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Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Damask Ball Wreath

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Damask Ball Wreath

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I'm excited to be part of a crafty group of bloggers to have a "craft night" every month!
They are awesome, be sure to stop by their blogs and see their take on this project:
Kari from Newlyweds on a Budget, Marilyn from 4 You with Love,
Anna from Directions Not Includedand Laura from Smallgood Hearth.

Our project this month was inspired by this wreath we found on Pinterest by Making it Fun:

...and here is my version!

I designed it to go with my Monogrammed Canvas:


It was kind of more work than I had planned, but I love the final look! 

Here's what I used to make my wreath:
12" Wreath Form
Scrap Ribbon
12 Large Styrofoam Balls
48 Small Styrofoam Balls
Damask Tissue Paper
Mod Podge
Hot Glue


First, I wrapped all the balls with strips of tissue paper and stuck on with Mod Podge.
{See my other damask ball/apothecary jar project here}

Paint the back side of the tissue paper strip with Mod Podge and wrap it around the ball.
If there are empty spots, you can add on smaller pieces. Let dry completely.


I had a vine wreath I found at the dollar store, but it's kind of hard to glue the balls onto the wreath sometimes.
So, I used some scraps of ribbon I had on hand and wrapped the wreath. I didn't want the pink ribbon to show through the wreath, so I took it out and gave it a coat of black spray paint {just to the one side}.


Next, I attached the balls to the wreath with hot glue.


Close up of the damask balls attached to the wreath...


I love it!! What do you think?

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

DIY Twix Bars

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

DIY Twix Bars

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These wannabe "Twix" bars are SO simple, and almost taste better than the real thing!! Not as much work as I thought, especially for someone who thinks even the thought of recipes like this are beyond overwhelming.


The idea came to me after Halloween, when our attempt at making caramel apples turned into yummy apples with a delicious dip!! We couldn't get the caramel to a high enough temperature, but it was the perfect temperature for a dip or a recipe like this. I also got an easy and delicious shortbread recipe from my amazing dessert-master of an aunt. Top the both with chocolate and voila! Perfect combination.

Twix Bars:
Prepare shortbread layer:
Recipe by Wendi Klein
1 cup powdered sugar
2 cups unsalted butter
4 cups flour
Pinch of salt
Pinch of baking powder
1/2-1 tsp vanilla

 Press down into 13x9 pan to be about 1/8" thick.
Poke dough all over with a fork and bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Let cool.

Prepare caramel layer:
1/2 cup butter
1 cup light corn syrup
2 cups brown sugar
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp vanilla

Combine the first three ingredients in a large saucepan.  When the butter is melted, add the condensed milk.  Stirring constantly, cook to 230 degrees (soft ball stage).  Take off heat, and stir in vanilla.

OR use a shortcut method:
Two 14 oz bags of caramels
2 Tbs + 2 tsp heavy cream

Unwrap caramels and place in a saucepan.
Turn to medium-low heat at stir until melted, and add in heavy cream.  Do NOT overcook!

Pour hot caramel over the shortbread and spread evenly.
If it cools too fast, get fingers a little bit wet and you can easily move it around.
Let cool.

Prepare chocolate layer:
Melt 1 1/2 - 2 bags of chocolate chips
{I used milk chocolate, but you can use whatever you like}
Small amount of vegetable oil or shortening if chocolate is too thick to pour

Melt chocolate chips and oil/shortening  in microwave or in a double boiler over low heat.
Pour over caramel and spread to edges.
Let cool.

Cut into squares {I also used cookie cutters for some fun shapes} and serve!
Store covered at room temperature or in the fridge {remove from fridge a little while before serving!}

Linking to these parties!
Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Makeup Magnet Board

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Makeup Magnet Board

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My daughter is getting into the stage of wanting to play with mommy's makeup. While I'm combing her hair, she's sitting on the counter and emptying my makeup bag and figuring out how to open everything and put it on like mommy does... sort of. So, I needed to stop the problem before it got too messy:
Friday, April 6, 2012

Easter Necklaces

Friday, April 6, 2012

Easter Necklaces

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I know it's a little last-minute, but I finally got my Easter treats made up for my nieces and nephews!


What You'll Need:
Plastic Easter Eggs
Jelly Beans
Elastic Thread
{regular thread would work fine, too}
17-18" Ribbon
{I found a 6 pack of coordinating ribbon for $1 at Target}
1 Large Needle

*I would say that this could be a fun projects for kids, but the needles make this a little dangerous.
You could probably use the larger plastic needles to make this more kid-friendly.

Thread the needle and CAREFULLY poke it through the jelly bean. The coating will make it a little difficult, so be careful. It's also very sticky, so keep a wet cloth nearby to wipe your hands and clean off the needle. I put 5 jelly beans on each side with an empty egg in the center. Leave a few inches on each end of the jelly beans.

Tie the ends of the ribbon to each end of the elastic thread. Tie it tight so it won't come apart!

Fill the egg with a few surprises and that's it!

Hope you have a wonderful Easter holiday weekend!
Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Free Printable Spring Banner

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Free Printable Spring Banner

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I've finally updated my Seasonal Canvas/Clothesline Art Canvas
{see here and here for past examples}
and put together a printable to share!