Happy Veteran's Day!

I would like to say Happy Veteran's Day and salute all those in the military who serve for our freedom-past,present and future.May God bless you and your families!!!

Trash to treasure craft-Folgers coffee container/pincushion

I am a craft addict and I love to recycle crafts.That way I can save the environment and money! Here is what I made today from a Folger's coffee bottle. Yes,I love coffee!!!

Steps on how I did it:

1.I peeled off the label and wash the container clean.Then I dried it.

2. I wanted to make a stuffed look top so I got some scrap fabric and cut a circle with extra fabric all around. I just eyeballed it. The circle was about 6 inches in diameter.

3. Next,I used a gathering stitch about a quarter inch from the edge of the circle.

4.Then,I put a few cotton balls in the center of the circle. You can use batting.Afterwards,I put the lid on the cotton balls.

5.After drawing the gathering stitch around the lid, I used a glue gun to keep the fabric onto the cover. To sort of hide my messy work,I cut a cardboard circle and glued it onto the inside of the lid.

6.I decorated the lid with some trim and a little accessory. Since I am using this bottle for my felt pieces,I just glued a felt dragonfly onto the bottle. I am even using the bottle lid as a pincushion!

I will be posting more craft projects in the future, please visit my Craft Page to see what is new. Click here  for updates whenever I post any crafts projects.

Finally made the caramels

Well,I finally got down to trying out the caramel from the recipe on Home Made Simple website. Click here to see it.
I never made this before so it did not come out quite a hit.I think I took it out way too early and it ended up a little softer than I wanted it to be.It was more like taffy...lol but it tasted great! It sure does cost a bit to get this made but homemade is always best :)

Hot creamy chicken soup with dumplings and veggies

It is a bit chilly outside and I was just in the mood for some hot soup. I just grabbed some stuff that I have on hand and tried to create a meal with it.

Here is how I made it:

*Boneless,skinless chicken breasts cut up in chunks.I used about a pound

* Seaonings to taste. I used salt, black pepper, garlic powder and parsley to season my chicken after cutting it up and washing it.

*Olive oil

*Any kind of veggies.I used the frozen Kroger brand soup mix that I got on sale for $1.00 a pack.

*1 small can evaporated milk

*1 can chicken broth

*flour to make dumplings (about 1-1/2 cups)

*potatoes- cut into small cubes

*parmesan cheese to sprinkle on top before eating

Method:

1. First I cut the chicken and seasoned it. Then I let it set for about 15 minutes.
2. Next I put some olive oil in a pot and sauteed the chicken chunks until they turned completely white.
3. Then I added the frozen vegetables and cubed potatoes and stirred it up until the excess liquid is burnt off.
4. I added the evaporated milk and the chicken broth.
5. In the meantime,I kneaded the flour with some water to make a soft dough.
6. When the liquid in the pot was boiling,I added small balls of dumplings.
7. You can add extra water to the pot in case there is not enough liquid to boil everything.

The main ingredients that needs time to cook are the chicken,potatoes and dumplings and these should all be done in less than half an hour. You can season to taste.I love to add parmesan cheese on mine.

Taking a break because of illness

I would not be blogging here for a few days.I had been sick.My asthma had worsened and I was having chest pains so I ended up at the doctor's today.I had to wait for 4 hours before everything was over and done with.I had exrays,blood work and got two shots in my hips.I have no health insurance so you can guess how much "fun" it was to get our bill.
Anyway, take care everyone and hope that you all have a Happy Halloween! God bless!

Crochet bedspread-where did my patience go?

I made this bedspread 8 yrs ago and we are still enjoying it on these chilly nights.When I stop to think of how long it took me (a month) while being pregnant,I wonder at my patience.Now,I'm looking for that patience because I cannot see myself working on a bedspread a whole month!

How I made a skirt from a pair of shorts

I just wanted to share with you how I made a skirt for my daughter from a pair of shorts she had.I used two pieces of gingham but you can use whatever you have on hand.I paid $1.00 per yard for this fabric at Walmart a couple years ago.Gone are the days when you can get fabric for $1.00 per yard, unless you are lucky.

Anyway,here is how I made the skirt.

First I cut the joined parts of the shorts so that the crotch is opened out.I just snipped it straight across.This pair of shorts had pockets to the front.
Next,I cut the red gingham about 8 inches long.I used the width of the cloth which was 36" and then joined it to the bottom of the shorts around with a little gathering here and there.After reaching the end,I just cut whatever extras there were of the fabric.
Then,I did the same thing for the green gingham and finally, I hemmed the bottom of the skirt.
I am not a great sewing person so it is not neat and professional but I think I did pretty good.

To see more of my craft projects, Click here