Crafty Sheep's April Color Challenge

I blogged about Crafty Sheep's April Color Challenge 

(http://pam-thebestlaidplans.blogspot.com/2012/04/blog-post_9696.html) mid-month. I have loved the cuffs I have seen at the various link parties I visit. There is such an array of styles. I decided to try making a cuff using the color challenge as my guide. I love how the colors all came together. I used a scrap of a polk-a-dot fabric and lined with a stripe scrap. The button came out of my button jar, the orange elastic I had from making pony tail holders with covered buttons. Embroidery thread and machine thread all were already in my supplies. Cost for this project- $0.00! I love projects where I am able to shop at home in my own supplies, don't you? 

I used stem stitch, back stitch and french knots to complete this cuff.

Back side of cuff.

Isn't it cute? I love the colors that were chosen for this project.

Linking up:
http://my1929charmer.com/sundays-best-28-par-tay/
http://www.flourmewithlove.com/2012/04/mix-it-up-monday_29.html
http://shakentogether.blogspot.com/2012/04/whats-shakin-link-party-6-party-faves.html
http://www.the36thavenue.com/2012/05/sticker-time-and-party-time-53.html
http://www.craftionary.net/2012/05/friday-fun-party-and-features-18.html
http://www.happyhourprojects.com/2012/05/happy-hour-friday-0504.html
http://www.joyinthejumble.com/2012/05/pomp-party-16-and-features.html
http://herecomesthesun-kelly.blogspot.com/2012/05/fabulous-friday-24.html

Slutty Brownies

While in TN with family this past weekend, we had this incredibly decadent dessert. It was so rich only a small piece could be eaten at a time. One sister-in-law said it should be renamed to Sin. 

Slutty Brownies

Ingredients:

One package of pre-made chocolate chip cookies

One package of Oreo cookies

One box of brownie mix

eggs

oil

Chocolate syrup

Ice Cream

Layer the chocolate chip cookies into the bottom of a sprayed or buttered 11 x 7 casserole dish. Press together to form a crust. Single layer the Oreos on the top of the cookie crust. Mix brownies according to directions on the box. Pour on to the Oreos. Bake on 350 for 35 minutes or until done. Serve with a scoop of ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup. 

Enjoy!

Linking:

http://www.the36thavenue.com/2012/04/easy-diy-projects-sticker-time-51.html

http://www.blessedwithgrace.net/2012/04/tempt-my-tummy-tuesday-breakfast-burrito-casserole/

http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/2012/04/wow-me-wednesday-48.html

http://www.houseofhepworths.com/2012/04/25/hookin-up-with-hoh-97/

http://www.countrymommacooks.com/2012/04/link-and-greet-16.html

http://www.504main.com/2012/04/tickled-pink-no-95.html

http://www.fivedaysfiveways.com/2012/04/feature-friday-free-for-all-17.html

http://www.itsoverflowing.com/2012/04/overflowing-with-creativity-19.html

http://my1929charmer.com/sundays-best-28-par-tay/

http://www.flourmewithlove.com/2012/04/mix-it-up-monday_29.html

http://shakentogether.blogspot.com/2012/04/whats-shakin-link-party-6-party-faves.html

http://www.craftionary.net/2012/05/friday-fun-party-and-features-18.html

http://thirtyhandmadedays.com/2012/05/linky_party_86/

http://www.happyhourprojects.com/2012/05/happy-hour-friday-0504.html

http://www.joyinthejumble.com/2012/05/pomp-party-16-and-features.html

http://herecomesthesun-kelly.blogspot.com/2012/05/fabulous-friday-24.html

http://www.livelaughrowe.com/live-laugh-linky-8/

More Photos of World's Largest Tree House

My sister-in-law, Donna, emailed last night these three additional photos. They are of the tree house we visited over the weekend in TN. My husband, Stan, is the man at the top. 

Weekend in Tennessee

Supposedly this is the world's largest tree house. It can be found in Crossville, TN. We were in TN this past weekend visiting my mother-in-law and hubby's stepfather. Stan's sisters met us there and we had a wonderful weekend. Friday night we arrived fairly late. We visited and watch the ending of the Braves game. Saturday morning Stan and his mom cooked us a big breakfast and then we were off to see this tree house, do some shopping, lunch and back home to do a little girl crafting while Stan and Bill had an afternoon nap.

Donna, Stan and Debbie back from lunch.

Donna and Debbie making shabby chic roses for pins and bracelets.

Deb made this trio of flowers for a pin.

Gail, Stan's mom, gets in on the crafting.

Stan surrounded by his family.

Stan was showing Deb how to make his natural energy drink recipe.

Then they realized the camera was on them and hammed it up.

Stan and I in the foyer of church where his mom and Bill attend.

Final goodbye photos before we all load up and head in different directions.

Yes, even middle age siblings still play. :)

Bill and Gail hosted a great time this weekend. 

SEW Yo-Yo Letters

I am still working on wall decor for my sewing room. I found these letters at Hobby Lobby for $1.99 each. I posted about making yo-yo's last week on my Wednesday Work in Progress.

(http://pam-thebestlaidplans.blogspot.com/2012/04/blog-post_11.html)

I used tall thumb tacks on the back, not pushed all the way in, to add "legs" to the letters. This helps to keep your paint project off the surface underneath and makes painting edges a snap.

I had purchased a cream paint initially but once the yo-yo's were completed and I laid them out, I decided I needed a bit more color behind them. 

I scurried to Walmart yesterday and picked up a bottle of Plaid Folkart Paint for $.97. 

Before hot gluing the yo-yo's on to the front of the letters, I glued soda can pop tops on the top edge of all the letters for hanging.

I then hot glued the back of each yo-yo and pressed on to the front of the letters. I love how this project turned out. What do you think?

Linking up to:
http://www.serendipityandspice.com/2012/04/manic-monday-linky-party-15.html
http://anoriginalbelle.blogspot.com/2012/04/m-i-y-monday-25-link-up.html
http://singingthreelittlebirds.blogspot.com/2012/04/inspire-me-monday-busy-busy.html
http://boogieboardcottage.blogspot.com/2012/04/welcome-to-69th-masterpiece-monday.html
http://sewchatty.blogspot.com/2012/04/made-with-love-link-up_7058.html
http://www.sewcando.com/2012/04/super-special-craftastic-monday-link.html
http://todayscreativeblog.net/do-it-yourself-crafts/
http://www.tipjunkie.com/homemade-projects-424/
http://www.notjustahousewife.net/2012/04/show-me-what-ya-got-71.html
http://www.the36thavenue.com/2012/04/easy-diy-projects-sticker-time-51.html
http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/2012/04/wow-me-wednesday-48.html
http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/2012/04/wow-us-wednesdays-63.html
http://www.houseofhepworths.com/2012/04/25/hookin-up-with-hoh-97/
http://www.craftionary.net/2012/05/friday-fun-party-and-features-18.html

Self-Rising Butter Biscuits and Chocolate Gravy

Chocolate Gravy is not a recipe that is well-known outside of the deep south. I grew up in MS and this was a special occasion recipe or when someone needs some really great comfort food. I have carried that tradition on with my children. We have Chocolate Gravy on Christmas morning, birthdays, and the odd day here or there throughout the year. If you are a chocolate lover, BEWARE. This gravy is rich, creamy and oh, so good!  

Chocolate Gravy Recipe

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups milk (whole or 2%)

1/3 cup flour

pinch of salt

3 scant tablespoons cocoa

1 cup sugar

Mix dry ingredients in a large pot. Stir with a whisk to get all the lumps out and it is well-mixed. 

Add 1/2 cup of milk and stir smooth. Turn heat on the high to medium-high. Slowly add remaining milk while whisking. Stir constantly to keep from sticking and to remove any lumps. Heat until gravy is smooth and bubbling slowly. It will be the consistency of gravy. Remove from heat. Serve over warm biscuits or in a bowl with a pat of butter and biscuit on the side. Serves 4.

Self-rising Butter Biscuits

Ingredients:

2 cups self-rising flour - I prefer White Lily brand

1/4 cup butter - Half stick

2/3-3/4 cup of buttermilk

Preheat oven to 450*. 

In a medium mixing bowl, add flour. Cut butter into small pieces and then cut into the flour with a pastry blender or two knives or a fork until well-blended. Make a hole in the center of the flour mix. Pour buttermilk in the hole and stir until blended. Add milk until you have enough to make a dough. 

Pour a small amount of flour on wax paper. Spread across and pour the dough on top of the flour. Work the dough by kneading just a few times. You want your dough soft and pliable. You can roll out the dough or pat it out. I pat. Use a biscuit cutter or small glass or cookie cutter to cut out biscuits. Place on a cookie sheet that has been sprayed with non-stick spray. Melt a pat of butter and brush on to the raw biscuits. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden brown. 

Bowl of Chocolate Gravy with a pat of Irish butter and a hot biscuits. 

YUMMY!

Linking up:

http://www.serendipityandspice.com/2012/04/manic-monday-linky-party-14.html

http://anoriginalbelle.blogspot.com/2012/04/make-it-yourself-monday-24-link-up.html

http://singingthreelittlebirds.blogspot.com/2012/04/inspire-me-monday-happy-birthday.html

http://boogieboardcottage.blogspot.com/2012/04/welcome-to-68th-masterpiece-monday.html

http://sewchatty.blogspot.com/2012/04/made-with-love-link-up_15.html

http://www.sewcando.com/2012/04/craftastic-monday-link-party-free-blog.html

http://todayscreativeblog.net/crafts-blog/#more-10449

http://www.tipjunkie.com/homemade-projects-417/

http://www.blessedwithgrace.net/2012/04/tempt-my-tummy-tuesday-roasted-garlic-and-rosemary-potatoes/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Blessedwithgrace+%28Blessed+with+Grace%29

http://www.notjustahousewife.net/2012/04/show-me-what-ya-got-70.html

http://www.the36thavenue.com/2012/04/party-time-51-and-tatertots-and-jello.html

http://www.talkingdollarsandcents.net/sweet-temptations-peanut-butter-chocolate-chip-cookie-balls

http://www.craftionary.net/2012/04/friday-fun-party-and-features-16.html

http://bacontimewiththehungryhypo.blogspot.com/2012/04/anything-goes-linky-46.html

http://www.countrymommacooks.com/2012/04/link-and-greet-15.html

http://my1929charmer.com/sundays-best-27-par-tay/

http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/2012/04/mop-it-up-mondays-13.html

http://www.askannamoseley.com/2012/04/weekend-warrior-link-party-49-features.html

http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/2012/04/wow-us-wednesdays-63.html

http://www.houseofhepworths.com/2012/04/25/hookin-up-with-hoh-97/

April Color Challenge

Crafty Sheep has an April Color Challenge for needle-workers. She chose the color palette from Design Seeds  (http://design-seeds.com/index.php/home/entry/sweet-neon) and gave the palette as the only guideline with a finished date being the end of the month. I really like having set guidelines, even one this simple, when working on a project. I am definitely a list-making organizer, even in my creativity, so this challenge suits me and gives me a goal for the next couple of weeks.

I went to my thread boxes, after printing the color palette, and was able to get very close to the design colors. I then chose a free embroidery pattern that I had pinned a while back from Needle 'n Thread (http://www.needlenthread.com/2006/08/linea-embroidery-simple-and-quick.html). I have a specific completed project in mind, one I have not made before. 

If you are interested in joining the April Color Challenge, go visit Alexis at http://www.craftysheep.net/2012/04/05/april-color-challenge-sweet-neon/#comment-190 and leave her a comment letting her know. I can't wait to see what others come up with. 

My threads are all DMC colors with the numbers listed in the corner.

Work In Progress Wednesday

Crazy About Yo-Yo's

I gathered a charm pack, scissors, thread and needle and my new yo-yo maker. The instructions were easy to follow and just in minutes I had my first completed yo-yo.

Tomorrow I am putting together a completed project. 

Come back on Friday for details!

I'm A Winner

Sew Mama Sew has a Free Fabric Friday question. I answered and won a yard of my choice of fabric. Yay! I chose this great fabric, Chevron Threads Garden-Stitch Organics. I am so excited. These are the colors I am using as accents in my bedroom redo.  

If you have are not familiar with Sew Mama Sew shop and blog you are missing out. Their blog has new pattern tutorials all the time, collected from designers around blog-land. I have been a follower for several years and am always getting great ideas. Today they have a free Easter egg felt ornament tutorial.  Go here to check out their blog: http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/

http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/2012/04/congrats-to-our-winners/

Ric-Rac Jar Vase With Spring Shelf Display

My husband hung a shelf over my sewing machine desk this weekend. I want to use it for my seasonal crafts and decorations. I immediately started adding a few pieces and hung the Spring banner but something was missing. I really needed a vase in the center. I have been holding on to my clear jars instead of tossing them in the recycling bin. I went to my jar stash and found the perfect size in a large salsa jar. I knew I wanted to "Spring" it up a bit and went to my ribbon stash. I decided to use large ric-rac purchased from Pick Your Plum back in January. I chose three colors and hot glued the ric-rac around the jar. One tip here: when gluing ric-rac, it is easier to place the glue on the ric-rac and not the item you are gluing to. It is easier to follow the curves of the ribbon.

The completed empty vase.

I didn't really want to go to the store, although I knew I could pick up a mixed bouquet for just a few dollars. Instead, I went to my back yard and cut small branches off our dogwood tree. What better bloom for Spring?

Here is the finished shelf. I have framed two 5x7 prints that I found free from Pinterest. The little blue bird figurine I found on the $1-3.00 bins at Target. I just think he is adorable. The hoop embroidery is from a stitch swap I participated in with Wild Olive and it arrived last week. The Spring banner is not homemade. In fact, I purchased it at Target for $5.99.

 I love how my first seasonal shelf project turned out.

Linking to:

http://www.serendipityandspice.com/2012/04/manic-monday-linky-party-12.html#more

http://anoriginalbelle.blogspot.com/2012/04/m-i-y-monday-22-link-up.html

http://www.askannamoseley.com/2012/04/weekend-warrior-link-party-46.html

http://singingthreelittlebirds.blogspot.com/2012/04/inspire-me-monday-easter-crafts.html

http://sewchatty.blogspot.com/2012/04/made-with-love-link-up.html

http://www.sewcando.com/2012/04/springtime-craftastic-link-party.html

http://youaretalkingtoomuch.blogspot.com/2012/04/meet-me-monday.html

http://soverycreative.blogspot.com/2012/04/so-creative-party-time-31.html

http://www.getouttamyheadplease.com/2012/04/show-it-off-link-party/

http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/2012/04/mop-it-up-mondays-10.html