{Cute} Decorated Paper Plates~

This isn't an original idea by me... But I saw it and had to try it!

Have you ever wanted to take a cute plate of goodies to a party, someone's house, or as a gift to a friend or teacher, and didn't have a cute disposable plate? Well here is an idea that will save the day in a pinch! You probably even have everything you need right there at home~ I did!

All you need:

1. Cheap paper plates

2. Ribbon

3. Hole punch

4. Doilies (optional)

As you can see, the picture easily explains itself... All you need to do is hole punch evenly around the plate, then weave the ribbon through and tie it into a cute bow. WOW, that was so simple! I added a round paper doily to the plate by just looping a little piece of tape on the underside, to hold it in place. Fill this cute plate with goodies and you are set!

Have fun, and enjoy!!

Felt Fortune Cookies (for Valentine's Day)

So my first grader and I made these fortune cookies for her class from some felt circles, some floral wire and ribbon.  Oh yeah, and THIS tutorial from Martha Stewart.  I love the ideas on her web site.

Her teacher asked the children to make gifts for everyone in the class for a "Friendship Party" they are having on Valentine's Day.  These are just big enough for a Hershey kiss or a Starburst in each one.

My daughter typed a Valentine's day message inside each one and the name of each child sticks out the side.

Aren't they cute? 

Easy and Cheap Laundry Soap

 

Want to know how to make super easy and cheap laundry soap?

All you need is:

1 Cup Borax

1 Cup Washing Soda

1 bar of soap (grated)

Borax and washing soda can be found in the laundry isle of the grocery store. 

 

Step 1:  Have your 7 year old grate the bar of soap. 

 

Step 2:  Measure the borax and washing soda and add to the soap flakes. 

 

Step 3:  Mix it all in a big bowl breaking up any clumps. 

 

That's all!  

I use about one Tablespoon for a regular load and a little more for large loads. 

You can also add several drops of essential oil for fragrance, but we used cinnamon oatmeal soap and it already smells great.

How easy is that!  Now go make some and quit spending too much on laundry detergent!  :)

Butterscotch Chippits

This is one of my all time favorite desserts, it is simple, quick and delicious!

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup peanut butter

1 regular sized package of butterscotch chips

1 package of small marshmallows

Directions:

1- Melt the first three ingredients together over low heat, stirring constantly

2- Let cool for 5 minutes

3- Stir in most of the marshmallows (all if you so desire :) )

4- Spread into an 8x12 sprayed pan

5- Cool completely before cutting into squares.

These should stay refrigerated, but can be out for a little while, they just get a bit soft as they warm up.

Hope you enjoy these wonderful little treats!

Christmas Garland

This Christmas Garland is so easy to make and looks great on a fireplace mantle or draped around your front door.

I love decorating our home for Christmas with real garlands, so when we got our tree this year, I used the cuttings off the bottom to make this garland.  This is just a simple garland, but it can be spruced up with pine cones, lights and ornaments.

Materials needed:

Twine

Floral wire

Cuttings from your tree

Pruning sheers

Instructions:

Cut several smaller branches off your tree and cut the twine to the length you would like your garland to be.  Starting at one end of the twine, lay the cutting on your twine and wire it in place.  Overlap another cutting and continue to wire it.  Continue this until the whole twine is used, overlapping and wiring as you go. 

That's it!  Easy, elegant and beautiful!

Fall Leaf Jar

The kids and I had lots of fun this fall looking for the perfect leaves.  We were finding them everywhere we went and collecting them for crafts and projects.

This is a simple idea using Decoupage to add our beautiful leaves to an empty glass jar for a candle.

These jars were made by my 6 year old daughter, but it was such an easy craft that even my three year old made one!

Mystery Braided Leather Keychain

I made this keychain for my Dad out of some scrap leather and a really neat trick!

Click here to see step by step instructions to mystery braid a single piece of leather.