I’ve been going through pictures from our East Coast vacation and thought I might do a few moments from the past month. This was on New Year’s Eve in Columbia, MD. I’m loving the sparkling white bokeh.
. . . . .
My daughter and I have been doing a lot of reading, lately. I’m going to try and get caught up on my book reviews for the blog. Plus, I haven’t forgotten about the craft book giveaways. More of those to come, too!
Yesterday I started unraveling this sweater. When I detached the neck, I thought, “This would make a beautiful cowl.” I slipped it around my neck. Lovely. I doubled it up. Toasty.
It’s the fastest cowl I’ve ever made. In fact, it kind of looks like the Burberry-inspired cowl by The Garter Girl, which just happened to be on my to-knit list.
Sorry for the mobile phone pics. It’s been a busy week.
I love this sweater. I found it at the thrift store during a 99 cent sale last year. The colors are so pretty: light gray blending into warm oatmeal. It’s a soft wool acrylic blend that doesn’t need to be hand washed.
It’s too big for me, so I knew I’d be unraveling it, but to make what? It took along time, but I finally found something: the Speckled Shrug. I’ll admit that I’m not a big fan of how it looks finished on Lion Brand’s website, but my friend Jess knit it up and I love hers.
I’m so excited to have a project for this yarn. Let the unraveling begin!
Wow. I first posted about these muffins over three years ago. They have really stood the test of time. If my daughter had her way, we’d make a batch every week. With a seal of approval like that, I figured they would make good “in-a-jar” gifts.
Originally, I had planned to give each mix with the recipe printed on a little card. But after attending a local craft retreat, I was inspired to print the recipe on a potholder instead. (Thanks for the idea, Kaitlyn!) A few things:
This was a fun gift to make and give. If you ever do in-a-jar gifts that go in the oven, a potholder is a great way to share the recipe.
project notes: Insul-Bright insulated lining, SuperSoft inket transfer paper, original muffin post, in-a-jar gift ideas
It seems I have some crafty catching up to do. Remember when I told you I was making glycerin soap? It turned out awesome.
I made two different kinds. Here are my notes:
I used Martha Stewart’s directions, but stopped coating the molds with cooking spray after the first batch. It gave the soap surface a weird texture. I put them in the freezer for about 20 minutes after they set and the soaps popped out easily.
Final thoughts:
Next time I might skip the soap molds. I thought they’d make nicer looking gifts, but I made a bar using a juice box container and like how that one turned out the best. I don’t have a picture of that one because my daughter started using it immediately.
I didn’t realize that glycerin soap attracts the moisture in the air, causing it to “sweat.” It really needs to be stored in plastic wrap to keep it dry and fresh. Having lived without plastic wrap in our pantry for a few years, it pained my to buy a roll just for soaps. Also, I’m not sure how practical those cute clear boxes in the Martha Stewart video would be, especially in humid climates. They are pretty, though.
Other soaps I want to try: Crockpot Coffee Kitchen Soap and DIY Hand Soap.
Have you made soap? Share your experiences in the comments! I’d love some more links for my pinterest board.
Last night I slept in my own bed and it was wonderful. I’ve been all over the MD/DC/VA area the past week visiting family and friends. No matter how much fun I have while away, it’s always nice to come home.
I saw this rainbow at the Cincinnati airport and snapped a shot right before we boarded our plane. I’ve been thinking a lot about this picture over the past week. Maybe it’s because while I was away, we ushered in a new year. I’m not one to make long lists of resolutions, but I have a feeling 2012 is going to be filled with creativity and inspiration.
It’s good to be back.
Well, hello! I didn’t intend for this space to get so quiet. December kind of wore me out. I’ve been spending a lot of time behind the camera lens. What has everyone else been up to? Happy 2012!
