimp bead, followed by a jump ring. Loop your wire around the jump ring and back through the crimp bead to secure it in place. Press your crimp bead down.

String more seed beads after your jump ring. I don't know how many I did, but you can kind of measure how big you want your loop to be as you go.

When you get to the end, string on a crimp bead and then a clasp. I like lobster clasps myself. Pull your wire back through your crimp bead to secure your clasp in place. Press down on your crimp bead.

Loop your binky where the seed beads are, and attach the clasp to the jump ring.
Done!

I think they turned out pretty cute! Now I want to make a whole bunch more for our new baby girl! It's okay if she has multiple colors....right????

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Thursday, May 5, 2011

Mango Salsa

When you make your own salsa, you definitely control the ingredients. Here is my favorite mango salsa recipe (sweet and spicy – a huge crowd pleaser) absolutely delicious on grilled fish.

1 ripe mango, diced (1 1/2 cups)
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 tablespoons rice vinegar (optional)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro

Combine all the ingredients in a medium bowl and allow it to sit for about fifteen minutes and then give a quick stir before serving.