Jen Bowles Design

Paper Mache Winged Heart Plaque

 

I had such good intentions of crafting Valentine gifts this year.  Then I got a late start and then the Blizzard of 2013/Nemo hit and we didn't have power for 5 days.  Before the lights (and heat) went out, I started making some paper mache hearts and a few other shapes.  Eventually, my work turned into this: Want to make one of your own?  Read on...

Fun with Salt Clay

Back when Ebby was, let's see, 4 yrs. old, we used to "do salt clay" fairly often.  I'd create the shapes using cookie cutters and after they were baked and hardened, Ebby (and sometimes the boys) would decorate.  We used all sorts of embellishments:  paints, glitter, chalk, acrylic gems. 

That summer Ebby's preschool bff Danielle couldn't make it to her birthday party.  Instead we invited Danielle and her sister Rachael over to decorate salt clay and eat cupcakes.  The afternoon apparently made quite an impression.

 A few weeks ago Danielle slept over and the girls asked if they could decorate salt clay--just like they used to do ☺.  Sure I'd spent the afternoon with Ebby and another friend making cake balls, but how could how refuse such a nod to crafty nostalgia??

The girls picked out the cookie cutters, I made the salt clay and baked the shapes.  The next morning it was time to paint.  I love this zebra shoe that Ebby did.   Danielle (and Ebby) made several adorable gnomes by turning the ice cream cone shape upside down.  So clever.

Who knew, salt clay, fun for all ages!

In case you're interested, here's the salt clay recipe I use:

SALT CLAY

2c. flour

1c. salt

1c. warm water

1t. oil (optional)

 

• Mix salt & flour
• Add in warm water and oil (if using)
• Combine until all dry ingredients are incorporated
• Form salt clay into a ball and knead several times until pliable
• Roll out clay on floured surface 1/4-1/2 inch thick (or you can sculpt shapes freehand)
• Cut out shapes with cookie cutters or  implement of your choice
• Bake at 250 degrees until shapes have hardened and clay is no longer moist (usually 1 1/2-2 hours but varies)

Decorate and enjoy!

Vintage Key Ribbon Bookmark

Last year at the local flea market I bought a whole bunch of vintage skeleton keys.  The keys have great shapes and details with a nice amount of rusted patina.  What really sealed the deal for me however were the unique circular stamped metal "labels" on each key.  The vendor told me the keys were from M.I.T. and indeed one of the keys is labeled MIT Small Cottage.  Among the others I purchased:  No. 1 Lv. R. and Wind Tun.  Pretty cool.

So far (over a year later...) I've only completed one project using my M.I.T. keys, a ribbon bookmark.

  Here's what I did:

1. Separate the key from the key ring.  For my bookmark I used No. 1 Lib., as in library.  Clever, I know.
2. Cut a piece of ribbon apprx. 15 inches long.  I used wire edge ribbon.
3. Here's the {not} tricky part:  tie the key onto one end of the ribbon then tie the key ring with the label onto the other end of the ribbon.  Phew.
4. Trim the ribbon ends and put your new bookmark to work holding your place in your current reading book.

Now if you don't happen to find keys that already have metal stamped labels you could certainly make your own using a metal disk and your metal alphabet stamps (I have some from Harbor Freight).  You could also use some other cool vintage metal item at the top of the bookmark--basically anything you can tie a ribbon through would work.

Now maybe someday I'll do something with No. 1 D.R.  or 1st. H KIT.  Until then I'll keep using my No. 1 Lib. bookmark and enjoying the rest of the keys just sitting in a bowl on my desk.

Happy Reading!

 

Candy Cane Popcorn

Yes, that's right, Candy Cane Popcorn.
Whilst shopping in Target a few times during the holiday season, a certain item from the 'gifts of food' section caught my eye. 
That's right, Candy Cane Popcorn.
I never even picked up the package, I just admired the very thought of it.
I seem to be a bit candy cane obsessed this season.
I've been crushing candy canes like a crazy person, sprinkling them in everything from melted chocolate to cookie dough.
Today I made Candy Cane Popcorn to give to some of our friends and neighbors.
And if you'd like, someday you can make it too.
That's right again.
I took pictures.

Presenting...a Candy Cane Popcorn tutorial!

What you need:  popcorn kernels, oil, popcorn popper, 1 bag candy melts, 4-6 candy canes, peppermint extract

Pop your popcorn.  No microwave junk here, use the good stuff.  I even broke out my Theater II Popcorn Popper for the occasion.   After popcorn is popped, spread it out on a sheet of parchment or waxed paper.

Crush the candy canes.  I've been using the hammer and baggie method (put candy canes in a baggie, smash with a hammer) but I'm not too pleased with it.  Gets the job done but I always end up with annoying little tears in the bag.  Any suggestions?

Melt your candy wafers.  I used one package of white candy melts from AC Moore.  I always melt mine in the microwave.

Once the wafers are completely melted, stir until smooth.  Then add 1 tsp peppermint extract and the crushed candy canes.  Mix well.  

Next comes the messy part.  At least for me it is.  Pour the melted candy mixture over the popcorn.  Try to spread the mixture evenly over the popcorn.  Use your (very clean) hands to mix and combine the popcorn and candy in order to coat as much of the popcorn as possible.

Now just let your popcorn "dry" for a bit, add a few more crushed candy cane bit if you'd like.  They are pretty after all ; )

Finally package up your Candy Cane popcorn in clear cellophane bags tied with tulle, ribbon and a curled pipe cleaner (that's what I did).  Garnish with a whole candy cane.  Hope that your neighbors are patient when it comes to untying knots....

Don't forget to save some for yourself!