Easy Friendship Bracelets

My daughter had to make what seemed like a million friendship bracelets to sell on market day at school. They had to be quick and easy because we only had a few days notice. So we used the twist method, added a bead and voila!

Here is how you can make your own.
(click on any image to see a larger version)

Supplies:

Scissors
Craft or embroidery thread in various colors
Super Glue
A large eye needle
Medium sized beads with a large hole (one for each bracelet)
A ruler

Step 1: Measure and Cut the Thread

Cut a 26 inch length of 3 to 5 colors of thread. We made a medium child's size bracelet you should adjust this length if you want to make the bracelet larger or smaller.

Step 2: Tie a Knot

Tie all the strands together with a square knot at one end. Leave a 3 to 4 inch tail to make it easier to thread the bead later.

Step 3: Twist

Have someone hold the knotted end while you twist the threads together.

If you are doing it by yourself you can pin the knotted end to your pants, a beading board, or even hold it with your toe.

Keep twisting until it is tight.

Step 4: Fold and Tie

Place your finger in the center of the thread and fold it in half.

Pull the sides straight and remove your finger. The two sides of the bracelet will twist together.

Tie the unknotted end to the knotted end. Make sure your bracelet doesn't untwist while you are doing this. You may need someone to help you. Make sure the knot is tight.

Step 5: Add the Bead

You should now have two sets of tails at the knotted end of the bracelet. Take one set and thread it through the eye of the needle.

Slip the bead on the needle and over the threads. If you can't get the bead over an entire set of threads do as many as you can and let the extra hang down with the other set.

Remove the needle and tie the two sets of tails together securing the bead. You may want to double knot it.

Put a dab of super glue on the knot to keep it from coming undone. When the glue is dry trim the ends.



All Finished


Your bracelet is done! To wear it simply slip the bead through the twist at the opposite end.

Write it down.

Okay, so I have a confession to make. As a historian I totally tell people that they need to write their stories down. . .usually go as far as saying please write it in your own writing. I usually say that because as an archivist I want to see writing samples, it is fun and can tell a lot about a person through their samples by way of grammar and spelling and such. Besides writing styles are always fun to look at. . .

My confession is as follows, I don't write in a paper journal. Now, with that said, I do write in a journal online that is private, but there is an option to have it published in a book. I stumbled across the site while I was perusing facebook. It is the best thing that ever happened to me because I can't write very long without pain in my hands. So as I have gotten older (this makes me sound really old but I'm not I am 27 and have fibromyalgia) I have accepted the fact that sometimes these things have to be done in other ways, and my other way is typing. Whatever way you need, keep a record of your life, others will be thankful to know you through your writing.

My favorite site for writing is here. I also know other people who keep a blog and print out each entry they write. The options are endless!!! SO get pen and paper, or your computer or even a sketch book and start writing or creating!

One little after thought is that an "entry" doesn't have to be grandios or verbose, just write what you feel, and even if it is a sentence or two, it will be worth while. It will also become easier over time.

Our Family Embarks on a Garden

So, I've have never had a green thumb. Far from it. I took Horticulture with Mr. Sonnichsen back in 7th grade at good ol' Orville Wright Jr. High, but I couldn't really get anything to grow in my row. Or at least not that I remember.

So, when I heard that Gordon Wells Jr. was going to be teaching a home gardening class this year in our Stake, my ears perked up. I thought - hey - I'll attend and see what I can pick up. The 6 week course was great, and I learned quite a bit in that time. And now it's the start of April, and it's time to begin the Spring Garden.

At this point I'm still not as prepared as I'd like to be. I bought almost everything I need and cleared out the garden area. The Halls across the way let me borrow their rototiller and it worked like a charm! The ground is very soft and loamy, which is great. Now, I just need to put some fertilizer in and rototill it over again.





Brother Wells states that I can just take 3 cups of 16-16-8 fertilizer and 1 cup of ironite and mix it together, and then sprinkle it all over the plot of land and rototill that in. I will be trying this. I also tried getting some elemental Sulfur from Highland Gardens, but they did not sell it. They said to go to IFA to get it, so I'll see if I can do that this weekend.

BTW - with the size of the sacks of fertilizer they gave me, that stuff is going to last FOREVER.

Anyway, as I was at Highland Gardens, they took me past some apple trees, and showed me a grafted Granny Smith, Fuji, and Golden Delicious apple tree. I was thoroughly impressed and thought about grabbing it to replace the dead one in the front yard (so sad...I know...but I had no idea how to spray). I'll be tearing that tree out and figuring out what to do with the spot in the yard. However, Laurie reminded me that fruit trees in the front yard decrease the home's value (people seem to dislike all that messy fruit falling on the sidewalk and driveway), so I found a spot in the backyard that I think will do very nicely. It's got good drainage, good sunlight, and will serve our neighbors well too, as I put it right by our common fence. Of course, I may not see much in the way of fruit this year, but I was glad to learn to plant a tree for the first time.



I also started some seeds today - Peas (Little Marvel), Spinach (Bloomsdale Longstanding), Swiss Chard (Lucullus), and Lettuce (Parris Island Cos). I have them sitting upstairs in a South-facing window.



Wish me luck! Hopefully these babies will take!

Inexpensive Photo Books

You know how Photo Books are all the rage right now? I don't mean the old-school photo albums where you print out your 4"x6" pics and slip them into little plastic sleeves. I'm talking about the "design-how-you-want-it, professional layout, hardcover-bound with customized pictures and text" photo books. I get emails to make them dirt cheap from Shutterfly, Kodakgallery and Snapfish. Even Wal-green's sends me emails touting their photo book wares.

But I've never seen them for less than they're presently going for at ArtsCow, where an 8"x8" 30-page photo book is only $11.99 plus you get free shipping! My only regret is I didn't log in to check out their latest promotions earlier, because this price is only good through February 18 using any one of the following coupon codes at checkout:

Z8ZPRM4
Z5WJ5VC
ZG8KTK4
ZC48VSX
ZDBJ3PT
Z6CRD7Q
ZB5J562
Z9V6RF5
ZLYVUMH
ZEQN3VW

You'll need to sign up for ArtsCow if you don't already have an account and upload your photos. Download ArtsCow's photo book software (very quick and easy to use), design your book, and enter one of the checkout codes listed above on the Billing & Shipping info page. It's so simple!

Don't have time to create a 30-page photo book in only a week but think a 20-page book is doable? Use coupon code PBS699 at checkout instead to get a 20-page photo book for only $6.99 plus free shipping. And new ArtsCow members also get an automatic credit for 1200 free prints just for signing up!

I've loved everything I've purchased from ArtsCow so far, especially my new shopping bag. It's no longer on sale, but it makes such an excellent reusable grocery bag that I'm going to make another if I see a coupon code for it again.

Another Giveaway?

Not too long ago we had a giveaway for the success choice planner.  If you really wanted one and and didn't win you have another chance.  It is one of many items in a giveaway going on at Mormon Mommy Blogs (click here)!  Good Luck!

Confessions of a digital scrapper:

The truth is I've only been digitally scrapbooking for about a year now and the other truth is, I'm addicted.

For me, the more I can do for free is always a goal so I'm going to tell you some ways and tips for cheap/free digital scrapbooking.

I began with a free trial of photoshop and a tutorial. But lets back up a bit first. Before you begin downloading photoshop I recommend downloading and extracting some free digi scrap kits from places such as:
shabby princess

Oscraps
digital scrapbooking-free
free digital scrapbooking

A quick google for "free digital scrapbooking" will bring up a ton.

If you do see a kit and you love it but it isn't free remember that you can use it as much as you like - and you don't have to worry about ruining a piece you've already glued down when you realise it's upside down or in the wrong place ;) I've not yet bought a kit and have far too much too pick from - atleast it isn't bogging up my craft cupboard though, right?

I organise my kits in folders by renaming the folder to the kit name and I delete the zip file and catalogue page that comes with most kits to save room - and so my husband doesn't get upset when the hard drive is full :D

Get to know what files you have and think of the photographs you have to use with them so you can make the most of your 30 day photoshop trial.

Download your free trial of photoshop and follow this video tutorial from Shabby Princess and you'll easily have your first layout completed. I watched and followed along with the tutorial twice and was on my way after that.

With the skills you learn from digital scrapbooking you can make baby announcements, invitations, Christmas cards and learn to edit your own photographs the way professionals do.

Pair your new hobby with Artscow and you've got cheap printing and gift ideas!

For completely free and easy digital scrapbooking check out scrapblog.
Or for bit of a twist on digital scrapbooking make some emailable ones at Smilebox.

Make 2009 a year of capturing and preserving memories. Organise your photo files into year>month>day/occassion files so nostalgia is a simple click away and easier to share.

Good luck and Happy New Year!

Safe Drugs during Pregnancy and Breast-Feeding

My pediatrician's office got a new nurse last month and I recently called to see if there were cold medicines I can take while nursing my baby that were off-limits during pregnancy. This new nurse happened to be on-call that morning and told me about SafeFetus.com, a website I can use any time to check the effects various drugs have on pregnancy and the milk produced by nursing mothers, and whether or not said drugs and effects are considered safe by the FDA.

From the SafeFetus.com website:
"Safefetus.com is a complete database of worldwide medications (generic& trade) providing information on the drugs' indications, fetal risk, breastfeeding risk, during pregnancy, according to the FDA."

I recommend double-checking with your ob or pediatrician about newer drugs because the website's list of drugs has not been updated since October, 2006 and an email I sent requesting a recent update has gone unanswered. So far, every drug about which I've asked my pediatrician has been in line with the site's recommendations, so it does provide good general guidelines.

Mistletoe Kissing Ball

This Mistletoe Kissing Ball is my own adaptation from a Martha Stewart creation. Though it's similar, the biggest difference really is that I made mine on a budget, choosing denim leaves instead of Dupioni silk, etc. saving quite a lot of money. (Estimated cost: 48.00 for the materials for six balls, $8.00 per ball.)

These mistletoe balls are especially perfect for hostess gifts for all of the many parties you are visiting this holiday season. They do take a little time and since it's already last minute and they are very detailed (but they are terribly gorgeous!)... so, craft! Craft like the wind!


Materials Needed:

4" styrofoam ball
Silver spray paint
Cup hook
Craft glue
12 Miniature pine cones with floral wire tied at the bottom (to attach to ball)
Silver glitter
White glitter
Miniature ornaments or 2 Beaded branches (I purchased discounted champagne-colored beaded twigs from Michael's Craft, marked down to $.59/each)
Wire cutters
1/4 yard light green denim
Floral pins (with white pearlescent heads)
Floral tape
Decorative ribbon in the color of your choice (for hanging)

Directions:

Begin by spray painting silver your styrofoam ball and cup hook. Allow to dry according to directions on paint can. Attach hook to ball using craft glue.

Prepare pine cones by dotting the edges with craft glue and sprinkling with silver glitter. After they dry, attach each one to the ball at random with glue on attached wire.

Pinecones attached to painted styrofoam ball.

Prepare miniature ornaments. If you purchased a beaded branch, remove beads using wire cutters, and allowing for at least one inch of wire to attach to ball. Separate beads evenly into two separate piles. Leave one pile plain, while glittering the second pile of beads.

Beaded branch in a champagne color, purchased from Michael's Crafts.

Wire cutters and plain beads removed from branch, leaving a one-inch wire stem.

To glitter the beads, first coat each bead with a thin layer of craft glue using a dot of glue placed on the tip of your finger. Roll in a bowl of white glitter and set aside for at least an hour to dry.

Glittered beads using craft glue and white glitter.

Once both groups of beads are ready, coat their wires in craft glue and attach at random to the styrofoam ball until almost completely covered (leaving a few small holes is fine).

Ball with beads and pine cones attached.

To create the leaves, first draw a leaf on a piece of paper, about one inch tall. Cut your denim fabric into strips and layer four at a time. Use clips to keep them from coming apart while cutting. Holding your template in place, carefully cut around template through all four layers. Each ball will require about 40 leaves, or to your liking.

Use a floral pin as the mistletoe berry. Use 1-3 pins for every two leaves. Wrap together using floral tape. (Pull floral tape taut to activate its glue to keep it in place). Randomly place mistletoe into ball, coating the floral pins with glue first.

Mistletoe leaves made from denim. Place two leaves together, secure with pin (left). Wrap bottom with floral tape (right).

Cut ribbon to desired length and tie with a bow at the top. Attach to cup hook on ball.

Great deal on 'All You' magazine

Cheryl Hinton is a Southern Living at HOME consultant that has a current deal right now where you can purchase a 2-year subscription to the popular All You magazine for only $19.95. 'All You' is only available for purchase in Wal-Mart stores, and the shelf price is more than $2. Cheryl is able to get us 24 issues for only 83¢ each! I am passing along this information with her permission.

Cheryl has set up a way to place your orders online with a credit card. If you'd prefer, she can also call you directly to place your order over the phone. You can pay via credit card or personal check over the phone.

To order online:

Click HERE.

Type 40776 into the Product Search box
Click "All You personal subscription"
Click "How to Purchase"
Enter "Kim J" into the Hostess Name boxes
Click the first name link to access Kim's December 15 party
Type 40776 into the Product Search box again
Click "All You personal subscription"
Click "Select this Item"

On same page, click on the "Finalize and submit your order" link
Your subtotal should be $19.95. If it's more than that, double-check the number of subscriptions in your cart.
Click "Continue to Checkout"

Fill in your personal information and follow the directions for payment. Make sure to use your MAILING address. The confirmation statement about items being shipped to the hostess only applies to PRODUCTS, and NOT MAGAZINES. There is no additional charge for the magazine to be delivered directly to your home. The $10 charge mentioned is only for the direct shipment of products. **PLEASE do not check that box!**

If you wish to purchase a Gift Subscription, just place an order using the name and address of the person you are buying the subscription for. You can then use your credit card information to pay for it.

Cheryl has made herself available to answer your questions or address any problems you encounter during the ordering process. Her contact information follows, or you can fill out and submit this simple form.

Cheryl Hinton

813-504-5788
Independent Consultant
Southern Living at Home
finallylarrys@yahoo.com
www.southernlivingathome.com/hinton

~Cheryl just emailed me and said the ALL You deal will be going on after the first of the year. I will post again in January with updated 'party information' if you'd like. Thanks!~

Hipster Holiday Music

If you're one of those types that greatly dislikes the same old Christmas songs year in and year out, we have just the suggestion for you!

Enter Pandora!

If you haven't heard yet, Pandora.com is a free online service that allows you to listen to specific genres you enjoy. You simply enter in your favorite band as a "station", and it generates an endless play list of suggested similar artists, so your favorites, along with some new bands you may not have heard of yet are being played.

For Christmas, we suggest entering in "Sufjan Stevens (holiday)" as a new station... it's hip, young, and unique Christmas music from bands like Relient K, Jars of Clay, and of course Sufjan Stevens!

Just in case you needed a break from your mom's Christmas music...

(Thanks, Jamie!)

Eggnog Pancakes

This delightful and delicious recipe has just the right amount of eggnog and a healthy dose of Christmas cheer! Excellent topped with a bit of butter and maple syrup!

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 1/2 cup eggnog
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/4 to 1/2 cup milk, add until desired consistency

Directions:

In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. Set aside.

In a separate bowl, combine eggnog, oil, and egg.

Create a well in the dry ingredients and pour wet ingredients into well. Whisk together. Add milk until you reach your desired consistency and mix.

Cook on griddle or stove top until the middle is cooked through.

Check out Weefinds and Win a Toys R Us Gift Card!

Introducing Weefinds - a new site run by three moms that tells you where the best online deals are! Christine, Debbie, and Sherri are moms of young children and are always on the lookout for cheap deals. They've gathered them here on their new website. Right now they are having a giveaway - just post a comment sharing your favorite Christmas gift idea for under $25, and a winner will be randomly chosen on December 7th. I just popped over and there are some good ideas there already - hmmm...that reminds me, I better start making my Christmas list!

Pine Cone Wreath

This wreath is SO cute! Check out the Brightwood Living blog for more details.

She doesn't have step by step instructions, but it sounds like she attached the pine cones to the wire form with floral wire & the last row looks like small pine cones attached with floral wire to the center to hide the floral wire that attaches the larger pine cones to the wire form.
Hopefully that makes sense.

Check out the blog post & her pictures.

One suggestion - she mentions the sap gets all over, so wearing latex type gloves (like your Dr/Dentist) may be a good idea. (maybe not, so don't hold me to it ;-)

I found your Camera.com

I heard about this site Found cameras & orphan photos if ever you find a lost camera you can email this site two photos on the camera or memory card and send a description of the item found and they will post it to thier blog and hopefully it will be a wonderful reunion with the memories you photographed and thought you lost...

I think that it is an awesome thing to do.. I will tell you that a great friend of mine went to California with her family and it was her boys first trip to sea world, Disneyland and DCA ... She happened to set her camera down in a bugs life show at DCA... about a half hour after she left the camera she went back and asked a cast member about if anything had been turned in and well the answer was a NO... We then went to file a claim with lost and found and nothing... She checked back at the close of the day and still nothing... so I hope that someone with some sort of moral code will post onto this wonderful site so that way my wonderful friend can obtain her photos of  a lot of firsts for her kiddos...

Please pass the word about this wonderful site... maybe just maybe the more people know about this site the more photos will be returned to thier rightful owners... Thanks all for letting me ramble...
 I just want a happy ending... cause the trip really shouldve been a magical one... and for the most it was...
Thanks again all...

Another Headband Giveaway!

The Orange Plum is having a headband giveaway...check out their blog for the details & check out their Etsy store for fun new patterns & colors AND their new Baby Blankets!
(the drawing will be Nov 16th @ 4:30 MST)Two of the reasons these headbands are so great is because they STAY where you want them, and they don't hurt your head...no more "headband headaches".