Hand Sculpting using Crafter's Clay from Martha Stewart Crafts

 

 

 

 

Had to share- this product looks awesome, and I just gotta try some!

Don't Call Me A 'Fatty'!

Sorry that I've been gone awhile. I've been busy defeating a very stubborn and virus-infected computer program essential for our 'real' business.  The evil dragon has been slain, and it's all downhill to the tavern from here :D

I rarely rant because I like this to be a place to come and get away from the negativity that so permeates our world these days. But rant today I shall because someone called me a 'fatty'.

Not someone that has ever seen or met me, mind you.  But some loudmouth with a blog that based on bra size has determined I am not 'well endowed' but indeed, a fatty!  I acknowledge I have probably, on an unkind day, called myself a fatty or much worse.  We all have those times, although I try to love myself in whatever form I am taking on today.  You see, I have been at both ends of the spectrum on weight, as a lot of women have.

I have mostly been on the slim side of the scale- a perfect size 6 most of my life.  Today.....not-so-much.  But I am healthy and *mostly* happy, and I can't say that has always been the case in the past, even on a skinny day.

So, on to this blogger....she has determined that there is a HUGE discrepancy in what can be called 'busty', after all, she is a 28G, and someone who is a 36DD is just a 'fatty'.  I'm not sure I wore a 28 band size when I was in my training bras!  But at 5'-7" tall and 125 lbs I wore a 36DD.  If I was just a 'fatty' I was oblivious!!  

What I want to know is why it matters? When are women EVER going to get past this catty, backstabbing and mocking monikers for other women? When will it ever be OK just to be who you are?  To have your strengths applauded? Not to have someone say "she has such a pretty face....".  Every one of us is here on a separate, but none less important journey.  We all have vast differences in every aspect of our lives. Has it occurred to you, Miss 28G that I don't want to be you? That I am OK with being me? The 'Me' that has evolved over so much time, and through so many experiences.  The 'Me' that has been a lot of things, but hopefully not unkind on too many occasions.  I don't covet your Louboutins or your eyelash extensions.  The things I have come to value are so much more intrinsic. I might be a lot of things to a lot of different people, but don't just call me a fatty.

Heavenly Banana-Blueberry Muffins

So I have been having some deep personal issues lately and lets just say the summer is not going "swimmingly". I'm not sure why, but when things go to crap all I can think to do is bake something! With the abundance of fresh blueberries right now, and a desire to produce something different as well as quick and tasty for school-day breakfasts that will be coming up any day now- it just shouted "muffins".

Look at these little beauties!

I had a few people sample them and the response was great!  There was also one suggestion to substitute pineapple or strawberry pieces for the blueberries, so I think I will be trying a few variations as well :D  I did also sprinkle some coarse sugar on top before baking just to pretty them up a little.

Download Recipe Here 

If you make these muffins or a variation, let me know what you think. I loved them!!

 

Summer Sandals- As Seen on AllFreeHolidayCrafts.com

 I think quite a few of you have seen these 'home-made' summer sandals or some variation there-of, although most I have seen were flip-flop styled.  I am reposting a GENIUS idea from a blog called annekata. These are so wonderful for all of the ladies (and kids!) out there that just can't stand the thingy-between-the-toe!

I found them on a site called AllFreeHolidayCrafts.com

Summer Sandals | AllFreeHolidayCrafts.com

Enjoy!

A New Flag To Fly

Prayer flags have been a tradition in Tibet and India for thousands of years.  I decided to put a little Ticklish Moose spin on convention and make a few of my own. 

 Traditionally, prayer flags are used to promote peace, compassion, strength, and wisdom. The flags do not carry prayers to gods, a common misconception; rather, the Tibetans believe the prayers and mantras will be blown by the wind to spread the good will and compassion into all pervading space. Therefore, prayer flags are thought to bring benefit to all.

Given the recent events in Aurora, CO I thought this idea I have had floating around in my head was apropos, but these can be used in so many ways- as a banner in a sick friends room, for good wishes to be written at weddings or birthdays, a project for kids to decorate at VBS.....the possibilities are endless.

 I did my project with simple machine sewing, but this could be a hand sewn or no-sew project just as easily. For no-sew just use steam-a-seam type products in place of the sewn areas. 

You will need:
Basic sewing supplies
 2 sheets plain cardstock 
Temporary adhesive spray like Easy-Tack
Laser or inkjet printer
Iron to heat set images
11 feet or longer rope, twine etc.
Fabric as detailed below 

 Woodcut Printables Freebie (click on links)

Prayer Flags Page 1  

Prayer Flags Page 2 

 This could also be old sheeting, broadcloth, lightweight cotton

 I upcycled mens shirts for this because the oxford cloth is pretty on both sides. 

Use whatever lightweight cotton fabric you have on hand. Also- I threw my shirting pieces into the washer and dryer after cutting to get a 'softer' frayed edge look- totally not necessary.

Spray the cardstock with adhesive spray and smooth your muslin onto the tacky side of the cardstock. Trim off the excess with scissors or rotary cutter.

 Print the Prayer Flag images onto your muslin, remove from the cardstock and heat set (press from back side!) and use a press cloth so the ink doesn't transfer to your iron and ironing board cover.  I use a teflon sheet for this purpose.....LOVE it!


Cut each image sheet into 4 equal individual images.

While your iron is hot, fold over 1 long side of the flag pieces by 1", press and pin.

I used a decorative zig-zag stitch to make the pocket for the rope/twine- here is where you can also hand sew or use a thin strip of steam-a-seam to create the pocket for the twine if you choose.

Select one of your images and center (mostly) on the face of the flag. Sew or use steam-a-seam to keep it in place.

Now the fun part- hand them out to family members or guests and have them add their prayers/wishes/hopes and dreams to the Prayer Flag with a Sharpie or other permanent marker.  String them onto your rope/twine and let them fly!

 

And help us, this and every day, to live more nearly as we pray.  ~John Keble 

If you make this craft, please let me know- I would love to post a picture of your project!  

Linking Here:

  An Original Belle
Serendipity and Spice 
Mad In Crafts