Great Magazine Deal

Last year while attending my first big quilt show in Chicago, I was suckered into buying a subscription to Sew News magazine.  Let me say, it was so worth the 10 minutes that I had to spend visiting with the annoying salesperson.

I love that Sew News is packed with tons of tips, and has fun project patterns and ideas.  This month's issue contains a pattern for this fun spring skirt shown on the cover.


Right now they are offering this great deal.  I've already got mine!


Happy reading,
e

This Farm Kid

This boy, MUST be a farm boy. 

He's been gearing up for spring by singing his new favorite song.

"Who's Gonna Feed Them Hogs" by Tom T. Hall


I think that he knows all of the words, and loves to sing it as loud as possible.  In a world where most kids are belting out Bieber and Miley, this guy is walking his own musical path.  I can't wait to see what he loves next.

Of course, what can you expect when your parents song is "Fishin' in the Dark"?

Hope that you're enjoying your music this week!
e

A Fun Coaster Crafty

We were getting ready to attend the wedding of two wonderful people recently, and I wanted to come up with a personalized gift for them.  I turned to my trusty new friend, Mod Podge, and found a great gift idea that even a 3 year old can be a part of creating.

First, I gathered my supplies.

Spray Adhesive, 4" Square Cork Coasters, Mod Podge, Foam Brushes (all found at Hobby Lobby)

4" Square Ceramic Tiles (found at Menards)

4" square pieces, cut from an old atlas

I began by hunting through my car for an old atlas.  We seem to have a million of these floating around our garage and vehicles, and I can't remember the last time that I actually even looked at one.  It makes me a little nastalgic to see these now.  It seems that I really do use my phone for everything these days, especially navigation.  It was time to give the atlas a new purpose! 

I pinpointed certain "fun" cities (where the couple grew up, went to college, and now live.) and cut 4" squares incorporating these locations.

Next, we used the adhesive spray to adhere the cork squares to the bottom of our tiles. 

We then coated the top of each tile in a thin layer of Mod Podge.  We placed the map squares on top, and finised with another coat of Mod Podge.

After allowing the tiles to dry, we coated them in 2 thin layers of high gloss sealant.

Then it was time to site back and enjoy our work!  They turned out great, and were such a fun crafty!

I hope that the happy couple enjoy them.  I can't wait to try creating a set with fabric!

Happy crafty!

e

Sausage Breakfast Casserole

Growing up, my Nana would make her egg & sausage breakfast casserole for us each Christmas.  My mother has continued this tradition.  Smell evokes such a strong sense of memory, I feel like I'm right back at my Nana's when this is baking in the oven.

Breakfast Sausage Casserole

1 lb Breakfast Sausage, browned
6 eggs
2 c. milk
1 c. cheddar cheese, shredded
1 t. dry mustard
5 slices bread

Mix all together.  Please in greased 8 1/2x11 pan.  Place in refrigerator over night or at least 6 hours before baking.  Cover with foil, bake 30 minutes.  Uncover and bake 15-20 minutes more until top is golden brown.  Bake at 350.

Nana's notes say that 1.5 times the recipe will fill at 9x13 pan and serve 12.  She also adds that this makes a nice carry-in dish for a group breakfast. 
(I'll be making is twice this week!)

The very best part of this recipe, is that I have it on a card in Nana's handwriting.  It was given to me at my wedding shower.  It just doesn't get much better than a loving grandmother and a good casserole!

Happy baking,
e

Chalkboard

I found an old oil painting in an antique store for around $5.00.  I liked the simple frame and the size of the piece, but wasn't too crazy about the actual picture.  So, I sanded the picture down, and applied several coats of chalkboard paint. 

And, I thought that the red frame would be a nice contrast.

The Bug absolutely loves sitting at the kitchen table and using the chalkboard to practice his letters and spelling.  It has saved Mommy's sanity many times while making dinner.

Here he is suprising Daddy by spelling his name!

We had no idea that he could write anything other than "Nate".  Sometimes is scary to think about all this kid knows!

Happy crafty!
e

Sweet Baby Boy

We are so excited to welcome a sweet baby boy into our family!  My cousin Anne, gave birth to little Jackson a couple of weeks ago.  We love you little Jack!

We all thought that he'd enjoy a cuddly taggy blanket, with his name on it of course!  It's backed in super soft minky to make it extra snuggly.

Happy crafty!
e

Ruffle Fabric

Yep, it's just what it sounds like, a site dedicated to beautiful ruffley fabric.

Like this

And this

And my favorite...this.

Wouldn't it make such a fun skirt?

Here are a few more project ideas.

The sweet folks at Whimsy Couture are looking for pattern testers to work on their new Ruffle Romper pattern.   Check it out!

Happy stitching,
e