X's and O's Tutorial

 How about a little X's and O's?  This was a simple but elegant project.  I love the results.  Here's how I did it:




Supplies:
Cardboard box
Knife or scissors to cut cardboard
Paper pattern
Red Fabric
Red Ribbon (Mine came from Costco.  Best deal on Ribbon EVER!)
Glue gun and glue
White sheer ribbon
Stapler
Red berries
Wire

First I got some cardboard and cut out 2 of each shape.

 Now get some Red fabric and cut 2 pieces of each shape.  These will wrap around the cardboard.

Hot glue the red fabric to the cardboard.  First one side then the other.  You may need to clip the fabric to get it to lay flat at the curves and corners.

 Next, I sewed the ribbon into pleats, but just one side. You could do this with just a glue gun, but it might be kinda hard. You could also buy pre-pleated trim for this project.

Next glue the ribbon down to the letters.

Here's some close ups of the letters. For the O, I did two rows facing inward and one facing out.

 The X got two rows, 2 full going one direction, then 2 half rows the other direction.

I used the sheer ribbon to connect the letters.
Tie a knot, then staple the ribbon to the
back.  It's easy since it's cardboard.

 Then I made a large bow and wired it together along with the sheer loop that attaches the letters.  I made a large wire loop for hanging.

 I tucked some berry sprigs into the ribbon to finish it off.

Hang it in place and you're done.






Happy Valentines and lots of Hugs and Kisses to you!

Bookshelf re-done

 Ok. So I'm in love with Pottery Barn.  Who isn't really?  I found this gorgeous new Tuscan finish on their furniture and had to try.

Mine only cost $15.  That was for the stain and the wax. I got the bookshelf again from Freecycle.

 I used Minwax stain in Ebony.

 Here's the bookshelf washed and sanded.

 Then with a damp cloth I wiped away all dust and anything left over from sanding.

 Next I applied a thin coat of the ebony stain all over.  Let sit about 15 minutes and wipe away any excess stain.  Let dry overnight.

 Now sand the pieces in various places to reveal the wood underneath.

 I did a little extra hard sanding on the corners and edges.

 Now apply a wax finish according to instructions.  Wipe on with cheesecloth, let sit 15 minutes and buff with a clean dry cloth.
I seriously love this stuff.  It's easy to apply and gives a great finish.

Here's some pics of the finished bookcase.




The furniture bug has bitten.  I can't wait to find my next project.

Anthropologie and Silverware

My living room seriously needs some fabric.  I've been scouring Pinterest for ideas.  Here's a few:

This came from here.

These came from here.


Of course these came from here.

Since I'm not spending $268 on drapes, I decided to make my own.  Mine cost a total of $14.  That was for another Queen Flat sheet.  I already had a king flat and fitted.  And I got the rods from Freecycle. It's a Yahoo group that is in my area.  You sign up and then get emails for things people are giving away for free.  I got three continental rods.  I used two of them for this project.

First hem the panels to fit your window and make the rod pocket to fit your rod.  My panels touch the floor, but don't puddle.  The width is just about 10-12 inches wider than the window to allow for the slight gather and the return back to the wall.

 Next tear up the fitted sheet.  I did some small, kinda small, and large strips.  The easiest way to do the strips is to cut a little then rip the fabric the rest of the way.  I didn't hem any of it.  Then gather up all the strips like shown.  If you don't have a gathering foot, this will take FOREVER!  Time consuming but well worth it.  I have a gathering foot so it was a snap!

Divide up the gathered strips. I am doing 3 panels so I have 3 piles.

 Next lay out the panels and place the gathered strips in a design.  It was fun to play with the design.  2 of the panels are pretty much identical.  The other one is a mirror image.  You'll see why in the finished pics.

Pin everything down well and sew in place.  It was a little awkward but just keep straightening and adjusting and you'll be fine.

I added two of the large ruffles to the bottom edge of each panel. Sorry it's upside down. That's how it ended up on my ironing board.

Now iron everything.  I ironed the small ruffles too.

 This one is not ironed.

 This one is.  Can you see the difference?  I like the pressed look much better.

Now install your rods and hang the curtains.

I needed some tie-backs and thought I'd use some silverware left over from my last drapery project. This time I used spoons.

Drill the hole in the handle of the spoon and screw into the wall.  Bend the spoon to create the tie-back.

 Here's the closeup.

And another look.

Pretty and done.  Love it!  and they only cost $14.  Awesome!

I got the best compliment on these the other day.  A neighbor came over and said they needed to get some drapes like these for their home.  I said I'd be happy to make some for them, and He said, "Oh, I thought you got them at Dillards or Macy's."

I melted.

Picnic Cake

It was my husband's birthday recently and I  asked him what he wanted for his birthday cake.  This was it!  It's a family favorite and I'm excited to share.  Luckily I was fast with my camera.  Usually the cake is all gone before I remember to get the Nikon out.

Picnic Cake

In a mixer combine:
4 eggs
2 cups sugar
1 tsp vanilla
Beat well.

 In another bowl combine:
2 cups flour
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp Baking Powder
Mix well.

 In a glass container put
1 cup milk
2 Tbsp butter
Heat in microwave to melt and mix.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Prepare a 9x13 in pan with cooking spray. 

Mix together all ingredients and pour into prepared pan.
Bake for about 45 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

While cake is baking prepare the topping.

Topping

In a microwave safe bowl combine:
1 cup sugar
1 Tbsp molasses
1/3 cup butter
1/3 cup evaporated milk
Heat in microwave to dissolve and stir well.

Add flaked coconut to desired consistency.
Spread over hot cake.

Turn broiler on and place cake in oven to brown coconut, carmelize the topping, and make it Seriously Yummy!  Be sure to watch the cake as it can burn easily.

Happy Birthday Handsome Man!

 It's so Delish!  plus you made it from scratch.  The cake is light like angel food cake, and the topping is Heavenly!