My O My How Time Flies When You Are Going Crazy

Ive been so busy over the last few months that I don't even remember with what.  :)  I am doing so many things right now that its hard to keep it all going.  I do have a few things I will be adding in the next few days.  So stay tuned.

Fried Marbles

Its not really fried, more like heated up.  So I have lots and lots of glass filler stones.  I never seem to use them in the vases like I plan.  I ran across a bag stuffed all the way back in the pantry... now what to do with them.  I searched and searched but couldn't find any cool ideas.  Then I saw fried marbles.  Fried Marbles??? What the heck is that?  Its heating up the glass stones or marbles then putting them in ice cold water.  Presto Changeo.... They shatter on the inside, not apart.  They are still smooth on the outside but you can see the cool shatter effect.  I used clear glass, I read that the frosted wasn't worth it because you cant see the shatter effect.

I grabbed some of the stones and put them in the pan.  Turned on the stove to med-high and let them get hot.  It took about 10 minutes I guess. 

Meanwhile.... I got a baking dish and filled it with ice water.  Once the glass stones were hot I put them into the ice water.  Immediately I heard the cracking and popping.

Of course I forgot to take the dried off after picture.  But you can see what they look like.  I'm thinking of using them for a wire wrapped pendant or earrings.  They are really pretty.  Ive added yet another project to my long list.  But it does keep me happy and busy.

Photo Glass Tile

I finally did the photo glass tiles..and I LOVE them.  They are very easy and so sweet. 

What you need:

Glass tiles.....I got mine from CandyTiles.  She has great bundle deals and the products were very nice.
Diamond Glaze
Bails or Tray- Depending on the look you are going for
Chain
Super Glue
Picture or Scrapbook Paper design

Step 1:

Put down parchment paper or wax paper in your work area.  Clean your tile off with a lint free cloth or a cloth you clean your glasses with.  Choose your picture or paper.  If doing a picture, print it on Matte Paper.  You can either cut out the picture you are using to the size of the tile (make the picture slightly smaller then your tile) or wing it.  I winged it and next time I will pre-cut it.

Step 2:

Put a little Diamond Glaze on the back of the tile.  Do it in the shape of the tile you are using, it will spread better when you apply the picture and pressure.  Don't add so much that it oozes out the sides.  You don't want that.



Step 3:

Apply to the picture.  Putting pressure on each corner and the middle.  Then flip it over and rub it lightly with your fingers to make sure it is all touching and adhering together.  Let dry tile side down for at least an hour.



Step 4:

Trim off any excess paper.  I used very sharp scissors and exacto knife.  I think next time I will have it pre-cut.  I think it would be easier and a cleaner edge. 

Step 5:

Apply more of the Diamond Glaze to the back of the picture.  You want a thin layer and around the edge of the paper that is on the tile.  This will seal it and make it water resistant.  Not proof, but resistant.  So don't wear it in the shower, but don't need to freak out if it gets a little wet.  I used a stiffer paint brush.  Make sure you clean the brush as soon as you are finished.  Let it dry for at least an hour.

Step 6:

Now its time to glue your bail to the tile.  I did mine on the back since I didn't want it to cover up my beautiful kids. Make a little mark where you want your bail at.  It will be helpful to make sure its centered.  I used Super Glue.  I'm sure there are other glues, but its what I had.  So add a tiny bit of glue to the bail and put it on the tile applying pressure.  Let dry at least half hour.

**You can also buy a tile tray.  I plan on trying that too.  If you are using a tray you don't need the bails because the tray is an all-in-one kinda thing.  So you would add the glue to the tile and press it into the tray.  Applying pressure to make sure it is all glued down.

Step 7:

Add your chain and enjoy.  I gave mine to the Grandmas for Christmas.  I planned on making a key chain for Grandpa, but ran out of time.  So that's what is on my To Do List next. 

Christmas Card Book

I'm sure like many of you, you wonder what to do with your Christmas Cards.  I have displayed them several ways in my house.  Hanging them from the mantel, placing them all over the house or taping them to the walls.  So this year I did a little more decorating on the mantel then normal and didn't want to add another thing to it.  I also decorated the walls a bit more this year so I was out of space.  What to do....what to do.... A Christmas Card Book.

Supplies:
-Cardboard--I used a thin one
-Scrapbook Paper or Christmas paper that wont tear easy.  I used 2 different patterns. 4 total sheets
-ModPog or Glue (what ever you have on hand)
-Scissors
-Binder Rings
-Hole Punch
-Embellishments (Stickers or whatever you want)


I started out with an empty box, it was a thin as a cereal box.  I cut off all the flaps and tried to make it as straight as possible.  I then took the cards I had received so far and laid them on top to measure.  I was able to get a pretty universal measurement I believe.  I made mine 6x8.  I then cut the paper a bit larger so I could make sure I had wiggle room in case I messed up. 

Next I put ModPog on one side of the cardboard and the back of the paper.  I was able to wiggle the paper around enough that I could get at least one clean edge.  I then pressed and rubbed firmly to make sure there were no air bubbles and that it was all glued together.

Let them fully dry and trim the edges.  Then do the same to the other side of the cardboard and paper.  I had to put them under a heavy book this time to dry flat.  Once its dry you can add your embellishments if you are putting them on there.  I didn't see anything I liked when I made a quick run to the craft store.  So I'm going to try to find something so I know what year it is or just write it on there with a Sharpie.

After I trimmed the edges again it was time to put it all together.  I had a 2 hole punch left over from my working in an office days.  It came in very handy.

Add the binder clips and you have yourself a book of cards. (I plan on doing this with the Baptism and Birthday cards the kids get.  Also thought of making an on going one for myself with cards from the kids and the hubby.)

Here it is on our mantel.

It was a very simple project.  The longest part was waiting for the ModPog to dry.  Hope you enjoy it. 



Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Christmas Candies and Goodies

Wednesday is going to be my big Christmas Goodies making day.  I have a wonderful teenager who comes to my house to take care of the kids while I run around and get done what ever needs to be done... and faster.

I'm planning on making English Toffee, Pumpkin Chocolate Chip bread, Chocolate Chip Cookies and maybe Divinity.  Along with the last of the Christmas gifts I need to finish up

Wish me luck.

Bag of Girls

I noticed the other day My Mini Me was using her chips as dolls and playing with them.  I thought I should try to find her some little dolls to play with.  Then I saw on Pinterest a pin for a  Box O' Princesses from http://www.lilblueboo.com/2011/11/a-box-o-princesses-a-tutorial-and-download.html, which is so stinking cute.  The problem is My Mini Me doesn't know all of the Princesses yet.  She is getting the Princess barbie dolls for Christmas, but I don't think she would get the wooden ones yet.

I liked the idea of the wooden dolls because they can't really break and have no removable parts.  So I set out to make my own.  I bought the wooden dolls the other day, and today I am starting the drawings on them for the design.  I'm not the greatest artist, but I think I can manage this.  I'm going to start with a few simple ones and work my way up to something with a little more flare.  Ok mine will be simple, but my brother is an amazing artist and I'm crossing my fingers he can draw some girls on the wooden dolls for me to paint.  Gotta love people with talent. 

So my wooden doll making is starting today.  I will update this post with pictures as I get them moving along.

Being Sick Stinks

Being sick really cuts in to my fun time.  Over the weekend I was fighting a battle not to get an ear infection, and I won.  Then Monday morning I woke up with runny eyes and a stuffy nose and realized it was only the battle I won over the weekend not the war.  So my body has been fighting the bug and half way winning.  But I do realize that when I'm sick my kids get the bad end of the stick, but I think to them they love it.  Its cartoon heaven here at home.  O'well one more day and then I should be on top of the world again.