by Sharon | Apr 2, 2016
I love old stuff . . . and things that remind me of my childhood.
I remember my grandmother clipping recipes out of newspapers and magazines. She would sit at her kitchen table for hours organizing her recipes and writing them out on cards.
She could make a whole recipe book with the clippings she collected over the years. And all the cross outs she made to the recipes and notes she wrote in the margins. She knew what she liked and the amount of each ingredient that was necessary to make the perfect dish.
The more I think about it, the more I’m delighted I’m into crafting. I can make this mini album of Grandma’s Recipes . . . if I only had it. Yes, this happens. Family members do have a tendency to “borrow” things and never returning them. I just hope that wherever it is, it has enriched the lives of those who have used those recipes . . . and it may be collecting dust somewhere . . . forgotten . . . or tossed out decades ago.
It doesn’t really matter. We have access to millions of recipes on the internet and in cook books and in magazines and newspapers. These seem to circulate regularly . . . some “found” recipe tucked away for safe keeping has found its way to be shared.
Exactly like these vintage recipe cards. I like them because they remind me, it’s never too early to learn how to cook and bake . . . and collect recipes. Just click the image to be taken to the page to print out this recipe card.
Have fun!
Sharon
by Sharon | Apr 1, 2016
What is one to do when we’re in between holidays?
Prepare for the next one . . . or look ahead . . . or combine two classics . . .
Yes, think Halloween . . . and Christmas . . . Two holidays when people do go a bit crazy with decorating.
I have just the thing for you to try making now . . . so when it’s time to impress your family and friends, you’ll be able to make an impressive Gingerbread Halloween House.
Click the image on the right and you’ll be taken to the free template.
I was thinking of using this concept for a mini-album or a card . . . just discovering ways of making things from one medium to another. Free templates are always great to get you started creating your own designs. We always can use a starting point for making something different and special.
And this is a good time to try making something for another holiday. It seems we never have time to finish things . . . Probably because we’re inspired by other new ideas . . .
That’s the thing with inspiration . . . we never know where it will take us. But it is a wonderful ride . . . or journey . . .
It’s good to relax and think things through without pressure. You can adapt this to fit several different holidays . . . using food or paper products. You can make it spring or summer . . . it doesn’t have to be Halloween . . . The template provides the bare necessities . . . you provide the theme.
This is something to explore when you’re not busy doing other things . . . or planning other celebrations.
Have fun!
Sharon
by Sharon | Mar 30, 2016
I’m sitting on my patio, drinking a hot cup of coffee.
It could be considered gloomy, but I’m feeling good. We need the rain and I was enjoying hearing it. I do find it relaxing.
I am a bit cold, so I’ll move inside.
It’s interesting how a previous post can fill one’s mind . . . especially a craft idea. I’m thinking of using elements from something I shared on my website OldHauntedStuff.com
It is spring and I’m thinking Halloween. I guess with crafts, it’s never too early to get started. I do subscribe to a scrapbooker who is always waiting for pictures from her kids to add to the scrapbooks she’s making for her grandchildren. It is all a labor of love . . . and the pictures she receives, she makes the layout . . . no matter the season.
It’s refreshing to know how most crafters and scrapbookers are always behind . . . or ahead, depending upon one’s perspective. I know there are many who are planning their Christmas in July videos . . . that’s when I’m into my Halloween stuff. Well, this year I’m getting to it earlier . . . along with Christmas.
I guess it doesn’t really matter the season, the important thing is that we’re doing something worthwhile for upcoming holidays.
I would like to be current with my crafts and the season, but I do plan ahead and by the time the actual event occurs, I’m pretty much over it and moving forward to the next.
Disney always come to the rescue when it comes to making an idea a reality . . .
Spring is a time of new growth . . . all kinds of flowers and perhaps a fairy or two . . .
Something to capture the imagination . . . and to take you into another world of peace and tranquility. We do need as much of that as possible. And exercising the imagination is always fun, too.
This would be great for a card or to set up on a shelf . . . it is a freestanding door . . . inviting you to peek around it . . . or open it . . . Just click the image to be taken to the free template.
You can make a wonderful diorama . . . with plenty of flowers . . . even attach the door to a box and build your fairyland inside it . . . there are many uses . . . and hours of fun for you as a crafter and for your children . . . share the fun.
I know many crafters do work with their children or grandchildren. There is a spark that children have in bringing the best out of adults. This allows you to play, imagine and explore . . .
You’ll probably want flowers, too. And the most unusual, the better. This may spark an idea or two of your own once you print out these and assemble them . . . you’ll have plenty of unique flowers to add to your special fairyland . . .
These were inspired by Alice In Wonderland, but you can adapt them however you want. Just click the image to be taken to the free printable.
It’s always delightful to have some friendly flowers . . . these would make a beautiful bouquet to make and share. You can always add pictures of your family in these flowers . . . that would make them very special, indeed.
And, you’ll need fairies, too . . . I wonder . . .
Well, with Disney, you don’t have to wonder very long. They do have exactly what is necessary to create something special and memorable.
Remember to click on the image to be taken to the free template you can print and cut out. This is truly a wonderful template where you mix and match pieces to create your own unique fairies . . . and you can add your own special touches to make each one unique . . . and just right for your creation. They do bring happiness.
And, as with the flowers you can make your friends and family into fairies for your special wonderland/fairyland.
Yes, spring is that time of wonder . . . of joy and delight . . . a time to get out in nature and enjoy yourself with family and friends. And use these free printables and templates. You will definitely have a wonderful time.
I’ll leave you with one more link. Something you may find fun to put on your next batch of cupcakes. It’s appropriate for spring . . . with some of your Disney pals.
I hope this post was helpful and inspiring.
Until next time,
Sharon
by Sharon | Mar 29, 2016
This is an opportunity to get into crafts.
Rainy days seem to be creative days for me.
An opportunity to write or make something.
I am completely captivated by this. It works for all seasons and holidays. You just need the basic structure and then allow your imagination to run wild.
You may be inspired to have a little cabin figurine included with your flower display. Or something else may come to mind.
With the bare bones of this craft idea, you can make dozens of original pieces you will be proud to display in your home or to give as gifts.
You may even want to use something else to suspend in the air and cascade onto your plate or saucer.
It’s nice to look at finished products, but I find it more enjoyable to see the basic structure and then decide how I can make something that is meaningful to me . . . or to someone I may make it for . . . we all have our favorite things . . . or things we associate with others.
It make a wonderful centerpiece for your dining table. If you need a little nudge in any particular direction, I would make one for each of the four seasons or each of the major holidays you celebrate.
Also gather ideas from family and friends. It is amazing what a little brain storming session may bring out. Be sure to keep a list of those suggestions . . . no matter how far out they may seem . . . it could inspire you to create something awesome. And get the children involved. You can glue all kinds of stuff together.
What do you imagine spilling out of your cup or goblet or mason jar . . . ?
There is no right or wrong way of adding embellishments to your basic structure . . . just cover up the fork . . . you do want to retain some of the mystery.
Since I’m into paper crafts, I was thinking of making the cup out of paper . . . to make it lighter, chip board works and core board works, too. You can also incorporate this into a mini-album that could be displayed right along with this . . . with pictures of your family and friends on vacation or involved in some celebration.
It could be completely imaginative . . . that would be a good thing, too. You could be inspired by a favorite movie or book . . . or a place you once visited . . . or a picture you saw . . . the possibilities are absolutely endless.
It may be fun to go to a favorite thrift store . . . or craft store and see what inspires you . . .
And, if you get your children involved, it would be fun to video it or take pictures during the construction . . . this may add to the completed project.
Remember, this is only the bare bones concept . . . you can use whatever you want . . . a box, a hat, a shoe . . . you can begin with something other than a cup . . . it can have whatever theme you want it to have . . . for any season or “just because.”
Here are some links you may find helpful:
I may revisit this from time to time . . . just to think and imagine . . .
Like I said earlier, write down all your ideas . . . then take a picture of your finished project or while it is in progress. Even if it didn’t come out as well as anticipated . . . you can always change it . . .
The important thing is to have fun . . . and share that fun with family and friends.
Until next time,
Sharon
by Sharon | Mar 28, 2016
It’s all a matter of perspective.
I find it refreshing to sit back and observe . . . nature, people, pets . . . just watch and learn.
At times it is difficult to sit quietly. I sometimes feel I need to be doing something . . . or at least thinking about something . . . about my blog or a project . . . something meaningful and worthwhile.
I did receive an email about “breaking the cycle.” It was about getting your emails and posts noticed . . . but I wasn’t thinking in terms of marketing. I was thinking in terms of life. We are creatures of habit. We schedule time . . . we’re always on the clock.
But, break the cycle . . . even for 5 minutes . . . or a minute and build up . . . what would that do? How would that affect our day? Would we gain insight?
I came across this quote on Pinterest about taking charge of your life without excuses or blame. Too often we give our power to others . . . out of foolishness, not knowing better, perhaps fear . . . it’s always easier to blame others or situations than to take a long hard look at yourself and realize you can make the changes when you stand up and take charge of yourself.
It may be about being your own best friend . . . about finding what is truly important to you. We don’t have to follow others . . . yes, it is easier, but is it right for you? Is it what you want to do?
Life gives us opportunities . . . that don’t seem like opportunities at all. We could lose a best friend or a significant love interest . . . and we can choose to be devastated, hurt, lost, bewildered . . . or stand up and say, “That was good for the moment and in this moment I will move on in my journey and find my true meaning of life and happiness.”
Yes, it is a tall order, but it is important to allow doors to close and others to open. I’m not saying be reckless . . . I’m saying to take the time to explore your thoughts and feelings. Take a moment or two to reflect . . . to think . . . to observe . . . to discover what makes you happy.
Sitting out among the abundance of spring is like a rebirth . . . take advantage of spring . . . and watch yourself blossom and bloom.
Until next time,
Sharon
