Thank You Pinterest

If nothing else, Pinterest is good for pilfering. Or as some moms, crafters, do-it-yourselfers, and artists say, inspiration. When I ran across the monster Valentine's box posted several times I had to try a version for my own sons. They love them and I can tell they will be proud to march them into class tomorrow morning for the annual trading of meaningless scraps of paper and old-tasting candy.

I pinned the ones from Last Minute Mel, but ended up using the tutorial from Giggles Galore. I didn't use the tutorial per se. But I printed it out so that 7-year-old could make his own box. He did a great job and really only required my help when it came to cutting the foam teeth and pushing pipe cleaner through the styrofoam balls.

Custom Order: Henry's Debut

I've had a very special assignment, sewing the outfit worn by my newest nephew on the day his parents introduced him to their church and the world.


I only wish I could have been there in person and not states away to see him in this little suit.

I followed an older Simplicity pattern. I wouldn't call it vintage but it was a reproduction. I used basic white Oxford weave and made the pin-tucks with contrast red thread. I haven't had much success with a snap setter, so, I sewed plastic snaps in the legs for easy diaper changing.

The buttons on the front are for show and feature little red rocking horses. Basic clear acrylic buttons make the opening in the back. The pattern called for shorts, but it is winter, so I lengthened the legs to make trousers. Happy with the result.

8 Dozen

So here's something not a lot of people know about me: I keep a fairly significant amount of food storage. I don't keep it for the reasons you may think. Simply put, I think it's easy. I can always find something to make for dinner, even when we're snowed in. But recently we decided to finish out basement which has meant I had to find a temporary home for my sewing studio and clear out the food storage. I still haven't found places for all my fabric, but I've made a dent in the food.

My most recent project was finding ways to use all the cake mixes. I decided to follow a cookie recipe for cake mixes because I can go through a lot of cookies via the lunch pail. Here's the recipe I followed:


CAKE MIX COOKIES
1 package of cake mix (any flavor)
1 large egg
1/4 cup of oil
1/4 cup of water
1 cup of chopped nuts, raisins, oatmeal, coconut, chocolate chips, M&M'S® etc. (anything you like in cookies)
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Combine cake mix, egg, oil, and water. Beat until well blended. Stir in remaining ingredient (s).

Drop by teaspoon about 1 inch apart onto greased cooke sheet.

Bake for 15 minutes or until done.

I thought I might share with you some of the yummy combinations.

1. Lemon cake mix with cherry chips
2. Devil's Food cake mix with mint chocolate chips
3. Golden cake mix with cinnamon burst chips (mini)


I believe my favorite combination might be the cinnamon one. So, go out there and make some weird cookies. Let me know what works for you!