Fiber Arts Monday - Crochet Baby Bonnet

Fiber Arts Monday – Crochet Baby Bonnet

Here is another baby bonnet I made for a new little one at church. Learn how to crochet with our DVD. So how ’bout it? Do you have a project you are working or want to work on? Let’s share some inspiration! Fiber art is anything that includes stitching, weaving, quilting, sewing

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Fiber Arts Monday – How to Tie a Knot for Hand Stiching, video

  Fiber art is anything that includes stitching, weaving, quilting, sewing, rug making, crocheting, knitting, spinning, etc… Each Monday we can share ideas, patterns, finished projects and ask questions about fiber arts in the comment section. You can also link up to your blog po

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Building a Family Economy - Emergency Candles

Building a Family Economy – Emergency Candles

I saw these on Pintrest and thought how they'd make a great gift this Christmas, or even for a bridal shower or housewarming. Place a book of matches and add a lid on and you'll have about 40-50 hours of light. These can be made for less than $2.00 if you are buying new jars, but less than $1.

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Today's Table - Fight-That-Cold-Soup

Today’s Table – Fight-That-Cold-Soup

My sweet, hard working man has been home the last few days sick with a bad cold. Normally he just keeps going even when he is sick, but this one has had him flat on his back! There is nothing like a chicken soup to sooth a sore throat and open those nasal airways! I made a soup with a LOT of onions

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Fiber Arts Monday - Nine Patch Doll Quilt

Fiber Arts Monday – Nine Patch Doll Quilt

Several years ago I made this Nine Patch quilt for a costumer. The pictures do not show the true bright colors of this quilt. This is probably one of my favorite quilts I've made. I had a bunch of extra 9 patch squares left over that I had planned on using in a quilt for me one day, but I still

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Fiber Arts Monday - Hand Embroidery Pillow

Fiber Arts Monday – Hand Embroidery Pillow

I saw this on Pinterest and fell in love with it! This is a perfect gift for someone who has everything, maybe even for someone with limited space or someone in a nursing home. The design is simple enough you can draw it out for yourself. Go ahead and be thinking of anniversary and Christmas gift

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What we do on rainy afternoons... Peanut-butter Icing!

What we do on rainy afternoons… Peanut-butter Icing!

Spring is here and so is the rain! Three little kiddos and a 'caged-up' hyperactive hubby calls for some drastic measures! I turned 8 year old Cherish loose in the kitchen to bake cupcakes by herself. She did all of the measuring and EVERYTHING just right... she was pretty proud of herself!

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Try not to envy my line...

Try not to envy my line…

I know I've talked about laundry a lot but there is no avoiding it! Our dryer went out last summer and we have not replaced it. For the most part I don't want to, that is unless we have several days of rain. I am amazed at how much our power bill has gone down without it. I've had one long line u

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Fiber Arts Monday - Cleaning Your Sewing Machine

Fiber Arts Monday – Cleaning Your Sewing Machine

Taking good care of your machine at home will save you a lot of frustration and money for repairs. Here is a great post about how and when to clean your sewing machine. Fiber art is anything that includes stitching, weaving, quilting, sewing, rug making, crocheting, knitting, spinning, etc

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Black and White Fondant Wedding Cake

Black and White Fondant Wedding Cake

I made this cake using a marshmallow fondant, the black and white balls are also made from the fondant. I also used the food markers to freehand on the design. Learn Basic Cake Decorating This DVD does not include fondant icing.

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Laundry... need I say more?

Laundry… need I say more?

LAUNDRY! It's a family affair! All the kids big and small help to knock out the folding. And tomorrow...we'll do it all again! If I had my way I'd outlaw socks until everyone was grown, married and out of the house. How to Do Laundry- Drying Clothes -video How to Do Laundry- Folding Cl

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How to Build a Family Economy – Cake Decorating

When my first baby was born 24 years ago I took 12 weeks of cake decorating classes.  I knew I needed something I would enjoy and be able to make a little extra money from home with. It didn't take me long to learn the skill and before I knew it friends and family were wanting me to make their

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Fiber Arts Monday - Double Sided Headbands

Fiber Arts Monday – Double Sided Headbands

Jessica, over at Happy Together, has this GREAT tutorial for double sided head bands. Aren't they just the cutest?  These would be great for any age. They would also be a great item to give as gifts or even sell.  ~~~ I bought some bright, spring-like colored cotton yarn for more dishcloths. I

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Today's Table - Venison Stew

Today’s Table – Venison Stew

      I love making venison stew in the cast iron dutch oven! Venison Stew Cook on med-high heat for 3-4 minutes, DO NOT OVER COOK: 2-3 tablespoons olive oil 2 pounds venison stew meat When it is just about done add and saute for 1-2 minutes: 2 onions - chopped

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Fiber Arts Moday - No-Sew Rag Rug

Fiber Arts Moday – No-Sew Rag Rug

Here is a really good rag rug idea that uses no hooks or needles. On these long cold winter nights this would be a great project, even for the kids! Read more about making rugs here. Fiber art is anything that includes stitching, weaving, quilting, sewing, rug making, crocheting, knitti

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Hand Sewing – Basic Stitches Video Tutorial

  Fiber art is anything that includes stitching, weaving, quilting, sewing, rug making, crocheting, knitting, spinning, etc… Each Monday we can share ideas, patterns, finished projects and ask questions about fiber arts in the comment section. You can also link up to your blog po

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Fiber Arts Monday - Bartering Goods

Fiber Arts Monday – Bartering Goods

I've been working on some crocheted dishcloths that I am bartering for some heirloom seeds with a friend.   Have you ever bartered handmade goods? Fiber art is anything that includes stitching, weaving, quilting, sewing, rug making, crocheting, knitting, spinning, etc… Each Monday we can s

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Baby's 1st Birthday - Elephant Cake

Baby’s 1st Birthday – Elephant Cake

The great thing about being able to decorate cakes is that you get to make special cakes for special people. The body and head of this cake are made of cake. The legs, trunk and hat are made of rice crispy. I used the high ratio buttercream icing for the green and a marshmallow fo

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Don't Let Your Ideal Ruin Christmas! Fake it til You Make it!

Don’t Let Your Ideal Ruin Christmas! Fake it til You Make it!

I think most of us truly desire to have one big happy family, all gathered around the table, holding hands to say the blessing and then to fill our hearts with laughter and our bellies with good food.  I think most of us have our own version of the Walton family dinner table in our minds...especi

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Today's Table - Jacques Pépin's Dijon Crusted Split Chicken Breast

Today’s Table – Jacques Pépin’s Dijon Crusted Split Chicken Breast

I like to keep the table decorated with something fresh and different. Here are some tiny glasses with cranberries, and some fresh herbs form the herb garden; simple and festive! Tonight Olivia served us up Jacques Pépin's Dijon Crusted Split Chicken Breast from his Fast Food My Way cook

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Fiber Arts Monday - Gordian Knot Christmas Quilt

Fiber Arts Monday – Gordian Knot Christmas Quilt

I started this Christmas quilt a few years ago, today I WILL finish the binding...I WILL! :) This pattern is a Gordian Knot. Someday I'll have quilts for each season to decorate my home with. Fiber art is anything that includes stitching, weaving, quilting, sewing, rug making, crocheting, kni

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Giving Generously- Unique Stockings (videos)

Giving Generously- Unique Stockings (videos)

I love unique stockings, they are a great way to package gifts (think homemade candies, cookies, fudge)  to give and they can be made very frugally. I've crocheted each of our children a stocking that have been used every year.  I love these that have been made from sweaters!    

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Fiber Arts Monday - Crochet the night away...

Fiber Arts Monday – Crochet the night away…

I'm still working on scarfs here for Christmas gifts. One thing I love about the weather getting colder and the day light hours being shorter is that I spend more time crocheting. :o) I kick back in the recliner, usually with a hot rice pack on my feet, a quilt on my lap and yarn in my hands and the

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Sausage Bread

  Sausage Bread Makes 2 loaves 1 pound of sweet or hot Italian Sausage 1 pound of Mozzarella Cheese 2 pizza or bread dough Italian Seasoning Optional: 1 onion, 1 pepper, mushrooms, black olives Use Italian Sausage. If you cannot get it in bulk, use the links, just slide the sa

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Making Chicken Stock and Broth – video

We recently bought some free range chickens from a local family. I love being able to feed my family food that is organic as much as possible. After eating the roasted chicken I saved the bones to make a broth. Today it was cold and rainy here, having the broth on most of the day simmering made it

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Thanksgiving Video Tutorials

A couple pie crust hints: Use a deep dish pie plate (as seen on the left). Roll your dough out thin. Use a little sugar in your dough recipe. Before placing in the oven, use your finger tips to rub some milk on the top, just enough to moisten it, then sprinkle a little sugar. This will hel

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Fiber Arts Monday - Scarves

Fiber Arts Monday – Scarves

Scarves are great gifts to give for winter birthdays or for Christmas. I'm working on a few for gifts. I started this one last week using this pattern. Scarves are a great way to Give Generously without Breaking the Bank. Here are some other patterns I really like (pictures are

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Fiber Arts Monday- Old Jeans into a Floor Mat – video

I love this! This would be great for a boy's room or an entry way.   Fiber art is anything that includes stitching, weaving, quilting, sewing, rug making, crocheting, knitting, spinning, etc… Each Monday we can share ideas, patterns, finished projects and ask questions about fibe

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Giving Generously – Soldered Jewelry – video

I LOVE this idea, let your imagination run!   Think of keepsakes, small pictures, lock of baby's hair, small map of a special place, special date, names, finger print, etc... Make them smaller for charms on a bracelet, to hang from a pin, or to attach to a ribbon as a bookmark. How about make them

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How to Make Live Greenery Arrangments

Our last Domestic Class for the year will be Nov. 15th.  This is a FUN class! You will learn how to make live arrangements that will last for weeks, some could last all the way from Thanksgiving to Christmas. These arrangements could be for mantles, table centerpieces,  doors or mailboxes.  This

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Chocolate Almond Icing Recipe

Chocolate Almond Icing Recipe

I made this cake in celebration of the baptism of twins at our church a couple of weeks ago.  What a sweet time of rejoicing!   First I completely iced it with a chocolate almond icing... then using a 104 rose tip I made pink 'ruffles' on the sides. The icing I used I made up as I

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Fiber Arts Monday- Choose Fabric (video)

Here is a video clip explaining how to choose the right fabric for your project: Fiber art is anything that includes stitching, weaving, quilting, sewing, rug making, crocheting, knitting, spinning, etc… Each Monday we can share ideas, patterns, finished projects and ask questions about

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Barn Dance - Pig Roast...GROSS Video

Barn Dance – Pig Roast…GROSS Video

Last Saturday night we and about 400 other folks went to the Bailey's Annual Barn Dance. The Bailey's farm is just a few miles from where the April 27th Tornado ripped through Shoal Creek Valley destroying many homes and taking the life of one of our friends, and a dozen other people.  Although

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Fiber Arts Monday- Quilts from Clothes

Fiber Arts Monday- Quilts from Clothes

A friend of mine asked if I could make her a couple of quilts from her parent's clothing who had recently passed away.  I didn't have time, but Olivia was up for it.  Our friend didn't care what the pattern was she just wanted the clothes used.  Olivia made 2 quilts, one for our friend and on

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Pictures from the Cake Decorating Class

Pictures from the Cake Decorating Class

I had a delightful time with these families Tuesday at our Domestic Class. Thank you, Susan for driving 2 1/2 hours for this class!!! I am blessed to have met you, I hope we can do it again sometime! [gallery order="DESC" columns="4"]

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Fiber Arts Monday- How to Hem a Skirt/Pants with a Blind Stitch -video

Fiber art is anything that includes stitching, weaving, quilting, sewing, rug making, crocheting, knitting, spinning, etc… Each Monday we can share ideas, patterns, finished projects and ask questions about fiber arts in the comment section. You can also link up to your blog post or phot

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Sign Up for the Cake Decorating Class

Next Tuesday for our domestic class we are learning Basic Cake Decorating.   Cake decorating has probably been the most profitable skill I've learned.  Not only have I a saved a bunch of money by always being able to make our own cakes, but by making cakes for other people as gifts, cak

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Fiber Arts Monday- Sewing Machine Maintenence (video)

I love this lady's tutorials!!! I have learned a lot about maintenance that I did not know. These are a must watch for anyone that uses a sewing machine. There are 5 segments, but it's worth the time! Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Sewing machine basics - videos. C

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Fiber Arts Monday - Sewing Machine Basics- Video

Fiber Arts Monday – Sewing Machine Basics- Video

Nothing discourages sewing like having issues with your machine. Do yourself and children a favor and learn how your machine works and make adjustments. Know how to use the different stitches. Here is a good site to help you learn the parts, and here is an excellent glossary of terms. What to

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Fiber Arts Monday – Silk Ribbon Embroidery – Videos

I love silk ribbon embroidery. It is so beautiful. It is perfect for embellishing clothing, wall hangings, pillows, quilts, framed art and bookmarks. I taught our Keepers of the Faith group how to do silk ribbon embroidery several years ago. Here are a few how-to's: How to Thread Your Needl

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Is Canning Worth It?

Is canning worth it? It depends. Overall I'd say yes, but it does depend on your situation and season of life. You have to consider the cost of supplies, the food, your time and the canned food quality. When you start buying jars, lids, a canner (especially if you buy a pressure canner) an

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Today's Soap Making Class

Today’s Soap Making Class

We had a GREAT time at the soap making class today. Olivia taught this one. [gallery order="DESC"]   Next week's class is Sewing for the Home. Today is the last day to register for that class.

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Our Rag Quilting Class

Our Rag Quilting Class

We had a great Domestic Class Tuesday when we did rag quilting. Here is one of the students with her bright and happy rag quilt. All she had to do was the snipping part after she got home.   Now that is a good day's work! You can see my tutorial for rag quilting HERE! Next week it's S

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Domestic Class – Rag Quilting Class Today! 9/13/11

Don't forget to check out our Domestic Classes and register on time! Today is the Rag Quilting class. This is one of the easiest quilting classes you can take. Looking forward to seeing some of you there. :) Perfect class for beginners. $15 per person Date: Sept. 13, 2011 Time: 10-2

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Fiber Arts Monday- Simple Baby Hat

Fiber Arts Monday- Simple Baby Hat

This is our County Fair week. I entered this baby hat. I made it up as I went, I think I need to make another one and write down the instructions. To be honest, it is more difficult to write the instructions than it is to just make it. I love fair time! It really motivates all of us to create (

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Today's Table -Small House, Lots of Guest, Link Up!

Today’s Table -Small House, Lots of Guest, Link Up!

“Hospitality sitting with gladness.” Henry Wadsworth Longfellow We love having dinner guest, but because we live in a small house we have to be creative how and when we invite people.  For us having outside gatherings with 2 or 3 families at a time seems to work best, the only thing is we hav

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Jen's Wedding Cake

Jen’s Wedding Cake

Last weekend a sweet young couple at our church were married. I made her cake. Learning how to bake and decorate cakes is not only a great way to save money and make money, but it is really a wonderful way to give a special gift. The wedding was beautiful and it was followed with lots of

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Fiber Arts Monday- 9x13 Casserole Tote, Crochet

Fiber Arts Monday- 9×13 Casserole Tote, Crochet

  As soon as I saw this I knew I needed to make one. Wouldn't it be neat if it were made with tarn (t-shirt yarn)? Not only does this make carrying your dish easier, but it will help keep it warm. Love it! These would make great gifts! Get the instructions HERE! I didn't work on an

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The Humor of an Ironing Board – Video

Here is a little ironing humor for you from one of our favorite comedians! You gotta admit, he is so on target with this!!! Here is our whole series about doing LAUNDRY!

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Fiber Arts Monday - Creating My Own

Fiber Arts Monday – Creating My Own

I love getting an idea in my head, or even seeing someone else's projects and thinking how I could make a bit different so that it reflects me. The great thing about learning how to sew, quilt, paint, crochet, play a musical instrument, etc... is that you can take the foundational skills and make th

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