Craft Projects for Project: Craft

Happy Fall Everyone!  

Ivy and I spent the last week in Portland so we are still getting back in to the groove around here.  It is always super fun hitting up the Big City!  The highlight for me was actually taking Ivy to the Children's Museum.  If the fire alarm hadn't gone off after 4 hours of playing we probably would have just stayed all day!

Well Project:Craft is this Saturday and after getting my ticket in the mail over the weekend I am getting super excited.  I just don't know what to bring as a craft!  And you probably haven't either I'm guessing ;).  So here's some ideas for you! {and me}

  I just pulled out my Halloween countdown and still love it!  

{I've got kits available for Halloween or Christmas.  Just email me if you want to make one!}

A pennant banner!  The Crafting Chicks share a super cute halloween one! I'm in need of a birthday one myself...

Not in the mood for a Halloween project?   How about this really cute ruffle necklace.  This has been on my list for a while so maybe its time to cross it off!

Or how about heading over to Target and picking up a pair of Odell Flats for a shoe refashion? 

Did I help you out at all?! What do you want to make this week?  {Whether you are going to Project:craft or not!} 

Level Up

There's this photographer I know that is really good. ;)  He has started teaching some workshops that are amazing. Do you have a DSLR and want to step up your game?  Darin is definitely your guy.  Not only is he a lighting master he is one of the best teachers I know.    This weekend is his Intro to Dynamic Lighting class.  

Here is what Darin has to say about it!

I've had requests for an intro to lighting class, so here it is! Half day class, with room for 10 students. We will go over the technical aspects of dynamic light and off camera flash with an emphasis on creating portraits that stand out from the rest.

A common question is "how did you do that?" We will go over the "how to" part, but also delve into the "why did you do that" when looking to develop our own unique style as a story...teller.

With minimal impact on your wallet, I'll show you how to build a portable, lightweight lighting kit that is always with you and ready to go. Easy to set up and tear down. No more excuses for not creating the lighting you want!

+Class will include a power point workbook/presentation as a future reference with links on where to get the pieces you need for your kit.

+2 hours in the classroom and 2 hours shooting on location with models provided.

+No previous experience or special equipment needed.

There are just a couple spots left!  The class is this Saturday September 18th from 3-7 pm.  Cost is $100.  If you are a member of the Tri Cities Photography Club the cost is only $75. So be sure to contact Darin so you can secure your spot! 

Who Wants Pie?!

Whew!! I have spent the last 2 days canning three boxes of peaches.  It feels so good to sit down! 35 quarts of peaches is no joke.

I have canned a bunch of stuff, but I haven't actually done any peaches.  If you are getting ready to do yours here are some things I learned.  

+If you have someone to help it is a lot faster.  And more fun.

+Wide mouth jars are your friend.

+If you are working alone Fruit Fresh is your friend.

If you want a really great visual of how to can peaches then I will refer you to the ladies of Little Birdie Secrets.

{She apparently has four hands and can cut peaches and take a picture of it at the same time!}
 Even though I've done my fair share of canning, a couple of tips from their post on canning peaches seriously made today go much smoother. 

I mixed it up today and made pie filling too.  The recipe I used is from Darin's grandma and aunt and is so delicious.  I just want to eat it out of the jar!  EDIT: I just found out the recipe is a family secret.  So I went to cooks.com and found a very similar recipe to share.  The best part is you can use the recipe for peaches or apples.  

{Just so you know I halved the recipe and it made 7 quarts of peach pie filling.  It might do less with apples since they aren't as soft as peaches.  Also you will need to be familiar with things like blanching fruit.  Refer to above mentioned post for more info}

 First things first blanch, peel, pit and slice your peaches.  Sprinkle with fruit fresh and then fill your jars.  This will take way more peaches than you think so be prepared!  Then make your pie filling sauce.

Peach {and apple} Pie Filling

4 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup corn starch
10 cups of water
Stir and cook over medium heat until thickened. Then add...
1 teaspoon of salt
2 teaspoons of cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg 
3 tablespoons of lemon juice
{you can adjust spices to your liking}

When done it will look something like this

 I accidentally deleted my next picture and this is the only tiny bit tricky part.   Using a funnel and a ladle put in one ladle-ful of sauce.  Using the handle of a (non-metal)spoon or spatula push the sauce down to the bottom to spread it out.  Then add some more sauce leaving 1/2 inch headspace.  Add lids and process in a hot water bath for 30 minutes.  

Now you can make some delicious pie, cobbler, dump cake, or eat it on waffles or straight out of the jar. any time you want!

 

In A Rut

Seriously.  I have lost my touch.  I can not decorate this house how I want to save my life.  I think a big part has to do with the rust color on the walls in the kitchen and going in to the living room.  Don't get me wrong its a really pretty color.  But its holding me back.  And it also has a little to do with changing style....  I know there isn't anything I can do about the color.  But maybe you can help me with my Ung Drill frame?!    This frame has hung on the wall just like this for 6 months.  

Ok more like this, but I can't decide.  I was going to put a vinyl "W" in it but do you know how hard it is to find a pretty W?  *sigh*.  I've looked, but I can't seem to find the right idea.  How about you.  Do you have a fabulous idea?

Can you help me?!

Do You Procrastinate?

I sure can kick it in to high gear when I'm running out of time!

Today I ...

+sewed a skirt,

+painted three chalkboard frames, 

+took Ivy swimming {in the bathtub} 

+sewed a blanket for my newest sweet nephew

+and made 10 loaves, 24 muffins and one mini loaf of zucchini bread.

+Plus everything else that needs done in a day and went to my nephews baby blessing.  

And I didn't get one picture to prove it.  

Does anyone else thrive under the pressure of procrastination?