Friday, December 31, 2010

Kids Craft- Upcycled Ribbon Spool Noisemakers

 
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OK, one last post about New Years.  I promise no more (until next year!)  This is a fun, easy craft to do with your kids.  I thought of doing something confetti oriented & then regained my sanity.  I do not want to clean up that mess!  You simply add some dried beans to the inside of old ribbon spools (if you're like me, you have a few of these laying around after Christmas) and tape closed.  Then paint, decorate, and shake, shake, shake!!! 
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Since I have 4 kids and only 3 ribbon spools (my son had hijacked it earlier to make a homemade rod and reel)  I improvised with a plastic cream cheese container.  We added the beans and painted along with the others.  So, don't worry if you don't have any ribbon spools- just use what you have- a small box like jewelry comes in, a soup can, a yogurt cup, you get the idea.  Have fun and Happy New Years!!!!

You can find me at these cool parties- you should come too!
While He Was Napping
Tidy Mom
It's a Hodgepodge Life
Someday Crafts
Funky Junk Interiors
Wiccan Make Some Too
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Thursday, December 30, 2010

Craft Gossip Giveaway

This is just too good not to share.  Craft Gossip is giving away a $1399 Janome 6300P Memory Craft Professional Sewing Machine.  You have to go to Janome's Facebook page and tell them:

I want to win the Janome Memory Craft 6300P from CraftGossip http://bit.ly/h1SUWz

You can only enter once, US residents only.  Winner will be chosen January 15 so hurry over and enter!   Good luck!
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New Year’s Ball

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I made a New Year’s Ball using water bottle caps.  Yes, I realize that sounds a little crazy.  We drink a lot of water around here so I had plenty of lids.  I sprinkled some gold glitter in a paper plate and drizzled some glue to the rims of the caps.  Then, I just dipped them into the glitter. 


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I covered a small styrofoam ball with aluminum foil and hot glued that to a dollar store candlestick.  I then hot glued all of my caps to the ball. 

If I wanted to make it drop, instead of attaching it to the candlestick, I could have attached a string and hung it.  But I wanted it to sit on my mantel.  I think it fits. 


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You could make an even bigger one using clear plastic cups but mine is mini.  I like things that are mini- they’re cute.  What are your New Year’s plans?  I’m sure mine will be spent at home with the ones I love- there’s no place else I’d rather be.

Linking up to these lovely places you don't want to miss:
House of Hepworths
Paisley Passions
Life as Lori
Somewhat Simple
Tales from Bloggeritaville
Monnivore's Dilemna
Someday Crafts
Blue Cricket Design
What Allie's Making
A Glimpse Inside
Chic on a Shoestring
Finding Fabulous
Tidy Mom
It's a Hodgepodge Life
Funky Junk Interiors



As seen on CraftGossip.com
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Happy New Year FREE Printable

Here is another free printable for New Year's.  If you don't want to go all out and decorate but you want to at least acknowledge the holiday, print this out, slap it in a frame and call it done.  Click here to download the PDF.



Just to remind you there is still time to link up to this week's Gettin' Krafty With It party and to enter to win the CSN GIVEAWAY!!! 

Linking with these fabulous parties- go check them out!
House of Hepworths
Paisley Passions
Somewhat Simple
Someday Crafts
What Allie's Making Now
The Colorado Lady
Beyond the Picket Fence
Yesterday on Tuesday
Life as Lori
Tales from Bloggeritaville
Blue Cricket Design
Chic on a Shoestring
Finding Fabulous
Tidy Mom
Funky Junk Interiors
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Tuesday, December 28, 2010

New Year's Mantel & CSN Giveaway!!

I did it! The tree is down and all of that Christmas stuff is packed up. My house is starting to get a little more back to normal! I did decorate just a little on my mantel for New Year's. I never have but I feel like it's a holiday that often gets left out when it comes to decorations.



I simply put my icy wreath in front of my Goodwill silver tray and added a Happy New Year printout I made on the computer.


If you would like to download the printable, you can find it here
Would look great in a frame!


By that is a whimsical picture from the Graphics Fairy of a girl dancing on a bottle of champagne and says Happy New Year.


I put some frosty white ornaments in my dollar store hurricanes along with some silver disco ball looking ornaments.



I added a couple of glasses with gold disco ball ornaments and wrapped it all up with white tulle and holographic curling ribbon.







Not too bad using just what I had laying around. I thought about making a really cool banner but it will only be up for a few days ( and I'm lazy) so I'm not going through all of the trouble. Wish I had a little silver and gold tinsel...sigh...So, are you planning a big New Year's party? If you use the printable, I would love to see it!

Now, in case you didn't get exactly what you wanted for Christmas, here's your chance to shop for yourself. I was so excited when CSN stores contacted me about hosting a fabulous giveaway for my US and Canadian followers! They have an entire network of sites full of fashion and home accessories! You could literally shop for days (200+ stores)! Here are a few of the things I have been looking at:

These adjustable bar stools would be perfect for a New Year's Eve party!

ItalModern Alex Adjustable Barstool - 0435X

I need some new black boots and I am drooling over these Carlos (by Carlos Santana) Clifton boots
Carlos by Carlos Santana Women's Clifton Flat Boots in Black

My boys would love these metal bunkbeds:

Elite Products Metal Bunk Bed Twin Over Twin

I need to get organized (that's one of my resolutions) and these jute boxes would be perfect:

OIA Jute Rectangular Basket (Set of Two) in Dark Brown and Linen


They really have just about everything! They will be giving away a $25 gift certificate to one lucky winner! All you have to do to enter is: be a Krafty Kat follower and leave a comment on this post. That's it. Super simple! The winner will be announced at next week's Gettin' Krafty With It link party on Tuesday.

This giveaway is now closed.
Linking up to:
Today's Creative Blog
Sugar Bee-Craft Edition
Lucky Star Lane
A Silly Little Sparrow
Not Just a Housewife
Funky Polkadot Giraffe
Blue Cricket Design
The Thrifty Home
Sew Much Ado
CraftyCierra
It's So Very Cheri
Tea Rose Home
Nikki's Nifty Knacks
The Trendy Treehouse
Somewhat Simple
Someday Crafts
Beyond the Picket Fence
Yesterday on Tuesday
Life as Lori
Tales from Bloggeritaville
Chic on a Shoestring
Finding Fabulous
Tidy Mom
My Romantic Home
Funky Junk Interiors
The Graphics Fairy
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Monday, December 27, 2010

Gettin' Krafty With It Link Party

Well, Christmas is finally over.  It was wonderful and magical- we even got a little snow the day after (which has never happened here).   But, I must say, I am glad it only comes once a year.  Sorry for the lack of posts but I was so busy, there was just no time.  I'm sure most of you can relate!  We spent Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at my boyfriend's parents so I spent the entire day before baking and packing for the 7 of us (yep, that's right- 7!!!).  We went to my parents' after that and did it all over again then finally came home and collapsed.  I think I am still recovering! 

Now, my goal for today is to take down the tree and all of the Christmas decorations and pack them away to go into storage until next year.  How long do you leave your tree up?  I would probably be willing to leave mine up until New Year's but I don't think the poor tree will make it! 

 After that, one of my New Year's resolutions is to be more organized.  I will be going through all of our crap and getting rid of what I can't find a good place for.  Do you make New Year's resolutions?  Do you keep them?  I love the feeling of the New Year and getting off to a fresh start!  I have a feeling 2011 is going to be a great year for me...

Now, as promised, I plan to continue to host a weekly link party on Tuesdays because I have really enjoyed checking out what everyone's doing.  But, before I get to that, I have to show you a few projects from our last of 2010 Holiday Hookup.  Keep these in mind for next year, or if you're superwoman, go ahead and get started now! 


Johny in a Dress  shared a tutorial for these adorable felt trees.  I love the ribbon trim against the felt!


Cypress Chique made these super cute Rudolph cupcakes!!


A Glimpse Inside made these gorgeous glittery tree picks!  I am in love!

If you were featured, go ahead and grab that button because you are certifiably Krafty!!

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So, like I said, even though the Holiday Hookup is over, there's no reason we can't still party!  Just link up what you've been up to lately.  Anything goes...as long as it's Krafty!  Grab the party button and mark it down on your party lists!  Link up and mingle.  Leave a few comments (we all ♥ comments!)
Getting’ Krafty with it


(This button will have to do until I have a little more time)
We're gettin' krafty with it! (nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah) Yeah, it's cheesy but it was the best I could come up with.  You don't even want to hear the suggestions my kids gave me! 
  You can come back and link up as much as you like until New Year's Eve!  When the ball drops, time's up!  Happy New Year!!!!
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Monday, December 20, 2010

Merry Christmas!!!! Holiday Hookup #7

Well, folks, this is the last Holiday Hookup before Christmas.  I will continue to host a weekly link party on  Tuesdays for all of your crafts, decor, recipes, etc.  so be sure to include Krafty Kat on your weekly link party lists.  I really enjoyed all of your projects this week and it was nice to see what you all created as I was sick and couldn't work on too much myself. 

A Glimpse Inside gave us an amazing tutorial on creating a beautiful wooden snowflake!  I love how she used all different sized craft sticks, tongue depressors, even paint stirrers to make the perfect shape!



Another fantastic tutorial was for this ruffled ribbon Christmas tree shirt from Stuff by Ash.  Isn't that just super duper cute!  I'm a sucker for all things girly.

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The Pendleton House shared these sparkly, elegant crystal icicle ornaments she made.  She had several different ones- no two were alike! 


If you were featured, grab that button- you are certifiably Krafty! 

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Thanks to everyone for sharing all of your creativity with me.  I get excited everytime I check back and see a new link!  When I first started this link party, I had no idea whether anyone would link up at all.  After all, I had only been blogging for a month.  It's been so much fun and that's why I want to keep it going after the holidays.  It's kind of sad though, this is the last Holiday Hookup (until next year, of course)!   With everything that you have to do, my Christmas wish for you is to take a moment here and there to stop, relax, and enjoy a few of the simple pleasures of Christmas.
I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas with the ones you love!!

Now, let's get to it!  Remember to grab the party button and link back here.  Also, check out some of the other links (& be sure to leave a comment if you did- we all ♥ comments!!!)  You can come back and link up all the way to Christmas Eve night!!!

Krafty Kat


So, let's see all of those last minute homemade gifts, recipes, crafts, decorating, etc.! 
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Sunday, December 19, 2010

Cake Batter Cookie Sandwiches




Tonight, we went to see an awesome Christmas light display.  After we got back and had dinner, I felt like having a little something sweet.  I have been wanting to make some whoopie pies but didn't have all of the ingredients.  So, I improvised.  I'm great at that!  I had some Duncan Hines Dark Chocolate Fudge cake mix.  I prepared it according to the directions on the box and then dropped spoonfuls of the batter onto a cookie sheet about 2 inches apart and baked in a 350 degree oven for 10 minutes.  For the filling, I mixed some Duncan Hines Fluffy White frosting and Cool Whip and spread it in between the cookie layers.  Then I called in the guinea pigs  taste testers.  They passed with flying colors.  My oldest daughter said she wanted these next year on her birthday instead of cake. 




I thought about taking it to the next level and adding crushed peppermints to the filling but I was lazy.  I plan on doing this again during the summer to make ice cream sandwiches. 

Linking up with: 
I Heart Naptime
Tatertots and Jello
Be Different, Act Normal
Under the Table and Dreaming
Funky Junk Interiors 
The Girl Creative
Skip to my Lou
Making the World Cuter
Craftomaniac
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Reminder: Please Vote

I just wanted to remind you all to please, please, please go over here and vote for my peppermint wreath in the Dollar Tree Flair for Crafts Contest.  You can vote from December 17-December 28.  The grand prize winner will receive a Las Vegas / Grand Canyon vacation for 4 and there are lots of other fantastic prizes for the runners up.  I can use all of the votes I can get- please help me win!  Thanks so much! 


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Saturday, December 18, 2010

Wassail- Apple Cider Punch

Sorry for not posting lately but my daughter and I both have strep throat and I just haven't been up to it.  I do want to share with you a new holiday tradition for me: hot apple cider.  I have never tried it.  My boyfriend's mother always made this at their house and used something called Savannah Cinnamon Mix to make it. 


He told me about it so we thought we would make some.  However, we couldn't find it locally.  We were in The Olive Branch a few days ago and they had samples of Wassail to try. 
BEST GIFT INSTANT WASSAIL WITH SCRIPTURE (S)

It was so good and the warm apple cider was very soothing for our sore throats.  We got some and made a batch at home.  It was so easy to make,  just mix with hot apple juice.   The aroma from the cinnamon and cloves and other spices is so nice.  He said this is very close to what his mom makes with the Savannah Cinnamon Mix.  All of the kids liked it as much as we did so I have found something new to enjoy at Christmastime.  I found a few recipes for homemade wassail punch but right now I am not able.  Maybe next year, I won't be sick and will try to make some from scratch.  If you haven't had some, you really need to try it! 
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Thursday, December 16, 2010

Getting Off Track

Sorry I haven't posted anything in a few days- I've been super busy shopping, etc.  Now, today, I have a sick child and am not feeling too good myself.  I made a cute teacher gift with wooden blocks a few days ago I meant to post but completely forgot to take any pics before sending it off to school.  Maybe tomorrow I'll be back on track.  In the meantime, there is still time to add your links to Holiday Hookup (submissions close tomorrow night) and check out everyone's great projects. 
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Monday, December 13, 2010

Holiday Hookup #6

Can you believe we are less than two weeks away from Christmas???  I still have so much left to do and after Friday my kids will be out of school which means getting it done will be that much harder.  So, this week is crunch time!  I hope amidst all of your preparations you had a chance to check out last week's Holiday Hookup because there were a lot of cute projects linked up! 

Like this Ribbon Christmas Tree made by The Crafty Crystal.  She saw a cute one at Hobby Lobby but instead of forking over the cash, she went home and made it for herself for a fraction of the cost! 


A Very Dandoislion Life made these awesome Squinkie Soaps!  She made one batch then tinkered around and made another that turned out even better.  Sometimes it takes a few tries to get it "just right".  I know these will be just right for some little ones- these Squinkies are a HOT item this year! 


A Home in the Making got inspired and made this seriously gorgeous felt flower wreath!  It makes such a bold statement above her mantel!

You ladies are so Krafty.  In fact you are certifiably Krafty- go ahead and grab a featured button!
You can get the code from the buttons tab!


Now, it's time to see what you've got going on this week!  I want to see all of your homemade gifts, ornaments, recipes, and crafts!  This link party will be open until Friday night.  Link back here, grab the button and get the word out!  We're down to the final days of the season! 
 
Krafty Kat
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Peppermint Bark Candy







This is a family favorite at our house.  It's creamy and minty and tastes like Christmas.  We make it every year for my son's class and all of the kids love it.  It is so simple to make too! 

Ingredients:
1 Package Candy Canes
1 Package Almond Bark

Directions: 
Remove the candy canes from the wrappers and crush.  We use a rubber mallet (this is my son's favorite part).  Melt the almond bark in the microwave according to the directions on the package.  Usually I put it in for a minute and take it out and stir it up, then put it in for a minute more.  Stir the melted candy and pour in the crushed peppermint.  Line a cookie sheet with wax paper and spread the mixture onto it in an even layer.  Put in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.  Then, you just break it into pieces.



What is your family's favorite Christmas treat?  Hope you'll come back tomorrow for the Holiday Hookup and share all of your recipes, crafts, decorating, and gift ideas!  Can you believe there is less than two weeks until Christmas?  So much to do! 

Linking up with: 
The Girl Creative
Making the World Cuter
Skip to My Lou
Craftomaniac
Funky Junk Interiors
Bobbypin's Boardwalk
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Sunday, December 12, 2010

Dollar Tree Flair For Crafts Contest

I'm sure some of you crafters out there have heard of this fabulous Christmas crafting contest hosted by Dollar Tree.  It is called the Dollar Tree Flair For Crafts Christmas Challenge.  The grand prize is a Las Vegas & Grand Canyon vacation package valued at $2500 and all of the other prizes are awesome too- like Kindle, Olympus camera, iPod Shuffle, and Visa Cash Cards!  I entered my peppermint wreath in the contest.


You can check it out and all of the other entries here.  If you are interested in entering the contest, there is still time- until December 14!  You just have to create a holiday themed decoration using materials totalling $20 or less.  Voting begins December 17 and goes on until December 29.  Trust me, I will be reminding you because I will need all of the votes I can get!   

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