Jan15

VOTIVE CANDLEHOLDER

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VOTIVE CANDLEHOLDER

Beat the winter doldrums with a fun craft project! Use it as a Valentine’s Day decoration, give as a gift

 or use it all-year round! Super easy and cheap to make.

Votive Candleholder

Materials:

Shells in different sizes

Strand of pearls or beads

Large clear vase with a neck (See photo)

Small votive/candle holder (make sure it fits into the opening of the vase)

Small candle or tea light that fits into the votive holder

Optional: Ribbon (the neck of the vase will decide the width and length of the ribbon)

1. Wash and dry the vase and candle holder/votive so that they shine.

2. Let the shape of the vase dictate where the shells, pearls and other objects of  choice will lay inside the vase.

3. Intertwine one strand of beads or pearls. Add some shells. Mix again.

  1. Place the larger shells and pearls or beads next and then intertwine another strand of beads or pearls.
  2. Finally, arrange the medium objects on top. Add the last strand of pearls or beads.  Mix. Make sure there is enough room for the candle holder/votive which should protrude above the neck of the vase just enough so that it is noticeable.
  3. Optional: Tie a bow around the neck of the vase

If the vase is narrow at the bottom, and widens just below the neck, place the small ones on the bottom. Refer to the photo of the finished craft.

Substitutions for the vase:

Potpourri

Small handmade soaps

Beads

Buttons

Heart-shaped paper cutouts

Ribbons

Mix it up!

Substitutions for the votive/candle holder:

Flower bud

Tiny beads

Colored water

Potpourri

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Jan6

HOW TO MAKE MONEY SELLING CRAFTS

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HOW TO MAKE MONEY SELLING CRAFTS

Sell Your Crafts! Turn Your Hobby into Spending Money

If you enjoy creating and you constantly hear people telling you that you should sell your creations, consider voyaging into the world of selling your crafts for money. You should carefully plan out your entrance into the world of selling crafts. There are many websites and venues where you can sell your crafts both online and off.

Online venues are a great way to reach customers all over the world. Popular websites like Etsy, Artfire and eBay are great tools that help to reach your targeted customers. Before making the plunge into selling your crafts, be sure to take the time and do some research beforehand. Keep the following questions in mind as you consider the prospect of selling your creations:

* Do I have a product that people would want to buy? This is the most important question you have to ask yourself. If there is no target market for your products, you will have a hard time selling your creations and not because your items are not nice. Perhaps they are not in demand.

* Who is my potential target market? You need to know who to advertise to and how to successfully draw your target market to your items. For example, it would be a waste of time trying to sell baby clothes to those who do not have children

* What will I charge for my creations? Pricing is an important strategy. All too often, people under charge for their creations because they forget to add in the time and materials that go into a product. Make sure to account for both the cost of the materials as well as the time and effort you put forth to create your goods. Also be sure not to overcharge. You may find that your items do not sell because they are too expensive for the average person to buy,

* Where will I sell my items? Online websites are plentiful when it comes to selling handmade goods. There are websites such as Etsy and Artfire who only allow the sales of handmade goods, along with supplies. EBay is also another popular venue to sell handmade goods. Be aware though, that you will be competing with the other goods that are not handmade and therefore cheaper to buy. A good description of the item and its benefits is always a good idea.

If you choose to sell locally, try finding a store that will sell your items on consignment or sign up to show at a local craft show. Both will be good for exposure. If you choose to go the consignment route, be sure to get all terms in writing. Otherwise you run the risk of having your items kept and not paid for.

It is very possible in today’s day and age to make some spending money selling your crafts. Be sure to do your research and follow through your plan by keeping the above questions in mind. Once you have your plan in mind, go ahead and sell your crafts. But remember, like anything else, you will get in return what you put forth so make it worth your while.

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Dec29

Essential Oils: A Potion for the Winter Blahs

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Essential Oils: A Potion for the Winter Blahs

A POTION FOR THE WINTER BLAHS

Essential Oils

Essential Oils

Materials:

4 oz. water

8 drops eucalyptus essential oil

8 drops lavender essential oil

8 drops peppermint essential oil

spray mister bottle/any size

dropper  (optional; the essential oil bottles may come with a dropper)

 

Project:

Combine all the ingredients in a spray mister bottle. Shake well. Mist during the winter months for a “mood pick-me-up”.

*Essential oils are available at craft stores or at online outlets.

Free Kindle Book:

Essential Oils by Matt and Seantay Hall

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Dec20

Holiday Craft: Iridescent Angel

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Holiday Craft: Iridescent Angel

Iridescent Angel

IRIDESCENT ANGEL

*MATERIALS:

2 wood hearts

Wood knob or ball

18” long pink or white ribbon

clay pot

Flesh, brown, black and white paint (2 more colors of choice)

1 11/2” brass ring

Moss

1(1/2 oz.) crystal iridescent glitter

2 jars or bowls for water

Brushes/scissors/white glue/plastic baggie

1. Paint the bottom and sides of the clay pot with two coats of white paint. Set aside to dry between the first and second coats.
2. Fill half a small plastic bag with glitter. Paint the two wooden hearts with white acrylic  paint. Place the wooden hearts in the plastic bag, tie it with a twist tie and shake. Be sure that the hearts are totally covered on the one side with the glitter. Remove the hearts and let them dry. These will be the angel’s wings.
3. The wooden knob is head of the angel. Paint it flesh or brown or black. Let it dry.
4. Paint the clay pot with dabs of different colors: pink and silver or any other color combination
5. While it is still wet, place the pot into the baggie filled with glitter. Shake well and cover the entire pot with glitter. Remove and let it dry.
6. Cut the moss. Roll the back of the angel’s head in tacky glue and then roll the head in the moss. This is the hair of the angel. Trim excess “hair” with scissors.
8. Cut a long piece of ribbon and fold it in half. Pull the loop through the clay pot and position it. Tie the ends in a large double knot and pull the ribbon completely through the hole in the clay pot.
9. Glue the brass ring on top of the angel’s head. Glue the head to the pot. Glue the hearts to the back of the pot with the glittery side facing you.
10. Enjoy the iridescent angel for the holidays!

Recycle materials: Cut pieces of paper (for example, leftover tissue, rice or wrapping paper) and glue them to the pot, overlapping the pieces so the different colors and patterns show through the layers.

Other ideas: Instead of a clay pot, use a spool of thread once the thread has been used up.
Replace the moss with scraps of yarn or ribbon for the hair
Do you have leftover clay? Roll it into a ball, let it harden and use it for the angel’s head

 

 

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Dec16

JUST LOVED READING: Tru and Nelle: A Christmas Tale

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JUST LOVED READING: Tru and Nelle: A Christmas Tale

JUST LOVED READING:

Tru and Nelle: A Christmas Tale

by G. Neri 

Middle Grade/Fiction

 

Neri, G. Tru and Nelle: A Christmas Tale. New York: HMH Books for Young Readers, 2017.

Tru moved away from his mother’s cousins home in Monroeville, Alabama. He thought living in New York with his mother and step-father would be fun but after a stint in a military academy, Tru runs away.

He hops on a train with other hobos and heads back to Monroeville. He becomes friends again with Nelle who lives next door to his cousins. It’s the Christmas season but events happen which dampen everyone’s spirits: the house the cousins live in burns down and they move in with Tru’s aunt and uncle on their farm outside Monroeville.

Nelle’s father takes on a case of two black men accused of robbing a store and killing its owner. Nelle blames herself for arrest. Reminiscent of the case in To KIll A Mockingbird, this case doesn’t end happily, either.  The story does reaffirm the better side of the human spirit when Tru and his family and Nelle and her father celebrate Christmas with the accused in the local jail.

WHY I LOVED READING THIS BOOK:

In a surprising twist, Tru’s cousin, Sook, invites a member of the KKK to the celebration. Only his son, the local bully, shows up and demonstrates how beautifully he plays piano.  It doesn’t turn everyone into good friends but the incident highlights how complex race relations were during the Jim Crow era in the South.

Tru and Nelle: A Christmas Tale is the continuing narrative of the friendship between Truman Capote and Harper Lee which continued into adulthood (until Truman Capote became jealous of Harper Lee’s literary success). The first book in the series, Tru and Nelle, recounts their earlier childhood adventures.

Xmas tree

Xmas tree

Monroeville, Alabama was founded in 1815 on lands ceded by local Native Americans. It was later formally incorporated in 1899 and named after President James Monroe. Monroeville is the seat of  Monroe County, Alabama. In 1997, the Alabama legislature designated Monroeville as the “Literary Capital of Alabama.”

https://www.monroevilleal.gov./

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/whats-changed-what-hasnt-in-town-inspired-to-kill-a-mockingbird-180955741

www,monroecountyal.com

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Dec11

JOY TO THE WORLD BANNER

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JOY TO THE WORLD BANNER

CHRISTMAS

As Christianity became the dominant religion in Europe, Christian holidays were held alongside pagan holidays and celebrations.

Christmas has its roots in Yule, the pagan celebration of the winter solstice held in Northern Europe. The ancient Romans also held a winter festival by commemorating the temple of the god Saturn on December 17th. They called it Saturnalia and later extended the holiday festivities from December 17th to December 23rd.

Christmas, celebrated on December 25th, closes the Advent season and begins the twelve days of Christmastide celebrations.

Early Christians adopted pagan customs as well as pagan festivals and celebrations. For example, the Christmas tree is based on the pagan custom of bringing greenery into the house during the winter.

Christians began celebrating Christmas in the 4th century copying the pagans who celebrated the harvest by feasting during the winter solstice. It was a way of livening up the shortest day of the year.

As Christmas became commercialized, various symbols became identified with the holiday: Santa Claus, snow people, angels, pine wreaths, reindeer, stars, horns, the manger, and more.

JOY BANNER PROJECT

JOY TO THE WORLD BANNER

 

JOY BANNER

Ages: 5 – 12 years     Time: one hour

MATERIALS:

Gold glitter pen                                   white felt square 14” x 20”

Beige pompom                                   Kelly green craft foam sheet.

Beige felt square                                dark green craft foam sheet.

Gold felt square                                  red craft foam sheet.

Red felt square                                   String – double the length of the dowel rod

Dowel rod                                           Pattern (optional)

 

Measure and trim the white square to 14” x 20”. Place the piece vertically. Make a loop by measuring and folding and ironing a 1” seam. Measure and fold a second 1” seam. Iron and glue the second fold. You will be inserting the dowel rod through this loop.

Trace and cut the shapes using templates or stencils or use the patterns provided below. To create the wreath, cut 21 – 22 holly leaves from the Kelly green craft foam sheet and 9 – 10 holly leaves from dark green craft foam sheet. Glue the leaves in a circular arrangement using the top ¾ of the white felt background. Overlap the leaves as you form the design of the wreath.

Trace and cut the bow and letters from the red craft foam sheet. Glue the letters and the bow to the bottom of the wreath.

Trace and cut the angel’s dress out of the red felt, the horn from the gold felt, the wings and face from the beige felt. Glue these pieces in the center of the wreath.

Glue a little moss to form the angel’s hair just below the halo. Glue pompom to show hands and feet. Using the glitter pen, define the angel’s wings and bow.

Cut the dowel rod to about 16”. Insert through the top loop. Cut string to a suitable length. Tie strings to each end of the dowel rod and hang.

Happy Holidays!

Making banners is fun for the family. You can use the banner ideas described here or you can use them as a springboard for your own ideas and designs.

All you need are some basic supplies and a love of making crafts!

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Dec3

CELEBRATE THE SEASONS! Mr. and Mrs. Snow People Winter Mobile!

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CELEBRATE THE SEASONS! Mr. and Mrs. Snow People Winter Mobile!
WINTER MOBILE

WINTER MOBILE

Ages: 5 – 12 years

Time: ½ hour – 1 hour

MATERIALS:

Construction paper or Craft Foam in 6 colors

Silver glitter pen

Ball of jute or string or wire

2 dowel rods cut to 12” each Scissors

Tacky glue or glue sticks

Pencil/eraser

hole puncher

Patterns from the Banners project

 

  1. Ask an adult to cut the dowel rods so that you have two. Cross them in the middle and tie them tightly with a piece of string or jute or wire. Lay aside.
  2. Select the paper or craft foam. You may want to use a combination of papers and craft foam. Trace and cut shapes from the patterns used for the winter banner: Mr. Snow Man and Mrs. Snow Woman. Adorn them with scarves, hats/berets, noses that look like carrots, buttons, and a pipe for Mr. Snow Man. On a separate sheet of craft foam or construction paper, draw snowflakes with the glitter pen. Cut them along with the Snow Man and Woman. Draw eyes and mouth with a black marker.
  3. Poke a hole towards the top of the paper or craft foam shapes with a pencil or use a hole puncher.
  4. Then, lace a piece of string, thread, jute, or wire 6” to 8” in length through the hole at the top of each shape. Tie the shapes to the dowel rods. To balance the mobile, place two or more shapes to each dowel rod and be sure that some of the shapes hang lower (or higher) than some of the others. This is called balancing or making the mobile level. Ask an adult for help.
  5. Tie a piece of string on the ends of the dowel rods and hang it up. Does your sculpture move? What makes it move? How is this design different from the banner design? What are the differences? What are the similarities?
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Nov27

CELEBRATE THE SEASONS! MR. AND MRS SNOW PEOPLE WINTER BANNER

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CELEBRATE THE SEASONS! MR. AND MRS SNOW PEOPLE WINTER BANNER
MR. AND MRS. SNOW PEOPLE

MR. AND MRS. SNOW PEOPLE

Ages: 5 – 12 years

Time: ½ hour – 1 hour

MATERIALS:

Blue felt square 36” x 36”

Black Fun Foam

Black Marker

White Fun Foam

Brown Fun Foam

Silver glitter pen

Blue Fun Foam

Orange Fun Foam

Red Fun Foam

1. Measure and trim blue felt square to 14” x 20”. Place felt vertically. Measure and fold a 1” seam at the top. Iron. Fold a second 1” seam. Iron and glue the second fold. (You will be inserting the dowel rod through this loop.)

2. Enlarge the photo of the banner (above). Then trace and cut two large, two medium, and two small circles from the white Fun Foam. Glue these pieces to the blue background towards the center of the material.

3. Trace and cut the following:

The snow woman’s scarf and beret from the red Fun Foam

The snowman’s and snow woman’s noses from the orange Fun Foam

The snow woman’s buttons from the blue Fun Foam

The snowman’s hat, pipe and buttons from the black Fun Foam

The snowman’s scarf from the brown Fun Foam

4. Glue these pieces.

5. Make snowflakes and dots to show the mouths with the glitter pen. Draw sticks to show the hands.

6. Trim the dowel rod to about 16” – 18”. Insert dowel rod through the loop. Cut the string to a length suitable for hanging and tie to each end of the dowel rod. Hang from a window, door or wall.

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Nov19

MY BIG FAT CARIBBEAN CRUISE VIII

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MY BIG FAT CARIBBEAN CRUISE VIII

JANUARY 6, 2013

FAREWELL

Departure was uneventful except for long lines at the terminal. There were fairly long lines at the airport, too, but they weren’t too bad. The lines moved.

The drive from Galveston to the airport was the same: strip malls, restaurants, car dealerships; hotels; motels and the Greek Orthodox Church which our driver called “beautiful.” She also wore a rhinestone pin which spelled out the word “Texas.”

She was our unofficial tour guide on our way to George Bush Airport. Texas, she said, has the tallest building in the world that is not located in a city. The Texans football team is one of the hottest in the country, according to her, so she got into sports.

She also told us that the cost of gas in Texas is $3.05 in spite of the many oil refineries there. I wanted to laugh when I think of the cost of gas in Pittsburgh.

It’s hard to imagine that earlier today we were on the Mariner of the Seas and earlier than that we were in the warm beautiful western Caribbean. I heard that it was still cold in Pittsburgh and that the snow from the week before hadn’t melted as yet.

Yuck.

For one of the few winters of my life, I experienced summer during the cold winter months. I recommend it.

Goodbye the pampered life.

 

 

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Nov13

MY BIG FAT CARIBBEAN CRUISE VII

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MY BIG FAT CARIBBEAN CRUISE VII

JANUARY 5, 2013

A DAY AT SEA

LOLLAPALOOZA PARADE

We were at sea on our last day. We planned to return to the pool for one last visit but it rained by the time I showered after my morning spinning class. The weather forecast predicted rain for the entire day. Boo!

Football fans had to watch the Bengals vs. Texans game somewhere other than the pool.

I spent the rest of the morning packing, filling out customs papers, figuring out tips for the waiters, maitre d’ and stateroom attendants. I watched the game for a while on the TV in our room. Texas won.

We went to see the colorful Lollapalooza Parade on the Promenade Deck. Clowns on stilts, scooters, motorcycles and on foot wore brightly colored clown costumes.

We had our last dinner at the Sound of Music.

I ordered the peach and papaya soup (love those fruit soups); the seafood combo (monkfish, shrimp and scallops) with broccoli; rice and spinach; chocolate coffee soufflé; coffee and wine. Andrea ordered Caesar salad; the seafood combo; chocolate/coffee soufflé and a Coke. Andrea had her picture taken with our wait staff.

And we said our goodbyes to Kristin and Paul.

A variety was scheduled which included the crew’s farewell to the passengers. There was comedy, slapstick, etc followed by a musical finale.

By this time Andrea and I were hooked on contests so we sat in on the Hot Seat contest.

Both contestants – with a little help from their friends – had to get all of their questions right. They were allowed to ask one person – friend or relative – for help or they could ask the audience for help. They could only ask the audience twice.

Then it was time to return to the stateroom and finalize our stuff for our departure the next day. I had a final glass of champagne from Andrea’s birthday bottle. It’s safe to say Andrea prefers mixed drinks.

We fell asleep watching Mama Mia!

 

Tomorrow: Farewell

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