Crafts to try

Well, I know I said my list might change but I didn't think I would change it that much.

First of all, I never found the time to paint an Easter decoration for my front door. Actually, I haven't had a lot of time for any art. I did make some cute pillows (shown in my previous post) but I don't know where to put them yet.

As for April, I still have time to make that moss wreath but I'm low on cash and low on time to get to the craft store. I'm going to try.

My daughter has decided she doesn't want a daybed made from old doors; she wants a bunkbed playhouse that she saw in a popular, high-priced catalog. So, her daddy and I are going to try to build one ourselves. But that craft project is scheduled for August so we have the summer to work on that.

I've been very inspired lately and really hope that I can use my summer vacation to jump start my projects more than ever and build a nice emergency fund for my family and then begin paying off debt and saving for college. I feel like God has been giving me a bigger voice in my art and craft ideas recently and I'm really excited about being out of school soon so I can have more time to get some of these things going.

Just keep crafting!

It's craft time again! Pillows!

For this craft, I used some leftover fabric from a vintage pillowcase that I had used to make my daughter a top. It was just enough for two pillows. I used plain white cotton on the front so I could paint something cute on it.

If you have a sewing machine, this is simple. Cut the fabric to the same size with right sides facing. Using just a running stitch on your machine, stitch all the way around but leave a hole large enough for you to stuff the pillow. I like to use my back stitch in the corners just for extra reinforcement.

Turn the pillow form right side out and begin to stuff with polyfil. I stuffed mine pretty firm but still soft and squishy. Not lumpy.

Using a needle and thread, whipstitch the hole and tie off.

You could certainly stop here but I like to add a little whimsy and personality. I used acrylic paints in red, pumpkin orange, and bright blue to add flowers to the white fabric. These are the colors in the vintage fabric that's on the back. Then, I let it dry just a little and used a black paint with a writing tip to outline my flowers. Wonderful way to perk up your sunroom, porch swing, or patio. Just be sure if you use these outside that you bring them in during inclement weather and keep out of direct sunlight as that will fade the fabric and the paint.

It's Crescent Rolls for dinner!

OK, so I have not had time to do any crafts lately but hopefully soon. I did not meet my goal of making an Easter painting for my front door but maybe I can by Sunday.

I did, however, resist the temptation to order out for dinner and cooked what I had available. So...crescent rolls with a twist.

First, I cooked some cheese pizza crescent rolls for the little ones. Spread the rolls out flat in a pan and bake according to directions. I took them out about 4 minutes before the oven beeped to add the marinara sauce and pizza blend shredded cheese. Then, stuck it back in the oven until the timer went off. Actually, I had to leave it in for a couple extra minutes to melt the cheese completely. I would have added a little garlic but the little ones don't like that as much as I do. Still, it was pretty good.

Then, I made some giant pigs in a blanket. Simply wrap half a hot dog in the crescent roll and bake according to directions. I did have to cook these for a few extra minutes also to get the dough cooked all the way around the "pig".

Simple Friday night, stay at home dinner that made everyone happy.

Count your blessings!

Jen