tea wreath

kojo designs made an easy & most lovely tea wreath!

how convenient to unclip a tea bag that is so easily visible.

this would make a fantastic teacher's gift next Christmas.

i can't wait to make one!

http://kojodesigns.blogspot.com/2010/03/kojotutorial-tea-tea-tea-kitchen-wreath.html

pinch me

I made two of these frog-like coin/candy holders.

My boys thought they were fantastic and had fun putting a few quarters inside.

Here's where I got the idea

http://sometimesshesleeps.blogspot.com/2009/11/kiss-holder-christmas-ornament.html

Cut 3- 10holes X 10holes

Hold the tail along the backside as you stitch diagonally.

Run 3 whip stitches through each corner square

You need 2 squares that have 2 edges finished and

one square with all 4 edges unfinished.

Line up and whip stitch two unfinished edges together.

Look at photo above to figure out which squares to use.

These two unfinished edges just need to get stitched together

and you're done.

Hot glue google eyes and pinch cheeks to reveal a hidden treasure inside!

spaghetti dogs

Isn't this the weirdest thing?

It took me a few minutes of staring to figure out

how the flexible spaghetti got into the firm hotdog

before reading these steps. It's like lunch and crafting rolled into one!

http://myplumpudding.blogspot.com/2009/05/spaghetti-dogs.html

Lunch was LOVED today.

We used nitrate-free hot dogs and thin spaghetti.

Next time I'd use thicker-whole grain spaghetti for a healthier lunch.

Step 1: cut hot dogs into 1" pieces & break spaghetti in 1/2.

Step 2: Carefully thread the spaghetti into and through the hot dog.

Step 3: place in a pot of boiling water and cook according to your specific pasta cook time.

prayer rock

My son came home from church last week with this craft. He has already misplaced the polished rock decorated with cross stickers, so we've been busy making more painted prayer rocks at home. I found sealing with Modge Podge worked well to make an ordinary outdoor rock smooth and polished. We'll place them in a little wooden prayer-rock box on top of his dresser. If you decide to make a one at home with your child, remember to use a Sharpie to write their name and the date on the bottom.

(what a great childhood treasure to keep forever!)

PRAYER ROCK

(Author Unknown)
I'm your little prayer rock and this is what I'll do.

Just put me on your pillow 'til the day is through.
Then turn back the covers and climb into your bed,and, whack!

your little prayer rock will bump you on the head.
Then you will remember as the day is through,

to kneel and say your prayers as you intended to.
Then when you are finished dump me on the floor.

I'll stay there through the night time to give you help once more.
When you get up next morning,clunk!

I stub your toe,

so that you will remember your prayers before you go.
Put me back upon your pillow when your bed is made,

and your clever little prayer rock will continue in your aid.
Because your Heavenly Father

cares and loves you so,

He wants you to remember

to talk to Him, you know.

healthy placemats

Here's a fun idea to get your kids thinking about healthy choices. I gave my boys a few old cooking magazines to flip through and pick out all the healthy foods they love. With Nana's help N. was able to find fabulous foods for each family member that made his mouth water. We also flipped through to find appropriate words to match the theme. We glued them on large construction paper and made name labels for everyone. Laminating at Kinkos wasn't cheap, but the final result should last through many dinners to come! Now everyone has an inspiring place to put their plate!

microwave puffy paint

Easy peasy microwave puffy painting

How to:

1 T. self rising flour

1 T. salt

a dash of food color

Use small cups to make a variety of colors. I used snack sized-applesauce containers. Add enough H2O to make a smooth paste. Use card stock (I used the backside of paper plates) to paint on with a Q-tip. Pop in the microwave for 20-30 seconds

(watch to see when the "puff" begins)

Voila!

Art!

We hung the paper plates in succession on the refrigerator.