long time coming!

Well, I started to sell Pampered Chef and that has been my big creative outlet!  I've actually had a blast and am glad I did it.  A few more hours in the day would be a nice surprise, but I don't think that will happen any time soon.

renewed again

I just saw in our local free paper Picket News that a neighboring town is hosting a "Green Fest" in early May, and they are looking for Green Vendors. 

Hmmm.  I think I'll do it.  The more I think about it, most of the things I make are done from repurposed and recyled items.  I just made a quick sign for it

but I'm not sure I love it yet.

I'm thinking I'll try to make and sell

• packs of --4 or 6?? those fabric napkins made from repurposed men's shirts--just love them!
• tea cozies
• silhouettes mounted on recycled fabric
• tote bags made from recycled fabric
• pillow covers made from yep, recycled fabric

Hmmmm.  I do love an new obsession.  Now I just have to find someone to run my daughter to tournaments that day!

homemade cleaner

I am so boring that this actually makes me happy!  I've found a homemade cleaner that works. . .and it's super cheap! 

 

I hate buying utilatarian things.  You waste all that good money and have little to show for it.  I don't care if I have cute undergarments or socks--no one really sees them!  I don't want to spend money on sneakers and such--they get the job done.  I really hate to spend good money on cleaners.  Yes, I want to be able to clean things; no, I don't want to spend much to do it.

 

Homemade spray cleaner:

• 2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Borax
• 1/8 cup Dawn dish detergent (other would probably work)
• 1 cup hot water.

 

Based on the directions I saw at moneysavingmom.com, I just put vinegar, Borax, and hot water into a spray bottle.  Next I nearly filled the bottle with cool water and added the dish soap last.  It said not to shake, but of course, I did.

 

It really worked well!

I just saw this shower curtain on the Anthropoligie site and think I just might have to try and make something a little like it--it's just so cool. 

I'll have to see how much it would cost in fabric to create it.  I'm thinking I'd use a plain sheet for the back and several colors of simple cotton to gather for the ombre ruffles.  The one Anthropologie sells is $118.  I think I'd try making it in 2 or 3 sections (maybe 3 ruffles/section) and then joining the sections so there isn't so much fabric at once at the machine.  Hmmmm.

ad stuff

The school's PTSA is preparing to host a dance and I got roped into helping.  Below is the "ad" I created so students could post it on Facebook, the president could get flyers printed, and they could get posters made to advertise the event.

homemade vanilla

The presents I made for Christmas were such a hit, that I'm already thinking ahead.  I read about people making  homemade vanilla extract, and I'd like to give it a try.  As my siblings and closest friends are bakers, I think it would be appreciated.

As the recipe is supposed to set for 6 months, I believe I'll make a small batch to see how good it really is.  I'll try it about 4 months--should be able to get a feel for its quality then, and if it's good, I'll go ahead and make a gallon like the recipe says.  Then, by Christmas 2011, it should be good and ready.

I saw at least 6 versions of this recipe, so I don't think I can give any one person credit.  Below is what I intend to do for the full batch.

Items needed:

• 1 gallon pickle jar with lid
• 1 gallon vodka (two 1.75 liter bottles)
• 3/4 pound Madagascar vanilla beans

Directions:

• Use kitchen shears to slice through each bean lengthwise.  Leave 1 inch uncut at one end.
• Put beans in the jar
• Fill jar with vodka
• Put on lid
• Store in a dark place for 6 months
• Occasionally shake

At end:

• Strain beans from vodka.  Bottle.

I priced the Madagascar vanilla beans online and both Olive Nation and Amazon.com have them for similar prices.  I may use 1/2 pound instead of 3/4 since it's less expensive. . .if anything, I'll just decrease the amount of vodka a bit.

The recipes said to use any quality of vodka, but I'm not sure about that yet.

fabric napkins, part 2

On Dec. 20, I decided I wanted to make napkins from men's shirts--mainly because I saw a tablecloth and napkins that I loved while Christmas shopping.  (I got the tablecloth and napkins for Christmas, by the way--yeah family!) 

I was just going through some old magazines, and found the following page in a June 2005 Country Living article. . .about several companies that make lovely fabric napkins.  I love the mis-matched look of the spread.  Check out the price--the first example sold for $300/set of six, yikes!

I think they're lovely and want to get home to get busy making some!  Hmmm, I may make them in mulitples so I can give a couple of sets away as presents.