Blog Swap: Craft From Your Stash Hoopla Dreamcatchers

It’s time for another blog swap! Wondra (Wondra's World) and I spend Wednesday nights crafting and chatting over Skype. Sometimes there’s more chatting than crafting, but it’s always epic. A couple of weeks ago we realized that we hadn’t swapped blogs in almost a year! To remedy this, we’re sharing craft from your stash tutorials. 

Hoopla Dreamcatchers:

Hello from South Wales! It's Wondra from Wondra's World again and I've stopped by to share a fun stash busting project.

It's easy to turn this:

 

into this:

What you need:

embroidery hoop
hemp, leather cord, embroidery floss
beads

What to do:

1. Separate the hoops and wrap them in hemp or leather cord.
2. With the first hoop, wrap embroidery floss or hemp cord loosely around the outside of the hoop.
3. Now start weaving.
4. Add beads when you get to the center and tie it off to finish.
5. With the second hoop, tie lengths of hemp or embroidery floss (or feathers or whatever) around the center and bead it up.
6. Tie the hoops together and you're done.

This was my first attempt at making a dream catcher. It's a little bit lopsided but I think it turned out alright.

If you're going to do this yourself, I'd suggest you use different sized hoops and just tie them together loosely. It's a fun project but can be time consuming so give yourself an hour or so.


Thank you for the tutorial Wondra! 

Don't forget to visit Wondra’s World for my Catch-All Bowl tutorial.

Roasted Chickpeas

Monday lunches tend to be leftovers. We had pasta and salad last night, so I decided to eat the salad. I added chickpeas for a quick protein.

The salad was delicious, but I had a lot of uneaten chickpeas—perfect for experimenting with roasted chickpeas!


Roasted Chickpeas (makes 2 cups)
Recipe based on this Roasted Chickpea recipe from Jessica of how sweet it is.

Ingredients:
2 cups cooked chickpeas
1-2 teaspoons olive oil spray
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon paprika

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
2. Place rinsed chickpeas on a paper towel. Pat dry and remove any loose skins.
3. Cover baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place chickpeas on baking sheet.
4. Lightly mist chickpeas with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic, and paprika. Roll chickpeas to coat.
5. With chickpeas in a single layer, bake for 15 minutes.
6. Remove from oven and roll chickpeas. Bake for another 15 minute.
7. Let cool and eat!

The chickpeas smelled delicious as they cooked. Some of the chickpeas were still chewy when I removed them from the oven, so I cooked them for an additional 7 minutes. This will probably vary from oven to oven. 

Roasted chickpeas high in protein and a great alternative to chips. They have a similar taste and texture as corn nuts and taste best after they have cooled.

It was my first time using one of Jessica's recipes, and I found her conversational directions easy to follow.

I recommend trying this recipe. Next time I will use honey to make a sweet and salty version.
 

Girl's Night at Beads to Live By

My friend Suzanne invited me to make a necklace at a Girl's Night at Beads to Live By a few weeks ago. Although I did not know most of the women well, it was a fun, intimate night filled with laughter.

The necklace we made was a long, single strand that can be doubled. We were given different glass jars of bead soup to search for our treasures. I choose neutral shades of bronze, brown, and topaz.

Transformation by Sandhill Crane Vineyards

We shared pizza, veggies, brownies, and wine while we worked on our projects. I usually drink white wine, but I enjoyed Transformation by local vineyard Sandhill Crane Vineyards. It was sweeter and less dry than other reds I've tried.

Cassandra, the owner of Beads to Live By, was patient with our frustrations. She gave us design tips and encouraged us to have fun with our bead choices.

With a history of crimp bead failure (and beads flying everywhere) I usually avoid them. Cassandra explained cheaper crimp beads don't work as well, and I couldn't resist buying a few with a couple strands of new beads.

All of our necklaces were unique. I love how mine turned out. I am going to make a purple necklace for my mom's birthday at the end of the month.

Creative and Spiritual Discernment

"There's the rub, for me—I see creative and spiritual possibilities in so much of what others would quickly cast of [...] wherever I go, whatever I look at, there is a part of me, a filter, that discerns whether or not it could be useful for crafting—spiritually oriented crafting."

Maggie Oman Shannon, Crafting Calm: Projects and Practices for Creativity and Contemplation

Pegboard Cross Stitch

Several days ago I found an interesting idea: Pegboard Cross Stitch. Much like the wood cross stitch pendents or phone cases, the pre-drilled holes are used to stitch playful designs.

Here are a few examples pegboard cross stitch from Pinterest.

via Wills Casa; pinned in diy embroider

via Parolan Asema; pinned in diy embroider

via Thompson Family; pinned in diy embroider

via DESIGN my heart out; pinned in diy embroider

This DIY is perfect for wall art, and I have a lot of empty walls! I see at trip to my local hardware store in my future!

Focus is the Art of Letting Go

"Focus is narrowing on a single topic or task.  It is the art of letting go: what you decide not to do is as important as what you are doing." 

Scott Doorley, Make Space

Healthier No Bake Cookies

No bake cookies are one of my favorite desserts. The combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and oats is amazing. When I saw this pin on Pinterest for a healthier no bake cookie I had to try it.

Healthier No Bake Cookies (Makes 24-36 cookies)

Ingredients

• 1 ripe banana, mashed
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup vanilla soymilk*
• 1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter*
• a pinch of salt
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• 3 cups old fashioned oats*

*Substituted from original recipe.

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients excluding oats and vanilla extract in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Stir often with a wooden ladle.
2. Boil for one minute. Remove from heat.
3. Add oats and vanilla extract. Stir well.
4. Cook on medium heat for 2-3 minutes. Stir often.
5. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto waxed paper. Let cool to room temperature.

You may not like the healthier version if you're expecting the same taste and texture as regular no bake cookies. The hint of banana distracts from the chocolate and peanut butter. Maybe they should be renamed Banana No Bake Cookies.

You can see my substitutions are asterisked. I did not have instant oats so I used old fashioned oats. Old fashioned oats take longer to cook so I heated the mixture for about two minutes after I mixed them in. I also replaced creamy peanut butter with crunchy peanut butter (which is always a treat).

The healthier no bake cookies are certainly interesting. I will continue to tweak the recipe. Let me know if you have any suggestions!

5 {DIY} Valentine's Day Inspirations

Nothing says "I < 3 You" like a handmade gift. Valentine's Day is days away, so here are five diy inspirations for last minute crafting.

52 Reasons Why I Love You via Little Grey Fox

Etched Valentine's Day Glass via Thistlewood Farm
 

Love Yarn Letters via My Sister's Suitcase 

Remember I Love You Hearts (guest blogged by I Go By Katie on Moorea Seal)

DIY Cross Stitch Heart Sweater via Uber Chic for Cheap

The best way to fight commercialism is to choose to celebrate Valentine's Day every day. You do not need a holiday to say "I love you."

Everyday Creativity

"Everyday creativity refers to a process which brings together at least one active human mind, and the material or digital world, in the activity of making something which is novel in the context, and is a process which evokes a feeling of joy."

David Gauntlett, Making is Connecting: The social meaning of creativity, from DIY and knitting to YouTube and Web 2.0

Rag Basket

I want to organize my house with baskets. Since baskets are expensive, I decided to start crocheting them.

I used a size P/Q hook to improvise my rag basket. The yarn was made out of two full-sized sheets cut into 1 1/2 strips.

The pattern was improvised, but I plan to create and share a .pdf pattern.

Delicate

A Sneak Peek

Putting my computer in the studio was a smart move. Once I am in my studio I feel inspired to make. When Matt visited the room this afternoon and said "It is very peaceful in here." And that is exactly what I need to create.

Here is a sneak peek of what I am working on:

Hint: It goes around the neck. And it will be listed in With Eyes Lifted soon.

Thrifted: Buttons

Vintage supplies have a unique history. They were made before the level of mass production we see today. And using them to craft sets your product apart from those who shop at craft supply retailers.

Yesterday, I found this assortment of brass and plastic buttons for $2.

I love buttons because they are versatile; you can use them for crocheting, knitting, jewelry-making, sewing and more! 

Thrifting for craft supplies is like going on a treasure hunt. You never know what you'll find.

Puerto Rican Coffee

When I wake up I have a certain routine: put in my contacts, make a pot of coffee, and then feed Misty. Misty likes to think her breakfast is first on my agenda, but she usually contents herself by meowing methodically as I make the coffee.

After I fed Misty this morning I noticed I could not hear or smell the coffee brewing. I was puzzled since I had just cleaned the coffeemaker with water and vinegar. It had been working quite well for several days, but the coffee burner was not warm. My research told me it would be cheaper to buy a new coffee maker.

As they say, necessity is the mother of all invention. I did not want to go out for coffee, so I decided to try Puerto Rican Coffee.

I brought 8 oz. of water (per cup of coffee) close to boiling. I added 2-3 tablespoons of ground coffee and stirred for 6 minutes. Then I filtered the grounds from the water.

 I used a coffee filter, bread ties, and a mason jar to filter my coffee.

I put the water back in the pot and added creamer until it was the color I usually drink my coffee. I let the water simmer for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Although it does take longer than automatic drip, Puerto Rican coffee is worth the wait. My morning coffee was delicious and full of flavor. It would pair perfectly with dessert. Now I just have to plan my housewarming party.

Corey Marie's Watercolor Techniques

Although I do not consider myself an artist, if I was one I am sure I would choose watercolors. The moment that the paint touches the paper is pure magic. A couple of years ago I bought Water Paper Paint: Exploring Creativity with Watercolor and Mixed Media with plans to learn techniques, but I have not been able to put much time into it.

via

When I visited my friend Corey Marie's website yesterday I found that she recently posted a watercolor tutorial, 12 DIY Watercolor Techniques for art journals. Not only does her tutorial explain how to use common household items to create watercolor effects, it also features unique pictures of the techniques.

image by Corey Marie

Corey Marie and I went high school together. We were both in band (don't forget we were a big deal in our small town), and she produced the first 'zine I encountered. Corey recently moved back to our hometown, Eaton Rapids, where she makes her living as an illustrator. She is pretty rad, and you should take the time to check out the rest of her blog and shop.

Now that I have more time I hope to explore watercolors (and perhaps enroll in a beginner's class at the Ella Sharp Museum of Art and History).

Three {Crafty} Ways to Celebrate Earth Day!

Earth Day originated in 1969 with the growing awareness of environmental issues. Today, it is celebrated worldwide with various events and festivals.

Earth Day should be celebrated everyday. With cheaper product costs, we have become a single-use society. We need to seek the potential of the products we use once.

These three upcycle crafts are perfect for celebrating Earth Day.

Newspaper Basket via Nifty Thrifty Things

 

 Wine Bottle Planters via Recyclart 

Plarn Coaster via Look What I Made

It takes creative thinking to upcycle, but the results are exciting.  

Happy Earth Day!

Baby Booties

You may remember this mystery knitting project from several weeks ago. My friends Rachel and Ben just welcomed their first child, a son, into the world. Rachel and I became friends when I moved to Eaton Rapids, and I am very excited for her. I surprised her with a pair of knit baby booties.

Rachel has done volunteer work in the past, so I thought it appropriate to use a Bundles of Love pattern. I knit a pair for her son and another for the charity.

Pattern: Easy Knitted Booties via Bundles of Love
Yarn: Naturally Caron Spa
Needles: US Size 8
Changes: Crochet bind off rather than ribbed bind off. Crochet seams.

The yarn is an acrylic bamboo blend; it is light and silky. It is machine washable and dryable which makes it versatile and perfect for baby booties.

I knit the booties at the same time so that they would be the same size.

My bind off is usually tight, so I learned how to use the crochet bind off for this project. I love how it turned out!

I did not want to do seams, but my dpns are buried in my craft room. Instead of sewing the seams I used the crochet method. 

I recommend this pattern if you need to knit a quick gift. I knit the booties in an evening. The pattern has clear instructions and is easy to memorize. 

Congratulations to Rachel and Ben!

Ira Glass's "This Gap"

Ira Glass's "This Gap" Quote pinned in La Vie Boheme; via This Isn't Happiness

Frozen Smoothies

Variations of make ahead frozen smoothies such as Freezer Smoothies, Green Smoothie Cups, and Make Ahead Smoothies are mainstays of food boards on Pinterest. Smoothies are a light yet filling fruit and/or vegetable blend high in antioxidants and vitamins. They are energizing and perfect for breakfast or as a snack.

When I made Freezer Jam I had extra strawberries so I cut up and froze them with bananas and grapes. I also froze yogurt in a silicone muffin pan. After they were frozen I put one cup frozen fruit and one yogurt cube into a freezer bags; I ended up with six bags of pre-made smoothies.

To make the smoothie simply add juice or milk and blend until smooth. I did not have juice so I juiced three oranges for approximately 3/4 cup of fresh orange juice. You could also add flax seed, honey, soy protein, or wheat grass for additional benefits.

My smoothie was delicious! I look forward to enjoying this frozen treat on a hot summer's day!