Happy October!

I could blog about a billion different Autumn thoughts and memories today as I am feeling rather nostalgic, but I'll just stick to a project and recipe. First, the recipe, which you absolutely must make sometime this month. We always have it several times in the Fall, but always while carving our pumpkins for Halloween. It is soooo good and my family can't get enough!

Caramel Apple Cider

1/2 c. heavy whipping cream

1/2 c. packed brown sugar

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

6 c. fresh apple cider

whipped cream for serving - optional

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Place the cream and sugar in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil over low heat, stirring constantly. Stir in cinnamon and cider. Heat through until cider begins to steam. Serve hot with a dollop of whipped cream. (You could probably double or triple the batch and keep warm in a slow cooker on low/warm for a party).

Now for the project. This cute little pumpkin light was made by my dad ~ he is the best at woodworking and makes the most amazing things! Excuse my directions ~ I'm sure they aren't the best, but hopefully you will get the idea.

Jack-O-Lantern Jar

Supplies:

Lamp Light Kit (includes cord, socket w/ spring clip, switch, and bulb)

Metal cutting shears (and gloves to protect your hands!)

Quart canning jar with lid (seal & ring)

Orange spray paint (suitable for glass)

Black paint (suitable for glass)

Small craft paint brush

Raffia

Spray the inside of the canning jar with the orange spray paint. Allow to dry completely. Using the black paint & brush, paint a jack-o-lantern face on the outside of the jar. Allow to dry completely. Using the metal shears, cut a hole the size of a quarter in the seal for the lid. Make sure to wear safety gloves so you don't cut you hands on the metal! Place the seal on the jar and secure with the ring. Tie a raffia bow around the ring (you can secure this with hot glue if you wish). Place the socket w/ spring clip into the hole in the lid. The spring clip will keep it on the lid. Plug in and turn on! You're finished!

Another Project To Help Me Procrastinate

I whipped up this cute little bag up in less than an hour yesterday afternoon. It is for my niece, who happens to be turning 12 very soon. Madison helped model it for me!

I just can't stop!

I am supposed to be packing for a trip. Instead I made two valances and three throw pillows for my bedroom. I used the Put A Zipper In Your Pillow Tutorial from House On Hill Road and was able to make the pillows in less than two hours ~ zippers and all! Hmmmm.... I wonder what else I can sew to keep from packing....

Put down the fabric, and slowly back away from the sewing machine....

OK, so I can't stop sewing. Here are the girls (and Molly) in their new dresses. Madison picked out the fabric, which I love, because it is pink and flowery (is that a word?). I am all about bright colors right now.

A Dress For Molly

Yesterday afternoon I got the sewing bug and decided to make a dress for Madison's American Girl doll. She picked out the fabric and I traced out a pattern using freezer paper. I warned her that it might not fit, but after just an hour of work (including pattern making), the dress was finished and fit wonderfully! I used a technique my friend Denise taught me for making a reversible jumper (I use it often to make dresses for the girls).

The great thing about this dress is its versatility. You can add a bow or a belt, make it shorter, put a shirt underneath, add an applique to the front (wouldn't it be cute with a little butterfly?), or even put a ruffle along the bottom. I may be making these for gifts for the little girls in my life....

To make reversible jumpers for my girls, I use Simplicity 6695. To make a doll dress, you'll have to sketch out your own pattern until I can figure out how to put my own on this post. I hope these instructions make sense!

AFTER STEP 6 ~ Don't forget to cut along the curves of the neckline and arm holes! Clip in 1/2" intervals from the edge of the fabric to the seam without cutting through the thread!

Library Tote Bag

I made this 15-inch square bag for Madison Saturday afternoon so that she can carry all of her borrowed books to and from the library. I used a flowered denim fabric for the outside and a pink gingham fabric for the liner. I sewed several button holes along the top edge and then "wove" pink ribbon through them, tying the ends in a bow.

Photo Magnets

I decided to be a little more creative with my gift-giving, so I made these cute little magnets for the "grandmas" for Mother's Day. They are quick, easy, and require very few supplies!

Here's what you need:

Some great photos shrunk down to 3/4" squares

5/8" circle punch

Clear 3/4" accent marbles that are flat on one side (usually found by the silk flowers)

Regular super glue

3/4" round magnets

Hot glue gun or other craft glue

Step 1 ~ Print photos and cut out with your circle punch

Step 2 ~ Apply two drops of super glue to the top of the picture. Place flat side of marble on top of picture and press for 3 seconds. Flip marble over.

Step 3 ~ When super glue is dry, apply magnets using hot glue gun or craft glue.

Homemade Vanilla Extract

I have been wanting to make my own vanilla for a very long time now, I was just looking for the right bottle. I know, sounds crazy, but I want it to look good as well as taste good! Anyway, I finally found a fabulous bottle at Target perfect for my vanilla venture! According to The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook by Ina Garten, my homemade vanilla will keep for years and years, I just need to feed the "brew" by adding more vanilla beans and vodka when it starts getting low. I am so excited and can't wait to bake my first batch of whatever with my vanilla!

Recipe for Homemade Vanilla Extract

Tall glass bottle (with lid that seals completely)

One dozen vanilla beans

Vodka (I used Grey Goose, but you can use anything)

Make sure your bottle is clean and dry. Split vanilla beans lengthwise and place inside the glass bottle. Pour vodka into the bottle making sure all beans are completely covered. Store the bottle out of direct light and away from heat. Let the beans marinate in the vodka for at least one month before using. The extract will become more flavorful the longer it marinates.

Messenger Bag

I have been looking for a great trendy bag to tote around my Bible and all of the extra stuff that goes along with it (highlighters, study guides, journal, etc....). I was beginning to give up when my sweet little Madison came in the room carrying a little purse made for her by my friend Sarah. Sarah is very creative and always makes fabulous things. I think what makes her gifts so wonderful is all of the thought and love that is put into each one. Anyway, without knowing it, she inspired me to try my hand at making my very own messenger bag. This bag is actually one that I just finished for my niece for Easter. I am making two more just like it for the girls. I love the way it turned out and had lots of fun making it!

Madison Shows Off Her School Project

Madison had to write a report about a forest animal for her second grade class. After lots of research, she chose the while-tailed deer. Along with the report, her teacher asked the students to make a "stuffed" animal. I printed out a picture of the white-tailed deer and Madison did the rest. She carefully cut out the picture, traced it onto felt, sewed it together, stuffed it, and then painted on the details. I think she did a fabulous job and we are so proud of her hard work!

Home Sweet Home

The last of the boxes have finally been unpacked and we are beginning to make this house our home! I am finding that having a two year old around to "help" makes getting organized take much longer than I would like. I am learning about patience, a skill I know very little about!


I am having lots of fun decorating and today I rediscovered my love of the glue gun. It's amazing how one simple craft tool can change an entire room!!! Two basic white lamp shades plus pink tassly stuff plus black ric-rac equals very cute girly lamps for Madison's room! I'm already trying to figure out what I can do next....