Ooo wee Baby!

What a long long looong month it has been!

I spent some time in the hospital, and currently have pneumonia! Go ME! 

What is new though! I am so use to it, it hasn't stopped me yet!

Well, it does slow down the crafty business! hahah I thought I would show y'all some of the cutey patootey earrings I am making for the Arelia's Pretties Etsy store! 

Fun right??? Well, hop on over to the Arelia's Pretties Facebook page and enter for a chance to win a free pair!!!

Summer Cupcake Stand!

Love Cupcakes??

My kids are all about cupcakes this summer!

We made this cupcake stand for our neighbor and family friend who has a big do over 40th Birthday coming up!!

I picked up all of the pieces at Walmart in their summer seasonal dishes display, each were around a $1.

The top is piece is not glued, for easier storage. And for optional two cakes on top etc, or a different look.

I used E6000 glue, it was 2.47 at walmart. I stuck a big geranium in the top glass.

I put glass pebbles in the bottom glass, for weight and decor! Such an easy project. I didn't paint it or anything fancy. My kids LOVED the way it turned out and they want one for our house!

CheeseCake Cuppycakes

Who loves Cheesecake? You will love these cupcakes. I like to make the mini ones. 2 Bite size Delights!

Filling/Frosting
8oz Cream cheese at room temp
1/4 cup Sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp lemon juice
1 cup heavy cream whipped to stiff peaks.

Beat all but cream together until well creamed. Fold in cream gently. Refrigerate for 1 hour. Fill bag, and pipe into center of cupcake and top cooled cupcake.

Crust/Bottom of Cuppycake
3/4 cup Graham Cracker Crumbs (or you can use chocolate cookies!)
3 TBS butter
3 TBS brown sugar
Mix well and press one spoonful into bottoms of cupcake liners.

Topping
1/4 cup strawberry preserves
3 TBS sugar
Mix well and  microwave for 30 seconds. After cooled drizzle on cupcakes - or use chocolate instead.

Cake- or use a box mix
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cups flour
1 3/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup milk

Press bottoms of cupcake liners with graham cracker crust, fill with cake mix and bake for 15-18 minutes at 350. Let cool. Pipe filling into center of cupcakes and top with a generous portion. Drizzle with topping.

Soaring Heart Small Journal

 Small Soaring Pocket Journal. I love making these journals. They are hand stitched and not difficult to put together. They make great gifts.

The metal stud is used as the closure with wrapped imitation sine and a leopard bead.

Listing is found here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/74225377/soaring-heart-suede-pocket-journal

Missing Our Granny!!!

Granny came to visit. She was sad when she came (that is why she came!), but no one can be sad for long when Arelia is around. Granny and Arelia spent every second together. They are both ornery as ever.

When the weather cools down here in Texas, we are hoping Granny will come back.

We are mailing these to her for her little Memory Book!! Along with some goodies we made for her!

 Granny & Arelia!

Arelia dancing for Granny!!! :)

Join the Our Daily Bread Scrapbook  Challenge!

After a brief intermission.

Posting after a brief intermission. I had to make a short visit to the Hospital. The friendly staff tried to keep longer than I wanted to stay... but I am home now and feeling better.

My Takayasu's Arteritis was acting up, and I had to get under control asap!

My Daughter has recently decided she is a Fairy Princess. We had a fabulous time making these Fairy WINGS, WAND and TUTU together!!!!

Flower Wand with dollar store flower, Simply hot glue to a foam ball 6 for a $1 at dollar store and shove onto a dowel covered in ribbon Dowels 10 for .98 at Walmart!

 TuTu: Elastic From Walmart, Tulle From Walmart, Ribbon from Walmart. I followed these Instructions: HOW TOOOOOOO It is Pinker than it looks in the picture.

 Wings: .35 cent knee high nylons in white, Home Depot Wire (way cheaper than craft store, look by the nails) $5 for more than you could ever need, unless you have to make a thousand pair, like I do. I copic Airbrushed using a Mask made by Cricut Cartridge Rock Princess. Flowers from the Dollar Store.

I followed this How to!

My Craft Room

I haven't posted a whole lot lately... My craft room was being painted and then I was slightly ill, so I took my time getting back in order.

I have some re-organizing still to do. But I am happy with the color. not something I would put anywhere else in the house. But that is indeed the fun of having your own craft room. 

Too bad I took my pics at night!

 Arelia and I chillin, I have a cool post in which we MADE her tutu, wand and wings!!! Stay tuned fellow mothers of princesses.

 

Copic Station, minus my air compressor, I keep that under my desk away from tiny fingers that like to turn it on and off.  There is a HUGE closet full of more stuff to the left there. Shhhh, don't tell. It's a walk in with shelves and stuff... so fabulous!

 Where I keep my Arelia's Pretties Jewelry, while in stock in the store and between shows.

 Cricut storage, stamps of all kinds magazines and other buggie machines!

 Entrance to the room, Jewelry making, sewing and leather journal area to the left. copic station and jewelry display to the right.

My Desk. Paper, tools and more.

Thanks for hanging in my room today. Hope you visit again soon!!!

Celtic Cross Journal

You may have viewed my previous post for my Sister... she went off on a trip to Ireland WITHOUT me!!

The nerve she has. Well, I know she had the trip of a lifetime.

And being that I could not be there, I thought I could make her some mementos that she could journal her pics and memories in. 

I made her this gorgeous suede journal in her favorite color.

 Small Celtic knot book marker. Cat eye closure.

This book was hand stitched and has gp110 with distressed edges.

The Cross is from Our Daily Bread Designs.

Easter Blessings...

I love this time of year! Texas is just beautiful!

Granny flew back to Michigan this week :(

Here are few Easter Pages for her book!

she Loooooooves Butterflies!

Stamps From Our Daily Bread. Cross of Christ.

May the Road Rise Frame....

Ooo weee. My Our Daily Bread Stamps Came in a little bit ago. And I must say, they are just as amazing as I expected. I am never disappointed!

I have been coveting the gorgeous May God Hold You set for some time... I have quite the wishlist going there! And I just adore the quotes, perfect for more than St. Patty's Projects!

My Little Sister just went on a trip to Ireland with her College pals.... I made her a gorgeous Bracelet... which will only come in sideways for some reason...

 

And this Frame...

which was inspired by one I saw on Becca Feeken's Blog!

 I found these Coins at Hobby Lobby On clearance in the Saint Patrick's day goodies! The backs of the coins have great inspirational words on them!!!

Thanks for visiting!!! I will post the Hand Stitched leather Journal with the Celtic Cross later!! :)

Monster Appreciation Blog Hop (Make up Your Own Holiday!!!)

Welcome to my little stop on the Make up Your Own Holiday Blog Hop!

We will be Celebrating Monster Appreciation Day!

Have you hugged a Monster Today???? I hug my little Monsters multiple times a day!!!

You should have Hopppppped on over from Ellen's Fabulous Blog! Amazing Right!

My Project today are little Felt Monster Stuffies!!

So Cute, and the kids decorated them all by their sweet little selves!

 First pin to felt pieces together, trace a Monster shape onto the top. I used Cricut cartridge Mini Monsters and selected the shadow shapes cutting them out to 8.5 inches. Using these as templates.

 Then use your sewing machine or hand stitch all but a small opening on the traced pattern. Then cut out leaving 1/4inch all the way around the pattern. Turn right side out. And stuff with fluff. Hand sew the leftover opening.

Decorate however you like! My monsters went simple, but you could sew on a mouth with yarn, add other felt shapes... it is endless!

Your next Stop on the Hop is Monica... be prepared to be awed! :)

“Karelj is offering an over-all blog candy for those who are hopping along with us.  How to win ? Follow along the blog trail, leaving a comment on each and every blog. On Monday, Karelj will ask her  buddy Randy (random.org) to select a blog number (from the list), a day (Saturday is one, Sunday is two), and a comment number from that blog. Please make sure you have left a reliable way to contact you (email is best, in the safe format of **** at **** dot com ) so you can be notified by her personally. If you don't, she’ll have to select another winner.”

Adding to Grannies Brag Book

I have been adding to Granny's Little Brag Book!

It has been a minute since I have blogged, but I have had some things going on!

I got a new Vascular Surgeon and Cardiologist (for my Takayasu's Arteritis)... so lots of tests and appointments!

But I have managed to craft a little, so I will have some blogging coming up!

I will be in Karel J's Blog hop this weekend too! So swing by!

I just got this set from Our Daily Bread Designs! One of my 3 favorite stamp Companies! With all of my Medical Bills, stamp cash is in short supply... so I must say, the Our Daily Bread Blog is FABULOUS!!! They are giving away stamp gift certificates WEEKLY!!! How generous is that!?!

This set is May God Hold You, and I have been coveting this set!! My little Sister just went to Ireland with her College pals, and besides that, it is just spectacular, you would be surprised at the usefulness!  The quotes are two of the most beautiful possible!

Peanut Allergy Warning!! Just reading this post may send you into shock!

CuppyCake Anyone????

I should say StuffCakes, that is what we call them round here. Cause all my Cupcakes have 'stuff' in them according to my kids. It's true, I don't make ordinary cupcakes. And today is no exception!

I recently had a cupcake at Crave here in Houston... and decided I needed to make something like myself. You know, cause one is never enough!

Without Further Adieu...

. 

Peanut Butter Overdose Stuffcakes!

Cupcake:

1 Cup Firmly packed Brown Sugar

6 Tbs Unsalted Butter

1/2 Cup Smooth Peanut Butter

2 Eggs

1 tsp Vanilla

2 Cups Flour

3 tsp Baking Powder

1 Cup Milk

1 1/4 Cups Chocolate chips

Cream together first 3, then add Eggs, Vanilla. Beat until combined. Mix baking powder and flour separate and then add partially to your mixture beating while alternatively adding the milk, until all is added and combined well. Then stir in chocolate chips.

Bake at 350 for 20-22 minutes. Let cool.

For Ganache:

1/2 cup Heavy Cream

3/4 Cups Chocolate Chips

2 Tbs Unsalted Butter

1/4 + 1/8 cup Powdered Sugar

1/4 Cup smooth Peanut Butter

Combine all but peanut butter in a small saucepan. Bring to a very light boil, stir to create a shiny chocolatey heaven. Reduce heat, add peanut butter and stir to combine. Remove from heat. Cool completely stirring occasionally. Dip Cooled Cupcakes into Cooled Ganache and let rest.

Chocolate Butter Cream Frosting:

1/2 Cup Margarine

1/2 Cup Shortening

1/8 tsp Salt

1 1/2 tsp Vanilla

4 Cups Powdered Sugar

1 Cup Cocoa Powder

1/2 Cup Milk

Combine all in a mixer or beat until light and fluffy... try not to consume all before icing your cooled, dipped cupcakes. 

 Now you may be saying, but I can BUY all of these things in a box and make them, by all means go ahead, I am sure they will be tasty.... but give it a try the old fashioned way... you may never go back!!!

Monday, Monday!

Ick. Monday already? Where does the time go!

I have been busy busy!

New doctors and New Medicines,which leave me feeling less than crafty yo!

Granny has been staying with us again... which is really nice. My company usually consists of small children, so other adults are a treat!

We have been baking and having a grand time. I will post some new recipes shortly!

But here is a little page from the Mini Scrapbook I am putting together of her favorite Great Grandchildren... MINE of course.... not that she will admit that!

Stamps by Our Daily Bread.

I have a DREAM Blog Hop!

Welcome to my little stop on your Dream Hop! 

Do not forget... “The Grand Prize Blog Candy is the Dreams Come True Cartridge,  donated by an anonymous donor!!  In order to be eligible to win, you need to leave a comment on each and every stop on the hop, along with a way to contact you.  Karelj will choose a winner by random.org on the 18th and announce it on her blog, as well as contacting the winner personally.”

I have a dream... a Dream Journal!

Hand Stitched using the Coptic Stitch. There are 6 signatures with 60 pages. The Journal measures 4.5x6 and is made from a leather Remnant. 

The front is stamped with a Giant Sun from Unity.

The Closure is a Metal "DREAM" Imprinted Circle and a Stone Bead.

"All men dream, but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds, wake in the day to find that it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act on their dreams with open eyes, to make them possible."
T. E. Lawrence

"A Dream is not a Realized until it is shared by Love."

Anonymous

This is my second project. A Rosary style Bracelet, Red Spot Jasper Stones, with One Mahogany Stone. Toggle Clasp

Up close LOVE Charm!

In Celebration of Our Fabulous Hop. I am offering coupon code DREAM to our hoppers for 15% off in my Shop, Arelia's Pretties!

1. Karelj at One By One The Flamingos Are Stealing My Sanity  

2.  Nicolette at Beyond Scrapping  

3. Christel at Scrappin' Sista

4. Celeste at Touched by a Butterfly

5. Rachel at Suburban Crafter  << YOU ARE HERE

6. Stephanie at SS Crafter

7.  Col at Col's Creative Corner

8. Jessica at  Overjoyed Scrapper 

9. Krista and Kori at 2 Crafty Chicks  

10.  Gina at Gina Thornton Stamping  

11. Monique at Unique Monique

12. Kathryn at Creations with Kathryn

A little Scrapbook Challenge!

I am SO behind on my Scrapbooks. Pretty much a whole child behind! ha.

But Scrapbooking doesn't always have to be in a book!!!

My family just loves when I gift them these scrapbooked Canvases... with pictures or without, they are so great!

This canvas was Copic Airbrushed, Masked with Cricut Rock Princess Cartridge vinyl cutouts and stamped with Our Daily Bread Images! 

The Cross is a small wall cross that I removed the hanging parts.

Join the Challenge! Our Daily Bread!

Our Daily Bread Stamping in Time Challenge!

This year, I am going to try to get back on track! 

I fell a little off on my crafting time and motivation when I got sick this summer.

But I have a great room in my new house, and plenty of time to make some time for myself!

I plan to RING IN THE NEW YEAR... by stamping and stamping and then stamping some more!

Here is my first go at it!

Suede Prayer Journal, Hand Stitched, Hand Stamped. Colored with Copic Markers.

 Copic Colored

 Hand Stitched with Waxed Imitation Sine.

I love this set, I have others.... but this is my favorite. Something about it.... just gets me right here! hahahha

Join the Challenge!!! Our Daily Bread Designs Stamping in Time Challenge!

Today's Recipe... do it yourself for less.

Lately I have been to a few Holiday parties, and people have been raving about this Cheese dip. 

I tried it, it was delish. The only problem is... it is from one of those Seasoning companies. 

Personally, I think is a Fabulous Idea.... sell me the seasoning I need, and make them so yummy. 

However, I make all my own seasonings, and I own most of the ingredients already.... and, wait for it...

I am cheap! 

This dip was from Epicure... and I priced it out to buy the three you need... at 8.95 a piece, for stuff I could likely pull out of my pantry... I couldn't justify it.

Sooooooooo, without further ado. I share with you, my Imitation Epicure Seasoning mixes.... I am sure the real thing is better... but mine were darn tasty.

Here is the recipe for the dip From Epicure.

Now there are three seasoning mixes you need to make the dip. I use my husbands old coffee grinder, you can get one of these for the price of one of the spice mixes, and make your own blends forever!

The first is a 

Bacon/Cheese/Chive Seasoning.

3 Tbs Parmesan (the powdery kind)

2 Tbs Imitation Bacon (the crunchy hard kind)

2 Tbs Dried Chives

Lightly pulse in the spice grinder/coffee grinder/food processor. Keep it a little lumpy.

Next is

Lemony Dill Seasoning.

2 Tbs Dried Dill

2 Tbs Granulated Garlic

2 tsp Onion flakes

1 tsp black pepper

1 tsp lemon granules

lightly pulse in the grinder.

and finally:

Onion Mix.

2 Tbs Onion Flakes

2 Tbs Dried Chives

1 Tbs Dried Parsley

1 tsp Granulated Garlic

Lightly pulse in the grinder, keeping it kinda lumpy.

Okay, now, once you have whipped those up. store them airtight, You only need a tsp of each for the recipe.

I add a tsp of each, 1/2 cup of cheddar shredded, 1/2 cup of mozzarella shredded, 8oz brick of Cream cheese, and 1 cup of mayo to the food processor and blend well. 

I then bake at 350 for close to 40 minutes. 

I serve with homemade pita bread.

My sister came to visit and we cooked and cooked... we also update the Seasonings/Sauces Recipes download I have on the sidebar... If you haven't picked it up... take a looksie!

Recipe Book Spices/Sauces Download!

Loving my Sewing Machine?

Well, I was very very excited to get my new sewing machine. 

But I will say, that Sheila and I, Sheila is my Sewing machine. I named her that, because when my kids are around, I can not say Shhhhh you know the rest. So now its Shhhhhhheila. 

I have broken a needle already. And what the flip good is the zipper foot???

okay, so other than that. I think I am getting the hang of it. It is not a miracle machine, that can do everything on its own, and you can only sew so many things! Limitations... not my strong suit! 

I did manage to sew these cutey patootey little Super hero capes.

Here is the Tutorial I used! So many great FREE sewing beauties out there!