Butterfly Art

My artwork.

Back in 2009 Pottery Bard Kids showed us some great girls room artwork that was all about butterflies. Although I loved it, I didn't want to pay the PB price, so off to the craft store I went. Today I will just show you how I went about making the canvas artwork. Here are some of the examples from the Pottery Barn collection.

I made this using actual buttons instead of cut card stock. I bought a bag of different shades of pink, lilac, yellow and blue.

This can be replicated simply by cutting and folding your favorite scrapbooking paper.

This is the artwork I replicated.

You will need:
Blank canvas
Acrylic Paints
Water Color Paints
Tissue paper (white or pastels)
Mod Podge

I made this without taking pictures, but the instructions are pretty straightforward.

INSTRUCTIONS-
-Start by painting your canvas a solid color.
-Once you canvas is dry, add stripes of color that coordinate with your room.
-While canvas dries, lay out your tissue on a plastic placemat, wax paper or any other protective surface so as to protect your table.
-Use watercolors to simply wash over the tissue paper. Paint in bold strokes or tiny strokes.
-After tissue paper dries, cut out shapes for butterfly wings and body.
-I then used metallic watercolors to paint accents on their wing.
-Add some Mod Podge to the area on the canvas where you want to apply your dried tissue butterflies.
-Finish by painting on the antennae.

Above and below are close-ups of the different butterflies.

Here is the final product. I had planned to cover all of canvas with Mod Podge, but decided I liked the look as is.

Terrific Tip Tuesday - Egg-strordinary!

To determine wether an egg is fresh, immerse it in cool water. If it sinks, it's fresh, if not, toss it.

So it got me thinking...I have used this trick for years, but wondered what causes them to float. I found the info here. When the egg is laid, an air pocket forms as it cools. As an egg ages, fluid evaporates through the porous eggshell and gas and oxygen filter in causing the egg to be more buoyant and float!

There! You got a science lesson for the day as well as a tip! Time for me to go make some scrambled eggs.

Newspaper Pots

Photo courtesy of Cottage Hill


Last year I took the kids on a tour of a home that was designed by a student of Frank Lloyd Wright in Oak park, IL. They were fascinated and so was I. The designs and furnishings and wallpaper Oh My! It was a classic beauty. The wallpaper alone was enough inspiration for anybody.

While we were there, they had different demonstrations. One was about how easy it was to own hens for egg production and consumption...they had me at "hello", but my husband thought differently. Another vendor had a much easier idea that we could incorporate into our household; Recycled Newspaper Pots for planting seeds. Even the kids were able to try their hands at rolling up one of these ingenious earth-friendly pots. I found Lindy at Cottage Hill already had a fabulously laid out tutorial...so time to get ready for planting seeds indoors! All you will need is newspaper and a soup can. Lindy's tutorial uses tape to close the side and bottom of pot. I made a simple change so this was not necessary.

Take a sheet of newspaper and fold lengthwise within 1" of the top. Place can as pictured.

Roll newspaper around can.

Flip over can and fold in the bottom. Pressed this down FIRMLY.

Flip right side up. While still holding newspaper closed, carefully slide out the can. You can then fold down the top of the newspaper so as to not need any tape.

You are ready to add soil and seeds! Happy planting!








(Kiddos received sunflower seeds planted in recycled milk carton containers at the end of the tour!)

Upcycled Garden Tote

As I was perusing Gardner's Supply Company catalogue I saw a tub/tote that was perfect for the garden. Easy access to add veggies picked from the garden, easy to rinse out and thought it would be great for the local farmers market as well. I didn't want to spend $16.95 + shipping, so the wheels started turning. I've seen purses made out of animal food bags, but that is not my style. It would be perfect however for dirty/muddy vegetables. So off to the store I went to buy more dog food(we were out and did need more anyways).





This is a super simple tutorial because there is no real accuracy needed, this is no high-end fashion bag :)

First start by laying bag flat. I achieved this by clamping the corners with my Pampered Chef bag clip :) Then cut off the top about 4" down. I eyeballed this and just followed the obvious line. Is it obvious to you? Hope so.

Next fold down the bag so that is is just about 5-6" above the base as seen in this photo.

Next, take that top piece you cut off and make 2 cuts: one on each side of the original dog bag. You will have 2 equal lengths that you will use for the handles. I don't have a picture of this. Take each handle and fold in half lengthwise, pin and stitch.

On one side of the tote pin your handle down on the outside of bag. Sew a square to attach and repeat for the other end of the handle. Repeat this step for the other handle.

This is what your square stitch looks like. See...no perfection here!

When done, use it at the farmer's market or in the garden...it will hold a lot of produce!

Note: I did rinse out the dog food bag with soap and water before making this!

Candied Walnuts

So if you know me at all or have followed me on Facebook or followed my blog, you know I am in love with Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oats. This delicious breakfast first came to my attention last October and was originally posted here. You can also see at the bottom of this post. I have been pretty consistent making it the same way every time due to the kids and their "likes". But I can proudly say we stepped out of the box and have graduated to bananas and candied walnuts.

Yes, plain 'ol walnuts would be healthier, but candied walnuts taste so much better and the kiddos think it is "Awesome"! So I made some candied walnuts and wanted to share just how easy they are to make. They also taste fantastic on Spinach & Strawberry Salad!

Add 2 tablespoons of sugar to a small non-stick saute pan. Heat on med-high until sugar melts. This will take a few minutes. RESIST the temptation to stir as this will make clumps that are hard to melt. You can shake the pan a bit if there is still some sugar that needs to melt.



When the sugar is melted add 1 cup of chopped walnuts(or any nut you would like, pecan perhaps). Mix with a spatula and pour onto tin foil to cool. Separate any clumps of walnuts with the spatula.



Once cooled, store in an air tight container in the refrigerator and enjoy some SWEET oatmeal and salads!


Slow Cooker Oatmeal

Ingredients
2 cups steel cut oats - NOT ROLLED OR INSTANT OATMEAL
2 cups diced apple
1 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup slivered almonds
3 cups water
2 cups of apple juice
2 cups milk
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
2 teaspoons butter

Directions
Combine the oats, apple, cranberries, almonds, water, milk, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and butter in a slow cooker. Cook on “keep warm” overnight or 8 hours. NOT LOW! It has to be "keep warm" or it will burn. If you don't have a keep warm option, cook on low for 4-6 hours keeping an eye on it.

Update -  If you omit all the extras...almonds, cranberries, etc., you will want to reduce the amount of liquid by about 3/4cup.  This oatmeal is great all week long...it reheats great!

Homemade Dishwashing Detergent and Other Cleaners

We have some new staples in our house: Super Washing Soda, Borax and Vinegar!



I like to make things from scratch...partially for the savings and partially for the satisfaction. Whether it is food, cleaning products or picture frames, I can usually make it better. Several weeks ago I posted a blog about spring cleaning. I received a lot of responses with some great tips. One friend posted a link to an All-Purpose Homemade Cleaner...I tried it out and loved it. It got me thinking about other “cleaning” products that I could make. The added benefit is that these items are eco-friendly!

I’ve been using a homemade laundry detergent for the last month on my cloth diapers with great results. I’ve also been using a homemade fabric softener for 3 months or so. It was time to find a recipe for dishwashing detergent. I tried several formulas without much success until this past Sunday...JACKPOT!



This formula cost .06 cents per load...and all the ingredients can be used for other household cleaners including laundry detergent. Hop to the original link here. All you need is Borax, Super Washing Soda, Kosher salt and Citric Acid and Vinegar for the rinse cycle. I bought my Borax from Target for $5 and the Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda from Jewel for $3.49. Both are found in the laundry detergent aisle. I used Kool Aid packets for the citric acid, the Orange flavor to be exact(Lemonade flavor can be used as well)...it smelled lovely in the kitchen while the dishwasher was running!

Dishwasher Detergent

Combine:
-1/4 cup Borax
-1/4 cup Super Washing Soda
-1/4 cup of kosher salt
-4 packets of Kool Aid (be sure first ingredient is citric acid)

Store in an air tight container and use 1 Tablespoon per load. Be sure to add white vinegar in the “Rinse Aid” compartment. Note: this powder will clump a bit due to the citric acid, it is normal, I just shake before I use!


Liquid Fabric Softener
Here is the liquid fabric softener I have been using for several months.

Combine:
-3 cups of white vinegar
-2 cups of hair conditioner (I used Suave Rainfall, but it doesn't matter what scent you use, there will not be a scent on your clothes)
-6 cups of water

Shake well to combine. I just mixed mine in an old fabric softener container and pour in a regular capful. Don't worry, your clothes won't smell like vinegar!

Powder Laundry Detergent - see tutorial here.

Laundry Detergent for Cloth Diapers

Combine:
-1 cup Borax
-1 cup Super Washing Soda
-1 1/2 cup Oxi-Clean

Mix and use 3 tablespoons per load.

Andrea posted this great link for all-purpose spray here on my FB page several weeks ago...I am hooked. It cost a bit to make, the essential oils are on the pricey side, but they will last MANY years. I used to think my home was clean when I could smell all the chemicals, now I realize just how bad that was. Try this cleaner in your kitchen, bathroom, just about anywhere!

What is needed:
-32-ounce plastic spray bottle
-2 cups water
-1/2 cup distilled white vinegar
-1 teaspoon pure castile soap (peppermint is a favorite)
-3/4 cup hydrogen peroxide
-20 drops tea tree oil
-20 drops of lavender or lemongrass essential oil

From Cardboard Drab to Speed Boat Fab!

It doesn’t take much for kids to get excited. When my kids were little they always chose the Tupperware and pots and pans over their other toys. It’s better for them too...helps them exercise their imagination. This past weekend my 4yr old had Pre-School Family Night with the theme being “Transportation”. The children had to decorate a cardboard box and turn it into a vehicle of some sort.

Immediately my son new he wanted to make a speed boat. Whew! That sounded so much easier than the AT-TE Walker that we made a couple years prior with our older son.

If you are looking for something fun to do with your kids over Spring Break, find an old cardboard box and get decorating!

Supply List
-cardboard box
-masking tape
-paper or cardboard
-markers/crrayons
-glitter
-glue
-stickers
-streamers
-pom poms

The skies the limit here! Some other transportation vehicles that we saw included:
-Back Hoe
-Hot Air Balloon
-John Deere Truck
-School Bus

See our transformation from cardboard drab to speed boat fab below.




We added strips of cardboard to create the hull of the boat.













Then the kids got to step in and get creative.









Don't forget to add the propeller!












Here are some other examples from the "Transportation" evening!
The yellow Back Hoe looks like a lot of work, but oh so much fun.
The Hot Air Balloon looks a bit less intimidating!




HAPPY SPRING BREAK!

Terrific Tip Tuesday - #1

*Freeze leftover red or white wine in ice cube trays and save for future sauces.*

I love some red wine added to sauteed mushrooms and beef broth to serve over steak or some white wine to add to diced tomatoes when served with chicken or pasta, but I don't typically have a new bottle of wine on hand. No fear, it's in the freezer. This has been a great little tip I have used for years and always guarantees I will have great tasting sauces and gravy.

Shamrock Shakes

I love St. Patrick's Day and so do the kiddos! It just gives me a reason to dye everything green. My kids are always asking for the McDonald's Shamrock Shake and I always say no. This St. Paddy's day they are getting a homemade shake. All you need is some milk, vanilla ice cream, green dye and mint Oreos.



First add equal parts of milk and ice cream and then add a few drops of green dye. Blend.



Then add some crushed Oreos and mix well.



Make sure to add a cookie on top. Slainte!

Being a Mom: The Hardest Job You Will Love the Most!

My husband and I had our 4th child 3 (very long) months ago. He was quite different from our other 3. Our first 3 nursed well, gained weight well and were all-together quite happy. I loved the interaction and the cooing and smiles, but Coldon was different...he cried... ALOT!!! It wasn’t until he was about 6 weeks that my husband asked “do you think he has colic?”.

I didn’t know anything about colic. With some research and some doctor visits, we came to the conclusions that he did in fact have colic.


With an unexpected increase of travel on my husband’s part, came a realization that I was pretty much on my own with a newborn and 3 kids and the dark, cold, grey skies of a Chicagoland winter...not a good combo.

But God, who is gracious and good, opened my eyes and allowed me to see that it was postpartum depression that I was feeling. I was feeling helpless, guilty for not being readily available to my other 3 kids or my husband, didn’t feel like showering, loss of control, no desire to do daily household chores and did not have an appetite. I began by telling my family and friends how I was feeling. I didn’t want to feel alone and knew I needed lots of prayer. Help came abundantly and frequently.

I kept hearing “this to shall pass” and I believed it would, I just wanted it to pass NOW! I allowed God to grow me in those 3 months. I don’t like to ask for help...I learned to do just that. Life isn’t meant to be done all alone. I leaned heavily on the Lord in pray daily, hourly and by the minute. I meditated on Psalm 1:3 which says “He is like a tree planted by streams of water which yields its fruit in season.” I new I would be “productive” again...I just needed some time.

If you are suffering from or know someone who is suffering from postpartum depression or the “baby blues”, encourage them to talk to their doctor, pray with them often and offer help. The best way to offer help is to be specific. When people asked me “what can I do to help?”, I had a hard time being specific. When they said “I am free Tuesday morning to come hold the baby while you grocery shop” was soooo much more helpful!

My husband often asked what he could do for me, and honestly I did not know. I found this website here that had a list of what you could do for someone who is suffering:

Do NOT criticize her
Do NOT minimize her faith, but instead encourage her always.
Do NOT tell her to "just get over it." This is a serious, physical illness.
Do NOT tell her to just pray more - instead, pray WITH her.
Do NOT tell her that she should just be happy she has a baby or that this is what she asked for.
Do NOT tell her that if she had more faith and/or prayed more that this would not have happened.
Do NOT leave her alone when she is fragile and unstable.
Do NOT force or highly encourage her to breastfeed if she is unable to. This will only magnify feelings of guilt that are already present.
Do NOT make her feel any shame for her condition.
Do NOT be angry with her.


In two more days Coldon will be 3 months old. I believe the worst of the colic is over...he no longer has prolonged periods of crying. I feel more like my happy, bubbly self. Our campus pastor's wife Diane reminded me of something a few weeks ago...our most important job as moms right now is just that...being a mom. The bible doesn't say anywhere that I should have my time to sew or my time to run...I should be "training" up my children. It is the hardest job one will ever have and often you don't see the fruits of your labor until your children are grown. Being a mom is the hardest job and you will love it the most.


From left: Carter(4), me and Coldon(2 weeks), Matt, Ethan(almost 7), and Else(8 1/2)

Hope your day is a Happy One!

Apple, Oatmeal and Peanut Butter Sandwich Oh My!

So several weeks ago we discussed "keeping a schedule" in my bible study group Entrusted With A Child's Heart. I realized I did not have a good, solid after-school schedule. I have since implemented one and it makes our afternoons run so much smoother.

One item I had to address was the constant "mom I'm hungry", "mom can I have...", "mom when is dinner ready?". I decided to give them 2 "after school treats"...1 "junk food" treat at 2:45 and then fruit or yogurt at 3:45. The "junk food" is actually muffins or cookies (something the kids think is really yummy).

This schedule seems to ward off the evil little hunger monsters and keeps me sane. Each week the kids know the snack schedule in advance. Today we combined the 2 treats into 1 and served it at 3:30. Apple, Oatmeal Cookie and PB Sandwich. Huge hit. It was actually my husband that suggested the cookie instead of granola sprinkles. Turns out it is much easier to use a cookie for little hands.


It is quite simple to assemble. First, core an apple and cut in 1/4" slices horizontally. Then spread peanut butter on the front and back of an oatmeal raisin cookie. You can find my recipe for the oatmeal raisin cookie here. Just sandwich the cookie between 2 apple slices and enjoy!


Ellie and my daughter Else...Ellie said "it was to die for!" Wow, such huge praise for something healthy...woot woot!


My son Ethan gettin' PB dirty :)