Craft a Week #8: Tagxedo Revisit

A few weeks ago I wrote a post on the website Tagxedo. I did a quick word picture then but wanted to go back and revisit the site. I made the coolest pictures of four of my grandkids!  Here they are:

DeAndre

Timbo

Nat

Jas

I so love how these came out! I printed them out on good paper in high resolution and framed them. (They are currently on my mantle and will eventually make their way to their permanent space in the spare room). I also made copies for their Moms. These would make a wonderful Mother's/Father's Day gift!

Lesson learned: School photo head shots work really well for this project. This may be one of my new favorite (and easy) projects.

Happy Crafting!



Craft a Week #7: Crocheted Pirate Slippers

As a follow up to yesterday's slipper entry, today's project is this adorable pair of pirate slippers. I made them for my yet unborn grandson, Marcus Robert (aka BHBB), who is not due till late March. I wanted to make him a Christmas gift and these seemed like the perfect thing.  I love how they are not the traditional baby slippers. They are kind of cool and edgy. (They remind me of Wallabees - remember them)?!

I followed this pattern: Pirate Feet.  While they are really cute, I'm not sure how practical they are. I'd like to see these in actual use.  (They seem like they would fall off easily). I would have liked them to be smaller (they are supposed to be for 9-12 months and I really wanted 6 months). I tried to make them smaller by using an F hook but they are still rather large.  I think I will play with the pattern some and see how I can alter it while still keeping the general idea.

They were really quick and easy to do though.  Happy Crafting!

Craft a Week #6: Crocheted Slippers

I was looking for a little extra gift to give my Mom for Christmas and decided I wanted to make bedroom slippers.  I trolled the net and found the following pattern that was super easy and worked up quickly. The link to the pattern is here:  Zoom Yummy Simple Crochet Slippers.  (They really are simple).

I thought they were way too plain so I added a flower that I found here: Little Flowers.

Since I'm on a mission to not buy new materials, I used yarn that I had around the house.  I used Naturally Caron Country. I love the feel of this yarn. It's nice to work with and makes a nice product. 

Cute, right?  I may be cranking these out so if you get them for a Christmas gift, act surprised!

Happy Crafting!

Christmas on a Budget

I know we all are on a budget this year (yet again). We all know the traditional budgetary gifts (making breads, cookies, candies, etc). but I was thinking of more creative options this year.  Here's some of the top gifts that I'm giving this year.

1.  Daffodil bulbs. Here in Central PA, the winter months can get rather gloomy.  I love to give this gift as it has the promise of spring built right into it. (And the price is right)! 

I had a pack of daffodil bulbs in my garage refrigerator that I got last spring for free.  They were a give away from one of those bulb catalogues.  (I know our Walmart has some spring bulbs out now so you can still get them). I bought the glasses and decorative rocks at the Dollar Store.  So my out of pocket cost for each of these is about $1.33. 

Super easy to make too:  Put a few rocks in the bottom of the glass. Place the bulb in the glass and put stones around it. Add about an inch of water, put in a sunny window, and in 6 weeks or so you will have a bloom.   Who wouldn't love to receive this as a gift?



2. Books, books, books.  Most everyone I know loves to read but the cost of most new books tends to knock that gift option off my list. I've learned to keep my eyes open though as you never know where you can find some pretty amazing books.  Case in point:

I got these books (and more) from the Dollar Store (new) and the library (used). They were the perfect fit for at least 6 people on my gift list.  I also check out the books section at thrift shops.  If you keep your eyes open, you never know what you will find.

3.  Vintage t-shirts.  I traveled some in 2011 (Toronto and Los Angeles) and in each city, I made a point to hit up thrift shops. I found some AMAZING treasures!  I picked up 20 or more t-shirts in L.A. that I'm giving for Christmas gifts.  I got Lakers, Dodgers and Raiders, as well as some just plain cool shirts (Jesus is my Homie; Bad Ass Coffee Company).  I didn't spend more than $4 on each shirt (average cost was $3).  They are sure to be a big hit.  (Sorry, no pictures as they are already wrapped). Trust me, it's worth a trip to the thrift shop.

I know not everyone likes to bargain shop like I do. But if you want to save money, you've got to buy throughout the year.  I buy when things are on sale and keep for Christmas. (The hardest thing to do is not give someone their gift early, however, it really defeats the purpose of saving if you give someone their gift in August. Believe me, you will be out buying them another gift - and spending twice as much).

What creative ways are you using in gift giving this year?

Ode to Bailey Kitty (via crochet)

The day before Thanksgiving our family cat, Bailey, passed away. Though it wasn't totally unexpected (he was 14years old and really started to slow down the last few years), it was still a great loss. He's the last of our family pets. He was a dear, sweet friend and I miss him incredibly. 

Isn't he cute?  Such a sweetie





So what do I do to work through my grief? Why crochet, of course.  Actually, right before he passed, I started on a stuffed Bailey kitty as a gift for Jasmine (my granddaughter). She loved him very much and every time I talk to her, she asked about Bailey (she lives 8 hours away from me).  I wanted to give her a Bailey that she could take home with her.  Because Bailey was always a big fan of the nap, I made her a sleeping kitty.

While this one is cute, it was waaaaayyyyy too skinny to represent Bailey.  So I made another.

This one does represent the fat cat that was Bailey, I still think it's still missing some of the essence of what made Bailey, Bailey.

They do look cute together though, don't they?  I'll let Jasmine decide which she feels represents our man Bailey the best. 

(Sorry, I don't know what patterns I used for these).

Craft A Week #5: Natalie's Lalaloopsy Christmas Gift

Here's Nattie's Christmas gift (one of them anyway). I think she came out beautifully. She may be one of my all time favorite things I've ever made. I will call her Cotton Candy because her hair looks fluffy(the pictures don't do her justice).

Isn't she adorable?!

The back of her head. It's all ringlets.

Craft a Week #4: Tagxedo Word Picture

Man, I am on a roll this week!  I found this great site that allows you to upload pictures AND words, which then makes the words become the picture. So very cool.  The site is Tagxedo.  The program pretty easy to use and self explanatory. 

I think the greatest challenge is finding the right picture to use. My first one was a picture of Jasmine.  I used this photo:

I used this picture because it was a head shot and I thought it would work best.  First I uploaded the picture.  (Go to "Options" and click on "Shapes". Once there, either use a shape they already provide or upload a picture under the "Add Image" on the bottom right. 

Then I went into Word and typed in as many words as I could think of that made me think of her. I used words like amazing, funny, smart, creative, beautiful, daughter, sister, granddaughter, (her name), etc. When I got stuck I highlighted a word I already used and looked up synonyms.  Once I had a bunch of words, I saved it as a "txt" document so I could upload on the Tagxedo site.  To do this, go to the "Words" tab, and click "Load". Once there, click on the "File Browse" tab and upload your word file there.

And voila! your word picture is created. You may have to play around with some of the settings (under the "Word Layout" tab).  Once done, make sure to save your final document.   Maybe there's a way, but I could only figure out how to save a thumbnail on my computer.  The larger word picture does save on the Tagxedo site but I wanted to be able to save and play with it as a picture on my C drive. 

Here's my final product:

I don't like this Polly Pocket version because you can't see the actual shading of her face that compliments the photo (and really helps define it).  It does print out okay though. I think I'm going to work on these for the grandkids: print, frame, and hang in the spare bedroom. That way when they come to spend the night, they can see how their Gam really feels about them (lots and lots of love). 

You can also chose a shape, link a website, and create a word picture. Here's my RBG Word Picture:

I think this is a very cool site and worth playing with. Who wouldn't love a gift of a word picture that lets people know how much you love them?! And it allows me to do two of my favorite things at once: writing and crafting!

Happy Crafting

Craft A Week #3: Photo Canvas

Tis the time of year for me to get pretty crafty so I am onto my second craft project this week.  Today's craft is a photo canvas.  SHANA:  If you are reading this stop here!  This is one of your birthday presents! 

Here's my picture:

(It's still drying so it will smoothe out as it drys). If you can't read the quote from the picture, it says:

Watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.

Roald Dahl

I thought the quote fit PERFECTLY with this picture. Yes, I too agree that it looks like the quote is eating her face (thanks Bre) but it was based on this original photo. This picture has always been one of my favorites. (Shana is a good photographer, isn't she)?

This project sounds simple but it was rather a challenge. I found other people online who came up with the idea of printing a photo onto tissue paper which then, in turn, is Mod Podged onto a blank canvas. Sounds simple, right?  Well it's not that simple. 

No matter what I did the paper kept getting stuck in the printer.  I did have limited success by ironing my tissue paper and then taping it onto light cardstock paper.  I cut it 4" larger than the cardstock, wrapped it around the back, ironed that flat, and taped the whole thing down.  (Sorry, I didn't take pictures).  Even with doing all that the page got stuck 3/4 of the way through printing - which was okay because that's all I needed.

I then took the printed tissue and carefully cut it away from the cardstock. I used the canvas as a guide and cut it to size.  I then put a light coating of Mod Podge on the canvas.  I VERY carefully lined up the picture and, starting from the center, smoothed the photo onto the canvas.  This is the tricky part because you want to try and get as many bubbles out (not that easy).  Once that is done, just let it sit and dry for 30 minutes.

Because my photo wasn't as wide as the canvas I felt the picture needed something to blend it with the canvas. I used watered down blue water color to marry the two and let that dry 20 minutes. While that was drying, I found and printed the quote. I printed this on regular paper because I didn't want to bother with the tissue anymore.  I played with the spacing and, once I was satisfied, I Mod Podged that in place too.  I then put a thin coat of Mod Podge over the entire thing.

I let that dry for 15 minutes and very lightly sprinkled glitter for highlights.  I'm still feeling it needs something but I'm not sure what. I don't want to add too much to it because once added, it can't be removed.  Any suggestions?

All in all, I think this project is just okay. I like my final product but the printing issue was so frustrating it totally turned me off.  Considering you can get these done at WalMart and other photo places for $15-20, I think I'd rather do my photoshop magic and send it to them for printing. 

Happy Crafting!

Craft A Week #2: Lalaloopsy Doll

I am in the throws of toy making for the holidays.  This week's craft project was a crocheted Lalaloopsy doll.  If you aren't familiar with Loopsey dolls, here's what they look like:

The original Loopsy doll is made by MGA Entertainment. The story of Lalaloopsy is, “they were once rag dolls that magically came to life when their very last stitch was sewn.” In the story, each doll is made from fabric and takes on the personality of the fabric from which they have been made.

They have big heads, skinny bodies, arms, and legs. They also have awesome hair!  Since I don't know how to sew I decided to try a crocheted version.  (I did find a pattern online but it was of very little help. I had to totally rework it to be of any use. I will write out the instructions for the next one I make).

Here's my first Lalaloopsy endevor:

Since I was making this for a toddler, I made the eyes and cheeks out of crochet.I didn't want to glue anything on or use buttons that could be pulled off. I also added a nose because I know it is confusing for little people who are just learning about facial recognition when pieces are missing.  I also put  pipe cleaners in her arms and legs so she can be posed.





She's a pretty good size; about 18" long. 

I also found a website that is called the "Unofficial Lalaloopsy Doll Website" that will definately be a source of inspiration for me and my future Loopsy doll making.  Here's the link:  Lalaloopy Headquarters

I want to make one for Natalie (who is 4) and I think I will use felt for the cheeks and buttons for the eyes. Since she's a big girl, if the eyes do come off, she won't try to swallow them (hopefully)!

The first version of anything I make is just about getting the mechanics down. I'm looking forward to making more of these. She was very fun to create!

These Are A Few of My Favorite Things (Crafting Websites)

My friends and family ask me where I come up with my creative craft ideas. While I am pretty crafty in my own right, I get ALOT of ideas from other craft websites.  I can spend hours upon hours trolling the net seeking out innovative inspiration.  The following are some of my favorites:

Design*Sponge

Design*Sponge is a design blog run by Brooklyn-based writer, Grace Bonney. My favorite sections of this blog are the DIY and the Before/After sections.  Many of the projects listed here are definately for the more advanced crafter (who has carpentary skills). But they are also the most spectacular projects I've seen. Given my limited experiece with power tools, most of these projects go in my "some day" folder. It's not that they are hard; I just don't really know what I'm doing with that kind of equipment.  Definately worth exploring.  Design Sponge

I LOVE this site!  Ravelry is a free, member generated site dedicated to fiber arts (crocheting, knitting, etc.). They have many free patterns, instructions, and how to's (both video and print). This is one of the first sites I go to when trying to find a new crochet idea.  Ravelry

This is another free, member generated craft site. Members can post on any craft topic. As with Ravelry, alot of the projects include instructions (or links to them. We crafters are an unselfish bunch, aren't we?!). They also have articles relating to crafting, as well as periodic crafting contests.  The only downside with this site is that signing up for membership seems to be a bit of a challenging process.  In any case, it is a very fun site!  In fact, I entered their toy making contest solely on the hopes of winning something with their logo on!  I love their humor.  Craftster

Another free, member generated site. Amazing ideas here!  I am just so amazed at the creativy and innovation that crafters have. Most have instructions. A great way to waste time and get inspired.  Craftgawker

I just found this site, thanks to my dear friend Denise. This place is amazing!  They have a whole host of topics that people post under but my favorite is the DIY  & Crafts section. Many of the postings include instructions (which is always a plus). You can find ANYTHING here!  Guaranteed to give you inspiration for whatever you are in the mood to do!  Pinterest

I'm sure there are many more crafting sites out there. If you have any favorites, please share them in the comments section.  Happy crafting!

Craft A Week #1: Wonky Donkeys

I'm adding a new section to the blog titled "Craft a Week".  If you know me, you know that I do LOTS of crafts but things don't always end up posted here on Random Bits. I figure if I have this section, it will keep me accountable and I get to share the fun things I'm working on. (One of my New Year's resolutions is to get my crafting out to the world; I do some cool stuff but am not always the best at self promotion).  I will try to post instructions along with the project (given my time limits). If there is ever something I make that doesn't have instructions, please let me know and I will do my best to get them to you.

This first entry is called "Wonky Donkeys".  I created it in response to the call for home crafted toys contest at www.craftser.org.  I love this site and find alot of inspiration (and instructions) there.  I especially like their merchandise.  One of my favorite slogans is "Craftster: Rock is Dead; Long Live Paper and Scissors" (a little crafting humor - and yes, I am a Craft Geek)!

The link to my entry is here:  Wonky Donkeys: Vote for Me!  You will need to sign up for Craftser in order to vote and I appreciate your time and attention if you do.  (The entry also has a link to the pattern I used as the foundation for my donkeys). 

Thanks in advance for voting. Happy Crafting! 

Aren't they cute?!  They look so in love!

Donkey #1

Donkey #2

My First Bacon Toy

Okay, so I like random things, toys and bacon, however, even I wouldn't have remotely thought of creating the "My First Bacon" toy. What a peculiar item! Not sure who this would be appropriate for....and my FIRST bacon implies there will be subequent bacons in your future! I guess credit needs to be given to ThinkGeek for creating it. Apparently those Geeks are really creative.

My First Bacon

Apple Bread Recipe

I had my friend Jenn over for dinner last night and wanted a little something sweet to go along with the chicken croquettes I made.  I found this recipe for apple bread (http://www.food.com/recipe/apple-bread-20549) but I didn't have all the ingredients. I made substitutions based on what I had on hand, as well as to cut down the amount of oil used.  Here's my recipe for apple bread.

• 3 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 t pumpkin pie spice
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 3/4 c egg substitute (or 3 eggs)
• 2 cups splenda or sugar
• 1/4 cup oil
• 3/4 cup applesauce
• 1 tablespoon vanilla
• 2 cups diced apples (without skins)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts OR dried cranberries (I made both)
• 1 teaspoon flour

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Mix flour, cinnamon, soda, salt and baking powder together.

Beat egg substitute (or eggs) and add sugar and applesauce and oil.

Add vanilla and dry ingredients.

Stir in apples.

Mix walnuts OR cranberries in a tsp of flour and add to batter.

Pour into 2 greased loaf pans.

Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes (check then; the original recipe said to cook for an  hour but mine was done at 45 minutes).

YUM!

M & M: We Are Family

This year saw significant shifiting around of the pets in my house. First, a stray cat, who we named Mimi, decided my house was her home. S/he came to us last Christmas, in the middle of a snow storm. I tried to make her stay outside but, of course, eventually I gave in.  Who could you resist this (the kid or the cat)?

We thought Mimi was a girl. She was so young (8 weeks). Since we didn't see any male equipment, we decided to call her Mimi.  When I took her to the vet a month later, he said she was a he! Apparently Mimi was part of a catch, fix, release effort as she has a snipped right ear, which the vet said is a sign of a particular local animal "rescue" effort.  (I still can't believe that they nuetered a tiny kitten and released back into the wild during the dead of winter). In any case, we stuck with the name Mimi and now have a trangender cat.

In the spring, I decided to foster a special needs dog. Marcella (or Miracle) as she was originally called, is a blue tick coon hound who was born without a right front leg. She is the sweetest dog!  Again, who could resist this?  Clearly, not me!

M &; M (Marcella and Mimi) absolutely love each other!  Every night Mimi insists on snuggling with Marcella. They are such an adorable couple; they make my heart smile. I predict they will warm your heart as well.

Did You Know?

I love the foamy hand soap at Bath and Body Works but I don't like the price. Unless it is crazy on sale, I won't buy it.  While I do like the scents, I also really like the foam.  It seems to be easier to spread around your hands and there's far less globs of soap left in the sink after the kids get done with handwashing.

Did you know that you can make any liqued hand soap foamy?  It is the containter that makes it foamy, not the soap.  If you look closely at the foam soap container, you will see there's a little well before the nozzle that has a spring mechanism in it. Apparentently it is this that foams up the soap.



While these two soaps are Bath and Body Works, you can use any liqued soap and get the same effect.  I bought a yummy vanilla soap at the Dollar Store that I will put in another foam dispenser as soon as the original soap is gone.

So save those foamy soap dispensers so you can reuse them!





Spool Book Shelf

Another great idea from "Design Spounge" is this bookshelf made from a discarded wooden spool. I'd love to have this in my spare room where the grandkids stay but have no clue where to find one of these spools. If anyone has a lead on one, please let me know.

Dresser ReDo

You know I love to reuse and repurpose. I found this great idea for redoing an old dresser on "Design Spounge" (one of my favorite sites for design inspiration.  I love how just adding the legs really makes this totally new piece. Amazing!

Before and After Cabinet

Children in the Techno Age

This video exemplifies what I've observed about how children born within the last few years will expect media to work. I am both amazed and saddened; our current "babies" (less than 4) will be so amazingly tech savvy. I think that is awesome. But, on the other hand, it is encumbant on us to educate them of the "old ways" as well.

Popcorn Recipe Book

In Sunday's paper there was an ad for The Popcorn Factory. We don't have a retailer here (I only remember one years ago at the Glendale Galleria). I thought about sending a tin of popcorn to the grandkids for a gift. When I looked on the site, I found their prices are pretty high ($39.99 + $9 for shipping).

A quick search online led me to the Popcorn.org website. It seems to be the definative site for all things popcorn!  They provide a free pdf popcorn recipe book, found here: Popcorn Recipes.  Who knew you could do so many things with popcorn?! Some of them seem a little out there (creme brulee with popcorn topping; popcorn and mushroom crusted tilapia; coconut popcorn crunch pie) but others sound yummy (caramel almond popcorn clusters; bacon and cheese popcorn; easy carmel corn).

Later I'm going to try the Cinnamon Sugar Kettle Corn. (I'll post pictures and details).  I also think I will make Timothy some Brown Sugar Lollipops for his birthday.

Freebies, Coupons, and Coupon Code Websites

I LOVE to get stuff for free! I troll sites for free samples because I like trying out new products. I get samples that I use for my travel bag (shampoo, conditioner, tooth paste, body wash) or I use to stock a basket of supplies in my guest room.  There's alot of places on the internet that list these but here's a few of my favorites:

Wal Mart Free Samples: These change pretty often so check back frequently.
Buxr Freebies: This is a great site! They not only have lots of freebies but also have fantastic deals (under the coupons tab).
Absurdly Cool: Lists lots of freebies and good deals.

I NEVER pay full price when I buy online!  There are so many sites that list coupons and codes. Here's some of my favorites:

Deal News: I look under the "Editor's Choice" tab. They too list freebies but also coupon codes and fantastic sales. I found the code on here for my Droid that enabled me to get it for free when the Verizon site was charging $200 for it!
Pinching Your Pennies: This site offers some freebie links too but lists alot of sales and coupon codes.
Crazy About Deals: Another site that lists freebies, coupons and sales.
Mommy Saves Big: More freebies, coupons and sales.
Coupon Dork: First, love the name!  This site starts with a pull down menu that you select the store you are looking for (for example, Target) and it lists coupons and free shipping codes.
Just Rebates: A big list of current rebate offers.
All You: The magazine All You lists a wide array of coupons and free samples.
Coupon Cravings: Does what it says! Coupons!
Retail Me Not: Coupons and codes. This is definately one of my "go to" sites when I find something I want online. They usually have a code that enables discounts and/or free shipping.

Finally, Ebates!  Before I buy anything online, I check to see if they participate with Ebates. To use, set up an account with Ebates (for free: use my awanadalla@verizon.net as a referral and I get $5 credit for referring you). Then look for the online store you want to place your order. Click on the store and you will be transferred there through Ebates. Each store has a varying ebate (between 2% for Walmart, up to 26% for Magazines.com). Ebates will then send you a quarterly check for your rebates.  It my not seem like alot but it adds up. I've received $240 in rebates since I joined the site in 2008: Not going to get rich off it but it's still money!

I find Ebates the best for magazines subscriptions. Especially during the holidays, magazines go on sale. The sale, along with the rebate, allows me to get some great deals on magazines (like Cosmo for $9.00 a year subscription). Great gifts!

I know Shana has some favorite freebie and coupon sites as well. Shana, please feel free to share your links in the comments.

Happy Savings Time!