Happy New Year!

We wish you and yours a wonderful and safe New Years!

Thanksgiving Center Pieces

We are an old fashioned family that has a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. What with the turkey, all the trimmings and our family and guests, it doesn’t leave much room for a fancy center piece.


So, here are some simple and inexpensive yet beautiful center piece ideas.

This is very simple, yet looks expensive

Use a pumpkin as a vase

Wrap a ribbon around candle jar/glass and tuck in a flower from your yard .

(All images were sent by family and friends so dont know the sites they came from. If you do, please let me know and i will post the credits )

What ideas do you have?

Mummy Flower Pots

Halloween Mummy Pots

Materials Needed

Terra Cotta Pot - 5 ½ inches tall

Muslin at least 2 torn strips - (you can add more as desired)

2 black 10 mm Pom Poms

Acrylic paint: fluorescent green or orange

Stencil brush

Paper towel

Hot glue gun

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Glue the end of a muslin strip to the rim of the terra-cotta pot with a small drop of glue.

2. Wrap the strip around the pot, gluing it lightly in place as needed.

3. Continue covering the pot with muslin strips, gluing the beginning of each new strip to the end of the previous one. Occasionally twist the muslin during the wrapping process to add dimension, and glue the twist to the pot.

4. When the pot is completely covered (do not cover the bottom of the pot), dip a stencil brush lightly into the fluorescent paint. Dab the brush on a paper towel to remove any excess paint, and lightly brush on the muslin until the pot is covered. Allow the paint to dry.

5. Add black Pom Poms for eyes.



photo and article source: http://www.familycorner.com/family/kids/crafts/mummies.shtml

Recycled Shoes

Do you have an old pair shoes you just can’t part with, but you can no longer wear? Perfect! Turn them into planters!


Just remove the insoles (if possible) , drill a few holes in the bottom for drainage and ta da, you have a new planter!

As you can see, you can use any kind of shoes, boots, sneakers, or kids shoes. Just use your imagination.

Enjoy :)

Recycle your Bra!

( This originated in Australia as a fundraising venture to find a cure for breast cancer.)

Thursday Thoughts

 

Friendship......It doesn't matter what color you are.

4th of July Flowers

I am having a little get together today for the 4th of July. It is last minute so I’m now scrambling to find some easy decorating ideas. And I thought I would share them with you.


First, the centerpiece:

This is the easiest thing I can think of as I have tons of craft balls in different sizes. I’m going to use a 3 inch diameter Styrofoam ball. They you just push in carnations all the way around until it is full. You can also do the same with a square if that is what you have handy.


 
I have a white tablecloth for our picnic table, so I’m going to go to the dollar store and get some red plates with blue napkins. I will also be adding candles. I have some clear round votive candle holders that I will wrap red, white and blue ribbon around.


I have asked everyone to bring a dish and I will provide the desserts. There is no time for baking so I’m off to Publix and the dollar store!

Have a safe and happy 4th of July!

Dandelion Honey

I love honey! I use it for so many things; teas, toast and pancakes. Today I found a great recipe I would like to share with you.

You will need:


• 4 cups dandelion petals
• 4 cups water
• 3 (1/4-inch) thick slices lemon
• 1/2 vanilla bean, split in half
• 2-1/8 cups granulated white sugar

Preparation:

Pick dandelion flowers during the daylight while in full bloom, remove petals, then measure petals only.

Place petals in a heavy saucepan along with the water, lemon slices, and vanilla bean. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 30 minutes. Remove from heat and let steep for 6 hours.

Strain dandelion tea through cheesecloth and discard solids. Place in a heavy saucepan and bring to a low boil. Gradually add sugar while stirring until sugar is dissolved. Lower heat and let simmer to desired syrupy thickness (may take up to 4 hours).

Dandelion Honey is great on toast, muffins, pancakes, and biscuits.

Yield: about 1 cup

Flower Arranging 101

Flowers are popping up all over my yard....now what do I do? I want to enjoy them indoors as well as out and Im sure you do too. So here are some great websites to help you with your flower arranging!

Basics

Look like a Proffesional

How to make a Fresh Floral Bouquet

Martha's Flower-Arranging Secrets


Enjoy your flowers longer and bring some love indoors.