Tie Dyed Easter Eggs - So easy you can hardly believe it!

I was just mesmerized when I first saw these gorgeous colored eggs - 

Then I was in awe when I made them and they really were simple! 

I'm wild about them and want to be sure my friends know how

to dazzle everyone with these brightly colored eggs. 

Have fun with this one.  The kids will love being involved! 

I followed directions at One Little Project...
be sure to stop by there for pictures and even a video!!!

Keep scrolling for instructions!

1. Wrap the egg in either a paper towel or paper napkin. You want to be sure to wrap the egg as smoothly as possible, without creating very many creases.. You can cut paper towels in half. 
2. Secure the paper towel by wrapping a rubber band tightly at the top.
3. Fill a spray bottle with 2/3 c. water and 1/3 c. vinegar - spray the entire surface of the egg to make it damp.
4. After putting on your protective gloves (you will want gloves!), use the food coloring to directly blot small drops of color onto the egg. The color will spread as it touches the wet surface, so less is best. You can always go back to add more!
5. After letting the dye soak into your eggs, be sure to give them a little squeeze (so the dye soaks into the shell - squeezing the towel around the egg) and let them set on a covered surface. Wait about 30 minutes before unwrapping the eggs. The paper towels will have the most awesome designs! 

Edible Apple Turkey Craft - Kid Friendly

I almost forgot!

I helped a bunch of kids, about 8 or 9 of them, make these fun 'turkeys' at a Thanksgiving gathering last year at the home of friends-like-family. The ages ranged from probably 3 to 10.  It was simple fun and all the adults enjoyed the results too. Cute! Cute!

Lots of options - you can use raisins for eyes, or edible markers...be creative. 

I had some edible 'eyes' on hand, so that's what we used..using a dab of honey to 'glue' them on. 

We cut a gumdrop in half for the 'waddle', then shaped it into a longer shape...

attached it to the marshmallow with honey or part of a toothpick...

This is what you need for each turkey...

1 medium apple 

toothpicks

spice drops 

(they're smaller than regular ones) 

lg. marshmallow

eyes - raisins, edible markers or store purchased 'eyes' 

Place 3 spice drops on a toothpick, leaving room at the bottom to poke it into the apple.  Make as many 'feathers' as you'd like.

Add 2 toothpick legs (it helps steady the bird=) and add a spice drop to each for feet. 

Push half a toothpick into the apple where you want to put the 'head'; push marshmallow into pick.  Add eyes and 'waddle'.  May use candy corn for a beak. 

Use your imagination.  These are fun and will produce lots of giggles,

from all ages. 

HAPPY THANKS-LIVING!!!!!! 

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"50 Sucks" Birthday Sucker Bouquet - (Simple Gift Giving)

Just had to share a fun gift I made for a dear friend's 50th birthday this week while here in Florida. 

It's simple to do...for beginning crafters. You could even watch tv while you're making it, it's really THAT simple. 

There are many tutorials and ideas at Pinterest..I just kinda ended up doing my own thing here. This was my first time making it so I'm also sharing what I would do differently next time....

Anything goes you know!!

I started with a $1 flower pot from Dollar Tree

50 Blow Pop suckers

(I preferred them because there's a 'twist' at the end that adds a bit of flare - Tootsie Pops work great also)

Styrofoam ball (6" was a tad large, but would be great if you're doing for 60 or 70 birthday)

large bow to cover empty spot at top, optional

sticker letters

I didn't take step by step photos, but simply began sticking the sticks of the suckers into the styrofoam...

starting toward the bottom and working up, leaving a bit of space in between each. 

(I saw a tutorial where they cut small pieces of tissue paper, crinkled them, then added them to fill in around the suckers with a straight pin...I simply didn't take the time).

 I also liked the idea of adding a layer or two of tissue paper over the top of the pot before setting the styrofoam ball on it to add some 'jazz' and cover the bottom of the ball. 

Another idea I saw after making this one, was to use a clear vase...fill it with bubble gum pieces (because 50 also 'blows'!=)...cover the top with plastic, glue a styrofoam shape to top and cover with suckers...very cute)

To fill in the top I just added a large bow....which I thought 'dolled' it up a lot. 

For the lettering, I bought stickers at the Dollar Tree, placed them on sticky labels, then cut to fit on the pot. You could also just apply to the pot or mug itself. 

(The lettering should probably be your FIRST step=)

And here is the beautiful recipient, Donna - who'd ever guess she's 50 huh?

We've known her since she was 9, and she's a very special woman.

We were so thrilled to be able to help her celebrate this special day!

Like I say, there's room to add more suckers, so even a 60th or 70th celebration would work using a 6" styrofoam ball.

Have fun - and help someone celebrate their special day with some giggles...

to sweeten up their celebration!

More gift giving ideas...

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"Birthday Dough" {Easy Gift-Giving Craft Idea}

Since our two oldest granddaughters (& sisters to each other) 

 were having their birthdays while their Papa and I were enjoying R & R in Florida, (Charlie - turned 16 on Feb. 5 and Chloe is turning 14 on March 18th) I made

each of them their own 'Birthday Dough' to give before we left home.

For many years, for their birthdays, we have given our children and grandchildren $$ to match their age, and so I put 16 $1 in Charlie's (her favorite color is lime green) and 14 $1 in Chloe's (she loves purple too=)

This just added some F-U-N to the norm!!

I could spend DAYS at Erin's...Making Memories with Your Kids 

She has SO many wonderful gift giving/teacher appreciation gift ideas. Please stop by...I'm sure you'll find plenty of simple ideas to pin or print!! There are several gift giving ideas at the link above. 

Erin backed each topper with a white cardstock backing...makes it look a little sharper, but I didn't take time to do that. 

The only major change I made was I changed Birthday Cookies to Cupcakes.  I couldn't find cookie stickers, but did find some 3-D cupcake stickers.

 This was the PERFECT idea for us 'Baker' girls to share in too...*-* 
Birthday D-O-U-G-H

What a great memory!  

Do all you can to make memories with your family!!

Linked to Made By You Monday

Here's a few more 'homemade' gift ideas...

T-Shirt Infinity Scarf Tutorial

Cinnamon Vanilla Sugar Scrub

Coconut or Coffee Sugar Scrubs

Simple Sugar Cinnamon Pretzels

Fruited Raisin Oatmeal Mix

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No Sew T-Shirt Bag Tutorial

While we were in Florida this winter, one of the most fun things I did was teach gals how to make these bags.  One friend told me "You've created a monster!" because she made soo many bags and ended up teaching several others. =) 

She had found some 'cutsie' t-shirts and made bags in which she was going to put her granddaughter's Easter items in, like sunglasses and wrapped candies. 

It's simple and takes about 10 - 15 minutes to do.  They make great gifts! You can personalize a t-shirt for someone special and then make it into a bag.  I suggest using a zipper pouch to carry small items. 

I had a blast recently getting to show a local group of ladies how to make bags. We had such an enjoyable evening together!

You'll never look at t-shirts the same way again!

NO SEW T-SHIRT BAG TUTORIAL

Items Needed:

L, XL or XXL 100% Cotton T-shirt

Sharp Scissors

1.      Lay Shirt flat – cut out neckline – options:

Round, square or v-neck, cutting about 1/3 of the way over into the shoulder seam.  

2.      Cut off sleeve inside of seam

3.      Cut off the hem, both sides at once.

4.      Cut strip along longest part of sleeve, then cut in half. Set aside.

5.      Cut up each side of shirt – 4” – 8” long

6.      Cut strips, about finger-length wide, but up to 3/4" wide.

7.      Using matching top and bottom strips, tie into a double knot, repeating until all are tied.

8.      Pull on strips and to make the ‘fringe’.

9.      Gather shoulder seam, tie with strip from sleeve. Double knot it – pull to curl.

VOILA!  You’ve done it!!

Now go find more shirts to make more fun. *-*

(Here's 3 bags my 'Monster' Friend Jeanette made!! 
Adorable huh?)

Here's a couple of simple tutorials for making scarves from t-shirts...

Infinity Scarf (takes almost 2 minutes!!)

Fringe Scarf

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Adorable and Simple "Carrot Shaped Treat Bags"

I am always! thrilled to find a quick, simple, frugal and adorable craft idea!

I discovered this one at allfreecopycatrecipes.com shared by

AllFreeKidsCrafts.com by Amanda at Crafts-n-Things for Children. 

You can't possibly go wrong with these simple treats..use orange jelly beans, goldfish, reese's pieces, orange popcorn puffs or even orange play doh!

I had some 'frosting bags' on hand, but you can order some 12" cone shaped bags here for less than $5! (free shipping even!)

I ordered them to have on hand for next year!

Have fun with this.  You'll be done in just a few minutes and they're just 
oh so cute!!!! I am excited to share them with my long-distance grandchildren who are coming to visit for Easter!

CARROT SHAPED TREAT BAGS

cone shaped bags
goldfish
orange jelly beans
Reese's Pieces
Play-Doh 
small rubberbands
green curling ribbon

I went to the Dollar General store a few blocks away and got a box of 'whales' (they're in the cracker section...and they're a brighter orange than goldfish are) and a bag of Goldfish. 

I was able to fill all 3 (large) bags with just a little left over. I tied up the top of the bag with a rubber band, being sure to wrap tightly. Then I cut curling ribbon...I suggest using at least 3 -5 pieces at once. Tie in double knot around the rubberband, and then curl the ribbon tightly. 


The Easter Bunny will be hop, hop, hopping along very soon! 
And YOU'LL BE READY FOR HIM!  *-*

Linked to Weekend Potluck
Meal Plan Monday

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Ruffle Scarf - T-Shirt Scarf Tutorial

 I made this scarf forever ago, and just haven't taken the time to put a tutorial together, but with the holidays closing in on us quickly, I wanted to share this SIMPLE IDEA so maybe you can consider making some for gift giving. 

These scarves are just adorable - you can wear them with t-shirts or sweaters, in any color you can find a t-shirt.  They really 'snaz' up an outfit. 

My hubby cleans out his older t-shirts when he gets new ones, and gives the older ones to me...I have a tub full in the bottom of my closet, just waiting to make any of these lovely scarves....
2-Minutes-to-Make (Looped) Infinity Scarf or 
Snazzy Fringe Scarf 

(I have yet to do a tutorial for my favorite Spaghetti Scarf...hang with me....)

This is simple and YOU CAN DO THIS! Best of all...I love that there's no sewing involved. 
I am all about quick & easy. This takes about 15 minutes...max.  The more you make, the easier it gets. I say....Go For It!

Have fun!

RUFFLE SCARF TUTORIAL 
 
1 XL or XXL t-shirt (100% cotton)

9″ paper plate

scissors

flower embellishment 
(I love finding them in hair accessories
(or on sale in craft departments) 

 Lay t-shirt out flat, aiming for 8 - 12 circles (counting both sides). Using a paper plate (about 9"), trace 4 - 6 circles on one side of the shirt. 

2. Cut out the circles, both sides at once, cutting each into a spiral, allowing about 1-1/2 - 2". 

3. Grasping hold of one end of your 'spiral', pull each piece of fabric to stretch.  (I normally run my hand down the length of the material, lightly stretching as I go).

4. With fabric glue, overlap both pointed ends (of each circle duo) and glue together. 

5. Repeat with all other circles, then stack the 'glued places' together, tying off with a strip cut (about 4-5") from the shirt sleeve, wrapping around the glued places and tying. Trim the ends.  

Place around your neck; clip on an embellishment and you are set to feel pretty!!!! 

Linked to Mix it up Monday
       Tips & Tricks

Water Sponge Toys

My granddaughters, Charlie & Chloe made these toys earlier this summer.  We shared them here once before for one of our 'Craftin' at Nana's', but since I didn't have a separate post for them, I decided it was time.

(We also made cookies and nutella danish while they were here...we Bakers GOTTA bake!)

(Chloe is on the left, Charlie is on the right)

These toys are fun and easy to make. The first time we made a bunch of them to send with our church on a missions trip where they would be doing VBS for another church, in another state. 

This time we made them and gave some away...just because I had found some sponges on sale, and couldn't resist the bargain.  These are an easy and quick craft...even for kids to make. 

Just be sure to trim the zip tie as close to the sponge as you can...read on, and you'll understand what I'm talking about.

Sorry I didn't do a tutorial, but if you'll take time to read, you'll see this is a very simple craft.

WATER SPONGE TOYS

Purchase kitchen sponges from any grocery or dollar store. They come in packs of 4 or 6 and in all colors. (Don't buy the kind with the scouring pad). 

Sponges come in  3" × 5" and or 5" × 7" sizes. I prefer the smaller size. They are easier to tie together and better for smaller fingers to hold. 

Also buy “zip ties", sold at a hardware store.  
(I think ours were 12" long)

Cut each sponge length-wise in thirds. Then group together 8-9 cut pieces for each sponge. Or make them smaller. Mix and match colors of the sponges. 

Now center a zip tie around the middle of the sponges; pull the tie through the hole, pulling tightly. Cut off excess zip tie as close as possible. 

Dip in bucket, or the pool and get each other wet. These are also fun in the bathtub. 

Leader Enterprise - April 17, 2013 - T Shirt Fringe Scarf, Tote & Bacon Roses Tutorials

Well here we are again for Part II of tutorials. I do hope you'll be willing to try some of these fun ideas. I love that none of them are pricey. 

FRINGE SCARF: Lay t-shirt out flat and cut across under armholes (and under the graphics) the same as for the infinity scarf. (in my last column). I prefer leaving the hem on this one as it adds stability. From the opposite end of hem, on the 'raw' edge, make a series of vertical cuts, through the back and front of the shirt, 3/4"-1" wide, extending upward. The longer the cut, the longer the fringe. (cuts can be from 2"to 12" long). Tug down on each strand to elongate. Add beads or simply tie the ends in knots if you want. Wear in a single or double loop. (I normally go to the mirror and try to pull the fringes out from under over the top layer.) You'll figure it out I'm sure. I've seen many photos of gals wearing them'messy'. 

T-SHIRT TOTE: Lay t-shirt flat. Cut sleeves off at hems. Cut a neckline: v-neck, square or round. (You will cut off the neckline of the shirt). It's your choice as to whether or not you use the hem. Personally, I think it makes for a cleaner 'fringe' to cut it off. Cut slits on bottom of t-shirt, going through both sides (as done on fringe scarf). Take one strip from the top, one from the bottom (crisscrossing makes for a more solid bottom) and tie them in a double knot. Gather the shoulder seams and tie a ribbon around them. VOILA! A great craft idea to do with kids.

I carry my bag with me when I walk as its easy on the shoulder and it stretches. I've walked several blocks bringing 2 packages home from the post office in my t-shirt tote.

While we were in Florida, hubby and I celebrated our 45th anniversary. How time flies when you're having fun! I wanted to do something special for him, so I took my muffin pans and paper liners along so I could make these really cool bacon roses to surprise him. It worked great. Since I didn't have a vase in the camper where we were staying, I stuck the flower stem down through the middle of a big paper towel. When he saw them, he stared and then asked "That's bacon huh?". Then after more staring, he ate a couple. Perfect plan I thought! Any age can make these lovely 'flowers' so I do hope you'll have fun surprising others with them. Would be a fun thing to do with your grandchildren too. Great for any celebration.

Here's what you need:

~bacon (thick or thin sliced)

~'bouquet' of fake flowers

~regular or mini muffin pan

~paper cupcake liners

Preheat oven to 375*. After placing 2 muffin papers in each muffin cup (I made 5 flowers with 1/2# bacon and had a few pieces of bacon left over)...

#1- remove flowers from stems (I suggest swishing the green part in soapy water, then rinsing and drying before adding 'flowers')

#2- on clean surface, roll two slices of bacon (just as they lay in the package...one higher than the other-the 'higher' piece being on the outside of the roll)

#3- place them, fat side down, into the muffin cup. 

#4- After baking for about 35+ minutes, I removed them from the papers with a fork, placing the grease and papers into a disposable container to throw out. 

#5- Place the roses on paper towels on a plate and if needed, microwave a couple of minutes longer to get a crisper end result. (That helps draw out the fat too.) When cool, just place roses on stems, then stand back and smile.