Sew Cute Tuesday {6.29.10}

Yay....it's Tuesday!  This is going to be a crazy busy week at our house, so I'm warning you in advance that  I might not have a chance to leave a comment on every link....but I'll sure try!

With that said, let's see a few highlights from last week:

La Maison Reid linked up this adorable Burlap/Muslin Slipcover!

The T-Shirt Diaries shared her fun T-Shirt Bag Tutorial!

I love this Toothbrush Holder from Fly Away Home!!

And check out this fun Black & White Wristlet from MLE's ABC's!

Feel free to grab a 'Featured' button on my sidebar, ladies!!

***For some reason, I've been having problems leaving comments on some of your posts. If you don't see a comment from me, just know that I did visit!!***

Now let's get this linky party started!!



<center><a href="http://thecreativeitchboutique.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://i347.photobucket.com/albums/p461/stanmist/Creative%20Itch%20Header%20Button/th_CreativeItchHeaderandButtons5121-3.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></center>

Rules for linking:

**link to specific blog post, not blog home page!
**link sewing projects only! (can be hand or machine sewn)
**I will delete any non-sewing links....don't make me be a meanie!
**visit a few of the links and leave some comment love!
**Linky Tools will remain open until midnight on Thursday, July 1st so you have plenty of time to add your projects!
**If you come back and don't see your link, read through the rules again and give it another try!

Homemade Laundry Detergent

Several months ago while browsing the web, I came across a recipe for homemade laundry detergent.  It looked simple enough to make, and the reviews on it were wonderful.  Everyone commented that it got their clothes clean, and saved them lots of money.  I love saving money and try to cut costs wherever I can.....so I decided to give it a try.

The first batch I made was a small one, and didn't include an 'oxygen cleaner'.  After a while, I noticed my whites were starting to look pretty dingy.  Adding an 'oxygen cleaner' to the detergent has helped some, but I have resorted to using my "Tide with Bleach" every other time I wash my whites.  Other than that, I'm really happy with my homemade laundry detergent!

Want to try it out?  Here's what you'll need:

* 4 lb. box of Super Washing Soda
* 4 lb. box of Borax
*4 lb. box of Baking Soda
* 3 bars of Zote (can also use Fels Naptha or Ivory soap)
* a small container of 'oxygen cleaner'

When I make mine, I use a bucket lined with a garbage sack.  I dump the Washing Soda, Borax, Baking Soda, and Oxygen Cleaner in the bucket and mix it up.  Then comes the hard part......grating the 3 bars of Zote (kills my arm every time!!).  Once you've got them grated, mix everything up really well, and put in a plastic container!

I store my laundry soap in 2 plastic ice cream containers, and use the scoop that came with the oxygen cleaner to scoop it out.  It only takes one scoop for a large load, and a half a scoop for a smaller load.  I love that one batch of this lasts several months!  We are definitely saving money, and that makes this Momma happy!!

CTR Towel

My 3rd daughter turned 8 years old last week!  She will be getting baptized in a few weeks, and I decided to make her this cute CTR towel to take and use at her baptism.

There's a cute little poem that goes along with it.  I just printed it off on white paper and mounted it onto polka-dot paper that matches the CTR material.  She LOVES it!!

If you're interested in making one of these, you can get the instructions HERE from Made With Love and Glue!! 



Linking to these parties:

Look What I Made! @Creations By Kara
Hoo's Got Talent @Night Owl Crafting
Whatever Goes Wednesday @Someday Crafts
Just Something I Whipped Up @The Girl Creative
Letting Creative Juices Flow @These Creative Juices
It's Stinkin' Cute Craft Thursday @It's Sew Stinkin' Cute

Sew Cute Tuesday {6.22.10}

I know I keep saying this, but WOW!! We had another week full of AWESOME sewing ideas! Here's a few that had me giddy!

How sweet is this Twirl Skirt and Petti from Brown Paper Packages?!  I can picture my girls (and myself!) twirling around in one of these!

The Train to Crazy shared a tutorial for these cute Beach Towel Backpacks......such a smart idea!!

These Retro Golf Club Headcovers from Positively Splendid are amazing!!

And I just loved these Boys Cuff Watches from Just Another Day in Paradise!

Feel free to grab a 'Featured' button on my sidebar, ladies!!

***For some reason, I've been having problems leaving comments on some of your posts. If you don't see a comment from me, just know that I did visit!!***

Now let's get this linky party started!! Two things to remember:

1. Please link sewing projects only!! (can be sewn by hand or machine!) I will delete any non-sewing links.

2. Linky Tools will remain open until Thursday evening so there's plenty of time to link your projects!





<center><a href="http://thecreativeitchboutique.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://i347.photobucket.com/albums/p461/stanmist/Creative%20Itch%20Header%20Button/th_CreativeItchHeaderandButtons5121-3.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></center>

Rules for linking:

**link to specific blog post, not blog home page!
**link sewing projects only! (can be hand or machine sewn)
**I will delete any non-sewing links....don't make me be a meanie!
**visit a few of the links and leave some comment love!
**Linky Tools will remain open until Thursday, June 24th so you have plenty of time to add your projects!
**If you come back and don't see your link, read through the rules again and give it another try!

Father's Day Cookies

I feel pretty lucky that we get to go visit my family this weekend!  Since we're going to be there for Father's Day, I decided we'd better not show up empty handed!  Here's what I ended up making for my wonderful Dad and brothers for Father's Day.

As I was trying to figure out what I was going to put the cookies in, I remembered having these boxes (I got them for a great deal at the DI!).  With a little paper and curly ribbon, they turned out perfect!

And since I was making some for my side of the family, I went ahead and made some for my husband, my Father-in-Law, and Grandpa-Great.  56 cookies and 8 boxes later, I'm a little worn out, but still obsessed with making and decorating cookies!

Have a great weekend!!




Linking to:

It's Stinkin' Cute Craft Thursday @It's Sew Stinkin' Cute

Cupcake Carnival

I'm guest posting at Attempting Creative today! Hope to see you there!!

Sew Cute Tuesday {6.15.10}

Happy Tuesday!!  I was so excited when I saw that we ended up with 50 links last week!  All of the projects shared were fantastic!!  It gets harder and harder to choose just 4 to highlight each week!!

Living With Punks made this adorable Tin Can Pincushion!

Creative Warcraft showed us how to make this cute Coloring Briefcase!

I'm so making myself one (or two or three!) of these Ruffled Checkbook Covers from The Sweet Life!

This Doorway Puppet Theatre would be a great way to keep kids entertained this summer!  Check it out at Colors Not Yet Invented!

Feel free to grab a "Featured" button on my sidebar!!

***For some reason, I've been having problems leaving comments on some of your posts. If you don't see a comment from me, just know that I did visit!!***

Now let's get this linky party started!! Two things to remember:

1. Please link sewing projects only!! (can be sewn by hand or machine!) I will delete any non-sewing links.

2. Linky Tools will remain open until Thursday evening so there's plenty of time to link your projects!





<center><a href="http://thecreativeitchboutique.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://i347.photobucket.com/albums/p461/stanmist/Creative%20Itch%20Header%20Button/th_CreativeItchHeaderandButtons5121-3.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></center>



Rules for linking:

**link to specific blog post, not blog home page!
**link sewing projects only! (can be hand or machine sewn)
**I will delete any non-sewing links....don't make me be a meanie!
**visit a few of the links and leave some comment love!
**Linky Tools will remain open until Thursday, June 17th so you have plenty of time to add your projects!
**If you come back and don't see your link, read through the rules again and give it another try!

Lemon Chicken with Dill Lemon Rice

When I saw the author of "Girlfriends On The Go" share this recipe on "Good Things Utah" a few years ago, my first thought was, "Dill and Lemon?  Yuck!".  But after the hosts of the show gave it rave reviews, I decided to give it a try.  And I'm so glad I did!!  Everyone in my family LOVES it....even my picky eaters! 

Click HERE for the recipe!! 

Sew Cute Tuesday {6.8.10}

We had another great week of links....thank you!!  Here's a few that caught my eye:

I love this Chalk Mat from Tolen Family Fun!

These Ribbon Socks from I Can Find The Time are too cute!

Sew A Straight Line shows us how to make this cute Star Pincushion!

And this Daddy/Hugs Tie Bunting from Let's Go Fly A Kite would be perfect for Father's Day!

Feel free to grab a "Featured" button on my sidebar, ladies!!

***For some reason, I've been having problems leaving comments on some of your posts. If you don't see a comment from me, just know that I did visit!!***

Now let's get this linky party started!! Two things to remember:

1. Please link sewing projects only!! (can be sewn by hand or machine!) I will delete any non-sewing links.
2. Linky Tools will remain open until Friday evening so there's plenty of time to link your projects!




<center><a href="http://thecreativeitchboutique.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://i347.photobucket.com/albums/p461/stanmist/Creative%20Itch%20Header%20Button/th_CreativeItchHeaderandButtons5121-3.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></center>



Rules for linking:
**link to specific blog post, not blog home page!
**link sewing projects only! (can be hand or machine sewn)
**I will delete any non-sewing links....don't make me be a meanie!
**visit a few of the links and leave some comment love!
**Linky Tools will remain open until Friday, June 11th so you have plenty of time to add your projects!
**If you come back and don't see your link, read through the rules again and give it another try!

Crayon Roll with a Flap

I needed a quick gift for a birthday party, and decided to make a crayon roll.  I made some of these last year for Christmas for my kids, and they love them.  But we have run into the problem of the crayons falling out when it's all rolled up.  So to remedy that problem with this one, I added a flap.

Here's what the inside looks like:

The flap will keep the crayons nice and snug!

And here it is all rolled up!

For a great tutorial on making crayon rolls, go HERE.




Linking to:

It's Stinkin' Cute Craft Thursday @It's Sew Stinkin' Cute

My New Obsession...

Lately I have been obsessed by a few great blogs, namely Bake at 350, I Am Baker, Sweetopia, and Cookie Crazie.  As I sat salivating day after day at the beautiful cookies these ladies make, I thought, "Hey, I bet I could make some as pretty as theirs!".  Famous last words, right?!

So for the last few weeks I've been experimenting with cookie and icing recipes, trying to find one that my kids all like.  These cookies were my first attempt.  And I loved them!  I don't usually like the taste of sugar cookie dough, but that wasn't the case with this stuff....it was delish!  Sadly, 2 of my girls didn't like the cookies.  Bummer.

I really liked how the icing stayed shiny on these cookies!  Both the recipes came from I Am Baker and can be found HERE.

Can you tell I got brave with this batch?  Instead of using only circle cookie cutters, I went a little crazy and tried some different shapes.

Outling these babies was a little tricky.  I need to work on having a steadier hand.....I'm sure that will come with practice.  Lots and lots of practice!  The good news?  Everyone loved the taste of these cookies!

Both the cookie and the icing recipes for these beauties are from Bake at 350.  You can find the cookie recipe HERE, and the icing recipe HERE.

Yesterday I made more cookies.  My son loves the cars!  I'm getting more confident with each batch I make, but I still have a long ways to go!!

My kids are feeling pretty lucky because I'm making cookies so often now.  A few of them even enjoy helping me 'flood' the icing on the cookies.  Bonus!

What I've learned so far is that it's definitely NOT easy to make cookies as pretty as the ones I was inspired by.  Not by a long shot!  But I'm going to keep practicing.  Hopefully my cookies will eventually look better!       

Mini Tie Keychain

How adorable is this mini tie keychain?!  All you need is an old tie, a key ring, and some Fray Check.  So easy and SO CUTE!!

I made this one really quick out of a tie of my husband's that I hope he won't miss!  After a quick trip to the DI for more ties, my girls will be making more for their Grandpa's for Father's Day!

Click  HERE for the directions! 




Linking to these parties:

Look What I Made @Creations By Kara
Hoo's Got Talent @Night Owl Crafting
Project Show & Tell @Tip Junkie
Father's Day Ideas @The Creative Crate
Show Off Your Stuff @Fireflies & Jellybeans
It's Stinkin' Cute Craft Thursday @It's Sew Stinkin' Cute

Sew Cute Tuesday {6.01.10}

Happy "Sew Cute Tuesday"!! Before we do anything else, let me first take care of some 'business'.

I'm aware that there are lots of linky parties out there.  Lots!!  I'm a newbie when it comes to sewing, and started "Sew Cute Tuesday" as a way to get some fun sewing ideas. The projects you link up can be anything as long as they have been sewn in some way (by machine or hand). I've started deleting links that don't have anything to do with sewing, and find myself feeling guilty for doing so. Please don't be mad if yours was one of them!! I really want to keep this as a 'sewing only' linky party because there aren't many that are dedicated to just sewing projects!! Thanks for understanding!!

Now let's get on with some highlights:

How gorgeous is this Anthropologie DIY-Bamboo Garden Dress from Welcome To The Good Life?!

My girls and I are going to make some of these Doll Sleeping Bags using Just Deanna's tutorial!

Attempting Creative showed us how to Hide Your Printer!

And I'm loving this cute Lens Pet from Mandee Franee Designs!

Feel free to grab a "Featured" button on my sidebar, ladies!!

***For some reason, I've been having problems leaving comments on some of your posts. If you don't see a comment from me, just know that I did visit!!***

Now let's get this linky party started!! Two things to remember:

1. Please link sewing projects only!! (can be sewn by hand or machine!) I will delete any non-sewing links.
2. Linky Tools will remain open until Friday evening so there's plenty of time to link your projects!





<center><a href="http://thecreativeitchboutique.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://i347.photobucket.com/albums/p461/stanmist/Creative%20Itch%20Header%20Button/th_CreativeItchHeaderandButtons5121-3.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></center>



Rules for linking:
**link to specific blog post, not blog home page!
**link sewing projects only! (can be hand or machine sewn)
**I will delete any non-sewing links....don't make me be a meanie!
**visit a few of the links and leave some comment love!
**Linky Tools will remain open until Friday, June 4th so you have plenty of time to add your projects!
**If you come back and don't see your link, read through the rules again and give it another try!