Trash to Treasure

A dear friend of mine was packing up to move away this past summer. While going through things she came across this old wooden sewing notions case. She asked me how much I would give her for it ? and I am not proud to say that I offered her $3.00 which she did accept, okay it is true....I am cheap.... and my friend is kind, but this is the result! I sanded it down lightly to brighten it up and with new fabric and olive jars I now have an amazing notions case.

I have looked on the internet to try to see if it is hand made or something that was mass produced. The only thing that I have is a cardboard insert from the early 1940's that says The Royal Tailors, Chicago Ill. I am not sure if someone randomly placed it in there when they made it or if it was purchased. Either way it is handy to have and I am grateful to someone elses creative whimsy.

Webkinz Hat

My daughter has jumped onboard the Webkinz craze. She loves to make things for them. Here is her horse, modeling the new hat she made from the toe of an old sock. No sewing just snipping, unless you count the buttons. Also she cut a ring from the ankle part of a sock to make the collar around his neck. Good Job J----!

Whole Wheat Crackers

Somehow I thought this would be harder than it was. I dreaded trying to make my own crackers thinking that there was some hidden complication or reason not to. This recipe is so easy to make, granted it takes a little time and patients to roll out the dough between the waxed paper, but very much worth it. I was willing to follow the recipe and add butter, but did not have any. So I used applesauce instead and added a Tbsp. of Olivio. When the first batch was done, I called out my taste testers and they emptied the pan. I had to use force to keep them away from the rest so that I had some to go with dinner, which was homemade chicken noodle soup. I made some plain (with a little salt) and sprinkled some with caraway seeds and basil. All were delicious.

More Rice bags

Once again, rice bags were at the top of everybodies list for Christmas. I can not seem to make enough of them. I believe I have forgotten who has recieve one and who has not, I should really keep a list. Although I dont believe I would ever get a complaint about seconds on this one.

Pointsettas

I can't take credit for this idea, I found it on the internet. We made them with the little buggers at pre-school. They painted the coffee filters with watercolor, and due to multiple snowdays I had to bring them home and finish them. There is a bead in the middle and a pipecleaner to attach it to a clothspin. I couldnt help myself, they were so cute I clipped them to a basket and used them for a temporary centerpiece.

Sign your Name?

In my quest to make cool Christmas presents that are cheap, useful and Wanted...... I decided to make Signs. I used old wooden pickets and cut out letters that I printed on sticker paper , used a little spray paint, sandpaper, fabric scraps, elbow grease and Ta-Da! Presents for all of my co-workers.

Crunchy the Otter....

My daughter requested a new cornbag for Christmas this year, her old one is getting stinky :( She also has a new found love of otters. So I decided to kill two birds with one stone. I call this little guy "Crunchy" because thats the sound he makes when you hold him. He is sure to keep her warm and happy.