Sew Cute Tuesday {8.31.10}

Time somehow got away from me last week!  I thought I'd be able to get everything done that I needed to since my 3 older kids are in school now.  NOT!  I don't know what it is, but hopefully I can get into a more organized 'routine' soon.  Just know that even if I'm not able to comment on every link each week, I really appreciate you all taking the time to link up your fabulous ideas!

Here's a few projects that caught my eye this week:

Creative Passage shared her Circle Party Garland!  I love that it's simple to make, and can be used over and over!

 
Silly Eagle Books made this cute Little Red Fish Pillow......love it!!

Sewing with the Sparrows made this adorable Upcycled Apron! 

And how cute is this Cape from Gluesticks?! 

Feel free to grab a 'Featured' button....you can now find it in my *new* menu bar!!

Now let's get this linky party started!!



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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
Wednesday, September 1st.
**If you come back and don't see your link, read through the rules again and give it another try!

2 Sketches 4 You...

I love checking 2 Sketches 4 You each week to see the new sketch, and the designers' take on it.  Card making is one of my favorite things to do, but it has been a looooong time since I've sat down and made a card based on the weekly sketch. 

This week I've had 'Back to School' on my mind, and couldn't resist making a school themed card using Laura's sketch.   

This was a fun sketch to work with.  It's definitely going in my 'idea' folder so I can use it again!


I'm linking to these parties:

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

Back to School Teacher Gift

Today is a bittersweet day.  I sent my 3 older kids off to school this morning.  As much as I was looking forward to this day, now I find myself looking at the clock every few minutes, just waiting for the time when they'll be home.  I'm really looking forward to hearing all about their first day at school! 

We met their teachers last night at their 'Back to School Night'.  It was fun for the kids to see their new classrooms, and to visit with some friends that they haven't seen all summer.  It also gave us a chance to give each of their teachers a fun gift.

Here's a close up of what's inside the box...

*8- 4.25"x4" Notecards (I made them myself, but the idea was inspired by THIS).

*A Post-It Holder (directions can be found HERE)

*4 Binder Clip photo holders

*4 mini chocolate bars

And here's the box, all ready to go!  **Note:  I ended up tying jute around the box to help keep the lid on. 

The tutorial for the box can be found HERE from Inking Idaho.  I usually don't buy paper crafting tutorials (I love free stuff!), but this box tutorial is totally worth the $3.95 I spent on it!!




I'm linking to these parties:

Look What I Made! @Creations By Kara
Hoo's Got Talent? @Night Owl Crafting
Sugar & Spice Weekly Link Party @Seven Thirty Three
It's Stinkin' Cute Craft Thursday @It's Sew Stinkin' Cute

Sew Cute Tuesday {8.24.10}

Happy Tuesday, everyone!!  Well....tomorrow's a big day at our house.  It's the first day of school!!  I have enjoyed the summer with my kiddos immensely, but am SO ready for them to start school!  I'm looking forward to having a schedule again, and am itching to get started on some Christmas projects.  It seems that my "Christmas Project List" grows each week when I see all of your fabulous ideas!
Here's a few projects that caught my eye from last week:

How clever is this Recycled Bird Seed Bag from Craftopotamus?!

I think I need to make my little boy one of these cute Cowboy Shirts from Homemaker!

Check out Nap-Time Creations' Growth Tree....so cute!!

And I loved this Appliqued Ruffle Butt Onesie and Baby Leggings from E&G Creations!

Feel free to grab a 'Featured' button....you can now find it in my *new* menu bar!!

***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!!






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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
Wednesday, August 25th.
**If you come back and don't see your link, read through the rules again and give it another try!

Zucchini Brownies

This is the first year that we've actually been able to grow zucchini in our garden.  Actually.....this is the first year we've been able to grow ANYTHING!!  We've learned a lot, and have been enjoying the fruits (or should I say vegetables) of our labors!!

I found this recipe for Zucchini Brownies last year {I think}, but have no idea where I got it from.  If it looks like yours, please let me know so I can give you proper credit!!

{Zucchini Brownies}

1 1/2 c. sugar
3/4 c. oil
2 tsp. vanilla
2 c. grated zucchini (you can peel the zucchini before you grate it...but I never do)
2 c. flour
1/3 c. cocoa
1 1/2 tsp soda
1 tsp. salt
1/2 c. chopped nuts (optional)

Whisk sugar, oil, vanilla, and zucchini until blended.  Stir in remaining ingredients.  Spread into a greased 9"x13" pan.  Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.  Frost with chocolate frosting.

{Chocolate Frosting}

3 Tbsp. melted butter
2 Tbsp. cocoa
2 c. powdered sugar
2-3 Tbsp. milk
dash of salt
1 tsp. vanilla

Stir together butter and cocoa until smooth.  Beat in remaining ingredients, adding milk until it's the consistency you like (I usually add 1 1/2 tsp. more milk).

Rolled Fabric Flower Headbands

If you're like me, you've seen these cute rolled fabric flowers all over blogland lately.  They're adorable!!  My oldest daughter is trying to think of ways to earn money (she's saving up for a laptop), so I made these headbands to see if it was something that she might be interested in..... 

I taught her and my 9-year-old how to make them, and we had some 'girl time' making flowers.  It was a blast!!  We've got quite a few flowers made, but are waiting on more headbands to finish them off.  I promise I'll share the finished products when we're done!!

If you're looking for some great tutorials on making these, try HERE and HERE!
 


I'm linking to these parties:
It's Stinkin' Cute Craft Thursday @It's Sew Stinkin' Cute

Sew Cute Tuesday {8.17.10}

****SORRY!!  I had this all set to go at 12:01 am this morning, and for some reason, it didn't happen!!*****

Happy Tuesday, everyone!!  Before we get our linky party started, I need to let you know about a change.  From now on, Linky Tools will remain open for two days instead of the usual three.  Hopefully this won't be too inconvienent for anyone!  I'm hoping that this change will cut down on some of my weekend 'to do's' and allow me to have more family time with my husband and kiddos (my husband works out of town during the week, so the weekends are pretty precious to us!).  With that said, let's see some fun projects from last week.....

Leafy Treetop Spot shared her Embellished Cap Sleeve T....love it!!

Just Another Day In Paradise showed us how to make this adorable Little Boy's Cuff Watch!

Cozy.Cottage.Cute shared this cute Retro Doll!

And I loved this Reversible Apron from Night Owl Crafting!

Feel free to grab a 'Featured' button....you can now find it in my *new* menu bar!!

***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
Wednesday, August 18th.
**If you come back and don't see your link, read through the rules again and give it another try!

Hawaiian Meatballs

This recipe comes from my fabulous SIL, Shannan!  She made it for my husband and I nearly 11 years ago....and I never forgot it.  It's that good!!  It did take me forever to ask her for the recipe though.....like 9 years to be exact.  It's one of my most favorite meals to make.  And to eat.  Just so we're clear on that.  Anyways, Shannan graciously agreed to let me share this recipe with you.  I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

{Hawaiian Meatballs}

Meatballs
1.5 pounds ground beef
2/3 c. cracker crumbs or quick oats
1/3 c. minced onion (I usually use dried onions)
1 egg
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ginger
1/4 c. milk

Sweet & Sour Sauce
2. Tbsp. cornstarch
1/2 c. brown sugar
1 can pineapple chunks or tidbits (save juice)
1/3 c. vinegar
1 Tbsp. soy sauce
1/3 c. chopped green pepper

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Mix beef, cracker crumbs or quick oats, onion, egg, salt, ginger, and milk together.  Form into tablespoon-sized balls and put in a 9x13 baking pan.  In a sauce pan, mix cornstarch, brown sugar, vinegar, reserved pineapple juice, and soy sauce.  Heat on medium until boiling, stirring constantly.  Boil gently for 1 minute.  Take off heat and add the pineapple chunks and green pepper.  Pour over the meatballs and bake for 30-40 minutes.  Serve over rice.

**My family loves the sweet and sour sauce, so I always double it.

Sew Cute Tuesday {8.10.10}

Happy Tuesday, everyone!!  Confession time.........I didn't get around to leaving comments on any of the links last week.  My kids entered some exhibits in the county fair, and we were working like mad up until the last minute getting all of their stuff ready.  They came away with mostly blue ribbons too, so all their hard work was rewarded!!  We also had their cousins in town for the week, so we spent a lot of time with them.  It was a delightful week for all of us!

Although I didn't leave comments on the links, I was able to visit them all.  Here's a few that caught my eye:

Creating My Way to Success shared this adorable Hanging Hair Tie/Clip Holder made out of jeans!

 
Twelve Crafts Till Christmas shared part 2 of her Pillow Buddy Tutorial....love these!!

How cute is this Bedside Organizer from We Talk of Christ, We Rejoice In Christ?!

And I loved this cute Prairie Dress Tutorial from Nancy's Couture!!

Feel free to grab a 'Featured' button....you can now find it in my *new* menu bar!!

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, August 12th  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!

Ruffled Checkbook Cover

Yay.....I can cross another project off of my "To Do List"!  I made this ruffled checkbook cover in less than an hour.  And that includes cutting time and all the interruptions from my kiddos!!  I just love how it turned out!

Here's a view of the inside.....

**I used THIS tutorial from The Sweet Life.

Sew Cute Tuesday {8.03.10}

Happy Tuesday, everyone!!  I'm excited for another fun week of linky inspiration!  Here's a few projects that caught my eye from last week.

I was blown away by these adorable Burlap Shoes from Sewn!

Fowl Single File made this cute Little Birdie Place Setting as a birthday gift!

Check out this fun Purse Strap Belt from Nancy's Couture!

And I loved this Clock Pillow from Silly Precious Piggies!

Feel free to grab a 'Featured' button....you can now find it in my *new* menu bar!!

***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, August 5th  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!