<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SwnHqYHwyTI/AAAAAAAAD2w/KxMq0sOtF0I/s1600/Gift Wrap 13.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 305px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SwnHqYHwyTI/AAAAAAAAD2w/KxMq0sOtF0I/s400/Gift Wrap 13.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407072358478432562" border="0" /></a>A while back, a family member was complaining about the waste of Christmas wrapping paper. It got me thinking of alternatives to the paper wrapped gift boxes we often use for the holidays. So I decided I would make something sustainable that could be used again and again. After a little brainstorming, I thought up these fabric gift pouches. They can be used over and over again. You can make them in any size and they don't take up much space. Hope you'll make a few to use year after year. Enjoy.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SwnHx0J-CNI/AAAAAAAAD24/nb5_tkiKHq4/s1600/Gift Wrap 9.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 332px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SwnHx0J-CNI/AAAAAAAAD24/nb5_tkiKHq4/s400/Gift Wrap 9.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407072486262966482" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Supplies:</span><br />Fabric - two 8 1/2" squares for outside print, two 8 1/2" squares for lining<br />Two 8 1/2" squares of batting<br />Ribbon<br />Sewing Needle<br />Thread<br />Velcro strip - about 4 -5 inches in length<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SwnNsf722UI/AAAAAAAAD3A/sNlOdSSOg48/s1600/Gift Wrap 3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 397px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SwnNsf722UI/AAAAAAAAD3A/sNlOdSSOg48/s400/Gift Wrap 3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407078992005486914" border="0" /></a>Pin ribbon to the fabric square like the picture above. Machine sew down the sides of the ribbon to adhere it to the fabric. This will be the top of your gift pouch.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SwnO-fxdmCI/AAAAAAAAD3Q/oWKGYvZB2Bk/s1600/Gift Wrap 1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 319px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SwnO-fxdmCI/AAAAAAAAD3Q/oWKGYvZB2Bk/s400/Gift Wrap 1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407080400711161890" border="0" /></a>Place the print fabric up. Place the lining fabric on top so right sides are together. Last, place a batting square on top. Pin together and sew all three pieces together on one side of the square with a 1/4" seam. Make two of these.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SwnSA60-xYI/AAAAAAAAD3Y/osdTd4RpRBg/s1600/Gift Wrap 2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 223px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SwnSA60-xYI/AAAAAAAAD3Y/osdTd4RpRBg/s400/Gift Wrap 2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407083740868298114" border="0" /></a>After sewing the fabric, open it up so the print is on one side and the lining and batting is on the other side (refer to picture). Press open seams. Do this to the other one as well.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SwnSmyTgq2I/AAAAAAAAD3g/d34fJbYBBv0/s1600/Gift Wrap 5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 223px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SwnSmyTgq2I/AAAAAAAAD3g/d34fJbYBBv0/s400/Gift Wrap 5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407084391415458658" border="0" /></a>Place both sewn pieces right sides together. Sew a 1/2" seam around the edge (refer to red line). Make sure to leave an opening to turn right side out.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SwnY7IJJB6I/AAAAAAAAD3o/4nKs89d7T7g/s1600/Gift Wrap 6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 207px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SwnY7IJJB6I/AAAAAAAAD3o/4nKs89d7T7g/s400/Gift Wrap 6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407091337944696738" border="0" /></a>Turn right side out. It should now look like the picture above. Sew the small gap closed (refer to red line).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SwnZSeX4neI/AAAAAAAAD3w/Gi_SMlbLzXc/s1600/Gift Wrap 7.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 399px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SwnZSeX4neI/AAAAAAAAD3w/Gi_SMlbLzXc/s400/Gift Wrap 7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407091739049106914" border="0" /></a>Tuck the lining into the printed fabric to form a lined bag. Your pouch should now look like this.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SwnZoFjuHkI/AAAAAAAAD34/mzcey0SmFac/s1600/Gift Wrap 8.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 293px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SwnZoFjuHkI/AAAAAAAAD34/mzcey0SmFac/s400/Gift Wrap 8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407092110344986178" border="0" /></a>Pin velcro strips to the inside of the pouch. Refer to picture. Sew velcro onto the pouch.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SwnaK9V4qHI/AAAAAAAAD4A/jb9WgmXNqhc/s1600/Gift Wrap 15.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 306px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SwnaK9V4qHI/AAAAAAAAD4A/jb9WgmXNqhc/s400/Gift Wrap 15.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407092709434894450" border="0" /></a>Tie a bow with ribbon and sew it to the top of your gift pouch. Done.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SwoC8nbo3ZI/AAAAAAAAD4I/johzAughA74/s1600/Gift Wrap 11.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 305px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SwoC8nbo3ZI/AAAAAAAAD4I/johzAughA74/s400/Gift Wrap 11.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407137543012015506" border="0" /></a>* You can place gifts directly into the pouch or use a box first for fragile items such as jewelry.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2588109276242760886-6293651873176562939?l=zakkalife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ZakkaLife/~4/FEdMaqI-TKs" height="1" width="1"/>

<div style="text-align: left;"><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/BpWM0FNPZSs&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1&amp;rel=0&amp;color1=0x234900&amp;color2=0x4e9e00"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/BpWM0FNPZSs&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1&amp;rel=0&amp;color1=0x234900&amp;color2=0x4e9e00" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Clever stop motion video using post-its.<br /><br />Happy Friday.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2588109276242760886-2663626491122659393?l=zakkalife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ZakkaLife/~4/9LGofuLwquY" height="1" width="1"/>

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SwR9mKWa4hI/AAAAAAAAD2I/WFR0WGm8yIY/s1600/kimon doll card 2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SwR9mKWa4hI/AAAAAAAAD2I/WFR0WGm8yIY/s400/kimon doll card 2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405583547318329874" border="0" /></a>Awhile back I found a lovely <a href="http://kimonoreincarnate.blogspot.com/2009/10/how-to-make-japanese-paper-dolls.html">tutorial</a> on how to make Japanese Paper Dolls on <a href="http://kimonoreincarnate.blogspot.com/">Kimono Reincarnate</a>. As soon as I saw the dolls, I knew exactly what to make with them, cards. Above is one of the cards I made. They're really easy to make, just head over to this <a href="http://kimonoreincarnate.blogspot.com/2009/10/how-to-make-japanese-paper-dolls.html">tutorial</a> and make the dolls. Then layer alternate sized paper onto a blank card and you're done. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SwR_rf0d8lI/AAAAAAAAD2Q/auE2TPmbwhY/s1600/kimono doll card.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SwR_rf0d8lI/AAAAAAAAD2Q/auE2TPmbwhY/s400/kimono doll card.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405585838004105810" border="0" /></a>Wouldn't these Japanese dolls look pretty covering a Christmas tree?<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2588109276242760886-7941080162893144994?l=zakkalife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ZakkaLife/~4/utlXL5FIfrI" height="1" width="1"/>

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SwG-Ir5ZkiI/AAAAAAAAD0s/LSMoU5xlndQ/s1600/mini stuffed animals 3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SwG-Ir5ZkiI/AAAAAAAAD0s/LSMoU5xlndQ/s400/mini stuffed animals 3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404810084253012514" border="0" /></a>I recently got some fabric designed by Kokka. It was so pretty that I didn't want to cut into it. Do you ever find yourself with this problem? Well, I was trying to think up the perfect project because the last thing I wanted to do was waste the fabric. As I analyzed the print, it reminded me of all those fabulous handmade stuffies. That thought translated into miniature stuffed animals for my daughter's doll house. So I made a mini stuffed animal, then another, then another and I couldn't stop! They're just so addicting. I'm already thinking of making mini ornaments, child brooches, and ponytail holders out of them as well.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SwHPUmqxGHI/AAAAAAAAD1w/kIriSI4h0B8/s1600/mini stuffed animals 2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 316px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SwHPUmqxGHI/AAAAAAAAD1w/kIriSI4h0B8/s400/mini stuffed animals 2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404828980705564786" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Supplies:</span><br />Scissors<br />Thread<br />Tweezers<br />Sewing Needle<br />Polyfill<br />Fabric - I used <a href="http://www.modes4u.com/en/info/p2307_Matryoshka-Animals-Kokka-Fabric-from-Japan-kawaii-half-yard.html">Wonder Forest designed by Kokka</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SwHGtLjaZfI/AAAAAAAAD08/IfNVxZiiJyE/s1600/mini stuffed animals.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 341px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SwHGtLjaZfI/AAAAAAAAD08/IfNVxZiiJyE/s400/mini stuffed animals.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404819507319039474" border="0" /></a>Cut out two animals with about a 1/4 inch seam around the animal. You'll want to leave a little more fabric at the bottom of the animal (refer to picture).<br /><br />Place right sides together. Hand sew a running stitch around the animal (refer to picture). Make sure to leave plenty of room to turn right side out.<br /><br />Turn right side out using tweezers. Stuff with polyfill. Tuck the bottom of doll inside so you can't see the raw edge. Sew closed. Done.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SwHLbgs_D6I/AAAAAAAAD1E/Jk47GTlI55E/s1600/mini stuffed animals 6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 293px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SwHLbgs_D6I/AAAAAAAAD1E/Jk47GTlI55E/s400/mini stuffed animals 6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404824701316829090" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SwHMDbQ6ZnI/AAAAAAAAD1g/HEIJmeU9bE8/s1600/mini stuffed animals 4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 307px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SwHMDbQ6ZnI/AAAAAAAAD1g/HEIJmeU9bE8/s400/mini stuffed animals 4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404825387051673202" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SwHLj_obeNI/AAAAAAAAD1Q/7kyNErD-EPg/s1600/mini stuffed animals 5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SwHLj_obeNI/AAAAAAAAD1Q/7kyNErD-EPg/s400/mini stuffed animals 5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404824847058172114" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SwHMQoiDm_I/AAAAAAAAD1o/sZWjDU1SM4M/s1600/mini stuffed panda.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 329px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SwHMQoiDm_I/AAAAAAAAD1o/sZWjDU1SM4M/s400/mini stuffed panda.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404825613951540210" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SwHLyFGtp3I/AAAAAAAAD1Y/lHz5ODvcQag/s1600/mini stuffed animals 7.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 293px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SwHLyFGtp3I/AAAAAAAAD1Y/lHz5ODvcQag/s400/mini stuffed animals 7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404825089045538674" border="0" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2588109276242760886-2906118588498062223?l=zakkalife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ZakkaLife/~4/S-qjSe_poZU" height="1" width="1"/>

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SvyLnvmRtVI/AAAAAAAAD0E/xXrQJlQ0n0I/s1600-h/christmas ornament 6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 313px; height: 411px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SvyLnvmRtVI/AAAAAAAAD0E/xXrQJlQ0n0I/s400/christmas ornament 6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403347167845922130" border="0" /></a>Here's a simple, inexpensive and quick Christmas ornament for kids (and adults) to make. My four year old daughter made the one pictured above in about ten minutes. I did have to help her for one part which I share in the directions. An older child could do this completely on their own. They could even make the ornament more complex by creating a pattern with the pom poms. There's lots of possibilities with this project so get creative and have fun! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SvyhR4l68aI/AAAAAAAAD0M/wh_ORp543as/s1600-h/christmas ornament 3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 256px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SvyhR4l68aI/AAAAAAAAD0M/wh_ORp543as/s400/christmas ornament 3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403370981559038370" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Supplies:</span><br />One styrofoam ball with a 2 inch diameter<br />50 small twinkle pom poms (approximately) - you could use regular pom poms as well<br />50 straight pins (approximately)<br />Ribbon<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SvyjxSucEuI/AAAAAAAAD0U/9xql1We9ZZU/s1600-h/christmas ornament 2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 304px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SvyjxSucEuI/AAAAAAAAD0U/9xql1We9ZZU/s400/christmas ornament 2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403373720173286114" border="0" /></a>Place a pin through each twinkle pom pom. You might want to do this part yourself depending on the child's age. I did this step for my daughter.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SvykY9BKs1I/AAAAAAAAD0c/a6ykfNjVcwo/s1600-h/christmas ornament.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 321px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SvykY9BKs1I/AAAAAAAAD0c/a6ykfNjVcwo/s400/christmas ornament.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403374401541026642" border="0" /></a>Fold ribbon in half and tie in a knot at the bottom to make a loop. Pin the knot of the ribbon to the styrofoam ball. Cover up ribbon ends by placing the pom poms over them. Continue to push the pom pom pins into the entire ball until none of the styrofoam is showing. Done. Supervise young children when they use the pins. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SvylSs6DSKI/AAAAAAAAD0k/tX1xbimUh7I/s1600-h/christmas ornament 4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 310px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SvylSs6DSKI/AAAAAAAAD0k/tX1xbimUh7I/s400/christmas ornament 4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403375393648625826" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2588109276242760886-123164127593693051?l=zakkalife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ZakkaLife/~4/TaNRTF0UAE4" height="1" width="1"/>

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SvngM-Zv_SI/AAAAAAAADzc/VsFIu6SH24A/s1600-h/best banana.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 282px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SvngM-Zv_SI/AAAAAAAADzc/VsFIu6SH24A/s400/best banana.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402595741521673506" border="0" /></a>I bet you can't tell this banana has already been cut. And if you turned it over on the other side, it would look exactly the same. So here's the story behind this. Long ago my brother received a magic trick set for his birthday. Now like a typical brother, he wouldn't let me play with anything. However, there was a book that came with the kit. Oh yes, one glorious book that I was able to get my hands on. In this book were directions on how to cut a banana while keeping the peel intact. The trick did not require any of the toys that came with the kit so I was able to try it out. It worked! To this day I've never forgotten this simple magic trick. <br /><br />So, curious how this works? Ready to dazzle and amaze your children? Here's the how to.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/Svni83eK2LI/AAAAAAAADzk/NjsNJcVZCQY/s1600-h/smiley face pin 2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 336px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/Svni83eK2LI/AAAAAAAADzk/NjsNJcVZCQY/s400/smiley face pin 2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402598763318139058" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Supplies</span>:<br />One pin that has been sterilized. Make sure that it does not have a silver coating that will rub off. One banana.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SvnkPXN_FiI/AAAAAAAADz0/bKcWvG7iZ4A/s1600-h/how to cut a banana 4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 282px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SvnkPXN_FiI/AAAAAAAADz0/bKcWvG7iZ4A/s400/how to cut a banana 4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402600180589467170" border="0" /></a>Insert the pin in where you see the first dot on the right. Make sure it does not stick out the other end. Swivel the pin left to right to slice the banana. Make a slice for each dot. Remove pin. Do all of this ahead of time.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SvnjktBqx3I/AAAAAAAADzs/SJR4lxQJces/s1600-h/how to cut a banana.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 336px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SvnjktBqx3I/AAAAAAAADzs/SJR4lxQJces/s400/how to cut a banana.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402599447709009778" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/Svnl1oll6tI/AAAAAAAADz8/J8lAS7VWa6k/s1600-h/how to cut a banana 2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 338px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/Svnl1oll6tI/AAAAAAAADz8/J8lAS7VWa6k/s400/how to cut a banana 2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402601937598540498" border="0" /></a>Casually grab a banana from the fruit bowl. Say some magical words "A la peanut butter sandwiches" and peel open the banana to reveal the slices.<br /><br />*The banana will not be cut perfectly but it looks pretty good.<br /><br />*Update - <a href="http://iremembersleep.blogspot.com/">Rane</a> suggests rubbing the pinholes with lemon so they don't brown. Thanks for the tip Rane!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2588109276242760886-1674625760365886508?l=zakkalife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ZakkaLife/~4/OsS9Vw-SIRs" height="1" width="1"/>

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/Svc_gWHphWI/AAAAAAAADzA/tWeFMhiPip8/s1600-h/origami cranes.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 332px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/Svc_gWHphWI/AAAAAAAADzA/tWeFMhiPip8/s400/origami cranes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401856102980224354" border="0" /></a>Over the weekend I've been working on more Christmas ornaments. Above is a picture of the results, Origami Glitter Cranes. I've had this idea for awhile now but just finally got a chance to test it out. The craft came out just as I envisioned (love when that happens). The cranes are surprisingly quite elegant considering they're made with paper, glitter and glue. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Supplies:</span><br />Gold and Silver Paper - I used wrapping paper.<br />Gold and Silver Glitter<br />Glue<br />Acrylic Gloss Spray - can find at most craft stores<br />Paint brush or foam brush<br /><br />* when working with glitter I recommend covering your mouth/nose with some kind of mask so you don't breath in the glitter.<br /><br /><div class="embedded-howcast-video" style="text-align: center; font-size: 9px;"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" id="howcastplayer" width="432" height="276"><param name="movie" value="http://www.howcast.com/flash/howcast_player.swf?file=247958&amp;theme=black"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><param name="flashVars" value="&amp;fs=true"><embed src="http://www.howcast.com/flash/howcast_player.swf?file=247958&amp;theme=black" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" flashvars="&amp;fs=true" width="432" height="276"></embed></object><br /><a class="embedded-playback-url" href="http://www.howcast.com/videos/247958-How-To-Fold-an-Origami-Crane" target="_blank" alt="How To Fold an Origami Crane">How To Fold an Origami Crane</a> on <a class="embedded-howcast-url" href="http://www.howcast.com/" target="_blank" alt="www.howcast.com">Howcast</a></div>1. First you will want to fold a crane. Here's a video that best demonstrates that. I used a 6" by 6" square for mine. Use the same color paper as the glitter you plan on using.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SvdDhUhCqBI/AAAAAAAADzI/PrGI0TQrQHM/s1600-h/origami crane 2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SvdDhUhCqBI/AAAAAAAADzI/PrGI0TQrQHM/s400/origami crane 2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401860517776238610" border="0" /></a>Once your crane is folded, paint one wing with glue. Cover in glitter. Shake off extra glitter. Continue doing this until all sections of crane are covered in glitter. You only need to cover the top of the crane with glitter. Let dry. Spray a coat or two of the acrylic gloss spray on the crane. This will help seal the glitter and prevent it from flaking off. Done.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SvdGPI-LqtI/AAAAAAAADzQ/rlTezjn6j2k/s1600-h/origami cranes 4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SvdGPI-LqtI/AAAAAAAADzQ/rlTezjn6j2k/s400/origami cranes 4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401863503974476498" border="0" /></a>I think these would look lovely in non traditional Christmas colors such as pink, blue and lime green. What do you think?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2588109276242760886-1048687891104514814?l=zakkalife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ZakkaLife/~4/4tNfvqcPF9U" height="1" width="1"/>

<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SvNyqtg486I/AAAAAAAADxo/vsWkXvv0g_Y/s1600-h/nesting dolls card 6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 282px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SvNyqtg486I/AAAAAAAADxo/vsWkXvv0g_Y/s400/nesting dolls card 6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400786456244974498" border="0" /></a>Matryoshka Doll Card Opened<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SvN2ufaQZLI/AAAAAAAADxw/qIG-l8IHXSo/s1600-h/nesting dolls card 5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 260px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SvN2ufaQZLI/AAAAAAAADxw/qIG-l8IHXSo/s400/nesting dolls card 5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400790919225042098" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Card Closed<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Today I felt like making a matryoshka doll card, for no particular reason. Sometimes it's nice to make something just for the fun of it. The hard part is finding the time. That's why I like making cards, they're quick and easy. Not to mention, all you really need is paper, scissors, and glue. This card is no different, it's quite simple to make. The most time consuming part is just the cutting. <br /></div></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Supplies:</span><br />Card stock with print<br />Tan Card stock<br />Scissors<br />Glue stick<br />Fine point markers in black and red<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SvN4emFvhSI/AAAAAAAADyQ/UCekGDMiKII/s1600-h/nesting doll template 2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 309px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SvN4emFvhSI/AAAAAAAADyQ/UCekGDMiKII/s400/nesting doll template 2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400792845163398434" border="0" /></a>Right click, copy, and save on a 11 by 8 1/2 landscape size page. Print on the back side of printed card stock. I used my 12 by 12 scrapbook paper and just cut it down to fit in the printer.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SvN5I_6jImI/AAAAAAAADyY/_w-yzK0DL4U/s1600-h/nesting dolls card 1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 261px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SvN5I_6jImI/AAAAAAAADyY/_w-yzK0DL4U/s400/nesting dolls card 1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400793573650276962" border="0" /></a>Once you print out the template, cut it out with scissors. It should look something like this.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SvN5Zdz-Y3I/AAAAAAAADyg/n6zZvfc6d6s/s1600-h/nesting dolls card 2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SvN5Zdz-Y3I/AAAAAAAADyg/n6zZvfc6d6s/s400/nesting dolls card 2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400793856553673586" border="0" /></a>The back side of the card should look like this. As you can see, I cut on the outside edge of the black lines.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SvN5xWT8sUI/AAAAAAAADyo/zJBkB1o9dzI/s1600-h/nesting dolls card 3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 263px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SvN5xWT8sUI/AAAAAAAADyo/zJBkB1o9dzI/s400/nesting dolls card 3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400794266857156930" border="0" /></a><br />Accordion fold the card (refer to picture). Make sure when folding the card that the second largest doll can not be seen behind the largest doll. It just fits behind the large doll so you have to fold it just right.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SvN6mVelgJI/AAAAAAAADyw/7p8Vk_xTvtw/s1600-h/nesting dolls card 4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SvN6mVelgJI/AAAAAAAADyw/7p8Vk_xTvtw/s400/nesting dolls card 4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400795177166405778" border="0" /></a>Print circles out on a tan colored card stock. Draw faces as desired. Glue to all the nesting dolls. Add details with black marker. This is where you can really add your artistic spin on the dolls. You could also add glitter, lace, gold paint, anything really. Have fun.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SvN7Ra33AAI/AAAAAAAADy4/kFCqpnFj-bE/s1600-h/nesting dolls card 8.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 277px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SvN7Ra33AAI/AAAAAAAADy4/kFCqpnFj-bE/s400/nesting dolls card 8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400795917348962306" border="0" /></a><br />*This card stands nicely on it's own (sorry no picture). </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2588109276242760886-8829666406044497843?l=zakkalife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ZakkaLife/~4/b6PK6QiWnKM" height="1" width="1"/>

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SvC5gpD4dXI/AAAAAAAADww/6K2bCRRRyWY/s1600-h/Felt Ornament 7.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 337px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SvC5gpD4dXI/AAAAAAAADww/6K2bCRRRyWY/s400/Felt Ornament 7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400019923646313842" border="0" /></a>It's official, Christmas crafting is in full swing. Lots of great Christmas crafts are appearing around the web such as <a href="http://www.craftypod.com/2009/11/02/yippee-a-new-ebook-crafty-tree-trimmings/">here</a>, <a href="http://www.oneprettything.com/?p=7601">here</a>, and <a href="http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/?p=2495">here</a>. And to officially kick off Christmas crafting on Zakka Life, I'm sharing how to make this felt sphere ornament. It was inspired by one of those paper party decorations that fold into a ball. I just took that idea, scaled it down and used felt instead of paper. Enjoy.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Supplies:</span><br />6 Felt circles - The circles I used are 4 1/2 inches in diameter. I do not recommend using anything smaller than 4 inches.<br />Embroidery Thread<br />Sewing Needle<br />Scissors<br />Ribbon 3 inches in length<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SvC8dTnURXI/AAAAAAAADw4/2hO0ExfJ4Hk/s1600-h/Felt Ornament 1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 384px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SvC8dTnURXI/AAAAAAAADw4/2hO0ExfJ4Hk/s400/Felt Ornament 1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400023164884632946" border="0" /></a>Line up all six circles on top of each other. Fold ribbon in half and place in the center of the circles (three in front &amp; three in back). Stitch down the center sewing the ribbon to the felt and at the same time sewing all six felt circles together. Refer to picture.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SvC96XI9MlI/AAAAAAAADxA/zuOaK3kpcUk/s1600-h/Felt Ornament 2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 322px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SvC96XI9MlI/AAAAAAAADxA/zuOaK3kpcUk/s400/Felt Ornament 2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400024763558867538" border="0" /></a>From a top view the ribbon should look like this. In this picture I only have two circles on each side. Your ornament should have three on each side.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SvC_ZFbq-4I/AAAAAAAADxI/uoQOhCyskG4/s1600-h/Felt Ornament 3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 346px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SvC_ZFbq-4I/AAAAAAAADxI/uoQOhCyskG4/s400/Felt Ornament 3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400026390893099906" border="0" /></a>Pull the edges of the first circle together. Stitch in place where you see the white circle in the picture. Make sure to conceal your knots in the inside. Click on picture for a larger view.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SvC_7sRnTKI/AAAAAAAADxQ/oFu-FUzQ5kE/s1600-h/Felt Ornament 4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SvC_7sRnTKI/AAAAAAAADxQ/oFu-FUzQ5kE/s400/Felt Ornament 4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400026985435450530" border="0" /></a>Pull the next circle flap on the left hand side up to the center. Stitch together where you see the white circles in the picture. This will be the pattern for the entire sphere.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SvDAuIchDVI/AAAAAAAADxY/oF1D7miNoTo/s1600-h/Felt Ornament 5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 382px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SvDAuIchDVI/AAAAAAAADxY/oF1D7miNoTo/s400/Felt Ornament 5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400027851990830418" border="0" /></a>Pull the next circle flap from the left hand side and stitch to the center of the last flap. Stitch where you see the white circle. Continue with this pattern(one center stitch, two top and bottom stitches) until you've created a sphere and every circle flap is attached to each other. Done.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SvDB-1bEelI/AAAAAAAADxg/h8NAwnXivgs/s1600-h/Felt Ornament 8.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SvDB-1bEelI/AAAAAAAADxg/h8NAwnXivgs/s400/Felt Ornament 8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400029238453893714" border="0" /></a>Top view of sphere.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">To make this ornament more decorative you could sew on a pearl at each place you sew the circles together. If you wanted to make the ornament more full, you could use eight circles. <br /></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2588109276242760886-8869985930632319643?l=zakkalife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ZakkaLife/~4/MA4Egwx8FiA" height="1" width="1"/>

<div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/Su373H6yiBI/AAAAAAAADwo/oDUwfBweQKY/s1600-h/Halloween candy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/Su373H6yiBI/AAAAAAAADwo/oDUwfBweQKY/s400/Halloween candy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399248452724099090" border="0" /></a>Every year I face the dilemma of what to do with all the Halloween candy. I always feel too guilty to throw it away. I try to incorporate it into recipes but instead end up eating a lot of it. So to combat the problem, I've rounded up 10 DIY projects for leftover Halloween candy plus one candy wrapper project.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://partiesandholidays.blogspot.com/2009/02/candy-bar-bouquet.html">Candy Bar Bouquet </a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.chocolate-candy-mall.com/happy-birthday-card-ideas.html">Candy Bar Birthday Card</a><br /><br /><a href="http://crafts.kaboose.com/candy-race-car.html">Candy Car Ornament </a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMCiG-ZYxQs">Candy Leis</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.offbeatliving.com/projects_hearttack.php">Candy Tacks</a><br /><br /><a href="http://candywrapperpurse.blogspot.com/2007/08/chip-wrapper-purse.html">Candy Wrapper Purse, technically not candy but close enough</a><br /><br /><a href="http://erikhomemade.typepad.com/erik_homemade/2009/05/gift-mug-with-candy-craft-project-.html">Gift Mug with Candy</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.holiday-crafts-and-creations.com/thanksgiving-crafts-to-make.html">Indian Corn Place Cards</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf55787004.tip.html">Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Turkey</a><br /><br /><a href="http://mixthatdrink.com/skittles-vodka-tutorial/">Skittles Vodka</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.thatsmyhome.com/mainstreet/candy/snipie.htm">Snickers Candy Bar Pie</a><br /><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2588109276242760886-5613276858435903962?l=zakkalife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ZakkaLife/~4/wUIO7x4Vi5w" height="1" width="1"/>

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SupTYQsCuAI/AAAAAAAADvo/c_gE1jR9WuA/s1600-h/Italian Sodas 2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 313px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SupTYQsCuAI/AAAAAAAADvo/c_gE1jR9WuA/s400/Italian Sodas 2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398218779618621442" border="0" /></a>One of my favorite drinks to serve at parties are Italian Sodas. They're easy to make and a nice alternative to traditional soda. My Grandmother would often serve these drinks when she had friends and family over. She taught me how to make the Italian Sodas and I've been making them ever since.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Italian Soda Recipe</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ingredients:</span><br />Flavored syrup - any kind will do<br />Club Soda - If you can't find club soda or seltzer water you can replace it with sparkling water. But honestly, it's not the same.<br />Ice<br />Cream or Half &amp; Half<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SupWCihO-yI/AAAAAAAADvw/jG4E_QWNZnw/s1600-h/Italian Soda 1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 314px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SupWCihO-yI/AAAAAAAADvw/jG4E_QWNZnw/s400/Italian Soda 1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398221704982887202" border="0" /></a>Traditionally, Italian sodas are served in tall narrow glasses. Fill glass with ice.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SupWhknNkVI/AAAAAAAADv4/f-3tGf2NEl4/s1600-h/Italian Soda 2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 259px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SupWhknNkVI/AAAAAAAADv4/f-3tGf2NEl4/s400/Italian Soda 2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398222238120776018" border="0" /></a>Add one inch of syrup to the glass.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SupWyNjQprI/AAAAAAAADwA/oT0rhrb7w4U/s1600-h/Italian Soda 3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 252px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SupWyNjQprI/AAAAAAAADwA/oT0rhrb7w4U/s400/Italian Soda 3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398222523987961522" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Fill glass with club soda. Make sure to leave room for cream.<br /><br /></div></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SupXCzcKsDI/AAAAAAAADwI/xxT37DEB0vg/s1600-h/Italian Soda 4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 252px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SupXCzcKsDI/AAAAAAAADwI/xxT37DEB0vg/s400/Italian Soda 4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398222809036664882" border="0" /></a></div>Add about half an inch of cream to the glass. Adding cream is optional but I found it's what really separates the drink from just flavored soda. The cream make the drink more unique.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SupXu7mVliI/AAAAAAAADwQ/bqjH9LGmKHU/s1600-h/Italian Soda 5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SupXu7mVliI/AAAAAAAADwQ/bqjH9LGmKHU/s400/Italian Soda 5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398223567141049890" border="0" /></a>To mix the drink take the straw and push the ice from the top to the bottom, moving the straw up and down. If you just stir the drink the syrup will sit at the bottom and not get mixed in (providing you're using a narrow glass). That's it, enjoy!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SupZkyMJNQI/AAAAAAAADwg/qIWaOMQGpK0/s1600-h/spinach salad.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 274px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SupZkyMJNQI/AAAAAAAADwg/qIWaOMQGpK0/s400/spinach salad.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398225591839831298" border="0" /></a>As I had promised, here's the recipe for the Spinach Salad that I served at the <a href="http://zakkalife.blogspot.com/2009/10/tinkerbell-birthday-party.html">Tinkerbell birthday party</a>. As you can see from the picture, I actually used a spring lettuce mix but the original recipe calls for spinach. Both spinach and spring mix taste equally good.<br /></div></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ingredients:</span><br />1 Salad bag of spinach or spring mix<br /><br />1 Avocado Sliced<br /><br />Caramelized Almonds - Place 3T of almonds and 3T of sugar in small frying pan. Heat on low until sugar melts and sticks to almonds.<br /><br />1 Large can of Mandarin oranges<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Poppy Seed Dressing</span><br /></div>3/4 cup sugar<br />1/3 cup cider vinegar<br />1 tsp salt<br />1 tsp dry mustard<br />1 tsp dried onion<br />1 cup of oil<br />1 Tbs poppy seeds<br /><br />1. Place all of dressing ingredients in a jar and shake well. Set aside.<br /><br />2. Mix all salad ingredients together except almonds.<br /><br />3. Add dressing to taste.<br /><br />4. Add almonds and mix together. Enjoy!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2588109276242760886-9218630759685836717?l=zakkalife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ZakkaLife/~4/wGUcpWmE6fs" height="1" width="1"/>

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/Sud4cbBlPaI/AAAAAAAADuQ/uf07SCrSFBY/s1600-h/Tinkerbell Birthday Cake 4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 308px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/Sud4cbBlPaI/AAAAAAAADuQ/uf07SCrSFBY/s400/Tinkerbell Birthday Cake 4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397415108112891298" border="0" /></a>Well lets start with the best part, shall we, the Tinkerbell cake!. Aunt Susan created another fabulous cake for my daughter's birthday. It was a hazelnut cake with chocolate filling. The cute little mushrooms on the cake are made with meringue. You can find a good tutorial on how to make the mushrooms on <a href="http://www.joyofbaking.com/MeringueMushrooms.html">Joy of Baking</a> if you feel like giving it a try.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/Sud5fiL4ILI/AAAAAAAADuY/yLfVSIRxZG8/s1600-h/Tinkerbell Birthday Cake 7.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 283px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/Sud5fiL4ILI/AAAAAAAADuY/yLfVSIRxZG8/s400/Tinkerbell Birthday Cake 7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397416261086355634" border="0" /></a>I served the cake with vanilla ice cream and these cute little mushroom cookies (made by Meiji). It's all about the details.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/Sud6AV2Nt9I/AAAAAAAADug/oG3rymgJBHg/s1600-h/Tinkerbell Birthday Cake 2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 367px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/Sud6AV2Nt9I/AAAAAAAADug/oG3rymgJBHg/s400/Tinkerbell Birthday Cake 2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397416824709953490" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/Sud70Bu6PAI/AAAAAAAADuo/khXHTAYtdU0/s1600-h/Tinkerbell Birthday Party.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 275px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/Sud70Bu6PAI/AAAAAAAADuo/khXHTAYtdU0/s400/Tinkerbell Birthday Party.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397418812175432706" border="0" /></a>For decorations, I always like to use two colors that relate to the theme. Since the theme was "Tinkerbell" I went with purple and lime green. I recommend staying away from the copyrighted party products. This will help cut down on cost and give a more sophisticated look to your party. For example, instead of buying paper plates with Tinkerbell's face printed on them, I used lime green plates. The only Tinkerbell product I did purchase was confetti. I used the confetti to decorate the birthday banner and some other items.<br /><br />Flowers - I like to use carnations because they come in just about all colors, they're inexpensive, and they last a long time.<br /><br />Giant Flower Pom Poms - I made these using the tutorial on the <a href="http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/article/pom-poms-and-luminarias">Martha Stewart Site</a>. I purchased the tissue paper at the dollar store. Pom poms are a great way to make a big statement for a small amount of money. It cost me about one dollar per pom-pom.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SueXjFSGSNI/AAAAAAAADuw/3EbU0B16MNs/s1600-h/Party Platter 2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 306px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SueXjFSGSNI/AAAAAAAADuw/3EbU0B16MNs/s400/Party Platter 2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397449307396131026" border="0" /></a>To continue with the theme, I added some radishes carved into mushrooms to the veggie platter. I found a good tutorial on how to make these at <a href="http://www.annathered.com/2009/06/21/how-to-make-a-radish-mushroom/">Anna the Red's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Bento</span> Factory</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SueYrC1jJKI/AAAAAAAADu4/aSfPCg4mkMM/s1600-h/mushroom shaped radishes.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SueYrC1jJKI/AAAAAAAADu4/aSfPCg4mkMM/s400/mushroom shaped radishes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397450543690097826" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SueZFbgZIsI/AAAAAAAADvA/2Nlu83y1VMY/s1600-h/Vietnamese Sandwiches 2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SueZFbgZIsI/AAAAAAAADvA/2Nlu83y1VMY/s400/Vietnamese Sandwiches 2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397450996988846786" border="0" /></a>Since this party consisted of mainly adults, it was important for me to have a good menu. To cut back on prep time I purchased <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bánh_mì">Vietnamese sandwiches</a> (top right &amp; bottom left pictures). Sometimes it's actually cheaper to purchase food rather than make it, seriously. These 12 inch sandwiches cost $2.50 each. I served this with two salads and fresh fruit, easy right? In the top left corner is a spring mix salad with poppy seed dressing. I'll be posting the recipe for that Friday. In the bottom right corner is a delicious sweet potato and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">poblano</span> salad with honey and rosemary dressing. You can find the recipe at <a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Sweet-Potato-and-Poblano-Salad-with-Honey-and-Rosemary-353851"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Epicurious</span></a>.<br /><br />* most of the pictures were taken by Uncle Danny<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Have any good party tips? Feel free to share in the comments.<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2588109276242760886-3810056381731325779?l=zakkalife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ZakkaLife/~4/EkMlBq-8yt0" height="1" width="1"/>

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SuUVAUVMAOI/AAAAAAAADto/giqvBHWdCmY/s1600-h/HPIM7544.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SuUVAUVMAOI/AAAAAAAADto/giqvBHWdCmY/s400/HPIM7544.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396742823675166946" border="0" /></a>Last weekend we celebrated my daughter's birthday so I've had birthday decorations on the brain. This is one of the ideas that has been on my mind, mini birthday banners. The letters in the birthday banner are only 1 1/2 inches high. Because the letters are tiny, the banner fits perfectly in a bedroom doorway. You could also hang it on a bulletin board or the fridge. Wouldn't you want to be surprised by one of these in your office or at home?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SuUR0ddAAMI/AAAAAAAADtA/GXBExUS8KmQ/s1600-h/Birthday Banner 11.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 322px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SuUR0ddAAMI/AAAAAAAADtA/GXBExUS8KmQ/s400/Birthday Banner 11.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396739321430540482" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Supplies</span>:<br />Small Letters - There's a couple of ways to go about this. I cut mine out using a Cricut. If you don't have a personal cutting machine another option is to buy small letters in the scrapbooking section. Another way to make the letters is to type them out in Word to a size you want. Print the letters on the back side of nice card stock and cut out the letters.<br /><br />Small rectangles - the ones I used were 1/4" by 1 1/2" Will depend on the size of your letters.<br /><br />Extra small brads<br /><br />Small hole punch<br /><br />String<br /><br />Glue<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SuUTlzk2h7I/AAAAAAAADtI/eFr-J4ii5H4/s1600-h/Birthday Banner 12.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 278px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SuUTlzk2h7I/AAAAAAAADtI/eFr-J4ii5H4/s400/Birthday Banner 12.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396741268694271922" border="0" /></a>Glue each of your letters to the center of the rectangles. Punch a hole on each side.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SuUT4YhGmgI/AAAAAAAADtQ/4s8zhpN3k6k/s1600-h/Birthday Banner 13.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 258px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SuUT4YhGmgI/AAAAAAAADtQ/4s8zhpN3k6k/s400/Birthday Banner 13.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396741587848305154" border="0" /></a>Overlap the holes of the two rectangles and secure with a brad. Continue to do this until you spell out the entire phrase. Tie string to the each end. Hang for everyone to enjoy.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SuUYxjjxWmI/AAAAAAAADuA/Jbl4ePvKlQ8/s1600-h/Birthday Banner 8.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 171px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SuUYxjjxWmI/AAAAAAAADuA/Jbl4ePvKlQ8/s400/Birthday Banner 8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396746968111340130" border="0" /></a><br />*Later in the week I'll be sharing how we celebrated my daughters birthday including decorations, food, and cake.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2588109276242760886-423047852154782960?l=zakkalife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ZakkaLife/~4/LMsbUrdtK_s" height="1" width="1"/>

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/9V5ubAOeOBk&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;rel=0&amp;color1=0x234900&amp;color2=0x4e9e00"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/9V5ubAOeOBk&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;rel=0&amp;color1=0x234900&amp;color2=0x4e9e00" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br />I'm busy party planning for this weekend so I'll just leave you with this cute video I found via <a href="http://cutesypoo.blogspot.com/">Cutesypoo</a>. Hope you all have a great weekend!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2588109276242760886-800629672231010407?l=zakkalife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ZakkaLife/~4/5OKiSEKpmlw" height="1" width="1"/>

<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/St-GXLCjp6I/AAAAAAAADrk/ndrSHhzmZRU/s1600-h/hair clip holder.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 313px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/St-GXLCjp6I/AAAAAAAADrk/ndrSHhzmZRU/s400/hair clip holder.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395178611271772066" border="0" /></a> Looking back to my own child hood, I can recall my fascination with Chinese lanterns. As a child I was attracted to the vibrant colors, intricate detail, sparkle and mystery of them. So to capture a little piece of that nostalgia, I've created a lantern barrette holder. Directions below.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Supplies</span>:<br />Printed pattern<br />Scissors<br />Embroidery thread in black and pink<br />Pink and Black Felt<br />Sewing needle<br />Black Lace<br />Pollyfill<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/St-QOe2ryJI/AAAAAAAADss/da88DGDnVQ8/s1600-h/hairclip lantern template.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 309px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/St-QOe2ryJI/AAAAAAAADss/da88DGDnVQ8/s400/hairclip lantern template.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395189457088137362" border="0" /></a>Right click, copy, save to file and print. This image was designed to be printed in landscape.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/St-J93olC5I/AAAAAAAADrs/XHED1VHmDoo/s1600-h/hair clip holder 8.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 353px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/St-J93olC5I/AAAAAAAADrs/XHED1VHmDoo/s400/hair clip holder 8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395182574612319122" border="0" /></a>Cut out all pattern pieces. Cut out two lanterns. Cut out one bird on branch (cut leaves separately). Cut two rectangles if substituting felt for lace.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/St-KuyjvM8I/AAAAAAAADr0/IYNFUNkJeKY/s1600-h/hair clip holder 10.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 312px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/St-KuyjvM8I/AAAAAAAADr0/IYNFUNkJeKY/s400/hair clip holder 10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395183415063425986" border="0" /></a>Sew bird/branch on the front of the lantern using a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Running_stitch">running stitch</a>. Sew on leaves next.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/St-LR1z_pqI/AAAAAAAADr8/U8XNFKV9-2k/s1600-h/hair clip holder 9.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 367px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/St-LR1z_pqI/AAAAAAAADr8/U8XNFKV9-2k/s400/hair clip holder 9.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395184017232340642" border="0" /></a>Sew lace (or felt) on the bottom and top of lantern with a running stitch. I personally like the lace which mimics the intricate detail you would see on an ornate lantern. Next using three strands of black embroidery thread, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Backstitch">backstitch</a> on the lantern detail.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/St-No4Qn_AI/AAAAAAAADsE/yLQIIfG3U00/s1600-h/hair clip holder 11.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 363px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/St-No4Qn_AI/AAAAAAAADsE/yLQIIfG3U00/s400/hair clip holder 11.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395186612049542146" border="0" /></a>On the other lantern peice sew on three 24 inch strands of ribbon folded in half onto the bottom of the lantern. On the top of the lantern sew on lace in a loop for hanging.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/St-OlhAL55I/AAAAAAAADsM/V0mKLqttMYM/s1600-h/hair clip holder 3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 290px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/St-OlhAL55I/AAAAAAAADsM/V0mKLqttMYM/s400/hair clip holder 3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395187653778597778" border="0" /></a>Place lantern pieces wrong sides together and sew together with a <a href="http://www.miss-laurence.co.uk/graphics/stitches/blanket-stitch.gif">blanket stitch</a>. Leave a two inch opening to stuff. Then finish stitching all the way around. Done.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/St-PXHcGjLI/AAAAAAAADsU/Xv3ZhLxFrNY/s1600-h/hair clip holder 7.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 313px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/St-PXHcGjLI/AAAAAAAADsU/Xv3ZhLxFrNY/s400/hair clip holder 7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395188505909824690" border="0" /></a>Place barrettes on ribbon.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">* A miniature version of this would make a cute Christmas ornament. If making an ornament, I would substitute the ribbon for a small tassel. <br /></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2588109276242760886-4540412502627905555?l=zakkalife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ZakkaLife/~4/Ld1o1WFRPdU" height="1" width="1"/>

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/StyVde_RgWI/AAAAAAAADrc/Vv6Sp30UzLM/s1600-h/embroidery thread 9.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 332px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/StyVde_RgWI/AAAAAAAADrc/Vv6Sp30UzLM/s400/embroidery thread 9.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394350787450208610" border="0" /></a>Lately my embroidery thread box has been out of control. So to combat the mess, I decided to place the thread in baseball card holders that are stored in a binder. So far it's working great and I like that I can see everything. <br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2588109276242760886-1593214927175709307?l=zakkalife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ZakkaLife/~4/dV911p5cao8" height="1" width="1"/>

<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/Stoe53oSBiI/AAAAAAAADpc/kQYBRHS2dNI/s1600-h/haiku knits.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/Stoe53oSBiI/AAAAAAAADpc/kQYBRHS2dNI/s400/haiku knits.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393657483263870498" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780823098071">Haiku Knits by Tanya Alpert</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I recently received a copy of Haiku Knits to review. It's a new knitting book scheduled to hit shelves October 20th. The book features 25 knitting patterns inspired by Japanese design. There's also a section of essential techniques which includes knitting stitches, the yarn weight system, knitting abbreviations, etc. The book is for knitters of all skill levels, beginner through advanced. Even though some of the patterns look very sophisticated, the patterns themselves are quite simple.<br /><br />I personally liked the patterns in the book and would wear just about all the pieces. I like solids with a lot of texture and that's what you'll find in Haiku Knits (pictures below). What I did find lacking was information on techniques. Even though there is an "essential techniques" section in the book, I wish it included more. For example, there were no directions on how to block a garment even though some of the patterns call for this. Since this book is intended for knitters at all levels, I would have liked that technique included. That being said, overall the book is well written and has some exceptional patterns.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Below are some of my favorites from the book.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/StorZOCxE6I/AAAAAAAADpk/nbXs0lMxhkE/s1600-h/Haiku knits 2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 284px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/StorZOCxE6I/AAAAAAAADpk/nbXs0lMxhkE/s400/Haiku knits 2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393671215996015522" border="0" /></a>Lantern floating: softly felted top and skirt<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/StosGR4a4RI/AAAAAAAADps/UfERdJx7zGg/s1600-h/haiku knits 3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 280px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/StosGR4a4RI/AAAAAAAADps/UfERdJx7zGg/s400/haiku knits 3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393671990120472850" border="0" /></a>Snowflake: lacy long-sleeve cozy<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/StossfOgNwI/AAAAAAAADp0/SFR9jt_0kxo/s1600-h/haiku knits 4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 286px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/StossfOgNwI/AAAAAAAADp0/SFR9jt_0kxo/s400/haiku knits 4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393672646537787138" border="0" /></a>Hazy Moon: ethereal scarf<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/StotfiM6dVI/AAAAAAAADp8/Pu9KocCrwQU/s1600-h/sweater vest.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 296px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/StotfiM6dVI/AAAAAAAADp8/Pu9KocCrwQU/s400/sweater vest.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393673523509753170" border="0" /></a>Here's what I'm working on, the half-moon rising two-color vest. Promise to show you when it's done.<br /></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2588109276242760886-4356279179165974492?l=zakkalife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ZakkaLife/~4/Lzq1tR0lw2M" height="1" width="1"/>

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SteKXiPxNgI/AAAAAAAADoo/9E4JfRvn2Sk/s1600-h/jack o lantern.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 310px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SteKXiPxNgI/AAAAAAAADoo/9E4JfRvn2Sk/s400/jack o lantern.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392931215734027778" border="0" /></a>I was peeling a clementine when it occurred to me that they look like mini pumpkins. At first I thought it would be fun to add a little green paper stem to the top of one. As I thought over the idea it evolved into mini jack o' lanterns. I got out my edible markers and quickly went to work. First I washed the fruit to make sure there was no wax or residue on the skin. Then I just drew a cute little face onto the clementine. If you can't find clementines, oranges will do.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SteMfvhLKVI/AAAAAAAADow/I5X1aedJG7U/s1600-h/jack o lantern 2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SteMfvhLKVI/AAAAAAAADow/I5X1aedJG7U/s400/jack o lantern 2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392933555758901586" border="0" /></a>I can't wait to slip one into my son's lunch box and surprise him!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SteMzUDaRZI/AAAAAAAADo4/er4GrhcrxkY/s1600-h/fruit bowl 2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 306px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SteMzUDaRZI/AAAAAAAADo4/er4GrhcrxkY/s400/fruit bowl 2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392933891983689106" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sneak a few into the fruit bowl and see if anyone notices.<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2588109276242760886-7272196954464245784?l=zakkalife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ZakkaLife/~4/tz2ueh-pqvQ" height="1" width="1"/>

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/StTpGB1hhoI/AAAAAAAADng/m1DDmJlPv3g/s1600-h/Cranberry Scones 5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 310px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/StTpGB1hhoI/AAAAAAAADng/m1DDmJlPv3g/s400/Cranberry Scones 5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392190943650743938" border="0" /></a>If you like to craft, chances are you've got die-cuts, ribbon, buttons, and yarn scraps stored away. I like to use all these little craft leftovers for food packaging and presentation. Here's just a few ideas of what I like to do with them.<br /><br />1. Wrap single serving baked goods in waxed paper. Cut out a strip from a brown paper bag with some decorative scissors. Next add a ribbon. Last use a die cut as a label for the package. You could substitute the ribbon with yarn or embroidery floss. Lots of possibilities with this one.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/StTsRDt-aWI/AAAAAAAADno/WDXloHV_Su8/s1600-h/Cranberry Scones 2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/StTsRDt-aWI/AAAAAAAADno/WDXloHV_Su8/s400/Cranberry Scones 2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392194431669397858" border="0" /></a>2. When I go to any kind of potluck I like to label what I brought. I think it's helpful to guests and most people are more likely to try your dish if it's labeled. I also will do this for parties on occasion. Once again, I used a die cut and taped it to the back of a toothpick. Nothing fancy, but it looks nice and it's practical. If you don't have die cuts, you can use any kind of paper.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/StT-5AIGrsI/AAAAAAAADn4/vcJURC2PZdM/s1600-h/Cranberry Scones 8.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 311px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/StT-5AIGrsI/AAAAAAAADn4/vcJURC2PZdM/s400/Cranberry Scones 8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392214909109317314" border="0" /></a>3. Sometimes my husband will bring cookies and such to share with co-workers. Instead of throwing the food in a giant plastic bag or tupperware container, I place it in cookie tins or clear plastic take-out shells. I actually save plastic take-out shells just for this purpose. I always place a doily on the bottom and tape a label to the top of the lid. Besides die-cuts, I also like to use these <a href="http://zakkalife.blogspot.com/2008/02/gift-tags.html">gift tags</a> for the labels.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2588109276242760886-1755471290091305011?l=zakkalife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ZakkaLife/~4/VDrsxfn2hVw" height="1" width="1"/>

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/StJLkWw5C6I/AAAAAAAADmo/Ihi0xNTppSE/s1600-h/designing moms.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 104px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/StJLkWw5C6I/AAAAAAAADmo/Ihi0xNTppSE/s400/designing moms.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391454791873924002" border="0" /></a><br />I recently discovered the site <a href="http://designingmoms.blogspot.com/">designing moms</a> created by <a href="http://www.weddingpaperdivas.com/featured-designers/cat-seto-invitations-stationery.htm">Cat Seto</a> and wanted to share it with all of you. It's a site comprised of moms sharing about their professional and family lives. It has now blossomed into over 20 moms who design as their career...ranging from amazing cake designers (Shinmin of I Dream of Cake),to editorial (Chronicle Books), toy designers (former senior designer for Manhattan Toy, Mari Richards) and so many more. Below is just a sample of what to expect.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/StJPWfFjFEI/AAAAAAAADmw/2q0knqx-7VQ/s1600-h/thankful card.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 360px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/StJPWfFjFEI/AAAAAAAADmw/2q0knqx-7VQ/s400/thankful card.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391458951636390978" border="0" /></a>There's a tutorial on how to make these cute "<a href="http://designingmoms.blogspot.com/2009/10/make-tiny-treasure-cards.html">treasure cards</a>". I already have plans of making a few myself.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/Jessica/LOCALS~1/Temp/moz-screenshot.jpg" alt="" /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/StJSjU3j2lI/AAAAAAAADnA/MPg3xSq1dGA/s1600-h/notebook journals.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/StJSjU3j2lI/AAAAAAAADnA/MPg3xSq1dGA/s400/notebook journals.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391462470766549586" border="0" /></a>How to make <a href="http://designingmoms.blogspot.com/2009/09/make-journals.html">Notebook Journals</a><br /><br />Discovered any new craft or design sites that are a must read? Please share in the comments.<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2588109276242760886-9031899886190572537?l=zakkalife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ZakkaLife/~4/Pc45ItA-DNc" height="1" width="1"/>

<div style="text-align: center;">Congratulations to <a href="http://knottyk.wordpress.com/">Karen</a> who is the winner of the Elmer's Giveaway<br /><br />Thank you to everyone who participated.<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2588109276242760886-2206683365013763858?l=zakkalife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ZakkaLife/~4/o_Dr395_Rg0" height="1" width="1"/>

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/Ss9mYXb56II/AAAAAAAADmI/w_aU_1KOP1o/s1600-h/Mrs. Pumpkin Head 6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 318px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/Ss9mYXb56II/AAAAAAAADmI/w_aU_1KOP1o/s400/Mrs. Pumpkin Head 6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390639847779723394" border="0" /></a>This year we're keeping it kid friendly around here for Halloween (no spooky decorations). So instead of the traditional carved pumpkin, we're making Mr. &amp; Mrs. Pumpkin Heads. What's great about this project is one, you don't have to hollow out the pumpkin. Two, your kids get to make the pumpkin instead of just watching. And three, it's fun for kids. My daughter played with her pumpkin for a good 45 minutes.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Supplies:</span><br />Mr. Potato Head Pieces - if you don't have any, check your local thrift store or borrow some from a friend<br />Screw Driver<br />One pumpkin<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/Ss9p52s2ypI/AAAAAAAADmY/n1PqP0iLhRY/s1600-h/Mrs. Pumpkin Head 4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/Ss9p52s2ypI/AAAAAAAADmY/n1PqP0iLhRY/s400/Mrs. Pumpkin Head 4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390643721642887826" border="0" /></a>With the screwdriver, puncture holes for the eyes, nose, mouth, ears, arms, hat, and feet. Make sure the potato head pieces fit well. Place pieces in the holes just like a Mr. Potato Head. Done<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/Ss9t3EZ3OVI/AAAAAAAADmg/XRNGixqP-Q4/s1600-h/HPIM7149.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 345px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/Ss9t3EZ3OVI/AAAAAAAADmg/XRNGixqP-Q4/s400/HPIM7149.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390648071828224338" border="0" /></a>Chill with your pumpkin.<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2588109276242760886-1720340585573813449?l=zakkalife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ZakkaLife/~4/TsMTSDgo7e0" height="1" width="1"/>

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SsvEisOz0BI/AAAAAAAADlI/-xsOji6ka-I/s1600-h/fairy wond.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SsvEisOz0BI/AAAAAAAADlI/-xsOji6ka-I/s400/fairy wond.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389617479346802706" border="0" /></a>I recently purchased a Tinkerbell Costume for my daughter at the Thrift Store. My daughter felt it was missing something, a wand to be exact. So I came up with a wand fit for a fairy. It's easy to make and is made of basic materials. Simple directions below.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Supplies:</span><br />Fake flowers<br />Styrofoam ball with a 2 inch diameter<br />Hot Glue<br />Wood dowel<br />Ribbon<br />Fabric Glue<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SsvLWSOSk3I/AAAAAAAADlQ/q1yxXsNExFk/s1600-h/tinkerbell wand 1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 338px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SsvLWSOSk3I/AAAAAAAADlQ/q1yxXsNExFk/s400/tinkerbell wand 1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389624962788266866" border="0" /></a>Glue wood dowel inside styrofoam ball (refer to picture).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SsvLvOLhYSI/AAAAAAAADlY/l2DmncrXKkM/s1600-h/tinkerbell wand 2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 384px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SsvLvOLhYSI/AAAAAAAADlY/l2DmncrXKkM/s400/tinkerbell wand 2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389625391199641890" border="0" /></a>Hot glue flowers to the styrofoam ball. The hot glue can melt the styrofoam so I recommend placing the glue on the back of the flower, let it cool a few seconds and then place it on the ball. Make sure to glue the flowers close together so none of the styrofoam shows.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SsvM9sKGFjI/AAAAAAAADlg/aic5ZdYTHuI/s1600-h/tinkerbell wand 3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 348px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SsvM9sKGFjI/AAAAAAAADlg/aic5ZdYTHuI/s400/tinkerbell wand 3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389626739276518962" border="0" /></a>When you're done it should look something like the picture above. You'll notice I added a couple leaves at the bottom too.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SsvNQTQn8HI/AAAAAAAADlo/pnyGNXV1Mz0/s1600-h/tinkerbell wand 4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 310px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SsvNQTQn8HI/AAAAAAAADlo/pnyGNXV1Mz0/s400/tinkerbell wand 4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389627059010531442" border="0" /></a>Starting at the top, adhere the ribbon to the dowel with fabric glue. To hold it in place, secure it with a clothespin. Wind the ribbon all the way down the dowel to the very end. Glue in place and secure with another clothespin. When dry remove clothespins and tie a bow around the top of the dowel. Done.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SsvOMX0Gy_I/AAAAAAAADlw/B87uZlFW9wI/s1600-h/Tinkerbell costume and wand.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 368px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SsvOMX0Gy_I/AAAAAAAADlw/B87uZlFW9wI/s400/Tinkerbell costume and wand.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389628091025247218" border="0" /></a>If you haven't purchased a costume yet, I highly recommend checking out the secondhand stores. The costumes are inexpensive and are usually in good condition. The Tinkerbell costume above only cost three dollars!<br /><br />When I was putting this post together, I remembered that I was in an article about thrift store Halloween costumes. At the time, my mother worked at the Sonoma Index Tribune so I got to be in a couple photos for the paper.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SsvQxuyWYCI/AAAAAAAADl4/tfIZD8pff3I/s1600-h/Pilgrim costume.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 331px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SsvQxuyWYCI/AAAAAAAADl4/tfIZD8pff3I/s400/Pilgrim costume.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389630931870310434" border="0" /></a>Here I am holding up a pilgrim costume. I think the costumes were picked over at this point. Because really, what teenager wants to be a pilgrim for Halloween. The title of the story was "When a Batman mask is not enough". <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SsvRYL4ia_I/AAAAAAAADmA/jBAPlZ2NRAg/s1600-h/Fairy costume.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 230px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kyYaMHB4tGw/SsvRYL4ia_I/AAAAAAAADmA/jBAPlZ2NRAg/s400/Fairy costume.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389631592515922930" border="0" /></a>Here's a picture of my friend Alyssa modeling a fairy costume. I guess the fairy costume is a classic.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2588109276242760886-2105692563586536854?l=zakkalife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ZakkaLife/~4/FoZZ55iLhSg" height="1" width="1"/>

<div style="text-align: center;"><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/geTSBFb_GR4&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;rel=0&amp;color1=0x234900&amp;color2=0x4e9e00"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/geTSBFb_GR4&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;rel=0&amp;color1=0x234900&amp;color2=0x4e9e00" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">This makes me smile every time. Hope you enjoy it too.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2588109276242760886-8776186846761666045?l=zakkalife.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ZakkaLife/~4/WoZ14wPjMxM" height="1" width="1"/>