{far above rubies}

Taking it easy!

2009-06-09T00:00:00.000-05:00

Hi all! I wanted to drop a note to say I am taking a break from blogging for a few weeks. Now that beautiful weather has arrived, I can't make myself stay inside for long enough to even have much to say. Also, I am taking a summer class, and have VBS in a few weeks. Have a great summer!

Be sure to check out my VBS Mondays, Slow Cooker Thursdays, and Frugal Fridays!

*+*+*+*
Ps 72:17 His name shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun: and men shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed.
Ps 74: 16, 17 The day is thine, the night also is thine: thou hast prepared the light and the sun. Thou hast set all the borders of the earth: thou hast made summer and winter.
Ps 104:19 He appointed the moon for seasons: the sun knoweth his going down.
Ps 113:3 From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD'S name is to be praised.
Ps 148:3 Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light.
Rev 21:23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.

Easy Crafts for Small Children

2009-05-11T14:26:00.002-05:00

Recently, a friend asked me for some party craft ideas for small children, that could possibly be
done in a restaurant.  Most of these could be prepared ahead of time, with little assembly to be done by the children.  Most involve paper that can be cut
out ahead of time, so that there is  minimal work for the kids.
These would be great VBS crafts or even Sunday School!

Paper bracelets
http://www.ourbigearth.com/2008/08/08/inspire-creativity-handmade-paper-bracelet
s/

Printable Paper Dolls
http://tpettit.best.vwh.net/dolls/pd_scans/betsy_mccall/index.html

Lollipop flowers
http://shimandsons.typepad.com/shimandsons/2008/02/marthas-idea-my.html
martha's version:
http://www.marthastewart.com/portal/site/mslo/menuitem.3a0656639de62ad593598e10d
373a0a0/?vgnextoid=4e1dd0f19132f010VgnVCM1000003d370a0aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default&ln
c=b1a9cf380e1dd010VgnVCM1000005b09a00aRCRD

Cookie pouches (have cookies ready, let kids decorate envelope with
markers/stamps/crayons/etc)
http://norththreads.blogspot.com/2007/01/crafting-with-kids-valentines-cd.html

Lollipop Butterflies
http://www.skiptomylou.org/2009/02/03/printable-valentines/

Lollipop Flowers
http://www.skiptomylou.org/2008/02/08/how-does-your-garden-grow/

Paper alligator
http://www.skiptomylou.org/2008/02/06/id-snap-at-the-chance-to-be-your-valentine
/

Paper party hats
http://mayamade.blogspot.com/2008/07/party-hats_22.html

Newspaper party hats
http://www.skiptomylou.org/2008/12/31/how-to-make-newspaper-party-hats/

Paper fortune cookies  (ahead of time, cut out, and have "sayings" printed)
http://www.oncewed.com/index.cfm?postID=290

Paper pinwheels
http://www.craftideas.info/html/paper_pinwheel.html

Flower Pot canisters (would require gluing, maybe not so good for restaurant)
http://www.maizehutton.com/flowerpotcanisters.html

Be sure to check out my VBS Mondays, Slow Cooker Thursdays, and Frugal Fridays!

*+*+*+* Hebrews 11:17 By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,

Record Bowls

2009-05-04T00:00:00.004-05:00

As a Vacation Bible School teacher, sometimes it is hard to come up with fresh ideas for crafts. So on Mondays I post any craft ideas that I come across that might work. Join in and pass the word! ~ April

photo courtesy of Thriftyfun's Record Bowl

This is a great quick craft that will definitely take some adult supervision. I actually did this for VBS as a one night craft. The girls loved it! The record gets very soft and pliable when heated in the oven, and melts into the shape of a "bowl".

You will need:
~ old vinyl records, which can be found at any thrift store pretty cheaply
~ oven - more than one in your church kitchen is great!
~ cookie sheet
~ oven proof bowl

Here are lots of different instructions below, even a video,
or just google "record bowls":

Instructables Record Bowl

Wikihow Record Bowl

Metacafe Record Bowl Video

Thriftyfun Record Bowl

Be sure to check out my VBS Mondays, Slow Cooker Thursdays, and Frugal Fridays!

*+*+*+* Psalms 119:138 Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful.

Yankee Pot Roast Dinner WW

2009-04-30T00:00:00.001-05:00

Find more Slow Cooker Thursday recipes here: Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

Yankee Pot Roast Dinner
Weight Watchers

2.5 lbs boneless bottom round roast, trimmed
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp salt
2 lg onions, sliced
1 3/4 cups water
1 1/2 tbsps balsamic or red wine vinegar
1 (1oz) envelope dry onion soup mix
1 tbsp finely chopped fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried thyme
1 3/4 lbs red potatoes, quartered
1 lb baby carrots
fresh thyme sprigs for garnish, optional

This recipe was not originally a slow cooker recipe, but I made it this way:
Brown the outside of the roast in a skillet. Spray the inside of the slow cooker with cooking spray. Add all ingredients, I place potatoes first so that they will by toward the bottom. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Serving size: 2 slices beef, 1 cup veggies, 1/4 broth
Points: 6

Be sure to check out my VBS Mondays, Slow Cooker Thursdays, and Frugal Fridays!

*+*+*+* Psalms 73:25, 26 Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.

Flower Pens

2009-04-27T00:00:00.004-05:00

As a Vacation Bible School teacher, sometimes it is hard to come up with fresh ideas for crafts. So on Mondays I post any craft ideas that I come across that might work. Join in and pass the word! ~ April

photo courtesy of CampArtLady's Tutorial

Flower Pen

This is an old idea, I think we even made these way back when I was in VBS. But it is still a good one! You can make them with or without a flower pot. Some versions have foam in a small clay pot to hold the pen up. The photo above has beans, but you could use rice or coffee beans as well. You could even make an entire flower arrangement.
I think this would also make good Sunday School projects, maybe for Valentine's Day or Mother's Day.

Here are some tutorials and ideas:

CampArtLady's Tutorial

Fluffy Flower's Flower Pen Tutorial

youtube video instructions

Polkadot Pineapple's fabric version of the flower pen

Ready.set.craft's version

DIY's version

Be sure to check out my VBS Mondays, Slow Cooker Thursdays, and Frugal Fridays!

*+*+*+* Psalms 73: 22 - 24
So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee. Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.

Baskets

2009-04-24T00:00:00.003-05:00

Find more Frugal Friday tips here: Life as Mom

Thrift Store ideas ~ Baskets

I found the above basket at Goodwill for $4. It is huge, about 2' x 3'! It fits on the edge of my fireplace filled with extra throw blankets and a pillow. Of course it has to be moved if we have a fire going in the fireplace, but that's ok.

This is not really a before & after, just an idea or suggestion. Thrift stores are the best place to find baskets. Baskets are those classic things that never go out of style. Sure, there are some styles that are dated, but mostly they are are simple. Here are a few of my ideas for baskets:

~ Use them as flower pots, this is especially great if you are carrying the plants inside/outside. And if you have "critters" that knock them over, they won't break.
~ Use them for organizing anything: office supplies, craft supplies, etc.
~ We have an emergency "power outage" basket in our closet full of things like flashlights, batteries, lighters, matches, candles, and our battery operated portable DVD player.
~ We have a basket on the top shelf of our coat closet full of scarves and mittens.
~ Make a grouping of baskets coordinate for a desktop or such, by spray painting them all the same color.
~ Roll up some bath towels in a basket for over night guests.
~ Use a basket instead of a gift bag or gift wrap.
~ In the summer time we set a small basket on our porch with bug spray and sunscreen for convenience.
~ Use a basket in the kitchen to hold a stack of cookbooks.
~ Use a basket at your bedside for night-time reads like magazines, mail, or books.

The possibilities are endless. Let me know what you use baskets for. And when you see a nice basket at the thrift store, buy it! You'll find a use for it, trust me.

Also, here are a couple of printable coupon likes I have received from friends this week:

Kashi printable coupons

SoBe lifewater coupons

Be sure to check out my VBS Mondays, Slow Cooker Thursdays, and Frugal Fridays!

*+*+*+* Matt 10:39, 40 He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it. He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.

Chicken Cacciatore WW

2009-04-23T00:00:00.001-05:00

Find more Slow Cooker Thursday recipes here: Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
Another WeightWatchers recipe!

1 lb chicken cut into 1 in pieces
1 14.5 can crushed fire-roasted tomatoes
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 green bell pepper; sliced
1 onion chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 cup dry red wine or reduced sodium chicken broth
1 tablespoon tomato paste
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1. Place all of the ingredients in a 5 or 6 quart slow cooker
2. Cover and cook until the vegetables are tender, 5-6 hours on high or 6-8
hours on low.

Weight Watchers
Serving size: 1 cup
Points: 4

Be sure to check out my VBS Mondays, Slow Cooker Thursdays, and Frugal Fridays!

*+*+*+* 2 Tim 4:18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Apron Theme

2009-04-20T00:00:00.005-05:00

As a Vacation Bible School teacher, sometimes it is hard to come up with fresh ideas for crafts. So on Mondays I post any craft ideas that I come across that might work. Join in and pass the word! ~ April

This theme would be for older age girls, but would super cute and easy. You could modify them to be no-sew by using an iron on adhesive for the straps instead of sewing. Aprons could be made with a pillowcase (first one below) or bandana (below) or even a cute kitchen tea towel.

Modobject's no-sew pillowcase apron

Martha Stewart's bandana apron

Julia from creativeladiesministry.com has a whole page of Apron Theme Links, including the
apron papercraft above. She has a downloadable apron-related devotions!

Be sure to check out my VBS Mondays, Slow Cooker Thursdays, and Frugal Fridays!

*+*+*+* Isa 25:1 O LORD, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.

Framed Canvas Print

2009-04-17T00:00:00.006-05:00

Find more Frugal Friday tips here: Life as Mom

Another thrift store before and after!

This is a framed canvas print of the 1880 John George Brown painting "The Cider Mill". I bought it at Goodwill for $5. It is hard to tell from the photo, but it is a distressed canvas print not a poster. Here is an example of one with no frame: Canvas no frame. I painted over the stenciled apples on the frame, with... you guessed it, black paint.

I don't know if it looks best above the bed in our guest room. I may have to find a better place for it, but until then that's where it'll be!

Be sure to check out my VBS Mondays, Slow Cooker Thursdays, and Frugal Fridays!

*+*+*+* II Tim 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Cherry Buckle

2009-04-16T00:00:00.000-05:00

Find more Slow Cooker Thursday recipes here: Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

I got this recipe from my Mom, she made this on Easter last Sunday, it was great!

Cherry Buckle

Ingredients
1 (26-ounce) can cherry pie filling
2 (15-ounce) cans peaches in syrup
1 (18.25-ounce) box yellow cake mix
1 stick butter, cut into small pieces
1 (1.19-ounce) packet maple and brown sugar instant oatmeal
1/4 cup sliced almonds (or any nuts)
Whipped topping, or ice cream for serving

Directions

Spray a 5-quart slow cooker with butter-flavored cooking spray and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine pie filling, peaches. Pour into prepared slow cooker. Sprinkle cake mix over fruit mixture. Dot with butter. In a small bowl, combine oatmeal packet and almonds. Sprinkle over cake mixture.

Place 8 paper towels over slow cooker bowl and secure with lid, to help trap steam. Cook on low setting for 4 to 6 hours. Do not lift lid to check cake for the first 3 hours.
Serve warm with whipped topping, or ice cream.

Here is a similar recipe with pears: Pear & Cherry Buckle

Be sure to check out my VBS Mondays, Slow Cooker Thursdays, and Frugal Fridays!

*+*+*+* John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Simple Paper Crafts

2009-04-12T00:00:00.000-05:00

As a Vacation Bible School teacher, sometimes it is hard to come up with fresh ideas for crafts. So on Mondays I post any craft ideas that I come across that might work. Join in and pass the word! ~ April

Here are some VBS ideas that are more like party favors for your kids. They could be used as a simple "craft" for some ages. These links are for Valentine ideas, but could be decorated for any theme. Would be great for Sunday School too!

Martha's Heart and Lollipop Flowers

SkiptoMyLou's Printable Paper Butterfly Lollipops

Norththread's CD Cookie Pouch

Be sure to check out my VBS Mondays, Slow Cooker Thursdays, and Frugal Fridays!

*+*+*+* Luke 22:70 Then said they all, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Ye say that I am.

Kid's Apron and Chef Hat

2009-04-10T09:24:00.006-05:00

I sewed up a tiny chef hat and apron set. The apron is reversible and ties at the shoulders. I used Heather Bailey Pop Garden in brown and some brown gingham.

The apron is one piece that wraps around the back and ties at the shoulders.

The reverse side of the apron:

The chef's hat is from a vintage pattern I have (I made another one here) and the apron is from Mayfly's smocket pattern .

Be sure to check out my VBS Mondays, Slow Cooker Thursdays, and Frugal Fridays!

*+*+*+* Psalms 2:11 Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.

Before and After my "logo" sign

2009-04-10T00:00:00.002-05:00

Find more Frugal Friday tips here: Life as Mom

I ordered some lettering and a blank board from a friend's Uppercase Living party with consultant Rebekah Wade. A couple of coats of black paint, and some masking tape later, now I have my own sign! Not sure where I am going to put it yet, but I like it alot. It'll probably go somewhere in the vicinity of my craft room. :) Here's the pics:

From this:

To this:

To this:

Finally this:

Sweet! Now where am I going to put it?

Be sure to check out my VBS Mondays, Slow Cooker Thursdays, and Frugal Fridays!

*+*+*+* Eph 5:17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

Caramel Pie

2009-04-09T00:00:00.001-05:00

Slow Cooker Caramel Pie

14 oz sweetened condensed milk
1 tub whipped topping
1 graham cracker pie crust
garnishings (nuts, crushed candy bar, etc)

Pour the can of milk into a glass baking dish that will fit into your crock pot. Place the glass dish in the center of the crock. Fill the crock with water up to the level of the milk in the glass. Cook on low for 9 hours. The milk should be a caramel color. Pour into graham cracker pie crust, let cool. Cover with whipped topping, garnish with nuts or candy.

My take on it: very easy, and very good! This recipe actually came out of a Weight Watchers slow cooker cookbook. The pie is 7 pts/serving.

Be sure to check out my VBS Mondays, Slow Cooker Thursdays, and Frugal Fridays!

*+*+*+*Matt 22:12 And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.

Princess Diaries - VBS ideas

2009-04-06T00:00:00.000-05:00

As a Vacation Bible School teacher, sometimes it is hard to come up with fresh ideas for crafts. So on Mondays I post any craft ideas that I come across that might work. Join in and pass the word! ~ April

This VBS Monday I am kinda cheating and posting a link to my previous post on ideas we used for our Teen Girls Class in VBS 2006. This is the class I usually teach (teen girls) so that is what my craft ideas are geared toward.

Find the full description here: Teen Girls Class (Princess Diaries)

Be sure to check out my VBS Mondays, Slow Cooker Thursdays, and Frugal Fridays!

*+*+*+* Jhn 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

Easy Like Saturday Morning

2009-04-04T15:09:00.003-05:00

My Saturday morning...

a little coffee (of course!)
my birthday lemon blossoms from my Mamaw Helen
in my new birthday Nick & Nora pajamas from my mom
and a couple of bib sets

a Mossy Oak camo set (for Jeani):

A sage green/brown dots and brown gingham patchwork set (for Lisa):

All wrapped up and ready to go!

Be sure to check out my VBS Mondays, Slow Cooker Thursdays, and Frugal Fridays!

*+*+*+*

Isa 41:13

For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.

Before & After Desk Organizer

2009-04-03T00:00:00.002-05:00

Another before & after thrift store find!

I got this large desk organizer at Goodwill for $5.99, which I thought was a little much, and it wasn't even half off weekend. But I made the purchase because I had a plan, and a spot in mind for this item.

I have priced these large desktop organizers at what I call "seconds" stores like Marshalls and Ross for $39.99 - 49.99 for the larger ones. It's hard to get the perspective of the size from these photos, but it is approximately 10" x 24". Here's what I did:

First thing I did was to clean it up. As you can see from the before photos, it was kind of grimy.
I removed the tiny knobs from the drawers.
I covered entirely with two layers of black paint.
Modge-podged some black/ivory scrapbooking paper to the backs of the compartments.
Added some new hardware to the drawers (my husband Tony drilled the new holes). They are a little over-sized, but it was hard to find any small enough for these small drawers.

So ta-da!

Be sure to check out my VBS Mondays, Slow Cooker Thursdays, and Frugal Fridays!

*+*+*+* John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Maple Praline Chicken

2009-04-02T04:12:00.002-05:00

(Gooseberry Patch - Slow Cooker Recipes)

Maple Praline Chicken

Ingredients:
6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 T Cajun seasoning
1/4 cup butter (melted)
1/2 cup maple syrup
2 T brown sugar, packed
1 cup chopped pecans
6 oz pkg long grain rice, cooked

Directions:
Sprinkle chicken with Cajun seasoning. In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook chicken in butter until golden. Arrange chicken in a slow cooker. Mix together syrup, brown sugar, and pecans; pour over chicken. Cover and cook on low setting for 6 to 8 hours. Serve with cooked rice. Makes 6 servings.

Be sure to check out my VBS Mondays, Slow Cooker Thursdays, and Frugal Fridays!

*+*+*+* Isa 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Frugal Friday - Chalkboard Masterpiece

2009-03-27T00:00:00.030-05:00

Another thrift store before and after!

The second I saw this frame in the window at Goodwill, I sucked in my breath "huuhhhhhhhh!" out loud. That is a little dramatic, but I fell in love with this thing as soon as I saw it. Alright, that's over dramatic too. Anyway, I liked it...alot.

First thing I did was to grab it up and asked how much it cost. When the cashier said five dollars, I hugged it for the rest of the way through the store.

And it is huge, about 2.5' x 3.5'.

Don't ask me why I like it so much.

I think it is because it looks like it ought to be wrapped around the wicked Queen's mirror in Snow White and asked, "Mirror, Mirror, on the wall, who's the fairest of them all?" in all of it's golden plastic glory. It also reminds me of some ornate frame that ought to have some masterpiece painting inside it. Thus my title, not a masterpiece just because I made it, but because it looks grand.

I wasn't for sure what to do with it at first, but I settled on a chalkboard.

Me and my little sis went to Home Depot and bought some 1/8" hardboard for about $3.87 a sheet. We bought two, one for the chalkboard and one for the backing. The kind gentleman at Home Depot cut the sheets to our measurements. I also bought a small piece of trim (in the photo) that we were going to use for a chalk ledge, but ended up not using it.

We checked the measurements to make sure that the board fit snuggly before we went any further.

Here is a back view of the frame with the first layer of hardboard (that will be the chalkboard) inserted.

Close up of the frames plastic molding below. The first layer went smoothly into the grooves because my husband measured so well. Then the backing board will go over it and screwed into the holes that are in the molding.

I had some vinyl lettering that I wanted to use, saying "The Canslers" and "EST. 2004". I had ordered it from an Uppercase Living consultant named Rebekah Wade at my friend Gail's party. When I ordered it, I wasn't exactly sure what I would do with it until this project came along. I started out wanting to put the "EST. 2004" letters along the bottom, but end up not using them.

I got some chalkboard paint at Walmart, (much cheaper there than Home Depot) along with some acrylic craft paint in "Country Tan". Also, I had some flat black spray paint that my husband used to spray paint the frame for me outside.

My plan at first was to have the chalkboard part in the center, and a block of tan paint at the top and the bottom. Once I got it taped off and started (below), I thought it looked kind of stripe-y. So I changed my plan to have only one block of tan at the top, with chalkboard the rest of the way to the bottom.

After the paint dried. I applied my custom ordered vinyl lettering. The chalkboard fit into the frame nicely. Then my husband drilled the backing onto the frame to hold everything together, and onto the wall it went! Ta-daaaaa:

I think this one is a keeper! And if I get tired of the chalkboard I can always switch it out with something else - corkboard maybe? Oh the possibilities...

Be sure to check out my VBS Mondays, Slow Cooker Thursdays, and Frugal Fridays!

*+*+*+* Pro 14:1 Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.

Southwest Bean Soup

2009-03-26T00:00:00.005-05:00

Southwest Bean Soup

1lb ground beef
1/2 onion
2 - 10oz can tomatoes w/chiles
2 c. water
16oz can kidney beans
16oz can pinto beans
16oz can black beans
11oz can corn
2- 1oz pkg ranch dressing mix
2 - 1.25 pkg taco seasoning mix

Brown beef and onion together in a skillet; drain. Transfer to a slow cooker. Mix all other ingredients. Cook on low for 5 - 6 hours, high for 3 - 4 hours.

The taco seasoning makes this dish spicy, and it is a good variation on beans and chili. We like it that way.

Be sure to check out my VBS Mondays, Slow Cooker Thursdays, and Frugal Fridays!

*+*+*+* Psa 3:6 I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.

Welcome Baby Jenna!

2009-03-25T00:00:00.001-05:00

Congratulations to the Baileys on new baby Jenna!
She is a cutie and a blessing that arrived on March 11th.
I took her a set of these from my shop:

more photos here

tucked in this:

We also welcomed her here and here!

Be sure to check out my VBS Mondays, Slow Cooker Thursdays, and Frugal Fridays!

*+*+*+* Ruth 1:6 And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:

Coral China Doll Stuff

2009-03-24T00:00:00.000-05:00

I just finished sewing some little things for Coral. They were just shipped off to Wisconsin. It's a tiny tote, similar to this one. And a tissue holder following JoJo's instructions. Also a pillowcase to match her quilt that I made last year. I looked back through my posts and I never posted about Coral's quilt, my very first quilt! So that will be coming soon.

Be sure to check out my VBS Mondays, Slow Cooker Thursdays, and Frugal Fridays!

*+*+*+* Eph 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

VBS Monday - Paper Silhouettes

2009-03-23T00:00:00.020-05:00

As a Vacation Bible School teacher, sometimes it is hard to come up with fresh ideas for crafts. So on Mondays I post any craft ideas that I come across that might work. Join in and pass the word! ~ April

photo courtesy of Danielle Thompson's tutorial

These paper silhouettes are so "vintage-y"! They would make great keepsakes for parents and grandparents also. The profile of the child is traced onto black or dark paper, cut out, and placed in a frame, or wood plaque. The possiblities are endless!

CRAFT mag's Silhouette Roundup has many links to great silhouette tutorials.

Check out DesignSponge's version of a silhouette placed onto an empty glass frame:

photo courtesy of DesignS ponge's tutorial

The above tutorials use the method of tracing the silhouette from a photo. But if you would like to make the process a little more participatory, you could use the method of tracing the actual silhouette of the child using a light source:
Gerber Life's Tutorial or eHow.com's tutorial

Silhouettes could be place on wood, paper, glass, photo frames, etc. I think this project is very versatile, and would be great for children of all ages, boys or girls. (Older boys may not be as interested.)

Be sure to check out my VBS Mondays, Slow Cooker Thursdays, and Frugal Fridays!

*+*+*+* Pro 8:11 For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.

Frugal Friday - Before & After Wood Frame

2009-03-20T00:00:00.011-05:00

Before:

Another before & after thrift store find!
I found this stand up frame at Goodwill for $3.99. I think this price is a little high, but it was a unique style that I had not came across before. The frame is freestanding, but also has a hanger on the back if you want to put it on the wall.
The before photos are kind of misleading because as usual, I was so excited about starting my project that I forgot to take the "before" photo. So I had already put a coat of paint on the frame in these before shots. The frame started out a washed out faded black with burgundy strip around the edge.
I touched up the frame with flat black paint. I removed the "rooster" insert, and covered it with some scrapbooking paper. Then I cut out the letter "C" out of some coordinating scrapbooking paper and modge-podged it all over the hardboard rooster print. Easy and simple and looks great on top of my pie safe!

After:

Be sure to check out my VBS Mondays, Slow Cooker Thursdays, and Frugal Fridays!

*+*+*+* Joel 1:3 Tell ye your children of it, and let your children tell their children, and their children another generation.

Cheesy Crock Potatoes

2009-03-19T00:00:00.017-05:00

Cheesy Crock Potatoes
from Slow Cooker Recipes (Gooseberry Patch)

Ingredients:
24oz pkg frozen hashbrowns
10.75 can cream of potato
16oz ranch dip
1 - 2 cups shredded cheddar
6oz can french fried onions

Directions:
The usual, mix it all up, dump it in, turn on the crock for low 6-8 hrs, high 4-5 hrs.

I know this sounds like a broken record coming from me, but: these potatoes are great for church dinners or large family gatherings. They remind you of Cracker Barrel's hashbrown casserole. They are great! Be sure to spray your pot first with some cooking oil, because they tend to stick around the edges. Not on the healthy side, but you could improve matters by using low fat cheddar and ranch dip.

Be sure to check out my VBS Mondays, Slow Cooker Thursdays, and Frugal Fridays!

*+*+*+* Eph 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

VBS Monday - PVC Toys

2009-03-16T04:25:00.009-05:00

As a Vacation Bible School teacher, sometimes it is hard to come up with fresh ideas for crafts. So on Mondays I post any craft ideas that I come across that might work. Join in and pass the word! ~ April

Check out SkiptomyLou's post on PVC Toys, including this link to plans for a PVC Marshmallow Shooter. These would make great inexpensive crafts, and I guarantee that the girls would love it just as well as the boys!

Be sure to check out my VBS Mondays, Slow Cooker Thursdays, and Frugal Fridays!

*+*+*+* Mat 10:34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.

Slow Cooker Thursday - BBQ Pulled Pork

2009-03-12T00:00:00.001-05:00

I found this recipe on the great allrecipes.com. I made it for a family potlock, and it turned out great. I followed the recipe to a tee, and the meat was very tender. I think this pork would also be a great topper for baked potatoes!

BBQ Pork for Sandwiches

Ingredients:
1 (14 ounce) can beef broth
3 pounds boneless pork ribs
1 (18 ounce) bottle barbeque sauce

Directions:
1. Pour can of beef broth into slow cooker, and add boneless pork ribs. Cook on High heat for 4 hours, or until meat shreds easily. Remove meat, and shred with two forks. It will seem that it's not working right away, but it will.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Transfer the shredded pork to a Dutch oven or iron skillet, and stir in barbeque sauce.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until heated through.

Tip: When using allrecipes.com, be sure to read the reviews for each recipe! They are helpful.

Be sure to check out my VBS Mondays, Slow Cooker Thursdays, and Frugal Fridays!

*+*+*+* Mal 3:6 For I am the LORD, I change not;

VBS Monday - Cupcake Stand

2009-03-09T00:00:00.005-05:00

OnceWed's DIY Cupcake Stand

OnceWed posted this project as a wedding DIY craft, but I think this would be a great craft for an all girl's VBS class! The only down side is that if your group size is very large, the terra cotta pots and saucers might be budget breakers. But the paper and paint is inexpensive, and for smaller size classes this is great! Cupcakes are very "in" right now, and you could find all kinds of decorations to make a theme if you wanted.

Go on over to OnceWed to see the tutorial on how to make these stands:
DIY Cupcake Stand . Then make a comment or add your link below!

Be sure to check out my VBS Mondays, Slow Cooker Thursdays, and Frugal Fridays!

*+*+*+* Eph 5:17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

Frugal Friday - Thrift store before & after

2009-03-06T00:00:00.003-05:00

I got the little vanity chair from the thrift store for about $3.99. I loved the shape of it, so I took the seat off and spray painted it black. I recovered the seat cushion, and put it all back together. Then I put it in my "Powder Room".

After I took this photo I noticed that there was already another thrift store find in my bathroom. The hook board below the sign, I bought it at the thrift store for $2. It was a scuffed up wood color. I painted it a flat black and roughed up the edges with some sand paper.

I love thrift store finds!

Be sure to check out my VBS Mondays, Slow Cooker Thursdays, and Frugal Fridays!

*+*+*+* Psa 91:4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

Slow Cooker Thursday - Layered Steak Dinner

2009-03-05T00:00:00.015-05:00

Layered Steak Dinner

I tried a new recipe for Sunday-after-church dinner. The recipe involves layering steak, baked potatoes, and corn on the cob (some onions thrown in optional).

Layer 1 - Steaks (we chose Ribeye) were placed in the bottom of the crock, with some seasonings/rubs and a little broth and worcestershire sauce.
Layer 2 - Baked potatoes (wrapped in foil)
Layer 3 - Corn on the cob (wrapped in foil)

I cooked mine on high for 6 hours and everything was perfect. I fit three large ribeyes, four medium potatoes, and four corn cobs in a 6 quart crock. The steaks were so tender they fell apart, the potatoes and corn were soft. If you like yours a little crunchier, maybe go less on the time, or switch to low for a while.

This dinner costs a total of about $12 bucks and fed three people very well. Add an extra steak and could have fed four. You could also substitute the meats for pork or chicken!

The only things I did slightly different were:
- substituted beef broth for tequila
- substituted real chopped onions for onion flakes
- rubbed the potatoes down with butter and garlic before wrapping with foil
- rubbed the corn down with butter before wrapping with foil

The results were above and beyond our expectations. This one is a keeper! Head over to CrockPot Lady's site for the complete recipe: Layered Steak Dinner

Be sure to check out my VBS Mondays, Slow Cooker Thursdays, and Frugal Fridays!

*+*+*+* Num 13:30 And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.

My Prankster Husband

2009-03-03T20:00:00.000-05:00

I came home to this the other night.
He seems to think this is hilarious... :)

Be sure to check out my VBS Mondays, Slow Cooker Thursdays, and Frugal Fridays!

*+*+*+* Pro 4:7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

VBS Monday - Camping Lantern

2009-03-02T00:00:00.007-05:00

Camping Lantern from Made by Cynthia Rae

I was so excited when I first saw this craft! I emailed Cynthia and ask her for permission to use her photo, because I haven't actually made one of these lanterns yet. She agreed that it would make a great VBS project! Empty peanut butter jars can be collect from you church, and the other parts are inexpensive. This would make a great companion to a lesson involving "light" (Jesus as the light, etc).

Check out the tutorial on how to make it: Cynthia Rae's Camping Lantern
Then make a comment or add your link below!

Be sure to check out my VBS Mondays, Slow Cooker Thursdays, and Frugal Fridays!

*+*+*+* Jhn 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

Frugal Friday - Budget Baby Shower

2009-02-27T00:00:00.005-05:00

After posting about the diaper cake that I made, I saw emmyshell's budget shower ideas request post on craftster about ideas for a budget baby shower. Here's what I told her:

We always do everything budget! The shower was at our church (free). We do informal showers anyway at church, it saves on time for everyone involved. For informal I mean, we don't do games, we usually don't do table settings for guests, just chairs. We only open gifts and eat (the best part)!

How this shower was a budget:

~ Tablecloths:
I picked up the solid yellow tablecloth at a thrift store ($5). The small round "Mommy" tablecloth was a clearance item from Target last year (about $4). The white one was the disposable banquet paper type. From Joann's I bought a couple of yards of quilting fabric (yellow/white gingham, and yellow/white polka dot). We draped the printed fabrics over the solid ones to add interest. Using a coupon you can get these fabrics for a couple of dollars a yard.

Budget Diaper Cake:

~ (2) 56 count packs of generic diapers from Walmart ($11)
~ Instead of wide ribbon for the diaper cake (which can get expensive), I cut 2.5" wide strips of the fabric and used it instead.
~ I bought several wooden cutouts (craft store bins have several different shapes) including the letter "J" and covered them with matching scrapbook paper. The cutouts are about $0.50 each.

~ The wooden yellow ducks were from Michael's craft store already painted for $0.59 each. We hot glued popsicle sticks to the back of some and stuck them in the diaper cake topper, and in the silverware servers. The rest we glued a strip of ribbon to and tied around the flower vases.

Food:
~My gracious friend that did the shower with me, made chicken salad sandwiches on croissants. They were very good! We also put out veggies and dip, chips and dip, crackers and spinach dip.
~There is no photo, but we also made yellow lollipops from candy molds for the kids at the shower. Stick them into a block of styrofoam covered in colorful paper for presentation.
~ Beg, and borrow serving stands to make the food look pretty!

Flowers:
~ The bright flowers made a big impact. We got ours as stems at a supermarket, and put them in our own vases.

One more thing:
~ Cheap labor :) My lil sis (above) lined up the chairs SO perfectly for us! Heck she's good with a glue gun too.

Check out my original blog post on our shower: Another Diaper Cake

Be sure to check out my VBS Mondays, Slow Cooker Thursdays, and Frugal Fridays!

*+*+*+* Gen 1:4,5 And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.

Great Goodies for you!

2009-02-26T05:21:00.001-05:00

I hardly ever post twice in one day, but these deals you need to act on NOW!

FREE download of the audio book The Best of the Entrepreneurial Bootcamp

Crystal from Biblical Womanhood and Money Saving Mom posted a deal that behemoth.com is offering to her readers. A free download of the audio book The Best of the Entrepreneurial Bootcamp! This is only good thru Saturday, so hurry on over and download it.
Here's her info: Crystal's free audio offer

Jessica's ebooks combo deal: Life as Mom's $2 ebooks

For two days only (Thursday 2/26 and Friday 2/27) Jessica at Life as Mom has her two ebooks for $2 total! They are pdf files that you can download immediately. Learn how to make Pretty. Cool. Cakes and get ideas for Cooking with Children.
Go here to see her deal: Life as Mom's $2 ebooks

Be sure to check out my VBS Mondays, Slow Cooker Thursdays, and Frugal Fridays!

*+*+*+* Pro 31:18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.

Slow Cooker Thursday - Red Beans & Rice

2009-02-26T00:00:00.003-05:00

Red Beans & Rice w/Sausage

1 lb smoked sausage (in the ring) cut into bite size pieces
4 to 5 - 16oz cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
2 - 14.5oz cans diced tomatoes
1 onion, chopped
hot pepper sauce to taste
rice of your choice

Combine all ingredients except for rice in a slow cooker. Cover and cook on low setting for 8 hours, or on high setting for 4 to 5 hours. Serves 6 to 8. When ready to serve, add your (cooked) rice.

Very yummy!! Please post your own recipe links or comments below!

Be sure to check out my VBS Mondays, Slow Cooker Thursdays, and Frugal Fridays!

*+*+*+* Pro 2:6 For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.

Another Diaper Cake

2009-02-24T05:30:00.000-05:00

I love Baby Shower stuff! I have made a couple of these now, and even posted some instructions here. This one is probably the brightest, most "cheery" one I have made! I love all of the yellow and ducks! It is a four tier instead of the three tiers that I have been making. Again, I got help from my husband making this one (he's good at rolling up those diapers!).

I try to make my diaper cakes as easy as possible to disassemble so that the diapers can actually be used. The diapers aren't damaged, just wrapped together in a roll. Nothing is actually glued to the diapers, just sticking between them with popsicle sticks. I used alot of the little wooden cutouts from the craft store and covered them with matching scrapbooking papers (the letter "J" and the flower cutouts). Some silk gerbera daisies, and of course the duck on top!

Be sure to check out my VBS Mondays, Slow Cooker Thursdays, and Frugal Fridays!

*+*+*+* Psa 100:2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

VBS Monday - Intro

2009-02-23T05:18:00.003-05:00

Another theme day! I am beginning "VBS Monday". On Monday's I will post craft ideas for VBS (Vacation Bible School). I am excited about having a place to organize craft ideas that are:

1. inexpensive
2. easy enough for kids
3. just in general cool ideas

My goal is that some of the ideas that we come up with will use every day household products or containers (jars, cans, plastic jars). This will keep the price low. Items that you could collect from other church members. Maybe you can pass the word around at church, "hey, I need empty peanut butter jars for a project", etc.

Please join me by posting your idea in the links or comments, or emailing them to me. I don't want to get too specific about ideas, because I don't know exactly how this will evolve. So lets just see what happens.

See you next Monday.

Be sure to check out my Slow Cooker Thursdays!
Be sure to check out my Frugal Fridays!

*+*+*+* Mat 18:3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Frugal Friday - Uses for Coffee Filters

2009-02-20T00:01:00.001-05:00

I got this in one of those email "forwards", you know the ones you usually just delete? I actually read this one, and it is great! I've used many of them and they work. Such great uses for such a common and inexpensive item. Coffee filters ..who knew! And you can buy 1,000 at the Dollar Tree for almost nothing.

COFFEE FILTERS

1. Cover bowls or dishes when cooking in the microwave. Coffee filters make excellent covers.

2. Clean windows and mirrors. Coffee filters are lint-free so they'll leave windows sparkling.

3. Protect China. Separate your good dishes by putting a coffee filter between each dish.

4. Filter broken cork from wine. If you break the cork when opening a wine bottle, filter the wine through a coffee filter.

5. Protect a cast-iron skillet. Place a coffee filter in the skillet to absorb moisture and prevent rust.

6. Apply shoe polish. Ball up a lint-free coffee filter.

7. Recycle frying oil. After frying, strain oil through a sieve lined with a coffee filter.

8. Weigh chopped foods. Place chopped ingredients in a coffee filter on a kitchen scale.

9. Hold tacos. Coffee filters make convenient wrappers for messy foods.

10. Stop the soil from leaking out of a plant pot. Line a plant pot with a coffee filter to prevent the soil from going through the drainage holes.

11. Prevent a Popsicle from dripping. Poke one or two holes as needed in a coffee filter.

12. Do you think we used expensive strips to wax eyebrows? Use strips of coffee filters.

13. Put a few in a plate and put your fried bacon, French fries, chicken fingers, etc on them. Soaks out all the grease.

14. Keep in the bathroom. They make great "razor nick fixers."

want more ideas? thriftyfun.com's ideas

Be sure to check out my Slow Cooker Thursdays!
Be sure to check out my Frugal Fridays!

*+*+*+*
Psa 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
Psa 19:9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
Pro 16:2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.
Pro 20:9 Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?
Jhn 15:3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.
Rev 19:14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.

Slow Cooker Thurs - Cream Corn

2009-02-19T00:01:00.005-05:00

I have made this recipe many times for church suppers, big family gatherings, and work dinners. It is very rich and sweet. I have received many compliments on it. It makes alot, so if you just want it for a meal at home you'll have to reduce the ingredients!

The Best Slow Cooker Cream Corn

4 (16 ounce) packages frozen corn kernels
3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese,cubed
1 cup butter, cut into pieces
1/2 cup white sugar
6 slices American cheese
1/2 cup whole milk

In a 6 quart slow cooker, combine the corn, cream cheese, butter, sugar, American cheese and milk. Cover and set to Low. Cook for about 3 hours, stirring every 30 minutes (in my experience it takes longer than this on low). Cheese and milk burn easily, so I would not recommend cutting the time and using the High setting.

I found this recipe on allrecipes.com!

Be sure to check out my Slow Cooker Thursdays!
Be sure to check out my Frugal Fridays!

*+*+*+* Rth 2:10 Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger?

Economics of "Making Stuff"

2009-02-17T22:32:00.003-05:00

Tote and drawstring bag I made for Katie Bug's birthday here

If you sew, quilt, knit, or "make" anything, you will enjoy Liesl from Oliver+S's posts on the Economics of Sewing Part 1 and Part 2.

It got me to thinking about why I love to make stuff. Not necessarily just sewing, but making "stuff" in general. Contrary to popular opinion, making stuff usually doesn't save money. Those days are long gone.

Liesl had 16 reasons listed, but all of them didn't hit home with me. The ones below did:

1. The pleasure of the process. (I just enjoy it! It is what I like to do.)

2. Creative options. (Sometimes you have an idea, and it's not available to buy in a store. But you can make it! Make your ideas become a reality. This is especially true when making things that are personalized with names, dates, specific things.)

6. Selection of fabrics. (One of my favorite parts of making anything is buying the "stuff" you need to make it. It is your way of adding personality or reflecting what you see in the person that the gift is for with colors and prints.)

7. March to your own drum beat. (When you make something, it is a way of making it "yours", your style, your color, your attitude.)

9. Ability to make something more beautiful than you can afford to purchase. (This is rarely the case, depending on your talent. Usually when you add it all up it is more expensive to make something that buy it...but sometimes it does make the impossible - possible.)

10. The "you made that?!?" jaw-drop effect. (Yes, it is vanity. But there are sometimes that people say it with a tone of "why would you want to go to the trouble?")

12. Keeping the art alive. (I think this is a great reason, I love the thought of preserving the "old ways".)

13. Age-appropriate dressing. (Really important these days....especially for girls!)

14. Creating heirlooms and memories. (One of my very top reasons! A handmade item is something to keep as a memory!)

16. Love. This one just about wraps it up for me :) ...)

one more of MY own:
17. Did you know that the Bible talks about the ideal woman "making stuff" in pretty specific terms? Read the verses below from Proverbs 31...

Be sure to check out my Slow Cooker Thursdays!
Be sure to check out my Frugal Fridays!

*+*+*+*
10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

hamburger dress?

2009-02-17T05:15:00.000-05:00

photo courtesy of joykampia.com

Craft mag posted the link to this crocheted hamburger dress. What in the world?

Be sure to check out my Slow Cooker Thursdays!
Be sure to check out my Frugal Fridays!

*+*+*+* Pro 1:5 A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:

Organizing - Spice Drawer

2009-02-16T00:01:00.003-05:00

I love the Farm Chicks! Their post about a happy little spice drawer got me inspired to organize my spices. This is my "before" photo. I had all of my spices crammed up in a kitchen cabinet.

I took a pack of 3/4" diameter white labels (circle stickers), and hand wrote the name of the spices on the labels. I put the labels on the top of the each spice lid.

The following is my result! I got the little galvanized box in the dollar section at Target last year, with the gardening stuff. I used it to put some measuring spoons in with the spices.

This is really handy, and alot better than standing on my tippy toes trying to look for a certain bottle of spice in the cabinet!

Be sure to check out my Slow Cooker Thursdays!
Be sure to check out my Frugal Fridays!

*+*+*+*
Sgs 1:2 Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: for thy love is better than wine.

2009-02-13T17:30:00.004-05:00

I'm on twitter.

Check it out: my twitter (link in left sidebar)

Be sure to check out my Slow Cooker Thursdays!
Be sure to check out my Frugal Fridays!

*+*+*+*
Sgs 2:14 O my dove, that art in the clefts of the rock, in the secret places of the stairs, let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice; for sweet is thy voice, and thy countenance is comely.

Slow Cooker Thurs - Beef Veggie Soup

2009-02-12T00:01:00.011-05:00

Tip for putting large portions into freezer bags (w/pics):
As I have mentioned before, I am only cooking for two, my husband and I. Most of the time, slow cooker recipes are written to make a huge amount of servings. One thing I like to do is go ahead and mix up the entire recipe. Before I put it in the crock, I divide it in half, and put half in a gallon size freezer bag.

One good tip for making this a little easier: pull out an empty pitcher and place the freezer bag in it, wrapping the top of the baggie over the top of the pitcher (below). This makes it easier to fill the freezer bag. You can hold the pitcher by the handle while you fill the bag. When it is full, seal and remove. Write the name, date, and any instructions on the bag with a sharpie before sliding it into the freezer (you might want to do this b/f you fill the bag). This way I have a packet ready to just thaw and pop into the crock pot. It's not really leftovers because it hasn't been cooked yet!

Beef Veggie Soup

1 lb ground beef
1 can green beans
1 can sliced potatoes
1 can butter beans
1 can corn
1 can peas
1 can carrots
1 can diced tomatoes (big can)

Brown the ground beef, drain. (I brown my beef in the microwave using a Classic Batter Bowl and a Mix 'N Chop, you Pampered Chef people know what I am talking about!) Dump all the canned veggies in, do not drain. Sprinkle in some italian seasoning or such if you like. Cook in your slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours.

Great with cornbread on the side!

Be sure to check out my Slow Cooker Thursdays!

*+*+*+*
Gen 8:22 While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.

Last Minute Valentine's Day Crafts

2009-02-11T00:01:00.010-05:00

I have a tendency of saving links to everything. I love wists.com and keep track of them there. Here are some great, easy last minute valentine's day crafts that I have came across!

btw, all of these below are also on my wists with photo previews!

Skiptomylou's printable lollipop valentines

Skiptomylou's Candy Cane Hearts

Skiptomylou's Valentine's idea page (she's good!)

Creature Comfort's printable tea bag wrappers

zakkalife's printable lollipop valentine (snail)

shimandson's martha style pencils for valentine's

Martha's V-day projects for kids

Norththread's Valentine packaging idea! Cookies in a CD envelope

homespunheart's bear hugs (teddy grahams)

Crystal's Frugal Valentine's Day

Be sure to check out my Slow Cooker Thursdays!

*+*+*+*
Sgs 1:2 Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: for thy love is better than wine.

Patchwork Binder Cover - Wedding Planner

2009-02-09T00:01:00.000-05:00

I made this patchwork wedding organizer/planner for my soon-to-be sister-in-law. When I got married, I had all kinds of magazine clippings, paperwork, ideas, etc. that I kept in one big binder. So I made this for Amy to help organize stuff. It is basically a binder cover. I made a patchwork quilted top in a rectangle, sized to need and appliqued a monogram with accents to the front.

For the monogram:
1. I printed out the design I wanted to use (printed mirrored).
2. I traced the design onto some "wunder-under".
3. Ironed one side of the wunder-under to the fabric.
4. Cut out the design from the fabric w/the wunder-under backing.
5. Peeled the backing off of the wunder-under and ironed onto patchwork.
6. Just to be safe, I traced the applique with a seam down the center of all pieces.

I sewed matching flaps inside to keep the binder cover snug. I filled the binder with a vinyl pocket full of cute paper clips, some index tabs, and pocket dividers. Ready for filling!

The fabric is in browns b/c it is going to be a fall wedding! Here is the back:

It was kind of hard to find the brown fabrics this time of year in the local stores.
I used two fat quarters and two 1/4 yards and had plenty left over.

Be sure to check out my Slow Cooker Thursdays!

*+*+*+*
Jhn 16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

Frugal Friday - knitting recycled yarn

2009-02-06T00:01:00.010-05:00

I taught myself how to knit back in 2004, and started this blog as a knitting blog. The blog has developed into more than knitting, but the knitting still goes on.

All you knitters and crocheters out there: did you know you can recycle sweaters for their yarn?
I've seen lots of tutorials and tips on how to do this, but I like this one:
How to recycle sweaters into yarn

Find a sweater at a thrift store (or one of your own) that you like.
Be sure to check the fiber content, looking for wools, silks or cashmeres as the best (any will do).
See how the sweater is put together. Is it serged or knit at the seams? This makes a difference in how it comes apart.
Look in the men's department, the larger the sweater, the more yarn you get out of it!

You already know about my affection for thrift stores. As the weather begins to warm up soon, it will be a great time to find deals on sweaters!

Be sure to check out my Slow Cooker Thursdays!

*+*+*+*
Sgs 6:3 I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine:

Slow Cooker Thurs - Potato & Corn Chowder

2009-02-05T00:01:00.011-05:00

Tip for large portions:
As I have mentioned before, I am only cooking for two, my husband and I. Most of the time, slow cooker recipes are written to make a huge amount of servings. One thing I like to do is go ahead and mix up the entire recipe. Before I put it in the crock, I divide it in half, and put half in a gallon size freezer bag. I can write the name, date, and any instructions on the bag with a sharpie before sliding it into the freezer. This way I have a packet ready to just thaw and pop into the crock pot. It's not really leftovers because it hasn't been cooked yet!

Potato & Corn Chowder

16oz frozen Hashbrowns
15oz can corn
15oz can creamed corn
1/2cup onion
12oz can evaporated milk
1lb smoked sausage ring sliced
1/2 L Worcestershire Sauce

Mix all ingredients together. Place in slow cooker. Heat on low setting for 6 - 8 hours.

*+*+*+*
Sgs 2:10,11 My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away. For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone;

Join in and give me some great tips and recipes! Please leave a link and a comment below.

Smurf fabric listing

2009-02-01T22:15:00.000-05:00

Check out this ebay listing that just ended for Vintage Smurf Fabric. I had been watching it because I saw it and thought it was a cool listing. Hey, I watched the smurfs when I was a kid and loved it! So anyway, check out the final bid - $147.50!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I know it is alot of yardage, but still?

*+*+*+*
Jud 1:22 And of some have compassion, making a difference

Slow Cooker Thursday - Frugal Slow Cooking (Roast & Vegetables)

2009-01-29T00:01:00.012-05:00

Slow Cooker Thursday.
I would love to start a new "theme" day here on my blog. I so love Crystal's Frugal Fridays! One of my interests that combines time-saving, frugality, and taking care of our family is using a slow cooker. I love finding new recipes and new ways of using my slow cookers that I never thought of before. So I would love to hear your ideas!

Frugal with your Time.
I am a wife, a full-time (over-time) worker, and a part-time student. I love making stuff (crafting, sewing, quilting, knitting). I also love helping in my church in whatever ways I can, which is very important to me. All of these things take up my time! Using a slow cooker is a great time-saver.

Frugal with your Cooking.
With slow cooking, you can use cheaper cuts of meat, and they will be tender after hours of slow cooking. Frugality at it's best. This is the number one reason that I love my slow cookers or "crockpots". I can throw the ingredients in and let it cook all day while I am at work or church or school. When I get home I can have a hot home-cooked meal. (Does this count as real cooking?).

Recipes.
I have tried many slow cooker recipes. Keep in mind I am only cooking for two, unless we have guests. I would love to hear your favorite recipes for the crockpot. Are you a Slow Cooker Connoisseur?

Here goes! Drum roll please... my first Slow Cooker Thursday recipe:

Beef Roast and Vegetables

1 (3 lb) bottom round roast
ground black pepper to taste
garlic powder to taste
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 (10.75 oz) cans condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 (1 oz) package dry onion soup mix
5 carrots, peeled and sliced into 1 inch pieces
6 small new potatoes, halved

Sprinkle salt, pepper and garlic powder on meat. Brown the roast on all sides in vegetable oil.
Mix together the mushroom soup and the onion soup mix in the slow cooker. Add roast, and place carrots and potatoes around the meat.
Cover, and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, stirring occasionally.

April's tip: I always spray cooking oil on the inside of the crock pot before placing ingredients in it - this makes for easier clean-up. This recipe makes a perfect "Sunday-after-church" dinner.

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Pro 31:14 She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

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I know it will start off slow, but please join in and give me some great tips and recipes! Please leave a link and a comment below.

Children's Chef Hat

2009-01-25T23:20:00.001-05:00

I sewed this sweet little chef's hat as a gift! It is toddler sized, and has a strip of elastic in the back to give a little more fit. The fabric I used was Amy Butler's Full Moon Polka Dot in Cherry. This is the first I've made of this pattern, but I will definitely make it again.

As a gift, I added to the chef's hat a children's cookbook from Gooseberry Patch called Kids in the Kitchen Year 'Round Fun Cookbook (below) . I didn't try any of the recipes, but it looked like a really cute book.

cookbook photo courtesy of www.gooseberrypatch.com

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Job 23:12 Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.

Frugal Fridays Plastic Grocery Bags

2009-01-23T02:51:00.003-05:00

I know the green thing is in, and everyone is using the fabric grocery bags. But I will be honest and say that I have not taken that step yet. When the store starts charging me for them, that's when I will probably get serious about it. Until then, I have a pile of bags to deal with every time I go to the grocery store, or any store for that matter. So I have put some thought into what I can and do use them for.

10. Browsing the internet on the subject, a common use for plastic bags is dog walking. You take out your dog, and pick up what he leaves behind along the way. You get the picture.

9. Some people take bags to the grocery store to reuse instead of getting new ones each time.

RealSimple magazine has 10 Smart Uses for Old Plastic Bags
My favorite ideas from this article are:

8. Plastic Bags as Paint Preservers and

7. Plastic Bags as Wet Umbrella Holders.

6. Craftzine.com has an article on Plastic Bag Crafts.

5. Some people even make "yarn" from shredded bags to knit or crochet with!

What do I personally do with my plastic grocery bags?

4. Use them as trash liners for my small wastebaskets.
This is not original I know, it is a very common use. But I do use them for this. My small wastebaskets in the bathrooms and my laundry room, I will line the can with a plastic grocery bag and when it is full and can take the whole thing for trash pick up.

3. Carry my lunch in them.
I can sew, and I have a couple of great patterns for lunch bags. I have even made a few. But I always give them away for gifts. So a plastic bag makse a great lunch bag for to and from work.

2. Save them for camping.
I save cardboard tubes from paper towels, and I stuff them as full as I can with plastic bags. You'd be surprised how many bags you can fit in one tube. These make great little handy containers to put in the camper. When camping you can use them for all kinds of things: wet clothes, trash bags, etc.

1. Take them to my local thrift stores for reuse.
After all of these great uses, I still have an abundance of plastic bags. So I stuff a good pile of them into one bag, and take it to my local thrift stores. I am already there once a week or so anyway. The stores take the bags and reuse them as shopping bags when they make sales.

Search here for where your local thrift stores are. Even if you don't shop at thrift stores, you can still donate your bags. I know they would appreciate it! Here are mine: Goodwill and KARM.

Please post your plastic bag ideas below in a comment!

Join in on BiblicalWomanhood.com's Frugal Fridays!

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Pro 31:18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.

Lady Bug Hat

2009-01-21T21:05:00.001-05:00

I knit this hat for my niece Coral's Birthday. We celebrated her birthday at Thanksgiving when they were here from Louisiana. I used susie's ladybug hat pattern minus the antennas. I like the antennas, I just ran out of time and thought that the hat might be more useful w/o them. As you can see it was a little big for her! But she loves hats, so she'll grow into it.

Hey, these would look great with this buggy mitts pattern!

As you can see, the cousins made great friends though!

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Psa 19:1-2 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.

Neck Tie Onesies

2009-01-20T21:21:00.004-05:00

I love to embellish onesies ~ as you can see here, here, and here.
These were some last minute gifts for a baby shower. When I made the camo bootie set, I had 4 blank (solid white) onesies left over. So I went thru my scraps and picked out four different coordinating boyish prints and made neck tie appliques. I think they turned out great!

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Jer 33:3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

EAST TENNESSEE IS IN CHAOS

2009-01-19T19:55:00.001-05:00

Ok, maybe it is not that dramatic. But all of East Tennessee is flipping out over our three inches of snow. Schools are closed, along with colleges and workplaces. There is not a loaf of bread or a gallon of milk to be found in any proper grocery store. If only my friends in Wisconsin could see me now...

It might explain alot!

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Job 37:6 For he saith to the snow, Be thou on the earth; likewise to the small rain, and to the great rain of his strength.

Pro 31:21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

Mat 28:3 His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:

Mar 9:3 And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them.

Isa 55:10 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:

Isa 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

Camo Boots Baby Set

2009-01-18T22:54:00.003-05:00

I tried this so cute baby boots pattern last week. It is the Baby Boots PDF Pattern from ithinksewdotcom. It is a great pattern! I made the 3-6mos. size and I think they turned out well. The photos in her pattern look way better than mine though. I wasn't quite satisfied with how my slip-stitch binding turned out on the feet bottoms (sorry, no pic), but it was my first try!

For the booties I used Mossy Oak camouflage fabric for the outside, and white cotton chenille for the inside:

I made a matching onesie by appliqueing camo stars onto the shirt:

Another bootie shot:

Here is the set together:

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1Ti 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

Goodwill Half-price Sales

2009-01-16T09:32:00.007-05:00

I have a secret weakness - thrift stores. I know all of the local stores close to me and visit them often. And by often I mean once every week - really. Those of you like me who love thrifting, will already know this, but for the thrift store newcomers here is a great tip.

Even thrift stores have sales!

Just when you thought you were getting the best deal you will ever get on the thrift items that you love - you find out that your favorite store has special sale days. In our local Goodwill Area (East Tennessee) the last weekend of EVERY month is the HALF PRICE SALE. Everything in the store is half off. This is a great thing to remember. Be careful about waiting until this day to buy things you see in a store, b/c they will probably be gone! Also, be prepared for a crowd and probably long lines to pay. Lots of others love this sale too.

Check out your local Goodwill Industries Store for sale days in your area, they just might be the same! Don't know where your Goodwill Store is? Click here to locate it.

Also, now you can shop Goodwill online! The site shopgoodwill.com is an online auction site for Goodwill Industries. Great if you are looking for a particular item.

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Luk 2:14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Visit BiblicalWomanhood.com for more Frugal Friday tips!

free Christian Audio

2009-01-15T23:00:00.003-05:00

I heard this great tip from Crystal of Money Saving Mom and of Biblical Womanhood (if you haven't seen her sites, don't miss them!

If you don't mind giving your info to ChristianAudio.com, then you can get one free audio per month. This month's (January) book is Oswald Chambers: Abandoned to God.

Go here to get your free download.

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Jhn 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

Emmeline Apron

2009-01-14T22:17:00.008-05:00

Check out this is a great pattern! (see info below). I love the way it turned out, and definitely will be making more. I made it all in one day, counting the cutting it took about 5 hours. It is reversible, so all of these shots are of the one apron, front and back. It is gathered at the top, and has long ties that you can tie in front or back. Sweet!

Emmeline Apron by Sew Liberated aka Montessori by Hand

here is the flickr site for Sew Liberated Creations (lots of emmelines): montessoribyhandpatterns

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Pro 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Vintage Sling Handbag

2008-12-16T08:00:00.016-05:00

I love this vintage Sling Handbag McCall's pattern. The pattern is McCall's 6794. This bag was a gift for my niece Kaylin's birthday party last month. I was inspired by sewretro's version of the same pattern. I love the fabric she chose.

I also made a coordinating drawstring pouch from needsomecoffee's great pattern. I filled it with all kinds of nail polish and goodies.

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Eph 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Sense & Sensibility Patterns

2008-11-06T08:41:00.003-05:00

Have seen Sense & Sensibility's sewing patterns? They have BEAUTIFUL era patterns and now offer ePatterns!

Sense & Sensibility ePatterns

I am such a fan of there products. The "1910s Tea Gown ePattern" looks like the gown that Rose wore on the movie Titanic. So romantic! With eras such as Regency, Romantic, Edwardian, Titanic, and Swing you are sure to find a pattern that you are in love with. Take a look!

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1Ti 2:9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;

weekend work

2008-10-06T08:27:00.008-05:00

Embellished tee with matching headbands.

Fabric wastebasket cover.

Embellished bath towels.

I worked on some stuff for Coral's room this weekend. Embellished some bath towels, made a waste basket cover, made some children's headbands, and embellished a tee shirt. I've been seeing alot of China Dolls fabric here lately!

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Psa 3:2-4 Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah. But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.

etsy

2008-10-01T08:45:00.003-05:00

Ever heard of it? If you are a crafty person, you know it well. If you are not a crafty person, check it out. It's an online selling place for handmade goods. Kinda like ebay for handmade stuff.
I have listed a few items of my own. The updates might be sporadic b/c my time is limited for sewing, knitting, etc, so check back often! I have also placed a gallery on the sidebar of my blog, so check it out. Here's the link:

www.faraboverubies.etsy.com/

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Pro 31:24 - She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

China Doll

2008-09-30T13:58:00.006-05:00

Mae Doll Pattern from Bit of Whimsy Dolls.

I made this doll for my little cousin Coral. The photo is of her when she was at an orphanage in China. I put the yellow flowers in the dolls hair to match her photo.

The doll was fun to make. Lots of turning little pieces. I hope to make more of these in the future. Bit of whimsy has lots of great patterns, and she even has some video tutorials on youtube!

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Psa 34:4 I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.

my wists

2008-09-17T14:51:00.003-05:00

I know, I know...I have been a horrible blogger - please forgive me.
I have been doing a lot of stuff! Sewing, quilting, knitting, school, oh yeah and that pesky job that I have.
I really just wanted to check in and see if anyone is out there keeping an eye on me still.
Check out my wists in the mean time for inspiration:
http://wists.com/faraboverubies

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Who needs Hillary?

2007-10-04T10:01:00.001-05:00

Laura Ingall's Healthcare plan:

As the only doctor in Walnut Grove, Doc Baker has his hands full healing the sick, mending the wounded and birthing babies. His endless house calls leave him little time for his own life. Though highly respected and revered by the townspeople, Doc doesn't always get cash for his services. He is overwhelmed by the number of chickens, pies or other means of tender to settle his fees. But Doc is sensitive to the misfortunes of others. That's why his gentle and compassionate demeanor makes him the treasured resident of Walnut Grove.
TVland's description

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1Jo 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for [the sins of] the whole world.

Missionary needs support

2007-05-29T07:17:00.000-05:00

Please click here: Bro Mike Bordadora
to read about a missionary in need of support.

Thanks!

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"Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea." (Acts 11:29)

Little Craft on the Prairie

2007-04-20T00:06:00.003-05:00

I made this Little House on the Prairie cd book for my niece. I made a small fabric cd cover for the discs. I used sewing stars tutorial on printing on fabric ( HERE ). I printed some images from the book onto some fabric to make the cover, and a small label in the back cover that had her name and the date.

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Gen 12:1 Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee:

Cable Knit Hat

2007-04-19T23:59:00.001-05:00

I made this Headhuggers Cable Knit Hat Pattern out of Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece in Truffle. This is the third time I've used this pattern so I really like it!

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Psa 103:15 As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.

Little Girl's Butterfly Set

2007-02-28T23:09:00.001-05:00

Butterfly Set includes:
Small Quilt
Tiny Tote
Crayon Rollup
Bib
Tissue Holder

This is a set I sewed up as a gift for a 3 year old girl. The fabric I used was a cotton fabric of washed pastel butterflies with antique ivory background. The backing is of a sage green stripe chenille. The chenille is very soft after pre-washing.

No-Patchwork Quilt: Can you call it a quilt if there is no patchwork? I made a small 36"x36" quilt by sandwiching fabric, batting, then chenille. I didn't get a photo of it lying flat. I used a cotton batting and stitched in squares from the center out to prevent shifting (I tried to explain this better below).

The Tiny Tote: I just made up a pattern because I wanted to make the tote extra small. I sketched up the rough size of the main pieces (see below). I added basic fabric straps for handles, and lined it with the chenille.

The Crayon Roll: I took a look at the cameocraft pattern for info, but it's not "lined". I did use their basic measurements though. I used the matching butterfly fabric with solid pink cotton lining fabric and some pink grosgrain ribbon. I stitched the pockets 1" apart for the crayons.

The Bib: Facing is the butterfly fabric, backing is the chenille. I added snaps to the straps.

The Tissue Holder: (small square beside the tiny tote) This one is just a basic tissue cover for the small packets of tissue like this one of JoJo's. It may seem like an odd object for a three year old, but she likes the one I keep in my Bible cover.

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The Lord hath made bare His holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God. Isa 52:10

Great Link - Proverbs 31 Study

2007-02-28T10:59:00.000-05:00

Crystal from Biblical Womanhood pointed out a new series/study of Proverbs 31 by Mrs. Wilt from The Sparrow's Nest :
Click Here

By the way - they are both in the "Prov 31 Women" section of my Blogroll:
http://www.bloglines.com/blog/faraboverubies

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Pro 31:10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

wavy scarf

2007-02-23T13:00:00.003-05:00

This is my version of Casey's Wavy Razor Scarf

I knit with Blue Sky Alpaca Silk in Ruby.

If you have never knit with this stuff, then order it right now! I loved it, it is so luxurious and perfect for a scarf. The color of Ruby is a beautiful deep red. I added some clear crystal beads to the tips.

The structure of the scarf is to knit to ends and then graft together in the middle. For me this part got a little wonky. But that's probably just because I'm not the greatest "grafter" in the world.

Overall I really love this pattern and the yarn. It's a pattern that you can memorize quickly. It's one that you can knit while talking or distracted and not really lose your place. And a very nice result to top it off!

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Sgs 1:15 Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold, thou art fair; thou hast doves' eyes.

a meme...

2007-02-04T20:54:00.000-05:00

I've been tagged by Monica from RubysNPurls for the 5 secrets meme. I've never been tagged for any memes before, and I'm not very big stuff like this or on forwarding chain emails, etc. But since I haven't posted anything in a REALLY long time, and because I love Monica's blog, I decide to throw it out there to you. Ihaven’t had time to post any knitting updates for a long time, so maybe this is a quick way to touch base with my many readers (hehehe). Here goes!This is how it works:
* Get tagged by someone
* Write down 5 things that have never been revealed on your blog before
* Tag 5 others (I’ll have to think about that one)

http://rubiesnpurls.blogspot.com/2007/01/ive-been-tagged.html

1. I made a New Year’s Resolution not to buy any yarn of patterns this year (YIKES!). I have more than enough patterns and yarn waiting on me at home as it is.

2. I love to knit, but hate to seam – so I have lots of finished knit projects at home, just waiting for me to seam them up. Ughhhh.

3. I made my husband a pair of socks and didn’t realize I was actually using a women’s pattern size. They were tight, but I never told him.

4. I can’t talk and knit at the same time (like knitting groups or while I’m getting my hair done). I always mess up my pattern.

5. After all of extensive experience in knitting (yeah right!) I’m still confused by the term YO. I’ve read explanations and it seams like YO means more than one thing, depending on if you are purling or knitting? For whatever reason, I can’t grasp that one.

There ya go!

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Rom 8:31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

still here...

2007-02-04T19:44:00.000-05:00

Yes, I'm still here...
I haven't had any time at all to post anything, but I wanted to update!
Check out this post by Crystal at Biblical Womanhood (I requested some Valentine's Day ideas):
Biblical Womanhood blog

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Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Acts 4:12

knitting movie

2006-11-08T09:30:00.000-05:00

Did you see this?
Julia Roberts signed on to star in a knitting movie...
The Friday Night Knitting Club

Cowboy Booties Pattern

2006-11-02T22:36:00.001-05:00

COWBOY BOOTIES
Many people have ask me for this pattern. It is not my own, and I am in no way taking credit for it. I originally received it by email from a very generous Knitter's Review forum member. I don't know where it originated from. When I received it, it was on a Word document with no photo. I got so many comments/emails from my post that I thought I would share it with others. I added my own notes at the bottom of the pattern.

SIZE: Infant’s foot up to 3 ¼ inches long

MATERIALS: Red Heart Sock and Sweater Yarn – 2 oz. –Brown
Embroidery Floss – color of your choice
Size 4 needles or size to give gauge
Crochet hook size E

GAUGE: 7 STS = 1 INCH 10 ROWS = 1 INCH

EACH BOOTIE:

TOP: Beg. At toe, cast on 4 Sts.
Row 1: Purl
Row 2: K, inc 1 st each end. Repeat last 2 rows 4 more times = 14 sts.
NEXT ROW: P
Work even in St. Stitch for 7 rows, end k row, casting on 12 sts. At end of last row.
NEXT ROW: Purl, casting on 12 sts. At end of row = 38 sts
Knit 38, Continue in St. St., inc 1 st each end on 8th row, then every 8th row twice more= 44 sts. Work even until 3 ½ inches (* see note) above the 12 cast-on sts, end p row.

SHAPE TOP: Section 1:
R. 1 (right side) K 12, k 2 tog – 13 sts; slip next 16 sts to holder for Section 2 and rem. 14 sts. To 2nd. Holder for Section 3
Row 2: On Section 1, bind off 2 sts. At inner edge, p to end
Row 3: K, dec. 1 st at inner edge
Rows 4 – 6: Rep. Rows 2,3,2 = 5 sts. Bind off

SECTION 2: Sl. Sts to needle read for a right side row
Row 1: K, dec. 1 st. each end = 14 sts.
Row 2: P, dec 1 st at each end
Rows 3 – 5: Repeat Rows 1,2,1 = 6 sts.
Row 6: Purl. Bind off

SECTION 3: Slip sts to needle as before.
Row 1: Join at inner edge, bind off 2 sts, k to end = 12 sts.
Row 2: Purl, dec. 1 at inner edge
Row 3: Bind off 2, k to end
Rows 4 – 6: Rep Rows 2,3,2 = 5 sts. Bind off

SIDES: Right side facing, pick up 12 sts in the 12 cast-0n sts. , 14 sts along shaped edge to toe, 4 sts in cast-on edge at toe, 14 sts along other edge, 12 sts in cast-on sts = 56 sts.
Work 7 rows garter st. Bind off

SOLE: Make 2 for each bootie. (* see note)
Cast on 24 sts.
Row 1: Purl
Row 2: K, inc 1 st each end
Rows 3-4: Rep Rows 1 and 2 = 28 sts.
Rows 5 – 11: Work even
Row 12: SKP, K to last 2 sts, k 2 tog = 26 sts.
Row 13: Purl, Repeat last 2 rows once more = 24 sts. Bind off.

LOOP: Make 2. Cast on 5 sts. Work in St. st for 2 ½ inches. Bind off

EMBROIDERY: (* see note) Using embroidery floss divided into 3 strands with Red embroider wavy line in Chain st on each side of boot below indentation on upper edge. With Green make a French knot in space of each wave on boot. Embroider a straight row of Chain st. along center row of each loop.

FINISHING: Sew back seam of boot. Wrong sides tog, sew soles tog. Sew sole in place, easing to fit. Fold loops in half, wrong sides tog. Sew ends to each side at indentations on upper edge.

Notes from April:

Yarns I used:
Caron Simply Soft in Bone for the main body color
Caron Wintuk in Nutmeg (*won’t use this again, would rather use a Simply Soft color)

SOLE: I had to adjust the sole pattern to my yarn gauge b/c with the yarn I used the sole came out way to big. Also the pattern calls for two soles each boot, and I only made one each.

TOP: I added the top contrast trim edge, the original pattern does not call for it. But I did not adjust the length of the main body to accommodate the extra length and it makes the boot look kind of tall. To correct this, when the pattern in TOP section says “Work even until 3 ½ inches above the 12 cast-on sts, end p row”, I would only work about 2 ½”-2 ¾” in order to account for the extra trim.

EMBROIDERY: I used floss color that matched the contrast yarn. I made up my own pattern for the sides and top of boot.

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Psa 116:8 For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.

pssst...I've got a secret

2006-11-01T09:13:00.001-05:00

BarnesandNoble.com has Jenny Hart's Stitch-it Kit in their "Bargain Bin" for $6.95! ($6.25 if you are a B&N member) and with FREE delivery if you buy $25 worth. These make perfect gifts! I bought a BUNCH for Christmas gifts and for possible VBS projects in the Teen Girls Class next summer.

Click here to go see it

Better hurry! (I'm not trying to promote B&N by the way, just thought this was a great deal. It says that they may have markings or stickers on the outside. I got mine yesterday and they are in good shape. They do have a sticker with the price and shrink wrap is torn in the corners of a few of the boxes, but that's all. Hopefully I didn't buy them all...haha ;)

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Pro 31:18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.

Diaper Cake

2006-10-31T14:51:00.002-05:00

I just wanted to show off the diaper cake that I made for Simon Pilgrim's baby shower.

Supplies:
1 or 2 wooden letters (about $.97 each at Walmart)
2 popsicle/craft sticks
paint for letters - optional
rubberbands (lots)
ribbon
silk flowers
diapers - we used about 100 size 1 diapers (out of 2 packs of 56)
cakestand (used a coupon - about $4.00-5.00)

Instructions (not very technical though):
My husband helped me. He lined up the diapers like dominos, then rolled them all up like a cinnamon roll. We made one big rubberband out of a bunch of little ones, and put it around the roll of diapers to keep them together.
We made 3 different sized layers. I just set the layers on top of one another (they weren't stuck together in any way - for easy disassembly). Tied 2 layers of ribbon around each layer (1-1/2" wide blue, 1/4" wide black/white gingham). Then I just stuck some silk flowers on each layer, again I didn't glue them b/c I wanted the cake to be easy to take apart (so the mother can actually use the diapers!). I bought the little wooden letters and painted them black. I hot-glued a popsicle stick to the back of each letter and then stuck the stick down in between the diapers to make letters stand up by themselves. I put it all on top of a white plastic cake stand. Surprisingly, it did not fall apart from my house to our church where the baby shower was!

Here's a Craftster thread on diaper cakes, so you can see the many different versions. You could decorate it with all kinds of baby items if you want. I tried to keep mine simple and more "cake" looking.

*+*+*+*
Mat 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

Cable Knit Purse

2006-10-30T09:24:00.001-05:00

I finally finished notoriaus's cable knit purse with this vintage yarn! I used two strands of the worsted weight yarn, and I had to make alot more rows than she listed on the pattern to make it long enough. I couldn't find any wooden handles like her's (at local stores anyway). {If you know a good site to order them from please let me know}. But other than the bamboo handles which I'm not too crazy about, I thought it turned out nice.

I lined the purse with my nifty sewing machine that my husband bought me for Christmas last year! The material that I used was an *Old Navy* skirt that I outgrew a long time ago.

Here's who the gift was for (my little niece with her awesome cake):

Happy 8th birthday!

*+*+*+*
Mat 21:21 Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.

awww....Pumpkin Costume

2006-10-26T08:16:00.001-05:00

Look at THIS:

This is the cutest thing I've seen in a while!!!
The pattern is free if you're interested.
The mom or grandmother that knits this would get mega points in my book. So sweet!!!

*+*+*+*
Sgs 1:15 Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold, thou art fair; thou hast doves' eyes.

real swift of me

2006-10-24T08:36:00.001-05:00

Does this make me a "real" knitter?
I thought I was officially a knitter when a bought my Royal ball winder. Then I figured out that it wasn't as easy as I thought to wind skeins into balls without a swift. I know, I know, it can be done...(before all of you hardcore people start telling me how you created your own winder and swift out of a rubberband, a piece of gum, and a potatoe Macgyver-style). It just worked for me to buy a swift. I'm all about time management right now because time is what I have the least of. I can't wait on my husband to help me wind a ball, and I don't have time to find a rubberband, a piece of gum, and a potatoe. So I looked around for a swift to buy.

This is what I decided on:

Portable Oak Yarn Swift Winder
from: ebay seller cbgerstner

Pros:
~good price (money is another thing I'm short of)
~closes/disassembles for storage (space is another thing I'm short of).
~freestanding, I don't have to clamp it to anything
~adjustable, for different size skeins
~it's handmade

So, I'll test it out, and I 'll let you know how I like it. :)

*+*+*+*
Jam 1:19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

Sock it to me, sock it to me...

2006-10-19T12:47:00.001-05:00

ok, I've noticed that once you go sock, you never go back. I've seen knitters that start on the socks, and they are obsessed with knitting socks. So, I've knit exactly 1.5 socks (photo coming later) and I'm addicted I think. They are perfect in form and functionality. They are small, quick knits, and yet they serve a purpose (besides fullfilling my knitting urges they keep somebody's toes toasty). Love 'em!

Oh and did I mention how I have had 1/2 of a sock in my basket for almost a year b/c I was afraid of turning a heel? And they are for my husband no less, who rest assured never lets me forget every time I start a new project that I haven't finished his socks yet. But as with everything new I've tried in knitting, it wasn't as hard as it looked.

So, I'll just jump blindly into the world of sock knitting and see how it goes. But for you seasoned sock knitters out there: Help! Give me some advice:

best sock yarns?
best needles (tiny short dpns, tiny circs)?
best sock patterns?
In particular, does anyone have this book: Knitting Vintage Socks by Nancy Bush

Much appreciated!

*+*+*+*
Psa 116:8 For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2006-10-06T12:26:00.001-05:00

As you know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month.
Our Race for the Cure team (Team Keep on Keepin' on) is gearing up for a big walk in Knoxville!

Also, here are some of nice breast cancer awareness patterns:

knitty's Breast Cancer mini issue (4 patterns)

pink ribbon socks

pink ribbon dishcloth

chemo cap patterns (many!)

*+*+*+* Pray for the Cure!
Rom 12:12
Rejoicing in hope;
patient in tribulation;
continuing instant in prayer;

1Th 5:17
Pray without ceasing.

Local Stuff

2006-09-30T07:57:00.000-05:00

KOMEN KNOXVILLE RACE FOR THE CURE is October 28th!
If anyone would like to join or donate to our Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure team, here's the link:
Team Keep on Keepin' on

Also, to the local knitters who read my blog, hold on to your socks...
Knit N Purl on Cedar Bluff is going out of business, all of their yarn is
50% off OR MORE! Here's directions:
Map directions to Knit n Purl

Cristina, here's that cardigan pattern I was telling you about:
Fabulous Lace Insert Cardigan

*+*+*+* woohoo!
Psa 3:6
I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.
Psa 3:7
Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.

readin' about knittin'

2006-09-26T08:39:00.001-05:00

just some interesting links to pass along...

Tutorial: Embroidering on knitting ~ click here

Laura's Top Ten Beginner Lace Shawls ~ click here

Brooklyntweed's breathtaking Shetland Triangle ~ click here

Check out this AWESOME craft studio ~ click here

*+*+*+*
Psa 138:3 In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul.

linkin'

2006-09-20T07:30:00.000-05:00

If any of my many readers *hehehe* would like for me to link to your blog (or if you link to me) let me know. Shoot me an email or leave me a comment. I have my blogroll listed in the sidebar; it is of knitting blogs I keep up with. But if you have a blog about something other than knitting, that's ok too.
I'm bad about reading others blogs and never leaving a comment. I'm going to start trying to work on that. So let me know if you read me, so I can return the favor!

*+*+*+*
Rom 8:37-39
Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

a new Pilgrimage and a reminder

2006-09-11T08:18:00.000-05:00

PILGRIMAGE (Webster's 1828 Dictionary)
1. In Scripture, the journey of human life. Gen.47.
2. Time irksomely spent.

First and foremost: I would like to welcome a new member of my family, my newest nephew:

Simon Pilgrim
born Sept. 4, 2006 @ 9:58pm
He is still in the hospital, so keep him in your prayers. But we're so glad that he is finally here!
Click here to read more about him (and his special name)

Next: no I haven't disappeared, even though I haven't posted in a month.
I have gotten a tiny smidge of knitting done. A little {very little} work on Rusted Root, and 2 beanies finished to be exact). I have started back to school...I haven't been to school in six years (yikes!). So, between work, school, this diet that I'm on (lost 16.5 lbs and counting!), exercise (Curves), Monday night Bible classes, and Race for the Cure - I'm going to be on the run, non-stop like a freight train for the next couple of months. But that's ok...I can handle it with some prayer and help from the Lord. I just hope my poor husband can.
Oh yeah, and I'd like to fit knitting somewhere on that list!

Finally: just a word about today, the anniversary of 9/11.
I've been watching some of the specials, documentaries, etc. about 9/11 that have been showing in the past few weeks. This is one of the things that really stands out to me: the terrorists are constantly praising and praying to Allah. They are so loyal to a god that does not even exist. It makes me ashamed of myself for not doing more to turn others to my God that I know DOES exist.

Here's a reminder of what America was founded on:
We are Americans
(the quote by DR. BENJAMIN RUSH is one of my favorites on this list)

God please bless our country, President Bush, and the families of the victims of 9/11/01.

*+*+*+*
Isa 52:7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!

I knit a Pterodactyl

2006-08-19T08:27:00.001-05:00

Pattern: Pterodactyl
Designer: bdraeger
Yarn: Lily Sugar'n Cream in Hot Green
Needles: size 6 dpns

I knit a bronty for my nephew for Christmas last year. He mentioned to his mom that he would like to have a pterodactyl also. So with his birthday coming up I decided to look for a pattern. Guess what? I found it. Woohoo! It was fun to make, even though with the toys and stuffed animals there is lots of weaving and seaming. He like it though, that's all that matters to me!

The Recipient:

*+*+*+*
1Cr 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

Vintage Yarn...Oh Yeah.

2006-08-10T19:06:00.000-05:00

Check out my latest thrift store find...
vintage yarn: 10 skeins for $2.00

This is where I would usually promote my local thrift store, complete with links if available. BUT...why give away a good secret? Only to find that the local thrift stores are overcome by the massive amount of readers who have read my post (don't hold your breath for that one). I'm a thrift store junkie, and am of late, infactuated with all things old. Finding an object that is unique and cannot be found mass marketed at your local supermarket. The mystery of the history of an object with character.

The yarn is Mary Maxim Starlette and the packaging is very 50-ish style. It is listed as "100% Orlon". I had never seen this before, and after a quick search found this THIS.

I'm thinking about using them to make some of these (maybe for Christmas presents):
Cable knit purse

*+*+*+*
2Cr 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Lullaby Cabled Baby Blanket

2006-08-08T20:54:00.003-05:00

Pattern: Lullaby Baby Cabled Blanket
Designer: Keep It Simple Designs
Pattern Purchased from: Stitchershaven.com
Yarn: Knitpicks Shine Worsted (ebony)
For: baby Landon born July 24

Pros: Love, love, loved this pattern! It's a simple design that produces an excellent result. My first cabling project, which intimidated me a little. I was smacking myself for not trying cables earlier once I saw how easy they really are. This is the first baby blanket I've made, and it took much longer than I thought.

Cons: My biggest problem was that I used Knitpicks Shine Worsted yarn. I love this yarn! But it comes in small 75 yd. balls, so I had to change balls about every 16 rows! This meant ALOT of weaving ends, which always scares me.

I know you're thinking "a solid black baby blanket?" I figured if it were me on the receiving end, I would like a simple black blanket. Might be a switch from all of the baby blue and green hues. Plus, isn't the whole point of a handmade gift to be something that is unique, something you can't just go buy at the store?

I made a little card with care instructions/info about the item, complete with little fabric care symbols. (These are just as much for me as for the recipient, since I keep all this info anyway in my knitting journal I can keep track of it better.)

I found this little suitcase gift box at the craft store. So cute! It's not complete w/o ribbon, of course. My husband says I can't make anything w/o putting ribbon on it. So what...your point is?! The presentation is half the point, don't you think?

*+*+*+*
2Cr 3:5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;

My Knitting Birthday

2006-08-06T15:28:00.001-05:00

Happy birthday to me, happy birthday to me...

This week is my "Knitting Birthday". I just got back from my family's annual camping trip up to the mountains. It was on this trip one year ago that I taught myself to knit!

On our camping trip there is always lots of leisure time. So, last year I bought an SnB book, some cheap yarn and a set of needles (10 1/2). I took them with me to the mountains, and I read, and I learned, and I knit. The first thing I knit was a little swatch. Then when I got back home, I bought some Homespun yarn and started a garter stitch scarf for my husband. (isn't that everyone's first project?) I am by no means a knitting expert, but I have come far in one year (if I do say so myself)!

(as I bow) . . . thank you, thank you very much.

*+*+*+*
Tts 3:14 And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.

Updated Free Patterns Index

2006-07-27T18:04:00.002-05:00

Hey y'all,
I put my list of Free Pattern links on their very own page. If you are looking for them they are under "Ton o' Patterns" on my sidebar.

Apron Top and matching bunny

2006-07-22T09:38:00.001-05:00

I made these for sweet little Taylor's 2nd birthday!

The top is from the Little Turtle Knit's Apron Top pattern. This is a very nice pattern. It comes with the instructions for (8) different sizes: 0-6 mos, 6-12 mos, 12-18 mos, 18-24 mos, 2T, 3T, 4T, 5T! The shirts were made with Knitpicks Shine Worsted in Snapdragon on size 8 straights. The embroidery designs are from Jenny Hart's Sublime Stitching Atom-ique. I think next time I knit the apron top I will try sewing ribbon on for the ties instead of knitting ties. We'll see :)

I knit the Jess Hutch bunny with a matching shirt. The bunny was knit with Lamb's Pride Worsted in Victorian Pink on size 8 dpns. I did order the eyes from crscraft.com as Jess Hutch suggests and they worked great. The lighting in my photos wasn't too great, the top photo actually is closer to the correct color.

Here's how I boxed it up in a little round craft hat box...taadaaa!

*+*+*+*
Mat 18:3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

VBS ~ Princess Diaries (becoming a daughter of the King)

2006-07-20T20:10:00.004-05:00

Last month we had Bible School at my church! I taught the Teen Girls class. The following is a very long description of our class. Hopefully it will be of help to someone in the future! Feel free to email me with any questions (aboverubies@bellsouth.net).

VBS 2006 ~ Princess Diaries
becoming a daughter of the King
Teen Girl Class age 13 and up
* I planned enough for 12 girls to attend the class, so some of these ideas may not be feasible if you have a large class.*

me (left) with my co-teacher Brandi:

Lesson theme:
The Princess Diaries ~ Becoming a Daughter of the King

the princesses with their tiaras:

Lesson Resources:
I created a 26 page lesson plan notebook for each girl. The lesson discusses how to become a "daughter of the King" using Proverbs 31 and also a Daily Etiquette lesson. The following are articles and books I used in studying for the lessons. *please see note at bottom of post

***KJV Holy Bible***
we focused on Proverbs 31:

Books:

A Virtuous Woman by Clarence Sexton

God's Ideal Woman by Clifford Lewis

A Virtuous Woman by Dr. Monroe Parker

Christian Charm Course ~ Emily Hunter
(both student and teacher handbook)

Book of Proverbs Commentary by J. Vernon McGee
(bought at Christian bookstore)

Web Articles:
Mom of 9s place~ Salvation ABCs

The Wheatfield blog ~ Virtuous woman comparison

Sovereign Grace ~ Modesty Heart Check

Nancy Rowley ~ God's Virtuous Woman

Earnestly contending ~ Princess practice

Creative Ladies Ministry ~ Strand of Pearls

Hearts in Service ~ Wanted: Prince Charming

Etiquette Lessons:
I got most of the Etiquette lessons from the Emily Hunter Christian Charm course books (see above). We had lessons daily on things such as posture, walking and sitting gracefully, modesty, table manners, and general manners.

Decorations:

(I didn’t do a lot of decorations, since we were doing the crafts. I thought it might get in the way)
Colors: Purple ~ various shades, With pink accents
* Lavender vinyl tablecloths
*(2) Foamboards with Proverbs 31 written on it
*Each girl had a decorated “bucket” with various items inside (see below)

“Bucket” coffee cans:
1. Take 12 large empty coffee tins. (I save them from my work coffee station, they go thru them quickly! Try a restaurant, ask them to save them for you)
1. cover in pretty wrapping paper (color in these pics are off, the wrapping paper does match the purple folders!)
2. drill holes thru sides and tie ribbon thru for handles

items inside:
* purple tissue paper
* tiara (Party City - party favors 6 for $4.99)
* costume jewelry ring with “Wait for the Ring” note attached (see below)
* safety pins attached to strip of felt – with modesty note attached (see below)
* purple pen
* purple lesson folder
* (1) blank Thank You note [I had the girls write a proper "thank you" to anyone that they wanted as part of the etiquette lesson]

Craft:
Scrapbooks
Creative Memories 6x6 scrapbooks

scrapbooking supplies:

* Big stack of scrapbooking papers
* Adhesive (AC Moore - photo splits 3 boxes of 250 for $2 on sale)
* Brandi is a Creative Memories Consultant ~ she brought all of her scrapping tools! (Borrow some from all the scrapbookers in your church if you need to)
* I made each girl a sheet of "titles" to cut out for their scrapbook pages. Each sheet had some Bible verses
and phrases that went with our lesson, and was printed on vellum:

Little Princess Scrappers at work:

*note: We (Woodlawn Baptist Church) are an Independent Fundamental Baptist Church, using the King James Bible only. The lesson folder I created uses KJV only scripture. I carefully chose references that I studied, but I can't be accountable for the reference links that I provide in this post.

*+*+*+*
Pro 31:30
Favour [is] deceitful, and beauty [is] vain: [but] a woman [that] feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.

updated my knitting blogroll

2006-07-18T20:55:00.000-05:00

I updated my knitting blogroll in my sidebar to the right. So if you need some new knitting-blog-reading material, check it out!

and here's a link to my entire blogroll, in case you want to check out some of the other stuff I read (check out the Proverbs 31 women section):
http://www.bloglines.com/blog/faraboverubies

*+*+*+*

1Cr 2:1,2
And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

Go Panthers - Class of '07 hat

2006-06-14T20:20:00.002-05:00

So, my lil sister is going to be a senoir next year at LCHS (Class of '07). They are the Panthers and team colors are orange and black. She and her friends get decked out in their school spirit outfits for football games. All orange and black clothing, face paint, hair spray, etc. So I renamed the official kitty hat to a PANTHER hat, and added some orange accents. Hopefully, come fall I'll be able to get a pic of my sister in the full on orange and black mess.

panther hat:

panther paw on front:

07 on back of hat:

*+*+*+*
Hbr 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Ruby Red Slippers

2006-06-11T19:59:00.005-05:00

I've been working on a few projects. A seemingly never ending baby blanket, a kitty hat, and these precious little Ruby Red Slippers from the Goodbye Yellow Brick Road pattern. I made them for a baby shower at my church. I have had the yarn and pattern for a while, but just now got around to making them. Lots of pregnant people around, but mostly having boys.

The yarn is Lionbrand Glitterspun in "Ruby" (how appropriate). I found the buttons at Joann's (huge button assortment there). I printed out the packaging myself. If you can't read the label it says "Ruby Slippers - so that she can always find her way back home". I found the images on the web. I think they turned out super cute!

*+*+*+*
Jos 2:18 Behold, [when] we come into the land, thou shalt bind this line of scarlet thread in the window which thou didst let us down by: and thou shalt bring thy father, and thy mother, and thy brethren, and all thy father's household, home unto thee.

my wists

2006-06-05T13:46:00.000-05:00

Check out my new wists!: http://www.wists.com/faraboverubies
1 or 2 crochet patterns, but otherwise all knitting. Bookmark it, I'll be adding more of my favs soon.

I have been knitting, it's just a busy time of year and haven't had time to post!
I've been working on this, this, and this. I'll be posting pics soon.

*+*+*+* He makes an escape for us!
1Cr 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God [is] faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear [it].

Daisy Petal Pattern

2006-05-18T19:41:00.001-05:00

4 petal daisy:

5 petal daisy:

I am by no means a "Master Knitting Pattern Writer", but here’s a Daisy Petal pattern that I came up with all by myself! Use it, modify it, enjoy it!

Daisy Petal

Any yarn { I used Yarn Bee - Luscious (color: Ice) }

Gauge not important, use different needle sizes to get different size petals
Note: on size 5 needles, a single petal is roughly 3” long and 1.5” wide

Begin Pattern:
KNIT ALL EVEN ROWS!
Cast on 3 st
Row 1: knit
Row 3: k2, m1, k1 = 4st
Row 5: k2, m1, k2 = 5st
Row 7: k2, m1, k3 = 6st
Row 9: k3, m1, k3 = 7st
Row 11: k4, m1, k3 = 8st
Row 13: k4, m1, k4 = 9st
Row 15: k4, m1, k5 = 10st
Row 17: knit = 10st
Row 19: knit = 10st
Row 21: knit = 10st
Row 23: k4, k2tog, k4 = 9st
Row 25: knit = 9st
Row 27: knit = 9st
Row 29: knit = 9st
Row 31: k3, k2tog, k4 = 8st
Row 33: knit = 8st
Row 35: k3, k2tog, k3 = 7st
Row 37: k3, k2tog, k2 = 6st
Row 39: knit = 6st
Row 41: k2, k2tog, k2 = 5st
Row 43: knit = 5st
Row 45: k1, k2tog, k2 = 4st
Row 47: knit = 4st
Row 49: k1, k2tog, k1 = 3st
Row 51: k1, k2tog = 2st
Row 53: k2tog = 1st

Finishing:
Keep petal on needle slide over, and start next petal.
Knit 4 – 5 petals, break yarn leaving a long end (6-10 inches lg.), using a yarn needle, join yarn through each petals last stitch.

Or, if you find it easier to make one petal at a time:
When petals gets down to 1 stitch left, break yarn and with yarn needle, bring yarn thru last stitch.
Knit 4 – 5 petals to make daisy.

Note:
I tack the corners of each petal down with a stitch or two to the hat, or sweater, whatever you are applying it to. Sew a button in the center if you like.
Use this pattern to make a butterfly, using two large petals and two smaller ones for wings. The possibilities are endless!

*+*+*+*
Psa 103:15
As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.

Knit Links

2006-05-04T12:40:00.001-05:00

Just some quick links to some sweet knitting stuff:

I found this cute little online knitting store called Yarnies.
Check out the cutesy little mini circs they sell (8 1/4" & 12"):
Clover Mini Circulars

I'm sure all of you knitters know full well where your LYS is,
but here's a cool map to search:
LYS Map *

*edit*****
as Shelley pointed out (in the "words of wisdom" comments), this search map is for the US only.

*+*+*+*
Psa 139:2
Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.